Soulriders 5.0: Legend of the Unending Games

Once again, thanks to Ebiris for the synopsis which I am unabashedly stealing.

ARC III - Deathbusters & Elves

After being in educational limbo during December following their expulsion from T*A, Rei and Minako both took the Mugen entrance exams in January to gain admittance to the elite school. Oddly, the entrance exam included a physical examination which involved being scanned by a strange machine...

Meanwhile, Usagi had decided to face up to her destiny as Queen of the Moon Kingdom, and set about putting things in order up in her ruined palace. Enlisting Ami's help, the pair started work in earnest, restoring the library and a few other areas of the Moon Palace to their former splendour - all in secret from the other senshi.

After attending Mugen for about a month, Rei was pulled out of her classes by an upperclassman named Eudial, who seemed aware of the miko's powers over fire, and told her all about a special club Mugen ran for 'talented' students, named the Witches 5 (soon to be 6). Perhaps a bit too trustingly, Rei went along with her and was brought before Professor Tomoe and the 'Mistress' of the Deathbusters. Before she could react, she was injected with a strange chemical which knocked her out and brainwashed her. Again.

Unlike her treatment at the hands of Metallia, the Deathbusters brainwashing was far more subtle, instilling loyalty to their cause but otherwise leaving her unchanged. So aside from a moral blind spot concerning taking peoples' heart crystals, Rei was still the same sailor suited soldier of love and justice she'd always been.

Not long after Rei got brainwashed, Usagi and Ami had done enough work on the Moon that they felt confident in revealing the fruits of their efforts to the other girls, garnering very impressed reactions from Rei and Makoto, who both offered to help out themselves in restoring the Moon Kingdom. Minako, for her part, seemed rather apathetic to the whole thing, and quickly made excuses to leave while Ami and Usagi gave the other girls the grand tour.

A few days later, Artemis informed the senshi that Minako had left Tokyo, using her disguise compact to appear as the idol singer 'Full Moon' she abandoned her duties as a Sailor Senshi in favour of pursuing her dreams as a singer.

This was rather unfortunately timed, as around the same time, a strange meteor landed in Tokyo, and a few days later Sailors Moon and Mercury battled the first of Alan and Ann's Cardians at the Osa P jewellery store!

The senshi weren't the only ones aggrieved by this new menace from beyond the stars, though. The Witches 6 frequently found themselves caught in the middle of energy draining monster attacks while out on heart snatch raids, a situation that the Deathbusters sought to rectify by assigning Rei and Eudial to locate the source of the attacks and exterminate it by whatever means necessary.

Lucky for Rei that her Witch job and her Senshi job had the same goal, although she did have reason to be extremely concerned after the Professor ordered the Witches to kill the Sailor Senshi should they interfere.

Meanwhile, Makoto was becoming enamoured of the new transfer student at Juuban Junior High, one Alan Grangier. Her interest was reciprocated, and the two began dating, much to the consternation of Alan's 'sister', Ann.

With Usagi commited to restoring the Moon Kingdom, she recieved a surprise visit at her home from the mysterious Sailor Pluto. Setsuna explained that as Queen of the Moon Kingdom, it fell to Usagi to designate a new holder for the title and powers of Sailor Neptune - since the original had been slain by Oxyite long before Queen Serenity's spell sent the senshi forard to be reincarnated.

Of course, people with the magical potential to become Sailor Senshi aren't very common, and Setsuna hadn't given her Queen any hints as to where she should look. A lead was provided when Rei mentioned she went to school with several magically powerful girls, but the miko was quick to insist Usagi avoid looking around Mugen - for her own safety, mostly since Rei wasn't on great terms with any of the other Witches besides Eudial, but also because she was starting to have very definite doubts regarding the Deathbuster's agenda.

Sadly for Rei, this only made Usagi worried for her friend's safety at Mugen, and she disguised herself as a student at the prestigous school to investigate. Alas she didn't get far before freaking out due to the thunderstorm raging outside. Her panicked yelps from inside an empty classroom attracted the attention of Professor Tomoe, who Usagi fed a bunch of lies to convince him she was a genuine student. Taking her up to his office, the Professor called for Rei to investigate 'Yuki Shirata' in case she was a spy, and Rei of course immediately recognised her as her Princess. Quickly dissuading the Professor of anything suspicious regarding the girl, Rei had Usagi safely removed from the school before anything nasty could happen to her.

The following night, Rei had a prophetic dream that put the Deathbuster's plans into perspective for her, revealing that the Mistress desired nothing less than the complete destruction of the Earth! Voicing her doubts to Eudial the next day, both girls shook off their brainwashing and quickly made tracks from the school, Rei calling for a senshi meeting at the Shrine. Spilling all she knew about the Deathbusters, the girls quickly planned out their attack on Mugen, stopping by Tellu's house to purify her on the way.

Proceeding to the Professor's underground lab, the senshi plus Eudial were confronted by the Professor himself, along with Kaolinite, Cyprine, and Ptliol. Acknowledging that the senshi had won this round, the Professor collapsed as the Daimon possessing him escaped, leaving his lackeys behind to battle the senshi. After a fierce battle, the twins were purified while Kaolinite was brutally slain.

In the aftermath, the girls learnt from Professor Tomoe about how he had been possessed by the Daimon Germatou, along with his daughter becoming the vessel of Mistress 9. Germatou had taken Hotaru as he fled, and the senshi swore that they would find her. Mimette and Viluy were also purified without much fuss, as they had no clue what had happened and were easily caught off guard by the senshi and other witches.

During the battle at Mugen, the senshi had had their identities blown, but it worked to their advantage as the Professor offered the girls scholarships at Mugen and the use of the school's resources in battling the energy draining elves, in addition to joining forces to hunt down Germatou and rescue Hotaru.

Meanwhile, Alan and Makoto drew ever closer, to the point of Alan outright rejecting Ann for his new girlfriend, which devastated the female elf. Rather than taking it out on Makoto, however, she became increasingly violent in her energy draining raids, nearly killing Sailor Mercury and Viluy during one battle before reinforcements from the other senshi and witches drove her off.

She didn't just cope by going psycho on her victims, though, as Ann also started dating Herb to take her mind off Alan, although their relationship wasn't nearly as close as the one Alan enjoyed with Makoto.

While Hotaru still eluded them, the girls caught a break when Rei had a dream leading her to a Talisman holder - one Haruka Ten'ou. Checking to see if she really did possess a Talisman, so that they could protect her from Germatou, the girls were shocked to discover she was Sailor Uranus - and none to happy about them going after her Talisman! Luckily Usagi was able to calm her down, and the senshi added another to their ranks.

However, the bliss of Makoto and Alan's relationship couldn't last forever, as during an attack at the Mall, Sailor Jupiter recognised Alan's flute song, prompting the girls to pay an official visit to the Grangier's apartment the following day. Discovering Alan at the Doom Tree in a pocket dimension within the apartment, Makoto tried to reason with her love, but the elf was resolute that he needed to drain energy for the tree to live, and that would forever make them enemies.

Ann's reappearance at the tree marked the battle beginning in earnest, with the senshi and witches on the defensive as they still tried to reason with the energy vampires on Makoto's behalf. That lasted until Usagi was badly injured, prompting Sailor Mars to take off the kid gloves and burn their precious tree to smoking ash. But as the senshi of fire ignited the tree, it surprised all present by screaming! The Doom Tree was sentient, and no one knew, not even Alan and Ann.

Psychically linking with Rei, the tree used her as a voice to remonstrate the elves for nearly killing it with their stolen energy - for all it really needed to bloom was love, which it was starting to get from Alan and Makoto's blossoming relationship. Still badly crippled by fire and stolen energy, the tree asked Sailor Moon to purify it, so it could be reborn and grow in a world filled with love. Gladly obliging, Moon did so, and the sapling Tree of Life was planted on the Moon, which was being restored at an even faster pace with the help of the former Deathbusters, and now Alan and Ann had joined the fledgling kingdom as well.

Using its new host, Germatou continued searching for the Talismans, and finally caught a break by attacking at a beauty pageant Haruka was observing, revealing the Space Sword Talisman she carried!

Help was at hand, as Moon and Mars stalled Germatou long enough for Haruka to recover and transform, while Germatou revealed who it had found as it's new host - Guinvain, the treacherous Sailor Dragon who had been imprisoned during the Silver Millenium, and released in the events of last December!

Impossibly seeming to brush off everything our heroines threw at it, the Daimon possessed (and evil even if not possessed) senshi seemed invincible, until the three senshi combined their powers, utterly annihilating it! With Germatou no longer screening her from detection, Hotaru was quickly located by Cyprine and Ptliol, and purified of the Mistress' possession by Sailor Moon.

And so, peace once more returned. With the energy draining elves finding it possible to live peaceful lives on Earth, while Pharaoh 90 was forever denied access to the planet with both his servants dead and no way to open a gate from either end.

[11:48] <Rei-chan> Hefting Usagi's weight over her shoulder, Rei hurries as best she can back to the Tsukino household, doing her best not to jostle her passenger. Luckily they hadn't gotten far when Usagi collapsed...
[11:49] <Rei-chan> Knowing the door is unlocked, Rei enters unannounced, before loudly calling out, "Mrs Tsukino!"
[11:51] <Anastasia> "Rei, is something wr-" She cuts off the moment she sees Usagi's unconcious form. "What happened," she asks as she rushes over.
[11:53] <Rei-chan> "I don't know, we were just walking and talking and then she collapsed!" Rei babbles, "She seemed a bit quiet, but I just thought she was depressed. I don't know what's wrong with her," the miko heads into the living room and sets Usagi down on the couch so her mother can better examine her.
[11:59] <Anastasia> Ikkuko nods and begins to check her daughter over from head to toe...
[12:00] * Usagi-chan has a few bruises from her unexpected collapse to the ground, but seems otherwise unhurt.
[12:00] * Rei-chan frets worriedly, not doing much good at all.
[12:02] <Anastasia> "I think she's just asleep...at least I hope so," Ikkuko nods, proping her head up on a pillow.
[12:03] <Rei-chan> "I can't sense anything spiritually wrong... she just seems really tired," Rei agrees, "But what if she's sick?"
[12:03] <Anastasia> "Then we'll take her to the hospital," she says.
[12:04] <Rei-chan> "Maybe we should call Dr. Mizuno?" Rei suggests, "I mean, if a doctor saw what's on her forehead..." she trails off.
[12:06] <Anastasia> "That's not a bad idea if we need to," she nods. "I'd rather wait a bit first, however."
[12:07] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, maybe she's just tired?" Rei laughs nervously, "We all know how much Usagi likes to sleep, heh..."
[12:12] <Anastasia> "Yeah..." she says.
[12:15] <Anastasia> ---
[12:24] <Anastasia> The hours pass as you keep watch on Usagi.
[12:24] <Anastasia> Her breathing is fine and deep, as if she's taking a long nap
[12:30] <Ami> A knock is heard at the door.
[12:30] <Rei-chan> Seeing Ikkuko is otherwise occupied, Rei goes to answer.
[12:32] <Ami> Opening the door, the increasingly familiar face of Dr. Mizuno greets Rei. Ami stands slightly behind her, worry on both their faces.
[12:33] <Rei-chan> "Ami-chan, Mizuno-sensei," Rei bows, gesturing them in, "I'm glad you could make it. Usagi's been unconscious for a few hours, and we don't know what's wrong with her..."
[12:34] <Anastasia> "She passed out? What are the details of the event," the doctor asks as she walks in.
[12:34] <Ami> Ami follows close behind, casting worried glances toward Rei.
[12:35] <Rei-chan> "We were walking to the Shrine, but we hadn't got too far from the house... one minute we were talking, the next she just drops," Rei says worriedly, leading the two to the living room where Usagi is still laid out on the couch.
[12:36] <Anastasia> "Did she complain of being dizzy or disoriented at all?" Dr. Mizuno inquires as she starts by giving Usagi a good lookover.
[12:37] <Rei-chan> "No," Rei shakes her head, "She was sounding a bit quieter than usual, but I just thought..." she sighs, "Well, Usagi's got a lot on her mind right now, so I expected her to be preoccupied."
[12:41] <Anastasia> "Right," she nods. "Anything out of the ordinary for her? A lack of sleep? Sickness? Vomiting?"
[12:41] <Anastasia> "A blow to the head?"
[12:42] <Rei-chan> "Um... you'd have to ask Mrs Tsukino. I just came over to visit, and she didn't seem physically ill in any way to me," Rei explains. "I think her mother should be back in a minute."
[12:43] * Rei-chan suddenly remembers something, "Oh, last week she mentioned she wasn't sleeping well, lately. I doubt things have improved much for her..." she trails off sadly.
[12:44] <Anastasia> "She looks okay bodily, and she has no visible injuries. I would say she's sleeping," she concludes. "At least off the cuff."
[12:47] <Rei-chan> "I just hope she wakes up soon... I've been worried half to death..." Rei mutters, before her eyes widen, "I mean, that stupid Dumpling Head, making a big drama out of everything!" she exclaims half-heartedly.
[08:57] <Anahatesmornings> ---
[08:57] <Anahatesmornings> It's here... the day of the Mugen entrance exams. The day you have been frantically studying for ever since T*A threw you out on your asses is here.
[08:58] <Anahatesmornings> The exams start at 10 AM sharp, with instructions that all supplies will be provided for you.
[08:58] <Anahatesmornings> The letter that gave you that information further gave you directions to the school and the exam room.
[08:59] * Rei-chan arrives at Mugen Gakuen ten minutes early, dressed in a smart but casual skirt and blouse combination, totally focused on passing the exam she's been studying so hard for lately.
[08:59] <Anahatesmornings> On getting there, you find perhaps two dozen office-sized desks spread out about a large room, each one stocked with various things like pencils, scrap paper and so on. Half are already filled by nervous students, ones waiting to take this rigorous exam.
[09:00] * Rei-chan glances around the other students, wondering if she'll see Minako...
[09:01] * V-chan runs into the classroom, panting.
[09:02] <Rei-chan> Seeing Minako, Rei gives her a small wave, before gathering up the supplies she'll need and taking a seat at the front of the room.
[09:02] * V-chan returns the wave, and looks for an open seat near the window.
[09:02] <Anahatesmornings> The other students around are too absorbed in their own worlds to really pay attention to Rei or Minako, keeping to themselves.
[09:03] <Anahatesmornings> At 10 AM sharp and with 17 students, the instructor enters. He is a short man, in the classical Japanese style with black hair and tanned skin. He wears glasses and a jacketless suit.
[09:06] <Anahatesmornings> "Welcome to the Mugen entrance exams. I am Mr. Yoshimitsu, your test instructor. The test will be given in segments, starting with Mathematics. Are there any last questions?"
[09:07] * Rei-chan has no questions, silently waiting for the exam to begin.
[09:07] * V-chan is kinda glad the topic she crammed the most will be first, before she forgets anything.
[09:08] <Anahatesmornings> None of the students have any questions, all radiating nervousness.
[09:09] <Anahatesmornings> The instructor passes out the sheets for math. Once he has done that, he takes a seat at the main table. "And...begin the Math segment."
[09:09] <Anahatesmornings> OOC - Along with RPing it a bit, make a Mind check for each segment.
[09:10] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6
[09:10] * Musk-bot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[09:10] <V-chan> roll 2d6
[09:10] * Musk-bot --> "V-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[09:10] * Rei-chan plods her way through the maths section, barely recalling the quadratic formulae she worked on with Ami a few weeks ago... it's tough, but she thinks she's got it handled.
[09:11] * V-chan picks up the pencil, and starts solving the problems that resemble those she studied with her mother during her vacation first, before moving on to things she recalls working on with Artemis and Ami.
[07:57] <Anahatesmornings> "And... time out," the instructor calls. Getting up, he goes around and collects the math exams. "Next is Japanese History. Are there any questions?"
[07:57] * Rei-chan has no questions, and looks forward to doing well on her favourite subject.
[07:58] * V-chan very carefully keeps an expression of disgust off her face.
[07:58] <Anahatesmornings> "No questions? Very well, let's begin part 2," he nods, passing out another test.
[07:58] <Anahatesmornings> OOC - Declare any points burned, THEN roll.
[07:59] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6
[07:59] * Musk-bot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[07:59] <V-chan> roll 2d6
[07:59] * Musk-bot --> "V-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 5."
[08:00] * V-chan finds this part of the test strangely easy, perhaps due to a last minute cramming she had done with Artemis the day before.
[08:00] * Rei-chan finds some of the questions surprisingly difficult, as they hadn't been covered at T*A, but she is able to answer them to her satisfaction by recalling books she's read on the subjects in her free time.
[08:01] <Anahatesmornings> "Time is up," the man calls out. "The Japanese portion of the exam is over. Next will be World History. Are there any questions?"
[08:01] * V-chan smiles, liking this subject much more than the previous two.
[08:01] <Rei-chan> Biting her lip in worry, Rei remains silent. She's not so good on world history...
[08:02] <Anahatesmornings> One girl asks a question about the times covered, and the instructor replies by saying all times in history are in play.
[08:02] <Anahatesmornings> Again, the tests are passed out...
[08:02] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6
[08:02] * Musk-bot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 11."
[08:02] <V-chan> roll 2d6
[08:02] * Musk-bot --> "V-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[08:02] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6
[08:02] * Musk-bot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[08:03] <Rei-chan> It's a struggle, and she isn't entirely sure on all of her answers, but Rei manages to at least put someting down for every question. 'I might scrape a pass on this section...' she thinks.
[08:04] <Anahatesmornings> As the test for this section goes on..."Oh, GOD! I can't take it, it's not fair," a boy cries up, jumping up from his seat and running from the room in a crying fit. "IT'S TOO MUCH!"
[08:04] * V-chan is grateful for all the books she's read on this while trying to take her mind off things over her vacation, since the textbooks didn't seem to cover most of the material on this part of the exam.
[08:05] * Rei-chan watches the boy go with some pity, thinking she might be in the same position if she hadn't studied so much with Ami. This test is a lot harder than anything she ever did at T*A.
[08:05] <Anahatesmornings> Mr. Yoshimitsu grimly stares at the running student... "And, time." he calls, collecting this set of papers.
[08:06] <Anahatesmornings> "The next segment is Japanese Government. ARe there any questions?"
[08:06] * Rei-chan grimaces. She knows plenty about this, though she wishes she didn't.
[08:07] <Anahatesmornings> "No questions? Good luck on the next part," he comments as yet another test is passed out...
[08:07] * V-chan unknowingly echoes Rei's grimace, as her knowledge there is spotty at best.
[08:08] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6
[08:08] * Musk-bot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[08:08] <V-chan> roll 2d6
[08:08] * Musk-bot --> "V-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[08:08] * Rei-chan gets through this section easily enough, calling on knowledge she learnt at T*A, as well as what she knows about her father's job.
[08:09] * V-chan just tries to write what makes the most sense on the open questions, and guesses at the multiple-choice questions.
[08:09] <Anahatesmornings> "And... finished." Collecting the papers, he says, "The next part is World Government. Questions?"
[08:10] <Rei-chan> Much like World History, Rei isn't so hot on this... still, she's studied a lot, and hopes for the best.
[08:11] * V-chan hopes the things she picked up during her travels around the globe would help... somehow. She sighs.
[08:11] <Anahatesmornings> "And... go."
[08:11] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6
[08:11] * Musk-bot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 5."
[08:11] <V-chan> roll 2d6
[08:11] * Musk-bot --> "V-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[08:12] <Rei-chan> The questions are actually surprisingly simple, and the hardest ones are things she discussed with Ami just yesterday. Making a note to thank her genius friend, Rei speeds through this section with confidence.
[08:13] * V-chan does indeed finds her knowledge helpful, to her great surprise.
[08:14] <Anahatesmornings> "And... pencils down," he calls. "Next is Earth Science. Questions?"
[08:14] * Rei-chan patiently waits for the test to be given. Science isn't her specialty, but she's not bad at it by any means.
[08:14] * V-chan reminds herself to answer what they want to hear, not what is obviously and really true.
[08:15] <Anahatesmornings> "Good luck, and start."
[08:15] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6
[08:15] * Musk-bot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[08:15] <V-chan> roll 2d6
[08:15] * Musk-bot --> "V-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[08:15] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6
[08:15] * Musk-bot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 12."
[08:16] * Rei-chan stares at her paper in confusion. None of it makes any sense at all! She doesn't recall learning this kind of stuff at T*A, nor having it covered by Ami! It's all going horribly wrong!
[08:17] * V-chan makes sure to carefully do what Ami and Artemis explained to her, ignoring what her instincts are telling her.
[08:17] * Rei-chan scribbles down some answers that sound vaguely right. Or at least semi-relevant.
[08:17] <Anahatesmornings> "Time is up. The next part consists of Oceanography. Questions?"
[08:18] * V-chan glances at Rei.
[08:18] <Rei-chan> 'Oceanography?! What the hell kind of subject is that?!' Rei does NOT say.
[08:19] * V-chan returns her eyes to studying her desk, wishing this were Ami. Or that she had kept onto that silver bracelet a while longer, at least.
[08:19] <Exam_Giver_Ana> "Begin."
[08:20] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6
[08:20] * Musk-bot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[08:20] <V-chan> roll 2d6
[08:20] * Musk-bot --> "V-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 11."
[08:20] <Rei-chan> Funnily enough, this doesn't seem that hard. It's not that different from geography, just underwater, so Rei gets through it without as much trouble as she expected.
[08:21] * V-chan finds this part of the exam about as legible as the lunar porn, only without the pretty pictures.
[08:22] * V-chan sighs again.
[08:22] <Exam_Giver_Ana> "Done." he calls, as he gets up yet again for test collecting. "Physics is next. Questions?"
[08:22] * V-chan blanches, but manages to keep herself collected.
[08:23] <Rei-chan> 'Ah, good old Physics! I can do this stuff easy,' Rei thinks, cheerfully going over the equations she has memorised.
[08:23] <Exam_Giver_Ana> "Go."
[08:23] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6
[08:23] * Musk-bot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[08:23] <V-chan> roll 2d6
[08:23] * Musk-bot --> "V-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[08:24] * V-chan feels elated as she sees the questions, and realizes a lot of them rely on mathematical calculations the likes of which she'd gone over with her mother during her vacation a lot.
[08:24] <Rei-chan> 'Huh?' Rei is disconcerted to find that precious few of her memorised equations are needed here. This all seems to be several years ahead of what they taught at T*A... 'Maybe I'm making a mistake... I'll never make it in this school!' she thinks, starting to feel depressed. And tired.
[08:25] <Exam_Giver_Ana> "Time is up. The final segment of the testing phase is general knowledge. Are there any questions?"
[08:25] * V-chan catches herself just in time before she shakes her head.
[08:25] <Rei-chan> 'Final segment?' Rei thinks in some relief, 'Right, I'll have to give this my all!' she mentally psyches herself up for the last part of the test. 'Do or die time, Hino!'
[08:26] * V-chan feels her hands tiring, but resolves to see this exam through.
[08:26] <Exam_Giver_Ana> "Good luck...and begin."
[08:26] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6
[08:26] * Musk-bot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 11."
[08:26] <V-chan> roll 2d6
[08:26] * Musk-bot --> "V-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[08:27] * Rei-chan feels like crying as she realises she doesn't have the first clue about most of these questions. She answers what she can, but a lot of the page is left distressingly blank...
[08:29] * V-chan finds the questions full of useless stuff she gathered from all over, quickly writing the answers down.
[08:29] <Exam_Giver_Ana> "And...you are finished with the testing phase, students." he says, with the first smile of the day. "Refreshments will be brought momentarily." he says, leaving the room. Sure enough, a cart full of cold drinks and snack food is wheeled in. That's unexpected.
[08:30] <Rei-chan> "That's nice of them," Rei notes to the student sitting next to her, before going to get something to eat and drink.
[08:31] * V-chan dreams some coke, though doesn't touch any snacks.
[08:31] * V-chan also looks at Rei again, to see how she's doing.
[08:31] <Rei-chan> "Hey, Minako," Rei says, noting the look. "Boy, that test sure was hard, huh?"
[08:32] * V-chan grimaces. "Study of oceans. Isn't that for mermaids or something?"
[08:34] <Rei-chan> "It was just like geography, but underwater," Rei says, before sighing. "It was Physics that really sucked for me. I thought I was quite good at that, but the questions were so advanced, I was totally lost!"
[08:34] * V-chan blanches, fearful, since it went so easy for her....
[08:35] <V-chan> "Don't worry, Rei-chan," she says instead. 'I'm sure we'll both get in! Good luck, and work hard, Rei-chan!"
[08:35] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, you too, Minako," Rei says, managing a smile.
[08:35] <Exam_Giver_Ana> About 15 minutes pass before the instructor returns, the snack cart having left a few minutes ago.
[08:36] * Rei-chan is back in her seat, waiting for what comes next.
[08:36] <Exam_Giver_Ana> "The next segment of the Mugen entrance exams is a physical examination. We believe that a strong body is an integral part of a powerful mind, and thus we encourage the two to go hand in hand. You will be escorted, separated by gender, and taken to the school clinic for the exam. Are there any questions?"
[08:37] <Rei-chan> "Ah, just how personal an exam will this be?" Rei asks, keeping a blush from her face.
[08:38] <Exam_Giver_Ana> "I am not familiar with the processes for the female examination. You will need to ask at the clinic, I am afraid," he replies.
[08:38] <Rei-chan> "Right..." Rei slouches in her seat.
[08:39] <V-chan> 'Separated by gender,' Minako thinks, snickering. 'Fools.'
[08:40] <Exam_Giver_Ana> The students are escorted outward and into the hall, lead to the clinic. Outside, the male teacher takes the men while a cute, perky female nurse aide takes the women into another part of the clinic offices.
[08:41] * V-chan follows with elegance, eager to show Mugen her real talents!
[08:41] <Exam_Giver_Ana> "Hi," she says. "I'm sure that you are worn out from the exams, so I won't hold you too long. You'll need to strip to your undergarments, please, for the exam. Is anyone having their time of the month? That will require a slightly different test."
[08:43] * Rei-chan shakes her head to the question, as she makes sure she's far away from Minako before removing her outer layers of clothing. 'This is REALLY not what I expected from an entrance exam...'
[08:43] * V-chan shakes her head to the negative, before taking her shirt off, followed by her jeans.
[08:44] <Exam_Giver_Ana> She nods. No one is having their special time of the month, it seems. "Okay, who wants to go first?"
[08:44] * V-chan waves her hand.
[08:44] <Exam_Giver_Ana> "Right," she says. "Follow me?" she motions to a doorway leading to the next room.
[08:45] * Rei-chan stands around awkwardly with the other semi-naked girls. "Did you know we had to do this?" she asks the one nearest to her.
[08:45] * V-chan follows with a smile, keeping herself to a casual walk instead of skipping like she really wants to, deep down.
[08:45] * V-chan waves at Rei, before disappearing into the next room.
[08:45] <Exam_Giver_Ana> Inside, there is a small medical table to lay down on, with a odd machine over it. It looks like some sort of scanning device from a bad movie, wired and hung from the ceiling.
[08:46] <Exam_Giver_Ana> "Would you lay on the table, under the medical scanner?" she asks. "Don't worry, we don't have to do cumbersome physical examinations now, the machines can scan you quickly and painlessly."
[08:47] <V-chan> Minako's smile drops somewhat at the device, becoming forced, but she nods. Laying on the table, she tries to take her mind off the weird scanning device by concentrating on her recent training.
[08:48] <Exam_Giver_Ana> The machine hums a minute, the screen above pulsing white, then black, then stopping. "Okay, you're done. Would you have the next girl come in? Oh, and you're free to go home now."
[08:49] <V-chan> "Umm, thanks," Minako says, getting off the table. Bowing to the nurse, she leaves the room, asking the next person to enter for the examination before making a beeline for Rei.
[08:50] <Exam_Giver_Ana> The next girl goes in dutifully, he bra not quite stopping a slight jiggle.
[08:50] <V-chan> "I'm done," she tells Rei with a frown. "That's it. Could you believe it?"
[08:51] <Rei-chan> "That's nice, Minako," Rei says awkwardly, all too aware of their mutual state of undress.
[08:52] <V-chan> "There's this weird scanner thing, and it... umm, I guess, scans you. And they tell you to go home afterwards." Minako frowns again. "They didn't even say when the results would be in."
[08:52] <Rei-chan> "Probably mail them to us within a few days or a week," Rei replies.
[08:52] <Exam_Giver_Ana> "You're next," the girl who came in a minute ago is coming out now, and addresses Rei.
[08:53] <Rei-chan> "Okay," Rei says, moving around Minako and heading into the room.
[08:53] * V-chan waves at Rei as she goes, and then heads to dress herself.
[08:53] <Exam_Giver_Ana> Inside, you see the same set up as Minako did. "Could you lie down on the table? The scanner will do it all in a few moments."
[08:54] * Rei-chan eyes the scanner doubtfully, but does as she's told.
[08:54] <Exam_Giver_Ana> The scanner glows white, then black and then stops. "Right, it's over for you. You'll get test results in a week or so, and have a nice trip home."
[08:55] <Rei-chan> "Thank you," Rei says, bowing before she leaves the room, saying to the girl nearest the door, "You're next," and then getting dressed.
[08:56] <V-chan> "They told you to go home, too?" Minako asks, coming up to Rei again, dressed this time.
[08:56] <Rei-chan> "Yep, all done," Rei replies, already wondering what other schools she could try for now...
[08:57] <V-chan> "Umm..." Minako shrugs awkwardly. "I guess I'll see you later?"
[08:58] * Rei-chan nods distractedly before pulling her sweater on.
[08:58] * V-chan waves, and leaves for Village Pro, not really in the mood to go home.
[09:09] <Usagi-chan> -----
[09:09] <Rei-chan> Having went home and had a lunch after the exam, Rei then decides to go visit her convalescing friend. Arriving at the Tsukino residence, she rings the doorbell and waits patiently for an answer.
[09:11] <Exam_Giver_Ana> The door opens to Shingo. "Usagi's upstairs," he says, walking past. "See ya."
[09:12] <Rei-chan> "Sure," Rei says, entering and removing her shoes, before heading up the stairs and knocking on Usagi's door. "Usagi, it's Rei."
[09:13] <Usagi-chan> There is a shuffling noise inside Usagi's room and a thump. "Ow... come on in..." she says grumpily.
[09:13] * Rei-chan opens the door and looks around, wondering what the thump was.
[09:14] * Usagi-chan is sitting on the floor, looking like she just managed to fall down. Her boombox is sitting facedown on the floor next to her, the cord near Usagi's feet. "Hi Rei-chan..." Usagi says unhappily as she slowly struggles to her feet.
[09:15] * Rei-chan walks over and offers Usagi a hand up. "You shouldn't be walking around, Usagi. You still need to rest," she says in an almost out of character patient tone.
[09:16] <Usagi-chan> "I was just trying to turn on the radio!" Usagi protests, allowing Rei to help her back over to the bed. "It's just so BORING in here with nothing to do all day."
[09:19] <Rei-chan> "Well, here's something to keep you amused," Rei says, reaching into her bag and pulling out this week's Nakoyashi, as well as a couple of volumes of Kakedashita Cupid manga. "Don't want you dying of boredom, after all," she smirks, putting them on the bed beside Usagi.
[09:20] * Usagi-chan squeals with excitement as she scans through the magazine. "Thanks, Rei-chan!"
[09:21] * Rei-chan then kneels down to pick up Usagi's radio, setting it on the nightstand and tucking the cable away so it won't be a trip hazard.
[09:24] * Usagi-chan looks through the manga for another minute or so, then stops as she recalls something. "What the heck IS oceanography, anyway? I'm guessing it's something from your test today - I heard you think it earlier but I didn't say anything because I didn't want to distract you."
[09:25] <Rei-chan> "Heh, it's kinda like geography, but underwater. Funnily enough, that wasn't even the hardest part of the test..." Rei sits down on the edge of the bed. "It was so much harder than anything I've had to do at T*A before... Mugen really does deserve it's reputation."
[09:26] <Usagi-chan> "How do you think you did?" Usagi looks at Rei curiously.
[09:28] <Rei-chan> "Ah... I really don't know. I did get through most of it without any real problems, but I totally bombed at least two sections." She then gives Usagi a funny look, "Did you know they put us through medical exams? I had to lie in my underwear while they had this big machine scan me. It was weird."
[09:29] <Usagi-chan> "For an ENTRANCE exam?" Usagi gives Rei a quizzical look. "I've never heard of anything like THAT before."
[09:29] * Rei-chan nods. "Yeah, it was really weird..."
[09:30] <Rei-chan> "Anyway, I'll find out in a week if I passed or not, so nothing to do but wait until then..."
[09:30] <Usagi-chan> "So how many sections were there? Maybe bombing two of them won't be too bad."
[09:31] <Rei-chan> "Lets see..." Rei goes over them in her head, before announcing, "Seven. Not counting the medical."
[09:33] <Usagi-chan> "Well, if you did really well on some of the other sections maybe it'll balance out." Usagi smiles. "And you never know - maybe you didn't do as bad on those two parts as you think."
[09:33] <Rei-chan> "I hope so... some of it was so far advanced of anything I've studied before." She pouts, "Times like today I wish Ami-chan was telepathic..."
[09:34] <Usagi-chan> "Well, if you DO get in at least you can be proud of the fact that you did it all on your own, right?"
[09:35] <Rei-chan> "Well, I have to thank the Kami, of course," Rei smiles mysteriously.
[09:36] <Usagi-chan> "Even if the kami did help out you did most of the work yourself, Rei-chan. I know I wouldn't even stand a CHANCE of getting into Mugen." Usagi makes a face.
[09:37] * Rei-chan doesn't dispute that statement. But then, she's doubtful enough of her own chances, so it's fair.
[09:37] <Usagi-chan> "Did they say when you'd get your results?"
[09:38] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, I'd find out in a week. So all I can do is wait until then," Rei repeats herself.
[09:39] <Usagi-chan> "I'll keep my fingers crossed for you then." Usagi smiles. "All I have to look forward to with school is a HUGE pile of homework to make up when I finally get back."
[09:41] <Rei-chan> "I've missed a lot, too. And with Mugen being so advanced, when I do get in I'll have to catch up. Mako-chan will have to catch up a lot as well with the time she's missed... I think Ami-chan is the only dutiful student among us..."
[09:42] <Usagi-chan> "I just don't get how she can actually LIKE studying - I mean, there's just so many other things that are WAY more fun, like video games and manga and watching TV..."
[09:43] * Rei-chan shrugs. "We all find joy somewhere. If learning new things makes Ami-chan happy, more power to her,"
[09:45] <Usagi-chan> "I guess so." Usagi pauses to think, then hears the soft tones of the radio behind Rei. "Oooh, turn it up! I love this song!"
[09:46] <Rei-chan> "Huh?" Rei turns around, and increases the volume, her expression falling when she hears Eternal Snow playing. "It is a beautiful song," she admits, sounding melancholy.
[09:47] * Usagi-chan listens for a minute, then sees Rei's downcast expression. "You don't like it?"
[09:49] <Rei-chan> "It's not that," Rei shakes her head. "I just... Minako wrote it for me, she said. Hearing it makes me feel bad over what happened..." she snorts, "As if I didn't already."
[09:49] <Usagi-chan> "Minako... wrote it for you?" Usagi looks completely lost.
[09:52] * Rei-chan blinks, then figures it out. "Oh, she never told you..." she sighs, "I guess I forgot that she kept a lot of stuff secret from everyone but me."
[09:52] <Rei-chan> "Minako is Full Moon. She uses her Crescent Compact to make herself look older, and she's an incredibly successful idol singer. She wrote Eternal Snow as her 'confession' to me..."
[09:53] * Usagi-chan is dumbfounded. "Minako... is Full Moon?" She gapes for a minute. "REALLY Full Moon? She's been one of my favorite singers - I've gotten all of the singles she's released so far!"
[09:54] <Rei-chan> "Surprised me, too," Rei admits.
[09:56] * Usagi-chan looks thoughtful for a minute. "I guess that explains one thing that's been bugging me for a while, at least. Full Moon could definitely afford it."
[09:57] <Rei-chan> "Hm?" Rei arches an eyebrow. "Afford what?"
[09:58] * Usagi-chan sighs. "Go into my closet if you would, and look behind the big pile of shoes - there's a blue shoebox back there. Pull it out for me if you would; I'd get it myself, but I'd probably fall down trying to get out of bed." Usagi frowns.
[09:59] <Rei-chan> Wordlessly, Rei does as asked, foraging through the clutter in Usagi's closet for a moment before retrieving the box and returning to put it on the bed next to Usagi.
[10:00] * Usagi-chan opens the box, revealing the ornate silver jewelry she received just before Christmas. She sets each piece out on her comforter separately, so Rei can get a good look at each of them.
[10:01] <Rei-chan> Rei's eyes bug out and she clutches her chest as she stares at the jewellery. She works her mouth a few times before she can get the words "That must have cost a fortune!" out in a hoarse whisper.
[10:03] * Usagi-chan nods. "I got all of it a couple of days before Christmas. There was a note in the box with the scepter and the earrings in Minako's handwriting. I had NO idea how she could afford all of it though - until just now."
[10:07] * Rei-chan shakes her head, before looking at the shoebox, then at Usagi's closet. "What on Earth will you ever do with all of this? If anyone knew you owned it, your house would get robbed before you knew it!"
[10:10] <Usagi-chan> "You don't have to tell me." Usagi sighs. "I have NO idea what to do with any of it - it's not like I can go around wearing any of it, anyway. Well, except maybe this." She picks up the silver choker.
[10:11] * Rei-chan snickers, suddenly getting an image of Usagi in her school uniform showing up for class with all that stuff, waving the sceptre around and crying that Miss Haruna is being mean.
[10:17] <Usagi-chan> "To be honest, I haven't even tried most of it on yet, just the choker. It's simple enough that I can wear it, but it makes me feel like I'm in my senshi outfit." Usagi sticks her tongue out a bit.
[10:17] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, it's certainly not casual wear," Rei agrees.
[10:19] * Usagi-chan picks up the tiara and regards it thoughtfully. "I'm half inclined to return it to her - it's just so expensive, and I'm never going to get any use out of it."
[10:21] <Rei-chan> "Minako does tend to go a bit overboard when spending money on her friends..." Rei says thoughtfully, "Still, she might be offended if you refuse her gift."
[10:23] <Usagi-chan> "I know, that's why I haven't done anything about it yet." Usagi replies glumly. 'At least she doesn't know about the note...'
[10:24] * Rei-chan slaps a hand against her forehead. "Usagi, that telepathy trick of yours works both ways. What note?"
[10:24] * Usagi-chan winces. "I thought I was getting better about that..." Slowly she reaches into the box, pulling out the note that Minako sent along with the jewelry and handing it to Rei.
[10:26] * Rei-chan quickly glances over the note, then returns it to Usagi with a sigh. "Well, at least she didn't say she'd make you a Queen, right?" she offers in a rather pitiful attempt at mirth.
[10:27] * Usagi-chan doesn't reply, a rather distant look in her eyes.
[10:28] <Rei-chan> 'Probably not the best thing I could have said...' Rei thinks to herself sadly.
[10:30] * Usagi-chan shakes her head slightly, snapping out of her reverie as she picks up on Rei's thought. "It's not your fault, Rei-chan. I've just been doing a lot of thinking lately. Not a lot else for me to do in here, really." She glances up at the painting, hung on the wall just past the foot of her bed.
[10:30] <Rei-chan> "Come to any conclusions, yet?" Rei asks gently.
[10:31] <Usagi-chan> "A couple." Usagi replies, still not looking at the miko. "I'm not real sure about whether they're right or not, but I have to decide something." She sighs.
[10:33] <Rei-chan> "So which way is the decision leaning towards?" Rei asks, leaning forward slightly with her curiousity. After all, what Usagi decides will affect the rest of them just as much.
[10:36] <Usagi-chan> "I have to be what I am." Usagi replies, an unusually serious but calm expression on her face. 'All I have to do from here is figure out HOW...' she sighs mentally.
[10:38] <Rei-chan> "And what are you, Usagi?" Rei asks quietly. "Princess Serenity? Sailor Moon? Queen Serenity II?" she pauses for a moment, regarding the blonde seriously, "Usagi Tsukino?"
[10:39] * Usagi-chan smiles wanly. "All of the above - and with my luck, probably even a few more things that I don't even know about yet."
[10:41] <Rei-chan> "So you're going to try and reconcile all of them together? Not the easiest of paths..." she then smiles warmly, "But probably the best one in the long run."
[10:49] * Usagi-chan shrugs. "I can't deny that any of those is a part of who I am. I may not want to be the queen, but then I didn't want to be Sailor Moon either - and look at where trying to deny that got me." She shakes her head. "I don't want to make the same mistake twice."
[10:51] * Rei-chan nods approvingly at Usagi's rationale, before frowning. "But Sailor Moon is a lot less complicated than being a Queen... how exactly are you going to sort that out? Besides us senshi and the two cats, you're rather lacking in subjects, your Majesty." She has an impish smile as she speaks, but it is a serious point.
[10:52] <Usagi-chan> "I'm... still working on that. I didn't think it was going to be easy, but there has to be something I can do." Usagi gets a distant look on her face again. "I'll figure something out."
[10:55] <Rei-chan> "I'm sure you will. Just give it time," Rei says. "Just remember, protecting people is more important than ruling them. The world needs Sailor Moon more than it needs Neo Queen Serenity II," she adds seriously. "Make sure you really do balance all of your identities."
[10:59] * Usagi-chan lays back on the bed, still holding the tiara. She turns it in her hands as she looks at it. "I just hope this is the right choice, Rei-chan..."
[11:06] <Rei-chan> "Hey, if you screw up, I'll be there to put you back on track!" Rei declares confidently.
[11:10] <Usagi-chan> "How far though, Rei?" Usagi asks quietly. "The bigger things get, the worse things are going to be if I screw up. Would you really stay behind me if something I did was the reason people died?"
[11:14] * Rei-chan has a brief flashback to those terrible moments when she had attacked her friends at Metallia's urging, and then what had come after her purification. "I could do nothing less," she says in a hoarse whisper, looking away from Usagi.
[11:17] * Usagi-chan sees the look of horror on Rei's face and turns away, tears appearing in the corners of her eyes. "I'm sorry, Rei-chan... I shouldn't have said anything. It's just... everything is getting so BIG now - I'm absolutely terrified of what could happen if I mess things up now." Especially if her screwups would drive her friends away from her, she does not add.
[11:20] <Rei-chan> "You won't, Usagi," Rei says earnestly, though still looking away. "I know that when things are really important, you're the most dependable person I know."
[11:24] * Usagi-chan sits up in bed, embracing the miko from the side. "Thanks, Rei-chan... it means a lot to me to hear you say that." She lays her head on Rei's shoulder. "I couldn't stand the thought of losing you because of something I did wrong."
[11:31] <Rei-chan> "Usagi..." Rei says softly, returning the hug, "As long as I'm able to, I'll stand by you."
[11:35] * Usagi-chan releases the other girl and smiles. "Guess I'll have to make sure you're able to for a long, long time then. Thanks for being such a good friend, Rei-chan."
[11:36] <Rei-chan> "Even if I'm always so mean to you?" Rei asks with a teasing smile.
[11:39] <Usagi-chan> "I'll have to think about that..." Usagi puts on an air of mock appraisal.
[11:40] <Rei-chan> "Figured," Rei grins. "Want me to put this stuff away before I leave you to think?" she indicates the jewellery.
[11:41] <Usagi-chan> "Nah, I can take care of it. I'll just shove it under the bed for now - it's not like I won't be around in case someone tries to come in here and steal them." Usagi makes a face at the thought of her continued 'imprisonment'.
[11:44] <Rei-chan> "Alright, then." Rei rises from the bed, "Just make sure to keep resting, and you'll be up and about in no time. Then you can go back to school!" she finishes brightly, giving a jaunty wave before exiting the room.
[11:44] <Usagi-chan> "Thanks for coming by, Rei-chan! I hope Mugen calls back soon with good news!" Usagi calls after the retreating Rei.
[22:30] <Usagi-chan> -----
[22:33] <Usagi-chan> It's late afternoon, a couple of days since Usagi's untimely collapse on the way to the New Year's Festival. Usagi is becoming increasingly restless as the time passes, although both her mother and her cat seem to be conspiring to keep her in bed for as long as the doctor told her to.
[22:34] * Usagi-chan is laying back on her bed, a pair of headphones on her head as she reads a manga she borrowed from Rei.
[22:35] * Makoto knocks softly on Usagi's door and peeks into the room, checking that Usagi isn't sleeping. Noticing that she isn't, she waves in greeting as she steps in. "Hey Usagi."
[22:36] * Usagi-chan lights up with a bright smile as the tall brunette enters the room. She quickly pulls off the headphones. "Hi, Mako-chan!"
[22:39] <Makoto> "So how's our favorite princess feeling?" Makoto asks, now next to the bed, smiling at Usagi.
[22:41] * Usagi-chan grumbles. "Frustrated! I feel fine already, but Mom and Luna won't even let me get out of bed for any longer than it takes to go to the bathroom."
[22:43] * Makoto shakes her head. "Not even to watch TV? That's kinda being a bit overprotective."
[22:44] * Makoto grins as she adds, "Although you're worth overprotecting."
[22:47] <Usagi-chan> "Not even for that. I mean, it's not like I can't walk or something." As if to prove the point, Usagi climbs out of the bed, standing up in her pajamas. While she seems to be standing without any problems, it's fairly clear that she's still wobbly on her feet. "Look, see what I mean?"
[22:49] <Makoto> "Hmph," Makoto says, "I think they're right about you staying in bed for a while longer, you know."
[22:50] <Makoto> "I think I'd have to give you a piggy back ride for you to make it to the TV, even if you can walk somewhat."
[22:52] * Usagi-chan flops back down on the bed. "Not you too, Mako-chan! I'm fine, really!" she complains. "Everyone's been treating me like I'm made of glass or something."
[22:53] <Makoto> "Hey, I'm at least willing to act like your pack mule and give you a piggyback ride if you want to go places. That's a step up, right?" Makoto grins at the annoyed blonde.
[22:55] * Usagi-chan smiles a little. "I appreciate the offer, but Mom would get mad if she had to help me up the stairs again. I was only looking for a snack!"
[22:56] <Makoto> "Well, would some manga do? I can go bug Rei and...'liberate' her manga for you," Makoto offers.
[22:58] * Usagi-chan giggles. "That's okay, she came by after her tests at Mugen." Usagi indicates a small pile of manga sitting next to the bed. "Anyway, enough about me - how's school going? Did you have any problems from being out for so long?"
[22:59] <Makoto> "Thankfully, no," Makoto says grinning. "Mrs. Suzuki tried to give me trouble, but I showed her!"
[22:59] <Makoto> "...well, with some help from Ami and her mom, anyhow," Makoto amends.
[23:01] * Usagi-chan gives Makoto a wry grin. "I'm just hoping I don't have to meet her... I've missed so many classes lately myself that Miss H has been threatening to send me to the guidance office as it is." Usagi sighs.
[23:02] <Makoto> "Eh, you probably don't have to worry," Makoto says with a dismissing wave. "Students are usually handed out to the counselors by their last names. Tsukino isn't anywhere near Kino."
[23:04] <Usagi-chan> "God, I hope not. I've just heard too many horror stories about Suzuki." Usagi shudders slightly.
[23:05] <Makoto> "A good deal from me, I bet," Makoto mutters, while shaking her head.
[23:07] <Usagi-chan> "Even from before you came to my school - she's been around forever, and she treats almost everyone like that. I don't even know why they keep her around - I've heard she won't even listen to parents, most of the time." Usagi shakes her head.
[23:09] <Makoto> "Well, Kazan said it was just because she's been with the school so long and that the principal respects her. They feel bad about kicking her or some such," Makoto explains.
[23:10] <Usagi-chan> "Well, THAT explains it." Usagi makes a face. "I at least know the principal, and he never listens to anything either. He makes a good match for her, I guess."
[23:11] * Makoto shrugs. "Eh, he's never accused me of the BS that Suzuki has, so I don't particularly care about him."
[23:13] * Usagi-chan sighs as she flops back on the bed. "I just hope Miss H isn't ready to kill me when I get back. She was already annoyed with me BEFORE this happened."
[23:15] <Makoto> "Don't you usually just get detention from her?"
[23:18] <Usagi-chan> "She's threatened to send me to the guidance office a few times after I've skipped classes." Usagi grumbles. "And when she's in a bad mood, she ships me off to the principal's office rather than give me detention."
[23:21] <Makoto> "Well, considering the principal has more authority than the guidance office, I don't see the point if she already sends you to him..." Makoto says somewhat confused.
[23:25] <Usagi-chan> "Only the 'real' problem students get sent to the guidance office, usually." Usagi sighs. "I still don't know how you ended up meeting up with old Suzuki when you first got here, unless it's because of that reputation you have for fighting."
[23:26] <Makoto> "I kinda ran out on class twice because of the youma," Makoto explains. "The guidance office saw it as a sign of my 'troublemaking' tendencies acting up and had me brought in."
[23:26] * Makoto grumbles. "Stupid youma..."
[23:27] * Usagi-chan groans. "Tell me about it... I've lost count of the number of detentions I've gotten because of youma attacks."
[23:34] <Usagi-chan> "Even with as bad as school is, it beats being cooped up in here all day." Usagi grumbles.
[23:35] <Makoto> "I dunno, I wouldn't mind getting to stick around here. It's better than an empty apartment, anyhow," Makoto says with a somewhat weak smile.
[23:36] <Usagi-chan> "Come on over whenever you want to!" Usagi smiles. "Believe me, I enjoy the company - it beats staring at the ceiling all afternoon, that's for sure."
[23:39] <Makoto> "Oh, you'd probably get tired of me if you had me around all the time, you know," Makoto says, somewhat quietly.
[23:41] <Usagi-chan> "Of course I wouldn't, don't be silly! I've missed having you around for so long, actually. Rei's not much of a cook." Usagi winks.
[23:47] <Makoto> "Heh, well, you do have your mom to cook for you, you know," Makoto says.
[23:48] <Usagi-chan> "I know, but she's stingy with the snacks." Usagi makes a face. "Besides, those ginger cookies you make are even better than hers are!"
[23:51] * Makoto blushes. "I'll remember to make some next time I come, then, just for you."
[23:53] <Usagi-chan> "Really? That's great!" Usagi grins. "I haven't had them in what seems like forever..."
[23:55] <Makoto> "Well, at least a month, right?"
[23:57] <Usagi-chan> "A month is a long time! I'm just glad to have you back more than anything though, Mako-chan." 'Although I wish I could have gotten the last of it out of you...' she thinks sadly.
[23:59] * Makoto blinks. "Last what? Last cookie?" Makoto asks confused.
[00:00] <Usagi-chan> "Huh?" Usagi looks up, startled. "Did I say that out loud?"
[00:02] <Makoto> "Uh no. That telepathy thingie that you said we share, actually," Makoto replies. "Anyhow, last what?"
[00:04] <Usagi-chan> "I..." Usagi sighs. "One of the things that's come up while you were gone is that I've started to see... well, I guess seeing auras is the best way to describe it."
[00:06] <Makoto> "Auras?" Makoto asks somewhat confused. "You mean like when people shine in manga? We don't shine, do we?"
[00:08] <Usagi-chan> "To me you do, actually." Usagi smiles slightly. "But yours is... there's something else in there that doesn't belong, and it's been there ever since we got your powers back from Orestes." She sighs. "I tried to get as much of it out as I could, but there are two fragments of it buried REALLY deep, and I couldn't get them out when I tried."
[00:09] <Makoto> Makoto's blood feels like it's running cold, and she shivers at the thought that something from Orestes is still around to haunt her.
[00:11] * Usagi-chan lowers her head as she sees Makoto tremble. "I.. I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier, Mako-chan, but I didn't know how to tell you. I promise, I'll do everything I can to get rid of it - I've talked to Rei-chan already, and she thinks she might be able to help me out if I try it again."
[00:18] * Makoto smiles weakly. "Don't worry too much over it, Usagi. Just hearing about Orestes shocked me a bit. It hasn't really hurt me yet, or anything, right?"
[00:19] <Makoto> 'Yet...' she thinks sadly. 'Why do I keep thinking yet?'
[00:20] * Usagi-chan keeps her eyes lowered. "I'm sorry... I should have tried harder to get rid of it."
[00:29] <Makoto> "Well, you said you were getting Rei's help, right? That's trying harder right there," Makoto states.
[00:32] <Usagi-chan> "I guess so..." Usagi mumbles, then turns a very tired smile to Makoto. "We'll get it taken care of in no time, I'm sure."
[00:39] <Makoto> "Well, anyhow..." Makoto says, trying to change topics. "Doing good with hiding the moon crescent?"
[00:39] * Makoto realizes that's probably not the best topic, but it should hopefully be less painful for the both of them. Hopefully.
[00:41] <Usagi-chan> "All right, I guess. I've been getting a few funny looks because of the hair braid, but no one's asked me about it yet at least. I'm kind of surprised that Naru hasn't mentioned anything about it, actually."
[10:18] <Makoto> "Well, she has been looking at Umino a lot lately, you know..." Makoto teases. "She's gonna be a bit distracted."
[10:21] * Usagi-chan giggles. "They make a cute couple, don't they? I'm just glad to see she's doing better these days - she was down for so long after Nephrite died."
[10:22] * Makoto just nods, not able to really say much on the matter of Nephrite.
[10:24] <Usagi-chan> "What about you, Mako-chan? Have you got your eye on anyone right now?" Usagi grins.
[10:25] * Makoto blushes. "...Maybe yes. Maybe not."
[10:25] <Usagi-chan> "I knew it! Who is it?" Usagi leans forward eagerly.
[10:26] <Makoto> "W-we're just friends right now," Makoto stutters, trying to stall.
[10:27] * Usagi-chan pokes Makoto in the chest. "Come on, you at least have to tell me who it is..."
[10:28] <Makoto> "His name is Kazan. He's just such a sweetie," Makoto says with a blush.
[10:29] * Usagi-chan giggles. "I don't think I know him... I'll have to keep a lookout for him. Has he asked you out yet?"
[10:33] <Makoto> "No, we just hang out... well, whenever I have to go to the guidance office, anyhow," Makoto said, a bit embarrassed.
[10:35] <Usagi-chan> "Ow... not exactly the best time to make a good impression, huh? I bet things will work out for you two though." Usagi smiles. 'At least you know exactly who likes you...' she thinks somewhat sadly.
[10:42] * Makoto blushes. "Well, he kinda understands that Suzuki's a bitch, so that was nice." Frowning though, she asks, "But what about Mamoru?"
[10:44] * Usagi-chan looks up, startled, before realizing what happened. "I keep forgetting you can hear my thoughts too," she says with a wry grin. "I'm still not completely used to it myself. As to Mamoru... I wish I knew what was going on with him myself. He just got back a few days ago, and he's been... well, you can see for yourself." Usagi points to the large bouquet of roses, still fresh, in a vase on her desk.
[10:47] * Makoto raises an eyebrow. "So he gave you some roses, isn't that good?"
[10:47] <Usagi-chan> "I didn't tell you what happened before he left, did I?" Usagi sighs.
[10:51] <Usagi-chan> "I went to go talk to him, but when I did he was... strange. Really strange. He said he could remember EVERYTHING and talked about killing me and kissing me in the same sentence. I can't tell you how much that freaked me out."
[10:52] * Makoto gets an image of Orestes ranting at her and shivers. "I think I can relate somewhat."
[10:53] <Usagi-chan> "He hasn't seemed like that since he got back from his vacation, but... I don't know. He seems a lot more like the Endymion I can remember from the Moon Kingdom than the Mamoru I know now." Usagi sighs. "I'm just not sure WHAT to do there."
[10:55] * Makoto frowns. "Well, if you're that uncomfortable, you don't have to be his girlfriend."
[10:56] <Makoto> "Not push him away," Makoto quickly clarifies as best she can. "Just don't rush into things..."
[10:57] <Usagi-chan> "It's just..." Usagi waves her hands around. "He's being so NICE about everything! It's weird hearing all these wonderful things he's saying come out of Mamoru-baka's mouth. I can't say I don't appreciate it, but it's hard to get used to. I'd almost rather he still called me Dumpling Head." Usagi sighs.
[10:59] * Makoto smiles softly. "Why were you with Mamoru if you fought so much, anyhow?" Makoto asks, not quite understanding her feelings on the man.
[11:02] <Usagi-chan> "I don't know! We just always used to run into each other, and then there were a few times that he seemed... I don't know, different somehow, back when we were looking for the rainbow crystals. Like when he and I both posed for Yumeni-san's painting."
[11:05] <Makoto> "Are you sure you didn't just love the Endymion part of him then? That you're not just used to having a bit Mamoru's remarks along for the ride?" Makoto asks with a somewhat strained smile. She feels a wavering opinion on Endymion ever since Usagi's description reminded her of Orestes. But if he made her happy...
[11:08] <Usagi-chan> "That's just it, I don't really KNOW. Just when I was starting to get to know Mamoru better - and even starting to like him a little - Kunzite and Beryl took him away at the Starlight Tower. And then the next time I saw him, he tried to kill me." Usagi runs a hand through her hair. "I guess I'm more afraid of him being in love with Serenity, not me. I don't want someone to love me for who I was, I want them to love me for who I AM."
[11:14] <Makoto> "Well, I can't really give you advice. I'm not exactly sure how -I'd- handle him if I were in your shoes," Makoto says with a sigh.
[11:15] <Usagi-chan> "Oh, I know." Usagi shakes her head. "It's just one more thing I have to figure out how to deal with, as if I didn't have enough already."
[11:17] <Makoto> "Try not to worry too much over things, alright, Usagi?" Makoto asks. A smirk pops up as she adds, "Otherwise you'll never be let out of bed"
[11:18] <Usagi-chan> "Don't even joke about that!" Usagi fumes, her melancholy evaporating almost immediately. "I can NOT get out of here soon enough!"
[11:20] * Makoto snickers. "Then worry less, and focus on getting outta here. You'll get no help from me in staging a 'jailbreak'."
[11:22] * Usagi-chan crosses her arms huffily. "Only if you promise to bring me those ginger cookies." Usagi crosses her fingers, hoping her ploy is successful...
[11:23] * Makoto sticks her tongue out at you. "I already promised, didn't I?"
[11:24] <Usagi-chan> "Just making sure, since you said you're not going to help me get out of here." Usagi grumps, returning the gesture.
[11:27] <Makoto> "Well, enjoy yourself for the rest of the long, long, looooooooooooooooooooong day," Makoto says with a giggle as she starts to move outside.
[11:31] * Usagi-chan throws a pillow at Makoto as she makes her escape from the room. "Fine then, be that way!" She lays back in the bed huffily, but smiles a moment later. 'Thanks for coming, Mako-chan.'
[11:33] * Makoto goes "Oomph" as the pillow impacts the back of her head. She turns her head around and flashes Usagi a smile. 'You're welcome...Dumpling Head.'
[11:33] * Makoto ducks out of the room.
[11:35] * Usagi-chan shakes her head and giggles as she lays back down on the bed, soon drifting back off into a nap.

[10:14] <Usagi-chan> -----
[15:24] <Usagi-chan> Finally, the last day of Usagi's prescribed convalescence has arrived. The past several days have sorely tried her patience, but she's holding out well enough for the final stretch.
[15:25] * Usagi-chan lies back on her bed, staring up at the painting Rei gave her as a Christmas gift.
[15:28] <Ami> A light rapping is heard at your door.
[15:28] * Usagi-chan snaps out of her light reverie and turns to face the door. "Come in!"
[15:29] * Ami enters, arms full of books and whatnot and a smile on her lips. "Hello, Usagi."
[15:32] * Usagi-chan smiles brightly. "Ami-chan! Thanks so much for coming by!"
[15:34] <Ami> "It's no problem. I brought your homeworks so you don't fall behind," Ami says, lifting the books.
[15:35] * Usagi-chan puts on a wry grin. "Probably waaay too late for that. I'm sure Miss H is going to kill me when I finally get back to class no matter what I do."
[15:36] <Ami> "There's still hope!" Ami says, laying the books out around the blonde.
[15:38] * Usagi-chan sighs. "I doubt it.... I bet she'll stick me in remedial classes for the rest of the year." Usagi draws her legs up, resting her chin on her knees glumly.
[15:39] <Ami> "Not for the rest of the year. I'm sure I could get you out in the first month," Ami jests.
[15:40] * Usagi-chan groans. "I just don't want to do any extra school!" She glances up at the painting once again, then turns back to Ami. "How have you been doing while I've been cooped up in here?"
[15:42] <Ami> "Me? I've been well. I was worried about you, though. How are you holding up? Not passing out anymore I hope." Ami looks on with concern.
[15:44] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "No, and I'm not wobbling on my feet anymore either, although Mom STILL insists that I stay in bed until tomorrow. At least I can go downstairs to watch TV now."
[15:44] <Ami> "Or you could go pick up a book," Ami hints, not so subtly.
[15:46] <Usagi-chan> "Believe me, I've tried. I've been reading some of those Lunar books you gave me, but every time I go over to my desk to work on homework, Luna comes in and bullies me back into bed before I can even get started on it."
[15:47] <Ami> "I'll have to have a talk with her, then," Ami says. "So, how are you enjoying what you have read?"
[15:49] <Usagi-chan> "It's helping a lot, actually." Usagi smiles. "I'd just started to remember a few bits and pieces of the language after... my dream," Usagi says, slightly uncomfortably. "Being able to see it laid out like that is helping me pick up more of it again."
[15:51] <Ami> "I was hoping it would. I have my translator program to use, but with no real memories I'm feeling my way through it as well. Though I do know a few tricks to help me out."
[15:53] * Usagi-chan smiles. "I'm just hoping I remember enough to translate Rei's manga for her soon."
[15:55] * Ami chuckles. "I bet she'd love that."
[15:56] <Usagi-chan> "I was just glad I remembered enough to actually FIND it for her... I knew they had some up there, but it took me a while to recall where it was kept in the library." Usagi shakes her head.
[15:55] * Ami glances at the picture on Usagi's wall, not having noticed it until now. "Where did you get that?"
[15:59] <Usagi-chan> "Hmm? Oh, that's something Rei-chan gave me for Christmas." Usagi smiles. "You remember Yumeni-san, the painter? Rei talked to her and she painted that picture of all of us back in the Silver Millenium."
[16:01] * Ami smiles. "That was nice of her." She stares at the picture a bit longer, her eyes taking on a faraway look.
[16:01] <Usagi-chan> "Yeah, it's really beautiful. I don't know how she managed it, but it's almost a perfect likeness of all of us back then." Usagi smiles wistfully.
[16:04] * Usagi-chan notices that Ami is rather quiet after a few moments. Looking over at the blue-haired girl, she notices the distant look on her face as she stares up at the picture. "Ami-chan?" she asks hesitantly.
[16:05] <Ami> "Usagi..." Ami mutters softly. That far away look focuses on the blonde. "I've been thinking..."
[16:06] * Usagi-chan looks at Ami curiously, a small smile on her face. "Why am I not surprised... what's on your mind?"
[16:08] <Ami> Another pause, and then, "I want to go back."
[16:08] <Usagi-chan> "Go back? Go back where?" Usagi looks slightly puzzled.
[16:09] <Ami> "To the moon. I want to go back up there, Usagi." Ami turns to the picture once again.
[16:09] * Usagi-chan falls silent for a few minutes before she replies. "Why?" she asks quietly.
[16:13] <Ami> "It's drawing me, you know? Ever since we found that library I've been feeling this... longing. Like there's something up there I'm meant to find. And the knowledge, Usagi. Do you have any idea what kind of knowledge is held up there?"
[16:15] <Usagi-chan> "More of an idea than you might think, Ami." Usagi says, still speaking very softly.
[16:18] * Ami lets a companionable silence fall for a few minutes, just enjoying the atmosphere. "I can't recall much about the Silver Millennium. Did I ever tell you that?"
[16:20] <Usagi-chan> "I don't think we ever really talked about it that much before, actually. I've talked with Rei about it here and there, but most of the others seem to be content to forget about the past." Usagi smiles once again, as memories of the golden times in her past life drift through her mind.
[16:22] * Ami nods. "I figured as much. I haven't fought any memories emerging, but I haven't gone out of my way to find them, either. It never seemed that important at first. Whoever she was, the former Sailor Mercury is dead and gone."
[16:24] <Ami> "And I was fine with that, until I found the library. It was... a rush. She was just like me. And now I'm starting to wonder..."
[16:25] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "She's not dead, Ami-chan. She still lives on in you, whether you remember much about her or not. It's kind of funny, actually." Usagi smiles. "Ever since I got this moon mark on my forehead, I've started to notice so many similarities between all of you and all of your past lives. I'll see you or Rei or Makoto do something, and it'll remind me of something that happened back then when you reacted the exact same way."
[16:28] <Ami> "I don't know about the others, but from what I get when I'm in the library is that she was just like me." A small smile comes to her lips. "Though I think I've read more than she has."
[16:30] <Usagi-chan> "Oh, I wouldn't count on that." Usagi winks. "You wouldn't believe how hard it was to winkle her out of that library back then - I remember one time when she was reading some new treatise on philosophy and we'd planned to all go out on a picnic that afternoon. Rei and Makoto almost had to drag her out of there." Usagi giggles.
[16:32] <Ami> "Hmph. If she was so smart she would have taken the treaty with her so she could eat Mako-chan's food and read at the same time."
[16:33] <Usagi-chan> "That library wasn't like the ones we have now, Ami-chan. They didn't allow anyone to remove the books without a VERY good reason. Most of the time people would just go down there and read for a few hours - you remember how comfortable the chairs in there were."
[16:35] <Ami> "I do. I also recall siting on the floor in a corner a lot."
[16:36] <Usagi-chan> "I almost NEVER went in there. I could barely stand the few hours a day I had to deal with my tutors - none of them were as bad as school was here, but I didn't like learning any more back then than I do now." Usagi makes a face.
[16:38] <Ami> "Heh. Funny, I recall really liking my tutors."
[16:40] * Usagi-chan smiles. "I know, there are a lot of good memories from back then. Walking around in the gardens, watching Rei and Makoto sparring, going over all of the gossip with Minako... I just wish you could all remember more of what it was like. It was such a wonderful time..." Usagi looks a bit sad.
[16:42] <Ami> "Let's go up there," Ami says suddenly.
[16:43] <Usagi-chan> "...what do you want to do up there?" Usagi asks after a minute.
[16:45] <Ami> "The library. I can't just leave it there. It's like a," she pauses, thinking in Usagi terms. "A cupcake. A big, tasty cupcake (not too wet, not too dry) will extra frosting and sprinkles!"
[16:46] * Usagi-chan giggles at the idea. "Now you're making me hungry! But yeah, I want to go back too." Usagi looks thoughtful.
[16:49] <Ami> "There are some books that were referenced in my cache that I want to look at. Very interesting reading. Plus, I want to make sure that we didn't miss anything. Another computer or something would give us a huge advantage, I think, should something like this happen again. My computer's database has holes big enough to drive trucks through."
[16:51] * Usagi-chan nods. "All right, but Luna and Mom would kill me if I tried to leave now." Usagi sighs. "We should arrange a time to go up there after I finally get out of here."
[16:51] <Ami> You get out tomorrow, right?"
[16:52] * Usagi-chan nods. "Unless Luna decides I need to be stuck here for another few days." Usagi grumbles. "But yes, I'm supposed to be able to get out of bed tomorrow."
[16:54] <Ami> "How about the day after, then? Everyone is going to want to see you when you can come out again, so disappearing tomorrow would be a bad idea." She hmms.
[16:55] <Usagi-chan> "Sounds okay to me, I guess. We can go after school." Usagi nods.
[16:58] * Ami nods. "Just you and me?"
[16:59] <Usagi-chan> "Sure, unless you want to invite one of the others along."
[17:00] * Ami ponders that for a moment, but shakes her head. "No, just us is fine. We'll have to stay up there a bit to recharge, though."
[17:01] * Usagi-chan looks to the side. "Maybe not as long as you might think," she says softly.
[17:03] <Ami> "What was that?" Ami queries.
[17:03] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "Nothing important, Ami-chan, just thinking out loud." Usagi smiles.
[17:04] <Ami> "Okay, so it's a date then. Now, time for study!" Ami points in the air dramatically.
[17:06] <Usagi-chan> "All right already!" Usagi opens the nearest book - just her luck, Algebra - bad-temperedly and flips through to the last thing she remembers doing. "I think this is where I left off..."
[17:07] * Ami looks at it and sweat-drops. "Um. Wow. That's... back a ways."
[17:08] <Usagi-chan> "Well, I've been really busy for the past month and a half!" Usagi pouts. "I don't always have time to get to my homework."
[17:09] * Ami does not comment on her being ahead of the class, substantially.
[17:10] <Ami> "Well, time to play catch up." Ami unleashes the full force of her tutoring skills!
[17:12] <Ami> -----
[11:29] <Anastasia> The bulk of Prince/Princess Herb's time has been consumed by school and martial training, his days taking on a pattern quickly.
[11:30] <Anastasia> However, one day at school...
[11:35] <Anastasia> "Kendo exhibition! Today at 5 30 PM! Watch the brightest in the field spar in both men and women's divisions! This poster is plastered on thes student bulletin boards all over school.
[11:38] * Prince_Herb looks at the poster. The fatal combination of martial arts and Hiroe has done its work and he feels strangely compelled to attend.
[11:38] <Prince_Herb> "It could be a lot of fun, after all!"
[11:39] <Anastasia> The rest of the school day goes without incident, with an afterschool trip to the dining hall killing the time between your last class and the meet. When you get there through the line, you get a decent seat, a few rows back.
[12:06] * Prince_Herb settles down to watch the display.
[12:07] <Anastasia> The matches begin, people filling the stands all around you. Next to you, a girl with glasses sits down, her reddish hair falling a good ways down her back.
[12:09] <Anastasia> She turns to you briefly with a pleasant nod, and sits down to watch the show.
[12:09] * Prince_Herb can't help but check the girl out... Damn these hormones!
[12:10] <Anastasia> She's not bad...a touch above average, but nothing that'll win beauty pagents.
[12:10] <Anastasia> The first set of sparring occurs, the male fighters giving you a decent martial show. They aren't bad, but they aren't great, either.
[12:12] <Anastasia> "C'mon, Yoshi!" the girl besides you calls out as the spars go on.
[12:19] <Anastasia> The fighters spar on, winners and losers being determined in the male bracket...
[12:19] <Prince_Herb> "Excuse me," Prince_Herb says to the red-headed girl, "which one of the fighters is Yoshi?"
[12:21] <Anastasia> "Hum? Oh, he's over there," she points to a black haired man who won his spar. "He's my boyfriend," she smiles.
[12:22] <Prince_Herb> "He's not bad," Prince_Herb allows. "I really came to see how one of the girls in my history of art class does. Her name's Hiroe..."
[12:23] <Anastasia> "Oh, yes, I know her," she goes on. "Are you her boyfriend?" the girl teases a bit, with an impish smile.
[12:25] * Prince_Herb blushes. "Eh, no... I haven't had the courage to approach her."
[12:26] <Prince_Herb> "I'm Herb, by the way."
[08:04] <Anastasia> "I'm Kasumi," she smiles. "Kasumi Yuuki," she sticks out her hand, Western sytle, to shake. "Pleased to meetcha."
[08:04] * Prince_Herb shakes Kasumi's hand.
[08:05] <Anastasia> She shakes it quickly and with energy to spare, but not with overmuch strength. "Hiroe should be up in a few matches, if I have the schedule right," she says.
[08:08] <Prince_Herb> "Do you know if she's spoken for? Maybe not, if you thought I might be her boyfriend..." Herb says, perhaps more than half to himself
[08:08] <Anastasia> "
[08:09] <Anastasia> "She's been free for the last few months," she nods. "She's wide open right now to be swept off her feet," she grins, entering her own world as she says this. "Swept off her feet..."
[08:10] <Anastasia> Kasumi weaves a bit, as if dancing in her mind.
[08:12] * Prince_Herb watches Kasumi curiously for a moment, then smiles and turns back to watch the sportsmen and women below.
[08:13] <Anastasia> "Lalalalalala," she hums to herself as she slowly sits back down. Meanwhile, another match has gone, with a victor crowned and the loser being helped out of the sparring area. He looks to have taken a vicious shot that his pads didn't totally stop.
[08:15] <Anastasia> After this, it shifts to the women's division... the first two girls who come out are unfamiliar to you, but put on a decent show.
[08:16] <Anastasia> "Go, Jen!" she calls to one of the sparrers, a Western girl who has blonde hair. "Knock'em out," Kasumi goes on, totally into the match.
[08:18] <Anastasia> Jen ends up losing, however. The next match... Hiroe comes out, her body decorated in the traditional kendo garb and an outward air of calm.
[08:18] <Anastasia> Her opponent is an unremarkable girl, short brown hair and a bit on the dumpy side.
[08:19] <Anastasia> "Hey, it's Hiroe's turn," Kasumi calls, tugging on your arm. "You were waiting for her, right?"
[08:20] <Prince_Herb> "Sure. Who's her opponent?" Herb asks, as he sizes up the two fighters, trying to determine which of the two is the stronger
[08:21] <Anastasia> "Some girl from another school," she says. "I didn't catch her name." Hiroe looks ready and able while the other girl is a bit less composed, but not helpless. You'd bet on Hiroe.
[08:22] * Prince_Herb watches intently.
[08:23] <Anastasia> The match begins, kendo blades whirring in the air! Hiroe's opponent is more able than you would have guessed, holding her own.
[08:24] <Anastasia> "Hit her right in the zone, Hiroe! Get her good!" Kasumi jumps up and down, a breach of manners, but she doesn't seem to care.
[08:26] <Anastasia> The women spar on... the battle drawing out as both swing and poke for that one decisive blow...
[08:29] * Prince_Herb cheers Hiroe on, for the honour of the History of Art class.
[08:34] <Prince_Herb> "Yuuki-san," Prince_Herb says, "would you introduce me to her after the event?"
[08:48] <Anastasia> "Sure," she says distractly, "There's a party afterwards." As she speaks, the two women clash swords, grunting and competeing in pure power now!
[08:49] <Anastasia> With a flip of her wrist, Hiroe disarms her opponent, sending her wooden sword flying!...right at you! Shit! (Make a dodge roll, +2 due to surprise)
[08:50] <Prince_Herb> roll 2d6+2
[08:50] * Musk-bot --> "Prince_Herb rolls 2d6+2 and gets 9."
[08:50] <Prince_Herb> "Ouch!"
[08:51] <Anastasia> The sword flies edge first, smacking straight into Herb's face across the nose and forehead! (10 damage) Stars and bright light erupt with the requisite pain that brought.
[08:52] <Anastasia> "Hey, Herb!" Kasumi calls as you're struck. You feel her grab your arm and steady you so you don't fall in a heap. "Hey, are you okay?"
[08:54] <Prince_Herb> "Damn, they make those practice swords solid!" Herb says, waving Kasumi away. "I'm fine... I just wasn't expecting that. Ouch."
[08:54] <Anastasia> Distantly, you hear the crowd quiet as they turn to look at you. A mortified expression is on Hiroe's face as she stares right at you.
[08:56] <Prince_Herb> "Nothing to see," Herb says to the crowd. "It's only a scratch." He tosses the shinai back down to the disarmed woman.
[08:57] <Anastasia> The shinai clatters on the floor after you throw it. The crowd slowly turns away, as does Hiroe. She is still blushing, however, when she leaves after being declared the winner.
[08:58] <Prince_Herb> "I hope she's not going to be too embarassed to speak to me..." Herb says. "That could have happened to anyone."
[09:02] <Anastasia> "It's fate's way of getting you two together," Kasumi comments, nodding to herself. "You two must be meant to see each other!"
[09:05] <Prince_Herb> "Fate must have it in for me." Herb says. "I can think of gentler ways of attracting my attention." He fingers the red weal across his face. "That's going to be a bumper bruise."
[09:06] * Prince_Herb's concentration is now rather broken, and the next few bouts don't get the attention they properly deserve
[09:07] <Anastasia> "Tell you what; I can get you into that party after the match," Kasumi comments. "You need to see Hiroe, right?"
[09:11] <Prince_Herb> "That would be so *cool*!" Herb says, "You're an angel, Yuuki-san."
[09:12] <Anastasia> "Thanks," she blushes and grins. "This is nearly done, so why don't we leave now and beat the rush out of here? We can get to the party on time that way."
[09:19] <Prince_Herb> "Sure! That sounds like a smart move." Herb follows Kasumi's lead
[09:21] <Anastasia> You wiggle and walk your way out of the crowd and out of the gym all together...
[09:22] <Anastasia> "The party's in a college room they use after hours," she says. "They already have the booze and the food in there, so it's all good."
[09:25] <Anastasia> "I hope you can hold your sake, they tend to drink a lot at these. The tradition is to get wasted after a good competition, especially if you win," she explains.
[09:27] <Prince_Herb> "Ah." Herb says, wondering if it would be manly to admit that he's not really much of a drinker. "I'm a driver, so I shouldn't drink too much."
[09:31] <Anastasia> "Ah, don't worry about that. We have futons in there if you get plastered, so it's no big deal," Kasumi pauses, stops walking and laughs. "I have a few good memories of spending a night drunk off my ass on one of those futons..."
[09:33] <Anastasia> Going again, she grabs your arm and drags you along. "C'mon, you'll have fun! It's free sake, anyway."
[09:35] * Prince_Herb follows, keen anyway to meet the kendo players.
[09:37] <Anastasia> Leading you onward, you end up in a large room at the tail end of the sports department.
[09:38] * Prince_Herb looks around to see who's already at the party.
[09:44] <Anastasia> The room is decorated a bit with banners and streamers, as well as a large table taking up one end of the room. Various drinks and coolers of food are on the table, including enough alcohol to make an entire legion drunk.
[09:44] <Anastasia> The mentioned futons are against the other way opposite the food, about ten of them.
[09:44] <Anastasia> No one else is here yet, and you note Kasumi had a key to unlock the door.
[09:44] <Anastasia> "Hmm, a bit early. Oh well," she shrugs.
[09:46] <Anastasia> "Anyway, why don't you sit down and relax? They'll be along shortly."
[09:47] * Prince_Herb inspects the food, and idly tries to detect any disturbance in the force.
[09:48] <Anastasia> None of the food smells like it's been spiked, if that's what you're looking for. Besides you, Hiroe opens a bottle of sake, pouring two tiny cupfuls. "Here," she says, handing you one as she guns hers down.
[09:49] <Prince_Herb> "Aren't you meant to savour sake, to appreciate its fine aroma and delicate taste? Or was that something else that my guide to Japan misled me about?"
[09:50] <Anastasia> "Ah, it's just good stuff to get wasted on," she laughs. "Just try it."
[09:52] <Prince_Herb> "Maybe a little taste," Herb agrees
[09:52] <Anastasia> "Yeah, give it a shot or five," she encourages you.
[09:53] <Prince_Herb> "Let's wait until someone else gets here," Herb suggests, "I don't want to get drunk and pass out too early. I also don't want to be hammered when Hiroe arrives..."
[09:53] * Prince_Herb does take a sip of the sake, though.
[09:54] <Anastasia> The sip sears your mouth and burns your throat as it goes down, a small flare of heat exploding in your stomach afterwards. Strong, but it's good stuff.
[09:55] <Prince_Herb> "Wow... It's like dragon breath." Herb says.
[09:57] <Anastasia> As you say that, the door opens and a mess of tired but excited people come in. The kendo teams, you think. "Hi, guys," Kasumi calls, already on her second sake. "You saw Herb, right, the guy who got hit with the flying sword?" the girl giggles lightly. "I thought I should invite him to make up for it!"
[09:58] <Anastasia> A few guys nod and comment back, but most are intent on getting to the booze.
[09:59] * Prince_Herb sips the sake and looks for Hiroe.
[09:59] <Anastasia> Hiroe is at the back of the crowd and freezes in a blush when she sees you.
[09:59] <Prince_Herb> "Yuuki-san, would you do me the honour of introducing us?"
[09:59] <Anastasia> "Hey, Hiiiiiroooooeeeeeee!" she calls, grinning right after her third cup of saki. "Over here, Hiiiiiirrrrrrrrrroooooooeeeeeeee!!"
[10:00] <Anastasia> The girl blushes even deeper, but does manage to come over. She has shed her kendo outfit for a casual red sweater and jeans, you note.
[10:01] * Prince_Herb bows.
[10:01] <Anastasia> "Um...Herb, isn't it," she starts, trying to sound calm. "I'd like to apologize for what happened today," as she speaks, Kasumi staggers over and hands her a not so small cup of sake, which she takes absently.
[10:02] <Anastasia> She bows once to punctuate her comment, then takes a long sip of her booze.
[10:04] <Prince_Herb> "Eh, it's OK. I've had many worse in my martial arts career, I guess. It was a bit of a surprise, though."
[10:04] <Anastasia> "Oh, you study martial arts?" she asks, moving past her gaffe.
[10:06] <Prince_Herb> "I'm a practitioner of t'ai chi; I train in the park most mornings, before class."
[10:15] <Anastasia> "Ah," she smiles, nodding and then taking a nice gulp of her drink.
[10:21] <Prince_Herb> "I really came along to see you fight. I didn't think I was going to get smitten, though."
[09:05] <Soul_Doctor_Anastasia> "I'm so, so sorry about that," she once again blushes at the mention of that. "I should have been more aware of the crowd."
[09:11] <Prince_Herb> "There is one thing you could do to repay me, I suppose." Herb says, deciding to go for it. "I've been invited to a gallery opening in Shinjuku next Tuesday, and I was wondering if you would do me the honour of accompanying me? I could bribe you with the offer of pizza or whatever on the way back as well..."
[09:13] * Prince_Herb smiles as engagingly as he knows how.
[09:20] <Soul_Doctor_Anastasia> The lovely lady smiles just a bit, hiding behind finishing off her drink. "Well... oh hell, why not? I suppose that it's the least I can do after what happened," she giggles a bit. "Another drink, Kasumi?"
[09:23] * Prince_Herb smiles happily and drinks some more sake himself as he writes down the details for Hiroe.
[09:31] <Soul_Doctor_Anastasia> She nods, getting another drink and gunning that down as you go.
[09:31] <Soul_Doctor_Anastasia> "Huh... the Tokyo Museum..." she murmurs, her cheeks red. That second drink is putting a dent in her.
[09:37] <Prince_Herb> "The Tokyo Museum." Herb affirms, and leaves the two girls to chat and become inebriated.
[09:37] * Prince_Herb goes off to chat with the partygoers about martial arts, fine art, and H-doujins...
[09:39] <Soul_Doctor_Anastasia> The rest of the part is concerned mostly with chatter, the music playing in the background, and getting totally bombed, you find.
[09:40] * Prince_Herb decides to get slightly bombed, leave the car in the car park and go home by the tube.
-------
[08:59] <Exam_Giver_Ana> One week later...
[09:01] <Exam_Giver_Ana> Minako has been waiting for the results of her test all week... and it's the time of truth.
[09:02] <Exam_Giver_Ana> The phone rings, right by Minako who is trying to relax by watching TV... and failing, really.
[09:02] * V-chan answers it, saying, "Aino residence."
[09:03] <Exam_Giver_Ana> "Is Miss Minako Aino there? This is the Mugen School, calling about her test results."
[09:04] <Exam_Giver_Ana> The voice is female, and rather professional. It sounds like she could be chatting about anything in the world, not your future.
[09:04] * V-chan takes a deep breath, exhaling quietly, subconsciously following Ami's suggestion. "This is she," Minako replies.
[09:04] <Exam_Giver_Ana> "I see. Congratulations, Miss Aino," she says. "You have been accepted."
[09:05] <V-chan> "I have?" she asks, before a wide smile appears on her face. "I have! Thank you for calling and telling me!"
[09:06] <Exam_Giver_Ana> "Yes. All the students that made it have been invited for a session with the school counselors, as well as their parents. It's on Janurary 12th, at 6 PM."
[09:07] <V-chan> "We'll be there!" Minako assures her, before thinking of something. "Do I need a uniform or something for that?"
[09:07] <Exam_Giver_Ana> "No, not yet. That will be discussed then, amoung other things. Casual wear is perfectly fine," she says nicely.
[09:08] <V-chan> "Ah, okay," Minako says, unable to keep the happiness out of her voice.
[09:08] <Exam_Giver_Ana> "It will be held in the..." she goes on, giving you directions and information. Meanwhile...
[09:09] <Exam_Giver_Ana> Rei - It's another day of temple chores that are a poor subtitute for the closure the final word from Mugen will bring.
[09:10] <Exam_Giver_Ana> "Rei," Yuuichiro calls from across the yard, "The phone's for you. Some lady is lookin' for you."
[09:10] * Rei-chan emerges from the Temple, her hair once more black, though in this case it's because she's been cleaning the firepit and is covered in soot. "Coming!" she calls, rubbing her hands on a rag as she goes to get the phone.
[09:11] <Exam_Giver_Ana> "Hello, Miss Rei Hino," the woman on the other end of the phone asks after you pick up.
[09:11] <Rei-chan> "Good morning, who is this?" Rei asks in her nice telephone voice.
[09:12] <Exam_Giver_Ana> "This is the Mugen Gakuen school calling about your entrance examination," she replies, her voice businesslike.
[09:12] <Rei-chan> "Oh?" Rei twists the telephone cord around her fingers, "Do you have my results?" she asks nervously.
[09:13] <Exam_Giver_Ana> "Yes, I do, Miss Hino," she replies.
[09:13] <Rei-chan> "And?" Rei prods.
[09:14] <Exam_Giver_Ana> "Congratulations, Miss Hino. You have been accepted to Mugen Gakuen." she says simply.
[09:14] * Rei-chan slumps against the wall in relief. "I have? Great! What mark did I get for the test?"
[09:15] <Exam_Giver_Ana> "You passed," she replies. "More will be discussed during the meeting with you and your guardian on January 12th. This is the sit-down for new students, and will go over many things."
[09:16] <Rei-chan> "Oh? Do I need to bring anything for it?" Rei asks, standing up again.
[09:17] <Exam_Giver_Ana> "Your parent or guardian. Beyond that, no," she says.
[09:17] <Rei-chan> "I understand. What time on the 12th?"
[09:17] <Exam_Giver_Ana> "6 PM sharp," she responds, and then gives out directions.
[09:20] <Rei-chan> "Thank you, Grandpa and I will be there," Rei says earnestly, still amazed that she had managed to pass that nightmarish test.
[09:20] <Exam_Giver_Ana> "Who was it, Rei," Yuuichiro asks from the doorway of the room, prying a bit.
[09:21] <Rei-chan> "It was Mugen, I passed!" Rei gives a brilliant smile through her soot covered features.
[09:22] <Exam_Giver_Ana> "Wow, Rei," he smiles. "Good for you..." he says as he walks off. He's still a bit distant over the entire Minako drama.
[09:23] * Rei-chan goes to tell her grandpa the good news.
[09:25] <Exam_Giver_Ana> "Congratulations, Rei," he breaks out in a wide grin when he hears the news. 'Now I can get temple assisants from Rei's school. Oh happy day!'
[09:26] <Rei-chan> "We have to go visit Mugen for some sort of orientation thing the day after tomorrow at 6pm. You're not busy then, are you?" Rei asks, still smiling and blissful over her unexpected pass.
[09:27] <Exam_Giver_Ana> "I can make it," he nods quickly. 'Advance scouting...oh yes, my temple will soon have more mikos.' He grins even wider, almost breaking his face.
[09:28] * Rei-chan grins also, pleased her grandfather is so happy for her.
[09:28] <Exam_Giver_Ana> ---
[11:51] * V-chan scales the familiar steps of Rei's shrine, bursting with a strange mix of giddiness, anticipation and anxiety.
[11:53] <Rei-chan> Inside the Shrine itself, Rei has resumed the thankless task of cleaning out the firepit. Well, not entirely thankless, she's pretty sure the Kami of the Shrine approve.
[11:53] <V-chan> "Rei-chan? Rei-chan!" Minako calls out, looking around the temple's grounds.
[11:55] * Rei-chan emerges from the temple again, still covered nearly from head to toe in soot. "Hi, Minako!" she waves, "Did you get your results from Mugen today?"
[11:55] * V-chan nods excitedly. "You too, right? Right?"
[11:56] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, I passed!" Seeing Minako's cheerful countenance, she adds, "I take it you did as well?"
[11:58] * V-chan smiles widely. "I knew we could do it, Rei-chan! Well, not really, but I knew you could and I hoped I would get in, too!"
[11:59] <Rei-chan> "Heh, thanks for the vote of confidence, but I was actually pretty sure I'd failed. It really surprised me when they said I'd passed."
[11:59] <V-chan> "I know what you mean," Minako says with another nod. "But I talked with Ami, and she kinda helped me calm down. I really need to thank her...."
[12:02] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, Ami-chan really helped me with my studying before the test," Rei agrees. "So, what else is up?" Rei asks, rubbing her hands on a thoroughly stained rag. "I haven't seen you since the test, I've been wondering how you were doing."
[12:05] <V-chan> "I've been busy with Oneesan," Minako replies. "We're planning a small tour, and even my very first album!" Her eyes sparkle, as she continues, "It'll have Myself, and that song I recorded with Oneesan, Luv, and even New Future!"
[12:07] <Rei-chan> "I'm glad things are going so well for you," Rei says, before shrugging. "Nothing so exciting for me. Just working at the Shrine as usual."
[12:08] <V-chan> "Working at shrines is exciting, too!" Minako says, shaking her head at Rei's words. "It's really, really educational!" She giggles, then, adding in an embarrassed tone, "I can't believe I said that."
[12:10] * Rei-chan blushes, thinking Minako might be referring to some of the things they had done when Minako came over for 'miko training'. Luckily the thick layer of soot covers her blushes.
[12:11] <Rei-chan> "Yes, well... it's still nothing close to being a successful idol singer."
[12:11] <V-chan> "Let's go celebrate, Rei-chan!" Minako says suddenly. "I feel like singing, and you must be too, right? We can invite Usagi-chan, and Mako-chan, and Ami... everyone!"
[12:14] <Rei-chan> "Hm?" Rei blinks owlishly at the blonde. It HAD been a good long while since they had all done something as a group... "That's a pretty good idea, Minako. We'll have to wait for everyone else to get out of school, though."
[12:15] <V-chan> "Umm, sure." Minako shrugs. "Is it okay if I stay till then?"
[12:17] <Rei-chan> "Ah... I have a lot of chores to do..." Rei gestures evasively.
[12:18] <V-chan> "I could help - but I'd probably get in the way, right?" Minako sighs, before putting on a smile. "Call me when you're done, okay? I'll take everyone out to the best karaoke joint around."
[12:22] * Rei-chan has a sad look, before she considers that she and Minako have been split up for nearly the same length of time that they were together. 'She's probably gotten over me and is just trying to be friendly, I shouldn't turn her away.' "Actually," she speaks up, "If you don't mind helping, I'll be done in half the time, right?"
[12:22] <V-chan> "Right!" Minako agrees readily, nodding. "I've been training, so I could actually help around now."
[12:28] <Rei-chan> "Right, well I'm nearly done cleaning out the firepit. Just give me a bit to finish up and get myself cleaned, then you can help me write up omikuji," she gestures to the lines of fortune telling paper. "We're running low."
[12:29] * V-chan nods, and fishes in her subspace pocket, taking out a set of miko robes. "I could change in the bathroom or something in the meanwhile, then?" she asks.
[12:30] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, just wait inside. I won't be long," Rei says, going back into the Shrine to finish up her scrubbing.
[12:30] * V-chan nods, and goes to change.
[12:31] <Rei-chan> After about ten minutes, Rei emerges from the Shrine, coughing, before going to quickly wash up and change into a clean set of robes in the bathroom.
[12:32] * V-chan waits on the temple grounds for Rei.
[12:33] <Rei-chan> Her hair once more white, and her appearance spotless, Rei emerges. "Come on, we can do this inside," she waves to Minako.
[12:34] * V-chan follows Rei, saying, "You know, Rei-chan, I don't think there's another miko as talented as you in Tokyo."
[12:36] <Rei-chan> "Um... that's nice of you to say, Minako..." Rei says, taking a seat at the low table in the living room which is covered in small bits of paper.
[12:37] <V-chan> "I checked," the blonde offers in way of explanation, taking a seat opposite Rei. "The only one who even approached your level was... well, she was really, really old."
[12:40] <Rei-chan> "Okay..." Rei says doubtfully, before focusing on the current task. "Anyway, this is fairly easy. Just write either 'great good luck' or 'great bad luck' on the piece of paper," Rei does so to demonstrate, "Then fold it like this," again, she demonstrates. "Then we just put them out randomly on the lines with all the rest. Try to get a fifty/fifty mix of good and bad luck."
[12:40] <Rei-chan> "Use your best handwriting," Rei adds.
[12:42] * V-chan nods at the instructions. "I wish I got my pen back from Usagi-chan," she complains at Rei's last sentence. "It does calligraphy, too." Taking a piece of paper and writing utensils, she attempts to write the 'great good luck' phrase on it.
[12:44] * Rei-chan leans over to check Minako's penmanship, then nods in satisfaction. "Now do you remember how I folded it?"
[12:44] <V-chan> "I think so," she says, a bit unsure, but tries to follow the instructions from memory anyway.
[12:45] <V-chan> "Do you think your grandfather hates me now?" she asks casually, folding the paper.
[12:45] <Rei-chan> "What?" Rei asks in surprise. 'That sure came out of nowhere...'
[12:47] * V-chan shrugs helplessly. "Well, he doesn't talk to me anymore, when I see him. And since Yuuichiro seems really upset with me, I just thought... well, you know."
[12:50] <Rei-chan> "Yuuichiro is just jealous because of what happened between us," Rei says crisply. "I think Grandpa just doesn't want to get involved, so he's keeping his nose out of it." Rei then glances at the paper in Minako's hands, "You're doing it wrong!" she declares, grabbing it and reversing the last few folds. "Like this, see?" she demonstrates the correct method.
[12:52] * V-chan writes another 'great good luck' charm. "Actually," Minako says as folds it correctly this time. "I may not show it, but I was really worried about coming over today. It's great that I wasn't in the way, Rei-chan."
[12:54] * Rei-chan sets to work on her own charms, steadily amassing a pile of both good and bad luck ones, all jumbled together. "No, you're not in the way, Minako," she says patiently.
[12:55] <V-chan> "Do I have to write bad luck, too?" she asks, making yet another good luck charm.
[12:55] <Rei-chan> "Yes, try to make an even mix."
[12:57] * V-chan pouts. "It's too bad we can't wish everyone good luck...." She does write 'great bad luck' on the next piece of paper, though.
[12:59] <Rei-chan> "That's not how it works, Minako. There has to be balance - everyone gets both good and bad luck. But with these, they can appeal to the Kami for good fortune to come true, and bad fortune to be averted," Rei explains.
[13:00] <V-chan> "It would've been nice to affect luck," the blonde muses, before beginning to whistle a tune, writing another 'great bad luck' charm.
[13:01] * Rei-chan gives a noncommital grunt, continuing her work with the ease of long practice.
[13:02] <V-chan> "I'm going to write a new song, Rei-chan," Minako says after her fourteenth charm.
[13:03] <Rei-chan> "That's nice," Rei mutters.
[13:04] <V-chan> "Isn't it?" she smiles. "It'll be in the album, too."
[13:07] * Rei-chan turns a little red, but continues her silent work. The faint sound of teeth grinding is barely audible, though. She seems to be writing a lot more 'great bad luck' charms as well...
[13:08] <V-chan> "Actually, I think she wrote it," Minako muses. "It almost seems like a memory, sometimes."
[13:08] * V-chan writes a 'great good luck' charm.
[13:11] * Rei-chan grunts once more, seeming to be focusing very hard on her work.
[13:11] * V-chan goes quiet, and follows Rei's lead.
[13:14] <Rei-chan> After a while, all the strips of paper are neatly folded. "Right, now to put these out with the rest," Rei says, pushing them off the table and into a bucket. Rising, she goes outside to begin placing the omikuji out on the line for visitors to the Shrine.
[13:15] <V-chan> "I don't think I've ever done this before," Minako says in embarrassment. "Do you think you could show me a bit more slowly, first?"
[13:16] <Rei-chan> "Just fold them around the line like this," Rei says, holding the bucket with one hand as she deftly folds a strip of paper so it stays hanging on the line with her other.
[13:16] * V-chan follows it, a bit clumsily.
[13:21] <Rei-chan> After a while, the pair are done with the task. "Right, now we just need to clean the Komainu," she points to the two stone lion statues in the centre of the courtyard, "And then we're done. Wait here and I'll get the cleaning supplies."
[13:23] * V-chan settles down to wait, using the time to ask Usagi mentally, 'Are you planning something after school's out for you?'
[13:25] <Usagi-chan> 'Yeah, kind of. Why, did you have something you needed?'
[13:26] <V-chan> 'I wanted to go celebrate with everyone. Well, Rei-chan wanted it, too. Won't you come along for karaoke and some partying?'
[13:27] * Usagi-chan is silent for a few moments. 'I GUESS I can come today, I did get a lot done yesterday. What time and where are we meeting? And what exactly are we celebrating?'
[13:29] <V-chan> 'I'll tell you when you get here. To Rei-chan's shrine, here, I mean,' Minako responds, barely able to stop herself from babbling. 'Come just as school ends!' She smiles widely, thinking, 'I just need to call Mako-chan and Ami, now....'
[13:30] <Usagi-chan> 'I can grab them on my way out of here - Ami will be looking for me, anyway. We'll be there as soon as we can.'
[13:31] * Rei-chan returns a moment later with two plastic buckets filled with hot soapy water and cloths. "You just really need to clean the tops..." she grimaces, "I know Phobos and Deimos don't do it, but other birds aren't so considerate."
[13:31] <V-chan> 'Thanks! I'll tell Rei-chan!' Spotting the white-haired miko, Minako waves at her happily. "Rei-chan! Usagi said she could come, and she'll bring Mako-chan and Ami with her!"
[13:33] <Rei-chan> "Great!" Rei smiles, dumping off a bucket next to Minako. "Now remember, you have to really scrub hard to get rid of some of the crusty bits," she adds with the same smile, before going to start work on the far statue.
[13:36] <V-chan> This part is something Minako had actually done before, and quite recently, so gets down to it in her most professional manner.
[13:39] * Rei-chan soon finishes off the long familiar, but still disgusting, chore. Taking her bucket of dirty water, she empties it on the grassy tree-lined area around the courtyard.
[13:39] * V-chan is not far behind Rei, finishing a few minutes after her.
[13:40] <Rei-chan> "Okay. That's pretty much all the chores I had planned for today. Thanks for your help, Minako," Rei says cheerfully. "Still be a while before the others get out of school, though..."
[13:41] <V-chan> "Umm, I kinda have a request," Minako says shyly. "Could you show me a fire reading, again?"
[13:41] <Rei-chan> "Hm? Well, if you really want... why do you want to see that, though?" Rei asks, curiously.
[13:42] <V-chan> "For my training, of course," Minako answers without hesitation.
[13:43] <Rei-chan> "Uh... you still want to do that?"
[13:44] <V-chan> "Become a real miko?" she asks.
[13:44] * Rei-chan nods.
[13:46] <V-chan> "I really wanted to," Minako says quietly. "Even though you were grumbling about all the chores a lot, it seemed like such great fun.... And I still want to! I've kept on practicing, even!"
[13:47] * Rei-chan sighs. "Okay," she mutters, before leading Minako into the now spotless main Shrine.
[13:48] <V-chan> Minako's face lights up with a smile, and she skips inside after Rei.
[13:50] * Rei-chan kneels down in front of the fire, and scoops up some incense from the tray in front of it. Tossing it into the Sacred Flame, the white haired miko clasps her hands together and begins softly chanting, opening her soul to the Kami of Hikawa Shrine.
[13:51] * V-chan sits in the back, and watches it with wide eyes, as she had before.
[13:51] <Rei-chan> Long minutes pass, the miko continuing her steady, low chant before the dancing flames.
[13:52] * V-chan settles down, and watches Rei's actions in earnest, studying them.
[13:53] <Rei-chan> After nearly fifteen minutes, the Sacred Flame suddenly erupts to twice its previous size, Rei's long white hair flapping around her, being moved by the hot air. Though some of her hair enters the fire, it emerges seemingly unscathed.
[13:54] <Rei-chan> Rei's eyes take on a distant quality, at something only she can see. The fire continues to burn hotter and hotter, the heat is almost unbearable to Minako, though Rei shows no sign of discomfiture.
[13:57] * V-chan winces, and tries to bear the heat, since Rei doesn't seem to be having any trouble with it. 'The path of a true miko is fraught with peril,' she thinks sagely.
[13:59] <Rei-chan> Slowly, the heat begins to recede, as the Sacred Flame returns to its previous level. A few moments later, Rei blinks, coming out of her almost trance-like state. "There, I hope you got something out of that, because I really need to take a bath, now," she says, her hair plastered to her head with sweat.
[14:00] <V-chan> 'I almost got a burn,' Minako carefully doesn't say. "Well, I got inspired, if nothing else!" she jokes instead. "So, where can I wait for you?"
[14:01] <Rei-chan> "Just wait in the living room. I won't spend too long," Rei says, rising to her feet.
[14:02] * V-chan riases to her feet as well, following.
[14:02] <Rei-chan> ------

[12:37] * Usagi-chan calls out once she's close enough to the shrine itself. "Rei-chan, Mina-chan, are you here?"
[12:38] * Rei-chan emerges, "Hi guys!" she waves cheerfully.
[12:39] * V-chan exits, trailing slightly behind Rei. "I'm so glad you could all make it!" she says happily.
[12:42] <Ami> "Hello Rei, Minako," Ami calls.
[12:42] <Usagi-chan> "So what's up? You didn't say anything about WHY we all had to come when you talked to me earlier."
[12:43] <V-chan> "Usagi-chan, I want my pen back!" Minako declares proudly.
[12:43] <Makoto> "We're glad to be here too, Mina-chan," Makoto says with her own wave at the two.
[12:43] <Rei-chan> "You're looking at the two newest students of Mugen Gakuen," Rei declares proudly.
[12:43] * Usagi-chan grins. "Way to go! I knew you could make it!"
[12:44] * Ami claps. "Way to go!"
[12:44] * V-chan flashes a victory sign to the others.
[12:44] <Rei-chan> "Heh, most of the thanks should go to you, Ami-chan," Rei grins at her genius friend. "Thanks for all your help, I'd have failed for sure without it."
[12:45] <V-chan> "Thanks, Ami," Minako adds, nodding at the blue-haired girl.
[12:45] * Ami blushes. "No, you were the ones to take the test. I just helped a little."
[12:46] <V-chan> "The test was so brutal... but now it's time to kick back and relax!" Minako giggles. "It's time to party like it's ninety-five!"
[12:46] * Usagi-chan giggles. "I think you mean ninety-nine, Mina-chan."
[12:47] <V-chan> "We'll party like that, too!" Minako agrees readily. "Won't we, guys?"
[12:47] <Makoto> "Right!" Makoto cheers along with Minako.
[12:48] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, today calls for a celebration. Besides, it's been too long since we all did something together as a group," Rei agrees.
[12:48] <Usagi-chan> "Sounds like a great plan to me! So, where are we going to go?"
[12:48] * V-chan notices at the school uniforms Ami, Makoto and Usagi are wearing. "That won't do," she mutters, shaking her head. The crescent compact appears, and a short flash afterwards, four outfits appear out of thin air.
[12:50] * Usagi-chan takes one of the outfits, looking at it curiously.
[12:50] * Ami produces her pen, and with a call of 'Henshin!' appears clad in jeans and a sweater.
[12:51] * V-chan shrugs, and disappears the cool blue dress she created for Ami. "How about you, Mako-chan, Rei-chan?" she asks.
[12:52] <Makoto> "I'll go with your pick, Minako," Makoto says, liking that green ensemble that the blonde had created.
[12:53] <Rei-chan> "I'm happy enough wearing this," Rei says, not finding anything wrong with her snowflake patterned pale blue wool sweater and short dark blue skirt.
[12:54] * V-chan smiles gratefully at Makoto, before making the remaining red dress disappear as well, and using the compact once more, to transform the clothing on her this time.
[12:54] <Usagi-chan> "It's so cute!" Usagi runs off to change into the pink sweater and white jumper created by the compact. "I'll be right back!"
[12:55] * Makoto picks up her clothes selection and likewise follows after Usagi. "Don't have too much fun without us, you three."
[12:56] <Ami> "So," Ami says, watching the others disappear. "How hard was the test?"
[12:56] <V-chan> "Hard," Minako deadpans.
[12:58] <Rei-chan> "Oh boy was it. Some of that stuff was so far advanced of what I covered at T*A... I'm surprised I managed to pass at all," Rei puts in.
[12:59] <V-chan> "I'm surprised there wasn't more testing in other areas," Minako says, before shrugging. "But you won't hear me complaining!"
[12:59] <Ami> "Oh? What kind of things were on the test?"
[13:00] <Rei-chan> "Japanese and world history, Japanese and world politics. I did quite well in those, I think," Rei says, ticking them off, "Maths and Oceanography, which weren't too bad. Then Physics and General Knowledge, which I did pretty badly on..."
[13:01] <V-chan> "Math, Japanese boring stuff, gaijin boring stuff, physics, fun stuff," Minako corrects Rei.
[13:02] <Ami> "Oceanography? I wonder why that would be there?" Ami muses.
[13:02] <V-chan> "To try and fail me," Minako mutters with a scowl.
[13:02] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, I always figured it was just a subset of geography," Rei nods, "I didn't expect it to get its own section."
[13:04] <Ami> "Oh well, you did well enough to get it. You should be happy. I've heard it's a tough school to get into," Ami says to Minako.
[13:04] <V-chan> "Tougher than Furinkan," Minako responds, shrugging.
[13:04] * Usagi-chan comes bustling back out a minute later. "How do I look?" She twirls in front of the other senshi.
[13:05] <Rei-chan> "You look fine," Rei nods in approval.
[13:06] * V-chan smiles at Usagi, giving her a thumbs up.
[13:06] * Makoto follows after Usagi some seconds later, nodding at the others. "All ready now," she says.
[13:06] <Rei-chan> "Okay, where are we going?" Rei turns to Minako.
[13:06] <Usagi-chan> "So, what did you guys have in mind for this party?" Usagi asks curiously.
[13:07] <V-chan> "Right," Minako agrees. "Let's go. Usagi is taking us out for karaoke, first, followed by some dinner. There's this nice place nearby, too...."
[13:08] <Makoto> "'Usagi' is taking us out?" Makoto asks amusedly.
[13:08] * Usagi-chan blinks in surprise. "I am?"
[13:08] <Rei-chan> "Such a good friend!" Rei declares theatrically.
[13:08] <V-chan> "Of course you are!" Minako puts an arm around Usagi's shoulders. "Aren't you?"
[13:09] <Usagi-chan> "Ummm..." Usagi sweatdrops as she tries to remember exactly how much money she has right now.
[13:10] <V-chan> "Don't worry, it's a nice, affordable place," Minako whispers, leaning over to Usagi.
[13:11] <Rei-chan> 'Don't worry, Usagi. I'm sure she's joking,' Rei thinks to her friend.
[13:12] <Usagi-chan> 'I hope so, Rei-chan... I've barely got enough money to get us all into the karaoke parlor.' Usagi thinks nervously. "Umm.. how affordable are we talking about, Mina-chan?"
[13:13] * V-chan smiles at Usagi. "You'll see." She moves back suddenly, before pulling on Usagi's arm. "Come on, let's go!"
[13:13] <Makoto> "Probably free, if you're 'inviting' us, Usagi," Makoto says with a small laugh.
[13:13] * Rei-chan falls in step with Ami and Makoto behind the two blondes, following them out the Shrine.
[13:13] * Usagi-chan allows herself to be dragged. "Yaah! Slow down, Minako!"
[13:19] <V-chan> The karaoke parlor is surprisingly close to Rei's shrine, and the walk takes under ten minutes. Just as the temperarute begins to affect the girls, they finally reach a small building looking much like the Crown Arcade from the outside, down to the sliding glass doors. A neon sign proclaims it to be 'The Oasis'.
[13:19] <V-chan> "It's new," Minako says in way of explanation. "I found it before I went on my vacation by accident, when I was just looking around Juuban. The owner said something about cheap land and some tax stuff when I asked why they moved, but it was boring so I kinda tuned him out." She giggles. "Anyway, there's a club here, too, if you like dancing. I don't think it's open just yet. The bar should be, though."
[13:21] * Usagi-chan begins looking around for prices as the girls enter the bar.
[13:21] <Rei-chan> "Karaoke is fine," Rei says, entering the building. Going up to the counter, she asks for a booth, and hands over enough money for an hour.
[13:22] * Makoto looks at the other people around, curious as to the sort of people that show up here. Well, besides them.
[13:22] * Rei-chan returns, "Come on, guys. I've got us a booth," she says, leading the gang to one of the soundproofed rooms.
[13:23] <Usagi-chan> "I was GOING to pay..." Usagi grumps.
[13:23] <V-chan> "Buy us drinks later!" Minako offers, patting Usagi on the shoulder. "We'll be thirsty, so it'd be great timing!"
[13:24] * Ami follows the others to the booth, closing the door after they've all entered.
[13:25] <V-chan> "Want the first song, Usagi-chan?" Minako asks, settling down on one of the comfortable couches in the room.
[13:26] <Usagi-chan> "Not me! You guys should go first, this IS your party after all." Usagi backs away from the microphones nervously.
[13:26] <Rei-chan> "I'll go," Rei volunteers, looking through the songbook.
[13:27] <V-chan> "Do you do requests?" Minako asks Rei.
[13:27] <Rei-chan> "Ah... sure," Rei says hesitantly. 'If she asks me to sing one of her songs...'
[13:28] <V-chan> "You know which song I want to hear," Minako says, smiling. "I told you, remember?"
[13:28] * Usagi-chan gives a bit of a start, then flushes slightly as she catches Rei's thought. 'I almost forgot about that...' she replies mentally.
[13:28] <Rei-chan> "New Future, right?" Rei flips through the book, looking for the song.
[13:28] * V-chan nods happily. "Thanks, Rei-chan!"
[13:34] <Rei-chan> Finding the number, Rei brings it up on the karaoke machine, holding up a microphone as she waits for the lead in. Though unfamiliar with the song, and starting off hesitantly, the miko soon gets into it, her alto voice suiting the song perfectly.
[13:37] <V-chan> 'I knew it!' Minako thinks triumphantly, once Rei gets into the song in earnest.
[13:39] * Makoto cheers as Rei sings, while tapping her foot on the floor to the music's rhythm.
[13:45] <Rei-chan> Rei's eyebrow twitches a bit when she reaches the Engrish part of the song, but maintains her rhythm as she gives it a hearty "Let's sing a song," anyway, finishing the song with a flourish, and giving her friends an exaggerated bow.
[13:56] * V-chan claps enthusiastically, standing up. "That was great, Rei-chan!" she gushes, gesturing with her arms to show her impression. "Really, really great! Just like I imagined!"
[13:59] <Rei-chan> "Eh... it's a pretty good song," Rei admits, blushing at the effusive praise.
[14:01] <Makoto> "It had a pretty good singer too," Makoto says with a smile. "Almost like it was made for you."
[14:02] * Ami nods. "You were great, Rei."
[14:33] * V-chan nods at Makoto. "A great song and a singer to match. That's how it should be."
[14:42] <Usagi-chan> "It sounded wonderful, Rei-chan." Usagi smiles softly.
[14:43] <Rei-chan> "Okay, who's next?" Rei holds out the microphone.
[14:45] * Ami stands up, a little embarrassed, and takes the mic. A few moments flipping through the soung list produces some surprising results.
[14:46] * Rei-chan sits down, waiting to hear what Ami will sing.
[14:46] * V-chan settles back down, sitting between Usagi and Makoto.
[14:46] <Ami> "Ahem," Ami clears her throat, waiting for the music to kick in.
[14:48] <Ami> The music starts slow, Ami a bit hesitant at first, but soon gets into the spirits of the song.
[14:49] <Ami> "Myyyyy myyyyy baaaaby blue! I've been thinkin bout you, Myyyyy myyyyy baaaaby blue! Yeah, your so jaded, and I'm the one that Jaded you."
[14:50] <V-chan> Minako's hair rises of its of volition, standing on end not unlike when she's preparing to unleash her most powerful attacks.
[14:51] <Ami> All too soon the song is over and a flushed Ami hands the microphone over.
[14:51] <Rei-chan> "Wow... you really gave that some gusto, Ami-chan..." Rei comments, more than a little surprised.
[14:52] * V-chan tries to think of something to say, before realizing she'd need to be able to speak again for that.
[14:52] <Usagi-chan> "That was... wow, Ami-chan." Usagi blinks a bit.
[14:53] * Ami is too flushed to blush. "Thanks."
[14:54] <Makoto> "It was nice, Ami," Makoto says. "I don't recall hearing the song before. What was it called?"
[14:56] <Ami> "Jaded. By Aerosmith. Dad likes all those American rock bands so I picked it up from him, I guess."
[14:56] <V-chan> "Mako-chan!" Minako exclaims suddenly, coming out of her stupor and clapping to encourage the brunette. "Go and sing for us! It's not really the season anymore, but Ave Maria is still a great song," she hints subtly.
[14:59] * Makoto frowns, a bit nervous about going up. 'Usagi, wouldn't you like going up first?' she asks, trying their telepathic link before she submits to the other blonde's request.
[14:59] <Usagi-chan> 'No WAY I'm getting up there!' Usagi replies, not bothering to shield her thoughts from the others.
[15:00] * Rei-chan turns a quizzical look at Usagi. 'Don't like to sing?'
[15:00] <V-chan> "Someone asked you to go and sing, Usagi-chan?" Minako asks curiously.
[15:01] <Usagi-chan> 'I sound like someone stepping on a frog.' Usagi shakes her head.
[15:01] * Makoto frowns and lowers her head, but gets up fidgeting her fingers. "Don't expect anything great, guys..." she mutters as she moves to look for that song Minako requested.
[15:02] * Rei-chan nods understandinly. 'Well, I don't think anyone will laugh at you, but we won't force you if you don't want to...' she says mentally, before turning her attention to Mako-chan.
[15:02] * Makoto quickly finds it and starts the song, before Usagi decides to answer Minako.
[15:02] * Usagi-chan shrinks back towards the rear of the booth as Makoto sings, hoping that Minako will forget about her while she listens to Makoto.
[15:03] * V-chan crosses her arms and turns away from Usagi in a huff, giving Makoto all of her attention.
[15:06] * Makoto gets a bit nervous as she feels the eyes all on her, and tries focusing on the words of the song, trying to put some of her soul into it.
[15:08] * Rei-chan gives her rapt attention to Makoto, enjoying her rendition of the song.
[15:09] * V-chan relaxes, hearing the song and forgetting being annoyed with Usagi.
[15:09] <Makoto> Slowly, almost too slowly for the nervous girl, the song finally ends, and she steps down in a hurry. Her face is all red as she pushes the mike into Usagi's hands. "Here."
[15:09] * Usagi-chan smiles at Makoto's rendition of the old Catholic prayer, enjoying the brunette's dulcet voice.
[15:10] <Usagi-chan> "Wh-what?! No way, I'm not singing!" Usagi quickly passes the microphone over to Minako.
[15:10] <V-chan> "No thanks, I came equipped," Minako replies, showing she already has a golden mic in her hands.
[15:11] * V-chan pushes the karaoke box's microphone back towards Usagi.
[15:11] * Usagi-chan takes it back, but quickly replaces it on its holder next to the machine, handling it as if it were red-hot.
[15:11] <Rei-chan> "Looks like you're up, miss Full Moon," Rei says dryly.
[15:12] * V-chan blinks. "But it's Usagi's turn," she protests.
[15:12] * Usagi-chan shakes her head vehemently. "I am NOT singing! You go ahead, Minako!"
[15:12] <Rei-chan> "If she doesn't want to sing, there's no point in forcing her," Rei says reasonably.
[15:13] * Makoto sits down, noticing nobody commented on her singing, but somehow missing the argument she's started between the two blondes. She continues to redden, covering her red face in her hands. 'I must have been soooooo bad up there...'
[15:14] * Usagi-chan stops suddenly. 'No way, you were awesome Mako-chan! Way better than I would be, that's for sure.'
[15:14] * Rei-chan goes over to sit beside Makoto. "Hey, what's wrong, Mako-chan?" she asks worriedly.
[15:16] * Makoto is startled at Usagi's thought. 'You're just saying that...' she thinks embarrasedly.
[15:16] <Usagi-chan> "No way, I really mean it!" Usagi says aloud. "You were great!"
[15:17] <V-chan> "Of course she was," Minako responds matter-of-factly. "Mako-chan could be a pro, just like Rei-chan."
[15:18] * Rei-chan winces slightly at Minako's words, before smiling at Makoto. "I liked it - you've got a great voice, Mako-chan, so you shouldn't be embarrassed."
[15:19] * Makoto groans, putting her head down on the table, still covering it with her hands. "You guys are just being nice. My voice must have been shaking like crazy," she mutters, even though she's feeling somewhat doubtful over her horridness thanks to the praise.
[15:19] <Usagi-chan> "I am not just trying to be nice! It really was beautiful." Usagi walks over to Makoto's side, placing a hand on the tall girl's back.
[15:19] <V-chan> "Everyone's embarrassed to start singing in front of a new crowd," Minako tells Makoto, moving closer to her. "But strangely, no one remembers that after a great performance. Just like yours."
[15:20] <Rei-chan> "Nah. You were a bit hesitant at the start, but that vanished real quick," Rei says confidently.
[15:22] <Makoto> "...R-really?" Makoto asks of the three, pulling her head up from the table, her face a twinge lighter of red.
[15:23] <Usagi-chan> "Absolutely!" Usagi beams a smile at Makoto.
[15:23] <Rei-chan> "Would we lie to you?" Rei asks seriously.
[15:24] * V-chan smirks. "I'll back my words, if you want to."
[15:24] <Makoto> "I guess not..." Makoto says in reply to Rei-chan, before smiling slightly. "...so who's next anyway?"
[15:24] <V-chan> "Usagi!"
[15:25] <Rei-chan> "Leave her alone, Minako," Rei says exasparatedly. "If she doesn't want to sing, she shouldn't be forced."
[15:25] <Usagi-chan> "No! I don't wanna!" Usagi crouches down, trying to hide behind Makoto.
[15:25] <V-chan> "How about a duet, then, Usagi-chan?" Minako asks the other blonde.
[15:26] * Usagi-chan goes white as a sheet. "M-me? No, I couldn't do that..."
[15:26] <V-chan> 'You're not just shy like Mako-chan? You really don't want to sing?'
[15:27] <Usagi-chan> "Just go ahead, V-chan... I don't want to ruin your song." Usagi turns red.
[15:27] * V-chan looks like she's having trouble accepting the very concept of someone not wanting to sing, but shrugs eventually. "Okay! That makes me next!" She moves to the small stage quickly, and smiles at her friends. "Any requests?"
[15:28] <Rei-chan> "Sing what you want to, Minako," Rei says, wondering what she'll pick herself.
[15:29] <Ami> "Do you know any Twisted Sister?" Ami asks.
[15:29] <V-chan> "Umm, no?" Minako says, looking at Ami apologetically.
[15:30] <Ami> "Oh well, nothing from me then." Ami shrugs.
[15:30] * Usagi-chan doesn't reply, still blushing furiously.
[15:31] * V-chan nods, and browses through the various titles, looking intrigued by American music for a while, before something catches her eye.
[15:32] <V-chan> "Confidence," she muses out loud, brushing a finger against the song's name slowly. "Don't think I've heard it before." Minako turns to look at the others. "You guys okay with that one?"
[15:32] * Rei-chan nods.
[15:35] * V-chan takes a deep breath, closing her eyes and gripping her golden microphone tightly. Her body then relaxes visibly, and she enters the song's number, her eyes opening as the music begins and following the lyrics. The song speaks to her, and she begins moving to the rhythm, her voice picking up at the climax.
[15:37] * Rei-chan has a wistful smile as she listens. 'That's the voice of an idol, alright...' she thinks to herself. "That was wonderful, Minako," she claps after the song finishes.
[15:37] <V-chan> "This song is wonderful," Minako replies quietly. "It really is."
[15:38] * Usagi-chan only half-listens to the song, still rather embarrassed at almost having been forced to sing.
[15:38] <V-chan> "Okay!" she exclaims, pushing her thoughts away for later. "Time for refreshments! Let's go pick something up for everyone, Usagi-chan?"
[15:38] * Makoto nods, her face back to normal after hearing Minako's voice. "That was great, Mina-chan," she says.
[15:39] * Usagi-chan nods, still silent as she gets up from her seat.
[15:39] * V-chan bows with flourish at Makoto.
[15:39] * V-chan takes Usagi's hand, and walks out of the booth with her.
[15:40] <Rei-chan> "Right, back to me, is it?" Rei says, going to look over the songbook.
[15:41] <V-chan> "What's wrong, Usagi-chan?" Minako asks her friend, as they slowly head over to the bar.
[15:41] <Rei-chan> "Actually..." Rei pauses, finding a good song, "Either of you two want to do this one with me? Or even all three of us?" she looks at Makoto and Ami.
[15:42] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "Nothing's wrong, Mina-chan. I just don't want to sing."
[15:42] <V-chan> "You probably think you're bad, right?"
[15:43] <Makoto> "Uhm...what song, Rei?" Makoto asks, just slightly enboldened by Minako's singing.
[15:43] * Usagi-chan sighs. "I don't think I'm bad, I KNOW it."
[15:43] <V-chan> "Can you dance well, Usagi-chan?" Minako suddenly asks her.
[15:44] <Usagi-chan> "I... I'm not really sure, I've never really tried it except goofing around to the radio at home."
[15:44] <Rei-chan> "Sunshine Moonlight," Rei points at the entry in the book. "It's a pretty simple one, I think we'd sound good if we sang it together," she smiles encouragingly.
[15:48] <V-chan> "Well, I'm not really good at ballroom dancing and stuff," Minako confesses. "Waltzes scare me as much as penguins. But you know something?" She pauses, smiling in reminiscence. "Once, when Daddy took me to some boring party, there was a guy there who asked me out to dance. I don't really know why he chose me, but when he lead, it was wonderful! It seemed like I never missed a step!"
[15:49] * V-chan continues, "Singing's a lot like that, don't you think? If you sing with someone else?"
[15:49] <Makoto> With no one else offering to sing with Rei, Makoto decides to just give it a shot. "I guess I can try to sing with you Rei," Makoto offers, although still somewhat doubtful.
[15:50] <Rei-chan> "Thanks, Mako-chan," Rei grins, handing her another microphone from the machine, before keying up the song.
[15:50] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "I know you're trying to make me feel better, V-chan, but I'm NOT going to sing."
[15:51] * Rei-chan bobs her head to the cheerful melody of the song, starting to sing at a higher vocal range than she normally uses, to complement Makoto's more dulcet tones.
[15:51] <V-chan> "Were you just making Mako-chan feel better earlier?" she asks. "Usagi-chan, it'll work out, if you only try!"
[15:52] <Usagi-chan> "Mako-chan really DOES have a beautiful voice though, Minako. I already know I don't - Mom once told me to stop torturing Luna when I got too loud singing with the radio in my room." Usagi frowns.
[15:53] <V-chan> "Did you ever try an English song?"
[15:53] * V-chan snickers. "Some of them are supposed to sound like that."
[15:53] * Makoto slowly gets into the melody, and following Rei's example, tries moving her head, as well as her body, to the melody of the song.
[15:53] <Usagi-chan> "I sound the same no matter what I sing." Usagi shakes her head. "I won't do it in front of anyone else, Mina-chan."
[15:54] <V-chan> "I think it's a shame your mother told you something like that," Minako says, but drops the issue as they get to the bar.
[15:54] <V-chan> "Ask the girls what they'll want?"
[15:55] <Usagi-chan> "All right, give me a second." Usagi thinks. 'What do you guys want to drink? Rei-chan? Mako-chan?'
[15:56] * Rei-chan doesn't miss a beat as she continues singing, answering Usagi with 'Coke is fine for me.'
[15:58] <V-chan> "7UP for me," Minako tells Usagi.
[15:58] * Makoto stumbles just a bit by the distraction, making her mouth "sorry" silently to Rei before catching up again, while answering Usagi with, 'Can I have a Sprite?' in her head.
[15:59] * Rei-chan grins at Makoto, not saying anything to disrupt the song, but hoping that gets the message across that she doesn't mind.
[16:00] * Usagi-chan walks up to the bar, placing the drink orders. "I'll get something for Ami once we get back with these, Mina-chan." She waits as the bartender fills the glasses, then winces at the cost as she pays the tab. She hands Minako her and Rei's drinks, carrying Makoto's and her own herself.
[16:01] * V-chan nods, and leads Usagi back to their karaoke room. "You know," she drawls out, "if you want to order something stronger, that's not a problem."
[16:02] * Rei-chan is swaying her whole upper body to the upbeat song as she reaches the end, singing alongside the tall brunette.
[16:03] * Usagi-chan gives Minako a quizzical look. "Why would I want anything stronger?"
[16:04] * V-chan blushes. "Well, that's what people always do while celebrating, right?"
[16:04] <V-chan> "That's what Oneesan does, anyway," she adds with a shrug.
[16:05] <Usagi-chan> "Green tea is strong enough for me, thanks anyway." Usagi takes a sip of her tea to prove the point.
[16:06] * V-chan shrugs, and opens the door for Usagi, balancing the two drinks on her left forearm carefully.
[16:06] * Usagi-chan ducks inside the room quickly, setting Makoto's drink down on the table just as the two finish their song.
[16:07] * V-chan walks over to the white-haired girl, handing Rei's drink to her with a smile. "Just what the miko ordered?"
[16:08] <Rei-chan> Finishing, Rei turns to her singing partner, "We sound pretty good together, I think," she enthuses, then accepting the drink from Minako with a nod of thanks.
[16:09] * Rei-chan takes a seat, sipping her coke. "So who's up now?"
[16:09] * V-chan takes a sip from her own drink, before her eyes snap open. "I almost forgot!" she exclaims.
[16:10] * V-chan flicks her right wrist, and a party popper appears in it, which she then gleefully pops. "I got lots of those on the way over to Rei-chan's!"
[16:10] * Makoto blushes at Rei's compliment as she also takes a seat and picks up the sole sprite on the table.
[16:10] * V-chan moves towards the table, and empties twenty of them on it from her subspace pocket.
[16:12] <V-chan> "Want to sing a song with me, Rei-chan?" she asks then. "I saw something really good in the foreign section, but it sounds better with a duet, so I skipped it the first time aroun."
[16:16] <Rei-chan> "Ah... maybe later, Minako. I have to pay a visit to the ladies..." Rei stands up and makes a beeline for the exit.
[16:17] * V-chan blinks, looking disappointed. "Umm, Mako-chan?" she asks.
[16:18] * Makoto blinks as Minako asks her to sing with her and blushes. "C-can you wait a while, Mina-chan? I just sang, and well..." Makoto asks.
[16:20] * V-chan looks even more disheartened. "Anyone?" she asks weakly.
[16:20] * Usagi-chan simply stares at her drink, still rather uncomfortable.
[16:22] <V-chan> "Aww, come ON!" Minako exclaims. "Fine, I'll sing it myself." She grabs the second mike, and orders ABBA's 'Money, Money, Money'. Once she begins singing, her voice comes out with an echo, due to the two microphones she's using, but she sings on regardless.
[16:24] * Rei-chan returns a few minutes later, catching the tail end of Minako's song.
[16:24] <V-chan> "How about now, Rei-chan?" Minako asks her, whining slightly. "No one else wants to sing!"
[16:26] * Rei-chan glances at the others. 'Traitors!' she thinks, before plastering her most winning smile on. "Sure, Minako-chan! What do you want to sing?" 'Oh man, I'm going to look like such a loser singing next to her...'
[16:27] <Usagi-chan> 'Don't start with me, Rei...' Usagi thinks to the miko, her mental voice dangerously low.
[16:29] <V-chan> "Umm...." Minako lists through the available songs. "Maybe this one...?" Nodding in satisfaction, she brings it up, and offers Rei one of the mikes, saying, "Pick one!" with a smile.
[16:29] <Rei-chan> 'Geez, what crawled up your butt, Dumpling Head?' Rei replies, taking the offered microphone. "What song, Minako-chan?" she asks the other blonde.
[16:30] <V-chan> "Summer Planet!" she responds brightly.
[16:30] * Rei-chan shrugs, unfamiliar with the song.
[16:31] <Usagi-chan> 'Just... don't, Rei-chan.' Usagi sighs mentally and rests her head on the table.
[16:31] <Rei-chan> Rei's expression falls at failing to get a familiar rise out of Usagi. 'Some celebration this is...' she thinks disconsolately.
[16:32] * Makoto looks between Rei and then Usagi as the blonde rests her head on the table besides her. 'Usagi? What's wrong?'
[16:33] <Usagi-chan> 'It's nothing to worry about, Mako-chan. I'm just tired, that's all.'
[16:34] <V-chan> "Was that a bad song, Rei-chan?" Minako asks worriedly. "Or you don't like it, Usagi-chan?"
[16:34] <Rei-chan> "I've never heard of it, but I'll try to sing it," Rei say replies to Minako.
[16:35] <Usagi-chan> "It's fine, Mina-chan. I'm just feeling tired right now, that's all." Usagi raises her head, smiling a bit weakly.
[16:36] <V-chan> "Two-Mix will pick you right up!" Minako proclaims confidently. "Let's go, Rei-chan!"
[16:36] * Rei-chan nods, giving a worried glance at Usagi as she waits for the song to start.
[16:37] * Makoto looks worriedly at Usagi, but tries to take her explanation at face value for now, and starts to look at the singing duo.
[16:37] * V-chan sings with all her heart, smiling at Usagi all the while as the cheerful melody erupts in the karaoke booth.
[16:39] * Rei-chan follows along as best she can, though she seems plainly uncomfortable, and stumbles over her words a few times, not really showing the same vocal range as she was earlier.
[16:40] * V-chan notices Rei's uncertainty, and matches her tempo to the other girl's, complimenting Rei's singing.
[16:40] * Usagi-chan doesn't pay much attention to the singing, letting her head rest on the table once again.
[16:43] <Rei-chan> Bringing her lacklustre performance to a close, Rei grimaces as she puts the microphone back on the karaoke machine. "Yeah, Mako-chan, that's what you call bad singing," she offers in a weak attempt at mirth.
[16:44] <V-chan> "No," Minako says quietly. "That wasn't it."
[16:44] <Rei-chan> "Sorry, Minako-chan, guess I ruined that song for you," she apologises to her partner.
[16:44] * Makoto bites her lower lip. "That wasn't bad, Rei!" Makoto tries to complain, but feeling her attempt will fall on deaf ears.
[16:45] <V-chan> "I wouldn't have really forced any of you to sing with me, guys," Minako says, heading over to the couch and sitting next to Usagi.
[16:46] <Rei-chan> "Nice of you to say, Mako-chan," Rei sits next to her taller friend, "But don't make me call you a liar."
[16:47] * Usagi-chan sits up and sighs. "Sorry guys, guess I'm not in much of a party mood right now. I should probably just head home - you don't need me dragging the rest of you guys down." She gives the other girls a wan smile as she rises from the table.
[16:48] * V-chan downs the rest of her drink. "I'll go get me another one," she says, standing up and heading outside.
[16:48] <Rei-chan> "You wouldn't drag us down, Usagi," Rei insists. 'We're already there...' "But if you want to go, that's fair enough."
[16:49] <Usagi-chan> "Congratulations again on getting accepted, Rei-chan." Usagi's smile is genuine. "I hope Mugen is really as cool as I've heard." She gives the remaining three senshi a small wave and heads out of the booth.
[16:50] <Rei-chan> "Thanks," Rei says, waving at her departing figure.
[16:52] <Rei-chan> "Well... this party sure took a turn for the depressing," the white-haired girl says glumly to Makoto and Ami. "What do you guys want to do now?"
[16:53] * V-chan returns a little while after leaving, and plops down on the couch.
[16:54] * Makoto twiddles her fingers together, not sure how to answer Rei.
[16:59] <Makoto> "Uhm, I guess I'll try to sing again?" Makoto says, after a small while.
[17:00] <V-chan> "Go for it!" Minako cheers from the couch.
[17:00] <Rei-chan> "Sure, Mako-chan," Rei chirps, trying to get back into a more cheerful frame of mind.
[17:00] * Makoto smiles at the encouragement and slowly gets up. She heads up to the small stage, looking through the song selections.
[17:02] * Makoto stops as she goes through the artists, finding one she likes, and picks a song at random. She takes a deep breath as she makes the selection, briefly closing her eyes until the music for "Painted Black" by Aiuchi Rina begins to play.
[17:04] <Makoto> Tapping her foot to the beginning of the beat, she starts to sing off the lyrics. "Oh baby it's you I miss, Remember our final kiss..."
[17:04] <Makoto> Slowly, as the song picks up its beat, so does Makoto, remembering what she and Rei did, and moving not just her foot, but all of her body along with the beat.
[17:05] <Makoto> "Still loving you in my dream, Now, if I could only see..." Makoto sings, focusing on the emotion behind the words, continually getting more into the song.
[17:06] * Rei-chan leans forward, bobbing her head a bit in time to Makoto's singing.
[17:06] <Makoto> Two minutes later, the song was over, and like the times before, Makoto takes a hesitant deep breath. She stays on stage and looks at her friends, gauging for reactions somewhat nervously.
[17:07] * Rei-chan claps, "That was great, Mako-chan! You were a lot more confident in that one," she says approvingly.
[17:08] * V-chan nods blearily. "S'great, yeah. Sing another one?"
[17:09] * Makoto smiles brightly as Rei claps and Minako nods. Blushing at Minako's request, she says, "Oh no, I couldn't..." and quickly gets off the stage.
[17:14] <Rei-chan> "I'll go now," Rei says, standing up and taking the microphone from Makoto. She quickly skims through the book, looking for something.
[17:16] * Rei-chan keys up the song 'Kaze mo, Sora mo, Kitto' and begins to sing the soft, slow paced song. Swaying gently with her eyes closed, she gives a fairly accomplished performance. While technically good, there still isn't as much feeling as she was putting in her earlier songs.
[17:18] <Rei-chan> "Not bad..." she mutters after finishing. "You want to go now, Ami-chan?" she offers the microphone to the blue haired girl.
[17:18] <V-chan> "Punch up Love Revolution for me, will you, Rei-chan?" Minako asks from the couch, lying on it with a hand covering her eyes. "Unless Ami objects?"
[17:19] <Ami> "Um, no. You can go first," Ami defers.
[17:19] <V-chan> "Thanks!"
[17:20] * Rei-chan glances at the book and enters the desired song, before handing the microphone to Minako as she steps off the stage.
[17:23] * V-chan sings quietly from the couch, her voice barely carrying over the music at first. Midway, it picks up, and she moves from her reclining position to sit normally, concentrating on the familiar lyrics as she sings them, adding more and more feeling with each verse until the song ends.
[17:24] * Rei-chan is surprised that Minako never even got up, but applauds politely when the song ends. "Are you feeling alright, Minako?" she asks worriedly.
[17:25] * V-chan answers Rei's question with her own. "Why didn't you want to sing with me, Rei-chan?"
[17:25] <Rei-chan> "I did sing with you," Rei replies.
[17:26] <V-chan> "But you didn't want to," Minako points out. "Is singing with me that bad?"
[17:28] <Rei-chan> "Of course not," Rei says with a strained smile, "You're so much better than me, after all. I should be grateful at all to have the chance to sing alongside Full Moon."
[17:29] * Ami casts Makoto a look.
[17:29] <V-chan> "Screw Full Moon!" Minako snaps. "I wanted to sing with you. And... and I'm not better at all. If only you could hear yourself sing...."
[17:35] <Rei-chan> "I can, Minako," Rei says more gently. "And I know I don't stack up. And I don't like it... I don't like being reminded that you're living something I could only dream about."
[17:36] * Makoto feels uncomfortable in the seat as the party mood officially seems to end. She looks back at Ami, noticing her look, wondering if she has a way of ending the night on a pleasant note still.
[17:36] <V-chan> "You do too! You don't just stack up... you're a bright star, Rei-chan!" Minako insists. "You know that I don't lie!"
[17:37] * Ami shrugs, reading Makoto's glance and figuring her own probably mirrored it. She taps the silver bracelet and raises an eyebrow, throwing a glance back at the former couple.
[17:40] * Makoto blinks as Ami taps a bracelet and raises an eyebrow, confused as to what the girl genius was attempting to do or say.
[17:40] <Rei-chan> "I'm good, I know that. And I take pride in my ability," Rei agrees, "But I'll never be an idol like you are. For me it's just a childish dream I've had to sacrifice." She looks away sadly.
[17:42] <Ami> "Makoto!" Ami says, cutting through the conversation. "Let's get something to drink. I think they have some snacks up there too."
[17:42] <V-chan> "It doesn't have to be," Minako says softly, holding her head in her hands. "We've won, Rei-chan. Won against evil, won against tests... we're allowed to chase our dreams, now."
[17:42] * Ami heads to the door.
[17:43] * Rei-chan gives the other two girls a grateful smile as they leave, wondering why Minako couldn't have waited till they had some privacy before making such a scene in the first place.
[17:44] * Makoto scrambles after Ami, not wanting to be left in between the two girls as they're discussing their feelings. 'Sorry Mina-chan, Rei-chan, not the friendliest thing to do, but I'm getting while the getting's good.'
[17:45] <Rei-chan> "Minako, I remember a conversation we had. It was right before you started attending T*A," 'for all of two days', "It seems our positions are reversed. Back then, I wanted the normal life, to pursue my dreams. But you said we'd never be able to leave our duty behind. And now I know that you're right."
[17:46] <Rei-chan> "I have a duty, Minako. Something that is far bigger than I am," Rei says with feeling, "And it is something I will devote everything I have to, until my dying breath." She then deflates, sighing, "But it hurts to be reminded of what I used to want..."
[17:49] * V-chan is quiet, before she says, "I don't think they reversed that much, Rei-chan. I just... I'm trying to find a balance. It's not healthy to give your entire life for fighting. Just fighting. Someone told me that, I think, but for the life of me I can't remember who...." She smiles at Rei. "You don't have a duty. We have a duty. All of us. And I'm sure there's plenty of room in there for a girl following her dream and singing."
[17:54] <Rei-chan> "No," Rei says, quietly but firmly. "This is my choice. I want to concentrate on it fully, and give it my all." She laughs, abruptly. "Besides, I'm too young to make it as a singer, and I don't have a magic compact like you."
[17:57] * V-chan laughs as well, standing up and catching herself on the sofa for a moment. "Oops," she says in embarrassment.
[17:57] <V-chan> "Spent too much time lying down," she adds, flushing.
[17:58] * Rei-chan stands up as well. "Right," she nods at Minako's explanation. "Well, looks like this party came to an abrupt end... Guess I may as well go home myself, now."
[17:59] * V-chan picks up a popper, and pops it into the air. "Congratulations on getting into Mugen, Rei-chan."
[17:59] * Rei-chan pops one as well. "Congratulations yourself, Minako."
[18:00] * V-chan nods, before telling Rei, "I was serious. You have a great voice. I would love to sing with you again, if it doesn't bring you too much pain."
[18:01] * Rei-chan sighs. "Maybe... someday..." she mutters. "Anyway, I'm off. I guess I'll see you the day after tomorrow," she waves, exiting the booth and heading home.
[18:02] <V-chan> "Yeah, I'll see you then," Minako echoes, before leaving the booth herself.
[18:02] <Rei-chan> -------
[10:38] <Anastasia> "Excited today, are we," Nian comments as you get ready for your date. "Are you actually nervous?"
[10:39] <Prince_Herb> "Of course not. This facial tic is just a new fashion statement." Herb says, winking at his loyal advisor.
[10:39] <Prince_Herb> "What should I wear, though?"
[10:40] <Anastasia> "Black formal wear, perhaps? This is a fairly high society event, is it not?" the cat says.
[10:42] <Prince_Herb> "Yes, but maybe I should wear my robes? And are you sure that it's really not going to rain?"
[10:43] <Anastasia> "It's been sunny all day, and the weather says it won't," Nian shrugs. "That's no guarantee, but it is likely they are right."
[10:47] <Prince_Herb> "All right," says Herb and lays out his formal outfit.
[10:48] <Prince_Herb> "I'll trust to modern science this once." Herb says, as he gets dressed.
[10:48] <Anastasia> "Prince... should I expect you out late," he asks. "Further... you aren't planning on wearing your female formal wear, are you?" he laughs as he says this, framing his joke.
[10:49] * Prince_Herb scowls at his trusted advisor.
[10:49] <Prince_Herb> "Is this your way of offering me moral support?"
[10:50] <Anastasia> He grins, "I apologize, Prince. However, if you did go as a girl..." he trails off, amused.
[10:51] <Prince_Herb> "Hiroe would probably not be amused, to say the least. I still need to tell her about the curse, and I don't think shock therapy is going to be the best way."
[10:52] <Anastasia> "I'd wait until the second date, o Prince," he goes on. "No need to spring that on her if you do not need to."
[10:54] <Prince_Herb> "I don't know that the curse will leave me alone that long. Let's hope it's being kind tonight, eh?"
[10:54] <Anastasia> "Yes," he says, the sides of his feline mouth twitching.
[10:56] <Prince_Herb> "You know, if I didn't know that you were my trusted advisor, eager to aid me in all things, I'd begin to be suspicious about your motives about now." Herb says. "You sound awfully like a moggy that wants someone to end up falling flat on her face."
[10:58] <Anastasia> His last vestige of control evaporates at that, and Nian bursts into gales of laughter. "Hahah... oh, I am so sorry, but... This is rather amusing."
[11:01] <Prince_Herb> "Laugh it up, why don't you? Gah... Mooncats..."
[11:01] * Prince_Herb finishes dressing and admires himself in the mirror. "The epitome of manliness, I sincerely hope."
[11:02] <Anastasia> "I'm a Dragon still, remember," he notes. "Anyway, you look brilliant."
[11:03] <Prince_Herb> "Naturally," says Herb, his self-confidence boosted.
[11:04] <Prince_Herb> "Right, I have the invitation cards, I have the flowers, I have Hiroe's address, what else do I need?"
[11:07] <Anastasia> "Good luck and a cold water shield," he observes.
[11:09] <Prince_Herb> "I tried Seibu and they were out of both. I shall have to rely on my innate skills and quickness of mind."
[11:09] <Anastasia> "Then I'll wish you a good heaping helping of luck," he nods. "Good luck," he says, glancing at a wall clock.
[11:10] <Prince_Herb> "I'll see you later, furball!" Herb says, and heads for the door, checking carefully that no buckets of water have been propped above the lintel by his caring servants.
[11:10] <Prince_Herb> "And thanks!"
[11:10] <Anastasia> No such shenanigans are there, and you get to the car without being soaked. Thank God.
[11:10] <Anastasia> ---
[11:10] <Anastasia> The car ride is uneventful except for your nervous jitters.
[11:12] * Prince_Herb tries to calm himself by listening to Heiian court music on the car stereo
[11:13] <Anastasia> As you arrive at the preplanned meeting place, you find Hiroe waiting for you. Her hair is done up nicely, and she wears a black skirt and a sharp, dressy top.
[11:14] <Prince_Herb> "Hello there!" says Herb, bowing. "You look lovely. These flowers I brought for you look pale by comparison."
[11:14] * Prince_Herb offers the pretty flowers to the pretty lady.
[11:15] <Anastasia> "Flowers," she says instead of a greeting, "thank you," she smiles, taking the flattery.
[11:19] <Anastasia> Putting them down carefully on the seat of the car as she gets in, "I must admit that I didn't catch what was debuting tonight. What works of art are to be featured?"
[11:24] <Prince_Herb> "It's an exhibition devoted to the dragon in art. My father lent a few pieces from the family collection, but the rest is entirely new to me." Herb says. "There's a catalogue of the exhibition in the glovebox if you want to have a look."
[11:27] <Anastasia> "Your father, hm? He is interested in the arts as well?" she asks as she opens up the glovebox.
[11:30] <Prince_Herb> "No, not really. He's more interested in t'ai chi and family history."
[11:30] <Anastasia> She nods, reading over the leaflet in the glovebox. "It looks like an excellent exhibit," she comments as she reads along.
[11:34] <Prince_Herb> "I hope so; it wouldn't be much fun if we got there and had to agree with the curators and the other guests that it was lovely and not really mean it."
[11:37] <Prince_Herb> "It does look pretty good, though. There's a lot of rather nice jade carvings I'm looking forward to seeing."
[11:37] <Anastasia> She smiles a bit. "Oooh, I like jade. It's so pretty," she says.
[11:42] <Anastasia> ---
[11:43] <Anastasia> You arrive at the museum shortly there after, getting in without any hassles.
[11:44] * Prince_Herb thanks the gods, and checks out the gallery where the event is being held for any potential crisis points.
[11:44] * Prince_Herb notes the table with the glasses of wines and fruit juices as being danger number one.
[11:45] <Anastasia> There are a fair number of people about, but the booze does seem like the main issue...
[11:45] <Anastasia> Hiroe looks around, settling on the first picture and examining it. It's a beautiful painting of a dragon in flight over clouds.
[11:48] * Prince_Herb decides to stop worrying for the moment and enjoy the experience.
[11:49] <Anastasia> The art assembled here is of the finest type, paintings, sculptures and dragon vases about.
[11:53] <Prince_Herb> "What do you think, Hiroe? I can't decide which piece I like best at all. I came expecting to like the jades best, but I'm knocked out."
[11:54] <Prince_Herb> "Maybe that 16th century Italian silver St. George and the Dragon..."
[11:55] <Anastasia> She nods and speaks quietly, awed a bit by all the excellent artwork. "Yes...all of these pieces are top notch."
[11:57] <Anastasia> As you speak, she nabs a flute of champaign from a passing waiter.
[12:00] <Prince_Herb> "I know. It's really rather exciting, isn't it? And a bit of something for everyone, as long as they like dragons."
[12:07] <Anastasia> "Yeah..." she pauses to sip from her glass. "Dragons are kind of interesting," she goes on, "Mythical creatures almost like gods..."
[12:10] <Prince_Herb> "Handsome and terrifying in equal measure."
[12:14] <Anastasia> "Yes...Legends speak of Dragonfear, that a human can't even stand next to a dragon without abject terror ruining them."
[12:17] <Prince_Herb> "Thank goodness it's only a legend. That would make it very hard for a dragon to get a date, no?"
[12:18] * Prince_Herb chuckles. "My family is descended from a dragon, you know. I'll tell you the story sometime, though some people think it doesn't reflect very well on us."
[12:19] <Anastasia> "Really?" she asks, laughing. "A dragon?"
[12:23] <Prince_Herb> "Really. They were apparently much more common back then than they are today." Herb says
[12:23] <Anastasia> She nods along, finishing off her bubbly drink. "If they existed, I suppose."
[12:27] <Prince_Herb> "What?" teases Herb, "You think that none of these artists were working with live models?"
[12:31] <Anastasia> "Heh, live models..." she chortles. "Do you really think dragons exist," she asks, curious.
[12:35] <Prince_Herb> "Well, I'd hate to think my ancestors were liars. Wouldn't you?" Herb asks
[12:35] <Anastasia> She looks at you, smiling. "I'll trust your anscestors, then," she laughs, amused.

