From: "Maria Vu" Here is a new one: Disclaimer: want to own them but can't aford 'em. SAILOR WEASEL, PT.17 By Maria Vu Misao was dumbfounded. First her Aoshi-sama decided that he wanted nothing more to do with her. And now a complete stranger appears out of the blue and informs her that she is one of her guardians sent to give her a message. And what message could that be…….only that her future husband was coming to see her. She wondered why she hadn’t fainted yet. Isn’t that what princesses did? “King Elysian is coming to see me? Naze?” Misao asked the strange new girl. Asai nodded and flipped back a lock of her hair. “He will explain everything when they arrive”. “They?”, Utsu questions. “Hai. Elysian-sama is bringing his generals with him. It is far too dangerous for the king to travel alone.”, Asai replies. “Okay. So when is he coming?” Misao asks impatiently. She wanted to get this meeting over as quickly as possible. The idea of meeting her future husband, freaked her out more than learning that Misa was her daughter. “He didn’t say” Asai admitted. It was obvious that Asai was growing weary of the senshi's constant questioning. “NANI? WHAT KIND OF PLAN IS THAT? SO HE JUST PLANS ON SHOWING UP?” Misao complained, her voice haven risen in decibals. “Princess, Elysian-sama felt that it would be dangerous to tell of his arrival. He is a very important figurehead in our world. Unfortunately, that makes him an automatic target. But don't worry princess, we will protect both you and his highness at all costs.” Asai said fiercly. “Oh…that makes sense”, stated a very red faced Misao. “I guess I’ll just have to make the best of this!” “That’s the right attitude, Misao-chan” Utsu said as soon as Misao had turned from Asai. “Of course. I always have the right attitude" Misao answers proudly, as she walks toward Jiya. She shoots her senshi an annoyed look, when she realizes that they had ignored her last comment. "Let me tell Jiya that I'll be staying with you, Bara-san. Bara nodds. She and the guardians watched in silence as Jiya locks Misao in strange looking body lock. They could barely stand watching the display of open emotion between the two. "Let's wait outside" Jikun suggests. He takes Bara's arms within his own and the two walk out, the other senshi trailing behind. Aoshi leaned his tall frame heavily against the railing of the temple wall. He was a frequent visitor to the secluded monument. Okina once told him how every night he passed the temple thinking how detached it was from the rest of the Aoiya. It was then that he realized why Aoshi felt so at home within it's walls. And he was right. Aoshi knew he was. Everything was but an illusion within the temple. A type of memory suppressor that allowed him to forget any problem and set aside all regrets. When he meditated, he found the peace within himself that he had long sought after. Meditate......that's what he needed right now. He needed a way to forget. To forget everything that had happened .To forget her..... Misao……the last thing he wanted to do was hurt her again. But it seemed that his destiny was to do just that. And the knowledge of this is what kept him away from her. And the seperation is what burdened his heart. “Aoshi-sama?” Aoshi turned to find Omasu standing behind him. "Nani?" "It's getting late out and there is a chill. Perhaps you should consider coming in?" She suggested. She folded her arms across her chest and fidgeted nervously from one foot to the other. She and Aoshi had never been close friends, or friends at all for that matter. But she couldn’t help feeling some loyalty towards her former Okashira. Aoshi stared right through her as he answered, “I will in a bit”. Omasu grimaced. He was never talkative, but he has taken this to the extreme.*Baka. Don’t you realize you are the one that is making you suffer?