Hi and welcome to the fourth chapter of Homicide. I hope you are enjoying my story so far and I hope you enjoy and review this chapter. I'm going to keep the notes short since this chapter is so long. So please review and refer to my endnotes.
Homicide: The Death of Serena
A work by Crystaldove
Chapter 4
Monday
September 21 9:00 a.m.
"How dare you wish for the best Miss H! Don't you realize that this is your fault? If you didn't 'embarrass' her like that she would have never left!! You have been savoring in your humiliation of her. What do you think would happen if her parents knew what you did to her? They think that everything was their fault not knowing you were the catalyst!"
"Molly, you will hold your tongue and remain in your seat. You will say nothing to her parents about what happened on Friday…"
"And what if she doesn't, what makes you think they don't already know? The officers have already started questioning people on why she would have left, don't you think your name hasn't been mentioned yet?"
"AMY! You didn't?"
"And what if I did? What are you going to do, fail me? I can't stay in here, I let you just kill her inside, I hope nothing has happened to her!"
With saying that, Amy ran out of the room followed by Molly and Melvin.
A week went by with no word on the young blond. One afternoon a fishing boat coming into port brought back a very peculiar catch. The police was contacted immediately. The visit the Tsukino's were dreading happened…
September 25
2:15 p.m.- Tsukino Household
A knock was heard on the door and Mrs. Tsukino and upon opening it all the color left her face. She had seen this scene too many times on cop shows. Tears started rolling down her face and Luna saw what appeared to be a pink jacket in the officer's hand.
'That jacket looks familiar, oh no it's Serena's' Luna ran out the door and headed toward Juuban Jr. High.
"Mrs. Tsukino, some fisherman pulled this out of the bay, does it belong to your daughter?"
Mrs. Tsukino looked at the pink jacket with white bunnies on it and noticed that there was a rip, a jagged rip with what looked like blood saturating it. She seized the jacket and opened it up… the back of her once pink jacket was tinted red. The officer tried his best to conceal this fact only wanting the clothing to be identified.
"Is…she…is she dead?"
"We don't know, we can't determine anything until we find a body. This just means that she was on the docks, this may not be her blood; someone might have taken the jacket from her. I'm taking this to the lab now for DNA identification. Until we actually find her or a witness, this is still circumstantial. We are now increasing our efforts and will commence a search of the water in the morning. For now, all you can do is pray for the safe return of your child."
"Thank you officer." Mrs. Tsukino closed the door. "SERENA!!! You have to be ok! You can't leave me like this, I never got to tell you how much I love you!"
September 27
4:15 p.m. Crown Arcade
The girls sat at Crown looking solemn; Darien sat at a nearby booth drinking coffee. They respective searches brought up nothing. The scouts had been struggling for the past week as well, not only has Sailor Moon disappeared, but it seems that Tuxedo Mask has disappeared as well. While Lita was pondering that, screams were heard nearby. The girls exchanged uneasy glances and ran outside. Darien recognized this as an attack of the Negaverse and left as well.
'I was wondering when they were going to attack again, but I don't feel Sailor Moon's energy.' Darien thought.
He brought out a transformation rose and transformed anyway. The scouts on the other hand were having a tough time.
"Hey, where is our back-up when we need it?"
"Well Mars, since you're sooo great, maybe you don't need any assistance." Jupiter screamed around attacks, she felt deep down that Mars was happy that Serena/Sailor Moon had disappeared.
Zoicite was relentless this time…since getting rid of Nephlite she had doubled her efforts to receive the rainbow crystals.
"Where is that pathetic leader of yours? Have you finally gotten rid of the coward? Humans, why would you have your weakest warrior to be the leader?"
"That's what I always wondered?" Mars said, but not too quietly that Tuxedo Mask didn't hear.