[10:07] <Anastasia> The night goes on as you tour the art works. You have a few short conversations with people and Hiroe while you take in the art. You note she's had a few drinks and is getting a bit tipsy.
[10:08] * Prince_Herb asks her if she's had enough of the art and wants to move on to the restaurant. "It's a little family restaurant my cat likes a lot."
[10:09] <Anastasia> "Well... yeah, I guess," she nods, smiling. She's been smiling pleasantly for the last half hour, leaning on your arm a few times. She seems to be enjoying herself.
[10:11] * Prince_Herb thanks the curator for a wonderful exhibition and takes Hiroe back down to where his car is parked.
[10:12] <Anastasia> "Thanks," she trumpets as well, grinning as you leave.
[10:13] <Anastasia> "What's the restaurant you have in mind," she questions after you get into the car.
[10:19] <Prince_Herb> "It's the Yamaguchi; maybe you know it?" Herb says, "It's not too far from Toudai, really."
[10:23] <Anastasia> "Yamaguchi," she says distantly, thinking. "Nope, doesn't ring a bell. What sort of restaurant is it?"
[10:26] <Prince_Herb> "A sort of traditional teahouse place that does great tobanyaki."
[10:27] <Anastasia> "Right," she nods. "And again, thanks for inviting me. I did enjoy the art," she replies with real warmth in her voice, patting your arm.
[10:29] <Prince_Herb> "I've enjoyed it as well," Herb says, smiling at her. "It's nice to do something that wasn't to do with classes or with martial arts, and your company made it even more pleasant."
[10:30] <Anastasia> She nods. "It does seem like if I'm not doing school work that I'm doing kendo. A break is pleasant indeed."
[10:33] <Anastasia> ---
[10:33] <Anastasia> A short drive later leads you to the restaurant in question. Once seated, you are served quickly and quietly with good service.
[10:38] <Anastasia> The food is served...
[10:38] <Anastasia> "It looks good," she says, working her chopsticks gracefully.
[10:39] <Prince_Herb> "It tastes good too," Prince_Herb says. "I love the way they cook tobanyaki at your table so that you can see the cook's skills in action."
[10:40] <Anastasia> "I guess, although watching them make it can be a bit much sometimes. It's nice just to see the food ready to eat and not worry about prepartation..." she starts, pausing to take a bit. "Mmm, this is good."
[10:42] * Prince_Herb nods. "It's another new taste I've acquired since I came to Tokyo."
[10:44] <Anastasia> "Speaking of that, you mentioned your father..and you aren't from around here. Where do you hail from," she asks, a bit blunt.
[10:46] <Prince_Herb> "It's nowhere you will ever have heard of, a little valley in the Bayankala range in south-west China."
[10:47] <Prince_Herb> "I had to learn something about the wider world, though, so I left to come here."
[10:51] <Anastasia> Hiroe nods twice at the right points. "How'd you get the money for your car and Toudai, though," he inquires. "If you came from a mountain villiag..." she cuts herself off, blushing a bit. "Ah, sorry. That's nosy, isn't it?"
[10:57] <Prince_Herb> "I come from our royal family. We're pretty wealthy, really, though the story of how that came about and how we dealt with the hard times of the Mao Dynasty is rather ugly at points."
[10:59] <Prince_Herb> "The fact is, I'm a Chinese prince, though you don't have to call me oji-sama unless you really want to." Herb says, with a wink.
[10:59] <Anastasia> "Ah..." she says. "I'm surprised. I thought no one was able to stand up to the central communist government," she says.
[11:02] <Prince_Herb> Prince_Herb shrugs. "We melted away like the winter snows in Spring. No one came looking for us, because they thought we were long gone."
[11:04] <Prince_Herb> "And now, they don't care. If you have money to invest in factories, your past is forgotten."
[11:04] <Anastasia> She nods along. "Hm, I guess that makes sense. Things have changed over there from what the news says... Do you have any thoughts on the matter?"
[11:05] * Prince_Herb nods.
[11:05] <Anastasia> "Well," she smiles a bit, "do tell."
[11:08] <Prince_Herb> "Things are bad; they need an Emperor again, so that Earth and Heaven can be in balance. In Japan, you're lucky. The Emperor gives you stability and balance."
[11:11] <Anastasia> She nods and takes a few small bites from her food. "You think that's it? I'm more inclined to think it's bad because the communists are corrupt morons," she chortles slightly.
[11:14] <Prince_Herb> "They lack the wise guidance of the Emperor and the stern governance of his magistracy," Herb says, "and in those circumstances terrible things can happen."
[11:16] <Anastasia> "I guess," she nods. "Anyway, what does you family do, besides ruling?"
[11:21] <Prince_Herb> Herb finishes his tobanyaki. "They're martial arts mad. Our dynasty was originally established to enable us to study the martial arts to perfection, and we still do. I've studied t'ai chi since the day I could walk, so I'm no exception to the rule. And my father studies our family history. Endlessly."
[11:22] <Anastasia> "Yes, I can," she reaches for her water glass, but her hand slips as she picks it up, causing it to fall and tilt towards you, water coming right at your face!
[11:23] <Prince_Herb> roll 2d6 to evade the water
[11:23] * Musk-bot --> "Prince_Herb rolls 2d6 to evade the water and gets 10."
[11:23] <Prince_Herb> *SPLASH*
[11:24] <Anastasia> "Oh crap," she says as the glass clatters on the table. "I'm so sorry, Her..." she stops, suddenly staring at you.
[11:24] * Princess_Herb looks sad
[11:25] <Anastasia> She continues to stare. "Um..." she blinks twice, rubbing her eyes.
[11:25] <Princess_Herb> "I also have an ancient Chinese curse... Cold water turns me into a girl, hot water turns me back until the next time."
[11:25] * Princess_Herb asks for some hot water from the waitress.
[11:26] <Princess_Herb> "I'm sorry: I should have mentioned this before, but I thought you might not believe me, or think I was odd..."
[11:26] <Anastasia> The waitress takes the order as Hiroe gapes openly.
[11:26] <Anastasia> "Um... Um..." she says, completely lost for words.
[11:27] * Princess_Herb orders some hot sake for Hiroe too. "You look as if you might need a drink."
[11:30] <Anastasia> "Yeah," she says distantly. "A curse...?"
[11:31] * Princess_Herb cringes. "An ancient Chinese curse. My shame."
[11:32] <Anastasia> "A... girl curse, right? Or are you really a girl?" she gets out, taking the sake and gulping it when as it arrives.
[11:33] <Princess_Herb> "Hey!" says Herb as she pours the hot water over herself. "I'm a guy!"
[11:34] <Anastasia> She shivers when you change again. "That's just insane..."
[11:34] <Prince_Herb> "Now you think I'm a freak... I'm sorry."
[11:37] <Anastasia> "Um...well..." she shakes her head firmly. "Oh damn. I dunno, it's just so odd, you know?"
[11:38] <Prince_Herb> "It's definitely that." Herb replies. "The most I can say is that you sort of get used to it."
[11:39] <Prince_Herb> "I don't know how long I could have kept it a secret at Toudai anyway. People were bound to spill sometihng my way sooner or later..."
[11:39] <Anastasia> "How...how in the world did you get something like this, though?"
[11:40] * Prince_Herb blushes. "You really want to know? Well..."
[11:41] * Prince_Herb fills Hiroe in on the Cursed Training Ground, and how he was 'experimenting' with a monkey, and what an idiot he was.
[11:43] <Anastasia> She nods a few times, trying to digest what you told her. "That's... quite a story," she comments when you finish.
[11:46] <Prince_Herb> "That's not all of it either, but enough for now. See why I believe in dragons?"
[11:47] <Anastasia> "Yep," she nods quickly.
[11:50] <Anastasia> "And...are you a real-real girl," she asks, curious. "Or is it just an illusion?"
[11:51] * Prince_Herb blushes. "My girl side's real. Real enough to need..." He clams up and blushes beetroot red.
[11:52] <Anastasia> "Oh." She says this simply, blushing.
[11:52] <Prince_Herb> "Yes." Herb agrees.
[11:55] <Anastasia> "Um... yeah, well..." Hiroe fishes for a conversational save now.
[11:56] <Prince_Herb> "How are you feeling now? You looked a little stunned." Herb says, shifting the topic of conversation to Hiroe
[11:57] <Anastasia> "I wasn't expecting you to be a girl too," she blurts.
[12:02] <Prince_Herb> "I'm not too comfortable with that part of it myself. Come on, I'll pay the bill and take you home. You probably need a good night's sleep after that shock." Herb says.
[12:22] <Anastasia> She agrees, and you soon drop her off. The car ride back is quiet, but not oppressive or unfriendly, at least.
[12:23] <Anastasia> "Good night," she says as she gets out of the car.
[12:24] <Prince_Herb> "Good night," says Herb, "and sleep well." He gets out of the car, and bows to wish her farewell.
[12:24] <Anastasia> "I'll see you at class," she returns the bow, and walks off.
[12:24] <Anastasia> ---
[12:25] <Anastasia> Later, once you arrive home, you find Nian waiting for you.
[12:26] <Anastasia> "How did it go?" he asks right off the bat.
[12:29] <Prince_Herb> "Pretty well up to the moment she spilled the water over me, o my advisor. It went a little downhill after that."
[12:34] <Anastasia> "I was afraid of that," he sighs. "How did she react?"
[12:37] <Prince_Herb> "Shock and astonishment, as you might expect. She didn't flee in abject terror, though, so it was better than it might have been. Maybe she felt sorry for me."
[12:42] <Anastasia> "Heh...yes, that's a small victory," he agrees.
[12:43] <Prince_Herb> "I promised to tell Usa-chan about what happened as well. There's no way to get out of that, I suspect."
[12:44] * Prince_Herb sighs and feels a little sorry for himself.
[12:44] <Prince_Herb> "Well, I'll feel better in the morning, I'm sure. Goodnight, Nian." Prince_Herb says, and goes to turn in.

-------
NOTE: This started as an off-the-cuff scene in the OOC channel, and we eventually decided to toss it in as canon. So the opening isn't clearly defined.
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[13:24] * Usagi-chan whacks Rei in the back of the head with a pillow and giggles. "Besides, I've been wanting to do this for a while!"
[13:26] <Rei-chan> "You Dumpling Head!" Rei yells, picking herself up and whapping the blonde's head between two pillows, "Don't start something you'll have no chance to finish!"
[13:27] <Usagi-chan> "Hey, no fair!" She scrambles over to grab another pillow. "You've got more than I do!" She starts to flail at Rei with both pillows, battering the miko's head.
[13:28] * Rei-chan brings up her hands to deflect the onslaught, backpedalling away from the blonde's furious assault.
[13:29] <Usagi-chan> "All right, gotcha now Rei!" Just as she says that, she manages to trip over her futon, landing on top of one of the pillows in her hands. "Oof!"
[13:29] <Rei-chan> Now that Usagi's guard is lowered, Rei pelts her with a strong overarm throw of one of her pillows to the back of her head!
[13:30] * Usagi-chan catches the pillow in the head just as she's trying to struggle to her feet, and the projectile sends her sprawling. "That does it! This means war!"
[13:31] <Rei-chan> "Hah! Just bring it, Dumpling Head!" Rei crows, confident of her impending victory as she contemptously gives Usagi a light slap across the face with the pillow still in her hands.
[13:32] * Usagi-chan grabs a pillow with both hands and starts beating Rei over the top of the head with it. "I... Am... Not... A... Dumpling... Head!" she says, punctuating each word with another shot of the pillow.
[13:34] * Rei-chan blocks with her own pillow after the sixth blow, pushing Usagi off balance and following up with the old one-two. "Sure you are!" she says cheerfully, reasserting her dominance in the battle.
[13:35] <Usagi-chan> "Gah!" Usagi falls on her bottom, cushioned by the futons spread out on the floor. "I am not! Pyro!" She hooks her foot around one of Rei's and pulls, trying to trip the white-haired girl.
[13:37] <Rei-chan> "Ack!" Rei flails her arms, but to no avail as she falls backwards. Quickly recovering, she dives forward to tackle Usagi, grabbing her two odango's. "Then what do you call these, Dumpling Head?" she asks, for once not rising to the bait of being called Pyro.
[13:39] * Usagi-chan tries to pull Rei's hands away from her head, rather unsuccesfully. "They're just buns! They do NOT make me a dumpling head!" She tries to roll over to get the miko's weight off the top of her.
[13:40] <Rei-chan> "I'm not going to call you Bun Head," Rei asserts, letting her escape, "That's not nearly as fun."
[13:40] <Usagi-chan> "Well at least I'm not a firebug." Usagi replies by sticking her tongue out at Rei.
[13:42] * Rei-chan finds herself lacking a witty retort, so settles for sticking her own tongue out, making a loud "Bidah!" noise as she does so.
[13:43] * Usagi-chan holds her pose for a minute, and then grins. Seating herself next to Rei's feet, she looks over at the other girl innocently. "You know, I've always been curious about one thing with you..."
[13:43] <Rei-chan> "Huh? Curious about what?" Rei asks, blinking. Something about Usagi's 'innocent' look unsettles her...
[13:44] * Usagi-chan quickly grabs one of Rei's feet and pulls it into her lap, tickling furiously. "I always wondered whether you were ticklish!"
[13:47] <Rei-chan> "Usagi, no!" is all the startled miko can get out before she starts convulsing in hysterical laughter, unable to move enough to effectively fend the assault off. "Haha-stop!-Hahahaha-Oh god!-hehehe-I'll wet myself!-hehaaahaha!" she gets out in between her uncontrollable paroxysms of mirth.
[13:49] * Usagi-chan starts giggling herself at the poor priestess' plight. After a minute or so of torture, she releases Rei's foot, still laughing at the situation. "I knew it!"
[13:50] * Rei-chan lies there, gasping for breath. "Usagi, don't you ever do that again!" she mutters, still shaking slightly from the aftereffects of the tickle torture.
[13:50] * Usagi-chan grins. "No way! Just remember: when you least expect it... expect it."
[13:52] * Rei-chan looks up to stare at Usagi's face with unusual intensity. It almost seems like she's looking *through* the other girl.
[13:53] * Usagi-chan blinks, a bit taken aback. "What? What'd I say?"
[13:53] <Rei-chan> A flying pillow suddenly impacts the back of Usagi's head.
[13:54] <Usagi-chan> "Hey! That's cheating!" Usagi yells before seizing her pillow once again and starting in on the telekinetic miko.
[13:54] <Rei-chan> "Didn't expect that, did you, miss high and mighty?" Rei gloats, scrambling out of Usagi's warpath and grabbing a spare pillow to block with.
[13:56] * Usagi-chan growls. "I'll give YOU miss high and mighty!" Usagi delivers a mighty whack to Rei's rear end as the white-haired girl attempts to scramble out of her way.
[14:04] * Rei-chan yelps, leaping up slightly with the hit. To retaliate, she brings her own pillow round in a massive overhand swing to land right on Usagi's head. "I hope you like your Dumplings squashed!"
[14:06] * Usagi-chan flops down on her bottom hard, seeing stars. 'I'm not going to start wailing, I'm not!' Slowly she gets back to her feet. "You're supposed to handle them delicately, Pyro!" With that, she unleashes a barrage of quick attacks on the miko.
[14:08] <Rei-chan> "Don't call me Pyro!" Rei yells, falling back from the assault, before suddenly firming her stance and diving forward through the barrage to tackle the blonde to the ground!
[14:09] <Usagi-chan> Acting quickly, Usagi frees her arms, grabbing a handful of Rei's hair in one hand and skillfully twisting it into an odango. "Ha! Now who's the dumpling head?"
[14:12] * Rei-chan inhales a shocked breath, touching a hand to her head. "What have you done to my beautiful hair?!" she cries, before growling, "I'll show you!" and quickly bringing her knees up to pin Usagi's shoulders. Now free to act from her dominant position, she undoes both of Usagi's odangos, letting the blonde locks flow freely. "Ha! Now... hey, my hair's still messed up!" she cries, realising she hasn't actually accomplished much.
[14:14] * Usagi-chan giggles. "You look good with odangos! You just need one to match it on the other side!" Usagi tries to reach up and grab Rei's hair again, but can't sit up with the miko's full weight on her shoulders. "Get off me, will ya?"
[14:15] * Rei-chan gets off Usagi, admitting to herself that she is slightly curious how she'd look with Usagi's trademark hairstyle.
[14:17] * Usagi-chan grins. "Now just hold still for a minute, that one I did is kind of messy anyway." Undoing the original bun, Usagi sits down behind Rei, carefully styling her white hair up into a pair of odangos just like the ones she usually wears herself.
[14:18] * Rei-chan fidgets slightly, getting the feeling that this is going to wind up horribly wrong. Still, she is curious, and surely it can't hurt?
[14:19] * Usagi-chan nods sharply as she finishes her task. "All done - you have a mirror in here anywhere?" Usagi grins as she surveys her work. Not bad, actually, although Rei's shorter hair doesn't quite give her the same look as Usagi.
[14:20] <Rei-chan> "Right there," Rei points to her dresser, going over to look at her reflection and adopting her most goofy 'Usagi-like' expression. "I don't think I pull it off as well as you..." she says after a moment, sticking her tongue out.
[14:21] <Usagi-chan> "True, not everyone has that much style and grace." Usagi places a hand behind her head, fluttering her eyebrows coquettishly.
[14:22] <Rei-chan> "You're certainly one of a kind," Rei grins, choosing not to elaborate further in either direction that comment could be taken.
[14:23] <Usagi-chan> "I'd better get my odangos back together before my hair starts getting all tangled up, actually." Usagi stands up herself, letting a cascade of long golden hair fall down her back to her knees.
[14:25] <Rei-chan> "It's surprising just how much hair you actually have," Rei notes, taking in Usagi's golden tresses which reach her calves. "Amazing how much of it gets bundled away in those dumplings of yours."
[14:26] <Usagi-chan> "Why do you think I wear them? It's not JUST a fashion statement." Usagi works her own hair skillfully, tying it up in her trademark buns. "They help keep it from getting into everything too, not just take up some of the length."
[14:27] <Rei-chan> "I suppose at least you haven't tripped over them lately," Rei says, fixing her own hair so it can flow freely down her back once more.
[14:28] <Usagi-chan> "I haven't really had a major klutz attack in ages, really. Kinda nice not to have to deal with bruised shins all the time." Usagi makes a face.
[14:29] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, it's certainly making my life harder," Rei pouts, "I have to look out for other things to tease you about."
[14:30] <Usagi-chan> "Oh, you poor thing! Whatever shall you do?" Usagi poses with one hand against her forehead dramatically.
[14:32] <Rei-chan> "Well..." Rei assumes a thoughtful expression. "I suppose... I could do... THIS!" she suddenly kneels down and yanks the blanket Usagi is standing on from under the other girl's feet!
[14:33] * Usagi-chan shrieks in surprise as her feet slip out from underneath her! She lands hard on her butt, tears coming to the corners of her eyes as she lands on the hard wooden floor with a thump. "Owww!" She doesn't start wailing though... yet.
[14:38] * Rei-chan feels a bit bad, seeing Usagi didn't land so well. "Ah, you alright?" she goes over, offering a hand for the other girl to get up. "I didn't think you'd land so badly..." she offers, embarrassedly.
[14:38] * Usagi-chan takes the offered hand, wincing a bit as she rubs at her injured backside. "I'll be okay... owww..."
[14:41] <Rei-chan> "Of course you will!" Rei chirps, leading Usagi to the soft bed, "Now why don't you sit down and soothe your poor abused bottom?"
[14:44] <Usagi-chan> "If you... INSIST!" Usagi moves backwards, knocking Rei onto the bed and landing on her lap. She giggles. "You're right, I feel a lot better already!"
[14:49] <Rei-chan> "Getting comfortable, are you?" Rei smirks, putting her hands on Usagi's hips.
[14:50] <Usagi-chan> "I could get used to it." Usagi grins, leaning back against Rei as if she were a chair.
[14:52] * Rei-chan doesn't reply verbally, instead running her nimble fingers up Usagi's sides, retaliating for the tickle attack of earlier.
[14:53] * Usagi-chan twitches a bit, trying not to laugh. "Don't, Rei..." She starts to squirm on the miko's lap.
[14:54] * Rei-chan grins evilly, increasing the intensity of her tickling, as well as her range of movement as she tries to find any weak spots on the other girl!
[14:56] <Usagi-chan> "Noooo! Hahahaha... stoppit!" Usagi wriggles around wildly, falling off Rei's lap onto the bed. "Not fai-haheehee... quit it! Not the knees, not the kne-ahahahaha!" Usagi shakes in laughter, trying to escape Rei's wandering fingertips.
[14:57] <Rei-chan> "Not the what?" Rei asks innocently, focusing her attentions on Usagi's knees.
[14:58] * Usagi-chan roars with gales of laughter. "Nonononono! Not-heeheeheehee-anywhere but there!" Usagi pulls her knees up to her chest, turning away from Rei in an attempt to get away.
[14:59] * Rei-chan is merciless as she continues to torment the poor girl. "Really, Usagi, you shouldn't threaten someone with something if you're so weak against it yourself," she needles.
[15:01] * Usagi-chan pulls herself together and leaps, turning the tables on Rei! "How... haha... how do you think *I* got so good at it?" She continues to giggle as she follows through on her gentle torture of the white-haired priestess.
[15:05] <Rei-chan> With a shriek, Rei succumbs to the attack, the effectiveness of her own tickling being sharply decreased as she struggles to retain focus while convulsing in laughter. Before long, her sensitivity proves her downfall as she struggles just to breathe through her laughter, any attempt at retaliation being futile. "Haha-stop-heee-I-hahaee-really will-heehaha-wet myself!" she gasps.
[15:06] * Usagi-chan grins in triumph, letting up JUST as she figures Rei is at her breaking point. "Haha, call me queen!" She sits up on the bed, pointing one finger at the ceiling before collapsing in a fit of the giggles herself.
[15:07] <Rei-chan> "Just let... me catch my... breath, Queen..." Rei gasps, sounding rather dazed.
[15:08] <Usagi-chan> "Wow, you really ARE ticklish, huh?" Usagi sounds somewhat surprised. "I wasn't even trying THAT hard..."
[15:09] <Rei-chan> "It's my secret shame," Rei says seriously, though the effect is somewhat ruined by her still lying prostrate and dazed on the bed, her breath coming in deep gasps.
[15:10] * Usagi-chan grins. "I promise not to tell anyone else - but why be ashamed of it?"
[15:11] * Rei-chan sits up, facing Usagi. "I'm not really, I was being dramatic."
[15:12] <Usagi-chan> "Gee, now *I* feel stupid." Usagi groans and rolls her eyes.
[15:13] * Rei-chan pats Usagi on the head. "We all have our talents," she smiles mysteriously.
[15:14] * Usagi-chan frowns. "Thanks a lot, Rei." She shoves Rei over onto the bed.
[15:15] * Rei-chan falls over, still rather drained from being tickled, she elects not to move. "If you saw through that one, there's hope for you yet. I didn't expect you to get it," she lectures sagely from her prone position, her head lolling off the side of the bed.
[15:17] <Usagi-chan> "Your confidence in me is overwhelming." Usagi replies dryly.
[15:18] <Rei-chan> "Admit it, you wouldn't have me any other way," Rei challenges lazily.
[15:21] <Usagi-chan> "Yeah, yeah." Usagi lays back on the bed herself. "Okay, time for something else-I'm too tired for another pillow fight."
[15:21] <Rei-chan> "Me too," Rei agrees, seeming content to lie motionless with her head hanging off the bed in what must be an uncomfortable position for her neck.
[15:23] <Usagi-chan> "You look like you're about to fall off the bed!" Usagi grabs Rei's arm and rolls her into a more normal position, her legs coming to rest across Usagi's lap. "Let's see, what else can we do..."
[15:25] * Rei-chan props her upper body up on her elbows. "Well... I dunno. What do you want to do?"
[15:25] <Usagi-chan> "I know! Why not a game of Truth or Dare? I know we usually do it with more people but it still works with just us."
[15:26] * Rei-chan arches an eyebrow. "Well, I suppose with telepathy, we won't be able to lie." She shrugs, "Why not?"
[15:26] <Usagi-chan> "I'll go first! Truth or dare?"
[15:26] <Rei-chan> "Truth," Rei responds automatically.
[15:27] <Usagi-chan> "Umm.... who was the first person you had a crush on?"
[15:36] * Rei-chan gets a far away look in her eyes. "Kaidou-san... my father's top assistant. He used to visit me after I went to live with Grandpa. When it was my birthday, he'd give me casablanca flowers and apologise for my father not coming. I think I started to get a crush on him last year, even though he's so much older than me..."
[15:36] <Rei-chan> "But... he never saw me as anything but a child. And he recently got married to someone else... it was an arrangement my father set up for political reasons, since Kaidou-san is said to be his successor..." the white haired girl sighs. "I'm over him, but the memories still make me sad..."
[15:38] * Usagi-chan blinks back tears. "That sounds so sad, Rei-chan! Did you ever say anything to him?"
[15:41] * Rei-chan shrugs embarrassedly. "Not really. The most I did was tell him we were kindred spirits once. I knew nothing could ever come of it..."
[15:43] * Usagi-chan takes a deep sigh. "It still sounds really sad... but anyway! We're here to have fun!" Usagi perks up rather quickly. "I'll take Truth too!"
[15:46] <Rei-chan> "Okay..." Rei considers what question to ask, deciding not to just return the same one back to Usagi. "What's the most embarrassing thing you've ever done, that I don't already know about?" she asks. 'Given how often Usagi messes stuff up, this should be genius!'
[15:47] * Usagi-chan goes bright red. "Um... do I have to?"
[15:48] * Rei-chan blinks. "You do now!" 'With a reaction like that, it must be good!'
[15:50] <Usagi-chan> "Well... my family still calls this one the queen of all klutz attacks. It was when I was 10 - I was in the school play that year, and we were doing Sleeping Beauty - I was one of the servants in the castle, I didn't have any lines or anything." She takes a deep breath before continuing.
[15:50] * Rei-chan wonders if the Tsukinos made a movie of this particular play...
[15:52] <Usagi-chan> "Anyway, we had the big scene where the princess pricks her finger on the needle and everyone in the castle is supposed to fall down asleep. I don't even know what I tripped over, but I ended up taking out ALL of the scenery, and somehow I ended up in the orchestra pit with my skirt around my ears." Usagi looks away, red as a beet.
[15:53] <Rei-chan> "You poor dear," Rei snickers, finding it a very amusing mental image. "Okay, your turn now. I'll take a Dare this time."
[15:56] <Usagi-chan> "Hmm... let me think for a minute..." Usagi taps her chin. "All right! I dare you to go and give Yuuichiro a kiss!" Usagi grins wickedly.
[15:57] <Rei-chan> "Wh-what?!" Rei stammers, "No way! I'm not going to send those kind of mixed messages to the poor guy, I already broke his heart! I'll take a Truth instead!"
[15:57] * Usagi-chan giggles. "All right, I'll ask an easy one then. What do you want to do when you grow up?"
[15:59] <Rei-chan> "That is easy," Rei agrees, "I'll run the Shrine, while continuing to fight for love and justice as the beautiful sailor suited soldier; Sailor Mars!" Rei poses triumphantly.
[16:28] * Usagi-chan giggles. "No no, that's not what I meant! I mean, if you could choose ANYTHING and you didn't have to worry about anything like being a senshi or what anyone else wanted you to be, what would you do?"
[16:30] * Rei-chan sighs. "Talking like this depresses me... I'm happy to be a senshi, and I love this Shrine," she smiles fondly, though after a moment it develops a melancholy edge. "But... there was a time when I wanted to be a singer..."
[16:33] <Usagi-chan> "You've certainly got the voice for it," Usagi smiles. "I remember when we all went out to karaoke that one time - you really sounded great."
[16:36] <Rei-chan> "Thanks," Rei smiles. "I sang at the T*A school festival last year. It was nice... just for one day, I got to stop being the creepy psychic girl everybody whispered about, and people got to see a side of me I suppose I don't show as often as I should... I could tell my songs really had an effect on everyone." Rei has a wistful smile as she recalls the event.
[16:37] <Usagi-chan> "What did you sing?" Usagi looks at her curiously.
[16:38] <Rei-chan> "Oh, nothing you'll have heard of," Rei waves dismissively, "Just some things I wrote myself."
[16:39] <Usagi-chan> "You wrote your own songs? That's awesome, Rei-chan!" Usagi gets a gleam in her eye as she figures out exactly what her next dare is going to be.
[16:40] <Rei-chan> "Ah, well..." Rei blushes, "It's just something I do for fun. I'm no idol singer." She frowns slightly, but quickly masks it. "So, what'll it be for you? Truth or Dare?"
[16:41] <Usagi-chan> "I'll take a dare this time." Usagi nods.
[16:42] * Rei-chan adjusts her position so one palm is keeping her propped up while she uses her free hand to stroke her chin as she contemplates a suitable dare for the Dumpling Head.
[16:44] * Usagi-chan holds her chin high, willing to do anything the miko might possibly ask her to do!
[16:44] <Rei-chan> "Aha!" Rei suddenly gets a gleam of her own. "I dare you to ask the Luna Pen to turn you into a hunky bishonen guy!"
[16:46] * Usagi-chan swallows hard, then nods her head. "All right, here goes. Moon Power! Turn me into a really hot-looking bishounen idol!"
[16:47] <Rei-chan> 'Wow! I didn't think she'd actually do it!' Rei thinks, watching the disguise magic do its work.
[16:49] <Usagi-chan> In a flash, Usagi is transformed into a very good-looking blond bishounen, very much like Rei has seen on the covers of teen idol magazines down at the bookstore. The effect is only slightly ruined by the fact that she - he - is the same height as Usagi, not quite five feet tall. Usagi spins for Rei, a grin on his face. "Whaddya think?"
[16:51] <Rei-chan> "Oh my God!" Rei cries, still not believing Usagi had actually done it as she lets her eyes wander over Usagi-kun's form. "I can't believe you actually did it!"
[16:52] * Usagi-chan chuckles. "I figured it was worth a shot... wow, my voice really sounds weird now." Usagi heads over to Rei's dresser mirror to check himself out. "Not bad..." he grins.
[16:54] <Rei-chan> "You're a little short, but that's actually kinda cute," Rei says, standing next to the 'boy' just a few inches shorter than her. "Hey..." she glances at Usagi out of the corner of her eyes, "are you... anatomically correct?" she blushes as she finishes.
[16:55] <Usagi-chan> "Hey!" Usagi steps away from Rei. "I'm not checking now!" 'At least, not in front of you...' With that thought, Usagi lets the magic dissipate and reappears in her usual odangoed form.
[16:56] <Rei-chan> "Come on, it's not like it's really yours. I was curious," Rei pouts, going to sit back on the bed.
[16:58] <Usagi-chan> "You didn't say anything about that in the dare, so you couldn't make me." Usagi sticks her tongue out at the miko. "Anyway, it's your turn."
[16:58] <Rei-chan> "I won't if it makes you uncomfortable," Rei shrugs, "I just... I've always wondered what it looks like..." She blushes, before collecting herself. "Anyway, fair's fair, I'll do a Dare now."
[16:59] <Usagi-chan> 'Yes!' Usagi cheers inwardly. "You said you wrote some songs... I dare you to sing one of them for me, right now." She grins.
[17:02] * Rei-chan scratches her head. "Okay," she replies, not finding it to be a difficult request. Standing up once more, she goes to the middle of the room and faces her audience of one.
[17:02] * Usagi-chan sits on the bed with her legs crossed, listening intently.
[17:06] <Rei-chan> Clearing her throat, Rei bobs her head gently, establishing a rhythm to herself since she doesn't have the T*A Instrumental Club providing music for her here. "Shaded by the sunlight, In my heart you are here, Even without saying you love me, You are here in my heart..." she begins singing Eien no Melody, the lyrics coming softly, but with strong feeling behind them.
[17:07] * Usagi-chan closes her eyes as she listens, getting into the rhythm of the song.
[17:07] * Rei-chan goes through the slow song at a measured pace, putting all her heart into this performance, wanting to show off just a little bit.
[17:08] * Usagi-chan opens her eyes about halfway through the song, a broad smile on her face as she watches Rei.
[17:09] <Rei-chan> Reaching the climax, Rei's voice comes stronger and with more passion, before fading to almost a soft whisper in the final verse. "Even more than the blue sky and the sea, I will chase after my dreams with love, Your deep eyes told me to do that..." Bowing her head at the end, she waits a moment, before looking up and giving Usagi an inquiring look.
[17:10] * Usagi-chan bursts into loud clapping as Rei finishes the song. "Encore! Encore!"
[17:11] * Rei-chan blushes. "Well, I suppose it would be rude to deny such a wonderful audience..." she muses.
[17:12] * Usagi-chan whistles, grinning. "What's next for the concert?"
[17:15] <Rei-chan> "Actually..." Rei smiles, "I think I'll give you a very special treat. This song is called 'A More Beautiful Morning Will Come'. I wrote it just last month, and haven't sang it for anyone, yet."
[17:15] <Usagi-chan> "Cool!" Usagi giggles. "I get the first showing!"
[17:17] * Rei-chan takes a moment to centre herself, recalling the lyrics she wrote, before nodding as she begins. " The gentle breeze blows back just a little bit, Look! The season moves while I dream, I am a rascal when I want to, be, but I can stop, Even if I end up crying, I still win, But, someday, it will come easily..." The song is amazingly upbeat and cheerful, especially considering the state Rei was in last month...
[17:18] * Usagi-chan is somewhat surprised at the song's cheerful tone, but she listens attentively, wondering what the inspiration was for the song.
[17:20] <Rei-chan> Rei's performance is technically superb, though it does seem like the song was made for someone with a higher vocal range than the miko. However, she gives it all she has, the song seeming to emphasise her determination and confidence in the future.
[17:24] * Usagi-chan applauds once again, smiling as Rei concludes her song. "You're an amazing songwriter, Rei-chan! That was really good!"
[17:26] <Rei-chan> "Thanks," Rei replies with flushed cheeks. "I enjoyed writing this song. It helped me deal with some of the things I was feeling after..." she shrugs helplessly, not elaborating verbally, though it's obvious what she refers to. "I'm not sure I can fully do it justice myself, but I writing it was a pleasure in itself."
[17:27] <Usagi-chan> "Well, it still sounded really beautiful." Usagi smiles.
[17:27] <Rei-chan> "Thanks," Rei replies, going over to sit back on the bed herself. "So, Truth or Dare?" she asks with a grin.
[17:28] <Usagi-chan> "I'll try a Truth this time." Usagi nods. "Just name it!"
[17:29] <Rei-chan> "Okay..." Rei rubs her palms together as she considers this. "If you could have one wish, what would it be?" she asks, before waggling a finger and adding, "And no wishing for more wishes!"
[17:30] <Usagi-chan> "Wow, that's a tough one... just one wish, right?" Usagi looks over at Rei.
[17:30] * Rei-chan nods. "Anything at all."
[17:32] * Usagi-chan thinks for a few minutes, then nods. "I'd wish that the world would never need to have the Sailor Senshi around for anything else, ever again. I don't mind doing the duty, but I really just want there to be peace."
[17:37] <Rei-chan> "It would be nice to never have to worry about the kinds of things we have to fight ever threatening innocents," Rei agrees. 'Although I'm glad to be a senshi... I'd probably never have met my friends otherwise...' she thinks to herself a bit guiltily. "Anyway!" she claps her hands, trying to quickly change the subject, "It's your turn. I'll try a Truth myself this time."
[17:38] <Usagi-chan> "Oh, no way I'd want to give any of you guys up!" Usagi picks up on the thought. "Getting to know all of you has DEFINITELY been the greatest part of getting to be Sailor Moon. Even if you do keep calling me a dumpling head." Usagi grins.
[17:39] * Rei-chan blushes at having her thought read. "Yeah... So, have a question for me?" she quickly asks.
[17:40] <Usagi-chan> "Um... give me a minute, I'll think of something..." Usagi looks up at the ceiling, deep in thought.
[17:40] * Rei-chan waits patiently.
[17:41] * Usagi-chan giggles. "I've got a funny one, but it's something I've been dying to know. What's the weirdest thing you've ever caught your grandpa doing?"
[17:46] * Rei-chan snickers as she thinks of a fond memory. "This was about three years ago. He was doing his usual thing, trying to pick up girls to work at the Shrine. Well, the girls he was talking to suddenly got distracted by a bunch of biker guys, and started fawning over them instead. Grandpa was in one of his funny moods, and wasn't about to take that lying down..."
[17:47] * Usagi-chan covers a giggle, getting an idea of where this story might be headed.
[17:49] <Rei-chan> "He marched right up to the biggest guy with the most number of body piercings, and challenged him to a motorcycle race, 'The winner gets the pretty ladies!'" Rei giggles, "He borrowed an old bike from the priest at the Buddhist Temple down the road. It was a total lawnmower, at least thirty years old, and the other guy had an imported Harley Davidson..."
[17:50] * Usagi-chan's giggles increase in intensity at the thought of Grandpa Hino on a motorcycle.
[17:52] <Rei-chan> "The girls had already gotten bored and wandered off, but Grandpa was in this for pride. The rest of the bikers were all just laughing at him, and the guy he challenged was all worried he'd get bad luck for beating a priest." Rei shakes her head, "Anyway, they had their race, going on a circuit around Juuban. I only saw the start and finish, but... well, the biker guy was back in about twenty minutes..."
[17:53] <Usagi-chan> "When did Gramps get back?" Usagi can't hide her grin.
[17:54] <Rei-chan> "I was left sitting on the Shrine steps for nearly two hours before I saw grandpa again." She sighs, "I don't think I'll ever know exactly what happened on his trip, but his bike was covered in all kinds of muck, and Grandpa totally stank of fish for days afterwards..." She gives a fond smile. "At least he let up on the girl chasing for a while."
[17:56] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "He never gives up for long though, does he?"
[17:56] <Rei-chan> "No... he sure doesn't," Rei agrees, also shaking her head.
[17:56] <Usagi-chan> "Okay! My turn... I'll try a Dare this time." Usagi sits up straight on the bed.
[18:01] <Rei-chan> "Dare..." Rei tries to think of something suitably amusing to force her friend into doing. "I dare you... to..." the miko's eyes suddenly light up with a devilish gleam, "Pretend to be Miss Haruna's secret admirer for a week! Send her cards or flowers or stuff like that before class every day!"
[18:01] * Usagi-chan collapses in a fit of the giggles. "Oh come on, Rei-chan! You know she'd kill me if she ever found out!"
[18:02] <Rei-chan> "But if she doesn't find out, she'll be more lenient all week! You always say she's a nicer teacher when she's got a date or something," Rei explains reasonably.
[18:03] <Usagi-chan> "Well, true... as long as I make sure not to get in trouble the day after I stop sending stuff, I should be okay..."
[18:03] <Rei-chan> "And make sure Naru doesn't see you sending stuff as well," Rei adds.
[18:04] * Usagi-chan flushes guiltily. "Don't remind me... she already thinks I've got a thing for other girls."
[18:05] <Rei-chan> "Maybe she's just jealous that your eye hasn't wandered in her direction," Rei teases, remembering how she had misinterpreted Kotono at first.
[18:05] <Usagi-chan> "Naru? No way - she's got a thing for UMINO, of all people. I don't think she even knows it yet though." Usagi giggles.
[18:07] <Rei-chan> "Umino? That boy you dated once?" Rei clarifies, smirking.
[18:08] <Usagi-chan> "It was NOT a date! I just had him along as an excuse while I was spying on you and End... Mamoru!" Usagi sputters.
[18:09] * Rei-chan blinks at Usagi's verbal slip. Taking a moment to recover, she coughs, before saying, "Ah, well... I'm sure Naru sees something in him, then..."
[18:11] <Usagi-chan> "He's not really a bad guy - if you can get past his looks. Remember that time he sat outside Naru's apartment dressed up as Tuxedo Kamen?" Usagi giggles.
[18:12] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, he's certainly devoted..." Rei says diplomatically.
[18:12] <Usagi-chan> "And they make such a cute couple!" Usagi grins. "Although Naru would probably kill me if I said so."
[18:14] * Rei-chan chuckles. "So, it's my turn now? I'll take a Dare as well."
[18:18] <Usagi-chan> "Hmmm..." Usagi ponders for a moment. "I know! I want to see you kiss one of the other senshi. It doesn't matter who it is, and can't know you're going to do it - and I have to be there to see it when it happens." Usagi smirks.
[18:19] * Rei-chan blinks. "Hey, Usagi. What's that?" she points behind the blonde.
[18:19] * Usagi-chan blinks in surprise, turning to look in the direction Rei is pointing. "What?"
[18:20] <Rei-chan> While she's distracted, Rei leans forward and grabs her head to face her again, pressing her lips against Usagi's.
[18:21] * Usagi-chan opens her eyes wide in shock as Rei locks lips with her.
[18:22] * Rei-chan slips her tongue in for a brief moment, before withdrawing. "Really, Usagi. Of all the people to give that particular Dare to... it would have been funny to see Mako-chan or Ami-chan try it," she says, slightly flushed.
[18:23] * Usagi-chan simply blinks for a minute, a bit stunned from the kiss... more so from the tongue. "I... umm... that is, I..."
[18:24] <Rei-chan> "Didn't you like it?" Rei asks, tilting her head. "I suppose it's more fun if both people participate..."
[18:24] <Usagi-chan> "It was... wow. I mean, I've never kissed anyone like that before..." Usagi replies as her wits return, a flush climbing up her cheeks. "Or BEEN kissed like that, either."
[18:27] <Rei-chan> "Wait..." Rei asks, some concern building in her, "You HAVE kissed before, right?"
[18:28] * Usagi-chan shakes her head slightly, still trying to come to grips with the events of the past minute and a half. "Just my parents, that kind of thing."
[18:29] <Rei-chan> "Oh!" Rei claps a hand over her mouth. "I'm sorry, Usagi... I shouldn't have done that! Your first kiss should be special..."
[18:31] * Usagi-chan rubs the back of her head embarrassedly. "It was definitely special..." 'Why pick me though? I didn't even think she'd think of me for that...' Usagi thinks somewhat dazedly.
[18:36] <Rei-chan> "Well..." Rei blushes, "I'm most comfortable with you... I couldn't do this with Minako, given our history. Herb is right out. I suppose Mako-chan and Ami-chan are both really pretty, but... I think I might be too embarrassed with them." She gives Usagi a smile, "I'm glad you think it was special. I wouldn't want to give you anything less."
[18:37] * Usagi-chan gives a short laugh. "I'll never forget it, that's for sure." Usagi blinks, still trying to sort out her spinning head. "I, uh, think I'm about ready to get some sleep if you are."
[18:39] <Rei-chan> "Ah... okay. You're not upset, are you?" Rei asks worriedly.
[18:40] <Usagi-chan> "No no, I'm just... I don't really know right now. It's kind of weird." Usagi shakes her head slightly.
[18:42] <Rei-chan> "Right," Rei nods. "Well, goodnight." She gets off the bed to fix the futon and sheets she yanked away earlier.
[18:44] <Usagi-chan> "Good night, Rei-chan." Usagi replies, still wondering why that kiss had set off such a storm of emotions inside her.
[18:44] * Rei-chan finishes fixing up the futon and lies down in it, since Usagi is the guest and gets the bed.

[11:19] <Anastasia> After another incident, it's come to a head.
[11:19] <Anastasia> Makoto, fearing for her powers, has decided to entrust things to Usagi and Rei.
[11:21] <Anastasia> They gather in Rei's room, ready to get to business.
[11:21] <Rei-chan> "Don't worry, Mako-chan, we'll take good care of you," Rei reassures her tall friend.
[11:21] <Usagi-chan> "All right, Mako-chan. Are you ready for this?" Usagi gives the tall brunette a serious look.
[11:21] * Makoto nods firmly, although inside she's quite nervous.
[11:22] <Rei-chan> "Just lie down and get comfortable," Rei indicates the bed, "We don't know how long this will take."
[11:22] * Usagi-chan nods slowly, closing her eyes as she transforms to the form of the Moon Princess.
[11:23] <Serenity-hime> "Don't worry, Mako-chan." Serenity smiles. "We'll have you good as new in no time."
[11:25] <Makoto> "I hope so," Makoto says with a weak smile. "All that static electricity makes combing my hair a bitch..."
[11:25] * Serenity-hime giggles briefly, then focuses intently on Makoto's aura, searching out the deeply buried fragments of Orestes' soul inside her.
[11:26] * Rei-chan closes her eyes, trusting her spiritual senses to show her where the problem lies with Makoto's aura.
[11:26] <Anastasia> Both of you feel forward... slowly plumbing the depths of Makoto's very being.
[11:28] <Anastasia> Deeper... deeper... there. Buried deeply in her soul like an infection, there are the two threads of energy. They have bonded themselves to the substance of the soul, and lines can be seen starting to branch out from there, lines of black on the green of Makoto's being.
[11:28] <Serenity-hime> 'It's spread since I saw it last, Rei-chan.' Serenity thinks in a serious tone.
[11:29] <Rei-chan> 'I can see it,' Rei responds mentally. 'The way it's spreading looks like it'll be tough to get out without damaging anything else in there...'
[11:35] <Anastasia> The two bands pulse and throb in your mental sight. The green right on the edge of the infection is pale and wan, you notice.
[11:35] * Serenity-hime examines the diseased area carefully. 'I don't think I can pull this out like I did with the others. We can try it first, but I don't know how much good it'll do.'
[11:36] <Rei-chan> 'Maybe if you can somehow split it into smaller sections, you can pull it the bits that are less entwined?' Rei suggests, biting her lip.
[11:37] <Serenity-hime> 'Let's try the direct approach first. I can always stop if it's not working.' Serenity focuses on Makoto's face. "Mako-chan, I'm going to try to pull this out directly first. If it hurts too much, let me know and I'll stop, okay?"
[11:37] * Makoto pauses, and nods. "Alright."
[11:38] * Serenity-hime takes a deep breath and focuses on the diseased area once again. Slowly, she attempts to grasp the first of the fragments and pull it away from Makoto, very gently.
[11:39] * Rei-chan wishes Orestes were a spirit or something so she could handle this with a simple exorcism. Not having much ability herself, she focuses on supporting Serenity as best she can, hoping she might be able to spot any changes in the aura that the less experienced girl might miss.
[11:39] <Anastasia> OOC - Soul check, +7. It seems to be even more entrenched this time.
[11:40] <Serenity-hime> roll 2d6+6
[11:40] * Musk-bot --> "Serenity-hime rolls 2d6+6 and gets 17."
[11:41] <Serenity-hime> roll 2d6+6
[11:41] * Musk-bot --> "Serenity-hime rolls 2d6+6 and gets 17."
[11:42] <Anastasia> The thread doesn't move an inch. An overwhelming sense of pain and agony strikes Makoto all over, on a fundamental level that mere flesh doesn't reach.
[11:43] * Makoto screeches at the sensation, thrashing around in the bed.
[11:43] <Anastasia> The reverations of Makoto's soul shake both Usagi and Rei as well, the pain the girl feel shared for one moment.
[11:44] * Serenity-hime gasps in shock, releasing Makoto immediately.
[11:44] * Rei-chan clutches her head for a moment, before seeing Makoto's distress is far worse. "Mako-chan!" she cries, grabbing her to keep her from hurting herself (or anyone else) in her thrashing.
[11:45] * Makoto whimpers as the pain slowly, excruciatingly slowly, begins to vanish. Tears are forming at the tips of her closed eyes.
[11:46] <Serenity-hime> "It's... no good. It's rooted in now." Serenity takes several deep breaths, trying to recover her composure from the sudden shock of Makoto's pain.
[11:47] * Rei-chan winces, seeing the pain in Makoto's expression. "There has to be something we can do?"
[11:48] <Serenity-hime> 'I could try cutting it out, I guess, but I don't know what that will do to Makoto.' Serenity surveys the problem area again.
[11:49] <Anastasia> It's inflamed now, and the area around it looks like specs of black were thrown onto it from your pull.
[11:49] <Rei-chan> 'We have to be extremely careful. We're doing far more harm than good at this rate...' Rei thinks back sadly.
[11:51] <Serenity-hime> 'We have to do something though, Rei-chan. It's already spread beyond what I saw when I first looked at her.' Serenity replies.
[11:53] * Rei-chan produces her transformation pen. "My Pen acts like an amplifier for my powers, though it's nothing like the Ginzuishou used to be, I think if I focus through it, I'll be able to help a lot more." Left unspoken is the risk that she might use too much and cause even more damage. But desperate times call for desperate measures...
[11:54] * Serenity-hime nods slowly. "Anything is worth a try at this point."
[11:55] * Rei-chan settles herself in, concentrating very deeply on Makoto's aura, using her magical pen almost like a lens, focusing her limited psychic abilities on the brunette.
[11:56] <Anastasia> Sensing out again, the two threads are still there... mocking you as they sully Makoto's soul.
[12:04] <Rei-chan> Focusing her power against the foreign influence, Rei tries to cut into it, splitting it into more manageable chunks for Serenity to remove, rather than the bloated entangled mess it currently is.
[12:06] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6+3
[12:06] * CyWyrm --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6+3 and gets 6."
[12:07] <Anastasia> Your power slices cleanly through it, severing it thinly into two threads.
[12:08] <Rei-chan> 'Okay, let me try and divide it up a bit more,' Rei tells Usagi, looking for any branches off the strands which look to be very entangled with the rest of Makoto's aura.
[12:08] * Serenity-hime nods. 'Be careful, Rei.' Turning to Makoto, she smiles. "Are you doing all right now, Mako-chan?"
[12:08] <Anastasia> The upper part is more entrenched than the lower part, on first inspection.
[12:09] * Rei-chan concentrates intently, trying to cut the top part away, so it can be removed seperately by Usagi, with less risk of unsettling the rest.
[12:10] * Makoto slowly nods, not currently feeling any pain.
[12:10] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6+3
[12:10] * CyWyrm --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6+3 and gets 10."
[12:10] <Anastasia> The top part cuts most of the way, but a few strands are still there.
[12:11] <Anastasia> An echo of pain hits Makoto, not terrible, but enough to make her wince.
[12:11] * Rei-chan looks around for any other sections which look like they'd be problematic to retreive.
[12:12] <Anastasia> That was the worst... the rest are there as they were, just cut up
[12:13] <Rei-chan> 'Okay, Usagi. Try pulling the parts I've cut up out, one at a time. They shouldn't be so difficult to remove now,' Rei tells the blonde.
[12:14] <Serenity-hime> 'Just be ready to cut again. If they catch when I try to pull them, that may be the easiest way to get them out.' Serenity takes a deep breath and begins to draw out the least-attached of the three segments separated by Rei.
[12:15] <Anastasia> OOC - Soul check, +2
[12:15] <Serenity-hime> roll 2d6+2
[12:15] * CyWyrm --> "Serenity-hime rolls 2d6+2 and gets 9."
[12:15] <Anastasia> With a pull that sends a shudder through Makoto, that segment is lifted away and fizzles into nothingness as it leaves Makoto's soul.
[12:16] * Rei-chan watches over the procedure, ready to step in if necessary.
[12:16] * Serenity-hime smiles slightly as the first section comes out without too much trouble. Bracing herself once again, she reaches in for the second segment.
[12:17] <Anastasia> OOC - Soul check, +3
[12:17] <Serenity-hime> roll 2d6+3
[12:17] * CyWyrm --> "Serenity-hime rolls 2d6+3 and gets 9."
[12:19] <Anastasia> This one comes free as well, liberating a section of Makoto's soul. This time, the shudder through her is a bit less.
[12:20] <Anastasia> The bottom segment is left now.
[12:20] * Serenity-hime sighs in relief as the next segment disintegrates. 'Almost there...' She focuses on the final section, once again working it out of Makoto's soul gently and carefully.
[12:21] <Anastasia> OOC - Soul check, +4
[12:21] <Serenity-hime> roll 2d6+4
[12:21] * CyWyrm --> "Serenity-hime rolls 2d6+4 and gets 13."
[12:22] <Anastasia> The thread begins to move up...but suddenly, it jerks back, reburying itself into Makoto's spirit! The girl screams in pure pain and thrashes about at this, the mental feedback stunning the both of you.
[12:23] * Serenity-hime opens her eyes wide with the pain of the backlash, quickly moving to ease the tremors in Makoto's soul as soon as she has her bearings once again.
[12:23] <Anastasia> Looking at her body, a bit of blood begins to trickle from her nose, and a bruise is forming rapidly on her left arm. The damage seems to be manifesting on her body as well.
[12:24] * Rei-chan examines the after-effects in the girl's aura, seeing if the stubborn fragment has buried itself deeper this time.
[12:24] <Anastasia> It does seem to be a bit deeper, driven back with the rebound of Usagi's power.
[12:25] * Rei-chan tries to cut around the main bulk of the fragment, severing the branches tethering it to the rest of Makoto's aura.
[12:26] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6+3
[12:26] * CyWyrm --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6+3 and gets 10."
[12:27] <Anastasia> This time, you cut out a good part of the middle... the edges are still filled with the energy, even as the guts of it fade away.
[12:30] * Serenity-hime moves in as Rei finishes her work, attempting to grasp the largest of the remaining web of threads and draw it out once again.
[12:31] <Anastasia> OOC - Soul check, +2
[12:31] <Serenity-hime> roll 2d6+2
[12:31] * CyWyrm --> "Serenity-hime rolls 2d6+2 and gets 14."
[12:33] <Anastasia> You grasp it...and you yank! Not only does it not move, you feel Makoto's being around it rip as you fail to pull it. The girl howls in pain, her eyes opening wide and a cut appearing on her forehead, blood flowing down the smooth injury.
[12:33] <Rei-chan> "Oh, God, Mako-chan!" Rei cries out, seeing things start to go horribly wrong.
[12:34] <Anastasia> The backlash sends both Rei and Usagi into a world of pain themselves...
[12:34] * Rei-chan clutches her head, the Mars Pen falling from her nerveless fingers.
[12:34] * Serenity-hime reels back, the pain almost causing her to black out.
[12:36] <Anastasia> As the shared pain clears, you see that Makoto is awake now, albiet with an expression of incomprehensible pain written across her face.
[12:37] * Serenity-hime grits her teeth and focuses again, knowing that if she doesn't do this now, it's only going to become more difficult in the future. Setting her jaw, she makes another attempt to pull out the tangled mass, working very carefully to avoid damaging Makoto's soul any further than she already has.
[12:37] <Serenity-hime> roll 2d6+2
[12:37] * CyWyrm --> "Serenity-hime rolls 2d6+2 and gets 9."
[12:37] <Anastasia> Finally, the segment is pulled and it's influcence is gone. Where it was is a tear, a wound in Makoto's spirit. It's disgusting and sickening to your eyes...
[12:39] * Serenity-hime shudders as she sees the damage she caused with her ill-advised yank. Reaching out, she attempts to smooth over the rip in Makoto's aura very gently.
[12:40] <Anastasia> Makoto thrashes as you try and smooth it, to no real avail.
[12:40] * Serenity-hime curses inwardly and stops, seeing that she's only furthering the damage.
[12:41] <Rei-chan> With still one thread left, Rei puts her effort to dividing it into smaller chunks like she did with the last time, this time putting more effort to remove any obstacles which will make things harder for Serenity when she comes to remove them.
[12:42] <Anastasia> This thread is more established and wider than the last, and is buried extremely deep in Makoto.
[12:42] <Anastasia> There may be one spot to cut it in two...but it's not an easy cut.
[12:43] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6+4
[12:43] * CyWyrm --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6+4 and gets 13."
[12:43] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6+4
[12:43] * CyWyrm --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6+4 and gets 8."
[12:43] <Anastasia> You sever it into two deeply buried parts now.
[12:45] * Serenity-hime examines the severed portions, wiping a bead of sweat off her forehead. 'I don't know if I should even try it, Rei-chan... it's just buried so deep.'
[12:46] <Rei-chan> "I know..." Rei says sadly. "Maybe there's some other way we can make it come out, rather than just yanking on it? It's not naturally a part of Mako-chan... perhaps we could bolster her soul somehow, so it could reject the foreign part itself? Kind of like increasing her immune system?"
[12:53] * Serenity-hime looks over at Makoto, noticing the girl is awake, although obviously still suffering a good deal of pain. "Mako-chan, can you hear me?"
[12:54] * Makoto mumbles incoherently.
[12:55] * Rei-chan reaches under her bed for her first aid kit, pulling out a cloth to wipe Makoto's forehead before putting a bandage on. "We can't keep up like this, Usagi..." she says sadly.
[12:56] <Serenity-hime> "I just don't know what to do, Rei-chan! If we stop now, it's only going to get worse from here. But I don't know if there's anything else we can do!" Serenity looks lost.
[12:58] <Rei-chan> "Maybe a Moon Healing Escalation would help?" Rei suggests, "It was able to remove youma possessing people, so maybe it could remove this taint from Mako-chan's soul?" Rei offers, wondering why trying that hadn't been their first idea.
[12:59] * Serenity-hime stands up. "It's better than continuing to hurt poor Mako-chan like this. I just hope it works." A pair of transformations later, Sailor Moon stands inside Rei's bedroom, looking down at Makoto.
[13:00] * Rei-chan continues observing Makoto's aura, waiting to see the effect this will have.
[13:00] <Sailor_Moon> "If it doesn't look like it's having any effect, let me know and I'll stop so we can try something else, okay?" Moon draws out the Lunar Rod, readying herself for the effort.
[13:00] * Rei-chan nods.
[13:02] * Sailor_Moon gestures with the rod, the end of it describing a circle around her body. With a cry of "Moon Healing Escalation!" sparkling motes of white light flying from the circle to impact Makoto's prone form.
[13:02] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[13:02] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[08:55] <Soul_Doctor_Anastasia> The light flows over Makoto...the lights shimmering and sparkling, hopefully promising salvation for Makoto.
[08:56] <Soul_Doctor_Anastasia> When it clears, the smaller flecks of the contamination are gone. The main, last thread is still there, however. It's clamped on tightly, like a tick on someone's leg.
[08:57] <Rei-chan> 'All the smaller bits are gone, but that thread is still there...' Rei says, trying to tell if it has at least shrank a little bit.
[08:58] * Sailor_Moon nods and continues to hold the magical healing effect in place, hoping that it can somehow affect the largest part of the contamination if she gives it enough power.
[08:58] <Soul_Doctor_Anastasia> If it has, it's so minor that it's trivial. If anything, it's starting to glow with a blackness that shields and surrounds it... the healing isn't having much of an effect on that big a chunk.
[08:59] <Soul_Doctor_Anastasia> You get the impression that it's too tightly wound up to her soul.
[08:59] <Rei-chan> 'It's not working anymore,' Rei thinks sadly, 'It's too tightly wound in her soul, it's resisting completely.'
[09:00] * Sailor_Moon halts the healing with a breath. "Wow... holding it like that takes a lot out of me..."
[09:21] <Rei-chan> "I have an idea, Usagi," Rei suggests, "If you can just pull on it a tiny bit, just enough to stretch it out, then I could cut off the bits tethering it to Makoto's soul. It should come out cleanly then, and you can just remove the remainder with another Moon Healing Escalation."
[09:22] <Sailor_Moon> "Sounds good to me... let's give it a shot."  Usagi changes forms once again.
[09:24] * Rei-chan recentres herself for another focused attempt at cutting the infection away, knowing she'll need to be extra-precise for this one.
[09:25] * Serenity-hime begins to carefully draw on one of the two remaining segments, attempting to lift it out and away from Makoto's soul far enough for Rei to be able to cut most of it out.
[09:25] <Serenity-hime> roll 2d6+4
[09:25] * CyWyrm --> "Serenity-hime rolls 2d6+4 and gets 8."
[09:25] <Soul_Doctor_Anastasia> The thread is lifted slowly, working it's way out under your guidance...
[09:26] * Rei-chan quickly moves in, bringing her own power to sever the threads tethering the infection to Makoto's soul.
[09:26] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6+3
[09:26] * CyWyrm --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6+3 and gets 14."
[09:26] <Rei-chan> do-over!
[09:26] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6+3
[09:26] * CyWyrm --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6+3 and gets 9."
[09:26] <Soul_Doctor_Anastasia> Snip...snip...snip...your spiritual advance severs the bins, freeing the thread to float away into nothingness.
[09:27] * Rei-chan breathes a sigh of relief, thanking the Kami for her luck. "Okay, last one, Usagi."
[09:27] * Serenity-hime smiles and nods. "We've almost got it, Rei." Turning back to the task at hand, Usagi attempts to grip the last segment and lift it out as before.
[09:27] <Serenity-hime> roll 2d6+4
[09:27] * CyWyrm --> "Serenity-hime rolls 2d6+4 and gets 12."
[09:29] * Rei-chan moves in once more, sweat dripping down her brow as she focuses for this most important effort.
[09:29] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6+3 burning 30 EP
[09:29] * CyWyrm --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6+3 burning 30 EP and gets 11."
[09:30] <Soul_Doctor_Anastasia> With a final push of mental will, you free up the last big chunk of the aura, allowing it to fade away from Makoto's soul. All that is left are a few fragments.
[09:30] <Rei-chan> "Alright, now to just clean out the residue," Rei gives Serenity a tired smile.
[09:31] <Serenity-hime> "Okay, one more Moon Healing and then I think I'm going to fall over." Serenity stands up, slipping back into her guise as Sailor Moon.
[09:32] <Sailor_Moon> "Moon Healing Escalation!" Sailor Moon directs the healing flows of energy towards Makoto once again, in an effort to eliminate the last residues of Orestes' energy from her.
[09:32] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[09:32] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 5."
[09:32] * Rei-chan observes the effect on Makoto's aura.
[09:33] <Soul_Doctor_Anastasia> The last shards of the darkness shrink and fade away, leaving Makoto's injured but intact spirit alone.
[09:33] * Sailor_Moon falls to her knees, breathing heavily. "Let's not do that again any time soon, okay?"
[09:34] * Rei-chan sighs. "We did it... but I think Mako-chan will still need some time to recover herself, now..." the miko turns a concerned glance at her unconscious friend.
[09:38] * Sailor_Moon looks at the sleeping brunette, grateful at least that the healing energies also healed all her physical injuries.
[09:46] * Makoto blearily opens her eyes, staring at her two friends. Weakly, she mumbles, "Well, I take it I'm not dead at least..."
[09:47] * Sailor_Moon gives Makoto a tired smile as she lets her transformation dissipate. "It's all gone, Mako-chan. We managed to get rid of it all."
[09:48] <Rei-chan> "I'm sorry, Mako-chan. I really didn't think it would be so difficult..." Rei mutters apologetically. "Can I get you anything to eat or drink? You should probably just rest for a while, now."
[09:49] * Makoto weakly tries to get up. "I've had enough of lying down resting last month, I think," Makoto mutters before stumbling. "Although I guess my body didn't get enough of it. Yeah, some water would be nice..."
[09:50] <Rei-chan> "I'll be right back," Rei says, rising and exiting the room.
[09:51] * Usagi-chan wipes the sweat from her brow. "I'm sorry it hurt so much, Mako-chan. I really tried hard not to hurt you, but I just couldn't manage it."
[09:52] <Makoto> "Hey, you got it out, right? That's what matters," Makoto says.
[09:53] * Rei-chan returns, handing Makoto a glass of water. "Here you go," she says.
[09:53] <Usagi-chan> "I couldn't have done it without Rei's help though... Wow, that was tough."
[09:54] * Makoto slowly sits up and grasps the glass, guzzling the cool refreshing liquid down her throat. "Thanks, Rei."
[09:55] <Rei-chan> "Hey, it was the least I could do for a friend," Rei says warmly. "It was a good team effort by both of us."
[09:56] * Usagi-chan nods, laying back on the floor. "We did it, and that's what's important. But now, I think I need a nap - I'm exhausted."
[09:58] <Rei-chan> "Well if you're going to nap, don't do it on the floor. You'll regret it when you wake up, trust me," Rei chastises the blonde. "Hold on, I'll grab a spare futon for you."
[10:02] * Usagi-chan struggles to stay awake until the miko returns with the futon, although it takes a large effort of will to do so.
[10:03] <Usagi-chan> roll 2d6+2
[10:03] * CyWyrm --> "Usagi-chan rolls 2d6+2 and gets 11."
[10:03] * Rei-chan soon returns, setting the futon on the floor next to the bed. "There you go. Just relax now, you worked way harder than me, today," she says fondly.
[10:04] * Usagi-chan manages to roll over on the futon before dozing off, her quiet snores sounding in Rei's bedroom.
[10:05] <Makoto> "Well, I guess I'll try sleeping too," Makoto says with a smile while looking at the sleeping blonde's form. Turning to Rei, she says, "Night, Rei-chan."
[10:06] <Rei-chan> "Sleep tight, Mako-chan," Rei replies going to sit at her desk and grabbing some manga to read.
[10:06] <Makoto> Plopping back down, Makoto yawns and goes to sleep.
[10:07] <Usagi-chan> -----
-------
Missing the first part of this scene, sadly.  But not a lot. Rei and Minako attend their orientation for Mugen.
-------
[11:38] <Rei-chan> "Yeah... it was so much harder than any exam I'd ever had to do at T*A..." Rei says, hoping that the entrance exam was just a difficult first hurdle, and things will ease up from here on out.
[11:39] <V-chan> "I wonder whether it's true that one of their majors is art," Minako muses. "That's definitely something I'd go for. Maybe some foreign languages, too...."
[11:40] <Rei-chan> "You'll find out in a few minutes, I guess," Rei shrugs.
[11:42] <V-chan> "I sure hope so!" Minako says, nodding. "This school is so mysterious, in some areas... I couldn't find out anything about the level of their volleyball team, since it's so new and they haven't competed seriously yet." She looks at the miko curiously. "How about you, Rei-chan? Going to try out for one of the clubs?"
[11:43] * Rei-chan shakes her head. "I don't have time for any clubs, what with my priestess duties and... other job..." she says, wondering how the hell Minako can find the time herself.
[11:44] <V-chan> "You'll have the time, if you just multitask and run like crazy!" Minako exclaims, beaming at her.
[11:44] <V-chan> "It's even good practice, if you're in one of the sports clubs!"
[11:46] <Rei-chan> "No, I don't think so," Rei replies. "I have more important things to deal with than playing around with clubs and societies."
[11:48] <V-chan> Minako face falls slightly. "There's nothing wrong with playing around sometimes."
[11:49] <Rei-chan> "Like I said," Rei shrugs, "I don't have the time or inclination to devote myself to a club."
[11:53] <V-chan> "They sure are giving us time to socialize," Minako changes the subject masterfully, glancing at Mrs. Edo.
[10:39] <Anastasia> Clearing her throat, Mrs. Edo gets the attention of the group.
[10:40] * Rei-chan turns her attention towards Mrs Edo.
[10:40] * V-chan settles back with her parents.
[10:42] <Anastasia> "As you all may be aware, we are currently over halfway through the current semester. We have found it better not to insert students past this point in a semester upon arrival. Instead, we offer a tutoring school to assess the exact level you are on and make sure each student is ready for the new semester, when they will be intergrated into the main school."
[10:43] * Rei-chan is a little disappointed that she won't be resuming proper schooling right away, having already missed quite a bit. Still, that tutoring thing sounds like it could ensure she doesn't let her studies slip too much...
[10:43] * V-chan is slightly confused, but isn't about to complain about further lack of school.
[10:46] <Anastasia> She goes on after allowing a few moments for this to sink in. "The tutoring takes place each weekday from 9 30 AM to 3 00 PM, just like a regular school day," she goes on. "In all respects, it's a normal schedule. Are there any questions?" she asks.
[10:47] <Rei-chan> "Will it just be us four in the class?" Rei asks.
[10:47] <Anastasia> "Yes, along with various students and teachers who will acts as the tutors," she nods. "One on one instruction for each student, each day."
[10:47] <V-chan> "Which majors could we pick next year?" Minako asks the woman.
[10:50] <Anastasia> "That will be determined as you go through your tutoring," she replies.
[10:51] <V-chan> "I was interested in which majors were available, actually," the blonde clarifies.
[10:53] <Anastasia> "We offer many choices, which are detailed in the Student Handbook that you will receieve today," she says. "I'll pass those out shortly."
[10:53] * V-chan nods.
[10:55] <Anastasia> "Excuse me," the young man who made it in asks, "What about elective courses?"
[10:56] <Anastasia> "Those will be outlined in the Handbook as well," she nods. "Are there any more questions?"
[10:57] * Rei-chan doesn't have any right now.
[10:58] * V-chan wants to know about the scanner, but isn't about to bring it up in public.
[11:00] <Anastasia> "The tutorial school will start this coming Monday," she says as she passes out a thick book along with several packets of paper. "The relevant information is included in these, and the booklet is the Mugen Student handbook. Should you have any questions after reading this, your tutors will be happy to elaborate and clarify."
[11:02] <Anastasia> "Now," she says, bowing to the class, "I will open the floor. Are there any more questions or comments you would like to make?"
[11:05] <Rei-chan> "Oh," Rei speaks up, suddenly remembering something, "Where can we buy our school uniforms?"
[11:07] <Anastasia> "Of course," she murmurs. "I nearly forgot," a hint of a blush creeps up her neckline. "The school uniform will be provided once you get into the tutoring program. This will be taken care of for you."
[11:07] <V-chan> "Could you tell me a bit about Mugen's volleyball club?" Minako asks next.
[11:07] <Rei-chan> "Ah," Rei smiles, nodding approvingly, "That's nice," 'Saves some money, at least.'
[11:08] <Anastasia> "The volleyball club? I'm afraid I don't follow the sports clubs too closely, but I know there is a good program for it."
[11:09] <V-chan> "Ah." Minako nods, and resolves not to ask what makes Oceanography a real science.
[11:11] <Anastasia> "What about a debate club?" the odd girl out inquires.
[11:13] <Anastasia> "We have a full debate club, and it has won several competitions over the past year," she says, going into the debate club a bit.
[11:14] * V-chan leafs through the handbook in boredom, trying to check out what it says about the arts.
[11:16] <Anastasia> It goes into a bit of depth, but there are a few art programs. As you just start to get into it...
[11:16] <Anastasia> "Is that it? Alright, I'll now turn things over to the refreshments," she smiles, bows and leaves. A cart full of drinks and food is wheeled in, and unloaded on a back table.
[11:17] <V-chan> "So, what do you think, Mom?" Minako asks.
[11:18] <Anastasia> "It looks very nice. Paying for the uniforms themselves is a classy touch," Yuri Aino comments.
[11:19] <V-chan> "And the uniforms themselves are cool," Minako agrees, nodding. "People alway stop to look at Mugen students, when they pass. And they don't even use an ultra-short skirt to do it, too!"
[11:19] <Rei-chan> "Well, do you think father will have any problems now that I'm in this school instead of T*A?" Rei asks her grandpa quietly, keeping to themselves.
[11:22] <Anastasia> "I think so," he whispers back. "It's a high ranking school...and it does seem to have enough cute girls," he says, fading from the serious into his own interests a bit.
[11:22] <Rei-chan> "Yeah..." Rei mutters, realising she won't get much out of her grandfather now. "You want anything to eat?" she asks, rising from her seat.
[11:23] <Anastasia> "Please," he nods, getting up himself. And thus, the food is attacked by hungry students and parents alike.
[11:23] <Anastasia> ---
[11:24] <Anastasia> After that, Mrs. Edo comes back again, and gives a short speech before concluding the affair. As she leaves, every one gets up, ready to go home.
[11:27] <Rei-chan> "Bye, Minako," Rei waves as she leaves with her grandfather.
[11:27] * V-chan waves back, before turning to her mother. "Want to go and celebrate a bit, before going home?"
[11:28] <Anastasia> "Sounds good," she says with a smile. "How about a nice dinner out?"
[11:28] * V-chan nods with a smile of her own. "I know just the place...."
[11:28] <Anastasia> ---
-------
Missing more logs here. Rei meets with Eudial for the first time, and Professor Tomoe calls the two in for a meeting...
-------
[11:12] <Sailor_Anastasia> He goes on, you and Eudial following him. You note the shadow doesn't leave his face, strangely enough. He leads you down another hallway, this time into a wide room. Most of it is taken up by stuffed animals around what looks to be a throne.
[11:12] <Sailor_Anastasia> On the throne sits a little girl with short black hair, the rest of her in shadow.
[11:12] * Rei-chan looks oddly at the girl on the throne, but doesn't comment.
[11:13] <Rei-chan> Frowning, Rei gives the girl a more intent look, probing her aura.
[11:14] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I have someone for you," Professor Tomoe says, reaching out and touching your arm.
[11:14] * Rei-chan starts slightly at the contact, starting to feel a bit creeped out.
[11:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> You feel the gaze of the woman on you, chilling. "...Yes. You may proceed," the not-childish voice says to the other two.
[11:16] <Rei-chan> "Proceed?" Rei repeats, unable to keep a trace of nervousness from her voice.
[11:16] <Sailor_Anastasia> You feel something like a needle where the Professor holds your arm... It hurts as you are injected.
[11:16] <Rei-chan> "Hey!" Rei pulls her arm away, "What are you doing!?"
[11:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> "YES," Eudial cries out. "I knew you'd make it, Rei!" She races forward and gives you a quick hug before putting you down. You feel odd, odd...something's wrong.
[11:17] <Rei-chan> "What..." Rei says woozily, "I don't understand..." she tries to discern exactly what has been done to her. "What have you done?"
[11:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> "It's a special something that we all get thanks to the Mistress," Eudial explains as the world spins.
[11:19] <Rei-chan> "My head hurts..." Rei complains... 'Usagi... something's wrong!' she tries to send a telepathic message to her friend.
[11:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> As you fall into blackness, you hear no response.
[11:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[11:21] <Sailor_Anastasia> Waking up, your eyes slowly open. You're in the school infirmary.
[11:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial is sitting on a chair beside your cot, reading a science magazine.
[11:22] * Rei-chan mumbles something unintelligible as she tries to sit up.
[11:23] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Oh, you're up," she says. "How do you feel?"
[11:24] <Rei-chan> "Strange..." Rei says, going through what happened before she was knocked out. "What did you do to me?!" she suddenly demands accusingly, again trying to discern what has been changed within her.
[11:25] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Oh, we just did away with that annoying thing you call humanity," she cackles. "A step up, really."
[11:26] <Rei-chan> "Wh-what?!" Rei all but shrieks, scooting away on the bed away from Eudial. "I like my humanity!" she asserts.
[11:27] <Sailor_Anastasia> "It's no great loss," she laughs again. Her laugh isn't creepy now, oddly enough.
[11:27] <Sailor_Anastasia> It sounds... normal.
[11:31] * Rei-chan shakes her head slightly. "I... I dunno. I don't really feel all that different... but it's still weird..." 'It's nothing like when Metallia controlled me...'
[11:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> "You aren't. You're just special now," she laughs. "Like all of us now."
[11:32] <Rei-chan> "I was special before..." Rei mutters, her head still spinning.
[11:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Then you are Super Special now," she laughs again. "Like a powerup."
[11:34] <Rei-chan> "I don't feel any stronger..." Rei shakes her head, still feeling rather foggy. "How long have I been out?"
[11:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> "All morning and most of the afternoon," she comments. "Heh, that's better than that little Mimette, she was out all day," she snorts.
[11:35] <Rei-chan> "Mimette, who's she?" Rei asks, swivelling so she can sit with her legs off the side of the bed.
[11:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> "She's a prissy little girl who thinks she's a witch," she snaps off, female disdain dripping from her voice.
[11:37] <Rei-chan> "Ah. So I take it not everyone in Witches 5 gets along?" Rei asks, deciding she might need to watch her back around her new 'friends'.
[11:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Not with that Mimette," she agrees. "She's nothing but a skank wannabe!"
[11:38] <Rei-chan> "So what kind of powers does she have to have been selected, then?" Rei asks, starting to feel a bit more energy return to her.
[11:40] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Nothing worth mentioning," she says. "Anyway, c'mon," she gets up. "It's time for your tutorial at Heart Crystal taking!"
[11:40] <Rei-chan> "Okay, sempai." Rei hops off the bed, following Eudial.
[11:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> She leads out downstairs again, but towards the lab. She leads you to where a car is parked by a tunnel. "Hop in, I'll drive," she says as she gets in the car.
[11:42] <Rei-chan> "Hey, does this mean I don't have to wear the uniform anymore?" Rei asks, noting Eudial's own attire as she gets into the front passenger seat and buckles up.
[11:42] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Nope! Wear whatever you want, girl!" she grins.
[11:43] * Rei-chan nods, thinking that she'll like being part of the Witches 5. "This is a lot better than the time I got brainwashed by an evil goddess who wanted to destroy the Earth," she comments.
[11:43] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Huh?" she says, her face puzzled. "Run that by me again?"
[11:44] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, you remember all those monster attacks that used to happen a few months ago?" Rei queries.
[11:45] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Oh, those? Mistress and the Professor said they weren't important," Eudial says. "Some amateur making noise," she giggles.
[11:46] <Rei-chan> "Metallia-sama was no amateur!" Rei asserts, before frowning. "I mean, Metallia was no amateur. She wiped out the entire solar system millenia ago, and almost did it again at the end of last year. She brainwashed me to serve her." Rei chooses to keep quiet about the Sailor Senshi, though.
[11:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> "No big deal...I might ask the Professor about it, though. He'd know," she reasserts herself, before strapping in.
[11:48] <Rei-chan> "Yeah. She gave me a massive powerup, but totally messed with my head. I think this is much better, though. I'm powerful enough, and I don't need some stupid evil Goddess always yelling in my ear to 'kill this' 'burn that' and so on..." Rei gripes.
[11:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Wow, that does sound like it sucked. Bosses like that are no fun," she nods to herself before turning the key. With an alarming vigor, she puts her foot on the gas and GOES.
[11:50] * Rei-chan jolts back in her seat, very surprised at Eudial getting such acceleration from what looked like a mundane car.
[11:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> She zooms down lit underground roads, going what must be well past 100 miles per hour. This thing had better have mad airbags.
[11:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Go, go, GO, GO!" Eudial cries out as the car shakes and vibrates from the massive speed.
[11:52] <Rei-chan> "I'm scared..." Rei whimpers.
[11:53] <Sailor_Anastasia> "This is GREAT, Rei!" As she says that, the car jumps and somehow makes it through a manhole, coming to a sudden stop on a street corner. It's late dusktime, and the street lights are on.
[11:53] <Rei-chan> "Well, we're still alive, at least..." Rei comments, her heart racing.
[11:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial pops out of the car. You're in a residential neighborhood, near a small park.
[11:54] * Rei-chan steps out as well, wobbling slightly.
[11:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Over here," she says. She walks to the park and inside. Sitting on a swing is a child of perhaps ten, reading a book. She has blue hair and thick, thick glasses. Said hair is long and tied into a ponytail, about reaching to her butt.
[11:56] * Rei-chan follows Eudial. "So, you said something about heart crystals?"
[11:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Go check out her Heart Crystal," Eudial says, pointing at her. "Don't worry, you'll know what to do."
[11:56] <Rei-chan> "Okay..." Rei shrugs, not entirely sure. She walks over to the swings. "Hi there!" she says brightly, examining the girl's aura.
[11:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> Her aura is innocent and bright, normal for most children. "Hi there," she says, glancing up from her picture book.
[11:57] <Rei-chan> "What are you reading?" Rei asks, feeling something tickling at the back of her mind...
[11:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> "A Pooh Bear book," she smiles. The cover has the writing in English, you note. "Daddy's trying to teach me English early," she says. "He said it would make me a big girl if I could read two languages."
[11:59] <Rei-chan> "Aww..." Rei smiles. 'Such a dear child!' she thinks, "I bet a good little girl like you has a very pure heart crystal. Can I see it?"
[12:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> "What's that," she asks, not connecting.
[12:01] <Rei-chan> "I'm not entirely sure myself," Rei says in a conspiratorial whisper. "But sempai says I have to look at yours, and I think I've figured out how." Stepping back, she begins a chant like she does when meditating, focusing on drawing the heart crystal out of the girl.
[12:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Wh...ahhhh..." she shouts. She is levitated and turned on her back, like she's laying a few feet in the air. Her eyes go wide as a red and white, pointy object rises from her. It's a normal Heart Crystal, not a talisman... how'd you know that?
[12:02] <Rei-chan> "Not a talisman..." Rei mutters, then blinks. "What's a talisman?"
[12:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> "It's what we're looking for," Eudial says, having quietly come up behind you.
[12:04] <Rei-chan> "Oh. Well, I guess we don't need this, then," Rei says, stepping closer to gently lower the girl to the ground and letting the heart crystal be reabsorbed into her.
[12:05] <Sailor_Anastasia> "C'mon, let's get out of here now," Eudial says after you do that. Walking away, she asks, "Why'd you bother putting the Heart Crystal back?"
[12:05] <Rei-chan> "Well, why not?" Rei asks, blinking. "She'd die without it. Do you think leaving a trail of dead bodies behind us would help find the talismans?"
[12:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial shrugs. "Oh well...maybe you even have a point. Let's go, though," she says, running back up to her car, and running her hands over the smooth metal a few times.
[12:07] * Rei-chan gets in the car. "So, what exactly are these talismans?"
[12:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> "They are the talismans that our Mistress needs. If we get all of them, we can get the Purity Chalice," she says, any further comments being driven out for the moment by her speedy driving.
[12:08] * Rei-chan closes her eyes and prays that they don't crash.
[12:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> Despite going on two wheels a few times, your prayer is answered. At least the rides are quick.
[12:09] * Rei-chan pants a little. "I think it's going to take a while for me to get used to that..."
[12:09] <Sailor_Anastasia> "It's fun when you do," she gushes. "It feels great to go like that."
[12:10] <Rei-chan> "I'll take your word for it," Rei replies. "So, what now?"
[12:11] <Sailor_Anastasia> "We'll report to the Professor," she says. She leads you back through the hallways to the lab, where he still is.
[12:11] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Tell him, Rei," Eudial whispers, leaning into your ear.
[12:13] <Rei-chan> "Ah, Tomoe-sensei!" Rei greets the man, a little of her nervousness returning. "I examined the heart crystal of a random girl, but she didn't have a talisman. Um... are we just going to take people at random until we stumble on the talismans by dumb luck, by any chance?"
[12:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> "We have a plan," he comments, not looking up. "That was just a bit of a test of your skills, at any rate."
[12:14] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Oh, and Eudial. It's your turn to run to the corner market," he follows up.
[12:14] <Rei-chan> "Um... well, that's not really where my skills lie..." Rei says quietly. "Do you have some sort of item that can home in on the talismans?" she asks, recalling Zoisite's black homing crystal that he used to hunt the Rainbow Crystals.
[12:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> "We have our means," he nods. "Things are being worked on." Meanwhile... "Awwww," Eudial complains loudly, then sighs. "See ya, Rei."
[12:15] <Rei-chan> "Bye, Eudial-sempai," Rei waves to the older girl. "So, do you have anything more for me to do, Professor?"
[12:16] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Not tonight. You'll start your schedule tomorrow, report to room 666," he comments offhandedly.
[12:17] <Rei-chan> "Okay, then. I'm going home, now. Bye," Rei waves, turning around and heading back out of the school.
[12:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> You find your way out with surprising ease. The crisp night air is refreshing...you feel good now.
[12:18] <Rei-chan> "I wonder where Minako-chan was, today..." Rei wonders aloud as she walks home.
[12:18] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[12:21] <Rei-chan> After her dinner at the Shrine, Rei decides to go visit Usagi, since she hasn't seen the other girl for a few days.
[12:23] * Rei-chan rings the doorbell, and waits patiently for an answer.
[12:23] <Usagi-chan> A muffled "Coming!" sounds from inside the house, and a few moments later the door opens to reveal Usagi. "Rei-chan!" She smiles.
[12:25] <Rei-chan> "Hi, Usagi," Rei greets her cheerfully. "I just thought I'd stop by for a visit, since I haven't seen you for a few days..."
[12:25] * Usagi-chan gives Rei a curious look, then shrugs. "Come on in, we just finished dinner. I had planned to get a couple of things done, but I've always got time to talk." She giggles.
[12:27] <Rei-chan> "Oh, still having to do makeup work for school?" Rei asks, stepping inside.
[12:28] <Usagi-chan> "Just something else I've been working on for a while. I actually managed to catch up with school." Usagi can't avoid giving Rei a few searching glances as she enters the house.
[12:28] <Rei-chan> "Something on my face?" Rei asks curiously, noting the glances.
[12:29] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "No, you just look a little... different today for some reason. I can't exactly put my finger on what it is though."
[12:30] * Rei-chan scratches the back of her head. "Really? Good different or bad different?"
[12:31] <Usagi-chan> "I'm... not exactly sure. Just different different." Usagi continues her examination. "Are you feeling okay?"
[12:32] * Rei-chan shrugs. "I do feel a little bit off..." she admits, before hastily adding, "Not sick or anything like that, though."
[12:35] <Usagi-chan> "It doesn't LOOK like it's anything bad; I guess if you're feeling okay it's nothing to worry about."
[12:37] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, it isn't bad, just different... maybe I'm starting another growth spurt or something?" Rei suggests. "But anyway, how are you doing? You said you'd been working on something for a while?"
[12:38] <Usagi-chan> "Yeah, just a project that Ami and I have been working on." Usagi says somewhat evasively. "It's almost done, and I was just going to put some finishing touches on it tonight. They can wait though."
[12:43] <Rei-chan> "Well, I don't want to keep you from anything," Rei says, deflating a bit, "Are you sure you're not upset about what happened when you stayed over at the Shrine?" she asks, a bit worriedly.
[12:44] * Usagi-chan looks at Rei, slightly confused for a minute. "Huh? What do you... oh." Usagi blushes a bit. "No, I'm not upset about that."
[12:45] <Rei-chan> 'Well, if it took her a second to figure out what I meant, she's probably not upset about it,' Rei thinks to herself. "Okay. It's just that you seem a little distant is all," she explains.
[12:47] <Rei-chan> "Well, anyway!" Rei says, quickly changing the subject, "One thing I did want to know about, what's been happening with Miss Haruna this week?" she leans a bit closer, eager to hear the details.
[12:48] <Usagi-chan> "Oh, all right! I sent her a bouquet of roses yesterday with a card." Usagi grins. "You should have seen her face this morning - she was over the moon!"
[12:48] * Rei-chan giggles. "I take it school was a lot easier for you?"
[12:48] <Usagi-chan> "Heck yeah! No detention in sight! Although that's been a lot better lately, since I've been getting better grades." Usagi nods.
[12:50] <Rei-chan> "Heh, I'm glad things are going better for you. Mugen has been pretty tough, but I think things'll be easier with my new sempai helping me," Rei says cheerfully.
[12:50] <Usagi-chan> New sempai? Who's that?" Usagi perks up a bit.
[12:51] <Rei-chan> "Her name's Eudial. She's a little bit weird, but kinda fun. A lot of the other students at Mugen are pretty boring, y'know, really studious types," 'No offence, Ami-chan,' "But Eudial-sempai isn't like that at all."
[12:54] * Usagi-chan smiles. "And you're not even in your real classes yet, right? Still doing that tutoring thing before the new year starts?"
[12:55] <Rei-chan> "Yeah," Rei nods. "Hopefully I won't have too much trouble once I get into proper classes. The tutoring has been a big help."
[12:56] <Usagi-chan> "What kind of stuff have you been going over? Is it just like regular school stuff, or is it a lot harder?"
[12:58] <Rei-chan> "It's not as hard as a lot of the stuff on the entrance exam," Rei explains, "I think the exam was just a big hurdle to discourage slackers, but once you're actually in the school it isn't so bad. Still a lot tougher than T*A was, though." 'I was actually starting to miss that old place, but now I think Mugen is definitely for me,' the miko thinks cheerily.
[12:59] <Usagi-chan> "Well, I'm glad to hear you're enjoying yourself." Usagi smiles. "I'm just looking forward to the end-of-semester break myself." She sticks her tongue out slightly.
[13:00] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, then you'll be in your last year of junior high after that," Rei reminds her. "Have you thought much about which high school you'll go for?"
[13:03] * Usagi-chan groans. "I don't even want to THINK about high school exams yet. Regular tests are bad enough."
[13:04] <Rei-chan> "Ah, don't worry too much about it," Rei pats Usagi on the back. "It's still some ways off, and you can always ask Ami-chan for help!"
[13:04] <Usagi-chan> "I guess so. I wonder where she's planning to go? She could get into almost any school she wants to, after all." Usagi muses.
[13:06] <Rei-chan> "She probably could," Rei smiles, "But I think she'd rather go to school with her friends than worry about getting the 'best' one. She's smart enough from studying on her own that she really doesn't need school to learn, she just needs to go for exams and stuff."
[13:09] <Usagi-chan> "Yeah, but if she goes to Mugen with you guys she could have both." Usagi shrugs. "I guess we'll find out in a few months when we have to start applying." 'I just hope I don't wind up at whatever school I get into alone.'
[13:11] <Rei-chan> "Hey, you'll never have to worry about being alone, Usagi. You'll always have us here," she gently pokes Usagi's forehead, "Thanks to that telepathy thing of yours. Besides," she winks, "If worst comes to worst, I could help you get into Mugen as well."
[13:12] <Usagi-chan> "You could?" Usagi looks puzzled. "How? I mean, I'd have to pass that horrible test to get in, and there's no WAY I could make it if you just barely did."
[13:14] <Rei-chan> "I have my ways," Rei smiles mysteriously.
[13:15] * Usagi-chan is completely confused. Rei hasn't even started classes at Mugen and she's already implying she could pull strings to get her in? "I might take you up on that when it comes time for my high school exams then, Rei-chan."
[13:17] <Rei-chan> "Well, if it does come to that, I can help you out," Rei nods, "But still, don't take that as an excuse to slack off, Dumpling Head!" she adds sternly.
[13:18] <Usagi-chan> "Hey! I've been studying a lot more lately! Ami-chan knows, she's been helping me out a lot." 'It's not like there's a lot else we CAN do when we're resting, after all.'
[13:18] <Rei-chan> "Resting?" Rei cocks her head curiously. "Resting after what?"
[13:19] <Usagi-chan> "Oop... it's for that project I mentioned earlier." Usagi blushes, having forgotten that her telepathy works both ways.
[13:19] <Rei-chan> "What project?" Rei needles.
[13:20] <Usagi-chan> "I'm not telling." Usagi puts on a haughty air. "You'll find out at the same time everyone else does."
[13:22] <Rei-chan> "Oooh, you've got me all curious, now! When are we all going to find out yours and Ami-chan's big secret, then?"
[13:23] * Usagi-chan thinks for a moment. "We just finished up the biggest part of it last week, so hopefully we'll have it ready to show you guys in a week or so." Usagi nods.
[13:24] <Rei-chan> "Well, don't keep me waiting too long, or I might just have to investigate," Rei teases.
[13:24] * Usagi-chan grins. "You wouldn't even know where to start looking, Pyro."
[13:26] <Rei-chan> "Hah, you underestimate my skills!" Rei crows. "I could find out tonight, if I so chose," she announces haughtily.
[13:28] <Usagi-chan> "You think so, huh?" Usagi smirks. "All right, prove it!"
[13:29] <Rei-chan> "Alright, I will!" Rei announces. "I'll go home and ask the Sacred Flame to tell me about the big mysterious secret the Moon Princess is hiding. Now you're sure you don't mind me spoiling the surprise?"
[13:31] <Usagi-chan> "Well, if you insist on spoiling it I can't stop you anyway, now can I?" Usagi frowns. "That's IF that Sacred Fire of yours even gives you an answer."
[13:32] <Rei-chan> "It could," Rei grins, "But I won't ask it. I'll just trust you that this'll be a surprise worth waiting for."
[13:35] <Usagi-chan> "Believe me, it will be." Usagi grins. "We haven't even finished it yet and it already looks amazing."
[13:37] <Rei-chan> "Well, I'll try to keep my curiousity in check until you're ready, then," Rei says brightly.
[13:38] <Usagi-chan> "Like I said, I think we'll have it just about ready to show all the rest of you sometime next week, so you won't have to wait TOO long." Usagi smiles. "I bet it'll knock your socks off!"
[13:39] <Rei-chan> "Big words. We'll see if you can back them up, Dumpling Head," Rei teases, still smiling.
[13:41] <Usagi-chan> "I'll just have to wipe that smile right off your face then, Pyro." Usagi smirks. "But in a week. You'll get to see for yourself then."
[13:43] <Rei-chan> "Don't call me Pyro," Rei pouts.
[13:45] <Usagi-chan> "Then don't call me Dumpling Head." Usagi replies calmly, sticking out her tongue as she does so.
[13:46] <Rei-chan> "But it fits you so well!" Rei protests.
[13:48] <Usagi-chan> "And yours doesn't, Miss Fire Reader?" Usagi replies hotly.
[13:50] <Rei-chan> "Pyro has all sorts of connotation!" Rei argues, "Just because I make use of a fire in my religious observances, it doesn't mean I go around burning stuff willy nilly!"
[13:56] <Usagi-chan> "And Dumpling Head doesn't?" Usagi grumbles. "It makes me sound like I'm some kind of idiot!"
[13:58] <Rei-chan> "Well I already explained why I won't call you 'Bun Head'. I like calling you Dumpling Head. It just rolls right off the tongue..." Rei explains. "Dumpling Head, Dumpling Head, Dumpling Head," she grins, "I don't think I'd ever get tired of saying it."
[14:02] <Usagi-chan> "Have it your way then. Pyro!" Usagi sticks her tongue out at the miko.
[14:03] * Rei-chan replies in kind. "Bidah!"
-------
[07:51] <Anastasia> Sunday, March 3rd, 1:30 AM.
[07:52] <Anastasia> Having woken up in the middle of the night to nature's call, Ami staggers back to bed. Or she would have, if the sound of something very large crashing to the earth within a block or so didn't ring in your ears, or the ground didn't rock in an impact quake.
[07:57] * Ami grabs a wall in surprise, clinging to it until the shaking stops. 'What in the world was that?'
[07:59] * Ami heads out the front door, pausing briefly to use the disguise pen for some clothes and to summon the Mercury Computer. Ami scans for the disturbance rapidly.
[08:00] <Anastasia> Your computer's quick and dirty readings indicate that something crashed to the street below, something decently big. Once you get out your door, you see it easily. A third of a block down is a large crater, big enough to obstruct the entire street. A few people are scattered around the edge, peering in.
[08:02] * Ami heads to the crater's edge eagerly, hoping to see what hit.
[08:02] <Anastasia> You get a spot right at the edge, few people having made it down this quickly. The bottom of the crater is smoky, so it's a bit hard to see... but it doesn't look like there's ANYTHING down there, strangely enough.
[08:04] * Ami looks around, hoping to find a better vantage to peer into the crater from, or at lest one where she can scan it with her visor without drawing unwanted attention.
[08:04] <Anastasia> Meanwhile, your computer is still humming away.
[08:05] <Anastasia> There is an alley that could you use with a view...it may not stay unobstructed for long, though, as people are starting to swarm to the crater.
[08:06] * Ami moves there quickly, summoning her visor and running a more detailed scan.
[08:07] <Anastasia> Your scan picks up trace amounts of energy...it's not natural, but it's not the evil of the Dark Kingdom energy, either.
[08:09] * Ami tries to determine if the energy moved or simply dissipated naturally.
[08:10] <Anastasia> It looks like it dissipated naturally, but it's fading quickly... it's not 100%. As you scan, an annoying oaf moves and settles right in front of your view, blocking your scan line.
[08:13] <Ami> Frowning, Ami looks around the ally hoping to find a fire escape or something that will let her view well over the crowd.
[08:14] <Anastasia> There is a fire escape further up, but it's about ten feet up at it's lowest point. A jump would be needed.
[08:18] * Ami steps back for some sprinting room. Dashing toward the escape, Ami uses her momentum to propel herself upward.
[08:22] <Anastasia> With a graceful leap, Ami goes upward, grabs the rail and flips herself onto the fire escape.
[08:25] <Ami> Pleased with her new vantage Ami resumes scanning the crator again, logging the energy signature for later study.
[08:26] <Anastasia> The energy is already fading, however. But you do get some okay readings as more and more people gather... and the police begin to arrive.
[08:28] <Ami> Satisfied for the moment, Ami flips back to the ground and quietly makes her way back to the apartment for some shuteye. The mysterious crash would have to wait for morning.
[08:29] <Anastasia> ---

