Episode 3

Part 1

"Tales of the enchanting Messengers: The meeting of the Sprite, Iris!"

XXXXXXXXXX

"IT'S NOT FAIR!"

Shouting loudly after gulping down some sweet ice cream. It didn't do much to cheer the upset Chain Raider, Junonia. She sat at the table within the VIP lounge surrounded by more sweet treats and their used wrappers and tried to drown out her sorrow with them. They hadn't helped.

Sniffling, tears still falling, Junonia cried miserably, "I was so close! My first harvest! It was completely ruined!" Then, closing her eyes, she again cried, "It's not fair!"

"Urgh! Shut yer trap will ya!"

Further bittered, Junonia turned her head and saw someone floating over her. With an annoyed expression, it was none other than her spiky green-haired fellow accomplice, Cerith.

Staring up at him, mad, clad in a green and black leather punk rock look. With ice cream smeared around her mouth, she told him, "Get lost Cerith! I don't need you now!" Then, gulping down some more of her sweet treat, she added, "I've had an awful time!"

"Pfff!" Scoffing at her, he then inched closer. Seeing his blue eyes and mocking smirk, she heard him ask, "Aww, what's wrong? Baby fumbled up her first mission ever, huh?"

Junonia snapped and shouted, "I TOLD YOU TO GET LOST!"

TOSS!

"Whoa!"

Shocked, Cerith dived out of the way as Junonia threw her big spoon at him. Then quickly-!

TOSS! TOSS! TOSS! TOSS! TOSS!

She threw a barrage of sweet snacks and other items at him!

Annoyed at this, he told her, "Oi! Knock it off! What did I to-!"

"I don't want you picking on me!" Junonia cried. Then, continuing her bizarre barrage, she added, "It hurts enough as it is! "

"Tch!" The boy tutted, clearly annoyed by her bratty behaviour. However, smirking, he told her, "You big dumb baby!" Then, dodging another blow, he put his hands on either side of his face and mocked her further, saying, "You still ain't got no aim, have ya?"

Stopping, then seeing, indeed, she hadn't landed a single hit. Junonia gritted her teeth, seething red as she uttered, "Why you...!"

Then, gesturing with his hands, he told her smugly, "C'mon! Bring it on and try and hit me for real, baby cakes!"

Junonia had enough of him and quickly grabbed the stool she'd been sitting on! Outraged, she told him, "I'll teach you for-!"

"That's enough!"

GRAB!

Suddenly stopping her, Junonia's right arm and hand were grabbed. Making her cease her attack, as she was, she turned and saw with surprise, "Big bro?"

For there, arriving on the scene, was her adopted older brother. Staring at her with golden-yellow eyes, his orange hair was framed around his rich amber-coloured skin with a long black hairband around his forehead. Dressed in his more stylish orange and black street fighter attire, she heard him say with a stern tone, "This isn't what we'd call mature, is it?"

Hearing him, Junonia became quiet. However, despairing that she would even be scorned by her big brother, she wept again, saying, "Big bro!" Then, hugging him tightly, she said, "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! It was just so bad, I couldn't help myself! I-!"

"There, there..." Then, feeling his gentle hand patting her red locks, he told her, "Calm down now, I know, I heard it was tough for your first time."

She was so glad he understood; this was why she loved him so much! He was so much more kind than-!

"You know babying that baby, ain't ever gonna make her grow up!"

Soured in seconds hearing him, Junonia shot daggers at Cerith with her eyes. Then, holding her brother closer, she told him, "Shut up Cerith! Big brother Murex will be a thousand times better than you'll ever be!"

"Pfft! Like I care!" He retorted, floating in the air while kicking back with his arms behind his back, not caring for her infatuation with their orange-clad comrade.

With his hand on top of Junonia's head, sighing, Murex uttered, "The difficulties of being an older sibling."

"It is entertaining to behold though! I can't deny that!"

Then, arriving on the scene was another figure. Dressed in a more regal attire that fitted more of a traditional pirate style, in rich pinks and blacks, with a fancy hat on his head. There was no mistaking him as their vice-captain, and looking at him, Junonia asked, "Ari?"

The polite man removed his hat, revealing his long pink hair tied into a ponytail. He greeted her, saying with a formal bow, "Good day, Junonia!" Then, raising himself up, he smiled at her with his red eyes and asked her, "How do you fare today?"