The latest holder of the rainbow crystal was an alley cat that Luna had befriended. The scouts had to figure out a way to reverse the effects without the moon wand. Luna had tried giving the wand to one of the other scouts, but it's magic is only reserved for Sailor Moon. To combat and release the hold on this particular shadow warrior, Luna had to speak to him as its friend. Since Luna had befriended the cat earlier and was able to convince it to stop it's destruction of Tokyo. After the girls weakened the monster, its friendship with Luna released the spell. Tuxedo Mask stayed in the shadows until the smoke had cleared.
"Where is Sailor Moon?"
"Huh, oh Tuxedo Mask, where have you been?"
"That's really not any of your concern Mars. I asked you where is Sailor Moon?"
"Um, well she resigned two weeks ago?" Tuxedo Mask tilted his head sideways and looked at Mercury.
"Say that again please?"
"She um, resigned."
"Well, that explains where I've been."
"What do you mean?"
"My mission, aside from retrieving the rainbow crystals from the Negaverse, is to protect Sailor Moon. If you haven't noticed, I'm usually the first person to arrive to a battle after she does."
"That's not true, you help all of us!" Mars quipped in.
"Yes, but her safety has always been first. Now would you be so kind to tell me why she resigned?"
"That doesn't matter! We needed you and you weren't here!!"
"Mars, green should be your color because you reek with envy now. And I heard your comment to Zoicite's question. You have wondered why she was chosen leader. Well, she has had more experience fighting the Negaverse, and she is the chosen scout of the moon, whose princess you are searching for."
"How do you know that?" Mercury asked
"I know lots of things…well if you see me in battle again, it's because I was in the vicinity." He turned around and left. Darien headed home. 'First Serena and now Sailor Moon, and that Sailor Mars, she reminds me of someone.
September 28
3:30 p.m.
"Hey Amy!"
"Oh, hi Molly."
"Have you heard anything about Serena yet?"
"I'm sorry to report we haven't heard a thing. I was going to the arcade, want to go?"
"Sure."
"Hi Lita, Andrew. How are you doing Darien?"
"Huh, oh hi Amy, I'm ok."
The ringing of the door's bells interrupted the small talk of the group. The five stared at the entrance of a tall, wavy, brown-haired man with green eyes. He was about 6'1 and looked to be around 27; too old to be hanging out at the arcade.
"Whoa, he's hunky!" Lita whispered, "He looks like…"
"Not now Lita." Amy cut her off, "But he is cute." Lita and Molly looked at Amy questionably.
"What?" She whispered harshly. The girls just shook their heads.
"I'm looking for Amy Anderson and Lita Kino."
"That's us, who are you?"
"I'm Detective Monroe of the Juuban Police Department. I need to speak to you about your friend Serena Tsukino."
"No!" Molly gasped, "Something's bad has happened to her!"
"And you are?"
"I'm Molly, Molly Baker, Serena's been my best friend since grade 3. Please tell me if something's happened."
"Well we suspect fowl play in her disappearance. We haven't physically found her, but have found her belongings by the docks that indicate a probable homicide."
"No, not Serena, it can't be…anyone but her!" Darien started muttering to himself, but this didn't go unnoticed by the detective. While the girls sat in shock, Andrew tried to comfort them.
"Excuse me, I couldn't help overhearing your reaction to my announcement, who might you be?"
"I'm Darien Chiba. I'm a 'friend' of Serena."
"Kind of old to be friends with a junior high kid aren't you? What year are you?"
"I'm in college, I'm a freshman."
"Well, that's about what a 6 year difference. Hmm, where do you live in case I need to ask you a few questions?"
"I live in Azuba Terrace."
"The balcony apartments. That's kind of swanky even for a college kid. How can you afford something like that?"
"Well I have a job, and I use to make a decent living modeling."
"Oh, a pretty boy, using your charms to wile young girls huh?"
"No sir, it's noting like that. I still receive royalties from past shoots."
"Uh huh, I see. Well I need to ask all of you some questions. Do you know of anyone who would want to see harm done to Serena?"