[08:45] <Anastasia> Getting to school, a quick change of clothes reveals to the world Rei's new 'uniform'...
[08:46] <Rei-chan> Rei wears a very short red skirt, and a white top, which looks like an abbreviated version of her miko robes, although showing far more skin than would be prudent for religious observances. It's a bit more showy than she normally wears, but considering how Eudial dressed, should fit right in with the other 'Witches'.
[08:49] <Anastasia> Going through the hallways, you find your way back into the abandoned section of the school easily, like you've been here before. Down another set of stairs leads to a metal door way with WITCHES 6 in red paint on the door. The six, however, is on a piece of paper tacked onto the door.
[08:50] * Rei-chan opens the door and enters.
[08:51] <Anastasia> Going inside, you see a wide room, full of junk of various items as well as six desks. Five are cluttered, and one looks new, a pile of junk besides it. It looks like various interesting things are in the junk... it's not trash, really. Eudial is in the center of the room, in the middle of an argument with a blonde-haired, labcoat wearing short girl.
[08:52] * Rei-chan keeps fairly quiet as she eavesdrops on the argument.
[08:52] <Anastasia> "...That's because you're a abject failure," Eudial hisses at the other woman. Both have masks of anger, contempt and general bitchiness on.
[08:53] <Rei-chan> "Good morning Eudial," Rei chirps, "You must be Mimette," she then says to the other girl.
[08:54] <Anastasia> "Ha, as IF," the blonde retorts. "I'll find the Talismans while you're still crashing into lampposts," Mimette turns from Eudial, and quickly sizes you up before turning back to Eudial.
[08:56] <Anastasia> "Nice outfit, Rei," Eudial manages before turning her wrath back to Mimette. "I'll have the Talismans while you're still chasing after idols in pretty skirts," she snaps, walking away.
[08:56] * Rei-chan decides to follow Eudial. "So, what exactly are the Talismans anyway? That wasn't made very clear, yesterday..."
[08:57] <Anastasia> "That blonde haired TRAMP," Eudial fumes, not catching your question as she heads to one of the desks, the closest to yours.
[08:58] * Rei-chan sighs, deciding to wait for a better time. Instead she goes over to her own desk, looking at the pile of junk beside it.
[09:00] <Anastasia> Getting there, there is a nice, comfortable office chair there, at least. The pile of junk looks like mechanical items...including TVs, computers, guns, and several items that defy easy classification.
[09:00] <Rei-chan> "Is this stuff all broken?" Rei asks, turning to Eudial and hoping she'll be a bit more responsive this time.
[09:01] <Anastasia> "Huh," she says, cutting off another tangent about the now departed Mimette. "Some of it is," she comments. "It's various items that we've used here and there in our work," she explains.
[09:02] <Rei-chan> "Right. I don't suppose you could explain a bit more about our work? The Professor wasn't very talkative after you left, last night," Rei complains, feeling a bit lost.
[09:03] <Anastasia> "Oh, sure. He's a bit unhelpful at times," Eudial says. "Anyway, we're looking for 3 Talismans for the Mistress," she explains.
[09:03] <Rei-chan> "Right. And the Talismans are hidden inside pure hearts, I get that. What do they look like?"
[09:04] <Anastasia> "Welllllll..." she begins. "I'm not really sure," she says in a small voice. "I know I'll know one when I see one, though."
[09:04] <Rei-chan> "Uh... huh," Rei nods slowly. "What about the 'plan' the Professor said he had for finding them?"
[09:06] <Anastasia> "Probably some gadget or magic Twister board or something," she says. She leans a bit closer, dropping her voice to a loud whisper. "I'm working on my own machine for it, though. It's a prototype, but I think it's going somewhere."
[09:09] <Rei-chan> "Well, I'm glad you seem to have it figured out," Rei smiles. "I'm just feeling really out of my depth here... my specialty is more with fighting demons and stuff, though I suppose I could do Fire Readings to try and locate the Talismans. Any idea why Mistress wants them?" she asks, recalling 'Mistress' being the little girl surrounded by all the stuffed animals...
[09:09] <Anastasia> "She just needs them," Eudial shrugs, answering like it's the most obvious thing in the world. It sounds somehow right to you...
[09:10] * Rei-chan nods. "That makes sense, I guess. So, what's the plan for today? You just going to be working on that machine you mentioned?"
[09:11] <Anastasia> "Yep," she nods. "And get that bitch Mimette, too," she mutters, just barely audible.
[09:12] <Rei-chan> "So where are all the others?" Rei asks, looking around.
[09:14] <Anastasia> "Oh, them. Kaolinite is out somewhere as always, Tellu is off in her greenhouse, don't know about Viluy and the twins," she says, summarizing quickly.
[09:17] <Rei-chan> "Okay," Rei nods. "I guess I might as well organise my desk or something, now..."
[09:17] <Anastasia> There really isn't all that much in the desk, it's the mess around it...
[09:18] <Rei-chan> "Hmmm..." Rei strokes her chin thoughtfully. 'I guess I could try and set up that computer...' she notices most of the other desks have computers after all. 'Dunno what I'd use it for, though...'
[09:19] * Rei-chan grabs the computer and puts it on the desk, along with all the peripherals and wires that look like they go with it.
[09:19] <Anastasia> As you yank it out of the pile, you find that the ends of the wires are color coded, along with the ports they go into. Installation looks simple enough.
[09:20] * Rei-chan quickly plugs everything in the way it looks like it should go, then switches the power on.
[09:21] <Anastasia> The screen comes to life...various white text scrolls by on the black background of it's own volition.
[09:22] * Rei-chan waits for it to boot up the OS, hoping it's not that Windows thing Ami is always maligning.
[09:23] <Anastasia> Finally, what you think is a desktop appears. There are a few icons, and the background has a WITCHES 5 lettering in red font.
[09:24] * Rei-chan begins searching for some sort of 'Witches Guide' or something to tell her a bit more about their job.
[09:26] <Anastasia> After some fiddling and the machine letting out a few high pitched sounds of protest, you find a search command.
[09:26] <Anastasia> Typing in 'Witches Guide' does pull up a document.
[09:27] * Rei-chan doubleclicks on the document!
[09:29] <Anastasia> Reading it...it seems to be a how-to on extracting Heart Crystals and such.
[09:30] <Anastasia> Of note, it mentions 'Death Busters', which is oddly familiar.
[09:30] * Rei-chan skims through it, looking for stuff on what the Talismans are and what they do. She also looks for any more references to 'Death Busters'.
[09:31] <Anastasia> Nothing about the Talismans beyond a few surface references, but it sounds like the 'Death Busters' are you guys.
[09:33] <Rei-chan> "Hey, Eudial-sempai," Rei gets the older girl's attention. "What's the difference between Witches 5 and Death Busters?"
[09:38] <Anastasia> She looks up from a magazine she was reading. "The Death Busters is a bit more of a broad term for all of us, not just the Witches," she explains.
[09:39] <Rei-chan> "Okay," Rei nods, "Sounds better than Dark Kingdom, I suppose."
[09:43] <Rei-chan> After a few more minutes of silence, Rei sighs loudly. "I'm bored." Noting that Eudial is doing nothing more than reading, she again turns to the other girl. "Say, Eudial-sempai, do you think you could teach me how to drive?"
[09:44] <Anastasia> "Drive? Oh yeah," she says, smiling widely.
[09:44] <Rei-chan> "Cool," Rei bounces out of her seat. "At least I'll be learning something, even if I'm skipping classes."
[10:16] <Anastasia> Going out back to where the car is, you see that it is undamaged from yesterday's shenanigans.
[10:17] <Rei-chan> "Right, I have a vague idea of how to drive from watching other people, and on TV... but still, it can't be as easy as it looks, right?" Rei asks as they approach the vehicle.
[10:20] <Anastasia> "It's easy, alright," she nods, still grinning. "Just hop in, turn the key, and go."
[10:20] <Rei-chan> "Okay," Rei gets into the driver's seat, waiting for Eudial to get in and give her the keys.
[10:21] <Anastasia> She does, and hands you the keys. "Now this is a car," she comments.
[10:22] <Rei-chan> "I get that," Rei nods, buckling up and turning the keys in the ignition.
[10:23] <Anastasia> "Then just put the petal to the metal and DRIVE," she loudly declares.
[10:25] * Rei-chan carefully pushes down on the accelerator, keeping her hands firmly on the wheel.
[10:25] <Anastasia> The car bursts to life and goes forward, zooming with a speed that shocks you.
[10:26] * Rei-chan eases up on the accelerator!
[10:27] <Anastasia> The car slows. "Hey, keep it going!" Eudial comments. "You don't get anywhere if you don't put gas into it!"
[10:28] <Rei-chan> "Just let me get my bearings!" Rei replies, trying to get comfortable with driving at a reasonable pace before she takes it up to the level Eudial uses.
[10:30] <Anastasia> Once you begin to get used to the insane acceleration this car has, it isn't that hard at all...
[10:31] <Rei-chan> "Hey, this is pretty easy," Rei says cheerfully, taking the speed up a bit. "Makes you wonder why people need to bother with licenses and stuff..."
[10:33] <Anastasia> "Yeah. Some people just worry too much," she says as you zoom through the underground tunnels. "Keep it faster!"
[10:34] * Rei-chan nods, speeding up even more, though still keeping focused on her driving in case she needs to react quickly to anything.
[10:36] <Anastasia> You pick up the basics quickly, even as Eudial keeps wanting you to speed up.
[10:37] <Rei-chan> "One of my friends has a Ferrari," Rei comments as she races around the labyrinthine underground tunnels. "I wonder if I could borrow it sometime... although I'm actually not sure if it would be faster than this..." she spares a quick glance at the speedometer.
[10:38] <Anastasia> It's past 145 mph and slowly rising. This thing can jet.
[10:38] <Anastasia> "It won't be! This thing has enough power to outrace a jet," she brags.
[10:38] <Rei-chan> "I believe it," Rei nods.
[10:40] <Anastasia> "Let me see how fast you can get it up," she encorages you.
[10:40] <Rei-chan> "So, sempai, how did you get into the Witches 5... uh, 6..." Rei asks, making conversation as she drives along.
[10:41] <Anastasia> "I was recruited by Professor Tomoe and Kaolinite," she shrugs.
[10:41] * Rei-chan confidently pushes harder on the accelerator, trusting in her newly discovered driving ability.
[10:41] <Rei-chan> "How long ago was that?"
[10:45] <Anastasia> "A few years ago, maybe," she says, as she glances at your speedometer.
[10:46] <Rei-chan> "And you've been looking for the Talismans all this time?"
[10:58] <Anastasia> "It took a lot of setting up at first," she comments.
[10:59] <Rei-chan> "Ah," Rei nods, still not understanding much about their mission. "Well, I'm sure we'll find them, soon!"
[09:32] <Anastasia> ---
[10:46] <Usagi-chan> It's the last weekend before the start of the new school year, and Usagi and Ami have called the rest of the senshi together at Usagi's house for a mysterious announcement.
[10:47] <Usagi-chan> "Thanks for coming, you guys. I... we-" Usagi looks over at Ami. "have a little surprise for you guys today. Some of you know that I've been kinda busy for a while, working on a special project with Ami." Usagi looks over at Rei.
[10:47] <Rei-chan> "So, we're finally going to find out your big secret?" Rei asks eagerly.
[10:47] <V-chan> "And some of us don't really know anything," Minako agrees, nodding.
[10:49] * Usagi-chan nods, grinning slightly. "You finally get to find out. Everyone's going to need to transform first, though."
[10:50] * V-chan looks at Usagi questioningly. "Why? Do we have to fight?"
[10:50] <Usagi-chan> "Nope... just trust me." Usagi smiles. "Ami, would you take everyone to the library? I want to go over everything one last time to make sure it's ready."
[10:51] <Rei-chan> "Library... are we teleporting to the Moon?"
[10:51] * Usagi-chan nods, still smiling.
[10:51] <Makoto> "What could possibly be on the moon of interest?" Makoto asks.
[10:52] * Ami looks up from her computer belatedly. "Oh... OH, right."
[10:52] * Usagi-chan closes her eyes as she changes to the form of the Lunar princess.
[10:52] * Rei-chan holds up her transformation pen. "Mars Power, Make Up!"
[10:53] * Makoto follows Rei and Usagi, shouting "Jupiter Power, Make UP!" while raising her own pen
[10:54] * Ami transforms into Sailor Mercury!
[10:54] <V-chan> "Venus Power! Make Up!"
[10:54] * V-chan makes sure she has enough room, and then her wings erupt from her back, covering her in a feathery cocoon, which glows golden. The wings then disappear, leaving Sailor Venus standing in the room.
[10:55] <Sailor_Mars> "Okay, Ami-chan, lead the way," Rei says, offering her hand to the blue haired girl.
[10:55] <Serenity-hime> "See you guys on the Moon!" With that, Serenity begins to chant, and disappears a few moments later in a bright flash of light.
[10:56] * Ami takes Mars and Jupiter in hand. "Ok, lend me your power."
[10:56] * Ami begins to glow.
[10:56] * V-chan raises an eyebrow at the strange teleport, and offers her hand to Makoto.
[10:57] * Sailor_Mars takes Minako's other hand to complete the circle.
[10:57] <Sailor_Mars> "Sailor Teleport," Mars echoes, lending her power while letting Mercury guide them.
[10:57] * V-chan lends her power to Ami, saying, "Sailor Teleport," as well.
[10:58] * Sailor_Jupiter holds Minako's and Ami's power as she also lends her power. "Sailor Teleport."
[11:10] <Ami> Taking the torrent of senshi energy in hand Mercury focuses on her destination, her mind centering on the place that had become a second home to her. "Sailor Teleport!"
[11:10] <Ami> With a rush of power the four friends disappear from the Earth...
[11:11] <Ami> ...And in a flash of light reappear on the Moon. As the four settle out of the teleport they have a chance to look around. For those who had been there before the place looks transformed. While the library had certainly not been in the shambles that the rest of the palace had when they had first entered it, it was obvious now that it had been a far cry from its heyday.
[11:11] <Ami> Now, it is restored, the former glory renovated and rejuvenated thanks to much hard work. Lights have been aesthetically rigged about the place, banishing most of the shadowed areas. No longer are there huge cracks along the walls nor are the bookcases in disrepair. Even the tomes look polished, their leather and gold-penned covers shining softly in the light.
[11:12] <Ami> "Welcome to the Lunar Library," Ami says, turning to you with a self satisfied grin.
[11:12] * Ami bows deeply, dropping her senshi form.
[11:13] * Sailor_Mars looks around in surprise. "You did all this?"
[11:13] <V-chan> "Did you translate them all, too?" Minako asks eagerly.
[11:14] * Sailor_Jupiter just stands looking impressed as she looks all around.
[11:14] * V-chan drops her transformation, following Ami's example.
[11:14] * Ami nods at Rei. "Most of it, though a lot of the crystal had to be repaired with Usagi's help." She taps one of the bookcases.
[11:15] * Ami turns to Minako. "I haven't touched even one percent of the information in here. That task is a bit much in so limited a time."
[11:16] * Ami turns, leading the group between the shelves, pointing out areas of interest.
[11:17] * V-chan pouts. "Well, I might be able to read a few of the simpler ones, at least."
[11:17] * Sailor_Mars follows, looking around with interest.
[11:17] <Sailor_Jupiter> "Is the Library the only thing you guys have worked on?" Makoto asks, curious to see what else they might have fixed up.
[11:18] <Ami> "This was my focus," Ami says elusively.
[11:18] <Sailor_Jupiter> "And what was Usagi's then?" Makoto asks before smirking. "The kitchen by any chance?"
[11:19] <Sailor_Jupiter> Notably, she'd love to see a palace kitchen in it's restored form, even if just to cook for Usagi
[11:19] <Ami> "...And over here are the books on Lunar spirituality. I think you'd find them most entertaining, Rei," Ami says, coming to a section at the far end of the rather lengthy library.
[11:19] <Sailor_Mars> "You've done a great job. No wonder you and Usagi have been so busy, lately," Rei says, following Ami's direction to the books. "Well, I can't really read them... but if I ever remember the language, I'll want to take a look."
[11:20] <Ami> "I can help you learn it if you'd like. Usagi seems to be taking to the lessons quite well."
[11:21] <V-chan> "No wonder," Minako says. "Your notes alone are really helpful."
[11:21] <Sailor_Mars> "Would you?" Rei asks eagerly, "That'd be great, Ami-chan."
[11:22] * Ami just smiles. "It would be my pleasure."
[11:23] * Ami looks down the row of shelves toward the back, taking off suddenly.
[11:23] <Sailor_Mars> "Great. It'd be easier if I could just remember it myself, but I doubt that'll happen any time... hey, where are you going?" she says in surprise as Ami dashes away.
[11:25] * Ami continues around a corner, not pausing.
[11:26] <Sailor_Mars> "Um... should we follow her?" Rei asks her other two companions.
[11:27] * V-chan shrugs, and breaks into a run after the blue-haired girl, calling out, "Hey, Ami, wait up!"
[11:27] * Sailor_Mars follows.
[11:28] <Ami> At the far end of the library you see a large wooden desk, not unlike the kind you'd find at a checkout counter in an Earth library. Odd, you think, because it is the first bit of wood you've seen in here. Two computers hum quietly on the desk, one facing you and showing an SD Sailor Mercury chasing a flying book.
[11:28] <Ami> Behind it you spot Ami coming out of a room separated by curtains matching the crystalline bookshelves in color. She's carrying refreshment.
[11:28] <Ami> "Almost forgot these," she says, blushing.
[11:29] <Sailor_Mars> "You didn't need to run off like that," Rei chastises her.
[11:30] * V-chan smirks. "So you did fix up the kitchens after all."
[11:34] <Ami> "Here," Ami says, pushing the tiny snacks forward. "I just want everything to be perfect for this presentation."
[11:34] * V-chan takes the proffered refreshments.
[11:35] * Sailor_Mars gratefully takes something to eat. "Thanks," she mutters.
[11:35] * Ami passes around some napkins as well. "Sorry Mako-chan, but we haven't gotten around to the kitchens yet."
[11:36] <Sailor_Jupiter> "Oh? Where did this come from then, Ami?" Makoto asks as she takes her share. "You guys just bring food with you?"
[11:38] <Ami> "Pretty much," Ami shrugs. "Now if you'll follow me..."
[11:38] * Sailor_Jupiter nods and follows
[11:38] <Sailor_Mars> "Where to now? Have you guys fixed up more of this place?" Rei asks as she follows.
[11:39] * V-chan follows silently, munching on a snack.
[11:40] * Ami leads the others back to the front, pointing out the small brass plates with the Dewey decimal system numbered on them and other small odds and ends that make navigating the large room manageable.
[11:41] <Sailor_Mars> "I still can't believe how much you've done here," Rei says, shaking her head in admiration.
[11:42] <Ami> "It was tough, but well worth the effort. Mako-chan, would you like to learn the language as well? I'm sure there are things here you would like to read."
[11:43] <Sailor_Jupiter> "Uhm, I guess it'd be fun," Makoto says, a bit surprised at the offer. "Although considering my grades at school, maybe I shouldn't. Even Usagi seems to be doing better than me these days..." She seems a bit galled by the last part.
[11:44] <V-chan> "Join Mugen!" Minako offers. "They're really cool about this stuff."
[11:44] * Sailor_Jupiter snorts. "I wish. But with my grades? No way I could get in, even if I studied like a demon," Makoto says.
[11:45] * Ami giggles. "You have been missing the study sessions lately, and I have been tutoring her a lot up here. I could tutor you, too."
[11:46] <Sailor_Jupiter> "That'd be nice, Ami-chan. Thanks," Makoto says with a smile.
[11:46] <Sailor_Mars> "Mugen is really competitive. It's not for everyone," Rei says reasonably.
[11:46] <Sailor_Jupiter> "Yeah, though I do kinda wish I could, just to study botany there," Makoto says.
[11:47] * Ami leads the others out of the room into a dismal-looking hallway. "I agree. If you're worried about your grades you probably shouldn't transfer schools."
[11:48] <Ami> The trip through the building is without note. Where the library showcases what the past glory may have been, the rest of the building seems to be depressingly modern in its decay.
[11:48] * Sailor_Mars doesn't feel her usual pang of nervousness whenever wandering around the dark and scary areas of the Moon. 'Guess I'm getting over it...' she thinks to herself.
[11:49] * Serenity-hime smiles as she sees the small group coming down the dim corridor. "Everything's ready!" she says excitedly. A soft white glow can be seen coming from one of the entryways a bit further down the corridor. "I just hope you all like it."
[11:51] <Ami> "Don't worry, Usagi-chan," Ami says reassuringly. She steps to the side, allowing the others to move first.
[11:52] * Serenity-hime nods nervously. "All right, guys, just follow me."
[11:52] * Serenity-hime leads the group into the great hall of the Moon Palace. Tall, silvery marble columns, gracefully fluted, stretch almost thirty feet into the air to support the ceiling. A number of beautiful paintings line the walls, interspersed with marvelously detailed sculptures on marble stands every few feet.
[11:52] <Serenity-hime> Everything in the room, including the white marble floor, has been polished to a brilliant shine. A series of softly glowing white orbs are suspended from the ceiling, providing ample light for the entire room; the open series of arches at one end of the room look out over a crescent Earth, rising over the gray Lunar landscape beyond.
[11:53] <Sailor_Mars> Rei's jaw drops. "No way... how on Earth were you able to do all of this?" she asks, looking around in wonder.
[11:54] * Sailor_Jupiter nods quietly in shocked agreement, as amazed as Rei.
[11:54] * Serenity-hime giggles. "How on the Moon, you mean. And the answer is: really, really slowly. Ami and I have been working on this more or less since the beginning of January, several days a week."
[11:55] <Sailor_Mars> "Yeah, but even so..." Rei gestures at the really big pillars, which she last saw shattered all over the floor.
[11:56] * V-chan observes the room quietly.
[11:56] * Serenity-hime grins. "I'll have to show you that sometime, although I don't have anything handy that I can use right now. The worst one of those pillars took us almost three days to recover completely, and that was with Ami-chan's help." Serenity sighs. "It wasn't easy work, that's for sure."
[11:57] <Sailor_Mars> "Was it magic? I could imagine the Crystal could take care of this easily, but I had no idea you could do it yourself," Rei says, giving Serenity a wondering look.
[11:58] <Serenity-hime> "It is; it's something I remembered from the Silver Millenium, although I don't think it was ever intended to be used on something this big. It still works though." Serenity smiles.
[11:59] * Sailor_Mars shakes her head in wonder, before giving Serenity a more penetrating look. "So you're set on restoring the Moon Kingdom, then?"
[12:00] * Serenity-hime pauses for a moment, then nods, giving Rei a calm look.
[12:01] <Sailor_Mars> Seeing no real hesitation or doubt, Rei nods as well, though otherwise remains silent. She has a thoughtful expression, though.
[12:01] <V-chan> "Why?" Minako asks simply.
[12:01] <Serenity-hime> "It's... what I need to do." Serenity answers in kind.
[12:02] * V-chan shrugs. "Okay, then, I guess."
[12:03] <Serenity-hime> "So... what do you all think?" The princess looks around at her friends, trying to gauge their reactions.
[12:04] <Sailor_Jupiter> "I think this is all pretty damn cool," Makoto says impressed. "Where do we sign up to help out?"
[12:04] <V-chan> "It's nice, and tidy, and pretty." Minako shrugs again. "And empty."
[12:04] <Serenity-hime> "You really want to help, Mako-chan?" Serenity seems surprised.
[12:04] * Sailor_Mars looks around once more, this time with slightly more jaded eyes. "I think, that if you truly want to make the Moon a place to live, it'll take a lot more than what's been done already. But," she adds firmly, "I'll do everything in my power to help you make it happen."
[12:05] <Sailor_Jupiter> "Of course! I kinda wish you'd asked sooner, seeing what this is all turning out like, Usagi," Makoto says with a grin. "Besides, I could have taken advantage of Ami's tutoring sooner, then."
[12:06] * V-chan looks at the others, before turning to Usagi. "I'll lend my help if you need it."
[12:06] * Serenity-hime giggles. "We usually either do homework or work on the Lunar books when we get too worn out to do much more in the way of repairs." Serenity turns to Rei and smiles. "I do... I don't know if it's the right thing to do or not, but I think the Moon Kingdom could live again. And I don't think I'll ever know if it's right or not unless I try to make it happen."
[12:11] <Sailor_Mars> "Well, if we're all in it now, what's to be done?" Rei asks.
[12:12] <Serenity-hime> "I'm not going to ask any of you to help unless you really want to do it. If you think I'm being foolish in this, that's fine; you don't have to agree with me. But if you want to help on your own, I'll never be able to thank you enough."
[12:14] * V-chan simply nods.
[12:14] <Sailor_Mars> "Usagi..." Rei says softly, "You know I'll support you if you're really commited to this."
[12:17] * Serenity-hime smiles. "Thanks, Rei-chan. And all of you guys. I know this is going to take a long time to put back in order, but the more of us there are to share the work, the faster it'll go in the end, too." Serenity smiles. "Besides, we can party up here in REAL style." She giggles.
[12:21] <V-chan> "Say, did you manage to fix some of the old Lunar technology, too?" Minako asks suddenly.
[12:22] * Serenity-hime glances over at Ami. "We've gotten a LITTLE of that working, but it's not as easy to fix as stuff like this is. Ami's been working on that more than I have, you really need to talk to her about most of that stuff."
[12:22] <V-chan> "We'll chat later, then," she says, giving Ami a meaningful glance.
[12:23] * Ami shrugs. "There isn't really anything to chat about."
[12:24] <V-chan> "You're keeping it a secret, then?"
[12:25] * Ami sighs, a little annoyed. "Like Usagi said, there isn't much up here that works, Minako. It's all trashed. The little bit that does work isn't anything so spectacular that we don't already have something similar on Earth."
[12:26] * Serenity-hime shrugs. "All I really remember doing was something about the water. We got that working for the garden."
[12:27] <Sailor_Mars> "There's a garden? Plants are actually growing?" Rei asks in astonishment.
[12:27] <V-chan> "You have technology that creates water?" Minako asks incredulously. "And you call it something similar to what you can find on Earth?"
[12:28] * Sailor_Jupiter blinks at the mention of a garden, and asks excitedly, "Oh, can we go see the garden?"
[12:28] <Serenity-hime> "The water's created magically, Mina-chan. I don't exactly understand how it works, but Ami-chan had me sort of 'jump start' the machine that does it." She turns to the others and grins. "Yeah, we've got a garden growing again. It's not much to look at yet, but we've got a few shoots coming up."
[12:30] <V-chan> 'I wonder if the palace defenses and long-range sensors could be 'jump started' as well,' Minako thinks, frowning.
[12:31] <Ami> "Not exactly, Usagi," Ami says. "The machine doesn't produce the water, it just pulls it out of the aquifers underground."
[12:32] * Serenity-hime frowns. "Well, the last time you tried to explain it I got confused."
[12:33] <Ami> "Don't worry about it. We have water; that's all that really matters."
[12:34] <Serenity-hime> "Come on, let's go check out the garden." Serenity smiles and beckons for the other senshi to follow her.
[12:35] * Sailor_Jupiter nods, eagerly anticipating what a royal garden, even in its sproutling stage, would look like.
[12:35] * V-chan sighs quietly, and follows, plastering a smile on her face.
[12:36] * Sailor_Mars follows as well, wondering what's got Minako so upset but deciding not to make an issue of it.
[12:37] * Serenity-hime gives Minako a sideways glance, but shakes her head and continues on the short trip to the palace gardens, stopping in a small open courtyard. "Here we are!"
[12:37] <Serenity-hime> Several rows of tiny green shoots can be seen poking their way above the surface of the gray soil.
[12:38] <Sailor_Mars> "How can you keep them growing, though? Isn't night here nearly a month long?" Rei asks.
[12:39] * Sailor_Mars also finds it odd that the plants seem to be growing in actual Lunar ground, not soil transplanted from Earth. 'And how can the plants get nutrients from that stuff?'
[12:39] * Serenity-hime shakes her head. "There is no night here, Rei-chan. I do remember that much at least. The Moon doesn't rotate like the earth does."
[12:40] <Sailor_Mars> "Yeah, but it orbits the Earth. It has one side always facing the Earth, but that side isn't always lit, remember..." Rei prods.
[12:41] <Serenity-hime> "It goes around the Earth about once a month, but it doesn't turn on its own. That's why it has phases." Serenity nods. "Ever notice how the Man in the Moon is always in the same place every time the full moon shows up?"
[12:43] <Sailor_Mars> "Yes, I can see the Man in the Moon when it's a full Moon, but then as it phases, the Man in the Moon becomes covered in darkness," Rei explains.
[12:46] <Serenity-hime> "Oh, that's right." Serenity sighs. "The same side of the Moon always faces the Earth, not the sun." 'I hate science...'
[12:51] <Sailor_Mars> "Ah, simple mistake," Rei shrugs.
[12:52] <Serenity-hime> "Anyway, it's not like day and night on the Earth. The stars are in the sky even in the daytime, although I'm not sure why. But you can look up and see the sun and the stars all around it at the same time."
[12:53] <Sailor_Mars> "Well, there is no atmosphere... which doesn't really explain why we aren't suffocating right now..." Rei looks around nervously.
[12:53] * V-chan smirks. "Almost as if by magic, wouldn't you say?"
[12:55] <Ami> "Ahem," Ami clears her throat. "The atmosphere around this area is, well, there is an atmosphere around this area," Ami mutters lamely. "Ok, let's try that again. There is an atmosphere around this part of the moon, though I'm not 100% sure how that is. It could be magic or it could be ancient Lunar technology. Either way, that atmosphere pretty
[12:55] <Ami> much kills the drastic temperature changes that take place across the rest of the moon, so that the temperature doesn't freeze-dry or bake anything living in here."
[12:55] <Ami> "Haven't you thought it strange to be the same basic temperature through the entire complex?"
[12:55] * Sailor_Jupiter, who has been looking over the garden, admiring the well set-up irrigational system, as well at how well the shouts are doing, finds her eyes glazing over from the discussion she was only half-heartedly listening to, especially once Ami started up. She shakes her head to clear it. 'Ewww, even Usagi is boring me with school talk stuff. This sucks.'
[12:56] * Serenity-hime covers her mouth with her hand. 'Sorry Mako-chan, it's just that the Moon is one of the few things I'm really trying to learn about now. I AM supposed to be queen of the place, after all.'
[12:56] * Sailor_Jupiter blinks. 'Whoops, I keep forgetting about this telepathy thing,' she says, somewhat embarrassed.
[12:57] <Sailor_Jupiter> She can relate to wanting to learn about something in particular though. She had a similar interest in plants.
[12:57] <Serenity-hime> 'Don't worry about it - you'll get used to it after a while.' "How do the plants look, Mako-chan? I know you're a lot better at taking care of them than I am."
[12:59] <Sailor_Jupiter> "I'm actually pretty impressed. The irrigational system is well set out, the plants are distanced just enough that their roots won't be competing for the same nutrients, yet still avoid leaving ugly gaps once they've grown between them, they also seem to be growing healthily and are well colored. It's amazing really," Makoto says, a bit more comfortable in this subject.
[13:00] <Serenity-hime> "Ami figured out how to lay most of the plants out; I really only helped some with the digging and planting. The sprinkler system takes care of the watering, since we can't really come up here every day to do it ourselves."
[13:01] <Sailor_Mars> "Yeah... not much chance of rain, here..." Rei says, wondering if it ever rained back in the Silver Millenium, or if they just used magic and technology to keep things running.
[13:02] <Ami> "Not yet," Ami agrees. "But sooner or later we'll get an atmosphere up and going."
[13:02] <Serenity-hime> "Yeah..." Serenity looks rather glum at the thought, not looking forward to trying to figure out how THAT magic works.
[13:03] * Sailor_Mars smirks. "I wonder how people on Earth will react when all this stuff starts getting noticed."
[13:04] <Serenity-hime> "I'm hoping they DON'T notice anything for a while." Usagi makes a wry face. "I mean, even the Americans didn't notice anything when they sent people to the Moon, so I'm guessing the magic helps to protect the palace from being seen. I don't know if that'll change as we get things in order more, though."
[13:05] <Sailor_Mars> "Well, if we try to restore the entire Moon to support life, it'll be hard to miss. But while we focus around here, I doubt anyone will notice," Rei says.
[13:06] * Serenity-hime looks back at the massive form of the palace. "And we'll be busy here for quite a while, that's for sure."
[13:06] * Sailor_Mars nods. "It'll be quite a job, I'm sure of that."
[13:07] <Serenity-hime> "Just imagine though... if we can get everything back to looking the way it used to - the way the great hall looks now..." Serenity smiles brightly.
[13:07] <Ami> "Yes. This is certainly going to cut into my study time," Ami says, bending the water around the group as the sprinklers cut on.
[13:07] <Sailor_Mars> "Yeah... I hope Mugen doesn't keep me too busy..."
[13:09] <Serenity-hime> "Don't worry about how much time you can spare... just come talk to me whenever you've got some time you think you can spare and we can do it whenever." Serenity nods. "We can at least do homework up here; when you're resting up here, there isn't a lot else you CAN do."
[13:12] <Ami> "You too, Mako-chan," Ami says. She grins brightly, "You have to catch up with Usagi-chan afterall."
[13:14] * Sailor_Jupiter colors red, blushing at the thought that she's actually behind Usagi.
[13:15] <Ami> "Ready to head back inside?"
[13:15] <Sailor_Mars> "Sure. What else have you guys done up here?" Rei asks, starting back towards the palace.
[13:16] <V-chan> "And did you go and take a look at the spaceships the Americans sent over here?" Minako asks, following Rei.
[13:17] * Serenity-hime giggles. "Not yet. I'm not even sure where they are, to tell the truth. We've just stayed in the palace for the most part, unless Ami-chan stepped out while I was taking a nap or something."
[13:18] <Ami> "That's outside the atmosphere, Minako. We don't have the suits to go bouncing around there, yet."
[13:19] * Ami heads back in, the bubble of bending water following.
[13:19] * Serenity-hime follows Ami quickly in order to keep her dress dry.
[13:25] <Serenity-hime> "Not a lot besides what you've seen so far, Rei-chan. We've done some exploring in the castle and so forth, but not a lot in the way of fixing stuff or anything."
[13:26] * Sailor_Jupiter follows Ami, even if she can't see that she's following, as she's looking ahead instead of back at her as she moves in following of Ami.
[13:26] <V-chan> "Ami's got a map of it, I bet," Minako comments.
[13:27] <Sailor_Mars> "A map is no substitute for seeing with your own eyes. And the palace is huge..."
[13:27] <Serenity-hime> "Of the castle? I think there's one on her computer, but I do at least remember the palace inside out. It's mostly exploring to see what kind of shape things are still in rather than for figuring out what's there."
[13:27] <V-chan> "Well, I'll just have to ask her to email it to me, when she can."
[13:28] <Ami> "This place is pretty abandoned. Hallways have fallen in all over the place. Thankfully there aren't any giant mutant rats or anything running around," Ami says with a light chuckle.
[13:29] <Sailor_Mars> "Yeah... it's good that all the Dark Kingdom stuff is gone," Rei says, paling a little bit at the recollection.
[13:29] * Serenity-hime shudders at the thought of mutant rats. "Yeah... and it figures that ceilings are just about the hardest thing to fix."
[13:29] * V-chan shudders. "Trust you to come up with something so evil."
[13:30] <Ami> "What? Giant mutant rats?"
[13:30] * V-chan shudders again.
[13:32] <Ami> "Well there aren't any. No giant rats, no golems, no slimes; this place was empty."
[13:32] <V-chan> "You almost sound disappointed," Minako says, pouting.
[13:33] <Serenity-hime> "I'm not." Serenity makes a face. "It's going to be enough work without having to deal with rats and stuff like that."
[13:34] * Ami chuckles. "I guess I am a bit. My first real dungeon crawl and there's nothing crawling."
[13:34] <Sailor_Jupiter> "Well, there could always be traps. Just keep looking, and I'm sure an arrow or two will whizz by your head," Makoto jokes.
[13:35] * Ami waits at the door, allowing the others in without geting wet.
[13:35] <Serenity-hime> "Only down in the cells, and we haven't been down there yet." Serenity replies offhandedly.
[13:35] <Ami> "I still have hopes for a mad robot or three," Ami jests.
[13:36] <V-chan> "Ooh!" Minako exclaims. "Like in Laputa?"
[13:36] <Ami> "Laputa?" Ami queries.
[13:37] <Serenity-hime> "I remember that." Serenity grins. "That would be kind of cool, actually."
[13:39] <V-chan> "Wouldn't it?" Minako agrees, smiling. "They were totally cool, and the laser beams... well, that took the cupcake!"
[13:39] <Serenity-hime> "At least we don't have to worry about anyone looking for this place. I doubt anyone even knows it exists anymore."
[13:40] <V-chan> Minako's smile disappears, and she nods half-heartedly.
[13:40] <Ami> Ushering the others in Ami drops the bubble. "So, back to the hall or to the library?"
[13:41] <V-chan> "The library would be nice," she says, changing the topic. "You have more refreshments there, right?"
[13:43] * Serenity-hime nods. "We've been staying in there most of the time while we're up here, so we've got a few snacks and such stockpiled in there." 'At least when I don't eat them all before we get up here.' Serenity thinks guiltily.
[13:44] * Ami leads the way back to the library.
[13:45] * Sailor_Jupiter snickers as Usagi's thought appears in her head.
[13:45] <Ami> Once there she heads back to the once hidden room in the back.
[13:46] * V-chan heads towards a bookcase at random, and picks a book, trying to make sense of it.
[13:47] * Serenity-hime glances over at Minako's book and covers a giggle.
[13:49] * V-chan glances back. "Something's wrong, Usagi?"
[13:50] <Serenity-hime> "I didn't know you liked geology that much, V-chan." Usagi points to the book in Minako's hands.
[13:50] <V-chan> "I'm just browsing," Minako says, shrugging. "I've got all the books I really wanted from this place, remember?"
[13:51] <Serenity-hime> "Have you made a lot of progress in learning to read them? Ami-chan told me she gave you translated copies, too."
[13:53] <V-chan> "A translated copy, actually. But I'm working my way through the others." Minako smiles fondly. "I'm almost done with a cookbook."
[13:54] <Serenity-hime> "I'm ALMOST back to regular speed - well, regular speed for me, anyway. I still have to ask Ami-chan to look up some of the harder words, and half the time I don't even know what the Japanese word is that should be there." Serenity blushes a bit.
[13:55] <V-chan> "The idioms are the worst." Minako sighs, putting the book back on the shelf.
[13:55] <Serenity-hime> "THOSE at least I get, thanks to my memories. Ami even asks ME about those sometimes." Serenity giggles.
[13:56] <V-chan> "I guess I'm no good with those." She sighs again. "Who would've thought, eh?"
[13:57] <Serenity-hime> "Hey, it's not like I haven't been working on it really hard. And I'd never have gotten this far without Ami-chan's help."
[13:58] <V-chan> "Yeah, without those notes of hers it'd have been really, really difficult," Minako agrees.
[13:59] <Serenity-hime> "I don't think I'd ever have gotten anywhere without the translations." Usagi makes a face. "It just looked like chicken scratches for the longest time, until I really started to concentrate on the letters."
[14:00] * V-chan nods in agreement. "I wonder if actually speaking the language would be easier."
[14:01] <Serenity-hime> <You mean like this?> Usagi grins.
[14:01] <V-chan> "Show off," Minako says, pouting.
[14:02] * Serenity-hime giggles. "It's not all that hard, really, once you know what the words sound like."
[14:03] <V-chan> "I suppose." Minako shrugs. "If I didn't have a lot of studying and stuff to do, I'd have worked on the language more."
[14:04] <Serenity-hime> "It's not really all that important, I guess. There's a lot of information here, but not all of it's incredibly useful or anything." Usagi shrugs. "I really just wanted to learn it for myself, that's all."
[14:05] <V-chan> "Yeah, that's why I want to know it, too."
[14:06] <Serenity-hime> "I haven't really read that many new books up here - there were a couple of history books that were kind of fun to read, but other than that it's a lot of junk like philosophy and science." Serenity sticks her tongue out.
[14:09] * V-chan makes a face. "Science is junk, alright."
[14:11] <Serenity-hime> "It's just so BORING!" Usagi grumbles. 'And magic is easier anyway...'
[14:12] <Sailor_Mars> "Well, science is a lot easier than magic for most people," Rei says, emerging from amongst the bookshelves with a fairly hefty tome in her hands.
[14:14] * Serenity-hime sighs. "And most people don't even believe it exists anyway. I can just see me trying to explain to Miss H about how there was a civilization on the Moon that existed by magic."
[14:14] <V-chan> "Just teleport her over," Minako suggests, before smiling. "Or, come to think of it, why not show this place to our families?"
[14:15] <Sailor_Mars> "Well, not everyone has a hard time believing it..." Rei says, glad that at least Mugen is so accepting of the paranormal.
[14:16] <Serenity-hime> "Right." Usagi smirks. "Just change into Serenity in front of the whole class, start chanting, and disappear with the teacher. Not that I think the other students would MIND, but still. And actually, I have thought about bringing my family up here, but I want to get more of the palace restored before that. I'd at least like one of the sitting rooms done, so we have a good place to rest and talk."
[14:18] <V-chan> "Why not just bring furniture from Earth over?" Minako asks.
[14:18] <Sailor_Mars> "It's cheaper to magically restore than to buy new?" Rei smirks.
[14:18] <Serenity-hime> "No real need, unless something's been burned or something like that. I can repair just about anything except for machines." Serenity smiles proudly.
[14:20] <V-chan> "Aww, and here I was thinking Herb would buy something nice for his Usa-chan if she asked...."
[14:21] * Serenity-hime rolls her eyes. "As if... Yeah, I might bring a few things up from Earth, but I don't really see why we'd need to replace much. Most of the stuff here is just broken or dirty, not really destroyed. A little magic and elbow grease can take care of that."
[14:22] <V-chan> "Why don't we take care of our old rooms next, then?"
[14:22] <Sailor_Mars> "Well, I can't magically restore stuff... but I can move things around!" Rei says brightly. "And if you need anything exorcised, I'm your girl," she hooks a thumb at her chest proudly.
[14:25] <Serenity-hime> "I was going to see what everyone wanted to do, actually. And Rei-chan, EVERYONE can clean. And even aside from the actual repairs, there's a TON of cleaning to do." Usagi sighs. "At least it doesn't get messed up again once it's done since we don't actually LIVE here yet."
[14:26] <Sailor_Mars> "Ha, there isn't anyone better at sweeping than I am!" Rei announces.
[14:28] * Serenity-hime giggles. "No trees here to drop leaves! Well, for the moment. I want to plant some, but those are going to take a LONG time to grow."
[14:28] <V-chan> "Not with Mako-chan, I'd think," Minako adds.
[14:29] <Sailor_Mars> "I can sweep dust, too," Rei points out.
[14:29] <Serenity-hime> "I know, I'm just playing around with you." Usagi grins. "And you should see Ami when she gets going with the water... wow!"
[14:30] * V-chan grimaces. "Yeah, some people get lots of cool powers which are useful in day-to-day life."
[14:31] <Serenity-hime> "Oh, like mine are really handy every day." Usagi makes a face. "If I wasn't working on this, my abilities would be TOTALLY useless. And if you can still do that metal stuff, you're going to be a BIG help up here, believe me."
[14:31] <Sailor_Mars> "I can burn any garbage we find..." Rei mutters.
[14:31] * V-chan grins suddenly. "Oh, I can do the metal stuff, alright. It's not easy, but I can do it...."
[14:32] <V-chan> "I just wish less of my powers centered around destruction."
[14:32] * Sailor_Mars snorts, but otherwise remains silent.
[14:33] <Serenity-hime> "You can keep the place a little warmer too, Rei-chan. It's not like freezing up here, but it's colder than I like it to be, anyway." Turning to Minako, she nods. "I can put metal things back together, but I can't straighten them out if they're bent or anything - I've tried it a couple of times, and it just doesn't work."
[14:34] * V-chan snorts, before smiling. "I'm your welding torch, then."
[14:36] * Serenity-hime smiles. "There are TONS of bent-up railings and chandeliers and stuff like that - I've put a couple of them back together, but the arms are all facing the wrong directions."
[14:37] <V-chan> "Well, we can start on some of that now, unless you have something better to do," Minako suggests.
[14:38] <Serenity-hime> "Oh, we don't have to start on anything tonight unless you really want to. I was just hoping to find out what you guys all thought of the idea, and maybe have a little party or something while we were here."
[14:41] <Sailor_Mars> "A party sounds fun," Rei smiles.
[14:42] * V-chan nods uncertainly, trying to appear enthusiatic about it.
[14:42] * Serenity-hime smiles. "I thought a sleepover up here might be kind of fun. Ami and I have slept up here a few times - a lot of last week actually - and other than being a little chilly, it's fine."
[14:44] <Sailor_Mars> "A sleepover?" Rei looks a bit surprised. "Well, sure, if you want. And I can keep us warm," she says, before hastily adding, "Magically, I mean!"
[14:45] <V-chan> "I have things to do back home, actually," Minako says suddenly. "Homework, that kind of stuff. You think you could teleport me back, Usagi? I couldn't make the trip alone, and I'd hate to ruin the sleepover for the rest of you guys."
[14:46] * Serenity-hime grins. "I'm not sure how many futons we have up here, but I can always run back down to Earth and get a few more if we need them. Come on, I'll bet Ami's back in her room right now - she's always messing around with stuff back in there, and that's where we usually sleep anyway." She motions to the other two girls. "Come on, it's up this way!"
[14:47] * Sailor_Mars follows, casting her mind to their last sleepover. 'I wonder if we'll play Truth or Dare again...'
[14:47] <V-chan> "Umm, Usagi?" Minako waves at her, not moving. "You can't do it after all?"
[14:48] <Serenity-hime> "Oh sure, I can take you back if you really need to go, Mina-chan." Serenity sighs sadly. "I was hoping we could make it a big party with everyone though."
[14:49] <V-chan> "Well, I'm not in a festive mood, so it works." Minako shrugs. "I can always study here, I guess, if it's that much trouble."
[14:51] <Serenity-hime> "Oh no, you don't have to stay if you have other stuff to do. Let me find out how many futons we'll need from Ami-chan first though, so I don't end up making a ton of trips back and forth." Serenity finally gets back up to the curtained-room at the rear of the library. "Are you back there, Ami-chan?"
------- Meanwhile.... -------
[13:59] * Sailor_Jupiter goes to check up on Ami, while Minako and Usagi chat about the past. While the restoration project is interesting, the past itself isn't to Makoto.
[14:01] * Sailor_Jupiter makes her way to the back, spotting movement behind the curtains Ami had run into earlier.
[14:02] <Sailor_Jupiter> "Hey Ami, what're you doing?" Makoto asks as she pushes the curtains away.
[14:08] <Ami> "Getting things ready!" she calls back. "I just have to-ack!" Makoto sees Ami go down hard as the curtains part, what looks like a doll having tumbled onto her head.
[14:09] <Sailor_Jupiter> "Are you alright Ami?" Makoto asks worriedly as she quickly comes in and checks up on Ami, ignoring the doll thing.
[14:12] <Ami> "Fine, fine," Ami says, rubbing her head. "It's just a bump, really." She picks up the little figure, its blue and silver uniform glittering brightly in the light.
[14:14] * Sailor_Jupiter finally takes attention of the doll, and curious at the care Ami puts in handling it, asks, "What is that, Ami?"
[14:15] <Ami> "Oh this? This is..." she pauses, looking outside to see if anyone is listening. "This is my pet project," she finally whispers.
[14:16] * Ami sets the little figure on the low table in the middle of the room. "Take a seat," Ami insists, giving Makoto the chance to look around the room.
[14:17] * Sailor_Jupiter nods, curious as to what Ami means about her pet project if not the restoration of the palace grounds. She looks around the room, as she waits for Ami to speak up.
[14:26] <Ami> The room is huge, leaving you with the impression that it was used for something other than living quarters at on point. Be that as it may, though, it certainly is one now. The crystalline bookshelves have been pushed back to the wall, many filled with titles you're familiar with from Earth. There are several futons toward the front, and you also note plenty of appliances about.
[14:26] <Ami> Single burner stoves, a microwave, and a small fridge occupy what has to be the smallest kitchen you've ever seen, complete with a few spices and boxes of dry food on the shelves closest to them.
[14:26] <Ami> Further back the humming of a generator can be heard and the shelves are filled with clutter of all sorts. Spokes, sprockets, and other clockwork pieces are scattered about in an organized mess. Other less identifiable objects also protrude out of the mess.
[14:32] <Ami> While Makoto is sitting, gazing around she feels a weight settle in her lap.
[14:33] * Sailor_Jupiter looks down at her lap, blinking.
[14:34] <Ami> The mechanical eyes of the little white doll stare back at you, unblinking.
[14:34] <Sailor_Jupiter> "Uhm...Ami?" Makoto asks, a bit nervous at the way she's getting stared at by a doll. "How did your doll get on my lap, and why is it staring at me?"
[14:36] <Ami> "Oh, just sit her back on the table. I'll be there in a moment," Ami calls back. You can hear something squeaking from her direction.
[14:37] <Sailor_Jupiter> "Uh... okay?" Makoto says, somewhat uncomfortably as she picks up the doll in her hands.
[14:41] <Ami> The doll is heavier than it looks, you realize once you take it in hand. Once on the table it stands up, facing you. Another moment of staring commences. It then smiles, a bit of, warmth perhaps?, making its way into its eyes. The doll bows slowly, green hair cascading over its topknot.
[14:43] * Sailor_Jupiter is a bit confused by the doll, and gingerly says, "Uhm... hello." to the doll.
[14:44] <Ami> It waves back.
[14:45] * Sailor_Jupiter looks at the doll, starting to find her confusion and shock replaced with fascination. "Do you have a name?" Makoto asks before pausing. "Can you even talk?"
[14:47] <Ami> It nods at the first question, but shakes it head at the second. All the while its topknot waves vigorously.
[14:47] <Sailor_Jupiter> 'Smart little thing. Figures if it's connected to Ami...' Makoto thinks before asking, "Can you write your name? I would imagine you don't want to be called doll all the time."
[14:48] * Sailor_Jupiter supposes she could wait for Ami to give her the name, but she finds it fascinating figuring out how intelligent the little doll is.
[14:52] * Sailor_Jupiter hears Usagi's call and says, "She's doing something right now and left me minding the shop."
[14:52] * Sailor_Jupiter goes back to looking at the doll after answering Usagi.
[14:53] <Ami> The doll turns around and lifts its hair to reveal a nametag on the back of its neck.
[14:57] * Sailor_Jupiter squints her eyes to look at the small nametag, reading the name.
[14:58] <Ami> In tiny scroll Makoto can just make out the word 'LITA' with the characters writen beneath it.
[14:59] <Sailor_Jupiter> "Lita? What a cute name!" Makoto says with a smile.
[15:01] * Serenity-hime pushes inside the curtained room, looking for the blue-haired senshi.
[15:02] <Ami> Upon hearing her name, Lita leans forward into a handstand. Using only her hands she turns, pushing off the table into a flip, only to land in a kneeling position facing the Jovian senshi.
[15:05] <Sailor_Jupiter> "How cute!" Makoto gushes, before noticing Usagi come in. "Usagi! Has Ami shown you Lita? She's utterly adorable!"
[15:07] <Ami> Lita stands again. Reaching behind her she pulls out six tiny balls and begins juggling them. Music box music can be heard coming from her body.
[15:08] * Serenity-hime grins. "I've seen her around before, but only a glimpse here and there." Serenity gasps in surprise as the tiny robot starts juggling. "I had no idea it could do THAT though!"
[15:09] <Sailor_Jupiter> "She's so adorable. Did Ami make her, or just fix her up?"
[15:10] <Serenity-hime> "I think she made her. I don't remember anything like that from the Silver Millenium." Serenity crouches down to get a closer look at the tiny doll.
[15:12] * Ami returns with a converted grocery basket full of clockwork pieces. "Lita's entertaining company?" she say, a bit surprised.
[15:13] <Serenity-hime> "I had no idea she could do all this stuff, Ami-chan!" Serenity beams. "She's amazing!"
[15:13] <Sailor_Jupiter> "She's more than that, she's adorable," Makoto says.
[15:13] * Serenity-hime giggles. "That too."
[15:13] <Sailor_Jupiter> Makoto just can't get past Lita's adorableness.
[15:14] * Ami blushes, watching Lita backflip in the midst of the juggling without missing a beat. "You were calling for me, Usagi-chan?"
[15:15] * Serenity-hime shakes off her fascination with the doll. "Yeah, I just couldn't remember if we brought any extra futons up here. I thought it would be fun to have a sleepover up here tonight, if that's okay with you."
[15:16] <Ami> "We have the extra one, but there are five of us up here."
[15:17] * Serenity-hime shakes her head. "Only four. Mina-chan says she has something she needs to take care of back home, so I'm taking her back. I guess I only need to pick up one more then?"
------ Back with the others... ------
[14:52] * V-chan leans against a bookcase in the meanwhile, crossing her hands in front of her chest.
[14:53] <Sailor_Mars> "What's wrong, Minako-chan?" Rei asks, giving the blonde a concerned look.
[14:53] <V-chan> "What makes you think something's wrong?"
[14:54] <Sailor_Mars> "Well, you don't want to spend time with us, for one thing," Rei shrugs.
[14:55] * V-chan is silent for a few moments, before saying, "My power goes haywire."
[14:56] <Sailor_Mars> "What?" Rei says, not really comprehending.
[14:57] <V-chan> "It's started happening recently. Around Usagi." Minako shrugs. "It comes and goes, and when it does... it's really unpleasant."
[14:59] <Sailor_Mars> "Usagi is making your powers go haywire?" Rei clarifies doubtfully. 'Haywire like when she went nuts and killed Cynthia?' she wonders to herself.
[15:00] <V-chan> "Not my powers. My power."
[15:01] <Sailor_Mars> "Um... help me out here, Minako-chan, you're really not making much sense. What exactly is happening with your power when you're near Usagi?" Rei asks, struggling to understand just what the hell Minako is on about.
[15:03] <V-chan> "It hurts a lot." Minako bites on her lip, looking down. "I don't know why. I can use my senshi powers just fine, but this one..." She snorts. "I guess it didn't come from being a senshi after all."
[15:04] <Sailor_Mars> "What powers do you have besides your senshi ones?" Rei asks, blinking.
[15:05] <V-chan> "Just two," Minako responds, looking at Rei again. "My wings, and the sealed power."
[15:06] * Sailor_Mars shakes her head, not really getting any of this. "But you don't have your wings out, so how can they hurt? And what sealed power? If it's sealed, you wouldn't be using it, so it wouldn't matter if it went haywire."
[15:07] <V-chan> "I know." Minako frowns. "It shouldn't matter, but it does, somehow."
[15:07] <Sailor_Mars> "Well, how long has this been going on, then?"
[15:08] <V-chan> "Maybe for the past month, on and off?" Minako guesses.
[15:09] <Sailor_Mars> "And you haven't told Usagi? She might be able to figure out what's causing you to react in that way if you do," Rei points out reasonably.
[15:10] <V-chan> "And tell her what? Usagi, when I'm around you, it suddenly hurts inside?"
[15:12] <Sailor_Mars> "Well if you know it's coming from those two specific powers, why not start there? She's gotten really good at reading auras - she might be able to see what's causing it, either on your end or hers," Rei says, a bit of irritation creeping into her tone.
[15:12] <V-chan> "I don't want her to know," Minako states categorically.
[15:14] <Sailor_Mars> "Why the hell not?" Rei snaps, "So you can just keep avoiding her without ever explaining why?"
[15:14] <V-chan> "I gave her a perfectly believable explanation!" Minako snaps back.
[15:15] <Sailor_Mars> "But it's not the truth! And what 'perfectly believable explanation' are you going to use next time?"
[15:15] <V-chan> "I'm good at improvising," Minako says, shrugging.
[15:16] <Sailor_Mars> "At lying, you mean?" Rei snorts. "So much for all that talk about how you never, ever lie. Fine, I don't know why I bother." With that, Rei turns and stalks into the room the others are in.
[15:17] <V-chan> "I never lie to you!" Minako yells after her.
[15:18] * Sailor_Mars gives no indication of having heard.
[15:19] * V-chan wishes she could teleport on her own....
[15:19] * Serenity-hime raises an eyebrow as Rei comes storming into the room, then blushes in embarrassment... leaving Rei and Minako alone together MIGHT not have been the best-advised move she could have made. "I'll... be back in a few minutes then, guys." She quickly scurries out to where Minako is waiting.
[15:21] * Serenity-hime looks at the red-faced Minako, still rather upset with herself for leaving the two alone. "Um.. are you ready to go? I know what I need now."
[15:22] <V-chan> "Yes, take me home," Minako snaps at Serenity, before shaking her head. "I never lied to her. Never," she says quietly.
[15:23] * Serenity-hime draws back slightly, then gently places her hands on Minako's shoulders. The white glow spreads out to encompass Minako, and as Serenity's incantation completes the two vanish, only to reappear in Usagi's room back on Earth.
[15:24] <V-chan> "Close enough, I guess," she mutters. "Have fun at your party, Usagi."
[15:24] <Serenity-hime> "Sorry you couldn't stay, V-chan." Serenity says sadly. "We'll have to get together some other time to make up for it."
[15:25] * V-chan grunts noncommittally. "I have to go. Tell her I never lied to her when you get back, alright?"
[15:26] <Serenity-hime> "Um... okay." Usagi looks distinctly uncomfortable. "I will. See you later, Minako." She waves somewhat hesitantly.
[15:27] * V-chan leaves without another word.
[15:28] <Serenity-hime> 'Was it something I did?' Serenity wonders to herself as she heads to the linen closet to pull out a spare futon. Minako had never snapped at her like that before...
[15:30] * Serenity-hime holds the bundled futon in her arms as she teleports back to the Moon once again, thankful that it's light enough not to require any extra energy to transport. She appears next to the wooden desk in the library, just outside Ami's room, and sighs.
[15:32] <Sailor_Mars> S

[15:43] <Serenity-hime> "I'll try to talk to her after she cools down some. Maybe we can figure out what the problem is if we put our heads together."
[15:44] <Sailor_Mars> "Yeah, better that than just pretending it doesn't exist and letting it fester," Rei says,
[15:46] * Serenity-hime stands up straight. "Enough about Minako! I came up here to have a party tonight, and I'm not going to let my worries about her get me down!" She picks up the futon and grins. "Come on, Rei-chan - let's enjoy ourselves tonight!"
[15:47] <Sailor_Mars> "Sounds good to me!" Rei says, heading back into Ami's room.
[15:47] <Sailor_Mars> ---------
[12:00] * Serenity-hime pushes past the curtains into Ami's hideaway, still carrying the futon. "I'm back with the extra futon!" She lays it down on the floor next to the pair already there.
[12:03] * Sailor_Jupiter continues to play with Lita, only giving a brief show of noticing Usagi had returned.
[12:03] * Sailor_Mars notices the doll, having been preoccupied the last time she was in the room. "What's that?" she asks, moving to get a closer look.
[12:04] <Ami> "Usagi-chan, Rei-chan," Ami nods to the two.
[12:04] * Serenity-hime moves over to see what Lita is up to now. "It's amazing, Rei-chan! Just watch for a minute."
[12:06] <Sailor_Mars> "Hm?" Rei watches curiously, her eyes widening as the doll performs a variety of tricks. "How does it do that?!" she asks, amazed.
[12:06] <Ami> Lita is currently spinning plates on sticks while one one foot. So far there are seven plates; three on each arm and one beeing spun by her mouth.
[12:06] * Serenity-hime shakes her head and giggles. "I have no idea, but it's really cool! How long have you been working on her, Ami-chan?"
[12:07] <Sailor_Mars> "You built it?" Rei turns her attention to Ami.
[12:09] * Ami nods, blushing. "I've been working on her every since we first found the library. I found the most fascinating book on clockwork machines up here. At around the same time I was doing some research on robots. It just clicked together."
[12:10] <Sailor_Mars> "Wow. I'm impressed!" Rei says as she returns to watching the little doll go through its routines.
[12:10] <Serenity-hime> "She's just so ADORABLE! When are you going to make me one?" Usagi grins.
[12:11] <Sailor_Mars> After a moment, Rei frowns. "Hmm. If we're here to have fun, there's really no need for me to be 'in uniform'," she gestures to her Sailor Fuku, before letting it fade away to be replaced by her casual attire.
[12:12] <Ami> "She's not finished yet," Ami says in a hurry. "She can't even speak yet and I need a new power supply. She eats DD batteries almost as fast as Usagi eats Mako-chan's cooking"
[12:12] * Sailor_Jupiter nods at Rei's statement and likewise detransforms into her normal clothing.
[12:13] * Serenity-hime glares at Ami indignantly. "I do not eat THAT fast!"
[12:13] <Rei-chan> "I find it hard to believe it could possibly eat batteries that fast," Rei says, shaking her head.
[12:13] <Serenity-hime> "Rei!" Usagi says, scandalized.
[12:14] <Ami> "I did say almost," Ami grins.
[12:14] <Rei-chan> "Usagi, you can finish one of Mako-chan's bentos in less than a minute." She gestures at the doll, "That's been going for longer than that, wouldn't you say?"
[12:14] * Serenity-hime grumbles and settles her arms across her chest, muttering to herself.
[12:15] * Rei-chan snickers.
[12:17] * Serenity-hime glances up at the other girls after a few moments, noticing that the rest have reverted to their street clothes. As everyone's attention turns back to Lita, she does the same herself.
[12:20] <Ami> A loud beeping suddenly fills the air. Lita tosses plates, sticks, and all into the air, backflips, and lands holding a stack of plates in one hand and a bundle of sticks in the other.
[12:20] <Ami> The beeping is clearly coming from the doll.
[12:20] * Usagi-chan applauds, grinning. "Bravo!"
[12:21] <Rei-chan> "You could make a fortune if you patented her, Ami-chan..."
[12:22] <Usagi-chan> "And she's so small! How did you ever fit all the parts and stuff inside there, Ami? They must REALLY be tiny."
[12:23] * Ami sighs. "Time for another recharge, eh Lita-chan?" Lita nods, making a running leap into Ami's arms. "Like I said, she's not quite ready yet."
[12:24] <Ami> "It was actually a bit easier than I thought it would be. There's a lot of shortcuts that we have now that they didn't know as much about in the Silver Millenium. Guess they weren't quite so far ahead of us as we first thought, eh?"
[12:25] <Usagi-chan> "I don't even know about any of that stuff, Ami-chan. I didn't like science any more back then than I do now." Usagi sticks her tongue out slightly. "It's always been boring stuff."
[12:27] * Ami walks over to the pushcart and shifts a few things around, finally revealing a car battery. She does something that you can't quite see, but ends with Lita hooked up to the battery.
[12:27] <Makoto> "So what do we do now that the show is over?" Makoto asks, somewhat saddened to see the doll out of action for now.
[12:27] <Rei-chan> "I guess they were a lot more advanced magically, but it was a lot more common back then... now technology is more common, so people on Earth have advanced it beyond what the Moon Kingdom used..." Rei muses.
[12:28] * Usagi-chan grins and hefts a pillow, before hurling it at Rei.
[12:29] <Rei-chan> "Hey!" Rei sputters indignantly as the pillow smacks against the side of her head, catching it before it falls. "Oh, you're starting up with that again, are you, Dumpling Head?" she asks, a malicious gleam in her eye.
[12:30] <Usagi-chan> "I won the last time!" Usagi grins. "Pyro!"
[12:30] * Ami giggles, hiding it behind her hand.
[12:31] <Rei-chan> "Ha! I went easy on you. But you'll get no mercy, this time!" Rei crows, rearing back and hurling the pillow at Usagi's head.
[12:31] * Usagi-chan ducks quickly, the pillow hurtling over her and smacking into Makoto. "Missed me!"
[12:31] <Rei-chan> "Ah... sorry... Mako-chan..." Rei backs away nervously.
[12:32] * Makoto twitches as she bends over, picking up the pillow. "Oh, you'll be sorry," she says as she walks up Rei and whaps her good. "Take that!"
[12:33] <Usagi-chan> "Uh oh..." Usagi dives out of the way, snatching up Ami's pillow. "Hey! I was going to do that!" Usagi whacks Makoto in the back of the head with the pillow.
[12:33] <Rei-chan> "It was Usagi's fault!" Rei insists, shielding herself from Makoto's fury.
[12:34] * Makoto nods as Usagi whaps her. "Alright, you're right, she deserves it too."
[12:34] <Makoto> With that, Makoto whips around and whaps Usagi as well!
[12:35] <Rei-chan> Seeing an opportunity, Rei tackles Makoto from behind, sending all three of the currently fighting girls in a heap on the floor!
[12:35] * Ami sneaks around the warring group picking up Usagi's discarded pillow and lightly baps her on the head with it.
[12:35] <Usagi-chan> "Hey! Get OFF me!" Usagi struggles from the bottom of the heap. "Someone needs to go on a diet!" Ow!" Usagi grabs Ami's leg. "Stop that!"
[12:37] <Ami> "Eep!" Ami cries, going down into the heep.
[12:37] * Rei-chan grabs a discarded pillow from the floor and begins randomly whacking the flailing Usagi and Makoto beneath her. "I win!" she cheers, before being knocked over by the falling Ami.
[12:38] <Usagi-chan> "Can't... breathe..." Usagi gasps out from the bottom of the pile. "Too... heavy..."
[12:39] <Makoto> "I am -not- heavy!" Makoto yells. "Why do you people keep insisting I am in some form?!?"
[12:39] * Ami rolls off the top of the pile, snatching up a pillow and wacking the first person to follow her up.
[12:40] <Rei-chan> "I think you're perfectly formed, Mako-chan," Rei says, poking her in the ribs as she disengages herself from the pile, before being hit by the waiting Ami. "Hey!" she cries, retaliating against the blue-haired girl.
[12:40] <Usagi-chan> "Just... get... OFF!" Usagi manages to force herself up, dislodging Rei and Makoto as she struggles to her hands and knees. "It's probably more Rei's fault anyway!"
[12:42] <Makoto> "Well, you're the one who called me fat, so..." A pillow comes crashing on Usagi's head as Makoto finds herself more free to move with Rei moving off -her-.
[12:42] <Ami> "Pile on the Rei!" Ami calls, pillow tackling the white-haired miko.
[12:42] <Rei-chan> "Ack!" Rei falls to the floor, unprepared for the sudden attack!
[12:43] * Makoto takes the opportunity to whap Ami from above. "Now I've gotten you all!" Makoto says with satisfaction.
[12:43] <Usagi-chan> "Hey!" Usagi covers her head with her arms, then seizes her chance as the miko goes down. "Time to exploit Rei's weakness!" She grabs the miko's foot, fingers at the ready.
[12:44] <Rei-chan> "No! Stop it! Mako-chan, stop her!" Rei begs the taller girl as she senses Usagi's intentions.
[12:44] * Usagi-chan very lightly tickles the bottom of Rei's foot with one finger. "Stop what, Rei-chan?" she giggles.
[12:45] * Rei-chan giggles, but manages to keep from going completely hysterical. "No fair exploting my weakness!" she cries, trying to dislodge herself, but finding that she's pinned pretty well.
[12:46] * Ami blinks. "You're ticklish?" An evil grin forms on her face.
[12:47] <Usagi-chan> "Like you wouldn't believe!" Usagi grins, giving Rei's foot another tiny tickle.
[12:47] <Rei-chan> "I'm-heehee-Not! Haahee-Honest!" Rei manages to gasp out.
[12:48] * Ami rubs her fingers along Rei's side. "Are you ticklish here?"
[12:48] * Makoto just watches as Usagi and Ami tickle Rei, and shrugging decides to help the helpless miko. "Oh, Usagi... you're not ticklish, are you?"
[12:48] * Makoto grins as she waves her fingers while approaching the blonde.
[12:49] * Usagi-chan releases Rei's foot, jumping away from the tall brunette. "Don't even start, Mako-chan..."
[12:49] * Rei-chan writhes underneath Ami. "Oh god! Haaahaa! Stop it! Heehaahaa! Please!" Rei manages in between paroxysms of laughter.
[12:50] * Ami stops, letting her ger her breath back for a moment. "How about here?" Ami says, going for the neck.
[12:53] <Rei-chan> Beathing heavily as she recovers, Rei gives Ami a level look. "Actually, that isn't very ticklish." That said, she then grabs Ami and rolls the pair over. "But now the tables have turned!" she proclaims from her new position. "Lets see how ticklish you are, Ami-chan!" she cries, beginning to tickle Ami up and down her sides.
[12:53] <Ami> "Noooohahahahaha," Ami screams, trying to protect herself.
[12:54] <Rei-chan> "I have you, now!" Rei cheers, continuing her merciless attack!
[12:54] <Makoto> "Sorry Usagi, but you need a good tickling," Makoto says as she jumps the blonde.
[12:55] * Ami tries to hold the laughter in, turning an interesting shade of red.
[12:56] * Rei-chan leans down closer to Ami's face, slowing down her tickling just a little. "Come on, Ami-chan, just let it out. You'll feel a whole lot better after a good laugh," she carols.
[12:58] <Usagi-chan> "Noooo!" Usagi tries to dive out of the way, knocking over Rei in her panic.
[12:58] * Ami waits until Rei is off balance before twisting.
[12:58] <Rei-chan> "Ow!" Rei cries, being knocked clear off of Ami by the collision.
[12:59] <Makoto> "Whoops..." Makoto says, with an embarrassed expression before moving to the two. "You two alright?"
[13:01] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, fine," Rei says, getting to her feet and getting enough distance to prevent anyone suddenly tackling her back to the floor.
[13:01] * Ami gasps, crawling away.
[13:02] <Usagi-chan> "I'm fine, really..." Usagi gets up unsteadily, slightly stunned from crashing into Rei.
[13:02] <Rei-chan> "Um... I guess Mako-chan won that, then..." Rei says with a lopsided grin.
[13:03] * Usagi-chan falls heavily on her rear, still shaking her head slightly. "Okay... sounds good to me."
[13:03] <Makoto> "Do I get a prize?" Makoto asks, happy the two hadn't hurt each other.
[13:04] <Ami> "You *gaspuff* get to *gasp* cook!"
[13:04] * Usagi-chan leans over and whispers in Rei's ear.
[13:05] * Rei-chan gives Usagi a scandalised look, which quickly turns into an evil grin as she nods.
[13:05] * Usagi-chan grabs a pillow, then jumps up and starts pounding on Makoto with it. "Here's your prize!"
[13:06] <Rei-chan> All the other pillows lying around the room suddenly float up and fly at Makoto with alarming velocity!
[13:06] * Rei-chan looks innocent.
[13:06] * Makoto oofs. "Hey! You guys said I won already!" she yells while giggling and fighting off the pillows.
[13:07] <Rei-chan> "The champion must always be wary of challengers to the top spot," Rei nods sagely, continuing to telekinetically guide the pillows to batter Makoto. And Usagi, since she's not really being all that careful...
[13:08] * Makoto grabs onto one of the incomming pillows and throws it at Rei's head. "Hey, no using of powers! That's cheating!"
[13:09] * Rei-chan staggers with the hit, all the other flying pillows instantly dropping as she loses her focus. "Alright, then!" she cries, catching it and leaping forward to join Usagi's attack on Makoto.
[13:09] * Usagi-chan stumbles forward as one of Rei's pillows beans her in the back of the head. "Watch your aim, Pyro!"
[13:10] <Rei-chan> "You knew the risks!" Rei replies quickly.
[13:11] * Ami calms down finally and grabs a camera, snapping pictures of the trio's tussle.
[13:11] * Usagi-chan catches the flash out of the corner of her eye and turns to the blue-haired girl. "Hey! No pictures!" She bonks Ami over the head with her pillow.
[13:12] * Makoto bends down to grab two pillows from the ground as Rei and Usagi are distracted, throwing one at Rei again, while bopping Usagi with the other.
[13:12] * Rei-chan finds herself unbalanced, and the hit from Makoto is just enough to send her toppling to the ground once more.
[13:15] <Usagi-chan> "Quit it!" Usagi tries to scurry out of the way of Makoto's attack, leaving Ami alone.
[13:15] <Makoto> "Hey, you guys are the one who continued the fight!" Makoto says. "That cannot go unpunished!"
[13:16] * Makoto throws the pillow in her hands at Usagi as she tries to scurry away.
[13:16] <Rei-chan> "You're far too good at this," Rei complains. "Consider me punished!" she says, unsteadily rising and backing off from the victorious Makoto.
[13:17] <Ami> "Hail the conquering hero!" Ami says, snapping a few shots.
[13:17] * Usagi-chan trips as the pillow catches her between the shoulders, and she falls to the ground with a grunt. "Okay, I give!"
[13:25] * Makoto giggles. "Well then, if there are no more challengers, what next?"
[13:26] <Ami> A small pillow bops you from behind.
[13:26] * Rei-chan sits down on a futon. "I dunno. Any suggestions?" she looks at Ami and Usagi.
[13:26] <Ami> "We could study?" Ami comments.
[13:27] * Makoto scrunches up her face. "That's... no fun. Not today, at least, alright?"
[13:27] <Rei-chan> "Bad Ami," Rei says, lazily throwing a pillow in her direction, which misses anyway. "Something fun."
[13:30] <Ami> "Um, we could play truth or dare?" Ami says, trying to recall what people did at these kind of get-togethers.
[13:30] * Usagi-chan glances over at Rei and blushes.
[13:31] * Rei-chan notes the gaze and blushes herself.
[14:47] <Makoto> "Truth or dare is fine with me," Makoto says with a shrug, not really noticing Rei and Usagi's blushing. "Who gets to go first?"
[14:48] <Rei-chan> "It was Ami's idea," Rei suggests.
[14:48] <Usagi-chan> "Sounds fair to me... Ami-chan?"
[14:52] <Ami> "Uh-uh. I came up with the suggestion, you go first."
[14:53] <Makoto> "I think she meant that you get to pick one of us to say a truth or pick a dare, Ami, not that you have to do that first," Makoto says with a giggle.
[14:54] * Rei-chan nods. "That's how it works, right?"
[14:54] <Ami> "Oh," Ami blushes. "I've never done this before."
[14:54] <Usagi-chan> "Just pick someone already!" Usagi grins.
[14:54] * Ami picks up some pillows and flops down on them. "Ok. THen I pick you. Truth or dare?"
[14:56] * Usagi-chan thinks for a minute. "I'll start with a dare."
[14:57] <Ami> "Um, ok," Ami mutters, not quite sure what to dare. "I daaaare you to, um, do a handstand?"
[14:58] * Makoto boos. "Lame, Ami, lame!"
[14:58] * Makoto then starts laughing.
[14:58] * Rei-chan shakes her head. "That's not a very good dare at all, Ami-chan..."
[14:58] * Usagi-chan grins. "It still counts! Here goes..." Usagi puts her head to the ground and unsteadily manages to stand on her head. "That good enough?"
[15:02] <Ami> "Good enough for me."
[15:03] * Ami hides her head.
[15:03] * Usagi-chan quickly gets back to her feet, smoothing down her skirt. "All right, it's my turn!" She looks around for a moment with a predatory gleam in her eye. "Mako-chan! Truth or Dare?"
[15:04] <Makoto> "Uh..." Makoto says, while looking at the predatory gleam and remembering the earlier booing and pillow loss. "Truth?"
[15:05] * Usagi-chan grins triumphantly. "I want to know if you've gone out on a date with Kazan yet, and if you did, what did you do?"
[15:08] <Makoto> "Usagi!" Makoto shouts, while coloring red. She frowns, but after a while answers, after her color returns to a more normal shade. "I already told you the last time I was with him, so you know I've never gone on a date with him."
[15:09] * Ami perks up. "Hm? Who?"
[15:09] * Makoto sticks out her tongue at Ami. "Nobody important."
[15:10] <Rei-chan> "I've never heard of Kazan... what's he like?"
[15:10] <Makoto> 'Gods, I can't believe you remembered him. I mentioned him what, twice?' Makoto thinks towards Usagi.
[15:10] <Makoto> "I already answered. I don't have to say anything else," Makoto says smugly.
[15:10] <Rei-chan> "Fine," Rei says, crossing her arms. 'I can ask later...'
[15:12] <Ami> "Mako's got a booooyfriend," Ami chants happily.
[15:13] <Makoto> "I do not!" Makoto says with a blush.
[15:13] * Usagi-chan giggles. "I have a very good memory for certain things, Mako-chan."
[15:13] <Rei-chan> "But you want one, right?" Rei asks with a grin.
[15:13] <Makoto> "Right, just for that, you're next, missy," Makoto says crossly while pointing to Rei. "Truth or Dare?"
[15:14] <Rei-chan> "Hah, do your worst, Mako-chan. Dare!" Rei replies challengingly.
[15:14] <Makoto> "Dare, eh? Hmmm..."
[15:15] * Makoto decides to maybe cheat a little and thinks, 'Hey Usagi, any thoughts?'
[15:15] <Usagi-chan> 'Oh no you don't, you picked her.' Usagi grins in reply.
[15:18] * Makoto would stick her tongue out at Usagi, but didn't want to give away the conversation. After a brief thought, Makoto says, "Okay, I dare you to take Yuuichiro on an expensive date, Ms. "But you want one, right?"!"
[15:19] * Usagi-chan smirks and waits for Rei to ask for a Truth.
[15:19] * Rei-chan frowns. "No way! Things are weird enough between Yuuichiro and me without sending those kind of mixed signals. I'll take a Truth instead," she says grumpily.
[15:19] <Usagi-chan> 'I knew it! '
[15:20] * Makoto pouts. "And I bothered to make it just evil enough..."
[15:21] <Makoto> "Ah well, truth then..." Makoto says in thought, while tapping her chin and looking upwards. "Hmmm...okay, what was the best romantic moment of your life? Explain in detail and say why you thought it so."
[15:27] * Rei-chan suddenly looks very uncomfortable. "Dammit... you've given me no choice, have you?" She sighs loudly. "It was not long after Minako and I got together. We were at the temple, shovelling snow and talking... she was acting all nervous about something..."
[15:27] <Rei-chan> "Then she showed me those angel wings of hers... she just looked so beautiful then. And then we kissed... it wasn't our first kiss, but it's the one I'll always remember best..." Rei has a far away look as she recalls the event.
[15:27] <Rei-chan> "We didn't get much else work done at the Shrine that day," she adds as an afterthought.
[15:29] * Usagi-chan smiles. "That sounds really beautiful, Rei-chan."
[15:30] <Rei-chan> "Yeah. Shame things never worked out..." Rei says gruffly, before shaking her head. "Anyway, that's all in the past."
[15:30] * Makoto blushes, but nods with Usagi's statement, though at Rei's statement Makoto has the decency to look embarassed. "Sorry for bringing up the memories, Rei."
[15:31] * Usagi-chan wisely remains silent, not wanting to drag the topic out any further than necessary.
[15:32] * Rei-chan waves it off. "It's alright. Better than dating Yuuichiro," she says with a smile. "Anyway, Usagi - Truth or Dare?" she asks, deciding that the last Dare the blonde got wasn't very good.
[15:32] * Usagi-chan makes a long face, knowing that Rei won't let her off the hook as easily as Ami did. "I'll take a truth this time."
[15:45] <Rei-chan> "Okay," Rei rubs her hands together. "What really happened to my signed Caravan Kidd manga? The one you claimed you lost when several crows flew into my room and attacked you before stealing it while I was in the bathroom?"
[15:47] <Usagi-chan> "Well..." Usagi mumbles. "The crows thing WAS true, but they didn't steal it." She touches her fingers together in embarrassment. "Your two birds at the shrine started squawking at something really loud, and I was so startled that I ripped two of the pages really bad. I hid it in my bag and took it home to try to tape it up, but I ended up getting the tears all crooked so I never gave it back to you."
[15:48] * Rei-chan massages her temples. "Well, I suppose it's so long ago that I won't yell at you now like I would have at the time. But I could have fixed it a lot easier if you'd just told me."
[15:50] * Usagi-chan perks up as she realizes something. "Actually, I can fix it myself now, and it'll be just as good as new. I completely forgot about it, so I never thought to try out my little repair thing on it."
[15:50] <Rei-chan> "Oh yeah. Hey, you can fix ALL my manga you've ruined!" Rei says brightly.
[15:50] * Makoto snorts.
[15:51] * Usagi-chan blushes. "Not ALL of it. It doesn't get out stains or anything like that, so the ones I've gotten ice cream on I can't do anything about."
[15:51] <Rei-chan> "Those are the worst ones!" Rei cries.
[15:51] <Usagi-chan> "Well, I can't pick and choose the way it works!" Usagi complains. "It just does what it does."
[15:52] * Rei-chan just mumbles something about "limited edition" and "sentimental value".
[19:40] * Ami giggles.
[19:41] * Usagi-chan rounds on the blue-haired girl. "I heard that! All right, Ami-chan., Truth or Dare?"
[19:42] * Ami blinks in surprise. "Um, truth?"
[19:50] * Usagi-chan grins. "I want to know about your first crush. Who was it and what did you really think about them? And you can't tell me you haven't had one - I saw the way you looked at Urawa-kun."
[19:54] <Ami> "Um, er," Ami mutters, blushing furiously. "It was *mummblemuttermubble*"
[19:54] <Makoto> "What was that? We couldn't hear..." Makoto states with a grin.
[19:54] <Usagi-chan> "Come on, speak up!" Usagi grins.
[19:55] * Rei-chan perks up a she waits for Ami to come clean.
[19:55] <Ami> "I said," Ami begins a bit louder. "It was *cough*Urawa*cough*"
[19:56] <Usagi-chan> "I thought so! What about the rest of it? I said you have to say what you really thought about him, too!"
[19:56] <Rei-chan> "Really?" Rei asks in surprise. "Have you ever actually contacted him since the time we rescued him from the Dark Kingdom?" She always thought Urawa would be pretty good for Ami, but nothing ever seemed to come of it.
[19:58] <Ami> "Sorry, only one question please," Ami says, sticking her tongue out at Rei.
[19:59] <Rei-chan> "Aha! That's a yes!" Rei says triumphantly.
[19:59] * Usagi-chan pokes Ami in the side. "You still haven't answered the rest of mine though, Ami-chan."
[20:01] <Ami> "Well, at first I thought he was the second smartest person I knew, which was a definite plus," Ami says, her eyes taking a far off look. "And he wasn't bad looking, though he's no Albert."
[20:01] <Rei-chan> "Albert?" Rei quirks an eyebrow.
[20:03] <Ami> "I was a bit disapointed once I found out HOW he was getting such good grades," Ami says quickly. "But after that he showed so much bravery trying to protect me from himself even though he knew he was going to turn into a monster."
[20:03] <Ami> "He was... nice," Ami finishes, a bit lamely.
[20:03] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, I thought so too. He was a dependable sort of guy," Rei nods.
[20:04] <Usagi-chan> "I think Rei-chan is right. You should go look him up again, Ami-chan!" Usagi nods.
[20:05] <Ami> "Maybe," Ami says. "When there's some time."
[20:05] <Rei-chan> "Don't keep putting it off," Rei chastises her, "Before you know it, some other girl might steal him away!"
[20:05] <Ami> "Oh, I'm next, right? Um, Makoto, I choose you!" Ami says, pointing dramatically!
[20:06] <Makoto> "Oh? Hmm...I'll take a dare," Makoto says, remembering the last time Ami offered a dare.
[20:09] <Usagi-chan> "Make it something really tough or embarrassing, Ami-chan!" Usagi smirks.
[20:09] <Makoto> "Hey, you're only saying that because you got an easy one!" Makoto protests.
[20:11] * Usagi-chan sticks her tongue out at Makoto. "All's fair in Truth or Dare!"
[20:12] <Makoto> "I hope you understand that statement says it all about who my target's gonna be..." Makoto says with a syrupy-sweet voice.
[20:13] * Usagi-chan smiles sweetly. "I can take whatever you can dish out, Mako-chan!"
[20:13] * Rei-chan wisely keeps her mouth shut.
[20:14] <Ami> "I dare you to, um, I know!" Ami datrs off suddenly, only to come back with a small pile of comic books. "I dare you to read one of these outloud in English."
[20:14] * Usagi-chan looks rather puzzled. "What are they, Ami-chan?"
[20:14] * Rei-chan groans. Hopefully Ami will figure out some decent dares for next time...
[20:17] <Makoto> "Ooooh, Batman comic books..." Makoto says recognizing the cover of one of the issues.
[20:19] <Makoto> "...dad used to show off his collection when I was a kid," Makoto says with a bitter-sweet sigh. "I used to really like it when he read them to me."
[20:19] <Usagi-chan> "I've heard of those! I never read any though since they're all in English." Usagi says with a blush. "I can't understand what's going on in them."
[20:20] <Ami> "They're the best!" speaks up. "Action, romance, and the coolest guy uses his brain."
[20:20] * Ami sighs.
[20:21] * Rei-chan listens with some interest, knowing of the comic, but never having read it before herself.
[20:21] <Makoto> Using her knowledge of English from school and what her father taught her, Makoto begins to read the first issue. Though her English is somewhat accented, she makes up for it with her enthusiastic sound effects, much like her dad used to do for her.
[20:22] * Rei-chan grins, listening to Makoto do all the different voices and hearty sound effects. Maybe this dare wasn't so bad...
[20:22] * Usagi-chan listens carefully, although she gets lost rather quickly. She smiles at Makoto's enthusiastic reading though, despite being unable to understand what's going on.
[20:25] <Makoto> "Heh, that was a fun dare..." Makoto mumbles, with a blush before remembering Usagi's challenge.
[20:25] <Makoto> "Now it's time to see if the princess really can take anything I dish out..."
[20:25] * Makoto grins like a cat.
[20:25] <Usagi-chan> "Hah, bring it on, Jupiter-chan!" Usagi grins.
[20:26] <Rei-chan> "Give her hell, Mako-chan!" Rei cheers.
[20:26] <Ami> "That was pretty good, Mako-chan. I didn't know you spoke English so well."
[20:27] <Usagi-chan> "I'll take a truth." Usagi nods to Makoto.
[20:27] <Makoto> "Just because of school and my dad's readings," Makoto says almost absently as she focuses on what to ask Usagi.
[20:30] * Makoto snaps her finger as she thinks of something. "Have you ever done anything with the disguise pen not for senshi business, like for a prank or something? If yes, describe the most recent thing you've done with it and why."
[20:30] * Rei-chan gives Usagi a guilty look.
[20:32] * Usagi-chan winces, but bears up bravely. "I have, lots of times - DESPITE Luna yelling at me about it all the time." She looks Makoto square in the eye. "And I'll only tell you what I did on the condition that I don't hear it again tonight, got it?"
[20:32] <Rei-chan> 'That just makes it sound worse...' Rei thinks to herself.
[20:33] <Usagi-chan> 'I'm not going to do it again, Rei-chan. That's all I'm making sure of,' Usagi replies mentally.
[20:33] <Makoto> "Oh?" Makoto asks, getting really curious and she begins to debate whether to accept the condition or not.
[20:33] <Rei-chan> 'Good point,' Rei agrees.
[20:33] <Usagi-chan> "Take it or leave it. I'll tell you, but it was for a game of truth or dare and I won't do the same thing as a dare again tonight."
[20:34] <Makoto> Deciding that Usagi had thrown her enough of a bone, Makoto nods. "Okay, I'll take your condition."
[20:34] <Makoto> "Now SPILL!" Makoto grins.
[20:35] <Usagi-chan> "I was sleeping over at the temple with Rei-chan and we were playing truth or dare there. She dared me to use the disguise pen to change myself into a cute bishounen guy like you see in the idol magazines." Usagi blushes slightly. "So I did it."
[20:35] <Rei-chan> "'He' was cute, but pretty short," Rei nods.
[20:36] <Usagi-chan> "I can't help that!" Usagi retorts. "I'm always the same height when I use the pen."
[20:40] <Usagi-chan> "Okay, my turn!" Usagi stretches out her arm, pointing her finger as she rotates past the other girls. "I pick... you, Rei-chan!"
[20:40] <Rei-chan> "The shortness just made you cuter!" Rei giggles. "Brings out my nurturing instincts."
[20:41] <Usagi-chan> "Oh, be quiet!" Usagi grumps.
[20:41] <Rei-chan> "Dare," Rei replies, crossing her arms.
[20:41] * Makoto just tries to get past the image of Usagi as a guy. 'Blast, I shouldn't have accepted the condition, now I can't see Usagi as a guy,' Makoto laments mentally as Usagi and Rei banter.
[20:42] * Usagi-chan grins. "I didn't say anything about any of the OTHER dares from the other day. I want to hear your song again."
[20:43] * Rei-chan scratches her head. "Eien no Melody? Or the other one?" she asks, wondering why Usagi is wasting a dare on this when she'd be happy to sing any time...
[20:44] <Usagi-chan> "Yeah, Eien no Melody. I thought that was really cool." Usagi nods.
[20:46] <Rei-chan> "Okay," Rei stands up, clearing her throat and establishing the tempo in her head. Her eyes closed as she sways slightly to the unheard melody, the white-haired girl begins to sing. "Shaded by the sunlight, In my heart you are here, Even without saying you love me, You are here in my heart..."
[20:47] * Usagi-chan leans back on her elbows, smiling as she hums along to the tune.
[20:49] * Makoto smiles while listening to the song
[20:49] <Rei-chan> Relaxed and comfortable, Rei gives a fine performance of the song, her emotions shining through the lyrics. "The throbbing building up warmly, Eternally whoever's heart it is in, It will resound loudly, the magical melody,
[20:49] <Rei-chan> Even more than the blue sky and the sea, I will chase after my dreams with love, Your deep eyes told me to do that..." she trails off, ending the song before looking around at the girls for their reaction.
[20:50] * Usagi-chan grins and applauds, her eyes shining. "That was really good, Rei-chan!"
[20:51] <Rei-chan> "Thanks," Rei smiles, sitting back down. "It's always been my favourite of all the songs I've wrote."
[20:52] <Makoto> "I can see why it might be, Rei-chan. Usagi's right, that really was good," Makoto says.
[20:54] * Rei-chan beams at the praise. "Thanks, guys," she says earnestly.
[20:55] <Usagi-chan> "It's a lot better than I would have done, that's for sure." Usagi sticks her tongue out. "I can't sing worth a darn."
[20:56] <Rei-chan> "You could always take lessons," Rei suggests charitably. "You have a very nice voice, I'm sure if you got some teaching you'd be amazed at the difference."
[20:57] <Makoto> "We haven't even heard you sing, so we wouldn't know," Makoto says sticking her tongue out at Usagi. 'Hell, I thought I sucked too, but if two singers like Rei and Minako say I'm okay...'
[20:57] <Usagi-chan> "More classes? I don't think so." Usagi makes a face. "I'm not that crazy about singing."
[20:58] * Rei-chan shrugs. "Think of it as a hobby rather than a class, but fair enough. There are more important things in life."
[21:01] <Usagi-chan> 'No, you really were good, Mako-chan. Minako and Rei were right.' Usagi smiles as she thinks to the tall senshi.
[10:28] <Rei-chan> "Anyway!" Rei suddenly declares, rounding on the blue-haired girl. "Ami-chan - Truth or Dare?"
[10:30] <Ami> "Truth."
[10:34] * Rei-chan rubs her hands gleefully, wondering what she could get innocent little Ami-chan to confess to. "Ami-chan, have you ever stolen anything, and if so, what?"
[10:38] <Ami> "Hasn't everybody?" Ami says, waving the question off. "A few pieces of candy here, a pencil there; it isn't that bad." 'Buy it, buy it. PLEASE buy it!'
[10:38] <Rei-chan> "Well, yeah," Rei nods, "I was just hoping you'd get really embarrassed by it... you always seem so straight-laced..." Rei says, rather disappointed in the reaction to her question.
[10:40] * Ami shrugs. "Such is life. Now, truth or dare, Rei?"
[10:40] <Rei-chan> "Oh ho! Right back at me, eh?" Rei chortles. "I'll take another dare, thank you very much."
[10:42] <Ami> "Ok," Ami says. "I dare you to kiss Mako-chan! And I don't mean a peck on the cheek, either," Ami declares.
[10:43] <Makoto> "W-w-whaaaa?" Makoto screeches, and backpedals away from Rei and Ami
[10:43] * Usagi-chan freezes, not moving a muscle. A pink tinge colors her cheeks, although she fights it every inch of the way.
[10:43] <Rei-chan> "Yikes! You're getting better at coming up with these dares, Ami-chan..." Rei says, her face paling as she considers her options.
[10:44] <Ami> "It took me long enough to come up with a good one," Ami laments.
[10:45] <Makoto> "That is -not- a good dare!" Makoto says, keeping her eye on Rei.
[10:45] <Rei-chan> Noting Makoto's reaction, Rei sighs. "I'll take a Truth instead, I think," she says, her eyes flickering towards Usagi for a brief second.
[10:45] * Makoto sighs in relief.
[10:45] * Usagi-chan notices the brief look and colors a bit more, still remaining very still.
[10:46] <Makoto> "Sorry Rei, I have no doubt you're a good kisser, but... well... yeah," Makoto finishes lamely.
[10:46] * Usagi-chan flushes a bit more. She can certainly attest to that... but she watches her thoughts VERY carefully.
[10:46] <Rei-chan> "It's alright, Mako-chan, I understand," Rei says noncommitally.
[10:46] <Ami> "Ok," Ami says, a bit disappointed. "Um, is there someone you have a crush on, and if so who is it?"
[10:48] * Rei-chan sighs. "Not really... I just haven't given any thought to romance since Minako and I broke up," she shrugs. "Not a very exciting answer, I'm afraid."
[10:51] <Rei-chan> "Okay, then. Mako-chan," Rei turns to the tall brunette, "Truth or Dare?"
[10:53] <Makoto> "Hmm...I guess I'll take a dare," Makoto says.
[10:59] * Rei-chan taps her chin thoughtfully as she tries to come up with something suitable. "I dare you... to... tell us the dirtiest joke you know!"
[11:03] <Makoto> "Uhm, you might want to think up another dare, I honestly don't know any dirty jokes..." Makoto says.
[11:03] <Rei-chan> "None at all?" Rei blinks, surprised. "Oh... well... give me a minute to think up something else..."
[11:04] * Rei-chan looks thoughtful as she wracks her brain for an entertaining dare.
[11:10] <Rei-chan> "I dare you to..." she shrugs helplessly, honestly drawing a blank. "Use Usagi's disguise pen to transform yourself into..." her eyes are drawn to the Batman comics, and the woman on the cover of one of them. "Her!" she holds up the comic with Poison Ivy on the front.
[11:11] * Usagi-chan grins and produces the pen, holding it up for Makoto to take. "It's all yours, Mako-chan!"
[11:11] * Makoto blinks, and stares at Poison Ivy, then at the disguise pen offered. "Uhm... okay?"
[11:11] <Rei-chan> "And do a villain type speech!" Rei adds eagerly.
[11:14] * Makoto takes the pen and looks at it, unsure of things before shrugging, and lifting the pen shouts, "Moon Power, Transform me into Poison Ivy!"
[11:19] <Makoto> The power of the disguise pen flows around her as it does its work, her skin turning a light green yet still fleshy shade and her hair takes on a more reddish hue. Her clothes dissolve into a form-fitting outfit of leaves covering her body, but leaving her legs and arms free, except for the vines wrapped around her hands. As the transformation ends, a laurel tiara forms around her ears.
[11:20] * Rei-chan whistles. "Good look for you, Mako-chan!" she cheers.
[11:21] <Makoto> Remembering Rei's last part of the dare, to do a villain speech, she moves slinkily to Rei, putting her finger on Rei's chin, and saying coyly, "Come with me. My garden needs... tending."
[11:21] * Ami claps. "That's perfect, Mako-chan!"
[11:21] * Rei-chan blushes. "You're good at that," she says approvingly.
[11:22] * Usagi-chan smiles. "It looks really good, Mako-chan."
[11:24] <Makoto> "Mmm, I believe it's my turn then," Makoto says, not shedding the disguise just yet. Tapping her finger on her own chin, she turns and looks at Ami. A grin forms in her face, looking somewhat frightening yet sexy in her villainesque body. "Ami, truth or dare?"
[11:25] * Rei-chan leans over to Usagi. "I think I've created a monster," she says in a stage whisper.
[11:26] <Ami> "Um, dare?" Ami meeps out.
[11:26] * Usagi-chan nods silently, just staring at Makoto.
[11:31] * Makoto giggles internally as she gets Ami to meep. 'Acting in character is fun,' she thinks while keeping her expression seductive. Moving next to Ami's ear, she breathes heavily, "Remember Rei's dare? I dare you to kiss her just like you expected her to kiss me."
[11:31] * Makoto then pulls back and giggles for real as she takes off the disguise.
[11:31] <Makoto> "So Ami, gonna do it?" she asks innocently.
[11:32] * Rei-chan blushes, staring at her lap.
[11:32] <Ami> "Um, Rei-chan?" Ami looks embarassed.
[11:33] * Usagi-chan covers her mouth, wondering if Ami is really going to do it.
[11:33] <Rei-chan> "I don't mind if you don't, Ami-chan..." Rei says quietly, before suddenly looking up at Ami. "Unless it's your first kiss? That wouldn't be fair." Her eyes flicker slightly to the side in Usagi's direction.
[11:35] <Ami> "Um, it's ok, Rei-chan." Ami takes a deep breath, firming her resolve. "I'll do it!"
[11:35] * Usagi-chan again notices the look in her direction, and she shrinks down slightly.
[11:36] * Makoto is too caught up in the moment, to notice the exchange of glances between Usagi and Rei, and scratches her head. 'Huh...I'd thought she'd back out like Rei did with me.'
[11:36] * Makoto then shrugs. Ah well, gonna be interesting anyhow.
[11:36] <Rei-chan> "Okay," Rei shuffles slightly towards Ami, managing a flirtatious grin. "Be gentle with me, Ami-chan,"
[11:37] * Usagi-chan resists replying to Makoto's mental comment. She closes her eyes, not wanting to watch.
[11:38] * Ami takes Rei gently in her arms, like in the movies. "ReadY?"
[11:39] <Rei-chan> "I'm all yours," Rei replies, draping her arms over Ami's back. 'Why do I keep getting into these situations?' she thinks to herself.
[11:40] * Usagi-chan flushes a bit as she picks up on Rei's thought, her eyes still closed.
[11:49] * Ami leans in slowly, closing her eyes, until the warm o rei's lips press against her own.
[11:50] <Ami> 'This isn't so bad' Ai thinks after a few moments, leaning more fully into the kiss. 'It's kind of nice, actually.'
[11:51] * Rei-chan opens her mouth slightly as she feels the other girl's lips against her, but makes no more aggressive move than that, leaving it up to Ami to decide how far to take it.
[11:51] * Usagi-chan cracks one eye open, then squeezes it shut again as she sees her two friends kissing.
[11:53] <Ami> 'So this is what it feels like?' Ami thinks. 'No wonder people get so obsessed over it. I wonder...'
[11:54] * Ami slowly adds a little tongue, not quite sure how far to take it.
[11:55] <Rei-chan> Rei's eyes flicker open for a second, surprised Ami actually took the silent invitation. They close again as she relaxes 'Wow, Ami sure is a fast learner in all things...' she thinks, moving her own tongue against Ami's and just enjoying the long kiss.
[11:57] * Usagi-chan lets out a tiny noise and hunches down further, still not looking.
[11:57] * Ami blinks, only just recalling that there is an audience.
[11:58] * Ami pulls back slowly, a bit flustered. "That... wasn't so bad."
[11:58] * Rei-chan nods, releasing her hold on the other girl. "You're a quick study," she says approvingly.
[11:58] * Usagi-chan peeks with one eye again at the sound of Ami's voice. Seeing that the two have separated, she relaxes a bit and opens both eyes.
[12:08] <Ami> "Well, that was fun," Ami says. "And now it's my turn. Usagi, truth or dare?"
[12:09] * Usagi-chan sighs. "Umm.... I'll take a truth."
[12:11] <Ami> "Ok. What positions were you planning to give each of us once this place was back up and running?"
[12:12] * Usagi-chan laughs. "I wasn't really planning to GIVE you guys any position - I was thinking if this ever gets that far, I'd just let each of you choose what you wanted to do."
[12:15] <Ami> "Mako-chan would be the head cook, right?" Ami jokes, nudging Rei.
[12:16] <Rei-chan> "That or the head gardener," Rei replies, grinning as she recalls Makoto's Poison Ivy look.
[12:16] <Usagi-chan> "Well, if she WANTED to be the head chef I wouldn't put up any argument." Usagi daydreams of big fancy meals prepared by Makoto every day...
[12:16] <Ami> "And I'd bet Rei-chan would be Chief of Manga. A very important position on the moon."
[12:17] <Rei-chan> "I could dictate what manga gets written, and how the plot goes!" Rei says, a dreamy expression on her face.
[12:17] * Usagi-chan makes a wry face. "In that case you'd be my Royal Test-taker, Ami-chan."
[12:19] * Ami giggles. "I bet you'd outlaw the Queen having to take any tests."
[12:19] * Usagi-chan grins. "First thing." Usagi gets a slightly more serious look. "I did think about the kind of stuff you guys might really want to do though."
[12:22] <Ami> "like?" Ami says, making herself comfortable.
[12:22] <Rei-chan> "Oh? What did you come up with?" Rei asks, wondering what position Usagi thinks she would fit.
[12:23] <Usagi-chan> "Well... I thought Ami-chan would be really good to be in charge of stuff like either scientific research or education, but I'm not sure which one she'd like to do more."
[12:26] <Ami> "Science or Education?" Ami muses aloud. "Science is like the fiery redhead, always surprising you with her antics, while education is the steady and dependable friend you've had all your life."
[12:26] * Ami poses dramatically. "I cannot decide! I must have them both!"
[12:27] * Rei-chan giggles at Ami's posturing.
[12:27] * Usagi-chan giggles at the analogy. "For Rei-chan, I thought you might do something like be a spiritual or religious advisor - I know there used to be one back in the Silver Millenium, but I don't remember exactly what he did. Or you could organize where people would work, since I know you're pretty good at organizing stuff like that."
[12:30] <Rei-chan> "Well, I did have a look at those Lunar religious books Ami-chan pointed out, though I can't read them yet... Though I doubt I'll be converting from Shinto anytime soon," she makes a face. "But yeah, I'm good at organising stuff. I did pretty much run the festival committee at T*A last year. Not that those ingrates cared when they kicked me out..."
[12:32] <Usagi-chan> "I don't really remember all that much about the religion back on the Moon... I don't think I ever did much with it back then, other than a couple of festivals I remember going to about once a year."
[12:33] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, that book I grabbed earlier has a bunch of diagrams of star charts and stuff that determine what time certain rituals are done at. I'm sure it'll be interesting when I can read it," Rei nods.
[12:34] <Ami> "if you want, we can start on that first," Ami speaks up. "Though I'd rather we started smaller."
[12:35] <Rei-chan> "Best to just learn the basics of the language first, I think," Rei says in reply to Ami. "Start simple, right?"
[12:35] <Usagi-chan> "Anyway! For Mako-chan... I'll admit, the idea of appointing her as the royal chef has a lot of appeal." Usagi grins. "But it's not a very important job, really. I thought since she likes plants so much, she could be in charge of agriculture. Making sure everything's growing okay and then making sure everyone has enough food, that kind of thing."
[12:36] * Rei-chan nods. "Yeah, I'm sure she could get lots of people to help 'tend her garden'," Rei sniggers in Makoto's direction.
[12:36] * Ami giggles as well, casting her gaze at the brunette.
[13:59] * Makoto blushes at Rei's and Ami's stares. "Hey, you told me to be villainy!" Makoto weakly counters.
[14:00] * Usagi-chan grins.
[14:01] <Rei-chan> "If only more villians were like you, Mako-chan," Rei sighs dramatically.
[14:01] * Makoto continues blushing
[14:02] <Usagi-chan> "Anyway, unless you had any more questions about that, I think I'm done." Usagi nods. "And I don't know about you guys, but I'm about ready for bed. To be honest, I can't think of anything to ask anyone else." She flushes in embarrassment.
[14:02] <Ami> I don't know," Ami grins. "I think Rei-chan could be a good Harley Quinn."
[14:03] <Rei-chan> "Maybe we can try that one some other time, Ami-chan," Rei says, backing off a bit from the blue-haired girl. "Sleep sounds good to me, right now."
[14:03] <Makoto> "That's fine with me, I don't think we could top seeing such a warm and... active kiss scene," Makoto says after Usagi's comment, while looking back at Rei and Ami, matching their earlier stares.
[14:04] <Makoto> "So sleep sounds good to me too, now."
[14:04] * Usagi-chan ducks her head again, not looking at Rei this time.
[14:04] <Rei-chan> "Yes, just think of what you missed out on, Mako-chan," Rei grins at her. "Sweet dreams," she adds, wiggling her fingers at the taller girl.
[14:04] <Ami> "Er, yeah. Sleep." Ami blushes.
[14:06] * Usagi-chan dives into her futon, facing away from the other senshi to hide her crimson cheeks. "Night guys..." she mumbles.
[14:10] * Ami calls Lita over before slipping into her own futon. "Night everybody!"
[14:13] <Makoto> "Night Ami-chan, night Usagi-chan, night Rei-chan," Makoto says as she goes to her futon, trying to ignore the image burning into her mind of her and Rei having a kiss more powerful than the one Ami had. 'Damn dirty mind...'
[14:13] * Rei-chan chuckles to herself as she curls up in her own futon, closing her eyes.
[14:14] <Rei-chan> "'Night everyone," she mumbles into her pillow.
[14:15] * Usagi-chan squeaks into her pillow, burying her face even deeper as she picks up on Makoto's thought. Now she wonders exactly what the taller girl must have been thinking of to elicit that reaction.
[14:20] <Usagi-chan> -----

[12:39] <Rei-chan> --------
[12:40] * Usagi-chan lies back in her futon, her eyes open as she stares at the ceiling. After tossing and turning for almost an hour after the lights have gone out, Usagi finds herself still unable to sleep. Quietly she rises from her futon, pulling her braid aside to provide a bit of light as she pads quietly out of the library.
[12:42] * Rei-chan cracks open an eye, seeing Usagi depart from her position lying on her side. Assuming the other girl is just going to the bathroom, she shrugs it off and resumes trying to get to sleep.
[12:43] * Usagi-chan walks down the long corridor outside the library slowly, rubbing her arms against the chill of the Lunar atmosphere as she thinks over the events of the evening.
[12:46] <Rei-chan> After about ten minutes, and still wide awake, Rei gets a bit concerned. Usagi has been gone for a while... unless the bathrooms are just far away from the library... But still, now that the thought has settled, it nags at her.
[12:47] <Rei-chan> Quietly getting up, trying not to disturb the apparently sleeping Makoto and Ami, Rei follows the direction Usagi took out the library, picking a direction which 'feels' right and heading down the hallway in search of the blonde, keeping an eye out for her 'nightlight'.
[12:48] * Usagi-chan reaches the end of the hallway, where a small balcony looks out over what used to be the grounds of the palace, now simply a dusty gray expanse. She rests her arms on the railing of the balcony, staring out at the broad plains ahead of her.
[12:49] <Rei-chan> Spotting Usagi at the distant balcony, Rei stealthily pads across the cold stone floor on her bare feet, getting within a few feet of the other girl. "Can't sleep?" she asks, smirking slightly as she expects Usagi to jump in fright from her sudden appearance.
[12:50] * Usagi-chan starts up quickly, turning around quickly with a hand to her chest. "Rei! Don't DO that, you scared me!"
[12:51] * Rei-chan doesn't conceal her grin. "Sorry," she says, sounding less than sincere. "So, what are you doing out of bed?"
[12:52] * Usagi-chan half-turns away from the miko, a somewhat melancholy expression on her face. "You had it right, I couldn't sleep. I was tossing and turning so much I was afraid I'd wake the rest of you up, so I just decided to go for a walk."
[12:53] <Rei-chan> Getting rather concerned with the sad expression Usagi has, Rei goes to lean against the balcony, facing her companion. "Want to talk about it?" she asks gently.
[12:53] * Usagi-chan blushes slightly, ducking her head. "It's nothing that important, Rei-chan. Just me being silly, really."
[12:55] <Rei-chan> "You're sure?" Rei asks, stepping forward so she is only about a foot away as she holds Usagi's gaze.
[12:57] <Usagi-chan> "It's no big deal, I promise." Usagi colors a bit more and looks away from Rei somewhat quickly. "Just can't stop my mind from running, that's all."
[12:59] <Rei-chan> "I know the feeling," Rei sighs, backing off. "Oh well, if you don't want to talk about it, would you mind some company while you think? It is fairly cold out here, after all." Rei closes her eyes, concentrating for a moment as the temperature climbs to something more comfortable.
[13:01] <Usagi-chan> "I guess that's okay, but I don't want to keep you up on my account." Usagi sighs. "I was trying not to wake you guys up, but I guess I didn't do a very good job at it."
[13:03] * Rei-chan waves it off. "That's alright. I'm a light sleeper, anyway. Besides, you're a lot easier to deal with than what normally wakes me up," she says with a lopsided grin.
[13:05] * Usagi-chan appears not to hear Rei's last comment, somewhat lost in thought. After a few moments she turns her head to look at Rei, speaking in a small voice. "What... what was kissing Ami like?"
[13:06] <Rei-chan> "Wh-what?!" Rei stammers, surprised at the sudden question. "Why are you asking that?"
[13:07] * Usagi-chan turns her head back to the gray plains ahead of her, blushing. "You don't have to answer it or anything." she stammers quickly. "I... was just curious, that's all."
[13:09] <Rei-chan> 'Curious? Does she want to kiss Ami herself?' Rei thinks, feeling totally thrown by the concept. "Ah... well, it was very nice. Um... I was surprised, really, since that was her first kiss, but she figured out what to do so quickly..." the white-haired girl looks away, blushing furiously.
[13:11] * Usagi-chan ducks her head as she picks up on Rei's thought, but she listens to the miko's answer without interrupting. As Rei finishes, she rests her head on her arms, still staring out at the bleak landscape. 'Guess she was a lot better than I was then...' she thinks glumly.
[13:13] <Rei-chan> Rei's jaw drops as she hears Usagi's thought. "Is that what this is about?" she asks, dumbfounded. "You feel bad because Ami gave me a better kiss than you did?" She looks at Usagi, making no effort to hide her disbelief.
[13:14] * Usagi-chan goes crimson, realizing that she'd left her thoughts unguarded again. "No!" she replies quickly. "Well.... maybe a little... I don't know!"
[13:15] * Rei-chan slaps a hand against her forehead, suddenly feeling very tired. "Usagi, the comparison is totally unfair. Ami kissed me, and we both knew what we were doing beforehand. What I did to you... it was just me taking you by surprise, it's no wonder you didn't participate!"
[13:16] <Usagi-chan> "I know, it's just..." Usagi turns around suddenly, throwing her hands in the air. "I don't even know why I care! It's not like it means anything, but for some reason I just can't stop thinking about it!"
[13:18] <Rei-chan> "Are you worried that I'll think less of you because Ami-chan 'performs' better?" Rei asks, unable to fully repress a smirk.
[13:19] * Usagi-chan fumes. "Don't start with me, Rei." she retorts, not wanting to reveal how close to the mark that comment actually hit.
[13:21] * Rei-chan sighs, putting a reassuring hand on Usagi's shoulder. "Calm down, I was only teasing," she says placatingly. "But really, what's the problem?"
[13:24] <Usagi-chan> "I don't KNOW!" Usagi wails. "I mean, I wasn't expecting it when you did it but it happened and it was my first kiss and I'm afraid I was really bad at it and now I don't know if I'll ever BE any good at it and I'm just so confused!" she blurts out in a rush. "And then Mako-chan dared Ami to kiss you and she actually did and you said it was good and I couldn't even watch it for some reason and now I don't know WHAT to think."
[13:28] * Rei-chan leans back a bit, taking a second to absorb Usagi's tirade. "Um... kissing you wasn't BAD, Usagi. It's just, it wasn't a real kiss since it was just me surprising you. A stolen kiss, really," she smirks slightly, recovering her footing. "I'm sure if you really wanted to kiss someone, you'd be good at it. It'd be impossibly for someone as caring and loving as you to be bad at something like that," she consoles her friend.
[13:30] * Rei-chan does wonder about the fact that Usagi couldn't watch her kissing Ami, however...
[13:32] <Usagi-chan> "But I don't knoooow...." Usagi bawls. "I know I kissed Endymion a lot when I was the princess but I can't remember much about it except that I did it and I never asked him so what if I really AM bad at it and no one ever told me?"
[13:35] <Rei-chan> Shaking her head, Rei steps forward and embraces Usagi, stroking her back in a comforting manner. "There, there. Even if you are bad, I'm sure you could find someone willing to help you learn." She tilts Usagi's chin up to look into her eyes. "Practice makes perfect, after all."
[13:38] * Usagi-chan deflates a bit. "I don't even know if anyone would TELL me if I was bad at kissing - I mean, they'd say I was good at it just to make me feel better, right?" Except for Rei, a small voice at the back of her head prompts. Usagi's eyes light up at the realization and without warning, she leans up and kisses the miko without further preamble, putting her feelings into it this time. Remembering Rei's action from their first kiss, she lets her tongue slide between Rei's lips, all the while wondering whether she's doing it right this time.
[13:41] <Rei-chan> "Mmph!" Rei exclaims in surprise, totally caught off guard by Usagi's sudden action. She very quickly relaxes, however, as Usagi begins exploring her mouth. Responding just a bit, Rei allows the blonde to dictate the pace as she loses herself in the moment. Her hands lower from their position on the middle of Usagi's back, resting just above her pert bottom as she leans further into the kiss.
[13:43] * Usagi-chan starts slightly as she feels Rei's hands shift, but lets her instincts take over a moment later, closing her eyes as she continues the kiss for a few moments longer. Finally she breaks away from Rei, looking up at the white-haired priestess expectantly. "Was... was that any better?" she asks hesitantly.
[13:47] * Rei-chan swallows, licking her lips in a slightly dazed manner. After a moment, she shakes her head, trying to clear it as she disengages from her partner. 'Wow... it's been a long time since I- ' she abruptly clamps down on the thought, recalling Usagi's telepathy. "Yeah," she nods, "That was definitely very good, Usagi."
[13:49] * Usagi-chan smiles hesitantly. "You really mean that?"
[13:50] <Rei-chan> "Whoever you wind up with will be a lucky person," Rei agrees, nodding. She feels a brief twinge in the back of her head at those words, but shakes it off.
[13:52] * Usagi-chan's smile fades a bit at those words. "Yeah..." she sighs. 'If I wind up with anyone.' she thinks to herself somewhat despondently.
[13:52] <Rei-chan> "What does that mean?" Rei asks, frowning.
[13:54] <Usagi-chan> "Huh?" Usagi looks up, startled. "What does what mean?"
[13:56] <Rei-chan> "'If I wind up with anyone'," Rei repeats the thought she overheard. "Don't tell me you've given up completely? Even if you decide not to pick things up with Mamoru-san, I bet you could still find love easily!" the miko declares earnestly.
[13:57] <Usagi-chan> "I don't know, Rei-chan." Usagi leans back against the railing, resting her elbows on it as she slumps slightly. "How many guys do you really think are going to be able to handle everything I do? I mean, between the Moon Kingdom and Sailor Moon and this thing on my forehead, I bet most of them would run off screaming." She shakes her head. "And Mamoru..." she trails off, looking to the side.
[14:03] * Rei-chan rests a hand on Usagi's shoulder. "I suppose nothing I say will convince you otherwise, but I don't agree with that at all. You'd be surprised at how accepting people can be sometimes," she thinks of how Mugen accepted her, even knowing of her strange powers.
[14:05] <Usagi-chan> "I know you're trying to cheer me up, Rei-chan, but you're right. I mean, if I don't find someone in between now and when this place gets up and running again - if it does - I don't think I'll ever find them. Once that happens, I expect everyone who comes to me is going to be looking for power or prestige from being connected to the throne, not because they're interested in me."
[14:09] <Rei-chan> "Well that's some time away, I doubt we'll really have a functioning kingdom for at least a decade. You have time," she gives Usagi's shoulder a squeeze. "But one thing," she leans forward so her face is next to Usagi's. "Don't you dare get together with someone just because you're scared you won't find someone else. Settling like that is no way to live," she says seriously.
[14:11] * Usagi-chan lowers her head, ashamed that she would be so transparent. "I just don't know, Rei-chan... I mean, I can tell that Mamoru is really in love with me, or what he thinks is me, and I don't want to deny him that - but I just can't bring myself to trust him at all."
[14:16] * Rei-chan backs off a bit, giving Usagi some space and looking out over the balcony herself as she speaks in a far away tone. "That's a bad idea, Usagi. Getting together with someone who loves you when you aren't sure yourself... Yeah, it's nice to be loved and appreciated, but it can lead to resentment. Being everything for someone, and not getting the same in return... it can only end badly."
[14:18] <Rei-chan> Snorting, Rei turns to Usagi once more. "Listen to me, talking like I know it all. Feh, maybe you should just ignore me..." she sighs, "I really am the worst person to be giving this sort of advice. I just don't want to see you miserable is all..."
[14:19] * Usagi-chan slips to the floor, tucking her oversized shirt underneath her to offer a bit of protection from the cold stone of the floor. "I guess that's what I'm afraid of. But on the other hand, what if this really is destiny or whatever you want to call it? If I walk away from this, I may be losing the only chance at love I'll ever have." She sighs. "Not to mention the fact that I can remember how Serenity felt about Endymion, which only makes things worse. I KNOW what it feels like to love someone, and to be loved in return. I miss it." She looks down at her lap. "And right now, I don't know if I'll ever find it again." she says in a very small voice.
[14:26] <Rei-chan> /me sits down opposite Usagi, concentrating to increase the temperature a bit more since Usagi still seems cold. "Take it from someone who gets prophecies all the time. Destiny is a crock. Life is what you make of it, not what some stupid 'Fate' hands to you," she says, rather annoyed by Usagi's defeatist attitude.
[14:26] <Rei-chan> "Love has a way of surprising you. Even if you're not looking, it can creep up on you. And neither you nor I know what the future will bring - you could meet the love of your life tomorrow, or maybe it's happened already and you just haven't realised it yet." She shrugs. "I just think you'll be making a terrible mistake if you get together with Mamoru-san while you have these doubts. For both of you."
[14:30] * Usagi-chan closes her eyes, leaning her head back against the railing. "But that doesn't help me, Rei-chan. I told him I needed time to sort things out - he won't wait for me forever. It's been two months; I expect he's going to want an answer soon, and I still don't know what to tell him." 'He still scares me too much.', she does not add.
[14:30] <Rei-chan> "He scares you?" Rei asks, narrowing her eyes.
[14:31] * Usagi-chan nods slowly, not giving any further response.
[14:32] <Rei-chan> "I think that says it all, Usagi," Rei says. "How could you even think about being with someone who actually instills fear in you?" she asks, disbelieving.
[14:34] <Usagi-chan> "But I don't know!" Usagi protests. "I may just be overreacting - he did seem really nice the last time I talked to him. And he wasn't all that bad before Met-" she bites off the rest of her words, realizing that the subject of Metallia might not be such a good one to raise with Rei.
[14:37] <Rei-chan> "Before Metallia?" Rei completes the sentence. "Well, even if you are overreacting, and I can't say if you are or not, since I haven't even seen him myself for so long, what does it matter? Those are your feelings, justified or not, how can you not act on them?" 'Besides, I still think he sounds a bit too much like Orestes from what I've heard...' the miko thinks disgruntledly.
[14:40] * Usagi-chan cringes slightly at the comparison with Orestes - the thought had occurred to her before as well, much to her dismay. "But I don't KNOW, Rei-chan, that's the whole point. What if I'm throwing away something that could be really good because I've misjudged him? And then on the other hand, you could be right - I could get myself caught in something really bad if I go against my gut feeling and get back with him anyway."
[14:40] <Usagi-chan> "I just don't know what to do." Usagi hangs her head.
[14:43] <Rei-chan> "I'm sorry, Usagi, but I just don't think you should get involved in something when you have those kinds of doubts," Rei says apologetically. "Getting together with someone because you're scared you'll never find anyone else - especially when you have these doubts... it scares me to hear you talking like this, Usagi," she finishes quietly.
[14:46] <Usagi-chan> "I don't either, but I don't know what to do about them either." Usagi says softly. "Mamoru isn't going to wait forever; he's either going to start coming after me again like he did back after Christmas or he's going to become completely disinterested and forget about me entirely. I don't know which one worries me more."
[14:47] <Rei-chan> "I'd be scared if someone left flowers in my room while my back was turned," Rei snorts.
[14:47] <Usagi-chan> "You think I wasn't creeped out by that?" Usagi shudders.
[14:53] <Rei-chan> "Well, it may sound trite, but all I can suggest is to follow your heart. And from what you're saying, your heart isn't leading towards Mamoru-san," Rei says consolingly, before perking up a bit. "Maybe you won't find someone immediately, but I refuse to believe someone capable of as much love as you is doomed to a life alone. It just couldn't happen," she declares honestly.
[14:54] * Usagi-chan draws her knees up to her chest, putting her arms around them and resting her chin on her knees. "I hope you're right, Rei-chan... I don't want to be alone." she says quietly.
[15:03] * Rei-chan leans forward and takes Usagi by the shoulders, staring intently into her eyes. "You won't be alone, Usagi. I promise," she says, not sure herself just how deeply she really means that vow.
[15:05] * Usagi-chan returns Rei's stare with a smile tinged with sadness. "Thanks, Rei-chan... it means a lot to me to hear you say that."
[15:07] * Rei-chan smiles, not fully convinced by Usagi's words, but deciding it's at least some progress. "Anyway, have you stayed up brooding enough? We should probably get back to bed, I think."
[15:09] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "You can go ahead if you want to, Rei-chan. I doubt I'll be getting any sleep tonight though." She gives a short laugh. "This isn't the first time thinking about Mamoru's kept me awake at night." She smiles up at the miko. "Thanks for talking to me though - you go ahead and get some rest."
[15:13] <Rei-chan> "Nuh uh," Rei shakes her head. "I'm not leaving you out here in the cold by yourself. If you don't want to talk, that's fine, but I'm not leaving you by yourself. Besides, like I said, I'm used to getting hardly any sleep."
[15:14] <Usagi-chan> "I don't want to keep you up just on my account..." Usagi protests halfheartedly. "I don't mind the cold all that much, really."
[15:16] <Rei-chan> "It's not a problem at all," Rei says, scooting over to lean against the wall where the balcony joins with the building proper. "You won't even know I'm here if you don't want to talk."
[15:19] <Usagi-chan> "It's not that I don't want you here, I just don't want you to feel like you have to stay with me." Usagi replies, inwardly grateful for the miko's company. The nights she's spent thinking about Mamoru in the past are some of the loneliest she can recall in recent memory.
[15:21] * Rei-chan smiles, "I really don't mind, Usagi. What are friends for, after all?" she explains, grateful just to have someone in her life important enough that she'd so readily do this.
[15:25] * Usagi-chan scoots over on the balcony's floor to sit closer to Rei, wanting to get a little extra warmth from the priestess's proximity as well as from the heat she's producing with her powers. "Thanks, Rei-chan..." She leans her shoulder against Rei's leg, simply glad that she has a friend who cares about her enough to stay with her through her own perceived 'silliness'.
[15:27] <Rei-chan> ------
[07:35] <Usagi-chan> Several hours have passed, and Usagi and Rei are still on the balcony, sitting together in silence. Usagi lets out a quiet sigh as she turns over a problem in her head, still not quite sure of what to do about it.
[07:37] * Usagi-chan glances over at her friend before speaking quietly. "Rei? Are you still awake?"
[07:38] <Rei-chan> "Yeah," Rei mutters, shifting her position slightly and turning her gaze to Usagi.
[07:39] <Usagi-chan> "Mind if I ask you something?" Usagi gives her a hesitant look.
[07:41] <Rei-chan> "Go right ahead," Rei replies, stifling a yawn as she tries to get into a more alert state.
[07:43] <Usagi-chan> "I've been thinking about Mamoru some more - not that that's a real surprise. I just can't figure out what to do about him. After thinking about it for a while, I think you're right - I probably shouldn't get back together with him right now, but how do I tell him that?"
[07:48] * Rei-chan shifts her position again, noting that she seems to have lost all feeling in her bottom. "Well, just be honest. Tell him you don't feel comfortable around him. Just because you can remember what it was like for Serenity to love Endymion, your feelings are still your own, and they tell you that just picking up where your past lives left off would be a mistake."
[07:48] <Rei-chan> 'Of course, he might not accept that...' she thinks to herself, 'but I'll take care of him if he tries anything...' the thought trails off nastily.
[07:51] <Usagi-chan> "Rei!" Usagi slaps Rei's bare leg lightly. "You don't need to be mean about it - I don't think he'd do anything if I said no to him." She sighs. "I just don't want to close that door all the way either; Serenity DID love Endymion once, and I know I felt things for Mamoru myself, so it's not JUST the past. I'm afraid if I say no he'll get mad and disappear and then there's absolutely no hope." Usagi rests her chin on her knees.
[07:57] * Rei-chan frowns slightly, wishing things weren't so complicated. "You're scared he'll disappear, I'm scared he won't take no for an answer..." she says quietly, before sighing loudly. "I'm not sure what to tell you, Usagi... I don't want to see you get hurt by him. And honestly, I don't trust him at all, myself."
[08:00] <Usagi-chan> "I don't either, it's just... I know he's not that bad a guy, and maybe if he really has changed there COULD be something there. It's... it's like I said before - I'm afraid to let him go because it may be the only chance at love I get." Usagi stares at a point on the floor a few inches from her toes.
[08:03] * Rei-chan leans forward to rest a hand on Usagi's shoulder. "It's not. I really wish I could make you believe that..." she says, feeling a twinge in her heart as she knows mere words won't sway her friend.
[08:06] * Usagi-chan shakes her head, giving a short self-deprecating laugh. "I'm so hopeless... I already know what I should do, but I can't bring myself to actually do it because I'm afraid of what will happen." She lowers her voice, her next words barely loud enough for Rei to hear. "I'm holding on to a dream and praying I never wake up, but I have to sometime."
[08:11] * Rei-chan pulls up her legs and then moves herself up and forward so she is kneeling next to Usagi, almost falling over as her tingly legs don't respond exactly as they should, but managing to recover. "You have to wake up, Usagi. Real life can hurt, but it can also be a hundred times more wonderful than the pale recollections of any dream," she says, gazing intently into Usagi's sapphire eyes. "But you'll never experience that if you cling to the dream."
[08:13] <Usagi-chan> "I know, Rei-chan... I'm just afraid. I'm so afraid of spending the rest of my life alone..." She buries her face in her arms, crying softly.
[08:28] <Rei-chan> "No," Rei says, feeling her heart ache at how beaten Usagi sounds. "That won't happen," she wraps her arms around the smaller girl, gently rubbing her back. "You're a beautiful and caring girl with so much to offer... I refuse to believe the world could be so cruel as to let that happen to you."
[08:31] <Usagi-chan> "I wish I'd never even HEARD of Sailor Moon!" Usagi spits out angrily through her tears. "It's turned my life upside down and I'm tired of it, Rei... but it doesn't matter." Her anger subsides. "No matter how much I wish I didn't have to deal with all of this, I still do."
[08:33] * Rei-chan looks away, feeling ashamed. "If it weren't for Sailor Moon... we'd probably have never met..."
[08:34] * Rei-chan disengages herself from Usagi and stares at the ground.
[08:36] <Usagi-chan> "Oh no, Rei, that's not what I mean at all!" Usagi looks up quickly, putting one hand on the miko's shoulder. "I'd never give you up as my friend - it's just... everything in my life has gotten so complicated ever since Luna showed up a year ago. I just sometimes wish things could go back to the way they were before, where I never had to worry about anything other than getting grounded for failing another test."
[08:40] * Rei-chan looks up at Usagi, trying and failing to manage a smile. "There have been times when I wish I'd never had to become Sailor Mars..." 'Like Metallia...' she admits. "But... my life before I met you wasn't exactly fun, anyway." She snorts, "Having friends I can depend on more than makes up for occasionally having to save the world..." 'Or being brainwashed into trying to destroy it...'
[08:44] * Usagi-chan wraps her arms around Rei, giving the miko a squeeze. "I wouldn't want to give up any of the friends I've made since becoming Sailor Moon, Rei-chan - you most of all. To be honest, I doubt I ever would have made it this far without your help." Usagi sighs. "Don't pay any attention to what I said - it was just something stupid I said because I was upset."
[08:47] <Rei-chan> "I just wish I could convince you that it's not so hopeless..." Rei says sadly. "You're normally so cheerful and vibrant. Seeing you like this really hurts." Indeed, she's rather surprised at just how much it stings to hear Usagi talk about never finding love...
[08:51] <Usagi-chan> "It's okay, Rei-chan. I'm sure I'll get used to it." Usagi says quietly. "I just don't think anyone who doesn't already know about everything I have to deal with is ever going to want to put up with all of it - I know I'd have a really hard time with it if someone else told me my own story."
[08:54] <Rei-chan> "I think you're underestimating people - and yourself. But I suppose if my words don't convince you, only time will tell..." Rei replies, wishing she knew the magic words to make everything better.
[08:56] * Usagi-chan nods. "You're definitely right about that." She sighs. "I guess I'd better tell Mamoru that I'm not ready to get into a relationship when we get back to Earth."
[08:58] <Rei-chan> "Yeah," Rei nods, hoping that Usagi's prediction for Mamoru's reaction comes true rather than her own. Not that it'll be a picnic either way...
[08:59] * Usagi-chan stands up and stretches, trying to get some feeling back in her rear end. "Wow... I've been sitting for way too long. I think my butt went to sleep." She grins slightly.
[09:01] <Rei-chan> "I know mine has," Rei replies, also standing up and trying to rub some feeling into her buttocks.
[09:03] <Usagi-chan> "You mind taking a walk or something? I'd like to stretch my legs some if that's okay with you, since I'm still not even close to falling asleep." Usagi glances back down the hallway. "There's not a whole lot to see, but it beats just sitting here for the rest of the night."
[09:04] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, sure," Rei nods agreeably. At the very least it'll serve as a distraction.
[09:07] * Usagi-chan smiles. "I'll give you the grand tour then!" She begins to lead the way through the palace, pointing out various rooms and what they once held back in the glory days of the Silver Millenium. She can't help but feel a small tinge of pride at getting to show Rei her once and hopefully future home.
[09:24] <Rei-chan> As she follows Usagi around the palace, Rei feels a vague sense of familiarity with much of what she sees, along with the tingling in the back of her mind she has come to identify with her past life. For once, she chooses not to deny herself, and allows the feelings to come as they will. While no tangible memories arise, she does feel far more at ease on the Moon than she ever has before.
[09:27] * Usagi-chan leads the way through a part of the palace unfamiliar to Rei, coming to a stop before a large pair of double doors, almost fifteen feet tall. The doors are covered in intricate carvings, although the dim light isn't quite enough to make out what the carvings ARE. Usagi turns to face Rei with a smile. "I thought you might like to see this."
[09:28] <Rei-chan> "Oh?" Rei turns her gaze from the ornate door to Usagi with a curious expression.
[09:30] * Usagi-chan opens the doors with a good bit of effort, the large door creaking on long-disused hinges as it opens slowly. "This... is the palace's temple. I'm not REAL familiar with it, since I didn't spend much time down here, but I know you were interested in Lunar rituals and stuff so I thought you might like to see it."
[09:39] <Rei-chan> Past the doors is a large chamber, reminding Rei of a Christian cathedral. A semi-circular arrangement of pews are arrayed past the doors, although most of them are ruined. The high walls boast huge windows, though the stained glass is shattered all over the floor and around the pews. The ceiling is an empty framework, exposed to the stars above, though a few coloured shards of jagged glass glint in the pale sunlight.
[09:39] <Rei-chan> At the centre of the hall is a raised dais, with a shattered pedestal lying across it. Defaced and broken statues surround the room.
[09:39] <Rei-chan> Ignoring the physical state of the place, Rei closes her eyes, taking in the feel of it. After a moment, she smiles and looks at Usagi. "I can feel it. This is a very holy place... or it was... it's more of a pale shadow right now. But... I think it can be nurtured. I'd like to restore it once I understand more about the religion it was dedicated to."
[09:42] * Usagi-chan smiles happily. "I'll give you all the help I can with that, Rei." She takes a look around the room, examining the ruined windows and ceiling light. "Other than the furniture, it doesn't look like this place is really in too bad a shape. Maybe a couple of weeks worth of work and we can have the room back in order."
[09:44] <Rei-chan> "Yes," Rei smiles, "These things can be fixed and replaced. But if the... Kami," she shrugs, knowing that Kami probably isn't how the Lunarians thought of it, but that's the only way she can interpret it with her training, "The Kami of this place is still here. Otherwise it'd just be a fancy looking waste of space."
[09:46] <Usagi-chan> "I'll have to take your word for that, Rei-chan... it just seems like another room to me. But if it is still here, we'll turn it into a place that any kami would be proud to live in!" Usagi smiles brightly.
[09:48] * Rei-chan nods. "I think I'm going to really enjoy rebuilding this place... it has a lot of potential."
[09:51] * Usagi-chan grabs Rei's hands in her excitement. "I knew you'd like it, Rei!" She looks around at the room again, picturing what it will look like when it's been restored. "I feel that way about the whole palace... there's just so much that could be done up here."
[09:55] <Rei-chan> Affected by Usagi's infectious excitement, Rei grins, surprised at how her attitude towards the Moon Kingdom has changed lately. While she doesn't want to ignore the Earth, the thought that the Silver Millenium had been destroyed before its time and could deserve a chance to flourish again is taking root in her mind.
[09:55] <Rei-chan> "If we all work together, we really could make a paradise up here..." she says thoughtfully.
[09:57] <Usagi-chan> "That's EXACTLY what I want to do." Usagi smiles. "I don't know how it will turn out in the end, but I'd like to make the Moon Kingdom live again. Who knows what it could become?"
[09:59] <Rei-chan> "Who knows? But I'm definitely curious, now," Rei smiles.
[10:02] * Usagi-chan takes Rei's hand. "We'll find out together, Rei-chan." Usagi turns to give the miko a brilliant smile.
[10:04] * Rei-chan is about to reply, but her breath catches in her throat for some reason. Instead she just nods, her expression thoughtful.
[10:04] <Rei-chan> ---------
[09:01] <Anastasia> It's Sunday afternoon, time for your big weekly 'Sailor Meeting'. Lately, these have consisted of hair pulling, gossip, eating and laughing instead of dealing with intergalactic threats.
[09:02] <Anastasia> Of note, there was what the news is calling a 'meteorite impact' in downtown Tokyo, right by Ami's apartment...
[09:04] <Anastasia> "Girls," Luna starts, trying to get Rei and Usagi's attention from their 'debate' about Gundam Wing. "Did you hear about that meteor crash last night?"
[09:04] <Rei-chan> "Um... I think I saw something in the paper this morning. I didn't really pay it much attention, though..." Rei admits.
[09:05] <Ami> "I saw the impact site," Ami says. "It wasn't very far from my apartment. Shook me out of my sleep and everything."
[09:05] <Usagi-chan> "I thought it was just a minor earthquake or something." Usagi shrugs.
[09:05] <Rei-chan> "Wow... if it had hit a building, it could have been nasty..." Rei says, hearing Ami.
[09:05] <Anastasia> Luna looks to Ami, disregarding the others. "You did, Ami? What did you see? Did anything unusual happen?"
[09:08] <Ami> "Hm. There didn't actually seem to be anything in the hole, and there were trace amounts of energy the computer picked up. Not dark energy. Something different."
[09:08] <Usagi-chan> "How did it leave a hole if there was nothing there?" Usagi looks puzzled.
[09:09] <Rei-chan> "Energy? Like the energy from something alive?"
[09:09] <Anastasia> "It could have been torn apart in impact," Luna notes. "But if there was energy, I'm worried. What if it's another space criminal?"
[09:10] <Ami> "Then we'll deal with it," Ami says as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
[09:10] <Rei-chan> "Why would they have taken so long to get to Earth from the Moon?" Rei asks, "Even if they couldn't teleport, it wouldn't take several  months for them to fly to Earth, right?"
[09:11] <Anastasia> Luna paces a bit, coming to a stop in from of Usagi. "What if he or she went somewhere else first?"
[09:12] <Ami> "I was actually hoping you or Usagi might have sensed something," Ami says, turning toward Rei. "Whenever the other criminals acted in the city you were usually able to sense it."
[09:12] <Rei-chan> "It's possible. Starfire did say some of them left the solar system. They could have returned. Or this could be something new entirely..." Rei suggests.
[09:12] * Prince_Herb looks interested. "I remember an old story about nine dragons riding to Earth on a meteorite, during the reign of the Yellow Emperor..."
[09:12] <Usagi-chan> "Then I'd think they'd have been gone a lot longer than two months, Luna." Usagi gives the cat a level look.
[09:13] <Anastasia> "It would depend on where they went," she shrugs a bit, going down onto Usagi's warm lap. "As it stands, I'm worried about this."
[09:14] <Anastasia> As soon as she does, she looks up. "Wait," she says, looking at Herb.
[09:14] <Usagi-chan> "Maybe we should go check out the place where it landed ourselves then?"
[09:14] <Anastasia> "Wasn't one of the criminals a Dragon outcast," Luna asks.
[09:15] <Rei-chan> "Yes, a renegade Sailor Dragon... but we haven't seen or heard anything about her... or him..." Rei gives Herb an odd look. "Do all Dragons change like you?"
[09:16] <Rei-chan> "I haven't sensed anything unusual lately, Ami-chan," Rei says to the blue-haired girl.
[09:18] <Ami> "We shouldn't jump to conclusions," Ami points out at the direction the conversation is going.
[09:19] <Rei-chan> "True," Rei nods. "We don't really have anything to go on, yet."
[09:20] <Anastasia> "It's probably cordoned off by the police now," Luna says to Usagi. "They have plenty of practice playing clean-up lately."
[09:21] <Usagi-chan> "Then what are we supposed to do about it?" Usagi looks at the Mau. "I mean, I haven't seen anything unusual lately."
[09:22] <Prince_Herb> "They're not all cursed, but they can all turn into humans.   They're usually very good-looking, but unearthly in human form."
[09:22] * Prince_Herb points to his eyes and ears.
[09:22] <Anastasia> "Just stay on guard, I guess," Luna shrugs.
[09:23] <Usagi-chan> "Same as always then." Usagi replies.
[09:23] <Ami> "Such is the fate of a guardian. Always waiting for someone else to make the first move."
[09:24] <Anastasia> "Yes," Nian pokes his head up from his curled up perch on Herb's lap. "But we shall make sure that they do not get a second move," he says.
[09:25] <Rei-chan> "That's about it, really," Rei nods.
[09:26] <Ami> "Now that that is out of the way, time to study!" Ami declares, much to the groaning and moaning of the others.
[09:27] <Rei-chan> "Ugh... may as well, I guess," Rei mutters 'Not like I get much actual studying done at Mugen these days...'
[09:27] * Usagi-chan looks over at Rei curiously, but doesn't reply.
[09:28] <Anastasia> ---
[09:29] <Anastasia> Later that evening...it's dark and chilly now as Ami and Usagi walk home. They are passing by the Osa-P on this brisk night when a frantic scream is heard from inside.
[09:30] * Usagi-chan doesn't even pause for a moment. She rushes into the building. "What's going on?"
[09:32] * Ami follows closely behind.
[09:34] <Anastasia> Inside, you see that the patrons and owner all lie on the floor, unconcious. Standing amoungst them is a monster. Its upper body is human, if blue skinned. It's lower body is that of a spider, down to an end to spin silk. Webbing is all about, making movement incredibly difficult, covering much of the area. The victims look to be drained of energy.
[09:36] * Usagi-chan doesn't even hesitate. Taking her locket in one hand, she shouts the words of her transformation phrase. "Moon Prism Power, Make UP!"
[09:36] * Ami is a half step behind. "Mercury Power, Make UP!"
[09:38] <Sailor_Moon> "Hold it right there, ugly! I'm not going to let you get away with stealing energy while I'M on duty! I'm Sailor Moon, the champion of love and justice - and on behalf of the Moon, I'll punish you!" Moon poses.
[09:42] <Sailor_Mercury> "And on behalf of Mercury, for the travesty of endangering such precious and irreplacable commodities (oh, and the people too) Sailor Mercury shall punish you!"
[09:43] <Anastasia> "Spideru!" the monster shouts. From above, a male voice echos, a bit on the deep side. "Get their energy, Spideru!"
[09:44] * Sailor_Moon takes a quick glance up to try to spot the source of the voice, although she doesn't take her eyes off the creature for long.
[09:45] <Anastasia> You don't see anything, although the webbing is making things difficult on that count.
[09:45] <Anastasia> roll 1d6
[09:45] * CyWyrm --> "Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 2."
[09:46] <Sailor_Moon> roll 1d6+10
[09:46] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 1d6+10 and gets 15."
[09:46] <Sailor_Mercury> roll 1d6+9
[09:46] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Mercury rolls 1d6+9 and gets 12."
[09:48] <Sailor_Moon> "Try some of THIS energy!" Removing her tiara, Moon forms it into a glowing disc before hurling it at Spideru. "Moon Tiara Action!"
[09:48] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[09:48] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[09:50] <Anastasia> The tiara goes forward, cutting through thick strands of webbing!
[09:50] <Anastasia> However, the youma merely bats it away as it is slowed by having to cut through so much thick spider silk!
[09:53] * Sailor_Mercury crosses her arms, a sphere of blue light coalescing in front of her. Throwing her arms open she yells, "Shabon Spray Freezing!" sending the attack at the spider-woman!
[09:53] <Sailor_Mercury> roll 2d6
[09:53] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Mercury rolls 2d6 and gets 5."
[09:54] <Anastasia> The bubbles go out, freezing the webbing, forming a heavy layer of ice all over the webs!
[09:54] <Anastasia> roll 2d6
[09:54] * CyWyrm --> "Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[09:55] <Anastasia> Ice forms on the spider creature, slivers of ice and patches of white getting her!
[09:56] <Anastasia> "SPIDERUUUUU!" it moans from the attack as it begins to work its silk spinner! It goes on its back and points the spinner out, sending huge, white, sticky streams of webbing all over!
[09:56] <Anastasia> OOC - Both of you dodge, at +2.
[09:57] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6 (absorbing the +2)
[09:57] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 (absorbing the +2) and gets 6."
[09:57] <Sailor_Mercury> roll 2d6
[09:57] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Mercury rolls 2d6 and gets 2."
[09:59] <Anastasia> Leaping, ducking and running out of the way, Sailors Moon and Mercury avoid being caught in any of the webbing!
[10:00] <Sailor_Moon> roll 1d6+10
[10:00] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 1d6+10 and gets 12."
[10:00] <Sailor_Mercury> roll 1d6+9
[10:00] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Mercury rolls 1d6+9 and gets 13."
[10:01] <Anastasia> roll 1d6
[10:01] * CyWyrm --> "Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 2."
[10:08] * Sailor_Mercury crosses her arms again, a glowing blue sphere forming ounce more in front of her. "Shabon Spray Freezing!" she screams, sending forth another icy deluge.
[10:09] <Sailor_Mercury> roll 2d6
[10:09] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Mercury rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[10:10] <Anastasia> Ice again covers both old and new webbing, a few of the thinner strands falling to the ground under the weight of the frozen water!
[10:10] <Anastasia> roll 2d6
[10:10] * CyWyrm --> "Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[10:10] <Anastasia> The creature is hit head on, covered in ice up to it's chest when the dust clears!
[10:17] * Sailor_Moon holds her hand in the air, the Lunar Rod appearing in it. Swinging it around in a complicated arc, she finally points it at the spider creature, calling out her attack. "Moon Princess Hallation!"
[10:17] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[10:17] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[10:17] <Anastasia> roll 2d6
[10:17] * CyWyrm --> "Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[10:18] <Anastasia> Cutting through the icy webbing like it's nothing, your Hallation slams into Spideru! "Spideru!!!" It screams out as it dies, vanishing in a puff of air as a card falls to the ground, goes black, and fades to dust.
[10:18] <Anastasia> The webbing fades away as well, the ice clattering to the ground and to the display shelves.
[10:20] * Sailor_Moon takes a sigh, then looks around again to see if the deep-voiced person is still around.
[10:20] * Sailor_Mercury summons the computer and checks on the victims.
[10:21] <Anastasia> There is no sign of anyone else, only the now ice-checkered drain victims on the floor.
[10:21] <Anastasia> Mercury - The victims have indeed been robbed of their vitality, to a good degree. It's going to be a little while before they wake up, you'd guess.
[10:22] * Sailor_Moon turns back to her fellow senshi and sees what she's doing. "Is everyone here okay?"
[10:22] <Sailor_Mercury> "They've been drained pretty good," Ami speaks up. "It's going to take some time for them to recover fully. But they should come out ok."
[10:23] <Sailor_Moon> "We should probably get moving ourselves." Moon walks over and retrieves her tiara, placing it back on her head. "The police will probably be here any minute."
[10:23] * Sailor_Mercury steps through the store, using her elemental control over water to clean up the ice a bit, all the while moving closer toward a certain display case...
[10:26] * Sailor_Moon glances over at Ami. "Come on, Mercury! We don't have time to mess around!" Stopping only to check on Naru - and completely unsurprised to see her there - Usagi heads for the door to the store, detransforming as she does so.
[10:26] * Sailor_Mercury sighs, luck not being with her this time. The items are far too cheap to bother with taking. "Coming!"
[10:27] * Ami drops her transformation. "I think we should call the hospital on this one."
[10:38] * Usagi-chan nods, heading for a nearby phone booth and dialing the emergency number.
[10:39] <Anastasia> "Emergency services," the woman on the other end of the line says.
[10:40] <Usagi-chan> "There's been some kind of accident at the Osa-P jewelry store... I think we're going to need an ambulance."
[10:41] <Anastasia> "Osa-P Jewerly," she says. "What sort of accident?"
[10:42] <Usagi-chan> "I... there's a lot of people in there unconscious, I don't know exactly why. Just hurry and send an ambulance!"
[10:43] <Anastasia> "Alright, stay on the line," she says, businesslike. "Are they breathing okay?"
[10:43] <Usagi-chan> "They seem to be okay for right now... just hurry!" Usagi hangs up the phone and exits the booth, nodding to Ami. "They should be on their way any minute."
[10:47] <Ami> "Good. Let's get out of here."
[10:48] * Usagi-chan nods, heading away from the scene quickly.
[10:49] * Ami follows just as quickly. "Guess the meteor wasn't so harmless after all."
[10:49] <Usagi-chan> "If this was connected to that, yeah." Usagi nods. "So much for peace and quiet," she grouses.

