Hello Minna, Here is Chapter 2 of The Curse of the Frog, I hope you enjoy it. Please review and let me know what you think.

Author's Notes – I'd like to take a moment and apologize for the length of time between updates. Thanks to the people who have reviewed, it is greatly appreciated. I hope you enjoy it enough to stick with it and me.

Standard Disclaimer: I am in no way profiting from this it is purely for enjoyment because I hold no rights to Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon.


The Curse of the Frog

Chapter 2 – One little Frog….

A knock on the door surprised the three girls standing in the living room. Haruka walked back to the door and opened it hesitantly.

Ah man, can things get any worse? She stared at Yaten and Taiki with shock and then sighed visibly frustrated.

"What did you do to Seiya?" Taiki didn't wait to be invited in and stepped forward surprising Haruka. She stepped back without thinking about it and Taiki took advantage of the move. Yaten smiled at Haruka as he strolled in behind Taiki, looking for all the world like he owned the place. Both men strolled over to where Usagi stood.

"Princess it is nice to see you again." Taiki spoke formally to Usagi.

Haruka's eyes widened. "Wow and a minute ago it was all concern for Seiya." Setsuna glanced at her with amusement.

"Taiki, Yaten, It's nice to see you guys again." Usagi gave them both a big hug and then backed up. Taiki and Yaten bowed respectfully.

Usagi glanced curiously at the two star lights. "How did you know to come here?" She asked the question both Haruka and Setsuna had been wondering.

Taiki spoke up, "We knew Seiya ran into trouble when our link broke. Now who is the one person in Tokyo that would have a problem with Seiya or want to do him harm? That equals her." He jabbed a finger in Haruka's direction. "So logically this was our first stop." He smiled at Usagi before turning back towards Haruka.

"Now what have you done with Seiya?" Yaten spoke softly but with a hint of accusation.

"Now you remember Seiya." Haruka chuckled before continuing. "If you weren't so busy making accusations you would already know." She glanced apologetically at Usagi. "Sorry Princess, but it's the truth." She glared at the cocky men silently daring them to argue. "He collapsed this morning with a fever and began turning green. You know of any illness like that on Kinmoku?"

Taiki and Yaten stared mutely at Haruka shaking their heads. "That's nothing from Kinmoku." Taiki spoke matter-of-factly, "I have studied Kinmoku's diseases and no one turns green." He stared balefully back at Haruka waiting.

"Haruka, could you please bring Setsuna and get your butt in here?" Michiru's frustrated voice carried from the spare bedroom. Haruka's flushed slightly before she called out.

"Yes Koishii I am coming but we have extra company." She waved at everyone to follow and led the way back. Usagi was close on her heels with Taiki and Yaten right behind her. Setsuna followed everyone at a more dignified pace.

Haruka opened the door and spoke quietly. "As you can see Koishii we have a bit of unexpected company." Michiru turned and glanced at the door. Her eyes widened to see Usagi, Yaten and Taiki all staring in shock at what lie on the bed.

"I thought you said Seiya was here?" Usagi shot a confused glance at Michiru.

"What did you do with Seiya?" Yaten glanced around the room suspiciously.

Michiru had the grace to blush lightly. "I had to go into the bathroom for a moment and when I returned Seiya was gone and this was here. She indicated the lump under the comforter.

Haruka looked confused. "What is that? What did Seiya leave in our spare room?" Her tone angry she swiped a hand through her hair. If this is some kind of joke, I'll tear him limb from limb myself.

Michiru chuckled nervously, "you see…I haven't looked underneath."

Haruka chuckled, "The mighty Neptune afraid of a small lump under the covers." Her tone was light and teasing.

Michiru smiled at the taller blonde. "Well it was making funny noises and I am unsure. Since you are in not frightened, go for it." Michiru indicated the lump and stepped back.

Usagi, Yaten and Taiki watched the two lovers' byplay with interest. Setsuna stood by the door nonchalantly. She was used to the lovers teasing and it came as no surprise. Haruka stepped forward and grabbed the comforter. Just as she was about to lift it, the comforter lifted off the bed and a horrible noise came from underneath.

"Crooaakk…" Haruka stumbled back in surprise. The comforter was still trapped over the lump but it now lay on the floor in a heap.