* “You’re thinking about Misao-chan, ne?” Omasu asked. She still believed there was hope for the young couple. Even if Aoshi didn’t. “I’ll be in later” Aoshi says quickly. Too quickly Omasu realized. He is trying not to out her out of his mind. Aoshi-sama….. “Hai” Omasu surrenders. She decided that it would be better to try and gradually work them back together. She could only do more harm than good the way things were going now. “Oyasumi nasai” *Don’t worry Misao-chan. I’ll help you get him back * And it was a promise she intended to keep. “Asai…..come sit with me” Misao said. She pointed to the available seat next to her. “Hai” Asai obeyed. She stepped gracefully onto the carriage and positioned herself in the vacant seat next to Misao. Misao felt a bit envious and how feminine Asai was. To look at Misao in comparison, you would think Asai was the future queen of the Star Kingdom. “Mind if I ask you something?” “Of course not princess”. Misao noticed that Asai seemed startled by the question. “I was wondering if there is anything you can tell me about the King?” “The King? Let’s see. He is very tall with dark hair and beautiful eyes. He is very handsome and many women in the kingdom are in love with him.” “And he is married to me?” Misao asked. She couldn’t believe that her future self attracted someone like Elysian. What was it that he saw in her that he didn’t see in the other girls? “Hai. Elysian-sama is very devoted to you. You are truly in love. Most couples in our world, have strived to achieve what you and our King have together. You are known not only for your title as princess, but also for you love of the King.” “I see. But I worry. What if we don’t get along in this world?” Misao asked. It was true. She worried that she couldn’t live up to the image the King already had of her. It wasn’t fair to ask her to either. “Daijoubu Princess. The king would love you anyway. And he realizes that your relationship hasn’t progressed as far as it has in the Star Kingdom.” Asai says reassuringly. “Honto? Then you mean, he doesn’t expect us to be a couple?” Misao asks. If this was true, then she didn’t have to worry about her behavior around him. Or the small fact that she was 100% in love with her Aoshi-sama. She doubted some king could replace that, no matter how handsome he was. Even though Aoshi had decided they should stay away from each other. Misao still planned on being faithful. She would just have to wait until Aoshi came to his senses. “Hai. Elysian-sama understands that this is a big intrusion on you and will keep you relationship strictly professional. His intentions are only to aid you in saving our kingdom” Asai explains. Misao noticed that Asai was very in touch with how very aware of how Elysian-sama was feeling. She found herself pondering over the nature of their relationship. Is it one of a devoted subject and her king. Or perhaps more? “Arigato Asai-san. I feel a little better.” It wasn’t a complete lie. She did feel better now that she knew what Elysian expected of her. No hanky panky with a guy she hardly knew was fine by her. Now if only Aoshi-sama would take the hint. Later- Aoshi was too distracted with thoughts of Misao to sleep. He decided to take a walk and hopefully clear his head. It might have worked to had it not been for Aoshi having to walk past Misao’s room. He lingered outside her door, wondering if she was still up. He raised his hand to tap on her slide door when heavy footsteps distracted him. “Aoshi?” Okina stood behind him with a puzzled expression on his face. Aoshi couldn’t really blame him. Afterall, he hadn’t been to Misao’s room since she was a child. And at this time of night, what reason could he give for being here now. “Okina…” Aoshi says casually. When caught in an uncomfortable situation, become detached and let it roll of you. That was Aoshi’s talent and he was going to use it to get through this. “What are you doing up so late?” Okina questiones. Aoshi could see the curiosity in his eyes. Aoshi knew that askingwhat he was doing up was not the question that Okina wanteded to ask. But Okina was an honorable man. Once the greastest ninja of the Oniwabansuu, Okina was the most discreet person Aoshi knew. Even now at such an old age, Okina still retained that level of mature discretion. Aoshi knew he would never question him directly. “Or maybe you could answer this. Why are you hovering outside Misao’s room? Trying to get something going before morning? I knew you were soft on her” Okina teased. He rooared back his head and let out a deafening howl. Aoshi stared wide-eyed at Okina. He couldn’t believe what he was saying. Is this the same Okina that risked his life infiltrating enemy camps and stealing information? The same Okina that almost defeated Misao’s grandfather?, the same Okina who challeged him to a duel?, the same Okina who chased underaged girls around Kyoto? * Nevermind* I was taking a walk” Aoshi asnwered cooly. “I believe you. Especially since Misao isn’t in there” Aoshi threw a questioning look at Okina. Misao wasn’t here? That means she must be