[19:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[19:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> Okay.
[19:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> The day after the Osa-P monster wrecked havoc, it's back to school for Usagi. By chance, she runs into Makoto on the way, Usagi being unusually early today.
[19:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> And by the law of Usagi, running into means that in quite a literal sense.
[19:59] * Usagi-chan lands hard on her rear end, rubbing at her backside. As per usual, she scrambles up quickly and bows to the poor person she just collided with without even looking at them. "I'm so sorry, I wasn't paying attention to where I was going!"
[20:01] * Makoto blinks and shakes her head before looking at Usagi with a small smile, "Well you really should, Usagi. It's just me."
[20:03] <Usagi-chan> "Mako-chan!" Usagi looks up and breaks into a smile. "Sorry about that, I was running to school like usual and I didn't see you." She scratches the back of her head in embarrassment.
[20:05] <Makoto> "You're not -that- late, you know. Actually, it's still semi-early. But c'mon, if we stick around and chat we will be," Makoto says as she slings her school bag over her shoulder and resumes walking to school.
[20:08] * Usagi-chan trots along by Makoto's side. "I guess I'm so used to having to make a mad dash to school that I just kinda did it automatically today."
[20:11] <Makoto> "Figures," Makoto snorts. "So what's up?"
[20:12] <Sailor_Anastasia> As you walk along, you see Naru ahead. Her head is hanging, like she's tired. Images of yesterday's incident pop up in Usagi's head.
[20:13] <Usagi-chan> "Um... just thinking about last night." Usagi gives Makoto an apologetic look for a moment, then runs ahead to meet Naru. "Naru-chan, are you okay? You don't look so good..."
[20:14] <Sailor_Anastasia> Naru looks up, her face gaunt. "Hi, Usagi..." she murmurs, looking and sounding exhausted.
[20:15] * Makoto walks up to the pair, giving a greeting to the tired Naru. "Yo."
[20:16] * Usagi-chan places one hand on Naru's arm. "Naru-chan, you look terrible! What happened?" Usagi asks, knowing full well exactly what did happen.
[20:16] <Sailor_Anastasia> Naru's head raises a tiny bit higher. "Hi...Makoto..." she managed. "I dunno...I think I fell asleep early, but I'm still tired..."
[20:17] * Usagi-chan glances over at Makoto. 'I guess she doesn't remember any of it...' Turning back to her friend, she halts the girl. "I'd head home if I were you, Naru-chan. You really look like you could use some more sleep."
[20:18] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I'm okay," she smiles wanly. "I don't want to miss school...I'm just having a rough morning."
[20:18] <Makoto> 'Would you -want- to remember stuff like that?' Makoto replies back mentally, looking somewhat worriedly at the redhead.
[20:20] <Usagi-chan> "At least stop by the nurse's office, okay? I'll let Miss H know why you're running a little behind - I'm sure she'll understand." Usagi smiles at Naru.
[20:21] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I'm okay... really......." Naru murmurs again, this time her body betraying her as she falls to the sidewalk.
[20:22] <Usagi-chan> "Naru-chan!" Usagi grabs the red-haired girl before she can hit the ground, staggering a bit as she takes Naru's weight.
[20:23] <Sailor_Anastasia> The girl is unconscious. Her aura is weak and wan, lacking in vitality.
[20:24] * Makoto looks at Usagi. "What's wrong with her?"
[20:25] * Usagi-chan shakes her head slightly, easing Naru to the ground slowly. "She's just exhausted - she needs rest. Her energy is still very weak."
[20:26] * Makoto grabs Naru and props her on her back. "Why don't you head on to class and tell them Naru won't be coming and I'll probably be late? I can take Naru back home."
[20:27] * Usagi-chan studies Naru for a moment before shaking her head slowly. "Take her to the hospital, Mako-chan - better yet, I'll go with you. This looks really serious."
[20:28] <Makoto> "That bad, huh? Alright, let's go. We can call the school from the hospital once we get there," Makoto says with a nod as she starts heading towards the hospital as fast as she can without being too uncomfortable for her ride.
[20:29] * Usagi-chan hurries along next to Makoto, keeping a close eye on Naru.
[20:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> The trip to the hospital goes reasonably well, with no interruptions.
[20:31] <Makoto> "Hey docs, we have a problem here!" Makoto shouts roughly as she comes in through the hospital door, hoping to get someone's attention for Naru.
[20:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> Once there, the ER leads you to a doctor who takes one look at Naru before bringing her to a bed inside the emergency room.
[20:33] * Usagi-chan stays by Naru's side, holding the redhead's cold hand tightly. "What did they do to you, Naru-chan?" she says quietly.
[20:34] <Sailor_Anastasia> The doctor, a cute young man with a professional demeanor, looks her over. "She looks completely exhausted. It's the third person this morning we've had with these symptoms," he notes to himself. "Odd."
[20:35] * Usagi-chan glances up at the doctor. "There are others that are like her?"
[20:36] * Makoto gets a bit starry-eyed as she stares at the doctor instead of paying attention. 'He looks just like my old sempai...'
[20:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Two others," he nods. "Both passed out this morning and were brought here." He brushed back a loose bang out of his pretty face.
[20:37] * Usagi-chan covers a smile at Makoto's thought. "Um... I know this might sound kind of odd to ask, but could I see them? I'm just wondering if it might be anyone else I know."
[20:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Um...you really shouldn't," he says. "Now that you mention that, I really wasn't even supposed to say that much."
[20:38] * Usagi-chan nods, wondering if she might be able to get Ami to help her get in to see them. "Is it anything really serious, or does she just need some rest?"
[20:40] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I think she'll just need several days of rest, along with plenty of fluids," he nods. "Do you know this girl's name? Family members?"
[20:41] * Usagi-chan nods. "I'll give her mom a call in a few minutes to let her know Naru's here. I just wanted to make sure she was okay first."
[20:42] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Alright. We'll have her up in a room shortly. Could one of you stay with her?" he asks.
[20:42] <Makoto> "I'll do that, Usagi. You know Naru's mom better," Makoto says. "Oh, and remember to call the school."
[20:44] * Usagi-chan nods and heads back out to the waiting room to find a phone.
[20:45] <Makoto> "So doc," Makoto says as she wraps her arm around one of the young doctor's arms. "Which way to Naru's room?"
[20:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> He grins as Makoto wraps around him. "Third floor, probably. Want me to take you up there now?" he seems quite pleased with the position Makoto has taken.
[20:47] <Usagi-chan> Finding the phone, Usagi dials the Osa-P store, hoping Naru's mother is there - or at least able to answer.
[20:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> Ring... ring... ring... ring... "Hello," Naru's mother says. "You have reached the Osa-P Jewelry store. Please leave a message and we'll get right back to you." BEEP.
[20:48] * Makoto smiles. "Just to make sure I don't get lost, of course."
[20:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Of course," he grins back, leading you away from Naru and up to the doctor's elevator...
[20:50] * Usagi-chan sighs as she leaves her message. "Mrs. Osaka, this is Usagi Tsukino. I just wanted to call and let you know that I brought Naru-chan to the hospital - she fainted on the way to school today. I'll call back as soon as I know her room number so you can come down to see her." With that, she disconnects the line and dials the school's number.
[20:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Juuban Middle School office. How can I help you?"
[20:54] <Usagi-chan> "I need to talk to someone about an absence - would that be you?"
[20:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yes, ma'am," she says.
[20:55] <Usagi-chan> "This is Usagi Tsukino from class 8-B. I was on my way to school this morning with Naru Osaka and Makoto Kino when Naru just fainted! We're at the hospital with her right now, so that's why we haven't made it in to class yet."
[20:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> There is the sound of typing. "Mmm... Alright, we'll pass on word to your teachers. Thank you, Miss Tsukino."
[20:57] <Usagi-chan> "Thank you!" Usagi hangs up the phone and heads back into the emergency room, looking for either Naru, Makoto, or the doctor.
[20:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> You see Naru being put on a stretcher by two orderlies, ready to be taken upstairs.
[20:59] * Usagi-chan runs over to the stretcher, staying out of the orderlies' way as they move her to the elevator.
[20:59] <Sailor_Anastasia> They let you follow, going up a service elevator to the third floor.
[21:01] * Usagi-chan stays with the stretcher as it's being moved, making a note of Naru's room number as they wheel her in.
[21:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> Besides the room, you find Makoto wrapped around one of the arms of the doctor, who looks to be enjoying it.
[21:04] <Makoto> "Hey Usagi," Makoto waves with her free hand. "Oh, there's Naru, we were wondering why Naru hadn't gotten to the room yet."
[21:05] * Usagi-chan shakes her head slightly, suppressing a smile at the sight of Makoto enjoying herself. "I just followed them up with the stretcher. Naru's mom wasn't answering, and I left word at the school that we weren't going to make it in."
[21:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> The doctor nods. "Alright, I'll have a nurse get the contact information from you," he says.
[21:10] * Usagi-chan nods. 'I'm going to go check on Naru's mom as soon as we're done here, Mako-chan. I want to make sure she hasn't fainted too.'
[21:11] <Makoto> 'Alright. You want company?' Makoto thinks back, although she looks a bit reluctant to let go of her current hunk catch.
[21:12] <Usagi-chan> 'I think I'll be okay. I'll let you know if anything's wrong when I get there, okay?'
[21:13] * Makoto nods.
[21:16] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[21:16] <Sailor_Anastasia> Going to the Osa-P, you find it locked up and unopened today.
[21:17] * Usagi-chan sighs, not liking the looks of that. She heads over to the apartment entry at the side of the store, climbing the stairs to knock on the door of the Osakas' apartment. "Mrs. Osaka? Are you there?"
[21:18] <Sailor_Anastasia> No response... the door is unlocked, though, and goes off slightly when you knock on it.
[21:19] * Usagi-chan opens the door slowly, looking around to make sure she's not intruding on anything before she steps inside. "Mrs. Osaka?"
[21:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> It's quiet. The living room is empty and cool, without a sound.
[21:21] * Usagi-chan walks through the apartment quietly, looking for Mrs. Osaka's bedroom.
[21:21] <Sailor_Anastasia> Going into the hallway, you find Ms. Osaka lying there in a bathrobe, unconscious. Her aura is like Naru's, weak and sickly.
[21:23] * Usagi-chan sighs before heading over to find the Osakas' phone. She dials the emergency number, telling the operator on the line that Mrs. Osaka is unconscious and she needs an ambulance.
[21:25] <Sailor_Anastasia> The call goes, sending an ambulance to the Osaka residence in short order.
[21:25] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[17:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> Another day passes at Mugen school. As the day winds by...
[17:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Hey, Rei," Eudial calls, poking her head into the Witches 6 main room. You're the only witch in there, as Kaolinite just stepped in briefly and Tellu is gone again. The others have ben away all day. "Want to come with me for another Heart Snatch," the red head asks, which has become fairly common.
[17:53] * Rei-chan shrugs. "Sure." Not like they ever seem to find the Talismans on these seemingly random excursions, but it gives her something to do. Besides, if she didn't go, Eudial was quite likely to just leave the dud heart crystal alone while the victim slowly died...
[18:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial grins. "Great, let's get out of here before any of those other Witches show," she says as she holds the door open for you.
[18:01] * Rei-chan springs out of her chair and leaves the room ahead of Eudial. "So, any idea about the target today?" she asks her sempai.
[18:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> The red haired Witch nods briefly. "She's a school girl from across town," she says as you traverse the maze of underground passages.
[18:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Her name is Kotono, I think. She goes to the T*A academy, that rich Catholic school," she further comments, her voice haughty. "Bunch of stuck up rich girls."
[18:07] * Rei-chan stops, slightly stunned. "I used to go to T*A..." she says, sounding rather dazed. 'I can't do this to Kotono!' she thinks to herself, although even as she thinks that, she starts rationalising it. 'Well, Kotono probably doesn't have a Talisman anyway, so there won't be any harm in it, right? Besides, if there is a Talisman, the Mistress is more important than Kotono.' Somehow, though, she isn't convinced.
[18:11] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Huh, you did?" Eudial stops, staring at you in largely overdone surprise. Shock arches across her face.
[18:12] <Rei-chan> "Didn't you know?" Rei blinks, "I'm pretty sure I mentioned it back when we first met. And I thought you'd have seen my student record or something before you recruited me into this group."
[18:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial blinks a moment, before laughing with embarrassment. "Oooh yeah," she says, rubbing the back of her head. "Anyway," she recovers quickly, "Let's go."
[18:16] <Rei-chan> "Right..." Rei says, deciding it probably wouldn't be best to mention her history with their target. 'Why couldn't it be one of those bitches who always spread rumours about me?' she thinks dejectecly. Of course, none of them would be likely to have very pure hearts...
[18:18] <Sailor_Anastasia> Going on, you are soon at Eudial's suicide mach... er, car. A quick jaunt under the city goes without note, and you manage not to freak out too badly this time to her almost berserk driving methods.
[18:19] * Rei-chan is lost in thought as she tries to think of how she's going to handle this one...
[18:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> Parking just outside the school, you see Kotono and another girl walking outside, discreetly holding hands. The second girl is blonde haired, and around your age. Her brown eyes are open and friendly. Kotono looks quite happy with her as they go about. "Coming, or are you going to wait here?" Eudial asks after spotting them.
[18:24] <Rei-chan> "Um..." Rei bites her bottom lip as she considers her options. Hiding in the car does have its appeal... "I'll come," she says at last. "I should be able to get Kotono somewhere reasonably private where I can check her heart crystal. You could distract the other girl or act as lookout?"
[18:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> "You want to do it," she asks, interested in your enthusiasm. "If you want to... yeah."
[18:29] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, why would I mind?" Rei asks with a fake grin.
[18:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> "It's your old school... say, do you know her?" she inquires.
[18:31] <Rei-chan> "She was in my class," Rei answers evasively.
[18:34] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial considers that as she examines the target. "Hum. She seems close to that girl, so distracting them may not be easy," she notes.
[18:37] <Rei-chan> "I can be very distracting when I want to be," Rei answers tightly. "Anyway, lets go," she says, exiting the car and looking for an out of the way place that would be good for taking Kotono for a private 'chat'.
[18:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> There isn't much in the way of convienet alleys near T*A, but there are a few quiet stores that could be used.  Eudial follows you quietly for the moment.
[18:42] * Rei-chan sighs, really wishing she didn't have to do this. "Okay, I think I have an idea," she says at last, marching over towards Kotono and her girlfriend.
[18:43] <Sailor_Anastasia> "...So, Yuki-chan," she start, her words stopping suddenly as she sees Rei approach. "Rei?" she asks, drawing back a bit in surprise, into her companion. She ogles you, taking in  your abbreviated miko outfit.
[18:45] * Rei-chan squirms slightly, the outfit that seemed so natural to wear around her fellow witches suddenly feeling very uncomfortable. "Hi Kotono-chan, ah, Yuki-san?" she waves slightly to the two girls. "I'd, um, like to talk to you, Kotono-chan. Privately if that's alright?"
[18:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> Kotono doesn't reply at first, seeming to make a study of your chest, and how your top shows it off. "Um... okay," she nods. "I'll be right back, Yuki-chan." "Okay, Kochan," the other girl says, innocent and kind in her words.
[18:48] <Rei-chan> "Thanks. I won't keep her long," Rei says reassuringly to Yuki, before leading Kotono away, taking her into an empty looking shop and leading her towards a deserted aisle near the back.
[18:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> Kotono follows along, behind you. You can feel her eyes on your rear, and a backwards glance confirms it. "It's... good to see you again, Rei," she nods. "Those look good on you." Kotono stumbles along, stammering a bit due to your attractive dress.
[18:51] <Rei-chan> "Ah heh," Rei chuckles nervously. "Mugen is surprisingly liberal..." she says, her eyes flickering around the shop to look for any security cameras or anything else that might give her away. Well, give her away before Kotono starts screaming...
[18:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> There isn't much in this shop, it's a small antique store that has a sleepy owner sitting behind a desk. The old woman barely glances up from her book, nodding and going back to reading. Any security cameras that are here aren't visible.
[18:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I see that," she manages. "That's the Mugen uniform?"
[18:55] <Rei-chan> "Not exactly..." Rei hedges, before deflating. "I'm sorry, Kotono-chan," she mutters, before clasping her hands together and quietly performing the chant to rip the innocent girl's heart crystal from her body.
[18:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Wh... Rei!" she yelps before being caught in the incanation. Her body stiffens as her Heart Crystal emerges. It's vibrant and glowing... but completely normal. Not a Talisman.
[18:59] * Rei-chan sighs in relief, catching Kotono before she can fall to the ground and returning the heart crystal to her body. "I'm glad I don't have to make Yuki cry..." she mutters, hefting Kotono's weight and heading towards the exit. "Don't mind us," she tells the sleepy shopkeeper as she leaves, "My friend just has these fainting spells from time to time," she explains lamely.
[19:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Okay..." she murmurs, not looking up from her paper. "Fuu..."
[19:01] * Rei-chan ignores the shopkeeper, carrying Kotono back to where she left Eudial and Yuki.
[19:10] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial walks up to you as you approach, breaking away from Yuki. "Anything?" she asks quietly.
[19:12] * Rei-chan shakes her head minutely, her lips a drawn in thin line. Walking past Eudial without a word, she carries her burden to Yuki. "I'm sorry, Yuki-san, it looks like Kotono-chan fainted," she says, carefully keeping her voice sounding normal. "She should be back up and about in ten minutes or so, I expect..."
[19:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Oh my! Is Kochan okay?" she asks, sounding worried and a touch brainless. "Oh, Kochan," she murmurs, coming up to stroke her hair.
[19:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> "...bah..." Eudial mutters. "Another strikeout."
[19:14] <Rei-chan> "She should be fine soon enough," Rei reassures her, looking around for a bench or something where she can deposit the girl.
[19:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> There isn't a bench nearby, but there is one across the street. "Oh God," Yuki says, holding a Crucifix she wears with her uniform. "I hope she is."
[19:18] <Rei-chan> "Come on," Rei nods her head towards the bench across the street. "I'll just set her down there and you can keep an eye on her. She's fainted like this before," she lies, "And she's normally back on her feet in a few minutes."
[19:18] * Rei-chan looks both ways then crosses the street after making sure it's safe.
[19:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial stays behind, near the car. Yuki follows, her big, brown eyes filled with worry.
[19:22] <Rei-chan> "Here we go," Rei sets Kotono gently down on the bench. Turning to Yuki she speaks, "When she wakes up, tell her I'm sorry." She hesitates for a moment, "Also, tell her I'm glad for her," she gives Yuki a wan smile, "You seem like a nice girl, Yuki-san. I hope you and Kotono-chan are happy together."
[19:22] <Rei-chan> Not waiting for a reply, Rei turns and heads back to Eudial's car.
[19:23] <Sailor_Anastasia> She doesn't give you one, barely registering your words as she fusses over Kotono. "Oh, Kochan..." you hear as you cross the street again.
[19:23] <Sailor_Anastasia> As you approach, Eudial gets in the car and slams the door, seemingly out of sorts.
[19:24] * Rei-chan gets in the passenger seat. "Something wrong, Eudial-sempai?" she asks, more than a bit concerned. She didn't want Eudial driving if she was distracted...
[19:25] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Another loser... I'll have to listen to Mimette going on all high and mighty about how I can't find the Talismans," she grates out, clamping down on the steering wheel. Anger and annoyance flow off her in not so gentle waves.
[19:26] <Rei-chan> "It's not like Mimette has done any better," Rei points out reasonably. "If only I knew more about the Talismans myself, then I might be able to figure something out, maybe predict where they'll appear..." she sighs.
[19:29] <Sailor_Anastasia> "That's true. Like Ayumi Hamasaki would have a pure heart," she comments, bringing Mimette's choice of targets to light. "How much do you know about them," she asks, changing gears with you.
[19:30] <Rei-chan> "The Talismans exist in the Pure Hearts of certain humans. The Mistress wants them," Rei recites faithfully, then blinks as she turns to Eudial. "Damn, I really do know squat! This is depressing..."
[19:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yeah, isn't it," Eudial agrees. "With so many goody-good people in Tokyo, it's taking forever!" she exclaims.
[19:33] * Rei-chan frowns, the image of the purest-hearted person she knows flashing in her mind's eye. She abruptly forces the thought down. It'd be a cold day in hell before she put Usagi at that kind of risk, Mistress be damned!
[19:34] <Rei-chan> "If I had something to focus on, I think I could probably divine more about the Talismans, but I'm just operating blind here..." she complains.
[19:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Bah," she mutters after a few minutes of silence. "Let's go somewhere besides back to Mugen," Eudial declares suddenly, making a sharp, two wheeled turn down a side passage.
[19:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> As she zooms down the series of underground networks, "I dunno, Rei. Pure hearts is about all we have to go on."
[19:38] <Rei-chan> "Oh?" Rei looks at Eudial with some curiousity. Despite their good working relationship, they never see each other outside of Witch business. "Where do you have in mind?" she asks, deciding not to bother talking about work related matters right now. Eudial seems just as clueless as her, anyway...
[19:40] <Sailor_Anastasia> "There's a party place the Witches have an account at, one of those arcade-slash-karaoke bars-slash-dance club places," she says. "Professor Tomoe said it's for good work or something," she shrugs. "He's strange like that sometimes, but it is a free pass."
[19:42] <Rei-chan> "Oh, that's pretty cool. I could do with unwinding," Rei says agreeably, hoping that Eudial doesn't plan on driving back if she unwinds too much...
[19:43] <Sailor_Anastasia> She smiles a bit, kicking up the speed another notch. Frankly, it's one that you wished she didn't. She must be breaking some law of physics, right? Cars aren't supposed to go on two wheels that much.
[19:44] <Rei-chan> While this is scary, a part of Rei still thrills to it. Driving with Eudial is better than an all-day pass on a rollercoaster in some respects...
[19:45] <Sailor_Anastasia> With a final burst of speed, she pops out of a manhole. You're SURE that you got zero Gs for a moment before the car landed on the street.
[19:46] * Rei-chan closes her eyes, just hoping they'll stop soon. Just not the kind of stop associated with sudden impact...
[19:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> The car comes to a merciful stop, just outside a garish, neon-encrusted building in the downtown area. "Matsui's Parlor" is written in blue neon, along with the images of various games and attractions. Quite stylish.
[19:48] * Rei-chan unbuckles her seat belt and exits the car, staggering slightly.
[19:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> Getting out herself, Eudial sends a glare to the front of the car. "Hm, it must need another tune up. That wasn't nearly fast enough," she says reproachfully to the car.
[19:50] <Rei-chan> "I guess that gives you something to do tomorrow, but for now let's try to relax, hmm?" Rei suggests.
[19:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yeah," she nods, with a final glance at her car.
[19:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[19:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> Going inside, an assault of light and sound hits you.
[19:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> Arcade games, music, chatter and myriad other sounds bombard your ears, along with a visual display that is stunning.
[19:52] <Rei-chan> "Wow, this is some place," Rei comments, rather impressed. Admittedly she'd prefer someplace more relaxed and quiet, but she's still willing to give this place a go.
[19:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> "It is," Eudial half shouts to be heard over the din. She goes right to a change machine, putting a bill in and getting several shiny tokens back. All the while, she eyes the latest racing game, a determined grin on her face.
[19:55] * Rei-chan goes over to get change for some tokens herself, following Eudial. "I'll probably regret this, but want a race? It'll be interesting to see how well my lessons took," she says with a grin at the redhead.
[19:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> "You're on," she grins back, relishing the challenge. Getting into the left side seat of the two-seater racer, she puts in her tokens and gets ready. The game is Tokyo-cross 200000, the 'Latest and best racing simulator! Outspeed and outdo your friends all day!'
[19:57] * Rei-chan takes the remaining seat, inserting her own tokens and preparing for what is likely to be a horrible defeat.
[19:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> The game starts up...nice graphics, you note. Eudial has a red Corvette while you have a blue Ferarri. Ready...set...
[19:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> Go!
[19:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Roll 2d6 to see how well you race.
[19:58] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6
[19:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Eudial gets a -1 bonus due to skill.
[19:58] * Shai`Hulud --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[19:59] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6-1
[19:59] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6-1 and gets 10."
[20:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> Going out, the both of you pour on speed...only for Eudial to miscalcuate early and crash right into you. One overdone explosion later, it's game over for both of you. That was... painfully short, as a mock ambulance drives up to the wreckage.
[20:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> Banging her hand on the wheel, Eudial gives the game a piece of her mind. "You load of crap! There is no way I'd crash right off the bat like that!" The Witch fumes, glaring at the screen with dagger eyes.
[20:02] * Rei-chan sweats nervously. "Um, maybe it was my fault for banging into your car?" she suggests.
[20:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> Without answering you, she plunks more tokens into the machine for another go. "This time, you're mine," she murmurs.
[20:06] * Rei-chan puts her tokens in the machine, hoping things go a bit better this time...
[20:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> Again the game starts, ready to go...
[20:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[20:07] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[20:07] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6
[20:07] * Shai`Hulud --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[20:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> After the first false start, things go much better this time. Eudial zooms along, her computerized car doing a good imitation of her real car. Rei does good as well, but is unable to really keep up with the insane driving of Eudial.
[20:09] <Rei-chan> "Well, you really nailed it that time," Rei compliments her fellow Witch.
[20:09] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yeah," she stays, intensely into the game as she crosses the finish line. "Yeah!"
[20:10] * Rei-chan looks around, wondering if this arcade has the Sailor Moon game.
[20:12] <Sailor_Anastasia> It does. In fact..."Sailor Senshi versus the Negaverse Remixed!" is emblazoned on the arcade cabinet.
[20:13] * Rei-chan quirks an eyebrow, wondering if Artemis paid heed to their complaints. Nudging Eudial, she points out the Sailor Senshi game. "Want to play that one? One of the characters in it shoots fireballs," she says, hoping to cajole her into it.
[20:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Hm? Isn't that the game based on those girls in the news all the time?" she asks, looking up at it through the crowd of people.
[20:14] <Rei-chan> "Yeah. Remember I mentioned Metallia? The Sailor Senshi are the ones who defeated her," Rei says, leaving out the fact that she was far more deeply involved than her story had implied.
[20:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Really? You know those girls?" she asks, still curious. "Are they really magical fighters?" Her voice goes from curious to interested at the second part.
[20:16] <Rei-chan> "I only saw them briefly when Metallia ordered me to fight them," Rei hedges. "I didn't do so good though, and they knocked me out. When I next woke up, Metallia was gone," she outright lies.
[20:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Oh," she hums. "Oh well, maybe they'd make good Witches," she shrugs, before turning back to the game.
[20:19] <Rei-chan> "If we could ever find them. They always seem to disappear before anyone can ever get to talk to them," Rei says a tad uncomfortably. "Anyway, want to play the game? The old version was fun, and I'm interested in seeing what this remix is like."
[20:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Alright, sure," she nods, shrugging away the previous conversation. She walks up to the machine, taking one of the positions.
[20:20] * Rei-chan takes the other and inserts her tokens, waiting to see which character Eudial will pick.
[20:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> She puts in her coin and picks Sailor Jupiter.
[20:20] * Rei-chan is slightly surprised that Eudial didn't pick the fiery Sailor Mars, but shrugs it off, deciding to play as Sailor Mercury this time as a change of pace.
[20:21] <Sailor_Anastasia> The game starts... this time, the first stage is a park.
[20:21] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[20:21] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 5."
[20:21] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6
[20:21] * Shai`Hulud --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[20:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> The first stage goes by quickly enough... the boss is a Jadeite wannabe.
[20:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Heh, this isn't too hard," Eudial says. "If this is all those girls had to face..."
[20:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[20:22] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[20:23] * Rei-chan blinks, noting that 'Jadeite' isn't as good a likeness as before. Maybe Artemis did pay attention...
[20:23] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6
[20:23] * Shai`Hulud --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[20:23] <Sailor_Anastasia> The boss dies quickly, not much of a challenge.
[20:23] <Rei-chan> "I dunno. Remember that thing on the news back in December with all the lightning at the TV station? I heard they were involved in that... it sounded pretty scary to me," Rei comments as she blasts the boss with a Shabon Spray.
[20:24] <Sailor_Anastasia> The difficulty curve also seems to be lower.
[20:24] <Sailor_Anastasia> "During all those disasters," Eudial asks as a Supreme Thunder roasts Jadeite. "The Professor shruged them off, mostly. He said the Mistress said they weren't that important."
[20:25] <Rei-chan> "Well, they probably didn't directly affect the Mistress, so they wouldn't matter to her. All she cares about are the Talismans, right?" Rei says, waiting to punch and kick her way through the next stage.
[20:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> The next stage is the mall that was stage 1 in the last version. Youma come right at you, not letting your girls get a chance to rest.
[20:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[20:26] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[20:26] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6
[20:26] * Shai`Hulud --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 5."
[20:27] <Sailor_Anastasia> This stage is more grist for your fighting skills!
[20:27] * Rei-chan turns many a youma into icicles with her array of cool attacks!
[20:27] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Well, mostly. You remember that big apartment explosion near the bay," she asks as she polishes off another monster. "He was interested in that, but he said it was a missed chance."
[20:28] <Rei-chan> "A missed chance?" Rei looks interested, "Like it had something to do with the Talismans? Or something else?" 'Maybe the Talismans are something like Oxyite's sword?'
[20:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Whatever it was, it caused his machines to go off the charts," she frowns. "It wasn't a terrorist thing like the TV said, I think."
[20:29] <Rei-chan> "Only an idiot would believe terrorists did that," Rei remarks. "It was done in a residential area when most people were at work, and no one ever claimed responsibility."
[20:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> "True," she says.
[20:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[20:30] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[20:31] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6
[20:31] * Shai`Hulud --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 3."
[20:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> A Nephrite kinda wannabe is the boss...he goes down easily as well to your combined assault.
[20:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yeah, a bomb wouldn't have interested the Professor like that," she nods.
[20:32] * Rei-chan wonders what the Professor would have made of Metallia. She sure didn't see any evidence of the Deathbusters on her rampage through Tokyo, although she never went all that close to Mugen at the time...
[20:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> "But whatever it was, nothing came of it," she says as stage three starts.
[20:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> This time, it's the Starlight Tower with pitfalls and more monsters. YAY.
[20:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[20:35] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[20:35] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, I doubt he would have had time to react, really... it all happened so suddenly."
[20:35] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6
[20:35] * Shai`Hulud --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 3."
[20:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Really?" she asks.
[20:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> The boss of this stage is a Zoisite wanna be, rose petals and all.
[20:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[20:37] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[20:37] <Rei-chan> "Well, yeah," Rei replies. "It was just a sudden massive explosion out of nowhere, and then there was nothing left."
[20:37] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6
[20:37] * Shai`Hulud --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[20:38] <Sailor_Anastasia> This time, Zoisite has the last laugh, pulverizing the both of you.
[20:38] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Gah," Eudial mutters, putting in another coin.
[20:38] * Rei-chan doesn't really feel like continuing, but doesn't want to leave Eudial alone, so sticks a token in herself.
[20:38] <Sailor_Anastasia> The battle goes on...
[20:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[20:39] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[20:39] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6
[20:39] * Shai`Hulud --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[20:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> Again, the boss has his way with you, turning you into shredded Senshi.
[20:40] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Ah, blargh," Eudial spins the arcade stick, stepping away from the game.
[20:41] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, I've had enough," Rei steps away as well. "Want to get something to drink?"
[20:42] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Sure," Eudial nods, leading the way to the bar. "What do you want, Rei?"
[20:43] * Rei-chan looks around to see what's available, eventually shrugging, "I'll just have an orange juice, thanks."
[20:44] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Mountain Dew," she orders. Your drinks come quickly, nice and cold.
[20:45] * Rei-chan sips her drink, her gaze wandering over to the dance floor.
[20:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> "You know, Rei..." Eudial starts after a gulp of her drink. "You aren't too bad." Her smile is genuine, and rather nice. She looks pretty when she smiles like that. "I've had fun today."
[20:50] <Rei-chan> "Thanks, sempai," Rei smiles, "You're not so bad yourself." The day hadn't been a great one, having to deal with Kotono and all, but still... hanging out with Eudial was nice. While different from most other people she knows, the older girl is always interesting.
[20:50] <Rei-chan> "Today hasn't been bad at all," Rei says, finishing off her glass. Her eyes track from the dancefloor and back to her companion. "Want to go dance for a while?" she asks, smiling.
[20:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Heh," Eudial laughs a bit, warmly. "Sure, since it seems all the guys here have girls with them."
[20:54] * Rei-chan almost launches into a speech about how to hot young girls like themselves could easily lure away the guy's attentions, but then recalls her romantic cruise with Ami... "Eh," she shrugs, "You don't need a guy just to have fun dancing. Come on, let's show off our stuff," she grins, leading the older girl onto the dancefloor.
[20:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> She follows, loosening up as she walks.
[20:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> Getting on the dance floor is simple. Currently, some techno pop is playing, cheery and catchy.
[20:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial begins to dance, shaking her hips to the music.
[20:57] * Rei-chan begins dancing energetically, trying to just forget her troubles and lose herself in the music.
[20:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> The dancing goes on, the music becoming more techno. Soon enough, you lose yourself in the rhythmic motions of the music.......
[20:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Whew!" Eudial cries, finally stopping and getting you out of your sweaty dancing frenzy. Her hands are on her knees as she takes a few deep breaths, winded.
[20:59] <Sailor_Anastasia> It was warm before in here, but with the movement and body heat of the dancers and dancing... it's hot now.
[21:01] <Rei-chan> "How about a break? I don't know about you, but I could use a cold drink," Rei suggests, inwardly a bit miffed that no one had bothered trying to approach them while they danced.
[21:01] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Oh yeah," the sweaty red head nods. "Let's get to one of the booths." She half staggers over to a comfortable booth, plopping down a good ways from the dance floor.
[21:02] <Rei-chan> "Just sit there, I'll be back in a sec. You want another Mountain Dew?"
[21:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Sure," she nods.
[21:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial leans back, closing her eyes. That looks to have taken some energy out of her.
[21:03] * Rei-chan goes to the bar, ordering a Mountain Dew and an orange juice for herself.
[21:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> When you get back, Eudial is waiting, having started to fan herself with a napkin.
[21:06] <Rei-chan> "Here you go," Rei says, handing over the cool drink and taking a seat next to the redhead, sipping her own.
[21:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> She takes and and chugs most of it in one go. "Phew... A flamethrower is one thing, but these clubs are another," she comments.
[21:08] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, sure is hot," Rei comments, not all that bothered herself. It's rather comfortable for her, actually.
[21:11] <Sailor_Anastasia> "So," she asks after finishing her drink, "Any luck in the romantic department? This place always reminds me that I'm not so lucky there."
[21:14] * Rei-chan sighs. "No... things haven't been going my way in that department for some time..." she snorts, thinking of all the problems her relationship with Minako had. "Hell, maybe forever."
[21:14] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial nods, feeling connected to Rei in the way all those unlucky in love feel connected to each other. "I'll second that."
[21:16] * Rei-chan clinks her glass against Eudial's. "Here's to the losers," she says self-deprecatingly, before looking around at all the happy couples in the club with a mixture of envy and resentment.
[21:16] <Sailor_Anastasia> "It's almost enough to make you start dating girls," she says with a small laugh. "Since all the guys drop the ball." she shakes her head sadly.
[21:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> She clinks her glass with yours as well, taking a sip from the dregs of her cup.
[21:19] <Rei-chan> "Been there, done that," Rei snorts. "At least she paid me more attention than my last boyfriend, but it still didn't work out," she says bitterly.
[21:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial freaks slightly, but managed to regain her cool. "Another girl, eh? How'd it go? Still a bomb?" Eudial asks, curious. "I didn't think you were that way or anything."
[21:22] <Rei-chan> "I never thought I was that way either," Rei shrugs. "Then all of a sudden I had two girls declaring their love for me. One of them was my best friend... so I gave her a chance." Rei swirls her juice around as she looks away. "It wasn't all bad, but... I miss my friend. We haven't been the same since we broke up."
[21:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial looks away herself. "What happened? Did becoming romantically inclined ruin things?"
[21:28] <Rei-chan> "Yeah. She... she would never give me any space. She had to be with my all the time... I loved her, but there's only so much I can take," Rei says, wondering at how easily she can say this to Eudial when she hasn't even told any of the other senshi. "It scared me, to see her becoming so obsessive. I had to break up with her, for her own good." She sighs, slumping in her seat. "I don't think she saw it that way, though."
[21:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> She says quiet as you speak, soaking up Rei's words. Finally, "I'm sorry," she says quietly. "Losing your best friend and girlfriend... heh. And let me tell you," she goes on, sighing, "Being a Witch isn't great for the ol' romance hopes. If it's not missing a date to Heart Snatches, it's not being there because of business."
[21:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> She looks down at the bottom of her glass, somber. "Ugh, this took a turn for the depressing."
[21:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> Sitting up firmly, she smiles. "The only cure is to have some fun before it gets too late," she nods.
[21:34] * Rei-chan nods. "Yeah... it's a hard life, alright..." she drains the last of her drink. "I think I'll call it a day... maybe just go home and meditate on the Fire for a few hours. That normally helps when I feel down."
[21:34] <Sailor_Anastasia> She nods. "I was going to recommend some karaoke," she comments, "But I won't keep you."
[21:36] * Rei-chan smiles faintly. "Maybe tomorrow?" she suggests nicely. "I doubt I could sing anything except depressing songs right now, and that wouldn't help at all."
[21:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Heh. I'll even drive you home," she says, getting up herself.
[21:37] <Rei-chan> "Thanks," Rei replies gratefully, not really wanting to deal with the kind of attention she might attract in her current attire on the long walk back to the Shrine.
[21:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> As you drive home, Eudial keeps the speed relatively sane.
[21:38] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Rei," she says as you drive to the Shrine, "Thanks. It's hard to really have fun with those other Witches," her inflection leans towards a rhyming word, "around."
[21:40] <Rei-chan> "I can imagine," Rei replies, thinking of how she's barely exchanged more than five words with the other Witches. "I guess people with 'talents' like ours just make up for it in lacking social skills..."
[21:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> "That does make sense, and why those girls are such bitches," she nods. "Kaolinite, Tellu, Mimette," that one is said with real venom, "and the rest... ugh."
[21:43] * Rei-chan nods. "It is annoying having to work alongside people who'd cheerfully stab you in the back without a moment's hesitation..."
[21:43] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Some of them deserve it, though," she mutters.
[21:45] <Rei-chan> "True enough," Rei says agreeably, "The way they act is only setting themselves up for a fall, really."
[21:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial grins. "And when they do fall...splat."
[21:48] * Rei-chan nods. "It's bound to happen."
[21:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial continues to grin as she drives Rei home....
[21:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---

[17:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[17:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> After the Sailor meeting on Sunday, it's time for class at Toudai. Going to class, you find yourself mentally distracted, not noticing when you bump into a warm body on your way to class.
[17:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Oof! Hey," A familiar female voice calls out. Looking up, you see Hiroe balancing herself after the bump.
[17:55] <Prince_Herb> "Ack! Sorry! I didn't mean to do that!" Herb says, looking rather embarassed
[17:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Oh, it's Herb," Hiroe says, her voice distantly friendly. "Hi."
[17:59] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Um..." she stumbles along, uncertain. "How's it been going?"
[18:02] <Prince_Herb> "Pretty good, pretty good." Herb says, "Apart from the curse thing, you know. How've you been getting along?"
[18:03] <Prince_Herb> "Oh wait, I won something at the arcade you might like to have." Herb says, reaching into his bag and bringing out a very cute Sailor Dragon UFO Catcher plushie
[18:05] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Er, thanks," she says, fumbling verbally. "It's cute."
[18:08] * Prince_Herb smiles. "Did you ever... I mean, have you..? I mean, eh..."
[18:09] * Prince_Herb tries to figure out the best way to put things, but fails
[18:10] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Heh...I kind of thought about it," she nods, blushing. "Herb...you're a nice guy. A really nice guy, a super nice guy," she goes on. This spiel is starting to sound bad. "And I think you'll make someone a great boyfriend, really. But..."
[18:14] <Prince_Herb> "But not you? Ah, too bad." Herb says, trying not to look downhearted.
[18:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I'm sorry," she says quickly. "It's just not for me."
[18:19] <Prince_Herb> "I understand. God forbid, my life is weird enough." Herb says.
[18:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I'm sure it is," she agrees. "I'd like to be friends, though."
[18:22] * Prince_Herb nods. "That's cool with me. You're a nice person to be around. Just don't ask me for my fashion tips..."
[18:23] <Sailor_Anastasia> She smiles and lets out a small, relieved breath. "I promise," she says.
[18:25] * Prince_Herb bows. "Shall we go on into class, then? I need to sit down so that I can fix my broken heart with the Scotch tape I have in my bag." Herb winks and smiles.
[18:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> Hiroe smiles wider. 'He's taking it well, thank God,' is tattooed on her face. "Yeah, let's go." she nods and follows Prince Herb into class.
[08:42] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[08:43] <Sailor_Anastasia> Naru and her mother wake up later in the day, tired but otherwise alright. They stay in the hospital overnight, while the girls go home to a new day of schooling.
[08:44] <Sailor_Anastasia> The morning goes by quickly enough... until lunchtime, where Ami and Usagi are eating lunch together.
[08:44] <Sailor_Anastasia> From your seating outside, the most wonderful flute music drifts through, ethereal and pretty.
[08:44] * Usagi-chan looks up, wondering where the beautiful music is coming from.
[08:45] <Sailor_Anastasia> Looking over, you see a small crowd around a table on the other side of the grounds, where the music is coming from. Its haunting melody is stunningly pure and beautiful. Whoever is playing is extremely skilled.
[08:46] * Usagi-chan heads over to the table, her curiosity aroused.
[08:47] * Ami follows the blonde.
[08:48] <Sailor_Anastasia> Getting to the crowd, you push through enough to see who is playing. A new student is playing a white and green embossed flute, his eyes closed and his attention fully in his music. He is a year older than you, and has brown hair and pale skin. He's not Japanese, you note.
[08:49] <Ami> "Who is he?" Ami asks someone in the crowd.
[08:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> The music goes on, deep and soothing. The girls in the crowd are looking at him with visible crushes in their eyes, enraptured by his music.
[08:50] * Usagi-chan raises an eyebrow as she takes a close look at the new guy. "He's really good with that flute, whoever he is..." Usagi murmurs to Ami, having overheard her question.
[08:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> "He's Alan Grangier, an exchange student from America," Umino pops up besides Ami, holding a notepad. "Just started this week."
[08:52] <Ami> "Oh, hello Umino," Ami whispers to the bespectacled boy, not wanting to interrupt the music. "He plays very well."
[08:52] * Usagi-chan half-listens to Umino, still paying more attention to the haunting notes of the flute.
[08:53] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Hmmph, he does," he notes. "All the girls seem to like him already," he grouses.
[08:53] <Sailor_Anastasia> With a final drifting note, he finishes his song. His eyes open, his brown bangs covering the upper half of his eyes. Quite bishonen... The other girls in the crowd squeal in delight as one.
[08:55] * Usagi-chan smiles, definitely admiring the newcomer's handsome appearance.
[08:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Oh, Alan!" "That was beautiful!" "Share my lunch with me, Alan!" These cries come out, but he merely bows his head and pushes past the crowd. "I'm sorry... but excuse me," he says quietly in accented Japanese.
[08:57] * Usagi-chan steps aside, still unabashedly staring at Alan as he walks past. 'Definitely one of the cuter ones around here, that's for sure...'
[08:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> After he clears the crowd, he makes haste and gets out of sight, going back into the school building. The memory of his music seems to linger, however.
[08:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> "What does he have that I don't." Umino grumbles as he gauges the reactions of the female popluation.
[08:59] <Usagi-chan> "Good looks, several inches, and a LOT of skill at playing the flute," Usagi answers him absently.
[09:00] * Ami nods absently.
[09:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Hmmmp!" he mutters again, annoyed.
[09:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[09:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> Later, when Usagi goes back to class for the afternoon session...
[09:01] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Class," Miss Haruka annouces, "We have a new student starting this afternoon," she says, instead of starting the history lesson.
[09:02] * Usagi-chan perks up a bit. 'Another new student?'
[09:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Come in, Ann," Miss H says, calling outside. A girl of your age comes into the room. She is American as well, with the same light skin as Alan and similarly colored hair. She looks rather haughty though, down to her slightly cold brown eyes.
[09:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> She comes up besides Miss Haruka and bows to the class. "I'm Ann Grangier, a student from America," she says to the class.
[09:04] * Usagi-chan gives the girl an appraising look, noting something slightly odd about her.
[09:05] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Why don't you tell us a bit about yourself, Ann," Miss H presses politely. Nodding, Ann goes on. "My brother and I are here from America," she says.
[09:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> Miss H nods. "Take the empty seat next to Usagi Tsukino, please. Usagi, would you raise your hand," Miss H asks.
[09:08] * Usagi-chan dutifully raises her hand, giving the new girl a friendly smile.
[09:09] <Sailor_Anastasia> She walks over to the desk, not returning your smile right off. She sits down and looks ahead, ready for the lesson.
[09:09] <Sailor_Anastasia> As the day goes on, she is mainly disinterested, only paying the teacher enough attention to get by. Once the last bell rings, she makes haste to leave...
[09:10] * Usagi-chan watches the girl beat a hasty retreat from the classroom as she gathers up her books. 'Wonder what's got HER in such a rush?'
[09:12] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[09:18] <Sailor_Anastasia> As Usagi and Ami are walking home, they stop at the Crown Arcade for fun and pleasure...
[09:21] <Sailor_Anastasia> Inside, the normal array of lights and sounds greet them, as Motoki serves sundaes and keeps the entire thing running.
[09:22] * Usagi-chan stretches as she walks in the door of the arcade. "Man, I'm just glad that I don't have to listen to any more lectures about algebra!"
[09:24] <Ami> "Hm. I still haven't tried that game yet," Ami muses.
[09:24] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Hi, Usagi," Motoki calls out as you enter, waving from behind the counter.
[09:25] <Usagi-chan> "Huh? Which one?" Usagi waves, giving Motoki a bright smile as she comes in. "Hi, oniisan!"
[09:26] <Ami> "Hello Motoki," Ami waves. "The Sailor Senshi versus the Negaverse."
[09:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Do you girls want anything," he asks, "Since I'm back here right now."
[09:26] <Ami> "You guys talked about it so much now I want to try it."
[09:27] * Usagi-chan grins at Ami. "I'll meet you over there in a second - right now there's a sundae back there with my name on it!" She marches over to the counter, grinning at Motoki. "The usual, please!"
[09:27] * Ami heads off to do battle with the forces of digital evil.
[09:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> He nods, smiling. "Sure thing," he bends down as he picks up a scooper and some tools... and pauses. "Hm, out of whipped cream." Turning back, he calls out to the room behind the counter. "Could you bring back some whipped cream while you're there?" he calls.
[09:30] * Usagi-chan looks towards the back room curiously. "You got some more help here, oniisan?"
[09:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Sure, Motoki," Your heart skips a beat when the voice of Mamoru Chiba calls back. A few scant seconds later, he comes out, carrying a can of whipped cream. He's dressed in his normal clothes, slacks and a black shirt.
[09:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yeah, Mamoru's helping out a bit this week, since we're busy and he needs some extra spending money," he replies.
[09:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Here you..." Mamoru starts, before catching sight of Usagi. "Hi, Usagi," he says, smiling nicely.
[09:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> He hands the can to Motoki absently, paying attention to you and not to the whipped cream.
[09:32] <Usagi-chan> "Oh... I see." Usagi trails off a bit. "Hi, Mamoru-san." Usagi smiles a bit.
[09:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> Motoki takes a look to Usagi, then to Mamoru. "Um... here's your sundae, Usagi," he hands it over and makes haste away, catching the tension on the air.
[09:33] * Usagi-chan hunches down slightly on her stool, concentrating on the chocolate sundae in front of her and hoping Mamoru takes the hint.
[09:34] <Sailor_Anastasia> Not taking it, Mamoru lingers. "How are you holding up, Usagi," he asks quietly, still smiling nicely, and now with all the charm he can manage. "School going well?"
[09:36] <Usagi-chan> "Uh... yeah, school's great." Usagi glances up at Mamoru briefly. "I've finally started to get my grades up some."
[09:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> He nods. "Good... that's good to know," he says. "So... yes. How's it been going otherwise?" he touches that iceberg.
[09:38] <Usagi-chan> "It's been... all right, I guess." She gives a half-laugh. "Although it looks like 'work' may be picking up again."
[09:40] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Oh?" he asks, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I see..."
[09:41] <Usagi-chan> "Hopefully nothing to worry about." Usagi tries to keep her tone light. "Although poor Naru-chan looks like she's still as unlucky as ever."
[09:42] <Sailor_Anastasia> He nods slowly. "Usagi... do you feel like talking now," he asks, his tone not betraying the emotions that rage underneath the surface.
[09:44] * Usagi-chan feels her heart leap in her chest as she runs through her options, knowing what needs to be said. Licking a pair of lips that have gone dry, she nods slowly. "If you want to," she says quietly.
[09:45] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I do..." he nods firmly. "How about we go outside, I can take a break."
[09:45] * Usagi-chan takes a deep breath, then nods slowly.
[09:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Okay," he says. Raising his voice, he calls out, "Motoki, I'm taking a break. Be back in a few, okay?" Motoki calls back his consent. Stepping out from the counter, he leads Usagi outside...
[09:47] * Usagi-chan follows Mamoru slowly, still not looking directly at him.
[09:48] <Sailor_Anastasia> After you step outside, he glances around. "How about that coffee shop from before? Unless... you want to discuss this publicly," he comments, glancing around at the passing citizenry of Tokyo.
[09:49] * Usagi-chan feels a chill run down her spine. She tries - with only moderate success - to keep her voice steady as she replies. "Sure, I guess that's okay with me."
[09:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> He leads you on, back to the cyber cafe/coffee shop that you met Mamoru in before, just before he left. You get a table in back and he orders tea for for the both of you.
[09:51] * Usagi-chan takes another deep breath, trying to keep her heart from pounding out of her chest the way it seems like it's going to. She waits for Mamoru to speak, not even sure where she should start.
[09:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> After sipping his tea, he speaks. "Usagi... Serenity." he starts with your name, but shifts back to Serenity with the force of someone having made up his mind. "I love you. I've loved you here in this era and in the bygone Moon Kingdom."
[09:55] * Usagi-chan rests her hands on the table, fidgeting slightly. She still doesn't look up at Mamoru as he speaks.
[09:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> He reaches forward, taking your hand. "If you call yourself Usagi or Serenity, it doesn't matter. It doesn't matter if you have the wealth of a nation or of only your family. I want you for you, not for the past or the future or now."
[09:59] <Usagi-chan> "Mamoru..." Usagi says hoarsely, her mouth very dry. "I don't know exactly how to say this..." She closes her eyes for a moment, then finally looks up at Mamoru - blue eyes meeting blue. "I loved you as Serenity, and I think I even loved you as Usagi. But... I don't think I can do this." Her voice catches in her throat.
[10:02] <Usagi-chan> Taking a moment to compose her thoughts, she goes on. "I..." She glances around at the coffee shop. "The last time we talked here, you said some things that really scared me to death, Mamoru. I've tried to put that behind me, but I just can't no matter how hard I try." She drops her gaze again. "I just don't feel like I can trust you right now... I'm sorry."
[10:04] <Sailor_Anastasia> He closes his eyes, but grasps your hand tighter. "Usagi... I love you... and I trust you. You can trust me..." he murmurs softly.
[10:06] * Usagi-chan closes her eyes, wishing this wasn't so difficult. "I know you do, Mamoru, and I wish I COULD trust you, I really do... but I just can't, not right now." A tear trickles from the corner of her eye.
[10:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> He sighs. "We have time, though. Time enough for me to win your trust," he says, opening his eyes and showing resolution. "I promised you that I wouldn't leave you a long time ago, and I'll live up to that. Even if it takes me years."
[10:09] <Usagi-chan> "Mamoru..." Usagi looks up at him, her eyes pleading. She lowers her tone a bit more. "You said you wanted to kill me... I don't know how I CAN trust you after that! I've honestly tried, I really have, but it's just not working."
[10:10] <Sailor_Anastasia> "That was... that was the remnants of Dark Prince Mamoru, though, not me," he replies. "Nothing but the leftovers from Metallia... nothing but a sad echo."
[10:13] * Usagi-chan sighs. "That may be, Mamoru, but it doesn't change the fact that you did say it and I was scared out of my wits. I can't just wave my hand and make it go away, as much as I might want to."
[10:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> "But time will make it better, Usagi. And you have to understand I didn't mean that," he says back quickly. Is that a note of franticness you detect?
[10:17] * Usagi-chan gently pulls her hand away from Mamoru, rising from the table. "I'm sorry, Mamoru... I just can't do this right now!" Turning on her heel, she quickly runs out of the cafe, trying to fight her tears. 'Oh god, I never knew it would be so hard...' she thinks to herself as she blindly runs through the streets, not really caring where she ends up as the tears spill down her cheeks.
[10:18] <Sailor_Anastasia> "SERENITY!" Mamoru's voice echos from behind you as you flee...
[10:18] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[09:30] * Ami goes to get some coins first and returns, ready for action!
[09:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> The game is set up for 6 players total, and the screen is running an eyecatch of all 6 Senshi.
[09:32] * Ami selects the senshi of wisdom, Sailor Mercury!
[09:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> The game begins! Youma come at Pretty Sailor Mercury from all angles, attempting to kill her in the park!
[09:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Body check.
[09:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> You progress through the first stage, but the onslaught of youma is surprisingly hard. Sailor Mercury goes down to a minature rushing jet plane near the end of the first stage...continue?
[09:34] * Ami drops another token.
[09:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> Continuing on, you make it to the first boss...It's a bad Jadeite ripoff.
[09:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Body check.
[09:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> You battle well, but too many shots from the General get through. Splat goes Mercury, a chibi Mercury angel drifting away...
[09:36] * Ami drops another token.
[09:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> The boss battle continues on, Sailor Mercury vs. Jadeite!
[09:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Body check.
[09:38] <Sailor_Anastasia> Again, a crackling Dark Energy bolt reams poor Sailor Mercury before the boss falls!
[09:39] * Ami mutters darkly before dropping another token.
[09:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> The battle still rages on!
[09:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Body check. Say, -1 mind bonus and -1 acro bonus?
[09:41] <Ami> OOC Sure
[09:41] <Ami> roll 2d6
[09:41] * Musk-bot --> "Ami rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[09:42] <Ami> Pass!
[09:42] <Sailor_Anastasia> With a final Aqua Illusion, Jadeite falls! The stage is cleared!
[09:42] <Ami> "Hm, this is harder than I though it would be."
[09:43] <Sailor_Anastasia> The next stage starts, this time a mall setting. More youma attack!
[09:43] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Body check. Say, -1 mind bonus and -1 acro bonus?
[09:43] <Ami> roll 2d6
[09:43] * Musk-bot --> "Ami rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[09:44] <Sailor_Anastasia> Sailor Mercury left a nice impression on the steel door covering when the youma crushed her against it, you note. Continue?
[09:44] * Ami drops another token.
[09:44] <Ami> roll 2d6
[09:44] * Musk-bot --> "Ami rolls 2d6 and gets 3."
[09:45] <Sailor_Anastasia> Charging forward, Sailor Mercury decimates the hordes of youma throughout the mall! Nephrite waits ahead for your challenge!
[09:45] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Body check. Say, -1 mind bonus and -1 acro bonus?
[09:46] <Ami> roll 2d6
[09:46] * Musk-bot --> "Ami rolls 2d6 and gets 5."
[09:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> But the long haired General is no match for Mercury Power! He falls, leading the way to stage 3!
[09:48] <Ami> "Yes! Ok, I think I'm get the hang of this. Let's see who else wants some?"
[09:48] <Sailor_Anastasia> The next stage is the Starlight Tower! Stairs chock full of youma await Sailor Mercury!
[09:48] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Body check. Say, -1 mind bonus and -1 acro bonus?
[09:49] <Ami> roll 2d6
[09:49] * Musk-bot --> "Ami rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[09:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> Mercury progesses well up the stairs... only to meet her end when a cat youma pitches her down several flights of stairs to a boneshattering finish. Continue?
[09:51] * Ami continues!
[09:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Body check. Say, -1 mind bonus and -1 acro bonus?
[09:52] <Ami> roll 2d6
[09:52] * Musk-bot --> "Ami rolls 2d6 and gets 5."
[09:53] <Sailor_Anastasia> This time, the stairs full of youma are no match for Sailor M! Progressing upwards, she comes to a section with no youma...just only a few stairs and plenty of pitfalls. Extremly good jumping will be needed to clear this and not become a pancake. At the top, Zoicite awaits, taunting you.
[09:53] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Body check. Say, -1 mind bonus and -1 acro bonus?
[09:53] <Ami> roll 2d6
[09:53] * Musk-bot --> "Ami rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[09:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> Nimbly leaping up the stairs, Mercury clears the pitfalls and reaches the Gay General! Time to rock!
[09:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Body check. Say, -1 mind bonus and -1 acro bonus?
[09:55] <Ami> roll 2d6
[09:55] * Musk-bot --> "Ami rolls 2d6 and gets 3."
[09:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> The Gay General is a weak a battler as his name indicates, soon taking his own plunge to a splattery end!
[09:57] * Ami laughs!
[09:57] <Ami> "Hehe that was... hehe too much."
[09:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> The next stage is a a crater pocked, moon like ruin. Youma come at you from the very start, tons on screen!
[09:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Body check. Say, -1 mind bonus and -1 acro bonus?
[09:58] <Ami> roll 2d6
[09:58] * Musk-bot --> "Ami rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[09:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> Narrowly managing to survive the onslaught, Ami progresses into the ruins...
[09:59] <Sailor_Anastasia> When Kunzite descends from above, his energy blades ready to wound and slay Mercury!
[09:59] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Body check. Say, -1 mind bonus and -1 acro bonus?
[09:59] <Ami> roll 2d6
[09:59] * Musk-bot --> "Ami rolls 2d6 and gets 12."
[09:59] <Sailor_Anastasia> With an amazing speed, the two blades fly forth, cutting Sailor Mercury into three chunks, all dead! Continue?
[10:00] * Ami kicks the machine. How could they let the boss just auto-hit like that?
[10:00] * Ami drops another token.
[10:00] <Ami> roll 2d6
[10:00] * Musk-bot --> "Ami rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[10:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> This time, you manage to avoid becoming Sailor Kabobs, slaying him with your strongest skill! The final stage is here!
[10:01] <Sailor_Anastasia> A black void awaits, swirling with terrible Dark energy...Youma form from it, ready to slay!
[10:01] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Body check. Say, -1 mind bonus and -1 acro bonus?
[10:01] <Ami> roll 2d6
[10:01] * Musk-bot --> "Ami rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[10:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> Somehow, Ami winds her way through it... until when the energy forms great gaping black holes that youma fly out of. She must cross these while managing not to be slain by the monsters!
[10:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Body check. Say, -1 mind bonus and -1 acro bonus?
[10:02] <Ami> roll 2d6
[10:02] * Musk-bot --> "Ami rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[10:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> One of the youma disrupt Ami's jump enough so that she falls into the abyss instead of landing safely. Only a blood splatter coming up hints at the fate Mercury met down there... Continue?
[10:03] * Ami drops another token before the clock reaches 8.
[10:03] <Ami> roll 2d6
[10:03] * Musk-bot --> "Ami rolls 2d6 and gets 11."
[10:05] <Sailor_Anastasia> This time, two youma knock her into the abyss. Continue... and you note no angel flies up when you die in one of those holes. Eeep.
[10:05] * Ami drops another token.
[10:05] <Ami> roll 2d6
[10:05] * Musk-bot --> "Ami rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[10:06] <Ami> OK, taking it slow this time," Ami mutters.
[10:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> Finally progressing past this, you come to the throne of Queen Beryl! Raising her staff and cackling, she launches her assault!
[10:07] <Ami> roll 2d6
[10:07] * Musk-bot --> "Ami rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[10:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> A bolt of energy from her ball ends Mercury's career as anything but a medical specimen. Continue?
[10:08] <Ami> "This is geting difficult," Ami admits, popping in another coin.
[10:08] <Ami> roll 2d6
[10:08] * Musk-bot --> "Ami rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[10:09] <Sailor_Anastasia> This time, you smash both Beryl and her Crystal Ball with a well placed Shabon Spray Freezing! It is over...?
[10:09] <Sailor_Anastasia> With a rumble, the throne vanishes, revealing the massive form of Metallia behind it!
[10:12] <Ami> roll 2d6
[10:12] * Musk-bot --> "Ami rolls 2d6 and gets 3."
[10:12] <Sailor_Anastasia> The battle roars on, Mercury punishing Metallia! As the battle goes, the creature raises it's arms, invoking some power! Images of the Senshi appear, each warped into a servant of the Dark Kingdom. Metallia vanishes as these corrupted warriors come at Ami!
[10:13] <Ami> "Hm, better take out Moon first," Ami mutters, ready for battle!
[10:14] <Ami> roll 2d6
[10:14] * Musk-bot --> "Ami rolls 2d6 and gets 12."
[10:14] <Sailor_Anastasia> The ensuing scene of total beatdown is mercifully short at least, as Mercury is blasted with a black energy, changing as her now insane laugh echos throughout the room. Continue?
[10:15] * Ami plops two tokens in. "Ok, you're going down."
[10:15] <Ami> roll 2d6
[10:15] * Musk-bot --> "Ami rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[10:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> This time, the Dark Senshi fall, Moon dying last to a Aqua Illusion to the face!
[10:16] <Sailor_Anastasia> Metallia reappears, this time ready for a real battle!
[10:16] <Ami> roll 2d6
[10:16] * Musk-bot --> "Ami rolls 2d6 and gets 3."
[10:16] <Sailor_Anastasia> With a tremedous push of gaming skill and bravado, the final shot lands! Metallia screams as she vanishes and the credits begin to roll! You won!
[10:17] <Ami> "Yay! I won!" Ami resists the urge to dance, instead watching the credits roll.
[10:18] <Sailor_Anastasia> After the credits roll, a screen that says, "New characters unlocked" flashes.
[10:18] * Ami takes a peek at the new characters.
[10:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> TWo characters. The first is Tuxedo Kamen. Nothing to note there. The second is a roster of the 'corrupted Senshi'.
[10:21] <Sailor_Anastasia> The demo runs Dark Sailor Moon and Dark Sailor Jupiter playing through stage 2, you notice.
[10:21] * Ami chooses Evil Mercury, just to see what she's like.
[10:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> She's a color swapped version of Sailor Mercury, black and blue. Her attacks are black ice versions of her normal skills, and she can fly!
[10:24] <Ami> "Hey, she can fly!" Ami giggles. She sees if she can do Akuma-style 'fireballs' from the air, too.
[10:24] <Sailor_Anastasia> She can fire off Illusions from the air, at least. That's kinda close.
[10:25] * Ami continues playing, testing the powers of Evil Mercury.
[10:25] <Sailor_Anastasia> She's a somewhat powered up version of Mercury, in effect. The first stage goes better than it did last time thanks to this.
[10:31] * Ami finally gives up on the game, not really seeing what all the fuss was about, and heads back toward the eating area. "Usagi must have gotten free extras or something," Ami muses.
[10:34] <Sailor_Anastasia> Motoki is still behind the counter, and waves to Ami. "How'd your game go?"
[10:36] <Ami> "It was fun!" Ami enthuses, gifting him with a winning smile. "I really liked playing as Sailor Mercury. She reminds me of someone." Ami looks around briefly. "Hm. Where's Usagi? I thought she was still eating."
[10:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> Motoki smiles honestly. "I haven't seen you worked up over a game like that," he says, but his smile vanishes when Usagi is brought up. "Um... she and Mamoru went to talk," he says, a bit uncomfortable.
[10:39] <Ami> "Mamoru?" Ami says, surprised. "Um, any idea which way they went?"
[10:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> "They left outside," he says, glancing over at a wall clock. "Mamoru's running late on break, but I'm not surprised," he sighs.
[10:43] <Ami> "Thanks, Motoki." Ami calls back, heading out the door.
[10:45] <Sailor_Anastasia> Despite her searching, however, Ami does not come across Mamoru or Usagi... both seem to be gone for now.
[10:45] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[10:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> As Usagi runs blindly, she is finally stopped by the one thing that often stops her - tripping.
[10:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> "OOOOOUUUUUUUCCCCCCCCCCCCHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" A cry of pain is heard. Did you just step on something?
[10:49] * Usagi-chan looks up from where she landed, startled out of her tears. "What... huh?" She scrambles up quickly, looking around for the source of the cry. She was sure she didn't hit anyone when she fell THIS time...
[10:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> Looking behind you, you see a white Mau lying on the pavement, with a footprint over his back. "Oooooooh... ooowwwww... what was that for, Usagi?"
[10:55] <Usagi-chan> "Artemis?" Usagi wipes away her tears on her sleeve, although her eyes are still puffy. "What are you doing here?"
[10:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> The battered Mooncat looks up. He doesn't look so good himself, his eyes are red and he looks tired.
[10:57] * Usagi-chan picks up the bedraggled-looking Mau. "You look about as bad as I probably do - what happened?"
[10:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I was heading to your house," he says, "Before we met mid-stride."
[10:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> "It's about Minako," he sighs. "What else?"
[10:58] * Usagi-chan sighs. "I almost don't want to ask... what is it now?"
[10:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> Staggering to his feet, he looks around. "How about... how about we get to your house first," he says. "Privacy and the fact that I need to sit down for this."
[10:59] * Usagi-chan nods, her composure returning somewhat as Artemis' mysterious news pushes thoughts of Mamoru out of her mind. Cradling the white cat in her arms, she heads for her house.
[11:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> Once you arrive at home... "Hi, Usagi," Mom calls out from the kitchen. "Stew for dinner in an hour."
[11:03] <Usagi-chan> "Thanks, Mom. I'll be up in my room." Usagi says absently, taking Artemis up the stairs into her own room.
[11:04] <Sailor_Anastasia> Once upstairs, Artemis leaps out of your arms and down onto your bed. Luna is napping there, who is woken up by a quick paw shake from Artemis.
[11:05] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Mmmm? Artemis? Usagi? Something the matter?" the cat asks as she wakes up.
[11:05] * Usagi-chan sits down at her desk chair, facing the bed. "So what's the urgent news, Artemis?"
[11:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Minako's gone, Usagi," he says, slumping down onto his belly on the bed. "She's left."
[11:06] <Usagi-chan> "Gone?" Usagi stares at the cat. "What do you mean, 'gone'?"
[11:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> Luna blinks herself, but lets the cat go on. "She's gone, and she took her parents with her," he says, tiredness and a mess of other emotions coming to the surface.
[11:08] * Usagi-chan mouths silently for a few seconds. "But gone where?"
[11:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Touring, as Full Moon." he says, then laughs bitterly. "We had another argument, Usagi."
[11:09] * Usagi-chan rubs her temples. 'I did not need this today, of all days.' "What about THIS time?"
[11:10] <Sailor_Anastasia> "About her as a Senshi... as a person." he says, not elaborating. "She said she would leave this time, and... she meant it."
[11:10] * Usagi-chan shakes her head, not understanding. "But why? I mean, what got into her this time? And why would she just pack up and leave without saying anything to any of the rest of us?"
[11:11] <Sailor_Anastasia> Artemis sighs again, deeply, before going on. "I don't know. Hell, I haven't known about her for a while now."
[11:13] <Usagi-chan> "I know what you mean, Artemis. After the way she acted before the sleepover the other day... I have no idea what goes through her head, anymore, and I can hear her thoughts for crying out loud!" She sighs deeply. "Well, this just makes the perfect end to the perfect day."
[11:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> "What else happened, Usagi," Luna asks as Artemis settles in and closes his eyes. He looks like he's about to pass out.
[11:16] * Usagi-chan moves over to the bed to pet Artemis, who looks like he needs it. She keeps her eyes on the white Mau as she speaks to Luna. "I... had a talk with Mamoru today."
[11:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> Luna steels herself for a moment before replying. "And... how did it go?"
[11:19] * Usagi-chan closes her eyes, pausing in her petting for a moment. "I told him I couldn't trust him and that I couldn't be in a relationship with him like that." The corners of her eyes glisten with unshed tears once again as she speaks.
[11:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I see," she says, echoing Mamoru's words. "Are you alright now, Usagi?"
[11:21] <Usagi-chan> "I don't really know, Luna." Usagi whispers. "It's all just such a mess right now..."
[11:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Heh, no rest for the weary," Luna laughs lightly, amused. "It works out, Usagi. It has twice now."
[11:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[10:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> Herb's day is going without note. Save for a study group that has him leaving late, it's a routine day...
[10:21] <Sailor_Anastasia> As you walk out, you pass the kendo club practicing outside in the pleasant weather. Both groups are working on the basics.
[10:22] * Prince_Herb stops to watch.
[10:23] <Sailor_Anastasia> Setting a fair bit outside, you watch the groups go through practice..."RACY!" A voice from above gets your attention. A kimono-clad... thing... is floating above, sparkling white tendrils draping among the club! Suddenly, you see the members moan and collapse, their energy suctioned away by this thing!
[10:25] * Prince_Herb ducks into a copse of trees, and transforms.
[10:26] * Prince_Herb calls out "Dragon Prism Power Makeup!" and transforms into the silken-thighed fighter for love and justice, Sailor Dragon!
[10:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> As you transform, you hear a voice from above, a male voice. "Finish draining them dry and come back!"
[10:28] * Sailor_Dragon flies out of the copse. "Kendo serves to strengthen the mind and body, not to provide energy for monsters to devour. Prepare to be punished by the beautiful girl soldier, Sailor_Dragon!"
[10:28] * Sailor_Dragon poses briefly and flies towards the monster.
[10:28] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 1d6+11
[10:28] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 1d6+11 and gets 15."
[10:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> The monster flying above looks down, surprised, but quickly ready for your challenge! "RACY!"
[10:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[10:28] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 6."
[10:30] <Sailor_Dragon> "Dragon Spirit Blast!" Sailor_Dragon cries out, sending a bolt of ki to strike down the offender.
[10:30] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 2d6
[10:30] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[10:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[10:30] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[10:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> The monster does not react fast enough, clipped by your ki strike for massive pain and damage!
[10:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> Racy is knocked back by this, but recovers quickly and shoots out thin strands from its arms at you, just like it used on the kendo club!
[10:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[10:31] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[10:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> But her aim is awful, the strands going too low to get Sailor Dragon!
[10:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Initiative.
[10:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[10:33] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 3."
[10:33] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 1d6+11
[10:33] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 1d6+11 and gets 17."
[10:34] * Sailor_Dragon continues the Dragon Spirit Blast on the strange creature. "Die already!"
[10:34] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 2d6
[10:34] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 2d6 and gets 2."
[10:34] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 1d6
[10:34] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 1d6 and gets 4."
[10:34] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[10:34] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 5."
[10:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> Flying to the left quickly, the monster avoids having anything cut but its kimono as the blast cuts through its clothing, but nothing more.
[10:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> As it drifts to the side, it fires off more of the silvery strands at Herb!
[10:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[10:36] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[10:37] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 2d6
[10:37] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[10:38] <Sailor_Anastasia> Her aim is better this time, but no competition to Herb's midair agility!
[10:38] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Initiative
[10:39] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 1d6+11
[10:39] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 1d6+11 and gets 13."
[10:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> As you steady yourself for the next round, the male voice calls out again. "You have enough energy now, Racy! Come back!"
[10:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[10:39] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 6."
[10:40] <Sailor_Anastasia> The monster shimmers for a moment, disappearing in a flash of magic! Its tendrils vanish from the kendo club, but they remain there. They are not moving and so no signs of recovering quickly.
[10:41] * Sailor_Dragon tries to sense where the creature has gone to.
[10:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> It seems to have vanished completely. You do not detect it anywhere.
[10:42] * Sailor_Dragon drops to the ground and back into the copse where she detransforms.
[10:43] * Prince_Herb phones the emergency services first, then runs out to see how the kendoists are.
[10:44] <Sailor_Anastasia> They are all sallow and breathing shallowly. THey seem to have been energy drained quite severely.
[10:49] * Prince_Herb curses under his breath and uses his communicator to try and raise the Queen and tell her about the new crisis.
[10:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> You get no answer from Usagi, oddly.
[10:59] <Prince_Herb> "Damn..." Herb says, and decides to call the next most sensible senshi, Ami-chan.
[11:03] * Ami answers. "Hello?"
[11:10] <Prince_Herb> "Ami-chan. Sailor Dragon just fought some kind of monster. It sucked the life energies out of the kendo club in the park."
[11:12] <Ami> "What? Are you ok? I'll be right there," Ami says, abandoning her hunt for the moment.
[11:14] <Prince_Herb> "No, it's OK. It fled when its master told it it had sucked enough energy, and I lost track of it. The kendo players are in a bad way, but I've called the ambulance service."
[11:14] <Prince_Herb> "I didn't see its master, only heard him. Otherwise, I would have gone straight for the organ-grinder, and avoided the monkey."
[11:17] * Ami blinks. "O-okay. Sure."
[11:21] <Prince_Herb> "I couldn't get hold of the Queen, so if you see her, let her know."
[11:21] <Ami> "Will do," Ami says, signing off.
[11:26] * Prince_Herb sighs and goes on his way to his weekly swim at the Toudai pool.
[11:26] <Prince_Herb> ----
[11:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> After the events of Tuesday, a scout meeting afterschool on Wednesday is inevitable.
[11:54] * Rei-chan is back in her regular clothes, having changed out of her Witch outfit before leaving Mugen.
[11:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> The Senshi pile in to Rei's temple for snacks and gossip... and maybe even Sailor business.
[11:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> Artemis and Luna are there early. Artemis looks rather downcast and sullen, you notice.
[11:56] * Usagi-chan trudges into the temple almost ten minutes late, looking rather haggard herself, as if she hasn't gotten much sleep. She flops down in the main room of the temple, her bookbag landing on the floor next to her. "Sorry I'm late, guys."
[11:57] <Rei-chan> "Don't worry, Usagi. For once you're not the last one here," Rei comments. "What the hell is keeping Minako anyway?"
[11:57] * Usagi-chan blanches and looks down at her lap.
[11:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> Artemis coughs as well, like he just swallowed something bad.
[11:58] <Ami> "Usagi-chan, are you alright?" Ami asks, taking in her reaction and her state of unkemptness.
[11:58] <Rei-chan> "What?" Rei looks between the two, picking up on the tension.
[11:58] <Usagi-chan> "Minako's not coming." Usagi says quietly. "She's gone."
[11:59] <Rei-chan> "Gone?" Rei blinks. 'I haven't seen her at school lately, but I'm normally busy doing other stuff while she's in class...'
[12:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> "She left," Artemis says flatly. "Off to tour."
[12:00] <Rei-chan> "What?" Rei says hoarsely, turning to the cat. "She just... left? Without a word?"
[12:01] * Usagi-chan nods silently, her features tight.
[12:01] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Not without a word," he comments, looking down at the floor. "Oh, she had words."
[12:01] * Rei-chan massages her forehead. "What happened, Artemis?"
[12:01] <Usagi-chan> "Maybe to you, Artemis, but she never said a word to me about it. The first I knew of it is when you told me."
[12:01] <Ami> "What?" Ami says, surprised as well. "What happened, Artemis?"
[12:01] <Sailor_Anastasia> "We had an argument, and she said she'd go off to tour after it. She meant it." The Mau doesn't elaborate on his story.
[12:02] <Rei-chan> "I don't believe this..." Rei sighs, then shakes her head. "No, actually... I can believe it. Dammit..."
[12:03] * Usagi-chan doesn't say anything more, although from the look on her face she's obviously unhappy about the situation.
[12:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> "She talked her parents into going, too," Artemis picks up on a different tack. "I... stayed."
[12:05] * Ami sighs. "I wish I could say I didn't see something like this coming," Ami says.
[12:05] * Rei-chan shakes her head. "Fine. I don't care anymore. If she thinks her stupid songs are more important than being a Sailor Senshi, then let her go." The miko puts her face in her hands.
[12:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I..." the white cat goes on, "I don't really believe she did it, but... here I am, without a place to stay and short my Sailor partner."
[12:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> He slumps down further, depressed and sad.
[12:08] <Ami> "You can stay at my place," Ami offers. "I certainly have the room."
[12:11] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Thanks, Ami," he says, but he doesn't really perk up at that.
[12:12] <Rei-chan> "Well, we managed without Sailor Venus before, we'll just have to do it again," Rei says, deciding the subject is closed as far as she's concerned. "So have we learnt anything more about the new enemy?"
[12:12] <Ami> "One person shorter with a new threat apparently here. Did Herb tell you about the attack yesterday?"
[12:13] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "First I've heard about it... what happened?"
[12:13] <Rei-chan> "News to me," Rei says, waiting for Herb to explain what happened.
[12:13] <Rei-chan> Or Ami, if she knows about it...
[12:16] <Ami> "I'm not sure exactly. He called me after it took place and I was..." Ami glances toward Usagi for a moment. "Anyway, another monster and a 'voice' controling it. Sounds like what happened last time."
[12:16] <Ami> "Herb couldn't stop it from getting away with the energy."
[12:16] <Sailor_Anastasia> "What sort of voice," Luna asks. "Familiar at all?"
[12:16] * Usagi-chan's eyes flicker to Ami as she catches the blue-haired girl's look, but she says nothing.
[12:17] <Ami> "Herb didn't mention any familiarity, but then again he wasn't at the last attack."
[12:18] <Rei-chan> "I hope we can find out who's behind these attacks and stop them soon... the more energy they gather, the harder it'll be for us," Rei puts in.
[12:19] <Usagi-chan> "I wonder what these guys want energy for... I just hope we're not looking at another Metallia." Usagi sighs.
[12:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yeah, let's nip them quickly and be done with it," Lun agrees.
[12:19] * Rei-chan shudders at that pleasant memory. "I really hope it's not another Metallia..."
[12:22] * Usagi-chan stirs a bit. "Anyway, if there isn't anything else I think I'm going to go work on the palace this afternoon. Miss H didn't give us much homework today, so I don't have a lot else to do."
[12:22] <Ami> "I'll go with you," Ami speaks up. "There are still some things I need to do."
[12:24] <Rei-chan> "Need any help?" Rei asks, "I could do with something to distract me..."
[12:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> "What in the WORLD are you talking about, Usagi," Luna asks, having been puzzled by the path the conversation took.
[12:29] * Usagi-chan looks over at Luna for a second, nonplussed, then realizes what threw the cat off. "I forgot, you didn't even know about it yet." She smiles a bit. "Want to come with us?" She pokes Artemis gently. "You too, buster, you look like you could stand to get your mind off of things too."
[12:29] <Rei-chan> "You haven't told them?" Rei asks, a bit surprised.
[12:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Told us what?" Luna presses? "What are you girls hiding?"
[12:31] * Usagi-chan shakes her head to Rei's question. "Just didn't think about it really. It'll make a good surprise for them too, don't you think?" She grins slightly.
[12:32] <Rei-chan> "I think they'll approve," Rei nods, standing up.
[12:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Of what?" Luna tries again.
[12:32] * Ami grins. "I suppose we'll have to tour again."
[12:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> Her calm is rather dented, and she seems honestly curious about what you're going about.
[12:33] * Usagi-chan taps the black Mau on the nose. "You'll get to find out in a few minutes, Luna." She turns to Artemis. "How about you, Artemis? You want to come, too?"
[12:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Sure," he says. "I don't have anything better to do right now, do I?"
[12:36] <Rei-chan> "Well, have to get changed to get up there," Rei says, holding up her transformation pen. "Mars Power, Make Up!"
[12:37] <Ami> "Mercury Power, Make UP!" Ami yells, casting her hands heavenward.
[12:37] * Makoto pauses, as she's shaken out of her thoughts by the transformation cry, still shocked at the statement about Minako leaving. Realizing they planned on going to the moon, she too raises her transformation pen, and shouts, "Jupiter Power, Make Up!"
[12:38] * Usagi-chan nods. "Best to do it the old-fashioned way this time, Ami-chan. Taking this many people would really wear me out." Taking hold of her locket, Usagi shouts the words of her transformation. "Moon Prism Power, Make UP!"
[12:38] * Sailor_Jupiter brightens out of her funk over losing a friend, as she realizes this also means playing with Lita again.
[12:39] * Sailor_Mars picks up Artemis and puts him on her shoulder before holding out her hands for whoever will take them.
[12:40] * Sailor_Moon scoops up Luna and places her on her own shoulder, taking Mars' and Jupiter's hands.
[12:41] * Sailor_Mercury holds Rei's hand and Makoto's hand.
[12:41] <Sailor_Mars> "Will we aim for the main hallway?" Rei asks Usagi.
[12:42] <Sailor_Moon> "Might as well. Everyone ready?" Usagi looks around at her friends.
[12:42] * Sailor_Mars nods.
[12:42] <Sailor_Mercury> "Sure thing, Usagi-chan."
[12:43] <Sailor_Jupiter> "Ready as always."
[12:43] * Sailor_Moon closes her eyes, focusing on the restored great hall of the Moon. "Sailor TELEPORT!" she shouts.

[12:44] <Sailor_Anastasia> --
[12:44] <Sailor_Anastasia> The blur and rush of teleporting clears from your eyes, now a familiar sensation.
[12:45] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Oh... oh, Usagi..." Luna murmurs the moment she looks around.
[12:45] * Sailor_Moon shakes her head, a bit unused to the 'old-fashioned' way of teleporting. She looks at the mooncat perched on her shoulder and smiles. "So, what do you think, Luna?"
[12:45] * Sailor_Mars sets Artemis down so he can look around on his own.
[12:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> "It's wonderful," she says, eyes wide as saucers.
[12:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> "This is GREAT! How did you do it, Usagi?" Artemis asks, finally perked up.
[12:46] <Sailor_Jupiter> "She let Ami do all the work," Jupiter jokes for the cats.
[12:46] * Sailor_Moon giggles quietly, letting her transformation lapse. "Magic!" she answers simply.
[12:47] * Sailor_Mars also reverts back to her normal form.
[12:48] * Sailor_Jupiter likewise detransforms
[12:48] <Ami> "Well, when you're done here come to the library, ok? We still have the futons and some food," Ami says, heading off.
[12:48] * Usagi-chan sets the amazed Mau down to let her take a look around the great hall. "This and the library are the only rooms finished so far, but I've been working on a few other places in the meantime."
[12:49] <Rei-chan> "I'll just help you with whatever you're working on right now," Rei says to Usagi. "I'd rather not start on the Church until I have a better understanding of the religion."
[12:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> The two cats look around, wandering a bit as they inspect the work.
[12:52] * Usagi-chan nods to Rei. "I've just been working on my bedchamber for now, nothing too serious. Although the balcony is going to be a royal pain to raise." Usagi makes a face.
[12:53] <Rei-chan> "I don't mind," Rei shrugs, "It'll keep my mind occupied."
[12:56] * Makoto ignores the others as she heads to Ami's workshop to play with Lita.
[12:59] * Usagi-chan turns to the two Mau. "I'm assuming you two still know your way around the palace, so if you need any of us we'll either be in the library or in my old bedchamber, most likely." She turns to leave, beckoning for Rei to follow her.
[13:07] * Ami picks her way through the ruins, eventually comming to her home away from home. The atmosphere alone in the ancient library is enough to calm her soul and allow her to gather her thoughts.
[13:07] * Rei-chan follows after Usagi, trying to focus on the work they're about to do and not think about the subject of their meeting today...
[13:09] * Usagi-chan makes the short journey through the abandoned halls and rooms of the palace in silence, her face unusually morose as she turns over her thoughts about Mamoru and Minako's second abandonment. Her footsteps, echoing on the dusty marble floors, are the only sound she makes as she finally draws up outside the princess' bedchamber.
[13:11] <Rei-chan> Sensing Usagi's depressed state, Rei draws up behind her and puts a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry Usagi, we'll be fine without Minako," she says consolingly, surprised at how easily she can honestly believe that herself.
[13:13] * Usagi-chan snorts slightly. "I wish Minako was all I had to worry about." She steps inside the room, glancing at what has been done so far. Most of the loose pieces of rubble have been swept into the center of the room, and while several pieces of furniture still appear to be wreckage, a vanity, a dresser, and a small lacquered chest all appear to be in mint condition.
[13:14] <Rei-chan> "What's that mean?" Rei asks, looking over towards the collapsed balcony.
[13:15] * Usagi-chan appears not to hear Rei at first. She tosses her head back, her eyes closed as she changes into the form of the Lunar princess.
[13:15] <Serenity-hime> Still not looking at her friend, Usagi walks over to a ruined desk, running one hand over the broken wood slowly. "I talked with Mamoru yesterday."
[13:16] <Rei-chan> "You did?" Rei asks, feeling a knot in her stomach. "How did it go?"
[13:18] <Serenity-hime> "Not so well." Serenity replies somewhat tersely, placing her hands on the remains of the desk's matching chair and beginning to chant softly. Slowly, pieces of wood scattered throughout the room rise into the air, moving into place as the chair reforms itself. As the spell completes, Serenity opens her eyes again and sits down in the newly-restored chair, giving a sigh.
[13:19] <Rei-chan> "He didn't take it well?" Rei surmises, walking a bit closer to where Serenity sits.
[13:21] * Serenity-hime covers her eyes with one hand, resting her elbow on the remains of the desk as she replies. "He didn't want to accept it - not that I can really blame him for that, I guess. I know he really does love me." Usagi looks up at Rei, her eyes moist. "I ran, Rei-chan. I couldn't take any more of it, so I ran away from him."
[13:24] * Rei-chan hunches down on the floor in front of Serenity, telekinetically dragging the chest over so she can sit on it. "It's never easy," she says sadly, "Having someone offer their heart to you and knowing you have to reject it." She thinks back to how Usagi comforted her after Minako and Kotono's double confession. "I don't blame you for wanting to get away."
[13:25] <Serenity-hime> "I didn't want to do it, Rei-chan... I want him to love me, and I want to love him, but I just can't, not with what he's said and done." Serenity begins to sob into her hand quietly. "It hurts, Rei... I never thought it would hurt this much."
[13:30] * Rei-chan wishes she knew what to say to make things better. Reaching out and taking Serenity's other hand, she speaks haltingly. "I know it does... but it won't hurt forever. Just give it some time..."
[13:33] * Serenity-hime continues to cry, letting out the pain and anguish of a love lost through her tears.
[13:35] <Rei-chan> Feeling rather awkward at dealing with Usagi when she isn't wailing over something trivial, Rei just holds her hand through her tears, silently encouraging her to get it all out.
[13:37] <Serenity-hime> Gradually Usagi's tears cease, although she still sniffles a bit. "I'm sorry, Rei... you don't need me to bother you with my problems." She pulls her hand away from Rei, half turning away from the miko. "I didn't mean to drag you into this." She lowers her head.
[13:38] <Rei-chan> "It's alright, Usagi," Rei says honestly. "You helped me when I was at my worst, I don't mind returning the favour."
[13:40] * Serenity-hime turns a sad smile to Rei, her eyes still red and puffy from crying. "Thanks, Rei-chan... I just... it's... I don't know what to do anymore, Rei. I feel so bad now, I half wonder if I didn't make a mistake by telling him that."
[13:42] <Rei-chan> "You'd have made a mistake if you went along with him when you had so many doubts," Rei says, squeezing her hand. "What you did wasn't easy, but the right thing often isn't."
[14:48] <Serenity-hime> "Oh, Rei..." Serenity begins to sob again, her face a picture of anguish. "I'm just so afraid I'm making the wrong decisions all the time... I don't even think I KNOW what the right thing to do is anymore."
[14:50] <Rei-chan> "Hey, you've got me to tell you when you screw up, remember?" Rei says, trying a small smile. 'Of course, given how messed up my own life is, I'm hardly in any position to pass judgement...'
[14:52] * Serenity-hime manages a small smile at Rei's words. "Thanks, Rei-chan... at least I know I can always count on you."
[14:53] <Rei-chan> "Damn right," Rei nods emphatically. "I'll always be here to point out whatever you're doing wrong."
[14:54] * Serenity-hime sticks her tongue out at the miko for a second and then giggles, wiping the tear tracks off her face. "I'll be sure to thank you properly when you do, too!"
[14:58] * Rei-chan smiles a bit more cheerfully now that Usagi is perking up. "It's normally such a thankless task, too," she sticks her own tongue out, briefly.
[14:58] * Serenity-hime blows out a short breath, then nods. "Okay, enough moping around for one day. I came up here to work, and it's about time I started DOING some work." She gets up from her chair and looks around the room for a minute.
[15:00] <Rei-chan> "That's the spirit!" Rei cheers, getting up herself. "So, what are we going to do here now, then?"
[15:02] <Serenity-hime> "Well, I'm not really sure what you want to do here... I was going to work on repairing the rest of the furniture first. I'm going to need a LOT of help to take care of the balcony, and we'll probably want to rest up before we tackle that." Serenity spots a ruined table over by the hole leading out to the former balcony, far too damaged to repair. "Why don't you make us a fire? There's a fireplace right over there, and you can use that table for wood."
[15:03] <Rei-chan> "Okay," Rei gathers up the splintered wood, dumping it in the fireplace. A brief second of concentration later, and it starts merrily burning away.
[15:05] * Serenity-hime busies herself with the desk while she's near it, placing her hands on it and repeating the incantation she used earlier to fix the chair. A minute or so later, the fine mahogany writing desk looks as good as the day it was made, probably several thousand years earlier. Serenity smiles as she opens her eyes. "I love doing the small stuff like this."
[15:05] <Rei-chan> Watching the process of the desk reforming, Rei shakes her head in wonder. "It really is amazing..."
[15:07] * Serenity-hime grins. "All it takes is time and effort, really. Even the big stuff can get fixed like this, but it's a LOT harder to do something like those pillars in the great hall than it is to do furniture like this." Serenity moves from the desk over to the giant four-poster bed in one corner of the room, looking it over for scorch marks or other such damage.
[15:09] <Rei-chan> Not really having much she can actually do herself, Rei busies herself by checking through the various smaller debris on the floor, sorting out stuff that looks like it can be reassembled.
[15:11] <Serenity-hime> "You can just take it easy if you want, Rei-chan." Serenity glances over at Rei. "The spell sorts out the pieces it needs from anything that's in the area, which is why the floor in here is still so messed up. Until I get all the broken stuff repaired I don't bother cleaning anything up." Serenity finishes her inspection and nods to herself.
[15:13] <Rei-chan> "Oh," Rei blinks, disappointed. "I figured it would have mixed everything up into a horrible mess..." She looks around, wondering if there isn't at least something she can do.
[15:15] * Serenity-hime gets down on her knees and places her hands on the bedframe, concentrating intently as she begins the spell once again. Again the dance of splinters and chips of wood in the air begins, although a look of strain appears on Serenity's face as she continues the magic. Almost five minutes elapse before she completes her task this time, her head falling gently to the slashed and tattered mattress in front of her as she finishes.
[15:16] <Rei-chan> "Hey!" Rei cries in alarm, hurrying over to where Serenity lies prone over the bed. "You okay, Usagi?" she asks worriedly, "You shouldn't strain yourself!"
[15:17] * Serenity-hime struggles upright once again, waving Rei off. "I'm okay, Rei-chan - it's just a little heavier than it looks, I guess." A thin film of sweat coats her forehead, and her face is slightly flushed. "I've done worse by myself up here, and there's worse still to come I'm sure. I just feel a little tired for a minute or two after I finish something big."
[15:20] <Rei-chan> "Well, is there anything I can do to help?" Rei asks, plainly frustrated at being so useless.
[15:22] * Serenity-hime smiles as she sits down on the bed. "Just keep me company, Rei-chan." She looks out at the stars through the broken hole in the wall where the balcony once hung. "It's nice just not having to do this alone."
[15:27] <Rei-chan> "That's something I can do," Rei says, sitting down next to Serenity. After a moment of looking at the stars, she smiles slightly, recalling the hours they spent on the balcony staring at the stars just a few days ago. "Sometimes it's nice to just sit and enjoy the company of a friend."
[15:29] <Serenity-hime> "That's for sure." Serenity smiles. "That's been the only part of working up here that I really haven't liked all that much. Ami-chan is usually busy with something or other down in the library, so I end up working on stuff like this by myself. She helped me fix the pillars in the great hall and get everything cleaned up for you guys, but other than that we've pretty much worked separately."
[15:31] * Rei-chan smiles, "I don't think Ami-chan has ever been happier than when she's busy with all those books in the library... it's probably the greatest treasure imaginable for her."
[15:32] * Serenity-hime giggles. "When I go down there to rest it's like watching a kid in a candy store... she's always got the biggest smile on her face, and the way she laughs when she finds something exciting is really cute."
[15:35] <Rei-chan> "I remember when she was helping me with my studies to get into Mugen, she was always so serious, but when I see her in that library... it's really nice to see just how much she honestly enjoys learning as much as she possibly can," Rei says with an indulgent smile.
[15:36] <Serenity-hime> "I'm just glad to see someone else who really enjoys spending time up here." Serenity says with a faint smile.
[15:38] <Rei-chan> "You'll be seeing the same from Mako-chan and me before long, I expect, once we start dealing with our own specialties up here," Rei says, before hastily adding, "Not that I'll ditch my duties at the Shrine to work on the Church up here. I'm still Shinto, through and through."
[15:40] * Serenity-hime giggles. "I didn't say you would! You can even turn the temple up here into a Shinto shrine if you want to, I'm not really very fussy about that kind of thing." She smiles. "It's just the more time I spend up here, the more I start thinking about this place as somewhere to live, not just as some creepy old ruin." She smoothes out a wrinkle in the mattress.
[15:44] <Rei-chan> "We'll see... I'd prefer to keep the religious places up here in the tradition that befits them. But Hikawa Shrine will always be my spiritual home..." Rei gets a slightly distant expression as she talks. "The Kami of Fire lives there, after all. Ever since I became Sailor Mars I've felt my connection to it growing stronger..."
[15:46] * Serenity-hime shakes her head slightly. 'I wish I understood more of that stuff...' She smiles at Rei. "It's always wonderful to have some place you can call home, no matter where it is or what it's like." She looks around the room, remembering it in its glory. 'And this is becoming home for me.' She smiles, a somewhat distant look in her eyes.
[15:48] <Rei-chan> "I wish you could understand," Rei says, still with that same distant look, "But I don't think I have the words to explain it properly... what it's like to lose myself completely, to become the fire..." She shakes her head, clearing it. "But you don't have to understand. You accept it, and me, and that's what matters as far as I'm concerned," she says with a warm smile for her friend.
[15:51] <Serenity-hime> "As long as it makes you happy, that's all that matters to me." Usagi nods in agreement, still smiling.
[15:54] <Rei-chan> "Thank you," Rei says sincerely. "And I'm happy to help you make this place into a proper home once again."
[15:54] * Serenity-hime takes Rei's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Thanks, Rei." She smiles warmly at the miko. "Speaking of which, I'm about ready to get going again. Go on, you pick something out and I'll fix it." She grins with excitement.
[16:01] <Rei-chan> "Hmm..." Rei puts her index finger against her chin as she looks around, "How about the nightstand?" she suggests, pointing at the wooden nightstand which looks to have been split right down the middle.
[16:03] * Serenity-hime grins. "Okay, pay close attention. I want you to describe what it looks like to me when I get done." Serenity bounces off the bed, rubbing her backside a little. "And then I'm going to try the mattress, if I can." Moving over to the nightstand, she repairs it magically, the process taking about half a minute this time.
[16:07] * Rei-chan hunkers down next to the nightstand, watching as the two halves of it align, the myriad splinters smoothing out and being absorbed into the wood. She stifles a small gasp as several large splinters fly off the floor by her feet, merging with the main body as the seam between the two halves smooths up from the bottom to the top, like a zipper...
[16:08] * Serenity-hime stands back as she finishes, opening her eyes to see the restored nightstand. She gives Rei a curious look. "So what does it look like? To be honest, I've never seen it myself, and everyone always looks so amazed when I do it, so I was wondering."
[16:08] <Rei-chan> Standing up, Rei pulls the drawer out, seeing it is likewise entirely repaired. "That's really weird to watch..." Rei says, shaking her head before she describes the process to Serenity.
[16:11] * Serenity-hime blinks, her own eyes going wide. "The pieces fly around? No wonder everyone always looks so shocked..." Usagi runs her hand over the dusty top of the nightstand, dusting her hands off as she pulls it away. "I just wish it CLEANED when it fixed stuff... that's the part that really takes elbow grease." She makes a face.
[16:12] <Rei-chan> "Yeah..." Rei says, although she briefly wonders just what would make dust on the Moon, she soon recalls the Dark Kingdom's long term residency here. "Do you have cleaning supplies up here?"
[16:13] * Serenity-hime nods. "Most of them are down in the library - like I said, I don't usually bother to clean much up until I finish doing repairs, since it gets harder the farther away the pieces are scattered." She gives Rei a questioning look. "Although... we could start cleaning up the furniture that's fixed already if you want to."
[16:15] <Rei-chan> "Well, it does beat just doing nothing," Rei shrugs, not wanting to just sit around uselessly while Usagi does all the work.
[16:16] * Serenity-hime grins, an idea coming into her head. "Okay then... lead the way down to the library! We'll see if you can find your way around up here yet."
[16:17] <Rei-chan> "Uh... okay..." Rei says, frowning slightly as she goes over her mental map of the palace, which unfortunately features a rather large blank spot between their current location and the library. "Follow me," she says, leading Serenity back the way they came to the hallway, since she knows the way to the library from there.
[16:18] * Serenity-hime follows along behind Rei, still smiling. She lets the miko choose which paths to take, only occasionally offering a word of correction or a hand on the shoulder when she's on entirely the wrong track.
[16:20] <Rei-chan> After reaching the great hallway, Rei goes back on the track Ami led them from the library to this area the other day.
[16:21] * Serenity-hime nods approvingly, as Rei unerringly picks out the most direct path to the library without any prompting at all.
-------
Snippet missing here, as Usagi and Rei meet Ami and Makoto in the library and depart.
-------
[16:37] * Serenity-hime leads the way this time, stopping in at a small bathroom - this one restored. Serenity puts a small amount of water in the bottom of the bucket from a hose attached to the faucet.
[16:38] <Rei-chan> "Is that water hot?" Rei asks.
[16:40] * Serenity-hime shakes her head. "We haven't gotten the power working yet, so we've been making do with cold water. Ami says it's perfectly safe to drink though." Serenity hefts the bucket, trying not to get water on her silk dress. "I swear, this outfit is more trouble than it's worth sometimes..."
[16:42] <Rei-chan> "Well, I can heat it," Rei says before responding to Serenity's other comment. "It is a bit odd. I can understand needing to be Sailor Moon for some things, but transforming to Serenity, especially when you've already got the marking all the time, just seems a bit redundant. Have you tried doing any of those spells without transforming?"
[16:43] * Serenity-hime nods, struggling a bit with the bucket as she takes a more direct route up to the princess' chambers. "Doesn't work. I've tried it as both Sailor Moon and Usagi, and for some reason the magic doesn't seem to work for either one of them. I wish I knew why."
[16:47] <Rei-chan> "Hmm..." Rei mulls over this, making no move to help with the bucket. "I don't know... maybe you'll figure it out eventually. I can only do some things like this when I can do a lot more transformed as Sailor Mars, but it wasn't that long ago that I couldn't use any of my powers over fire without transforming."
[16:50] * Serenity-hime snorts. "The only thing I seem to be able to do as Usagi is see in dark hallways and look at people's auras. Although I'm not that bothered by it, it IS kind of weird that you and Ami and... Minako could do so much without being senshi."
[16:52] <Rei-chan> "I was really surprised when I set fire to the headmaster's desk... and a little afraid," Rei admits. "It came so close after I used my powers with such... abandon, when I was serving Metallia. I was scared I'd lose control completely..."
[16:53] <Serenity-hime> "Well, other than that one time you never have, right?" Serenity looks over at Rei and smiles. 'Unlike some other people I could name...' she mutters to herself in the privacy of her own head.
[16:55] <Rei-chan> "No," Rei shakes her head. "After that I was really careful, and now I have the same amount of control I'd have as if I was transformed. I have to properly concentrate to do anything, it doesn't just happen on an idle thought," she says, deciding not to comment on the thought she just picked up.
[16:57] * Serenity-hime nods as the two reenter the bedchamber, Serenity setting the bucket down next to the desk with a small grunt of effort. "Well, it's not like I can do anything that useful with the skills I have now anyway. If I wasn't working on this project, it would all pretty much be useless."
[16:58] <Rei-chan> "I think hundreds of spiritualists the world over would give their eye teeth to be able to see auras like you can," Rei notes.
[17:00] * Serenity-hime gives Rei a wry grin. "Maybe... it's definitely not all it's cracked up to be though."
[17:03] <Rei-chan> "If you say so," Rei says with a mysterious little smile. Walking over to the dresser, she sprays some cleaning solution on it before wiping it down with her rag. "The water should be hot enough, now," she adds absently as she sets to work.
[17:07] * Serenity-hime dips a finger in the water, pulling it out quickly as she feels the heat of it. "All right, you've made your point - as if you didn't already with the fire." She sticks her tongue out at Rei and dampens her washcloth, using it to start to scrub the walls near the bed. "Hot water really does make a difference though..." she muses as the scrubs several centuries' worth of grime off the wall. "Takes a LOT more time to do this with cold."
[17:08] * Rei-chan nods. "Yeah, and your hands get cold as you're cleaning. That's no fun," she says, rubbing hard over an annoyingly persistent stain.
[17:11] * Serenity-hime places a hand on a small crack in the wall, repairing it almost instantly as she continues to scrub. "It's kind of weird though..." she muses, thinking back on the earlier subject. "It's not just people that I see auras for, and not even just for animals. Even stuff like power lines have a sort of glow to them that I don't remember seeing before."
[17:12] <Rei-chan> "Really?" Rei looks up, pausing for a moment. "That's odd... do you see auras for things like rocks?"
[17:26] * Serenity-hime shakes her head. "Nothing like that, but anything that's moving has a REALLY faint glow to it. It's almost not there, but I've seen it a couple of times with things like trains going through the station really fast. I started looking for it after I saw that once or twice. I don't know what it is though - which is the problem with this stupid aura stuff. Half the time I don't know what I'm looking at."
[17:28] * Rei-chan scratches her head, discarding her initial theory. After spending a moment of thought, she speaks, "Maybe you're not just seeing spiritual energy, but all kinds: electrical energy in powerlines and kinetic energy in moving objects?"
[17:31] * Serenity-hime shrugs. "Whatever it is, I've just gotten used to seeing it. I don't really care what it is. It does make things look really pretty sometimes though." She smiles. "That's all I ever notice it for these days, really."
[17:32] <Rei-chan> "Really?" Rei stops her cleaning for a moment to focus more fully on her friend. "What's mine look like?" she asks curiously.
[17:34] * Serenity-hime gazes at Rei intently, almost as if she's looking THROUGH her friend rather than at her. "Well... the most obvious part of it is fire - you look like you're standing in the middle of a bonfire with bright red and orange flames leaping out of you all the time. It was kind of weird when I first started seeing it, but I've kind of gotten used to it now." She gives Rei a curious look. "How detailed do you want me to describe it?"
[17:35] <Rei-chan> "As detailed as you can?" Rei says, looking at her hands and imagining what Serenity describes.
[17:38] <Serenity-hime> "I'll start at the top and work my way down then." Serenity nods, turning to look at Rei's face intently for a minute. "Well, like I said there are flames coming out of you everywhere, but they're the weakest around your head. Normally they show up really detailed, but right now the area around the top of your head is kind of fuzzy, like it's out of focus.  It didn't always look like that though - I first noticed it a few weeks ago, but I still haven't figured out why it changed."
[17:39] <Rei-chan> "That's odd..." Rei says, scratching her head before she recalls what Eudial had said about her losing her humanity. 'But I don't feel any different...' she thinks.
[17:41] <Serenity-hime> "Yeah, I know - kind of threw me a little when I first saw it." Serenity shrugs. "You don't seem to have changed at all since I noticed it though, so I guess it's nothing to worry about."
[17:42] <Rei-chan> "Yeah..." Rei says in a slightly doubtful tone as she decides to ask a few questions next time she sees the Professor.
[17:43] * Serenity-hime moves her gaze lower, studying the miko's chest. "Around your breasts or so, the flames are the brightest and hottest - like they're coming from your heart. They sometimes look yellow and white when you're really excited about something, but they darken when you're really angry or upset about anything too - almost black sometimes." She continues to stare at Rei's breasts, her gaze flickering between them as she examines the aura closely.
[17:45] <Serenity-hime> "It's not really that unusual though - not everyone has a fiery aura like yours, but when they really get angry or upset I can see swirls of dark colors around their hearts. They usually don't last very long though - yours included." She leans forward. "Huh, I never noticed that before..."
[17:45] * Rei-chan fidgets a little. 'She's looking at your aura, not at you,' she mentally reminds herself to keep getting too unnerved at the intent gaze on her chest. "Noticed what?"
[17:47] <Serenity-hime> "There's a couple of faint little lines running through your aura, mostly centered on your heart." Serenity thinks for a minute, trying to come up with a good way to describe them. "You know what a cracked mirror looks like, right? It's sort of like that, only MUCH fainter and I can really only see it close to your heart - the lines sort of fade away the further away from there."
[17:48] <Rei-chan> "Do you have any idea what it means?" Rei asks, a trace worriedly.
[17:51] * Serenity-hime shakes her head. "No idea - I only just noticed them when I was looking at you so closely. I don't THINK it's anything bad, but I have no way of knowing for sure." She raises one finger, drawing a short stroke in the air in front of Rei's left breast and breastbone. "There's one here..." she moves her finger up and to her right, near Rei's shoulder, where she draws another short line. "And one here."
[17:52] <Rei-chan> "Well... I don't feel bad. Maybe they've always been there and are perfectly normal?" Rei suggests. "You did say you haven't noticed just because you haven't paid such close attention before."
[17:55] * Serenity-hime nods. "Yeah, they're so faint I may have just missed them before. I wouldn't worry about them or anything, I doubt they're anything serious with how small they are." She removes her finger, then stares very intensely right in the center of Rei's chest. "The very center of your aura... it seems almost like there's a gap there of some kind. It's natural looking, whatever it is, it just looks something should fit in there and it's missing."
[17:58] <Rei-chan> "A hole in my heart?" Rei muses dryly.
[18:00] * Serenity-hime shrugs. "Like I said, it looks like it's supposed to be there, but that something would fit in it - no idea what it would be though." She peers at it closely. "Actually, it looks a little rough around the edges for some reason, no idea why it would though."
[18:02] <Rei-chan> "Well, why wouldn't it be rough rather than smooth? We have no idea what it's supposed to be. Do other people have holes like that, or is this the first time you've analysed an aura close enough to see such a thing?"
[18:03] <Serenity-hime> "I haven't looked at anyone else's nearly this close before - normally it's just a quick glance when I see someone and I only get a general impression. Mako-chan's aura was the only one I've really concentrated on before now, and you know what I was looking at then."
[18:04] <Rei-chan> "Yeah..." Rei grimaces, "I wonder how well that's healing up? She seems okay, now..."
[18:05] <Serenity-hime> "I try not to look at it too much." Usagi looks uncomfortable.
[18:06] * Rei-chan nods. "It felt... awful. I can't imagine it would be pleasant to look at."
[18:07] * Serenity-hime nods, changing the subject quickly. "Anyway, do you want me to go on?"
[18:08] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, sure," Rei says just as quickly.
[18:10] * Serenity-hime looks further down Rei's body, studying her legs and feet. "Actually, there's not a lot else to describe... it looks like most of the detailed stuff is all centered around your head and upper body. There's one place where the flames seem to be brighter a bit further down... um... almost straight below your heart." Serenity blushes a bit.
[18:12] * Rei-chan puts a hand over her lower abdomen. "The place where I could potentially create a life..." she says with a small, slightly frightened smile.
[18:14] * Serenity-hime nods slowly, still blushing. "Most women tend to have a bright spot right around that area almost all the time. For a pregnant woman, it's REALLY bright - and if they're fairly far along, I can even catch glimpses of the baby's aura, but it's hard to see past the mother's."
[18:14] <Rei-chan> "Heh, it's kinda weird to think about..." Rei says, rather dazedly.
[18:15] <Serenity-hime> "Yeah, I know... I sometimes wonder if I have one too." Serenity says thoughtfully.
[18:17] <Rei-chan> "I wish I could describe your aura like that," Rei says regretfully, "But I can't make out anything like that detail - I don't 'see' it at all, in a visual sense. It's like trying to describe colour to a blind man..."
[18:18] <Serenity-hime> "It's okay, Rei-chan... gives me something to daydream about sometimes anyway." She smiles. "Anything else you want to know about your aura?"
[18:20] * Rei-chan shakes her head. "You've already told me more than I could have imagined," she says gratefully, "But we should really get back to work."
[18:21] * Serenity-hime nods. "Guess so... I ought to try looking at the others a little more closely sometime, see what's different about them." Serenity smiles and picks up her washcloth.
[18:26] * Rei-chan slowly returns to cleaning the dresser, a thoughtful expression on her face. After several moments, she speaks. "Usagi?"
[18:26] * Serenity-hime halts her scrubbing, glancing over at Rei. "Hmm? What is it?"
[18:27] <Rei-chan> "Your aura... when I feel it, it's like..." Rei fumbles, struggling for the right way to describe it, "It's like jumping into a spring on a hot day after hiking through the mountains. It's clear and pure and... refreshing," she smiles half-heartedly before shaking her head. "Sorry, I'm just no good at putting it into words," she chuckles lamely.
[18:30] * Serenity-hime smiles. "All that, huh?" She shakes her head. "I wish I could feel them the way you do... somehow it seems more personal than just seeing them." She turns to Rei, giving the miko a smile. "All I know is that looking at your aura makes me feel... I don't know, peaceful for some reason. It's kind of surprising, considering the way it looks - I could swear you're going to start a fire sometime just walking into a room, but you never do."
[18:32] <Rei-chan> "Be really inconvienient if I did," Rei grins. "I'd never get invited anywhere." 'Oh, wait... I never do...' she thinks, somewhat embarrassedly.
[18:34] * Serenity-hime giggles. "I never really thought about it, but it looks about right." She sets her washcloth down and walks over to Rei, putting her hands on the priestess' shoulders.
[18:34] * Rei-chan looks at Serenity curiously, wondering what she has in mind now.
[18:35] * Serenity-hime glances at her arms for a second. "Take a wild guess how far out those flames of yours come." She looks back at Rei with a grin.
[18:36] <Rei-chan> "A couple of inches?" Rei hazards.
[18:38] * Serenity-hime lets go with one hand, tapping a point just above her other elbow with it. "About this far. I wanted to check to be sure, though - it's hard to judge distances with this. Your grandpa has a fiery aura like yours, but his isn't more than a few inches or so I think."
[18:39] <Rei-chan> "Wow, that far?" Rei says, sounding rather impressed. "Does the size of my aura change with the colour when I'm really emotional?"
[18:41] * Serenity-hime nods. "I think it's when you're feeling something really intense, but it blazes up sometimes and gets HUGE - makes you look really tall when I'm standing back from you. I'm not really very good at figuring out what changes in someone's aura mean yet though; I'm pretty sure it's all caused by their emotions but I don't know how to tell them apart very well yet."
[18:44] <Rei-chan> "That's pretty cool," Rei says with a grin. "Maybe before long you'll be able to accurately tell people's emotions from their auras. You'd be unbeatable at poker!"
[18:46] * Serenity-hime giggles. "I guess I would, huh?" She looks at Rei, a twinkle in her eye. "I never really paid all that much attention to it before, but.... well, what the heck? I'll take a look for real!" She moves forward and hugs Rei, looking around her as she does so. "This is really neat... I'm completely inside the flames from your aura right now."
[18:48] <Rei-chan> "Oh?" Rei quirks an eyebrow. "And how does it look from the inside?"
[18:49] * Serenity-hime looks around slowly, still holding on to Rei. "It's beautiful... I can see little bits of fire leaping up around me all the time, but they just sort of flow around my arms like water."
[18:50] <Rei-chan> "It sounds wonderful... I wish I could see," Rei says softly, settling for admiring the enraptured look on Serenity's face.
[18:51] <Serenity-hime> "I wish I could take a picture sometime, but auras don't show up in anything like that. I can't even see them in a mirror." Serenity steps back, shrugging. "It's still really cool though, Rei-chan."
[18:52] <Rei-chan> "I believe it," Rei nods earnestly.
[18:54] <Serenity-hime> "I like the way Ami's aura looks the best out of all the senshi, but I could watch yours all day... kind of like watching a fireplace, sort of." Serenity smiles softly. "Yours is definitely a close second."
[18:55] <Rei-chan> "What's hers like?" Rei asks, her interest piqued.
[18:56] <Serenity-hime> "Hers is... it's like a crystal, sort of. It's a really pale blue, and it's... it reminds me of ice, somehow. It's hard to describe it very well."
[18:57] <Rei-chan> "That fits," Rei nods, wishing she could see it for herself.
[18:59] <Serenity-hime> "Mako-chan's is a vivid green, with lots of lightning bolts and stuff crackling all over her all the time." Serenity puts on a wry grin. "Hers is like yours sometimes - I'm almost afraid to get too close for fear of getting shocked, or burned in your case. It's just the way it looks though."
[19:01] * Rei-chan smiles. "Yeah, when I sense Mako-chan's aura, it's like smelling ozone. Really sharp and tingly."
[19:03] <Serenity-hime> "And when SHE gets upset... oh man, the sparks start flying literally then!" Serenity grins. "Flying out in all directions and hitting the ground, sometimes other people but they never notice it when it happens."
[19:03] * Rei-chan chuckles slightly, imaging the reactions if they did notice.
[19:08] <Serenity-hime> "And when she gets that dreamy look on her face whenever she sees a cute guy," Serenity continues, still grinning. "Then all the electricity starts surging back towards her, moving towards her heart. Her aura brightens a lot when it happens, too."
[19:09] * Rei-chan giggles. "I'd really like to meet her old sempai at least once, just to see the guy who had such a profound effect on her."
[19:11] <Serenity-hime> "Me too! I just wonder what he was like, since it seems like every cute guy reminds her of him." Serenity giggles as well.
[19:12] <Rei-chan> "Mr Generic..." Rei snorts.
[19:13] * Serenity-hime grins. "Anyone else you're curious about?"
[19:15] <Rei-chan> 'I'd rather not talk about Minako, right now...' the miko thinks disgustedly. "No, not really," she says, rather annoyed now that she's reminded herself of Sailor Venus' desertion.
[19:17] * Serenity-hime frowns a bit as she picks up Rei's thought. "Anyway, most people have relatively dull auras - it's hard to make much out about regular people since their auras are so dim. The senshi have the brightest auras I've seen so far, but there are a couple of others that have been unusual - like the new students at Juuban today, for example."
[19:18] <Rei-chan> "New students?" Rei asks, perking up.
[19:20] <Serenity-hime> "Yeah... Alan and Ann Grangier, if I remember their names right. They're both transfer students from America - Alan is REALLY cute, and Ann's in my class." Serenity giggles a little. "I heard him playing a flute today at lunchtime - it was really beautiful."
[19:21] <Rei-chan> "What were their auras like?" Rei asks curiously, also wondering what Usagi would make of the auras of her fellow Deathbusters.
[19:23] <Serenity-hime> "I didn't get that close a look at them, but both of their auras were a LOT brighter than a regular person's would be. Not as bright as the senshi's, but still more than I usually see." She shrugs. "Some people have stronger auras than others though, so maybe they're just unusual that way."
[19:24] <Rei-chan> "Yeah," Rei nods, "There's a few people at Mugen who have strong auras, though I never saw anyone like that at T*A."
[19:25] <Serenity-hime> "That's kind of funny." Serenity replies. "Before Ann and Alan, I never saw anyone that I'd say had an unusually strong aura at Juuban either, except for Ami-chan and Mako-chan of course."
[19:27] <Rei-chan> "There are people with unusual talents - like me being psychic has nothing to do with being a sailor senshi. And you remember that psychic girl at the 'haunted' beach-house we visited that one time?" Rei explains, still rather unsure on the exact nature of the powers wielded by her fellow Witches.
[19:29] <Serenity-hime> "Oh yeah... I wonder what her aura is like?" Serenity muses. "I don't think I've run into any psychic people since I started being able to see auras."
[19:30] <Rei-chan> "Well, Sailor Pluto did say that Orestes was psychic," Rei says, slightly uncomfortably.
[19:31] <Serenity-hime> "His was..." Serenity makes a face. "I don't even like THINKING about what the criminals' auras looked like. All twisted up and full of black streaks and misshapen-looking... ugh."
[19:32] * Rei-chan nods. "An aura is more than just a display of powers, it's a reflection of your inner soul. His certainly wasn't a very nice one."
[19:33] <Serenity-hime> "There's an understatement." Serenity sighs. "At least he's gone now, and good riddance as far as I'm concerned."
[19:35] <Rei-chan> "Definitely," Rei sighs. "Poor Mako-chan. I'd absolutely hate having to deal with someone who was obsessed with my past life... I'm glad none of those criminals seemed to have any familiarity with me at all." She snorts, "Except Jadeite, obviously..."
[19:37] <Serenity-hime> "I'm still really impressed that you managed to fight him off all by yourself the way you did though..." Serenity sighs softly. "I still wish we could have done something more for him, but it's too late to go back and change things now."
[19:39] <Rei-chan> "Yeah..." Rei says sadly, "I didn't want things to end that way..." she sighs. "But you're right, it's too late."
[19:40] <Serenity-hime> "Same for..." Serenity murmurs, then glances up at Rei, biting off the rest of her sentence and hoping that the miko didn't hear her.
[19:41] * Rei-chan gives Serenity a curious look. "For?"
[19:42] * Serenity-hime shakes her head. "Never mind, not important." She doesn't particularly relish the idea of bringing up Cynthia again, especially with the latest stunt Minako has pulled. Her lips twist into a frown as she thinks of the golden-haired senshi again.
[19:43] <Rei-chan> "If you say so..." Rei says dubiously, but respecting Usagi's desires if she doesn't want to talk about it.
[19:44] <Serenity-hime> "Anyway, that's all in the past now. All we can do is learn from it and move on, right?" Serenity gives Rei a small smile.
[19:45] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, getting bogged down in 'what ifs' is no way to live," Rei agrees.
[19:46] <Serenity-hime> "Been there, done that, Mom's got the scars to prove it." Serenity shakes her head reproachfully.
[19:49] * Rei-chan winces, recalling the hot springs attack when Ikkuko had been injured. 'If only I'd transformed back then...' she thinks bitterly.
[19:50] * Serenity-hime shakes her head. "It's not your fault, Rei-chan. If anyone, it's mine. I should have done more to help you, but I was too busy wallowing in self-pity over Mamoru being captured to raise a finger on my own." Serenity frowns at the memory.
[19:53] <Rei-chan> "It was a rough time for all of us," Rei concedes, recalling how confused her own feelings had been at discovering her boyfriend was really her best friend's destined lover... 'Not that destiny worked out,' she thinks philosophically.
[19:56] <Serenity-hime> "I'm still disgusted with how selfish I was being then..." She snorts. "Funny, isn't it? Four months ago I was so obsessed over my boyfriend - who I barely even remembered as being my lover from the Silver Millenium at the time - I was obsessed over him so much that I let my mom get hurt by a spirit. Yesterday, I dumped the exact same guy." She shakes her head. "Life is weird sometimes."
[19:58] <Rei-chan> "Can't argue with that," Rei says, recalling her childish crush on Mamoru. "We've all changed so much these past few months." She gives Serenity a small smile, "Some of us for the better," her thoughts then turn to Minako and Mamoru, "And some of us for the worse."
[19:59] * Serenity-hime gives Rei a grateful smile at the compliment. "I'm not the only one who's gotten better in the past few months." She smirks. "You've learned not to yell at me so much, and I appreciate it." She nods once, grinning.
[20:01] <Rei-chan> "Yeah..." Rei's expression becomes contemplative. "I've faced my own flaws... though I'm still working on them..." she bites her bottom lip as she thinks over the kind of person she is.
[20:04] <Serenity-hime> "And you think I'm not?" Serenity gives Rei a curious look. "I mean, I'm trying to learn to be more confident and be a better leader, but I still question myself every day whenever I make a tough decision. I'm never sure I'm right, even when I try to make it look that way." She deflates a little.
[20:06] <Rei-chan> "Oh, you've improved a lot," Rei hurries to reassure her friend, "Seriously, all I have to complain about is little things these days," she laughs a bit nervously. "I was actually thinking that I'm starting to fall behind you..."
[20:10] * Serenity-hime laughs. "Yeah right! You always seem confident about what to do, Rei-chan - I've been trying to improve by being more like I see you." Serenity smiles. "You probably would make a really good leader, but since it seems I'm supposed to be the leader here I'm doing the best I can with it."
[20:14] * Rei-chan shakes her head. "Funnily enough, that's my biggest flaw. I'm horribly arrogant... and no matter how many times it gets me in trouble, I never seem to learn..." She holds up a lock of her bone-white hair. "I always thought my hair was my best feature... it was so beautiful, and I was so very proud of it..."
[20:14] <Rei-chan> "I was stupid and vain to think I stood a chance on my own against Metallia, and it nearly cost me everything." She gives Serenity a wan smile, "You saved me... brought back everything I destroyed, everyone I killed..." She lets the strands of hair slip through her fingers. "I have this as a constant reminder of the price of my pride..."
[20:18] <Serenity-hime> "Rei-chan..." Serenity takes Rei's hand in her own. "Don't think I didn't notice it back then! You used to be REALLY pushy, almost too much so sometimes. But ever since Metallia was destroyed you HAVE been a lot better." She gives the miko's hand a squeeze. "And don't think I haven't noticed it SINCE then, too. You may not be perfect at it yet, but I haven't worked out all of my flaws yet either, so I can't criticize you that much myself."
[20:20] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, no one can ever be perfect," Rei grins, "Much as I might like to think I am."
[20:21] * Serenity-hime gives Rei a light shove in the shoulder. "Yeah, right, Pyro! A perfect pain!" She sticks her tongue out at the miko playfully.
[20:22] <Rei-chan> Deciding to forgo a witty retort, Rei replies in tried and true fashion. "Bidah!" she sticks her tongue out as well.
[20:23] * Ami enters the room, followed by the senshi of Jupiter. "... And here we are."
[20:23] * Serenity-hime breaks down in a fit of the giggles, turning at the sound of Ami's voice. "Oh hi there, Ami-chan! You guys finish touring the garden?"
[20:24] <Makoto> "...are you guys fighting or finishing frenching?" Makoto asks.
[20:24] * Makoto hopes the last part makes Rei embarrassed after her garden comment.
[20:25] * Rei-chan flushes at Makoto's comment. "Mako-chan!" she yells with as much indignation as she can muster, which is a fair bit.
[20:25] * Serenity-hime yells almost simultaneously with Rei. "Mako-chan!"
[20:25] <Ami> "Yes. Everything appears in order. No broken lines or anything like that first time," Ami says, still a bit embarrassed about that.
[20:27] <Makoto> "What? I had to get you two back, you know," Makoto chirps out with a grin.
[20:27] * Serenity-hime fights down her blush, wondering if Makoto's somehow figured out about her and Rei kissing. "Anyway, Ami-chan, I was hoping you might have a better idea of how to take care of the balcony in here." She walks over to the large hole in the wall, looking out at the shattered stone balcony on the ground far below.
[20:28] <Rei-chan> "Yeah... good one," Rei reluctantly concedes.
[20:32] <Ami> "That - is going to take some doing," Ami comments, surveying the devistation. "You can't do this one alone, right? Do you just need to borrow some power or does this need a more creative touch?"
[20:33] <Serenity-hime> On the ground about twenty feet below the large hole in the wall lie the shattered remains of a large balcony, made of gray marble. Not too many details of the ruins on the ground can be made out from this distance, but four broken stone brackets can be seen protruding from the outside wall of the palace, apparently to support the balcony's weight.
[20:34] * Rei-chan goes over to join them at the hole in the wall. "Yeah... that's way beyond my ability to lift..."
[20:35] * Serenity-hime leans out of the hole carefully, supporting her weight against the wall at the edge of the hole. "It's going to be even worse than those pillars were, I think, and we only managed the worst of those in sections. And I don't think we can do this one a little at a time - I'm afraid if we try to just bring part of it up, it'll collapse again as soon as the spell stops since there's nothing to hold it up."
[20:36] <Rei-chan> "Do you think you can manage if all three of us lend you power?" Rei asks.
[20:37] <Ami> "Hm. All we need to do is get it back into position and mend it. The only problem is lifting it into place. But I'm sure I can use my water control to lift some of it and hold it in place. I think."
[20:37] * Serenity-hime looks down at the ruins doubtfully. "Maybe... I'm not very good at figuring out how much it takes for the really big stuff like this though. It could wear us all out if we tried it."
[20:37] * Ami frowns.
[20:38] <Rei-chan> "You mean freeze it in place with ice?" Rei asks, recalling what Celcia had done at the mall. "Can you manage something that big, Ami-chan?"
[20:41] <Ami> "It shouldn't be too difficult if we mend the base enough to support the weight of the rest of the pillar. Once that's done we the rest should be easy. Long, yes, but not too difficult. And your telekinesis should come in handy as well."
[20:42] <Ami> "Mako-chan can donate energy so that Usagi doesn't pass out. I think we could do this."
[20:46] <Rei-chan> "I'll do what I can to help. My telekinesis isn't any use on something this big, so I'll just lend my energy to Usagi?" Rei offers.
[20:50] * Serenity-hime rolls up the sleeves of her dress, a determined look on her face. "Right... I'm pretty sure I can do this with everyone helping." She glances back at her friends. "I'd get on your knees first just in case you fall over when I finish, but everyone needs to put a hand on me - I'll need both hands free for the spell.
[20:52] * Rei-chan puts her hand on Serenity's right shoulder, waiting for her to kneel before she can do the same.
[20:52] * Serenity-hime gets down on her knees, her hands on the floor next to the broken edges of the hole.
[20:52] <Ami> "I know," Ami nods, placing a hand solidly on Usagi's back. "Let us begin, shall we?"
[20:53] <Rei-chan> "Wait, I can focus energy better transformed," Rei says, quickly producing her wand in her free hand. "Mars Power, Make Up!"
[20:53] * Ami releases her energy, feeling the familiar tide flow into Usagi's sea.
[20:54] * Sailor_Mars begins concentrating on feeding her energy to Serenity.
[20:54] * Serenity-hime nods as she feels Makoto place her hand on her back as well. "All right..." She takes a deep breath. "Here goes nothing!" Her eyes close and the Lunar princess begins to chant, slowly at first. Channeling her friends' energy through her into the spell, she focuses intently, picturing the balcony in place and whole.
[20:55] <Serenity-hime> The gray stones below are surrounded by a faint white glow, which grows in intensity as Usagi continues. With a soft groan of tortured stone, the enormous pieces of the balcony lift into the air - and Serenity staggers on her knees as if she's been struck. A moment later, the other senshi feel it as well - as if they themselves are bearing the immense weight of the balcony on their own backs.
[20:56] * Sailor_Mars grits her teeth, continuing to feed as much energy as is necessary into Serenity even as she feels her reserves being stressed to their limit.
[20:58] <Serenity-hime> With a growing rumble, the pieces of stone tilt and tumble as they rise into place, fitting back into position one by one as the magic seals the cracks between each of the massive pieces together. For several minutes the rumbling continues, then abruptly stops, Serenity pitching forward as she falls silent. "Okay..." she pants. "I think... that got it..."
[20:59] <Rei-chan> Her transformation dissipating, Rei sags, not even close to getting up. "That really took a lot out of me... I won't be teleporting home anytime soon..." she gasps.
[20:59] * Ami yawns, feeling the pleasent tiredness move over her. She takes in the scene. "Good work, Usagi."
[21:00] * Serenity-hime groans softly. "Me either..." she mumbles from her position prone on the floor, half on the repaired balcony's floor. "I'm 'bout ready for a nap now..."
[21:00] * Rei-chan looks up to examine the restored balcony, "At least we did it... looks brand new," she sighs.
[21:01] * Serenity-hime looks up herself and smiles. "Sure does... just like I remember it. Well, maybe a little cleaner than that, but it's the right idea."
[21:01] <Ami> "That's what the futons are for!" Ami enthuses. "Looks like another sleepover. Anyone need to call home?"
[21:02] * Rei-chan mumbles an unintelligible negative.
[21:02] * Serenity-hime struggles into a sitting position. "I'd planned to come up here after the meeting anyway, so I already told my parents I'd be out late."
[21:03] * Rei-chan uses the wall to pull herself to her feet. "Come on then, I'd rather lay down on something soft and warm than this stone floor," she yawns.
[21:04] * Serenity-hime nods, slowly managing to rise to her own feet. "I'll second that idea."
[21:13] * Ami kneels next to Makoto, helping the taller girl to her feet again. Lita does likewise, or at least as much as she can, on Makoto's other side. "Ah, feels good, doesn't it? Using all that power?" she asks no one in particular.
[21:15] * Serenity-hime grumbles at how cheerful Ami seems. "Feels like someone took a vacuum cleaner to my insides," she complains. "Let's get down to the library and get some rest, anyway." With that, the princess leads an exhausted group of senshi - plus one sickeningly chipper senshi and a small robot - off to rest and relaxation in the warmth of the library.
[21:15] <Serenity-hime> -----

