The New Adventure of Hikaru, Umi and Fuu as Witches
Chapter 11: The Challenge
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Hello! I hope you enjoyed my last chapter, I know it was quite slow. It did
take me some time to find just the right words to put into writing. The
readers are encouraged to question me about my story.
Thank you for the support minna!
sarahmae@anodizeblue.com
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Our chapter last ended at the discussion of the Outer Senshi at their
dinner table while the Legendary Magic Knights and the Inner Senshi wait for
their decision whether they could trust our Hikaru, Umi and Fuu. Upon the
four's agreement, there would be a friendly one on one combat. After they
helped Michiru in cleaning the dining table, they showed themselves at the
living room to hear out their thoughts. Setsuna took over the situation.
"On our observations of the three girl's behaviors, we find no threat
surrounding our Princess. Though we still do not trust you to the full, I
hope you take our enmity as an added precaution of watching over the
Princess. However, we are unsure if you are fit to guard our Princess until
we have seen you in combat." She addressed the three Knights.
"Which means?" Usagi interrupted.
"We shall be challenging them to a combat, on how strong their
teamwork and skills appear during a battle."
"You're challenging us to a duel?" Umi was suddenly alerted.
"A friendly duel at that." Hotaru added.
"Oh...should we agree on that, Hikaru? Fuu?"
"They are going to test us. It had given me a thought when we first
came here. I want to prove myself that I am capable of protecting others,
just like when we recieved our magic back." Fuu paused to think more "I
accept their challenge."
"How about you Hikaru?"
"I'm in!"
"Now that that's settled, I suggest we go outside." Haruka
confidently led herself and Michiru out of the living room. The other people
followed suit. As it was already evening, the surrounding's visibility can
barely be seen through. Across the house they went, they can hear the
rustling of the leaves. The two finally stopped walking, making the people
following behind bump into each other accidentally."Let's do it here."
"Who would like to challenge the three?" Michiru gave the Senshi
their options.
"I will." Haruka's serious voice was heard in the dark. After all,
she was one of the strongest and can endure serious damages the longest.
"Who else?"
"Take me!" Minako happily excitedly jumped up and down.
"Lastly?"
"How about me?" Setsuna stepped up.
"Fine. I'll be the so-called referee." Michiru nodded."Everyone else
back out. Parties come here. Ready yourselves."
"Uranus Planet Power Make Up!"
"Venuse Crystal Power Make Up!"
"Pluto Planet Power Make Up!"
Three individual colors lighted up the surrounding, they were sandy
brown, bright orange and black green. "We're ready." Uranus announced.
"Okay, now its our turn." Hikaru had put her left hand in front of
her and concentrated. Her aura appeared in red steam as her armour appeared.
Umi and Fuu did the same. Placing their hands in front, water mists
covered Umi's chest revealing a gold ornamented plate. Fuu's was white air,
whirring around her also showing a guard."We're up and ready! You won't beat
us so easily." Umi confidently said.
"Yeah? Let's see about that. I'll take you on!" Uranus chose the
Knight of the Waters.
"You're mine!" Venus picked Hikaru.
"And you will be my opponent?" Fuu asked Sailor Pluto.
The Keeper of Time only nodded and kept silent.
"Now listen, as your referee, I will be the person to determine the
winner. For the meantine, I will not take any sides as there are also
witnesses who will prove me wrong if I have misjudged. Teamwork is encouraged
but the chosen target will be the only one taking the attacks. Do not hit the
player you did not choose. Understood?"
"Hai!"
"Go!" Michiru quickly jumped backward to avoid the firing range of
the parties.
Uranus took Umi's momentary surprise from the go signal to her
advantage. She ran up to the Water Knight and punched her unguarded shoulder.
"Ow!" she was pushed back from the impact of the hit. Before Uranus
was able to attempt her second blow, she used her other arm (the one with a
wrist guard) to block her powerful punch.
"Hmph. You're quite resourceful. But not good enough!" she forced
her body against Umi's, which was equally strong enough to return the same
effort.
Realizing nothing will happen if they continued that way,she edged
further aback, letting Uranus to almost lose her balance. She brought out her
rapier made out of the Legendary Escude and took one of the defensive fencing
stances she learned from her past classes.
Finally regaining equilibium, she looked at the Knight. She was using
a fencing-like sword.'If that's how it's going to be, I'd better bring out
mine to even out the odds' she thought. She brought out her Talisman, the
Space Sword.
Umi had taken her chance and charged at the Senshi of the Wind while
she was still bringing out her Talisman. They exchanged similar sword attacks
which showed that they were both good fencers. Though the visibility of the
surrounding was not as good, both characters were accurate enough.
"Flame Arrow!!" Hikaru nearly hit Venus' heeled feet.
"Hey watch it! Venus Love Me Chain!!" Heart shaped chains was created
and the blonde Senshi used it as a distance weapon between them. She whacked
her chain like a whip, making Hikaru move out of its way farther from her.
"Nice magic you have there."
"Not bad yourself."
"But I have an attack that I can use from a distance, and I'm sure
you won't like it." Hikaru threatened the Senshi of Love and Beauty.
"Oh yeah, do your worst!"
"If you say so! Red-" Hikaru summed up her will as a red power ball
formed in her hands.
Venus just kept whipping around her chain, trying to lose her
opponent's concentration.
"Lightningbolt!" the Knight of the Flames threw it upward, creating
a lightning shower above Sailor Venus.
"Aaargh!!!" Venus was stuck continuously by red bolts above her. It
was quite painful. She was hit badly. She bent down to muster her senses.
"Well, you asked for it."
"Venus Love and beauty shock!!!" the blonde aimed carefully, knocking
Hikaru off her feet.She had hit back even if she wasn't standing.
The Knight of Flames supported her body up. "Ouch!" Both were now
panting hard, exchanging total magic at each other.
Pluto poised herself for an attack. Surprisingly nothing came like
the other two duels were doing. Fuu was doing nothing but looking at the
Keeper of Time in a penetrating stare, but it could not penetrate enough.
The senshi in black just walked casually, the brown-blonde joined in as well.
They were going in circles, both thinking on the same line. The first
attacker might also be the first one out of theie duel. They must be
cautious. The two could see around them the chaos and the shrieks of the
other duelers in the background. Finally losing patience, Fuu summoned her
strength. "Emerald Whirlwind!" two gusts of slicing wind was created from
both of her arm strokes going fast at the opponent.
The moment Pluto had been waiting for came. She put her Garnet Staff
in front of her and calmly spoke "Dead Scream" the black orb of power was
thrown off from her staff. Two powers collided and exploded. They were pushed
from the intensity of the explosion. Being the first to recover from it,she
rammed her staff at Fuu's chest, pinning her to the spot.
