Guardians of The Millennium:
Storm of the Stars
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Chapter One: The storm begins
by Alina -- alinasan@yahoo.com
you know I crave comments!;)
Author's Notes:
1. This is Lita's story. It continues
immediately after the events in "Into the Fire."
2. SUMMARY Of GOM: Into the Fire & GOM: DFL
Previously, the scouts
found a picture showing them with the four
generals. They attempted to restore their
memories of that time, but find they
do not know which of the generals
betrayed them to Beryl. Regardless,
with the help of Game Machine Joe, the scouts
rescue Jaedite, and he goes to
live with Raye. Chad gets engaged to Sora/Sara,
a girl he knew from childhood. But evil
people kidnap Sora and Raye was forced to
rescue her with the help of the Sailors...
And General Jaedite! The mysterious
enemy vows to investigate the Sailor's
power.....In the past, Jaedite and Raye
become engaged, but are separated as the shield
blocks the Moon from Earth. Neflite
reveals a curious foreknowledge of
this event as he explains that Endymion's
refusal to complete a ritual casts the
generals at Beryl's mercy.
ONGOING POSTING PROBLEMS:
You should see "End of Chapter" at the end.
If not a message to
alinasan@yahoo.com will prompt me
to mail you what's cut.
*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)
Theme song: "Can the Stars say"
(to the tune of "Rainy Day Man" of your SailorMoon Soundtrack--
these words are mine...;))
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When I saw you I just knew you
though I could not say from where it could be
but you felt it too, the touch of destiny
Can the stars say
why your heart beats with mine?
When I see your pulse race
should I think that's a sign
Can the stars say?
It's never felt so right before
and my heart knows what fate doesn't say
You've always loved me even on that first day
Can the stars say
I don't want this to end
I would give anything
to be with you again
Can the stars say?
You've always loved me even on that first day
Can the stars say?
why your heart beats with mine?
When I see your pulse race
should I think that's a sign
Can the stars say?
Can the stars say?
I don't want this to end
I would give anything
to be with you again
Can the stars say?
Can the stars say?
Can the stars say?
Can the stars say?
Can the stars say?
*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)
Cherry Hill Temple:
The Night of Chad and Sora's wedding
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Behind a pillar Lita smiled as Jed and
Raye glided to the dance floor. She
watched them for a minute, and then
slipped outside. "I knew
all they needed was a push in the
right direction" She said to no one
in particular... "Always said there
was nothing like the direct approach."
She stared up at the stars...with their
light to keep her company, she never felt so
alone.
"Hey Lita--there you are." Joe said
as he sat down, a little too close
to her. She shifted marginally
away...why did she feel that
he was too close? He *was*
her date after all...
"Penny for your thoughts...or
at least," he handed her a
champagne flute. "A glass of
champagne. We should toast
the happy couple."
She took the glass, but she
really didn't want to drink.
"Thanks Joe." She set it on the grass.
"The stars sure are bright?" He said,
nervously. She seemed as if
she was far away from him. He
frowned looking over at her. She'd
seemed really eager to get to know
him at first--in fact, *she'd* asked
him to come to this event. Why
was she all but ignoring him? He
tried not to get irritated. He
moved closer, and tried to put
his arm around her.
She stood up, almost knocking him
*and* the glass over. As it was,
her glass splashed on his arm.
"OH! I'm sorry Joe...I" she broke
off.
"Lita, is something wrong?" He asked.
"I"ll just go get a napkin, ok?" She
said "And some club soda..."
"It's champagne Lita--it'll be ok
it won't make too much of a stain.."
He said to the air. What was with her?
He thought...Every time he tried to
touch her, she...bolted. He hated to
think it...but...He kicked the ground.
Maybe he should talk to Ken about it--
he knew her better. He really
*liked* Lita, but he had his limits.
He got up and followed her into
the tent.
Lita sat down, inside, wondering
what was *wrong* with her? She
liked Joe--a lot. Yet now she
didn't want to move from a
friendship to anything else.
*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)
LITA's HOUSE SIX YEARS AGO
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"Dad, I don't want to go."
a 13 year old Lita said,
stubbornly thumping her foot
down. She'd grown
so much the last year she could
look her father in the eye.
Neither of her parents were very
tall--they couldn't figure out from
where she got that height.
"Look young lady--I have to
go to this Conference for work.
Your mother wants to go to
Paris. And if we're
going you have to go."
"Do not--I'm old enough to
stay by myself." She muttered.
"Do I look like a little girl?"
At that her father said
angrily. "You are acting
like one--a spoiled selfish
one. If you don't want to
go, then how can your mother
go? Think about her, Lita.
She wants to go."
"But what'll I do? I'll
be so bored there."
"It's Paris."Her father
said exasperated.
"So? I want to stay here.
My Karate class has a tournament
next week and..."
"Lita, I already said you
can't stay home." He said talking
over her last statement.
"You're so unfair!!!" Lita
screamed, her hands
balling into fists, looking
down until she looked up,
eyes blazing "I hate you!" She
ran off to her room,
"Honey?" His wife said as she
came in the door to the apartment
"Did you talk to Lita?"
"She's still adamant about
not going."
"She's as stubborn as you." His wife said
"You know, maybe we
should let her stay..She did
just turn 13. She knows how to
run the house. She's already
missed enough school this year,
and you and I never did
get to take our honeymoon."