"What the….what was that?" Haruka's eyes were big and she took a deep breath calming her racing heart.

Michiru glanced at her with a smirk. "So you see why I didn't want to move the comforter?"

Taiki and Yaten chuckled at Haruka's expense. "It always takes a man to get the job done." Taiki gave Haruka an arrogant smirk and walked forward. He grabbed the comforter and pulled. When it came free, everyone gasped in surprise.

In the center of the room sat a bright green frog the size of a small boulder. It glanced at the group of people and croaked again.

"Kami-sama I have never seen a frog with blue eyes." Usagi spoke for the first time in minutes. Everyone's head whipped towards hers in astonishment.

Taiki and Yaten whipped their heads back towards the frog. "No way…there is no way." Yaten studied the frog closely. Walking forward he bent down and looked closely. "What do you guys think?"

"About what?" Haruka glanced at him as if he were crazy. Usagi studied the frog for a moment longer and then moved forward to stand next to Yaten.

"Yaten, you are a genius." She smiled at him and then squatted down to be eye to eye with the frog. "It is." By this time everyone else in the room was staring in confusion except Setsuna.

Taiki was watching Yaten and Usagi with an odd look and Haruka and Michiru looked ready to have them committed.

Usagi turned towards Michiru and Haruka. "Michiru, Seiya never left the room."

Haruka stared at her skeptically. "Usagi, what in the world are you talking about?"

Usagi glanced back to see everyone's confusion. "Michiru said she left the room and then when she reentered Seiya was gone and this was on the bed." She smiled and slowly reached out to the frog. "What I just said, Seiya never left the room."

Everyone gasped again as the frog lightly jumped into Usagi's waiting arms. She stood slowly and held the frog securely. "This is Seiya." Usagi pronounced simply.

"Are you mad Koneko?" Haruka watched her in disbelief. "What makes you think that slimy toad is Seiya?" As Usagi walked closer Haruka took a step back. She waved a hand indicating the now quiet frog. "Actually you may be right…I always kind of thought he reminded me of a slimy toad." She chuckled nervously trying to hide her fear until Usagi stepped closer.

"Only look at his eyes and you will see it is Seiya." Usagi held the frog up and dangled it towards Haruka hoping to convince Haruka of her claim.

"Keep…that…thing back." Haruka backpedaled away from Usagi and bumped into Michiru. Her head snapped around and she met with curious teal eyes.

"Come on Haruka, I think it's time we made some tea for our guests." Michiru gestured towards the kitchen. She grabbed Haruka's wrist gently and tugged guiding her from the room.

Michiru walked into the kitchen thinking about how to approach the blonde who was now walking meekly beside her. How do I ask? I know Haruka hates weakness. She blew out a soft sigh. I guess directly asking is for the best.

"Haruka…I hate to ask this but…are you afraid of Frogs?" Michiru watched the blonde closely surprised by this turn of events.

Haruka's head dropped and faint color stained her cheeks. At first Michiru thought she was refusing to answer until she saw the thoughtful look on her friends face. She is wondering how to admit to it.

"Haruka…it's okay, you know I am afraid of mice so it isn't something to be ashamed of." Michiru supplied trying to be helpful.

"I must have been about six." Haruka started out hesitantly. "This kid thought it would be a great idea to have his friend pin me down while he put a frog down my shirt." She shook helplessly at the memory. "I fought but they were older and I was a bit small." A single tear slipped past her control and slid down her cheek. Haruka swiped angrily at the tear and leaned over gripping the counter until her knuckles turned white.

Michiru could see Haruka fighting to retain control of her emotions. She stepped close to the blonde and slipped her arms around her. Pulling the taller girl close she tried to offer support and consolation. Without words she offered Haruka strength through her gentle hug.

"The frog kept hopping and hopping and the boys kept laughing." Haruka took a shaky breath before continuing. She pulled the aqua haired goddess in her arms closer as she began speaking. "It kept touching my skin and it felt slimy and it tickled and they wouldn't stop. The laughter and the sliminess just got worse and worse and…" Haruka sighed, "Ever since I have had a fear of frogs." She backed up out of the comforting embrace, "But you can't tell anyone, those three impudent asses would never let me live it down." She glanced pleadingly at her shorter companion. She leaned forward and whispered in her ear. "I swear to…" She lowered her voice and rest went unheard except Michiru who blushed at the words.