Keeping her thoughts intact, her free hand willed her enormous sword,
just right at Pluto's neck. "Now we're even." Fuu threatened to cut it.
The Keeper of Time stood up and jumped away from her sword. Her
wizened eyes just spoke for her silence, she was irked. No one had been able
to be of close range with her in combat, but she just stood there, still
taking her time. Curious though it seemed that her mind was playing games at
her, the Knight of the Wind could stand up without the threat of the weapon's
weight bearing on her. She smiled. For the first time in years she smiled,
the same smile that always brought comfort to Small Lady, the Queen's
daughter. She had just found a worthy opponent.
Cautious of what that smile meant, she prepared herself for anything
to come from that tall lady senshi. Assesing her surroundings, she found out
that each dueler were at least capable enough of doing major damage to each
other. They were also breathing in and out madly, showing fatigue, but never
lost the courage to continue. As teamwork was with this combat, she took a
calm breath and prepared herself to do more magic."Winds of Healing!" she
assisted her fellow Knights.
"Thanks a lot Fuu!!" Hikaru and Umi thanked her.
"No problem. Do you best!" Fuu finally returned to her defensive
poise.
They have been exchanging attacks continuously for more than an hour,
and no one was prepared to give up the fight yet. Finally Venus collapsed
down, totally exhausted. Michiru announced to the watching crowd. "Hikaru
wins this duel! Am I correct to judge that?" She looked at the audience. No
one disagreed from her decision.
Hikaru ran to where she had fainted. "Venus!!! Venus!?! Are you
alright?" she was shaking the blonde senshi gently, trying to wake her up.
She wasn't responding. 'She must have fallen asleep.' she thought as she
was helped by Makoto back to the audience. "I'm sorry." she said to Venus as
she was laid down for some rest.
"She will be alright. You haven't done much damage. If she was
totally hurt she would have de-transformed involuntarily." Ami patted
Hikaru's shoulder.
"Okay. I guess I'll ask Fuu to heal her later." she brightened a bit.
Meanwhile back with Pluto and Fuu, the brown-blonde Knight was
waving her sword against Keeper of Time's Garnet Staff. In the same process,
Pluto angled her staff in such a way that when she tugged its end, it hit
Fuu's legs, making her trip on her back. Lunging her weapon to hit the
fallen body, she soon found herself immobile. "What's happening?!"
"I had you 'tied down' for the meantime." She picked up her sword
and helped herself stand.
"Ugh!!! Release me!!"
"As soon as I'm ready to go at you again" Fuu wanted to hold her
until she had rested herself a bit.
"Don't always keep your guard down! It doesn't mean that I'm here
that I can't attack! Dead Scream!" Pluto's Garnet Orb detached from the
key-shaped staff and made its earsplitting attack.
Fuu wasn't able to cast her protective magic in time, Pluto's orb
had hit her fairly well enough for her last enchantment to disappear.
Sailor Pluto was released and she returned the levitating Garnet Orb
back to her Time Staff. Finally pointing it at Fuu's body on the ground.
"Got you!" she said as she towered on the Knight of the Winds."You are
competent enough." she said as she brought out a hand to Fuu.
Finally accepting defeat, she took Sailor Pluto's hand and she was
raised up to stand. "I'll have to admit, I haven't lost for a long time."
"You should learn from us more then."
"I should. And practice more."
"The victor is Pluto!" Michiru's voice finally got their attention.
"That was some fight Fuu! How are your bruises?" Hikaru looked at
the brown-blonde in worry as she made her way back with the other audience.
"They're pretty painful. But I'll heal it later, don't worry." Fuu
patted Hikaru's shoulder for the concern. "I'm fine. Really." Fuu assured.
Uranus and Umi's duel was intense. Both were proficient at fencing
alone, the only difference was that every stroke or slash from Umi's rapier
came a blast of blue light, but Uranus was nimble enough to dodge these
strokes of power. Equally poweful, equally fast. But there would only be one
victor. Or is there?
They have exhausted themselves all throughout, and now they were in
close combat. Sword against fellow sword clashed loudly in the air, currently
crossed, the Senshi of the Wind had one more fencing trick up her sleeve.
With great effort, she turned her wrist forcefully arround, which made her
Space Sword lock onto Umi's. She threw her arm up which made Umi's Rapier
fly upwards. She was now weaponless.
"Blue Vortex!" the blue Knight commanded. Magic was her last resort
as swirling waves of water engulfed her opponnent.
"Space Sword Blaster!!" Uranus' talisman lengthened as she used the
sword's power and sliced through the raging cascade. The silenced water
splashed on her entire body, giving her the cold chill. She saw Umi's weapon
beside her and picked it up. Now she has two swords. "How about it? Do you
give up?"
"Never! And you have no right of taking hold of my Legendary Sword!"
Umi's sword suddenly became liquid. Uranus tried keeping the
tranformed weapon by cupping her hand, but a we all know that liquid is
formless and it only takes the shape of its container so it seeped through
her gloved fingers and into the floor. "What the-!!" The weapon returned to
its shape when it hit the ground.
"Water Dragon!!" Umi pushed the Senshi aback, obtaining her weapon
at that chance.
"Earth Shaking!" she destroyed the dragon when she had realized she
was being distracted.
Small debris passed by Umi, realizing the strength of her magic. She
wanted to end it now. Summing up her willpower, she released her most
powerful combination of weapon and magic, the "SEA WAVE!" she slashed her
sword, and the magic took shape of the slash, a sharp-pointed crescent blue
light.
On the other side, Uranus had also thrown another Space Blast to
counter the Water Knight's, but it had missed its target. Instead, it was
headed for
"UMI!!!!" Hikaru and Fuu screamed.
"URANUS!!!!" came Michiru's shriek.
Both duelers fell to the ground. Friends scrambled into the battle
field.
"Umi!! Umi!!" Fuu said shaking the blue-haired girl into
consciouness, Hikaru kneeling beside her.
"That was something." Umi mumbled as she had totally fainted.
Uranus had also lost consciousness, as Michiru tried carrying her
body, supported by Ami and Hotaru. Both groups had brought the unconscious
ones back into the Outer Senshi's house and they were temporarily laid into
Setsuna and Michiru's bed, Uranus in her own room.
Fuu then healed herself, Hikaru and Setsuna, who had now
detransformed. Next were Umi, Venus and Uranus. They waited.
"It's totally late." Luna commented. "I suggest that Artermis and
I should position ourselves nearby your homes for teleporation convenience."