He smiled at his wife. "Have a whole
list of reasons don't you? But that's not
fair about the honeymoon. We couldn't
afford it back then."
"We can now. Listen, that friend of
her's--Ken Oshiba, I saw his mother
today. I told her about our trip--." She
smiled at him, as she put her arms
around him. "And she offered to
let Lita stay with them!"
"That's very generous of them.
But I'd feel better if it was some
other little girl's house."
"She and Ken have been best friends for
ages. Heavens! He's slept over here before. "
"Yes but not for awhile.." Her father
frowned. "She's a little too old
to hang around with that boy.
I don't approve of it. I don't think
she should stay at his house!"
His wife twitched his ear. "Now now,
down! She's not old enough to
even want to date yet--and you
always said you thought of Ken
as your son! The Oshiba's are good people
--you know that. And Naoka Oshiba wouldn't
let anything happen to our little
girl."
"It is *just* for a few weeks." He said.
"I guess she couldn't get into
too much trouble...Still, its too bad
she doesn't know any nice little girls who's
family she could just *stay* with."
"It's your fault--she's her daddy's
girl. You encouraged her to become
such a tomboy..."
"Hey, that's not fair--" her father
laughed.. "She's as good in the kitchen
as she is good at getting into fights!"
"That's true. She's growing up into
a lovely young lady now." Her mother
said.
"Don't remind me!..one of these days
she is going to ask me to start dating!"
Her father shook his head. "Maybe its
safer if she stays a tomboy and just is
buddies with the boys..."
"So are we going?" His wife asked.
"All right! We'll go."
Lita overhearing grinned. She'd
come to apologize to her dad, and
say she'd go but now, she wouldn't
have to go. This would be great.
Two whole weeks on her own.
*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)
PRESENT DAY: THE NIGHT OF SORA AND CHAD'S
WEDDING @)->---------------
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In a tower owned by the corporation
Stanton Electronics, high above
the city of Tokyo was a secret
room not revealed in the architecture
plans. Only if you knew enough
about physics, electronics and
construction would you have realized
that another floor had to lay concealed
between the 12th and 13th floor.
Inside lay a huge control room, filled
with electronic equipment. At a large
screen, one appendage tucked into
the wires extending from the computer
below a cyborg like creature worked.
The tubes connecting her and the computer
pulsed with light and information.
"Access..."She said. "Scout
activity database...entry 2088--Item One:
shortly after 535 Grain Street Warehouse
was destroyed, Sora Tamaguchi was returned
mysteriously to her home. Conclusion:
the Scouts were able to escape the explosion.
Method as of yet undetermined. Analysis
of my visual scans reveals the presence
of the subjects known as
Tuxedo Mask,and Sailors Moon, Jupiter,
and Mars. An unidentified male figure
accompanied them. He appeared to
have the ability of flight.
Item Two: Further analysis of the notes kept
by Wolf Malder, who was terminated
in the aforementioned explosion, reveals
he suspected some connection between
Cherry Hill Temple and the Sailor Scouts.
An unusual amount of paranormal activity
has been spotted there. More investigation
will be conducted on this issue.
Access: Project Gate." The computer screen
blipped, and before long it scrolled
many lines of text and pictures before
the cyborg. The Assistant, as the cyborg
was called, shook her head. There was no
connection to the temple to the events
of Project Gate...
She hadn't expected any really, but she
was curious. After all, Project Gate
led to her creation. She needed more information.
That temple was the key to finding
the source of the Sailor Scouts mysterious
powers.
*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)
PAST IN THE SILVER MILLENNIUM
*) *)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)
@>--->---------@-->----------
Lord Warrior Neflite stared in wonder at
the small feline form. At first he'd
been shocked--this *cat* was speaking
to him? Yet the moon on the forehead
of the animal explained the fact
of speech, if not the purpose of it.
The small black cat was Luna, the
guardian advisor to the legendary
Queen Serenity. The stars had
told him the Moon would seek his
guidance. He hadn't expected that
to happen literally, he'd still puzzled
over that revelation.
"Her Majesty wishes to speak with you."
The cat said simply. "Secrecy is of
the utmost importance. If you
refuse the terms of the offer,
we shall deny I was ever here."
"And what is this offer?" He asked.
The cat considered. "That you don't
know surprises me...we heard you
read the future ...."
"What I can, when I can. The stars
reveal the future with only slightly
less accuracy than our histories reveal
the past."
Luna considered. "I see. And how
accurate is that?"
"Depends on what you want to know...what
do you want to know?"He asked.
"I'm afraid the Queen will need to
discuss that with you." the cat
returned. "I am not at liberty to say."
"I see...so what are your terms?"He said.
"You will travel with me to the Moon
Kingdom. You will meet with Queen
Serenity there, and I will return
you here." She said.
"But the shields! For twenty years
there has been no travel between our
worlds!" He said stunned.
"I am here, am I not? Her Majesty
is contemplating ending the ban
on travel. But I must say no more."
The cat's forehead glowed. "Will
you come with me?"
He nodded, following the cat into
a white blaze of light...
She was beauty itself, he thought
as she stepped forward, a motherly
smile on her face. She radiated light
like the moon.
"Lord Warrior Neflite, I bid you
welcome to the Moon." She said. Her
voice sounded clear and bell like.
He bowed. "I must admit though I
am honored to be here, I am surprised
as well."
