Chapter 1
A raven haired girl lay her sleep, tossing and turning in her sleep. She began to see images of the events that took place over a thousand years ago. She found herself floating above a wooded area with what seemed to be ancient ruins in the middle of the trees. Before she could figure out where she was, she could see explosions of light in the sky followed by booming shockwaves that shook the ground below. She held her hands up, protecting her face from any debris or to brace herself for the shockwave. However, it seemed to pass right through her body.
Her body was not solid, in fact it was like she was doing an astral projection. "This is a vision? Or is this a dream?" She silently questioned then began to look where the source of all the commotion was coming from. She saw what seemed to be four demons and a fifth creature fighting them. The four transformed into human like figures in armor, as did the other, but all she could see of the fifth one, was a shadow like figure. In a flash of light, the four clashed directly into the other.
A blinding light covered everything, Rei's eyes squinted shut being unable to see through it. The light slowly began to fade, however, what she now saw before her was an entirely different scenario. She was no longer above a forest or ruins, but now above a present day city. This city was so desolate and void of any living creature. though. Her eyes widened in fear and shock at the sight before her. The entire city was on fire and filled with smoke, there wasn't any signs of life. "No…what does this mean?" She gasped, covering her mouth with her hand. Her eyes began to tear up seeing this premonition. "Is this what is to come? How is this to be avoided?!"
Before she could ask another question, the four demons crashed down before her in pillars of light. A dragon, a phoenix, a white tiger, and a large tortoise stood before her, then began to glow, shrinking down in size. They had transformed into four small jewels, a blue dragon head with red eyes, an orange phoenix with wings spread, a white tiger with green eyes and black stripes, and the other became the shape of a tortoise shell, dark green in color. Her eyes widened, knowing what these were.
"Are those the four Celestial Beasts?! What are you trying to tell me?!" She called out yet again, they began to change shape. Now stood before her four suits of armor. One was white in shape with black stripes and a tiger head on the chest piece. The second was dark green with a tortoise head on the chest piece and onyx eyes. The third was a blue armor with a dragon head and ruby eyes. Finally, the fourth armor was crimson red with sapphire blue eyes.
A dark figure then appeared before her, the body seeming to be a humanoid type shape, but claws at the end of the fingers, wings like that of a dragon, piercing red eyes, the figure seemed to be shadowed out so she wasn't able to see physical details completely. The creature charged a large ball of black energy in its hands pointed at the four then blasted them into dust. However, this part of the vision seemed to be different from the rest she witnessed.
It turned towards her slowly, the eyes narrowed, as if focusing its glance towards something, it was her. "So, you can see me? I can see you as well…" The figure licked its lips then smirked, showing fangs. "Interesting…it would seem your lovely body is filled with spiritual energy…what a delightful treat indeed." Its voice full of interest, the figure laughed slightly as it raised a hand. It snapped its fingers as a wave of destruction wiped out everything in her dream. The blast had consumed her in a flash of light and debris. Rei awoke, gasping for air in shock. The sweat dripped from her face as she frantically looked around the room and over her body. Breaking the silence, the sound of her alarm clock echoed throughout the room. She looked over and shakily hit the snooze button.
"Was that vision real?" As the raven haired girl questioned, she turned to look at her communicator and transformation pen sitting next to her on the nightstand. "Please, don't be a new threat. We're just now starting to be able to enjoy normal lives…" She trailed off, then shook her head. There wasn't near enough information yet to go telling everyone and causing alarm. Besides, with all the insanity they've faced, it could just be some bad nightmare. Though with how her visions turned out, as unlikely as it may be, it still was plausible.
She slowly moved herself from bed and began to get ready for classes, pushing the thoughts and worries of what she saw to the back of her mind for now. Sometimes it was a pain going to a different school than the others, especially in these scenarios. If anything were to happen, it took so much more effort to get everyone grouped up and ready. Or if something were to happen where she needed help, it took more time till back up could arrive.
"I'm off grandpa. I'll see you later!" She called out, putting shoes on then heading out the door. A gentle breeze ran through the trees, her long black silky hair waved as she brushed some from her face. She began her descent down the stairs of the shrine to the sidewalk below.