Usagi only nodded in agreement as she checked from time to time for
the unconscious to come to. Around ten in the evening did one of them woke
up. It was Uranus.
"Wha-what happened?" she suddenly sat up, noting that she was still
on her Senshi uniform.
"The friendly duel seemed quite unfriendly." Setsuna only stated
beside her.
"And the result?"
"A tie." Michiru had placed a gentle hand at her shoulder.
"Oh." was all that Uranus could say. She finally detransformed.
"Cofee?"
"Yes please. That'd perk me up." she thanked Michiru for the offer.
And while her fellow Outer Senshi prepared her evening dose of caffeine, she
took a peek on the other bedrooms. The other two clearly haven't awakened,
though centainly safe. She went over to Michiru's room when she had noticed
that Umi was in that room."I admit that I had quite a hard time with her."
she stated, leaning on the doorframe.
"We were worried to death at what you and Umi did!" Fuu stood up in
a fit of anger.
"I thought that this was just a friendly duel. Why reach over the
edge?" Hikaru joined in the conversation.
"I found her equally competent, and I wanted to know how far can one
Knight stretch her limits."
"Stretch her limits!!" Hikaru was also boiling."You should'nt have
taken it that seriously. Was defeat a great loss to you? She took you on with
all she can and-"
"-and I found out that you are whom you say you are. I was only
confirming my suspicions. You were telling us the truth."
"I still did not like the way you had treated our friend. You've
fought her as if she was your enemy, and not all enemies are as vile as they
seem." The brown-blonde continued on, ignoring Haruka's observations.
Hikaru sighed. "Calm down everyone! Okay we have been keeping
ourselves at bay for quite sometime, but I think the remaining Senshi should
at least trust us as we have trusted you entirely. We've been brought to a
place we don't know with no way of returning aside from your teleport plus
we haven't done any major damage to your so-called princess-" Her voice was
beginning to raise gradually that the redhead had gotten the other Senshi's
attention.
"Watch your tongue!" the sandy blonde teen towered over Hikaru.
"-that we three have agree to protect until the danger is gone."
"PLEASE STOP IT EVERYONE!!" Usagi had finally heard enough. That did
it."Enough is enough. These are our newfound allies, and they already have
proven themselves more than worthy to protect not only myself but all of us
as well. Now Haruka, I suggest that you close your hostiliy against them,you
have played this game long enough."
"I..I.. yes, my Princess."
"Usagi Haruka, I haven't taken the formalities of the Royal Family
for the meantime." the odangoed teen smiled sweetly at her guardian.
"Mmmm." came a mumble.
"Umi!"
"What's with the racket?" the blue-haired teen said, finally opening
her sapphire eyes.
"Uh, nothing. It was nothing really." The other Inner Senshi said.
"Here Haruka, here's your coffee.Oh." Michiru noticed Umi the minute
she entered her room. "I suppose you'd be wanting something to drink?"
"Water please, just a glass of water.Thank you."
"How are you doing?" Hikaru edged nearer to her best friend.
"I'm still dizzy, but I'll soon be fine."
"That's great to hear." Fuu said from the other side of the bed.
Usagi nudged the sandy-blonde teen with her elbow "I'm sorry a while
back." Haruka apologized.
"That's alright. So who won?"
"None." Rei said.
"It was a tie." Ami clarified.
"Oh, but I'd say that you girls are good, that thought did not occur
to me. But it was some experience." she rubbed the bump on her head
repeatedly. "That smarts.."
"Hey! Venus just woke up!" Makoto's voice was heard from the other
bedroom.
"Do you mind if we go see Venus?" Usagi excused herself in behalf of
her other friends.
"We don't mind Usagi." Hikaru nodded.
"And please close the door behind you." Fuu requested.
"Sure." Setsuna who was the last person, gently closed the door.
"Feeling better now? It's already late." the Knight of the Wind
returned her attention back at Umi.
"Yes, much better now that there's isn't much noise."
"So what do you think of them?" Hikaru was asking their opinion.
"Well they're powerful."
"And they play with honor." Fuu added.
"And awfully polite to us." the redhead finally finished. Then there
was silence. "I think we just found more friends."
More time passed by and finally everyone was ready to return home.
Venus had finished a nutricious sandwich to regain her strength with. Makoto
was the one responsible in preparing it as she was pretty good in the
kitchen. Hotaru had long been asleep as she would need the rest for school
tomorrow. Everyone waved their good-byes as the Inner Senshi prepared to
finally take the three Legendary Magic Knights back home.
=Next Day=
Hikaru, Umi and Fuu arrived at school late at Charms, as they found
out that they did not have enough sleep from yesterday. Professor Washi did
not like the grand entrance they have made in his class. They just learned
that they have a surprise quiz, which made all heads look at the door. There
were now tables provided for the written quiz and all their Charms professor
could do was to place them at the back to take the quiz-at a shortened time.
As an added bonus, the three of them were given extra assignements for
research. Finally finishing Charms, they walked towards Herbology. Ise and
Ninsei went beside them. "How was last night? I assume you went home late
last night?"
"Yes, we did came home late Ninsei." Umi covered her mouth when she
yawned.
"It wasn't what we expected. We'll tell it over lunch." Fuu's eyes
were showing signs of lack of sleep.
Finally when lunch did came, they told the two about what they did
last night.
"We're now glad that they at least trust us. Now all we have to do is
to inform Master Clef of the Princess' whereabouts." Hikaru took in some
orange juice.
"Should I bring Mokona tomorrow?" the brown-blonde suggested.
"No. It wouldn't be advisable to bring Mokona here as of now. He was
a bit conspicuous. Remember Seiki?" Umi warned Hikaru of the last incident
with Seiki Etsuya. "I think we'll have to go over to Fuu's later. If that's
ok with you?"
"Of course you're always welcome at my home."
"Wish I could come too.." Ise said to them.
"Why not?" Hikaru asked her.
"Because students that sleep inside the school dormitory are not
allowed to leave the school in two consecutive days, that's why."
"Oh, too bad. I wanted to introduce you two to Mokona." Fuu's spirit
dampened a little.
"But we would'nt do much there Ise, you won't miss anything. If
something happens again, as we have promised in our friendship, we'll tell
you." the redhead looked at her with honest eyes.
"Or Ninsei could come with us and he'll tell it to you tomorrow.
How's that?" Umi suggested.
"I can come?"
"Of course you can! You're only going to my house." Fuu invited
Ninsei willingly.
And so the four went to Fuu's place after their classes. There wasn't
much to do there. Fuu took a piece of parchment and started writing their
report to the Master Mage. Mokona had just met Ninsei and was ridiculously
clinging onto his shirt making noises. Hikaru and Umi was looking around
Fuu's bedroom when Kuu knocked on the door.
