"Tales of the Stars"
Book 1: Homecoming
Chapter 23
After a day full of dirty looks and gossip behind her back, Staria was glad to walk into the Crown arcade. They had only told the other club members about their new relationship, but several of their classmates had been at Princess Diamond's party. Despite the masks people still seemed to know who everyone else was. Somehow Kyoya's and her date seemed to be a hot topic. She didn't really get why they cared, but at the same time she was in no rush to get their judgment on her worthiness to date the elite boy. To get her mind off of it a bit, she'd asked Mamoru to meet her after school to talk about their progress with the crystal and his princess.
She smiled as Motoki greeted her warmly. "How's it going Staria? Out for some fun today or meeting up with Mamoru?"
"Mamoru's meeting me. I take it he hasn't dropped by yet."
"Nope, haven't seen him in a couple of days actually."
"That's because I have a life outside of here." Mamoru commented walking up to the two.
"Work and school isn't a life. Star tell this guy he needs a girlfriend." Motoki picked.
"No, he's picky. It's gotta be just the right girl for him." Staria smiled. "But give it time."
"I don't want to hear it from you." Mamoru messed up Staria's hair as he spoke. "You can give me dating advice after you confess to your own crush properly."
"Well….." Staria tried to fix the mess by running a hand through he hair again, "then where should I start?" Both of the older boys looked at her curiously as she continued. "The short version is Kyoya's my boyfriend now."
"Really? Did this happen before or after the party last night?" Mamoru questioned her.
"Technically after, but we had talked about it before."
"Excuse us Motoki, I need to find out what this one's been up to." Mamoru ushered Staria off to the fruit parlor to discuss the issues at hand.
"So yeah, that was the basics of my night." Staria said before taking a sip of her hot chocolate.
"You were kid napped and then spent the night with a boy." Mamoru shook his head. He wasn't exactly sure how to react to the news. He was glad she was safe, but she was still acting a bit recklessly.
"Don't give me that look, we didn't do anything. The whole abduction thing shook Kyoya up and he didn't want to leave me alone. Like I said if it wasn't for him who knows where I'd be right now. I'm safe and that's what matters right? So let's just drop it and move on. How did your night turn out?"
"The crystal was a flop, not even close. So now I'm out of leads…" Mamoru trailed off as a shadow filled their table.
"That's because you don't know what you're looking for."
Staria frowned at the voice. Lusion took the slight pause to slip into the boot beside her, as Seiki followed suite on Mamoru's side.
"Who are you?" Mamoru asked, his defenses going up.
"Mamoru meet my abductors. Seiki is the man invading your personal space and the purple haired one beside me is Lusion." Staria begrudgingly introduced the men.
"So my little trick did work after all. You remembered my name now." Lusion smiled as he draped an arm around Staria's shoulders. He was met with a sharp elbow jab to the ribs. He winced as he withdrew and gave the girl a slightly shocked look. She'd actually retaliated against his advances.
"That's for what you said to Kyoya." She stated simply and moved closer to the wall. Seiki had to stifle a laugh and settled for a grin at the girl's energetic reaction.
"I feel like you have some explaining to do after your actions last night." Mamoru was ready to start interrogating the duo. "Why did you kid nap my sister?"
"He's got it bad for the little princess there, always did it seems." Seiki couldn't help but blurt out. He put an arm around the shorter dark haired young man and whispered the last bit to him. "Watch him, just hearing her say his name probably got him hard." Mamoru pulled away, freeing himself from Seiki's arm, his anger raising.
Lusion glared at his cousin and cleared his throat regaining his composure. "Forgive my cousin he lacks all sense of tact. We came here to find Tranquility, I'm sorry, Staria, because her powers are awakening and she will require training on how to control them. The gifts she inherited come with a high price if not handled properly."
"He means I'll go bat shit crazy or something if I don't understand them." Staria interjected remember the previous conversation. "Or at least that's their story."
"Then why kid nap her? Just talking to us would have made more sense." Mamoru pointed out, trying to be civil.
"True, I acted a bit hastily, but none the less she needs training. We are the only other ones who understand her type of magic. Every world's guardian varies slightly, and the last senshi from our world is no longer around to teach her."
"And he's very glad of it." Seiki leaned over to Mamoru, misbehaving and giving the younger man's thigh a little squeeze. Mamoru jumped a bit and glared hard at Seiki, removing the taller man's hand.
"Touch me again and I'll break your hand."
Seiki just grinned wider. "I'd like to see you try."
Mamoru decided to ignore him and put his focus back on Lusion. "So her gifts aren't the same as mine, and it's too dangerous to just let her learn as she goes like I've been doing?"
"No, your powers always seemed to be stable. Staria's hold a great risk of driving her mad and taking control of her. I do not wish to see her meet the same fate as my own sister." He shot a look at his cousin before he could comment. " If she agrees to undertake the proper training I will also give you the information you seek on the Silver Imperial Crystal. Fair enough?" He directed the question at Staria.