Hearing him ask so politely, she couldn't help but feel foolish at her behaviour. Feeling embarrassed, she pulled away from Murex and admitted, looking down to the floor, "...I'm still upset."

"I can see that!" Ari smiled.

"You should have been here to hear it too!" Cerith chuckled, then as Junonia stared at him mad, he continued, "Honestly! She would put a harpy to shame!"

"Shut up!" Junonia told him, mad.

Ari only laughed while Murex sighed and told her, "I keep telling you, the more you rise to him, the more he'll just take advantage of you." Then, with a critical eye, he added, "Junonia you've got to better manage your emotions at times like these."

Hearing this critique, she became quiet. Then, looking ashamed, she looked down and replied, "Yeah... I'm sorry." Feeling she might cry again, she did her best not to and said, "I'll try better from now on, I promise!"

Smiling, Ari approached her and said, "I know, Junonia! I know!" Then, patting her head, he added, "You've still got a lot of growing to do, but you'll get there one day! I'm sure you will!"

Surprised, she asked Ari, "Really?"

"Absolutely!" Then he added, "Also, you have no need to worry! The Captain holds no ill will towards you!"

Amazed, she asked him, "Really!?"

Nodding, Ari then continued, "Yes! He deems a punishment right now unnecessary, so just try again on another hunt and see what you can do."

Her eyes lit up gladly, and she cried, "Oh, brother Ari, thank you!" Then, hugging him too, she said, "I promise! I'll do really well next time! Just you wait!"

Smiling pleased, he stroked her head and said, "I'll be looking forward to seeing that!"

"Same!" Murex agreed, revealing a small smile of his own.

"Urgh! You guys are too soft!" Cerith grumbled, annoyed.

Again, Junonia stared at him, mad. She wished he'd just get lost already.

"Perhaps?" Ari agreed; however, he revealed, "But from now on, we've also been given permission to act more accordingly if we encounter further adversaries."

Puzzled, Junonia repeated, "Accordingly?" Then quickly, she realised with delight, "Wait? You mean we can actually use-!"

"That's right!" Ari smiled, and with that-!

VOOM!

Suddenly, a few heavy metal cases emerged. Everyone, especially Junonia, looked as though Christmas had arrived early, and Ari revealed with a cunning smile, "We can now use our big guns!"

XXXXXXXXXX

"Iris-chan!"

Coming again to Prince Shiba Park, the rest of the Guardians watched Usagi look around amongst the trees where she first chased the end of the rainbow. As she did, searching with her hand over her eyes, she appeared eager as she cried again, "Iris-chan! I've come back again! Where are you?" Then, disappearing behind another tree, she popped out again, saying, "Iris-chan!"

Gazing at her as she continued her feverish searching, Rei turned to Mako and asked, "Are you sure she hasn't gone loopy?"

Mako looked at her and asked, "Why would she?" She had to add, "I mean Usagi-chan can have her ditzy moments, but-!"

"Ah!"

Looking back, alarmed, the group saw Usagi had tripped up, somehow climbing out from behind the tree! Landing with a hard thump on the floor, she sat up and cried loudly, "Ow! That hurt!"

Staring at her as she did this, Mako uttered an awkward laugh seeing this. She felt anything she could say now wouldn't justify her earlier point with all Usagi's crying.

Laughing awkwardly nearby, Minako had to ask, "It feels like we've gone back in time and are looking after an elementary school kid, doesn't it?"

Ami then replied, "That's not nice Minako-chan!"

"And are you one really one to talk about it?" Rei pointedly said to her.

"Hey!" Minako protested, then-!

"Usagi-chan!?"

Surprising everyone, they turned, and then they saw-!

GLOW!

Arriving from amongst the tree branches, floating near their princess, they saw a little golden sphere of light!

Amazed, then wiping her eyes, Rei asked, "Guys! Are you seeing what I'm seeing?"

"Uh, yeah? I think!" Mako replied, then before she could say anything else-!

Dim...

They saw a little figure floating around Usagi with pink hair, with yellow-tipped ends, and long rainbow-coloured ribbons trailing behind her. She looked worried for her as she asked, "Are you alright!?"

No one there knew what to say or do. However, Usagi uttered, "Urgh! I'll be okay; I'm just-!" Then, looking up and seeing her there, with realisation, she quickly smiled and cried, "Iris-chan! I found you!"

The little Sprite looked surprised, then smiled, and she replied, "Yes, you have!" Then, floating around to her hand, she touched it gently, "Would you like me to help you up?