"Enter, its open." The brown-blonde said to her elder sister.
"I heard your friends came over, and oh a boy!" Kuu was surprised
to see Ninsei playing around with the white fluffball.
"I'm sorry. I haven't introduced myself yet." Ninsei apologized.
"I am Tomomi Ninsei." he gave a curt bow to the tall sister of Fuu.
"I'm pleased to meet you."
"And this is Hikaru and Umi, I've told you all about them."
"It's nice to finally meet you in person." Kuu also bowed."Fuu's told
me all about you two.Well, I'd better be in my room now, see you later!"
she waved at them.
"Ok." Fuu said as she resumed her work. Minutes later, she had
finally finished as she rolled her parchment and tied it in string. "May I
borrow Mokona for a moment?"
"Sure, if it will let go off me." Ninsei tried drawing Mokona off
his shirt.
"I'll do it. Come here Mokona." Umi beckoned the bouncy rabbit.
"Puu!!! Pupupupuuu!!" He finally let go of Ninsei and took off to
Umi's lap.
Hikaru took Fuu's letter and brought out her necklace, the one that
Lantis had given her. "Mokona, listen to me." she talked to the animal while
it was playing around with Umi.
"Puu?"
"I want you to send this to Master Clef." she showed the tied
parchment. "And to Master Clef alone."
"Puu!!!" Mokona nodded and he hopped down on the floor and looked at
her necklace. Light beamed out from its ruby forehead towards the necklace,
which reflected and hit the parchment.It then disappeared.
"Woah!" Was all Ninsei could say that day. He said his good byes and
departed for his home.
=Cephiro=
The Master Mage was busy observing the whole of Cephiro atop the
towering castle, his search had been fruitless. He had heard none from
Fahren, nor from Autozam. There was a slight sound of 'pop' and he looked
around to see what it was. Lying there on the floor, was a piece of yellowish
paper. The same type when the Legendary Magic Knights have sent together with
their gifts. He picked it up, removed the string and unfurled the parchment.
His eyes enlarged in disbelief, but eventually returned to his usual
composure.'Of course.' Clef chuckled. 'They are the Magic Knights, nothing is
impossible to them. I am glad they have found Serenity and her guardians. I
must spread the good news to the others.' He walked inside the castle, his
spirits lightened.
=Next Day=
As usual, classes went on, ignoring what had just happened the other
day.Ninsei had said all he saw back at Fuu's house during their Potions
seatwork. They had all paired up in twos brewing up a simple dissolving
potion, which can get you out at some sticky situations because it can melt
certain alloys without dissolving also your skin. Theirs was the color of
brown, which should originally be bright orange.
"You had put too much of the Welwitschia stem you two. Be a little
more precise." Professor Zeshin tapped his quill on their cauldron with a
look of disapproval.
"Yes, professor." both chorused.
"Lower the speed of the flame Miss Shidou, we are not in a hurry."
The teacher said as he moved on to the next table. "And add a little more of
ground talon powder, just a pinch more." he looked over Hikaru and Umi's
work.
"Yes sir."
History of Magic, Lunch, Defense Against the Dark Arts and finally
Analysis came and went. It was now time for Hikaru, Umi, Fuu and Ninsei's
Quidditch practice, in preparation for the Quidditch Cup. They have
definitely improved over the months of preparation as November is only a
few days away. Practice was getting more strenuous as it neared the said
month. They were glad that this would be their last practice, because they
were given days of rest. The four kicked the ground on their brooms together
with their teamates Amane and Michio, both Chasers and Mokichi the Keeper.
Their usual manuevering pratice started, then came the arm practice and
lastly a basic Quidditch game with Professor Oda supervising. Landing down,
Hikaru wiped off the sweat from her face with a towel. "Finally, we get to
have some rest before the big day."
"Yeah, I am going to need it, not to mention catching up with a
couple of homework." Umi placed her Altros on her shoulder with a satisfied
smile.
"I can't wait for the games! I just can't let our team lose like
last year!" Ninsei said aloud, punching the air. "Yeah!"
"We are all excited. But after today we should have some needed
rest. We've been a bit overpracticed." Fuu also came down beside Hikaru on
her broom.
"You said it. My arms are a bit strained from grabbing." Michio
massaged his shoulders.
"But I expect each of you to take care of your bodies over our free
days before the game." came Amane's confident captain voice. "We had the
best practice, so we should be the number one team this year. No excuses on
that very day, or else we lose by default, I want everyone to be there an
hour before the time we will be scheduled on. Have a good rest!" with that
he waved goodbye and trudged away from the practice field.
"That was some practice. You really put out all that effort to do
the best you can do." Ise ran up to them from the stands.
"Yeah, we did. So what are your plans for our three day's time
holiday?" Umi shifted her glance on her friend.
"Uhm...I'll be just staying here and finish my homeworks."
The three best friends looked at each other. It seemed that Ise will
be spending her time alone at her home, which would probably be the reason
was that her parents would be out for the whole month. She haven't mentioned
this to them, but her eyes gave way. Even Ninsei became a littled uneasy.
Then an idea just came into Hikaru's mind."Hey! Why don't we
celebrate Halloween at my place? I know my brothers wouldn't mind more
company. What can you say to that?"
"That's brilliant Hikaru!" Umi jumped up in excitement. "I'll bake
something for the occasion!" she began to nod herself,"And I know what I'll
make."
"Meaning, we won't take no for an answer." Added Fuu.
"I'm all for it!" Ninsei raised his hand in agreement.
"Well...alright. You forced me into it." Ise broke into a smile.
"Everything's settled then?" Hikaru asked the group.
"Yes!" everyone chorused happily.
While our friends prepare for the holiday to come, on the other side
of Tokyo, Luna was busy discussing with Ami. She had just arrived to see her
studying.
"Were you able to duplicate it?"
"Of course Luna,I finished it the day after you requested them from
me." Ami said assuringly.
"Good, now we can give this to the Legendary Magic Knights. It would
be very useful for us.I knew I could count on you."
"Its nothing Luna." the midnight blue haired teen rummaged from her
desk a small package, secured it tightly with tape and handed it to the black
cat. The cat did some sort of backflip, and the package vanished into thin
air.
"Well, have a nice holiday."
"You too Luna, send also my greetings to Usagi."
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What is inside the package that Luna asked to duplicate? And was it not nice
of the three to invite Ise and Ninsei to Halloween? In the next chapter we'll
learn more about the package, the holiday and the game. I hope you have
enjoyed reading on this chapter.