"No, Serena liked everyone."
"That's not what I asked Miss Kino. I want to know who disliked her? Did she have any bullies intimidating her, was she the victim of cruel jokes, etc."
"Not that I can think of like that sir, sure there were some people who disliked her because she was so nice to everyone."
"So was there anyone who seemed to have it out for her or anyone who might have been angry or jealous of her?" With this question, various names popped up in the heads of Molly, Amy, Lita and Darien.
"Look, I understand if you are afraid so you don't have to answer me right here and now. Here is my card, call me if you can think of anything."
"Ok Detective Monroe."
"You don't have to be formal Miss Kino, call me Jared."
"Only if you call me Lita."
"Deal." Detective Monroe smiled and left the arcade.
"Ames, I think I'm in love."
"Lita, you just met him."
"But he told 'me' to call him Jared. Isn't that the most beautiful name?"
"Yeah, whatever. Anyway, what are we going to do about what he said?"
"I don't believe him, I mean I don't believe that someone has harmed her. We need to look for ourselves. Personally I think you should tell him about what happened at school."
"I don't want to get Miss H in trouble, but she still hasn't stopped the snide comments, even after she learned of Serena's disappearance. But what about Raye…I don't want to think about it but she is the only one who isn't sad or remorseful about Serena. What are we to do Lita?"
"We need to talk later, I hope for our sake that the detective was wrong." The girls whispered to each other.
Andrew was still comforting Molly and Darien had stepped outside. After his impromptu questioning with Detective Monroe, Darien was afraid. He didn't want to believe that something had happened to Serena.
'I need to do some research on my own. I hope the Negaverse doesn't attack, but what also is strange is the resignation of Sailor Moon. Maybe I can get some information out of Mercury and Jupiter so I can talk to her. That Mars isn't any help, she seems glad that Sailor Moon resigned.'
The next few days were very strange. Det. Monroe began questioning several of Serena's classmates and friends. By the end of the week he had several leads.
November 3
Juuban Jr. High- 3:15
Detective Monroe ran across Amy and Lita leaving school.
"Detective Monroe."
"Good afternoon Amy, hello Lita."
"Um hi, Jared what are you doing here?"
"I've been told that Serena's teacher had a tendency of being rather harsh with her, embarrassing her constantly in front of her classmates. And I was also told that she was extremely brutal to her the day of her disappearance."
"Yes…she was."
"Amy, do you know something?"
"Yes sir, I'm in that class…I don't want to cause trouble. But I think that Miss H had it out for Serena, it just seemed that she always picked on her."
"Hmm, that's interesting." Det. Monroe said while jotting down notes on his pad. "Well you're not the first person to tell me that. Frankly, that's why I'm here; it places her high on my list of possible suspects. Most kidnappings, murders and homicides are committed by persons the victims know. They are the people least suspected, but they are the ones I investigate first."
"Re…really?" Stuttered Amy.
"Yeah from what I can tell your friend Serena is very special. She seemed to bring happiness to those around her."
"Uh Jared?"
"Yeah Lita."
"I know you might can't do this, but can you tell us anything you've found out so far. Serena is like a sister to me, she was the first friend I made when I came to this school. She was the only person who wasn't afraid of the rumors that I was mean and liked to fight. She showed me that there are people that are kind in this world, she showed me just because we are different, doesn't mean we can't be friends." Lita said with tears coming down her face. "She means so much to me and has been there for me when I'm down; I wasn't there for here, I should have been there for her to talk to! She didn't have to run away, she could have stayed with me." Jared moved and held Lita in a protective grip. After she calmed down a bit he spoke to her again.
"Well, that goes against procedure, but I see just how important she is to you, and how much you miss her. I can tell you this, her belongings were found on the docks near pier 19. Some fisherman pulled her jacket out of the water and her books were found behind a dumpster."