The Queen nodded. "I apologize
for summoning you here--to
ask you here without notifying or
permitting you to inform Endymion
or Beryl." She paused. "However,
you will see why I needed secrecy
to ask this favor of you." She
held up a hand to forestall
anything he might say in response.
"Were you aware of the curse tying
my daughter to Endymion?"
He frowned..."Curse?...I only
knew that at your intercession,
Endymion was pledged to
Beryl to end the war between
our Kingdoms...over the lands
from which I hail. What curse?"
She sighed, a world of meaning
in the sound. "I should have realized
that those on Earth never knew the
sad sequel to that event...you
were but a boy yourself....The cost
of my intercession in that affair is that
the Dark Planet's ruler cursed my daughter
to a doomed love..." her voice
slipped to a whisper. "To Endymion."
"Why? For stopping war?" Neflite asked
confused.
"I have left much out...but that
is what is important. And that
is the basis for the favor I ask of you.
Destiny has changed--they will fall
in love, and that will bring war. I
see that with the crystal, but I can't
see the future or across the futures...
Help me untangle the skein of fate."
"How?"he asked... "How could I help
*you*?"
She smiled ... "We each have talents--
and you read the stars...what do
they say for my daughter? I've fought
fate by keeping them apart--but the
shields drain me...I cannot keep them
up forever. I've created warriors
to protect the kingdom--and I will
create a guard to protect my daughter.
But how do I protect her heart?"
"What are you asking your majesty?"He
said then.
"Neflite--I need you to read the
stars...what should I do? What
course of action will bring the
least misery to Our kingdoms...fate
cannot be avoided...but it
can be softened...how do I do that?"
She asked...
He nodded. "I shall find the answer
your majesty, whatever the stars
reveal, I shall tell you."
She nodded. "And in exchange,
I shall grant you a favor."
She smiled. "In the name of
the Moon, go in peace."
He felt himself shimmer, and he
was back in the garden of the
Earth Palace...A familiar
voice shouted his name.
"Neflite--THERE you are. That's
funny, I could have sworn I just
looked here... I'm
to go to Mars! Endymion has
finally been invited there by
his Uncle, and he's asked me
to go with him!" Jaedite sounded
very excited. Neflite smiled
at the younger General.
"When do you leave?" He asked.
Though people could not visit
the Moon Kingdom, travel between
Earth and the other planets was
an infrequent occurrence.
"Three days." He grinned..."I
wonder what the Martian women
will be like..."
"Hopefully smarter than the
silly one's that you charm
here..."Neflite laughed.
"You should talk...though
you've gotten stiffer lately.--Hey
where are you going?" Jaedite called.
"To see the Stars..." He replied, heading
off to the old garden temple of the skies.
"Hah! You're just jealous
you're not going!" Jaedite's voice
faded out.
END OF CHAPTER ONE
GOM: Storm of the Stars
Chapter Two: Favors of the Clouds
by Alina
************************alinasan@yahoo.com
1. There are three time frames--present,
Lita's past, and silver millennium.
Hope it is not too confusing.
2. Last time in the Present: Lita has a date with Joe,
but doesn't feel right about it. Meanwhile
the Assistant prepares to find out who
the scouts are.
3 . Last time in Lita's past (ie six years
ago): A 13 yrs old Lita
overhears her parents planning a vacation
to Paris, and they agree to leave her
behind at Ken's house.
4. Last time in the Silver Millennium, Neflite
has a mysterious audience with Queen Serenity.
5. I know I know, I'm inconsistent with
name spellings again. Sigh! let's
just say I like the variety.
6. Should see "end of chapter" at end, or something is
missing. alinasan@yahoo.com for your comments
or requests for missing parts. Just tell
me what the last scene was so I know what to send.
*********************************************
Lita's Past
********************************************
"So Lita...are you ready for the
tournament? ." Ken asked stopping by
Lita's room. She'd been installed
in the guest room.
"Kind of...your mom is *so* great." Lita
said.
"Sometimes...but cross her and *boom*."
He laughed. "Did you grow again?"
He asked suddenly. Lita flushed.
"Another two inches..."
"You're taller than me!" He said a little
shocked. "That's not fair!"
"Guess you don't want to play
basketball then?" She teased.
"Not tonight...hey, we better hurry
if we're gonna get their on time??"
"OH! Sure! " She said, opening
her suitcase and started taking
off her shirt.
"Hey...wait, let me get out of here."
He said stepping out, embarrassed.
Lita blushed..."Oh...yeah. I forgot."
Sometimes she wished she wasn't
growing up...she and Ken had started
spending less time together...and
she knew part of the reason was her
recent growth spurts--not all of which
was height. She smiled looking
down at her chest a reassuring sign of
feminity amidst her height and muscle.
Still, she'd enjoy the two weeks of their being together
again...even if it wasn't *quite* like
old times.
"I'm really glad your folks let
me stay with you...I didn't want
to miss this tournament." Lita said
after she had her uniform on, the
green belt with its discreet brown bands
securely tied. "My new Dojo is ok.....but
I don't think the students are so good. I'm
looking forward to a challenge."
"Spoiled rich kids huh?" Laughed Ken...
"That's what you get in your new neighborhood.
But at least you were able to advance a belt
and a couple of stripes with those
easy wins..." Self consciously
he tugged his plain yellow belt.
"hey that's not fair!" Lita said. "I'll
show you tonight how I earned this...and I'm going
to be wearing a brown one soon!" She said.