[17:37] <Usagi-chan> -----
[17:38] * Usagi-chan lays back in bed, trying to lay her worries and fears from another day to rest as she drifts into a deep slumber. She dreams....
[17:40] * Serenity-hime glances around the fully restored Moon Palace, looking around in delight at seeing the palace full of warmth and light just as she remembers it. She runs through the hallways of the palace, marveling at each new wonder around every corner, her footsteps echoing dimly around the empty corridors of the palace.
[17:41] <Serenity-hime> Down halls and through passages she runs, her delight slowly turning to puzzlement. Where are all the people? The palace is a wonder to take her breath away, but in all her searching through its rooms and chambers she has yet to see another living soul. As she enters the throne room, she continues to look around, her confusion changing to worry. Is she the only one here?
[17:43] * Serenity-hime walks up to the marble throne, placing one hand on its arm as she looks around. "Hello?" she shouts. "Is there anyone here?" The echo of her own voice is the only answer she receives. "Is anyone out there?" she calls plaintively. "Anyone at all?" Again, her only reply is silence.
[17:44] * Serenity-hime falls onto the throne, a look of shock on her face. "I'm alone... aren't I?" she whispers. "There's no one else here...."
[17:48] <Serenity-hime> She shrinks down into herself, huddling on the huge marble chair. "No... I don't want to be by myself.... This is beautiful, but it isn't worth that." She draws her knees up to her chest, encircling them with her arms. "I don't want to be alone..."
[17:49] <Rei-chan> "Hello?" another voice calls out softly. "I thought I heard something..." a familiar raven-haired girl steps into the enormous throneroom, blinking curiously as she looks around.
[17:51] * Serenity-hime stays hunched in a ball, not hearing immediately. She cries softly to herself, repeating the same words over and over like a mantra. "I don't want to be alone... I don't want to be alone..."
[17:52] <Rei-chan> "Oh!" Rei gasps, hearing the sobs. "Miss? Are you alright?" she asks, her voice concerned as she rushes over, stopping at a respectful distance from the crying Moon Princess.
[17:53] * Serenity-hime looks up, her eyes red. They open wide as she recognizes the girl in front of her. "...Rei? Is that you?"
[17:54] * Rei-chan blinks. "Yes, I'm Rei Hino. How did you know my name?"
[17:55] * Serenity-hime sits up, giving the girl an odd look. "Of course I know your name, Rei-chan! It's me, Usagi!"
[17:57] <Rei-chan> "I'm sorry, Usagi-san, but I don't believe we've met," Rei says, frowning slightly at the familiar usage of her name. She then looks around somewhat embarrassedly, "Actually, perhaps you could help me anyway? I'm not entirely sure where I am or how I got here..."
[17:59] * Serenity-hime takes on a look of shock as Rei's revelation hits her. "You... don't know me?" Her voice catches in her throat.
[17:59] <Rei-chan> "Should I?" Rei asks curiously.
[18:02] <Serenity-hime> "Should you?!" Usagi splutters out. "Of course, you're my best friend!" Usagi's face crumples as the realization hits her. "You really don't remember me, do you?" Tears begin to spill down her cheeks again.
[18:03] * Rei-chan scratches her head, obviously lost. "I'm sorry, Usagi-san, but this is definitely the first time we've met. I do have an excellent memory," she nods, before adding as an afterthought, "Besides, Minako-chan is my best friend."
[18:07] <Serenity-hime> The color drains from Usagi's face at Rei's words. "No...." she whispers. "No, you're Rei Hino and you're my best friend and you're Sailor Mars and why can't you remember me?" Usagi's face is a mask of anguish.
[18:09] <Rei-chan> "Sailor Mars?" Rei looks confused, "Is that like Sailor V in the manga?" Rei is plainly confused, though she does wear a concerned expression as she sees how upset her new acquaintance seems to be getting.
[18:11] <Serenity-hime> "You.... you don't even remember that?" Usagi's throat goes dry. "You've been a senshi with me for almost a year now, Rei-chan! You HAVE to remember at least that much!"
[18:15] <Rei-chan> "Senshi?" Rei repeats, almost laughing. "I'm a priestess, not a soldier!" She stops from getting too mirthful, giving the blonde a worried look. "Are you sure you don't have me confused with someone else, Usagi-san?"
[18:17] <Serenity-hime> "No! You're Rei Hino and you live at the Hikawa Shrine with your grandpa and Yuuichiro and you're a miko and you're SUPPOSED TO BE MY FRIEND!" Usagi screams out at the end, rushing off the throne and grabbing the miko by her shoulders. Tears stream down her face as she shakes the girl roughly. "Why don't you remember me, Rei? Why?!"
[18:21] * Rei-chan looks almost frightened, but quickly covers it up with anger. "Get your hands off me!" she yells, wriggling out of Usagi's grasp. "I don't know how you know those things about me, but I have NEVER met you before in my life, and I'm starting to regret this meeting." She backs away, keeping her eyes on Usagi. "I suppose I'll have to find my own way out of wherever here is..."
[18:23] * Serenity-hime falls to her knees, sobbing her heart out. "No.... no, it can't be true.... I don't want it to be true...." She raises her head and screams at the ceiling. "IT'S NOT TRUE!"
[18:26] * Rei-chan fidgets uncomfortably, sensing the genuine despair from the other girl. "Look... um... Usagi-san," she says hesitantly, before realising she doesn't have a clue what to say. Biting her lip, she decides to take a chance and kneels down next to Usagi, putting her arm over her shoulders and wordlessly trying to comfort her.
[18:28] * Serenity-hime continues to cry her eyes, out, slumping on her knees. "I'm still alone.... I hate being alone, I want to be with someone!"
[18:29] <Rei-chan> "You'll find someone," Rei says, not sounding entirely convinced. 'I guess some guys go for the beautiful insane ones...'
[18:32] * Serenity-hime glares up at the raven-haired girl. "I am NOT insane, Rei! I'm Usagi Tsukino, damn it! Why don't you remember me?"
[18:33] <Rei-chan> "Gah!" Rei leaps away as if Usagi were on fire. "I did not say that out loud!" she says, visibly freaked out.
[18:34] <Serenity-hime> "I know you didn't!" Usagi stands up slowly, still looking rather angry. "I heard you think it, and it is NOT true!"
[18:35] <Rei-chan> 'Oh crap! She's psychic AND crazed! I've got to distract her and escape!' Rei thinks frantically. "Oh my God! What the hell is that?!" she cries, pointing behind Usagi's shoulder.
[18:36] <Serenity-hime> "I am NOT CRAZY!" Usagi raises her head and shouts again. "Why won't you believe me, Rei?"
[18:37] * Rei-chan doesn't pay any heed to the words, having already turned tail and began sprinting out of the throneroom, her long black hair trailing behind her.
[18:40] * Serenity-hime looks down quickly at the sound of running footsteps. She starts to give chase, but loses the miko quickly in the maze of hallways. "Rei! Don't leave me!" She shouts after the fleet-footed priestess. "Don't leave me alone..." she trails off as she comes to a halt. She falls to her knees once again, letting out a final cry as her surroundings fade into grayness. "Noooo!!!"
[18:42] * Usagi-chan's eyes snap open, her eyes meeting the now familiar sight of the library's ceiling as she sits up. She puts one hand on her chest to steady her pounding heart, looking around the room frantically. The forms of her friends are visible, still asleep in their futons from the evening's work.
[18:43] <Usagi-chan> She scrambles out of her covers, crawling on her hands and knees to find the one containing Rei. She lets out a deep sigh as she sees the white-haired miko asleep in her own futon, snoring quietly.
[18:47] <Usagi-chan> "Thank god, it was only a dream..." Usagi says quietly, sitting back on her heels. "Only a dream."
[18:49] * Rei-chan shifts in her sleep. "Ngh..." she whines, drawing her knees up to her chest as she lies on her side.
[18:50] <Rei-chan> Stretching her legs back out, Rei wrinkles her nose, her eyes slowly fluttering open.
[18:50] * Usagi-chan covers her mouth in embarrassment. "Oh no... I didn't mean to wake you up, Rei-chan..."
[18:51] <Rei-chan> "Usagi...?" Rei mutters blearily, before yawning and propping herself up on her elbow. "What time is it?" she asks, rubbing her eyes with her other hand.
[18:53] * Usagi-chan bites her fingernails in panic for a second, then grabs Rei by the shoulders. "Promise me you won't forget me, Rei-chan!" she says in a hoarse whisper.
[18:53] <Rei-chan> "Huh?" Rei smacks her lips, still not fully awake. "What are you talking about, Dumpling Head?"
[18:55] <Usagi-chan> "Just promise me!" Usagi whispers urgently.
[18:55] <Rei-chan> "Why, are you going somewhere?" Rei asks, becoming a bit more alert and looking at Usagi worriedly.
[18:57] <Usagi-chan> "Rei!" Usagi looks almost panicked. "Just promise you won't forget me!" The blonde looks to be almost on the verge of tears.
[18:59] <Rei-chan> "Okay, okay, I promise," Rei says, though rather grouchily. "Now what the hell is this all about, Dumpling Head?"
[19:00] * Usagi-chan sweeps Rei into a hug, forcing the miko into a sitting position. "Thank you, Rei-chan.... just don't leave me alone."
[19:01] * Rei-chan pats Usagi on the back, rather weirded out by this awakening. "So I take it that's a 'no' on explaining this, then?"
[19:02] * Usagi-chan makes no reply, simply clinging to Rei like a lifeline. 'I don't want to be alone...'
[19:03] <Rei-chan> Picking up on the thought, Rei shifts herself into a more comfortable sitting position and returning the embrace, even as she wonders what could have possibly spooked Usagi so badly.
[19:05] * Usagi-chan just holds the miko for a long time, sniffling quietly as she cries tears of relief. "Rei-chan...." she finally manages to get out, hiccupping a bit from all her crying. "Rei-chan, it was just awful!" She finally releases the miko, looking at her friend through tear-stained eyes as she relates the tale of her dream.
[19:10] <Rei-chan> "Don't worry, Usagi, it was just a dream," Rei says consolingly. "I'll always remember my Dumpling Head," she adds with a teasing smile.
[19:14] <Usagi-chan> "I was so scared, Rei-chan.... I don't ever want to be alone like that again." Usagi buries her face in the miko's shoulder, crying softly once again.
[19:15] <Rei-chan> "You won't be, Usagi," Rei says, softly stroking the blonde's back. "I promise."
-------
Missing logs. Rei consults the Sacred Fire for more information about the Talismans, and doubts begin to form about the Mistress' intentions as a result. She and Eudial also head to Clear Blue High School for a Heart Snatch, where they confront and defeat the Cardian Racy, previously seen by Herb at Toudai.
-------
[08:31] <Anastasia> ---
[08:40] <Anastasia> It's another long day in the Witches 6. You did a Heart Snatch right off the bat with Eudial, one that was routine and unsuccessful.
[08:40] * Rei-chan is still preoccupied by her nightmare and thoughts of how she could find out more about the Mistress without getting herself in trouble...
[08:40] <Anastasia> Afterwards, you find yourself in the Witches 6 room after Eudial goes off to work on something or the other. Unusually enough, Kaolinite is in there and at her desk, reading some odd tome.
[08:42] <Rei-chan> Deciding to try and strike up conversation with the most senior Witch, and perhaps subtly pump her for info, Rei looks over at the redhead. "Hey, Kaolinite-san, what are you reading?"
[08:44] <Anastasia> She doesn't respond at first, deeply into her dusty book. "Classical Wizardry," she says distantly, turning a old and yellowed page.
[08:48] <Rei-chan> "Wizardry?" Rei blinks. "Is it a... real, magic book? Or is it just theory?" she asks, definitely interested, now.
[08:48] <Anastasia> "It's real magic," she says absently. She seems wholly into the book, barely registering your questions.
[08:50] <Rei-chan> Deciding that she probably won't get much out of the older woman, Rei has just one more question before leaving her in peace. "Where did you get it?"
[08:51] <Anastasia> THAT question gets her attention. Carefully closing the old tome, she looks up at you with her icy eyes. "Curious, aren't you?"
[08:56] <Rei-chan> "Well, yes," Rei shrugs. "Even if I prefer a more spiritual approach, magic is still very interesting - not to mention useful. Why wouldn't I be curious about learning more?"
[08:58] <Anastasia> Her gaze bores into and through you, it feels, like you a flimsy nightgown that hides nothing. "Really? Why don't you come over here for a moment, then?"
[09:00] <Rei-chan> "Sure," Rei says, approaching the other woman. In spite of her quick acceptance, she keeps all her physical and spiritual senses tightly focused on the woman in order to anticipate whatever she might do, not wanting to get surprised like when the Professor caught her off guard with his 'injection o' evil'.
[09:02] <Anastasia> Kaolinite's spiritual aura is very strong and controlled, speaking of a depth of power. She opens the book to a seemingly random page as you approach and puts it down on her desk for you to read, her face neutral.
[09:03] * Rei-chan looks at the page.
[09:04] <Anastasia> The page is filled with odd runes and symbols, all in dull red ink. Each is a mystery of twisted lines and warped angles, flooding your mind with incomprehesible meanings and thoughts...
[09:09] * Rei-chan shakes her head. "I can't read this..." she says, squinting slightly.
[09:12] <Anastasia> The elder Witch smirks. "Of course you can't," she says. As you continue to look, your head spins.
[09:13] * Rei-chan rubs her head, realising that this is far from an ordinary book. Ignoring the Witch, she tries to discern the tome's aura, since it's fairly likely to have one to elicit this kind of reaction.
[09:15] <Anastasia> It does indeed have an aura, one of electric blue with darker strands of purple. It would be a pretty light show, really.
[09:17] * Rei-chan looks away from the book, refocusing on Kaolinite. "So what was on that page?"
[09:18] <Anastasia> The Witch considers that for a moment. "This," she says, pointing at your desk.
[09:19] * Rei-chan turns to look at her desk, somehow getting a sinking feeling in her stomach.
[09:19] <Anastasia> "Itxrevis durvyea rhotylli!" she murmurs with force. Your desk shimmers for a moment before falling apart down the middle! "A simple blade of force, you see."
[09:19] <Rei-chan> "And of course, you know the simple spell for repairing it, right?" Rei asks, her eyebrow twitching something fierce.
[09:20] <Anastasia> "Of course," she agrees, chuckling coldly. "For you, however, I would recommend duct tape and superglue, since it would obviously be out of your depth."
[09:43] <Rei-chan> "Oh, I think you can show me the repair spell," Rei says in a sweet tone, narrowing her eyes as she steps away from Kaolinite's desk and concentrating intently to burn the thing to ash in an instant without damaging the surrounding area.
[09:45] <Anastasia> The desk glows for a split second, before falling to ash. The magic book lands on the floor completely undamaged, however, and not the slightest bit singed. Kaolinite gasps for a moment, then turns back to you with eyes that are daggers of icy rage. "BitCH," she hisses, clearly annoyed. "You want to play with someone above you," she says dangerously.
[09:47] * Rei-chan gives Kaolinite an equally angry look. "You started this. I just thought you could use a little reminder of the dangers of playing with fire."
[09:49] <Anastasia> "Uppity little Witch," she says, her voice dripping with venom. "Girrepin Vtrec Wvvvilu Firangi," she says in the same voice, a aura of flame sprouting out around her. "Do you really want to play with fire, little girl?" It's fairly obvious she's losing her temper...
[09:51] <Rei-chan> "I don't play with Fire," Rei says, summoning a similar aura with none of the fancy magic words. "I AM Fire."
[09:52] <Anastasia> Before Kaolinite can respond, you hear the door to the Witches 6 open. Mimette walks in and takes in the scene, a bit surprised. "Wha?"
[09:53] <Anastasia> "Stay out of this, bitch," Kaolinite says, waving her arm and muttering another smattering of arcane words that send Mimette flying out of the room.
[09:56] * Rei-chan waits, ready to see what Kaolinite will do next, and to counter it if necessary.
[09:57] <Anastasia> There is a crash of body on wall as Mimette impacts outside the room. "Woah," a male voice from outside says, and a moment later the Professor steps in. Oddly, his face is not covered in shadow as per usual. "Hello, girls," he says, glancing around the room.
[09:58] * Rei-chan quickly loses the aura. "Hello, Professor," she says respectfully.
[09:58] <Anastasia> Kaolinite does the same quickly as well. "Good day, Professor Tomoe," she nods politely.
[09:59] <Anastasia> "Oh, Cyprine isn't in here," he says, sounding slightly annoyed.
[09:59] <Rei-chan> "I haven't seen her all day," Rei informs him, thinking that she rarely sees the reclusive Witch on any given day...
[10:00] <Anastasia> "I'm afraid not, Professor," Kaolinite says at the same time Rei speaks.
[10:01] <Anastasia> "Oh, I see. How troubling," he murmurs, shaking his head. When he looks back up, his face is covered again with shadow. "Would you two be kind enough to run out and get the snacks then?" he asks, as he turns to leave. "Oh, and do play nice, girls."
[10:01] <Rei-chan> "Of course, Professor," Rei says, nodding. 'Lucky escape, bitch,' is her unspoken thought as she glances at Kaolinite.
[10:02] <Anastasia> "Yes, Professor," is Kaolinite's response. "I'll make sure to get the chips you like."
[10:03] <Anastasia> As he exits, you hear him address the likely fallen Mimette, "Do be more careful, Mimette. Falling into walls like that can't be healthy."
[10:04] <Rei-chan> "Well, lets get to the shopping then, Kaolinite-san," Rei says tightly, leaving the room and ignoring Mimette.
[10:06] <Anastasia> "Yes," she says as well, walking stiffly. As you exit, you see a very dazed Mimette deeply embedded into the wall outside the door. Ouch.
[10:07] * Rei-chan makes her way out of Mugen, heading towards the nearby supermarket.
[11:21] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[11:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> As the gossip spreads, you hear about a new student at school. The girls are all gushing about his bishonen good looks and his talent playing the flute...
[11:23] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Oh, he's so handsome...He's dreamy!...He's just PERFECT!" is the general consensus.
[11:25] <Sailor_Anastasia> Makoto had the bad luck to be in the bathroom when the lunch bell rang, so she's rather late getting outside to the warm spring air.
[11:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> There is a gaggle of girls surrounding a table today, as there has been all week. The last notes of a flute are heard, and a tall man breaks through the crowd and outward...
[11:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Thank you," he murmurs in a soft, sexy voice as he gets through the crowd, his face covered by his brown bangs.
[11:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> As he departs the crowd, head down, he's coming in your direction. With his Western skin tone and light brown hair, topped with his lean yet muscluar height, he's quite a looker.
[11:32] * Makoto gets a dreamy eyed look as she stares at him.
[11:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> He walks by, not taking notice of you as he goes inside... but even in your distraction, you notice a small, shining object falls out of his pocket as he goes inside.
[11:34] * Makoto blinks and grabs the object from the ground, calling after him. "Hey, you! You dropped something!" Makoto shouts, before mentally cussing at herself. 'Hey, you? Ugh...'
[11:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Hm," he turns, looking at you. His eyes peek out from behind his bangs, bright and pretty. "Did I?"
[11:36] * Makoto almost reverts back to her dreamy eyed state at seeing his eyes, and she raises the object, looking at it as she moves closer to hand it to him. "Yeah, here."
[11:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> Getting a good look at it yourself, you see it's a small metal key. "Oh, my apartment key," he says, taking it. "Thanks," he nods, causing his hair to go down, hiding his eyes again.
[11:39] <Makoto> "No problem," Makoto says with a smile. Deciding to try and be more social now that she was talking to him, she asked, "So how're you enjoying school here? You're new right?"
[11:40] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yes, I just started this week," he says. His Japanese is accented, giving his voice an exotic quality. "It's not bad, really."
[11:44] <Makoto> "That's good," Makoto replies, still smiling. "I'm still kinda new here in a way, but I've gotten to treasure this school and the friends I've made here. I hope you have as nice an experience."
[11:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> He nods. "Thank you... oh," he says, a bit self reproachfully. "I'm Alan. Alan Grangier."
[11:48] <Makoto> "Nice to meet you, Grangier-san. I'm Makoto Kino," Makoto introduces herself in return politely.
[11:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Well, thank you again, Makoto," he says, smiling. "I'm keeping my sister waiting, so..." he says, turning to leave, only leaving his faint scent behind, the smell of fresh leaves.
[11:51] * Makoto almost misses him leave as her mind plays out a scene where he goes "Oh, call me Alan, Grangier-san is too fancy for me." and then she went "Only if you call me Mako-chan, like my friends do." "Of course Mako-chan" and then they fall in love and into a deep and sensual love affair...
[11:51] * Makoto sighs, catching his tail end, and waves goodbye. "Later Grangier-san!"
[11:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Bye," he waves briefly, going down the halls of the school. What a hunk....
[10:08] <Anastasia> ---
[08:34] <Anastasia> As the time goes by, so does Herb's training in the secret arts of the Dragonslaying techquince.
[08:35] <Princess_Herb> "I feel like a character in a sports anime sometimes..."
[08:36] <Anastasia> One sunny spring morning, one that lacked classes, you meet Ryuu to train...
[08:38] * Princess_Herb trudges into the dojo, somewhat damp.
[08:38] <Anastasia> Walking in, you see Ryuu practicing a kata, going through the motions while his arms burst into flames at times.
[08:39] <Princess_Herb> "Good morning, honoured Ryuu. A fire hydrant burst as I was passing it, so..." Herb says.
[08:42] <Anastasia> "Heh," he says as he winds down from his kata. "That seems to happen more often than not."
[08:46] <Anastasia> "In any event," he moves on, "How is your practice with the scroll coming?"
[08:46] <Princess_Herb> "Well, it's getting better. I don't think I'm anywhere near being able to pull the technique off, but I'll show you what I've got so far."
[08:47] <Anastasia> He nods. "Go right ahead," he says, stepping back to give Herb plenty of room to work with.
[08:47] * Princess_Herb demonstrates the Scale Breaker in progress to Ryuu. It looks a lot less ragged than before, but still lacks something.
[08:49] <Anastasia> "Hmmm," he comments after you finish. "That does look better, at least on the technical end."
[08:53] <Princess_Herb> "It's still not right, though. I can feel the ki building up, but I can't quite focus it properly. I need a dragon to practice on." Herb says, smiling.
[08:53] <Princess_Herb> "What have you been working on yourself?"
[08:54] <Anastasia> "Good luck finding one," Ryuu replies. "Anyway, speaking of that..." Ryuu breaks into a grin. "I mastered a new skill yesterday. Want to see?"
[08:58] <Princess_Herb> "Sure," says Herb, with more enthusiasm than she really feels. 'Damn! Ryuu masters new skills at such a rate, he's sure to outstrip me soon.' she thinks to herself.
[09:00] <Anastasia> He nods, his grin childish and full of enthusiasm. "Okay..." he drops into a simple stance, both fists ready. "Venom of the Serpent!" he cries he punches forward, his fist covered in a sickly purple mist. The sweetly rotten smell of bad fruit fills the room as the strike finishes and the mist vanishes.
[09:03] <Anastasia> "It infuses a single blow with a toxin that eats away at the innards of a foe," he explains after he finishes. "It's meant to attack the opponent on the inside while you attack on the outside."
[09:05] <Princess_Herb> "Looks pretty good. The scent's less foul than I would have imagined as well. What circumstances do you think you'd use it in?" Herb asks. "And is there a counter-technique in the scrolls?"
[09:07] <Anastasia> Ryuu shrugs. "The toxin is fairly powerful, so it's only useful when you battle to kill. A counter technique is there, of sorts. It's more of a Chakra that purifies the body and spirit, it covers various things like that."
[09:10] * Princess_Herb nods, wondering once more how Ryuu's father managed to devise all these techniques himself in one lifetime.
[09:13] <Anastasia> "Sadly, the Purity Chakra is far more advanced than this ability, it was one of his strongest and crowning achievements. It's said to even be able to dispel dark magic and mind control," he smiles.
[09:16] <Princess_Herb> "I like the sound of that. These are dark times, I'm afraid. If it's more advanced than the scale breaker, it's going to be a long time before I get to master it, though." Herb sighs.
[09:17] <Anastasia> "I wonder if I'll master in my lifetime myself," Ryuu agrees, matching your sigh. "Father was truly a genius at this...I feel like I'm splashing along in his rainy footsteps."
[09:22] <Princess_Herb> "Well, enough chatting for now. Let's practice."
[09:22] * Princess_Herb bows to Ryuu and beckons him to begin.
[09:23] <Anastasia> As you go into practice, Ryuu bows. "Sparring, or a more relaxed practice," he asks respectfully.
[09:26] <Princess_Herb> "More relaxed today, unless you have some hot water. This girl body's not as tough as my guy body, after all." Herb says
[09:27] <Anastasia> Ryuu nods. "That sounds good," he says, beginning a simple warm up. As he does so, he continues the conversation. "How are your studies going," he broaches.
[09:32] <Princess_Herb> "At Toudai? Quite well, I think. I'm working on a report on Qing dynasty porcelain for the export trade right now. Very interesting, in its way."
[09:33] <Princess_Herb> 'And I'm trying to learn the ancient Lunar language from the others, which is as HARD as your father's Scale Breaker.' Herb thinks.
[09:33] <Anastasia> Ryuu grunts a confirmation as he winds up into a more advanced form. "I see... heh. I don't see why you bother with those studies when you have so much talent in the arts. I'd spend every hour practicing if I were as gifted as you," he admits.
[09:38] <Princess_Herb> "A leader should know more than the arts of war, my father says."
[09:39] <Anastasia> After finishing a flashy air kick combo and landing, he replies again. "'Guess so. Still, though..." Ryuu shrugs.
[09:42] <Princess_Herb> "Once I finish at Toudai, though, I can devote my every waking hour to beating you!" Herb says. "I mean, um, to perfecting the arts." Herb grins as she demonstrates one of her favourite punches, crackling with ki energy.
[09:43] <Anastasia> Ryuu laughs. "Oh yes, I reckon so." He matches it with a flaming kick, his foot laced with red flame.
[09:50] <Anastasia> "You know," he goes on, "I've been looking for better opponents lately," he says, "To spar with instead of just practicing myself. You're good and all, don't get me wrong, but I need variety."
[09:50] <Princess_Herb> "What about the old guys at the temple dojo?" Herb asks.
[09:52] <Princess_Herb> "There aren't many more top-notch martial artists around here apart from them. You could go to China, and look for the real masters there, though I advise not stopping off at any Cursed Training Grounds...."
[09:52] <Anastasia> "They are extremely good," Ryuu agrees, "But I know most of their tricks, and vice versa. I need new talent to battle with right now."
[09:56] <Anastasia> He nods, taking in Herb's words. "Perhaps... hopefully, this is just a phase I'm going through."
[10:01] <Princess_Herb> "So," Herb-chan says, "What are you going to do? You can tell me, you know. EXTREME CUTENESS ATTACK!"
[10:02] * Princess_Herb gives Ryuu a big-eyed look that would make most men weak at the knees
[10:02] <Anastasia> Ryuu gahs at the cuteness, stumbling. "Woah, Herb. It's kind of creepy seeing like that," he mutters. "Um..."
[10:02] <Princess_Herb> "Secret manouevre. You were wide open there." Herb says.
[10:05] <Anastasia> "Heh, point," Ryuu concedes. "Well, I'm in no hurry to go wandering to the ends of the Earth yet," he shrugs. "I'm going to poke around here first... maybe one of those monsters from the news would be a good fight, or those skirted girls?"
[10:08] <Princess_Herb> "I think those girls might well have mastered the Extreme Cuteness Attack. I'd fight the monsters, if I were you. There seem to be enough of them wandering the streets picking fights at the moment." Herb says. "A group of the kendo players at Toudai were hospitalised by one the other day, you might have heard. If you meet one, give it a boot in the head from me."
[10:15] <Anastasia> Ryuu nods. "Yeah, the TV said something about that," he frowns. "Who would do that to a group of kendo students, though?"
[10:19] <Princess_Herb> "I don't know, truthfully. If there's a pattern to the attacks, I haven't worked it out yet." Herb says, realising that she's been a bit remiss by concentrating too much on trade porcelain and the Scale Breaker, and not enough on the monster attacks. "I'm sure those Sailor Senshi have it all in hand, though." 'Yeah, right.' she thinks.
[10:20] <Anastasia> "Somehow," he says, "I still have trouble believing wet dreams who fight crime can handle monsters," he deadpans.
[10:24] <Princess_Herb> "You have wet dreams about schoolgirls in skimpy outfits? I thought your life was nothing but study!"
[10:25] <Anastasia> "Gah," Ryuu blushes, waving his arms. "Not like THAT! I mean... well... they look like schoolgirl strippers in those outfits, yeah?" he struggles, trying to regain his balance. "Like those advertisements in bad phone booths?"
[10:29] <Princess_Herb> "I'm seeing another side of you that I never knew existed!" Herb laughs.
[10:31] <Anastasia> "Gah gah gah!" Ryuu blushes like a tomato. "Not that I frequent those, I just happen to have needed to use the phone when I was passing through those areas!"
[10:33] <Princess_Herb> "But you shouldn't let a skimpy outfit distract you from their combat skills. They've earned their spurs, after all, fighting those youma." Herb pauses. "OK, I mean, I'm not entirely immune to female charms myself, but respect where respect's due, you know...?"
[10:35] <Anastasia> "I won't argue the theory..." he starts, "But it's hard to take them seriously when they show that much skin," he shrugs, calming down.
[10:35] <Anastasia> "It makes me wonder if they're looking for a fast boyfriend, not if they can battle well."
[10:37] <Princess_Herb> "If I meet any, I'll recommend you to them, then."
[10:38] <Anastasia> Ryuu just blushes, unable to reply at first. "Well... um... I'd like a more traditional girlfriend, one that doesn't run around in slutty costumes," he says.
[10:42] <Princess_Herb> "OK, I'll just date them myself, then." Herb says, smiling because she knows how unlikely that is.
[10:42] <Anastasia> "Works for me," he nods, finally going back to his martial arts...
[10:15] <Anastasia> ---
[10:15] <Anastasia> One day later...
[10:15] <Anastasia> "Hey, Rei," Eudial gets your attention from the boring book you were reading. "Up for another Heart Snatch?"
[10:16] <Rei-chan> "Sure," Rei nods agreeably, marking her place and closing the book. "Who's the target, today?"
[10:17] <Anastasia> "Some park mime," she shrugs. "Didn't get a name, but he's supposed to be easy to find." Eudial says as you walk along. Lately, Eudial has become warmer and friendier to you, more like a regular person than a Witch.
[10:18] <Rei-chan> "A mime, eh?" Rei rubs her hands, "Well, if he has a Talisman, he won't talk."
[10:19] <Anastasia> "And if he doesn't, at least we won't have to watch him mime," she agrees.
[10:20] * Rei-chan nods. "Never was a big fan of that particular art-form."
[10:21] <Anastasia> Eudial nods. "It's creepy more than anything," she says as you work your way to the car.
[10:22] * Rei-chan gets in the front passenger seat. "Hey, have you seen Kaolinite today?" she asks, changing the subject.
[10:23] <Anastasia> "Nope, and no great loss," she comments as she gets the car going. "She's generally an antisocial bitch."
[10:26] <Rei-chan> "Yeah. I tried to be nice to her yesterday and she trashed my desk," Rei sniffs. "I fixed her, though."
[10:27] <Anastasia> "What happened," she inquires as you zoom through the underways and passages.
[10:28] <Rei-chan> "She was reading a magic book, so I asked her about it. You know, just making conversation. Then she 'demonstrates' a spell by slicing my desk in half." Rei shakes her head. "I burnt her desk to ash, and we were just about to come to blows when the Professor came in. Oh, and she nearly put Mimette through the wall when she showed up," she adds, knowing that last fact will likely please Eudial.
[10:30] <Anastasia> "That's her, alright," Eudial says, "A total prick who likes to show off her powers," As if to accent this, Eudial takes a turn on what must have been one wheel at over 160 MPH.
[10:32] * Rei-chan nods. "Arrogant bitch, that she is."
[10:33] <Anastasia> Instead of replying, Eudial gets the car out of the tunnels, landing to a stop a on a pleasant side street in the Tokyo suburbs.
[10:33] <Anastasia> It's a dark and cloudy day with rain and general gloom, you notice. Despite it, you do see a black-clad mime in the nearby park...
[10:33] <Anastasia> The park itself is wide, with trees and a surrounding wall to protect it from the urban sprawl.
[10:34] <Rei-chan> "I suppose if anything you have to admire his dedication to his work..." Rei comments, half disgusted, half approving.
[10:34] <Anastasia> "I guess," Eudial shrugs, walking up. "Coming?"
[10:35] <Rei-chan> "Sure," Rei hops out the car and follows Eudial, heating the air around them both against the cold drizzle. "You going to do this one?"
[10:37] <Anastasia> "Yep," Eudial says, taking a moment to glare at the rainy sky. As you approach, the mime walks up... without pausing, Eudial pulls out her gun kit and fires once, the Heart Crystal flying out as the mime falls to the ground. Even from here, you can tell it's a dud.
[10:37] <Rei-chan> "Bah, worthless," Rei comments, walking over to pick up the heart crystal and tossing it onto the mime so it can be reabsorbed.
[10:38] <Anastasia> As you walk over..."World SHAKING!" The shout echos and a blast of energy clips by you! (DCV check)
[10:38] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6
[10:38] * Musk-bot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[10:39] <Anastasia> With a nimble leap back, you avoid the sphere of energy. It impacts into the wall, leaving a large section of it in rubble. You briefly see a shadowed figure at the Heart Crystal..."It's not a Talisman," he/she says, jumping away quickly.
[10:40] <Rei-chan> "I could have told you that!" Rei snaps, "What's the big idea, attacking me?"
[10:40] <Anastasia> "Hey, that's our dud Heart Crystal," Eudial shouts, firing off a quick flamethrower shot!
[10:40] <Anastasia> roll 2d6
[10:40] * Musk-bot --> "Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[10:40] <Anastasia> The shot is good, but the figure is already gone, too fast for Eudial's fire.
[10:41] <Rei-chan> "Whoever that was, they were fast... Did you get a good look at them?" Rei asks, again going to replace the Crystal.
[10:41] <Anastasia> "Dammit," Eudial mutters, "No, I didn't."
[10:41] <Anastasia> She kicks the ground in annoyance. "What is it with random freaks interefering lately?"
[10:42] <Rei-chan> "Did you hear what they said, though?" Rei says, a bit worriedly. "They were looking for the Talismans as well."
[10:58] <Anastasia> "Hey, yeah," Eudial realises, blinking away her anger. "The Professor isn't going to like that."
[10:59] <Rei-chan> "No, he sure won't," Rei agrees glumly. "Guess we better head back and give him the bad news..."
[10:59] <Anastasia> "Yeah," she agrees, "And get out of this damn rain."
[11:00] * Rei-chan nods, getting back into the car. 'Hope that mime doesn't catch a cold...'
[15:17] <Usagi-chan> -----
[11:53] <Sailor_Anastasia> Sunday, a week after the attacks started. It's time for another Sailor Meeting, all the girls ready to use that as an excuse to gossip and chat...
[11:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> "So," Nian goes on, "We've had two attacks confirmed so far, with one of the monsters escaping?"
[11:55] * Usagi-chan nods. "Sounds right to me - the one at Toudai and the one at the Osa-P."
[11:56] <Rei-chan> "There was an attack at Clear Blue High School the day before yesterday," Rei puts in, "I took care of it, though."
[11:56] * Usagi-chan looks over at Rei curiously. "There was?"
[11:56] * Rei-chan nods. "Thing called Racy started draining the students as they left school. It was allergic to fire, though..."
[11:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Really," Nian asks, looking at the white tressed Sailor of Mars. "How'd it go?"
[11:57] <Rei-chan> "Thing was really pathetic... barely had time to look surprised before it got roasted," Rei smirks. "I didn't find out anything about who was controlling it, though."
[11:59] <Sailor_Anastasia> "So you fried it," Luna says. "Good. One less, then."
[12:00] * Rei-chan nods. "Just wish we knew more about who was sending them out and why..."
[12:01] * Usagi-chan frowns. "Me too... all I know was there was a man's voice at the one at the jewelry store, but I couldn't get a good look at who it belonged to - too many spiderwebs in the way."
[12:04] <Rei-chan> "I saw him. He had sort of green skin and blue hair, with pointed ears," Rei puts in, "He wasn't too happy after his pet monster got killed, but didn't actually try anything to retaliate. Just vanished..."
[12:05] * Usagi-chan sighs. "Not a whole lot more to go on than what we already had."
[12:06] <Rei-chan> "Yeah," Rei nods glumly. "Hopefully we'll find out more before he gets too far along with whatever he's up to."
[12:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Have you tried a fire reading, Rei?" Luna pipes up.
[12:08] <Rei-chan> "It was actually a Fire Reading that led me the Clear Blue High School just before the attack," Rei says, which is basically the truth. "But I haven't learnt anything about what the enemy really is or what they have planned."
[12:10] <Princess_Herb> "The one I fought was the same one that Mars killed, I think. Its master teleported it out before I could destroy it." Princess_Herb says.
[12:11] <Sailor_Anastasia> "You should have called the other girls, Rei, and not gone alone," Luna frowns as she comments. "It's risky to do it all by yourself."
[12:14] <Princess_Herb> "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, honoured Luna." counters Herb. "She couldn't be sure that it would stick around long enough for that. And I think these ones do more damage to their victims than the other ones we had before."
[12:16] <Usagi-chan> "I know they do, Herb." Usagi frowns. "Poor Naru-chan is STILL in the hospital from the first attack, and it's been a week!"
[12:16] <Sailor_Anastasia> "She could have used the communicator as she traveled there," Luna returns. "With a new threat, I don't want anything bad to happen because one of us gets overly aggresive."
[12:17] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, well, I wasn't entirely sure there would be an attack," Rei frowns, "I just knew that I had to be there, and then when I saw the monster I blasted it straight off. I didn't expect it to go down so quickly..."
[12:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> "And what if you get drained? You girls heal fast, but this is serious stuff."
[12:18] <Usagi-chan> "Luna, let it go. You're right - she probably should have called someone, but the important thing is that she's okay now." Usagi sighs.
[12:18] * Rei-chan nods. "Like I said, the thing never stood a chance."
[12:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> Luna sighs. "We just lost Minako, I don't want to lose anyone else, Usagi."
[12:19] <Usagi-chan> "I understand that Luna, but it's already done and over with. She knows for the next time if it happens again, right Rei-chan?" Usagi looks over at the miko.
[12:21] * Rei-chan frowns at the reminder of their absent member. "We can get by just fine without her," she mutters before giving Usagi a small smile. "Of course, Usagi. I'll make sure to call you guys, but if I'm the only one at an attack, I'm not going to stick around and wait for help before trying to do something."
[12:21] <Sailor_Anastasia> Luna nods at this, seemingly satisfied. "Alright, Rei. Just be careful, okay?"
[12:22] <Usagi-chan> "I understand, just don't take any huge risks if it's bigger than you can handle by yourself, all right?"
[12:22] <Princess_Herb> "What happened with Minako? I never quite got the story about that." Herb asks.
[12:23] * Usagi-chan frowns. "Long story short, she left. I can fill you in on the details later, Herb-chan."
[12:23] <Rei-chan> "I won't, Usagi," Rei says seriously, before sighing at Herb's question. "She decided to abandon her duty is what happened."
[12:26] <Princess_Herb> "I would appreciate that, Usa-chan."
[12:28] * Makoto sighs distractedly, her eyes glazed over as she mutters, "sempai..." while thinking of an amalgam of lips not quite Alan's, Kazan's or the doc's.
[12:29] * Usagi-chan glances over at the tall brunette, having heard the murmur. "Uh.... Mako-chan?"
[12:29] * Rei-chan looks at Makoto oddly. "Uh oh, looks like Mako-chan's in one of her funny moods again..."
[12:30] * Usagi-chan waves her hand in front of Makoto's face. "Earth to Makoto! Come in, Mako-chan!"
[12:30] * Makoto just smiles distractedly, her cheeks tinged with red.
[12:31] * Usagi-chan grins. "I recognize that look... what does he look like?"
[12:31] <Rei-chan> "Wonder if she's actually remembering her sempai, or thinking of some guy who reminds her of him?" Rei muses, grinning at the brunette.
[12:31] * Makoto blinks as something obstructs her nice view of... nothing, replaced with Usagi's distractingly perky face
[12:32] <Makoto> "Huh, whaa? Oh, right Naru in danger, yeah..." Makoto says, trying to recall what was going on.
[12:32] * Usagi-chan giggles. "Come on, Mako-chan - what's his name?"
[12:33] * Makoto sighs dreamily. "Alan Grangier. He's a new student at school, and he's just so... exotically handsome."
[12:33] * Rei-chan perks up, recalling what Usagi said about the new students. "So how far have you gotten with him?" she asks teasingly.
[12:34] <Rei-chan> "And what about that Kazan guy you mentioned the other day?" she adds a moment later.
[12:34] <Princess_Herb> "Exotic?" Herb asks, "or inhuman?"
[12:34] * Usagi-chan smiles. "Oh yeah, Alan. I keep hearing him play that flute at lunchtime, but I haven't really gotten a chance to talk with him or his sister much."
[12:36] <Makoto> "Kazan? Oh him," Makoto says. "Well, the cute lil' bum hasn't asked me out, so a girl has to keep her options open!"
[12:36] * Makoto grumbles. "Not that I see him asking me out any time soon."
[12:36] * Rei-chan giggles, "Maybe you need to show him what he's missing?"
[12:36] <Usagi-chan> "So go ask him out yourself!" Usagi gives the brunette a playful shove.
[12:36] <Makoto> "But that's not romantic!" Makoto argues.
[12:37] <Rei-chan> "It'll be romantic when you're dating him. Sitting around doing nothing isn't romantic, either," Rei argues.
[12:37] <Usagi-chan> "So? Maybe Rei-chan's right - you just need to show him what he's missing out on." Usagi winks.
[12:38] <Makoto> "Ehh...." Makoto says unsure.
[12:39] <Usagi-chan> "Okay then, go ask Alan out!" Usagi grins. "If you think he's so cute, anyway."
[12:39] <Rei-chan> "Come on, Mako-chan, you have to be assertive! Clearly show him you're interested!" Rei encourages her friend.
[12:39] <Makoto> "I think Alan's only eye-candy. He's been surrounded by girls all day. Why would he want me?"
[12:40] <Makoto> "Anyhow, call me old fashioned, but I'm the sort of girl that likes to be asked out," Makoto says firmly.
[12:40] <Usagi-chan> "Okay, you're old-fashioned." Usagi giggles.
[12:40] <Rei-chan> "He's surrounded by girls, but he's not dating any of them, is he?" Rei asks, "He's probably waiting for that special someone - which could be you!"
[12:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Um, girls.." Luna tries to get your attention. "We still have a new threat to discuss."
[12:41] <Princess_Herb> "Maybe he has a girl curse too..." Herb suggests.
[12:42] <Rei-chan> "Maybe he's a girl with the opposite curse?" Rei asks, fighting to keep in her laughter.
[12:42] * Usagi-chan turns to glare at the cat. "And what else is there that we can say about it, Luna? Live a little, we'll take care of it if they show up again!"
[12:42] <Princess_Herb> "I should date her, then. I might get more understanding..."
[12:42] <Sailor_Anastasia> "But..." she replies by habit.
[12:43] <Usagi-chan> "Luna, we've already gone over it! Yes we'll keep our eyes open, and yes we'll be ready when they show up, but honestly - what else do we have to say about them right now?"
[12:43] <Rei-chan> "Wouldn't that be incredibly confusing?" Rei blinks at Herb.
[12:44] <Makoto> "Not really, if they get splashed, they'd just have to switch clothing!"
[12:44] <Makoto> "And they'd be fine then!"
[12:45] * Rei-chan doesn't restrain her laughter any more.
[12:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> Luna sighs, conceding the point and sitting down.
[12:47] * Usagi-chan swivels back around, Makoto firmly in her sights. "So, Miss Old-Fashioned, how are you going to get one of these two guys to ask you out?"
[12:48] <Makoto> "Tease until they break!" Makoto replies cheerfully.
[12:49] * Rei-chan calms down to give Makoto an approving look. "That's actually a very good plan."
[12:49] * Usagi-chan sticks out her tongue. "I think you need to hit Kazan over the head with a clue - how many months have you known him now?"
[12:52] <Makoto> "Well, seeing as I don't see him much unless I'm in trouble with Suzuki... two weeks?" Makoto guesses, counting the number of times she's had to see Suzuki, or made up a reason just to meet with Kazan.
[12:53] <Rei-chan> "Don't you ever see him during the day? Or outside of school?" Rei asks, "Why don't you make him walk you home or something?"
[12:56] <Makoto> "Hmm... I suppose I could try that," Makoto says
[12:57] <Usagi-chan> "As for Alan... I'm not too sure about him. According to what I've been hearing from Umino, he sounds kind of cold - he barely ever even talks to anyone else. Ann's in my class, and she's the same way - I've tried to talk with her a few times but it never gets anywhere."
[12:57] * Rei-chan nods, "And then you can invite him inside to help tend your garden," she adds brightly.
[12:58] * Usagi-chan breaks out in a burst of the giggles at Rei's quip.
[12:59] <Princess_Herb> "They're foreigners, aren't they? It may be that they just don't know your Japanese ways, so they seem cold and unapproachable." Herb suggests. "Why not invite them to some kind of social Welcome to Japan kind of event."
[12:59] * Makoto stares at Rei with a dirty look, before remembering how embarrassed the two got in the moon and replies sweetly, "But he's a man, he'll surely prefer to watch two beautiful ladies such as yourself kiss passionately."
[13:00] * Princess_Herb laughs. "Only if he thinks he has a chance to join in."
[13:00] * Usagi-chan glares daggers at the brunette. "That's not funny, Mako-chan!"
[13:01] <Makoto> "I think it's as funny as my garden," Makoto says with a dramatic sniffle.
[13:01] * Rei-chan blushes, "Okay, I'll quit with the garden jokes..." 'Damn, it was really funny, too...'
[13:02] * Makoto shrugs. She didn't see what the big deal was, it wasn't like Rei kissed Usagi. It was Ami after all that had the kiss. But if it stopped the garden joke...
[13:02] * Usagi-chan sighs. 'Great... Mako-chan gets out of being teased about the garden and I'm still stuck with Dumpling Head...' she mutters to herself mentally. 'It's not fair!'
[13:04] <Rei-chan> Shaking her head at Usagi's complaint, Rei turns the subject back to Alan and Ann, "It could be that they're just uncertain about how to relate to Japanese people, but it's still possible that they're just anti-social. A lot of people at Mugen are that way..."
[13:06] <Princess_Herb> "Maybe they're pod people, and you'll soon be growing in Makoto's garden?" Herb laughs more.
[13:06] <Makoto> "I don't think Alan was unapproachable. He seemed fairly polite, and the only reason he left was because he was worried about his sister, which is sweet," Makoto says, glad the subject's shifted out of hersel...maybe not.
[13:07] * Makoto glares at Herb. "Don't make me bring a few buckets of hot and cold water in here, mister..."
[13:07] <Princess_Herb> "Hey! That's Ami-chan's trick! Don't make her sad!"
[13:08] <Rei-chan> "I think she'd be glad to have someone join in her fun," Rei notes.
[13:08] <Makoto> "Yep!"
[13:08] * Usagi-chan doesn't participate, still pouting over the unfairness of the world in general and Rei Hino in particular.
[13:11] <Rei-chan> "What's wrong, Dumpling Head?" Rei asks Usagi with a grin, knowing that that term is exactly what is wrong.
[13:12] * Makoto snickers, having heard Usagi's mental outburst.
[13:12] * Usagi-chan glares at the white-haired miko. "Just.... don't... start... Pyro."
[13:13] <Rei-chan> "Why, are you going to finish?" Rei inquires challengingly, leaning towards the blonde.
[13:15] * Usagi-chan leans in towards Rei, her eyes flashing with anger. "Only if you start it!"
[13:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> Luna, who has been quiet since being told off by Usagi, watches the antics with a tired if amused eye.
[13:16] * Rei-chan pokes Usagi on the forehead. "Dumpling Head!" she giggles at her own wit.
[13:18] * Usagi-chan throws her arms in the air. "Reeii!!" she shouts angrily. "I AM NOT A DUMPLING HEAD!"
[13:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Your hairstyle does resemble dumplings, Princess," Nian butts in. "To be fair to Rei. Or maybe even tennis balls."
[13:20] <Makoto> "Tennis ball head doesn't have the same ring to it though," Makoto offers.
[13:21] * Usagi-chan turns an angry glare to Herb's cat, one eyebrow ticking fiercely. "You stay out of this!"
[13:21] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Hmm, you have a point. Baseball head? Meatball head? Orange head?" he muses, going through each.
[13:21] <Sailor_Anastasia> His calm is unruffled, but a small smile is crossing his face.
[13:22] * Usagi-chan's face is a mask of fury. "I DO know where there's a violin factory here, you know."
[13:22] * Princess_Herb puts her hand over Nian's mouth.
[13:23] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Oh, I know," he says, taking that in stride. "Usagi is a mmmph mmmp mmpp!" Nian's new name is covered by Herb's hand, however.
[13:23] <Rei-chan> 'Man... I don't think I've ever seen Usagi this angry...' Rei thinks, rather impressed. "What's wrong, Usagi? Haven't you had any dumplings today? Is that why you're all cranky?"
[13:23] <Princess_Herb> "Those are very cheap violins, honoured advisor. I feel it is my duty to prevent you ending up a part of them."
[13:24] <Sailor_Anastasia> Luna snickers from her position on the floor. "You know...I have to admit I like Meatball Head. It fits in it's own way."
[13:24] <Makoto> "Well, I'm sure a cat stew is a better end than a violin. Plus he can become one with his advisee that way, and feed you well, Herb," Makoto says jokingly.
[13:25] <Sailor_Anastasia> "MMM MMM Mmmmmm!" Nian's retort is still smothered by the hand of Herb.
[13:25] * Usagi-chan smirks. "I might like to try that myself, Mako-chan - got any good recipes?"
[13:27] <Makoto> "I think there might have been one in that recipe book you gave me," Makoto says, although she hasn't honestly looked yet.
[13:28] * Usagi-chan fixes her stare on Luna. "Well I know of ONE cat that should be plenty plump and juicy...." she grins.
[13:29] <Sailor_Anastasia> Luna scowls. "Hush, Usagi. You're just jealous because I'm getting in the way of Sailor Marshmellow," she retorts.
[13:29] * Rei-chan laughs. "Your motives are purely selfless, eh, Luna?"
[13:30] <Usagi-chan> "I'm sure not the one having double helpings of salmon twice a day." Usagi sniffs. "Ever since Mom found out about you you've just been packing on the pounds."
[13:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Exactly," Luna colors a tragic tone. "To prevent Sailor Marshmellow and save the Earth from being eaten, Luna must stop Usagi at the source, the dinner table," she giggles.
[13:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> "And I am NOT packing on the pounds, Usagi," she fires back. "I'm still in perfectly good shape."
[13:30] <Usagi-chan> "Yeah. Round!" Usagi giggles.
[13:31] * Rei-chan picks up Luna, feeling around her belly. "Getting a little bit soft round the middle, I have to say, Luna. Maybe you should start exercising a bit more?"
[13:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I am NOT!" Luna declares this again. "I'm fit as a fiddle!"
[13:32] <Rei-chan> "You used to run around town with us for all our battles, but these days you just stay at home... you're becoming sedentary," Rei says seriously.
[13:33] <Usagi-chan> "Not quite so funny when the shoe's on the other foot, is it Luna?" Usagi sticks her tongue out at the black Mau.

[13:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Aaaahhhh!" A shout comes from outside. "MINOTARON!" "Mommy!"
[13:33] * Usagi-chan spins around quickly, scrambling to her feet. "Energy drain!"
[13:34] <Rei-chan> "Mars Power, Make UP!" Rei yells, her transformation pen appearing in her hands as she rises to her feet.
[13:34] * Makoto quickly rises as well, raising her transformation pen. "Jupiter Power, Make UP!"
[13:34] * Usagi-chan grabs her locket, shouting out the words of her own transformation phrase. "Moon Prism Power, Make UP!"
[13:34] <Sailor_Mars> Instantly springing into action, Sailor Mars opens the door and dashes outside to confront whatever evil has befallen the Shrine. Again.
[13:35] * Princess_Herb calls out "Dragon Prism Power Makeup!" and transforms into the silken-thighed fighter for love and justice, Sailor Dragon!
[13:35] * Sailor_Moon runs after Mars, exiting the shine less than a second after her friend.
[13:35] * Sailor_Dragon flies out of the shrine, in hot pursuit of the other senshi
[13:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> Rushing out to the courtyard, there is a mess of students lying in the middle of the courtyard. By the identical uniforms, it looks like a 5th grade class out on a field trip.
[13:36] * Sailor_Mars looks for the creature responsible for this attack.
[13:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> In the center of the fallen is a huge creature, at least thirty feet tall. It's a bull/man hybrid, with long, wicked horns.
[13:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> Its snort rattles the ground, as does its pounding its hoof into the ground.
[13:36] <Sailor_Mars> "The Shrine is a sacred place of peace and contemplation! I, the sailor suited soldier of fire and passion, Sailor Mars, cannot forgive this! In the name of Mars, I'll chastise you!" Mars poses, a little bit rattled by just how big the creature is.
[13:37] * Sailor_Moon feels her heart sink as she sees the fallen children. 'Not kids...' She turns to the beast, an angry scowl on her face. "That does it! No one drains poor innocent kids while I'm on the job! I'm Sailor Moon, the champion of Love and Justice! On behalf of the Moon, I'll punish you!"
[13:42] * Sailor_Dragon sighs as all the best speeches have already been made. "Minotaurs are supposed to live in mazes, not places like this. I'll make you wish you never left your hole!"
[13:42] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[13:42] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 6."
[13:43] <Sailor_Mars> roll 1d6+10
[13:43] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 1d6+10 and gets 12."
[13:43] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 1d6+11
[13:43] <Sailor_Moon> roll 1d6+10
[13:43] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 1d6+11 and gets 15."
[13:43] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 1d6+10 and gets 14."
[13:43] <Sailor_Jupiter> roll 1d6+13
[13:43] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 1d6+13 and gets 18."
[13:45] <Sailor_Jupiter> "Eat this! Supreme Thunder Dragon!" Jupiter shouts as a dragon of electricity flies from her towards the monster.
[13:45] <Sailor_Jupiter> roll 2d6
[13:45] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[13:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[13:46] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[13:46] <Sailor_Dragon> "Nice dragon-based attack," thinks Herb.
[13:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> The Thunder Dragon surges forward, crackling with blue electricity! Minotaron cannot react quickly enough, the Dragon wreaking havoc on the gigantic, hulking abomination!
[13:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> Despite that, the beast reacts quickly, charging out right at Sailor Moon!
[13:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[13:50] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[13:57] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[13:57] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 3."
[13:51] <Sailor_Dragon> "Flying sword of the Dragon!" Herb calls out, sending knife-like ki springing from her hands towards the bulky neck of the minotaur
[13:51] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 2d6
[13:51] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[13:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[13:51] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[13:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> The monster charges forward, right at Sailor Moon! Diving out the way, limbs akimbo, Sailor Moon narrowly avoids the viscious horn thrust!
[13:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> As it does so, Sailor Dragon's attack rips into its side, causing damage!
[14:00] * Sailor_Moon scrambles away quickly, regaining her feet from her rather ungraceful escape. "All right, buddy, that does it!" With a wave of her hand, Sailor Moon produces the Lunar Rod from subspace before leveling it at the gigantic creature. "Moon Princess Hallation!"
[14:00] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[14:00] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[14:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[14:00] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 5."
[14:01] <Sailor_Anastasia> The Hallation slams into the creature, who is still recovering its balance from the charge! It staggers but stays up, only swayed by Sailor Moon's massively powerful attack! Like a skyscraper, its top still is far above you...
[14:03] <Sailor_Mars> Taking a step back from the swaying behemoth, Sailor Mars holds up her crossed forearms, and with a cry of "Mars Snake Fire!" releases a burning viper's head aimed right up at the creature's face!
[14:04] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6
[14:04] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[14:05] <Sailor_Anastasia> Sending the viper straight up, it sears its head, causing it to roar yet again!
[14:05] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[14:05] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[14:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> As the battle goes, Sailor Moon sees fine silver tendrils coming behind her, out of the corner of her eye! (+2 DCV mod due to being caught offguard.)
[14:06] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6+2
[14:06] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6+2 and gets 9."
[14:09] <Sailor_Anastasia> Metallic tendrils wrap around Usagi, draining away her vital energy and binding around her body, making it difficult to move! (30 EP drained)
[14:10] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[14:10] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 3."
[14:10] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[14:10] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 4."
[14:10] <Sailor_Mars> roll 1d6+10
[14:10] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 1d6+10 and gets 16."
[14:10] <Sailor_Jupiter> roll 1d6+13
[14:10] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 1d6+13 and gets 16."
[14:10] <Sailor_Moon> roll 1d6+9
[14:10] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 1d6+9 and gets 15."
[14:12] * Sailor_Moon lets out a sharp cry of pain as she feels the energy being sucked out of her, struggling against the threads wound around her body.
[14:12] * Sailor_Mars turns in surprise, looking to see what has caused Sailor Moon's predicament.
[14:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> Turning, you see the floating image of an armor clad elf, the one you saw before with green skin. The transparent image has silvery cords coming from it, wrapped around Usagi!
[14:13] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 1d6+9
[14:13] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 1d6+9 and gets 15."
[14:16] <Sailor_Mars> "Jupiter, follow my lead!" Mars calls out to the brunette, readying an ofuda to stop the creature from draining Moon's energy and hopefully force it to become corporeal. "Akuryo Taisan!" she yells, throwing the suddenly rigid scroll right at the elf.
[14:16] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6
[14:16] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[14:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> The scroll is thrown, and the elf makes no move to stop it! It latches onto the air where his face is, causing the image to flicker and vanish, along with the cords!
[14:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> Usagi falls to the ground, having had a bit more energy drained before the binds were severed. (5 EP)
[14:20] * Sailor_Jupiter seeing that the elf has vanished, turns back to the minotaur, shouting, "Guess you're left to take the fall, you slab of meat! Supreme Thunder Dragon!"
[14:20] <Sailor_Jupiter> roll 2d6
[14:20] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[14:21] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[14:21] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[14:21] <Sailor_Anastasia> A second Thunder Dragon rocks it, but amazingly the behemoth stays afoot! Its body is so massive that your attacks seem to be having problems really damaging him.
[14:24] * Sailor_Dragon hovers above the creature, amazed that it's taken so much damage, yet is still upright. Checking that there are no children about who might be harmed by the attack, she cries out "Soaring Dragon Spirit!" and unleashes a scorching wave of red-hot ki!
[14:24] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 2d6
[14:24] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[14:25] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[14:25] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[14:25] <Sailor_Anastasia> This attack cuts into the monster as well, cutting open a wound in its huge side! Still, it stands, against all logic! Is it unkillable?
[14:25] <Sailor_Jupiter> "What is this thing made of?" Jupiter shouts, frustrated.
[14:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> It bows its head again, charging at Sailor Jupiter!
[14:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[14:26] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 11."
[14:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> But the attack is hampered by its size, allowing Jupiter to roll out of the path of destruction!
[14:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[14:26] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 12."
[14:27] <Sailor_Anastasia> As Jupiter rolls, more strands come from the side at her, but they are errant! Another elf image is there, a female who wears red instead of green armor.
[14:28] * Sailor_Dragon is distracted. "Goddess, she's cute!"
[14:28] <Sailor_Moon> "Moon Princess Hallation!" The other senshi turn in surprise to see Sailor Moon, up on one knee as she hurls her most powerful attack at the minotaur once again!
[14:28] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[14:28] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[14:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[14:28] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 3."
[14:29] * Sailor_Mars glares at Herb, "She's also trying to drain the energy of innocents, you idiot! Think with your other head!"
[14:29] <Sailor_Anastasia> The monster wobbles under the impact of the Hallation, but stays up like a slab of granite resisting the slow wearing of the tides.
[14:29] <Sailor_Dragon> "Which other head?" says Herb-chan, confusedly.
[14:30] <Sailor_Jupiter> "She's really a guy, can you expect anything else from him?" Jupiter says while keeping her eye on the monster and the elf girl as best she can.
[14:30] <Sailor_Mars> "Never mind..." Mars groans, deciding it's not worth trying to explain.
[14:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[14:30] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 3."
[14:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[14:30] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 3."
[14:30] <Sailor_Jupiter> roll 1d6+13
[14:30] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 1d6+13 and gets 18."
[14:30] <Sailor_Mars> roll 1d6+10
[14:30] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 1d6+10 and gets 13."
[14:30] <Sailor_Moon> roll 1d6+10
[14:30] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 1d6+10 and gets 16."
[14:30] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 1d6+11
[14:30] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 1d6+11 and gets 16."
[14:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Blah," the elf girl pouts at Jupiter's dodge. "C'mon, girls! Let's get your energy!"
[14:33] <Sailor_Mars> "We'll give you energy alright," Mars mutters angrily.
[14:33] <Sailor_Jupiter> "Nah, I have a better idea, let's kick your ass!" Jupiter says, figuring she'll try to go for the boss of the monster, seeing how it keeps soaking up their attacks. "Supreme Thunder Dragon!"
[14:33] <Sailor_Jupiter> roll 2d6
[14:33] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 2d6 and gets 11."
[14:34] <Sailor_Anastasia> The bolt is amiss, going too high to strike the ghostly image.
[14:35] * Sailor_Dragon continues the Soaring Dragon Spirit attack on the minotaur
[14:35] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 2d6
[14:35] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[14:35] * Sailor_Moon grits her teeth with the effort, the stream of energy from her attack not letting up as she trains it on the monster.
[14:35] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[14:35] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 5."
[14:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[14:35] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[14:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[14:35] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 5."
[14:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> The beam of Hallation smacks the creature continusly, while another Dragon Spirit zings the Minotaron!
[14:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> Minotaron rocks like a drunken sailor, but stays up!
[14:38] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Ha, Minotaron is too much for you girls to handle," she crows, opening her hand for a blast! A barely visible ball of energy flies out towards Sailor Dragon!
[14:38] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[14:38] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[14:40] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 2d6
[14:40] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 2d6 and gets 11."
[14:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> The sphere hits Sailor Dragon right in the gut, a blast of concussive force sending her back into the green bushes on the other side of the Shrine. Dragon's head echoes and rumbles with the aftereffects of such a blast! (60 damage)
[14:42] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Oh yeah, here we go now," The elf calls out, enjoying herself. "That's how the Sailors go down like dominoes!"
[14:42] <Sailor_Dragon> "Call that an attack?" Herb calls back.
[14:42] <Sailor_Mars> "Still think she's cute?" Mars asks sarcastically.
[14:43] <Sailor_Dragon> "Cuter than you, Pyro!"
[14:43] * Sailor_Mars leaps high into the air towards Minotaron's head, even as she telekinetically grabs a broom from by the Temple door, calling it into her hands as she makes her jump.
[14:43] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6-4
[14:43] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6-4 and gets 7."
[14:44] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6-4
[14:44] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6-4 and gets 4."
[14:44] <Sailor_Mars> Catching the broom as she reaches the apex of her jump, Mars points it down as she descends, aiming to stab it into one of Minotaron's eyes!
[14:45] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6+2
[14:45] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6+2 and gets 9."
[14:45] <Sailor_Mars> As it stabs, she channels flames right through the wooden object, hoping to burn the thing's brain!
[14:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> The broom sinks into its eyeball, flaming and burning! A scream of pain is shouted as the creature thrashes about in agony! It swings at Sailor Mars with one huge hand as it moves in pain, trying to blindly strike the Senshi!
[14:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6+2
[14:47] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6+2 and gets 9."
[14:48] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6
[14:48] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6 and gets 3."
[14:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> The shot is far off, however! It staggers and stumbles as it clutches at its eye, and finally, with a slip, falls straight down! As it does so, it crumbles into dust and a card, which turns black and vanishes thereafter.
[14:50] * Sailor_Dragon turns to see what the cute green girl does now.
[14:50] * Sailor_Mars performs a graceful flip as she kicks off the disintegrating creature's nose to land on the ground. "Who was too much for who?" she asks the elf girl sweetly.
[14:50] <Sailor_Jupiter> "Good job, Mars!" Jupiter says as she also stares at the elf girl, curious to see what she'll do.
[14:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> She frowns... but a moment later, the male elf appears besides her in spiritual form again. "Not bad, girls, but that's enough. We got plenty of energy!" he taunts, vanishing with the other elf a moment later.
[14:52] <Sailor_Mars> "Cuter than me, my ass..." Mars mutters in irritation as she tries to sense any lingering trace of the elves.
[14:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> There is only the faintest traces of them, and it's fading. They seem to be gone from the area.
[14:53] <Sailor_Mars> "They're gone," Mars says before dashing behind the temple to detransform.
[14:53] <Sailor_Dragon> "Sorry. I guess I need to do a hundred lines of 'I must not mentally undress my enemy during battle' or something."
[14:53] <Sailor_Dragon> "She was cute, though..." Herb says, a little dreamily.
[14:54] * Rei-chan then dashes into her home to call the emergency services.
[14:54] * Sailor_Dragon drops her own transformation, screened by the shrubbery
[15:01] * Sailor_Jupiter yawns, a bit tired from the exertion, but checks on the kids to see how they're doing before anything else.
-------
[11:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> The day after the events at Rei's shrine, school life goes on for Makoto...
[11:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> Due to a dream involving Kazan, a decent proposal and an indecent proposal, Makoto is running late for school. Literally.
[11:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> As she sprints towards Juuban, she brushes past a student in the Juuban outfit, sending him to his knees as she passes.
[11:09] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Gwah," he grunts as he slips, his accented voice familiar.
[11:10] * Makoto screeches to a halt, shouting, "Eeep!" and looking back to see who she hit.
[11:12] <Sailor_Anastasia> You see Alan on his knees, slowly getting up. "Hey, watch it," he says, a touch annoyed before seeing who it is. "Oh, hi Makoto." he nods.
[11:13] <Makoto> "Oh, Alan, sorry about that, it's just that I'm late for clas... hey! wait a minute, if I'm late, so are you!" Makoto says while moving to help the guy up. "C'mon!"
[11:14] <Sailor_Anastasia> He glances at his watch, shrugging. "Late?"
[11:17] <Makoto> "Yes, late!" Makoto says with a groan. "Now come on!"
[11:18] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Alright," he agrees, unconcerned with being late. Odd, that. He sets a decent walking pace, showing no signs of hurry.
[11:20] * Makoto gives up with a sigh of frustration. "Look, you wanna be late, fine. But as your friend, I'm telling you that's bad."
[11:20] <Makoto> With that, Makoto continues running to school.
[11:23] <Sailor_Anastasia> Still unconcerned, Alan notheless follows Makoto at her pace, the both of you making it to your classes just in the nick of time. Whew, no detention or hallway stands today.
[11:24] <Sailor_Anastasia> Later...
[11:24] <Sailor_Anastasia> Glancing out the window just before lunch, you can see that a strong spring shower has moved into the area. No going outside today, it seems.
[11:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> Your class agrees, most of the students break off into groups come lunch, leaving you predictably alone to eat...
[11:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> You eat quietly beginning to enjoy your food...when...
[11:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> Soft notes of flute music drift down the hallway, echoing and reverbrating through the area.
[11:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> The class murmurs and looks around as the music plays, the girls smiling at the memories of Alan playing his flute most days.
-------
May be more here... placeholder for now, in case I find it. Doesn't look hopeful, though.
-------
[14:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[14:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> The day after the Minotaron attack, the news takes note of the battle. The morning anchors describe a 'tower-like creature' wreaking havoc at the Hikawa Shrine, only to be thwarted by the mysterious Sailor Senshi. This isn't a huge event in Juuban these days, but the sheer immensity of the creature attracts notice.
[14:40] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Hey, Rei!" Eudial greets you the moment you arrive at the Witches 6 room, standing instead of buried in a pile of mechanical parts like usual. "You live at that Shrine that was attacked yesterday, don't you," she asks. "What was that all about?"
[14:42] * Rei-chan waves in greeting. "Yeah, it was some huge energy draining monster attacking the visitors. I was out shopping at the time, but I came back to find the place trashed and Grandpa telling me about how the Sailor Senshi beat it up," she lies blatantly. "Probably has something to do with that stupid monster you fried the other day."
[14:45] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Huh," she says. "That alien jerk!" Eudial snorts. "So you're okay, Rei? You weren't drained?" Her voice is concerned, although her face doesn't give it away, still pleasant enough. Now that you think about it, she's looked happier lately, and less arrogant.
[14:46] <Rei-chan> "Nah," Rei waves it off, smiling, "Like I said, I missed all the fun. Looked to be a bunch of schoolkids on a field trip that got the worst of it - I was there when the ambulances came." She frowns a bit, "If I run into those stupid green morons again, there's going to be trouble."
[14:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> "If we run into him, we're gonna have roast alien," she mutters, annoyed. "That's really low, going after you when you're at home. He could at least have the guts to do it when you're on the job." Her voice is disdainful, but she lays a hand on your shoulder.
[14:53] <Rei-chan> "I don't know if they actually knew I lived there - it looked more like a random attack like the one at that high school," Rei puts her hand over Eudial's, grateful for the support. "But if I ever find out where he lives, I'll return the favour with interest. It's not even funny the number of times monsters have attacked the Temple..." she trails off, sighing.
[14:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yeah," she agrees. "Oh, and the Professor wanted to talk to you about yesterday. I think these elf freaks have his attention now." She smiles. "They'll regret messing with the Witches."
[14:55] <Rei-chan> "Oh, they sure will," Rei grins, "Is he in the lab?"
[14:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Maybe you'll get to return that interest sooner than you thought," she matches your grin. "Yeah, he should be."
[14:56] <Rei-chan> "I shouldn't bother to ask," Rei chuckles, "He practically lives down there," she says, starting to head off down the familiar dark corridors to Tomoe's lab.
[14:59] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I think I'm starting to live in the Witches room lately," Eudial agrees amicably, as she opens a keycarded door and leads you onward. Oh well, it's a pain to get the keycard out, anyway. "It's a shame that most of the current tenants need to be evicted..."
[15:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> Meanwhile - After Rei and Eudial leave the Witches room, Mimette comes out from under a pile of junk. After grumbling a bit about oil on her shirt, she laughs. "Rei and Eudial are getting close, are they? Heh..."
[15:01] <Rei-chan> "I dunno," Rei shrugs, "I hardly ever see most of them. Not something I'm inclined to complain about, really..." she muses as she walks along with Eudial.
[15:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> WIth a fair amount of venom, Eudial replies. "Kaolinite is probably trying to get under the Professor's desk while Mimette is laying any guy who says he's an agent," she spits as you go down a flight of stairs. "Not to mention those freaky twins and whatever the hell Tellu spends time doing in the greenhouse all day."
[15:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I just want to..." she goes on, making a strangling motion with her hands in front of her. "Stuck up..."
[15:03] * Rei-chan snickers slightly. "Explains why Kaolinite is so cranky all the time. The Professor only cares about his work."
[15:04] <Sailor_Anastasia> Once the other Witches are brought into the fray, you notice Eudial's good mood vanishes like sunshine in March. "She can't get her fix of c..." Eudial pauses, opening the door to the Professor's lab. In a calmer voice, she calls out. "You wanted to see us, Professor?"
[15:05] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yes, Eudial. Rei," he turns around, the normal jester's mask of shadows present, "If the news is correct, a monster attacked your residence?"
[15:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> He seems to find the concept funny, a bit of a chuckle coming out at the end.
[15:06] <Rei-chan> "Yeah," Rei nods, "Hardly the first time, either... I've actually lost count of how often it happens... you'd think monsters would want to stay away from a Shrine?" she grumbles.
[15:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> "How much of the festivities did you see occur," he asks, not replying to your comment. "Was it another monster like the one you saw last week?"
[15:09] <Rei-chan> "This one was a heck of a lot bigger," Rei begins, "I could see it from half way across Juuban. But it basically did the same thing - draining energy for those green elf things."
[15:11] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I see," he chortles. "The Mistress believes that these elves may become an annoynace if they continue to interfere in our activities. If one of the Talisman bearers were to die..." The dim mask shifts to a frown. "...Things would not be good for us. At all. So..." It flips back up to a mad grin. "Eudial and Rei, you are reassigned to tracking down and eliminating the source of these attacks, by word of our Mistress."
[15:14] <Rei-chan> "Yes, Professor," Rei nods obediently, privately thinking that there's no way in hell the Talismans will get found if the two best Witches are no longer on the case.
[15:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yes, Professor," Eudial mimics you a moment later. "But it seems that the Sailor Senshi were the ones who defeated the most recent monster. What should we do if we encounter them?" she asks.
[15:15] * Rei-chan frowns slightly as that angle comes up.
[15:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> "If they don't get in your way, ignore them," he replies immediately. "If they do, use as little force as possible. This is a assignment to lessen our worries, not to expand them. The Mistress believes these Sailors could be powerful opponents if alerted to our presence." The shadow vanishes from his face, showing that his expression is serious.
[15:18] <Sailor_Anastasia> "But if needed," he smiles, and not the ghost smile that normally adorns his face. This is far colder and nastier, with real malice. "Examine their Heart Crystals and make sure they are not a threat again."
[15:18] * Rei-chan pales. "I've fought the Sailor Senshi before, Professor, and I would not want to do so again," Rei says seriously, "But if they are opponents of this other threat, why can't we work together with them?"
[15:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> "The thought did cross my mind," he says, the mask returning. "But, ideally you will not encounter them at all. What they don't know about, they cannot oppose," he laughs.
[15:20] * Rei-chan nods hesitantly. "Yes... it would be best if they didn't know about... us."
[15:21] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Having to kill them is a last resort," he nods, going on once he laughs. "Use stealth and intelligence instead. Save the brutality for the interlopers."
[15:22] <Rei-chan> "Yes," Rei still looks rather pale, "We'll take care of those energy draining elves and their pet monsters," she tries to show some bravado, "They won't be an issue for long, Professor."
[15:24] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Not with the two best Witches on it," Eudial nods, speaking up for the first time in a while. "Can we go now?" she asks. The Professor nods, going back to his work. Once outside... "Rei, are you alright?" she asks. "You're white as flour." That concerned voice is back, instead of the calm and obedient tone she used with the Professor, or the hate-filled sniping at her fellow Witches.
[15:24] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Once the Sailors came up, it looked like you nearly lost it all."
[15:25] * Rei-chan nods shakily. "Like I told you before, I fought the Sailor Senshi when I worked for Metallia. It's... it's not something I'd ever want to do again."
[15:27] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Are they that powerful, that fearsome?" she asks, taking your hand again. "You're shaking, Rei!"
[15:30] * Rei-chan sighs, leaning against the wall. "Yes, they are very powerful, but that's not it." She fixes Eudial with an intense look, "They're good people, Eudial! They fight to protect everyone, and when I attacked them, they tried to help me!" She makes a noise between a laugh and a sob. "After all I had done, while I was screaming about killing them in the most awful way, they actually tried to help me and remove Metallia's control."
[15:31] <Rei-chan> "I don't want to ever fight against them, Eudial-sempai," Rei says seriously, "I'd die first."
[15:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial takes that in, her face troubled. She doesn't reply quickly, her eyes unfocused. Finally, they come back into focus, and the girl shakes her head before speaking. "We won't fight them then, Rei," A smile lights up her face. "We'll take care of the elves without it being a problem."
[15:34] <Rei-chan> "Yeah," Rei nods slowly, "I mean, they want to get rid of them too, so there's no reason for us to fight. So why did the Professor even suggest it?" she's calmed down a little, but is still troubled.
[15:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> To your surprise, she shakes her head again. "Ummm..." She looks back at you. "I'm sorry, what was that, Rei? I must've spaced out somehow for a moment." Her smile has settled into a more neutral expression, her face normal again.
[15:38] * Rei-chan looks at Eudial somewhat hesitantly. "I was just saying how we'd have no reason to fight the Sailor Senshi since they're fighting the elves as well..."
[15:38] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Makes sense," she agrees. "The Professor told us to use stealth, so that's what we'll do."
[15:41] <Rei-chan> "Yeah," Rei nods, composing herself, "I suppose the first thing we should do is try and figure out a pattern to their attacks - we don't really have much else to go on at this stage. I can try Fire Readings as well to maybe gather information..."
[15:42] <Sailor_Anastasia> "We may just need to be lucky or smart enough to be at an attack scene and get them there," she nods. "The Fire Readings and some research could help with that."
[15:45] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, the problem is that they just seem to be sending their monsters to gather energy while they lurk in the shadows. We need some way to track them to their base of operations, wherever that is," Rei says, getting back in her stride as they discuss the immediate problems.
[15:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial matches pace as you stride through the hallways, back to the Witches room. "Indeed. If we could capture one of the monsters for study, it might be traceable back to them," she suggests as Rei opens the door to the Witches 6. To your vague relief, someone finally changed it to a real painted 6 instead of a paper over the old 5.
[15:48] <Rei-chan> "That's an idea," Rei nods. "The creatures are definitely supernatural, so I have a few abilities that will help us in that department."
[15:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Good, good," Eudial says, the gears in her mind turning already. As you enter, you notice Mimette is sitting at her desk. She puts down her book when you enter, smiling a vicious smile. "Heard you two got demoted," she jeers. "Back to the minor leagues?"
[15:50] <Rei-chan> "Feh," Rei snorts, "I think battling monsters is more challenging than beating mall security to yank the heart crystal out of some semi-famous idol."
[15:51] <Rei-chan> 'But how did she find out so fast?' the miko wonders.
[15:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial hisses, quite literally. "Ha. We got a new, special assignment," she fires back. "And besides, Rei," she says, going with your line, "you have it wrong. It's not the Heart Crystal that she yanks when it comes to idols," she smiles icily.
[15:52] * Rei-chan bursts into loud laughter at that one.
[15:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> In response to Mimette, you can almost feel the cold, palpable disdain that Eudial puts on to counter her.
[15:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> "WHAT WHAT WHAT?!" Mimette shouts at the top of her lungs, turning crimson. "I'd NEVER do that!" Her denial is loud enough to echo in the room. "Besides, I'm not a part of the pair of resident Witch perverts." Mimette lowers her voice to a loud, insulting whisper, like she's gossiping. "I'm not one of the two Witches that are holding hands and the Mistress knows what else," she smirks.
[15:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> Despite her counter volley, her face still spills over with red embarrassment.
[15:55] <Rei-chan> "Witch perverts," Rei snorts, "You sound just like those bitches at T*A. Except... stupider, I guess..."
[15:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial's eyes narrow to tiny slits, hot anger melting away her icy facade. "That's IT, Mimette," she hisses again, her fists clenched. "You and me," she shouts, running up to and diving over Mimette's desk to body tackle her with a shout of rage long bottled up... but no longer.
[15:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> To the floor clatter pens, books and other objects, knocked over as the two tumble to the floor in a mess of hair-pulling and other such shots.
[15:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> Various colorful insults are shouted as the two roll on the floor in an all out catfight!
[15:58] * Rei-chan considers pulling them apart... "Eh, she has it coming," she shrugs. "Come on, Eudial! Kick her ass!"
[15:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[15:58] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[15:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[15:58] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[15:59] <Sailor_Anastasia> The two continue to roll behind Mimette's desk, causing a horrible ruckus. "What the hell is going on here," Tellu says, having sprinted in when she heard the noise from the hallway and coming up beside Rei.
[16:00] <Rei-chan> "Mimette got a little too mouthy," Rei remarks to Tellu, watching the fight. "She's had it coming for a while..."
[16:01] <Sailor_Anastasia> Her confusion melts away into a nasty smile. "Heh," she says and no more, settling back to watch the two beat the tar out of each other. 'Either way, it's prime entertainment,' she thinks as they tumble under Mimette's desk, out of sight.
[16:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> There are a few more loud grunts, clatters and pounding sounds...and then a few more hitting sounds...and then several seconds of silence...
[16:03] <Rei-chan> "Uh..." Rei looks over to see what's happened.
[16:05] <Sailor_Anastasia> As you do so, you have to lean back as Eudial is stumbling up, dazed. A cut is across her right cheek, as well as what's going to be a shiner on her left eye. Her top looks to have been somehow ripped off in the exchange, proving that her Witch top came with a built in bra - because you see no evidence of a separate one at the moment. Unaware of her state, she staggers, trying to regain her balance.
[16:06] * Rei-chan offers Eudial a hand up, "You alright, Eudial-sempai?" she offers uncertainly, glancing down to see what state Mimette is in.
[16:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Oooohhh...." she murmurs, her face out of it. She doesn't even seem to be aware that she's naked from the waist up save for her earrings. Mimette, on the other hand, has a broken nose that is gushing blood, as well as what's probably going to be a broken jaw. It looks like she got her face slammed into the hard floor at some point. Laying over her midsection is Eudial's torn top - it looks like her nails got caught on it.
[16:10] * Rei-chan leads Eudial over towards her desk, grabbing the lab coat from over her chair and wrapping it around the older girl. "You probably shouldn't have let her get to you like that..." she comments uselessly.
[16:11] <Sailor_Anastasia> "She had it coming," she says distantly. "Bitch had it coming..." she hugs the lab coat, stumbling over to her desk and chair, sitting down hard. "Whew..."
[16:12] <Sailor_Anastasia> Tellu, who just now got a look at Mimette, laughs to herself and smiles. "Heheheheheheh..."
[16:42] <Sailor_Anastasia> * Rei-chan leads Eudial over towards her desk, grabbing the lab coat from over her chair and wrapping it around the older girl. "You probably shouldn't have let her get to you like that..." she comments uselessly.
[16:42] <Sailor_Anastasia> > "She had it coming," she says distantly. "Bitch had it coming..." she hugs the lab coat, stumbling over to her desk and chair, sitting down hair. "Whew..."
[16:42] <Sailor_Anastasia> > Tellu, who just now got a look at Mimette, laughs to herself and smiles. "Heheheheheheh..."
[16:42] <Rei-chan> "I won't deny that," Rei replies, going to get the first aid kit from her own desk before cleaning up Eudial's cut and applying a band-aid. "Should probably get some ice for your eye..." she muses, showing no concern for Mimette's state.
[16:44] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yeah..." she says, still mostly stunned. Tellu, while still amused, picks up Mimette's phone from the floor and makes a call. "Clinic? Yes, please send someone down here... check that. A stretcher, and someone to clean up the bloody mess she made," she says into the phone.
[16:44] <Rei-chan> "Ask for some ice," Rei calls over.
[16:45] <Sailor_Anastasia> "And some ice... yeah, an ice pack sounds fine," she says, then hangs up. "No need for one of us to haul her to the clinic," she notes, taking another glance to where the downed blonde lies.
[16:46] * Rei-chan nods. "I'm not about to put my back out picking up her fat ass."
[16:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> Tellu nods, agreeing. "This will be an amusing story for my plants," she says idly, getting up and walking out. "Even the plants don't like Mimette," she laughs, still relishing her beating.
[16:48] <Sailor_Anastasia> 'Or Eudial or that stuck up Rei,' Tellu finishes mentally, but she has the good grace not to say it out loud after what just happened.
[16:48] * Rei-chan shakes her head, turning back to Eudial. "Do you want to go lie down somewhere after we get you some ice?"
[16:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I'm fine," she says, shaking her head a few times. "I think... I think I bumped my head." she comments. "When we rolled."
[16:50] <Rei-chan> "Let me check," Rei gently feels around Eudial's skull for any contusions.
[16:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> The back of her head has a nasty knot forming... no blood, but it's going to be a spectacular bruise.
[16:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial winces when you move the hair around it, sucking in her breath suddenly.
[16:53] <Rei-chan> "Oh," Rei moves her hands away, "That's going to be a really nasty bruise. You might even have a concussion... I think after we get some ice I should take you home."
[16:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Naw... I shouldn't go home yet," she says, perking up a bit. "We still have to research those elves," she blinks and tries to focus, succeeding somewhat.
[16:55] <Rei-chan> "No," Rei shakes her head firmly, "The elves will still be there tomorrow. I think today it's best if you just rest up. I really don't like the look of that bruise on your head."
[16:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Bah," she mutters, but she gives up arguing and instead leans back in her chair and closes her eyes.
[16:57] * Rei-chan waits for someone to show up to take Mimette away and give her some ice, occasionally sneaking worried glances at Eudial.
[16:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> It takes about twenty minutes for two nurse aides to show with the stretcher and ice, which Eudial takes gratefully. She appears to be slowly recovering her wits during this time, shaking off the fog that blanketed her thanks to the bump.  Mimette is taken quite unceremoniously out on the stretcher to parts unknown...
[16:59] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I hope her jaw isn't broken," one of the aides says to the other as they exit, "They'll have to wire it shut and she'll be mute for a month or two."
[17:00] <Rei-chan> "That'd be a crying shame," Rei notes sarcastically as they leave. "Alright, come on, sempai. I'll take you home, now."
[17:01] <Sailor_Anastasia> She gets up without argument, less shaky this time. "Laying down sounds good," she agrees... but as you walk out, you almost run right into the Professor. His grin is huge, to the point of seeming to be ready to break. "Oh, I caught you before you left. Good."
[17:01] <Rei-chan> "Professor?" Rei looks at him expectantly, wondering how he knew they were leaving. "What is it?"
[17:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I heard you and Mimette," he nods to Eudial, "had quite the fracas. Now, girls..." his voice shifts, to the strangely familiar tone of a parent repremanding a wayward child. "I don't really care what you do, but keep the violence within reasonable levels when in Mugen, hm? The Mistress was not amused to see Mimette being carried to the clinic."
[17:05] * Rei-chan sighs. "We're sorry, Professor. I'm sure it won't happen again," 'Now that that bitch has learnt her lesson.'
[17:18] <Sailor_Anastasia> He nods, seemingly satisfied. "I also happened to see Mimette. I must say... you have a mean right cross, Eudial," he laughs, going back off.
[17:18] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial manages a smile at that, but remains silent, letting Rei do the speaking.
[17:19] <Rei-chan> "I'm sure Mimette won't cause any more problems after today," Rei smiles, leading Eudial down to the garage.
[17:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> Once in the car, Eudial sits in the passenger seat while you drive under her direction...
[17:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Go right there," she says as you navigate the passages. Getting in the car seems to have reinvigorated her further, and she appears to be mostly normal now.
[17:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> "And keep going that way..." she nods. "At least I finally shut her up," she says between directions. "Hopefully for several weeks."
[17:22] * Rei-chan drives defensively today, not wanting Eudial to get jostled around too much as she wonders just what Eudial's home will be like. "Yeah, it'll be nice to have some peace and quiet without her snippy comments every day," she nods.
[17:23] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yeah...I dunno, though," she frowns. "I did really lose my temper. Rei... you aren't attracted to me, are you," she asks out of the blue. "Because you said you had a thing with a girl and all and... you aren't just trying to pick me up?"
[17:27] <Rei-chan> "What?!" Rei only barely manages to keep her attention on the road. "No! That was a one time thing," she sobers a bit, "I haven't really looked at anyone, male or female, like that since that broke up. I'm your friend, Eudial, but I've got no interest in making it something... intimate, like that. Why would you even think it?"
[17:27] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial breaths a sigh of relief, leaning back into her seat. "When Mimette said that, it struck a nerve." She doesn't elaborate immediately.
[17:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> "You're...you're my friend, Rei," she finally gets out, like it's hard for her. "Look at the rest of the Witches and how they act. I'd forgotten what it's like to enjoy being with someone."
[17:31] * Rei-chan shakes her head. "It doesn't really bother me. You should hear all the rumours at T*A about 'Rei the lesbian pyromaniac perverted witch'," she snorts, "It was nothing I haven't heard before." She gives Eudial a small smile. "I'm glad to have you as my friend, Eudial. I just wish the rest of the Witches didn't have such horrible attitudes."
[17:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial nods, looking ahead at the road. "It was fun to knock around Mimette, but it would be better if they weren't all bitches," she sighs. "At least working colleagues instead of rivals, you know?"
[17:34] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, we're supposed to be on the same side, but all everyone seems to care about is one-upping each other," she sighs, "At times I think I should be more worried about my fellow Witches than about monsters and elves and whoever the hell it was that interrupted our last Heart Snatch."
[17:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Heh," she laughs a bit. "Yeah. And you know what? Until recently, I was perfectly happy with it that way. Maybe I'd forgotten what it's like to be nice, too." Eudial turns to you, smiling brightly again, like she did this morning. No headshakes come this time, however. "Make sure I don't start to act like them, okay?"
[17:37] * Rei-chan grins. "I'll just give you a little knock on the head before you ever reach the stage where I'd have to do what you did to Mimette."
[17:38] <Sailor_Anastasia> Her grin matches yours. She looks so much prettier when she's not preening or arrogant or vicious. "And I'll do the same for you. Not nearly as much fun to bash your head into the floor."
[17:40] <Rei-chan> "That's the truth," Rei nods. "But I'm sure it won't ever come to that. We just have to look at the others to know we don't want to wind up going down that road."
[17:42] <Sailor_Anastasia> She nods, still looking at you. "You know, now just need to find those Talismans and get rid of the elves for things to be good," she notes.
[17:44] <Rei-chan> "Yeah. I wonder what'll happen when we find the Talismans," Rei muses out loud. "Will the Mistress have something else for us to do, or will she just go off and do whatever it is she wants to do with them and leave us to ourselves?" Rei shivers slightly as a flicker of memory from the dream where she found the Talismans passes through her head.
[17:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I don't know," she says. "Kind of funny when you think about it. You would think we'd at least be told what the big deal is..." she frowns, like thinking about it for the first time this way.
[17:48] <Rei-chan> "Yeah. I mean, it must be important, but just what exactly do they do?" Rei snorts, "I'd hate to think they were just fancy trinkets she wants because they look pretty."
[17:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> "That couldn't be it. There must be an impor... hey, turn there and go right up," she says, pointing at the right hand turn. "We're almost to my place."
[17:49] * Rei-chan nods, taking the turn. "Just tell me when we get there."
[17:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> You drive down a middle class apartment section of Tokyo. Nothing overly rich or poor is here, simply average apartments for the average person or family. "Right in front of that one," she points to a six story apartment building. Redhouse Apartments, and the paint job matches the name. "You can park on the side there," she says, noting a row of parking spaces near the building.
[17:52] * Rei-chan pulls into the parking spot, shutting off the engine. She gets out the car and goes round to help Eudial at the other door.
[17:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Thanks," she says as you hold her door open, and she's able to get out on her own power. "You'll need a ride home, won't you," she says when she gets out. "Or back to Mugen?"
[17:53] <Rei-chan> "I'll call for a cab," Rei shrugs.
[17:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> "You can drive back," she offers. "I'll catch a ride with Mom tomorrow." She winces a bit in reflex to offering her car out, but her voice is sincere.
[17:56] <Rei-chan> "Well, if you're sure. I promise I'll take good care of it," Rei says gratefully. "I'll just make sure you get inside okay and then I'll go back to Mugen - Grandpa would wonder about me coming home so early."
[17:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> "And the car might be another tipoff," she laughs. "Okay," she nods as you walk along to the front door. "We'll get started tomorrow. Those elves won't know what hit'em."
[17:58] <Rei-chan> "Oh, they'll know, alright. Can't have them wondering just who it was that kicked their asses," Rei grins.
[18:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> Walking in, you see that it starts in a hallway with apartment doors. "Well, I'll see you tomorrow," she says at the front door. "Have a good day."
[18:01] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, you just take it easy, Eudial," Rei waves to her friend. "See you tomorrow," she waves, heading back to the car.
[18:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> The rest of the day passes without incident, except that when you get back, there is a fruit basket on your desk. A note attached reads, "Glad to know someone finally shut that hack up." It's unsigned.
[18:05] * Rei-chan smiles as she kicks back in her chair and eats some grapes, deciding to put aside half of the fruit for Eudial tomrrow.
[18:15] <Ana-brb> ---

[18:18] <Ana-brb> Monday afternoon. Another day of school went by as it tends to do, down to Usagi having a lunch detention and Miss H keeping her late to chat. Well, almost the same...
[18:19] <Ana-brb> "Usagi, I'd like to talk to you about your studies," she begins once the rest of the class files out. She wears her normal reddish brown outfit, and looks to mean business. Uh oh.
[18:19] * Usagi-chan grimaces, then looks up at Miss H with the best smile she can manage. "Um... yes?"
[18:20] <Ana-brb> "At your September report card, you were failing or borderline failing many of your classes. You remember that, correct?" she says, not mincing her words in the slightest. "And how I said repeating a grade would be a crying shame?"
[18:21] * Usagi-chan winces. "Yeah, it'd be kind of hard to forget." Usagi blushes, remembering the tirade and the look of shame on her parents' faces when she'd handed them the note.
[18:22] <Ana-brb> She nods, then pulls out three papers from her desk. All three are put in front of your, your last three tests. 64, 71, 74. To your surprise, she smiles. "You've pulled up all your grades to passing, and if this trend continues, you'll pass without being in danger." She twitches, as if holding in happy, excited energy.
[18:24] * Usagi-chan breaks into a smile. "Thank you SO MUCH, Miss H!" Her eyes sparkle as she looks at the wonderful scores again.
[18:25] <Ana-brb> "You're going to PASS, USAGI!" she shouts, losing control. "NO MORE FAILING EVERY TEST BY FORTY POINTS! MORE MORE HAVING TO STAY LATE FOR LOW GRADE DETENTION!" Miss H chirps.
[18:26] * Usagi-chan breaks out a smile and grabs her teacher, dancing around the room with the older woman unashamedly. "NO MORE GETTING GROUNDED FOR FAILING TESTS! TONS MORE TIME TO SPEND AT THE ARCADE!"
[18:27] <Ana-brb> The two dance, happy for the same reason but for such difference causes. "NO MORE HAVING TO TURN DOWN DATES TO TUTOR USAGI!"
[18:28] * Usagi-chan twirls around the room. "NO MORE GETTING YELLED AT ABOUT MY GRADES!"
[18:30] <Ana-brb> The two go on... only finally interrupted by the realization that a crowd of teachers and after-school students have been attracted, watching the strange show.
[18:31] * Usagi-chan does a double take, an embarrassed flush creeping up her cheeks as she notices the crowd.
[18:31] <Ana-brb> "Is something the matter," One of the teachers pops his grey haired head in, confused.
[18:32] <Ana-brb> "Gah! USAGI'S PASSING! SHE'S NOT GOING TO FAIL!" Your teacher says. The assorted teachers doubletake, as if this is a story beyond belief. "Usagi the terrible...passing?" A female teacher manages, stunned.
[18:32] <Usagi-chan> "Usagi the terrible?" Usagi mutters to herself.
[18:33] <Ana-brb> "Heheheheheh," Miss H blushes. "That's a miracle," the gray haired teacher says, his eyes popping out of his head. "Good Lord, I must go PRAY," he dashes off as if the forces of hell were chasing him.
[18:33] <Usagi-chan> "Come on, it's not THAT big a deal, is it?" Usagi looks over at Miss H. "Is it?"
[18:34] <Ana-brb> "Well...you tell a few stories in the Teacher's Lounge, you show a few single digit scoring test papers..." Miss H tries to sugar it with her voice, but it's not quite working.
[18:35] * Usagi-chan looks devastated. "You mean the whole SCHOOL knows about my grades?" the blonde shouts.
[18:35] <Ana-brb> "Just the teachers," she says, blushing even more. "We... tend to talk about students a lot," she explains, the crowd nodding with her.
[18:36] * Usagi-chan sighs, dejected - and then perks up with a grin. "Well at least I'm passing now! I don't have to be embarrassed about it!"
[18:37] <Ana-brb> "That's right!" Miss H says, quickly salvaging the scene while she tries to shoo away the crowd. To her fortune, they get the idea, leaving quickly enough.
[18:39] * Usagi-chan grins as she scoops the test papers up from Miss H's desk. "Just WAIT until Mom and Dad see these..." She holds up the math test with a triumphant grin. "And I'm going to make Shingo EAT this one!"
[18:39] <Ana-brb> Miss H nods. "Have a good trip home, Usagi, and don't forget to study!"
[18:40] * Usagi-chan dances her way out of the classroom, giving Miss Haruna a brilliant smile as she leaves. "I will!"
[18:41] <Ana-brb> Usagi virtually floats as she leaves the school for home. As you walk out, something catches both your eye and your heart. Mamoru is arm in arm with Ann from class, going to the movie theater across the street. As you watch, you see him buy two tickets and go inside...
[18:42] * Usagi-chan feels her heart jump at seeing Mamoru with Ann, but she shakes her head a moment later. 'Hope she has better luck with him than I did...' she thinks ruefully, then continues on her way home with a smile..
[18:43] <Ana-brb> However, Usagi just misses Alan and Makoto going in the same direction as she turns the corner...
[18:44] <Ana-brb> Walking inside, you can hear your mother chatting with someone in the living room. Not really that unusual, although it usually means dinner will be a bit late.
[18:45] * Usagi-chan looks into the living room on her way to the stairs, giving her mother a sunny smile and not incidentally looking to see who she's talking with.
[18:47] <Ana-brb> In the living room sits a tanned woman, with strikingly long green hair, the color a deep green. She wears a simple housedress, almost the same as Ikkuko. If it wasn't for something nagging at the back of your mind and the fact that you've never seen her before, she could be a next door neighbor over to visit.
[18:48] * Usagi-chan stops for a moment, her smile fading slightly as she studies the woman's aura a bit more closely.
[18:49] <Ana-brb> Her aura is cold. Not emotinally, but in it's very composition. The way it penetrates your mind and bones... it's the same aura the endless void of the Time Stream had, as did the Guardian of the Time Gates, Sailor Pluto.
[18:50] * Usagi-chan connects the dots and steps into the living room, setting her test papers down on an endtable next to the sofa. "Hi...." she says slowly, concentrating as she tries to remember the name that Starfire used for Sailor Pluto.
[18:50] <Ana-brb> "Have a good day, Usagi," Your mom asks as you stare at the woman. "This is Setsuna, she said she wants to talk to you, Usagi."
[18:51] <Usagi-chan> "Setsuna, that was it." Usagi nods, giving the woman a nod. "I... asked to talk to her, a while back."
[18:52] <Ana-brb> "Let me introduce myself," she starts, in the same voice Sailor Pluto used. "I am Setsuna Meiou," she smiles, a Mona Lisa smile if there was ever one, nodding when you said that. "I see that you were able to overcome the challenges of your past quite well."
[18:53] <Usagi-chan> "I... we did what we could." Usagi swallows, remembering the near disasters with both Oxyite and Orestes.
[18:53] <Ana-brb> Ikkuko doesn't seem perturbed by this at all. "I already spoke with Setsuna, so I'll go tend to dinner now," she smiles at you again, getting up to go to the kitchen.
[18:54] <Usagi-chan> "Thanks, Mom." Usagi gives her mother a smile, then turns to Setsuna. "Will you be staying for dinner, or is this just a quick visit?"
[18:54] <Ana-brb> "You did fine," she nods. "Better than I honestly anticipated. I nearly intervened when the gate to Hell cracked open, yet you were able to finish the affair."
[18:54] <Ana-brb> "I'm just visiting, I'm afraid. Your mother's cooking smells delightful," she smiles that same smile all the time, an effective poker face.
[18:56] <Usagi-chan> "I just wish that had... ended better." Usagi says quietly.
[18:57] <Ana-brb> "Many of the threads I saw that could happen ended worse. Many ended in the very fall of the Earth. By all standards, you did superbly. You are alive here instead of a prisoner in Dis," she maintains a level tone and smile at this, even when discussing what could have been your fate.
[18:58] <Usagi-chan> "I still think there was plenty of room for improvement." Usagi mutters to herself. She falls silent for a minute, then looks at the green-haired woman. "Look, I don't mean to be rude or anything, but why are you here? Is there some other trouble that we don't know about, or are these elf-alien things really that dangerous?"
[18:59] <Ana-brb> "Very well," she nods, her smile fading a tad. "I'll get down to tacks, then. Do you remember the story about how Oxyite slew the current Sailor of Neptune," she asks.
[19:00] * Usagi-chan nods slowly. "Kind of hard to forget about that."
[19:01] <Ana-brb> Reaching into a pocket sewn into the side of her simple dress, she removes a transformation stick. The symbol on it is of a trident, with a line through the vertical shaft. "The transformation stick of the fallen Sailor, Michiru of Neptune," she says solemnly. She holds it dearly, her fingers wrapped tightly around it.
[19:03] * Usagi-chan lets out a long, sighing breath as she sees the object. "That's... that's her actual transformation pen?" she says quietly.
[19:04] <Ana-brb> "It is, it was," she nods. Quietly, she speaks. "It was buried with her," she says. "As she was the last of the line of Neptune, and never had a daughter."
[19:06] <Ana-brb> "Therefore, there is no Sailor Neptune now. It died before the Dark Kingdom could even hope to cut it short." she sighs, then goes on. "No matter how many Sailors you would find, you would never find the Senshi of Neptune in this era as it stood."
[19:06] * Usagi-chan closes her eyes, offering a moment of silence for the fallen senshi. She looks up at Setsuna a moment later. "Wait a second... if it was buried with her, why do you have it?" She grimaces slightly at the thought of someone...
[19:07] <Ana-brb> "I exhumed it, far after her worldly remains turned to dust and ash," she says, a hint of sorrow poking through her composure. "Because with the rise of a new Queen, the line of Neptune may revive as well."
[19:07] * Usagi-chan feels a pang at the mention of the queen. "How?"
[19:09] <Ana-brb> "It is your right to bestow the power of Neptune on who you see it, if they qualify to recieve such an honor..." she pauses, and puts the pen on the table. "As the Queen of the Moon, I entrust this to you. As you are the Queen, you will know when you find your Senshi and understand what to do." She bows her head, her sadness finally breaking through her mask.
[19:11] <Usagi-chan> "Setsuna, I..." Usagi glances between the woman and the pen, her 'duty' as queen warring with her compassion. Eventually, one side comes to a victory, and she reaches out to take Setsuna's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I'm sorry, Setsuna. I know this... this must be hard for you."
[19:11] <Ana-brb> She looks up, composed again. "It's alright, Serenity. I just ask that you choose well and honor the line of Neptune."
[19:12] <Ana-brb> "Further, not everyone is qualified to become a Sailor," she goes on. "Your friend Naru may be a sweet girl, but has nowhere near the magical potential to use the powers of the water planet."
[19:13] <Usagi-chan> "I... can kind of tell, I think. There's... something different about the way the senshi 'look'." Usagi nods.
[19:14] <Ana-brb> She nods. "Yes. The main component is magical aptitude. Without it, even the truest heart is not suitable to be a Sailor. Beyond that, you will understand when the time comes."
[19:15] <Ana-brb> "And I see your aura sight has improved," she notes to your comment. "You're growing up."
[19:15] * Usagi-chan smiles at the compliment. "Thanks... I'm trying."
[19:17] <Ana-brb> She smiles back for just a moment, a real smile unlike before. "I should be going now that I have given you the stick," she rises. "Be well, Serenity." She exits, walking past Shingo as he enters. "Who was that," he asks you out of curiosity.
[19:17] * Usagi-chan picks up the pen, holding it reverently. "I promise I'll do my best, Setsuna." She sighs, not really paying attention to Shingo at first.
[19:18] <Ana-brb> Plunk! A rolled up piece of paper bounces off Usagi's head. "Hey, dog face! Who was that girl you were talking to?"
[19:19] <Usagi-chan> "Pipe down, slimebreath!" Usagi retorts to her younger brother. "That was one of the senshi, if you HAVE to know."
[19:21] <Ana-brb> "Wow, she was old! She looked like she could be Mom with color swap," he notes. "That's almost as creepy as you being Sailor Moon, sewer breath!"
[19:21] * Usagi-chan snorts. "She's a lot older than Mom, believe me. Now was there something in particular you wanted, weasel?"
[19:23] <Ana-brb> "Not really," he shrugs, throwing another wad of paper at you, this one hitting your arm.
[19:23] * Usagi-chan puts the pen in her subspace pocket, frowning at Shingo. "Will you stop that already!"
[19:24] <Ana-brb> "Make me, wide butt," he grins, chucking a third ball at you, It grazes your face.
[19:25] * Usagi-chan gets up out of her seat, rolling up one sleeve. "Don't make me come over there, Shingo-baka!"
[19:25] <Ana-brb> "Ha," he calls, running up the stairs to his room. "Too slow, jelly roll!"
[19:27] * Usagi-chan rolls her eyes, turning her back to the stairs. "Whatever..." She thinks about Setsuna's words for a minute, then sighs and retrieves her test papers from the endtable before heading into the kitchen.
-------
[11:45] <Sailor_Anastasia> Over a quickly thrown together dinner of noodles and meat, Usagi has a chance to show off her grades...
[11:46] <Usagi-chan> "I had a talk with Miss H today after school," the blonde tells her family - with none of the usual dread that accompanies that phrase.
[11:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Oh boy," Kenji says around a bite of food. He puts his fork down, as if bracing for the storm. "What time is the parent teacher conference this time?"
[11:48] * Usagi-chan grins. "There isn't one THIS time." Usagi proudly produces her test papers, passing them over to her parents for inspection. "She says I'm actually going to pass!"
[11:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> "That's wonderful, Usagi," Your mother beams, while your father adjusts his glasses as he reads the papers. "I'll be..." he says, clearly surprised.
[11:50] <Usagi-chan> "Yeah, I know!" She shoves the math test over at Shingo with a smirk. "Read it and weep, slimebrain."
[11:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> "You're kidding me," Shingo says, taking the paper. "Gah, Usagi PASSED? Did you hypnotize the teacher," he says, disbelieving it himself. "Shingo," your mother says in warning. "Don't antagonize your sister!"
[11:53] * Usagi-chan sticks her tongue out at Shingo. "No, I've been spending a lot more time studying lately."
[11:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> Shingo frowns, but doesn't rise to the bait after Ikkuko scolded him. "So you're going to pass now,  Usagi," she asks. "I was a bit worried, especially with all the time your Sailor stuff takes up."
[11:58] <Usagi-chan> "Well, aside from these new attacks it HAS been pretty quiet for a while - I actually managed to catch up on my homework with Ami-chan's help. Hopefully we can take care of these new guys without too much trouble." Usagi nods.
[12:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Good work, Usagi," Dad says, getting back to his dinner. "Did you study with Umino-kun as well?"
[12:02] * Usagi-chan snorts as she pictures Umino up on the Moon at one of their study sessions. "No. Not even close."
[12:03] * Usagi-chan takes a few more bites of her dinner, then looks up at her mother. "The woman who came to talk to me this afternoon - Setsuna - did she talk to you much?"
[12:04] <Sailor_Anastasia> "She said she was a friend of yours and had to give you something," she says. "Did that go alright?" there is a trace of concern in her voice, mostly masked.
[12:05] <Usagi-chan> "Oh yeah, there weren't any problems with that." Usagi says quickly, smiling. "I just wondered if you guys talked about anything - I WAS a little late getting home from school thanks to that talk with Miss H."
[12:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> She nods. "She mentioned that she had something for you. Setsuna was rather secretive, though," Ikkuko frowns a bit. "She didn't volunteer much information."
[12:10] <Usagi-chan> "She didn't volunteer a whole lot to me either - I think she's just used to keeping secrets." Usagi sighs. "Anyway, she gave me what she brought - nothing you guys need to worry about, just a little extra senshi business."
[12:12] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Senshi business," Luna perks up from her place at the table, where she had been assaulting a plate with vigor. "What exactly?"
[12:15] * Usagi-chan sighs briefly, having forgotten about the Mau. "She asked me to keep my eyes open and select someone to become Sailor Neptune."
[12:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> "GURK!" Luna chokes on her bite of pasta, taken aback. She coughs a few times befor settling down and taking a breath, then replies. "Select a Senshi of Neptune? How so?" Luna is now interested and pressing for details.
[12:19] <Usagi-chan> "It can wait until after dinner, Luna." Usagi grumbles, taking another bite of her noodles.
[12:21] <Sailor_Anastasia> "If you say so," Luna shrugs, going along and going back to dinner. The family settles back into the meal after that, normalcy reigning...
[12:23] * Usagi-chan finishes dinner somewhat quietly, still thinking about Setsuna's request.
[12:24] <Sailor_Anastasia> Once Usagi finishes eating, the family breaks apart to do whatever - usually homework time for Usagi.
[12:24] * Usagi-chan heads up to her room, deciding to take a break from the Lunar repairs this evening to relax.
[12:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> Shortly after you sit down, Luna comes up. One look at her tells you that you're going to be doing some explaining.
[12:26] * Usagi-chan flops back on her bed and groans. "All right already, I'll explain! You know who Setsuna is, right?"
[12:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Sailor Pluto, I'd guess," the cat says, hopping into the bed herself. "Go on," she prompts you.
[12:31] <Usagi-chan> "She said that since Oxyite killed Sailor Neptune before the Dark Kingdom invaded, she won't be reincarnated like the rest of us were." Usagi looks a bit sad. "She said that as the queen of the Moon, I have the ability to grant Neptune's power to someone else though." She looks thoughtful for a moment. "I'll do it, but the only thing I'm wondering is - why now?"
[12:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Hm," Luna says, lying down and pondering. "Until you defeated the Dark Kingdom, perhaps she didn't consider you the Queen," she proposes. "Regardless, another ally would be excellent in the face of a new threat."
[12:35] <Usagi-chan> "I sure don't have any problem with that... I'm just going to be really careful about choosing someone though." Usagi keeps the same thoughtful expression as she pulls Neptune's transformation pen out of subspace, examining it carefully.
[12:44] <Sailor_Anastasia> Luna eyes the pen. "Do you have anyone in mind, Usagi-chan? Did Pluto recommend anyone?"
[12:46] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "Not yet, and Pluto didn't give me any names. She just said that they need to have enough magical potential to handle being a senshi, and I think I can judge that well enough now."
[12:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> Luna sighs. "Not so easy and ready, then. Then choose well, Usagi."
[12:48] * Usagi-chan nods absently, still thinking about how to even begin this task.
[12:48] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[15:48] <Rei-chan> Having just spent most of the day researching what she could of these 'elves' with Eudial, blissfully undisturbed by the other Witches following the events of yesterday, Rei returns home to the Shrine. Not having any real chores today, she retires to her room to get in some actual educational study, since Mugen doesn't provide much of that these days...
[15:49] * Rei-chan hunches over her desk, working at the same math problems she's seen other students in her year working at, but without the benefit of actual teaching, she's finding it a tad more difficult...
[15:50] * Usagi-chan very quietly slides open the door to Rei's room. Moving as quietly as she can, she tiptoes up behind the studious miko, slipping her hands in front of Rei's eyes. "Guess who?" she giggles.
[15:53] <Rei-chan> "Hmm..." Rei ponders, "My intuition tells me it's something hideous, so maybe I'd be better off not knowing?"
[15:54] <Usagi-chan> "Hey!" Usagi says indignantly. "When's the last time you had that intuition of yours checked, anyway? Sounds like it's got a wire loose or something."
[15:56] * Rei-chan swivels her chair around to face the blonde. "Ah, I can see my intuition is one hundred percent accurate as always," she notes, grinning impishly. "What's up, Dumpling Head?"
[16:01] * Usagi-chan sticks her tongue out at Rei. "I just thought I'd come see what my favorite Pyro is up to today, since I don't have any homework for once." She smiles happily.
[16:02] <Rei-chan> "How'd you manage that?" Rei asks skeptically.
[16:04] <Usagi-chan> "Miss H had a little talk with me yesterday - I'm actually going to PASS this year without any problems at all!" Usagi giggles excitedly. "You should have seen the look on Mom and Dad's faces when I took my tests home, all of them with passing grades!"
[16:05] * Rei-chan smiles genuinely. "That's great, Usagi," she says happily, "I knew you could do it if you really tried."
[16:07] * Usagi-chan grins. "I think Miss H was more excited about it than I was - she said as long as I keep handing my homework in on time she'll stop giving me extra assignments, so I don't have ANYTHING for a change."
[16:08] * Rei-chan turns around briefly to close her books before facing Usagi again. "Well, I was just doing a little extra studying myself, but I don't actually have any real homework right now myself."
[16:10] <Usagi-chan> "How are your classes going?" Usagi says with a smile. "I can't believe I just asked that!" She makes a face, then grins. "Really, though - is the stuff at Mugen a lot harder? I know the test was an absolute killer, so is the actual class stuff that hard?"
[16:11] <Rei-chan> "Eh," Rei shrugs, gesturing for Usagi to take a seat on the bed, "The work isn't really that hard..." she looks like she might be about to say more, but trails off rather awkwardly.
[16:12] * Usagi-chan flops down on the bed, still smiling. "That's good, I guess." She gives Rei a conspiratorial grin as she leans towards the miko, lowering her voice. "You'll never guess what I saw on the way over here..."
[16:13] <Rei-chan> "I probably wouldn't," Rei agrees amiably, looking more comfortable to be off the subject of Mugen. She leans in herself and matches Usagi's grin, "So why don't you tell me?"
[16:14] <Usagi-chan> "Makoto was talking with the new guy from school, Alan Grangier - and I heard from Umino that he took her out to the movies yesterday!" She smirks.
[16:16] <Rei-chan> "Oh ho!" Rei chortles, "Looks like Mako-chan listened to our advice on Sunday after all. Wonder if this means Kazan is history?"
[16:18] <Usagi-chan> "No idea, but I've been trying to find out. It's kind of hard though since he's not in my class. I'd ask Umino to look into it, but he'd probably get suspicious and I don't want to mess up Mako-chan's chances with Alan." Her smile dims slightly as she recalls the OTHER couple she saw entering the movies the day before.
[16:19] * Rei-chan misinterprets the reason for Usagi's decreased cheer. "Yeah, don't want to interfere too much when they're just getting together... still, I'm pretty curious about this guy, now."
[16:20] <Usagi-chan> "No one at school knows too much about him OR his sister... although guess who SHE went to the movies with yesterday." Usagi makes a wry face. "The one and only Mamoru Chiba! Guess it didn't take him too long to get over being dumped."
[16:21] <Rei-chan> Rei's eyes bulge out. "You're kidding!"
[16:25] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "Nope, I know that one for a fact - I saw them go into the theater myself on my way home from school." Her face shows a complex mix of emotions.
[16:27] <Rei-chan> "Damn..." Rei shakes her head. "Suppose I shouldn't be too surprised..." she frowns slightly, recalling the end of her own relationship (if it could even be called that) with the guy.
[16:30] * Usagi-chan gives a half-laugh. "I don't even know how I'm supposed to feel about that... on one hand, I'm glad he's given up on me - I was half-afraid he wasn't going to after I told him I didn't want to keep things going. On the other hand, it kind of hurts that it took him less than a week to forget about me completely." She sighs.
[16:32] * Rei-chan gets up to go sit on the bed beside Usagi, putting her hand on the blonde's shoulder. "I know, even though you didn't want the relationship anymore, it still hurts to be cast aside so easily?" she says understandingly.
[16:34] * Usagi-chan nods. "It's like I didn't even matter to him at all, and it really feels bad - he made it sound like he really cared about me and I guess that was all just a lie so I wouldn't leave him." Usagi rests her head on her hands. "I guess I really am better off without him, but I don't like being thrown away like that."
[16:39] <Rei-chan> "Yeah," Rei squeezes Usagi's shoulder reassuringly. "I know it hurts, Usagi. I know it..." she sighs before shaking her head. "Anyway, if you don't feel like waiting for time to heal your wounds, I do know something that'll help," she offers a small smile.
[16:40] * Usagi-chan looks over at Rei curiously. "What's that?"
[16:40] <Rei-chan> "Ice cream, of course!" Rei chirps brightly.
[16:41] * Usagi-chan breaks into a grin. "That's the BEST idea I've heard all day!"
[16:42] <Rei-chan> "I thought you'd approve," Rei matches the grin. "Come on, let's go to the Crown," she stands up.
[16:43] * Usagi-chan hops up with a bright smile. "Triple-hot-fudge sundae, here I come!"
[16:44] * Rei-chan picks up her purse from her desk as she heads out the door.
[16:45] <Rei-chan> -------
[16:52] <Usagi-chan> The two girls arrive at the Crown a short time later, and a few minutes after that finds the pair ensconced in a booth with a pair of hot fudge sundaes. Usagi giggles as she sets hers down on the table in front of her. "My first love..." She gives the cherry on top of the sundae a quick kiss and grins.
[16:54] <Rei-chan> "Indeed," Rei nods sagely, starting in on her own sundae. "And such a less complicated love, too."
[16:57] * Usagi-chan digs in, the ice cream already disappearing rapidly under the blonde's spoon. "No kidding! Why can't guys be like that? You just go out and get one when you want one and they never argue with you about it." She licks some stray chocolate off her lips and giggles. "Although it'd take one heck of a guy to compete with a chocolate sundae."
[16:58] <Rei-chan> "And it never leaves you, too," Rei giggles, leaning over to poke Usagi's belly.
[16:59] <Usagi-chan> "Hey!" Usagi says indignantly around a mouthful of ice cream. "I have a perfectly trim figure, thank you very much!" She sticks out a chocolate-coated tongue at Rei.
[17:01] <Rei-chan> "I guess you're not as bad as Luna, these days," Rei agrees, not getting much give when she presses her finger against Usagi's stomach before retracting it.
[17:02] * Usagi-chan nods primly. "It'd take a lot more than a triple hot fudge sundae to get me in the same shape as Luna is." She grins. "She's turning into a real fat cat - I swear, Mom just spoils her rotten."
[17:05] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, that cat needs to go on a diet, or at least get more exercise than she gets lazing around the house and riding around on people's shoulders wherever she goes..." Rei shakes her head before eating some more of her own dessert. "She used to be so energetic, too."
[17:08] <Usagi-chan> "Yeah, I know - she was always going out with me fighting youma or running around all night talking to 'Central Control'." Usagi giggles at the memory of Artemis' little "prank". "These days all she does is lay around the house watching soaps all day while Mom does the housework. I'm surprised she even comes upstairs on her own to go to bed."
[17:09] * Rei-chan chuckles slightly. "Funny how things change over time, isn't it?" she remarks, thinking of a lot more than just Luna.
[17:10] <Usagi-chan> "No kidding - she just about choked on her noodles when I told her Setsuna had been over for a visit." Usagi smirks. "She probably slept through the entire thing."
[17:12] * Rei-chan starts, some of her sundae going down the wrong way. She coughs several times and thumps her chest before giving Usagi the evil eye. "Setsuna?!" she looks around hurriedly before leaning over the table again, "As in Sailor Pluto?"
[17:12] * Usagi-chan covers her mouth, blushing. "I can't believe I forgot to mention that - yeah, as in Pluto. She was waiting for me at home after school yesterday."
[17:14] <Rei-chan> "What for?" Rei whispers hoarsely, "I thought she couldn't leave those Time Gates she mentioned last time?"
[17:15] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "I didn't ask her why she left the Time Gates, but she had something for me." She glances around for a moment to make sure no one is looking in their direction before producing Neptune's transformation stick from her subspace pocket.
[17:17] <Rei-chan> "That looks like one of our transformation pens..." Rei notes, uncertain of its significance.
[17:18] <Usagi-chan> "This one belonged to Sailor Neptune." Usagi says quietly, her voice solemn. "The same one that Oxyite killed back in the Silver Millenium."
[17:20] <Rei-chan> "That's..." Rei thinks about how Luna had all of their transformation pens, "Does that mean... there is a reincarnated Sailor Neptune somewhere out there?"
[17:21] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "It means there ISN'T one." Usagi decides not to give the details of how Pluto came by the pen. Not wanting anyone else to see the object, she stores it away again before continuing. "She said that since Neptune was killed before the Dark Kingdom invaded, she wasn't included in the spell that made all the rest of us be reincarnated."
[17:22] <Rei-chan> "That's what I figured at first," Rei says, rather confused, "But then why do you have it? Isn't it useless to anyone else?"
[17:23] * Usagi-chan takes a deep breath, then looks up at Rei. "She said that as the queen of the Moon Kingdom, I have the ability to grant Neptune's power to someone else with it. She asked me to look for a new Sailor Neptune."
[17:25] <Rei-chan> "Wow..." Rei leans back, exhaling heavily. "Do you have anyone in mind?"
[17:27] <Usagi-chan> "Not yet." Usagi wears an unusually serious look. "It has to be someone with enough magical potential to actually USE Neptune's power, and to be honest there aren't many people out there with any magical potential at all - much less enough to become a senshi."
[17:31] * Rei-chan nods. "Yeah, and I can think of a few people who might actually have that potential, but I'd never trust them with that power." She looks rather unhappy as she speaks, but trails off with a slightly contemplative expression. "Maybe one, but she's more of a 'fire' person, and..." she gives Usagi a sad look, "Honestly, I'd feel bad about making her a senshi. It's not an easy life."
[17:34] * Usagi-chan looks at Rei curiously as she talks about people that might have the potential, then her expression falls as Rei squashes the idea almost immediately. "I know, that's the hardest part of this. It's not even finding people with the potential - they're going to have to be trustworthy enough not to misuse it and responsible enough to do a good job of it." She sticks her tongue out at a memory. "God knows I sure wasn't ready to become a senshi when it happened to me."
[17:37] <Rei-chan> "You grew into it rather well," Rei points out, then sighs, "But you, and the rest of us, have destiny and our past lives all leading us towards being senshi. Just picking someone out might not turn out so well..." Rei sighs, looking very unhappy, "Hell, things didn't turn out well for an original member of the team," she adds, thinking of Minako.
[17:39] <Usagi-chan> "Yeah, I know. I don't know of anyone that would choose to do this if they really knew what it meant." Usagi says glumly. "Setsuna didn't say it was urgent that I find someone right away, but I don't think she would have asked for it just as a favor, either."
[17:39] <Rei-chan> "Maybe she did it because we suddenly have a gap in our numbers," Rei says, crossing her arms sullenly.
[17:42] <Usagi-chan> "That's the only thing I really wish I knew about this - why is it important now? If it was that important, why didn't Mother do it back before the Dark Kingdom invaded? And if we needed the help that much, why not ask me to look earlier?"
[17:45] <Rei-chan> "Who knows? Maybe because you wouldn't have found a good candidate before, but 'destiny' will lead you to someone appropriate in the near future?" Rei suggests, shrugging and eating a bit more sundae.
[17:47] <Usagi-chan> "Maybe... hard to say I guess." Usagi takes another bite of her ice cream. "I just wish I knew what to do about it - I'm not even sure where to start looking for people." The blonde perks up slightly as she remembers something. "Wait - you said you knew a FEW people who might have enough potential? Where - I've never even seen one, although I HAVE seen people around with a little bit."
[17:48] <Rei-chan> "Remember last time we were up on the Moon when I mentioned knowing a few people at Mugen with strong auras?" Rei asks, fidgeting a little.
[17:50] <Usagi-chan> "Really?" Usagi looks thoughtful. "I'm just not even sure where to start looking - checking out Mugen would be as good a place as any to start, I guess."
[17:51] * Rei-chan shakes her head. "Trust me, Usagi, that's one avenue you don't want to explore. These people I'm talking about are bad news."
[17:53] * Usagi-chan sighs. "Are they ALL that bad?" She rests her face in her hands, frowning. "Darn it... Do you think there might be people there that you haven't met that might have the potential?"
[17:56] <Rei-chan> "I know all the people at Mugen who have... supernatural affinity, yes," Rei says, nodding. "There's only one who I'd trust. The rest would sell their mothers if they thought it would get them ahead..."
[17:56] * Usagi-chan winces, but looks hopeful. "What about that one then? Could you introduce me to her?"
[18:01] <Rei-chan> "Her name's Eudial. I'll see about setting something up for you to meet her," Rei says, finishing off her sundae before continuing. "I think she could make a good member of the team, but I'm not really comfortable with thrusting that responsibility on her..." she shrugs, "Still, there's no harm in you meeting her. She's pretty much my only friend at that place, and I've been thinking about introducing her to you and the other girls for a while."
[18:03] <Usagi-chan> "Would you?" Usagi smiles. "Even if she doesn't work out as a senshi, it'd be really handy to have an idea of what I'm looking for in other people anyway. And you've mentioned Eudial before - I've kind of wanted to meet her for a while anyway."
[18:06] * Rei-chan nods. "Okay, I'll speak to her about it tomorrow." She looks thoughtful for a moment before continuing, "Hey, didn't you say those two new students at Juuban have strong auras? Alan and... Ann..." Rei trails off with a wince. 'No, Ann won't work as part of the team at all after today...' she thinks, recalling the reason they came out for ice cream in the first place.
[18:08] <Usagi-chan> "They do, but.... I don't know." Usagi thinks about it for a minute. "I don't know either of them very well - they're still acting kind of distant - but even aside from that, I just don't think Ann would work out as a senshi. And that's leaving Mamoru completely out of the picture for the moment." Usagi makes a face.
[18:09] * Usagi-chan pokes at her ice cream for a minute, then looks at Rei. "You said Eudial might have enough potential to be a senshi - does she know she has that much magical potential? The few people I've seen around that have any don't seem to notice it much, from what I've seen anyway."
[18:10] * Rei-chan looks even more awkward now. "Yes, she knows."
[18:11] * Usagi-chan takes on a look of concern as she continues to look at Rei. "Is something wrong?"
[18:11] <Rei-chan> "Not regarding Eudial, no," Rei shakes her head, "But she's not the only 'talented' person at Mugen, like I said..."
[18:12] * Usagi-chan leans her elbows on the table, now openly worried. "What's up with Mugen then? You really don't look very happy about it, whatever it is."
[18:17] * Rei-chan sighs, trying to phrase this without giving too much away. "Usagi, those other girls I mentioned - they have magical abilities, some of them being very powerful. And they aren't nice people at all. I really don't want you having anything to do with them."
[18:19] * Usagi-chan knits her brows. "What do you mean? Are they... I don't know, dangerous or something? They can't be THAT bad, right?"
[18:21] <Rei-chan> "They can be," Rei nods. "I'm pretty sure they wouldn't do anything to me, but they might not be so restrained towards you."
[18:23] * Usagi-chan grimaces. "Why would they have anything against me? I mean, no one knows about my 'second job', and aside from that I don't think anyone would have any reason to be upset with me at all - not like THAT, anyway."
[18:29] * Rei-chan shakes her head, trying to clear the sudden rush. "Sorry, what was that, Usagi?" she blinks several times, trying to refocus her vision.
[18:29] * Usagi-chan gives Rei a critical look for a minute. "You all right, Rei-chan?"
[18:30] <Rei-chan> "Yeah," Rei says, nodding. "Just think it was the sugar getting to me," she gestures at the empty plate that once held her sundae.
[18:31] * Usagi-chan still seems a bit puzzled. 'That's weird... it's never bothered her before like that.' She shrugs and goes back to her original question. "I was just asking why these people at Mugen would want to do anything to me. They don't even know me, after all."
[18:33] * Rei-chan takes a moment to regather her thoughts. "You're my friend, Usagi," she says, trying to impress upon the blonde the seriousness of the matter. "They can't act directly against me, but hurting my best friend would definitely appeal to at least one of them." The thought that Usagi's exceptionally pure heart could host a Talisman also crosses Rei's mind. "I mean it, Usagi. The less you have to do with that place, the better."
[18:36] * Usagi-chan is somewhat taken aback by the fervor of Rei's statement. "Um... okay, I guess." She scratches her head in puzzlement, although a small core of her wonders why Rei would be hanging around such dangerous people herself anyway.
[18:45] <Rei-chan> "Good," Rei nods, glad that she's gotten through to Usagi. "Like I said, Eudial is nice, but the rest of them..." she shakes her head as she trails off.
[18:47] * Usagi-chan reaches across the table and takes one of Rei's hands. "Then you better be really careful yourself, Rei. If they'd be like that to someone they don't even know, you might not be as safe as you think." She gives Rei's hand a squeeze. "I don't want anything to happen to you, so you'd better take care of yourself, okay?"
[18:48] <Rei-chan> "Heh," Rei smirks cockily, "Don't worry, I can handle myself - and the Professor disapproves most strongly of us fighting each other."
[18:49] <Usagi-chan> "I mean it, Rei." Usagi gives the miko an unusually intense look of concern. "I don't want you to get hurt."
[18:52] * Rei-chan takes a moment to nod, slightly cowed by Usagi's intensity. "I promise I'll be careful, Usagi," she says, seriously.
[18:53] * Usagi-chan squeezes the miko's hand again, a warm smile rapidly replacing the look of concern. "Thank you, Rei. That's all I really want."
[18:56] * Rei-chan is unsure of how to respond to that, and after a moment of floundering, comes up with a topic change of sorts, "Well, looks like we're both done with our sundaes. What do you want to do, now?"
[18:59] * Usagi-chan removes her hand, sitting back in the booth with a sigh. "I don't know... I've got the whole rest of the afternoon off, but I don't know what I want to do with it. I've already played the new senshi videogame a few times, and I'm bored with all the rest of them."
[19:14] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Hey, Usagi!" Motoki calls out as you chat, walking up. He's looking cheery as usual, dressed in his apron and shirt.
[19:16] * Usagi-chan manages a bright smile as her favorite sundae maker comes up. "Heya, Motoki-oniisan!" She gives Motoki a friendly wave.
[19:16] <Rei-chan> "Hi, Motoki-san," Rei adds her own greeting.
[19:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Hello, Rei," he nods before going on. "I heard something happened between you and Mamoru," his cheery smiles slips, and he gets to business. "He quit three hours after you talked to him."
[19:32] * Rei-chan groans quietly.
[19:32] * Usagi-chan winces. "Sorry to hear that, oniisan... I really didn't mean for it to cause you any trouble."
[19:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> He shakes his head. "It's not a huge deal and I'm not mad, Usagi, but Mamoru seemed really hurt." After a moment of debate, he sits down next to Rei, an unusual move. "He's been keeping to himself since you two talked."
[19:34] * Usagi-chan frowns. "Not as much as you might think..." she mutters half to herself.
[19:34] * Rei-chan nods, knowing exactly what Usagi's talking about.
[19:34] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Hm, what was that, Usagi," he asks, frowning himself. "Have you seen him around?"
[19:35] <Usagi-chan> "Yeah, I saw him just yesterday - going into the movies with a girl from my class." Usagi says with a hint of sourness in her tone.
[19:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Damn, really," he sounds honestly shocked, even swearing in front of you, which is rare. "He looked heartbroken a week ago..." he trails off, shaking his head. "You must've not meant that much to him, Usagi," he says, "Er... I mean that he just recovered quickly."
[19:37] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, he's good at that..." Rei mutters half to herself.
[19:37] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "Go ahead and say it, Motoki - it's not like I haven't thought the same thing myself already."
[19:38] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Sorry," he says anyway. "But he's not the type to act like he did and not mean it. He really was hurt badly. I can't believe he's already off with another girl."
[19:39] <Usagi-chan> "He did look kind of broken up last week, but I can't deny what I saw with my own two eyes." Usagi sighs. "At least he's not still moping over me."
[19:40] * Rei-chan keeps quiet, not really wanting to get drawn into this conversation.
[19:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I guess," he shrugs. "And he never seemed that broken up long term after he dumped you, Rei," he says. "Although..." he trails off again. "He did remark he found you to be clingy, so that says something."
[19:41] <Rei-chan> "Excuse me!" Rei suddenly snaps, "He did NOT dump me! I broke up with him!"
[19:42] * Usagi-chan blushes slightly, remembering exactly how that entire thing happened.
[19:42] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Woah!" Motoki slides away a bit, putting his hands up in defense. "He said he dumped you when he found the girl of his dreams and not a clingy teenager," he says defensively.
[19:42] * Usagi-chan winces as she hears Mamoru's description of Rei.
[19:44] <Rei-chan> "That is a blatant lie!" Rei seethes. "He didn't have the decency to say one word to me about the end of our 'relationship'! I backed off myself," her eyes flicker momentarily to Usagi, "And he was only too happy to move right on without questioning his good fortune that I chose not to make an issue of it!" she barely manages to keep her voice down, and looks utterly pissed as she goes through her tirade.
[19:45] * Usagi-chan has the decency to look embarrassed at Rei's glance, staring down at her lap.
[19:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Gah..." Motoki mutters, shrinking back further. "I'll take your word for it, Rei," he quickly nods and smiles. "He just said he was the dumper and all that and that you were too young for him," Motoki scrambles as he tries damage control, blushing.
[19:46] * Usagi-chan snorts. "He didn't seem to think *I* was too young for him..." Usagi shakes her head.
[19:46] <Rei-chan> "Feh!" Rei snorts, "I'm a couple of months older than Usagi, aren't I?"
[19:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I'm not defending the logic or his comments," He says, nodding to what you said. "So you really dumped him when he started liking Usagi?"
[19:49] <Rei-chan> "It wasn't really a dumping," Rei sighs, deflating. "I just backed off because I didn't want to stand in the way of Usagi's happiness. None of us ever really talked about it..." some of her anger flares back up, "At least to each other. Looks like Mamoru was happy to brag to other people about tossing me aside."
[19:50] <Usagi-chan> "I'm not even sure when THAT was, to be honest." Usagi looks rather unhappy. We were starting to look at each other differently even before..." she trails off, giving Rei a brief glance. 'Before the Tower.' She finishes mentally.
[19:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> Motoki sighs. "Yeah... sorry about that, Rei. I should have just stayed quiet." He looks down at his hands, not replying further.
[19:51] * Rei-chan deflates again. "He's right, I suppose, at least in one thing... I was too clingy. I was just so excited at having my first boyfriend, but he never really seemed to care all that much about me." She laughs self-deprecatingly. "He probably just dated me because it was less hassle than getting rid of me."
[19:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> Motoki winces at that, and sends a pleading look to Usagi. "Um... let me get you some drinks, on the house," he says, getting up.
[19:53] * Rei-chan doesn't reply, just staring at the table, now.
[19:53] <Usagi-chan> "Thanks, Motoki." Usagi gives the poor young man a smile as he scurries off, then turns to Rei. "Well, he didn't know what he was missing out on then. With as great a friend as you are to me, I'll bet you'll make someone a really awesome girlfriend." She gives Rei a cheery smile.
[19:54] * Rei-chan snorts. "I think my track record speaks for itself."
[19:56] <Usagi-chan> "Hey, it's not your fault Minako did what she did!" Usagi says with some heat. "I tried not to be too nosy about you two, but from what I did see it seemed like you really were good to her."
[19:58] <Rei-chan> "I tried," Rei looks up with a wan smile. "At least she appreciated me a lot more than Mamoru did... not that it helped things in the end..." She gives a small chuckle. "And we came here to forget our troubles, too..."
[20:00] * Usagi-chan sniffs. "If anything you were too good for her, Rei-chan. Don't be so hard on yourself." Usagi gives her friend a reassuring smile. 'I still can't believe how suspicious Minako used to be...'
[20:02] * Rei-chan sighs. "Don't be like that, Usagi. Minako and I... we just weren't meant to be - neither of us was especially good for the other. I've moved on... and I suppose so has she, in a more literal sense..."
[20:04] * Usagi-chan deflates a bit. "I'm sorry, Rei... I shouldn't have said anything. It's just that some of the things she did to you really upset me too." The blonde looks somewhat downcast. "Look, just forget I said anything, okay?"
[20:05] <Rei-chan> "I know," Rei reaches over to put her hand over Usagi's. "And I appreciate your support, I'd just rather put the whole thing behind me. It's in the past and should stay there."
[20:07] * Usagi-chan puts her other hand on top of Rei's, giving the miko a regretful smile. "Of course you have my support, Rei-chan, you're my friend. I couldn't think of NOT supporting you when you needed it." She shakes her head slightly. "Anyway, enough about our messed-up love lives."
[20:08] <Rei-chan> "Couldn't agree more," Rei nods. "It's far too depressing, and we came out here to have fun."
[20:09] <Sailor_Anastasia> As it to affirm that, Motoki comes back, bearing a tray with both cold sodas and more chocolate ice cream. He sets it down in front of the both of you. "Here you go," he says. "It's the least I can do."
[20:09] <Rei-chan> "Thanks Motoki-san," Rei says appreciatively. "Sorry I snapped at you..."
[20:10] * Usagi-chan smiles at Motoki. "Thanks, 'niisan." She picks up one of the sodas and holds it in the air. "A toast, Rei-chan! To the unlucky in love - may they find it again someday!"
[20:10] <Rei-chan> "I'll drink to that," Rei clinks her glass against Usagi's and taking a few gulps.
[20:10] <Sailor_Anastasia> "It's alright," he smiles, brushing the matter aside. "Just enjoy yourselves... and here," he says, laying something else beside the refreshments. Two twenty-five token rolls plunk down, full of metal coins.
[20:11] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Try and have some fun, okay? I'm going off shift now, so have a good night and cheer up."
[20:11] <Rei-chan> "We will, Motoki-san, thanks again," Rei replies.
[20:11] * Usagi-chan waves to the retreating attendant. "Thanks, Motoki!"
[20:11] <Sailor_Anastasia> He goes off with a final wave, leaving you two to yourselves.
[20:12] <Rei-chan> "Reika-san sure is lucky," Rei comments as she starts in on her second ice cream.
[20:12] * Usagi-chan giggles. "He's even cute when he sticks his foot in his mouth."
[20:14] * Rei-chan nods. "It was awfully nice of him to give us this stuff for free, especially since I really didn't help things..."
[20:16] <Usagi-chan> "The expression on his face when he realized what he was saying was just priceless." Usagi grins. "I SO wish I'd had a camera."
[20:17] <Rei-chan> "I didn't really notice," Rei shakes her head, "I'm sorry you had to hear me saying those things, Usagi," she gives her friend an apologetic look.
[20:18] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "Don't be, Rei." She snorts. "If anything, you should have told me sooner - maybe it would have helped me wake up to what he was really like sooner than it happened."
[20:19] <Rei-chan> "Well, I didn't want to upset you when you and he were first getting together, and then after he said those things before going to Hawaii, I figured it didn't matter..."
[20:21] <Usagi-chan> "Like I said, don't worry about it. It's not like I don't know what he's like now myself, after seeing him with Ann yesterday." Usagi shakes her head. "He was just bad for me - for both of us, actually - no matter how you slice it."
[20:22] * Rei-chan nods. "Nothing to do but put him behind you and move on," she says encouragingly.
[20:24] * Usagi-chan grins. "Tell you what, I'll make you a deal. I'll stop moping about Mamoru if you stop worrying about what happened with Minako. Like you said, they're both in the past - no use wasting our time on regrets, right?" She winks at the white-haired girl.
[20:25] <Rei-chan> "Deal!" Rei sticks her hand across the table for Usagi to shake.
[20:26] * Usagi-chan smiles brightly as she seizes the miko's hand and shakes it firmly, then grins. "I always did think the top hat was over the top, to tell you the truth."