with her guardians. He hoped she wasn’t doing anything dangerous. -Bara’s Inn- “My stomach hurts” Utsu whined. “Mine too” Kioku added. Misao looked around at her sluggish senshi. She couldn’t help but smile at there dilema. It served them right. Had they waited for her before stuffing their faces, she wouldn’t have made them stuff themselves. “You realize that we are perfect targets for Allenia right now, ne?” Misao jokes. “Daijoubu Princess. We wouldn’t let some 20lbs of food keep us from our duty” Jikun mocked. Misao was glad to see everyone was getting along so well. They were an amazing group. To be able to accept each other so quickly. Not to mention how they all banded together to protect her. She was very lucky to be assiociated with them. “Is something wrong, Misao-chan?” Lorna asks from the counter across from her. Misao jumps back, startled. “Lorna? Where have you been?” Misao asks. She noticed that Lorna had decided to come back to the Inn alone, instead of riding with everyone else in the carriages. “Just had some business to attend. There is a lot we have to do before Elysian-sama arrives” “Like?” “Well. We first need to get our attributes and weaknesses in order. I am fairly sure that the King had an agenda. He is a very strategic man. Everything must be in order. Or it has to look like we’ve tried to put things in order.” Lorna lectures. Misao was getting agitated. This wasn’t the military. “So he is kind of a dictator?” “Iie. Bit your tongue. The King is a very fair man. He just likes to keep things orderly” Lorna explains. Misao tilted her head to the side. She looked Lorna over carefully. It might be my imagination. But Lorna seems like she is in love with Elysian-sama too* “Okay Lorna. I understand” “Good. Now Misa-chan?” “Hai” “You’re father will more than likely be coming to check on you as well” Lorna warned. It was no secret that Lorna did not approve of Philip. Just be sure that you do not give him a reason to be concerned. Misa reluctantly agreed. Misao wondered what the entire history Phillip amd Misa was. Speaking of Misa. Since Misa is going to be her daughter in the future. And Elysian is her father in the future.Than that means that she and Elysian had to have had….”Iie Iie Iie” Misao cried out. “Misao-chan, are you listening?” Lorna griped. “H-Hai” Misao snapped to attention. But her mind drifted back to Elysian. * How can we have a normal meeting? Whenever he looks at me, he will see his wife* Misa sensed Misao’s mood change. Like many mother and daughters, Misao and Misa shared a bond. And even though they had met so unconventionally. There was no denying that they were going to be close. “Is something wrong oka--- er Misao?” “Iie. Nothing at all, Misa-chan. I’m just a bit nervous about the king coming” Misao covers. She didn’t want Misa worrying over her petty problems, when she seemed to have so many of her own. Misao wondered if she was a good enough mother to Misa. “Daijoubu Misao. Oda-san will love you” Misa says reassuringly. *That is what I’m afraid of * “Arigato” This was going to be interesting. “Looks like we need more fruit” Bara says. She had planned to make ice cream but settled on fruit drinks instead. But with the addition of Asai, they didn’t have enough fruit. “I’ll go to the shop and pick some up” Jikun volunteered. “Iie. I’ll go. It’s such a beautiful night” Misao needed some time alone. It wasn’t that she didn’t like their company. But they were reminders of her future life. And for the moment, she wanted to forget. “Are you sure? Take Jikun with you?” Bara offered. The idea of the princess running around at night alone, was not something she liked thinking about. “I’ll be fine” Misao knew Bara worried. But things had been quiet for awhile now. Allenia had taken a hard hit when Misao and the senshi defeated Zezler. She was probably regrouping her army, plotting some way to get back at them. But Misad didn’t want to think about that. What Misao really wanted was for Aoshi to realize that staying away from her was not the best way to protect her. Ignoring further protests, Misao exited the Inn. The night breeze felt wonderful on her face and the stars shined exceptionally bright just for her. Her stars. One day she would live on one of them and rule a heavenly city of gold. She closed her eyes and stretched her arms out. She wanted this moment to last forever. "Meridia!" A deep voice growled from the darkness. Misao eyes snapped open and her body instantly alert. Her eyes automatically made an outline of the figure in the dark. It was unike anything she had seen before. No matter how she looked at it, it never stayed the same. *What the hell is this thing?