51Response to Pratik Roy- I'm glad you like my story, but there are some thing you should know. It's not plan my plan to couple Ash with Trista. I just wanted to choose those names. And secondly, I didn't break the promise of continuing this story. Obviously I have other stories, so this one doesn't have so much attention. And in that review in my Dead Moon Circus, you didn't have to go far with calling me princess. I will update this story when ever I want to.
Sailor Moon S: Like The Diamond She Is: Act VIII
The rain drops stopped pouring around the afternoon. Dressed in her usual school uniform, Mina was grateful for this because it saved her the trouble of taking a large umbrella with her while she paced down the sidewalk.
After about 40 minutes, she reached Trista's house, slipping a mysterious white envelope into her mailbox.
For the secretive plan in her mind, this had been the first and successful act.
Unknown to her, a pair of oceanic blue eyes was spying at her through Trista's thick rose bushes; so now they had learned of her motives and decided to catch her next move.
It wasn't until Mina made her way down the sidewalk she headed from did the character behind the bushes come out and begin to follow after her. They were able to keep a close eye on her until a familiar voice interrupted their activity and made them search for their presence.
"Luna!"
Artemis hadn't thought about his feline pal following him. The idea surprised him, since what he were doing carried a passable reason.
"I would've known you'd still decide to follow Mina around like a housefly," Luna simplified, walking up to Artemis with small frown on her furry face.
"Luna, it's not what you think."
At this point, Artemis didn't know what Luna suspected him for, but he felt it were necessary to respond the way he had.
"It might look like I'm stalking her, but really I'm just figuring out what she's up to."
"What she's up to?"
To gain a better understanding, the puzzled Luna had to repeat this phrase in her mind. The idea of Mina being up to something seemed strange, but with the example of her Pikachu costume, that could very well change.
Now that Luna were curious, Artemis felt calmer explaining the situation from his point of view.
"I followed her here and watched her slip a letter into Trista's mailbox."
"A letter?" Luna wondered out loud.
"But for what? If her and Trista need to discuss something, they have their scout wristwatches."
This behavior of Mina's grew more and more unusual as Luna pondered on it. No wonder Artemis had become so paranoid. He shouldn't stay that way, but what Mina could possibly be plotting needed to be looked into.
Soon this mystery became more simple for Luna. Her attempts for the past few days had been to impress Ash. Like Luna had told Artemis before; if Mina truly wanted to speak with Trista, they had communicators.
Mina wasn't aware to the batch of evidence she had left behind, and for someone who was already on her tail.
"Artemis. You keep after Mina. I'll look for Ash and see if he has anything planned for today." Luna told the snow-furred cat then started to run away.
'Huh? Ash?'
In his mind, Artemis wasn't as focused on the Pokemon Trainer being involved with Mina's letter. But thanks to Luna, now he could understand. This only made him want to open Mina's letter and read it more, to see what exactly she'd wrote to him. The topic could be about anything.
Yet, Artemis remembered that even if he wrote a letter, he wouldn't be pleased to know that someone else had read it before the person he sent it to had.
And so, this was how things would have to continue.
Hopefully, where ever Trista went, she would return soon to check her mailbox and inform Ash of his mysterious letter.
Just getting back from the mall, Eugeal placed her bought items in her room on the bed. She decided to sort them out later and first browse through her email for new messages. The time on the bottom-right of her computer read 2:40 p.m.
Nothing new had popped up. Her inbox had been filled with 326 messages because she didn't yet bother to erase them. Sometimes it irritated her that she didn't get any new mail because she had 3 friends who she made sure to message once a week.
At this point, refreshing the page seemed like the best option.
So Eugeal moved the arrow on the screen and clicked on the green refresh button. The page starting to load and finish took about 5 seconds.
Once it was finished, Eugeal smiled because she had received a single email, but raised her eyebrow in question when she viewed the name of the sender. It was her and Lola's uncle Drew.
Even with her developed intention of revenge, Lola hadn't yet thought of a plan. Before plotting anything, the 18-year old acknowledged that she needed to relax. So she turned on her small black radio, changed its station to rock and roll music, and made sure the volume was loud to block out everything else. This was her favorite sort of music.
The red punching bag hooked onto the ceiling in her room also helped.
She decided to wear jet-black shorts, a copper tank top, and a black headband to keep her bangs against her forehead; these were Lola's workout clothes.