[08:54] * Usagi-chan grins and shakes Rei's hand firmly. "Look out, world, we're on the prowl!" She giggles.
[08:57] <Rei-chan> "For all we know, love could be right around the corner!" Rei smiles. Even if she has a hard time really believing it herself, she's determined to remain upbeat.
[08:58] * Usagi-chan takes a spoonful of ice cream, then looks at Rei curiously. "I wonder... no, I'd better not ask." She blushes slightly and starts in to work on her ice cream more rapidly.
[08:59] <Ana-gaming> "Hey, Usagi!" Walking around the corner into view is Naru, who looks like she just got here and spotted you. She waves and smiles, the most energetic you've seen her since the incident over a week ago.
[09:00] <Rei-chan> 'Ask what?' Rei mentally prods, now very curious, but not sure if it's something they should talk about around Naru.
[09:01] <Usagi-chan> "Oh hey, Naru-chan!" Usagi waves to the redhead. 'It's not that important, I can ask later.' Usagi glances over at Rei as she replies mentally. Turning back to Naru, she smiles. "When did you get out of the hospital?"
[09:01] <Rei-chan> "Hi, Naru-chan," Rei also waves, "I heard about what happened - I hope you're feeling better."
[09:02] <Ana-gaming> "Yesterday," she says as she comes over, taking a seat next to Usagi. "Thanks, Rei," she nods. "I do, and so does my Mom." she smiles at that.
[09:03] * Rei-chan smiles. "That's good to hear."
[09:03] <Usagi-chan> "Well, glad to hear it. You really had me worried when you just collapsed like that!" Usagi says.
[09:04] <Ana-gaming> "I'm fine now," she assures you. "And thanks for getting me to the hospital, Usagi-chan." She reaches down, taking a advertisment poster from her case. "I was hoping I'd find you here," she says, as she lays a colorful poster showing normal people in some odd VR-like setup blasting monsters. "I wanted to take you to the new VR arcade as thanks, and to celebrate."
[09:05] <Rei-chan> "VR Arcade?"
[09:06] <Ana-gaming> "A virtual reality game where you actually battle yourself," she says. "It's like laser tag with added effects."
[09:06] * Usagi-chan breaks into a grin as she sees the poster. "Oh wow, I'd heard about that place but I hadn't gotten to go check it out yet!" She turns the poster around and passes it over to Rei. "It's like a laser-tag kind of thing - I've heard it's really cool!"
[09:06] <Rei-chan> "Wow, that does sound pretty cool," Rei says at both girls' descriptions.
[09:09] <Ana-gaming> "Yeah," Naru enthuses. "I also wanted to invite Makoto," she smiles, "But I heard she has a date today with Alan Grangier!" Naru sighs deeply, closing her eyes dramtically. "She's so lucky."
[09:10] * Usagi-chan grins. "Yeah, I heard from the grapevine at school today that she managed to get him to take her to the movies yesterday." Usagi grins. "I haven't gotten to talk to her about it yet though."
[09:11] <Ana-gaming> "If I were Makoto, I wouldn't be talking to anyone but Alan," she sighs, dreamily. "Oh, Usagi... he's just beautiful and tall and cute..."
[09:11] <Rei-chan> "I bet she did it by being more aggressive like we told her to," Rei grins, taking a small measure of credit for Makoto's romantic success.
[09:13] * Usagi-chan giggles. "Don't know about that, but good luck to her!" Usagi declares. "Yeah, he is awfully cute, Naru-chan - have you gotten to hear him play the flute yet?"
[09:14] <Ana-gaming> "Uh huh," she sighs again. "He's just so perfect when he's playing his heart out..." Naru falls back, as if swooning. "Tall, bishonen and cute... if he only had long hair, he'd be flawless," she says.
[09:15] * Rei-chan grimaces, thinking of Yuuichiro's hair...
[09:16] * Usagi-chan shakes her head and smiles. Nephrite may have been Naru's perfect guy, but it's good to see she's not moping over him anymore. "Right! Mako-chan may have a date, but so do we - with the VR Arcade!" She grins.
[09:17] <Ana-gaming> Picking up the poster and straightening up, Naru nods. "Yep! Let's blast some monsters and show them that not only the Sailor Senshi can dust monsters," she giggles as she says that, grinning.
[09:18] <Rei-chan> "Just as soon as we finish our ice cream," Rei points out, swiftly devouring said chocolatey treat. "Oh... head cold..." she remarks, shivering after consuming a large amount of frozen confection in such a short time.
[09:19] <Usagi-chan> "Brain freeze!" Usagi giggles, apparently suffering no ill effects from demolishing her own sundae in a matter of seconds.
[09:19] <Rei-chan> "Right, I'm ready to go," Rei stands up, pocketing half the tokens Motoki left them for a later visit to the arcade.
[09:20] <Ana-gaming> Naru gets up, putting away the poster and picking up her school bag. "Ready, Usagi?"
[09:20] * Usagi-chan takes the other roll of tokens, waiting for Naru to get up so she can get out of the booth. "Lead the way, Naru-chan!"
[09:21] <Ana-gaming> ---
[09:22] <Ana-gaming> The VR arcade is a large, dark building. A mural painted over the main wall and entrance shows a battle between light gun-shooting people and overdone monsters, which serves to keep you a bit entertained as you wait in line.
[09:23] <Rei-chan> "I wonder just how realistic this will be?" Rei muses, looking at the mural.
[09:23] <Usagi-chan> "Don't know about realistic, but I've talked with a couple of girls at school that have tried it and they said it's really cool!" Usagi smiles.
[09:24] * Usagi-chan spends a little time looking at the other people in line, figuring that this is as good a place as any to start looking for people with potential.
[09:24] <Ana-gaming> "Kasumi said it was really cool and scary," Naru says, referring to another girl in your class. "She and her boyfriend had a blast."
[09:25] <Rei-chan> "I dunno... can it be scarier than real life in Juuban these days?"
[09:26] <Ana-gaming> Naru hesitates a that. "Yeah, you may have a point," she admits, some of the cheer gone from her voice.
[09:26] <Ana-gaming> The line moves on, taking the better part of an hour to move you to the ticket office.
[09:26] <Usagi-chan> "Well, at least we can have fun with this kind of scary, right?" Usagi says cheerfully. "There's nothing real in here anyway."
[09:27] <Ana-gaming> "Three, please," Naru gets the tickets, paying herself despite the 1200 yen fee apiece. "Here you go," she hands out a ticket to Rei and Usagi each.
[09:27] <Rei-chan> "Thanks, Naru-chan," Rei says gratefully, "But you really didn't need to pay for me."
[09:27] <Usagi-chan> "Thanks, Naru-chan, but you didn't need to pay for me." Usagi still accepts the ticket gratefully.
[09:28] <Ana-gaming> "It's alright," she says. "Mom made some incredible sales over Christmas... heck, we made more this December than the last two years combined," she grins. "It's no problem at all."
[09:29] <Rei-chan> "That's good to hear," Rei smiles as she makes her way into the VR place.
[09:30] * Usagi-chan frowns slightly. "I'll bet." The jewelry Minako bought alone must have brought in a fortune...
[09:31] <Ana-gaming> Going inside, you are given a light gun, some faux armor with sensors and some basic instructions. They boil down to: no roughhousing, follow any announced directions, and have fun.
[09:31] <Rei-chan> "Sounds simple enough," Rei remarks, examining her light gun.
[09:31] * Usagi-chan checks out her armor to make sure it's seated comfortably. "I wonder how hard this will be..."
[09:32] <Ana-gaming> "Let's find out," Naru says, as the three of you start the game..
[09:33] <Ana-gaming> It starts with an array of shootable monsters as you dash and fire around. It's not too hard at all, and rather fun once you get into it.
[09:34] * Usagi-chan manages to zap a somewhat familiar looking monster that pops up behind Rei. "Ha, got another one!"
[09:34] <Ana-gaming> "Gotcha!" Naru cries as she zaps a two headed giant away.
[09:34] <Rei-chan> "This is pretty cool," Rei enthuses, cheerfully blasting away at everything vaguely monstrous that enters her field of vision.
[09:34] <Ana-gaming> Going on further, you progress through three rooms of this...but in the fourth...
[09:36] <Ana-gaming> This looks to be the 'boss' room. A creature strongly resembling a DD girl with ice blue skin is there, sans wings. She wears a top and skirt, almost like a faux Sailor. Several 'players' lay unconcious around the room.
[09:36] <Ana-gaming> "Ooooh, nice and scary," Naru grins, totally into it. "Let's avenge those fallen!"
[09:37] <Rei-chan> "Why are they down there?" Rei wonders aloud, "Shouldn't they have just left after losing?"
[09:37] * Usagi-chan frowns. "Why are they unconscious though? I thought these just beeped when you got hit." Usagi takes a closer look at the unconscious people.
[09:37] <Ana-gaming> To your surprise, they are real people. Their auras are weak, like Naru's was...
[09:37] <Ana-gaming> roll 2d6
[09:37] * Musk-bot --> "Ana-gaming rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[09:38] <Ana-gaming> As you chat, the monster sends out a glittering dust at all three of you!
[09:38] <Usagi-chan> 'Oh no... that thing's real, Rei-chan!'
[09:38] <Ana-gaming> OOC - Dodge rolls, all.
[09:38] <Usagi-chan> roll 2d6
[09:38] * Musk-bot --> "Usagi-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 5."
[09:38] <Rei-chan> 'I figured!' Rei replies as she tries to leap out of the way.
[09:38] <Ana-gaming> Naru is caught in the dust, and quickly falls to the ground, her energy drained.
[09:38] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6
[09:38] * Musk-bot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[09:39] <Ana-gaming> The dust is avoided by Rei and Usagi, however. "Come, give your energy to Glittera!" it cries.
[09:40] <Ana-gaming> OOC - Initiative for any more actions.
[09:40] <Rei-chan> "I've got a better idea," Rei replies, producing an ofuda.
[09:40] <Rei-chan> roll 1d6+10
[09:40] * Musk-bot --> "Rei-chan rolls 1d6+10 and gets 16."
[09:40] <Usagi-chan> roll 1d6+9
[09:40] * Musk-bot --> "Usagi-chan rolls 1d6+9 and gets 11."
[09:40] <Ana-gaming> roll 1d6
[09:40] * Musk-bot --> "Ana-gaming rolls 1d6 and gets 3."
[09:41] <Rei-chan> Leaping over the unconscious victims, Rei cries out "Akuryo Taisan!" as she brings her ward bearing hand down to smack against the creature's head!
[09:41] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6
[09:41] * Musk-bot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[09:42] <Ana-gaming> The creature makes no effort to move, letting you plaster it right on it's head! To your surprise, the ward crumbles to dust a second after it impacts! Is it too strong for a ward to hold?
[09:43] <Rei-chan> "What...?!" Rei steps back in surprise, trying to sense just how strong this creature is.
[09:43] <Ana-gaming> OOC - Soul check, Mars.
[09:43] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6
[09:43] * Musk-bot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[09:43] <Ana-gaming> It's quite powerful, and you can feel that it's glutted on the energy of all it's drained...it's greatly increasing its spiritual bulk and might.
[09:44] <Rei-chan> "Watch out!" Rei warns her friend, "It's powered up on the energy it drained!"
[09:44] <Ana-gaming> "Ha," Glittera laughs, spitting out another stream of dust. This on is concentrated right at Rei! (+2 mod to DCV check.)
[09:44] <Ana-gaming> roll 2d6
[09:44] * Musk-bot --> "Ana-gaming rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[09:45] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6+2
[09:45] * Musk-bot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6+2 and gets 12."
[09:45] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6+2
[09:45] * Musk-bot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6+2 and gets 13."
[09:45] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6+2
[09:45] * Musk-bot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6+2 and gets 8."
[09:46] <Ana-gaming> With a dive, Rei-chan tumbles out of the way of the attack, the dust settling on the floor and fading.
[09:47] * Usagi-chan seizes her locket in her right hand, calling out the words of her transformation! "Moon Prism Power, Make UP!"
[09:48] <Usagi-chan> In a flurry of ribbons and light, Usagi is changed into the Soldier of Love and Justice, Sailor Moon!
[09:48] <Ana-gaming> OOC - Okay, next round.
[09:48] <Rei-chan> roll 1d6+10
[09:48] * Musk-bot --> "Rei-chan rolls 1d6+10 and gets 15."
[09:48] <Ana-gaming> roll 1d6
[09:48] * Musk-bot --> "Ana-gaming rolls 1d6 and gets 3."
[09:50] <Sailor_Moon> roll 1d6+9
[09:50] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 1d6+9 and gets 11."
[09:50] <Rei-chan> "What I wouldn't give for Eudial's flamethrower right now..." Rei mutters, glaring at her light gun. "But still..." she looks at the monster with a smirk, before lunging forward to plunge the gun down its throat, not really caring if she breaks a few teeth on the way.
[09:50] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6+2
[09:50] * Musk-bot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6+2 and gets 12."
[09:51] <Ana-gaming> The monster sways back, avoiding your charge and leaving Rei-chan out of position!
[09:52] <Ana-gaming> This time, it attempts to directly touch Rei! What will happen if this vile creature manages to succeed at this?
[09:52] <Ana-gaming> roll 2d6
[09:52] * Musk-bot --> "Ana-gaming rolls 2d6 and gets 11."
[09:53] <Ana-gaming> OOC - do over
[09:53] <Ana-gaming> roll 2d6
[09:53] * Musk-bot --> "Ana-gaming rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[09:53] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6
[09:53] * Musk-bot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 5."
[09:54] <Ana-gaming> Rei reverses course, speeding backwards and out of reach for Glittera!
[09:55] * Sailor_Moon frowns, seeing the creature's bright glowing aura from the energy it's stolen! Placing her hands in front of her, she concentrates, trying to draw the energy away from the creature to leave it more vulnerable!
[09:55] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[09:55] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[09:55] <Ana-gaming> roll 2d6
[09:55] * Musk-bot --> "Ana-gaming rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[09:57] <Ana-gaming> You struggle with the creature for a moment, battling over a segment of it's stolen energy! With a final tug, it comes loose and flies right to you and into you! (20 EP regained) Usagi's head spins at the unexpected energy burst of energy! (-2 penalty to initiative next round due to this)
[09:57] <Rei-chan> roll 1d6+10
[09:57] * Musk-bot --> "Rei-chan rolls 1d6+10 and gets 15."
[09:57] <Ana-gaming> It's aura does weaken a few degrees, however, and the creature stumbles back as it stunned.
[09:58] <Ana-gaming> roll 1d6
[09:58] * Musk-bot --> "Ana-gaming rolls 1d6 and gets 6."
[09:58] <Sailor_Moon> roll 1d6+10
[09:58] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 1d6+10 and gets 12."
[10:00] <Rei-chan> Dropping the useless light gun, Rei flexes her fingers, calling forth her familiar sword of flame before stepping forward and unleashing a wide horizontal slash at the monster!
[10:00] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6
[10:00] * Musk-bot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 5."
[10:00] <Ana-gaming> roll 2d6
[10:00] * Musk-bot --> "Ana-gaming rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[10:00] <Ana-gaming> The monster is struck by the slash, its arm badly cut and burned by Rei's fearsome sword of fire!
[10:01] <Ana-gaming> As that happens, it grunts and concentrates! Glittera shimmers...and breaks into six identical forms circling the room! "Behold the power of Glittera!" it taunts you viciously, despite its wound.
[10:03] * Sailor_Moon looks around at the doppelgangers, her head still spinning as she tries to determine which one is the real thing.
[10:03] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[10:03] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[10:04] <Ana-gaming> Sailor Moon focuses...The one on the left is, the third one! The others are just a magical illusion!
[10:04] <Ana-gaming> roll 1d6
[10:04] * Musk-bot --> "Ana-gaming rolls 1d6 and gets 6."
[10:04] <Sailor_Moon> roll 1d6+12
[10:04] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 1d6+12 and gets 18."
[10:05] <Rei-chan> roll 1d6+10
[10:05] * Musk-bot --> "Rei-chan rolls 1d6+10 and gets 12."
[10:05] <Sailor_Moon> 'It's this one!' Moon sends to Rei telepathically as she levels the Lunar Rod at the real Glittera. "Moon Princess Hallation!"
[10:05] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[10:05] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[10:06] <Ana-gaming> The Cardian's eye widen as it sees its technique be picked apart! It dodges with all its might, hoping to avoid Sailor Moon's attack!
[10:06] <Ana-gaming> roll 2d6
[10:06] * Musk-bot --> "Ana-gaming rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[10:07] <Ana-gaming> But it's caught in the stream, and sent flying into the wall! The other five copies of her vanish, and you can feel its hold on the stolen energy loosen as it fades into the air!
[10:08] * Sailor_Moon reacts quickly, trying to direct the fading energy back into the cardian's victims before it disappears completely.
[10:08] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[10:08] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[10:09] <Ana-gaming> "Urgh..." It slowly rises. "No, my beautiful energy! You'll pay!" it shrieks, managing another stream of dust concentrated on Sailor Moon! While this happens, Sailor Moon manages to direct some of the energy back into the poor victims! (-3 DCV mod if it hits)
[10:10] <Ana-gaming> roll 2d6
[10:10] * Musk-bot --> "Ana-gaming rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[10:10] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[10:10] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[10:11] <Ana-gaming> Sailor Moon merely steps away from the stream with unusual grace, the attack errant!
[10:13] <Rei-chan> Seeing that the creature is nearly crippled by its injuries and loss of energy, Rei produces another ward, hoping to incapacitate the monster long enough to get some answers! "Rin pyo to sha kai jin retsu sai zen..." she chants, the ward becoming stiff in her hand. "Akuryo Taisan!" she finishes, throwing the ofuda at her target!
[10:13] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6
[10:13] * Musk-bot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 11."
[10:13] <Ana-gaming> The creature stumbles out of the way, by as much luck as conscious effort due to its injuries!
[10:14] <Sailor_Moon> roll 1d6+12
[10:14] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 1d6+12 and gets 18."
[10:14] <Rei-chan> roll 1d6+10
[10:14] * Musk-bot --> "Rei-chan rolls 1d6+10 and gets 16."
[10:14] <Ana-gaming> You can see the various people here beginning to stir thanks to your energy infusion...
[10:14] <Ana-gaming> roll 1d6
[10:14] * Musk-bot --> "Ana-gaming rolls 1d6 and gets 5."
[10:15] * Sailor_Moon directs her most powerful attack at the creature once again, hoping to finish it off before the arcade-goers in the room fully regain consciousness. "Moon Princess Hallation!"
[10:15] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[10:15] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[10:15] <Ana-gaming> roll 2d6
[10:15] * Musk-bot --> "Ana-gaming rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[10:16] <Ana-gaming> Glittera raises its arms to ward off the Hallation, but its efforts are futile! It's turned to dust, its card falling as her body breaks apart!
[10:17] * Rei-chan dashes over to where it disintegrated, trying to see if anything is left of the dust.
[10:17] <Ana-gaming> There is a odd card there, but it's blackening and turning to dust before your very eyes.
[10:17] * Sailor_Moon quickly ducks behind a support pillar, making sure she's out of sight of the reviving people before detransforming.
[10:18] * Rei-chan takes out an ofuda, tearing off the bottom character and rendering it useless, 'Don't want to accidentally purify it...' she thinks, scooping up the dust on the paper and folding it up.
[10:19] * Usagi-chan quickly emerges, running over to Rei's position. 'What are you doing, Rei-chan?'
[10:20] <Rei-chan> "We don't know anything about these creatures," Rei says quietly, placing the folded up piece of paper in her breast pocket. "I'm willing to take any clue I can get."
[10:21] <Usagi-chan> "Not a bad idea..." Usagi muses. "Maybe Ami can find something out about that dust with her computer?"
[10:22] * Rei-chan nods. "We don't have anything else to go on, right now." She then looks over to see what state the victims are in.
-------
Meanwhile, for Makoto...
-------
[13:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> The next day dawns, and class begins. The day goes without incident... except that you spy Alan talking to a few of your classmates at lunch. He seems to be asking them something.
[13:19] <Makoto> Though curious, Makoto doesn't head over to the group, figuring she'll just ask during class what Alan wanted. She does keep the corner of her eye on the group however.
[13:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> He stays with them perhaps ten minutes, finally leaving after a final snatch of conversation.
[13:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> Once in class, you notice the girls look at you with a mixture of jealousy and smugness. It's not quite what you were hoping for...
[13:21] * Makoto debates how best to ask about what Alan wanted, a bit discomforted by the stares.
[13:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> The girls continue this as class goes on, whispering and passing notes amoungst themselves.
[13:24] * Makoto tries to listen in on what's getting whispered
[13:25] <Sailor_Anastasia> You manage to get a few fragments... "What abou... She like coo... I can't believe that hottie would go for HER..."
[13:27] * Makoto decides it's better to tune the gossipers out and ask Alan directly what he was talking about after school.
[13:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[13:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> The rest of the day goes by. It's nearly time for the date...
[13:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> Alan meets you after class, in his normal school clothes. To your surprise, he's clearly holding something behind his back. "Hi, Makoto," he says, trying to be cheery.
[13:59] <Makoto> "Hello, Alan," Makoto replies back with a smile, though now wondering not only what the disccusion earlier was about, but what Alan is holding.
[14:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Um, I'm supposed to give you a gift to start off, aren't I?" he asks, a bit unsure of himself.
[14:02] * Makoto becomes a little amused at his effort to try to follow her request. "You don't have to, Alan, but the sentiment is usually appreciated."
[14:05] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Well, here you go," he reveals that behind his back was a bouqet of flowers, pure white roses. He smiles, but shows just a bit of 'I hope she likes them' tension.
[14:07] <Makoto> "They're beautiful, Alan!" Makoto exclaims as she sniffs them before giving Alan a dazzling smile. "When did you get them? School only just ended a while ago!"
[14:14] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Heh," he says. "I left my last class early to get them," he admits.
[14:17] <Makoto> "That's very sweet. Thank you, Alan," Makoto says. "I adore plants."
[14:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> Alan smiles. "So do I," he says. "Trees in particular."
[14:21] <Makoto> "That's so nice. Most guys don't particularly care for flora, normally," Makoto replies.
[14:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> Alan shrugs. "Trees are nice," he says, not elaborating. "So... I'm supposed to take you to a nice dinner first, aren't I? Any ideas?"
[14:52] <Makoto> "You know, you're not 'supposed' to do anything other than make sure we both have a good time," Makoto chides. "It's not really a date if either of us isn't having fun and enjoying the other's company."
[14:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Heh," he says again, rubbing the back of his head. "So, then... what do you want to do," he asks, as if fishing for ideas.
[15:03] * Makoto pauses in thought before saying, "Well, since we like plants and trees, why don't we try the park?"
[15:05] * Usagi-chan offers a wave to Makoto as she skips out of the school, her face turning into a grin as she spots the brunette talking with Alan. "Good luck, Mako-chan!" she shouts.
[15:05] <Sailor_Anastasia> "That sounds go..." he starts, turning to catch Usagi briefly.
[15:06] * Makoto blinks and looks back at Usagi. "Wait, how did she know about this date?" Makoto mutters.
[15:07] * Makoto begins to massage her head as she suddenly realizes it was probably the rumor mill.
[15:07] * Usagi-chan winks at the pair and continues on her way, humming to herself - you can just barely hear her voice.
[15:09] <Sailor_Anastasia> Alan shrugs again. "Shall we go?"
[15:09] <Makoto> Remembering Alan's chatting with her classmates now, she asks, "Sure. By the way, what were you asking my classmates about during lunch?"
[12:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> Alan blushes again. "You saw that," he asks, a bit surprised.
[12:07] <Makoto> "Well they -were- my classmates," Makoto says with a smile.
[12:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> You two begin to walk away from the school, getting going. "I asked what you like," he admits.
[12:10] * Makoto blushes. She'd imagined it was something like that, though she still wonders over the smug stares.
[12:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> "They said flowers and cooking," he goes on. "They said something about giving you a skillet or something in place of the roses," he says, like he doesn't quite get it.
[12:16] <Makoto> "Oh, heh..." MAkoto says scratching the back of her head. "I just really like cooking."
[12:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> He nods, not pressing on the matter. Soon, you arrive at the park. It's springtime, and the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The park is filled with the sweet smell of the blossoms, as well as lined with pink petals.
[12:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> Students and others are around lying on blankets, taking in the scene. It's peaceful, warm and pleasant, not to mention a touch romantic.
[12:24] <Sailor_Anastasia> Alan glances around, taking in the blossoms. "It's beautiful," he murmurs, enjoying himself already.
[12:25] <Makoto> "Yes it is," Makoto agrees.
[12:27] <Sailor_Anastasia> He wanders a bit, adoring the blooms. Without a care for his pants, he sits on the bare ground under a tree.
[12:29] * Makoto takes a seat besides him, enjoying both the company and atmosphere a lot more than yesterday. 'I wish I'd known we'd end up here so I could have had a picnic basket for us...' Makoto thinks wistfully.
[12:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> A few minutes pass in comfortable quiet as the both of you deal with your thoughts and the beauty around you. "Hm... so many lively, energetic people here," Alan murmurs as he surveys the area.
[12:34] <Makoto> "Huh? Well, who wouldn't be?"
[12:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> He nods, still a touch distracted. "With such beauty and life around them, who wouldn't be full of vibrant life?"
[12:39] <Makoto> "Exactly!" Makoto says, agreeing with that statement. She then looks around to see if there's anything interesting they can do.
[12:40] <Sailor_Anastasia> There isn't all that much, but there are a few food vendors out the outskirts of the park - yattais and other portable stands.
[12:43] * Makoto isn't really hungry, and Alan doesn't seem to be either, so instead she leans closer towards Alan, to share in his warmth.
[12:44] <Sailor_Anastasia> Alan still seems a tad distracted, and doesn't object to Makoto's movement. After another minute or so, "I'll have to visit here again," he says. "After today. I really like it here."
[12:45] <Makoto> "That's nice," Makoto says with a smile.
[12:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> Alan leans back, resting on the tree trunk. But as he does so, he grimaces in surprise. "Damn!"
[12:47] * Makoto is startled out from her comfortable position and turns to look at Alan. "Alan? What's wrong?"
[12:48] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Nothing," he says, sounding annoyed. "Just an pestering thing," he says. 'And she hadn't even sent back energy yet! Shit!'
[12:50] <Makoto> "Anything I can help with?" Makoto asks worriedly.
[12:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> He turns his head to you. He's not really a happy camper - you can see his eyes, and he's borderline pissed. "No, nothing," he says a bit curtly. "I just remembered something I should have done before it was too late."
[12:54] <Makoto> "...oh." Makoto says, figuring the reason he's annoyed is because he was on a date with her instead of doing what he wanted.
[12:54] <Makoto> "I'm... sorry for dragging you to this instead of letting you do what you needed," she says in a somewhat depressed and dejected tone.
[12:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> Alan looks at you again, and sighs. "It's not your fault," he says.
[13:00] <Makoto> "I guess, but I still feel a bit guilty to have dragged you into this."
[13:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> He shrugs lightly. "It really isn't your fault, but..." he stops, thinking. "I need to do something about an annoying few bugs," he says.
[13:04] <Makoto> "...okay," Makoto says, agreeing if a bit confused. She doesn't see any bugs around them.
[13:05] <Sailor_Anastasia> He settles back, closing his eyes. He's not asleep, but he seems to be trying to calm down a bit and relax.
[13:11] * Makoto just stares at Alan, still confused.
[13:12] <Sailor_Anastasia> After a short while, he opens his eyes again. He still isn't happy, but the pissed-offness is gone.
[13:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> "So, Makoto," he starts. "Um...what subjects do you like in school," he asks, trying to spark some small talk.
[13:15] * Makoto blinks, and mentally shrugs. Must have just been some meditation exercise or something. Responding she says, "Oh, my favorite class is Home Ec. Like I said before, I really like cooking, so it's a fun class. Phys Ed isn't too bad either."
[13:16] <Makoto> "What about you? Which classes do you like?"
[13:18] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Science and math," he says. "I'm good at both of them, they're not hard at all." he pauses. "So you're a really good cook?"
[13:19] * Makoto blushes, but nods. "I'd like to think that I am. One day, I hope to maybe own a bakery or a restaurant. Although a flower shop would be nice too, to be honest."
[13:19] <Makoto> "Hey, do you know what you want to be? You know, when you get out of school?"
[13:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I have an idea," he nods. "A flower shop sounds nice, too."
[13:28] * Makoto giggles. "Maybe we should open a flower shop together then?"
[13:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Heh," he replies. "That could be fun," he smiles at that thought.
[13:40] <Makoto> "So why did you and your sister move her to Japan?" Makoto asks, broaching on the touchy subject of Ann, mostly to continue the conversation than out of curiosity.
[13:42] <Sailor_Anastasia> Alan seems prepared for this question, replying right off the bat. "We moved here because we had to," he says, which really isn't much of an answer.
[13:43] <Makoto> "...ah," Makoto says, unsure if she should really prod further when given a response like that.
[13:48] <Sailor_Anastasia> Alan doesn't volunteer anything else immediately. But as you chat, you can smell a couple walking by with fresh food from the vendor, and your stomach rumbles.
[13:50] <Makoto> Makoto's face gets a twinge of red as her stomach sounds. Even if she really couldn't control her stomach's sounds, it was still wrong during a date.
[13:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> Alan starts a bit. "What was that?" he asks curiously. "It sounded like..."
[13:53] <Makoto> "...sorry. I guess I'm hungry," Makoto mutters embarrassedly.
[13:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Oh," he says. To your surprise, he looks genuniely confused. "I see."
[13:59] * Makoto raises an eyebrow. Alan was such an oddball at times. Oh well, seeing as she was the one who broke the mood... "C'mon, let's get something to eat. I'll invite," she says as she gets up, dusting her skirt from any grass stuck to it.
[14:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I guess," he says, brushing off his pants. Both of you have grass stains, though, which means the washing machine will see work tonight.
[14:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> Getting up, you two head down to the food stands. The various sellers offer hot dogs, taiyaki, okonomiyaki, curry, and other treats. It smells wonderful down here...
[14:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> Alan hangs back, letting Makoto set the pace and choose.
[14:05] * Makoto decides to go for some okonomiyaki and heads for the stand with the best aroma.
[14:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> A middle aged, grey bearded man is running this, serving customers quickly and skillfully. He looks up at you two with a charming smile. "Hello, the menu and prices are printed on the sign on the front," he says, pointing above to a posted sign.
[14:08] * Makoto looks at the sign.
[14:09] <Sailor_Anastasia> The menu is comprised of the basics - plain, seafood, spicy, meat, vegetable, and so on. The prices aren't bad, easy enough to afford on a student's budget.
[14:16] <Makoto> "I'd like a meat special, please," Makoto requests before looking at Alan.
[14:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> Alan doesn't reply, standing there like a bump on a log. "One meat special coming up," he says, going right to work. His movements are quick and graceful, the okonomiyaki being formed and cooked on the open griddle with amazing speed.
[14:19] <Makoto> "Alan? You not hungry?" Makoto asks curiously
[14:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Hm?" Alan blinks. "I'm fine," he shrugs.
[14:22] * Makoto nods and waits for the okonomiyaki.
[14:23] <Sailor_Anastasia> It's ready a minute later, zoomingly fast. The chef is good, and so is the okonomiyaki. Alan watches you with a strange fascination, surprised.
[14:25] * Makoto digs for her wallet and begins to count out the money for the okonomiyaki.
[14:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> The price is 600 yen, which is fairly cheap.
[11:49] * Makoto hands the man 600 yen and thanks him, before looking for a spot to sit in.
[11:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> There are a few seats around the bar. Two are empty...
[11:53] * Makoto heads to those seats, nudging Alan to come with her.
[11:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> Alan follows, taking long looks at the entire area, the food in particular.
[11:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> It's a bit strange. He looks to be studying them, like he's never really seen food before.
[11:57] <Makoto> As they sit down, Makoto sets the okonomiyaki between them. "Here, why don't you have some, Alan?" she offers, even though he had earlier refused her buying him.
[11:59] <Sailor_Anastasia> Alan sniffs the air, a truly curoius expression on his face. "I..." he starts. "Well, I guess I could try," he finally says, giving in to his curiosity.
[12:02] * Makoto separates off half of the okonomiyaki for Alan, before starting on her own half.
[12:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> He takes a set of chopsticks, mimicing your motions a bit roughly. Alan gets a small piece of it, putting it into his mouth...
[12:04] <Sailor_Anastasia> *GULP* "Hey," he says, surprised. "This is... good." Alan blinks, looking down at the rest of the okonomiyaki.
[12:06] <Makoto> "Isn't it?" Makoto says while savoring her own half.
[12:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> Wasting no time, he tears off three more bites from his half, gulping them down quickly. "Yeah, it's really good," he agrees between bites.
[12:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> Finishing the last of his portion with an alarming speed and somewhat sloppy manners, he digs out his wallet. "Can I get another one for myself," he asks, ordering his own.
[12:16] * Makoto restrains a giggle, at seeing Alan devastate through his half of the okonomiyaki. 'Guess that woke up his appetite,' she thinks with a grin.
[12:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> The chef quickly prepares another one, and takes Alan's 600 yen. He starts right in, wolfing down his 'yaki with vigor and zest.
[12:24] * Makoto just continues eating her own half of the okonomiyaki, watching Alan's surprising display of hunger.
[12:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> By the time you've finished your half, Alan has demonlished his half as well as a can of soda. "Thanks, Makoto," he grins broadly, clearly having enjoyed his meal. "That was really, really, really good."
[12:27] <Makoto> "I can see that," Makoto says with a smile, before cleaning her lips on a napkin. "Glad you're having fun."
[12:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> He nods. "I'll have to come back here," he says. "Definitely."
[12:34] * Makoto smiles, glad that he was having fun as well on this date, instead of feeling forced.
[12:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> Glancing down at his watch, Alan frowns. "It's also getting a bit late and I do need to get home," he says, getting up.
[12:38] * Makoto frowns lightly at the abrupt attempt to leave, but nods, getting up. "I suppose I should get started on my homework," she mutters somewhat reluctantly.
[12:38] <Sailor_Anastasia> Alan smiles a bit, going on. "Maybe we can do this again, and eat again?" he asks.
[12:40] * Makoto smiles at that. "I'd like that," she states, while mentally planning on making a bento for him so he can enjoy -her- cooking.
[12:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Good," he still smiles and speaks warmly. "See you around, Makoto," he says, waving and walking off.
[12:42] * Makoto likewise heads off towards her apartment.
[12:43] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[08:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> Wednesday, after the VR Cardian clash the previous day, goes quietly until lunch.
[08:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> As always, Ann shows no real signs of being social, keeping to herself all morning.
[08:53] * Usagi-chan keeps a curious eye on Ann throughout the morning, wondering why the girl always seems so quiet.
[08:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> If anything, she seems oddly out of sorts today. Her responses to Miss H are clipped and border on rude, but she gets away with it due to Miss H's good mood.
[08:55] * Usagi-chan wonders what has Ann so grouchy today, but holds her tongue until she can get a chance to talk to her.
[08:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> Once lunch breaks, Ann seems quite happy to do nothing else except get up and escape from the classroom like there's a bee on her seat.
[08:58] * Usagi-chan follows the girl at a slower pace, not wanting to appear to be chasing her down.
[08:59] <Sailor_Anastasia> Ann doesn't turn or seem to notice you. She goes up to the tenth grade floor and goes right into an empty classroom.
[09:01] * Usagi-chan knocks on the classroom door quietly. "Grangier-san? Are you all right?"
[09:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> There is a short pause. "What is it?" she replies, sounding a bit defensive.
[09:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> "And I'm fine," she says a moment later.
[09:03] * Usagi-chan slides open the door a bit to look inside, a worried expression on her face. "I was just a little worried about you - you've seemed a little, well, snappish this morning and I was wondering if something was bothering you."
[09:05] <Sailor_Anastasia> You see Ann standing near the teacher's desk, while Alan is sitting on the desk. Ann looks less than happy to be disturbed, while Alan is more neutral. "I said I'm fine," she says. "Go away, Usagi."
[09:07] <Usagi-chan> "I'm... sorry." Usagi says quietly, a hurt expression on her face. "I didn't mean to interrupt you." She closes the door with a sigh.
[09:08] * Usagi-chan stands by the door, unmoving, feeling rather awkward for having broken in on the pair like that.
[09:09] <Sailor_Anastasia> As you stand, you can just hear the conversation filtering from inside...
[09:09] <Sailor_Anastasia> "What was that about," Alan asks. He doesn't sound mad at Ann, merely curious.
[09:10] <Usagi-chan> Letting her curiosity get the better of her, Usagi lingers, wondering what the siblings could be talking about.
[09:10] <Sailor_Anastasia> "She's a girl I sit next to in class," Ann replies, still angry. "She's a bit nosy like that."
[09:11] * Usagi-chan frowns at the comment, but keeps listening.
[09:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> "It's not important," Alan brushes the subject away. "Anyway, I found somewhere we may want to go soon," he says, sounding a touch sinister? Or is that just an effect of the muffled voices?
[09:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> "While you were off with that little tramp," Ann sneers. "Oh, don't think I don't know about your park trip yesterday," she says, hurt in her voice.
[09:15] <Usagi-chan> 'How dare she talk about Mako-chan like that!' Usagi thinks indignantly.
[09:16] <Sailor_Anastasia> "No better than you running around with that black haired moron," Alan snaps back. Woah. Trouble in paradise?
[09:16] <Usagi-chan> 'Wow, this sounds more like a lover's quarrel than a brother and sister fighting.' Usagi thinks to herself. 'And while I might call Mamoru a lot of things, moron isn't one of them.'
[09:18] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Grrrr..." Ann doesn't seem happy with that description of Mamoru. "If it makes you happy, ALAN," she sounds extremely pissed now, "He dumped me yesterday evening. He gave some sappy speech about how another girl had his heart forever."
[09:19] * Usagi-chan winces. So close...
[09:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Heh," Alan laughs. "I'm amazed Miss Hanging all over him took the hint!"
[09:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Bah, and what about you and that brown haired troublemaker," Ann says. "She's not dumped you for another woman yet, has she," Ann says with disarming sweetness. "I'm sure she's not interested in your type just by looking at her."
[09:21] <Sailor_Anastasia> There is a short silence, then...
[09:21] <Usagi-chan> 'Mako-chan? Like THAT?' Usagi has to fight not to giggle - which she does succeed at, if barely.
[09:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Whatever, Ann," he says, sounding unconcerned. "Regardless of that for the moment, you agree about the park?"
[09:23] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yeah," she agrees. "We'll go there in a few days, maybe? Say Sunday when everyone is out of school?"
[09:24] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Sounds good," Alan agrees as well, calm again.
[09:24] * Usagi-chan wonders what the two would be doing at a park.... She decides to ask Makoto which park, so that she can check things out on Sunday, her curiosity aroused.
[09:25] * Usagi-chan gets the impression that the two are nearing the end of their conversation. Moving quietly, she heads back for the stairs down to her own classroom quickly, her lunch still untouched.
[11:34] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[11:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> By luck, Herb's classes for Wednesday afternoon are cancelled.
[11:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> One teacher has the flu; the other had a family emergency. Be that as it may, it leaves your afternoon free...
[11:36] <Prince_Herb> "Oh no," Herb thinks, "How will I ever pass the exams without that crucial class on Early Islamic ceramics?"
[11:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> However, this frees Herb to do some shopping he's been putting off. Mostly some reading material and a few other minor things...
[11:39] <Prince_Herb> "Every cloud has a silver lining, I suppose. If it's an important class, they'll schedule a replacement." Herb thinks, and heads off to the booksellers near the campus.
[11:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> The bookshop is quiet enough today, the influx of students not yet in full swing. This leaves the manga section mostly empty - only a few students from the local middle school are around.
[11:40] * Prince_Herb swithers for a moment, then heads straight for the manga section, and Record of Lodoss War.
[11:40] <Prince_Herb> 'Ah, Deedlit, my love...' Herb thinks.
[11:42] <Sailor_Anastasia> As you read, you notice a brown haired teen in the garb of Usagi's school is reading the same book as you. She's looking at Deedlit with a fair amount of interest...
[11:45] * Prince_Herb looks at the girl, then back at Deedlit.
[11:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> Glancing up, you can see she has slightly pointy eyes and a very cute face. It's like she's deciding whether to laugh or sigh at Deedlit...
[11:46] * Prince_Herb looks back at the girl. "Hello there. Are you another elf fan?"
[11:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Hm," she looks up from her book. "Elf? That's what you call her?" she asks, pointing a finger at Deedlit's picture.
[11:48] <Prince_Herb> "Deedlit? Sure. Biggest cute elf girl in anime." Herb replies.
[11:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Huh," she says, looking again at her. "Are there others like her?"
[11:52] <Prince_Herb> "Sure; elf girls are sexy, after all. Pointy-eared guys get less of a look-in, though," Herb says, trying not to sigh.
[11:53] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Huh," she says again, but she seems to be interested. "Do you know of any other books about them?"
[11:55] * Prince_Herb nods. "Certainly. What sort of thing are you looking for?"
[11:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Any books with these elves," she says. "I'd like to see more of them."
[11:57] <Prince_Herb> Herb nods and shows the girl some of his own favourites, manga, RPG art and Tolkien artbooks.
[11:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> The girl reads through them, showing quite a bit of interest in each. One picture is of a greenish, black haired elf, which particularly interests her. "Ooooh... he's cute," she murmurs.
[12:01] <Prince_Herb> "Really? I prefer the girl on the facing page myself," Herb says, pointing to a green-skinned elf girl in snugly fitting chainmail.
[12:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> "She's okay, I guess," she admits, still into reading and looking at the mess of elf pictures.
[12:10] <Sailor_Anastasia> As she does so, she puts aside at least five books, presumably to buy them.
[12:10] * Prince_Herb looks at the five books.
[12:11] <Prince_Herb> "If only they still existed outside of books and games." Herb says sadly.
[12:11] <Sailor_Anastasia> One is the manga 'Elven Wars', with the green skinned elves you saw before. The second and third are fantasy elven books, of no real note. The last two are books from Lodoss War.
[12:12] <Prince_Herb> "You have pretty good taste, though." Herb acknowledges.
[12:12] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Still existed?" she asks. "Did they live here before?"
[12:16] <Prince_Herb> "I suppose they did, a long time ago in the West, or something like them. They turn up in old European legends quite often." Herb says, rationalising that if dragons are real, then elves may well also be.
[12:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> "That's way off on another continent, though, isn't it?" she sighs. "Oh well."
[12:19] <Prince_Herb> "It's a long way off, and I don't think anyone's seen any elves there for a long time, even so."
[12:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> She nods, then smiles. "Thanks for the books," she says. "I'm Ann Grangier."
[12:21] <Prince_Herb> "I'm Prince_Herb," Herb says. "I think I've heard of you, actually. You're a new classmate of Usagi Tsukino at Juuban, aren't you? I'm her t'ai chi instructor."
[12:23] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Prince?" she asks, surprised. "Like a name? Strange parents you have there."
[12:27] <Prince_Herb> "No, it's not my name, it's my title. I understand you come from some kind of republic, so I guess you're not very well acquainted with titles..."
[12:27] <Prince_Herb> "Eh, that sounds a bit pompous... Just don't worry about it. Call me Herb."
[12:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Um, right..." she says. "Anyway, thanks," she sounds a bit put off, but she recovers.
[12:35] <Prince_Herb> "You're welcome," Herb says, then remembers what he suggested at the last senshi meeting.
[12:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I'll see you around, then," she says as she picks up her manga and books.
[12:36] <Prince_Herb> "Wait a moment," Herb says.
[12:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yes," she says, turning back around to you.
[12:39] <Prince_Herb> "It's nice to meet a girl who likes elves as much as I do. Perhaps you would care to accompany me to a screening of the Lodoss War movie some night soon?"
[12:41] <Prince_Herb> "Bring your brother and his friend, if you feel you need a chaperone. We could go for a meal at the Tex-Mex afterwards, if you so desired."
[12:42] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Well..." she takes a moment to ponder things, thinking. "Oh, why not? Friday night, say?" she smiles. 'Hey, he's a nice recovery from Mamoru..'
[12:43] * Prince_Herb smiles. "Friday night it shall be."
[12:43] * Prince_Herb thinks, 'It'll give her a welcome break from Mamoru...'
[12:43] <Sailor_Anastasia> She nods. "Where do you want to meet? At the movies?"
[12:44] <Prince_Herb> "Sounds fine to me," says Herb and writes down a few details for Ann
[12:45] <Sailor_Anastasia> She smiles again, taking them. "I'll invite Alan, sure," she confirms.
[12:45] * Prince_Herb smiles. "See you on Friday, then."
[12:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Okay," she nods, going off to pay for her books.
[12:59] * Prince_Herb whistles a happy tune and heads of home with his own purchases
[09:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---

[09:38] <Sailor_Anastasia> Wednesday morning...after the VR clash, Rei has a sample of Cardian dust to analyze...
[09:40] <Sailor_Anastasia> Of course, that's a bit out of Rei's realm of knowledge, so she'll have to find someone else to do it.
[09:42] * Rei-chan enters the Witches 6 office, hoping Eudial is around. While the Professor would probably be able to come up with something from the analysis, she'd much rather not go running to him with every little problem.
[09:43] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial isn't around right now, by your luck. Cyprine is, but she looks to be taking a nap, head down on her desk and snoring softly. Kaolinite is reading another magic book, and is paying you no attention.
[09:45] * Rei-chan sighs softly. 'Oh well, it's still early... she'll probably show up soon.' She goes to her desk and takes out a textbook, deciding she might as well get some studying done while she waits.
[09:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> Kaolinite does glance up when she hears you getting set up, a small, annoyed curl of her lip the only sign she saw you.
[09:47] * Rei-chan ignores the older woman, hoping that at least one day at Mugen can pass without angry posturing and violence.
[09:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> About ten minutes pass. Just as you're really getting into the history text, the door opens again. Mimette comes in, her face covered in a white noseguard that covers most of her face, and her jaw is wired shut. It rather ruins her appearance.
[09:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> She sees you, turns her head with as much contempt as she can manage, and stalks over to her desk.
[09:50] <Rei-chan> Again, Rei remains silent. Though she is surprised Mimette is even coming in today... 'Where are you, Eudial?' she wonders, with some concern.
[09:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> The room seems to bubble with tension now that so many Witches are here at once.  You can see that a few of them are sending less than pleasant glances around...
[09:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> Again, the door opens. This time, Tellu comes in. She looks around, a bit surprised so many of the Witches happen to be here at once. Shrugging, she goes to her desk and takes out a book to read.
[09:54] <Rei-chan> With some annoyance, Rei snaps her book shut, finding the tension becoming too much. Without a word, she gets up and stalks out of the office, heading down to the garage.
[09:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Heh," Kaolinite's chuckle teases your ears as you storm out. A bit into the hallway, you see Eudial walking towards you. She looks to be in a fine mood, if a little late.
[09:57] <Rei-chan> "Oh, hi Eudial," Rei waves, "I was wondering where you were. Feeling better, today?" she gives the older girl a concerned look.
[10:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> She smiles. "I'm fine," she says. "Just running a bit this morning." Eudial looks far better than she did after the catfight, her eyes clear and her step sure.
[10:00] * Rei-chan nods. "Glad to hear it - though truthfully I just wanted out of there with all the tension in the room," she shudders as she gestures towards the office.
[10:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Mimette's sending you dirty looks," Eudial chuckles, smirking at her question.
[10:03] <Rei-chan> "I'm surprised she even came in today," Rei admits, "She looks a real mess. Kaolinite's in there, too..." Rei shakes her head, sighing. "Anyway, I do have good news about our mission to deal with those elves and their energy draining monsters," she adds, cheering up.
[10:04] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Mimette's too stupid to stay down," Eudial shrugs. She picks up a bit when you mention that, however. "Did you find something?"
[10:06] * Rei-chan nods. "One of the monsters attacked the VR Arcade yesterday," she holds up the little plastic bag she had transferred the Cardian dust to after getting home. "This is what's left after Sailor Moon killed it. I was thinking we... well, you - I'm not very good at science stuff, could analyze it and maybe find out something useful."
[10:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial bends over, peering into the bag. "Huh, that's all that's left of it," she muses. "I thought I just vaporized the last one, are they supposed to die like that?"
[10:10] <Rei-chan> "I think you burnt away even the dust so there was nothing left," Rei smiles, recalling how Eudial had utterly annihilated the Cardian. "But I saw this one die - there was some little card thing left after the monster disintegrated, and then the card fell apart into this dust." She shrugs, "I'm not sure exactly what it can tell us, but it's at least worth a shot, right?"
[10:11] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yeah, it's worth a shot by far," she agrees, taking the baggie. "Did you see Sailor Moon fight at all?" she broaches that part of the subject.
[10:14] <Rei-chan> "Yeah," Rei nods. "She showed up right after I saw the monster and then blasted it. She disappeared while I was recovering that dust." 'That's all pretty much the truth, really...'
[10:16] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial shakes the bag lightly, watching the dust settle around with interest. "Did you fight with her at all, or did you challenge the monster?"
[10:18] <Rei-chan> "I didn't really do that much," Rei sighs. "I tried to stun the monster with an ofuda, but it was so bloated on stolen energy that it overpowered the ward quite easily. I did manage to burn it pretty badly with my flame sword right before Sailor Moon finished it off, but she probably could have done it without my help..." she looks rather downcast as she finishes.
[10:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> "You would've beaten it even without Sailor Moon," Eudial smiles, reassuring Rei. "They aren't that tough, anyway." She then pauses, thinking. "Did Sailor Moon mention anything about the monster?" she asks, "Does she know more than us?"
[10:25] <Rei-chan> "I don't think so," Rei shakes her head, "I did ask her about it before she vanished, but she seemed as lost as I was."
[10:27] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Darn," she says, sighing. "Then let's hope this dust turns up something."
[10:28] * Rei-chan nods. "It's all we have right now... if it doesn't turn anything up, I think we should try and capture one of the monsters alive next time."
[10:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial agrees. "It's a good idea, if we can find another one of them," she fiddles with the keycard door as she speaks, opening the way to the labs below.
[10:40] * Rei-chan follows along, hoping that they'll at least learn something useful out of this.
[10:42] <Sailor_Anastasia> Into the laboratories you go, Eudial leading the way to a quiet and well lit room, the latter an anomaly in this part of Mugen. She begins to work, getting a microscope and a few other tools to work with the dust.
[10:43] * Rei-chan keeps quiet so as not to distract Eudial, observing her actions closely in hopes of learning something.
[10:44] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial works, using the microscopes, petri dishes, and other myriad devices to examine the dust. Most of it goes over Rei's head, and an hour passes while she works.
[10:46] * Rei-chan blinks several times, hoping her eyes haven't glazed over completely...
[10:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> Shaking off your drowsiness, you see that Eudial seems to be wrapping up. She's taken some notes on a loose sheet of paper, and she's checking over them now.
[10:47] <Rei-chan> "So, did your tests turn up anything we can use?" Rei asks hopefully.
[10:48] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Oh," she looks up, a bit surprised. "Damn, forgot all about you, Rei," she laughs a bit nervously, rubbing the back of her head with her free hand. "Um, I found out a little bit."
[10:49] <Rei-chan> "That's alright," Rei smiles genially, "I know how it is to get wrapped up in something like that."
[10:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial smiles, relating to that quite a bit. "Anyway, I think this is a summoned creature of some sort - it's certainly not natural to the Earth."
[10:51] * Rei-chan nods. "Figured as much. Any idea about where it's being summoned from or how?"
[10:53] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Not really," she sighs. "We'd have to get a live specimen for that."
[10:55] <Rei-chan> "Oh, well... guess that'll be our next step..." she taps her chin thoughtfully, "Unless there's some way we can detect or track them in order to locate where they're based..."
[10:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Not any that I can think of from just this dust," she shakes her head. "It wasn't as useful as I was hoping it would be."
[10:57] <Rei-chan> After a moment, Rei perks up, "Oh, I wanted to ask you something non-work related. Do you have any other plans today?"
[10:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Hm? No, nothing beyond going home and watching TV," she shrugs. "Have an idea?"
[11:00] <Rei-chan> "Well, we don't really do that much outside of Mugen, and I have a friend who'd like to meet you, so I was hoping we could get together and do something fun," Rei suggests hopefully.
[11:01] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I guess, sure," she nods.
[11:01] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[09:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> The rest of the day goes by until lunch. With Eudial, you go to the cafeteria, getting your food through a throng of hungry students. Eudial favors a spicy chicken dish, you notice.
[09:09] * Rei-chan tries the tuna pasta bake.
[09:09] <Sailor_Anastasia> Sitting down at a pleasant window table, you get it all to yourselves. As usual, the other students tend to give recognize the rank of the Witches and gives way to them.
[09:11] <Sailor_Anastasia> Around a first bite of her food, Eudial starts a conversation. "Who was it you wanted to introduce me to," she asks, gulping down her food. It does smell good today.
[09:12] <Rei-chan> "Her name's Usagi Tsukino. She's really nice, even if she is sometimes a Dumpling Head," Rei says fondly. "I hope you and her will get along."
[09:14] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial nods thoughtfully, taking another bite of her chicken. "Dumpling Head? Strange nickname," she says before going on. "Is she talented at all, in the way we're talented?" she inquires.
[09:18] <Rei-chan> "She wears her hair with two little balls on her head," Rei gestures, "Kinda like Tellu, but with long pigtails. And she's just sometimes a bit of a ditz, so the name fits," she chuckles, before sobering at Eudial's other question. "When I first met her I thought there was something very odd about her, but something was happening at the Shrine that made all my senses way off. She does have some supernatural sensitivity, though."
[09:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Supernatural sensitivity? What exactly do you mean, Rei," she takes another bite of lunch. "Does she shiver when there's magic around?" she shrugs.
[09:22] <Rei-chan> "That's pretty much it, actually," Rei nods. "She can sense auras and magic - kind of like I can, but she's never had any training in it."
[09:23] <Sailor_Anastasia> "A wild talent," Eudail notes, biting away at her food. "Does she have any other abilities?"
[09:25] <Rei-chan> "I know she has a lot of potential, but..." Rei shrugs helplessly.
[09:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial nods. "Are you lost on helping her learn and control her powers," she guesses, putting down her chopsticks for a moment. "Heh, I can relate to that. The Professor was helpful when I first came here," she relates, a strange smile on her face. "I was a bit raw, too."
[09:30] <Rei-chan> "I've given her a few pointers on being able to control her sensitivity, since it can leave you open to mental attack," Rei shivers slightly at the memory, "But there's really too much difference between what we can do, even if it seems similar on the surface. I haven't been much help at all. Still, she gets by well enough."
[09:30] * Rei-chan then gives Eudial an interested look, "What was it like for you? Did you even know about your talent before coming here?"
[09:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial rests her head on her hands, looking out the window. "I had an idea, yeah," she begins. "Remember when I told you about all that property damage? Most of those were about my untrained inventions and such that I made. I was totally unfocused, making this and that without any regard to what it would do," she relates, her eyes and voice a touch distant, wrapped in memories.
[09:40] * Rei-chan nods understandingly. "Yeah, must have been troublesome..."
[09:40] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I knew it wasn't natural. My Mom thought it wasn't, either, and it led her to becoming a teacher here so I could receive supervision from the Professor. Even back then," she smiles again, still remote, "he was known as a force in the mystical sciences."
[09:41] <Rei-chan> "Your mother is a teacher here?" Rei asks interestedly.
[09:43] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yeah, she teaches metal shop class," she says. "Like mother, like daughter, except I'm also magically gifted at it," she nods again, going back to her food and raising her head. "Anyhow, the Professor taught me how to focus and understand what I was making instead of just letting it trash a block or three."
[09:45] <Rei-chan> "So what kind of power does the Professor actually have? Is it some sort of technomagic thing like your own?"
[09:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I've been thinking about that for a long time now," Eudial goes on, twirling a bit of food around her plate. "As far as I can figure, he can make those shadow faces...and that's all I've been able to put together. Any other abilities he has I haven't seen."
[09:47] <Rei-chan> "Well, he did make that daimon seed thing. He's obviously no slouch," Rei says contemplatively.
[09:48] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial nods in agreement. "Yeah. Modern science can barely clone a sheep and he's making new creatures from scratch. Some talent has to be at work there," she says thoughtfully.
[09:51] * Rei-chan chews on her pasta as she ponders. "Then there's the Mistress... I barely had time to look at her before I was knocked out that time, so I don't really know what powers she has, but considering she keeps a group like ours in line, it must be something pretty damn impressive."
[09:53] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial takes a large bite of chicken and rice before going on. "I saw her use a bit of magic before," she recalls, and not in the fond way she did when she talked about the Professor's teachings. "Kaolinite got really out of line when we all went to see her..." she pauses again, thinking.
[09:54] * Rei-chan leans forward interestedly, waiting to hear what happened.
[09:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> "She got sent flying across the room in a second, and the rest of us were teleported out," she relates slowly. "But... afterwards, she started to get stronger and excel past the rest of us," she frowns. "She's now the strongest out of all of us by far..."
[09:56] <Rei-chan> "Hmm..." Rei ponders this. "You say Kaolinite got really out of line? She's normally very controlled - especially around the Professor. Did she used to be... more emotional?"
[09:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> "A bit more, yeah. She was also younger... she calmed down after that, but she was also starting to do so beforehand," Eudial shrugs.
[09:58] * Rei-chan shrugs, "I was probably on the wrong track with what I was thinking anyway. It's more likely that the Mistress just scared Kaolinite into working much harder to prove her usefulness."
[09:59] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Probably..." Eudial doesn't finish that thought, but she sounds fairly convinced of that. Maybe. "If she has gotten stronger, it would require more control on some level."
[10:01] <Rei-chan> "Well, my original thought was - you remember how you said that injection I got removed my humanity?" she doesn't wait for a response before continuing, "I never actually felt any different after it, but what if the Mistress did something more extreme to Kaolinite? Changed how her mind works to make her more compliant as well as making it easier for her to access certain powers?"
[10:01] <Rei-chan> She gets a distasteful look as she adds, "Like what Metallia did to me."
[10:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial finishes her lunch in three quick bites before saying anything else. "It's possible, I guess," she finally says, shaking her head. "But... ugh..." Eudial drops her chopsticks, shuddering a moment.
[10:03] <Rei-chan> "Eudial!" Rei reaches over the table to put a hand on the girl's shoulder, "Are you alright?"
[10:04] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Huh?" the shuddering stops and she blinks, chasing it away. "Yeah, I'm fine. What were you saying?" she asks, a bit dazed.
[10:06] <Rei-chan> "We were just talking about the Mistress," Rei says distractedly as she examines Eudial's head. "Are you sure you've recovered from yesterday?"
[10:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I'm fine," she says. "Must've just been a bit of gas."
[10:07] <Rei-chan> "If you're sure," Rei leans back in her seat. "I guess you do seem fine, now."
[10:10] <Sailor_Anastasia> "At any rate," she says, pushing her plate back again and chaning the subject, "Did you hear what Tellu ran into yesterday evening?"
[10:11] <Rei-chan> "No," Rei blinks, recalling that she saw Tellu this morning and the girl seemed fine. "Those elves, or that person who attacked us when we went after the mime?"
[10:12] <Sailor_Anastasia> "The latter," she nods. "I heard her reporting back to the professor. Some shadowy figure knocked her away from the Heart Crystal before running off."
[10:12] <Rei-chan> "Shadowy," Rei repeats dully. "Damn, take it that means she didn't get a good look at them?"
[10:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Nope," Eudial confirms. "Just dashed in and out after scaring off the Witch."
[10:14] * Rei-chan sighs. "I guess it's not really our problem, since we're not responsible for hunting Talismans right now, but I'd still like to find out more about this."
[10:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yeah," Eudial agrees. "But one thing at a time - let's get these elves first." she grins at that, a bit of bravado showing up.
[10:16] * Rei-chan nods. "Yeah, we'll definitely deal with them."
[10:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial smirks, getting up. "Then shall we get back to work?"
[10:17] <Rei-chan> "Sure thing," Rei agrees, rising herself.
[10:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[10:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> After another hour or two of work, Eudial concludes nothing more will be gained from the dust. She asks Rei if she wants to leave a bit early, since she wanted to meet a friend.
[10:23] <Rei-chan> "Sure, just let me get changed," Rei says before heading into the Witches 6 locker room and changing into some casual clothes she has stored there.
[10:24] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial goes with you, changing into a pair of black slacks and a red sweater. That's unusual, she usually wears her outfit home.
[10:26] * Rei-chan changes into a purple turtleneck and short black skirt. "I was thinking we could go to that club you took me to before," she suggests. "We can pick up Usagi outside the Crown Arcade."
[10:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> "That's near Juuban Middle," she nods as she puts away her Witches outfit. She sits down and begins to undo her hair, letting it fall down in red waves to her waist.
[10:29] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, that's the school she goes to," Rei nods. "Why don't you wear your hair down like that more often? It looks nice," she comments.
[10:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> "It's a pain," she shrugs. "I don't see how you manage it all the time." she takes out a small brush, working on parts of it.
[10:32] <Rei-chan> "True, it is high maintainance, but I just like it this way," Rei brushes a hand against her hair. "It was a lot better back when it was black, though..."
[10:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> She looks up a moment, studying you. "It would have been," she nods a moment later. She stands, content with her now loose and brushed hair.
[10:34] <Rei-chan> "Well, at least I won't even notice when I'm old enough for it to turn grey," Rei chuckles half-heartedly. "You ready to go, now?"
[10:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial at least has the sense not to chuckle herself. "Ready," she says, heading out. A short walk takes you the car, which causes her to grin broadly as usual. "Alright," she enthuses, "Time to get going."
[10:36] <Rei-chan> "Um... I don't really mind your driving, Eudial," Rei says in a concillatory tone, "But do you think you could maybe tone it down after we pick up Usagi? She's... um... well, she won't be quite as used to it as I am."
[10:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial sighs, a bit overly dramatic. "If you want it that way, why don't you drive instead?" she says. "I really want to go fast."
[10:38] * Rei-chan chuckles, "I'm not sure she'd get in the car if I was driving... but I guess it will be fun to see the look on her face."
[10:38] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial nods, tossing you the keys. She does look a bit dissapointed as she slides into the passenger seat, though.
[10:40] <Rei-chan> "I'll try to drive really dangerously until we pick her up if it'll make you feel any better?" Rei offers with a teasing smile as she gets in the driver's seat.
[10:40] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial does smile back at that. "Sure, let's see you try and outdo the great Eudial at driving!"
[10:41] <Rei-chan> "I'm not at that level yet, but I can try," Rei agrees, starting the car.
[10:42] <Sailor_Anastasia> Rei does indeed try, making good time as you zoom towards the Crown Arcade...
[10:42] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[10:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> Usagi stands outside the Crown Arcade, having just arrived from another day of education. It's a short wait indeed as a car zooms up to Usagi, stopping right in front of her...
[10:52] * Usagi-chan hops back a step as the car screeches to a halt. "Whoa..."
[10:52] <Rei-chan> "Heya, Dumpling Head," Rei waves from the rolled down car window.
[10:53] <Usagi-chan> "Rei?!" Usagi says incredulously. "What are you trying to do, run me over?"
[10:53] * Rei-chan gets a hurt look. "Of course not! You were in no danger at all!"
[10:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yep, I did teach her how to drive, so you were fine," another voice calls out from the other side of the car.
[10:55] <Usagi-chan> "Why are you the one driving, anyway? Don't you need a license for that?" Usagi looks concerned.
[10:56] <Rei-chan> "Well... yeah..." Rei concedes reluctantly, "But that's just a formality. Just because I'm not legally old enough, I still have the skills."
[10:57] * Usagi-chan sighs. "Well, I guess you DID get here without running into anything - I don't see any dents in the car. But you don't have to go so fast!"
[10:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> "It's not any fun if you go slow, though," the same voice from before points out.
[10:58] <Rei-chan> "Don't worry," Rei waves it off, "I'll go much slower, now. Come on, hop in."
[10:58] <Usagi-chan> "All right, I'm coming. Just be careful, okay?" Usagi climbs into the back seat of the car, still looking a bit nervous.
[10:59] <Rei-chan> "Anyway," Rei turns around and gestures between the two passengers, "I'd like you to meet my sempai; Eudial. Eudial, this is Usagi."
[10:59] <Sailor_Anastasia> Getting in, Usagi is able to see the other person. Eudial has long red hair that cascades down her back, with a red sweater and black slacks. "Hi," she says.
[11:00] * Usagi-chan gives the car's other occupant a bright smile. "Hi, I'm Usagi! Are you Eudial?"
[11:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial turns enough so that she can see Usagi. "Yeah. It's nice to meet you, Usagi," she says politely.
[11:01] * Usagi-chan smiles. "I've been wanting to meet you for a while - Rei-chan says you're her best friend at Mugen, so I was hoping to get a chance to meet you sometime."
[11:02] * Rei-chan returns her attention to driving, taking them to the club she went to with Eudial before, while hoping the two will get along.
[11:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial nods, glancing at the road once. "Rei's a good friend," she confirms. "She said you see unusual things," she asks off the bat.
[11:03] * Usagi-chan blinks in surprise. "She did?" 'Rei...?'
[11:04] <Rei-chan> 'I mentioned you can see auras, that's all,' Rei replies. 'Nothing about Sailor Moon.'
[11:05] * Usagi-chan nods after picking up Rei's thought. "Yeah, I can." she says, slightly subdued.
[11:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> She nods. "Cool," she smiles. "Do you see anything around me?"
[11:07] <Usagi-chan> "A little right now... hard to tell without getting a good look at you. I was planning to take a better look once we got to wherever we were going." Usagi smiles, glad to see that her 'ability' isn't creeping Eudial out.
[11:08] <Rei-chan> "We're nearly there," Rei puts in, "It's a club Eudial and I visited before."
[11:09] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Ah," Eudial nods again. "It's uncommon to meet people with talent," she explains, "It's so rare."
[11:09] <Usagi-chan> "Yeah, I know!" Usagi agrees. "I was really surprised when Rei-chan told me there were a bunch of 'talented' people at Mugen."
[11:12] <Sailor_Anastasia> "She mentioned the Witches 6," she asks neutrally. "You mean the club for magically inclined people?" she asks, digging a bit.
[11:13] <Usagi-chan> "Is that what they're called?" Usagi looks curious. "She didn't name any names, just that she really didn't like most of the magically inclined people at Mugen except for you."
[11:13] <Rei-chan> "Um, I didn't actually mention the club..." Rei says, wincing a bit.
[11:14] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial goes on, nodding. "Yeah, the others are bitches," she admits freely. Looking up, Eudial sees that Rei is just about there...
[11:16] <Usagi-chan> "Seems like a real shame though - with so few people out there that can do that kind of thing, it seems awful that they're so mean. People with things like that in common should stick together, right?" Usagi smiles.
[11:16] <Rei-chan> "That'd be nice," Rei agrees, "But some of them just see it as a way to elevate themselves above everyone else."
[11:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yeah," she says, agreeing. "Or they get all high and mighty because they're special."
[11:18] <Usagi-chan> "Well, I know I'M not going to do that, ever! Just because I can do some things that other people can't doesn't make me any better or worse than they are - just different." Usagi nods emphatically.
[11:19] * Rei-chan smiles, "That's the best way to look at it."
[11:22] * Rei-chan parks the car and shuts off the engine. "Alright, here we are," she tells her passengers, unbuckling her seat belt and exiting the car.
[11:22] * Usagi-chan hops out of the car. "That wasn't TOO bad... I guess Eudial-san must be a good teacher." Usagi grins.
[11:23] <Sailor_Anastasia> "You bet," Eudial grins, getting out of the car herself.
[11:24] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, she helped me out a lot," Rei adds, before grinning, "But when the student is this skilled, what can you expect?"
[11:24] <Usagi-chan> "I see you're still as modest as ever, Pyro!" Usagi retorts.
[11:24] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Heh," Eudial responds, taking a moment to stretch out now that she's out of the car.
[11:25] <Rei-chan> "I can't help but be the way I am," Rei replies smartly. "Come on, guys," she leads the pair into the club. "If you two get a booth I'll get us drinks."
[11:27] <Usagi-chan> "Okay, be there in just a second." She smiles and turns to Eudial. "You wanted me to take a look at you, right?" Usagi gives the Witch a penetrating gaze, although not an unkind one.
[11:27] * Rei-chan goes to the bar, getting an orange juice for herself, a mountain dew for Eudial, and a cream soda for Usagi.
[11:29] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial doesn't flinch under the gaze, but she does look a touch uncomfortable.
[11:31] * Usagi-chan takes on a somewhat wide-eyed expression. "Wow... you DO have a lot of potential." She smiles. "Way more than anyone else I've ever seen."
[11:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Of course," she smiles. "Anyway, c'mon," she nods, leading you inside.
[11:31] * Usagi-chan nods and follows the redhead into the club.
[11:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> The club is dark and vibrant with arcade machines in the front, a dance floor, and tables and booths for refreshments.
[11:33] <Usagi-chan> "Wow... this is WAY different from the Crown." Usagi says as she takes in her surroundings.
[11:35] * Rei-chan approaches the pair, handing over their drinks. "Come on, I saw an empty booth over there," she points, "Let's go get seated."
[11:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Thanks," Eudial says as she takes her drink and walks over. "Yeah, this is a real club," she says to Usagi.
[11:36] * Usagi-chan takes the cream soda with a smile and follows Rei quickly, her long pigtails bobbing. "I've only been to a place like this once before." She frowns slightly, but covers it quickly.
[11:37] <Rei-chan> "It's not a bad place," Rei nods, "Bit heavy on the couples, though..." she adds with a trace of annoyance.
[11:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> "More incentive to get a boyfriend," Eudial murmurs with an edge of annoyance.
[11:37] <Usagi-chan> "Oh yeah, that reminds me." Usagi sighs. "Guess who I overheard at lunch today?"
[11:38] <Rei-chan> "Dunno, what?" Rei asks, sitting down.
[11:39] * Usagi-chan seats herself next to Rei. "Turns out a certain tall dark-haired college student dumped Ann yesterday... said he just couldn't get over the girl of his dreams." She sighs and rests her head on her arms.
[11:40] <Rei-chan> "Ugh..." Rei groans. "You're just too darn irresistible, Dumpling Head."
[11:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial stays quiet, sipping her drink while the other two discuss gossip unrelated to her.
[11:42] * Rei-chan tries to include Eudial in the conversation. "Usagi's having trouble with her ex-boyfriend. He's rather obsessed..." she tells the older girl.
[11:42] <Usagi-chan> "Ugh, obsessed is like an understatement. I don't want to go out with him any more, but he just doesn't want to take no for an answer." She sighs.
[11:43] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial smiles. "I'd kill just to have an ex-boyfriend lately," she says. "At least you've gone somewhere in the love department."
[11:44] * Usagi-chan snorts. "That train never even made it out of the station. *I* thought it was love, and *he* thought it was love, but then he went and said some stuff and now I don't know what to believe out of him anymore."
[11:45] <Rei-chan> "It's annoying," Rei grouses, "Relationships just aren't worth the trouble they cause..." she says, it fairly obvious she doesn't really believe it.
[11:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> Taking a straw, she blows a few bubbles in her drink. "You make it sound like I'm better off for not having a boyfriend," she comments.
[11:47] <Usagi-chan> "Oh, I don't know..." Usagi sits back, a somewhat distant look on her face. "I'd really LIKE to be going out with someone, but the only person that's interested is Mamoru, and I already know he's not going to work out." Usagi sighs.
[11:47] <Rei-chan> "No..." Rei sighs, "I'm just bitter, you really shouldn't listen to me at all when it comes to romance..." she chugs down the rest of her drink.
[11:48] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial reaches over, patting your shoulder. "I'm sure that you'll find Miss Right sooner or later," she says. "Maybe even after I find Mr. Right."
[11:49] * Rei-chan chuckles, "I might find Mr. Right myself. I haven't totally given up on guys, you know."
[11:49] * Usagi-chan giggles. "I was just about to ask you that, Rei-chan. So you're still looking at guys too, huh?"
[11:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial laughs. "Well, just don't steal my Mr. Right when you can have Miss Right," she chortles.
[11:50] <Rei-chan> "Well, I'm keeping my options open," Rei says evasively. "I mean, I always thought I was straight until..." she grimaces slightly. "Now I just don't know... I suppose it's what's inside that matters most, right?"
[11:51] * Usagi-chan nods. "I guess it really doesn't matter if it's a guy or a girl as long as they make you happy."
[11:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Eh," Eudial says, drinking another gulp of her drink. "I just can't imagine doing THAT with another girl, yeah?" she shrugs.
[11:52] <Rei-chan> "I suppose I had thought of it before, but I just figured it was curiosity..." Rei shrugs helplessly. "Now I'm all confused," she sticks her tongue out slightly.
[11:52] * Usagi-chan blushes. "Well... it does seem a LITTLE weird." A traitorous image of herself and Rei runs through her head, and her blush deepens.
[11:53] <Sailor_Anastasia> She goes on, blushing a bit herself. "Maybe...maybe I could see kissing another girl, but touching her..and..." she goes beet red. "It's just strange."
[11:54] <Rei-chan> "Well..." Rei blushes a bit herself, "Who better to know a woman's body than another woman?" she looks down at her lap. 'I can't believe I just said that!'
[11:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Gurk!" Eudial chokes a bit on her drink, before laughing while blushing. "Yeah, you have a point there. A guy would fumble around for awhile first..."
[11:55] * Usagi-chan giggles nervously, the memory of her kisses with Rei coming back at Eudial's words. "I bet a girl would be a better kisser than a guy anyway." She tries to grin.
[11:56] <Rei-chan> "I just don't know... I mean, if I found the right guy, I wouldn't mind teaching him..." Rei giggles a bit herself, still blushing.
[11:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Teaching him could be a lot of fun," Eudial muses, staring mostly at her drink.
[11:57] <Usagi-chan> "Um... anyway!" Usagi says brightly. "Why don't we go try out some of the games or something?" She desperately tries to change the subject.
[11:58] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, lets do that!" Rei nods, more than a bit embarrassed herself.
[11:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Oh yeah," Eudial nods as well, still red faced. "How about some karaoke?"
[11:59] * Usagi-chan blushes - then remembering what happened to the LAST party she tried to dodge singing on, she sighs. "I guess that'll be okay."
[11:59] <Rei-chan> "Ah," Rei falters a bit, "Usagi doesn't like karaoke..."
[11:59] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "It's okay, Rei-chan. Just promise not to laugh at me too hard, okay?" Usagi makes a face.
[12:00] <Rei-chan> "Well, you don't have to sing if you don't want to. You could just listen to Eudial and me?" Rei offers, not wanting this to be ruined like last time they went to do karaoke.
[12:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> "If she doesn't mind," Eudial says after Usagi speaks, "Let's give it a try."
[12:01] <Usagi-chan> "I might as well get it over with, Rei-chan. I'd rather embarrass myself in front of you than a group of people I barely know from school or something." She nods to Eudial. "Lead the way!"
[12:01] * Rei-chan nods, resolving to be extra-nice if Usagi does stink.
[12:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial gets up, goes to the counter and speaks to the man there for a few moments. She comes back with a keycard. "We got room 4," she nods, "All to ourselves."
[12:03] <Rei-chan> "Great, let's go!" Rei enthuses.
[12:03] * Usagi-chan nods, still somewhat nervous about the idea of singing in front of the other two.
[12:05] <Sailor_Anastasia> You are led down past the dance floor into a more muted hallway. Doors branch off from here into the various karaoke rooms, and the one you go into is big enough for ten people. A few couches line the area, along with a jukebox, microphone and a drink bar. This looks a lot nicer than the usual run of rooms a school student would get.
[12:06] <Usagi-chan> "Wow.... this place is awesome!" Usagi stares around at the room wide-eyed, her nervousness forgotten.
[12:07] <Rei-chan> "Pretty swish," the miko agrees, before clapping her hands. "Okay, I'll go first," she volunteers, heading over to the jukebox.
[12:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> "And it's pretty much free," Eudial smirks. "There are a few perks to being an assistant to the Professor," she nods.
[12:08] <Usagi-chan> "What are you going to sing first, Rei-chan?" Usagi smiles.
[12:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> As Rei sets up, Eudial goes to the drink bar, working on something...
[12:09] <Rei-chan> "I... am going to... sing..." Rei bites her lip as she goes through the songs, before finding one she likes. "Kaze mo, Sore mo, Kitto," she announces brightly, keying up the song and grabbing the microphone.
[12:11] * Usagi-chan giggles excitedly. "All right, let's hear it, Pyro!"
[12:12] * Rei-chan sways slightly to the introduction, clasping the microphone over her chest as she begins to sing. "Disappearing into a crowd, I waved my hand to your turned back, Until yesterday, this all seemed like it wasn't true..." she begins softly, though her words seem to resonate through the small room as she puts all her feelings into it.
[12:14] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial listens as she works at the drink bar, listening to Rei's melody.
[12:15] <Rei-chan> Her voice picks up, becoming louder and more passionate as the song continues, before slowly working it's way back to the soft tones of the start. "That day, I had a dream, I will not forget the depth of your eyes, The wind, the sky, surely, Will wipe away all my pain inside..." she trails off, tapping her foot slightly to the melody as the song ends.
[12:15] <Usagi-chan> As before, Usagi listens to Rei's song almost entranced. As the miko finishes, she applauds wildly. "Way to go, Rei-chan!"
[12:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> Your red haired friend claps as well, coming back with a bottle and a few sake saucers. "Nice job, Rei!"
[12:15] * Rei-chan bows with a flourish. "Thank you," she grins. "Who's next?"
[12:16] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I'll go," Eudial volunteers, putting down the bottle and saucers. "I'll give it a go."
[12:16] <Rei-chan> "Here you are," Rei hands over the microphone before taking a seat next to Usagi.
[12:16] * Usagi-chan sighs with relief... although she knows it's only a matter of time.
[12:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> She takes it, going up. She flips through the songs briefly before coming to one she likes. "Okay..." she says.
[12:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Enduring mortification, you kicked a stone... If it bounces back, it might even become a diamond." Eudial starts, feeling out the rhythm of the song slowly. As it goes past the first lines, she starts to put more of her feeling into it. "Dreams you can get right away aren't really dreams, you know. Still, I believe that they'll be granted without fail. I won't give in.   I love you... If you ever want to cry, I'll always, always be by your side, and so..." She sings this part, building up for the next line...
[12:20] * Rei-chan watches raptly, appreciating the lyrics and Eudial's performance.
[12:21] <Sailor_Anastasia> "You get to burning!" she cries, getting into the Nadesico theme fully with that line, grinning as she sings onward, as if at a private joke.  She peaks her voice again, "You get to burning!"
[12:21] <Sailor_Anastasia> As you pick up those pieces, I can see the courage to aim for tomorrow, to be... Going your days. Grow up!" she finishes with a florish, having sung her song quite loudly. She's not bad, but she won't rival Full Moon or even Rei's singing talent at all.
[12:22] * Rei-chan claps, "That was great, Eudial," she grins.
[12:23] <Sailor_Anastasia> She walks over, having finished the song. She grins, handing the microphone to Usagi and sitting down next to the bottle. "I've always liked that song for some reason," she says.
[12:24] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, Nadesico is a cool anime, too," Rei nods.
[12:25] * Usagi-chan smoothes her skirt down as she stands up, her face betraying her nervousness. "All right, I guess I can give it a try." She hunts through the catalog for a moment.
[12:26] <Rei-chan> "You'll do fine if you forget to be nervous," Rei suggests.
[12:28] <Usagi-chan> Finding the song she wants, she punches up the number and begins to sing as the music starts, a slow, sad refrain. "At night, the town is quiet like the bottom of the ocean, I continue down the road by myself. Guided by the distant voice, I keep searching for the soft blue light."
[12:28] * Rei-chan listens curiously, having expected Usagi to go with something a lot more energetic...
[12:29] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial listens as she fiddles with the bottle of warm saki, pouring a few tiny saucers of it...
[12:30] <Usagi-chan> Hey... I discovered myself within, and my spirit calls out to me. No matter how far away I am, I can hear it." Usagi's clear, pure voice rolls through the small karaoke room. "The silver light burns within every room, I walk around hoping for it anywhere, surely."
[12:31] * Rei-chan smiles softly, finding the lyrics to be rather appropriate.
[12:31] <Usagi-chan> Hey... I found you, and so, without leaving you again... no matter how much I hurt inside I'll always be near you. Forever, forever..." Usagi lowers the microphone as the chords of the song fade away, her look of concentration dissipating. She looks at Rei nervously. "Well... how bad was I?"
[12:32] <Rei-chan> "Usagi," Rei says, giving the other girl a stern look, "Didn't you say you were a really bad singer?"
[12:33] * Usagi-chan nods, trying not to meet Rei's gaze. "I must have really sucked, huh?"
[12:34] <Rei-chan> "Are you kidding?" Rei blurts, "You totally nailed that song! So why have you always been going on about how bad you are at singing? That was great!"
[12:34] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial nods in agreement as she walks over. "You sung really well," she agrees, smiling. "You had lots of heart in it."
[12:34] * Usagi-chan looks up at Rei in surprise. "You're kidding, right?" She looks over at Eudial. "You're not both just pulling my leg, are you?"
[12:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Nope," she smiles. "Oh, and do either of you want a drink? This is a lot more fun when you take the edge off," she explains, "and you don't care as much about who hears you singing."
[12:35] <Rei-chan> "Why would I do that?" Rei asks in all seriousness. "You know how much I enjoy making fun of you. If you were bad I'd make sure you knew it."
[12:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> She offers two of the small saucers forward, if either want them.
[12:36] * Rei-chan takes the saucer and raises it to her lips before pausing, "Umm... then who's going to drive?"
[12:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I can call my Mom if it gets that bad," Eudial shrugs. "It's not a big deal."
[12:37] * Usagi-chan takes the second saucer, raising it to her lips before she catches a whiff of the alcohol. "Whoa..." She looks at the saucer of sake for a second. "I'd probably get TOTALLY wasted if I drank this..."
[12:37] <Rei-chan> "Fair enough," Rei nods, sipping her sake, before looking at Usagi, "Just make sure you go easy on it, Dumpling Head - I don't want to carry you out of here."
[12:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> "That is at least part of the idea," Eudial comments, before downing her own. "It's all about having enough to loosen up but not enough to fall over and sleep with the first warm body you see."
[12:38] * Usagi-chan sets the saucer down. "Probably NOT a good idea for me to have that then... I STILL remember the headache I had after the Princess D reception, and that was just half a glass of wine!"
[12:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial shrugs. "There's some lighter stuff back there if that's your thing," she comments, sitting back down. "Who's up now?"
[12:40] <Rei-chan> "I'll go again," Rei gets up, already having picked out a song after listening to the other two. She keys it up and starts to sing.
[12:42] <Rei-chan> "Fly me to the moon and let me play among those stars, Let me see what spring is like on Jupiter or," she smirks slightly, "Mars..." She doesn't stumble at all over any of the English, giving quite a polished performance. "In other words, hold my hand, In other words, darling kiss me..."
[12:44] * Usagi-chan giggles as Rei sings the song, recognizing the planets' names fairly easily.
[12:45] <Rei-chan> "Fill my heart with song and let me sing forevermore, You are all I long for all I worship and adore..." Rei has a far away look as she clutches the microphone, smiling gently at the song's finish. "In other words, please be true, In other words, I love you."
[12:47] * Usagi-chan smiles gently. "That was really beautiful, Rei-chan, even if I DIDN'T understand all the words." She giggles again... "Fly me to the moon..."
[12:48] <Rei-chan> "Thanks," Rei smiles, "I thought you'd like that one." She goes over to take another sip of her sake, "So, which one of you wants to go next? Or does anyone want to try a duet with me?"
[12:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Sure," Eudial volunteers, taking a sip from a second glass of saki. "What song do you have in mind?"
[12:52] * Usagi-chan heads over to the bar as Eudial steps up onto the stage with Rei. Maybe they have ice cream in here somewhere...?
[12:53] <Sailor_Anastasia> Usagi finds that most of the items here are of the alcholic nature, along with a few sodas on the side. The only food is peanuts and chips...it's almost like a bar's selection.
[12:53] <Rei-chan> "I know just the one," Rei grins, heading back to the machine and punching it up.
[12:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial looks over, glancing at the song chosen.
[12:54] <Rei-chan> The title is 'Ai', though it says in brackets 'Excel Saga OP'.

-------
Placeholder for now. Rei, Usagi, and Eudial's fun at the karaoke parlor continues, although Eudial hits the sake a bit hard...
-------

[17:36] * Usagi-chan hurries forward, taking Rei's arm gently as she catches the miko's expression of pain. "You sure you're all right?"
[17:38] <Rei-chan> "It's just the noise," Rei mutters. "Feels like there's a jackhammer in my skull..." Nonetheless she gives Usagi a grateful, if slightly pained, smile, and makes no move to dislodge herself.
[17:39] <Ana-away> Exiting out of the club after that, cool/cold late afternoon air hammers you along with beams of still-strong sunlight.
[17:39] <Ana-away> Eudial lets loose an unhappy moan, covering her eyes. "Oooooh..."
[17:39] <Rei-chan> "It feels like it should be much later than this," Rei comments, shading her own eyes.
[17:41] <Usagi-chan> "Well, it's only about 4:45 or so." She guides Rei along behind Mrs. Kawashima.
[17:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial's mother grunts as she leads you to a slightly scruffy, oldish-looking four door car. She opens the back door, getting Eudial to sit in the back passenger seat. "Would you get Rei into the back driver seat?"
[17:42] <Rei-chan> "I think next time we'll definitely have to lay off the booze so it can last a bit longer..." Rei gets into the back of the car on the other side from Eudial without requiring much assistance. "Still, it was fun while it lasted, right?" she looks at Eudial and Usagi hopefully.
[17:43] <Usagi-chan> "Well, I know I had fun watching you two." Usagi giggles. "And it was fun getting to sing, too."
[17:43] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yeah," Eudial says. "I'll second everything Rei just said."
[17:45] * Usagi-chan climbs into the front seat of the car once Rei is settled.
[17:46] <Rei-chan> "I'm glad you two got along," Rei says, fiddling with her seatbelt. "We'll have to try this again sometime."
[17:46] <Usagi-chan> "Absolutely!" Usagi smiles. "Just without the sake next time, right?" She turns in her seat to smirk at Rei.
[17:47] <Rei-chan> "Yeah," Rei nods lazily. "I suppose that stuff really isn't worth the trouble it causes..."
[17:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Okay, where do the two of you live?" Yomiko cuts in, keying the car up. "Who's closest?"
[17:48] <Rei-chan> "Hikawa Shrine is closest to here," Rei puts in.
[17:48] <Usagi-chan> "You can drop Rei-chan and me off at the Hikawa Shrine - I don't live too far from there myself, so I can walk home from there."
[17:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Right, Hikawa Shrine," she nods, starting the car. It runs exceptionally smoothly despite its appearance, showing good car care.
[17:50] * Rei-chan feels a little bit queasy on the journey, but not too bad.
[17:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial stays mostly silent during the trip, staring at the non-moving floor in an attempt to keep her drinks on the inside.
[17:51] * Usagi-chan remains fairly quiet on the trip to the shrine, as she's not sure what to talk to Mrs. Kawashima about and the other two aren't exactly in a conversational condition.
[17:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> Because of all this, the trip passes in something of an uncomfortable silence. But soon enough, she parks just below the stairs of the Shrine. "This is it, Rei?" she asks, undoing her seatbelt.
[17:53] <Rei-chan> "Yep, this is where I live. Thanks for the ride," Rei says, undoing her own seatbelt. "See you tomorrow, Eudial," she gives the older girl a smile as she steps out the car, before giving the many steps up to the Shrine an unhappy look.
[17:53] * Usagi-chan unbuckles her own seat belt. "Thanks for your help, Mrs. Kawashima." She turns in her seat to face Eudial. "And thanks for a really fun afternoon, Eudial-san. We'll have to get together again sometime, all right?"
[17:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> The redhead returns the smile, but is obviously starting to feel under the weather. "See you tomorrow, Rei."
[17:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> She also nods to Usagi, not trusting her ability to open her mouth and keep her digestive tract from meeting the car uphostry.
[17:54] * Usagi-chan covers a smile as she gets out of the car, heading around to meet Rei on the other side.
[17:57] * Rei-chan waves to Eudial and her mother before starting up the long stairway to the Shrine.
[17:58] * Usagi-chan stays right next to Rei as she begins the ascent, not helping the miko just yet but prepared to at the first sign of trouble.
[17:58] * Rei-chan takes the steps slowly and carefully, determined to manage this on her own.
[17:59] <Sailor_Anastasia> As Rei climbs the stairs, "Hey, Rei!" Yuuichiro calls out as he descends. He's dressed in jeans and a white T-shirt, looking oddly normal. He waves as he passes.
[18:00] * Usagi-chan keeps a close eye on her friend, biting her lip to keep from asking if Rei needs any help - since she seems rather determined to make it on her own. She gives Yuuichiro a distracted wave as he greets the pair.
[18:00] <Rei-chan> "Hey, Yuuichiro," Rei replies, "What's up?"
[18:01] <Sailor_Anastasia> He stops, in too good a mood to be depressed or annoyed by seeing you, the norm since he found about Rei dating girls. "Just going out for a night on the town," he nods, then sniffs a moment. "Woah, you beat me to coming home smelling like booze," he blinks, clearly surprised.
[18:02] <Usagi-chan> "She just had a few drinks while we were out at karaoke." Usagi shrugs.
[18:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Smells like it," he agrees. "You need a shower and a clean set of clothes, Rei," he goes on. "You smell like a sake bottle."
[18:04] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, that's what I was planning on," Rei says, somewhat grumpily. "Have fun, Yuuichiro," she says, continuing on her way up the stairs.
[18:04] * Usagi-chan gives Yuuichiro a smile. "I'll take care of her, Yuuichiro. You go enjoy your night out, okay?" She gives the shaggy young man a smile.
[18:05] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Okay," Yuuichiro spares Rei a final glance, this one a bit wistful, before continuing down the temple steps.
[18:05] * Usagi-chan hurries up the stairs to catch up with Rei as she leaves Yuuichiro.
[18:06] <Rei-chan> After finally ascending the stairs, Rei then heads to her bedroom, sitting down fairly heavily on the bed.
[18:07] * Usagi-chan waits at the door of the bedroom, giving Rei a concerned look. "You need any help with anything, Rei-chan?"
[18:08] <Rei-chan> "I'll clean myself up in a bit," Rei says, gesturing Usagi to come in, "We might as well talk first." She seems fairly in control of herself now, the little nap she had earlier having gotten rid of most of her tipsiness.
[18:09] * Usagi-chan comes in and sits down on the floor, facing Rei. "What's on your mind, Rei-chan?"
[18:11] * Rei-chan blinks, "Well, I do recall that you wanted to meet Eudial for more than just getting to know her..." she says leadingly.
[18:14] <Usagi-chan> "Well, yeah. She DOES have way more magical potential than anyone I've ever seen before, but it looks... well, sort of raw. Your aura's stronger even than hers is, but yours is... more focused in a way. She DOES have enough raw potential to be a senshi though." Usagi considers her words carefully.
[18:17] * Rei-chan nods. "I'm pretty sure Eudial can't directly focus her energy at all. Her talent lies in creating, well... 'technomagical' objects. She can create things that can do pretty impressive stuff, but she can't do all that much entirely on her own."
[18:18] <Usagi-chan> "I can't really make out enough from her aura to figure out how exactly she uses it, but it's way past anything I've seen in anyone else." Usagi shrugs a bit.
[18:22] <Rei-chan> "Well, when using her inventions, she's one of the more powerful girls at Mugen, and she's definitely the only one I'd even consider for this. I don't know if we'll ever find anyone else suited to become a senshi, but even then I'm still hesitant to stick her with the job... It's certainly not a decision to be made lightly."
[18:23] <Usagi-chan> "Yeah, I know. I'd really like to get to know her a lot better before I even THOUGHT about asking her to do something like this. Anything else you can tell me about her?"
[18:28] <Rei-chan> "We'd also have to introduce her to the other senshi," Rei points out, before considering Usagi's question. "She can be a bit short tempered at times, but she's a loyal friend, and she's got a good attitude about getting tasks done. She's really scientifically minded, even with her knowledge of magic - I think she'd get on well with Ami-chan.
[18:28] <Rei-chan> "And... I think she's really lonely. It's been tough on her at Mugen, dealing with those other girls by herself - she said once that she'd forgotten what real friendship was like..."
[18:34] <Usagi-chan> "That sounds really sad..." Usagi replies. "I'm glad you guys have become good friends at least - hopefully she'll get along with all the rest of us." She snorts. "And of course I'd introduce her to everyone else first! If we're all going to be working together, it WOULD be kind of important."
[18:36] <Rei-chan> "Well, that's about everything I can think of right now, at any rate," Rei offers, shrugging.
[18:37] <Usagi-chan> "Well, like I said before I don't think there's any real rush or anything, so we should have plenty of time to get to know each other first." Usagi smiles.
[18:39] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, this sure isn't something we should rush into," Rei nods. "I guess I could try a Fire Reading at some point, maybe it could point us in another direction so we don't have to pin everything on Eudial."
[18:40] * Usagi-chan leans back on her elbows. "That's probably not a bad idea either - I know I'll be keeping my eyes open, but like I said, I've never seen anyone else with as much potential as Eudial has just walking around Juuban or anything."
[18:41] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, but there's more to the world than just Juuban... I mean, Herb came all the way from China, didn't he?"
[18:42] <Usagi-chan> "I guess so, but how am I supposed to look anywhere else without knowing where to start?" Usagi sighs. "I can't see the entire world - I don't even think I could get a look at everyone that lives in Tokyo, if it comes down to that."
[18:44] <Rei-chan> "I doubt the Sacred Fire would just pinpoint a single person, but it could point us in the right direction if we're lucky," Rei shrugs. "If we know to look in a certain area at a certain time, something might just come up."
[18:44] <Usagi-chan> "It would have been nice if Setsuna could have given me some sort of idea where to start looking." Usagi says glumly.
[18:47] * Rei-chan shrugs, "There's probably a lot more than one person out there who could make an acceptable Sailor Neptune. If she did know anything, she probably wouldn't have wanted to bias you towards a particular candidate."
[18:48] <Usagi-chan> "I guess so." Usagi looks over at Rei again. "How's your head doing?"
[18:49] <Rei-chan> "Just throbbing a bit," Rei replies, "It's not that bad. I didn't have nearly as much to drink as Eudial did."
[18:50] * Usagi-chan grins. "You were both still acting pretty goofy." Usagi giggles.
[18:51] * Rei-chan snorts, "Yeah, we sure were..." she takes out the scribbled on ward from her pocket. "Anti-hangover charms? Feh... I don't want to think about how much hassle it would be to test them until I got it right..."
[18:51] * Usagi-chan laughs. "I'll bet Yuuichiro would be willing to help out with that - probably Gramps too!"
[18:53] <Rei-chan> "Better them than me," Rei chuckles, crumpling the paper and tossing it in the bin. "Oh well, at least I didn't embarrass myself too badly... And hopefully Eudial will forget that she propositioned both of us..." she adds with a small wince on her older friend's behalf.
[18:54] * Usagi-chan grins at her white-haired friend. "Well, as I recall someone DID say they thought I was cute..."
[18:55] <Rei-chan> "Throw it back in my face, why don't you?" Rei grumbles good naturedly, sticking her tongue out briefly.
[18:56] <Usagi-chan> "I think I just did!" Usagi giggles and returns the gesture, catching a gust of Rei's breath again. "Phew... you need to go clean up, Pyro. You STILL smell like sake."
[18:57] <Rei-chan> "It hasn't been that long," Rei shrugs, "But I guess you're right. Wouldn't want the fumes to get to you, after all," she smirks, standing up. "I guess I'll just have a bath then lie down for a bit. Maybe read some manga..."
[18:58] <Usagi-chan> "Mind if I hang out here for a while? I already called Mom and told her I probably wouldn't make it home for dinner anyway - I figured we'd be out later than this."
[19:01] <Rei-chan> "Sure, I don't mind - but if I'm not back in fifteen minutes I'll have probably fallen asleep in the bath," Rei chuckles slightly as she heads out the bedroom, stopping off at the linen closet for a towel before going to the bathroom.
[19:01] * Usagi-chan giggles. "I'll be sure to come wake you up in a half an hour if you're not out yet!" she calls after Rei.
[19:02] <Rei-chan> "Thanks," Rei's voice calls back before she closes the bathroom door.
[19:03] <Usagi-chan> Without further ado, Usagi begins her raid of Rei's stash of manga. Deciding to be nice for tonight, she stays away from the shrink-wrapped copies and picks up some of the older, more well-used editions to leaf through.
[19:07] <Rei-chan> After about twenty minutes, there is still no sign of Rei returning...
[19:08] * Usagi-chan checks her watch after a while has passed... no Rei. Setting aside the manga, she gets up and pads down the hall to the bathroom, sliding the door open and sticking her head in to see if Rei is, indeed, asleep.
[19:10] <Rei-chan> Rei lies in the still steaming tub, her head propped up against the back of the bath with her hair bundled up in a shower-cap as she snores lightly.
[19:10] * Usagi-chan giggles quietly, then calls out to the miko quietly - trying NOT to startle her awake. "Rei-chan... Rei-chan, wake up!"
[19:12] <Rei-chan> While normally a light sleeper, the white-haired girl is currently far too relaxed to rouse easily. She mumbles something incoherent, but otherwise does not respond.
[19:12] * Usagi-chan sighs, calling a bit more loudly. "Rei, come on! You need to get up and get out of the bath!"
[19:14] <Rei-chan> "Hmm...?" Rei sits up, the water rippling around her as she rubs her eyes before stretching and yawning. "Usagi?" she looks at the blonde, "Did I fall asleep?"
[19:16] * Usagi-chan smiles, nodding. "You said fifteen minutes, and it's been closer to twenty so I thought I'd come see if you really DID fall asleep." She motions to the miko. "Come on, I think your bed will work out better if you want to take a nap - I always get a crick in my neck when I fall asleep in the bathtub."
[19:17] <Rei-chan> "Yeah," Rei rubs her neck before standing up, the water dripping off her. "And I'm starting to prune up," she notes, examining her fingers. Stepping out of the bath, she grabs the nearby towel and sets about drying herself off.
[19:20] * Usagi-chan blushes slightly as Rei climbs out of the bathtub, admiring her friend's figure with a small degree of jealousy. "I... umm.... did you want to have some pizza or something? I brought money for the club today, but since I didn't actually PAY for anything I've still got plenty."
[19:21] <Rei-chan> "That sounds great," Rei nods, wrapping the towel around herself, "I'm pretty hungry but I don't much feel like cooking."
[19:22] * Usagi-chan smiles. "I'll call it in while you get dressed - any preferences?"
[19:23] <Rei-chan> "Seafood special works for me," Rei says, removing the shower cap before heading back to her room.
[19:24] * Usagi-chan heads off to the phone in the main room of the temple, quickly calling in the pizza order. She's told that it should be about half an hour before it will be delivered; with that in mind, she heads back to Rei's room.
[19:27] * Rei-chan is now dressed in a pair of shorts and a polo shirt, and is sitting on her bed, leaning against the headboard. "How long till it gets here?" she asks as Usagi enters.
[19:28] <Usagi-chan> "About half an hour or so, they said. Good thing too, I'm absolutely STARVED! Why couldn't they serve chocolate sundaes at the karaoke place?" Usagi pouts.
[19:30] <Rei-chan> "Heh, no place is perfect," Rei shrugs. "I'd get us some snacks now, but if the pizza is only half an hour away, we can wait."
[19:32] <Usagi-chan> "I'll live until then... if barely." Usagi makes a face. "At least I've got plenty of money for a change, so I can actually PAY for a pizza."
[19:32] <Rei-chan> "And so nice of you to treat me, too," Rei grins.
[19:33] <Usagi-chan> "Well, you DID provide a lot of entertainment this afternoon so it's the LEAST I could do." Usagi smirks.
[19:34] <Rei-chan> "I'm going to charitably assume that by 'entertainment' you mean nothing more than my talented singing performances," Rei folds her arms and sticks out her tongue.
[19:35] * Usagi-chan giggles. "Maybe... maybe a few other things too." She stops giggling and grins. "Your Dumpling Head will serve you a feast this evening!"
[19:38] <Rei-chan> "I can deal with you serving it, it's if you'd cooked it that I'd worry," Rei replies teasingly.
[19:40] <Usagi-chan> "Hey!" Usagi replies indignantly, then grins. "Best kind, right? I know *I* wouldn't even touch my own cooking... but at least you get a cute waitress!"
[19:41] <Rei-chan> "If the service is good, I might even give you a tip, then," Rei shoots back, matching Usagi's grin.
[19:42] <Usagi-chan> "What, 'Don't trip over your own pigtails'?" Usagi sticks her tongue out at Rei.
[19:43] <Rei-chan> "I was thinking more along the lines of 'eat with your mouth closed,' Dumpling Head. But that's a good tip, too," Rei replies with a smirk.
[19:45] <Usagi-chan> "I'm just enjoying the food and the conversation all at the same time!" Usagi says loftily, her nose in the air.
[19:47] <Rei-chan> "And putting everyone else off both..."
[19:48] * Usagi-chan makes a face at Rei in reply. "No one said you had to look at me while I eat!"
[19:50] <Rei-chan> "If you're talking then it's polite to look at you. If you didn't talk at the same time as food is actually in your mouth, there'd be no problem!" Rei retorts.
[19:51] <Usagi-chan> "Well *I* don't care if you're being polite! Just... I don't know, look somewhere else when I do that or something! I don't want to have to stop talking to eat!" Usagi complains.
[19:53] * Rei-chan sighs, "It's not just me! You can't expect everyone in the world to avert their eyes when you eat. Besides, I can hardly ever understand you when you talk with a mouth full of food, anyway."
[19:54] <Usagi-chan> "But it's just so hard! I don't even think about it and I don't want to have to concentrate on not talking while I eat!"
[19:55] <Rei-chan> "Well, maybe if I yell at you enough times when you do it, you'll break the habit?" Rei suggests cheerfully.
[19:56] <Usagi-chan> "Gee, don't get me all excited or anything." Usagi grouses.
[19:57] <Rei-chan> "Just think it'll be worth it when you're able to eat a meal in peace without me giving you hassle?" Rei says, keen to stress the bright side.
[19:59] * Usagi-chan sighs. "I guess... I'd get to rub it in your face when I pulled it off, too." Usagi grins, getting into the idea.
[19:59] <Rei-chan> "There you go," Rei nods happily.
[20:01] * Usagi-chan flops down on the floor with a grin, stretching out in front of a manga. "I WILL admit it's nice not to have you yelling at me about your manga anymore..."
[20:02] * Rei-chan leans forward over the bed towards Usagi. "I'm watching you like a hawk, though!" she says in a low voice. "When the pizza gets here, the manga goes away."
[20:02] <Usagi-chan> "I know, I know!" She reaches up and pushes Rei back onto the bed. "There's no pizza here yet, so keep your shirt on!"
[20:04] <Rei-chan> "Okay, just be careful with them," Rei says agreeably, lying down on the bed with her head just at the side so she can see Usagi and the manga.
[20:05] * Usagi-chan leafs idly through the volume for a few minutes, but after a while Rei notices that Usagi's spent almost five minutes staring at the same two pages.
[20:06] <Rei-chan> "Getting bored?" Rei asks, slightly disbelievingly, since it's normally such a struggle to keep Usagi away from her manga.
[20:07] <Usagi-chan> "Hmm?" Usagi looks up at Rei. "What was that?"
[20:08] <Rei-chan> "You aren't actually reading the manga. Something else on your mind?"
[20:09] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "Just thinking about some stuff." She turns back to the manga, turning the page.
[20:09] <Rei-chan> "What kind of stuff?" Rei asks curiously.
[20:10] <Usagi-chan> "It's... no, we said we wouldn't talk about it anymore." Usagi shakes her head. "Don't worry about it, Rei-chan."
[20:11] <Rei-chan> "If you say so," Rei shrugs, rolling over onto her back. "But if you do want to talk about it, I don't mind."
[20:12] * Usagi-chan sighs. "It's Mamoru, big surprise. I just can't stop wondering what he's going to do now, if what I heard Ann say is right."
[20:14] <Rei-chan> "Couldn't give up on his dream girl, eh?" Rei snorts, "Yeah, I guess it was too good to be true that he'd moved on..."
[20:16] * Usagi-chan rolls over on her back, staring up at the ceiling. "I just wish he'd take no for an answer! Now I'm wondering what he'll try next - he's already snuck into my room at home and left me flowers before, what's next?"
[20:17] <Rei-chan> "Don't worry, Usagi," Rei rolls back on her stomach to look down at her friend, "If he tries anything drastic, we'll stop him."
[20:19] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "I just wish I knew what he was going to do... I don't really think he'd try anything drastic, but after what he said I'm not really sure I KNOW what he's capable of doing anymore. It's just that this not-knowing is driving me up the wall!"
[20:21] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, I wish I could tell you, but I have no clue what he could be thinking..." Rei sighs.
[20:22] * Usagi-chan snorts. "It'd be nice if I could be with someone else - maybe he'd finally take the hint then. But I don't know any guys that would be willing to do that - Motoki might, but Mamoru already knows he's dating Reika so that's no good."
[08:43] <Rei-chan> "What, you mean like a fake boyfriend just to give him the message that you've moved on?" Rei blinks.
[08:44] <Usagi-chan> "Well, yeah. I mean, it doesn't sound like he's going to listen from me just SAYING no - when I broke it off all he tried to do was convince me that things could still work." Usagi sighs. "There just doesn't seem to be any easy way to take care of this."
[08:45] <Rei-chan> "You could ask Herb," Rei suggests, smirking. "I bet he'd be only too happy to help his Queen like that."
[08:46] <Usagi-chan> "Ugh.... no thanks, I think I'll pass on that one. Herb's a nice guy, but... no, I definitely don't think of him like that."
[08:47] <Rei-chan> "Well, you don't have to. It's just fake, right?" Rei then pauses, before continuing in a less enthused tone, "On the other hand, you would have to make it at least look real..."
[08:48] <Usagi-chan> "Bingo. Which is why I don't think I could do it with Herb." Usagi sighs. "I guess I'll just have to deal with whatever Endymion cooks up by myself."
[08:50] <Rei-chan> "Well, if there's any way I can help, you only have to ask. You don't have to suffer all by yourself," Rei says encouragingly.
[08:51] * Usagi-chan gives Rei a wan smile. "Thanks, Rei-chan. It's nice knowing I can always depend on you."
[08:52] <Rei-chan> "It's what friends are for, right?" Rei nods.
[08:53] <Usagi-chan> "Absolultely - and I couldn't wish for a better friend than you, Rei." Usagi's smile is genuine now, as she sits up and faces Rei.
[08:54] <Rei-chan> "Aww," Rei blushes, reaching over to muss Usagi's hair slightly. "That goes double for me, Dumpling Head."
[08:56] * Usagi-chan grins, as a loud knock sounds on the main door of the temple. "That must be the pizza! I'll be right back!" Usagi scrambles to her feet and dashes out of the room.
[08:57] * Rei-chan sits up on the bed, crossing her legs.
[08:58] * Usagi-chan returns a few minutes later, two glasses of lemonade perched atop the pizza box. "Dinner is served!" Carefully balancing the pizza box on one hand, she hands one of the glasses of lemonade to Rei. "Your drink, madam..."
[08:58] <Rei-chan> "It's nice to have such good help," Rei smiles, accepting the glass.
[08:59] * Usagi-chan giggles and sets the pizza box down on the floor next to Rei's bed, taking her own glass before throwing the lid open. "Voila! One extra-extra-large seafood special!"
[09:00] * Rei-chan inhales deeply. "Smells delicious," she comments, leaning over to grab a slice and chewing contentedly on it.
[09:02] * Usagi-chan picks up her own slice and starts to scarf it down at near-record speed. She opens her mouth to reply.... and closes it again, waiting until she's finished her mouthful before speaking. "Tastes delicious too! And it's all thanks to the little weasel!" she giggles.
[09:03] <Rei-chan> "Shingo?" Rei gives Usagi a curious look, "How's this thanks to him?"
[09:04] * Usagi-chan grins as she finishes off another bite of pizza. "About 3 or 4 months ago SOMEONE bet me an entire month's allowance that there was NO way I'd pass this year. After Monday, he's got a lot less in his piggy bank."
[09:04] * Rei-chan laughs. "And it must have seemed like such a sure bet at the time..."
[09:05] * Usagi-chan sticks her tongue out at Rei. "Ha! I did it anyway!"
[09:06] <Rei-chan> "Yes, you did. And I'm proud of you," Rei acknowledges before finishing off her current slice and leaning over to grab another.
[09:08] <Usagi-chan> "Thank you." Usagi says graciously, polishing off her own piece. "Except for the news about Mamoru today, this has really been a good week." She reaches into the box to grab another piece for herself.
[09:09] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, just wish there was something we could do about him..." Rei muses before taking a bite of pizza and slowly chewing it as she tries to think of something.
[09:11] * Usagi-chan giggles as she's struck by an idea. "Maybe you should take me out on a date, Rei-chan!"
[09:12] * Rei-chan laughs. "He'd never buy it, although it would be funny to see the look on his face to find out that both his ex-girlfriends have switched teams. His masculine pride would be shot!" Rei grins rather evilly at that, still recalling how he bragged to Motoki about 'dumping' her.
[09:13] * Usagi-chan laughs harder. "I can just imagine the look on his face if he DID buy it though... oh man, I'd have that framed and on my desk at home!"
[09:15] <Rei-chan> "I'd probably put it on a dartboard..." Rei mutters, before suddenly brightening. "Hey! I just had a crazy idea!"
[09:16] * Usagi-chan is still caught in her fit of the giggles. "What's that, Rei-chan?"
[09:18] <Rei-chan> "Well, he'd never buy it if you suddenly started 'dating' your female best friend, but what if you started dating a mysterious handsome stranger?" Rei asks gleefully. 'I can't believe I'm even thinking of this...'
[09:18] * Usagi-chan raises an eyebrow, still grinning. "And just which mysterious handsome stranger would this be?"
[09:19] <Rei-chan> "Remember when you used the disguise pen to turn into a guy?"
[09:21] * Usagi-chan falls over backwards, she laughs so hard. "Rei, you can't be serious!" she replies as soon as she gathers her wits again.
[09:22] <Rei-chan> "Well... I dunno," Rei scratches her head. "It sounds funny but I'm not sure we could actually pull it off..."
[09:23] <Usagi-chan> "It WOULD be funny... but I think you're right. What would you do if he got all jealous or something?"
[09:30] <Rei-chan> "Jealous?" Rei's grin gets even nastier. "Then I'd rub his nose in it! Ha!" she laughs triumphantly.
[09:31] * Usagi-chan giggles. "I MEAN if he wanted to start a fight or something - I know I've seen that on TV shows and stuff, but I don't know if he'd actually do it or anything."
[09:32] <Rei-chan> "I can take him," Rei asserts confidently.
[09:33] <Usagi-chan> "Well, you'd definitely have me cheering for you!" Usagi grins.
[09:34] <Rei-chan> "Well, if he saw you cheering some other 'guy' to beat him up, I think it would be impossible for him not to take the hint," Rei points out reasonably.
[09:35] <Usagi-chan> "Hey, I thought 'This isn't going to work', 'I can't trust you right now', and 'No' would work too. He seems to be pretty stubborn about getting what he wants." Usagi sticks her tongue out slightly.
[09:37] <Rei-chan> "True enough," Rei concedes, shrugging.
[09:39] <Usagi-chan> "It IS a funny idea though." Usagi smiles. "Can you just imagine what he'd think if he saw us out on a date kissing or something? Both as girls, I mean."
[09:40] <Rei-chan> "He'd probably have a heart attack," Rei snickers.
[09:42] * Usagi-chan giggles. "I bet he would, too." She sighs with a smile. "Oh well... it's a fun idea, but I doubt we'd ever actually DO it."
[09:44] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, it's just a silly idea," Rei says, a tad wistfully, before returning her attention to the pizza.
[09:45] * Usagi-chan settles back with another piece of pizza, munching on it idly. "I wonder... if you WERE going to take me - or someone else for that matter - on a really nice date, what would you do?"
[09:48] <Rei-chan> "Well if I was taking you, I'd take you someplace Mamoru could see us," Rei shrugs. "For a real date, though, I think I'd like to go for dinner someplace fancy, and then dancing," she smiles contentedly as she starts in on her third slice of pizza.
[09:49] <Usagi-chan> "So a club somewhere, then? I somehow can't see you as much of a ballroom dancer." Usagi grins.
[09:52] <Rei-chan> "There are a few upscale restaurants that do have in house bands. I don't really care too much about the music, so long as it's something nice and romantic that I can hold my partner to..." Rei trails off with a dreamy sigh, before blushing. "What about you?" she turns the question back on the blonde.
[09:54] <Usagi-chan> "Me?" Usagi is taken aback for a second. "I don't know... I guess my ideal date would be a candlelight dinner somewhere - it wouldn't have to be too fancy as long as the food is good." She giggles. "Dancing would be really nice after dinner, but I'd end it with a walk in a park under the stars and the Moon, just talking with my date and stuff." Usagi smiles wistfully.
[09:56] <Rei-chan> "That'd be nice," Rei nods. "It's a pity you can hardly ever see the stars in Tokyo..."
[09:56] <Usagi-chan> "Yeah, I know - too many city lights." Usagi shakes her head, then giggles. "Maybe I should change it to a walk on the Moon, looking up at the stars and the Earth?"
[09:58] * Rei-chan giggles herself. "You wouldn't get very good service on the Moon. Unless Mako-chan opens a restaurant there."
[09:59] * Usagi-chan laughs. "Makoto Kino's Lunar Cuisine! She could even advertise that she caters for the queen herself!"
[09:59] <Rei-chan> "She gets the Royal Seal of Approval," Rei nods, grinning.
[10:00] <Usagi-chan> "In a heartbeat! No one tops Mako-chan's cooking!"
[10:01] <Rei-chan> "Of course, she might be too busy with her own dates to cook for you on yours," Rei grins slyly.
[10:02] <Usagi-chan> "Oh, like I'M going to have fancy dates that often." Usagi sticks her tongue out. "I can dream, but I really doubt it's going to happen."
[10:03] <Rei-chan> "You'll find someone, I'm sure of it," Rei says encouragingly.
[10:05] * Usagi-chan shrugs. "Time will tell, I guess." She gives Rei a smile. "I'm sure you'll find someone too, Rei-chan. Just because I'm gloomy about my own love life doesn't mean I can't wish you the best for yours."
[10:09] <Rei-chan> "And there's no reason why we can't both find someone," Rei replies. "I'm sure things will work out for us both in time."
[10:10] * Usagi-chan giggles. "You've got better chances than I do - more people to choose from."
[10:11] * Rei-chan snorts. "Kotono's got a new girlfriend, I think... though it didn't stop her checking me out last time I saw her. And I'd be quite happy to never see Minako again..."
[10:12] <Usagi-chan> "So? There's still a lot more people out there when you're willing to date girls too - even if it's only the girls that are interested in dating other girls." Usagi smiles.
[10:13] <Rei-chan> "Heh," Rei chuckles, "Hadn't though of it like that, but it's true enough. Good thing to keep my options open."
[10:14] * Usagi-chan smiles. "Sometimes *I* wonder what it would be like to date another girl, but I have enough trouble finding GUYS who are interested in me - I'd better just leave well enough alone." She laughs halfheartedly.
[10:16] <Rei-chan> "Heh, you never know, some beautiful girl might get taken in by your charms and decide to sweep you off your feet," Rei smiles.
[10:17] <Usagi-chan> "There's only one girl I know of who's good enough with a broom to sweep me off MY feet." Usagi grins and winks at Rei.
[10:23] * Rei-chan blushes, taking a moment to find her voice. "Oh, you'd like that, wouldn't you?" she retorts. "I can just imagine how bad it would be if we did get together like that - we fight enough as it is."
[10:25] * Usagi-chan giggles. "You're probably right...." A thoughtful look comes across her face. "But I bet making up afterwards would be a lot more interesting..." she muses, half to herself.
[10:27] <Rei-chan> "Ack!" Rei spits out the mouthful of pizza she was eating all over her lap. "Now look what you made me do!" she gives Usagi a dirty look.
[10:29] * Usagi-chan giggles. "Sorry, sorry! I was only kidding anyway - I already know there's no way you'd go out with me."
[10:30] * Rei-chan blinks at the phrasing. "You say that like you would."
[10:32] * Usagi-chan is a bit taken aback by the question. "Well..." She thinks for a minute. "I don't know, I guess I never really thought about it that seriously. I mean, after you broke up with Minako I HAVE wondered what I'd do if you ever asked me out, but I never really took it that seriously since I figured you'd never actually DO that."
[10:36] <Rei-chan> "Uh... um... Why would you even wonder... about that?" Rei flounders, before pressing ahead more confidently. "I mean, I'd just destroyed my friendship with Minako, why would I risk ruining another friendship?"
[10:37] * Usagi-chan shrugs. "I don't know - like I said, I never even really took it that seriously." There's almost an audible click as the pieces fall into place, and the blonde turns a rather surprised look to the miko. "You mean you actually WOULD think about asking me out?"
[10:38] <Rei-chan> "What?!" Rei leans back in surprise, "Where did that come from?"
[10:40] * Usagi-chan blushes a bit. "Well... it's just that when you asked, you looked kind of surprised - I mean I figured you'd laugh at the idea right off the bat, but you didn't. I don't know..." Usagi lowers her head. "Just forget I said it."
[10:42] <Rei-chan> "Of course it surprised me!" Rei asserts, wide-eyed, "I mean-" she begins before swallowing her words. "Uh, you're right. Lets just forget it."
[10:45] * Usagi-chan finishes of the rest of her slice of pizza in silence, a deep crimson blush still staining her cheeks. 'Great... I just made a complete idiot of myself in front of Rei - again. God, I am SUCH a Dumpling Head sometimes...'
[10:48] * Rei-chan also eats in silence, doing her damnedest NOT to think about Usagi like... that. And failing rather miserably.
[10:50] * Usagi-chan sighs after her pizza is finished. "I guess I'd better get home. Sorry I killed the conversation like that, Rei-chan." The blonde replaces the manga she 'borrowed' from Rei's collection, in the right places for a change.
[10:52] <Rei-chan> "Yeah..." Rei nods rather distantly. "I'll, um..." she sighs, "I'll see you tomorrow, okay?" she gives the blonde what she hopes is a friendly and engaging smile.
[10:54] <Usagi-chan> "Yeah, that sounds good." Usagi's smile is about a match for Rei's own in sincerity. "I'll, um, put the pizza and stuff away before I go, if you're done." She picks up her now-empty glass.
[10:55] <Rei-chan> "No," Rei stands up, "I'll take care of it."
[10:56] <Usagi-chan> "No, that's okay - I don't mind. You've got a headache, I can get it." Usagi's smile brightens a bit. "You just take it easy."
[10:57] <Rei-chan> "Okay... I'll just take a nap now, I think..." Rei says, rather certain that sleep will prove elusive the way her mind is currently running.
[11:00] * Usagi-chan places both the glasses on top of the pizza box again "Sleep well, Rei-chan." She says softly before leaving the room and sliding the door closed behind her.
[11:00] * Rei-chan sets about changing into her pajamas once Usagi is out of the room.
[11:01] <Usagi-chan> A few seconds later Rei hears a thump, a crash, and a cry of pain - in that order. "Owwww!"
[11:03] <Rei-chan> "That klutz," Rei huffs, though with some trace of fondness as she hurries out the room, replacing her half off polo shirt as she goes.
[11:05] * Usagi-chan is sitting in the middle of a cluster of glass shards in the hallway, clutching her finger. "I hate that stupid board!" she complains. The board in question has resisted Yuuichiro's best attempts at being nailed down, and used to be one of Usagi's biggest klutz attack culprits.
[11:06] <Rei-chan> "Oh, Usagi..." Rei sighs, going over and assisting the blonde to her feet. "And it's been so long since you've klutzed out, too."
[11:07] * Usagi-chan sighs, squinting at her finger. "I know... guess I just wasn't paying attention." With a wince, she pulls out the glass splinter embedded in her finger - making it bleed rather freely.
[11:08] * Rei-chan takes hold of Usagi's finger, squeezing it firmly over the cut. "Come on, lets get a band-aid on that," she says, leading the other girl towards the kitchen.
[11:09] * Usagi-chan follows Rei, carefully picking her way through the glass shards on the floor. "I can't even get being NICE down right." she grumbles.
[11:11] <Rei-chan> "You try, that's what matters most," Rei says, somewhat distractedly as she enters the kitchen and sticks Usagi's hand under the tap, running the cold water before she goes to get a band-aid from one of the cupboards.
[11:11] * Usagi-chan frowns at the red staining the water as Rei fishes through the cupboards. "I guess I'll get to try again in a minute - someone's going to have to clean up all that glass."
[11:13] <Rei-chan> "Don't worry, I'll take care of it," Rei says, returning to Usagi and pulling her hand out from under the tap. Taking a clean dishtowel from under the sink, she dries the finger before applying the band-aid over the cut. "There you go," she smiles brightly.
[11:14] * Usagi-chan gives the miko a wan smile. "Thanks, Rei-chan - sorry to put you to all this trouble. Really - you go ahead and go to bed and I can get the glass cleaned up. I PROMISE to pay more attention this time."
[11:16] <Rei-chan> "If you're sure," Rei shrugs, "You know where the band-aids are if you get another cut, but be careful with that glass," she reaches into another cupboard and takes out a small brush and scoop, handing them to the blonde.
[11:17] <Usagi-chan> "I will." Usagi smiles. "You go take care of that headache, I'll be fine." She shoos the white-haired girl back off to her bedroom and starts cleaning up the glass in the hallway.
[11:19] * Rei-chan proceeds to get changed and curls up in bed without any interruption this time, though sleep does not come easily to the miko...
[11:20] * Usagi-chan finishes up the cleaning with no further incident, other than a long string of curses for her own clumsiness in the privacy of her own head - or so she thinks. With the glass taken care of, she places the pizza box in the refrigerator and heads home with the sky darkening into twilight.
[11:20] <Rei-chan> -------
The next morning sees Usagi up early for t'ai chi lessons with Herb...
[16:28] <Prince_Herb> "I think that's enough for this morning, Usa-chan. You're coming on pretty well, really. I can't believe you're the same clumsy Usagi I met last year." Herb says. "Let's go get breakfast, eh?"
[16:29] * Usagi-chan giggles. "Well, I'm really trying hard - I thought it would be a lot harder than this." Usagi wipes her brow off with a small towel. "Sure, breakfast sounds great!"
[16:32] <Prince_Herb> As Herb heads for the little cafe by the park, he muses on this. "Maybe you're remembering things from your past life. I don't really understand how these things work, and Nian always gets evasive when I ask him, which leads me to believe he has only the very vaguest idea."
[16:33] <Usagi-chan> "I really doubt it for this kind of stuff. Some stuff I do remember how to do from my past life, but Mother and the senshi didn't want me anywhere near fighting back then so I didn't have any kind of training like this at all." Usagi stretches as she strolls along next to Herb.
[16:40] <Prince_Herb> Herb shrugs. "Another of life's mysteries, then." He is silent for a moment or two, and then broaches the subject that's been puzzling him. "What happened to Venus, by the way? You promised to tell me, and I have a funny story about Ryuu to compensate you with this time."
[16:41] * Usagi-chan blows out a long breath. "Not a lot to say about Minako, really. She left on a tour - I don't know if she ever told you or not, but if you've heard of the singer Full Moon, that's her. According to Artemis, she decided to go on a world tour and took off without telling any of the rest of us. If Artemis had gone with her, I expect we'd STILL be wondering where she went."
[16:43] * Prince_Herb looks stunned. "That's outrageous." And then "Wait... Full Moon... The girl that Lime and Mint have all the mucky pictures of?"
[16:44] <Usagi-chan> "They..." Usagi covers her face with a hand. "No... no, I'm positive I DON'T want to know about it. But yes, Full Moon is Minako Aino."
[16:45] * Prince_Herb looks so amazed that the wind's quite taken from his sails. "Just wow..."
[16:46] * Usagi-chan scowls. "It was sure nice of her to tell the rest of us before she took off. I didn't even know until I tripped over poor Artemis after..." Usagi shakes her head as she trails off.
[16:48] * Prince_Herb reaches the cafe and heads in, ordering two breakfasts from the waitress, one extra-large. "Well, you win. I can't top that with my story about Ryuu."
[16:48] <Usagi-chan> "Oh no you don't, you're not getting off that easy!" Usagi grins and pokes Herb in the chest. "Let's hear it, mister!"
[16:49] * Prince_Herb grins, bows and waits for the Queen to be seated before joining her. "Well, I saw another side of him..."
[16:50] <Usagi-chan> "Uh huh, go on...." Usagi leans on the table as she listens to Herb's tale.
[16:52] <Prince_Herb> "He was getting restless and going on about how he needed to find new opponents to test his skill against, and he said maybe one of these monsters or those sailor girls, though he didn't really believe that those girls could reallly be such good fighters as they say."
[16:53] * Usagi-chan giggles. "How good a fighter is he?"
[16:54] <Prince_Herb> "So I told him not to be so biased... Pretty good. If I don't use my ki attacks, he has a chance of beating me, if luck goes his way."
[16:55] <Prince_Herb> "So, he said 'It's hard to believe that a bunch of teenage girls dressed in next to nothing could be good fighters; they're like something from a wet dream...'"
[16:55] * Usagi-chan hides her face in her hands. "Please tell me that's a joke..."
[16:56] <Prince_Herb> "I teased him about that, but I felt a little offended. Sailor Cutie Dragon would have turned up and punished him, except that that would be a bit hard to explain away."
[16:57] <Prince_Herb> "No, no joke. He says he prefers more traditional girls to girls dressed like on the cards in phone boxes."
[16:57] <Usagi-chan> "Yeah, I know what you mean. It might be fun to have Sailor Moon show up and kick him around a little too, but that would be almost as hard to explain." She shakes her head. "It's not like I didn't know some guys thought about us that way - the doujins that are out there prove that. It's just kind of gross to hear about it first- or second-hand."
[16:59] <Prince_Herb> "Maybe if you wore a more traditional outfit, like Rei's temple maiden garb, he'd see you for the warrior you are!"
[16:59] <Prince_Herb> "He's a good guy, but he's as dumb as I am and knows even less about women."
[17:00] * Usagi-chan makes a face. "It's not like I can pick and choose how my senshi outfit looks, you know. I'll admit, it's nice that it doesn't get in the way when I'm fighting, but on the other hand it doesn't leave much to the imagination either." Usagi sighs.
[17:05] <Prince_Herb> "I don't really want him to get beaten up by beautiful sailor girls either, but I can't really think of how to alter his opinion. I don't really think it's the uniforms that set him off, except hormonally, just his masculine pride."
[17:07] <Usagi-chan> "No, it's not our job to go around beating people up - we're SUPPOSED to be protecting them, after all. Maybe if he's actually THERE at an attack he'll change his mind, but other than that, I don't think there's anything we can or should do. He's got a right to his own opinion, even if it is wrong." The blonde shakes her head.
[17:08] <Prince_Herb> "It's an opinion about me and my team, though, so I take it a little personally. Even though it was very funny to see Ryuu blush as he explained about the outfits."
[17:11] <Usagi-chan> "Oh, I'd take it personally if someone said something like that to me about the senshi too. You guys are all my friends and I know I can count on any of you to back me up if I need it - I guess that's really the most important thing. Maybe Ryuu doesn't think we're very good at fighting, but I sure wouldn't give any of you guys up." Usagi smiles.
[17:11] <Prince_Herb> "I met your Ann Grainger as well, by the way. She seemed very nice, but a bit of a geek when it comes to elves. I offered to take her to see the Lodoss War movie on Friday so that we can ooh and ah together over the elves."
[17:11] <Prince_Herb> "She said yes, before going off to buy a wagon-load of elf-related things." Herb says, "So long as I don't get splashed, it should be fun."
[17:12] <Usagi-chan> "Oh really? You ran into Ann? When was that?" Usagi looks interested.
[17:16] <Prince_Herb> "In the bookstore in the mall just yesterday. I didn't know who she was, but we had a conversation about elves, and then she introduced herself. Actually..." Herb pauses and frowns. "I just thought of something."
[17:17] <Usagi-chan> "Something wrong?" Usagi looks at Herb curiously.
[17:17] <Prince_Herb> "The picture she liked best was of a good-looking green-skinned elf guy. I was drooling over the green-skinned elf girl on the other page, so I didn't think about it at the time."
[17:18] <Prince_Herb> "Maybe she's seen one of the people we fought at Rei's place somewhere?"
[17:19] <Usagi-chan> "Might be worth asking her about... although it's really hard trying to catch her at school. She always leaves in the biggest hurry and she's never around at lunchtime - and it's not exactly a good idea to talk in the middle of class." Usagi makes a face.
[17:19] <Prince_Herb> "My hormones were getting a bit in the way at the time; she was wearing a very close-fitting suit of cleavage armour." Herb frowns.
[17:20] <Usagi-chan> "I overheard her talking to her brother today about going to the park on Sunday though, so I thought I might stop down there and see if they wanted to hang out then." Usagi smiles.
[17:21] <Prince_Herb> "Actually, half of Tokyo probably saw that fight." Herb says. "It's not really a clue."
[17:22] <Prince_Herb> "And that includes everyone in Juuban who wasn't deaf and blind. Forget it, it was a stupid idea." Herb sighs.
[17:22] <Prince_Herb> "We need Ami, or someone smarter than me, anyway."
[17:22] * Prince_Herb slumps in his seat.
[17:22] <Usagi-chan> "Half of Tokyo might have seen the monster, but I doubt very many people saw the elves. I really don't think everyone came running as soon as they saw a thirty-foot tall minotaur at the shrine." Usagi shrugs. "It might be worth asking her if she's seen any of the attacks though - maybe she's seen something we haven't."
[17:24] <Prince_Herb> "Well, we can but ask. Even if she turn out only to be a girl who likes handsome pointy-eared men, that's still a bonus." Herb says, grinning and regaining his posture.
[17:24] <Usagi-chan> "I don't remember having seen her among any of the unconscious people, and she hasn't been out of school, so if she HAS seen an attack she managed to get away without getting her energy drained - unless she was at the VR arcade the other day." Usagi muses.
[17:27] <Prince_Herb> "Lots of people saw that attack at the park near Toudai: that was pretty much out in the open. That's two she might have seen. Have there been any pictures on TV? Maybe I should ask Nian."
[17:29] <Usagi-chan> "I don't think so - Mom usually tells me if we've been on the news. I think the only one that made it to the TV news was the attack at the shrine, and there were just a few news helicopter views of the fight from that one - I saw the piece the next day myself. Even THAT'S pretty rare - they usually don't get any pictures at all."
[17:30] <Prince_Herb> "It can't help to ask, but I'd better think how to do it subtly." Herb says, knowing that this is not one of his best ideas or strongest points.
[17:32] <Prince_Herb> "And maybe we could get that footage and look for clues? There might be something in the background we missed."
[17:34] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "From what I saw, they didn't even make it to the shrine before Rei-chan killed the monster. You could see them zoomed way up on the monster and it just crumbles away after about half a minute. You can't even see US in the picture." Usagi thinks for a minute. "As for asking Ann, just bring it up in conversation or something. I know people talk all the time at school about what they think the attacks are and who's behind them."
[17:37] <Prince_Herb> "Oh, OK."
[17:39] * Usagi-chan grins. "Sounds like you're picking up Ann on the rebound then - when I heard her talking to Alan at lunch, she said Mamoru had just dumped her."
[17:40] <Prince_Herb> "What a cad."
[17:41] * Usagi-chan sighs. "It sounds like he's still hung up on me... I just wish he'd take the hint already."
[17:42] <Prince_Herb> "He's slow on the uptake. Maybe you should fake your own death?"
[17:43] * Usagi-chan giggles. "It's a tempting idea, except I don't think he'd actually buy it."
[17:45] <Prince_Herb> "I don't know what to suggest, really. You can't hide out on the moon all the time, and when you come down, it will be Rose City." Herb sighs. "It's a bigger problem than the elves, really."
[17:46] <Prince_Herb> "Sooner or later we'll find them, and force them to stop draining people, but we can't go around punishing Mamoru."
[17:46] <Usagi-chan> "In a way, yeah." Usagi makes a face. "I can't just go and moondust Mamoru - he hasn't really done anything THAT bad. He's just too... persistent."
[17:48] <Prince_Herb> "Are we still offering people the chance to reform? I don't really want to kill the elves if that's what they are." Herb says.
[17:49] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "As far as I'm concerned, I'll help anyone change that actually WANTS to change. If they don't, though..." Usagi sighs. "If they don't, we'll do what we have to. One way or another they'll have to stop what they're doing."
[17:55] <Prince_Herb> "No, no argument there." Herb says. "I guess I'm just a sucker for a pretty face and a pointy ear."
[17:56] * Usagi-chan giggles. "I can't imagine why you of all people would like pointy ears." The blonde winks at Herb.
[18:03] <Prince_Herb> Herb nods. "I am so shallow."
[18:04] * Usagi-chan shakes her head and smiles. "Like I'm one to talk - how many other people have YOU met that have their own personal flashlight attached to their heads?"
[18:05] <Prince_Herb> "I really don't notice that any longer. It's just part of you. I liked it better when you had the old hairstyle, though. It was prettier."
[18:06] * Usagi-chan looks up, even though she can't see her braid without a mirror. "Me too - I'm used to it now, but it's kind of a pain to have to worry about it all the time. Doing aerobics in gym class is a real pain."
[18:06] * Prince_Herb finishes his rice and miso soup and crunches up his last pickle.
[18:10] * Usagi-chan polishes off the last of her breakfast as well, sitting back with a satisfied sigh. "Thanks for the breakfast, Herb-kun."
[18:19] <Prince_Herb> "Well, see you later, Usa-chan." HErb says, standing up and bowing once more. "And roll on Friday" He winks and heads out of the cafe, stopping only to pay the bill at the till.
[18:19] <Prince_Herb> ---

