Hey Everyone! Just in case anyone else noticed that Serena wasn't acting like her normal ditzy self, it's because I want to portray her as a somewhat mature person. She will definitely be smarter, braver, and quicker to figure things out in this story, but she'll also have her klutz moments too. Just trying a new view of Serena is all. I really hope you all like this chapter. Enjoy!
This chapter is dedicated to those who reviewed for chapter four, as well as Kitsune and Serena. Without their quick thoughts and helpful ideas this chapter would have been out months from now.
Disclaimer: See chapter one.
Authors Note: Blah Blah Blah Indicates a character's thoughts.
Chapter 5
New Acquaintances
"Great job today girls." Luna said.
"Yes, not too bad for your first battle." Artemis said with a smile.
The girls sat in Raye's room enjoying the feeling of victory. After the battle was finished and all the commotion had died down, the scouts de-transformed and headed back to the arcade. They were trying to think of ways to explain what had happened in the park, but when they walked into the arcade, they saw Lizzy, Andrew's younger sister.
"Hey Lizzy!"
"Oh! Hey there Serena, India. Hey girls! How's it goin'? Haven't seen y'all around much lately."
Serena smiled and replied, "It's goin' okay. I know. I haven't seen you around much either, but it isn't my fault. It's their fault." Serena said while motioning to the girls behind her. "They're the ones always making me study. All study, study, study; no fun at all." Serena finished with a smile.
Lizzy laughed when she saw the other girls send Serena death glares. "Don't worry Serena. That's what I've been doing lately too so you're not alone."
"Yeah we gotta keep her in line. If not, she'll get left behind while we all go to high school." Raye taunted.
Serena briefly glared at Raye then, with a confused look, asked, "Hey Lizzy?"
"Yeah Serena?"
"Where's Andrew at?" Serena replied.
"And Darien too?" India also asked.
"They said they had something they forgot to do."
"Well did either say what it was?" India asked.
"No they didn't."
"Hmm…Andrew didn't tell me anything." Serena said.
"Neither did Darien." India agreed.
"Hey, don't worry you two." Amy said.
"Yeah, it's not like they're out fighting evil or anything." Lita said.
"I know, but it's not like Andrew to forget anything." Serena stated.
"That goes for Darien as well." India agreed.
"Calm down guys." Raye said trying to lighten the mood. "Let's go back to the temple and chill for a bit before it gets too late."
"That sounds great!" Mina said, glad for the change in topic.
Everyone else smiled.
"To Raye's then." Amy said. She then mumbled, "Maybe we can actually get some studying in."
The girls heard this and all said in unison, "Yeah right Amy!"
Amy faked a pout and said, "Well you can't blame me for trying."
"Bye Lizzy!" All the girls said.
Serena and India started to say something, but Lizzy beat them to it. "And no worries you two. When they get back, I'll tell Andrew and Darien y'all were looking for them and to call you later."
The two friends smiled in appreciation. "Thanks Lizzy!" They said together. With that, the group of friends left for the temple.
"Earth to Serena? Hello Serena?"
"Huh?"
"What's the deal? You were out at the Moon. What's wrong?" Lita asked.
"Me? Oh nothing. Just thinking back through today's events. That's all." Serena said with a smile.
Everyone knew she was lying, but they also knew she was really thinking about Andrew. Unfortunately, they also knew that she wouldn't admit the truth to anyone, except to herself. Especially since the truth was about one of her newest friends' boyfriend and not her own.
Amy looked over at India and realized that she was spacing too. While Lita was talking with Serena, Amy slightly nudged India. "India? Is everything okay?"
India jumped slightly, looked at Amy's concerned face and smiled weakly. "Yeah. Everything's great. I was just thinking about Darien." Liar. Liar! LIAR!
Amy smiled and said, "Don't worry too much hun. I'm sure that he's perfectly fine."
India faked a stronger smile and said, "You're right."
"So girls, let's discuss Tuxedo Mask and Neo Knight." Artemis said.
With that comment heard, India and Serena, who had pretty much been on the Moon ever since the battle, perked up and paid very close attention.
"Do you know them or at least recognize the names?"
"No we don't Amy. We don't know who they are at all, but their presence seemed really familiar…somehow." Luna responded.