-Sailor Rainbow Ichi signing out.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
^_^
Chapter 11: The Challenge
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hello! I hope you enjoyed my last chapter, I know it was quite slow. It did
take me some time to find just the right words to put into writing. The
readers are encouraged to question me about my story.
Thank you for the support minna!
sarahmae@anodizeblue.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Our chapter last ended at the discussion of the Outer Senshi at their
dinner table while the Legendary Magic Knights and the Inner Senshi wait for
their decision whether they could trust our Hikaru, Umi and Fuu. Upon the
four's agreement, there would be a friendly one on one combat. After they
helped Michiru in cleaning the dining table, they showed themselves at the
living room to hear out their thoughts. Setsuna took over the situation.
"On our observations of the three girl's behaviors, we find no threat
surrounding our Princess. Though we still do not trust you to the full, I
hope you take our enmity as an added precaution of watching over the
Princess. However, we are unsure if you are fit to guard our Princess until
we have seen you in combat." She addressed the three Knights.
"Which means?" Usagi interrupted.
"We shall be challenging them to a combat, on how strong their
teamwork and skills appear during a battle."
"You're challenging us to a duel?" Umi was suddenly alerted.
"A friendly duel at that." Hotaru added.
"Oh...should we agree on that, Hikaru? Fuu?"
"They are going to test us. It had given me a thought when we first
came here. I want to prove myself that I am capable of protecting others,
just like when we recieved our magic back." Fuu paused to think more "I
accept their challenge."
"How about you Hikaru?"
"I'm in!"
"Now that that's settled, I suggest we go outside." Haruka
confidently led herself and Michiru out of the living room. The other people
followed suit. As it was already evening, the surrounding's visibility can
barely be seen through. Across the house they went, they can hear the
rustling of the leaves. The two finally stopped walking, making the people
following behind bump into each other accidentally."Let's do it here."
"Who would like to challenge the three?" Michiru gave the Senshi
their options.
"I will." Haruka's serious voice was heard in the dark. After all,
she was one of the strongest and can endure serious damages the longest.
"Who else?"
"Take me!" Minako happily excitedly jumped up and down.
"Lastly?"
"How about me?" Setsuna stepped up.
"Fine. I'll be the so-called referee." Michiru nodded."Everyone else
back out. Parties come here. Ready yourselves."
"Uranus Planet Power Make Up!"
"Venuse Crystal Power Make Up!"
"Pluto Planet Power Make Up!"
Three individual colors lighted up the surrounding, they were sandy
brown, bright orange and black green. "We're ready." Uranus announced.
"Okay, now its our turn." Hikaru had put her left hand in front of
her and concentrated. Her aura appeared in red steam as her armour appeared.
Umi and Fuu did the same. Placing their hands in front, water mists
covered Umi's chest revealing a gold ornamented plate. Fuu's was white air,
whirring around her also showing a guard."We're up and ready! You won't beat
us so easily." Umi confidently said.
"Yeah? Let's see about that. I'll take you on!" Uranus chose the
Knight of the Waters.
"You're mine!" Venus picked Hikaru.
"And you will be my opponent?" Fuu asked Sailor Pluto.
The Keeper of Time only nodded and kept silent.
"Now listen, as your referee, I will be the person to determine the
winner. For the meantine, I will not take any sides as there are also
witnesses who will prove me wrong if I have misjudged. Teamwork is encouraged
but the chosen target will be the only one taking the attacks. Do not hit the
player you did not choose. Understood?"
"Hai!"
"Go!" Michiru quickly jumped backward to avoid the firing range of
the parties.
Uranus took Umi's momentary surprise from the go signal to her
advantage. She ran up to the Water Knight and punched her unguarded shoulder.
"Ow!" she was pushed back from the impact of the hit. Before Uranus
was able to attempt her second blow, she used her other arm (the one with a
wrist guard) to block her powerful punch.
"Hmph. You're quite resourceful. But not good enough!" she forced
her body against Umi's, which was equally strong enough to return the same
effort.
Realizing nothing will happen if they continued that way,she edged
further aback, letting Uranus to almost lose her balance. She brought out her
rapier made out of the Legendary Escude and took one of the defensive fencing
stances she learned from her past classes.
Finally regaining equilibium, she looked at the Knight. She was using
a fencing-like sword.'If that's how it's going to be, I'd better bring out
mine to even out the odds' she thought. She brought out her Talisman, the
Space Sword.
Umi had taken her chance and charged at the Senshi of the Wind while
she was still bringing out her Talisman. They exchanged similar sword attacks
which showed that they were both good fencers. Though the visibility of the
surrounding was not as good, both characters were accurate enough.
"Flame Arrow!!" Hikaru nearly hit Venus' heeled feet.
"Hey watch it! Venus Love Me Chain!!" Heart shaped chains was created
and the blonde Senshi used it as a distance weapon between them. She whacked
her chain like a whip, making Hikaru move out of its way farther from her.
"Nice magic you have there."
"Not bad yourself."
"But I have an attack that I can use from a distance, and I'm sure
you won't like it." Hikaru threatened the Senshi of Love and Beauty.
"Oh yeah, do your worst!"
"If you say so! Red-" Hikaru summed up her will as a red power ball
formed in her hands.
Venus just kept whipping around her chain, trying to lose her
opponent's concentration.
"Lightningbolt!" the Knight of the Flames threw it upward, creating
a lightning shower above Sailor Venus.
"Aaargh!!!" Venus was stuck continuously by red bolts above her. It
was quite painful. She was hit badly. She bent down to muster her senses.
"Well, you asked for it."
"Venus Love and beauty shock!!!" the blonde aimed carefully, knocking
Hikaru off her feet.She had hit back even if she wasn't standing.
The Knight of Flames supported her body up. "Ouch!" Both were now
panting hard, exchanging total magic at each other.
Pluto poised herself for an attack. Surprisingly nothing came like
the other two duels were doing. Fuu was doing nothing but looking at the
Keeper of Time in a penetrating stare, but it could not penetrate enough.
The senshi in black just walked casually, the brown-blonde joined in as well.
They were going in circles, both thinking on the same line. The first
attacker might also be the first one out of theie duel. They must be
cautious. The two could see around them the chaos and the shrieks of the
other duelers in the background. Finally losing patience, Fuu summoned her
strength. "Emerald Whirlwind!" two gusts of slicing wind was created from
both of her arm strokes going fast at the opponent.
The moment Pluto had been waiting for came. She put her Garnet Staff
in front of her and calmly spoke "Dead Scream" the black orb of power was
thrown off from her staff. Two powers collided and exploded. They were pushed
from the intensity of the explosion. Being the first to recover from it,she
rammed her staff at Fuu's chest, pinning her to the spot.