Now surprised herself, Usagi nodded happily and replied, "Aww! Thank you! That'd be great!"

Iris simply smiled more, then moved fast. She flew around Usagi and-!

SPARKLE!

The sparkle of rainbow light covered her, and quickly, the Guardian of the Moon was lifted up, allowing her to gracefully stand on her feet again. Feeling this happen, Usagi was amazed.

Then quickly, Iris floated before her and asked, "There! Do you feel better now?"

"Yeah! I do!" Then, moving her hands out, Usagi cupped Iris into them and brought her closer to her cheek. Caressing her gently against it, she said, "Iris-chan! You're so nice!"

The little Sprite became startled, but she smiled and laughed, clearly enjoying the affection.

In her warm moment, Usagi felt so happy she'd met her again! She was so glad it wasn't-!

"Usagi-chan...?"

Then, hearing Ami's voice, she looked at her friends, who looked at the two of them beyond astounded! As they did, the group's most logical asked her, "Is that who-?"

"Oh, yeah!" Usagi smiled brightly and then took Iris away from her cheek. She presented her to them, and the Sprite looked at them curiously. "This is Iris-chan! She saved me and helped me against the new enemy I faced last night!"

Surprised, Rei, looking at her, asked, "This small thing? She helped you?"

Iris looked a little worried but quickly Usagi became annoyed. She told her, "She's not a thing, Rei-chan! She's my friend! She's a Sprite!" Then, she protectively held her close.

"A Sprite?" Mako repeated, baffled.

"Oh, um! Yes, that's correct!" Then, everyone looked at the little Sprite in Usagi's hands. She moved out of them and then floated in front of her. She bowed her head and greeted them, saying, "I am the Messenger Sprite of the Moon Kingdom. It's an honour to make your acquaintances!"

Surprised at her politeness, no one knew what to say! However, one person quickly reacted, crying, "Awww! She's so cute!"

It was then that Minako rushed up to her. Looking at her all over, she said, "I've never seen someone like you! You're adorable!"

Iris looked baffled, then she smiled awkwardly and replied, "Um, thank you!"

"I know! I said the same thing!" Usagi cried, cupping Iris into her hands again and holding her close. She said, "Isn't she great!?"

Nodding, Minako looked like she had stars in her eyes. With that, the two of them were gushing all over the little Sprite, who looked embarrassed at their overabundance of affection.

Seeing them do this, Rei sighed and said, "Those two are being such overgrown kids!"

Laughing, Ami replied, "Well, I can't blame them! This little Sprite is rather sweet."

"I agree!" Mako smiled, amused. With her arms folded, she relaxed and said, "Well, I can tell she doesn't have the air of an enemy. Usagi-chan was right for a change!"

"Yeah, surprisingly!" Rei replied. However, she couldn't help but wonder, "But why has she appeared now? Why were we never told about her?"

Feeling an air of seriousness begin to rise, Mako replied, "That's a good question?"

"Yeah, it is," Ami agreed. Staring at Minako and Usagi as they continued observing and hyping over Iris, she said, "Well, we'll need to gain answers if we can from her, especially if we have a new enemy to deal with."

Both Rei and Mako nodded in agreement. Then, the three waited until things calmed down enough between Usagi and Minako to start gaining those answers...

XXXXXXXXXX

"Wow!"

Clearly excited, Junonia, using her power, cried out, "Amazing! I can even shrink it to fit into my bag!" She packed her new weapon in her black-and-white lacy, gold-chained handbag.

"This is impressive!" Murex admitted. Taking his own weapon, he holstered it to his side and smirked, saying, "Just like that old rascal! You can never put it past him to be ready for this kind of thing."

"You got that right!" Cerith smirked, stroking his weapon, said, "Now! Why don't I go out there and start-!"

"NO!"

As he was rudely interrupted, Junonia told him, "It's still MY TURN! You wait until I at least finish one harvest!"

At this order, Cerith became mad and told her, "Oh, shut up! I don't take orders from a dumb baby like you!"

Gripping her fist, Junonia felt ready to unleash some-!

"That's enough! Knock it off you two!"

Stepping between them, Murex said, acting fast as the referee, "We all agreed on the rotation for this city, and also promised not to break it!" Then, giving Cerith a stern glare, he added, "Otherwise you know what that might cost you, don't you?"

Blinking, Cerith then glowered. Holding his weapon close, he replied, "You wouldn't dare! Not after I just got this!"