* "Meridia. You have defied Allenia-sama long enough. It is time to meet your demise star queen!" "Anata wa?" Misao asked, her voice unusually husky. She strained her eyes harder as the shape seemed to draw nearer to her. After a few moments, she made out a form. It was that of a man. An extrordinarily tall man. Taller then her Aoshi-sama. And in his hand he held a sword that gave off a silvery glow. Misao marvelled in how beautiful it was. The stranger took her momentary distraction to strike at her. He plunged forward with a blow, intent on taking Misao's life. Fortunately for Misao, her ninja skills were more of a reflex. She was able to dodge the sword and also give it's owner a kick to the head. Landing soundly on her feet, she placed her hands on her hips and waited for his next move. "Not bad, Meridia. But simple earth tricks can't stop me!" The man bragged, "I will destroy you!" "Who are you?!?!?!? And why do you work for Allenia?" Misao demanded. If this guy was sent to kill her, she at least had the right to know why. "You are tainted. Your life symbolizes everything that is wrong with our world. To let you live would be an injustice!" The man spat out. Misao snapped. How dare this wacko preach such nonsense about her. And with such a serious face. Misao realized he actually believed the things he was saying about her. *Great. Just great. I go out for a relaxing walk and what happens? I get attacked by a nut with a long sword. Why does this always happen to me?* "Listen. You've obviously lost your mind and I don't have the time to help you look for it. So what you should do is take your threats and your pretty sword straight back to Allenia." "You dare to make fun of me?" The anger in his voice did not go unnoticed by Misao. She sighed, frustrated by the situation this man had her in. Not to mention that he had completely ignored her speech. "Let's just get this over with" Misao said. The sooner she could get back with the fruit the better. She pulled off her necklace and aimed the Star Cluster in the air. "Star Cluster Henshin" Misao cries out. Her body is engulfed with a golden light. Stars flying over every ince of her body. Her fuku and boots forming around her frame and the cluster appearing on her forehead, instead of it's usual spot around her neck. A final light wraps her body and spits her out in full senshi mode. "Bothered on a night of beauty. Distracted from my mission of gathering fruit. Being accused of being the poison of a world to be.....these three crimes I cannot forgive. I am the Courageously beautiful, remarkably brilliant Sailor Star Cluster. And you have made me seriously annoyed!" "So. You finally show your true colors Meridia...or should I say Sailor Star Cluster. Well, it doesn't matter what for you take. I Jarick, 2nd General of the Dark Star Kingdom. Will personally see to your defeat." "Not bad. But my speech was still better!" Misao bragged. Jarick ignored her and charged. Misao followed his action and threw herself forward as well. The impact was enough to cause an explosion in the spot where they collided. When the smoke cleared, Misao staggered on trembling feet. But she defeated him right? "Nice try. But that isn't good enough!" "Hai. To defeat us, you will need double the strength." An identical voice says from beside Jarick. Misao's mouth dropped open at the sight. Two Jaricks? "But how...." "My power is regeneration. Everytime you destroy me. I come back again. Unfortunately for you....I come back twice as bad" Misao frowned. This was bad. Not to mention that joke. What could she do? She wished the others were here. Shaking her head, she studied the two Jaricks. They were equal in both size and strength. This was going to be hard. "Come on princess. Or are you scared?" Jarick1 taunted. "Yea. Take your best shot. Hey....maybe we can even make history here: Jerrick2 added. "History?" Misao questioned. She didn't like the sound of that. "Yea history. We may finally see if three heads are better than one." tbc --------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ---------------------------- Get EXPERT CONTENT at ONElist! Join PROS&PUNDITS. For details go to: Click Here ------------------------------------------------------------------------