That's what I thought. Serena and India thought.
"Well whoever they are, I trust them." Mina commented.
"I agree. I mean I don't think it's possible that they could be from the Negaverse." Amy said.
"Their aura seemed pure."
"Luna's right. They didn't give off even the slightest bit of negativity. Not like Jedite did." Artemis pointed out.
With the mention of Jedite, Raye journeyed to her own side of the Moon. This is nuts. Why do I continue to think of him? What was that I felt during the battle earlier today? This is too damn confusing! Then I couldn't stop looking at him! True, I didn't completely turn and stare at him, but I couldn't stop glancing at him through my peripheral vision either. I was just keeping an eye on him is all. Yeah, he's the enemy; you never know what tricks they might pull. That's all I was doing, keeping track of him. At least, I hope that's all I was doing.
With the sound of laugher, Raye came back home and tuned back in.
Amy yawned and said, "Well guys I don't know about the rest of you, but that battle today took it out of me. I'm gonna go on home and get to bed. We might be Sailor Scouts, but we still have school on Monday."
"You're right Amy. I'll head out too." Mina said.
"Same here. Oh, and Serena, don't you have homework to get done? I'd really like to see Miss H. freak out if you handed it in after a day without detention." Lita smiled.
"Thanks a lot Lita. I wanted to forget about that. I guess you're right though. I think we all would like to see her face on Monday morning. I'll go home and do it." Serena said with a tone of seriousness.
"WHAT!" Raye said astounded.
"Oh back off Raye! This is a once in a lifetime thing. It's only 'cause I want to see Miss H's reaction. It's not a permanent habit." Serena defended.
Raye let out the breath she was holding and replied, "Good thing Serena. I was beginning to think that you were actually trying to get good grades and not embarrass Andrew anymore."
"Oh shut up Raye!"
Everyone started laughing.
"Calm down you two. Not tonight." Lita said.
"Artemis, you're coming with me and Luna's going with Serena right?" Mina asked.
"Yes, if that's okay with you two?" Artemis replied.
"Oh it's perfectly fine with us." Serena answered.
"Besides, you could keep after her about her schoolwork Luna." Mina said with a giggle.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Ya know, one of these days I'm gonna show you all." Serena declared.
Everyone started to laugh. "Well come on guys, we better go before it gets too much later." India reminded them.
They all gathered their things and Raye walked with them to the stairs at the entrance of the temple. "Bye Raye!" Everyone said in unison.
"See ya guys!" Raye stood waving bye to them till they were no longer in sight.
As Raye was heading back to her room, she thought, Why do I have a feeling this is gonna get even more interesting and complicated very soon?
"That was definitely a different experience Darien."
"You're telling me. I wonder why we, of all people, were picked to play this role?" Darien said looking at the red rose in his hand.
"I dunno. I do know that there must have been a good reason why we were chosen though." Andrew said looking at his white rose.
"Guess Lady Fate has more in store for us then we expected."
"Yeah." Andrew replied thinking back to earlier at the arcade. "Lita couldn't have been farther from the truth." He accidentally said aloud.
"What?"
"Sorry, I was thinking back to earlier when we were in the back of the arcade when the girls came in. I was remembering Lita's comment."
"Oh okay. You're right; she couldn't be farther even if she tried." I'm just glad that Serena was all right. I'm glad she didn't see the battle. I wouldn't want her to get hurt. Darien what are you saying! You should be worried about India, not Serena!
"I wonder…"
"What Andrew?"
"I was just wondering who the scouts are." Especially Sailor Neo. I'd really like to meet her.
"Me too, but I guess we can't worry about that too terribly much."
"You're right. We need to focus on the Negaverse. I'm sure that Jedite isn't the only obstacle we have to deal with."
"I agree. I think that this Queen Beryl person that Jedite mentioned is the ringleader. I just wish we knew more about what they were planning."
"Yeah, but we do know that whatever it is they need energy to do it, so I guess that's a little bit of a lead."
The two had stopped talking and were focused on their thoughts when they heard a dong from a nearby clock.
"Goodness! I didn't know how late it was. I need to get home and call Serena. I'm sure she is worried about me." I wonder if India is worried too? Andrew thought before he could catch himself. No you don't moron!