"Don't doubt it!" Then Murex smiled cunningly, "And if I don't, you know Coquina will!"

Cerith looked really uncomfortable at this idea, so finally, he relented with an angry sigh, "Tch! Fine, I'll hold back for now!" However, he had to at least get one jab in, "But don't blame me if that baby wets the bed again!"

"CERITH!" With that, Junonia launched herself to go straight after him when-!

GRAB!

Suddenly, she was stopped and looking she saw her Vice-captain had grabbed her leg! Shocked, she then heard him say, "Junonia come now! This isn't the behaviour a lady of quality should be doing now, should they?"

As she stared at him quietly, she said, embarrassed, "I guess not, no..." Then she floated back down and finished sadly, "Sorry!"

"It's alright!" Ari smiled, then patted her head again. Then he asked her, "Now? Are you ready to go hunting again?"

As the question was asked, Junonia, feeling his touch, stared at him. Then, brightening, she replied, "Of course! Absolutely!" With that, she stepped back from him and enthusiastically said, "Just you wait! I'll get a huge load of Destiny Jewels this time! You'll see!" Then, looking at her irksome cohort, she added, "And I'll make you really sorry for insulting me, Cerith!"

"As if a baby could put me in my place!" he retorted, and with that, he turned his back to her, floating higher into the air with disinterest.

Junonia gripped her fist tight, wanting to punch him out of the air! However, knowing Ari and Murex were watching her, she bridled her rage and smiled brightly, saying, "See you again big bros!" With that, she was on her way to make her adoptive family proud as she searched for her next conquest!

XXXXXXXXXX

"Okay! Here we go!"

Arriving back to the group, who'd moved to another quiet spot in the park after everything had calmed down. Mako and Rei returned with some cold drinks and a few sweet snacks. As they did, Usagi smiled happily as she said, "Thanks guys!" With that, she took a bag of strawberry-flavoured Crunky.

Iris stared at her Princess as she opened it. Fascinated, watching as Usagi bit into a few treats at once, saying, "Mm! Yum!"

Hearing her, the Sprite asked, "Is it really that nice, Usagi-chan?"

"Sure is!" She smiled, then quickly reached the bag over to her and asked, "Would you like to try a little bit?"

"Can I?" Iris uttered, surprised.

"Of course you can!" Then, shaking the bag, she told her, "Go on! See if you like it!"

"Oh, okay!" Iris replied. With that, she took one, held it tightly, and bit into it.

"So, do you like it?" Usagi asked her.

Iris was quiet as she chewed, but after a little while, she surprisedly exclaimed, "It's really sweet!" Then, munching away some more, she added, "And it's flavours good, too!"

"I'm glad to hear it!" Usagi smiled, then added, "It's strawberry flavour!"

"Strawberry?" Iris asked her.

Nodding, Usagi replied, "Yeah!"

"Amazing! I love strawberries, they're my favourite!" Then, eating more enthusiastically, she said, "Thank you Usagi-chan! I haven't had anything like this in so long!"

"No problem!" She smiled, and the two of them munched quietly.

Seeing them eating together, Mako chuckled and couldn't help but say, holding a cold Melon drink in hand, "Wow! Look at them - they're two peas in a pod!"

"True!" Minako agreed, drinking some iced tea. She added, "And surprisingly, we haven't got a kid this time!"

"She is still small, though!" Rei laughed. Shrugging her shoulders, she said, "But I guess that's something just normal for us now, taking in little ones!" Then, she ate some of her own sweet snacks.

"True!" Ami smiled, holding her water in hand. As everyone ate and relaxed, after a little, the Guardian of Mercury decided to finally begin her enquiries and asked, "Iris-chan?"

"Hm?" Finishing eating, the little pink-haired Sprite looked at her.

As she did, Ami asked her, "Could you tell us some things about yourself?" Then, as she looked surprised at her, she continued, "We'd like to understand where you come from and what you were to us in the ancient past."

Quiet, Iris asked, "The ancient past?" Then, amazed, she asked, "Wait...? You all know about that time?"

"Yeah!" Usagi confirmed, smiled, and added, "They're Sailor Guardians like me!"

"Guardians like...?" Then, as Iris realised who the rest of Usagi's friends were, she quickly became alarmed, saying, "Oh! Oh my goodness, I-!"

"Huh?" Usagi didn't understand why she was behaving that way. The others were confused, too. When-!