"Come on let's go!"
An hour later, Ken had to agree--Lita
was good. Very good. He grinned
admiring her....She had
a good chance of winning the
Stanton Tournament Cup. He couldn't
believe how she won one fight
after the other. Especially
because she'd finally moved into
the junior 13-20 league, rather
than the 12 and under.
He ran up to her during a break.
"Hey Lita. You're awesome out there."
She grinned. "Thanks Ken." She
didn't meet his eyes but kept
looking for someone.
"Who are you looking for?" He asked.
"Just some guy."
"Lita, I thought we don't keep
secrets from each other...I know
you too well. Spit it out." Ken nudged
her.
"It's just this guy...he said he'd
come watch me at this tournament, but..."
She sighed. "Guess its just as well.
I need my concentration."
"What guy? Is he threatening
you? You know the way you're
performing, he probably got
scared...?" Ken broke
off the statement as Lita flushed.
"It's not like
*that*...I LIKE him." She flushed deeper.
"You can't tell anyone..but I'm really
gone on him!"
"YOU?" Ken couldn't even say anything--
it had never occurred to him to think
of Lita dating someone...or at least,
wanting to date someone....she was his
buddy, his pal...not a *girl*...he cringed
... "Er, Lita..." He didn't' know what
to say. If it were her fist, her mind
or her ego, he could handle it...her
heart was a different matter. "So uh,
who is he?" he stammered.
"His name is Freddy...he's a college
student..." She said.
"Isn't he kind of old for you?" Ken
said disapprovingly..."I don't like
the sound of this."
"Hey! I'm not a little girl..."Lita
said stating the obvious... "I did just
turn 13! He's way cooler than all
the junior high guys anyway..."
"Yeah, but Lita..."
"Fine, that's the last time I tell
*you* anything. I thought you
were my best friend...I'd thought
you'd understand." She said, turning away.
He stepped forward and blocked her path.
"Come on Lita...I'm sorry...so
how do you know this guy?"
"I first met him in the Gazebo
in the park just two weeks ago...
You know,the one near my dad's office?
He was practicing his karate forms...and
I gave him some pointers..."
"So you agreed to meet here?" Ken asked
"Not exactly...I told him I
was competing in this
tournament, and he said he'd come
watch...but before we could say anything
else, he said he had to go...that
he was late for a class!"
"So maybe he forgot, Lita." Ken said
shrugging. "I mean he's in college,
would he really hang out with a junior high
schooler? He was probably just
being nice to you when he met you."
Lita gently shoved Ken. "Maybe...
But he thinks I'm in
college!"
"LITA!"Ken exclaimed. "You lied?"
"I didn't. I just said my school name,
but he assumed it was a college--he even asked
me my major and whether I lived in the
dorms! " She
grinned, but it faded. "He just has to come
tonight cause if he doesn't. Oh. I don't
see him here." She turned away to look
again. "Maybe he couldn't come or"
"Hey, it's not like you
had a date with him"Ken
said "You're not going to let
this get to you?"
She looked up, eyes flashing with angry determination
"Oh, *I'm* fine" She mumbled
something unintelligble, the only part Ken
could make out was "That no
good lying Freddy!"
Wisely, Ken got out of her way.
A few hours later, numerous opponents
wished they could have done the same.
"We have a winner." Declared the
official, as Lita stepped to the center
to accept her trophy.
"Miss Lita Kino, Junior Division...age-ooh"
The official said, as Lita rather ungracefully
stepped on the cord of the microphone, cutting
off the sound...after a few minutes, sound
was restored, but as it was late, the official
picked up with presenting the adult division
trophy.
Ken's family went to go get the car, while
Ken waited with Lita to talk to all those
who wanted to congratulate her,and take her picture.
"I'll go see what's keeping Mom and Dad." Ken
said after awhile, while Lita dealt with
her "public".
A tough looking businessman approached her,
speaking in a broad American Texas accent.
"Well, Little' Lady...you shore showed all
them! I never seen nothin' like that! First time
I ever felt so happy to sponsor this tournament!"
He declared effusively. "Let me shake that hand of yours."
Of course, Lita didn't understand English, and
was a little taken aback as the man grabbed her
hand. She rudely pulled back her hand.
He laughed "George--don't think she
understood what I said. Translate it.
I don't feel like dragging out my Japanese
at the moment. Find out who she is, she interests
me. Kino. don't we have a Kino that works
for us? Is she his little girl?"
The interpreter smoothly said. "Miss Kino,
this is Mr. Stanton. His company sponsored
this tournament. He is pleased to meet you,
and admired your wonderful performance
in the tournament today. He finds your spirit
most impressive. He will be in touch."
Understanding, she blushed
and bowed to Mr. Stanton, who grinned again,
and waved as he was followed by his
security guard down the hall.
A moment later, she felt someone touch her shoulder,
and she turned around, excited "Ken, do
you believe who just--"She stopped short.
She wasn't looking at Ken. She
was staring into the dark blue eyes
of a tall, dark auburn haired young man
holding a bouquet of white orchids.
"Freddy." She breathed.
"Lita..." He said, his voice as velvety and
sweet as melted chocolate.
"You are incredible to watch..." He handed her the flowers, as
her body stiffened in shock.
"You're here?" She said, then winced...
What a stupid question. "I didn't see you...
Where were you?"
He smiled mysteriously. "Where I could see you."