Staria didn't like being a bargaining chip, but she knew Mamoru needed to find that crystal. "Fine, I'll let you teach me. But you're not taking me any where weird, I still have school and I'm helping Mamoru with his mission. As far as anyone outside of this table is concerned you're a tutor for school and nothing more."
"So you're hiding your abilities. Understandable in this world. Magic isn't common place any more, just simple parlor tricks. I take it your Kyoya doesn't know either?" Lusion's voice was dripping with distaste as he said the boy's name. Tranquility was still his, in whatever form she took. Nothing would change his mind of that. He just needed to get her to realize it as well.
"No he doesn't, and won't. I don't want anyone hurt by the creatures I've seen. The less they know the better." Staria answered.
"Then you cut all ties now and stick to those who do know." Lusion advised. Staria frowned, she hated that Lusion was right, but she wasn't about to admit it.
"Whatever. I've agreed to the training. Now why is it that we're looking for the wrong thing?" She tried to change the subject.
"Very well, but I warn you Princess do not go back on your word to me. You do not want me as an enemy." He changed his focus to the former prince. "You're looking for a single crystal, but that is your folly. The crystal hasn't been whole since everyone was sealed within it. The evil creatures tried to break free. Their powers together we too hard to contain, so the crystal broke into seven pieces. Each still trapping a being of evil within it.
Separated they had little chance of escape. If you want to obtain the silver crystal you first need to track down those fragments. Don't bother asking where they are. That I do not know, I was busy with my own problems after that battle."
"You act like you were there. These aren't just memories for you?" Mamoru finally asked.
"Someone went a little off the deep end when his wife died in the battle with Beryl and stopped time in our world." Seiki took up the story. "We weren't there exactly but we were alive. We've been frozen in time, due to selfishness and obsession, trapped to continue living as we are until they choose to start time again."
Staria gave Lusion a sideways glance. Seiki wasn't saying it flat out but it was obvious he was talking about his cousin and Tranquility. Things were getting more and more awkward.
The palace's main hall was dimly lit. It wasn't necessary for the ritual, but more of a courtesy to Lyra. No one knew exactly how long the Princess would survive once her powers were transferred to Tranquility. Several people believed she'd die right away, and no one wanted to witness that in a well lit room. Lusion personally hoped that she'd quickly pass. He was ready to be free of his nightmare.
Some would see it as cold hearted, but to him she stopped truly being his sister when he was eleven. The girl that she once was had left long ago and left a terrifying woman in her wake. No his only concern now was Tranquility. He worried for her safety, for her sake and his own. She would be alone with Lyra in the cleansing pool, that was currently being filled with purified spring water. No one would be able interfere should something go wrong, or else they chanced ruining the entire ritual.
He was also getting antsy. Tranquility was finally within his grasp after years of slipping away, and yet until the transfer of power was complete no one, except Lrya, could touch her. If anything corrupted the purification she went through it would all be for nothing.
He paced impatiently as the final preparations were being made. While most residence of the castle were feeling awkward over the prospects of holding a funeral and a wedding with in the next couple of days, he couldn't wait for it all. His closest cousin Seiki jokingly teased that Lyra's madness was catching. Though it wasn't far off, Lusion knew his obsession for the Earth princess bordered the lines of his sister's own obsession. He denied it deep within his own psyche. Tranquility had chosen to become his. He didn't force her, he may have been persistent, but never once did he force the issue.
Too often had he literally been bound to his duty, he would not wish that same fate on the younger girl. Though she would be his and his alone. He knew she wanted the powers of Sailor Staria in order to help save her home world, though he felt it would be futile in the long run. He would help her, as long as it meant she was his to hold from then on.
"Master Kyoya, those men are here." Tachibana reported. He had been asked to drop Miss Chiba off at the Crown arcade and then to stand by and keep an eye on her, though without her knowing. So the older man had been staked out in the car across the street. He remembered the two men from the night before, and wasn't about to let them get away either.
"Don't let them out of your sight. I'm on my way." Kyoya replied over the phone. Tachibana waited for the young man to hang up and continued to watch the group inside the fruit parlor. Nothing bad seemed to be going down, but if something started he'd go in to interfere on behalf of his young master.
"Tamaki" Kyoya called out to the host king as he closed his phone. "May I have a word with you please." Tamaki looked over his shoulder at the raven haired boy, before returning his attention to his guest.
"If you'll excuse me just a moment princess. Why don't you enjoy a little snack while I'm gone. The strawberry cheese cake is quite delicious. Maybe you'll even save a taste for me?" The girl squealed a bit in anticipation, if she ate it all maybe he'd steal a kiss for his 'little taste'. Tamaki walked over to the door where Kyoya was waiting rather impatiently. "What's up?"
"We need to wrap things up early. I had Tachibana stay and keep an eye on Staria and those guys are back." Kyoya was agitated and itching to leave. He'd have to wait for a car of his own, but he knew Tamaki's driver was on hand at the school. Plus he figured the other boys might not mind tagging along to beat the snot out of Staria's new stalkers.
"Isn't her brother with her though? She should be fine. You're worrying too much, and Star's not going to like that you're spying on her. Even with your new status as a couple." Tamaki frowned.
