Blonde Exchange, by Boyce
Chapter 2 : Who Are You?
/ Cherry Hill Temple \
The light vanished. Raye turned her head, and avoided the flash made by the light. When she turned her head again, she saw some blonde hair. "What just happened Mina?", she asked. But when she looked entirely where her friend was, she had a big surprise.
Raye : Hey! You're not Mina! Who are you? What did you do with her?
Celes : What the hell just happened?
Raye : ANSWER ME!
Celes : Watch you tongue girl... Or I'll slice you in two.
Raye : Just try it, you imposter.
Celes : All right. You asked for it.
Celes took her Atma Weapon out. It was glowing a bright blue, and she made a quick swing at Raye. Raye sense it, and made a black flip to avoid it. "Not bad girl... Not bad", Celes replied. Serena was stunned, and went inside to tell that there was this girl attacking Raye. Celes was running at Raye with her sword, and Raye was avoiding each blow. "All right girl... Try avoiding this! PEARL!", she screamed. She lift her hands in the air, and light pearls appeared in her hands. As she was about to launch her magic attack, she was struck by an unknown force.
"JUPITER THUNDER CRASH"
The lightning of Jupiter hit Celes. She lost her concentration, and fell to her knees. Her Atma Weapon was now shorter. Celes turned her head, and saw 3 unknown warriors to her.
Celes : Such power... Only one blast, and I'm already this weak... Go ahead and kill me then...
Raye : Hey! We don't want to kill you... Not before you told us what you did to Mina...
Celes : I don't know any Mina...
Moon : Then how come you were standing exactly where she was?
Celes : What are you saying? I was with Locke, heading back at Figaro castle. Then this medallion glowed, and I was now here...
Mercury: Figaro castle? Where could that be? I don't know any places called Figaro castle...
Celes : It's in the desert, near Narshe...
Jupiter: Narshe?
Celes : Yeah! Don't you know your geography? Narshe, Figaro, Jidoor, Mobliz... These are towns around the world!
Moon : I think she hit her head very hard, don't you think?
Mercury: I don't know Serena... Look at her : Armor, sword... Maybe she does comes from somewhere else.
Celes : What is this town called then?
Jupiter: You're in Tokyo of course. And it's a city, not a town...
Celes : Tokyo? What a stupid name for a city
Raye : ANYWAY, what is you name?
Celes : My name is Celes... Celes Chere.
Raye : (Looking at her) Hmm... You talked about a medallion right? Is it related to Fire?
Celes : (Surprised) How did you know that?
Moon : Yeah Raye... How did you know that?
Raye : (Panicking) Oh man... It's the legend! The legend associated with the necklace of Mina.
Mercury: Calm down Raye... What legend are you talking about? Tell us.
Raye : (Calming down) Come in... I'll tell you. Hmm Celes is that it? Maybe you'd better come inside too...
Celes : How do I know it's not a trap?
Jupiter: Nothing, but it may be the only way to get to the end of this mystery. I'm sorry about this attack, but I couldn't let you hurt Raye.
Celes : You must be Raye then... I'm sorry about my panic. But I'm a bit hot tempered as you seen...
Raye : (Smiling) We'll explain everything when we get inside. And don't worry about the attacks. I'm use to that.
Celes : You are? How come?
Mercury: Come inside... We'll tell you what we mean.
Moon : (Low-voice) They have a lot in common Raye and her...
The two others girls laughed. Celes withdrew her weapon, and walked inside the Temple. The 4 girls entered right after her. Raye started explaining the legend the clerk told her and Mina about the snow necklace.
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/ Figaro Desert \
Locke was on his Chocobo when he heard a scream coming from behind him. He stopped his Chocobo, and looked. He saw the Chocobo of Celes running toward him... with nobody on it. He caught the Chocobo, and ordered his Chocobo to go back where he came from. After a couple of seconds, he saw a pair of legs coming out of the sand. He laughed, and stopped his Chocobo. He got down, walking toward the legs. "Poor Celes", he said smiling! He pulled out on the legs. "There you go Celes. What happened to you?", he asked her... The blonde girl turned her head to face this man.
Locke : What the? Hey you're not Celes!