"These are beautiful..." She said, taking
the flowers and trying to balance
them and the trophy. "Thank you...I love
flowers!"
"Lita, I'd really like..."He started to say when Ken's
voice called her name loudly.
"Hey, the car's ready come on!"
He shouted.
She ignored Ken's voice...but she
hesitated.... "I have to go." She
said. She turned to leave.
"When can I see you?" He asked, putting
his hand on her arm. "At least give
me your phone number. I'll call you."
"I can't...How about if I meet you tomorrow
in the gazebo for lunch? 1 pm?" She
said as she hurried away. "I'll bring
the food!"
"Lita--" He said... "I can't--I ..."
The swarm of the crowd deafened his
reply.
**************************************
Silver Millennium
*****************
Neflite blinked his eyes before the
red light of dawn. The night had ended too
soon....the stars fading away before
he'd really had the chance to double check his charts.
Yet he felt that he had found the answer--at least,
the only answer the stars could give.
He would be needlessly wasting time to check
again.
Queen Serenity needed to stop fighting fate.
She needed to lower the shields, and allow Prince
Endymion to meet her daughter. He foresaw
disaster and war either way, but if the Queen waited,
the darkness would increase.
Ivevitably she would visit earth....and
by then, Endymion could be
wedded to Berryl...perhaps with children.
He considered, hestitating to put these
thoughts into words.
How did he warn the powerful monarch without
insulting her?
How could he really say--that the impending doom
which will fall is your fault.....and one
that grows worse as you fight it?
He saw only a thin light of hope for a better
future, a narrow path.
Yet he'd seen love for his friend Jaedite at
least for the transient future.
He wasn't supe what had made him cast that future...but
once he looked he could hardly miss the sign that
his friend's heart crossed with another
and his fortune joined with hers...
Maybe he should have checked the fate of his
other two generals...but though he respected
Malachite, and admired Zoicite, Jaedite
was the only one who he thought of as
first a friend and then as a fellow general.
He folded the small cresent shaped box and set
it in a round circle.
He whispered the phrase she'd said....
"In the name of the moon"
And it vannished..A few minutes later a small letter
appeared in the circle. He read the response
solemnly.
When he was done, he took the letter,
placed it in a star shaped box, and wearily
went to see his prince and friend off.
"Here--a little parting gift, Jaed" " he said pulling his
friend aside.
"Hey what is it?" He asked...opening the top of the box.
"A book on Martian ettiquette? Oh...you
*really* shouldn't have Nef."
his friend laughed..."So why did you?"
"oh...just a hunch." Nef said, stifling a yawn.
"You should stop staring at the stars and go
to bed...that's what I do ;). " Jaed said.
"But thanks for the book."
He slipped it into his jerkin, and went to stand
next to his Prince, and the mages who had taught
them the transportation spells. A few seconds
later, they had vanished...and the mages breathed a
sigh of relief..
******************* * * * *
Present Day
***************
Lita sighed over her milkshake as she looked
at Ken. She fiddled with the straw as she spoke.
"Ken, I don't know what to tell you."
"You've been my friend longer than Joe...but Lita,
I don't think its right for you to keep leading
him on." Ken leaned forward forcing her to meet
his eyes. "He says you never return his phone calls."
"KEN! How could you say that's what I'm doing?"
She said aghast.
"I didn't think you were the kind of girl to toy
with someone but lately Lita, you've changed
so much. We never used to have secrets between us."
"Why do you think I'm not telling you something??"
She ground out.
"You tell me. Look, our friendship is strong enough
to have some secrets. I can forgive you for
not including me in everything, but just don't
shut me out. "
She closed her eyes, willing the tension and anger
away. He was just worried about her.
"Ken, the only reason I can't tell you is that I
don't know. I've never been this confused before.
I really like Joe. Its just when I'm
near him, it doesn't feel *right*."
"What do you mean?" Ken asked.
" It's like I'm with
you, no sparks, no storm, no nothing."
"Gee thanks!" Ken shifted uncomfortably, leaning back in
his chair. He let out a long sigh. "Lita, you don't
owe Joe anything but the truth...ok? Just
be honest with him and yourself."
Lita smiled."I will but let's
just talk about something else.
Say, do you want to go skiing this weekend?"
"Skiing? Sure where?" Ken asked, surprised.
"Oh...well, my friend Raye got
the keys to her friend Chad's ski
lodge...kind of a thankyou for letting
him have his wedding at the Temple.
Anyway...she wants to get a group up to
go..."
"So who's going?" He asked.
"My friend Serena, her boyfriend,
Raye...Jaedi--and this guy that works
at her temple, Jed."
"Wouldn't want to crash the party..."Ken
replied, cocking his head to the side
"Not at all..with all those couples,
It would be nice not to be odd
girl out!"
"Oh..so that's it...good ol' backup
date Ken, huh? Well, my girlfriend
wouldn't like it....Kerri's birthday is
this weekend. And I haven't seen much
of her with that club she's joined."
"oh..." she said dissapointed.
"Why don't you ask Joe...he's
a great skiier..."
"Um...see, I kind of needed a ride
up...Darrien's car is *very* small
and unlike Raye and Serena, I am
too tall to ride in the back of
that Sports car for the three hours.."
"So you were using me for my car!" Ken
laughed, acting wounded "Oh..."He put
his hand on his chest "She got me..."
