A/N: I'm really sorry about not updating very often. Some stuff has been going on in my so called 'life' and it's getting harder and harder to write anything on this. I just have to be in the right mood, you know? Otherwise it comes out crappy and I delete the entire thing to do over, so that's just wasted time. Also, I'm working on this story I'm hoping to get published, yes you may roll your eyes at me now. Thank you. Anyways, I'm going to try and update, but I'm not sure how well I'll be able to manage it.
Journal entry: Well, the next day I had some odd classes, so not many people I knew were in them with me. In fact, Kioko wasn't in two of them.
First was Healing, in which Aushran accompanied me. Not much happened, other than the lesson. Aushran is quite reserve and mostly let me start up conversation. The next class was Illusonary, in which Kioko, Roku, and Aushran were in, so there was a bit of an odd scene there. Kioko, of course, made Aushran and me sit on either side of her and, again, Aushran made Roku sit beside him.
"I can't seem to trust you very much." He says.
"Why Aushran, I'm hurt!" Roku would return, smiling.
Though, that wasn't all. While we were trying to cloak our cups to look like rats, without using transfiguration, I looked over, rather alarmed at Kioko's snickering, and find that Roku had suddenly taken on a very…large nose.
"Miss Night, though I'll have to commend you on your skill, I'm afraid I'll have to take 10 points away from Slytherin." The teacher scolded.
"Oh, but I really don't mind Professor. At least she's not ignoring me." Roku said, dispelling the illusion over his nose by himself.
"The point was not to amuse you or make you happy, the point was to embarrass or otherwise make you uncomfortable, you're not suppose to, UGH I give up!!!" Kioko exclaimed throwing her hands into the air.
"On second thought, 10 points back to Slytherin, you bring it on yourself Mr. Alchemy." The teacher corrected.
The next class was Herbology, Aushran was the only other in that class, in fact he was in all my classes that day, but, so was Kikyo. And I was certainly glad that Kioko decided Herbology didn't interest her much.
"Why, hello Miss Tomoe, Mr. Hametsu. How are you today?" Kikyo greeted merrily.
I nodded politely to her, "Fine, thank you." I said as she took the place on the other side of me.
"You're certainly much more lady-like than my dear Kioko. How is it that you two are friends I wonder?" She asked.
"We have some things in common." I said, feeling a bit uncomfortable. Kikyo may look and act completely innocent, but I could tell different. She was trying to get close to me just to get at Kioko, but why? I couldn't figure it out, maybe it was some sort of sibling rivalry, or cousin rivalry in their case.
"She's such a wild-tempered girl, and she has very little tact. I mean, why in the world did she throw Mr. Roku out a window? I admit she never liked boys, but don't you think that's going to far?" Kikyo asked me.
"Well, yes. But that's the way she is." I said, being perfectly polite about it. "Sure Kioko has her downsides, but that's her. And, I think, she's suppose to be that way. You don't honestly expect one of the only Dark Senshi to be particularly good, do you? Everyone has some good and some bad in them, one side is just more apparent than the other at times." I told her.
Apparently it never occurred to Kikyo that Kioko would be…a star or a Senshi. Apparently she didn't read the Daily Prophet, or her parents didn't talk about it much. Because she had a bit of a surprised look on her face when I mentioned Kioko was a Dark Senshi. It was even more apparent when she asked.
"Dark Senshi? What do you mean?" Kikyo asked.
"Don't you read the paper?" I asked digging into my little plot of earth. "It should be common knowledge about who we are now. The Stars world and the Wizarding world haven't completely merged quite yet, there may be a war between the two once Voldemort has been defeated." I said.
"And then the muggle world will have to merge as well, right?" Aushran asked. I looked up questioningly and he merely shrugged. "It's only expected, we can't continue to trick their technology forever." He explained.
"What sort of…people, are the, um, stars?" Kikyo asked, a bit of worry in her voice.
"We protect." I answered, keeping a smile on my face. "That's what we do, we protect, and we rule. It's our right, and our duty. I will rule Saturn, and the other stars will rule their respective planets." I told her. "But, most will probably be dead by then, making way for the next generation." I said considering.
"You said, Kioko, was a Senshi as well. What does she rule?" Kikyo asked.
"That, I can't tell you. It's something not even nobility should know." I told her, and that was the end of it.
It was childish of me, I know. To intimidate Kikyo on Kioko's behalf, but, I suppose it could have been the best thing to do. We have more things to worry about than some rivalry between Kioko and Kikyo. And it'd be best if Kikyo stayed out of Kioko's path, she's gotten quite a bit stronger and more powerful since her awakening, and it's only fair to let Kikyo know that.
