As it turns out, yes, it is possible for an operating system to break down twice in six months. Luckily, this chapter had not yet been written, though it took a while to get everything in order again.

Anyway, thank you for reading and please enjoy ;)

I do not own either "Sailor Moon" or "To catch a thief"

Chapter 5 – A game played beautifully by children

Serena could not remember a time when she had been more incensed, having never experienced such an assortment of feelings – anger, elation, embarrassment, pride – within such a short exchange. He had been dressed in formal evening wear, the impeccable line of his coat and his polished shoes making her feel dowdier than usual. It was not uncommon to see such specimens at that time of the day, though she had to wonder at the clarity of his speech. The man's words had been appallingly sharp and Serena savoured the feat of holding her own. Dear Lord, she had called him an "arse"! Miss Haruna would be struck with horror and mother would… oh, mother…

She was once again struck by the helplessness of her situation and her mind shuddered in a swirl of thoughts. Serena had in turns fought, pleaded, sulked and begged her parent's permission to attend college and she couldn't remember a sweeter sound than that of them giving in. It had been as if a violent hail storm turned into gentle summer rain, soothing her very soul. Soon all would be lost because of her frustrating inability to employ her mind to even the most menial lessons.

If she were completely honest with herself, an exercise she indulged in often enough, Serena would admit that she could easily outrank Melvina or Molly or any other girl in that school. She just chose not to do so out of sheer frustration – why was she studying history and geography, when she wanted to dwell into trigonometry and Euclidean theory; why was she learning the basis of natural sciences, when she wanted to raise her eyes towards the sky and know all the stars that mankind had discovered, all the craters on the Moon. She kept her longings buried deep in a secret chest inside her heart and remained, as always, the young woman with barely passable manners and embarrassing mathematical skills.

Despondency was not a state she wanted to wallow in and as she made her way on the crowded streets, Serena tried to find a new intent within herself. She had long acknowledged that her battle would be an extended one, perhaps a lifetime struggle against prejudice and small-mindedness. She could not help wondering how the notorious Venus had managed to make catching criminals seem like a frightfully easy task. Just the image of a beautiful woman in a crimson dress, holding lethal daggers was enough to draw a giggle out of herself. That was always a sign of an improving mood and she knew just the thing to ensure it would continue in that manner.

The Arcade was not just a lovely toy store, it was a different world where adults and children alike could share the blissfulness of innocence. The wooden horses had so charmingly vivid eyes that many were tempted to give them treats, while the delicately painted yo-yo were famed for inviting all sorts of mischief. Serena loved the blend of bright and muted colours that pleased even the most discerning eye. Even more than that she loved meeting the gentle toy-maker that owned the shop.

'Miss Tsukino, such a pleasure to see you this day. Have you come to see the new additions?' His pleasure and pride showed in his voice and Serena thought once more that he looked quite angelic with his blond hair the colour of the pine wood he so artfully carved.

'You know that I can't resist your selections, Mr Foreman. What am I going to be admiring today?' Mr Foreman's – Andrew's – childlike enthusiasm was contagious and his delighted smile mirrored her own.

'Permit me to present you our latest addition, the indoor quoits! Allow me to demonstrate.'

As the young man proceeded to teach her how to throw the shiny circles, Serena became aware of how soothing Mr Foreman's presence was. She had finally stolen a moment of peace.

That moment must have lasted more than she imagined because she was brought back to the buzzing room by a familiar meowing cry. As she looked down at her feat, she was astonished to be staring into the eyes of an attentive feline.

'Isn't this unexpected, encountering the black cat from this morning. I wonder how it got in here,' Serena mused out loud.

'This cat has been wandering here for the past two or three days.' His mild tone made clear who was responsible for the animal's shiny fur.

'She is rather exquisite, is she not? I do not believe I've ever seen a cat with a crescent moon on its forehead.' The cat met Serena's regard with a steady one of its own, as if she understood that the eyes were doors to the soul and possessed just the right keys to open hers. The effect was unnerving beyond belief.

'I believe I really must return home now,' Serena managed to say.'I thank you for the delightful instruction.'

Mr Foreman barely had time to respond and send his regards to her family before Serena opened the door and for the second time the same day almost went running from a shop.

Author's note:

*Galileo turned his telescope towards the Moon for the first time on November 30, 1609.

*The first official rules for the game of quoits were printed in April 1881; miniature versions of indoor quoits were played towards the end of the 19th century.

*Northern European women became mostly literate by the end of the 19th century.