"Oh thank you Jared!" Lita said jumping back into his arms hugging him. "I'm sorry, you must think of me as being forward."
"No, I don't, well I gotta go ladies. Don't get into trouble, I'll see you around." He said with a wink and walked into the building.
"Did you hear what he said?"
"Yeah, they found Serena's stuff around pier 19!"
"He doesn't think I'm forward…oh he is so fine, and his eyes are like emeralds." Said Lita in a dreamy voice.
"Lita!"
"I'm sorry Amy, it's great what he told us, now we know where to start our search, but I just don't like the idea that we are looking for her…bo…body. I'm just trying to get my mind off of her."
"I understand Lita, I feel the same way. Lets go, we can go see if Andrew wants to come with us, maybe Darien too."
"Yeah, but what about Raye?"
"I don't know, she seems a bit to happy for me, I know she has her own way of expressing herself, but she just seems glad Serena is missing."
"So I'm not just paranoid in that belief. Hmm, I'm going to keep an eye on her. Come on, it's almost 4:00 lets get to the arcade."
Room 207- Juuban Jr. High
3:40 p.m.
-Knock Knock-
"Yes, may I help you?"
"I'm looking for Miss Haruna."
"That would be me."
"My name is Detective Jared Monroe with the Juuban Police. I'm investigating the disappearance of Serena Tsukino. May I ask you a few questions?"
"Um certainly Det. Monroe, but why me, I don't know anything about what happened to her?"
"What makes you think that anything has happened to her?"
"It's just, well, stop trying to but words in my mouth!"
"No, I have been given the distinct impression from several witnesses that you on more than one occasion has caused emotional pain and ridicule to Serena. This could be a dominating factor in her disappearance."
"What! Are you trying to accuse me of harming my student?"
"No, you just accused yourself of harming Serena, I never mentioned harm at your hands."
"The hell you say! You just came here accusing me of causing emotional pain to Serena!"
"Why are you on the defensive Miss Haruna? I haven't said a thing, not less accuse you of anything. All I want to know is what happened the last day she was seen in your class."
"What do you want to know from me, you probably already know that days events?"
"Miss Haruna, if this is how you speak to an adult, then the statements I've received about your conduct with your students must be true!"
"Well I 'NEVER'!"
"And you'll never again with that attitude! How would you like for me to report this incident to the school board? Better yet, to the parents of the students you teach?"
"You wouldn't?"
"I could, but I don't take pleasure in causing others pain! And if I were you, I'd get a lawyer, you will be called in for questioning! Good day!"
With that Det. Monroe stormed out of the class, leaving a shaken Miss H clutching her arms around herself.
Later that day the scouts had a meeting at the shrine.
"Luna, I think you need to appoint another leader. All teams have them and since you don't fight, you need to pick someone dependable who is serious about the mission."
"Raye you can't possibly be thinking about that at a time like this!"
"No Lita someone needs too, just because Serena bailed doesn't mean the Negaverse will stop attacking or the mission is complete!"
"She's right I'm afraid." Luna answered. "But until she is found…I will not appoint another leader."
"Luna! She resigned, gave you back her broach and crescent wand; we have no leader! There is no Sailor
Moon!"
Lita was a storm on the brink of unleashing until Raye said her last statement. Lita jumped up and lunged at Raye punching her in the jaw. Amy sprinted between the two and tried to hold them apart.
"Guys please stop this, now isn't the time for us to fight!
"Let me at her Amy, she hit me for no reason!"
"No reason? Serena could be seriously hurt and all you can do is think about getting yourself appointed as leader!"
"So what's the problem with that, 'we' are still a team…"
"And we will be one with or without a leader! I'm disappointed in both of you. Lita, you need to exhibit self-control with your emotions. And Raye…you have been trying to slander Serena since she disappeared. You haven't shown one bit of grief or remorse. You've put her down now more than ever and I will 'not' tolerate such selfishness again!"