The rest of the day just seemed to pass by, we had some people suggest a few things the Hat's Riddle could mean, but they were wrong. Perhaps tomorrow.
I have all my homework finished for today, and I'll have free time Friday because of the way my schedule played out, though Kioko will still have some classes then. I'm not sure what I'll do, maybe talk with Setsuna-mama. I haven't been able to for a while, which is a surprise. You'd think she would be the first one I'd go to after hearing the Hat's Riddle. I'll do that tomorrow then.
*******
Journal entry: It's been an entire week since I've written anything, but I suppose that's because things have already set into a schedule, only takes two weeks to do it seems. Though for others it isn't so. People are still edgy, some are downright terrified now. I've been getting looks, letters, and even people coming to me for advice. Our little plan with the Hat's Riddle hasn't shown much fruit, I guess we should have expected that others would know nothing about it. The message was for us after all, so I guess it's actually best that others don't know what it means.
There've been more instances with both Kikyo and Roku. I'm starting to see how Kioko dislikes Kikyo so much, their personalities clash horribly, and it doesn't help that Kikyo enjoys watching Kioko loose her temper. I've had to hold Kioko back several times, though of course I told Kikyo off for provoking her. For some reason people seem to shrink when I give them a stern look, Kioko says it's because "That look is so alien on your face it's scary." I don't know, I don't think I've ever come off as intimidating to anyone, at least, not without my Glaive in my hand.
Rumors have been spreading about the Stars, and people seem to be comforted that we're here so I suspect they're not that bad. I haven't heard many myself, but Kioko has, and has been smirking because of them. Maybe I should be worried.
Oh, I did talk to Setsuna last Friday, and this Friday as well. She says she has suspicions about the poem, but won't tell me what they are. "They could be wrong, and we need to keep an open mind to the fact that anything we might suppose could be wrong. I know this sort of riddle, it's meant to be vague so that it can lead us to accomplish something while we try to figure it out. Someone sent it to the hat, and if I could find out who, it might give us another clue, until then count the possibilities but don't be concrete on any of them." She told me.
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared about all of this. It's very frightening to me, the way things are going. I'm starting to feel Mistress 9 again, and I'm terrified, she's different. More powerful, more aware. I'm constantly checking my consciousness, it isn't easy. I mean, the last times she took over I didn't know until I suddenly woke up somewhere else for some reason. I feel like there's a battle going on inside of me, and I've become edgy, restless. At times I hear things no one else does, little whispers being blocked by some barrier. I can't describe it, it's so odd. And it's only been happening over the last two days. I wonder what it means.
I miss sleeping, sure the extra time is great and I'd rather not have another nightmare, but I miss sleeping regularly and having dreams.
It hasn't been easy, I am still excelling in schoolwork, the academics aren't bothering me, but everything else is. I've talked with the Senshi through one of our communicators, Usagi says things have been going slowly for them because Voldemort hasn't made many moves and they have hardly any leads on him, or Chaos. It's also been hard to keep the object of Chaos a secret. If people knew our true enemy was someone controlling Voldemort, panic would erupt and it'd get out of hand. If they knew what was really going on, things would just collapse. I imagine the panic would cause the Muggle world to become aware of the other two, then start the war much sooner than expected.
The Star Lights are trying to get help from other galaxies, but aren't having much luck. Everyone's afraid of Chaos, only a few more Senshi would come to help, but they preferred to stay on a planet besides earth and help through long distance communication. "Help? They think they can help all the way from Jupiter? Cowards." Was Kioko's response to that information.
It's Saturday tomorrow, Ravenclaw is playing Slytherin in a Quidditch match, and with Kioko's beater record, I feel sorry for both sides. Especially Roku, he had the bright idea of getting the second beater position on the team, likely Ravenclaw will win just because Kioko will be busy making the bludgers go after him.
*******
Hotaru sat on the Slytherin bleachers beside Aushran, everyone else she knew was either in the game or on other bleachers. They waited for the teams to come out as Lee Jorden started off with his usual comments. "And in come the Slytherin team! Captain is still Drane Millichent as he's yet to graduate, and he probably never will!"
"Jorden." McGonnagall warned.
"And here comes Ms. Kioko Night and Mr. Roku Alchemy. Ms. Night is known for shooting the bludgers at her own teammates as well as innocent announcers and Mr. Achemy is known for constantly being on Ms. Night's one last nerve, this will be interesting!" He exclaimed.
"JORDEN!!!" McGonnagall exclaimed.