~Meanwhile, at Juban High School~
"We're gonna make it!" Minako, yelled down to Usagi as they ran up the stairs to try getting to class before the bell rang. Usagi was tailing right behind the other blond haired girl, her two long pigtails waving behind her.
"Yeah! We've got it this time! Things are finally changing and looking up for us!" Usagi boasted, laughing wildly as they skid on the floor, turning to go up the last flight of stairs. They both made it up to the top at the same time, however as they did, another student was walking in front of the stairway. "HEY WATCH OUT!" The two screamed out in unison, but it was too late to change trajectories. Their paths were doomed to cross with a heavy crash, the two girls rammed into this poor soul minding his own business. The three went flying into the wall, the boy smacked against the window, skidding down with the two blonds on top of him.
"Hey, that didn't actually hurt as near as badly as I thought." Minako, looked to Usagi before gasping, wide eyed. She finally realized why their landing wasn't as bad. The two were sitting on top of the boy they smashed into. Minako sat atop of the boy's chest and Usagi across his legs. "Oh my god are you ok?! We're so sorry!" Minako exclaimed, still sitting on top of him. Usagi jumped up and bowed towards him.
"We were running late and didn't watch where we were going! Please forgive us!" She apologized.
The boy's eyes were closed, he had a satchel with his books and things inside of it that had fallen from his shoulder with a student I.D. attached to it. Katsuro Takahashi Age 17. He had long crimson red hair, sapphire blue eyes, athletic build, around 5'11" in height. "Ugh.." He groaned, his eyes fluttering open to see what happened. The first thing he saw was the other girl with the long hair and red bow in her hair sitting on his chest, looking down at him.
"Um, its ok. I tend to be accident prone anyways. Glad I could at least manage to save two beautiful ladies from injury." He joked flirtingly. "So, I know I'm probably comfortable, but…I kind of need to get up and get to class." He stated awkwardly to Minako.
The girl blushed, her face going red. "Oh yea! Sorry!" She exclaimed, jumping up from him as he slowly rose up to his feet, grabbing his bag. He straightened his shirt up some as the bell went off through the school. "Oh no! I forgot about being late!" She yelled, panicking with Usagi as they both apologized one more time before running onto class, leaving the boy behind.
"Day one of a new school, definitely not a dull one so far. Shit. It looks like I'm late now too." The boy heaved a sigh, dusting himself off as he began to walk in the direction the other two went. "At least I can use the 'I'm new here' excuse. He continued down the hall way. Looking to some paperwork he was carrying around, he saw where his homeroom was, following the numbers above the doors till finally he reached the right one. "Here we go." He opened the door to see the two blonds being scolded by the teacher.
The two stood with their heads bowed down in shame as the man continued to lay into them about being late AGAIN. "Now please, find your seats and sit down." He pointed as the two shamefully walked from the front of the classroom to the desks, sitting down near a blue haired girl and a brunette. "If there are no more interruptions, can we please get started?" He asked then saw the red haired boy at the door. "Can I help you?" He questioned.
"Oh um, good morning sir!" The boy bowed then stood back up. "My name is Katsuro Takahashi. I'm a transfer and this is my first day. I had trouble finding the room." He laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his head.
"Ah yes, the new student. I was told we would be getting a new addition today. Well please, come in and introduce yourself then find yourself a seat." The man invited, motioning his hand to come stand in front of the class.
"Right." Katsuro agreed as he stepped in then turned to face everyone. "Hello everyone. I'm Katsuro Takahashi. I just moved to the area and definitely look forward to getting to know new people! Lets definitely get along!" He bowed before looking for an empty desk to claim. The only one available was behind Minako. He sat his things on top then slowly slid down into his seat. "It looks like we're classmates. How lucky, with a hit and run like that, I'm afraid we may need to exchange contact information for insurance purposes." Katsuro teased, breaking the ice.
"Oh no, seriously?!" Minako panicked, thinking he was serious. She wasn't always…the brightest cookie in the tool jar if you catch the drift.