Keeping her thoughts intact, her free hand willed her enormous sword,
just right at Pluto's neck. "Now we're even." Fuu threatened to cut it.
The Keeper of Time stood up and jumped away from her sword. Her
wizened eyes just spoke for her silence, she was irked. No one had been able
to be of close range with her in combat, but she just stood there, still
taking her time. Curious though it seemed that her mind was playing games at
her, the Knight of the Wind could stand up without the threat of the weapon's
weight bearing on her. She smiled. For the first time in years she smiled,
the same smile that always brought comfort to Small Lady, the Queen's
daughter. She had just found a worthy opponent.
Cautious of what that smile meant, she prepared herself for anything
to come from that tall lady senshi. Assesing her surroundings, she found out
that each dueler were at least capable enough of doing major damage to each
other. They were also breathing in and out madly, showing fatigue, but never
lost the courage to continue. As teamwork was with this combat, she took a
calm breath and prepared herself to do more magic."Winds of Healing!" she
assisted her fellow Knights.
"Thanks a lot Fuu!!" Hikaru and Umi thanked her.
"No problem. Do you best!" Fuu finally returned to her defensive
poise.
They have been exchanging attacks continuously for more than an hour,
and no one was prepared to give up the fight yet. Finally Venus collapsed
down, totally exhausted. Michiru announced to the watching crowd. "Hikaru
wins this duel! Am I correct to judge that?" She looked at the audience. No
one disagreed from her decision.
Hikaru ran to where she had fainted. "Venus!!! Venus!?! Are you
alright?" she was shaking the blonde senshi gently, trying to wake her up.
She wasn't responding. 'She must have fallen asleep.' she thought as she
was helped by Makoto back to the audience. "I'm sorry." she said to Venus as
she was laid down for some rest.
"She will be alright. You haven't done much damage. If she was
totally hurt she would have de-transformed involuntarily." Ami patted
Hikaru's shoulder.
"Okay. I guess I'll ask Fuu to heal her later." she brightened a bit.
Meanwhile back with Pluto and Fuu, the brown-blonde Knight was
waving her sword against Keeper of Time's Garnet Staff. In the same process,
Pluto angled her staff in such a way that when she tugged its end, it hit
Fuu's legs, making her trip on her back. Lunging her weapon to hit the
fallen body, she soon found herself immobile. "What's happening?!"
"I had you 'tied down' for the meantime." She picked up her sword
and helped herself stand.
"Ugh!!! Release me!!"
"As soon as I'm ready to go at you again" Fuu wanted to hold her
until she had rested herself a bit.
"Don't always keep your guard down! It doesn't mean that I'm here
that I can't attack! Dead Scream!" Pluto's Garnet Orb detached from the
key-shaped staff and made its earsplitting attack.
Fuu wasn't able to cast her protective magic in time, Pluto's orb
had hit her fairly well enough for her last enchantment to disappear.
Sailor Pluto was released and she returned the levitating Garnet Orb
back to her Time Staff. Finally pointing it at Fuu's body on the ground.
"Got you!" she said as she towered on the Knight of the Winds."You are
competent enough." she said as she brought out a hand to Fuu.
Finally accepting defeat, she took Sailor Pluto's hand and she was
raised up to stand. "I'll have to admit, I haven't lost for a long time."
"You should learn from us more then."
"I should. And practice more."
"The victor is Pluto!" Michiru's voice finally got their attention.
"That was some fight Fuu! How are your bruises?" Hikaru looked at
the brown-blonde in worry as she made her way back with the other audience.
"They're pretty painful. But I'll heal it later, don't worry." Fuu
patted Hikaru's shoulder for the concern. "I'm fine. Really." Fuu assured.
Uranus and Umi's duel was intense. Both were proficient at fencing
alone, the only difference was that every stroke or slash from Umi's rapier
came a blast of blue light, but Uranus was nimble enough to dodge these
strokes of power. Equally poweful, equally fast. But there would only be one
victor. Or is there?
They have exhausted themselves all throughout, and now they were in
close combat. Sword against fellow sword clashed loudly in the air, currently
crossed, the Senshi of the Wind had one more fencing trick up her sleeve.
With great effort, she turned her wrist forcefully arround, which made her
Space Sword lock onto Umi's. She threw her arm up which made Umi's Rapier
fly upwards. She was now weaponless.
"Blue Vortex!" the blue Knight commanded. Magic was her last resort
as swirling waves of water engulfed her opponnent.
"Space Sword Blaster!!" Uranus' talisman lengthened as she used the
sword's power and sliced through the raging cascade. The silenced water
splashed on her entire body, giving her the cold chill. She saw Umi's weapon
beside her and picked it up. Now she has two swords. "How about it? Do you
give up?"
"Never! And you have no right of taking hold of my Legendary Sword!"
Umi's sword suddenly became liquid. Uranus tried keeping the
tranformed weapon by cupping her hand, but a we all know that liquid is
formless and it only takes the shape of its container so it seeped through
her gloved fingers and into the floor. "What the-!!" The weapon returned to
its shape when it hit the ground.
"Water Dragon!!" Umi pushed the Senshi aback, obtaining her weapon
at that chance.
"Earth Shaking!" she destroyed the dragon when she had realized she
was being distracted.
Small debris passed by Umi, realizing the strength of her magic. She
wanted to end it now. Summing up her willpower, she released her most
powerful combination of weapon and magic, the "SEA WAVE!" she slashed her
sword, and the magic took shape of the slash, a sharp-pointed crescent blue
light.
On the other side, Uranus had also thrown another Space Blast to
counter the Water Knight's, but it had missed its target. Instead, it was
headed for
"UMI!!!!" Hikaru and Fuu screamed.
"URANUS!!!!" came Michiru's shriek.
Both duelers fell to the ground. Friends scrambled into the battle
field.
"Umi!! Umi!!" Fuu said shaking the blue-haired girl into
consciouness, Hikaru kneeling beside her.
"That was something." Umi mumbled as she had totally fainted.
Uranus had also lost consciousness, as Michiru tried carrying her
body, supported by Ami and Hotaru. Both groups had brought the unconscious
ones back into the Outer Senshi's house and they were temporarily laid into
Setsuna and Michiru's bed, Uranus in her own room.
Fuu then healed herself, Hikaru and Setsuna, who had now
detransformed. Next were Umi, Venus and Uranus. They waited.
"It's totally late." Luna commented. "I suggest that Artermis and
I should position ourselves nearby your homes for teleporation convenience."