[14:59] <Usagi-chan> -----
[15:01] <Usagi-chan> Thursday afternoon finds Usagi Tsukino - middle school student, senshi, and part-time royalty - on her way to the Crown arcade after school for a well-deserved break after the rigors of another day filled with algebra and world history.
[15:09] <Ami> "Usagi-chan!" a voice calls out from behind the blonde.
[15:10] * Usagi-chan turns at the sound of a familiar voice. "Ami-chan! What have you been up to? I haven't heard from you in a while!" Usagi breaks out a bright smile for the blue-haired girl.
[15:12] * Ami smiles back. "I was out of town visiting my father. I only just returned." Ami catches up swiftly, matching Usagi's pace. "So, have I missed anything?"
[15:13] * Usagi-chan grins. "Little of this, little of that... thirty foot monster attacking the shrine, nothing major." She giggles.
[15:15] * Ami nods sagaciously. "Only thirty feet this time? Sounds like a slow week."
[15:16] * Usagi-chan smiles. "You'll never guess what happened on Monday though... Miss H kept me after class and told me I'm actually going to PASS this year!" Usagi grins happily. "And I never would have made it without your help, Ami-chan!"
[15:20] <Ami> "I didn't do much, Usagi-chan," Ami says gently. "You passed all by yourself. Just like I knew you would."
[15:20] * Ami continues walking, a bemused expression on her face. "Although I would have liked to see the looks on your faces when she told you."
[15:21] * Usagi-chan giggles. "We were both shouting so loud that I think half the school came by to see what was going on. One of the teachers looked like he was going to have a heart attack when Miss H told him I was going to pass." Usagi grins.
[15:22] * Ami grins back. "Now comes the fun part."
[15:23] <Usagi-chan> "What fun part?" Usagi looks at Ami curiously.
[15:25] <Ami> "Now that they know that you can do it, they're going to expect more from you." Ami's grin widens. "Which means more study time for you!"
[15:26] * Usagi-chan groans. "That is NOT my idea of FUN, Ami!" Usagi grumbles. "Passing is just fine with me, thanks - I don't NEED to be ten chapters ahead like SOME people do."
[15:27] <Ami> "Only ten chapters?" Ami blinks.
[15:28] <Usagi-chan> "I'm quite happy where I am, THANK you." Usagi sticks her tongue out. "Besides, if I spend any MORE time studying I won't have any time to hang out or goof off anymore!"
[15:34] <Ami> "No time to hang out or goof off? Like me?" Ami favors Usagi with a bemused expression as they step into the Crown. "Oh, woe is Usagi! Forced to crawl the dungeon labyrinth of literature and decipher the perplexing mysteries of the languages of mathematics!"
[15:39] <Usagi-chan> "Not ALL of us can finish our assignments in two minutes flat, you know." Usagi grumps. "If I tried to catch up to you, I'd be doing homework from the second I woke up in the morning until I went to bed."
[15:42] <Ami> "You just need to manage your time better, Usagi-chan," Ami says reassuringly.
[15:46] * Usagi-chan gives Motoki a friendly wave as she steps up to the counter and orders her usual triple-fudge chocolate sundae. "Manage my time..." Usagi shakes her head. "Easy for you to say. I've got two weird elf people to worry about attacking Juuban and NOW I've got to start looking for another senshi!" Usagi speaks in low tones as she complains to Ami, not wanting to be overheard by Motoki.
[15:48] <Ami> "Hm?" Ami cocks her head. "What was that?"
[15:50] * Usagi-chan picks up her sundae from Motoki and beckons Ami over to a booth before continuing. "I had a little visit from Setsuna on Monday. Seems she wants me to look out for possible candidates to become senshi."
[15:53] <Ami> "So, Neptune didn't reincarnate," Ami muses quietly. "I thought that might be the case. So now what? Do you have any idea what to look for that would make someone a good senshi?"
[15:56] <Usagi-chan> "High magical potential, basically. I've seen one person that could qualify so far - a friend of Rei's from Mugen - but that's the only one I've seen with enough potential to become a senshi." Usagi sighs. "Pluto didn't say there was a deadline or anything, but it's kind of discouraging that I don't even know where to start looking."
[15:58] <Ami> "What about the crystal holders? Would any of them work?"
[15:59] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "I doubt it. Gramps doesn't have that kind of potential, and while I haven't checked any of the others specifically, I doubt they'll be any stronger than he was."
[16:00] * Ami nods. "It wouldn't hurt to check, though. Anyway, seeing as there is no deadline I wouldn't worry about it too much right now. So, elf people?"
[16:02] * Usagi-chan shrugs. "Not too much to tell there. We had a really big monster attack us at the shrine on Sunday, and then Rei and I fought another one at that new VR arcade on Tuesday. The elves showed up at the attack on Sunday, but we didn't see either of them there on Tuesday."
[16:03] <Ami> "So they're controlling the monsters then?"
[16:04] * Usagi-chan nods. "As near as we can tell, yeah. Herb was the first one to actually see one of them - they attacked the kendo club at Toudai last week, and the guy elf - there's a guy and a girl - was at that one."
[16:05] * Ami nods silently.
[16:25] * Rei-chan enters the arcade, quickly spotting her two friends and moving over to join them. "Hi guys, what's up?" she asks brightly as she takes a seat next to Ami.
[16:25] <Usagi-chan> "They're trying to protect their monsters, from the sound of it - the elf pulled it back at the Toudai attack and took off with it, but Rei managed to kill that same one a couple of days later."
[16:26] * Usagi-chan looks up at the white-haired girl as she comes in. "Oh hi, Rei-chan! I was just filling Ami in on what's been going on while she's been out."
[16:26] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, haven't seen you for about a week, now, Ami-chan," Rei comments, "What've you been doing lately?"
[16:34] <Ami> "I was at my father's place," Ami says, nodding toward the miko. "Sounds like it's been a week."
[16:36] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, we've been kept pretty busy," Rei nods. "Still, it hasn't been that bad - none of us have been really hurt in any of the battles lately. So, did you have fun at your father's?" she asks interestedly.
[16:37] * Usagi-chan nods at Rei's question, curious herself.
[16:38] <Ami> "Oh, it was the usual," Ami says, waving it off.
[16:39] <Usagi-chan> "Oh, come on - you can tell us more than that!" Usagi grins.
[16:40] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, we have no idea what 'the usual' is," Rei points out.
[16:41] <Ami> "Well, my father is an Artist," she begins, managing to make artist sound capitalized. "I've told you that before haven't I?"
[16:41] <Rei-chan> "You've mentioned it, yes," Rei nods.
[16:43] <Usagi-chan> "So what kind of stuff does he paint?"
[16:45] <Ami> "Oh, you know. This and that. He really hasn't settled down on a 'style', per se."
[16:46] <Usagi-chan> "So... does he paint portraits or landscapes or made-up stuff or what?"
[16:46] <Ami> "He does a bit of everything, really. It just depends on his mood."
[16:47] <Ami> 'And boy is he moody,' Ami does not say.
[16:47] * Usagi-chan makes a face. "Sounds like you didn't have such a great time then."
[16:47] * Rei-chan blinks, not having gotten that impression herself.
[16:48] <Ami> "Hm?" Ami looks at Usagi. "What do you mean?"
[16:49] <Usagi-chan> "Well, you said he was moody... that's usually not a lot of fun to hang around with, right?" Usagi replies.
[16:49] * Ami freezes. "I didn't..."
[16:49] <Rei-chan> "She didn't say that," Rei puts in.
[16:49] <Ami> 'Oh crud. Um, Usagi?'
[16:50] * Usagi-chan looks at Ami. "What's wrong, Ami-chan?"
[16:51] * Ami sighs. "It's contagious."
[16:51] <Rei-chan> "Contagious?" Rei looks vaguely alarmed.
[16:53] * Usagi-chan finally catches the subtle difference and breaks into a fit of the giggles. 'Sounds like someone caught a case of telepathy!' she thinks to Ami.
[16:53] * Rei-chan looks between the two, puzzled at Usagi's sudden mirth.
[16:57] <Ami> "Cursed! Cursed, I say! Destiny's plaything!' Ami thinks melodramatically. 'Thrice damned malefactor Loki hath fashioned much mischief this day!'
[16:57] <Ami> "It would seem I've developed telepathy, Rei-chan," Ami says calmly.
[16:57] <Usagi-chan> 'Ummm.... right, what you said.' Usagi looks a bit puzzled. 'Or thought, whatever.'
[16:59] <Rei-chan> "Ah," Rei nods. "Yeah, it can be a real pain - you'll have to watch your thoughts like a hawk from now on."
[17:00] * Usagi-chan grins. "I STILL catch myself sending stuff I don't mean to sometimes..."
[17:00] <Ami> "Only Usagi-chan can read my thoughts though, correct?"
[17:00] <Rei-chan> "Probably. I sure can't."
[17:01] * Usagi-chan nods. "And only when you think about something like you were going to say it. I can't pick up pictures or anything, just words."
[17:01] <Ami> "Good, good," Ami nods happily. 'Now I don't have to stab any of you.'
[17:02] <Usagi-chan> "Ami!" Usagi says, shocked. "You're terrible!"
[17:02] * Rei-chan looks at Ami in surprise. "Did you think something naughty?" she asks, smirking.
[17:03] <Ami> "Me?" Ami says, pointing to herself and taking on her most innocent look.
[17:03] * Usagi-chan giggles. "Don't trust her for a minute, Rei-chan! I know what she's REALLY thinking!"
[17:05] <Rei-chan> "And what might that be?" Rei asks, leaning towards Usagi.
[17:06] <Ami> 'Usagi's got a big ol' butt, oh yeah!' Ami thinks as loudly as possible.
[17:06] * Usagi-chan grins and leans over to speak to Rei in a stage whisper. "She's planning to kill us all in our sleep... HEY! I DO NOT!" Usagi sits back and elbows Ami in the ribs.
[17:07] <Rei-chan> "It's always the quiet ones," Rei chuckles as she settles back in her seat.
[17:08] * Usagi-chan grumbles. "My butt is just the right size, thank you." She sniffs.
[17:08] * Ami rubs the spot gengerly. "Ouch."
[17:09] <Rei-chan> "Ack!" Rei coughs. "Ami's thinking about your butt?!" she all but yells, quickly covering her mouth and looking around guiltily.
[17:10] <Usagi-chan> "Rei!" Usagi hisses in a loud whisper. "You don't have to tell the entire arcade!"
[17:10] <Rei-chan> "Sorry," Rei says, blushing.
[17:11] * Ami just nods at the onlookers. "Not really, but I bet you are now."
[17:11] <Makoto> "Tell people about what, Usagi?" Makoto says as walks up to the group. "Hey guys."
[17:11] * Usagi-chan groans and hides her red face behind her hands.
[17:12] <Rei-chan> 'Maybe a little...' "Oh, hey, Mako-chan!" Rei says suddenly, glad for the distraction.
[17:12] <Usagi-chan> 'I HEARD that, Rei...' Usagi looks up at Rei for a moment.
[17:14] <Rei-chan> 'Heard what?' Rei thinks back innocently.
[17:14] <Makoto> "...sooooo, what were you guys talking about then?" Makoto says, a bit confused over what she walked into.
[17:15] <Ami> "Hello Mako-chan!" Ami says enthusiastically, hugging the taller girl. "Looks like we're all here."
[17:15] <Usagi-chan> 'Only a little, huh?' Usagi frowns at Rei. 'Gee, thanks a lot.'
[17:16] <Rei-chan> 'What, you want me to think about your butt a lot?! Hey, does Ami normally greet people like that?' Rei flounders, feeling rather rattled right now.
[17:17] <Usagi-chan> 'No, I - huh? what do you mean?' The sudden change of direction in Rei's line of thought throws Usagi off guard.
[17:18] <Rei-chan> 'Well... she's not normally so physically demonstrative...' Rei replies, gesturing subtly at the hugging girls.
[17:18] * Usagi-chan glances over at the pair. 'I guess it IS a little strange...' she muses.
[17:20] <Makoto> "Oh, uhm, hey Ami," Makoto says, hugging back. "How you been?"
[17:20] * Rei-chan frowns slightly, deciding to test something. "Hey, Mako-chan, how are things going with Alan? I heard you had a date the other day," she asks, paying close attention to Ami's reaction.
[17:21] * Makoto whips to look at Rei. "How did you know about Al..." she starts to say before looking at Usagi. "U-sa-gi!"
[17:21] * Usagi-chan puts on her best innocent look.
[17:22] * Ami blinks, a bit surprised. "You're dating the transfer student?" 'Wow. She works fast.'
[17:22] * Usagi-chan giggles.
[17:23] * Makoto starts to admonish Usagi before looking at Ami, and sighing. "Yeah, he invited me to the movies and then we went to the par...HEY! What are you giggling about?" she ends on as she turns back to looking at Usagi.
[17:24] <Usagi-chan> "Ami." Usagi grins. "You wouldn't BELIEVE what she's thinking right now..."
[17:24] * Makoto looks down at the girl hugging her with a raised eyebrow.
[17:26] <Ami> "I just thought that was pretty fast, that's all." Ami shrugs. "Sooo, details?"
[17:28] * Makoto sighs but starts to give the details. "Well, I kinda crashed into Alan the other day, and we both ended up running to school to avoid being late. Later, he invited me to go buy some books with him. That's where we ran into his sister."
[17:28] * Makoto frowns as she starts thinking about Ann.
[17:29] <Usagi-chan> "Draped all over Mamoru, right?" Usagi grimaces.
[17:29] * Makoto continues frowning, but nods. "Alan is... overprotective of his sis, so when he saw her on a date with Mamoru, he ended up dragging me over to their movie date."
[17:30] <Ami> "Ouch," Ami mutters. "Sounds bad."
[17:30] <Makoto> "He ended up just using me to annoy his sister, which got me really pis... err, annoyed," Makoto corrects herself, not wanting to sound too coarse over the matter.
[17:30] * Usagi-chan nods. "I saw them on Monday going into the movies when I was on my way home from school."
[17:31] <Makoto> "Anyhow, after that movie ended, I kinda started to threaten him to give me one good reason not to pop him one...and he just gave the most adorable confused look I'd ever seen..."
[17:31] * Makoto has the decency to blush at what got her to forgive him.
[17:32] * Rei-chan snickers.
[17:32] * Ami just shakes her head.
[17:33] * Usagi-chan giggles, then sighs. "Well, you won't have to worry about him using you to get back at Ann anymore."
[17:33] * Makoto growls at Rei for snickering. "So, following Rei-chan's advice, I ended up threatening him into a good date the next day."
[17:34] <Rei-chan> "It worked, didn't it?" Rei asks, smirking.
[17:34] <Ami> 'Rei is...' Ami begins thinking, but clamps down on that thought before it forms.
[17:34] * Makoto fumbles at that, losing her growling look. "Well..." Makoto says before admitting to it, "Okay, so it did. You happy? I had a really nice date."
[17:35] * Usagi-chan smiles. "Well, that's good to hear at least."
[17:35] * Makoto pouts at that. "I still feel guilty about doing that though, even if he looked like he had as much fun as I did."
[17:35] <Rei-chan> "Sometimes you need to be assertive," Rei nods. "He'll be grateful."
[17:36] <Ami> "Love has formed from stranger things," Ami agrees.
[17:37] <Usagi-chan> "Got any more dates planned?" Usagi looks curious.
[17:42] <Makoto> "No, not really," Makoto admits. "I thought maybe he didn't eat that well though since he liked the park food so much, so I had thought of making a bento for him... but I wasn't sure if that was too personal or something."
[17:43] <Makoto> "I mean, I've seen him what, two times?" Makoto adds.
[17:43] <Usagi-chan> "Oh, you should DEFINITELY go for that!" Usagi smiles. "He'll fall for you in a second if he gets a taste of your cooking!"
[17:46] * Rei-chan nods. "Giving the guy a well made free lunch isn't overly personal, but it is a nice thing to do."
[17:47] <Ami> 'Is that what happened to you, Usagi-chan?' Ami thinks, keeping a straight face.
[17:48] * Usagi-chan rolls her eyes, then looks over at Ami. "Ha ha, Ami-chan - very funny. I may be in love with Mako-chan's cooking, but that's ALL."
[17:48] <Rei-chan> "By the way," Rei turns her attention to the blue-haired girl. "You comfortable there, Ami-chan?"
[17:48] * Rei-chan gives Usagi an odd look, but returns her attention to Ami, waiting for her response.
[17:49] * Makoto blinks at Usagi's statement from nowhere before blinking again at Rei's own and looking down at the girl still hugging her.
[17:49] <Makoto> "Uhhh..." is all she can say.
[17:49] <Ami> "Me?" Ami says, pointing to herself and taking on her most innocent look. "Perfectly fine."
[17:50] <Rei-chan> "Figured," Rei nods with a knowing look.
[17:50] * Makoto looks between Ami, Rei and Usagi. '...Did I miss something here?' she asks herself in confusion.
[17:51] * Usagi-chan looks over at Makoto. 'Your guess is as good as mine... just kind of odd to see Ami-chan glued to you like that.' She shrugs.
[17:55] <Ami> "Usagi-chan," Ami says in a sing-song voice.
[17:56] <Usagi-chan> "Yes, Ami-chan?" Usagi replies sweetly.
[17:56] * Makoto hadn't planned on broadcasting that thought, but seeing Usagi mention part of what confused her... 'Yeah, that's what I think I'm missing somehow. Why -is- Ami still hugging me?'
[17:57] <Ami> "I bet Rei-chan is still thinking about your..." Ami cuts off, hoping to lure the miko into her trap.
[17:58] <Rei-chan> "I am not!" Rei denies hotly.
[17:58] * Usagi-chan frowns as she replies to Makoto mentally. 'Your guess is as good as mine, Mako-chan.'
[17:59] <Ami> 'I bet she is now.'
[18:00] * Ami finally detaches from the taller girl. "So, anyone up for a game?"
[18:00] * Usagi-chan glares at Ami. 'Ami! I bet she isn't, either!' Or is she..? Usagi wonders privately.
[18:01] <Rei-chan> "What kind of game?" Rei narrows her eyes at Ami, trying to sense if she's been possessed or something. 'NO! I'm not! Dammit!' she sends to Usagi, who's thoughts aren't quite private enough.
[18:02] * Usagi-chan goes red and stares at her empty sundae glass.
[18:02] <Ami> "Vs the Negaverse?" Ami offers. 'Bet she is.'
[18:03] <Rei-chan> "Oh... an arcade game... of course..." Rei sighs. 'Thought she was going to suggest something perverted...'
[18:03] * Usagi-chan groans and lays her head on the table. 'Will you all just STOP already!'
[18:04] * Ami giggles. "We are at the arcade, Rei-chan. Uless you want to try the UFO catchers?"
[18:05] <Rei-chan> "Sorry, Usagi," Rei sighs again, gently rubbing the blonde's back. "I'll try not to think so loudly..." she then gives Ami a small smile. "No, those things are way too easy for me. I'd be tempted to cheat."
[18:06] * Usagi-chan sighs, enjoying the feel of Rei's hand on her back. '...wait, did I just think that?'
[18:06] <Ami> "Ok. Then Vs the Negaverse it is?" 'Think what, Usagi-chan?'
[18:07] * Usagi-chan shakes her head, which is still on the table. 'Never mind, Ami-chan... not important.'
[18:09] <Ami> 'Ok. You know, this telepathy thing doesn't seem so bad.'
[18:10] * Usagi-chan doesn't move, enjoying her backrub too much to put a stop to it quite yet. 'Yeah, it just takes some getting used to... and you have to learn to be REALLY careful about what you think.'
[18:13] * Makoto just continues musing over what was meant over Ami's confortableness by her, Rei's statements, et al.
[18:14] * Makoto suddenly gets a mental click as her face scrunches up. '...wait. Is this like Minako crushing on Rei? Is Ami-chan crushing on me?'
[18:15] * Makoto gets a bit face red as she thinks... 'Oh my...'
[18:16] * Usagi-chan is a little too relaxed to get upset by that thought. 'Maybe, Mako-chan....' she thinks a bit drowsily.
[18:17] * Rei-chan continues idly rubbing Usagi's back and neck, not really paying attention to what she's doing.
[18:17] * Makoto gets distracted from her thoughts on Ami by Usagi's response and looks at her blonde friend... and at Rei as she backrubs Usagi.
[18:18] * Usagi-chan manages to gather her wits enough to send her thought specifically to Rei. 'Mmmm.... that really feels good, Rei-chan...'
[18:19] <Rei-chan> "Huh?" Rei is jolted out of her current state by that thought intruding on her consciousness and pauses her movements.
[18:19] * Usagi-chan frowns, still feeling a bit drowsy. 'Why'd you stop?' she thinks to the miko.
[18:20] * Makoto just stares at Rei and Usagi, unsure of what to say or do
[18:21] * Rei-chan looks at her hand, then at Usagi, furrowing her brow slightly. "Uh..." 'What was I just doing?'
[18:21] * Ami just smiles toward Rei intently.
[18:21] * Usagi-chan raises her head, giving Rei a slightly hurt look. 'Rubbing my back, and it was really nice.'
[18:23] <Rei-chan> Noting the various stares directed at her, Rei starts to feel incredibly nervous. "I need to go to the bathroom," she announces, standing up. 'Hopefully everyone will have forgotten by the time I get back,' she thinks, swiftly retreating.
[18:24] <Makoto> "...So," Makoto starts after a brief moment of silence, looking at Ami and Usagi, hoping they'll start to normalize the conversation.
[18:25] * Usagi-chan sighs, realizing that the backrub is going to end and sits up, still looking rather sleepy. "Hmm...?"
[18:26] <Ami> "Nothing, Usagi-chan," Ami says softly, hiding her amusement. "I think I'll play with Dark Mercury."
[18:28] <Usagi-chan> "Okay, have fun." Usagi mumbles, laying her head back down on the table. A nap sounds like a really good idea right now...
[18:28] <Ami> "Come on, Mako-chan. Have you played it yet?" Ami says, drawing the taller girl away.
[18:29] <Makoto> "Once," Makoto states, deciding to just go and play the game with Ami.
[18:30] * Rei-chan returns, noting the absence of Ami and Makoto, and Usagi's current state. "Usagi?"
[18:31] * Usagi-chan raises her head again. "Hmm? What is it, Rei-chan?" she manages to say.
[18:31] <Rei-chan> "Where'd Ami-chan and Mako-chan go?"
[18:32] * Makoto whistles to get Rei's attention to where she and Ami are picking characters.
[18:32] * Usagi-chan points a thumb over at the remixed senshi game. "I think they said they were going to go play a game." She blinks a few times... apparently this ISN'T such a good time for a nap, people want to talk to her.
[18:32] <Rei-chan> "Aren't you coming?" Rei takes a few steps towards the arcade cabinet the other two girls are at.
[18:33] * Usagi-chan sits up and stretches. "Be there in a sec, Rei-chan." She yawns cavernously and gets out of her seat, following the other girl a few steps behind.
[18:34] * Rei-chan reaches the machine and sticks a token of in, selecting Sailor Mars of course.
[18:35] * Usagi-chan finds an empty controller and selects Sailor Moon almost automatically, still a bit too groggy to really think about what she's doing.
[18:35] * Ami sticks a coin in, selecting Sailor Mercury and holdind down all the buttons to get her Dark form.
[18:36] <Rei-chan> "Huh? What's that?" Rei points at the palette-swapped Sailor Mercury.
[18:38] * Makoto plays Sailor Jupiter, obviously, and seeing Ami press down all her buttons, does the same as well, curious to see if there's an effect.
[18:40] <Ami> "Raging Mercury!" Ami enthuses. "Like Raging Ryu." 'Only not gay.'
[18:40] * Makoto points to the screen where her Sailor Jupiter seems to have palette-swapped. "And what happened to Jupiter then?"
[18:41] * Usagi-chan snorts, finally waking the rest of the way up. "They have dark forms of all the senshi, but I don't like using them - they die too fast."
[18:41] <Rei-chan> "Like... demonically possessed?" 'If there's an evil Mars, I'm going to kill Artemis...'
[18:42] <Usagi-chan> "They don't really say WHY they're dark, but yes - there are dark versions of all the senshi, Mars included." Usagi sighs.
[18:42] <Ami> "Not possessed, no," Ami says quickly, not wanting to bring up that kind of thing around Mars. "Just raging."
[18:42] <Makoto> "...die too fast? But that's impossible, even for a dark Jupiter!" Makoto insists. "Dark Jupiter can't have less life than Sailor Moon!"
[18:42] * Makoto pauses before thinking, 'Uhm, no offense.'
[18:42] <Rei-chan> "Does my Dark version have white hair?" Rei asks, gesturing at her 'classically' coloured Sailor Mars.
[18:43] <Ami> "Nope. They just did palette swaps mostly."
[18:43] * Usagi-chan can't look at Rei as she answers. "Actually, yeah, she does Ami. I think they changed it because the hair doesn't show up against the fuku otherwise."
[18:44] <Rei-chan> "Guess there's nothing I can do about it," Rei sighs as the level starts, proceeding to punch and kick her way through the youma horde.
[18:46] * Ami gets into the game, throwing Dark Shine Aqua Illusions like they're going out of style.
[18:46] <Usagi-chan> "I'll be sure to talk to him when I get an update on the other merchandising stuff." Usagi grits her teeth in concentration as she dusts a youma.
[18:48] * Makoto eeps as she realizes she can only punch the youma, not knowing any of the special moves.
[18:49] * Usagi-chan grins as she lines up three youma and dusts them all with a well-placed Moon Princess Hallation.
[18:49] <Rei-chan> "Hold down punch for a few seconds or press punch and jump together for special moves," Rei tells Makoto, shooting a Fire Soul across the screen as she demonstrates.
[18:50] * Makoto tries the hold move, and smiles as she gets a Supreme Thunder out. "Alright! Now we're talking! Thanks Rei!"
[18:51] * Usagi-chan keeps focused on the screen as she talks to Makoto. "If you move into them, you can grab them - and Jupiter's throw moves are REALLY strong."
[18:51] <Rei-chan> "No problem," Rei replies as the Jadeite-alike boss appears on screen, promptly getting blasted for her inattention.
[18:52] <Makoto> "Even this Dark Jupiter character?" Makoto asks, as she continues to punch and supreme thunder along the screen.
[18:52] <Ami> "Rei-chan! Grab Tuxedo Mask's rose; it's a power up," Ami says, seriously into the game.
[18:53] * Usagi-chan huffs with frustration as 'Jedite' hits her with a fireball. "The Dark characters all have stronger attacks than the regular ones, but a lot less life."
[18:53] * Rei-chan gets the powerup, and then proceeds to get in grappling range of Jadeite, tossing him across the screen and knocking out a youma as he lands.
[18:54] <Ami> "And you can fly. Just double jump," Ami says, sacrificing some life to blast away the crowd of youma jumping her.
[18:57] <Usagi-chan> "Just be careful about hitting attack and jump - that actually eats a little of your life when you do that, so it's best to save that for emergencies." Usagi grins as she manages to hit Jedite with her tiara, knocking the last of his life off. "Got him!"
[18:58] <Rei-chan> "This level's annoying," Rei sighs as the next one comes up. "Try to avoid accidentally throwing each other into the water," she advises her friends.
[18:59] <Ami> "This is where flying comes in handy," Ami grins.
[18:59] <Usagi-chan> "Easy for you to say." Usagi quickly shoots her tongue out at the blue-haired girl.
[19:01] * Makoto double jumps, to see Dark Jupiter go into flying mode. "Cool."
[19:01] * Rei-chan stays near the edges of the screen, quickly throwing the youma into the river as soon as they appear.
[19:02] * Usagi-chan accidentally moves into grapple range of Rei, the two characters linking arms. "Stupid..." She jumps, the two breaking their hold as they land. "That's what you have to watch out for on this part."
[19:03] * Rei-chan nods, punching a nearby youma several times until it falls over, landing in the drink.
[19:04] * Ami sighs, cut down by a red youma with an axe for a hand. Plopping another coin in the machine she selects the same character and gets back to business.
[19:11] * Usagi-chan grabs a youma, flailing away at it with her arms and knocking it down. She grumbles to herself at the comical display. 'I'm not THAT bad at fighting...'
[19:12] <Rei-chan> "It's funny, though," Rei says, grabbing a youma and bitch-slapping it to the ground.
[19:12] * Ami giggles, picking a youma into the air and slaming it into the ground.
[19:12] <Usagi-chan> "Maybe when it's not supposed to be YOU on there..." Usagi complains.
[19:14] <Rei-chan> Rei is about to reply, but her inattention results in Sailor Mars' death, her onscreen avatar falling to the ground and crying like... well, like a girl. "Yeah..." she grumbles, fishing out another token and continuing.
[19:17] <Makoto> "...and I'm out," Makoto says as she dies a third time.
[19:17] * Usagi-chan gets floored by a little round youma that charges across the screen on its stomach. She slaps the control stick lightly in frustration. "Oh, just forget it... I've beaten this a ton of times anyway."
[19:18] <Makoto> "Well I should be getting on home and get started on cooking if I want to make an extra bento for tomorrow," Makoto says with a smile as she moves away from the arcade machine. "Have to get it as perfect as possible."
[19:19] * Usagi-chan smiles over at the tall brunette. "Good luck with Alan, Mako-chan! I'll be rooting for you!"
[19:20] * Rei-chan shrugs, deciding to leave Sailor Mars to her fate. "Yeah, see you, Mako-chan. I guess I might as well head home, too..."
[19:21] <Usagi-chan> "Oh, I thought you were going to stay longer." Usagi turns to Rei. "I guess I'll see you later, Rei-chan."
[19:22] * Ami shrugs, letting the game go. "I'll walk with you, Usagi-chan. Later Mako-chan, Rei-chan."
[19:22] * Rei-chan blushes slightly. "No, I think it's best if I leave, now," she mutters, beating a hasty retreat. "Bye, guys," she waves from the door as she exits.
[19:23] * Usagi-chan has a slightly troubled look at Rei's quick vanishing act. "Bye... Rei-chan." she says, the miko disappearing before she can even finish her sentence.
[09:40] <Ana-breakfast> ---
[09:42] <Evil_GM> Friday morning dawns, the day lighting up and glowing...if there wasn't a heavy cloak of clouds, anyway, that gives the day a dark cast.
[09:43] <Evil_GM> It isn't raining now, but it likely will be soon. The weathermen are saying a rain/snow mix for this chilly day is to be expected.
[09:46] <Evil_GM> If it were an off day, the only thing to do would be to curl back up in bed and nap... but...
[09:46] * Usagi-chan frowns as she stares out the kitchen window at the ugly day threatening. "Of all the days I could pick to do something..." she mutters to herself.
[09:47] <Evil_GM> At least Mom is serving a hot breakfast. "Usagi-chan, do remember to wear your jacket today," she says as she sets the table. "It's miserable today."
[09:48] * Usagi-chan nods absently. "I will, Mom." Her thoughts are elsewhere, on how she's supposed to get inside the school...
[09:49] <Evil_GM> "And make sure not to be late, even with this weather," she goes on. "You don't want a Friday detention, dear."
[09:51] * Usagi-chan snorts. "No, I wouldn't want that." 'Stinks that I have to tick Miss H off by doing this, but Rei really has me worried...'
[09:51] <Evil_GM> "Oh, and Usagi-chan," she says, pointing to a 1000 yen bill by your meal. "There's some money for hot drinks after school," she smiles.
[09:52] * Usagi-chan smiles up at her mother. "Thanks, Mom - what would I do without you?" She picks up the money, placing it in her purse.
[09:52] <Evil_GM> "You'd be a street urchin while fighting evil," she smiles back, starting to eat her own breakfast.
[09:54] * Usagi-chan giggles. "You're probably right!" Usagi finishes off the last of her breakfast and leans over to give her mom a kiss on the cheek. "I'll see you after I get home from school today!" She waves and heads out of the house, looking a lot more cheerful than she feels.
[09:55] <Evil_GM> "Have a good day, Usagi-chan," she calls out as you venture out into cold, bleak morning.
[09:55] * Usagi-chan huddles inside her coat as she trudges through the blustery streets... turning away from her usual route a few blocks from home to head towards Mugen Gakuen.
[09:56] <Evil_GM> There is even a 15 or so MPH wind to contend with, chilling you even with a coat. Ugh. As Usagi progresses to Mugen, she notes a few random students heading there and wearing the garb of Mugen.
[09:57] * Usagi-chan takes note of the way the girls' uniform looks, then as she nears the school itself she begins to look for a secluded spot to disguise herself.
[09:58] <Evil_GM> There's a spot with some trees you could use, likely.
[09:59] * Usagi-chan ducks into the small cluster of trees and checks to make sure there's no one paying attention to her before pulling out the Lunar Pen. "Disguise Power! Change me into a cute student at Mugen!"
[10:00] <Usagi-chan> With a flash of lights and stars, Usagi is disguised in the Mugen girls' uniform. While still the same height, she now has short brown hair and freckles, but the same blue eyes as before.
[10:03] <Evil_GM> Glancing about afterwards, you see that students are filing in on foot, as well as teachers and other assorted people to the large, multistory building.
[10:04] <Usagi-chan> Trying not to betray her nervousness, Usagi tries to blend in with the crowd of students heading into the building.
[10:04] <Evil_GM> By and large, the students pay Usagi no special note. She seems to fit in as the crowd heads inside...
[10:05] * Usagi-chan looks around once inside the building. She tries to see if she can detect Rei's aura in the building anywhere; failing that, she looks for a restroom where she can duck in for a moment and get her bearings.
[10:06] <Evil_GM> You do not sense Rei's aura at the present time. There are some restrooms right inside, which look to be fairly well used by the flow of people in and out.
[10:09] * Usagi-chan heads into the restroom, closing herself in an empty stall and taking a few deep breaths. 'Why am I so nervous about this?' she thinks to herself. Taking a moment to clear her mind, she tries to sense any other high concentrations of magical power in the school.
[10:09] <Evil_GM> OOC - Soul check, Usagi. +3 modifier.
[10:10] <Usagi-chan> roll 2d6+3
[10:10] * Hatbot --> "Usagi-chan rolls 2d6+3 and gets 8."
[10:11] <Evil_GM> There are hundreds if not thousands of auras around Mugen, making sensing difficult. You do feel a few very strong ones about, however.
[10:11] * Usagi-chan shakes her head at the sheer number of magical auras in the vicinity. She tries to focus on the closest of the "strong" ones, though.
[12:07] * Usagi-chan does her best to work her way through the throng of students, although her small stature works against her somewhat. She tries to catch up to her target before she enters a classroom, since it probably isn't going to be a good idea for her to poke her head into a class in progress.
[12:08] <Evil_GM> OOC - Hm.
[12:08] <Evil_GM> roll 2d6
[12:08] * Hatbot --> "Evil_GM rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[12:09] <Evil_GM> Usagi darts and presses through the crowd, making surprisingly good time amid the mass of Mugen students.
[12:10] <Evil_GM> Turning a corner, you catch up to the person with the aura. A green haired girl in a lab coat is walking down the hallway briskly, her hair style slightly reminiscent of yours. The other students give her quite a bit of leeway, an invisible field of respect.
[12:11] * Usagi-chan tries to keep out of the girl's notice, while checking her aura for as much detail as she can.
[12:13] <Evil_GM> Her aura is green and brownish, with a few dangling threads of black here and there. You think you detect a strong magic from her... she has the gift... but before you can confirm it, a student blocks your view for a few seconds, distracting you.
[12:13] * Usagi-chan glances up at the interloper with a mild look of annoyance, then turns her attention back to the green-haired girl - the black threads aren't reassuring.
[12:14] <Evil_GM> When you get to her again, she's gotten a bit ahead and is turning another corner.
[12:14] * Usagi-chan hurries to the corner, trying not to lose sight of her.
[12:15] <Evil_GM> roll 2d6
[12:15] * Hatbot --> "Evil_GM rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[12:15] <Evil_GM> Usagi sprints as best she can. When she turns the corner, you can see the green haired lady turning another short corner, down a darker hallway.
[12:16] * Usagi-chan grumbles to herself and goes on, stopping at the next corner.
[12:16] <Evil_GM> Ahead is a door, which has just closed when you get to it. A keypad is to the side of the sturdy metal door. It's oddly out of place so near a classroom.
[12:17] * Usagi-chan quirks an eyebrow at the security door, but simply frowns and returns to the main hallway, looking for any OTHER strong magical signatures as she does so.
[12:18] <Evil_GM> As Usagi enters the main hallway again, it's fairly less crowded now. Most of the students have gotten or are just getting into class now, and a ringing bell causes the few who are still here to break into a run.
[12:19] <Evil_GM> Sensing out a second time, none of the 'big' energy sources are close at all right now.
[12:19] * Usagi-chan grimaces, realizing she can't exactly roam around the hallways during classes or someone will turn her in. She darts down the hallway, looking for any empty classrooms.
[12:20] <Evil_GM> This hallway seems to have no empty rooms, but the next one has an empty room. It looks to be under work, as the floor is partially torn up and some supplies are scattered about.
[12:21] * Usagi-chan ducks into the room, sitting down against the wall a short way from the door and out of sight of the small window set into it.
[12:22] <Evil_GM> It smells like dust and chalk in here, a curious combination. There isn't much light, as the lights above are off and the windows outside show the gray, bleak day. It's just starting to drizzle now.
[12:23] <Usagi-chan> 'At least I'm not stuck outside today...' Usagi smiles wryly. Seeing as she has nothing else to do for the moment, she reaches out with her aura sense again, trying to get a better idea of where the most powerful magical signatures in the building are.
[12:23] <Evil_GM> OOC - Trying to focus on any and all strong signatures, right?
[12:24] <Usagi-chan> OOC - Pretty much. Going slow, killing time, trying to get a fix on them.
[12:24] <Usagi-chan> roll 2d6+3
[12:24] * Hatbot --> "Usagi-chan rolls 2d6+3 and gets 14."
[12:27] <Evil_GM> At first, you can only sense the vibrant general massed aura of the school and all it's students. Like a tapestry, you feel it, yet feel few individual threads. It's a touch overwhelming...*CRASH!* A thunderbolt echoes in the distance... thunder in winter? That's rare.
[12:27] * Usagi-chan lets out a small shriek of terror, huddling into a ball on the floor. "Not a thunderstorm..." Usagi whines. "I did NOT need this today!"
[12:28] * Usagi-chan slowly manages to calm her nerves, reaching out with her senses once again to try to find anyone outstanding inside the school.
[12:28] <Usagi-chan> roll 2d6+3
[12:28] * Hatbot --> "Usagi-chan rolls 2d6+3 and gets 13."
[12:28] <Evil_GM> The rain picks up, starting to ram into the windows with a fury. Another, smaller, bolt crashes on down, showing the wrath of Mother Nature is alive today.
[12:28] <Evil_GM> Usagi jumps at it, ruining her concentration again.
[12:29] <Usagi-chan> 'I HATE thunder!' Usagi scrunches her eyes closed, squeezing herself up as small as she can.
[12:30] <Evil_GM> Wind howls as another two shrieks of thunder rage and the rain pours in buckets. Worse, the rain is looking to start being interspersed with hail and ice. Lovely.
[12:31] * Usagi-chan tries to stop trembling from the thunderbolts and concentrate on the task at hand again, although it's far from easy.
[12:31] <Usagi-chan> roll 2d6+3
[12:31] * Hatbot --> "Usagi-chan rolls 2d6+3 and gets 14."
[12:32] <Evil_GM> A crash that must've been DAMN close causes the Odango'ed one to lose all concentration, the rap of more and more ice on the windows a loud staccato.
[12:33] * Usagi-chan lets out another startled scream and tries to tuck her head between her knees. "It's only thunder, it can't hurt me, it's only thunder..." Usagi repeats the phrase over and over like a mantra, although it doesn't seem to be helping her much.
[12:34] <Evil_GM> THis time, a blast that seems to have hit the Mugen building itself roars down, the sound deafening to poor Usagi! "Hey, is someone in there," a voice asks from outside. "Are you alright? I heard a scream."
[12:35] * Usagi-chan squeaks again, not having heard the voice in the hallway thanks to her near state of panic from the thunderstorm.
[12:35] <Evil_GM> Yet another close bolt hits, and as it echoes, the door opens. "Are you okay?" a voice asks, this time louder as he turns on the lightswitch...
[12:36] * Usagi-chan looks up quickly as the light goes on, cringing as another thunderbolt splits the skies above the school. Her eyes are wide with terror as she looks at the person who just entered the room.
[12:37] <Evil_GM> A sandy haired man stands in the room, of middle age but youthful-looking. He wears a simple lab coat and pants, along with a dressy shirt underneath. He also wears glasses, one eye covered with bizarre symbols that have no meaning to you. His aura is strange and strong - it's controlled and hard to read past the surface.
[12:39] <Evil_GM> "Are you alright," he asks, not unkindly. His face is curious, as if he's found a strange bug. "What ARE you doing in here, Miss...?"
[12:39] <Usagi-chan> "I...." Usagi shrieks and cringes again as another thunderclap booms above the school, any story she might have told this man driven straight out of her head by the damned THUNDER!
[12:41] <Evil_GM> "Hum," he glances outside at the wintery lightning-and-ice storm. Shrugging, he grins strangely for a moment before going over to the teacher's desk and taking the chair from behind it with him. Coming up to you, he places it in front of you and sits down.
[12:41] <Evil_GM> You'd almost say his face looked shadowy for a moment, but it must've been a trick of the light.
[12:41] * Usagi-chan looks up at the man, still trembling with terror from the storm outside - and not a little from the fact that she's apparently been found already.
[12:42] <Evil_GM> "It's alright," he soothes, but his grin is disarming. "If this bothers you, we can go to my office to discuss why you're not in class," he offers. "It's in the middle of the top floor, so the lightning shouldn't be that bad there."
[12:43] * Usagi-chan calms down a little, seeing that this man doesn't seem to be angry with her for being somewhere she obviously shouldn't be. She nods slowly. "All... all right."
[12:44] <Evil_GM> "Excellent," he chortles. "Shall we go, Miss," he says, getting up and beginning to walk out.
[12:44] * Usagi-chan slowly gets up and follows the lab-coated man out of the classroom, her heart sinking slowly.
[12:45] <Evil_GM> He leads you outside amid a flurry of distant thunderbolts, keeping one eye on you as you walk to an elevator.
[12:46] * Usagi-chan squeaks at a few of the louder thunderclaps, cringes at most, and generally presents a picture of frightened misery as she heads into the elevator.
[12:47] <Evil_GM> Getting on, he punches in floor 5. The elevator rises, the storm distant now. Getting out, you see you are in a pleasant administrative area, and he leads you down the carpeted halls.
[12:48] * Usagi-chan slowly manages to calm down as the storm noises lessen, although the prospect of being caught keeps her rather nervous - just not as OBVIOUSLY nervous.
[12:49] <Evil_GM> He heads inward, and to a large office. The door reads PROFESSOR SOUICHI TOMOE, FOUNDER on it, and inside is a pleasant, large, windowless and quiet office. A darkwood desk and plush chairs in front of it are the main features Usagi notice off the bat. "Help yourself to the candy dish there," he says as he goes to sit behind the desk, gesturing to a chocolate filled bowl at the front of said desk.
[12:51] * Usagi-chan's eyes widen as she realizes just who she's been found by - the famous Professor himself! She swallows hard, her nervousness even causing her to miss the man's invitation to help herself to chocolate.
[12:51] <Evil_GM> "Now, Miss....I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name," he starts as he sits down in his office chair.
[12:52] <Evil_GM> That strange grin is still there. There's something just off about it to you. Something odd.
[12:53] * Usagi-chan stammers for a minute, the odd grin putting her even further off her stride. She just barely remembers the name she'd decided to use for today's little trip. "Yuki, sir. Yuki Shirata."
[12:54] <Evil_GM> "Yuki Shirata..." he says, typing at a computer on one side of his desk. He is then silent for several seconds. "Ahhh, Miss Shirata. You're currently supposed to be in Astrophysics," he nods, his grin spreading even further.
[12:55] * Usagi-chan blinks. "Um... yes, sir." 'What in the world...?'
[12:56] <Evil_GM> "I suppose I can't blame you," he chuckles. "Astropyshics is so boring compared to the other subjects on your schedule," he comments, still chuckling. "But no matter, why WERE you in that room, Miss Shirata?"
[13:09] <Usagi-chan> "I... um... was on my way to the restroom when the thunder started and it scared me so bad I just wanted to find someplace to hide." Usagi winces, the excuse even sounding lame to her.
[13:10] <Evil_GM> "Heh," he says, typing a few more lines on his keyboard. "So, Miss Shirata, I see your grades in Oceanography and Applied Calculus are up."
[13:12] * Usagi-chan can't help but widen her eyes. Applied Calculus? HER?! "Um... I've really been working hard lately..." She scratches her head... THAT's true enough, even if she IS having trouble making sense of Miss H's algebra lectures.
[13:13] <Evil_GM> "You have, and it's good work. Miss Yamaguchi has nothing but praise for you in the comments section," he laughs. "In fact, you may make honor roll this semester."
[13:13] * Usagi-chan works her mouth silently for a minute... the idea of HER making the honor roll, much less at MUGEN... the universe has to be playing some kind of cosmic joke on her, right?
[13:14] <Evil_GM> "Good work," he nods again. "Oh, but I almost forgot. Could you hold on a moment, I have a telephone call to make," he smiles, picking up the phone.
[13:15] * Usagi-chan nods dumbly. Is there a REAL Yuki Shirata here and she just didn't know about it?
[13:16] <Evil_GM> "Yes, hello, Kaolinite," he says into the phone. "Is Rei there? Oh, she is? Good. Tell her to come up to my office on the 5th floor, I need to discuss something with her. No, it's nothing important, but do tell her to hurry. Thanks." He hangs up the phone with a loud click.
[13:17] * Usagi-chan closes her eyes for a moment. Great, now Rei's on her way... She opens her eyes again a moment later, trying not to betray her emotions.
[13:17] <Evil_GM> "Do you want something to drink," he offers. "I can get you some tea or coffee or soda if you want some," he says, that damned smile still there.
[13:18] <Usagi-chan> "Um... no thank you, sir." Usagi says in a tiny voice. Rei is going to KILL her once she figures this out...
[13:18] <Evil_GM> "Hungry at all, Miss Shirata," he asks further, still grinning. "I can have the cafeteria send up a late breakfast."
[13:19] * Usagi-chan gives a tiny shake of her head. No, Rei would probably decide that death would be too good for the Dumpling Head and devise something worse for her.
[13:23] <Evil_GM> "Oh well," he shrugs. "How about this," he reaches into a drawer in his desk. To your surprise, he takes out a portable gaming system with the latest romance sim game. "Care to game while we wait, Miss Shirata," he asks, laughing again.
[13:24] * Usagi-chan can't hide her incredulity as the Professor pulls out a dating sim and offers it to her. 'This is SERIOUSLY freaky...'
[13:25] <Evil_GM> "It's quite a bit of fun to chase that damn Mai down for a romantic date," he giggles. "Loads of fun if you're bored."
[13:26] <Usagi-chan> "That's... that's okay, thanks." Usagi manages to stammer out. No wonder Rei never said much about school...
[08:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[08:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> It's the sort of day that seems to beg a Fire Soul to the face. Thick clouds promise an ice storm as Rei gets on towards school.
[08:43] <Sailor_Anastasia> At least the Witches office has good heating. As Rei settles into her studies, you hear Kaolinite on the phone. "Yes, professor... yes, Rei is here... yes... Alright, I will," she says, putting the phone down.
[08:43] * Rei-chan looks up in the redhead's direction curiously.
[08:44] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Rei," she says the name with a touch of venom, "The Professor wants to you see you in his 5th floor office."
[08:46] <Rei-chan> "Okay," Rei gets up, heading out the office and towards the elevator. 'I hope he isn't just going to send me out to buy snacks... especially on a day like this.'
[08:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> As Rei heads up....
[08:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[08:48] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Well," The Professor says after a few more minutes, "If you excuse me a moment, Miss Shirata?" he says, getting up. "I'll be back in just a moment."
[08:48] * Usagi-chan nods slowly.
[08:48] <Sailor_Anastasia> Still chuckling strangely, he gets up and leaves you alone in the office, the door closing shut with an onimous thump.
[08:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[08:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> The 5th floor is full of offices and other administrative functionaries. As you begin to navigate, you see the Professor is coming and making a beeline for you. His normal shadow face is gone today, oddly.
[08:50] <Rei-chan> "Good morning Professor," Rei greets the man as she nears him, "Kaolinite said you wanted to see me?"
[08:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yes, yes," he smiles as you two walk down a quiet hallway. He speaks softly, so his voice doesn't carry. "I stumbled on a student cutting class today," he begins. "Normally of minimal consequence, but she gave me a... heh... fake name," he laughs, amused by this.
[09:19] <Rei-chan> "A fake name?" Rei looks confused, "I suppose she probably thought that would get her out of trouble, but it's not very clever... So why did you ask for me?"
[09:21] <Sailor_Anastasia> "With the recent... interference and meddling we've had lately, I want to make sure it's just a scared student," he grins, shadows flickering into place for a moment. "And not something more sinister."
[09:22] * Rei-chan nods, dawning comprehension. "You think she might be a spy from that other group that's hunting the Talismans?" 'I doubt those elves would try something like this...'
[09:24] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Perhaps," he frowns. "Something about her is unusual, though. Call it an unscientific gut feeling," he chortles. "Your talents extend into the field of the supernatural sensing, I want you to make sure she's just a normal girl. Under less unusual circumstances, I would use a scanner, but if she IS a threat..." he leaves it hanging.
[09:25] <Rei-chan> "So is she in your office?" Rei asks, probing her senses in that direction to see what she can feel.
[09:25] <Sailor_Anastasia> He nods as you walk up there. You sense an aura, sure enough, as he throws open the door... (OOC - Soul check, -1 bonus)
[09:26] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6-1
[09:26] * Hatbot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6-1 and gets 6."
[09:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> Sitting in one of the comfortable chairs is a brown haired, freckled girl. She looks scared, her blue eyes showing it. Her spiritual sense, however, is strong and pure. Strong and pure like only one other person you know...
[09:28] * Usagi-chan slowly turns to look at the door... and her eyes pop as she catches sight of Rei in her Witches' uniform.
[09:28] <Rei-chan> To her credit, Rei barely even twitches. 'U-sa-gi!' she mentally roars.
[09:29] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I'm sorry for the delay, Miss Shirata," he nods, going back to his desk. "I just need to get something for an associate of mine."
[09:29] <Usagi-chan> 'Don't kill me!' Usagi squeaks mentally, cringing in her seat.
[09:29] <Sailor_Anastasia> The Professor is ruffling around in his desk drawers, as if looking for something. "Oh, where did I put that?"
[09:30] <Rei-chan> "Shirata-san, is it?" Rei asks coolly, slowly walking towards Usagi, her posture rather intimidating. 'You are in deep, Dumpling Head! What the hell are you even doing here?'
[09:31] * Usagi-chan frowns slightly, still facing Rei. 'I was... never mind, it can wait until we get out of here. What the heck is going ON here? What is this guy planning to do with me?'
[09:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Ah, found it," he says, pulling out a sheet of paper. "Come, Rei, let's not hold you up any more," he says, starting to walk out.
[09:32] <Rei-chan> 'He thinks you're a spy. I'll have to... dissuade him of that. Even though, he's probably right...' Rei mentally sighs. "Of course, Professor," she says demurely, following him out the door, pausing to throw one last look at Usagi that promises much pain in her immediate future.
[09:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> Once out, he closes the door. "Well?" he asks simply.
[09:33] * Usagi-chan winces as she catches the look, slumping down in her seat.
[09:37] <Rei-chan> "I'm not sure, Professor - she seems to have a fairly normal aura as far as I can tell. It's rather robust, but I can't detect any specific powers like we Witches have. And she doesn't feel anything like the person that interfered with the heart snatch Eudial and I were on, far less like those elves and their monsters." Rei shrugs, "I really have no idea what she could be up to."
[09:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Hm, I see," he nods. "Thank you, Rei... my intuition must be wrong. My, I'd say I'm going mad if I thought she was a spy," he laughs, shadows again over his face.
[09:39] <Rei-chan> "If you like I can escort her off the school," she adds, her voice low and barely threatening, "I'll make sure she doesn't return."
[09:40] <Sailor_Anastasia> "That's fine," he says. "At least to the first floor. She still may just be a student who doesn't want to get busted for cutting class."
[09:41] <Rei-chan> "I suppose that would be embarassing if she got kicked out of school like that," Rei chuckles slightly. "Anyway, I'll take care of her and then get back to work downstairs," she says, nodding to the Professor as she goes back into the office.
[09:41] * Usagi-chan is still sitting, slumped in the chair.
[09:42] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Very well," he nods. "Oh, and Rei. Help yourself to the candy if you like," he grins again, walking off.
[09:42] <Rei-chan> "Shirata-san?" Rei says sweetly, through clenched teeth.
[09:43] * Usagi-chan looks up at the scantily-dressed miko, keeping her expression cowed although she's strung higher than a kite. "Yes... miss?" she replies quietly.
[09:43] <Rei-chan> "Hino," Rei supplies. "Would you please come with me?"
[09:45] * Usagi-chan stands up, nodding. She keeps a tight rein on her thoughts for the moment, a slight grimace on her face.
[09:45] * Rei-chan silently leads Usagi out the door, towards the elevator.
[09:46] * Usagi-chan follows a step behind Rei, still remaining stonily silent.
[09:47] <Rei-chan> Entering the lift and waiting for Usagi, Rei then pushes the button for the first floor, likewise silent.
[09:49] * Usagi-chan can't meet Rei's angry stare as she steps into the elevator, waiting for the lift to take the pair back down to the first floor of the school.
[09:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> With a beep, the elevator reaches the first floor.
[09:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> The hallways are quiet as students study away in the classrooms of Mugen.
[09:51] * Rei-chan steps out. "Come along, Shirata-san," she says, briskly leading the freckled girl to the main entrance/exit of Mugen Gakuen.
[09:52] * Usagi-chan trudges along behind Rei. "Yes, Miss Hino." she replies in the same subdued tone.
[09:53] <Rei-chan> Reaching the entryway, Rei turns to Usagi. "Now, I think you'd best be returning to your own school, right?" she suggests. 'And after you finish your detention this afternoon, you and I are going to have a long talk!'
[09:54] * Usagi-chan turns a hurt and angry look to Rei. 'Excuse me for caring!' With that single statement, she bolts out of the school, disappearing quickly into the streets of Juuban.
[09:55] <Rei-chan> With a put-upon sigh, Rei turns around and slowly walks back to the Witches 6 office. "Stupid Dumpling Head..." she mutters quietly.
[09:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[09:58] * Usagi-chan manages to run into an alley before letting the disguise slip away. Shivering at the ice still pelting down, she comes out of the alleyway, heading for the nearest cafe.
[09:59] <Sailor_Anastasia> The nearest cafe is a small, wood paneled place, mostly full of older adults.
[09:59] <Usagi-chan> Once inside, she orders a cup of hot tea, takes it to a table, and promptly breaks down crying, letting the tension that's built up over the past hour go in a flood of tears.
[10:01] <Sailor_Anastasia> As Usagi pours her heart out..."Are you alright, ma'...Usagi?" the voice of Kenji Tsukino is heard. "What in the world are you DOING here, Usagi?"
[10:01] * Usagi-chan looks up with a pair of puffy eyes. "D..daddy?"
[10:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> Kenji gets up, dressed in his normal suit. He comes over to your booth, sitting down next to you. "Usagi, dear, what's wrong," he asks, seeing your tear stained face.
[10:03] <Usagi-chan> "Oh, Daddy..." Usagi blubbers. "I was... I went to Mugen because Rei scared me and I wanted to make sure she'd be okay but there was thunder and I got caught by a really weird man and now Rei hates me!"
[10:04] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Um..." he starts, rather put off by the flood of information. Instead, he goes to the tried and true methods of dealing with women crying. "There, there," he murmurs, wrapping a supportive arm around. "It's okay, Usagi."
[10:05] * Usagi-chan calms slightly as her father hugs her. "I was so scared, Daddy... I didn't know what he was going to do to me." She leans into Kenji's embrace, still crying.
[10:05] <Sailor_Anastasia> Despite this, he blushes a bit and looks a bit uncomfortable with the situation. When that last sentence comes down, though..."He? Usagi, did a man try to do something to you?" he asks, twitching.
[10:06] * Usagi-chan manages to shake her head slightly. "He didn't... he didn't do anything to me, just scared me really bad." she sniffles.
[10:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Who was this, and what did he do to scare you," he asks, still twitching slightly. His glasses are fogged up, strangely enough.
[10:08] <Usagi-chan> "Professor Tomoe - he's the headmaster at Rei's school." Usagi wipes her eyes on the back of her coat sleeve. "He caught me looking around inside the school and took me up to his office to talk to me, and it was really weird."
[10:10] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Really," he asks, calming down a bit. "Why were you at Rei's school instead of at Juuban, Usagi," he asks, having gotten past his fatherly protective stage.
[10:11] <Usagi-chan> "She... she told me about some other girls there that were really strong and not very nice and I just wanted to make sure she'd be okay by herself around them." Usagi fudges the truth a little bit, not exactly comfortable with discussing magical matters with her father - especially in public.
[10:12] <Sailor_Anastasia> "....." "....." "...Okay." he finally says, utterly lost.
[10:13] * Usagi-chan takes a deep, shuddering sigh. "I'm okay now, Daddy... sorry I was skipping school, but it was kind of important." The blonde hangs her head.
[10:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> "You shouldn't cut class, Usagi," he goes on, slipping now into the familiar role of father. "Haven't you missed enough time due to your...ah, special circumstances," he dances around the big SM. "You don't need to waste time on larks, Usagi. If you have THAT much free time, perhaps you need to spend it at home."
[10:16] <Usagi-chan> "It was, um, kind of related to those special circumstances." Usagi says quietly. "I wouldn't have skipped school for just anything."
[10:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> He sighs. "Usagi... going to Rei's school and getting thrown out was part of your special circumstances?"
[10:18] * Usagi-chan nods slowly. "It'd take a long time to explain, but yes, it was." Well, sort of - having a better idea of what to look for in the way of magical potential would certainly help her search for a new Sailor Neptune...
[10:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> He sighs again. "I can't very well ground you for that," he sighs yet again. He takes a moment to glance at his watch. "I was on my way for an early lunch - I have the morning free today - and I can't well not invite you now."
[10:21] * Usagi-chan manages a small smile. "Thanks, Daddy... you're the greatest!" She leans over and gives her father a kiss on the cheek.
[10:23] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Heh," he blushes a moment. "So...where do you want to go for lunch," he asks.
[10:23] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "I don't really care... I haven't got much of an appetite right now, so whatever you want is okay with me."
[10:24] <Sailor_Anastasia> Blinking, he reaches out and feels your forehead. "Are you okay, Usagi? Fever? Stomach flu? Cancer?" he says in reply to your comment. The kicker is that he looks honestly concerned now.
[10:25] * Usagi-chan giggles. "No really, I'm okay. Just still a little jumpy - feels like my tummy's doing backflips right now."
[10:27] <Sailor_Anastasia> "If you say so," he says, still uncertain. "We'll go to that new American buffet, then." he shrugs. 'Just in case...'
[10:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---

[10:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> Once Usagi/Yuki has made haste away from the school, Rei goes back to the Witches 6 room. It's quiet now, with Rei being the only Witch around.
[10:32] * Rei-chan shrugs, not really caring where Kaolinite disappeared to. She goes to her desk and takes out a few strips of paper and her calligraphy set, deciding to make up some new ofuda, since she's been running through them pretty fast lately.
[10:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> Rei works away, finishing three of them easily enough, before she gets interrupted. The door to the Witches room opens, and Cyprine stomps in. She looks highly annoyed, and a bit dusted up.
[10:34] <Rei-chan> "Hey, Cyprine," Rei greets the blue-haired witch distractedly. "What's up? Have a heart snatch interrupted?"
[10:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yes," she grunts, clearly pissed. "Some freaky elf and his monster started draining energy in the middle of my snatch!"
[10:40] * Rei-chan nods in understanding. "Yeah, those idiots sure aren't winning any popularity contests..." she then brightens, "So how badly did you take them apart for their interference?"
[10:40] <Sailor_Anastasia> "We dispatched their science project monster easily enough, and gave them a good mental shock for the trouble," she grins at that. "They were astrally projecting, so we couldn't really do much to them directly."
[10:43] <Rei-chan> "Yeah," Rei nods, "I managed to tag one of their projections with an ofuda once, but it only disrupted him for a few minutes... I'm thinking next time I'll have to try something fancier than a regular ward. Either that or capture one of their pet monsters and try to interrogate it..."
[10:44] <Sailor_Anastasia> "The elves are good at projection," the Witch notes. "We couldn't trace them back - that's very good work."
[10:45] <Rei-chan> "It's annoying and cowardly," Rei sighs, "They can attack like that without risking themselves much... I bet they'd be real wimps in a proper fight."
[11:04] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yeah," the other girl agrees. "We'd tear them apart in no time."
[11:05] <Rei-chan> "Well, hopefully it won't be too long before we find their hideout," Rei smiles. "I don't think they'll be an issue for very long after we discover that."
[11:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> "After we scrape Rei off the floor and send a real Witch to do it," Kaolinite sallies forth as she enters the room, going to her desk. "I'm sure Mimette or Tellu would be more than enough to deal with these annoyances and carry Rei back to base."
[11:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> Her smile is nastier than usual. It holds you totally in contempt, like you are nothing but a baby.
[11:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> Cyprine turns, glancing at the oldest Witch but says nothing at first.
[11:10] * Rei-chan laughs. "Witty and charming as ever, old lady. I'm sure the Professor will take note of your wonderful personality sooner or later. After all, your other... talents haven't given you much success, have they?" she matches Kaolinite's look for sheer nastiness.
[11:11] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I've had more success with my talents," she moves up and down ever so slightly, to cause a jiggle, "than you've had with yours and your 'friend'," she sneers. "Tell me, you're regulated to escorting students around now?"
[11:12] <Rei-chan> "Ouch," Rei mock winces, "Gravity can be so cruel... But really, Kaolinite, can't you think of something better to harass me about? Considering how the only work you ever seem to do around here is going on snack runs for the Professor..."
[11:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> "My duties here are above yours," she snorts. "It's obvious that since you lack so much as a woman and as a Witch that you wouldn't realise this."
[11:22] <Rei-chan> "Yes, yes, old lady," Rei says disiniterestedly, "Why don't you go try and scare some pre-schoolers? Maybe they might buy it..." she sighs putting up a front of nonchalance even as she tries to confirm her suspicions by giving Kaolinite's aura a very intent look, searching for any sign that the Mistress might have 'boosted' the redhead in a similar fashion to what Metallia did to herself.
[11:23] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Soul check, +4
[11:23] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6+4
[11:24] * Hatbot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6+4 and gets 12."
[11:24] <Rei-chan> do-over!
[11:24] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6+4
[11:24] * Hatbot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6+4 and gets 16."
[11:24] <Rei-chan> another do-over >_>
[11:24] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6+4
[11:24] * Hatbot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6+4 and gets 16."
[11:25] <Sailor_Anastasia> "What do you think I'm doing," she laughs. "I'm playing with a child right now." Her spiritual sense is quite strong, and almost pitch black. It's impossible to see into those murky depths...
[11:26] * Rei-chan furrows her brow, trying again. 'If I can confirm this...' she thinks, forgoing a reply as she concentrates fully on the task.
[11:27] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[11:27] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[11:27] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Soul check, +4
[11:27] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6+4 burning 10 EP for effective soul of 12
[11:27] * Hatbot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6+4 burning 10 EP for effective soul of 12 and gets 16."
[11:29] <Sailor_Anastasia> You feel your sensing smacked back, a jolt passing through your mind. (-5 EP due to feedback shock). Her aura tightens, as if drawing in her defenses. Her smile twists a bit as she holds in laughter. "Poking your nose where it doesn't belong, GIRL?"
[11:32] * Rei-chan growls. "Just testing a theory I recently came up with..." 'I'm sure it has to be right, there's no way she should be able to repel me so easily!'
[11:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Save your... tests," she chortles darkly, "for Eudial. I'm sure she'd play along with ANYTHING you wanted." Kaolinite's grin is vicious, cutting and somehow demoralizing.
[11:47] * Rei-chan seethes, her fingers working into claw shapes as she fights the desperate urge to attack the older woman. 'She won't be laughing when I exorcise the Mistress' powerup right out of her!' she thinks darkly. "Eudial hasn't receieved the same... attention, you have," her lips turn into a cruel sneer, recalling what Metallia did to her. "Tell me, did it hurt when the Mistress broke you and remade you?"
[11:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> Her contemptous smile flickers for a few seconds, but she quickly tries to regroup, her hands twitching. "I wouldn't know what you're talking about, Rei," she says darkly. "I do know that you're butting your nose out of Eudial's crotch and into business that'll get you skinned." You can feel her aura flicking as well, as if she's losing control herself.
[11:53] <Sailor_Anastasia> Cyprine, who has been watching this entire exchange herself, sighs and sits down at her desk. "Can't even get a good nap here," she mutters, glancing at the two other Witches.
[11:55] <Rei-chan> Confident that her point has been made, Rei relaxes somewhat. "Save the innuendo. Just don't give me a reason to butt my nose in further."
[11:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Mind your own business, then," she grinds out the words from between clenched teeth, "bitch. Worry about your little field trip to Elfland instead."
[11:59] <Rei-chan> "Of course," Rei replies, not even batting an eye at the 'bitch' epithet. "It is as the Mistress wishes, after all. I certainly don't want to get on her bad side..."
[12:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Of course not," she agrees. "I doubt the Mistress would look kindly on another screwup from you," she comments. "After you were taken off the Heart Snatches already."
[12:01] <Rei-chan> "I'm sure she has her reasons. It's not the place of a mere Witch to question her decisions, though. Is it?" Rei asks innocently.
[12:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> She draws up a bit, then smirks at you. "Of course it's not the place of a mere bitch like yourself to." She twists the title around a bit, again insulting Rei coarsely.
[12:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Oooooh..." Cyprine mutters. "Ptilol, is it strange that I can't take a nap in here?" she asks to no one in particular.
[12:04] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, I'm a bitch," Rei agrees easily. "So glad you noticed." She then casts an odd look at Cyprine, deciding not to continue the argument so she can get her nap. She returns to her desk, signalling her part in the conversation is over as she performs a few meditative exercises to get back in the proper frame of mind for writing ofuda.
[12:05] <Sailor_Anastasia> Seeing you leave, Kaolinite finally lets the matter drop with one last snort. She goes to her desk as well, reading one of her difficult, magical tomes.
[12:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> Despite the tension in the air, the day slowly passes for Rei...
[17:33] <Ana-brb> ---
[17:34] <Ana-brb> Friday is a miserable, icy day, and to top things off, Usagi's absent, so you're alone for lunch. At least that was the thought.
[17:35] <Ana-brb> As Makoto starts into her meal... "Hi, Makoto," Alan says, walking up amid a virtual sea of female stares.
[17:38] <Makoto> "Oh, Alan! I was just about to go looking for you," Makoto says, cheering up, glad that she didn't have to risk not finding him and that extra bento she made going to waste.
[17:41] <Ana-brb> Alan smiles, glancing at your food, and then staring... "Huh? Oh, cool," he says, his smile a bit odd for a moment. He grabs a nearby empty chair and sits on the opposite side of your desk.
[17:44] <Makoto> "Yes, I wanted to have lunch with you," Makoto explains with a smile as she pulls out the extra bento too. "I even made some food for you too."
[17:45] <Ana-brb> He perks up at that, smiling brighter. "Thanks, Makoto," he says, taking it. "It smells good."
[17:49] <Makoto> "Thanks. Now please, dig in," Makoto says as she snaps her disposable chopsticks apart and starts digging into her food.
[17:52] <Ana-brb> He does so, getting a pair of chopsticks and digging in. He attacks his bento heartily, taking large bits and generally wolfing it down.
[17:54] <Makoto> "So how are classes?" Makoto asks while eating her meal at a pleasant pace, noting with amusement that he attacks her food almost as voraciously as Usagi. Not quite like Usagi, but near there.
[17:54] <Ana-brb> The other girls are spying, of course, a few sending you looks that would wither a flower. "They're going good," he says around a bite of rice. "How're yours going?"
[18:01] <Makoto> "Eh, not doing too well in physics, but otherwise I think I'm okay. A friend's been trying to help me with classes," Makoto says.
[18:03] <Ana-brb> "MMmmm," he replies, his mouth currently filled with food. Gulping, he goes on. "Anyway...um, are you free tonight, Makoto?"
[18:05] <Makoto> "Who isn't on a Friday evening?" she asks, giving off a bemused look to the girls giving her the evil eye.
[18:09] <Ana-brb> The various girls shoot nasty looks back. "Well... if you are, would you like to go to the movies?"
[18:11] * Makoto brightens at the thought of a nice Friday evening date. "Of course I would."
[18:13] <Ana-brb> Alan smiles, having just finished his bento in Usagi-level time. "Well... my sister got a new boyfriend," he looks a touch unhappy at that, "And he wanted to go on a double date with me and my girlfriend," he says. "Nothing like the first time we went to the movies, though."
[18:15] * Makoto raises an eyebrow, but slowly nods. "Did Ann agree to this? I don't want to be stepping on her toes..." she asks.
[18:15] <Ana-brb> He nods. "I agreed to it," he says. 'Ann nearly threw a fit talking me into this. At least I can go with Makoto and maybe have some more food...'
[18:17] <Makoto> "Well, then, I'd love to," Makoto says with a smile.
[18:21] <Ana-brb> "Cool," he says. "Ann wants to meet at 7, at the Juuban Theater," he says. "She already has the movie picked out."
[18:25] * Makoto nods. "You know what movie she picked?"
[18:27] <Ana-brb> "A cartoon, I think," he says. "Record of something."
[10:43] <Makoto> "Hmm, doesn't ring a bell, but I guess it'll be fun to see," Makoto says.
[10:45] <Anastasia> He nods. "Anyway, I need to get going. I'll see you tonight," he smiles again, brushing his bangs back a bit.
[10:55] * Makoto nods, and finishes her own bento before putting hers and Alan's away.
[10:57] <Anastasia> ---
-------
Yay swiss cheese....
-------
[12:01] * Makoto raises an eyebrow, and takes it Herb hasn't revealed his little...situation to Ann from the way he looks at her water bottle.
[12:01] <Anastasia> AS this happens, the lights dim...it looks like the previews are starting.
[12:03] <Prince_Herb> 'Good,' thinks Herb.   "Darkness can cover a multitude of sins."
[12:05] <Anastasia> The first preview is for some sugar coated anime, Hyper Happy Happy Choko-chan's Magical Adventure! It makes your teeth itch just watching it.
[12:05] <Anastasia> Alan, for his part, spends more time glancing at Makoto and her outfit than this preview.
[12:07] * Makoto looks mostly at the previews, though she does occassionally glance over at Alan with a smile.
[12:08] <Anastasia> Ann looks at this preview, but is mostly bored as well. The next one is for a space anime, Gundam Wing - The eternal silence of space.
[12:09] <Anastasia> Robots fly about battling in outer space while bishonen pilots angst about the 'silence of space' and so forth.
[12:11] <Anastasia> Alan and Ann both look a touch more interested in this one, especially the space part. Although, Alan does snort at it. 'It's not nearly so sparkly most of the time' he thinks to himself.
[12:11] * Prince_Herb keeps one eye on the bottled water, one on the screen and one on Ann's pretty face, despite the fact that this really requires 50% more eyes than he has
[12:13] <Anastasia> Without any further ado, the movie begins. RECORD OF LODOSS WAR is the big print of the screen before things get started.
[12:14] * Prince_Herb goes starry eyed, since Deedlit is so cute, and Pirotess is so seductive and evil
[12:14] <Anastasia> It's a medieval anime, and of note is the cute female elf heronie. Alan takes one look at her and seems to almost forget about Makoto, staring openly. Ann, while sending a darkly amused look at Alan, studies her as well as the movie goes on.
[12:15] * Makoto seems to be in a similar stink as Herb and Alan both go into their starry eyed mode. 'Hmmph, fanboys...' she thinks with her arms crossed.
[12:16] <Anastasia> The movie goes on... and on... and on. Finally, the last reel plays, the elven woman and her new husband riding off into the sunset.
[12:17] <Anastasia> Alan is smiling, having enjoyed the movie muchly. "That was really good," he says, turning to Makoto. "How'd you like it?"
[12:19] <Anastasia> Ann, on her part, is smiling herself. "You got that one right, Alan," she agrees. "It was qute an entertaining film."
[12:19] <Makoto> "It wasn't bad," Makoto admits, having focused more on the movie once her date had ceased to pay attention to her.
[10:42] <Prince_Herb> "It was pretty good. I'm a sucker for a beautiful elf girl and a happy ending." Herb admits.
[10:44] <Sailor_Anastasia> Ann giggles at that. "Yeah... so that was fun," she says again, stretching as she gets up. "And someone said something about dinner?"
[10:47] * Prince_Herb looks worriedly to the exit, hoping that it's not raining. "Yes, I booked a table for four at the Tokyo Lone Star."
[10:48] <Prince_Herb> "It's Tex-Mex: I thought that would be nice for you two, remind you of America."
[10:48] <Makoto> "You eaten there before, Herb?"
[10:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> Ann and Alan share a quick glance before replying. "Uh... yeah, just like home," Alan says, but he sounds a touch unsure of himself.
[10:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> "We had it all the time back at home," Ann goes on, trying to smile a bit too much. "It's good stuff."
[10:51] <Prince_Herb> "Yes, it's pretty good." says Herb. "Nian says..."
[10:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Nian?" Ann asks. "A friend of yours?"
[10:51] <Prince_Herb> 'Wait, I can't tell people that I have a talking cat...' Herb thinks.
[10:52] <Prince_Herb> "My cat... Well, he doesn't *say* but he mews pretty appreciatively. He likes the iced tea a lot." Herb says, a little lamely
[10:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> Alan sends a glance to Makoto this time, his eyes asking if this guy is kooky. "I guess," Alan says, trying to smile.
[10:54] * Makoto smiles and nods to Alan's unspoken question.
[10:55] <Prince_Herb> "But the food is very good, and they give you a lot of it." Herb finishes.
[10:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> "A lot of food..." Ann says, smiling quite a bit at that. "Well then, let's GO."
[11:00] * Prince_Herb leads the others to the restaurant which is not too far away. It's filled with faux-Western and Confederate paraphernalia, but the staff have found space on one wall for a rogues gallery of satisfied customers. One of the polaroids there shows the Musk Prince pigging out with his companions.
[11:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Wow," Ann notes, "This is totally different than other Tokyo places I've seen," she says, as she looks at the photo wall. "So... colorful and lively."
[11:04] <Prince_Herb> "The owner learned to cook somewhere called Wichita Falls, so it's genuine American cuisine too." says Herb, as he waits for one of the waitresses dressed in skimpy cowgirl outfits to come and seat the party.
[11:04] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Very lively," Alan agrees, looking at the various tables and the waitresses.
[11:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> One of the waitresses soon arrives. "Can I help you cowboys and girls today," she says, mangling the English words just a touch.
[11:08] <Prince_Herb> "Party of four, for Haabu-sama," Herb says, trying not to ogle her legs, a gentleman to the last.
[11:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> She takes a second to pull out and check a list. "Right. Table 2, reserved, party of 4?"
[11:11] * Prince_Herb nods. "That's us."
[11:12] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Right this way," she nods, leading you to a table. It's in a good position, right near a pleasant window view. A few moments later, the waitress comes back with menus. "Let us know when you're ready, okay?" she smiles and goes off.
[11:14] <Sailor_Anastasia> "This place is really nice," Ann says after she leaves. "Everyone looks happy and full of energy," the disguised girl comments. "Isn't that right?"
[11:15] <Makoto> "Well, like you said, it's a pleasant and lively atmosphere," Makoto says as she picks up her menu.
[11:15] <Makoto> "You guys have eaten here before, right? You have any recommendations?"
[11:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yes. It's just bursting with vitality..." Alana comments, picking up the menu. "Um..." he quickly glances over it. "Try the... chicken."
[11:17] * Makoto points to the chicken section, and raises an eyebrow. "Which one? Silly..."
[11:18] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Er... the chicken tacos!" he says quickly, again stealing a glance at the menu. "Yeah, those are really good."
[11:20] * Makoto blinks and looks at the menu. "Chicken Tacos?"
[11:21] <Prince_Herb> "I'm going for the ribs and barbecue sauce," Herb decides. "But most of the stuff is good."
[11:22] <Makoto> "Hm... I think I'll try the grilled chicken," Makoto says after looking through the chicken section. "Don't quite feel like trying tacos."
[11:22] <Prince_Herb> "I had the enchiladas last time. Very good."
[11:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I'l have the chicken tacos," Alan says. "Me too," Ann agrees.
[11:25] <Sailor_Anastasia> The waitress comes back bit later, takes your orders and then brings drinks. "It should be out in about fifteen minutes," she says, smiling and walking off.
[11:28] * Prince_Herb sips his iced tea. "Ah, it is good. How are you two finding life in Japan?" he asks. "It must be very different from America."
[11:29] <Sailor_Anastasia> "It's different, yeah," Ann nods. "There are so many people here... and everyone one is so energetic."
[11:30] <Prince_Herb> "I suppose so. It's certainly a lot more lively and bustling than where I come from, but I always thought of America as the sort of place that never stops going. I guess there are quiet spots there as well."
[11:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> Alan nods. "Yeah. Anyway, Makoto, can you cook like they do in here?"
[11:36] <Prince_Herb> 'In a skimpy cowgirl oufit?' Herb thinks to himself.
[11:37] <Makoto> "Well, I'd need the recipe, and I don't know if it'll turn out as good, but probably," Makoto says after a short moment's pause.
[11:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> Alan grins. "If this comes out well... would you be willing to cook me some later?" he asks. Ann frowns at this, but stays quiet.
[11:39] * Makoto blushes at the request. "Uhm... s-sure," she stammers out.
[11:40] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Great," he grins, in full bishonen mode, his eyes hidden by his bangs. "I'd really like tha-OW! What was that for, Ann?"
[11:40] <Sailor_Anastasia> Alan glares at her. "You didn't need to stomp on my foot, you know," he says, clearly annoyed.
[11:41] * Makoto rolls her eyes. These two kept making her glad that she was an only child sometimes.
[11:44] <Sailor_Anastasia> Shortly later, the food arrives. It smells great, and looks far different than the normal Tokyo offerings.
[11:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Looks good," Ann comments, getting into her food. After one bite... "Gah!" she gasps. "Hot!" Strangely, you could swear that she shimmered a moment. Probably just a trick of the light with her fast movement.
[11:48] * Makoto takes a deep breath of her grilled chicken, and smiles, forgetting about the troublesome siblings. "Itadakimasu!" she says while grabbing her utensils.
[11:49] * Prince_Herb doesn't bother with the utensils as he tucks into his pork ribs. "Hot and tasty, just like you girls." He winks at Ann.
[11:56] * Makoto represses a groan at Herb's outburst, and tries to enjoy her grilled chicken.
[11:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> Alan takes small, careful bites of his food at first, as if avoiding Ann's mistake. Ann only picks at her meal after her first enthusiastic bite, sticking to her Pepsi instead.
[11:59] <Prince_Herb> "Don't you like it?" Herb asks. "Would you like something else instead?"
[12:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I'm fine," she comments. "I'm just not as hungry as I thought I was."
-------
More swiss cheese, yay.
-------
[12:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[12:09] <Sailor_Anastasia> After school, Rei changes clothes and goes to wait at the front of Juuban Middle for the detention bound Usagi to head on out...
[12:09] <Sailor_Anastasia> Time passes, but there is no sign of the meddling Dumpling Head.
[12:10] * Rei-chan sighs, "Where the hell is she? No way she'd have avoided detention..." she grumbles, before broadcasting a thought towards her Princess. 'Usagi, where are you?'
[12:10] <Sailor_Anastasia> The weather is still icy, and a good pile of ice has stacked up. Most everyone looks to have hurried home.
[12:11] <Usagi-chan> There is no reply from Usagi, although Rei does get the sense that the odangoed one is listening.
[12:11] <Rei-chan> 'Usagi, you better not be napping!'
[12:12] <Usagi-chan> There is still no response.
[12:12] * Rei-chan grumbles some more, pulling out her communicator. "Haven't used this in a while," she muses as she tries to contact Usagi.
[12:15] <Usagi-chan> The communicator beeps for a couple of minutes, but again there is no response.
[12:16] <Rei-chan> 'Fine, be like that!' Rei mentally snaps, her patience expired. Sighing, she begins walking home.
[12:19] <Rei-chan> Reaching Hikawa Shrine, Rei trudges up the steps, looking forward to an evening of respite from the various problems which have assaulted her all damn day.
[12:20] <Usagi-chan> A small figure in a rather familiar-looking pink raincoat is standing in front of the door to the temple, her hand raised to knock. She drops her hand a moment later though without knocking, her shoulders slumping.
[12:21] <Rei-chan> "Usagi?"
[12:22] * Usagi-chan slowly turns to face Rei, her face a picture of dejection. "Hi, Rei." she says quietly.
[12:23] <Rei-chan> "Thought you were avoiding me," the miko observes, reaching the blonde and opening the door. "Come on, let's go to my room," she kicks her shoes off in the entryway and hangs up her coat.
[12:24] * Usagi-chan slips out of her coat and shoes, following Rei. "I didn't know what to say." She hangs her head.
[12:26] <Rei-chan> "Oh?" Rei quirks an eyebrow as the pair enter her room and she closes the door. "So you can't explain why you snooped around Mugen after I explicitly warned you to stay the hell away from that place?!" her voice rises several notches so she is just a shade away from yelling at the end.
[12:28] * Usagi-chan looks up at Rei, her voice still subdued. "I went because I was worried about you, Rei-chan."
[12:30] <Rei-chan> "And I told you not to go because I was worried about you, Usagi! If you'd ran into someone like Kaolinite there's no telling what could have happened!" She sighs, deflating a bit. "Dammit, Usagi. I was really serious when I warned you away... why couldn't you listen?"
[12:31] * Usagi-chan blazes up a bit herself. "Because I was really scared for you, Rei, that's why! What you said on Tuesday really got me worried for you, and meeting Eudial only made it worse! I know she's really cool, but if there are other people there as strong as she is and they try to do something to you..." Usagi trails off and looks away from Rei, tears forming in the corners of her eyes. "I just don't want you to get hurt."
[12:35] <Rei-chan> "They wouldn't dare," Rei says, not all that convincingly as she thinks of how close she and Kaolinite came to killing each other today. "Besides, I can handle myself. There's no reason for you to put yourself in danger like that!"
[12:36] * Usagi-chan sighs. "I know you can take care of yourself, Rei, but it doesn't mean I don't still worry about you." The tears fall down Usagi's cheeks, the blonde still not meeting Rei's gaze.
[12:38] <Rei-chan> "Well don't make me worry about you by pulling lame-brained stunts like that," Rei sighs. "You're damn lucky it was me the Professor asked to check you out."
[12:40] <Usagi-chan> "I'm sorry... I thought I could hide but the stupid thunderstorm scared me half to death and I guess the professor heard me." Usagi shrinks down into herself. "I didn't mean for it to cause any trouble, Rei!"
[12:42] <Rei-chan> "Well, it's over with, and no harm done. Just don't go behind my back like that again, Usagi," Rei replies, her anger mostly petered out by now.
[12:42] * Usagi-chan looks up at Rei with red eyes. "Then... you don't hate me?"
[12:44] <Rei-chan> "No," Rei blurts, honestly surprised that that would ever be in question.
[12:45] * Usagi-chan manages a small smile. "Good... I thought you'd been upset at me for a while because it seemed like you were avoiding me... ever since that stupid thing I said when we were having pizza."
[12:47] <Rei-chan> "Uh... that was only two days ago, Usagi. And I saw you yesterday..." Rei points out, not really seing where the 'avoidance' comes into play.
[12:48] <Usagi-chan> "Well, you ran off from the arcade before I could even say good-bye, and, well, it seemed like you didn't want me around on Wednesday after I said it... I thought you were mad at me about it. And then this happened today and I was sure you were going to hate me for it..." Usagi half-turns away from Rei.
[12:50] <Rei-chan> "I guess I left in a bit of a rush yesterday," Rei admits, "But I'm not mad at you, Usagi. It was just a silly thing you said and we can both forget it, right?" she gives the blonde an encouraging smile.
[12:52] * Usagi-chan wipes her eyes on her sleeve again, sniffling a little. "I guess so. I just... oh, I don't even know what's wrong with me!" Usagi wails. "It seems like all I've done lately is mess things up!"
[12:54] <Rei-chan> "Come on," Rei goes to sit on the bed, patting the spot next to her. "It's nothing too major, there's no need to cry."
[12:58] * Usagi-chan plops down on the bed next to Rei, resting her elbows on her knees. "I was only going to look and then it started to thunder and I got scared and then that Professor guy found me and I didn't know what was going to happen and I thought you were going to hate me and..." Usagi trails off into an unintelligible string as her tears take over.
[13:01] <Rei-chan> "There, there," Rei offers consolingly, putting her hand over Usagi's back and gently rubbing it in an attempt to calm the distraught girl down. "It's alright now..."
[13:03] * Usagi-chan just continues to sob, letting her fears out in a rush as Rei tries to soothe her. "The Professor was acting all weird.... and there was this girl with a lot of nasty stuff... and there was a thunderstorm.... and you were mad at me..." Usagi gets out between hiccups.
[13:05] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, the Professor is a bit wacky," Rei sighs, before pausing in rubbing Usagi's back. "Wait, girl with a lot of nasty stuff?"
[13:06] * Usagi-chan finally manages to calm down a little, Rei's soothing touch helping quite a bit. She nods, still hanging her head. "A girl with green hair - she had a lot of magical potential like Eudial, but parts of her aura were really nasty-looking." she sniffles.
[13:07] <Rei-chan> "Probably Tellu..." Rei leans round to look Usagi in the eyes, "Did she do anything to you?"
[13:08] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "No, I don't even think she saw me... I saw her in the hallway when I first got there, before I tried to hide."
[13:11] * Rei-chan nods in relief. "Tellu isn't as bad as Kaolinite. She's generally pretty standoffish towards me."
[13:12] <Usagi-chan> "You mean there are people there that are worse?" Usagi stares at Rei, wide-eyed.
[13:15] <Rei-chan> "Well," Rei shrugs, "Kaolinite is by far the worst, both in power and attitude. The others are all pretty much the same, I guess... I don't get on with Mimette in particular, but towards other people I doubt she's any worse."
[13:18] * Usagi-chan gives Rei a look of deep concern. "Rei, you HAVE to be careful then... The girl I saw, and Eudial - they're not QUITE as strong as a senshi, but they're not far off either. If this Kaolinite person is stronger... Rei, just be really careful, please." The blonde gives her friend a pleading look.
[13:22] <Rei-chan> "I know," Rei sighs. "It's not easy... Kaolinite and I came pretty close to fighting each other today, and it's not the first time... I got her to back down, though," Rei replies, only a touch of cockiness in her voice. For the most part, she's rather worried about what the confirmation of her suspicions means regarding the Mistress' ultimate agenda.
[13:23] * Usagi-chan grabs one of Rei's hands in both of her own. "You haven't actually been in a fight, have you?" Her voice is sharp. "Have you been hurt?"
[13:24] <Rei-chan> "Huh?" Rei blinks, "No. Like I said, most of the others prefer to leave me alone if they can. Kaolinite's the only one who really tries to provoke me."
[13:26] * Usagi-chan sighs with relief, still not releasing her hold. "Thank goodness... I don't know why, Rei-chan, but something about that place just doesn't seem right to me. The Professor was..." Usagi shakes her head slightly. "Weird."
[13:27] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, I know what you mean," Rei nods. "Still, he's basically a harmless nut."
[13:28] <Usagi-chan> "I hope you're right... his aura was REALLY strange, and strong, too." Usagi shudders. "He really creeped me out."
[13:29] <Rei-chan> "Hm?" Rei gives Usagi a curious look. "How strong do you mean?"
[13:30] <Usagi-chan> "That was the weird part about it... I could tell it was strong, but it was like he was hiding something in it too - I could barely make anything out about it at all."
[13:32] <Rei-chan> "Really?" Rei says, making a note to investigate this. "I hadn't ever thought much of the Professor's abilities... I figured it was technomagic similar to what Eudial can do, but I dunno..."
[13:34] <Usagi-chan> "I couldn't even begin to tell you... like I said, all I could tell is that it was powerful and that he was controlling it really tightly." Usagi sighs.
[13:36] <Rei-chan> "Well, I know he's definitely very skilled, even if I don't know how much actual power he has..." Rei muses. "Eudial says he taught her how to control her own powers."
[14:47] * Usagi-chan can't suppress another shiver. "Whatever it is, I'm just glad he didn't do anything to me... between that and the way he was acting, he just really freaked me out." She shakes her head, speaking almost too softly for Rei to hear. "I don't like that place."
[14:48] <Rei-chan> "Yeah," Rei sighs. "I kinda miss T*A at times... things were a lot less complicated back there."
[14:51] <Usagi-chan> "I know I keep saying it, Rei, but I'm sorry I didn't listen to you. I know you can take care of yourself, but I don't like that I can't help you if you DO get into trouble there... I don't like feeling helpless like that." Usagi deflates. "I just didn't know what else to do..."
[14:56] * Rei-chan warms up a little at the honest concern being shown for her. "It's alright, Usagi. I appreciate that you only did it out of genuine concern." She puts her hand on Usagi's shoulder and gives a reassuring squeeze. "But you don't need to worry about me like that. I'll be just fine, really."
[14:58] <Usagi-chan> "I shouldn't have gone..." Usagi says in a small voice, staring at her knees. 'I'm even more worried now that I've seen what it's like...'
[14:59] <Rei-chan> "Usagi, stop that," Rei says sternly, picking up on the thought. "You really have nothing to worry about, okay?"
[15:03] <Usagi-chan> "I know!" Usagi moans. "I know you can take care of yourself, and I believe you, but I can't stop worrying about it for some reason! I just..." The blonde lets out a sigh, her voice dropping. "I don't know what I'd do if something happened to you, Rei-chan."
[15:04] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, who else would keep you on track when you screw up?" Rei chuckles.
[15:05] * Usagi-chan doesn't reply to the jibe, the troubled look still on her face.
[15:06] * Rei-chan sighs. "Come on, Usagi, cheer up. This isn't like you."
[15:08] <Usagi-chan> "I'm sorry, Rei." Usagi whispers. "Maybe I'd better just go... I don't want to cause you any more trouble."
[15:10] <Rei-chan> "You're not causing me trouble, Usagi, but you are starting to worry me," Rei says seriously. "I don't want you leaving like this."
[15:17] * Usagi-chan pulls her feet up to the edge of the bed, wrapping her arms around her knees. "I just don't know! I just can't stop..." She rests her forehead on her knees, hiding her face from the miko.
[15:18] <Rei-chan> "Isn't there anything I can do?" Rei asks earnestly, "I don't like seeing you this way."
[15:20] <Usagi-chan> "I don't know, Rei! I really do believe you when you say you can take care of yourself, but the worry won't go away either! Why won't it go away?" Usagi's voice cracks as she begins to sob again.
[15:22] <Rei-chan> "You're too sensitive for your own good," Rei says with a somewhat fond smile. "Just try to let it go," she adds in a soothing tone.
[15:23] <Usagi-chan> "I'm trying, I really am, but it's not going away." Usagi says in a small voice. "Why?"
[15:26] <Rei-chan> "Like I said, you're just too caring," Rei smiles almost sadly, "It's part of what makes you such a wonderful person, but I wish you wouldn't fret so much over me... I don't like being the reason for you to be so upset like this, especially since there's nothing I can really do to make it better..."
[15:31] * Usagi-chan turns her head to look at Rei, a sad expression still on her face. "You just mean so much to me, Rei-chan..." she says quietly, the wet trails of her tears shining on her cheeks. 'Probably more than anyone else I know...' she thinks to herself as she studies Rei's face.
[15:34] <Rei-chan> "Wh-what?" Rei repeats hoarsely, her throat suddenly dry. 'That almost sounded like... ohmygodohmygodohmygod!' with an effort, she kicks her brain out of its short-circuited state. 'No, I'm misinterpreting her, there's no way in hell she could mean it like that... right?' Somehow the miko isn't convinced.
[15:36] * Usagi-chan's sad expression quickly changes into one of concern as she sees the look of near panic flash over Rei's face. The miko's mental ramblings are too rapid for Usagi to make out immediately, but she can tell that something has seriously affected her friend. "Rei? What's wrong?"
[15:38] <Rei-chan> "N-nothing, Usagi," Rei replies unconvincingly. "Just my mind playing tricks on me, I think," she adds, while mentally berating herself for being so stupid.
[15:41] * Usagi-chan lets her mind work for a minute, slowly going over what she picked up from Rei. "You misinterpreted... wait, what did I..." Usagi puts on a look of concentration as she tries to remember exactly what she said and thought. 'Let's see... I said she means a lot to me, and then... I thought that she probably...' Usagi falls silent mentally, completely still for a moment. 'Does she?'
[15:43] <Rei-chan> "Never mind," Rei says quickly, "It's nothing." 'She probably only means like a friend anyway, I'm just letting myself twist her words...' she tries to convince herself.
[15:44] * Usagi-chan wears that same thoughtful look as she begins to think about Rei and all that the miko means to her. One by one, she compares her friendship with the fiery priestess to all the other people close to her, and finds that she feels closer to Rei than to anyone else she's ever known. A look of realization slowly comes over her face as the pieces fall into place, and is quickly replaced by a surprised expression.
[15:47] <Rei-chan> Rei's mind is a mess of confusing thoughts as she looks at Usagi with an expression of somewhat fearful disbelief. 'There's no way she could... but what she said the other day... and we have been getting awfully close lately... and it would be nice...'
[15:50] * Usagi-chan flushes bright red as she picks up Rei's thoughts. 'Do I really... and she just thought... oh no way, she'd never... would she?' Usagi quickly hides her blush from the miko, but raises her head enough to peek up at Rei.
[15:54] * Rei-chan swallows, deciding to stop pussyfooting around the issue. "Usagi," she says in a surprisingly level and calm voice, "Do you remember when we kissed?"
[15:55] * Usagi-chan eeps and hides her face again, blushing to the roots of her hair now. "Yes..." she says in a tiny voice.
[15:55] <Rei-chan> "Do you," Rei licks her lips, "want to do it again?"
[15:57] <Usagi-chan> Those words are enough to get the crimson-cheeked blonde to look up at Rei in shock. "...what?" she manages to choke out. 'Did she actually just ask for a kiss? From ME? Oh my god, this can't be happening...'
[16:02] <Rei-chan> Having the blonde's attention, Rei gives a mental shrug. 'To hell with it, I'm finding out, one way or the other!' she declares to herself, wrapping her arms around Usagi and leaning into her. Taking advantage of Usagi's surprise, she plants her lips against the other girl's, sliding her tongue in and pushing her down onto the mattress.
[16:04] * Usagi-chan can only stare as Rei kisses her and the pair fall to the bed. Her shock quickly gives way to pleasure as she tastes the miko's kiss, however. Her eyes close as she lets herself be drawn into it, her arms coming up to encircle Rei's back in a tight embrace.
[16:09] <Rei-chan> Moaning into the kiss, Rei loses herself in the pleasant sensations of Usagi's warm body against her own as she leisurely swirls her tongue around her partner's. After an indeterminate length of time, she pulls away, still resting on Usagi's body as she gazes down at her. "I think that clinches it," she murmers breathily.
[16:10] * Usagi-chan still wears a look of stunned surprise as she looks up at Rei. "Then you do... too?" she manages to get out after a moment.
[16:12] * Rei-chan nods slowly. "I never would have imagined it could actually happen, though..."
[16:13] <Usagi-chan> "Me either... I didn't even realize until just now..." Usagi raises one hand to caress Rei's cheek, a happy smile on her face. "I never would have dreamed in a million years that you'd feel that way about me, Rei-chan."
[16:15] <Rei-chan> "I've been trying not to," Rei admits, tilting her head into Usagi's caress. "The last couple of days have been hell..."
[16:16] * Usagi-chan can't hide the quirky smile that comes to her lips. "So that's why you were acting so weird... I thought I'd completely grossed you out or something." She giggles quietly.
[16:18] <Rei-chan> "I didn't think you could possibly have thought about me like that," Rei says with a slight pout, "I was worried I'd wind up doing something stupid and ruining our friendship."
[16:19] * Usagi-chan stares into Rei's eyes. "I've been finding myself thinking about the... the other kisses at the strangest moments. I couldn't figure out why, why it felt 'right' - but it did."
[16:20] <Rei-chan> "I wouldn't say that," Rei says, a teasing glint in her eye. "It felt rather naughty to me."
[16:21] * Usagi-chan giggles again. "That too!" She grins up at Rei, giving the miko a wink. "But I think I could get used to being a little naughty sometimes..."
[16:23] * Rei-chan chuckles, getting off Usagi and sitting up next to her. "Who'd have thought that this would ever happen, though? I mean, it really does change everything, doesn't it?"
[16:25] <Usagi-chan> "I guess so..." Usagi sits up and shyly takes Rei's hand in her own. "But I think it's a change for the better." The look of joy on her face is unmistakeable as she turns to look at her friend - more than a friend, now.
[16:26] <Rei-chan> "Me too," Rei smiles, squeezing Usagi's hand. "I just wonder how everyone else is going to react..."
[16:28] * Usagi-chan grins. "I expect Daddy will probably have a heart attack - but he'd do that no matter WHO I said I was dating." She giggles.
[16:30] <Rei-chan> "I hope your family accepts this..." Rei says, slightly worriedly. "I really don't think Ami-chan and Mako-chan will be surprised, though. Not the way they were looking at us yesterday," she chuckles slightly before a shadow passes over her expression. 'Thank God Minako's not around,' she thinks, quickly dismissing thoughts of her ex and brightening again.
[16:30] * Usagi-chan grimaces as she picks up on Rei's thought, her face blanching. 'You don't know how right you are, Rei-chan...' she replies mentally.
[16:32] <Rei-chan> Colouring slightly at having her unspoken thought read, Rei tries to dismiss the matter. "She's gone, enjoying her life as a glamourous idol. I don't want to worry about her - even if she comes back, I won't let her ruin this."
[16:34] * Usagi-chan nods. "Me either." She strokes the back of Rei's hand with her thumb, staring down at the priestess' hand. "I never thought I'd find love again..." She looks up at Rei with a shy smile. "I never would have believed I'd find it in a Pyro, of all people."
[16:37] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, what a pair we make..." Rei sighs happily. "Pyro and Dumpling Head..."
[16:38] * Usagi-chan smiles and leans over to plant a kiss on Rei's cheek. "I love you, Rei Hino."
[16:40] <Rei-chan> "Don't think I'll get tired of hearing that anytime soon," Rei smiles, gently pushing up Usagi's hair braid and kissing her forehead right over the crescent moon marking. "I love you, Usagi Tsukino," she returns the favour.
[16:42] * Usagi-chan smiles happily, leaning against Rei and letting her head rest on the white-haired girl's shoulder. "I like the sound of that myself."
[16:43] <Rei-chan> -------
-------
See attached file for the next portion, a chat between Rei and Usagi about their new love.
-------