"No no no. I'm just joking with you." He chuckled lightly. "But a name would be cool to know. I definitely need some people to talk to and hang with." He stated as Minako gave a sigh of relief.
"Oh good, that's a relief." The blond awkwardly laughed. "I'm Minako, Minako Aino." She turned around with a smile.
"Enough of the chit chat in the back there! I am trying to teach a class unless you two want to come up to the front and give the lecture?" The instructor stated impatiently as the two quieted down and Minako turned around to the front.
The day continued on as everyone began separating to different classes and subjects. Finally, it was lunch time and the four girls met up outside in the yard to have their meal together like they always did.
"So that new boy in class, he's pretty cute right" Makoto, the taller brunette girl teased, nudging Minako with her elbow.
"Hey quit that." She turned red. "He's just looking for some new friends and to fit in. That's all!" She looked away as the others laughed.
"Maybe you could try to get him to do a double date with you and Mamo and I." Usagi leaned in close, joining in the teasing.
"You could see what his grades are like and maybe have a study date. With everything that's gone down, I'm sure you've let your scores and grades slip." Ami stated as Minako groaned.
"I hate you all." She crossed her arms, turning away from everyone where she sat. The others continued to laugh.
"Now that's not something you should say to your friends. A voice from behind her stated as she let out a cute little yelp, hearing who's voice it was. "I saw you all sitting out here and figured I'd come over and ask if it'd be alright if I ate lunch with you all. I don't know anyone here yet and you all seemed pretty cool." It was Katsuro. He gave a friendly smile, holding his bag and his lunch as they all looked to him, though Minako shyly looked over her shoulder with red in her cheeks.
"S-Sure." She quietly stated as the others gave a nod.
"Yeah! Here, come sit between Minako and I!" Usagi happily chimed in before giving a quick evil grin to Minako. Minako gave a quick angry glance that just said 'Traitor!'
"Oh thanks!" Katsuro slowly sat between the two as Minako looked away, embarrassed. She waited till she was sure the red in her cheeks was gone before looking back to him. "Well, I have Minako's name, but haven't been properly introduced to anyone else." His tone was friendly, he gave a smile as he began to open his lunch.
"Well, I'm Usagi Tsukino!" She smiled and giggled.
"My name is Ami Mizuno." Politely, she bowed her head to greet him.
"I'm Makoto Kino, nice to meet you." The brunette smiled to him.
"Awesome! Its great to meet all of you as well. My first friends in a new school. I'd say that counts as a successful first day so far." Giving a thumbs up, he flashed a rather energetic smile. So far from what they saw, he seemed to be a rather upbeat and energetic, maybe even goofy person.
"So Katsuro! Are you seeing anyone? What do you like to do for fun? Are you busy after school?!" Usagi being her normal self, straight forward and friendly, maybe a bit nosy, just started hammering him with questions to find out more about him. Her way of yet again trying to play matchmaker for one of her friends.
"Wow, right to the point then?" He chuckled nervously before looking up with his thumb and index finger to his chin as he began to think of answers. "Well, no I'm not seeing anyone currently. For fun? Lets see…I'm a bit of a Tokusatsu nerd, watching Sentai and Kamen Rider, some anime. I like to stay active, practicing kendo, dabbling in some martial arts. Well, its day one of school, so I really don't have any plans afterwards. Why?"
"Well, we meet after school usually to do a study group. We would have to check with our other friend, but would you like to join us?" Ami asked.
'Oh, you're all so sneaky!' Minako thought to herself with a clenched fist when Katsuro wasn't looking.
"Yeah, you should join us. I made snacks for today. I'm sure I have enough for an extra person." Makoto stated as Usagi almost drooled at the thought of Makoto's food.
"Then its decided! Come hangout with us!" Usagi insisted, at this point she wouldn't take no for an answer.
"Wow. Yeah, alright I'll come join you guys. If Minako here is alright with it as well?" He asked turning to her.
"Oh, uh, yeah. That'd be great!" She turned red, flustered she answered him then tried to laugh it off.