Mina : (Spitting some sand) That wasn't a cool experience. (She looked up) Ohhhhhhhhhh! (Eyes turning into hearts) He's so handsome!
Locke : Who are you? Where's Celes?
Mina : Celes? I don't know anybody with that name... My name is Mina.
Locke : Mina... Well I can see you're not Celes, but you are as beautiful as her.
Mina : (Blushing) A... G... Yg...
Locke : What did you do with Celes? You may be cute, but I won't show any mercy!
Mina : But... But I don't know this Celes!
Locke : (Taking is Wing Edge) How come you were riding her Chocobo then?
Mina : A what? A Chopodo?
Locke : Chocobo!
Mina : What's a Chocobo? It sure has a weird name.
Locke : Hmm... You seem so ignorant. A Chocobo is a big bird, just like the one behind me.
Mina : Hey watch your words hot shot. I can't know what's a Chocobo is if I never saw one before.
Locke : Where do you come from then? There's no place in this world where Chocobos are unknown.
Mina : Tokyo, in Japan.
Locke : Tokyo? Japan? Are you sure you feel all right? I'm sorry, but I traveled across the World a lot of times, and there is no town called Tokyo, or Japan.
Mina : I thought so... After seeing those birds. And what's you name?
Locke : I'm the great Locke Cole, world's best treasure hunter.
Mina : Treasure hunting? That's your job? (She starts laughing)
Locke : What's so funny girl?
Mina : Sorry, but from where I come, treasure hunting is not taken seriously.
Locke : That's ridiculous! Look at your medallion. I'm sure it's worth a lot of gold pieces. Celes had one similar to that.
Mina : Gold pieces? This looks like a big old fairy tale... Wait a minute... Did you said you knew a person with another necklace like this one?
Locke : Celes had one... But it was a flame instead of a snowflake.
Mina : A Flame? Oh no... The legend! It's true after all...
Locke : What are you talking about? What legend?
Mina : It's a long story...
Locke : Well, Mina right? You seem like a nice girl that tells the truth after all. Why don't you ride with me back to the castle. You can explain this mystery to me and my friends.
Mina : Beats staying here...
Locke got on his Chocobo. He lowered his hand to Mina. She took it, blushing, and sat right behind Locke. He gave an order, and the Chocobo ran very fast toward the castle. "Where am I?", she thought to herself...
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/ Cherry Hill Temple \
Inside the Temple, the 3 Scouts transformed to their normal forms, at the amazement of Celes. Raye told her 3 friends and Celes what she knew about the medallion of Mina. Serena didn't understand much about it, but she knew her friend was missing. She was lost in her thoughts, and the three others were discussing about this mystery.
Raye : That's all I know...
Lita : This doesn't explain where Mina is. Poor girl...
Amy : Well, it's only logical to think that Mina took the place of Celes in her world. You told us that another medallion would appear when the first one was worn... It seemed that this happened. And Celes was teleported here, right where Mina was sitting... Well that's what I think... What do you think?
Raye : (Tear Drop) Well... Hmm, I'm with you Amy.
Celes : So this Mina girl took my place? I hope she can defend herself, because my world is very dangerous.
Lita : Don't worry about her... She knows how to fight. I just hope Amy is right.
Celes : But how do I get back into my world?
Amy : I'm afraid there is no answer to that question right now Celes... I'm sorry.
Raye : And if Amy says it, there is really nothing we can do for now...
Celes : Damn...
Serena : Well, why don't we go see that clerk again? Maybe he's hiding something...
Raye : (Eyes wide open) Serena... Amazing!
Serena : What did I do?
Lita : (Smiling) That's a great idea Serena.
Raye : Yeah... It's amazing it came from her.
Serena looked at her sadly, and she lowered her head. Amy and Lita looked at Raye in an unpleasant way. That last remark really hurt Serena's feeling. Raye had her mouth opened, but nothing was coming out. She looked at Serena again, and went besides her.
Raye : Serena... I... I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. It was really stupid of me. The suggestion you made was a really good idea. And I'm happy you thought about it.
Serena : (Looking at her) Really? (She hugged Raye) Thank you Raye... Thank you very much.