"I'm so sorry! Your majesty's!" With that, she bowed her head apologetically and, shaking, she said, "If my behaviour has been appalling in my eating, I am so dreadfully sorry! I'm-!"

"Iris-chan!" Calming her down, Usagi took her into her hands and said, "It's okay! No one's mad at you, you're fine!"

Surprised, she asked, "Really?" Usagi nodded to her question, then the pink-haired Sprite looked to the rest of the girls and asked, "Are you sure I haven't upset any of you?"

Baffled, Mako asked her, "Why would you?" Looking at everyone else, they all felt the same as she told her, "You haven't done anything!"

"Well other than helping Usagi-chan and eating, I wouldn't consider those crimes!" Rei added. But she did admit, "Though maybe at certain points I'd detest you for helping her when she doesn't deserve it!"

"Rei-chan!" Usagi complained, holding Iris close to herself again.

To which everyone else laughed awkwardly.

But Ami, listening, realised one thing, "But with you saying that, Iris-chan?"

"Huh?"

As she got her attention again, Ami continued, "You knew when we were Guardians in the past, that we were of royalty, didn't you?"

After being quiet momentarily, the pink-haired Sprite nodded, "Yes, that's correct." Looking at them all, she added, "You were all the Guardians of the planets in the Solar System."

"Well, that wouldn't be too difficult to figure out based on our titles!" Rei said. Then, looking at Iris, she asked, "But since you mentioned you were a Messenger Sprite, does that mean we would pass messages onto you?"

Iris was quiet and replied, "Well, I would deliver messages for the royal family of the Moon, yes!" However, looking down, she revealed, "But for the rest of the Kingdoms you all had your own Sprites you would rely on for your messaging."

…

As the silence filled the air, Iris looked about and asked, "Um, have I said something wrong?"

Minako broke the silence and cried, "We had our own Sprites like you!?"

Jumping at her shout, Iris replied, "Oh! Yes but of course, everyone did!" Then, looking around at them all, she asked, "Wait? Do you not remember everyone?"

Baffled, Mako asked, "Remember everyone?" Then she realised and said, "Wait! We knew them, personally?"

Blinking, Iris replied, "Well, of course you did!" Then she added, "After all, we each grew up with our respective Princesses! Unless...!" However, she quickly stopped and became depressed as she seemed to have realised something.

Worried for her, Usagi asked, "Iris-chan, what's wrong?"

With a troubled, sad look, Iris admitted, "...I think I know why none of you remember them."

"You do?" Ami asked, concerned. Iris nodded her reply, and as she did, Ami asked her again, "Could you explain why?"

She looked uncomfortable, grasping her tiny hands together. She said sadly, "...Because of the war, against Queen Beryl."

"Queen Beryl?" Minako asked, then stopping in thought, "Why would she have anything to do with why we can't remember you or our Sprites?"

"Because of our liability during the war," Iris admitted sadly.

Concerned, Mako repeated, "Liability?"

Nodding, Iris continued, "Yes, because if one of us were caught or tampered with, then it could lead to the disclosure of crucial information that would change the tide of battle tremendously... for the wrong side."

Listening to her explanations, Usagi asked, "You mean, like one of you being caught and brainwashed or something?"

Nodding, Iris gave her answer silently.

Rei looked sceptical and said, "I can't believe that just one of you could affect things that badly!" Then, looking at their Guardian of Wisdom, she said, "I mean, we would have just used the ancient computer systems we had back then, wouldn't we? Like what Ami-chan uses."

Ami listened to Rei say this and replied, "Yes, that is true! Computer systems aren't always easily hacked, and what I know of Queen Beryl, I don't think she used systems such as ours, so why would we have relied on your powers?"

Shuffling a little, Iris looked uncertain at first how to answer. But after a little, she said, "Well, because we are a little more effective than machines."

Surprised, Mako asked, "How so?"

"Because we can go further and faster throughout the vastness of space!" Iris explained, then continued, "The computer systems could be useful, but only so, if they were close by." Then, floating up, she glowed with light and made small spheres.

Everyone looked amazed as she continued, using the spheres now reminiscent of the Solar System as they knew it, "However, our powers can reach further than they can, and very quickly too! Using the Astral Winds!" Then smiling, she added, making small streaks of light representing her and her fellow Sprites, showing how fast they could go, "So we were more effective in delivering crucial information to worlds, like Pluto for example. Where they always had difficulties in sending their messages with technology." Then she added, looking sadly nostalgic as she thought of them, holding the resembling sphere in her hand, "Especially if their ruler was by the Doors of Time and Space, their Sprite was often the only way they could communicate beyond that point."