Lunch came to an end, everyone began finishing their food before packing up and heading back to classes. The day went on fairly normal afterwards, it seemed that no matter what class, Katsuro was sitting near Minako. She started to feel more comfortable around him and less awkward or nervous till finally she was even cutting up with him and even passing notes back and forth. The notes were all basic gossip about people around school and joking about random things, till finally one note she received back from him…
'So, I think it's pretty obvious your friends are REALLY trying to set us up. I think you're really beautiful and funny. I think we should turn the tables on them, if you'd want that is.'
Minako blushed heavily, her heart began to race reading the note. Was he serious? She gulped, taking a deep inhale to steady herself before she made a reply. She thought about it for a minute before coming to the realization that she kind of liked him. She wanted to see how this went, and it would be funny to flip things on the others. This was the first time she could actually think of just being a normal teenage girl. Seriously, why not just take the risk and do it? She quickly wrote her answer down and passed the note backwards, feeling her hand brush against his as he took it. Her heart skipped a beat, feeling them touch.
'Well now, don't you just know how to woo a girl. Game on, lets do it! But you have to ask me out in person, not like this. Let's put a show on for my friends too. Don't disappoint me lover boy. ;D'
Katsuro actually turned red after finishing the note. He looked up to see her gazing back over her shoulders with a certain flirtatious but serious look in her eyes as if pondering what his next move would be. When she looked back forward he gulped. It was the first time he was feeling a bit nervous. New friends…and a girlfriend on day one? His life was really looking up for him.
The bell rang, students began leaving the class and going home for the day. Minako walked past him, giving a wink to put their plan into action. Katsuro waited a while to give her time to meet with her friends before getting up to follow. He saw them standing outside of the school together talking before taking in a deep breath as he got close to Minako.
"Minako Aino! I am in a desert! A desert, called love! You are the sun that will save me! If it is to win you over, then I would become a soldier to fight for you! I have become completely and utterly stricken by your spell. I cannot resist it anymore!" Katsuro went to his knees before her, grasping her hands into his. "I must be yours! Soaring high, pushing through the blue sky, to unseen greatness of the universe will show you only the brilliant sights. For you, the stars are within our grasps! Please, will you go out with me?" He asked as the others went wide eyed for the big theatrical performance he gave.
'Well, he definitely didn't disappoint. Gotta give him that much.' Minako thought to her self as she closed her eyes. "Oh Katsuro! I too have been placed under your spell of love!" The back of her right hand went against her forehead dramatically, her other hand still in his. "It must be destiny that our paths have crossed! Yes, oh yes! I would gladly become your girlfriend!" She exclaimed.
'This seems a bit over the top and dramatic, even for Minako. I think they've played us…' Makoto thought to herself.
Usagi, clueless as ever believed every bit of this. "Oh how romantic!" She clasped her hands together, her eyes shimmering with joy.
'It seems Minako found someone as dramatic as her.' Ami thought then chuckled.
"My life is complete now! Oh what a happy day!" Katsuro wrapped his arms around her, lifting her up then spinning around as the two laughed. 'I hope that wasn't all too much.'
'Perfect! I guess I could get used to this.' She laughed as he finally set her back down. "Well hey, we're heading to do our study group. Are you coming?" She winked.
"Yes! I have to make a stop though, um…here's my number. Text me the address and I'll meet up with you all." He wrote his number on a piece of paper and gave it to her, turning a bit red.
"Its at the Hikawa Shrine. I'll give you directions though incase you don't know where that is." She shyly said, taking the paper then putting it into her phone. "We'll see you there then." Winking, she turned back to everyone else, walking off with them.
"You…caught onto what we were doing didn't you?" Makoto asked, rubbing the back of her head and laughing nervously. "Well, you definitely got us back. I take it he was in on it as well?"
"That's right! You don't try and play the warrior of love and beauty!" Minako boasted, laughing victoriously. "It was actually his idea, but that was all real. It looks like I…have a boyfriend! Finally, I have a high school love life!" She gave a peace sign with a huge grin. They left the school grounds and began walking to Rei's.
"Alright, just gotta run by the store real fast to stock up for the week." Katsuro began to leave the grounds to head to get groceries.