Raye didn't say a thing. She looked at Serena. She turned her head to look at her two friends. They were now smiling. She smiled too. Celes was in the back, polishing her sword.
Celes : This girl has leadership. Maybe it doesn't show at first sight, but believe me, I know these kind of things, as I already been a general. Serena, don't let the words of others disturb you. You have a good heart and a beautiful spirit. But you must be strong.
Serena : (Stunned) Really? Jeez... Thank you Celes.
Celes : Don't mention it girl...
Lita : Why don't you talk to us about your world Celes?
Amy : Yes. I'm really interested to know how things work in your world.
Celes : Why not... I have nothing else to do anyway.
The 4 girls approached themselves of her. And she told her story. How she was a general in the Empire under Emperor Gestahl, how she was beaten in thrown in prison, accusing of being a spy, how Locke saved her, how she became a member of the Returners that fought against the Empire, how Kefka killed Gestahl, and destroyed their world. She told them about her friends : Edgar, the King of Figaro and his brother Sabin. Cyan, a Knight from Doma who lost is family tragically. Setzer, the gambling man, and owner of the world's only airship. Shadow, the mystical ninja and his dog Interceptor. The little Relm who could draw anything and her grand-father Strago with lots of wisdom. The little Moogles who are always adorable. The savage Gau who lived on the Veldt. Gogo and Umaro, two very weird but lovely characters. And finally, the beautiful Terra who can turn onto an Esper, and Locke, the world's best treasure hunter. She explained what were Espers, and at the end, how they defeated Kefka and brought peace to the world again.
Amy : FASCINATING! That's a nice story.
Serena : I'm glad you understood Amy... My head is spinning.
Raye : It's incredible... A world where you can use magic at will. Nobody can do that here.
Celes : That's my world... A once beautiful world, destroyed by an evil man. Luckily, life goes on.
Lita : (Yawning) Well, it was an interesting, but long story... How about we go to bed, so that tomorrow we can be in good shape.
Raye : You're right... Celes, you'll sleep here. Do you guys want to sleep here too?
Amy : I have no problem with that...
Lita : It will be quicker for tomorrow.
Raye : Serena?
Serena : Zzzzzzzz Zzzzzzzz Zzzzzzzz
Raye : (Tear Drop) She's unbelievable...
Amy : (Laughing) Well, I guess that's a "Yes".
Raye : All right... Well, I'll bring blankets for you girls.
Celes : I'm not very sleepy... I'll look at the sky a bit... I'll eventually fall to sleep, like I always do.
Lita : (Putting a hand on her shoulder) Hey... Don't worry. We'll find a way to send you back Celes...
Celes : (Smiling) Thank you Lita... I'll be okay.
The girls went to sleep. "Good night Mina... Where ever you are", thought Amy. Celes was watching the sky. There was no expression on her face. She was just looking, thinking about many things. A tear fell from her eyes... After a long time and reflexion, she finally felt into a deep sleep.
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/ Figaro Castle \
Locke explained the situation to his friend Edgar. When Edgar heard this weird story, he called his brother and Terra to help him out. He didn't know what to do in this situation.
Edgar : So... Hmm Mina, you're saying you don't know how you arrived here.
Mina : (Kneeling) Exactly, your Highness.
Edgar : Please get up. And call me Edgar. I hate being called by my title.
Mina : (She got up) All right.
Terra : This is a strange story indeed. It's like you took the place with Celes, and she disappeared when you arrived.
Locke : What are you trying to say Terra?
Terra : Well... Maybe if she's here, Celes took her place in her world.
Sabin : I don't believe this story. I'm sure it's a trick or something, to take over the throne.
Edgar : Come on Sabin. A girl with such beauty can't have dark intentions...
Mina : (Blushing) Well... Hmm... I...
Sabin : That's your soft spot. Remember Celes. She was once in the Empire, and she's very cute too.
Locke : Hey! Have you got an eye on her Sabin?
Sabin : What? Hey back off Locke!
Terra : That's enough you two... You're acting like little kids.
Edgar : ANYWAY! You think the medallion is responsible for this Mina?
Mina : I'm positive about it. The clerk told me a legend about it, where another medallion similar to this one representing fire would appear if the snow one was worn. And Locke told me that this girl Celes had a fire medallion around her neck before she disappeared.