Lita laughed... "Besides...you
were just warning me about leading
Joe on! I can't ask him to go away
with me"
"I know...HEY!" He brightened then
faded..."guess that wouldn't work."
"What?"
"Kerri loves skiing...if I
could take her..."
"SURE!" Lita smiled. "I haven't
really had a chance to get to know
her yet anyway...and Raye said
I could invite friends...I've
been there before, and it's huge...
amazing really. We could easily sleep ten people
I think."
"But that doesn't solve your
"couple" problem..." Ken warned.
"Well...if *you* asked Joe,
then " Lita smiled coyly.
"Yeah, I know...best of both
worlds huh? Get to see him,
but you don't commit
yourself." Ken shook his head.
Lita playfully batted his arm.
"So tell me if we're going. I've
got to run."
* * * *
The Assitant frowned...any one
of the incidents at the temple
could be explained easily enough.
Explaining why so many happened
*there* was another story.
First, there was the charms
sapping energy or the phantom
busses--she'd heard two versions
of that story in the tabloids.
Another person reported seeing
a battle between some cat haired
woman and the Sailors at the temple.
Another said the young priestess was attacked
by some trampy woman that
pulled something out of her--the
witness didn't stay long enough
to find out what...
In fact, the more the assitant thought
through it, the more she felt
the incidents were not so much
directed at the *temple* but at
the young priestess. She was
rumored to be psychic--interesting,
but not enough to interest her Boss.
He was after bigger talents than
psychics--they were common enough.
Still...The Assitant pulled up
the file on Raye Hino. Interesting
girl--talented, tough, and tempermental.
Attended a catholic private school--
recently graduated. Would start Ogano
College,planning an Ancient History and
Theology--double major. Minor
in philosophy...ambitious girl.
More interesting--her thwarting
the thugs hired by the Boss
to kidnap Sora Tamaguchi.
The Assitant frowned in thought.
She hadn't approved of that
*little* project...
She'd thought the kidnapping
to slow or stop the merger of their
rival compaines beneath their
dignity. When she'd
dared voice the opinion, the Boss
snorted, his green eyes locking on her
with undisguised disgust.
"Power creates
respect...and I consider
nothing beneath my dignity if it
gives me more power." He replied.
She knew that was true--by arranging
for his father-in-law, wife and
step-son's plane to crash, he'd aquired control
of their company.....But then, he'd also
generated enough life energy through
that accident to activate Project
Gate...
He'd never actually told her he'd done
that, but her investigations convinced
her that was the back story to the night
she'd entered his life.
That night, he'd accomplished two
goals at once---but this time, not
only did he fail to prevent the merger,
he never had another goal at all. She
disdainfully deleted the Tamaguichi
electronics corporation folder. They
would no longer need to waste time
on petty matters.
She smiled metallically up at the
screen. The present project of explaining
and exploiting (eventually)
the SailorScouts power
was much more suited to her
training and skills. It was more befitting
the Company.
She pressed release and inserted the disc
carrying all the information on Raye
Hino in her briefcase. She decided she
needed to do some personal observation of
the subject, and acquire her if necessary.
If her own calculations were correct, the
sailorscouts possessed a power great
enough to help the Assitant realize her
dreams. Sighing, she slipped the tiny
vial of green liquid which powered
her into her shoulder. One
day, maybe she wouldn't be
dependant on these external
sources of power.
"End of Chapter Two"
GOM: Storm of the Stars
Chapter Three: Rain Drops Fall
************************************
Alina's Notes:
1.Last time: In the Silver Millennium:
Neflite charts Q. Serenity's
horoscope--and is granted a favor
in return.
2. Last Time in Lita's Past:
Lita gets the trophy and a cute
college student named Freddy
3. Last time: Present Day:
Lita and Ken talk about her
feelings about Joe meanwhile
the Assistant targets Raye as a source
for information on the Scouts.
4. Remember, if no "End of chapter"
where it stops, something went wrong.
You know what to do!
****************************
Lita's Past
***************@)>--------------
"I was beginning to think you
weren't coming!" Lita said, as
she finally saw Freddy enter
the gazebo. She stood up,
carefully avoiding the
basket of food she'd packed.
"I'm sorry. I tried to tell
you I had a club meeting
until 1. I got here as soon
as I could." His dark blue eyes
surveyed the gazebo, but then lingered
on Lita. He smiled.
"On a Saturday?"She asked surprised.
"Sure? Don't you do that at your
school?"
"Oh. no."She said suddenly hoping
she wasn't making a mistake.
"Well, maybe its just something
the Astronomy club does. You know
discuss the sky we saw the night
before." He smiled as she began
to unpack the basket she'd brought
with her.
"Are you expecting someone else?"
He said sitting next to her, and slinging
his backpack down.
She smiled. "No. I wasn't sure what
you'd like to eat. So I just brought
a lot! Go ahead." She'd stopped at the market,
and then headed to her parent's home,
and spent the morning cooking. She
kept thinking to herself how glad she
was her parents weren't home, because otherwise
she would not have been able to cook the
lunch.
"This all looks so good!" He exclaimed
amazed, as he popped a roll
in his mouth "This is awesome.
Where'd you get this stuff?"
"Did you like it?" She asked. "I made
it ."
"Is there anything you don't do?"He laughed,
unconsciously pulling his short dark hair back.
He kept trying to grow it out, but his grandfather
always insisted he cut it.