"I'm sorry Luna, I shouldn't have hit Raye, but I meant the emotion behind the punch."
"I understand Lita."
"What do you mean Luna? I care that she's gone."
"More like you 'don't' care that she's gone."
"Amy!"
"Well, Darien has expressed more worry for her than you have, and she's supposed to be your friend."
"I can't believe my 'friends' are treating me like this!"
"Well, we can't believe that our 'friend' doesn't care that Serena could be hurt…she may never come back or worse…can't come back." Amy said with lips quivering.
"Well, I don't have to defend myself to you guys. You are supposed to be my friends. This meeting is over." Raye said pointing to the door.
"Well 'friend' if your actions weren't so questionable, you wouldn't feel the need to defend yourself."
"Lita."
"Don't say anything Amy." Lita said as they descended the shire stairs. "I know what you're thinking, we need proof."
"Girls, you don't possibly think that Raye had anything to do with Serena's disappearance. Do you think she did something to Serena?"
"Well, she hasn't been sorry about the last fight she had with Serena, and you saw how upset she gets whenever we mention her." Lita said
"I must admit, you are correct about that. But we need proof and we don't have any leads."
"But we do have a lead Luna. Det. Monroe told Lita where Serena's jacket and books were found. We came here to report on what he said and recruit some help to find a lead. We were going to ask Raye to consult the fire, but I don't think she would opt to help. Let's see if Darien and Andrew want to go."
The girls and Luna walked to the arcade, upon entering they found Darien turn towards them with hope in his eyes; hope that Serena would be giggling behind them. His hope dissipated when he just saw Amy and Lita.
"Hey girls, how are things today?"
"Actually, there better Andrew."
"Serena has been found!" Darien interjected while running to Lita.
"No, not yet Darien but we're here get some help."
"What kind of help Amy?"
"Lita and I spoke with Det. Monroe today. He gave us, well he gave Lita, a tip about where Serena's things were found."
"Really Lita, how did you do that?"
"Oh Andrew, I simply asked Jared and he understood my friendship with Serena. He told me she must mean a lot to me and told me where they found her stuff."
"Jared huh? Now Lita…" Andrew said with a condescending tone.
"What?"
"How come you refer to Det. Monroe on a first named basis?"
"He insisted, he is so mature…anyway Amy and I are going down to the docks to look around and was wondering…"
"Count me in!" Darien interjected before Lita could ask.
"That's great Darien, how about you Andrew?"
"I wish I could, but there is no one to watch the arcade, but I will keep an eye out incase someone has seen her."
"Good idea, Darien when do you want to go?"
"Umm, how about…now."
"Sounds good to me, Amy?"
"Lets go."
Darien, Amy and Lita walked to the other size of Azuba-Juuban towards the Ten'noh district. While they walked Darien began asking people about her. In his hands was a beautifully hand-drawn sketch of Serena, which he showed around.
"Uh Darien, where did you get that picture of Serena from?"
"I kinda drew it Lita."
"Really?" She said taking the picture from his hands. "This is absolutely breathtaking. It looks exactly like her Darien!"
"Yes, it's very good Darien, are you minoring in Art?"
"No, it's a hobby." Both girls saw that he was getting uncomfortable and dropped the subject. As they approached the pier, it got darker even though the sun hadn't set.
"Be careful girls, I hear there are unsavory types lurking around here." Amy walked with her head down wishing she could use her visor to scan for any trace of Serena. She rounded the corner and bumped into someone.
End chapter
Hi! I know I ended the chapter again in the middle of rising action, but this is like 10 pages of text. THANK YOU FOR ALL THE WONDERFUL REVIEWS. I'm glad that this isn't the normal, cliché type 1st season story. Well you will be meeting several new people in the next few chapters so I hope you can keep up. I should post the next installment of this and my others works by the end of the week. CONTINUE TO REWIEW and I'll see you next time.
Dove