[16:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> ----
[16:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> Once again, Rei Hino dreams of the past, the present and perhaps even the future.
[16:48] <Sailor_Anastasia> Silence. The city is covered in silence and blood. Perfect, dead silence. Not a whisper disturbs the Silence...
[16:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> Three glowing objects float in front of you... Sword. Mirror. Rod. Together...
[16:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> A sandy haired schoolgirl wearing Mugen clothes...
[16:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> Images race in Rei's mind, forming a blend of familiar and foreign sights.
[16:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> The symbol of Neptune, floating in the void, peaceful and asleep...
[16:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> The battle with Metallia... your black fuku as you climbed the Tokyo tower... the final battle...
[16:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> Flying through the air, once under your own power as you throw fire, and the other under the lashes of the Cosmic Blade...
[16:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial aims her Fire Buster at the shadowy interloper, a scream coming as the shadow falls under the cone of fire, never to rise again...
[16:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> Handing the prize... Mistress 9...
[16:53] <Rei-chan> 'Mistress... 9?' Rei wonders at the odd suffix.
[16:53] <Sailor_Anastasia> Thousands of eyes... the room... two hands of light...
[16:54] * Rei-chan tries to focus on the light.
[16:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> The light blinds you, another image buffering from that.
[16:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> A girl, with short black hair, laughing with Usagi, Rei and the other girls...
[16:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> Mugen Gakuen, rocking like a massive Earthquake is shaking it, yet the quake is silent.
[16:59] <Sailor_Anastasia> 90... 90... Ph... Mistress 9... Instead of images, these strange words echo in Rei's mind, even as she wakes from a disorienting nightmare.
[17:00] * Rei-chan sits up, coming into full wakefulness as she tries to process the dream, trying to hold onto the images of the sandy haired Mugen student and the girl with short black hair even as she realises that she now knows what the Talismans are.
[17:01] <Rei-chan> And her doubts about the Mistress have not come close to being put to rest...
[17:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> The one theme besides that still stays in your mind - silence. Eternal silence.
[17:03] <Rei-chan> "Is that what the Mistress wants...?" Rei asks herself, somewhat fearfully, "Is that what the Talismans will do?"
[09:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[09:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> Saturday morning is still cloudy, with drizzles of ice and snow. It's a mess outside, and you know a few schools cancelled. Mugen, however, didn't, so into the void Rei goes.
[09:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> The weathermen go on how this has severely hurt the cherry blossoms this year, along with the normal news of the day.
[09:36] * Rei-chan makes her way to the Witches 6 office, her nerves still rather frayed from her earlier nightmare. She keeps her spiritual senses alert for any sign of her 'co-workers'.
[09:38] <Sailor_Anastasia> As you enter, you both sense and see Eudial and Viluy. Surprisingly, they are around the same computer at Viluy's desk, enraptured at something on screen.
[09:38] <Rei-chan> Curious, Rei walks over to take a look at what has them so engrossed.
[09:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> There are lines of code across the screen, most of which doesn't make sense. However, embedded in the code, is a strange sprinkling of symbols...
[09:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Hey," Eudial says absently as you come over.
[09:40] <Rei-chan> "Morning," Rei replies. "What's up?"
[09:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> "This is a base coding for an advanced method of Heart Snatching," Viluy replies, smirking. "This could take far more than one Crystal at a time," she brags.
[09:43] <Rei-chan> "Really?" Rei perks up with interest, though not exactly a happy interest. "How does it work?" she expects to get assaulted by a barrage of incomprehensible technobabble, but it can't hurt to ask...
[09:43] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Like I'd tell you my trade secrets," she snorts, amused. "Besides, I doubt you have the computer skills to understand it."
[09:46] * Rei-chan nods amiably. "That's true enough, I was just curious." With a shrug, she heads over to her own desk and boots up her computer.
[09:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> As it boots up, Eudial pulls herself away, heading over to your desk. "Hey," she repeats herself. "what's up?"
[09:51] <Rei-chan> "Nothing much," Rei replies, deciding that confiding her doubts to Eudial would be a bad idea while they are in the office with Viluy. "Did you hear about what happened yesterday? Cyprine ran into those elves and one of their monsters on a heart snatch."
[09:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yeah, I heard it from her," Eudial nods. "It's a shame the monster didn't last long against them," she smirks a bit, but a real bit of regret is there. "We'll have to find one ourselves, after all."
[09:55] * Rei-chan nods. "We'll run into them again before long, I'm sure. Though I don't really feel like traipsing around town waiting for an attack on a day like this," she makes a face, thinking about the weather.
[09:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial nods, grabbing a spare chair and sitting at the side of your desk. As you do this, Viluy continues to work on her computer, putting on headphones and humming away as she works.
[09:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Probably, unless someone gets to those elves first," she comments. "They're making enemies left and right."
[09:59] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, I know the Sailor Senshi will be trying to hunt them down as well," Rei agrees. "Unless the elves actually have some big surprise up their sleeves, it's really just a matter of time before they get trapped and destroyed - they've failed to do any real damage against us or the senshi in any of the recent battles."
[10:01] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Hah. They really aren't that good... damn, they remind me more and more of our 'respected' working partners every day," her catty smile is back in force today, you notice, "and less like a real danger."
[10:02] * Rei-chan snickers slightly, before sobering. "Yeah, but even if they aren't a danger to us, they could still kill a lot of innocents with their powers..."
[10:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial pauses a minute, as if thinks. "Yeah... that's a point," she finally says, her smile gone to a more somber expression.
[10:04] <Rei-chan> "Don't worry, though," Rei gives a reassuring smile. "We'll stop them. It's only a matter of time."
[10:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Of course it is. We'll burn'em next time we see them," Eudial nods in agreement. "Between the Fire Buster and your pyrotechnics," she grins, "they're charcoal."
[10:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> The faint sound of Viluy humming along to music is the background noise as you talk, her head bobbing on occasion as she works and listens.
[10:08] <Rei-chan> "Damn right," Rei agrees cheerfully, before moving onto another topic. "So, do you have anything on the agenda for today? I was pretty much planning to just do some research on the computer," she taps the monitor, "For a bit."
[10:10] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Heh," she says, glancing over at Viluy. Seeing that she's occupied, she goes on. "I was planning on leaving in a half hour or so," she admits. "I kinda have plans."
[10:11] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, there isn't too much point sticking around here on the weekend, is there?" Rei sticks out her tongue briefly. "So what plans do you have?"
[10:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Just going to go home and enjoy today," she says blandly enough. "No need sitting around here on a day like this, right? Maybe watch some TV or work on the Fire Buster at home."
[10:25] * Rei-chan nods. "Yeah, I wouldn't be surprised if we three are the only ones who bothered to come in today."
[10:26] <Rei-chan> "Not that I'll complain if I don't see Kaolinite at all," she adds under her breath.
[10:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Mimette's here," she notes, laughing a bit. "Face brace and all, she's here. Have you see that contraption she has to wear because of what I did to her jaw and face," Eudial laughs, clearly amused at this.
[10:29] <Rei-chan> "Yeah," Rei nods, "At least it keeps her quiet."
[10:29] <Sailor_Anastasia> As you chat, you see Viluy remove her headphones and get up, heading out the door.
[10:30] * Rei-chan doesn't really give Viluy's departure any thought.
[10:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> "No more singing, no more bitching, no more annoying voice," she notes, still grinning. "If she'd just stop leaving her idol magazines all over the place," Eudial gestures to one of the floor, a new one. It has the title of 'Full Moon's new SMASH tour' on it, with a picture of Minako's Full Moon form singing.
[10:32] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, who actually cares about this crap?" Rei grimaces, scooting her chair over so she can lean over and pick up the magazine, promptly tossing it in the bin before bringing her chair back to her desk.
[10:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial chuckles. "She's just hooked on them. Can't say it ever interested me."
[10:34] <Rei-chan> "There was a time when I wanted to be an idol singer myself, actually..." Rei sighs softly. "But it was a stupid, childish dream," she continues in a harsher tone. "There are more important things in life than singing."
[10:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial is quiet a moment. "Yeah, like finding the Talismans," she says, but she doesn't really sound convinced. "Or finding a boyfriend..." That one does sound more true and believed, however.
[10:40] <Rei-chan> "Finding the Talismans is important to the Mistress," Rei says noncommitally, not really wanting to get into this when anyone could walk in and overhear. "But finding a boyfriend is important to you. Don't lose sight of the difference," Rei gives Eudial an encouraging smile.
[10:43] <Sailor_Anastasia> The redhead doesn't say anything back for a goodly while, lost in her own thoughts. Her eyes are turned inward, her mind working on that one. AFter nearly a minute..."Yeah. Yeah, that's right," Eudial says. "Life isn't just hunting for Talismans and hunting down elves."
[10:46] * Rei-chan nods. "Yeah, there's more to life than just duty. Your own needs are important, too..." she says softly, thinking how lucky she is that her duty and her love are wrapped up in one neat little package.
[10:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yeah..." Eudial echos, shaking her head for a moment. "Oooooooh... my head..." she moans suddenly.
[10:47] <Rei-chan> "Eudial?" Rei stands up, reaching towards the older girl in concern.
[10:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Ugh.... oh..." she moans, her hands going up to her head. "No..." she suddenly sits bolt upright, then collapses back in her chair.
[10:50] <Rei-chan> "Eudial!" Rei panics, quickly moving round to Eudial's chair and checking her over.
[10:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Uhhhh... Rei?" she says, her voice fuzzy. "My head hurts..."
[10:51] <Rei-chan> "Can you stand?" Rei asks worriedly, "I'll take you up to the clinic."
[10:53] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Ooooh... Rei... Rei?" she cries out, tears beginning to leak from her eyes. A moment later, she slumps down completely into her chair, her legs lying on the floor. "Oww... ooooh... that hurts..." Rei feels the equivalent of a spiritual crack, like something just gave way, coming from Eudial.
[10:54] <Rei-chan> 'That didn't feel reassuring at all!' Rei frets, trying to make a more in-depth examination of Eudial's aura to see what has changed.
[10:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> There is a small, dissipating energy around her head, a fuzz that's been there the entire time. It's fading and sparkling away now.
[10:56] * Rei-chan blinks, recalling what Usagi said about her own aura being blurred around there. She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, trying to sense the same thing within her own aura.
[10:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> Rei - Sensing out, you feel it around you... weak and bursting at the edges. Two things race to mind - Eudial's aura, which just did the same thing, and seeing the Mistress the first time, and your confusion and fear as you were drugged. A moment later, a blinding pain fills your skull! (OOC - Soul check+2 mod.)
[10:58] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6+2
[10:58] * Musk-bot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6+2 and gets 6."
[10:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> You distantly hear Eudial calling your name, but another vision has Rei's attention.
[11:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> Dancing in front of you, the two winking images of DK Rei and then Witch Rei shimmer, both with white hair. Behind them, the black haired Sailor of Mars shimmers brightly. The image of Mars is stronger, and seems to be focusing into view while the others are fading away...
[11:01] * Rei-chan reaches out towards her true self, brushing past the two imperfect copies created by those who sought to control the fire of Mars!
[11:01] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Soul check and a Mind check, +2 mod.
[11:01] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6+2 for soul
[11:02] * Musk-bot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6+2 for soul and gets 11."
[11:02] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6+2 for mind, burning 20 EP
[11:02] * Musk-bot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6+2 for mind, burning 20 EP and gets 11."
[11:02] <Rei-chan> do-over!
[11:02] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6+2 for mind, burning 20 EP
[11:02] * Musk-bot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6+2 for mind, burning 20 EP and gets 8."
[11:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> As Rei reaches forward, you feel the other two images reach at you... the raw emotion and spiritual corruption of your past as Metallia's Dark Servant, and the mental warping of the Deathbusters and mind domination...
[11:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> Rei reaches ever closer as the two claw at her... but then, behind Sailor Mars, appears the image of Sailor Moon, smiling her friendly and charming smile like always. Or is it Princess Serenity, ruling over the Moon?
[11:05] * Rei-chan redoubles her determination to once more become her true self and be with her beloved.
[11:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> Pushing again, Rei brushes past the two and touches the hand of Sailor Mars! A splitting agony erupts in your head, spreading through out your entire body. Rei only knows she screamed because she heard it...(Body check.)
[11:06] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6 burning 10 EP
[11:06] * Musk-bot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6 burning 10 EP and gets 8."
[11:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> Rei feels herself falling to the floor as her head almost explodes. Or at least it feels that way from the pain that is still raging in her head.
[11:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> Finally, after what feels to be an eternity, it begins to clear... and the thoughts of the past month and change pour in like a dam gave way.
[11:09] * Rei-chan feels bile rise up in her throat at the recollection of how easily she was once more swayed to fight against everything she believes in, swearing her service to an undeniably evil group.
[11:10] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Rei...?" Eudial calls out, her voice weak. "Oh man... that son of a bitch..." she mutters, with a fair deal of heat even in her stunned state.
[11:11] * Rei-chan pulls her legs under herself to sit, kneeling. "You felt it, right?" she asks, her voice coming hoarsely from her pained throat. "Oh, God... what have we been doing all this time?"
[11:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial, who is still in her half on the floor position, slowly raises herself back into the chair. "We've been helping the Professor look for those damn Talismans, that's what," she growls. "The hell did he do? Brainwashing us?"
[11:15] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, remember the injection to remove our humanity?" Rei replies furiously, rising to her feet. "I know, I'm angry too... I'm half tempted to burn this place to the ground right now," she snarls, "But we can't risk doing anything stupid. If the others knew what just happened... there's only two of us, Eudial." She licks her lips, considering, "At least for now..."
[11:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> "For now..." Eudial shakes her head again. "Ooooh. I just want to get out of here now," she manages. "What if the Mistress or the Professor can tell what happened?"
[11:19] <Rei-chan> "If she felt it, where can we go?" Rei asks, "They know where we live - hell, your mother even works here!"
[11:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial pales at that. "Oh... fuck." She does manage to straighten up in the chair a bit more, however. "If they did... I don't know if I even feel like I can really fight right now," she admits.
[11:23] <Rei-chan> "Well, you're right about one thing, sticking around here isn't going to be good for our health - no way I want to end up like Kaolinite." Rei takes a deep calming breath. 'Usagi?'
[11:24] <Usagi-chan> There is a slight delay, then you get a reply. 'What is it, Rei-chan?'
[11:25] <Rei-chan> 'Too much to explain right now,' Rei replies, 'You were right about Mugen. I need you to get near the school and be ready - Eudial and I are getting the hell out of here, and I don't know if we'll have to fight our way out.'
[11:25] <Usagi-chan> 'Right - where do you want me? I'll be there in about a minute, once I know where.'
[11:27] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I sure don... Rei?" Eudial pauses a moment, looking at you. "What's happening to your hair," she asks, staring in confusion.
[11:28] <Rei-chan> 'Just stick around outside the school and be ready to transform. You'll know if we run into trouble,' Rei then returns her attention to Eudial. "Okay, lets go. I've arranged for- huh...?" she trails off, "My hair?" she holds up a few white strands for inspection.
[11:28] <Usagi-chan> 'Right, I'll contact the others once I get there.'
[11:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> You see that the strands of hair are slowly turning brown, the white fading away as pigment rushes into them.
[11:28] <Rei-chan> "What the...?!" Rei gasps, watching the change take place.
[11:29] <Sailor_Anastasia> The hair shimmers again, the brown darkening to the raven purple/black that you haven't seen since Metallia touched your very soul.
[11:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> As it does so... the feeling of finally overcoming something, of finally discarding something echos in you. Having finally chosen yourself, of your own free will...
[11:31] * Rei-chan manages a small grin. "I'm back!" she exults, before quickly composing herself. Giving Eudial an apologetic look, she wards off questions, "No time to explain right now, we have to get out of here!" Grabbing the older girl's hand, she rushes out the office, heading towards the main entrance/exit of Mugen.
[11:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial follows along as you traverse the quiet halls of Mugen. Even the student showing today is down, testament to the miserable weather.
[11:33] * Usagi-chan rushes out of her house in a flurry, not even stopping to grab a coat in her mad dash out the door. She sends an urgent mental message. 'Guys, whoever can hear me - get over to Mugen, and hurry!'
[11:35] * Makoto blinks as she's distracted by the sound of Usagi's voice in her head. 'Huh? Usagi?'
[11:35] <Usagi-chan> 'Mako-chan! It's an emergency, Rei's in trouble! If you can reach any of the others, she needs us at her school as fast as you can get there!'
[11:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> You encounter no one of note as you reach the main exit. In fact, you'd almost think it was a quiet, peaceful day of schooling.
[11:36] <Makoto> 'Alright,' Makoto thinks back in reply to the urgency as she grabs a jacket and rushes out of her apartment. As she runs, she tries to use her communicator to contact Ami and Herb.
[11:37] * Rei-chan doesn't let her guard down, half expecting the Mistress herself to pop up right as they leave the building.
[11:38] <Sailor_Anastasia> As you step outside, the icy and still icing weather strikes you. Eudial sends a nasty look at the sky as you exit the gates, shivering.
[11:38] <Rei-chan> "I'd almost think that was too easy," Rei comments, trying to sense the Mistress or any of the other Witches nearby.
[11:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> Rei - You feel a bit inside of the school, but nothing outside.
[11:40] * Usagi-chan has a determined expression on her face as she sprints towards the school. 'Makoto's on her way too, Rei - I should be there in a couple more minutes.'
[11:41] <Rei-chan> "I think we're okay, for now," Rei sighs in relief, focusing a bit to warm up the air around herself and Eudial. "Come on, we'll go to the Shrine so we can figure this out - I have some friends who can help us," she says, making the decision that she trusts Eudial enough to share her secret identity. 'Usagi, we seem to be out okay, meet us at the Shrine and tell the others - this is big news.'
[11:41] <Usagi-chan> 'You sure you don't need any help now?' Usagi pauses for a moment, catching her breath.
[11:42] <Rei-chan> 'Yeah, I think we got out clear. We're heading to the Shrine, now.'
[11:42] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yeah," Eudial says. She still looks and sounds a bit shaky from what happened to her, but she follows along.
[11:43] <Usagi-chan> 'Got it, I'll pass word to Mako-chan.' Turning her steps towards the shrine - which is much closer than the school - Usagi turns her thoughts towards the tall brunette. 'Change of plans, Mako-chan - meet at the Shrine now. Still something big up, Rei didn't give many details.'
[11:43] <Prince_Herb> Prince_Herb answers Makoto's call. He's in the library refectory at Toudai, just catching a quick sandwich before going to up to study. Ducking behind a pillar, he answers. "Hiya, what's up?"
[11:43] * Rei-chan trots along at a not-quite run, keeping her senses sharp in case the Deathbusters do decide to leave Mugen and chase them down.
[11:44] <Sailor_Anastasia> Rei reaches the Shrine without incident, only a few other people out in this weather.
[11:44] * Makoto screeches on the brakes as Usagi's message hits her and Herb answers the communicator. "Uhm... there was some kinda incident with Rei... but it seems fine now?" Makoto says somewhat confused. "Usagi just told me to meet her and Rei at the shrine."
[11:46] <Prince_Herb> "Do you want me to come over? I was going to study in the library, but if there's trouble, I should be there."
[11:46] * Usagi-chan arrives at the base of the temple stairs a few minutes after Rei and Eudial. Stopping just for a moment to catch her breath, she begins the long ascent to the grounds above.
[11:48] <Sailor_Anastasia> Going inside, you see Rei and Eudial entering the residence part of the Shrine, where you hold Senshi meetings.
[10:19] * Usagi-chan jogs over to the main temple building, not even stopping to knock as she bursts inside panting. "Rei... Eudial... are you guys okay?"
[10:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> Turning, Eudial sees Usagi running up and sends a look to Rei.
[10:22] <Rei-chan> "We are now, thankfully," Rei replies. "You were right about that place, Usagi... more right than you probably even realised..."
[10:23] * Usagi-chan looks up, her hands on her knees as she tries to catch her breath - and stops dead as she sees Rei. "Oh my god... Rei, your hair!" Usagi's eyes are wide. "It's back to normal!"
[10:23] <Sailor_Anastasia> Sensing that something is afoot here between Rei and Usagi, Eudial speaks to Rei. "You told her about Mugen?" she asks, curiously as Usagi freaks out to Rei's hair.
[10:26] <Rei-chan> "She didn't know much more than what we told her the other day," Rei says to Eudial, "And that was enough to make her suspicious." She sighs, "I can't believe I never saw that place for what it was..."
[10:27] * Rei-chan turns back to Usagi. "Yeah, it went back to normal after I got rid of whatever the hell brainwashing the Professor put me through," she says angrily.
[10:27] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Same here," she agrees, anger present in her voice.  "I can't believe they used us to collect Heart Crystals and try to find the Talismans!"
[10:27] <Usagi-chan> "Brainwashing?!" Usagi practically shouts. "You were brainwashed by the Professor?"
[10:29] <Rei-chan> "Yeah," Rei nods, "That 'Witches 6' club I was part of is part of the 'Deathbusters'. The Professor and the 'Mistress' have been brainwashing magically talented students to help them get those Talismans," Rei shudders, "Talismans that can only be gotten by taking the Pure Heart Crystals from people."
[10:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial nods as well. "They told us to find them, and we took the Heart Crystals from likely targets..." Eudial stops a moment, fuming. "Pop the Crystal out and if it's a Talisman..."
[10:30] * Usagi-chan gives the pair a dumbfounded look. "Talismans? Heart Crystals? Wait a second, I think you lost me somewhere..."
[10:32] * Rei-chan sighs, trying to get things in order. "Okay, the three Talismans are a sword, a mirror, and a rod. They are hidden within people's pure heart crystals. The Witches go to people with pure hearts, and remove those crystals. If it's a Talisman, we take it back to the Mistress, and the person dies." Rei shudders again, "Luckily no one has found any Talismans yet."
[10:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial goes on after Usagi speaks. "A Heart Crystal is kind of like the crystallized spirit or life force of someone. We were given the ability to extract Crystals... because in three Pure Hearts, there are Talismans."
[10:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yeah... the Mistress needs these Talismans. What for, we don't know," Eudial shrugs, a bit helplessly. "Never really thought about why until recently."
[10:33] * Usagi-chan blanches as Rei mentions people dying, but relaxes once it's clear that no one HAS been killed yet. "So... why is this 'Mistress' after these Talismans? Do you have any idea?"
[10:34] <Rei-chan> "I think I know actually," Rei nods, paling. "I had a vision last night. I saw the Talismans, and some other stuff... but the overriding theme was that if the Mistress got all three Talismans, there would be Ruin and then... Silence. The end of everything."
[10:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Gah..." The redhead mutters. "You mean that if you're right...we were trying to end the world?! Big boom, bye bye Earth end of the world?" Eudial declares, angry, stunned and still a bit unbelieving.
[10:35] * Rei-chan nods slowly, "If my vision was accurate..."
[10:36] * Usagi-chan takes a deep sigh as Rei's words sink in. "Great..." With a glance over at Eudial, Usagi switches over to speaking mentally. 'And I thought those elves were bad enough.' She shakes her head.
[10:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> The scantily clad girl pales, the white stark against her black and red garb. "That...little...URGH!" Eudial almost roars, angry and getting highly pissed by the moment.
[10:37] <Rei-chan> 'The elves are nothing compared to the Deathbusters, Usagi. Me, Eudial, and the other Witches have fought the elves and their monsters a couple of times - the elves have lost badly each time.'
[10:38] * Makoto enters the temple building much like Usagi did, though with a different question. "Okay, Usagi, what's going on with Rei?"
[10:38] * Usagi-chan sighs. 'And so far, the Deathbusters have been REALLY low-key - other than you, none of us had any idea they were even OUT there.'
[10:39] * Usagi-chan turns to greet Makoto. "Hey, Mako-chan... sorry to call you out in such a hurry like that, but it looks like we've got big trouble." Quickly, she outlines the gist of what Rei and Eudial have told her so far about the Deathbusters.
[10:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial very briefly glances at the new entry, but it too pissed to really do much but note her arrival.
[10:40] * Makoto looks over at Eudial as Usagi finishes her recap, then at Rei. "...well, I can see why you were worried, at least."
[10:40] * Usagi-chan looks over at Eudial and Rei. "So you both managed to shake off the brainwashing then?"
[10:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial nods. "Yeah... thanks to Rei," she manages a genuine smile at the now black haired again miko.
[10:42] <Rei-chan> "I've been having more and more doubts lately," Rei nods, "And this morning when Eudial and I were talking, she nearly fainted and I saw something leaving her aura. I remembered what you told me about the blurriness, so I probed my own, then," she pantomines an explosion with her arms, "Poof! Gone."
[10:43] <Usagi-chan> "Then that blurry thing was..." Usagi closes her eyes tightly. "Way to go, Dumpling Head, you've only been staring at it for the past month and a half..."
[10:43] <Rei-chan> "Don't blame yourself," Rei says, putting a hand on Usagi's shoulder. "Aside from when I was actually doing things for the Mistress, I've been acting completely normally. You had no way to know."
[10:44] <Usagi-chan> "I know, it's just... I thought it was funny when I saw it, but you seemed okay so I let it go." Usagi sags a bit.
[10:45] <Sailor_Anastasia> "The Professor is really good at this, I think," Eudial comments. "Even when you saw it, you didn't realize what it was..." she speaks mostly to herself, as if pondering something.
[10:46] <Rei-chan> "Anyway," Rei moves on, "If the Mistress doesn't know about Eudial and I breaking free, it does give us a pretty good advantage over them - we know exactly where they are and how they work. And with the other Witches being brainwashed like we were, if we can remove the control from them, we'll have even more help against the Mistress."
[10:46] * Usagi-chan shudders. "That Professor is REALLY creepy... even ASIDE from his aura he really freaked me out."
[10:46] <Makoto> "...do you really want to risk going back in there, Rei?" Makoto asks worriedly.
[10:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> "You met the Professor, Usagi?" Eudial stares at the blonde girl. "What was so strange about his aura?"
[10:48] <Rei-chan> "Not alone," Rei snorts at Makoto's question. "I'm not going to do something stupid like sneak in myself. I say we go in full force and blast the hell out of their whole operation!"
[10:48] <Usagi-chan> "It's..." Usagi waves her hands aimlessly. "Kind of hard to describe, really. It's strong, but it's like he's got a really tight control over it or something - it's almost impossible to see any kind of detail in it. But it gave me the creeps when I saw it yesterday." Usagi closes her eyes.
[10:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial nods, but lets the matter go for a moment. "Yeah, I'd love to blast 'em and burn the entire damn school down," Eudial agrees vigorously. "But can the two of us take all the other Witches and whatever the Professor has up his sleeves... or whatever daimons he has?"
[10:50] * Usagi-chan hides a grin behind her hand. "Just two?"
[10:51] <Rei-chan> "It won't be just us two, Eudial," Rei gives the older girl a smile.
[10:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Wait." She says a moment after that. "I think I still have that daimon see... what?" she stops, turning to look at Rei.
[10:52] * Makoto blinks and looks at Usagi. 'Wait, are we telling...?'
[10:52] * Usagi-chan turns to look at Rei. 'Have you told her about the senshi?'
[10:52] * Usagi-chan glances back at Makoto. 'Not sure, that's what I'm asking Rei right now.'
[10:52] <Rei-chan> 'I haven't even told her about myself,' Rei replies, 'But she needs to know if we're going to do this together. And I trust her.'
[10:53] * Usagi-chan nods, both to Rei and Makoto, addressing the latter mentally. 'She says she's going to tell her, and if Rei trusts her that's good enough for me.'
[10:53] <Rei-chan> "Remember how I was so vehement that we don't ever fight the Sailor Senshi, no matter what the Professor said?" Rei reminds Eudial.
[10:54] * Makoto isn't sure how good an idea is, but decides to trust in Usagi and Rei's judgement.
[10:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yeah," she replies, still looking at Rei expectantly. "When he said that we should kill them if they interfered, you went bone white."
[10:55] * Usagi-chan's face tightens at the mention of the senshi being killed, but she remains silent.
[10:55] * Rei-chan nods, recalling how upset she was back then. "That's because I'm Sailor Mars."
[10:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Oh. .........What?!" she yelps, completely taken off guard when it sinks it. "You're Sailor Mars?! The flame throwing, charm using..." she trails off as she says that, then sighs a bit ruefully.
[10:58] <Rei-chan> "Yep, that's me," Rei smiles, "Even though most people never notice the ofuda - they don't even appear in that arcade game..."
[10:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I did a bit of research on them after you raised such a stink over it," she admits. "You look just like her... and I didn't even notice."
[10:59] * Usagi-chan smiles slightly, watching Eudial's reaction.
[11:00] <Rei-chan> "Her hair even changed colour at the same time mine did," Rei comments, shaking her head. "I don't understand how no one ever sees it. It must be magic, I guess."
[11:01] <Usagi-chan> "It WAS kind of surprising really... that kind of white isn't exactly a common color." Usagi grins.
[11:02] <Makoto> "Nor is your hairstyle, Usagi," Makoto says with a smirk
[11:02] <Usagi-chan> "Oh, and girls your height are?" Usagi grins and sticks her tongue out at the brunette.
[11:01] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial nods, agreeing. "Yeah..." she says, then looks at Usagi and Makoto, thinking a moment. "Does that mean that...?" she asks of Rei, still looking at the other two girls.
[11:04] * Ami enters the temple building hurriedly, taking stock of the others present. Not recognizing the fourth girl she nods slightly toward her while asking , "Usagi, you called?"
[11:05] * Makoto gives a small cough at Eudial's unfinished question, and looks away.
[11:05] * Usagi-chan giggles. "Just in time, Ami-chan, we were about to introduce ourselves." With a smile at Eudial, she poses. "I'm the pretty sailor-suited Soldier of Love and Justice, Sailor Moon - at your service." She drops a mock curtsy.
[11:06] * Makoto still feels odd with giving away her identity, but if both Rei -and- Usagi did it...
[11:06] <Makoto> "Sailor Jupiter," Makoto mumbles, still looking away.
[11:06] * Ami stares openly, surprised that they're just giving their identities out. 'What's going on here?!'
[11:07] <Rei-chan> "Don't worry, Mako-chan," Rei reassures the brunette, "You can trust Eudial. And we're going to be fighting alongside her when we go back to Mugen, after all."
[11:07] <Usagi-chan> 'Long story, Ami-chan, I'll fill you in in a minute. You can trust Eudial though.' Usagi replies to the blue-haired girl.
[11:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> "They are," she nods to herself. "Wow... right under my nose."
[11:08] <Rei-chan> "The Mistress won't stand a chance against all of us," Rei says confidently.
[11:08] <Usagi-chan> "Darn right!" Usagi grins.
[11:09] <Ami> "Um, hello?" Ami says, bowing uncertainly toward Eudial. "Pleased to meet you?"
[11:11] <Rei-chan> "Ami-chan, I'd like you to meet Eudial," Rei gestures between the two, letting them at least get introduced before she fills Ami in on current events.
[11:11] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial bows back politely. "Nice to meet you, Ami."
[11:13] * Rei-chan quickly fills Ami in on the Deathbuster situation. As she concludes, she turns to Eudial, "You said you still had that daimon seed? You might want to let Ami scan it with her computer so we can learn a bit more about the Professor's creations."
[11:14] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I have it, but it's in my car," she comments, "the one sitting in the Mugen tunnels."
[11:15] <Rei-chan> "Damn," Rei mutters, "By the time we go back there, we'll probably be getting up close and personal with a whole bunch of daimons..."
[11:16] <Usagi-chan> "Is there any way in there except through the school?" Usagi asks.
[11:16] * Prince_Herb arrives at the temple, and hurries inside.
[11:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> "There's a series of underground tunnels I use to drive around under the city," Eudial explains, starting to smile. "If you know how, you can get right into the guts of Mugen through them."
[11:18] * Ami nods, recalling her own use of Tokyo's subterranean waterways to enter another building.
[11:18] <Makoto> "What -are- daimons anyhow?" Makoto says, having heard about daimons for a while now, and not sure of what they are.
[11:19] * Prince_Herb enters the room and blinks for a moment as he sees Eudial
[11:19] <Rei-chan> "Some kind of magical/genetically created creatures the Professor makes," Rei shrugs, "I don't know that much about them, how about you, Eudial?"
[11:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> "That's about it," she says as Rei speaks. "He made them for when we needed help on Heart Snatches. The Professor creates them and they obey the Witches."
[11:20] <Prince_Herb> "Um... hi?" he says, distracted by Eudial's charms
[11:21] <Usagi-chan> "Oh hi, Herb!" Usagi gives the Musk prince a wave. She heads over to talk to him, giving Herb a brief outline of the morning's events.
[11:22] <Ami> "So they're the Deathbuster equivalent to the Elves' monsters basically?"
[11:22] <Rei-chan> "That's Herb," Rei nods to Eudial. "He turns into a girl as Sailor Dragon. None of us really understand it, but he seems happy with it..."
[11:23] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial nods. "Right," she nods.
[11:23] <Ami> "Hm," Ami muses, lost in her own thoughts. 'If I could get my hands on one...'
[11:24] * Ami grins slightly at the thought.
[11:25] * Usagi-chan glances over at Ami. 'What's up, Ami-chan?'
[11:25] * Prince_Herb looks embarassed.
[11:26] <Ami> "Hm?" Ami looks up, distracted. "Did you say something?"
[11:26] * Prince_Herb tries to explain, but can't find the words
[11:27] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "Forget it, not that important I guess." The blonde turns back to Rei and Eudial. "So, knowing all this... what do we do from here?"
[11:28] <Rei-chan> "Well," Rei replies loud enough for everyone to hear, "I think Usagi could get rid of the brainwashing on the other Witches quite easily with her Moon Healing Escalation. So if we can deal with all the other Witches one at a time before going after the Mistress, we'll have a far easier time of it," she nods, thinking that it's a good idea.
[11:29] * Usagi-chan nods. "If nothing else, it means we won't have to deal with them - even if they don't want to help. How many others are there? I know there's that one green-haired one that I saw in the hall yesterday..."
[11:29] <Sailor_Anastasia> "It's not a bad idea," Eudial agrees. "If Usagi can break the hold the Mistress put on them, it'll at least get them out of the way."
[11:30] <Rei-chan> "Considering how arrogant they are, I bet they'd be only too happy to teach the Mistress and Professor a lesson," Rei chuckles, before responding to Usagi. "That one is Tellu. She has a strong affinity for plants, but I'm not really sure of what exactly she can do in a fight..."
[11:31] * Makoto perks up at the mention of plants and starts listening in. "Plants, huh?"
[11:31] <Usagi-chan> "Maybe she can help you tend your garden, Mako-chan." Usagi giggles.
[11:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> "There's also Mimette, Viluy, Cyprine and Ptilol... and Kaolinite," Eudial comments. "Each of them are highly gifted in magic, and the last two are extremely powerful." Eudial frowns.
[11:32] * Ami giggles as well.
[11:32] <Rei-chan> "Mimette isn't worth worrying about. She's in no shape to fight right now," Rei points out.
[11:32] <Usagi-chan> "Maybe, but if she's been brainwashed we should still pay her a visit. We can at least do that for her." Usagi nods.
[11:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Heh," Eudial breaks into a vicious grin. "No, you're right. She's not in any shape to do anything but send us dirty looks."
[11:33] * Makoto's eye twitches. They'd said they'd stop talking about that! 'Do you want me to start teasing about you and Rei making out, Usagi? You guys said you wouldn't tease about the garden anymore!' Makoto thinks to Usagi.
[11:33] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, we should get rid of her brainwashing, but she isn't going to be getting in our way, much, I expect."
[11:34] * Usagi-chan blushes slightly, but simply gives Makoto a grin. 'Sorry, Mako-chan, I just couldn't resist.'
[11:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yeah..." Eudial finally agrees. "I'd prefer if she just goes away, though."
[11:35] <Ami> "If we hope to hold onto the advantage of surprise we'll have to hit them all quickly, before they can regroup. This time we have the element of surprise and the ability to choose the battlefield. Let's take advantage of it."
[11:35] <Makoto> 'Next time, I'll tease you and Rei mercilessly,' Makoto promises.
[11:36] <Usagi-chan> "So... when do we want to do this? Right now?" Usagi asks Rei.
[11:37] <Rei-chan> "Viluy and Mimette are probably still at Mugen right now," Rei muses, "I don't know about the others, but they'd probably be in their homes on a day like this..."
[11:37] * Usagi-chan looks back and forth between the dark-haired miko and the redhead. "You guys are running this show - you both know way more about who we're dealing with than any of the rest of us do."
[11:38] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I say we go now," Eudial nods firmly. "If the Mistress knows we broke free, she'd just have more time to make preparations."
[11:39] <Rei-chan> "Well," Rei shrugs, "It wouldn't hurt to wait a few hours at the very least - shaking off that brainwashing did take a lot out of us. After that I think it'd be easier to just go round to each Witch's house and purify them in turn before we hit Mugen itself."
[11:40] * Usagi-chan nods. "That's fine with me... I didn't really have any serious plans for today anyway, other than cleaning my room up a bit more since it's just about finished."
[11:40] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Do you know where they live, Rei?" Eudial asks. "I can't say I do."
[11:41] <Makoto> "I don't have any plans at all for a while," Makoto says. 'Well, except maybe trying to spend time with Alan,' she thinks but doesn't say, forgetting to not project her thoughts.
[11:41] <Rei-chan> "Uh..." Rei stumbles slightly. "Darn... um..." she suddenly spins on Ami. "Ami-chan! Can you hack into the Mugen student database?"
[11:41] * Usagi-chan grins at the stray thought, but doesn't say anything.
[11:42] <Rei-chan> "Actually, you wouldn't even need to hack - you can use my passwords," Rei says, blushing. "You'd just need to be able to access it from here with your Mercury Computer."
[11:45] <Ami> "I can try, I guess." Ami summons the Mercury Computer and waits for Rei's instructions.
[11:48] * Rei-chan notes the attention on her. "I don't know how it works," she suddenly blurts. "I just turn it on and it tells me to enter my username and password. I have no clue how you go about connecting remotely like this."
[11:50] <Ami> "Just give me the passwords, Rei-chan," Ami says, holding back a laugh.
[11:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> "You can't," Eudial says bluntly. "It's set up so that only computers registered on the network can log on and access the data. The Professor went on a security kick with all this - it's why we have all those keycard doors around, too."
[11:51] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, but Ami's computer is magic!" Rei says brightly, "I bet she could get past any security." She turns back to the blue-haired girl. "My username is Hino underscore R, and my password is Phobos."
[11:52] <Ami> "We'll see about that," Ami mutters, her fingers dancing across the keyboard.
[11:53] <Sailor_Anastasia> Processing... Processing... Processing... Welcome to Deathbusters Database... Program Viluy 002 activated... Reads the screen, with no sign of the database.
[11:54] <Sailor_Anastasia>  Illegal terminal detected. Begin protocol Viluy 666... the screen reads a few seconds later.
[12:07] <Ami> roll 2d6 and burn 20 ep
[12:07] * Musk-bot --> "Ami rolls 2d6 and burn 20 ep and gets 10."
[12:08] * Rei-chan watches Ami work, wishing she understood all this computer stuff.
[12:11] <Sailor_Anastasia> Ami clatters away on her keyboard as Protocol Viluy 666 is annouced! The dry sound of her fingers striking the keys is heard, and the screen goes white... processing... processing...
[12:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> *BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!* A loud, ear wracking beep comes from the computer! Finally, the screen goes normal again. "Proper terminal logged in."
[12:14] <Makoto> "Gooo, Ami!" Makoto cheers.
[12:14] <Usagi-chan> "Way to go, Ami-chan!" Usagi grins.
[12:14] * Ami just smiles. "What were those passwords again?"
[12:14] <Rei-chan> "Hino underscore R, and Phobos," Rei recites faithfully.
[12:15] * Ami types it in, entering the system.
[12:16] <Ami> The moment she's in she begins to search for the files on the Witches members.
[12:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> Witches 6 database - Access which member?
[12:18] <Ami> 'TELLU' Ami types in.
[12:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> TELLU
[12:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> AGE 16
[12:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> AFFINITY SPHERE PLANTS
[12:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> ASSIGNMENT HEART CRYSTALS, PLANT RESEARCH
[12:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> POWER LEVEL 21.29
[12:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> NOTES
[12:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> The first thing in notes is a picture of Tellu.
[12:21] * Usagi-chan nods as she sees the picture, remembering the girl from the day before.
[12:21] <Sailor_Anastasia> Past that...
[12:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> TELLU IS A PLANTROMANCER. NO RELATIVES OR HINDRANCES OF NOTE.
[12:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> That's the main useful information on the file.
[12:24] <Rei-chan> "No address?" Rei looks surprised.
[12:24] * Prince_Herb gags at the clumsy term 'plantromancer'.
[12:25] <Ami> "Plantromancer?" Ami boggles at the word. 'That just sounds so very off.'
[12:25] <Prince_Herb> "They could have come up with something better than that, surely?" he complains. "And what do they mean by 'hindrances'?"
[12:26] * Rei-chan sighs, "People she cares about that she would put before her work, Herb."
[12:26] * Ami checks for an address.
[12:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> There isn't any personal information of that sort past their age in this file. It looks to be strictly dealing with their Witch duties.
[12:27] * Ami continues to another file. 'Rei'
[12:27] <Sailor_Anastasia> REI
[12:27] <Sailor_Anastasia> AGE 14
[12:27] <Sailor_Anastasia> AFFINITY FIRE, TELEKINESIS, OTHER
[12:27] <Sailor_Anastasia> ASSIGNMENT EXTERMINATION
[12:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> POWER LEVEL 79.05
[12:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> NOTES
[12:29] <Sailor_Anastasia> REI IS A PYROMAGE, AS WELL AS A GIFTED PSYCHIC. UNKNOWN OTHER POWERS AS WELL, UNABLE TO BE ANALYZED AT THE CURRENT TIME. HIGH POTENTIAL. IS A SHRINE MAIDEN, MAY POSE MINOR HINDRANCES.
[12:29] * Rei-chan snorts, recalling how Kaolinite had said Tellu was more powerful than her.
[12:30] * Ami inputs 'Eudial'.
[12:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> EUDIAL
[12:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> AGE 17
[12:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> AFFINITY TECHNOLOGY MAGIC
[12:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> ASSIGNMENT EXTERMINATION
[12:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> POWER LEVEL 71.67
[12:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> NOTES
[12:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> EUDIAL IS TALENTED IN TECHNOLOGICAL BASED MAGIC. ABLE TO CREATE AND POWER MACHINES WITH HER OWN ENERGY. MOTHER IS A TEACHER HERE.
[12:32] * Rei-chan blinks, noting the lower power level and recalling how easily Eudial had wasted Racy that time.
[12:34] * Ami looks up at Eudial. "Tech-based magic?"
[12:34] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I'm really good at making machines," she shrugs. "Like my Fire Buster or Gunk Cannon."
[12:35] <Rei-chan> "She wasted one of the elves' monsters in one hit with her Fire Buster," Rei puts in. "It's really powerful."
[12:35] <Ami> "Hm. We should talk later," Ami comments idly, typing in 'Viluy'.
[12:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Heh, those elves didn't know what hit them," she laughs as Ami goes on.
[12:36] <Prince_Herb> "We certainly should," agrees Herb.
[12:36] <Ami> 'Who knows? Maybe she can help with some of the moon restoration.'
[12:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> VILUY
[12:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> AGE 16
[12:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> AFFINITY TECHNOLOGY, OTHER
[12:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> ASSIGNMENT HEART CRYSTALS
[12:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> POWER LEVEL 47.88
[12:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> NOTES WORKS ON COMPUTERS AND TECHNOLOGY - A VARIANT OF WITCH EUDIAL'S ABILITIES. NO HINDRANCES OF NOTE.
[12:37] <Usagi-chan> 'It's under consideration already, Ami-chan.'
[12:37] <Ami> 'Just checking.'
[12:39] * Ami ponders the benefit of having two more technologically able people on the team. 'That would be nice.'
[12:40] * Ami types in 'Mimette'.
[12:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> MIMETTE
[12:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> AGE 14
[12:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> AFFINITY OTHER
[12:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> ASSIGNMENT HEART CRYSTALS
[12:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> POWER LEVEL 39.17
[12:42] <Sailor_Anastasia> NOTES
[12:42] <Sailor_Anastasia> USES SINGING AND OTHER AURAL DISPLAYS TO EXTRACT CRYSTALS. HAS MAGICAL POTENTIAL, BUT IS LARGELY STILL UNFOCUSED. NO HINDRANCES OF NOTE.
[12:43] <Rei-chan> "She can't do much if she can't sing..." Rei mutters.
[12:44] * Ami types in 'Cyprine'.
[12:44] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial merely smirks again, but stays silent as Ami works.
[12:44] <Sailor_Anastasia> CYPRINE
[12:44] <Sailor_Anastasia> PTILOL
[12:44] <Sailor_Anastasia> AGE 15
[12:44] <Sailor_Anastasia> AGE 15
[12:44] <Sailor_Anastasia> AFFINITY MAGICAL ENERGY, ENERGY AMPLIFICATION
[12:44] <Sailor_Anastasia> AFFINITY MAGICAL ENERGY, ENERGY AMPLIFICATION
[12:45] <Sailor_Anastasia> POWER LEVEL 152.00
[12:45] <Sailor_Anastasia> POWER LEVEL 152.00
[12:45] <Sailor_Anastasia> NOTES
[12:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> TWIN SISTERS. ABLE TO AMPLIFY AND UNLEASH ENERGY DISPLAYS AND ENERGY MANIPULATIONS UP TO THE LEVEL OF 300~. MOTHER IS A SUBSTITUTE TEACHER AT MUGEN.
[12:46] <Rei-chan> "Damn..." Rei shakes her head, "I knew they were powerful, but that's nearly twice as powerful as my reading..." 'Well, they never did get a reading of my senshi form...'
[12:47] * Usagi-chan glances over at Rei. 'How much stronger do you think you are as a senshi than when you're not?'
[12:48] <Ami> "They're going to be a problem I bet," Ami comments, reading over the information.
[12:48] <Rei-chan> 'The biggest change is that I can use my Fire Soul and Snake Fire. Those attacks are a lot more powerful than anything I can do untransformed... but I'm not sure exactly how much...'
[12:49] * Ami types in 'Kaolinite'.
[12:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> KAOLINITE
[12:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> AGE 18
[12:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> AFFINITY ALL MAGIC
[12:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> POWER LEVEL 569.31
[12:50] <Rei-chan> "Eighteen?!" Rei gasps, "No way! She's way older than that!"
[12:50] * Rei-chan chokes slightly as she sees the power reading.
[12:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> NOTES
[12:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> PERSONAL SERVANT OF PROFESSOR TOMOE. A CLASSICAL MAGE, WITH SUPERIOR CONTROL OVER MAGIC. RANKED AS MAGUS.
[12:51] * Usagi-chan sighs. "Great..."
[12:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial looks on, scowling darkly.
[12:52] <Rei-chan> "Damn... I'm kind of glad I never actually fought her, now..." Rei mutters.
[12:52] * Ami releases a low whistle.
[12:53] <Usagi-chan> "I wonder how the rest of us would rate..." Usagi shakes her head slightly.
[12:53] <Prince_Herb> "Are there entries for the Professor and Mistress?" Herb asks.
[12:53] <Ami> "I'll check," Ami says, imputing 'Mistress'. "I wonder how she stands against someone like Starfire?"
[12:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> No entry is turned up.
[12:54] <Rei-chan> "She's definitely above Beryl's level," Rei says.
[12:55] <Usagi-chan> "Is there any way we can get addresses for the Witches?"
[12:55] <Makoto> "Can you check for daimon entries? We might want to know the power of those, right?"
[12:55] <Ami> "Beryl wasn't such hot stuff. Her master, on the other hand..." Ami let's the sentence trail off.
[12:56] <Ami> "What's this professor's name? I'll check his entry first."
[12:56] * Usagi-chan deflates at Ami's words. Another Metallia... and no crystal this time.
[12:56] <Rei-chan> "Souichi Tomoe," Rei provides.
[12:57] <Rei-chan> "I think the actual school database will have their addresses in with their student records, so you can check that next, Ami-chan," Rei suggests.
[12:57] * Ami types in 'Tomoe'.
[12:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> The Witches database gives you nothing on Tomoe, oddly.
[12:59] * Ami leaves the Witches database and searches for the registration records.
[13:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> The school registry is simple to get to from here, Ami finds.
[13:41] * Ami looks up Tellu's information.
[13:42] <Sailor_Anastasia> The name string 'Tellu' doesn't turn up any information, strangely enough.
[13:44] * Ami tries for Rei Hino, seeing as she knows her last name.
[13:45] <Sailor_Anastasia> Rei's profile pops up a moment later. All of her vital information shows up, from hair color(White here), to weight to the classes she's in(not in.)
[13:46] <Ami> "Eudial, what's your last name?" Ami asks.
[13:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Kawashima," she replies, reading over your shoulder as are the other girls.
[13:48] * Usagi-chan glances up at Rei, still finding it hard to believe Rei's hair is back to its normal deep black color.
[13:48] * Ami inputs Eudial's name into the search.
[13:48] * Ami takes a moment to glace at Rei's GPA first, though.
[13:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> Rei's GPA is listed at 3.5.
[13:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial's profile comes up, with the same basic information as Rei's did. Of note, her mother is a teacher at Mugen.
[13:51] * Usagi-chan frowns at the reminder about Eudial's mother. "We've got to make sure your mom doesn't go in to work anymore too, Eudial." Usagi looks over at the redhead.
[13:51] <Ami> "Ok. Either of you know the others' last names?" Ami queries.
[13:52] <Rei-chan> "I don't," Rei says apologetically, "What about you, Eudial?"
[13:53] <Sailor_Anastasia> The redhaired Witch blanches at that. "Well, she wasn't teaching today, at least." she says, sounding a bit relieved. "And I think I know Tellu's name."
[13:54] * Ami waits for it.
[13:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Teruno," she supplies.
[13:55] * Ami enters the name.
[13:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> A profile for one Lulu Teruno comes up. The picture supplied in the profile is of Tellu in a typical Mugen uniform.
[13:58] <Ami> "Looks like we have a winner," Ami says, commiting the information to memory.
[13:58] <Rei-chan> "Lulu?" Rei quirks an eyebrow.
[13:59] * Ami looks to see if special intrests or clubs are listed as well.
[13:59] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Tellu is a nickname," Eudial comments. "She hates the name Lulu," she chuckles. "She nearly threw a fit when I called her Lulu once."
[13:59] <Rei-chan> "Can't imagine why..." Rei comments dryly.
[13:59] * Usagi-chan giggles. "Well, maybe she'll know someone else's name... at least we have a place to start now."
[14:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> Her club is listed as 'Botany.'
[14:00] <Rei-chan> "Yeah. I know she wasn't in Mugen today, so we could go to her house first... although I'd hate to think what kind of stuff we'll find in her garden..." Rei shivers.
[14:01] * Ami sighs. 'I suppose it was too much to hope for Witches to be listed,' Ami thinks.
[14:01] <Ami> "Any others? THe only other surname I recall you giving was Tomoe."
[14:01] <Rei-chan> "Wait, Tellu isn't part of her real name at all," Rei points out, "That's why it didn't come up in the first search. Try Viluy, Ami-chan."
[14:02] * Usagi-chan knits her brow. "Wait a minute, Ami-chan. She's in the Botany club, and she's good with plants - what about looking for, I don't know - something like a singing club or a computer club for the others?"
[14:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> As you talk... Unauthorized access detected. Protocol Viluy 1000 activated. A moment later, the interface window with Mugen closes.
[14:02] * Ami blinks.
[14:03] <Rei-chan> "Crap," Rei mutters. "Looks like they're onto us."
[14:03] <Ami> "It would seem that way. Now what?"
[14:03] <Prince_Herb> "I doubt they can trace the Mercury computer, but we'd better start moving before they can act." Herb says.
[14:04] * Usagi-chan glances between her companions. "Do we go to this Tellu's place now, or should we wait?"
[14:05] <Rei-chan> "Might be a good idea to go now. Eudial and I will get her out of the house, and then Sailor Moon will hit her with a Moon Healing Escalation?" Rei suggests.
[14:05] <Usagi-chan> "Sounds like a good plan to me... the rest of you guys can wait nearby in case something goes wrong, I guess." Usagi nods.
[14:05] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial nods in agreement. "It sounds good."
[14:06] <Ami> "What about your mother?" AMi asks.
[14:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> "She's not at Mugen today," Eudial says again. "She's probably at home or at the shop," she shrugs.
[14:09] <Usagi-chan> "We can check up on her after we take care of Tellu."
[14:09] <Rei-chan> "Okay, um..." Rei blushes slightly, "Before we leave, just give me a second to get changed." She then retreats to her room.
[14:09] * Ami brings up a map and locates Lulu's address.
[14:09] <Sailor_Anastasia> It's about twelve miles away, in a residential part of Tokyo. With the weather as is... it would be a hellish walk or long run.
[14:09] * Usagi-chan jumps up and follows Rei. "Hold on a minute, Rei-chan!"
[14:10] <Rei-chan> "Huh?" Rei pauses at the door.
[14:10] <Usagi-chan> "I did mean to ask you about that... what's up with your outfit?" Usagi asks.
[14:11] <Rei-chan> "It..." Rei reddens a bit, "We all wear stuff like this... I wanted to fit in..." she mutters.
[14:12] * Usagi-chan blushes slightly, glancing over at Eudial. "I can, um, kinda see that." She pauses for a moment. "But... if that's what you usually wear to school, wouldn't it be a good idea to keep it on if you're meeting one of the other Witches?"
[14:14] <Rei-chan> "Uh... I dunno... we only dress like this at school." She looks at Eudial, "Do you think Tellu would really care how I was dressed?"
[14:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I doubt she'd be wearing her outfit at home," she says back, shrugging. "I was going to ask if you had something warmer to wear, Rei," she goes on.
[14:16] * Rei-chan nods. "You're a bit taller than me, but I think I'll have something you can borrow. Come on," she resumes heading towards her room.
[14:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial follows, commenting quietly to Rei that she has a nice room as they enter.
[14:18] * Usagi-chan nods to Rei, going back to sit down with the other girls. She gives the miko one last look just before she steps out of the room, then turns back to the discussion at hand.
[14:20] <Rei-chan> "Thanks," Rei shrugs, pulling out a black sweater and jogging pants for Eudial, both of which are slightly baggy on herself, so should fit the older girl. Quickly stripping off her own outfit, she puts on a pair of jeans and a tight red turtleneck, admiring how it looks in the mirror with her hair back to normal.
[14:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial carefully takes off her Witch outfit, changing into the warmer clothing before going back out.
[14:21] * Rei-chan heads back to the living room with Eudial.
[14:21] <Makoto> "Okay, so we're off to see this Tellu now, then?" Makoto asks.
[14:23] <Ami> "Yes. Her house is some twelve or so miles away from here. Not too far, really," Ami says.
[14:24] <Rei-chan> "Not if we take the bus," Rei nods, wishing they'd thought to drive out of Mugen in Eudial's car this morning.
[14:24] <Usagi-chan> "Twelve miles?" Usagi groans. "I hope the buses are running today, I sure don't want to walk that far."
[14:24] <Ami> "Herb, want to drive us?" Ami asks.
[14:25] <Rei-chan> "Uh... Ami-chan... you've seen Herb's car, right?"
[14:26] <Prince_Herb> "Ferrari doesn't make buses." Herb says.   "It could get four in, at a squeeze."
[14:26] <Prince_Herb> "We'd be better taking the underground by far."
[14:27] * Rei-chan shrugs, "Bus, subway. Makes no difference to me."
[14:27] <Sailor_Anastasia> "You have a Ferrari," Eudial asks, quite interested in that tidbit. "What model?"
[14:27] <Sailor_Anastasia> Her eyes lock onto Herb with a strange enthusaism, a grin playing across her face.
[14:28] <Prince_Herb> "It's an F355 Spider. 3.5 litre V8 engine..."
[14:29] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Ooooh," she says, hooked, next asking about the horsepower while leaving the other girls rather lost in the conversation.
[14:29] * Rei-chan edges away from Eudial, her eyebrow twitching slightly.
[14:29] * Usagi-chan glances over at Rei. "Will this take long? We should probably get going..."
[14:29] * Prince_Herb fills Eudial in on the technical specifications..."268 foot pounds torque at 6 000 rpm..."
[14:30] <Rei-chan> "You're right," Rei nods, sticking her fingers in her mouth and whistling loudly.
[14:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> "You'll HAVE to show that to me," she euthuses, before the whistle gets her attention. "Huh, Rei?"
[14:30] * Usagi-chan wiggles a finger in her ear, wincing a little. "Remind me to stand back a little the next time you do that, Pyro."
[14:31] <Rei-chan> "You guys can discuss cars as we head there. We're leaving, now," Rei informs them, ignoring Usagi's jibe.
[14:31] <Prince_Herb> "Eh, oh, sorry..." Herb says. "If you want, we can go out to an old airbase I know, and pu

[14:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[14:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> Roughtly an hour later, you are dropped off near Tellu's street. Another band of dark clouds have moved in, spitting more ice in this vicious March ice storm.
[14:33] * Rei-chan extends her senses towards 2310 Hime Road, just in case Tellu has any evil mutant plants in the garden.
[14:33] * Usagi-chan wraps her arms around herself, staunchly refusing to complain despite her lack of a coat in the icy weather.
[14:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> It's a decently nice residential area here, full of houses that speak of good money. Walking down the street, you come to Tellu's house in short order. It's... something of a sight to see.
[14:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> The front of the house is normal, but the back two-thirds have been converted to a giant greenhouse, taking up most of the back lawn and butting into an empty lot behind it.
[14:37] <Usagi-chan> "Wow... she really DOES love plants, doesn't she?" Usagi stares at the massive greenhouse.
[14:38] <Makoto> ".....ooooooh," Makoto states, looking at the greenhouse.
[14:38] <Ami> "Down girl," Ami jests at Makoto.
[14:38] * Rei-chan looks around for a place Sailor Moon can transform and hide, while trying to sense Tellu's location inside the house.
[14:38] * Usagi-chan also looks around for a good place to transform.
[14:40] <Sailor_Anastasia> There are some trees about, and no one is out in this weather. It looks fairly safe.
[14:41] * Usagi-chan nods. "Okay, I'm getting ready." With one last glance around to make sure no one is looking, Usagi calls out the words of her transformation. "Moon Prism Power, Make UP!"
[14:42] <Rei-chan> "Okay, the rest of you stay out of sight unless we need you," Rei turns to Eudial, "Well, shall we go drop in on our 'colleague'?"
[14:43] * Sailor_Moon extends her hand, pulling the Lunar Rod out of storage and concealing herself beside the house's front gate. "Just tell me when, Rei-chan. Ready when you are."
[14:43] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yeah," she nods simply. "Let's get rid of this damn mind washing."
[14:43] * Rei-chan walks into the garden and up to the front door, before ringing the doorbell.
[14:44] * Ami ducks out of sight.
[14:45] * Makoto likewise moves out of sight
[14:45] <Sailor_Anastasia> A chime is heard... then nothing for several seconds... then nothing for several more.
[14:45] * Rei-chan rings the doorbell again.
[14:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> The chime sounds again. After about ten more seconds, you see the door crack open. "What do you want, Eudial," Tellu asks from behind the door. "I'm busy right now."
[14:47] <Rei-chan> "The Professor wanted us to deliver some seeds to you, Tellu," Rei blatantly lies.
[14:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Seeds? Fine," she says, unlatching the door and opening it wide. She's wearing a short-sleeved green shirt and shorts, versus her normal Witch garb.
[14:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> You can feel the heat coming from her house.
[14:50] <Rei-chan> 'Now, Usagi!' Rei mentally yells, grabbing Tellu by her arms and yanking her out the doorway.
[14:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> "What? Gah!" Tellu shouts. "What the hell are you doing, Rei?"
[14:50] * Sailor_Moon springs out of her hiding place near the gate to the yard, executing the motion for her attack. "Moon Healing Escalation!"
[14:50] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[14:50] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[14:50] <Rei-chan> "You'll thank me in a minute," Rei replies, holding Tellu securely.
[14:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> The Healing Escalation surges forth, washing over Tellu, Rei and Eudial. Tellu lets forth an inhuman screech, almost like a bird's, as her aura shudders. The green haired girl falls straight to her knees after it, eyes open and stunned.
[14:52] * Sailor_Moon studies Tellu's aura as the magic fades away, looking for any signs of the blurriness she noted in both Rei's and Eudial's auras before.
[14:53] * Rei-chan kneels down next to Tellu, waiting for her to process what just happened, since she remembers how disoriented she was right after breaking the brainwashing.
[14:53] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial does the same on the other side, with much the same thought as Rei.
[14:53] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Hey, are you alright," she asks of the plantromancer.
[14:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Uhhhh..." she moans deeply, her eyes blinking. "Whaa... what... that..." she goes through each word slowly, like she's a robot fighting the crushing grip of rust.
[14:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> Usagi - The blurriness around her head is fading away now.
[14:55] <Rei-chan> "We just removed the mental control the Professor put on you," Rei says with a small smile. "Your mind is your own, now."
[14:55] * Sailor_Moon lets out a sigh, nodding as she walks towards the green-haired woman. "Are you all right?"
[14:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> "The Professor," she says, oddly. "That... that injection..."  she staggers on verbally, like she's in shock.
[14:57] <Rei-chan> "Yeah," Rei nods slowly. "To make you into the Mistress' willing servant. The same as he did to us."
[14:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> She nods. "What... he did. I remember that now..." she's still flailing verbally, her face now a mask of horrified confusion.
[14:59] * Sailor_Moon reaches out, putting a hand on Tellu's shoulder. "It's okay now... you're free of it." She smiles gently, trying to reassure the girl.
[14:59] <Rei-chan> "Come on," Rei helps Tellu to her feet. "Let's get inside so you can sit more comfortably. I know how confused you must feel right now."
[15:00] <Sailor_Moon> 'Do you want me in there, Rei?' Moon asks mentally.
[15:00] <Rei-chan> 'If you don't mind. She'll probably be curious as to how you were here to begin with,' Rei replies.
[15:01] * Sailor_Moon nods. 'I'll tell the others to wait out here, it probably wouldn't help to have us all try to cram into her house.' Turning her thoughts to her other friends, she broadcasts the message. 'We're going to get Tellu settled inside her house - probably be better if you guys wait out here for now. We'll try not to be too long.'
[15:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> With Eudial's help, Rei gets the stunned Witch to her feet and inside. The front room is also a simple living room, with a plant motif and a few couches.
[15:02] <Ami> 'Try to see if she knows where any of the others live if you can,' Ami sends back.
[15:03] <Makoto> 'Alright, Usagi,' Makoto sends back in acknowledgement.
[15:03] * Sailor_Moon follows the three former Witches into the house, closing the door behind her. 'Will do, Ami.'
[15:03] <Rei-chan> "How are you feeling now, Tellu?" Rei asks gently.
[15:04] <Sailor_Anastasia> Tellu stumbles to the nearest couch, sitting down with a plop. It's very warm in here, almost balmy. The faint scent of earth and plants fills the room.
[15:04] <Sailor_Anastasia> "My head is pounding," she murmurs, "like a migraine."
[15:04] <Rei-chan> "Do you want me to get you a glass of water?"
[15:06] * Sailor_Moon stands at the edge of the room, studying Tellu's aura as the last of the brainwashing fades away.
[15:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I'm alright," she says quietly. Her aura is now almost back to normal. She has magical skills, not on the level of Eudial or to be a Neptune canidate, but she's gifted in her areas.
[15:07] <Rei-chan> "You'll probably be wanting an explanation," Rei muses, wondering how best to break this. "Have you ever thought about why the Mistress wanted those Talismans? Why they were so important?"
[15:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> She shakes her head tiredly, leaning back and then looking up. "Not really," she says.
[15:10] * Rei-chan nods. "It's an obvious question, but one we never thought to ask ourselves. But recently, I've started to wonder. And I've talked to Eudial about my doubts... The Professor used that injection to keep us loyal, and to keep us from questioning him or the Mistress. But we broke free of that control this morning, and I think I know why the Mistress wants the Talismans..."
[15:11] <Sailor_Anastasia> Tellu takes it all in, sighing. "When you said that, it made perfect sense," she says mournfully. "Why didn't I think of that?"
[15:12] <Sailor_Anastasia> "It's part of the programming," Eudial says, looking a bit down herself. "I never thought of it either until near the end."
[15:13] <Rei-chan> "Don't feel bad," Rei says softly, "We were all taken in so easily by it... I had a vision last night - I sometimes get prophecies. And I saw what the Mistress wants. If she gets the Talismans, it means the end of the world. I can't imagine why she would want that, but it seems to be the case. That vision was enough to help me break free of the mental control at last."
[15:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> "You're serious?" Tellu asks, shocked and stunned. "Like Armageddon?"
[15:14] * Rei-chan nods. "The end of everything. The world would be nothing but a dead wasteland," she says, completely serious.
[15:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I was working for that end..." she says softly, looking at the wood inlaid floor. "I made all my plants for that..." she sniffles, a tear running down her face, then another and another...
[15:16] * Rei-chan puts a hand on Tellu's shoulder. "I know. It hurts. But you can't blame yourself. You weren't in control of your actions, even if it felt like it. And we're going to make sure they don't get away with it."
[15:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> The purified Witch merely cries softly, her shoulders heaving up and down.
[15:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial closes her own eyes, a pained expression on her face. Her posture slumps a bit, too.
[15:21] <Sailor_Moon> "Hey, you guys, don't get down on yourselves too much." Sailor Moon speaks up. "The end of the world isn't here yet, and none of you are working for that terrible Mistress person anymore. She can still be stopped." The senshi puts on a confident smile.
[15:23] <Rei-chan> "It still doesn't change what we did," Rei says softly. "This isn't something that can be forgotten easily. It just needs time..."
[15:24] <Sailor_Anastasia> "You're right, Sailor Moon, but...." Eudial trails off, eyes still closed. "Let's just stop them first."
[15:25] <Sailor_Anastasia> Tellu sniffles, then looks up. As if seeing her for the first time, her eyes go stark wide. "Sailor Moon?"
[15:25] * Sailor_Moon can't help but grin slightly. "That would be me."
[15:27] <Sailor_Anastasia> "You got rid of that taint on me," she asks, her voice still wobbly with tears and sorrow.
[15:27] * Sailor_Moon nods. "I did, and I'm going to get rid of it on all the other Witches too if I can."
[15:28] <Rei-chan> "She will. She's good at that," Rei gives Tellu an encouraging smile.
[15:29] <Sailor_Anastasia> She rises, still teary faced. With simple dignity, she bows. "Thank you, Sailor Moon."
[15:29] * Sailor_Moon returns the bow, shaking her head as she stands. "You don't need to thank me, Tellu. I was happy to help you."
[15:31] <Rei-chan> "We're going to try and get the other Witches in their homes before we deal with the Professor and Mistress at Mugen. That's easier than having to deal with everyone at the school, but we were only able to get your address before Viluy locked us out of the computer system..." Rei says to Tellu, hoping she might be able to volunteer something.
[15:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> "So was I," The redheaded Witch of the group comments, smiling. "The Professor used us....will you help us stop him for good?"
[15:32] * Sailor_Moon nods. "If you know where any of the other Witches live, it would really help us out. It'll be a lot easier to purify them at home than trying to charge into Mugen."
[15:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I'm sorry," she says quietly. "I don't know where any of them live... and I'm not any good without my plants," she goes on. "I doubt I could help you if you fight the Professor."
[15:33] * Sailor_Moon smiles. "That's all right... knowing you're back to being yourself is enough."
[15:33] <Rei-chan> "Yeah," Rei says, recalling the green-haired girl's power reading. "Just so long as you're okay, that's enough for us."
[15:34] <Sailor_Anastasia> She looks away, sighing. "Rei... Eudial... after how I treated you, you still helped me?" she asks.
[15:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Even after all that... you're happy enough just to save me." she shakes her head. "Just promise me you'll help the others."
[15:35] <Rei-chan> "Come on," Rei says, chuckling, "You weren't anywhere near as bad as Mimette or Kaolinite. And we will do everything we can to help the others." She shakes her head, looking sombre, "No one should have to live with their thoughts compromised like that."
[15:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> She nods, managing to finally look up. Her face is sad, but at least peaceful now. "Are you going back to Mugen?"
[15:37] <Rei-chan> "Since we have no idea where we could find the others, it might be our only option right now," Rei says, nodding.
[15:38] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Hold on, then," she says, getting up. She goes out of the room, and comes back a few minutes later with a keycard. "This will open the back doors of the greenhouse," she says, "if you need another way in."
[15:39] <Rei-chan> "Thanks," Rei says gratefully as she accepts the card. "It could come in handy."
[15:40] <Rei-chan> "Well, we're going now." Rei stands up, "You take care of yourself, Tellu."
[15:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I will. Thank you...all of you," she smiles shyly. "I owe you a ton for today."
[15:41] * Sailor_Moon nods to the green-haired former Witch. "Good luck, Tellu." She offers a friendly wave as she heads to the door.
[15:42] <Rei-chan> 'I just hope the rest of them go so easily...' Rei thinks as she departs.
[15:42] <Sailor_Anastasia> Once outside, the other girls are still waiting for Usagi, Rei and Eudial.
[15:43] * Sailor_Moon regroups with the others outside. "Looks like we're headed to Mugen, guys." She sighs slightly. "The only question I have is, what are we going to do when we get there?"
[15:43] <Ami> "What do we normally do when we 'get there'?" Ami asks, a small smile on her lips.
[15:44] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I hope it involves stringing Tomoe up by that tie he wears," Eudial comments darkly.
[15:45] <Rei-chan> "If he's just the Mistress' dupe like the rest of us, he can be purified." Rei reminds Eudial. "Viluy and Mimette are probably the only ones there right now, and they might have even left already, but I bet Kaolinite and Cyprine could show up in a hurry if needed..." Rei says, pursing her lips thoughtfully.
[15:45] <Sailor_Moon> "Is there any chance we could get inside and on one of the computers there? Maybe we could get the rest of the information we need that way."
[15:46] <Ami> "I'm sure we could pull that off," Ami says, looking away.
[15:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> "If we haven't been found out yet, getting inside would be easy," Eudial says. "If we have been... it's not good," Eudial finally finishes.
[15:46] * Rei-chan nods. "That's the thing, and we won't know if we've been found out until it's too late."
[15:47] * Sailor_Moon sighs. "That's what I was afraid of... this could either be really easy or really hard."
[15:47] <Ami> "Should we try multiple points of entry?"
[15:48] <Rei-chan> "There are lots of different access points," Rei nods, "But I don't like splitting up. What if some of us run into one of the Witches? Only Sailor Moon can purify them."
[15:49] * Sailor_Moon sighs. "And only Rei and Eudial know their way around enough inside the school to figure out where to go. That stupid place is like a maze."
[15:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial ndos agreement. "It was built that way, especially on the lower levels where the Professor keeps his labs and equipment."
[15:49] <Rei-chan> "Come on, we'll go to Mugen, and see what it looks like from outside before we decide what to do," Rei suggests.
[15:49] <Ami> "If the group without Sailor Moon encounters trouble they run. Simple, really."
[15:50] <Sailor_Moon> "Let's just get to Mugen and we can decide what to do from there." Glancing around to make sure no one is watching, Usagi releases her transformation.
[15:51] <Prince_Herb> "Do you think my SEP field would work inside the building?" Herb asks. "It's not magic, as such."
[15:51] <Rei-chan> "What field?" Rei blinks at Herb in confusion.
[15:54] <Prince_Herb> "My Somebody Else's Problem field; I use my ki to cloak myself..."
[15:55] <Prince_Herb> "I've used it to sneak about before."
[15:55] <Rei-chan> "If it only hides you, there isn't much point unless you're travelling alone," Rei points out. "We're not going in blind and exploring, we know exactly where we're headed, so there isn't much reason to split up."
[15:56] <Prince_Herb> "Except to surprise someone, that is."
[15:56] <Prince_Herb> "Well, all right. Let's go and see what happens."
[15:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> ----
[15:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> Going up to Mugen, it's still icing like hell. The trees creak under the weight of the weather, and the just-getting-going cherry trees are suffering like mad. It's a shame, really.
[15:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> The building is quiet in the mid-afternoon now, with no bustling activity.
[15:58] * Usagi-chan tries to see if she can sense any powerful energy signatures in the building from outside.
[15:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Soul check. +3 was the mod last time, wasn't it?
[15:59] <Usagi-chan> roll 2d6+3
[15:59] * Musk-bot --> "Usagi-chan rolls 2d6+3 and gets 11."
[15:59] <Sailor_Anastasia> Simmering inside like a boil, you sense 3 strong auras. All are exceptionally powerful...
[16:00] * Usagi-chan frowns. "Three really strong people inside right now, but just three. I can't tell any more than that from here though."
[16:00] * Rei-chan tries to sense into the building to identify the three auras Usagi spoke of.
[16:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Soul check. +3
[16:03] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6+3
[16:03] * Musk-bot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6+3 and gets 10."
[16:04] <Sailor_Anastasia> Rei senses out. Below is Kaolinite, the Professor, and Cyprine/Ptilol. The Professor's aura is somewhat unbound... it's surprising how much energy is in it, it's rivalling Kaolinite's.
[16:05] <Rei-chan> "It's the Professor, Kaolinite, and the twins," Rei sighs, "Just had to be the toughest, didn't it... From what I can tell, the Professor seems really pissed. His aura is flaring up like I've never seen it before."
[16:06] * Usagi-chan looks grim. "I'll bet he knows then... well, it's up to you two. If you don't want to risk going inside, we can try watching the school for a while I guess."
[16:06] <Rei-chan> "No, that just gives them longer to prepare," Rei shakes her head. "I say we go in and get it over with."
[16:07] * Usagi-chan nods. "All right... how do you want to do this then?"
[16:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial nods. "Let's end this, then. Before anyone else gets stuck in it."
[16:09] <Rei-chan> "I say we use the tunnels to sneak up from that direction. If we have to fight, the rest of us will try to distract the Witches so Usagi can purify them," Rei suggests.
[16:10] * Usagi-chan glances around at the other senshi. "Probably best if we go in ready to fight then... no sense in wasting time transforming when we're already in trouble."
[16:11] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, there's a tunnel entrance nearby we can use. We'll transform there," Rei says.
[16:11] * Ami nods. "I'm ready."
[16:11] <Makoto> "So we're going in guns blazing?" Makoto says, cracking her knuckles.
[16:12] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Same here," Eudial nods too. "We'll burn this place to the ground in time for dinner," she grins a bit.
[16:12] <Rei-chan> "Try not to hurt anyone if you can avoid it," Rei reminds Makoto, "We want to help them, remember? And hopefully get them on our side for when we take on the Mistress."
[16:12] <Usagi-chan> "All right, Rei-chan, lead the way." Usagi nods to the raven-haired priestess.
[16:13] * Rei-chan leads everyone to a tunnel entrance she used for driving out of the school.
[16:14] <Usagi-chan> Once inside the tunnel entrance and out of sight of the street. Usagi closes her eyes. "Moon Prism Power, Make UP!" Ribbons and feathers fly as the odangoed blonde transforms into Sailor Moon!
[16:15] * Prince_Herb calls out "Dragon Prism Power Makeup!" and transforms into the silken-thighed fighter for love and justice, Sailor Dragon!
[16:15] * Makoto nods at Rei's reminder, as she raises her pen in the tunnel. "Jupiter Power, Make UP!"
[16:16] * Rei-chan holds her pen aloft, crying out "Mars Power, Make UP!" as rings of flame swirl around her, leaving her clothed once more in her distinctive sailor suit.
[16:17] * Ami throws a hand heavenward, crying out "Mercury Power, Make UP!" as water swirls around her, transforming her into the senshi of Wisdom, Sailor Mercury!
[16:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial watches the transformation with wide eyes. "Wow... Rei?" she asks. "You do know you just flashed me, right?"
[16:18] * Sailor_Mars stumbles out of her confident post transformation pose. "Wha?"
[16:18] * Sailor_Dragon blushes
[16:18] <Sailor_Anastasia> "When you transformed, you're naked for a few seconds," she comments. "All of you are to a degree."
[16:19] <Sailor_Dragon> "I'm glad you weren't looking at me, then..." Herb says, crimson-faced
[16:19] * Sailor_Mercury shrugs. "It isn't as though many people get to see us transform."
[16:19] * Sailor_Moon blushes. "Oh man... thank god we never do that in public then." Usagi makes a face.
[16:19] <Sailor_Mars> "I never noticed..." Rei says, putting a hand over her crotch and her forearm across her chest.
[16:21] * Sailor_Moon sighs. "Are you ready for this yourself, Eudial?"
[16:21] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial shakes her head. "Nevermind... and I'm ready," she says, whipping out her Fire Buster.
[16:22] <Sailor_Mars> "Right, let's go," Rei says, leading the way down the tunnel towards Mugen itself.
[16:22] * Sailor_Moon walks beside Rei. "Who's closest to us? All I can tell is that there are strong auras somewhere, not who they are."
[16:23] <Sailor_Anastasia> The tunnels are cold concrete, and rather dim. Despite this, you quickly reach a keycard door in the wall, which promises to lead inside. A swipe of Eudial's card causes the sturdy metal door to swing open noiselessly...
[16:24] <Sailor_Mars> "They were all pretty close to each other," Rei replies. "Probably in the lab getting yelled at by the Professor..."
[16:24] <Sailor_Moon> "All right then, where are WE headed?" Moon asks.
[16:25] <Sailor_Anastasia> "We aren't all that far from the Professor's lab," Eudial says quietly.
[16:26] * Sailor_Mars nods. "Try to hit one of the twins with a Moon Healing Escalation first. I bet if you get one it'll disorient the other a fair bit so you can get the other. The two are very strongly linked."
[16:26] * Sailor_Moon nods. "I'll do my best... it'll probably help if you can distract the other one while I try it."
[16:27] <Sailor_Mars> "They fight as a pair, so it'll be tough to separate them. But I can do it," Rei says grimly.
[16:27] <Sailor_Jupiter> "You have backup, Rei, don't forget," Jupiter states.
[16:28] <Sailor_Mars> "Yeah," Rei nods to Makoto, "They aren't the only ones who know about teamwork."
[16:28] * Sailor_Mercury summons the computer and visor and begins scanning their surrounding area.
[16:29] * Sailor_Moon stays alert, watching and listening for any sign of approach.
[16:29] <Sailor_Anastasia> Mercury - There seems to be a large cluster of underground rooms, as well as lots of machinery about.
[16:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> The hallways you pass through are very dark and shadowy, with strange capsules of water, like you'd see a creature held in in a movie. You can't make out what's in there, but the vague shadows show that each one is filled.
[16:32] <Sailor_Mercury> "Any idea what these are?" Ami says, gesturing toward the capsules while scanning them.
[16:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> Mercury - There are faint, inhuman life signs coming from the pods. They're at some level of being alive, and they aren't human.
[16:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> "They're the tubes that daimons are grown in," Eudial says grimly. "Each one contains a partially grown monster."
[16:33] * Sailor_Moon frowns at Eudial's words.
[16:34] <Sailor_Mars> "We'll take care of them after we deal with the Professor and the others," Rei says grimly, continuing onwards to the lab.
[16:35] * Sailor_Mercury continues forward.
[16:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> Through a final, wide door, you enter into what should be the lab. It's pitch black inside, though, except for a man sitting a goodly ways away. Professor Tomoe sits, the only light in the room coming from him. His shadowy mask is gone, his normal face highly amused. "Welcome, Eudial," he grins madly, his voice underlaid by something darker. "Welcome, Sailor Moon!"
[16:38] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Professor," Eudial snarls, pointing her Flame Buster at him. You can feel anger flowing off the former Witch in waves.
[16:38] <Sailor_Anastasia> Rei - You can sense the other two in the darkness, but not quite where they are. They're probably behind the Professor, though.
[16:39] * Sailor_Moon narrows her eyes. "Professor Tomoe, I take it?"
[16:39] * Sailor_Mercury scans the professor.
[16:39] <Sailor_Mars> "We won't let your Mistress destroy the Earth, Professor!" Mars yells angrily.
[16:40] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Germatou, actually," it says, chuckling darkly. "Servant to Pharaoh 90, at your service," A flash of its old humor shines through...
[16:40] <Sailor_Anastasia> Mercury - The Professor has a daimonic entity inside of him.
[16:40] <Sailor_Mars> "Pharaoh..." Rei whispers, remembering that single word briefly flashing in her vision.
[16:41] <Sailor_Mercury> "Watch it guys. He's got one of those things in him," Mercury warns.
[16:41] <Sailor_Moon> "The only service you can do for me is to go back to wherever it was you came from, mister." Moon glares at the man.
[16:42] <Sailor_Anastasia> In response to that, it bends over in it's chair, laughing heartily. There isn't any comfort in its amusement, only a chilling and scary void. "I must admit, neither I or the Pharaoh ever imagined you'd be this good or this quick at interfering with us."
[16:44] * Sailor_Moon grins wryly. "Sorry to burst your bubble then, but there's no way we're going to let you continue what it is you're up to."
[16:44] <Sailor_Mars> "Why do you want to do this?" Mars demands, taking a  step closer. "Why destroy everything?"
[16:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I thought so," it grins. "Fine then. You win," he says, laughing again. "Mugen is yours... the Pharaoh has all the time in the world to find the Talismans," he says. Giggling, he addresses Rei. "Wouldn't you like to know," he taunts. "No matter. I'm afraid the Pharaoh has another booking for me now... but do enjoy the parting gift I'm leaving you."
[16:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> The Professor's body jerks a moment, and slumps forward on the floor. The feeling of the daimon possessing him is gone all at once to Rei and Usagi, but the two Witches are still here. With a flash, the lights turn on brightly, flooding the room with white light.
[16:48] * Sailor_Mars blinks repeatedly, quickly adjusting to the new light level.
[16:48] * Sailor_Moon squints, shielding her eyes against the brightness as her eyes adjust.
[16:48] * Sailor_Jupiter likewise blinks, wincing a bit from the change, and states, "...wait, was that it?" somewhat confusedly.
[16:48] <Sailor_Moon> 'Stay on your toes, guys... this isn't over yet.'
[16:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> The room is now empty, you notice, all the equipment of the Professor's gone. A bit behind where the Professor lies slumped are Kaolinite and the Twins. "Traitorous bitch," Kaolinite hisses when she sees Eudial. "Yes," Cyprine agrees. "You've quite angered the Mistress," Ptilol chimes in.
[16:50] <Sailor_Mars> "Stop it!" Rei cries, "Why do you care what the Mistress thinks? She wants to destroy everything!"
[16:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> "She's going to kill you all if she gets what she wants," Eudial shouts. "What good does that do you?"
[16:51] * Sailor_Moon looks back and forth between the three women carefully, trying to gauge their strength.
[16:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Such disrespect," Cyprine tsks. "It is what the Mistress wants... so she shall get it!"
[16:53] <Sailor_Anastasia> Moon - All three are very powerful. Together, this could be a hellish battle.
[16:53] <Sailor_Mars> "You'd die for her?!" Rei says in disbelief. "Why? Why is she so important? Why do you care so much about someone who would throw your life away in an instant?"
[16:54] <Sailor_Mercury> 'Any ideas, Usagi? I don't think they're going to give us much chance to purge them all.'
[16:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> Raising her hand, a small blast of red energy lands just in front of Rei, burning the floor a bit. "Enough, you bitch," she cries out. "Enough with your disrespect for the Mistress!"
[16:55] <Sailor_Moon> 'I'm checking them out now... hold on a second.' Moon begins to look at the three for signs of their brainwashing, to see if it's the same as what Rei, Eudial, and Tellu all had.
[16:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> Usagi - You can see it around the twins, but not around Kaolinite.
[16:55] <Sailor_Mars> "You'll be saying differently in a minute," Rei swears, readying herself for the upcoming battle.
[16:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - I'd consider initiative rolls now.
[16:55] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 1d6
[16:55] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 1d6 and gets 4."
[16:56] <Sailor_Mars> roll 1d6+10
[16:56] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 1d6+10 and gets 13."
[16:56] <Sailor_Moon> roll 1d6+12
[16:56] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 1d6+12 and gets 16."
[16:56] <Sailor_Mercury> roll 1d6+9
[16:56] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Mercury rolls 1d6+9 and gets 10."
[16:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[16:56] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 1."
[16:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[16:56] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 5."
[16:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[16:56] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 6."
[16:59] <Sailor_Jupiter> roll 1d6+13
[16:59] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 1d6+13 and gets 16."
[17:02] <Sailor_Jupiter> From what she recalled of those power levels in Mercury's computer, Jupiter decides that lowering her power might be a bad idea, and so as she looks towards the Twins, she aims at one of them while calling up her attack. "Supreme Thunder Dragon!"
[17:03] <Sailor_Jupiter> roll 2d6
[17:03] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[17:04] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[17:04] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 3."
[17:05] <Sailor_Anastasia> The lighnting flies forth, but Ptilol merely laughs. Turning in tandem, Cyprine catches the attack in her right hand, the energy going harmlessly into her!
[17:06] <Sailor_Jupiter> 'Well this is going to suck...' Jupiter thinks with a grimace, realizing that even with no kid gloves this is going to be hard.
[17:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Traitor to the Mistress and the Professor!" Kaolinite turns at Eudial, eyes blazing. "My Buster shall be your ticket to hell!" she cries. Raising her hand, a massive red ball forms and flies for Eudial, compacted energy aimed at the Witch!
[17:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[17:06] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[17:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[17:06] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 3."
[17:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Whoa!" Eudial cries, diving to the right, out of the path of the ball. It crashes into a wall, leaving a large circular hole where it did.
[17:09] <Sailor_Anastasia> Glaring up at Kaolinite and then back at the wall, Eudial fixes her eyes on the Witch. "You're going down for that!"
[17:10] * Sailor_Dragon wonders just how much of the school will survive these kind of attacks. "Dragon Spirit Attack!" she calls out, testing out Kaolinite's defences with a low-level attack
[17:10] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 2d6
[17:10] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[17:10] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[17:10] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[17:11] * Sailor_Moon watches Cyprine absorb Makoto's attack. 'Rei, do you think you can distract the Twins with an attack so I can try to hit them with purification?'
[17:11] <Sailor_Anastasia> The black clad Witch blinks a moment as the attack passes by where she was, reappearing after it's safely past!
[17:11] <Sailor_Mars> 'Not a problem,' Mars replies, grinning.
[17:12] * Sailor_Dragon scowls, but was expecting something of the sort
[17:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> Still entwined together, the two twins speak as one. "Prepare yourself for the Twin Buster!" they chorus, a ball of red energy coming from Ptilol and a ball of blue coming from Cyprine! One hurtles at Sailor Jupiter, and the other at Eudial! (Blue at Jupiter, red at Eudial.)
[17:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[17:13] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 2."
[17:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[17:13] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[17:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[17:13] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 1."
[17:13] <Sailor_Jupiter> roll 2d6
[17:13] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[17:14] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6+2
[17:14] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6+2 and gets 9."
[17:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> Sprinting backwards quickly, Sailor Jupiter dodges the vicious attack as it turns a large section of the floor to a melted mess. However, Eudial is not so lucky, the ball slamming right into her and propelling her into the wall!
[17:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> "AAAAAAAAHHHH!" Eudial cries in agony as she hits the back wall, landing hard.
[17:16] <Sailor_Mars> "Eudial!" Mars cries in alarm, turning to glare at the twins. 'One distraction, coming right up!' "Fire," she holds up her clasped hands, index fingers pointed outwards, "SOUL!" she cries, spraying a stream of flame at the entwined Twins.
[17:16] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6
[17:16] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[17:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[17:17] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 3."
[17:18] <Sailor_Anastasia> This time, they merely just evade the attack, laughing together. "Nothing to us! Nothing!"
[17:18] * Sailor_Moon times her attack carefully, releasing it as the twins slide out of the way of Mars' fireball. "Moon Healing Escalation!" Waves of sparkling energy stream from the end of the Lunar Rod towards the entwined girls!
[17:19] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[17:19] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[17:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[17:19] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[17:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> Cyprine spins, holding out her hand as if to take the purification to stop it. But at the last moment, her eyes widen hugely, unable to react when she realises what it is! The light pours over both of them...
[17:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> The two buckle and twist in the light...
[17:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Usagi, make a Soul check.
[17:26] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[17:26] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 12."
[17:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> The light clears for a moment, the Twins a bit stunned but still alright. "You dirty brat," Ptilol shouts, "Trying something like that on the both of us!"
[17:28] <Sailor_Mars> "Trying to help you see that you don't have to be slaves to the Mistress, you mean?" Mars asks, confused as to why it didn't work.
[17:30] <Sailor_Mercury> Picking her first target, Cyprine, Mercury crosses her arms, light coalescing into a sphere a hand's breath from her skin. She throws her arms open, the sphere exploding into a freezing shower of water racing toward her prey!
[17:30] <Sailor_Mercury> "Shabon Spray Freezing!"
[17:30] <Sailor_Mercury> roll 2d6
[17:30] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Mercury rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[17:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> The attack blows a thin, weak bit of ice and mist around, of little use in the brightly lit room!
[17:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial, meanwhile, begins to stagger to her feet, moaning.
[17:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Initiative.
[17:32] <Sailor_Mars> roll 1d6+10
[17:32] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 1d6+10 and gets 14."
[17:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[17:32] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 2."
[17:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[17:32] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 5."
[17:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[17:32] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 4."
[17:33] <Sailor_Dragon> rolld 1d6+11
[17:33] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 1d6+11 and gets 14."
[17:33] <Sailor_Mercury> roll 1d6+9
[17:33] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Mercury rolls 1d6+9 and gets 11."
[17:33] <Sailor_Moon> roll 1d6+12
[17:33] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 1d6+12 and gets 18."
[17:34] <Sailor_Jupiter> roll 1d6+13
[17:34] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 1d6+13 and gets 17."
[17:42] * Sailor_Jupiter tries to hit the two Twins, seeing that Usagi and Rei had focused their efforts on them. With a shout of "Supreme Thunder!" she raises her arms as an antenna raises from her tiara.
[17:42] <Sailor_Jupiter> roll 2d6+1
[17:42] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 2d6+1 and gets 10."
[17:43] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[17:43] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 5."
[17:45] <Sailor_Anastasia> Again, the twins twist and twirl, batting away your attack like it's a bubble in the bath!
[17:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> Turning her glare on Sailor Moon, Kaolinite speaks as she aims her blast at her! "You little pest!"
[17:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[17:46] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 11."
[17:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> The blast files left, however, making another nice dent in the wall!
[17:47] * Sailor_Dragon continues her attack, reckoning that a continuous stream of Dragon Spirit Blasts are bound to impact with Kaolinite sooner or later.
[17:47] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 2d6
[17:47] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 2d6 and gets 2."
[17:48] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 1d6
[17:48] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 1d6 and gets 4."
[17:48] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[17:48] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 11."
[17:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> The Dragon Spirit flies forth, cutting into Kaolinite's gut, sending a spray of blood out as it hacks away her flesh! She gasps, holding her stomach and staggering back!
[17:50] <Sailor_Mars> Glaring at the two twins (and not seeing the gory damage inflicted on Kaolinite), Rei focuses on Cyprine, reaching out telekinetically to grab her and yank her away from Ptilol, keeping her immobilised in the air so Moon can target her easier.
[17:50] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6-4
[17:50] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6-4 and gets 5."
[17:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[17:51] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[17:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> The twins are yanked apart, Cyprine yelping in shock! The energy Usagi and Rei sense from them fades considerably when they are separated...
[17:52] <Sailor_Mars> 'Now, Usagi!'
[17:52] <Sailor_Moon> Still maintaining her attack, Moon redirects it to bear completely on the immobilized Cyprine!
[17:52] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[17:52] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[17:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> The healing washes over the twin! This time, without the boosted power of being together, she is unable to resist the Healing!
[17:53] <Sailor_Anastasia> Both twins go bolt upright, then fall to the ground without another sound!
[17:54] * Sailor_Mars gently sets Cyprine down on the ground, sensing Usagi's purifying attack do its job this time.
[17:55] <Sailor_Mercury> Once again forming the glowing Mercury shouts "Shabon Spray Freezing!", directing the icy deluge toward the wounded witch to immobilze her!
[17:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> Meanwhile, Kaolinite is nearly doubled over as she stands, blood falling in a slow stream from her midsection despite her attempts to hold it with her arm.
[17:55] <Sailor_Mercury> roll 2d6
[17:55] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Mercury rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[17:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[17:56] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[17:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> The ice coats and freeze Kaolinite, a pain shout coming from her as she falls to the ground, icy crystals of blood still falling!
[17:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial, still staggering with a nasty looking burn over her entire front which has toasted most of her clothing, still points her Fire Buster at the falling girl!
[17:59] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[17:59] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[17:59] <Sailor_Anastasia> A wave of fire comes forth from it, frying the girl right after the ice gets her! She doesn't even scream this time, knocked down and back from the blast.
[18:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> She lands face down, and does not move in the least.
[18:01] * Sailor_Moon quickly looks over at Kaolinite, trying to get a look at her aura as the blast of fire erupts from Eudial's flamethrower.
[18:01] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Got her..." Eudial mutters, before falling to her knees, the Fire Buster clattering to the floor.
[18:01] * Sailor_Mercury scans her fallen enemy quickly with the visor.
[18:01] * Sailor_Mars turns away from the twins, just in time to see Kaolinite's end.
[18:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> Usagi and Ami - Kaolinite's aura is fading, and fast. She's dying or just died.
[18:03] * Sailor_Moon moves at incredible speed, pointing her scepter at the fallen mage. "Moon Healing Escalation!" she cries out desperately, trying to keep the woman's life from leaving her entirely.
[18:03] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[18:03] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[18:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[18:03] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 5."
[18:04] <Sailor_Anastasia> The light washes over her...then fades.
[18:04] * Sailor_Moon stares, panting slightly as she looks for any signs of life at all.
[18:04] * Sailor_Mercury continues to scan.
[18:05] <Sailor_Anastasia> Seeing her now, the both of you can tell from your scans that she died moments before the healing got to her.
[18:05] * Sailor_Moon collapses on her knees, her head drooping. "No... not again..." Tears begin to seep from the corners of her eyes.
[18:06] * Sailor_Mars goes over to Sailor Moon and kneels in front of her, wrapping her arms around the blonde and offering silent comfort, not really having any words that would help her.
[18:07] * Sailor_Mercury moves to help Eudial, shaking her head sadly.
[18:07] * Sailor_Moon sobs quietly. "I'm supposed... to help people... not watch them die."
[18:07] * Sailor_Jupiter sees Rei comforting Usagi, and leaves them be, going to help Mercury check on Eudial.
[18:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial is burned badly across her front, charred skin showing second and third degree burns. Her eyes are distant, her body shaking lightly.
[18:08] <Sailor_Mars> "You did everything you could," Rei whispers, stroking Usagi's head. "No one could ask for more."
[18:08] <Sailor_Mercury> "Usagi, we need help over here," Ami calls.
[18:09] * Sailor_Mars looks over in alarm, letting go of Usagi.
[18:10] * Sailor_Moon takes a shuddering breath and climbs to her feet at Ami's words. "I'm coming, Mercury." She looks up in alarm as she sees Eudial's injuries; ignoring her feelings for the time being, she once again calls forth the healing energies of the Moon. "Moon Healing Escalation!"
[18:10] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[18:10] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 11."
[18:11] <Sailor_Anastasia> Only a few sputters of light come from the drained Usagi, only a tiny bit reaching Eudial. You don't see much, if any, improvement. The injured girl looks up, her eyes watery and foggy. "Rei...?"
[18:12] <Sailor_Mars> "I'm here, Eudial," Rei rushes over and takes her hand.
[18:12] <Sailor_Moon> "NO!" Usagi practically screams. "Not another one!" She focuses all her will on the magic, desperate for it to work as she tries to maintain the flow.
[18:12] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[18:12] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 11."
[18:12] * Sailor_Dragon touches Usa-chan to lend her power to the Queen
[18:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> Again, nothing but a few fizzles come out from Usagi...
[18:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> "It hurts, Rei..." the girl murmurs, dazedly.
[18:13] * Sailor_Moon pours the last of her strength into the wand. "Work, damn it!"
[18:13] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[18:13] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[18:14] <Sailor_Mars> "I know, Eudial. But you're going to be okay," Rei promises, sending a pleading look at Usagi.
[18:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> Finally, a gentle light comes over Eudial, slowly soothing away the burns...
[18:15] <Sailor_Dragon> "Take my energy, Moon-hime." Herb says, trying clumsily to cooperate with the Queen
[18:16] * Sailor_Mars sags in relief, watching the magic do its work. "You'll be fine, Eudial. Just rest, now," she says gently.
[18:17] * Sailor_Moon holds the healing energy as long as she possibly can, blackness creeping up the corners of her vision as the last of her strength fades.
[18:17] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[18:17] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[18:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> The burns largely heal as Sailor Moon falls to the ground, Usagi Tsukino reappearing.
[18:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> The fog vainishes from Eudial's eyes, and she blinks. "Ugh... What happened?"
[18:17] * Usagi-chan collapses to the floor with a groan, the Lunar Rod disappearing as her transformation dissipates.
[18:17] * Sailor_Mars notices Sailor Moon falling, and rushes over to her, "Usagi!" she cries in alarm, gently cradling her unconscious form.
[18:18] <Sailor_Mercury> "Usagi!" Ami cries out, scaning her vital.
[18:18] <Sailor_Anastasia> Ami - Usagi has greatly overtaxed her body and her spirit. She looks to be utterly drained.
[18:18] <Sailor_Anastasia> Ami - Her vital signs are weak, but steady.
[18:19] <Sailor_Mercury> "She'll be ok, Rei. She just needs rest," Ami says. She scans Eudial again.
[18:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Oooooh..." A moan comes from the battlefield, from Professor Tomoe who stil lays on the ground.
[18:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> Ami - Eudial is healed now, and in good health.
[18:20] <Sailor_Jupiter> Noticing that Eudial is safe, she hopes that this will allow Usagi to live better with what happened to Kaolinite.
[18:21] <Sailor_Jupiter> Hearing the professor, Jupiter moves to check on him and then the Twins if he's fine.
[18:21] * Sailor_Mars continues holding Usagi, watching the gentle rise and fall of her chest as she breathes.
[18:21] <Sailor_Jupiter> "Are you alright, Professor Tomoe?" she asks of the dazed man.
[18:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> Slowly, the man sits up and rights himself, his glasses on the ground and broken. "Hotaru?" he looks around frantically, shaking his head. "Hotaru?!"
[18:23] * Sailor_Mars looks over to see what the commotion is, showing no real desire to be seperated from Usagi right now.
[18:24] <Sailor_Dragon> "Who is Hotaru?" Sailor_Dragon asks the confused professor. "Don't worry, you're safe now."
[18:24] <Sailor_Anastasia> He reaches for his glasses and puts them on. When he does, you notice the runed lens is shattered, while the good one is still intact.
[18:24] <Sailor_Jupiter> "Hotaru? Who's Hotaru? I'll try to help you look for her," Jupiter says as she tries to calm down the professor.
[18:24] * Sailor_Mercury makes her way over to the Twins, pausing only briefly to see what the commotion is.
[18:24] * Sailor_Jupiter sincerely hopes that Hotaru wasn't Kaolinite's real name or some such.
[18:24] <Sailor_Anastasia> "She's my daughter," he says swiftly, "The Mistress 9..." he trails off.
[18:25] <Sailor_Mars> "Your daughter is the Mistress?!" Rei gasps upon hearing that.
[18:25] * Sailor_Jupiter pulls back shocked, at the statement of both the professor and Rei.
[18:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yes," he hangs his head. "The vessel of Pharaoh 90, and the Bringer of Silence."
[18:28] <Sailor_Mars> "Where is she? And where did that Germatou thing go?" Rei asks.
[18:29] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I don't know!" he cries out, still looking around frantically as he gets up. He sounds panicked.
[18:33] <Sailor_Mercury> Keeping an eye on the man, Ami scans the Twins.
[18:34] <Sailor_Jupiter> "When did you last see her," Jupiter asks, wondering if maybe the daimon's surprise had referred to the professor's daughter and not Kaolinite and the twins.
[15:44] <Sailor_Anastasia> Ami - Your scan shows that the twins are unconcious. They have stable life signs, and are in no danger.
[15:45] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Today," he says, balancing his still wobbly form. "Before you got here."
[15:47] <Sailor_Mars> "Was she here? In that room with all the stuffed toys?" Rei asks, considering the almost infintesimal chance that maybe she's still there...
[15:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial stares at the Professor the entire while at these recent revelations. "...His own daughter?..." she murmurs, echoing Rei's sentiment.
[15:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> He blinks, then breaks into a straight sprint for the back door, which you remember leading to that strange throne room of sorts.
[15:49] * Sailor_Jupiter follows after the professor.
[15:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial breaks into a run as well, chasing after the Professor as he makes speedy haste to another part of the labratory.
[15:51] * Sailor_Dragon flies after Eudial, the professor and the beautiful girl soldier Sailor_Jupiter.
[15:52] * Sailor_Mercury stays back with the others, just in case.
[15:52] * Sailor_Mars looks torn, but decides to remain where here to watch over Usagi and the Twins. Picking up the blonde, she walks over to where Cyprine and Ptliol lie, sitting down herself and watching over them so they'll have someone to answer the questions they'll no doubt have when they awaken.
[15:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[15:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> Lead by a frantic Professor Tomoe, a caravan of sprinting Sailors head through more dark passageways under Mugen. Throwing aside a final steel door, you enter into a oddly room, dimly lit and with stuffed animals all about. In the center of the room is a seat - no, a throne. It's empty, with no sign of the Mistress who reigned there just before today.
[15:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> "HOTARU," the troubled man cries, zooming up to the throne.
[15:56] * Sailor_Dragon looks at the plushies and at the throne, and then at the Professor. "There's no one here."
[15:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> He stops there, and scoops up a little thing that was left on the throne...his head is hanged and limp. "She's gone..."
[15:58] * Sailor_Dragon looks around, to see where this Hotaru could have gone.
[16:01] <Sailor_Anastasia> There is no visible trace of this Hotaru, nor are there any signs that would point to any clues.
[16:01] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial slowly walks up to the throne, looking around the room as she does so.
[16:03] * Sailor_Dragon looks at the thing that the professor is holding. "What's that, Professor?"
[16:04] <Sailor_Anastasia> She glances at the Professor, then at what he's holding. It's a girl's barette, white.
[16:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> He clutches it in his hand, looking at it with intensity.
[16:10] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Dammit... Hotaru..." he mutters, despair and quite a bit of self-loathing written into his voice.
[16:11] <Sailor_Anastasia> ----
[16:11] <Sailor_Anastasia> Meanwhile...
[16:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> In another room, almost identical room to the one where Professor Tomoe despairs over the fate of his daughter, sits Hotaru Tomoe/Mistress 9. Away from her, in the shadows, a woman chuckles. "Soon enough, Mistress. Soon enough... we have time and patience..."
[16:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> ----
[16:14] <Sailor_Anastasia> A bit later, the caravan comes back to the battle room. The Professor is holding something as he comes in, his face clearly troubled.
[16:15] * Rei-chan looks up, a glance at everyone's expressions confirming her thoughts.
[16:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial shakes her head to Rei, then comes over. "How's Usagi?" she asks, while the Professor stumbles to his chair, sitting down numbly.
[16:18] <Rei-chan> "She's totally wiped out," Rei says, giving a fond look to the girl cradled in her lap. "All those healing attempts really took a lot out of her."
[16:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> She nods. "The daimon possessing the Professor and the Mistress are both gone," she sighs. "Just like that."
[16:21] * Sailor_Mercury makes her way toward the professor. "Excuse me?"
[16:21] * Rei-chan sighs. "We're going to have to figure out some way to track them down... we can't let them rebuild and just start all over again with a fresh batch of dupes..."
[16:22] <Sailor_Dragon> "Well, maybe the Professor can give us some usable information on the daimons that might help us track them down, as well as the addresses of the other victims."
[16:23] <Sailor_Anastasia> Slowly, the man looks up at Ami, as if seeing her for the first time. "Yes?" is his simple question, not seeing to overly care that his questioner is none other than Sailor Mercury.
[16:25] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yeah... we have to put an end to this," she agrees quietly. "Another Mugen would be a disaster," she sighs, remembering her recent life...
[16:25] <Sailor_Mercury> "I know you must be hurting now," she begins uncomfortably. "But we could really use your help. The other Witches, Viluy and Mimette; we need to know where they live."
[16:25] * Rei-chan looks over at the gutted/frozen/charred corpse of Kaolinite and sighs again. "Did Kaolinite have any family?"
[16:27] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Oh..." he murmurs. "Yes, it's all on my computer," he says absently, looking down at the white barette he still clutches.
[16:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> "No," he replies, not even glancing up at her body, still in his own thoughts.
[16:29] <Sailor_Mercury> "Where is your computer, sir?" Ami asks gently.
[16:30] <Rei-chan> "The computers are up in the office, Mercury," Rei calls over. "I'll show you them in a bit," she says, making no move from her current position.
[16:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> "It's in my office. Third hallway, on the left," he says, still introverted. "All that, for this..." he murmurs, distantly, still staring at the hair ornament.
[16:32] <Rei-chan> "We'll get her back, Professor," Rei says determinedly. "We're not going to let Germatou and his master get away with this."
[16:32] <Sailor_Mercury> "Rei, can you watch everything in here?" Ami says, already making her way toward the location.
[16:33] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, I'm not going anywhere," Rei nods as Mercury departs. "You remember my passwords, right? Just use them."
[16:34] * Sailor_Mercury nods, heading out.
[16:34] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Thank you," he says, but stands up. "Wait. I'll go with her... and would you come with me, Rei," he says, still quiet.
[16:35] * Rei-chan looks at Usagi, feeling momentarily torn. After a moment, she sets the blonde down. "Look after her, Eudial," she says to the redhead, following the Professor.
[16:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial nods, bending down to watch over Usagi.
[16:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> Once in the hallway, he stops as the door closes behind the both of you. "Rei," he starts, looking ashamed, "For everything... I'm sorry."
[16:37] <Rei-chan> "I know, Professor," Rei says softly. "And I know you were just as much a victim in this as anyone else. There's nothing to forgive."
[16:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> He nods. "And... Rei," he pauses a moment. "Germatou was starting to suspect something about you," he begins. "It thought your power ran far deeper than you showed... and after what I've seen here just now... are you Sailor Mars?" he asks.
[16:40] <Rei-chan> "No point in hiding it now," Rei shrugs. "Yes, I am. Though it's not something I want widely known, as I'm sure you can imagine."
[16:42] <Sailor_Anastasia> He nods. "I want to ask you to convey my thanks to Sailor Moon," he says simply, starting to walk again.
[16:43] <Rei-chan> "I'll make sure she knows," Rei says to the departing Professor. "And I promise we'll find your daughter."
[16:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[16:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> Professor Tomoe's office, as it were, is a sprawling room full of strange items of science, with a desk near the right side wall with a computer. A short bit of work easily gets you the addresses needed.
[16:51] * Sailor_Mercury looks for any other information on the Deathbusters.
[16:54] * Sailor_Mercury is looking for information on daimons, selection for Witches process, details on their ultimate motives, and any information that may lead to finding them again.
[17:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> There is, as follows: Some technical details on the daimons, various information on the Witches and scanners, some basic plans, and other gobs of information.
[17:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> It looks to be a large wad of information, one that will take some time to read fully.
[17:19] * Sailor_Mercury shuts down and unplugs the computer, sliping the whole thing into her subspace pocket. "Ok, this should be useful."
[17:21] <Sailor_Anastasia> As you do so, Professor Tomoe enters, raising an eyebrow. "What exactly ARE you doing?"
[17:23] <Sailor_Mercury> "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing," Ami says, hoping it passes for an answer.
[17:25] <Sailor_Anastasia> "You're taking my computer," he asks, rather stunned over again by this development. "My... computer?"
[17:27] <Sailor_Mercury> "Yes. Yes I am," Ami replies curtly. "We'll need to be heading out now if we hope to reach the others. That is, if they haven't already taken off."
[17:30] <Sailor_Mercury> "It may hold the key to finding and combating the Mistress, professor. I'll need to look over this information thouroughly."
[17:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> He relents at that, sighing. "Very well," he says, "It's not a big deal, if that's what's at stake."
[17:32] <Sailor_Mercury> "If you want, I can return it to you after I've finished with it?" Ami suggests.
[17:40] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Uh, yes," he nods.
[17:40] <Sailor_Anastasia> ----
[17:40] <Sailor_Anastasia> Meanwhile, again.
[17:43] <Sailor_Anastasia> After Mercury left and Rei just walked back in, Cyprine and Ptilol begin to stir.
[17:44] * Rei-chan goes over to the Twins and kneels down between them. "How are you two feeling?"
[17:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Ooooooh..." Cyprine moans softly, Ptilol saying the same. They both open their eyes, looking around.
[17:58] <Rei-chan> "Do you remember what happened?" Rei prods the duo, hoping they'll both be a lot more civil now.
[18:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> "We were..." Ptilol starts, "Brainwashed," Cyprine finishes, scowling.
[18:01] <Rei-chan> "Yeah," Rei nods. "How are you feeling, now?"
[18:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> "We have a headache," Cyprine supplies, "And we're quite angry," the other says.
[18:03] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, I can imagine," Rei agrees. "Unfortunately the Mistress and Germatou are both long gone. And we don't have a clue where," she sighs.
[18:05] <Sailor_Anastasia> They nod, and get up. As they do so, the air around them glows a moment, Ptilol vanishing. "Damn," she sighs. "That little pest tried to control us!"
[18:08] <Rei-chan> "I don't suppose he blurted out any of his plans to you guys before we showed up?" Rei asks hopefully.
[18:10] <Sailor_Anastasia> Cyprine scowls again, picking up her staff. "That daimon? He has some half baked scheme to bring his Pharaoh into the world, we heard a bit about it."
[18:11] <Rei-chan> "I'm not really too sure about the Pharaoh thing," Rei shrugs, "The way I had it figured was if the Mistress got the Talismans she'd destroy the world somehow... maybe she's not powerful enough on her own and the Talismans will help summon the Pharaoh. I just wish we knew where they were hiding, now..."
[18:14] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Something like that," Cyprine agrees. "I think it's an extradimensional creature, probably a low level demon lord or even a rogue being," she shrugs.
[18:16] <Rei-chan> "Low level," Rei snorts, "Well, they were certainly enough to pull the wool over our eyes... for a while

[00:49] <Halbarad> -----
[11:05] <Ana-shower> A short while later...
[11:07] <Ana-shower> Usagi is moved up into the empty clinic by Rei and Eudial. The twins go off to the Witches room, while the others...(Tell me what you're doing, girls._
[11:08] * Sailor_Dragon waits in the clinic with the Queen.
[11:10] * Sailor_Jupiter is currently in the Mistress' room still, not really doing anything though.
[11:12] * Sailor_Mercury is once again with the professor.
[11:13] <Ana-shower> The Professor ends up in his office again, looking over some papers and thinking.
[11:16] <Sailor_Mercury> "Professor, is there any way to contact Mimette and Viluy? At the very least we can make sure they haven't disappeared with the others."
[11:18] <Sailor_Anastasia> He looks up from the document he was reading, his face tired and a bit haggard. "Telephone numbers, and addresses," he says.
[11:21] * Sailor_Mercury nods. "We'll need you to do the calls, I'm afraid. They would trust you, if they don't already know the situation. All we'd need is for you to call them here. That's all," she says sympathetically.
[11:24] * Sailor_Anastasia nods. "If you wish, I can."
[11:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> He goes to the office telephone and makes two short calls. They are to the effect of telling them to report immediately, both seem to go as planned.
[11:29] <Sailor_Mercury> "Thank you," she says sincerely. "You should stay out of the way now. We'll handle this from here, sir." She heads off to inform the others.
[11:29] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[11:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> Going back to the clinic, you find Sailors Dragon and Jupiter there, as well as Eudial. Rei seems to have stepped out for a moment.
[11:35] <Sailor_Mercury> "Ok, Mimette and Viluy are on their way here. If we act quickly we can subdue them quickly and with little fanfare until Usagi can work her magic. Eudial, are you the only one with an alternative means of entering this place?"
[11:38] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I don't think either of those two can get in easily," she says, "But they can get in any keycard door."
[11:41] <Sailor_Mercury> "Are there any paths they'd have to take to reach this area?"
[11:44] * Rei-chan returns to the room, sitting on a seat next to the bed Usagi is on. "Paths who'd have to take?"
[11:46] <Sailor_Dragon> "Tomoe-sensei summoned Mimette and Viluy to the school, Rei-chan."
[11:47] <Rei-chan> "Ah," Rei nods. "Well, if he didn't tell them otherwise, I assume the first place they'd go would be our office. I think Cyprine is still down there."
[11:48] * Usagi-chan groans slightly as she opens her eyes. "What... where am I?" she says weakly.
[11:49] <Rei-chan> "Usagi!" Rei turns to the blonde, taking her hand. "You're in the clinic at Mugen - you fainted after healing Eudial."
[11:49] * Usagi-chan turns to look at Rei. "Is she all right then?"
[11:49] <Rei-chan> "See for yourself," Rei gestures to the redhead.
[11:50] * Usagi-chan sits up after a moment, turning to look at Eudial.
[11:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I'm fine now," she says, and her clear eyes seem to say as much. Her ruined clothing is hidden with a white lab coat.
[11:51] * Usagi-chan nods slowly, still seeming a bit out of it. "Glad to hear it... this has not been one of my better days."
[11:52] <Sailor_Mercury> "It get's better," Ami says. "Mimette and Viluy are on their way."
[11:53] * Usagi-chan sighs. "I don't think I can do anything for them right now... I still feel completely exhausted."
[11:53] <Sailor_Mercury> "Don't worry. I have a plan," Ami says confidently.
[11:53] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Then we'll have to stall them," Eudial says.
[11:54] <Rei-chan> "Well maybe if we talked to them they could break the brainwashing themselves like Eudial and I did," Rei suggests, sounding rather doubtful on that prospect.
[11:56] <Sailor_Mercury> "Do you really believe you can get them to listen?" Ami asks, not unkindly. "I recall mention of someone breaking someone else's jaw..."
[11:58] <Usagi-chan> "And they're not too likely to listen to any of the rest of us." Usagi shakes her head. "They don't know us, why should they believe what we have to say?"
[11:58] <Sailor_Jupiter> "Why wouldn't they believe the professor though?"
[11:59] <Sailor_Mercury> "Can we put him through this, though? He just lost his daughter. I'd rather we didn't."
[12:01] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Rei and I could stall them, perhaps," Eudial suggests, "Since the Professor is likely indisposed."
[12:02] * Usagi-chan nods. "That's probably the best thing... it's going to be a few hours before I can do much of anything to help them."
[12:04] <Sailor_Mercury> "We could render inoperative. A good shock or freezing could hold them until you're ready. Mimette shouldn't need even that much."
[12:07] <Rei-chan> "Mimette does hate us both," Rei nods, "But Viluy isn't that bad. Besides, Cyprine will be there as well. We can at least try talking to them."
[12:08] <Sailor_Mercury> "If you think it will work, I'm willing to give it a try. Eudial?"
[12:09] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial nods. "Let's try."
[12:10] <Usagi-chan> "Do you need me to come along too, Rei-chan?" Usagi gets off the clinic bed.
[12:11] <Rei-chan> "You're not going anywhere," Rei gently but firmly pushes Usagi back into the bed. "You need to rest. Eudial and I will go down to wait for them. I'll let you know if we need any help."
[12:11] * Usagi-chan crosses her arms and frowns at the miko. "I'm not made of glass, you know. Just because I'm tired doesn't mean I can't do anything."
[12:13] <Rei-chan> "I know that, Usagi. But there's no reason for you to overexert yourself. Just relax for now," Rei replies.
[12:14] * Usagi-chan deflates a bit. "All right, Rei. But let me know if you need me for anything." The blonde moves to sit on the edge of the bed.
[12:14] <Rei-chan> "I will," Rei nods, before starting for the door. "Coming, Eudial?"
[12:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yeah," she gets up, ready to go.
[12:15] * Rei-chan heads on down to the Witches 6 office.
[12:15] * Sailor_Mercury follows Rei out.
[12:16] * Sailor_Dragon follows, cloaking herself with her SEP field.
[12:16] * Sailor_Jupiter stays back, not wanting to make the two remaining witches any more nervous than they might become.
[12:17] * Sailor_Dragon hangs well back, unseen, in case of an emergecy
[12:17] * Rei-chan stops, noting the entourage. "Um... guys? If you're coming along, you'll have to stay out of sight. We don't want Mimette and Viluy panicking."
[12:18] <Sailor_Mercury> "I'll wait out here," Ami says, indicating the area outside the door. "If you need help..."
[12:19] <Rei-chan> "I'll tell Usagi telepathically, then she can tell you," Rei nods. "With luck we'll be able to handle things peacefully, though," she says, not really sounding all that confident of such a resolution.
[12:21] * Rei-chan resumes heading to the Witches 6 office once more.
[12:21] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[12:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> Twenty minutes later, Rei and Eudial are at the office. Cyprine is gone when you get there, but the other two arrive quickly.
[12:25] <Sailor_Anastasia> Mimette gives the both of you an evil look and settles down, while Viluy does the same with words. "The Professor said he needed us in," she says, "Where is he?"
[12:26] <Rei-chan> "He's probably in his office, but we can explain just as well as him," Rei begins neutrally.
[12:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> The blonde crosses her arms and frowns, while the silver-haired Viluy goes on. "What is it then, Rei?"
[12:28] <Rei-chan> "Quite simply, we've all been had. The Witches, even the Professor and the Mistress, we were all being controlled by someone... something else. A thing which wants to destroy the world."
[12:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> "She's right,
[12:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> " Eudial picks right up, looking down a bit. "We were all had by this THING for it's own aims."
[12:34] <Sailor_Anastasia> There isn't a reply at first, both Witches thunderstuck. If Mimette's mouth wasn't bound shut, it would probably be an open fly hole now. "What?" Viluy manages, blinking and staring a moment. "You're JOKING me."
[12:35] <Rei-chan> "It's no joke, I'm afraid," Rei shakes her head. "The Deathbusters are finished. The daimon that was controlling the Professor has left, and taken all the professor's daimon making equipment with it. The Mistress - who is the Professor's own daughter - is gone, too."
[12:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> Only laughter greets your comments - harsh, nasty laughter. Did you sound like this just a day ago? "That's absurd," Viluy asserts, shaking her head. "Just pathetic. Now where is the Professor, Rei," she says, a gleam in her eye.
[12:40] <Rei-chan> "It's not absurd," Rei says sadly, "You only think it is because you're still under the effect of the daimon's brainwashing - the same as we were earlier. Haven't you ever wondered why you gave your loyalty to the Mistress? What had she done to earn it? Haven't you wondered what makes the Talismans so important that people have to die so she can get them?" she asks, desperately hoping they'll put the pieces together themselves.
[12:42] <Sailor_Anastasia> "You're insane," Viluy says flatly, clearly not amused now. "I don't know or care what game you're playing, but it's a dangerous one," she growls, anger seeping in. Mimette is quieter, but she looks unhappy as well.
[12:44] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Rei's not insane, and neither am I," Eudial tries. "You're being controlled, even now," she tries with a bit of force in her voice.
[12:44] * Rei-chan sighs. "What danger? You two are the only ones still loyal to Germatou. Tellu and Cyprine have already seen the truth as we have. If you really want to, why don't you try asking the Professor?" she gestures to the phone at Viluy's desk. "He's in his office right now. Ask him."
[12:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> She glares at you harshly, taking her phone and dialing. "...Yes, Professor... Yes... What?" she says the last word flatly, "...................."
[12:48] * Rei-chan watches impassively. "Well?"
[12:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> She gently hangs up the phone, her face now a iron mask of coldness. "I don't know what you've done," she says levelly, and icily, "but I'm not going in for it."
[12:52] <Rei-chan> "Think of what you're saying, Viluy!" Rei tries one last time, "The Deathbusters wanted to destroy the entire world! How can you be loyal to that?"
[12:53] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I won't listen to it!" she suddenly shouts out, emotion pouring into her voice. "You're LYING, and I won't listen to it!" she growls, getting up. "I'll find the Professor myself!"
[12:55] <Rei-chan> "I'm not lying," Rei says, her voice softening, "You only wish I was. It's easier to believe I'm lying than it is to believe you've been serving something so utterly evil. Please Viluy, open your eyes. You can't continue like this," she pleads.
[12:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Please listen," Eudial pleads as well. "Can't you feel it, feel what's wrong? It's like there's something off you don't want to think about, right?"
[12:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Urgh," the silver haired baddie says, frustrated. She turns her back to you, almost sprinting out of the Witches room. Mimette looks at the both of you for a moment, her face momentarily torn, before following.
[13:03] <Rei-chan> 'Usagi, it didn't work, they're bolting!' Rei sends telepathically, running after the pair.
[13:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial follows, after taking a moment to ready her Gunk Cannon should it be needed.
[13:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - body check 'round the board.
[13:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[13:03] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6
[13:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[13:03] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 11."
[13:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[13:03] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 5."
[13:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[13:03] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[13:03] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6
[13:03] * Musk-bot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[13:03] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 2d6
[13:03] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[13:05] <Sailor_Anastasia> Viluy dashes out, making good speed. Eudial is hung up trying to get her Cannon in place, and loses some ground while Rei stumbles. Mimette is just getting out the door...
[13:05] <Sailor_Anastasia> Sailor Dragon sees a set of dashing girls come out, Viluy, Mimette, Rei and then Eudial.
[13:09] * Sailor_Dragon rugby tackles one of the running witches; she can't tell them apart, but either one will do
[13:10] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 2d6
[13:10] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
-------
Once more missing logs, but the gist is that Viluy and Mimette wind up gunked and taken to the clinic.
-------
[09:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> Despite her exhaustion with the events of the day, Usagi heads towards the office she was in recently, the one of the mad professor Tomoe. Up the elevator she goes, to the empty administrative areas...
[09:23] * Usagi-chan takes a deep breath. 'There's nothing to worry about, Usagi.' Still, the sight of the familiar hallways does make the blonde a bit nervous.
[09:24] <Sailor_Anastasia> As if mimicking the underway passages of Mugen, the lights are dim here, unlike last time. The scent of old coffee and printer ink fills the air as you go the heavy oaken door to Professor Tomoe's office. It's cracked open.
[09:24] * Usagi-chan pokes her head inside the office. "Professor?" she says quietly.
[09:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> Tomoe sits at his desk, his head in his hands. Slowly he looks up, amid the shadows of his tastefully low-lit office, his glasses off and his eye red. "Come in," he says simply.
[09:26] * Usagi-chan slowly steps inside the office, examining the man's aura as she does so.
[09:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> His aura still has shreds of black energy clinging to it, the last remnants of Germatou's possession... hopefully. Past that... his aura is that of a normal man's, not the tightly wound one of his previous persona.
[09:29] <Usagi-chan> "Hi, I just wanted to come see how you were doing." Usagi smiles a bit. "I thought you might have been hurt when you collapsed like that."
[09:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I'm pefectly fine now," he says, his expression grave. "Germatou's hold is gone; I'm not possessed any longer," he shakes his head tiredly. "Are you alright as well?"
[09:32] <Usagi-chan> "I'm okay, just a little tired still." Usagi sits down in the chair she occupied the day before. "I'm sorry about your daughter, Professor."
[09:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Thank you," he says. "Further, thank you for all you and your friends did today. I owe you a debt..."
[09:37] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "You don't owe us anything at all. I - we were all more than happy to help you." Usagi looks a bit sad. "I just wish we'd been able to do more."
[09:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> He smiles wanly. "You did enough, Sailor Moon," he takes a moment for that to hang in the air, then goes on. "My daughter, Hotaru Tomoe, is the Mistress 9 and the vessel for Pharaoh 90 to bring the Silence into this world."
[09:42] * Usagi-chan doesn't seem overly surprised at Tomoe identifying her. "And what does that mean, exactly?"
[09:45] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Pharaoh 90 wants to bring Silence to the world; it would be the end of the world from our view." Tomoe picks up his glasses, putting them on.
[09:45] <Usagi-chan> "Do you know HOW he plans to do that?"
[09:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> "By finding three Talismans and summoning the Holy Grail," he says simply. "There's a bit more to it, but that's the general scheme."
[09:50] <Usagi-chan> "Is that what all that Heart Crystals stuff was about, then? Rei told me a little about it, but I didn't really understand it completely." Usagi looks thoughtful.
[09:50] <Rei-chan> There is a knock at the door before a raven-haired miko enters. "Hello?" she takes in the scene, "I'm not interrupting anything, am I?"
[09:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> He nods, his head sagging a bit. He looks drained and tired. "Yes. The Talismans reside in the Pure Hearts of... hello, Rei," Tomoe stops mid sentence, nodding to the former Witch.
[09:51] * Usagi-chan glances over at the door and smiles. "Hi Rei-chan... I was just talking with the Professor a little."
[09:52] * Rei-chan nods as she comes further into the room. "Viluy and Mimette are both settled in the clinic right now - they didn't listen to us, but we were able to restrain them without hurting them," she tells them both. "What were you talking about?"
[09:53] * Usagi-chan gives the professor a short look before replying to Rei. "He was telling me some about Mistress 9 and Pharaoh 90 and what they're planning to do."
[09:53] <Sailor_Anastasia> "About Pure Heart Crystals," he says, picking back off, "And how the Talismans reside in them."
[09:55] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, I'm sure Germatou will still be looking for them, but without the support base he had here it won't be very easy..." Rei muses.
[09:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I would not be so sure about that, Rei," Tomoe comments. "He left without a fight, and I'm sure he had another backup plan if he did."
[09:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> After he says that, he shakes his head again, like he's tired. His eyes are bloodshot.
[09:57] * Usagi-chan gives the Professor a concerned look. "You should get some rest, Professor. No offense, but you look terrible."
[09:57] * Rei-chan deflates. "Yeah, you're right..." she shakes her head, "Anyway, the reason I came up was to ask if you have any photographs or personal belongings of your daughter I could borrow. They'd help me focus for fire readings to try and locate her."
[09:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> He merely nods to Usagi, then responds to Rei in a somber voice. "Of course," he even manages a small smile at that. "I have a photo of her right here, as well as her barette..." Then the smile is gone as he trails off.
[09:59] <Rei-chan> "We'll get her back, Professor," Rei says determinedly, walking over to the man.
[09:59] * Usagi-chan reaches over and takes the Professor's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.
[10:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Thank you," he says quietly, looking down at his hardwood desk before going on. "If I can help at all..."
[10:01] <Usagi-chan> "Just don't give Rei too much homework." Usagi smiles, trying to lighten the mood a bit.
[10:03] * Rei-chan snorts. "I'm just glad I don't have to leave another school so soon."
[10:04] <Sailor_Anastasia> He pauses at that. "That's another issue," he murmurs. "You girls have catchup to do... mostly..." he shakes his head. He really does look beat.
[10:04] * Usagi-chan quickly stands and goes over next to the Professor. "Come on, is there someplace here where you can get some rest?"
[10:05] <Rei-chan> "We can worry about it on Monday, Professor," Rei reassures him. "If you can just give me the photograph and barette, I'll do fire readings over the rest of the weekend. It'd be best if you just went home to rest right now."
[10:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> He nods, taking a framed photo from the side of his desk and a barette from his poket, handing them over. The picture is of a smiling, 12 year old girl, with short black hair and violet eyes. She's cute.
[10:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I'll go rest," he agrees, standing. "There are a few beds in the back."
[10:07] <Rei-chan> "That'd be best," Rei nods, hiding her shock at recognising the girl from her dream.
[10:07] * Usagi-chan glances over his aura one more time. "If you don't mind, Professor, I'd like to purify you too once I get my strength back. You still have a bit of dark energy clinging to you, and I'd like to make sure it's nothing serious."
[10:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Alright," he agrees tiredly, not debating the point. "Can you let yourselves out?" he asks as he walks to the door.
[10:08] * Usagi-chan nods. "Sleep well, Professor - and don't worry, we'll get Hotaru back for you." The odangoed blonde gives Tomoe a reassuring smile.
[10:09] <Rei-chan> "Yes, you just get some sleep now, Professor," Rei echoes Usagi's sentiments.
[10:10] <Sailor_Anastasia> He smiles one last time. He's surprisingly attractive without the shadows framing him, almost debonair even now as he exits.
[10:11] * Rei-chan turns to Usagi after he has left, showing the blonde the photo. "Usagi, Hotaru is the girl I saw in my dream."
[10:11] * Usagi-chan looks at the picture. "Is she?"
[10:12] <Rei-chan> "Definitely," Rei confirms, "I recognise her quite clearly..." she shakes her head sadly, "Who'd have thought a little girl like this could have been the Mistress..."
[10:13] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "We've got to help her, Rei-chan... I just wish I knew how or where to start."
[10:14] <Rei-chan> "Hopefully the Sacred Fire will help me," Rei says hopefully. "Anyway, lets go back down to the clinic. Everyone else is there right now."
[10:15] * Usagi-chan nods. "Sounds okay to me... I was just getting bored in there before."
[10:16] <Rei-chan> "I suppose you did miss all the fun with Viluy and Mimette," Rei gives her a small smile as she takes Usagi's hand, leading her out, "How are you feeling now, then?"
[10:17] * Usagi-chan smiles as Rei holds her hand. "Still kind of drained, but I'm not sleepy. It'll probably be a little while before I can help Viluy and Mimette, but hopefully they won't be any trouble until I can help them."
[10:18] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, they're both unconscious right now," Rei nods, heading towards the elevator. "If we're lucky they won't be so stubborn when they wake up, but I'm not too hopeful on that..."
[10:19] <Usagi-chan> "I guess they didn't listen then, huh?" Usagi says a bit glumly.
[10:20] <Rei-chan> "No, they just couldn't. But at least they didn't attack us, they just tried to run off... it just came as too much of a shock to hear the things we were telling them, I think..."
[10:21] <Usagi-chan> "Maybe we can talk them around in between now and when I've got enough energy to purify them myself?" Usagi says hopefully. "Once they wake up, anyway."
[10:22] <Rei-chan> "We can try," Rei sighs, "I tried dispelling the 'fog' in their auras myself with ofuda, but it was only partially effective." She smirks, "But it did at least knock them out," she adds, entering the elevator and pushing the button to take them to the floor the clinic is on.
[10:23] * Usagi-chan lens back against the back wall of the elevator and sighs. "What a day this has turned out to be..."
[10:24] <Rei-chan> "At least things have mostly turned out for the best," Rei gives the other girl an encouraging smile.
[10:25] <Usagi-chan> "I guess so..." Usagi smiles wryly. "Although those elves were enough of a pain by themselves, and now we've got this Germatou character to worry about besides."
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Another small gap...
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[11:12] * Serenity-hime returns Rei's smile. "I think I'm going to do just that." She leans her head to the side, resting it against Rei's forearm.
[11:14] * Rei-chan smiles softly at the contact. "You don't want to sleep like that, Usagi. You'll be sore when you wake up," she warns the girl.
[11:15] * Serenity-hime smiles wryly, straightening up her head. "Who says I'm going to sleep?"
[11:16] * Rei-chan shrugs, "Well, if all you're doing is relaxing, there's no harm in sitting, I guess," she says agreeably.
[11:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> The Witches are out most of the afternoon, with predictable results of remorse once they wake. Thus, another long day in the life of the Sailor Senshi comes to an end...
[11:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[11:43] <Sailor_Anastasia> The ice storm is just finishing Sunday, but it's still so nasty that everyone pretty much stays inside. Nothing of note happens on the monster attack front, and it's quiet otherwise. Monday seems to be the big day...
[11:48] <Sailor_Anastasia> Despite the difficulties of yesterday, Rei is now safe and sound at home, the ice coated Shrine quiet and empty today. This leaves Rei-chan with the time she needs to do what must be done.
[11:50] * Rei-chan enters the Shrine of the Sacred Flame, her thoughts clear as she prepares to meditate and find the Professor's lost daughter. The Mistress of the Deathbusters...
[11:51] <Rei-chan> Kneeling before the firepit, Rei places the photograph in front of herself, fixing the image of Hotaru Tomoe in her mind as she clutches onto the girl's barette, hoping the well-worn item still carries enough trace of Hotaru's aura to help locate her.
[11:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6+1
[11:52] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6+1 and gets 13."
[11:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> Rei focuses on the fire, with the images of Hotaru in her soul... Slowly, she slips into the trance...
[11:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Soul check, Rei
[11:53] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6
[11:53] * Shai`Hulud --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[11:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> For the next half hour, Rei only sees the flimsiest traces of black hair and violet eyes, of no help whatsoever. Finally looking up, her face is slick with warm, salty sweat. These tiny fragments of sight are of no help to you...
[11:56] <Rei-chan> Unwilling to let it go with so much at stake, Rei focuses herself once more into a meditative state. "Sacred Flame, please help me," she beseeches the Kami of Hikawa Shrine to show her something more tangible.
[11:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Soul check.
[11:58] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6
[11:58] * Shai`Hulud --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[12:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> Twenty minutes later, the sweat soaked miko again opens her eyes, this attempt even less fruitful than the last. (-10 EP due to mental effort)
[12:01] <Rei-chan> Dispirited and tired, Rei gathers up the photograph and barette, deciding to take a bath and get some rest as she leaves the Shrine and returns to her house.
[12:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[12:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> The next morning dawns early for Rei, having fallen asleep early by chance. She wakes up refreshed, and ready for what should be a long, interesting day. Hopefully.
[12:16] * Rei-chan gets dressed in her Mugen girls' uniform, packing her bag with actual school supplies while her Witch uniform remains in the closet.
[12:17] <Rei-chan> That done, the miko heads off to school.
[12:18] <Sailor_Anastasia> The ice has mostly settled and the roads are dry now; the trip to school is uneventful. The halls of Mugen loom ahead to Rei, the poison purged. But where does she go now?
[12:19] <Rei-chan> Entering the main entrance hall of the school, Rei looks around in case any of the other former Witches have arrived.
[12:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> If they have arrived, they aren't around here. You only see smatterings of the normal student population...
[12:21] <Rei-chan> With a shrug, Rei decides the best thing would be to go directly to the Professor, heading over to the elevators so she can go up to his office.
[12:21] <Sailor_Anastasia> The adminstrative staff pay you no mind once they catch your face, the same treatment everyone gave you here... deference to the Witches...
[12:22] * Rei-chan continues past the other offices, knocking on the door of Professor Tomoe's as she reaches it.
[12:23] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Come," Professor Tomoe calls out. "It's open." His voice is strong again, and surer, not the tired warble from the day before yesterday.
[12:24] * Rei-chan enters, "Good morning Professor," she greets him with the same respect she always showed him in the past, checking to see how he looks today.
[12:25] <Sailor_Anastasia> His face is clear today, with alert eyes and a new pair of glasses. He dresses as he always had, minus a shadowy mask over his face. "Good morning, Rei," he nods. "You're here early. Did you get the note I left in the Witches office?"
[12:26] <Rei-chan> "No, actually," Rei replies, "I came straight up here. I didn't think there'd be anything for me down there."
[12:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> He turns to his computer, shutting off the monitor as you speak and pushing away the keyboard. "Ah. I left a note there for the Witches to report here."
[12:29] * Rei-chan nods. "Yes, looks like it's back to normal classes for us..." she sighs, "I tried searching for Hotaru yesterday, but other than a few glimpses I didn't get anything to go on... But I'm not going to give up."
[12:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I see," he sighs. "And to the second matter..." Tomoe glances at his watch a moment. "No, let's wait for the others. Would you like some breakfast while you wait?" he offers.
[12:31] <Rei-chan> "Maybe just a snack," Rei says agreeably. She'd already eaten, but it would be polite to accept.
[12:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> He makes a short call on the phone and soon a cart with refreshments is wheeled in. Breakfast stuff, juices and sweet rolls, along with a few fruits. A few moments later, Tellu comes in, dressed in the Mugen uniform as well. She looks short and almost meek in it now...
[12:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> She smiles at Rei, then pauses a moment at the Professor before nodding. "Good morning, Professor," she says, any sign of hesitation now gone after she saw his face.
[12:34] <Rei-chan> "Hi, Tellu," Rei says in a friendly tone, waving a hand which contains a half eaten sweet roll.
[12:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> The Professor merely nods to her, as if not to preempt the other girl's response. "Hey, Rei," she nods, getting a small carton of apple juice from the cart and sitting down. With the cart, a few more chairs were brought in, enough to accomodate all the Witches should they show. And a few moments later, Eudial comes in, dressed casually in the outfit she wore to the outing with you and Usagi.
[12:36] <Rei-chan> "Morning, Eudial," Rei greets the redhead, taking a seat herself.
[12:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Morning," she nods to the group, smiling at the shy Tellu a moment before sitting down herself, skipping breakfast. "Has the Professor talked to you yet?"
[12:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Not yet, Eudial," he says, shaking his head. "I was waiting for everyone else to get here."
[12:37] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, we're waiting on the rest," Rei nods.
[12:38] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Mimette won't be coming," Tomoe interjects. "I already spoke with her, so to speak, since due to her current condition, communication is difficult."
[12:39] * Rei-chan nods.
[12:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> A bit of small talk takes the room while you wait for more Witches - the nasty weather, the news of the morning, and so on. About ten minutes later, Cyprine enters, Mugen outfit-erized and ready.
[12:40] <Rei-chan> "Hey, Cyprine," Rei waves, wondering if Ptliol will appear or just stay... wherever it is she stays when not visible...
[12:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Hi," she nods, taking two sweet rolls, two oranges, and two milks. "It's nice to come into a Witch meeting without a argument or a fistfight," she notes. "It might even be possible to nap in here."
[12:42] * Rei-chan chuckles slightly at that. "Yeah, friction's went way down among us, hasn't it?"
[12:43] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Better than catfights," Tellu agrees, smiling.
[12:45] <Sailor_Anastasia> Again, the group falls into pleasant chatter, only Professor Tomoe staying out of it. It feels right that he does, though, in his position of authority. Ten minutes later... Viluy is still a no show.
[12:45] <Rei-chan> "Wonder what's keeping Viluy?" Rei says, looking around for a clock to check the time.
[12:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> There is a clock on one of the walls. 8:43 AM. "I wonder if she'll show," Eudial speculates. "Maybe it's too much for her right now."
[12:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yeah... It was hard to me to even show up at Mugen today," Tellu echos the redhead. "Professor, have you heard from her?"
[12:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Not since Saturday," he shakes his head. "Perhaps she needs some distance - I'm sure Sailor Moon removed the brainwashing from her, so there is no worry from that."
[12:48] <Sailor_Anastasia> The most powerful living Witch nods, sipping her milk. "Viluy could be emotional," she noted. "When she wasn't neck deep in a computer."
[12:48] * Rei-chan nods, sighing. "She probably needs more time to process everything."
[12:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Regardless," The Professor raps lightly on his wood desk once, to bring order. "Let's get started then. If Viluy joins us later, she can be brought up to speed then."
[12:50] * Rei-chan turns her attention to the Professor, waiting to hear what he has to say.
[12:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> "First," he begins, standing. "I'd like to apologize to each of you again. Pharaoh 90 was able to use you because of my weakness," he says plainly, not hiding from his shame. "Because I wanted to protect Hotaru... he got a foothold into this world."
[12:52] <Rei-chan> "How did it happen?" Rei asks gently, "If you don't mind talking about it..."
[12:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> Tellu and Cyprine nod at this, while Eudial frowns a bit, glancing over at Rei with a raised eyebrow. "Yes," she nods, seconding Rei, "How were you possessed in the first place?"
[12:53] <Sailor_Anastasia> He sits at that, letting out a long breath. "Pardon the expression, but it is a long story. To begin..."
[12:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Several years ago, I was working on an experiment involving time/space relations with the real world and the unseen spatial and geometric dimensions. During this... there was an accident in the lab," he winces, recalling the day clearly.
[12:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> The Witches remain silent, Tellu sniffling slightly.
[12:57] * Rei-chan doesn't get all the techspeak, but has the impression the Professor accessed a dimension inhabited by Pharaoh 90. The idea of reaching another dimension through non-magical means coming as something of a surprise to her.
[12:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I'm still not sure of the exact cause even now," he speaks softly, "But there was a large explosion. Hotaru... she was there, watching... she was right by the accident..." he pauses, needing a moment to compose himself. "She died instantly."
[12:58] * Rei-chan gasps quietly.
[12:59] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial sighs softly, while Tellu sniffles again. The last Witch is quiet, waiting for the Professor to go on.
[13:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> "When I found her... that daimon," a spark of anger fills that word, "offered to save Hotaru in exchange for possession." He looks up, his eyes clouded. "What could I say but yes?"
[13:01] * Rei-chan nods, unable to keep from understanding, much as she may despise demonic creatures.
[13:04] <Sailor_Anastasia> The Witches are quiet at this, merely nodding as well.
[13:05] <Sailor_Anastasia> "From there, Hotaru was raised as Mistress 9, the Messiah of Silence for Pharaoh 90 under my guidance." He sighs again, regret visible. "From there... the Mistress needed servants. Once humans with magical potential were found, they were made into willing servants."
[13:06] * Rei-chan hates to ask, but... "Can Hotaru survive if the possession is removed?" she asks hesitantly.
[13:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> "The Witches 6," Eudial says aloud, to the Professor's last comment.
[13:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I... don't know for sure," Tomoe says, then nods to Eudial.
[13:08] <Rei-chan> "We'll find a way, I'm sure," Rei asserts, even as she acknowledges to herself that death is preferable to never-ending possession.
[13:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yes," he nods simply. "Further... what do you plan on doing now," he asks of each of you."
[13:33] <Rei-chan> "Germatou is still out there, and so are those energy draining elves..." Rei shrugs, "I'm still going to be pretty busy, I think..."
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More log gaps. Dammit.
-------
[17:18] * Usagi-chan sighs. "As far as it goes, I'm in favor of it, at least for now. Aside from having been brainwashed, they haven't done anything against us, and like Rei-chan said - if they do change, it'll be easier to see if we're there with them."
[17:19] <Makoto> "Isn't us going in with suspicious minds just asking for trouble though?"
[17:20] <Ami> "No more than going in blindly does."
[17:20] <Usagi-chan> "Why do we have to be suspicious?" Usagi replies. "Can't we just be cautious without thinking they ARE going to do something?"
[17:21] <Ami> "I didn't say they were going to do something, just that it would not be a good idea to assume," Ami says.
[17:24] <Rei-chan> "I think considering how upset they all were at the things they were doing while brainwashed, we can assume they're basically decent people," Rei puts in.
[17:25] * Ami shrugs. "Well, let's hope it doesn't matter in the end."