Usagi only nodded in agreement as she checked from time to time for
the unconscious to come to. Around ten in the evening did one of them woke
up. It was Uranus.
"Wha-what happened?" she suddenly sat up, noting that she was still
on her Senshi uniform.
"The friendly duel seemed quite unfriendly." Setsuna only stated
beside her.
"And the result?"
"A tie." Michiru had placed a gentle hand at her shoulder.
"Oh." was all that Uranus could say. She finally detransformed.
"Cofee?"
"Yes please. That'd perk me up." she thanked Michiru for the offer.
And while her fellow Outer Senshi prepared her evening dose of caffeine, she
took a peek on the other bedrooms. The other two clearly haven't awakened,
though centainly safe. She went over to Michiru's room when she had noticed
that Umi was in that room."I admit that I had quite a hard time with her."
she stated, leaning on the doorframe.
"We were worried to death at what you and Umi did!" Fuu stood up in
a fit of anger.
"I thought that this was just a friendly duel. Why reach over the
edge?" Hikaru joined in the conversation.
"I found her equally competent, and I wanted to know how far can one
Knight stretch her limits."
"Stretch her limits!!" Hikaru was also boiling."You should'nt have
taken it that seriously. Was defeat a great loss to you? She took you on with
all she can and-"
"-and I found out that you are whom you say you are. I was only
confirming my suspicions. You were telling us the truth."
"I still did not like the way you had treated our friend. You've
fought her as if she was your enemy, and not all enemies are as vile as they
seem." The brown-blonde continued on, ignoring Haruka's observations.
Hikaru sighed. "Calm down everyone! Okay we have been keeping
ourselves at bay for quite sometime, but I think the remaining Senshi should
at least trust us as we have trusted you entirely. We've been brought to a
place we don't know with no way of returning aside from your teleport plus
we haven't done any major damage to your so-called princess-" Her voice was
beginning to raise gradually that the redhead had gotten the other Senshi's
attention.
"Watch your tongue!" the sandy blonde teen towered over Hikaru.
"-that we three have agree to protect until the danger is gone."
"PLEASE STOP IT EVERYONE!!" Usagi had finally heard enough. That did
it."Enough is enough. These are our newfound allies, and they already have
proven themselves more than worthy to protect not only myself but all of us
as well. Now Haruka, I suggest that you close your hostiliy against them,you
have played this game long enough."
"I..I.. yes, my Princess."
"Usagi Haruka, I haven't taken the formalities of the Royal Family
for the meantime." the odangoed teen smiled sweetly at her guardian.
"Mmmm." came a mumble.
"Umi!"
"What's with the racket?" the blue-haired teen said, finally opening
her sapphire eyes.
"Uh, nothing. It was nothing really." The other Inner Senshi said.
"Here Haruka, here's your coffee.Oh." Michiru noticed Umi the minute
she entered her room. "I suppose you'd be wanting something to drink?"
"Water please, just a glass of water.Thank you."
"How are you doing?" Hikaru edged nearer to her best friend.
"I'm still dizzy, but I'll soon be fine."
"That's great to hear." Fuu said from the other side of the bed.
Usagi nudged the sandy-blonde teen with her elbow "I'm sorry a while
back." Haruka apologized.
"That's alright. So who won?"
"None." Rei said.
"It was a tie." Ami clarified.
"Oh, but I'd say that you girls are good, that thought did not occur
to me. But it was some experience." she rubbed the bump on her head
repeatedly. "That smarts.."
"Hey! Venus just woke up!" Makoto's voice was heard from the other
bedroom.
"Do you mind if we go see Venus?" Usagi excused herself in behalf of
her other friends.
"We don't mind Usagi." Hikaru nodded.
"And please close the door behind you." Fuu requested.
"Sure." Setsuna who was the last person, gently closed the door.
"Feeling better now? It's already late." the Knight of the Wind
returned her attention back at Umi.
"Yes, much better now that there's isn't much noise."
"So what do you think of them?" Hikaru was asking their opinion.
"Well they're powerful."
"And they play with honor." Fuu added.
"And awfully polite to us." the redhead finally finished. Then there
was silence. "I think we just found more friends."
More time passed by and finally everyone was ready to return home.
Venus had finished a nutricious sandwich to regain her strength with. Makoto
was the one responsible in preparing it as she was pretty good in the
kitchen. Hotaru had long been asleep as she would need the rest for school
tomorrow. Everyone waved their good-byes as the Inner Senshi prepared to
finally take the three Legendary Magic Knights back home.
=Next Day=
Hikaru, Umi and Fuu arrived at school late at Charms, as they found
out that they did not have enough sleep from yesterday. Professor Washi did
not like the grand entrance they have made in his class. They just learned
that they have a surprise quiz, which made all heads look at the door. There
were now tables provided for the written quiz and all their Charms professor
could do was to place them at the back to take the quiz-at a shortened time.
As an added bonus, the three of them were given extra assignements for
research. Finally finishing Charms, they walked towards Herbology. Ise and
Ninsei went beside them. "How was last night? I assume you went home late
last night?"
"Yes, we did came home late Ninsei." Umi covered her mouth when she
yawned.
"It wasn't what we expected. We'll tell it over lunch." Fuu's eyes
were showing signs of lack of sleep.
Finally when lunch did came, they told the two about what they did
last night.
"We're now glad that they at least trust us. Now all we have to do is
to inform Master Clef of the Princess' whereabouts." Hikaru took in some
orange juice.
"Should I bring Mokona tomorrow?" the brown-blonde suggested.
"No. It wouldn't be advisable to bring Mokona here as of now. He was
a bit conspicuous. Remember Seiki?" Umi warned Hikaru of the last incident
with Seiki Etsuya. "I think we'll have to go over to Fuu's later. If that's
ok with you?"
"Of course you're always welcome at my home."
"Wish I could come too.." Ise said to them.
"Why not?" Hikaru asked her.
"Because students that sleep inside the school dormitory are not
allowed to leave the school in two consecutive days, that's why."
"Oh, too bad. I wanted to introduce you two to Mokona." Fuu's spirit
dampened a little.
"But we would'nt do much there Ise, you won't miss anything. If
something happens again, as we have promised in our friendship, we'll tell
you." the redhead looked at her with honest eyes.
"Or Ninsei could come with us and he'll tell it to you tomorrow.
How's that?" Umi suggested.
"I can come?"
"Of course you can! You're only going to my house." Fuu invited
Ninsei willingly.
And so the four went to Fuu's place after their classes. There wasn't
much to do there. Fuu took a piece of parchment and started writing their
report to the Master Mage. Mokona had just met Ninsei and was ridiculously
clinging onto his shirt making noises. Hikaru and Umi was looking around
Fuu's bedroom when Kuu knocked on the door.