Surprised to hear this, Minako thoughtfully replied, "You know that does make sense! How would Setsuna-san be able to contact us, if we couldn't see her back then?" Also, she couldn't help but add, dreading the idea, "And being all alone next to those doors might have driven her crazy! I could see why a Sprite like you would be helpful in stopping that!" To which she nodded, looking like it all made sense.

Iris looked happy and replied, "Thank you, your majesty!"

Baffled, Minako repeated, "Your majesty?"

Nodding, Iris told her, "I'm glad you believe me! It makes me really happy!"

"Awww!" Seeing her cutely say this, Minako told her, "Of course I'd believe you! How could a cute little thing like you ever lie!" To which she patted her head, looking delighted.

Iris then laughed, feeling awkward, though she looked happy, feeling her gentle touch.

Everyone stayed quiet as this happened, but they couldn't help but smile. However, returning to the topic, Ami asked, "So you believe that our memories of you all were taken so the enemy wouldn't learn of your existence?"

Blinking as she asked, and as Minako pulled her hand away from her. Iris looked troubled and replied, "I believe that might have been a possibility that Queen Serenity might have conceived?" Then, shaking her head, she said looking depressed, "But I wouldn't know, since I was only told what was necessary...so?"

Seeing her become saddened, Usagi acted and gently took her into her hands. Cradling her, she said, "Iris-chan! If you don't know, then you don't! Don't force yourself, okay?"

Surprised, the pink-haired Sprite replied, "Alright, thank you Usagi-chan!"

As Usagi nodded, Ami felt a little uncertain about what Iris had stated, but for now she decided she shouldn't ask more about that topic. So, she asked instead, "Alright, well since we know a little more about what you are, could you tell us about the enemy we're now facing?"

"The enemy?" Iris asked, then she realised, "Oh, you mean the Tocsins, don't you?"

Mako asked her, "The Tocsins? That's what they're called?"

Nodding, Iris then said, "Yes! They're-!"

GRUMBLE!

Baffled by this new noise, everyone was quiet before Usagi admitted, embarrassed, "Sorry guys! I guess the Crunky's made me real hungry!"

Perplexed by her, everyone then sighed as Rei said, "Honestly! We were at a cafe not that long ago! Can you not stay full for long at all!"

Annoyed, Usagi complained, "Hey! I'm still a growing girl!"

"Don't you mean more like a porkster!" Rei replied in a snarky tone!

"Why you-!"

"Alright, stop!" Mako quickly spoke up, breaking up the oncoming feud. "C'mon, there's no time for this!" Then she added, as everyone looked at her, she said, "Besides, it'd be best if we went indoors anyway! Since we'll have more privacy!"

With that, everyone noticed that there seemed to be a growing crowd in the park. If they stayed there, hiding their interaction with the Sprite would be problematic.

"Alright then!" Ami agreed, and then she asked, "Shall we go back to your house then Mako-chan?"

Surprised, she asked; the Guardian of Jupiter replied, "Sure! That's a good plan! We'll have all the privacy and time we need! Let's go now!"

With that, everyone silently agreed and went to go.

However, before joining the others, Usagi said, "Here Iris-chan! You can hide in here!" To which she opened the blue handbag she had on hand.

Surprised, the Sprite replied, "Oh, thank you!" She quickly got inside and said, "Thank you, Usagi-chan!"

"You're welcome!" She replied, then quickly she zipped it up, however leaving enough space so she could breathe comfortably. Then she added, "And don't worry, you won't be in there long, Mako-chan lives not too far from here!"

"That's good! I'll be interested to see where her Highness of Jupiter now resides!" Iris said from the bag.

Usagi laughed at this and realised she would have to teach her Sprite not to refer to her friends as royalty. For catching up and leaving with them, she couldn't let those titles get to their heads. Especially Rei's!

XXXXXXXXXX

SHOOT! SHOOT! SHOOT!

Releasing a few arrows from his bow, the young man looked at the target far ahead silently. Then, sighing, he saw that, much to his disappointment, he still hadn't landed them where he wished.

Staring at his efforts, he then looked down at his hand. Tightening his grip and seeing the bandages that were still wrapped around his shooting hand's wrist, he could feel it. No matter how many times he tried, he just couldn't build the same strength as before, with the dull ache in his bones hindering him.