She smiled "Not if I put my mind
to it."
"Well, It's not the greatest bottle
of wine and not fit for this feast, but it
was all I could procure on my way over here."
He grinned. "That basket run to glasses?"
"Just tumblers for water "She said.
She stared a little disconcerted
by the dark brown bottle.
"Don't tell me. You don't like red wine.
I knew I should have gotten white or
saki..."
"No...it's just..." She didn't dare say she
wasn't old enough to drink, besides
what would one glass hurt?
He smiled, wiggled the cork out, and poured a glass
for each of them. After a long while, Lita
noticed her glass was empty and so was the bottle.
The afternoon sun had gone down and the sun
was setting in a fiery blaze. The combined effect
of the sunset, and the wine made her feel
a little unsteady.
"I should probably go..." She said at last.
They'd been sitting and talking for what seemed
like hours. "It's getting dark."
"I could drive you."He offered. "But I probably
shouldn't right now, until the wine wears off
a bit...Besides..." He rolled onto
his back, staring up at the sky "The night is
just beginning. You treated me to lunch,
so its only fair if I take you somewhere."
"Oh. I couldn't eat just now!" She said, lowering
herself to the ground and yawning.
"I know, its too early. How about if I take
you to the planetarium? I have a key
to the one at the University."
Sleepy and numb, Lita nodded. "Sure.
Sounds great..." She leaned
her head against him, and fell
promptly asleep. He smiled, and put
his arm around her, watching as she slept.
"Sweet dreams, my princess" he whispered,
kissing the top of her head. Idly, he
stared up at the stars, wondering what fate
had in store for him and this girl.
********************* * * * *
SILVER MILLENNIUM: Earth Palace
****************** @)------>----->
"I don't believe it!" Endymion exclaimed,
staring at Malachite wide eyed. "You
must be playing a joke."
"I am not, My Prince. The Queen of the Moon
has requested several of your Generals
and noblemen to escort the women who are
chosen to guard the Moon Princess."
"But no one's travelled from Earth to
the Moon for ever!" Endymion argued.
"Yes, not since you were a child. Perhaps
the Queen wishes to reestablish the connections
between her world and ours."
"Yes but why *now*?"
"Perhaps your visit to Mars inspired her." He
suggested dryly.
"Why should she care what the King of Mars
thought of me?
"Endymion, do you not listen to your lessons?
Your Uncle's Kingdom is pledged to the Moon...
Just as my Kingdom is pledged to Beryl and
I to you." Malachite watched to see understanding
dawn on his Prince's face. He sighed, as
only the faintest crack of comprehension showed.
"So just as you rule and advise me--so they
are to her?" He didn't sound convinced.
"Except that Mars forms more of a Kingdom
than the poor villages of my border Land..."Malachite
smiled faintly.."But the principal is similar.
If I asked you to receive someone, would my word
not sway you?"
"Yes...but the Queen swayed by Mars? Well, no matter."
Endymion grinned. "I've always wanted to see
the moon."
"I'm afraid you can't at least not now"
Neflite interjected. "The Queen apologized
but specified you are not invited to
visit the Moon."
"What? WHY?" Endymion asked.
Malachite looked up. "Her message does not
say why, My Prince. Excuse me." Malachite
said curtly, leaving the other two
in silence.
Neflite withdrew into his own thoughts. Had the
Queen ignored his advice of a year ago?
Yes she was lowering the shields, but she continued
to prevent her daughter from meeting Prince
Endymion. Neflite felt sure this was unwise.
"There must be a way!" Endymion swore slamming
one fist into the other. "If she won't
let me go--I won't consent to her favor!"
Neflite paused. "My Lord--don't antagonize
her openly. She is a *powerful* ruler."
"So?" Endymion retorted. "I don't have to
be insulted like that."
"She must have her reasons." Neflite defended.
"She could say what they were...pure
arrogance on her side...She doesn't even know
me."
"Yes...she doesn't." Neflite said... "If you did
show up and said you were some random Lord,
she wouldn't even know you'd disobeyed her."
Endymion caught Neflite's eye... "You
sneaky dev---that's it! I'll disguise myself.
Nef, that's the best idea you ever had!"
"I didn't suggest a thing." Neflite said
calmly.
"Of course not..."Endymion laughed as he left
the room. "When
do the "guards" leave? I need to prepare for
the trip. After all as a guard, I have to go."
Neflite reached into his jacket, and pulled
out the star map, etched into a crystal,
the map shone on the table when light
spilled through the crystal and projected
the image forward. The fates were tricky.
He thought. What game was Queen Serenity
playing? And more importantly, was there
a way for Endymion to win?
************
Present Day:
*******************@)->--->>
"Hey guys!" Lita exclaimed as she juggled
the bags of groceries in her arms. Since
they were leaving tonight for the Ski
trip, she'd gone shopping for provisions.
She'd gone to the mall to visit this one
gourmet store, and arranged for the others
to pick her up from there. Raye, Jed, Serena
and Darrien were travelling in Darrien's
car, while Lita, Joe, Kerri and Ken were
together.
They were still several feet away from her
and she could see they didn't see her yet.
She had two more bags on the ground, and
couldn't exactly go run after them.
Molly exited the Diamond store... "Not yet"
she thought dreamily, adjusting the
dragon shaped pin on her neck.