"Enter, its open." The brown-blonde said to her elder sister.
"I heard your friends came over, and oh a boy!" Kuu was surprised
to see Ninsei playing around with the white fluffball.
"I'm sorry. I haven't introduced myself yet." Ninsei apologized.
"I am Tomomi Ninsei." he gave a curt bow to the tall sister of Fuu.
"I'm pleased to meet you."
"And this is Hikaru and Umi, I've told you all about them."
"It's nice to finally meet you in person." Kuu also bowed."Fuu's told
me all about you two.Well, I'd better be in my room now, see you later!"
she waved at them.
"Ok." Fuu said as she resumed her work. Minutes later, she had
finally finished as she rolled her parchment and tied it in string. "May I
borrow Mokona for a moment?"
"Sure, if it will let go off me." Ninsei tried drawing Mokona off
his shirt.
"I'll do it. Come here Mokona." Umi beckoned the bouncy rabbit.
"Puu!!! Pupupupuuu!!" He finally let go of Ninsei and took off to
Umi's lap.
Hikaru took Fuu's letter and brought out her necklace, the one that
Lantis had given her. "Mokona, listen to me." she talked to the animal while
it was playing around with Umi.
"Puu?"
"I want you to send this to Master Clef." she showed the tied
parchment. "And to Master Clef alone."
"Puu!!!" Mokona nodded and he hopped down on the floor and looked at
her necklace. Light beamed out from its ruby forehead towards the necklace,
which reflected and hit the parchment.It then disappeared.
"Woah!" Was all Ninsei could say that day. He said his good byes and
departed for his home.
=Cephiro=
The Master Mage was busy observing the whole of Cephiro atop the
towering castle, his search had been fruitless. He had heard none from
Fahren, nor from Autozam. There was a slight sound of 'pop' and he looked
around to see what it was. Lying there on the floor, was a piece of yellowish
paper. The same type when the Legendary Magic Knights have sent together with
their gifts. He picked it up, removed the string and unfurled the parchment.
His eyes enlarged in disbelief, but eventually returned to his usual
composure.'Of course.' Clef chuckled. 'They are the Magic Knights, nothing is
impossible to them. I am glad they have found Serenity and her guardians. I
must spread the good news to the others.' He walked inside the castle, his
spirits lightened.
=Next Day=
As usual, classes went on, ignoring what had just happened the other
day.Ninsei had said all he saw back at Fuu's house during their Potions
seatwork. They had all paired up in twos brewing up a simple dissolving
potion, which can get you out at some sticky situations because it can melt
certain alloys without dissolving also your skin. Theirs was the color of
brown, which should originally be bright orange.
"You had put too much of the Welwitschia stem you two. Be a little
more precise." Professor Zeshin tapped his quill on their cauldron with a
look of disapproval.
"Yes, professor." both chorused.
"Lower the speed of the flame Miss Shidou, we are not in a hurry."
The teacher said as he moved on to the next table. "And add a little more of
ground talon powder, just a pinch more." he looked over Hikaru and Umi's
work.
"Yes sir."
History of Magic, Lunch, Defense Against the Dark Arts and finally
Analysis came and went. It was now time for Hikaru, Umi, Fuu and Ninsei's
Quidditch practice, in preparation for the Quidditch Cup. They have
definitely improved over the months of preparation as November is only a
few days away. Practice was getting more strenuous as it neared the said
month. They were glad that this would be their last practice, because they
were given days of rest. The four kicked the ground on their brooms together
with their teamates Amane and Michio, both Chasers and Mokichi the Keeper.
Their usual manuevering pratice started, then came the arm practice and
lastly a basic Quidditch game with Professor Oda supervising. Landing down,
Hikaru wiped off the sweat from her face with a towel. "Finally, we get to
have some rest before the big day."
"Yeah, I am going to need it, not to mention catching up with a
couple of homework." Umi placed her Altros on her shoulder with a satisfied
smile.
"I can't wait for the games! I just can't let our team lose like
last year!" Ninsei said aloud, punching the air. "Yeah!"
"We are all excited. But after today we should have some needed
rest. We've been a bit overpracticed." Fuu also came down beside Hikaru on
her broom.
"You said it. My arms are a bit strained from grabbing." Michio
massaged his shoulders.
"But I expect each of you to take care of your bodies over our free
days before the game." came Amane's confident captain voice. "We had the
best practice, so we should be the number one team this year. No excuses on
that very day, or else we lose by default, I want everyone to be there an
hour before the time we will be scheduled on. Have a good rest!" with that
he waved goodbye and trudged away from the practice field.
"That was some practice. You really put out all that effort to do
the best you can do." Ise ran up to them from the stands.
"Yeah, we did. So what are your plans for our three day's time
holiday?" Umi shifted her glance on her friend.
"Uhm...I'll be just staying here and finish my homeworks."
The three best friends looked at each other. It seemed that Ise will
be spending her time alone at her home, which would probably be the reason
was that her parents would be out for the whole month. She haven't mentioned
this to them, but her eyes gave way. Even Ninsei became a littled uneasy.
Then an idea just came into Hikaru's mind."Hey! Why don't we
celebrate Halloween at my place? I know my brothers wouldn't mind more
company. What can you say to that?"
"That's brilliant Hikaru!" Umi jumped up in excitement. "I'll bake
something for the occasion!" she began to nod herself,"And I know what I'll
make."
"Meaning, we won't take no for an answer." Added Fuu.
"I'm all for it!" Ninsei raised his hand in agreement.
"Well...alright. You forced me into it." Ise broke into a smile.
"Everything's settled then?" Hikaru asked the group.
"Yes!" everyone chorused happily.
While our friends prepare for the holiday to come, on the other side
of Tokyo, Luna was busy discussing with Ami. She had just arrived to see her
studying.
"Were you able to duplicate it?"
"Of course Luna,I finished it the day after you requested them from
me." Ami said assuringly.
"Good, now we can give this to the Legendary Magic Knights. It would
be very useful for us.I knew I could count on you."
"Its nothing Luna." the midnight blue haired teen rummaged from her
desk a small package, secured it tightly with tape and handed it to the black
cat. The cat did some sort of backflip, and the package vanished into thin
air.
"Well, have a nice holiday."
"You too Luna, send also my greetings to Usagi."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What is inside the package that Luna asked to duplicate? And was it not nice
of the three to invite Ise and Ninsei to Halloween? In the next chapter we'll
learn more about the package, the holiday and the game. I hope you have
enjoyed reading on this chapter.
-Sailor Rainbow Ichi signing out.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
^_^