"Yeah you should go. I'm sure that India is worried about me as well." Darien agreed as his thoughts filled with Serena and not India. This is not right. Why do you haunt my thoughts?
"See you tomorrow Darien."
"Yep! Later Andrew!"
With that, Andrew walked out of the apartment and left with his thoughts on India. Why do I feel this way about you India? I can't fight the fact that I feel something for you, but the question is why?
After Andrew had left, Darien walked out onto the balcony of his apartment and stood staring at the Moon. What am I gonna do? Lady of the Moon can you help me? I've believed in you since I was a little boy and somehow you have helped me through all the trials in my life. Is their any way you can help me through this one? Every night I dream of you and I know that you are always there for me. Please help me! "What am I suppose to do about these feeling for you Serena?"
"JEDITE!"
"Yes Queen Beryl?" Jedite said bowing in front of a female with flaming red hair. She was sitting on an evil looking thrown with her hands on either side of a staff that held a clear orb at it's peak.
"You have failed. Why is this?" Queen Beryl condemned.
"I…uh…ran into a little trouble."
"Oh? Ran into a little trouble?" Beryl asked curiously. "What might that little trouble be?"
"Six girls in sailor outfits that call themselves the Sailor Scouts. Then there was Tuxedo Mask and Neo Knight, two boys wearing a black and white tuxedo." Jedite answered embarrassed.
"And these wretched humans defeated you? One of the four great generals of the mighty Negaverse!" Beryl asked appalled.
Jedite frowned and replied, "That is correct."
"Well, I'll give you another chance, seeing as how they just snuck up on you. Next time you better not fail."
"Thank you Queen Beryl." Jedite bowed and said, "I will not fail again."
As he turned to walk away Beryl said, "Oh and Jedite?"
Jedite stopped and turned around. "Yes Queen Beryl?"
"Next time you go, take the other generals with you. I want to put a stop to these pests before their problem progresses any further."
"As you wish. I already have a plan that involves them and would easily defeat the Sailor Scouts your majesty."
"Oh?" Beryl asked, now curious.
"Yes." Jedite then began to reveal his plan to Queen Beryl.
"Hmm…it sounds promising. I approve. Get rid of those pests this time Jedite."
"Yes My Queen." Jedite bowed then turned around and left.
He walked back to his quarters where the other generals were waiting.
"So Jedite, I heard you failed today." Zoycite taunted.
"Yeah, word has it you were defeated by worthless humans."
"Shut up Malachite!" Jedite yelled. "You would have been too. All of you would."
"Calm down Jedite. We know that. We want to be ride of them just as much as you do. We just love the fact that it was you that failed and not us." The other generals laughed while Jedite sent death glares at them. "So when are you planning your next attack?" Nephlite asked.
"I was thinking that we would enroll at the junior high next week to find the perfect target. Younger humans always have more energy."
"WHAT!" The three said in unison.
"You expect us to mingle with those disgusting humans?" Zoycite questioned.
"Yes I do, and so does Queen Beryl." Jedite said with a huge grin on his face.
"Are you saying what I think you're saying?" Malachite asked.
"Yep."
"I can't believe you went over this with Queen Beryl before us. Shouldn't we know ahead of time?" Nephlite questioned.
"Maybe, but I also knew that if I went over it with her first, and she approved, then there was no way you could back out of it. Besides, Queen Beryl said that she wanted the pests gone before they got out of control and this seemed to be the best way to do that."
Malachite sighed. "Fine, what school will we be attending?"
"You can't really be serious about this Malachite?"
"We have no other choice Zoycite. We don't want to go against Beryl. You know how powerful she is." Malachite explained.
"I guess you're right." Zoycite said, giving in. "So Jedite, what wretched human school will we be attending?"
"Well you three will be attending Crossroads Junior High School."
"Wait a minute. If we have to attend some human school, so do you." Nephlite said annoyed.
"Chill out. You three are going to Crossroads while I am going to a private religious school near by." Jedite explained.
"Why not have like two and two?" Malachite asked.
"Well the private school is the second school that Queen Beryl had a feeling about, the first being Crossroads, but there aren't as many students there as at Crossroads. So, Queen Beryl said that we should go three and one."
"Okay then, that makes sense, I guess. When are we enrolling?" Nephlite asked.