"But one day soon... I've just got to
start hinting to Mel or
he'll never get it! Typical man." She smiled and
started to walk down the pedestrian street
centered between the stores. Pausing outside
a desert cafe specializing in chocolate,she
saw Lita reflected in the glass. "That's right...she's
shopping for that ski trip...too bad Mel
doesn't ski...I'd sure have liked to go!
I should have gone without him."
Molly mused a bit over the downside of
her relationship. "Too bad he's not
more athletic..." She turned around so
she could go and say hello, and started
to cross the pedestrian road separating
the two rows of stores.
Lita didn't notice Molly, despite her
craning her neck for her friends.... Suddenly she
felt her world drop away. The groceries
hit her foot, a few bottles shattering,
but she didn't even notice as her hands
balled into fists at her side, her eyes
staring wide and glassy. Walking straight
towards her, determination , delight,
surprise all etched on his face was a ghost
from her past. A face she'd seen in countless
other faces--whether there was a resemblance
or not. She never thought she'd see him again,
even if sometimes she'd dreamed about it.
One word escaped her lips, before she felt
arms steady her from following
her groceries down to the ground "Freddy..."
Molly saw Lita fall...and turned around
to see what she was staring at. ...The crowd
faded away as the one man she never thought
to see again, except in dreams,
walked toward her. His eyes
were ablaze with unspoken passion and
happiness. She heard him say "I never
thought I'd see you again!" She tried
to steady herself as he came nearer.
She barely whispered his name "Neflite"
and could feel herself also fainting,
all thoughts of Lita's predicament
fading away.
Then reality snapped around Molly with
a rude sting. The man stepped *passed* her,
and kept walking towards Lita. From the floor,
Molly blinked, and any lingering traces of fantasy
evaporated with the familiar but still
harsh tones of Melvin's voice exclaiming
"Molly--didn't you hear me? I just said
there's a 50% off sale in the computer
store...What are you doing on the floor?
" He pulled her arm, but she
didn't budge. She just kept staring at
the departing figure who was heading straight
towards Lita. She must have been
mistaken..."Sorry, Mel, I thought
I saw someone I knew but I must
have been wrong."
"Lita?" Ken asked concerned, steadying
her, as he helped her rise. "Are you ok?"
Joe stooped to pick up the groceries. "What
happened?" He asked. "See a ghost?"
Lita ignored them and kept staring. Ken frowned,
Looked up and suddenly understood.
"Something worse. Look, Joe, why don't you go get
replacements for the stuff that broke--
I'll make sure Lita's ok."
"Yeah, I guess, we're late enough
getting on the road as it is. Get her
to the car, and I'll meet you there."He
said, just as the cause of Lita's distress
reached them.
"Freddy?" Lita said leaning on Ken.
"LITA!" The man said "I never thought! I can't
believe it's you!" He moved forward
as if to embrace her, but Ken blocked
the way.
"Look, I think you'd better go."Ken said.
"Little cousin Ben right? Wow you've
grown." He said. Lita remained mute.
She looked like a startled doe.
"I said, you'd better go." Ken repeated
dangerously. "She has nothing to say to
you."
"Is that right? Lita? You don't want
me to go, do you?" He said ignoring Ken.
"I never thought I'd see you again.
I didn't know how to find
you sooner. This is so amazing!."
"It's what?"She said at last, the whirling
emotions slowing at last.
"Such luck! Lita I can't
believe I've found you. We have
another chance. "He said.
"Freddy? Another chance? For you to
hurt me again? How stupid do you
think I am? How could I ever forgive you
for what you did?" She turned
her head towards Ken. "Let's go."
"Look Freddy" Ken spat the name "You
told her six years ago you never
wanted to see her again...well, she's
just told you the same thing. Stay
away from her."
"Look, Lita, tell your little cousin
to go home. You and I need to talk."
"I have nothing to say to you." She
said. "Ever." Her voice choked on the
words.
"Lita! I can't find you again and
just have you walk right out of" He stopped
as another person approached the group.
"Hey. I thought you guys were going to
the car? What's going on?"Joe
sized up the newcomer. The man had
wavy long dark brown hair. A sharply etched
face surrounded determined dark blue eyes.
Joe figured the guy was in his late twenties.
Tall, with a strong build, and a stance that
said he could handle trouble and might
even enjoy it.
"I'm leaving." Lita said heading for the
exist. "I never want to see you again."
Who was that? Joe wondered to himself.
"We were just leaving. "Ken said walking away. "Perfect
timing as always, Joe."
* * * * * *
The Assistant smiled up at the Ski Lodge.
She'd followed Raye Hino here to the mountains,
and thought to herself that if she had
planned herself she could not have created
a better test situation to find whether
Miss Hino had a connection to the Scouts.
In fact, several years ago, another strange
incident had occurred here, involving some
Ski Princess contest--Miss Hino had been
involved as that as well. The reports were
unclear as to details, but the Assistant
decided she had enough information
to investigate further. Time for
history to repeat itself a bit...thought
the Assistant. If she attacked the girl,
the sailor scouts were sure to show up.
She smiled, noticing that the weather conditions
were perfect to create a thick fog that
day...good cover for her plans...
She fingered the ski mask she'd designed.
The transmitter on it would reveal the location
of its wearer. And the robot monsters
she'd created were ready to attack--gently,
of course, and capture its wearer. Her metallic
smile gleamed briefly. Even when she was human
she never went in for laughter.
(END OF CHAPTER)