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Yaten stood just outside the kitchen smirking. He had decided to follow Neptune and Uranus when Michiru had suggested tea. He was going to offer his help when he heard Michiru's question. He had frozen and stood listening. There was no way to go forward without them knowing he had been listening and there was no way to go back so he was stuck until they changed topics. He smiled as he thought of the conversation they had just had. What wonderful blackmail information, grinning he pondered what to do with it.

I could either blackmail Haruka or just tell Seiya when this mess is cleared up. When he heard a small giggle he knew it was safe to enter the kitchen, he strolled in and found Michiru digging in the cupboards as Haruka filled the kettle.

"Need any help?" He smiled and strolled over to lean against the counter. "I thought maybe you could use an extra pair of hands."

Michiru glanced at him with a smile. "Yes if you could dig out enough tea cups for everybody, I need to run to the bathroom." She smiled when he nodded and hurried from the room.

Yaten jumped at the chance to corner Haruka alone. "Frogs sure are cute aren't they?" He let his comment sink in and then continued on after a brief moment. "Sure be funny if some mighty powerful person was scared of them." He turned shooting Haruka a telling glance.

Haruka's gasp was all he needed to continue. "So what's it worth to you to keep my silence?"

"Why you little…." She ran a frustrated hand through her hair unable to even decide what insult would be damaging enough, "How about I don't kill you right here right now?"

"Now, now Uranus no threats," He waggled a finger at her. "I know you don't want me telling anyone your secret so rather than threats you should think about what you can do for me."

Haruka growled holding onto her temper by a slight thread. What can I do? What are my options? "Fine…what do you want?"

"Well for starters…hmmm let me think." He tapped a well manicured finger against his chin. "I want you to wear a dress and high heels." His smug smile spoke volumes about the humiliation she would suffer in his hands.

"A what…you bast…" She stopped the insult from slipping out seeing his move towards the doorway. Haruka's hands were clenching and unclenching wanting to strangle the silver-haired starlight.

"Temper, temper my dear, after I think some more on it I'll figure out what your next task shall be." He threw her a wink just to add to her humiliation. "You go and change I will finish up here." He waved her towards the hallway shooing her from the room.

A moment later Michiru walked back into the room. Upon seeing just Yaten she shot him a curious look. "Where's Haruka-chan?" She glanced at the smug look on Yaten's face as a slight tremor of worry slipped up her spine.

"She said something about changing into a dress and heels." Yaten's tone was light and innocent and her eyes widened with shock. She wouldn't wear a dress if Kami-sama himself told her too, what is going on?

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Usagi watched as Michiru and Haruka left the room, Yaten following behind them. Setsuna and Taiki strolled closer to where she stood holding the frog.

"Seiya…is that really you?" He glanced at the frog unbelievingly until the frog let out a croak. "No way, it really is you…" The frog croaked again and he smiled. "How did this happen?" The frog actually looked at him and began making a series of raspy noises until it seemed to realize that no one understood.

"Poor Seiya, what has happened to you?" Usagi's lips formed into a little "oh" as she realized that the frog was unable to make itself understood. She wandered to the bed and sat on the edge holding the frog. Taiki and Setsuna followed her.

Taiki's eyes lit up. "Seiya croak once for yes and twice for no." He waited a moment and then asked, "So you can understand us?" The frog appropriately croaked a single time. "Do you know what this means?" His comment was spoken casually intended for Usagi and Setsuna as he studied his friend.

"No what does this mean?" Usagi pondered the comment thinking about what Taiki meant. Setsuna smiled already understanding Taiki's meaning.

"It means, one, this really is Seiya and two, we have a simple way of communicating with him." Taiki glanced at her when she remained silent. "That is of course only yes and no questions, but it is better than nothing. He glanced at Setsuna with a curious glance. "What do you make of this?"

Setsuna stared at the frog thoughtfully a moment before speaking. "Well I have never heard or experienced anyone turning into a frog, so I am not sure, but I do think we need the Senshi here, especially Mercury." She stared off into the corner a moment before continuing. "I think I will go call them." She glanced at the frog and spoke. "You behave and stay here, we will figure this out." With a last admonishing glance at the frog she left the room.


Here is an end to Chapter 2, please review and let me know what you think?