"Well today is Friday so we enroll first thing Monday." Jedite stated.
India sat in the study of her house, holding a phone to her ear.
"Yes, I know you didn't mean to. I was just wondering what had happened since you never forget anything." She sat listening patiently to the reply. "That's fine. I'm just glad nothing was wrong; that's what I was primarily worried about."
After a few minutes, she yawned. "Yeah, you're right. I do need to get some sleep. School tomorrow is gonna be hell. I hate Mondays." She smiled when she heard him laugh. "You get some sleep too. You sound exhausted." She grinned at the next comment and said, "Okay then, I'll talk to you tomorrow. Sweet dreams. Night Darien."
India hung up the phone, sighed, and made her way to say good night to her parents. With the good night's said, India went to her room and stood leaning against her closed bedroom door with her eyes closed. After ten seconds or so, she sighed, walked to her bed and got her stuffed purple dragon that held a white envelope between its upper claws.
With her dragon in hand, she walked to her window, sat down in her window seat, and looked at the Moon. What are you doing India? You just got off the phone with your boyfriend and although you acted the same as always, maybe just the slightest bit distant, all you could think about was his best friend!
India then looked away from the Moon and looked down at the dragon in her hands. "Oh Meilin how am I gonna deal with this? I've had you since I was three and you have heard all my problems and seen all my tears throughout the years. Even though you're a stuffed animal, I feel as if you've somehow given me the strength to make it through all those trials. Now is a time I wish you were real and could tell me what's happening and how to fix it."
She smiled weakly at Meilin, her true best friend for all eternity, and then looked back at the moon. As she sat staring at the luminous object in the sky, she thought about how Andrew looked when she first laid eyes on him. Just as that thought registered in her mind, a picture of Andrew smiling and waving flashed before her eyes, with the moon and dark blue sky as his background. India smiled warmly and thought You look so natural there. As if you were born to fly and mingle with the stars.
Her smile grew warmer and, with the stars above reflecting in her eyes, she said, "Oh Andrew what am I gonna do about you?"
Monday morning
Serena stood looking out at the horizon. "Man I'm tired. All that training Luna and Artemis had us do over the weekend was exhausting. Don't know why I'm up this early though."
She walked to a near by bench and sat down enjoying the small breeze blowing by her. Guess it must have been because of him. Ever since I met Darien I have been having dreams about him. Why am I experiencing these feelings for him? I'm Andrew's girlfriend. He should be the one in my dreams. I should be more concerned that he was all right the other night. Not thinking about his best friend 24-7. Serena how are you gonna get yourself out of this one?
She sat enjoying the moment a little longer when she absently looked down at her watch. "Uh-oh! Time to get going. I can't wait to see the looks on Miss H's and the girls' faces when I walk in on time with my completed homework." With that, Serena hurried off to Crossroads.
As she walked along the sidewalk, she closed her eyes and thought It's so nice to be able to walk to school instead of running. Much less stressful. While rounding a corner, with her mind on her thoughts, she bumped right into someone and they both fell to the ground.
Serena, too embarrassed to look at the person she had klutzily ran into, started gathering her things and said, "I'm so sorry. I wasn't paying any attention to where I was going."
The other person, who was also gathering his things, replied, "It's all right. I wasn't either."
The two people froze as soon as the voices registered in their brains and the same thought ran through their minds. It can't be! They looked up and locked eyes. The two just stared at each other, different thoughts running through their minds, until he broke the eye contact.
"Hello Serena! On you're way to school?"
"HiYa Darien! Yes, just trying to show the girls I can be responsible."
"That makes sense."
Darien and Serena gathered all their things and stood up, a tense silence between them.
"I really am sorry. Guess I still have some klutz left in me after all." Serena said with a smile. Why couldn't I have run into someone else? Anyone else: a cop, a thief, or even another friend! Why did it have to be him? But, for some reason, I wanted to see him this morning. I know I shouldn't, but I feel like I'm complete when he's around. Serena shook her head to clear her thoughts. Don't be ridiculous Serena! Darien is Andrew's best friend. You can't feel that way about your boyfriend's best friend!