"You drag me out for stupid shit all the time." Kyoya kept his voice low so the girls wouldn't hear. "Just do me this one favor damn it."
"Alright, calm down." Tamaki turned around to work his magic. "Ladies, I'm afraid something has come up and we need to close early today. I'm sorry for this inconvenience but you will each find a surprise on your online accounts through the club. You can expect it in a few days." He ended with a bright smile.
The other club members gathered around as the last of the girls left.
"What's the deal?" Hikaru asked.
"I'll explain in the car. We need to go." Kyoya rushed them off.
"I'm guessing if you know about these crystals then our enemy does as well." Mamoru tried to get them focused on the topic of the crystals again. He could tell Staria was getting uncomfortable.
"More likely then not. How long have they been searching?" Lusion asked, he was actually a little curious as to what Beryl was planning.
"Not that long I think. Up until recently they seemed to only be gathering energy for something."
"She's still probably weak from the last big battle that trapped her. If they've changed tactics you can be sure your fights are going to start getting harder." Seiki added his two cents and thought about waving down a waitress for a drink. "Whatever pattern they've been following will probably change again. I'd stay on my toes if I were you."
"But do you even have an idea of what their pattern is?" Staria asked. "It all seems random to me."
"No not really. Something just tugs at me whenever Sailor Moon is fighting and it leads me too them." Mamoru explained.
Lusion scoffed at the prince. "You really haven't figure it out. You all really are very slow in this life."
"You're pretty slow yourself." Kyoya glared at the man sitting next to his girlfriend. "I thought I warned you to leave her alone." The entire Host Club stood with their arms crossed and not so pleasant expressions on their faces for the men in question.
"Um…. When did you guys get here?" Staria hoped they hadn't been listening long. She really didn't need them knowing about any of it.
"Just now, funny you didn't notice." The twins chimed in.
"That's quite the reverse harem you got here princess." Seiki mused standing up to look over the boys. He enjoyed making them a bit uncomfortable, standing taller than even Mori. "Not bad taste, not bad at all." He gave the tallest boy a wink and turned back to his boss. "Shall we call it a day before more attention is drawn to our little group?"
"One of these days will you learn to not say everything you're thinking?" Lusion questioned his cousin and stood up as well.
"Oh I've been behaving rather well actually. I could start speaking my mind though if you want." The platinum haired man grinned.
"Spare us. Staria we'll begin your lessons on Sunday. Please work out whatever issues your friends have by then. This game will get old fast." He focused the last part at Kyoya as he brushed past the group.
"Really guys? What was that all about?" Staria looked at the host club. Mamoru was actually pretty amused, even a little impressed at their show of concern. "I'm sure they were just worried about you Star."
"Yeah, Kyo-chan said those guys were giving you trouble before." Honey plopped down in the open seat beside her.
"It's all just a misunderstanding. There's no reason for any alarm. Really, they're just going to be tutors nothing more." She tried to get the point across.
Kyoya still frowned. He didn't like it and something still didn't seem right.
"Hey is that a commoner's arcade next door?" Hikaru asked.
"Cool we've never seen one in person." Kaoru added.
"Why don't you go check it out while my brother and I have a chat with Kyoya." Staria suggested. "We'll join you when we're done." The group had no complaints but Tamaki held back with them. Staria was just as much his responsibility and he wasn't going to be left out of the loop.
The two boys took their turn at joining the siblings in the booth.
"I know you told Tachibana to stay and watch me." Staria admitted. "The Mercedes kinda stands out on this street you know. It's not necessary to spy on me. I told you what the deal was."
"I don't trust them."
"They're a bit odd." Mamoru agreed, "But they're here to help Star with some studies that she needs. You're going to have to trust her on this one. I know you two just started dating, but that's no reason to keep your watch dogs on her."
"You weren't there and didn't see what happened. She shouldn't be alone with those two." Kyoya insisted. "They're up to no good."
"Would it help at all that I jabbed him in the ribs today when he got to close?" Staria tried. "I know not to let my guard down around him."
"What did he try to do this time?" Kyoya still wasn't pleased.
"He tried to put his arm around her, but didn't get very far." Mamoru smiled. "Seems something he said to you pissed her off pretty good. Though she wouldn't share. I think she can handle herself, and if Lusion starts to get out of line it seems like Seiki's only tagging along to keep him in check."
"He certainly doesn't seem like he'd have any interest in our little Star." Tamaki observed.
"No, not at all. Though you two might want to watch him if he hangs around for long."
"Eh, to each their own." Tamaki shrugged it off. "Now can we all play nice and no more spy games?" He looked at his best friend for the answer.
"Alright, but I still don't like it." Kyoya gave in. "If he tries anything, you better call this whole deal off."
"I can do better. If he tries anything he's going to find a knee in his groin." Staria was dead serious. "I'm not a toy and I shouldn't have to be watched twenty-four seven. Just have a little faith in me and if I need help I'll ask for it. I promise." The guys smiled at her and agreed to let things play out for the time being. Though Kyoya was still uncertain in the back of his mind. He'd stay back and watch for now, but he'd still find a way to discreetly keep tabs on the duo in question.