"Tomo-kun?"

His attention was grabbed. He saw his archery teacher and heard him say, "We're about to leave now. Are you ready to go?"

Quiet hearing the question, honestly, he would have answered no. But again, he couldn't hold everyone up, so sighing, he replied, "I guess?" With that, he passed his teacher, but before fully going-!

GRAB!

Spooked, he looked at his teacher and saw him holding his shoulder. As he did, he then heard him say, "Please, Tomo-kun don't push yourself alright?" Then releasing him, he added with concern, "It was over a month since the accident, your body still needs time."

Tomo could feel it coming. He hated it! Then he heard his teacher say, "I think it would be best if you took some time off and then-!"

"Then who'll win us the finals?" Stopping his teacher dead in his tracks, Tomo stared at him angrily and said, "I have to do this! It's my only chance to-!" However, he'd said too much. Gripping his bow hard, he turned to leave when-!

"Tomo-kun!"

"I'm getting dressed and going home!" Then, with a glare, he added, "I'll be back tomorrow!" With that, he was heading to the changing rooms to get ready!

XXXXXXXXXX

Smiling as Usagi walked down the high street with everyone, she couldn't help but ask, "What do you think you'll make for us Mako-chan?"

Chuckling, Mako replied, "Eager aren't you?" To which Usagi nodded, making the Guardian of Jupiter smile more and reply, "Hmm, how about Gyudon? I haven't done that in a long time!"

"That'd be great!" Usagi said happily.

"Oh! I'll take a bowl!" Minako added.

"Make that three!" Rei declared.

Smiling awkwardly, Ami said, "Well, since everyone is so keen...?" Then, looking at Mako, she asked, "Um, Mako-chan, if you don't mind, could I also-?"

"Sure no problem! I'll be glad to make some for you too, Ami-chan!" Mako smiled, pleased with everyone's enthusiasm.

Usagi was so pleased. This was going to be a great night! Then, as they all walked on together-!

"Hey! Isn't that-!"

Surprised, Usagi turned and saw one of her comrades was looking in a particular direction. Curious, she asked, "Rei-chan?"

However, Rei ignored her and, running ahead of the group, cried out, "Hey! Tomo-kun!"

Then suddenly, a young boy, around Shingo's age, turned and looked at her, surprised. Seeing him, she noticed he had short black hair and brown eyes. He seemed sensible in demeanour and smartly dressed in his white shirt, navy denim jacket, and trousers.

As they approached him, following after her, they heard him say, "Rei-san?"

"Hi! How've you been! I haven't seen you by the shrine in ages!" Rei smiled, and then she asked him, "Were you out practising again?"

He was silent and looked uncomfortable momentarily. But he smiled, seemingly with some strain, as he said, "Uh, yeah?" Scratching his head, he added, "Well, competitions are going to be coming up soon, and I'm trying to make up for lost time."

It was then Rei looked puzzled and asked, "Competitions?" Then, concerned, she said, "Wait... Aren't you still recovering?"

Tomo looked uncomfortable answering as he averted his gaze. Instead, he held his right hand tightly.

No one knew what was happening, and they listened as Rei continued asking, "Are you sure you should be competing?" Then, with further worry in her voice, she said, "I mean, I know it's important, but you shouldn't overdo it; otherwise-!"

"I'LL BE FINE!" As he interrupted her with frustration, everyone became quiet.

However, Tomo quickly seemed to realise what he'd done. Then, quickly, he apologised and said, "Sorry, I was too loud." Then, bowing his head, he told her, "Thanks for your concern, Rei-san! But I'm sorry, I have to go!" With that, he turned and ran from her!

"Tomo-kun!?" However, he didn't turn back and continued running away.

Rei looked worried, and everyone, now concerned for her, began to voice their thoughts as Usagi asked, "How do you know him, Rei-chan?"

The Guardian of Mars was quiet momentarily before she admitted, "Tomo-kun's Grandpa and mine are old friends." Then, looking at him as he began to disappear into the crowds, she continued, "They used to practise archery together, and naturally me and him would practise with them too sometimes."

"Really? You and him were learning buddies?" Minako asked surprised.

"Yeah!" Rei smiled. She continued, "He was always ready for a challenge and would beat me a lot." However, she added, putting her fingers through her long dark hair, "But, I always had the better poise!" Then, striking a confident pose.