"It's perfectly all right. It was my fault too. I was lost in my thoughts and not paying any attention." Darien replied, returning her smile. Lady of the Moon I hope you have a good reason for making me run into her like this. I can't endure this torture much longer. Until I get these feelings figured out, I can't see her. With that thought, Darien's smile lost some of its brightness. Why do I feel like a knife has just been thrust through my heart?
The two friends, with very confused thoughts, stood smiling at each other until Darien said, "Well I guess I better let you go. Don't want you to be late."
"Yeah. Sorry again. See you Darien." Serena said, walking away, her heart also in pain.
"Bye…Serena."
Darien stood watching Serena walk away. Lady of the Moon, please help me figure this out. Soon!
Serena walked into the classroom with a smile, enjoying everyone's dropped jaws. It was true she was on time, but what was even more astounding was the fact that she was ten minutes early. She walked over to Miss Haruna's desk, which Miss Haruna was standing by with her hand frozen in mid air, put her homework in the tray on the desk, and walked back to her seat. She sat her books down then proceeded to sit down in her desk. Everyone in the classroom followed every motion Serena made very closely, for no one thought it to be true.
"Serena?"
"Yes Miss H?"
"Are you feeling all right?" Miss Haruna had unfrozen, walked over to Serena, and felt her forehead.
Serena giggled. "Perfect, Miss H. Just felt like doing things a little different today." Serena finished with a bright smile.
"I think 'different' is quite an understatement Serena." With her comment said, the others in the class started laughing and she made her way back to her desk to finish getting ready for class.
After five minutes of senseless chatter, the school bell rang. Suddenly, three young men walked in. All conversations ceased and a curious silence fell of the room.
One of the guys, who had dark brown hair to his shoulder blades, walked over and handed a piece of paper to Miss Haruna. She read the paper and said, "Class, we have three new students today. Please tell the class your names and tell us a little bit about yourselves."
The three nodded and the one who gave Miss Haruna the paper went first. "Hello! My name is Neph Star and I'm 15. I originally lived in Kawasaki, but had to move to the United States because of my parent's jobs. Then last year we moved back to Japan. We now live in Tokyo where the company my parent's work for relocated."
When Neph finished, he turned to the guy with light brown hair the same length as his, though pulled back in a ponytail, and shook his head.
The young man with the ponytail glared at Neph slightly before he smiled at the class and said, "Hi! I'm Zoy Waters and I'm also 15." Not wanting to say much, he looked to the guy with the shoulder blade length silver hair and nodded.
The young smirked at him friends before he faced the class. "HiYa! I'm Mal Rose and I'm 15 as well. Zoy and I have the same story as Neph because both of our parents work with the same company and are the best of friends with his parents. We were brought up together so naturally we are as well. Zoy just doesn't like talking much in front of new people." Mal finished with a smile.
"Well it's nice to meet you all. I'm Miss Haruna, but you can call me Miss H. to the students. Welcome to Crossroads Junior High. I hope you enjoy it. Now let me see…" Miss Haruna trailed off looking at the class trying to figure out where to put them. "I'll put you behind Lita, Amy, and Mina. They are some of the top students in the class and will help you with anything you need." Miss Haruna said pointing to each of the girls.
When each set their eyes on each other, time seemed to freeze. Lita held eye contact with Neph, Zoy stared at Amy, and Mal and Mina were hypnotized by each other. After what seemed like an eternity, the three guys ventured to their seats, still gazing, mindlessly, at the three girls.
Lita, calm down. Sure he's hot, but you can't just stare at him. He'll end up thinking you're some kind of weirdo and never talk to you. Who am I kidding? He's gorgeous! Lita blushed a little at that last thought. She smiled, stood up, and extended her hand. "Hi! I'm Lita Kino. Nice to meet you."
"The pleasure's all mine Lita." Neph said shaking her hand. Nephlite, what in the universe do you think you are doing? You can't possibly be feeling anything for this human girl! Then what was that I just felt?
"Hello there. I'm Amy Mizuno. Welcome to Crossroads." Amy said, standing and extending her hand. Well, this one sure looks cute. AMY! What are you thinking! You're supposed to help him get situated, not like him. Amy, don't fall for him. You don't have time for a relationship remember?