"Aaaaaand here comes the Ravenclaw Team!!!" Lee switched topics quickly.
It was a good game, sort of. Between Kioko's antics, Roku's surprising skill at dodging things shot at him continuously, and Lee's 'comments', it was certainly interesting to say the least.
*******
Journal entry: Slytherin won the game of course, somehow Kioko was able to keep track of both bludgers at once and sent one of them continually at Roku while the other went after members of the other team.
It's been a while since I've written again, like I said before, things have just been setting into a schedule. Sure classes are sometimes…interesting when both Roku and Kioko are in the same room, but still.
Anyways, it's about 2 weeks until Halloween, I think I'm going to dress up as an angel this time.
*******
Kioko yawned and glared at the eggs and ham on her plate. "There are not biscuits today, so we'll have to eat them." Hotaru told her.
"Those house elves are on to us. They know we know what they put in their food!!! So now they're going to take out all the good food! Well, I'm not going to stand for it I tell you! I'll starve before I eat this stuff!!!" She declared.
"Normally I'd say I need my strength for my classes, but today's Friday." Hotaru said, pushing the rest of her food away.
"Ahem," Dumbledore cleared his throat. "Studants, may I have your attention?" He called. The great hall gradually grew silent as everyone averted their attention to what Dumbledore had to say. "In two weeks, as you all should know, it will be Halloween. And we have decided that, because our last ball worked out so well," His eyes sparkled a bit, "We're going to have another one on Halloween night. Which gives everyone enough time to find dates. Thank you." He announced, and then sat back down.
Hotaru looked over and saw Kioko suddenly blanch as what Dumbledor said hit her. She was then gone the next moment, almost faster than Hotaru's eyes could follow. "Wow, I haven't seen Night move that fast since the Triwisard ball was announced." Draco mused.
"Oh dear, she doesn't really like balls that much. But why is she hiding now?" Hotaru asked.
"Remember last year when she couldn't turn right or left without getting asked out?" Draco asked.
"Oh. She's not very fond of boys." Hotaru couldn't help but giggle.
"Especially not Roku, speaking of which," Aushran turned his head. "She ran away." He said before Roku could ask.
"Oh well I'll just have to find her then won't I?" He said grinning as he walked on.
"You're suicidal Alchemy! It's useless!!! All you're going to achieve is physical abuse!" Draco called. "I cannot believe he got into Slytherin." Draco muttered.
"I cannot believe the way he's acting. Of course, I have never seen him lovesick before, and I guess I shouldn't be surprised." Aushran said.
"Are you going to ask Kioko to the dance?" Hotaru ventured.
"What?" For the first time Aushran lost his cool and a surprised expression appeared on his face.
"I'm sure she wouldn't mind going if it was you who took her. In fact, you're probably the only one she wouldn't mind going with." Hotaru said, smiling encouragingly.
"The scary thing is, I agree with you." Draco said, looking surprised himself.
"I, don't know…" Aushran murmured, running his fingers through his bangs. "I mean, I don't think it'd be…" He trailed off, not sure how to explain.
"If Alchemy's in the way just ignore him, he doesn't have a chance with Night anyway." Draco stated.
Aushran shook his head, "Never mind, I don't think I'll be going anyway." He said getting up.
"Huh? Why not?" Hotaru asked.
Aushran shrugged, "I don't dance well." He lied. But Hotaru let it pass.
"Oh well, I wonder who Harry will be taking." Hotaru mused.
"No one probably. You'll probably have to drag him by his arms and legs to get him to come as well." Draco pointed out.
"Hm, you're right. So I suppose that makes three people I have to convince, make that four. Kagen doesn't seem like the type to come without some persuasion." Hotaru considered.
"You're going to get everyone to come?" He raised an eyebrow.
"Of course! With all that's going on, we all need to do something to relax ourselves." She answered getting up. "I'm going to go talk to Setsuna-mama. See you later." She told him, kissing his cheek before leaving.
******
"Oh! Hotaru, glad you're here. You have Fridays off right? Good, I need some help over here if you would." Setsuna said. Hotaru suddenly recognized Nevil laying down on the bed.
"What happened?!" She gasped.
"I don't know, it looks like he was attacked. His leg's broken but I can't mend that and that nasty wound on his arm at once. Looks like whoever did this magically made it start to infect. He would have been dead had Mr. Potter not been out an about late last night." Setsuna said.
"Harry was out? Did he say why?" Hotaru asked.
"Yes, he said he had another dream. He'll probably want to tell you about it but, right now if you wouldn't mind helping." Setsuna said.