Everyone could have been more impressed! However, they stayed silent and listened to her continue, "He was always doing his best to match up to his Grandpa." With a gentle smile caught in the throws of nostalgia, she said, "He wanted to be a champion just like him and become a legend with his archery."

Surprised, Mako asked, "Was his Grandpa that good?"

Nodding, Rei continued, "Yeah, he won countless awards and some people even said he was the reincarnation of Minamoto no Tametomo!"

Amazed, Ami asked, "Wait? The famous archer who sunk an entire ship with just one arrow?"

"Yep!" Rei replied, smiling.

"Whoa! That's powerful!" Usagi exclaimed, wondering how anyone could even do that!

"I know, right!" Rei's grin grew wider. However, sadly, she had to admit, "But recently, Tomo-kun was involved in an accident; it left his right arm badly damaged."

"His right arm?" Usagi asked, concerned. Then, as Rei nodded, she asked, "So that's why you were trying to ask him to take it easy, huh?"

"Well done, Sherlock! Looks like you were paying attention!" Rei joked, then before Usagi could fully sour, she continued, "But yeah, I just don't want him to strain himself." Looking back in the direction Tomo had gone, she continued, "Because his Grandpa wouldn't want that, I don't, and my own Grandpa would tell him the same." Then, remembering the passionate boy he was, she said sadly, "But I know how important his dream is to him, especially now since..."

Becoming concerned, Usagi asked, "Rei-chan?"

However, quickly, Rei tried to dismiss the sad atmosphere, saying, "Nah! It's fine! Don't worry guys, I don't wanna dampen the atmosphere! Especially before we eat!" With that, she ran in the direction of Mako's house and said, "Now c'mon! Let's get going, I'm getting hungrier too, now!"

Feeling she was trying to avoid the subject, Usagi couldn't blame her entirely, but she still wanted more explanation and cried out, "Hey! Don't leave without finishing the story!" With that, she chased after her.

Seeing them start up their cat and dog fighting again, Mako sighed and said, "Well somethings just never change!"

Minako and Ami smiled and followed after her. Finally, they all went to finish the journey to Mako's house, where they could enjoy a nice meal and hear more details from Iris.

XXXXXXXXXX

"Boom! Bah! Boom! Bah! Boom!"

Sitting on the bus, Junonia nodded her head to a superb beat in her head, as she listened to her red CD Walkman. She didn't care for the odd looks and irritation she was causing as she sang a couple of lyrics, "You can have my isolation!" Then, with another nod, "You can have the hate that it brings!"

The crowd around her became uncomfortable with the lyrics, but she continued, "You can have my absence of faith!" Grinning, loving Trent Reznor's voice, she sang the last of the verse, "You can have my everything!"

TAP! TAP!

Taken out of her musical harmony, she blinked and saw her shoulder being tapped. By an old, spectacled, dark-clad businessman sat behind her, she removed her headphones from her ears and heard him say, "Miss you're disturbing everyone else! Be quiet would you?"

"Huh!?" Outraged, she then demanded, "Who do you think you're talking to! You old creep!"

The businessman, including the other riders on the bus, was shocked at her words. Seeing them all stare at her in an unnerved manner just annoyed Junonia, and immediately, she huffed, saying, "Can't I even sing to myself in peace! You dumb dolts!" She moved to a better position on the bus, ignoring the outraged whispers and mutters.

Then she made her way to the back of the bus, which had some comforting shade. She moved to put her headphones back on when-!

DING! DING!

It stopped to pick up more passengers. Stilling momentarily as it did this, Junonia watched as more people hopped on board. Then she saw one particular young man wearing a navy denim jacket and jeans. She took particular note of him as he held his right hand and wrist with some grimace.

Staying still as she saw this, putting her CD on pause. She watched him quietly as he sat in the chair on the opposite aisle from her. Her amber eyes concentrated on him as he sat down, holding his limb tight and observing him; she then heard him utter, upset, "A little more! I just need to bear with it a little more!"

As he said this, Junonia stayed quiet. However, with a cunning smirk coming to decorate her freckled features, she quickly realised that she'd found her next target! It was time to get to work!

Putting her Walkman away into her frilly white and black handbag, she quickly moved to his side. Surprised, the young man turned to her, and she, in turn, put on her best smile and said, "Hi, ho there!" She began working on her new target: to gain his and a huge score of Destiny Jewels!

(Song Lyrics Used: 'Closer' by Nine Inch Nails)

Art found at: Deviantart Lrme87