"Thanks Amy." Zoy smiled and shook Amy's hand. Calm down Zoycite! That jolt you just felt was only…static electricity. Yeah that's it, static electricity. Just 'cause you think she's gorgeous doesn't mean you can even think about anything besides your mission!
WOW! This guy is quite the looker! Mina blushed a little then smiled, stood, and extended her hand happily. "Hello Mal! The name's Mina Aino. It's great to meet ya." Cool it Mina! I know you think he's drop dead gorgeous with all that beautiful silver hair and that killer smile, but you can't have him. You're suppose to help him get settled, not fall for him and try to get him to be you're boyfriend. Well, not right now anyway.
Watch it Malachite. You're on a mission. Not a search for a girlfriend. Malachite shook her hand and smiled. "Hi there Mina. I agree completely." Okay, now that was just…I dunno what that was, but I'm not going to pay any attention to it. You have a mission to accomplish so focus on that. Focus damn it!
After the class calmed down and the six new acquaintances finally finished shaking hands and were in their seats, Miss Haruna started talking. The six students, however, weren't paying attention to her at all. All their attention was focused on the person in front of or behind them. "Now we have to talk about volunteers."
"Volunteers for what?"
"Glad you asked Molly. Crossroads and the private school down the road are hosting a dance at the Millennium Palace that was just recently built. They asked all the teachers at the faculty meeting last week to mention it to our classes and get as many volunteers as possible to help put it all together. So who would be willing to help out?"
The six daydreamers heard the words Millennium and dance and said, "What!"
Raye walked into her classroom exhausted. "Man I ought to kill Luna and Artemis for making us train all damn day yesterday. It's bad enough I haven't gotten a lot of sleep because of Jedite and the Negaverse, but that early morning training session has about killed me. Watch me fall asleep in class today and get detention like Serena. Wouldn't she just love that?"
She walked to her desk, sat down, and put her head down on her arms. "Just a little nap…" She mumbled as she quickly fell to sleep. As soon as she closed her eyes, she had a dream about a young man, her age, and gorgeous as ever, walking into her class and saying he was a new student. Raye just looked at him with a déjà vu feeling. Right as he started to introduce himself, the bell rang and Raye woke up.
"Damn it all! Go figure, that always happens." Raye mumbled. She sat back, slightly annoyed, and waited for her teacher to begin the long day. Right as the teacher started, the door open and a young man with short blonde hair walked in. Raye mouth dropped. It's him! The guy from my dream!
The teacher looked over the paper that the young man handed him and asked that he introduce himself to the class. "Hello. My name is Jed Blaze and I'm 15. I recently moved back to Japan from being in the United States for a year and am glad to be home. I was born and raised in Kawasaki. I hope to make lots of friends here."
When Jed finished, the teacher welcomed him and told him to sit behind Raye. Jed looked to see who Raye was and, as soon as his eyes spotted her, he froze. Why do I feel like I've met this girl somewhere? Better yet, what's this feeling? I'm a top general in the Negaverse; I can't have feelings like this. I won't allow myself to have feelings of any kind!
Still staring, Jed walked towards Raye with his hand outstretched, reaching for hers. "Hello Raye. It's nice to meet you."
Raye smiled, blushed slightly, before replying, "Hi. It's a pleasure." Raye stood, shook his hand, and felt a light, warm shiver run down her spine. What was that? They both thought.
Both Jed and Raye each seemed lost in their thoughts. Finally, they sat down, allowing the teacher to begin talking. "Before I start the lesson, I have been asked to see if anyone would like to volunteer with students from Crossroads in the dance our two schools are hosting together? It will be held at the newly built Millennium Palace. Is anyone interested in volunteering?"
Only hearing the words Millennium, dance, and Crossroads, Jed and Raye snapped suddenly out of their contemplation. "Huh!"
That's the end of this chapter. What'd ya think? All comments and criticism, good or bad, are welcome. Well, that's enough from me. I'm gonna go start on chapter 6 now. Wish me luck and take care everyone!
Ja Ne
Duos Gurl
P.S. Anyone want to read more of my work? Well partly mine anyway. If the answer is yes, then go check out Moon Sisters. It's under the name MidnightDuoLovers. This New York Chick and Texas Gal have been working diligently trying to get past the obstacle that our muse left us Go read it and let us know what you think. Bye!