Edgar : Locke, where did she get that?
Locke : We defeated a Chimera in the cave leading to South Figaro.
Sabin : That's impossible. There's no Chimera in this part of the world.
Locke : Well there was one. And the medallion was in the treasure chest left by the monster.
Terra : I believe this girl...
Mina : Call me Mina (Winks)
Terra : Yes... Mina is saying the truth. If this Chimera story is true, it means something unusual happened here. There is absolutely no Chimera on this continent, so something must have happened.
Mina : Thank you Madam.
Terra : Call me Terra (Winks)
Edgar : Well, there's 3 people here who believe you (Looks at his brother). So you are my guest until we can solve this mystery. You'll eat and sleep here. Tomorrow though, I have duty calling me. We have to investigate this smoke coming from the forest near Narshe.
Locke : Smoke?
Sabin : Yeah... It appeared today. We don't know what it is... Narshe Guards told us it wasn't a fire.
Edgar : Yes. So we won't be here tomorrow Mina... But you can visit the castle.
Mina : I'd rather go with you... Be with people I know a little in this world... Please.
Sabin : Impossible! It's way too dangerous for a normal human.
Mina : (Smiling) But I'm not a normal human.
Sabin : (Angry) I KNEW IT!
Edgar : Calm down Sabin... Mina, what do you mean by that?
Mina : I don't know if I should tell you this... Where I come from, I'm part of a team called the Sailor Scouts. I, with my four best friends, fight evil where ever it appears. I'm known as Sailor Venus.
Terra : Sailor Venus?
Mina : (Takes her transformation pen) Yes... When I say "Venus Star Power" holding this stick, I transform into Venus.
Sabin : (Laughing hard) That's the stupidest story I ever heard!
Everybody looked at him. Mina hold her transformation pen in the air, and shouted "VENUS STAR POWER". In a fraction of second, Mina was now gone. Sabin was rolling on the ground, still laughing of the story he just heard from the blonde girl. The 3 others looked, amazed by what just happened. "VENUS CRESCENT BEAM SMASH", Venus shouted. A beam emerged from her finger, and landed right between the legs of Sabin. He stopped laughing, and look up, at an angry Venus.
Sabin : Hey! Who the hell are you?
Venus : I'm Sailor Venus, and I suggest you stop laughing like a fool.
Edgar : (Laughing) That's the second time a girl order you to do something Sabin.
Sabin : That's impossible. How come this girl knows Blitz techniques? She can't possibly have studied under Duncan's teachings! She's way too young.
Venus : What's a Blitz technique?
Locke : It's the martial art techniques used by Sabin. Powerful techniques. Be careful not to make him mad.
Terra : Yes, and you used a beam, like the Aura beam of Sabin, Sailor Venus... But are you really Mina? You look different.
Venus : Yes. I'm in my fighting form now. Please take me with you tomorrow. I won't be a bother...
Edgar : I don't know...
She kneeled down, putting her hands together, and made big watery eyes. Edgar looked at her, confused, and finally accepted to take her with them. That decision made Sabin angry, and he left, without saying anything. Mina felt bad about it. She did want to teach him a little lesson, but she didn't want to make him mad like that. She used her pen to return to her normal self.
Mina : I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make him angry...
Edgar : Let him go... He's still a big baby inside. But he's a great fighter. He'll come tomorrow, don't worry about it.
Locke : Well Mina, I'll show you around the castle while the dinner is being prepared.
Mina : Great!
Locke and Mina left the throne room. Edgar and Terra were left alone...
Terra : She seems like a nice girl... So young, and very beautiful. I hope we can find a way to send her back though, and bring Celes back here. I'm sure she's not very happy were she is now...
Edgar : Yes... She's a mysterious girl. Did you see what she did to Sabin? I thought only Sabin knew how to throw energy like that.
Terra : Yeah... We'll ask her how she did that at the dinner.
The two of them left the throne room. Later that night, they had dinner all together. Mina talked about the Sailor Scouts. Sailor Moon, Sailor Mercury, Sailor Mars, Sailor Jupiter... The Powers they had... The enemies they encountered, etc. Her story amazed her new "friends"...
End Chapter 2