"Oh! Of course." Hotaru placed her hands over Nevil's leg and let her natural ability to heal flow from her and into his leg. As an affect, it seemed Silence went on to the rest of his body and soon his other wounds mended and his arm looked as though nothing happened to it.
"Well, getting better at that I see." Setsuna said, smiling.
"I suppose. I haven't been using Silence much lately, so I'm not sure how much it has been unlocked yet. I can feel it of course." Hotaru told her. "What do you think happened?" She asked.
"I don't know, we'll have to ask him that. Mr. Longbottom if you would kindly wake up we require a moment of your time." Setsuna announced, nudging him a bit.
"W-what?" He blinked awake.
"Are you alright Nevil?" Hotaru asked, concerned.
"Yes b-b-but h-how…where am I?" he asked, a bit dazed.
"The infirmary. Can you tell us what happened?" Setsuna asked, patting his forehead with a damp cloth.
"I, I'm not sure. I saw someone out in the halls when I was going back to the Gryffindor dormitories, and…I don't know." He said, rubbing his head.
"Do you remember what they looked like?" Setsuna asked. "Male or female?" Nevil shook his head. "It must be a mind whip charm. Oh well, do you remember Mr. Potter?" She asked.
"No, was Harry there?"
"He saved you just in time. A moment later and you wouldn't be with us. Here, take this and get some rest." Setsuna instructed, handing him some medacine. The next minute Nevil was out cold. "So, did you come here for any particular reason?" Setsuna asked.
"No, not really. I'm just wondering what all is going on." Hotaru answered.
"Well, let's see, Fudge is this close to being thrown out of office, we still can't find out where Voldemort, or Chaos, is, we have our hands full with reporters trying to figure out what's going on, not to mention the load of mail we seem to be getting. I don't suppose you've been getting a shower of mail lately have you?" Setsuna asked. Hotaru shook her head. "Good, I've been trying to screen out all that, you have enough to worry about anyways." She huffed.
"What about the merge between worlds?" Hotaru asked.
"Oh well, there's so much going on with Voldemort that the wizarding world is welcoming us with open arms because we are a form of protection. They don't know all the details yet, and I'm sure when everything cools down and they do there will be a war." She sighed and shook her head. "I suppose all we can do now is pray it doesn't get so bad you have to destroy everything." She smiled jokingly. Hotaru smiled back, despite the fact she didn't think that sort of statement could be made a joke however you said it.
********
"Kioko! You can't stay in here all day!!!" Hotaru exclaimed.
"Watch me! I swear I am not going out there!!! You can't make me!!!" She declared, grabbing her bed railing to prove her point.
"But it's so nice out! Pleeeeeease?!" Hotaru asked.
"Oh no you don't, stop it, stop it!!! AVERT YOUR EVIL PUPPY DOG EYES!!! I WILL NOT GO!!!" Kioko exclaimed, leering at her. Hotaru continued to give her a pleading look.
Outside…
"You are manipulative, you know that?" Kioko grumbled, kicking at the ground.
"Good afterno-ACK!!!" Roku exclaimed, getting hit in the face by a flying glass veil, courtesy of Kioko. "Ow, ow, ow," He said, picking out the pieces of glass.
Hotaru sighed, "Good afternoon Roku-kun." She said cheerfully.
"Good afternoon Hotaru-chan, Kioko-chan." Roku said, switching back to being cheerful.
"WE ARE ON A LAST NAME BASIS, ALCHEMY!!!" Kioko yelled.
"You're so cute when you're mad." He said.
"KIOKO NO!!!" Hotaru cried. Too late, Roku was already flying towards the astronomy tower.
"Don't worry, Hotaru, if he dies it'll be a blessed miracle." Kioko said.
Hotaru sighed and buried her face in her hands. "Can't you at least be civil to him?" She asked.
"Hotaru, I hate him almost as much as I hate Kikyo, and that's an accomplishment. Whatever he's getting, he more than deserves. And it's his own idiotic fault that he keeps coming back for more." Kioko explained. Roku suddenly appariated next to them.
"I'm back!" he exclaimed.
"See what I mean?" Kioko said, motioning to him. "You must die now." She said, pulling out a dagger.
"Uh oh." Roku then started running. "HAVE MERCY LADY HEX!!!" He cried as she chased him.
"IF I HAVE MERCY YOU'LL ONLY COME BACK!!! IN FACT YOU STILL CONTINUE TO COME BACK WHEN I DON'T!!!" Kioko yelled.
Hotaru sighed. "Oh well, I guess I'll just have to keep working on it." She said.