When the introduction to her chosen song began, Lola clenched both of her fists and started attacking her punching bag.
Fresh tears seeped from out of her eyes. It'd been uncontrollable like this ever since she dashed from Andrew's house and began along the sidewalk. Lola switched her fists every time she took a strike at her target.
While the music managed to mute everything, her fight with Sailor Moon last night still entered her mind frame.
At that moment, Lola felt so victorious. She'd had the upper hand; all until that strange brunette appeared and kicked her in the stomach. Just who was she anyway? Most likely one of that annoying Sailor Moon's friends, so that gave Lola one more person to watch out for. But she didn't care. Her main concern was Serena.
Thinking about this caused Lola to grow angrier and place a stronger jab into her punching bag. More tears streamed down her face. Sailor Moon was the last person she wanted to think about, but the problem couldn't be avoided for ever.
A frustrated growl came from Lola as she found herself putting more energy into her punches.
It was difficult to erase Sailor Moon from her mind, also that scrawny blue girl that were with her... and the guy with a top hat who thought he looked so cool in that lousy tuxedo, the ugly yellow rat, and then that young boy... Lola didn't understand why someone as cute as Ash associated himself with people like them. With his confidence, someone like him would in fact make a good effect on the Death Busters.
Soon too many thoughts combined and clouded Lola's mind, putting stress on her that she didn't want. The music playing in the background was half way over.
Still, Lola had more anger to unleash along with her tears. Her arms grew tired, but the troubled girl didn't let that stop her. She kept her eyes narrowed on the punching bag; imagining it as Sailor Moon somewhat helped her emotions pour out faster.
As the song finally reached its ending note, that's when Lola performed her final jab, ripping a hole in the punching bag and causing grained sand to spill out of it. Her whole body was filled with sweat.
If anyone were to witness this, they would be awed by Lola's great strength, but for anyone who knew the girl, they knew she was powerful. That was one reason Lola decided to become a Death Buster in the first place. Then suddenly a idea came to mind.
Maybe this time when she chose a pure heart, Sailor Moon could be the target, becoming a mission that couldn't be wrong; if her heart crystal wasn't what the Professor wanted, then at least Lola could know that Sailor Moon would suffer from her heart crystal not residing in her body.
On the radio after the song was finished playing, a commercial emerged.
And at that same moment, the tired Lola could hear her telephone in its holder on her nightstand ringing.
"Hello?" the teenager spoke while panting for breath.
"Lola, it's me, Eugeal."
"What do you want, Eugeal? To tease me more about my job?"
"No, not even close..."
Eugeal found herself worrying for her rivaling cousin.
However her job was going, it sure was turning her into more of a temperamental person.
"It's about Uncle Drew. Today when I checked my email, I got a message from him and its for you."
"For me? What did he say?"
It wasn't easy for Eugeal to answer this question because after reading her uncle's email, she found herself not believing it. Maybe he meant to send it to one of her other cousins.
"It's for a job at the Crown Fruit Parlor. He's best friends with manager there, and says that if needed, he can get you a job there to wipe tables and mop the floors."
This was unbelievable. Lola didn't think about getting a minimum wage job. That's why she took up Professor Tomoe's offer. Just what was her uncle thinking?
"What? Now that I'm finished with high school he thinks he can decide what I do for money? That idiot..."
"I dunno," replied Eugeal.
"But hey, tell me about the job you have right now."
"Didn't you make it clear that you weren't calling about that?"
Lola screamed so loud into the phone that Eugeal had to move her ear away from it. This new found anger of her relative's amused her in a way.
"Yes, but I'm just wondering because I can see what it's doing to you."
"Huh?" What do you mean by that?"
Whatever Eugeal meant, Lola grew curious to know.
As of now, she felt just about the same person like yesterday.
"Oh, come on now!" Eugeal stated, a genuine grin on her lips.
"You're telling me that you don't realize how much more of a grump you've become?"
For listing each factor, Eugeal used her fingers to total them up.
"You're less proud about your job. You scream at me not even 5 minutes after our conversation. And now your taking your anger out on Uncle Drew. This is the first time in a while I've seen you act so fussy."
When it came down to it, every one of Eugeal's reasons was correct. Lola had let her anger blind her from seeing it.
Eugeal kept silent and awaited her cousin's response.
"Yeah, you're right about all that... but it's not something we should jump into. Why don't you get back on the computer? I'll find something over here to do."
"Alright then. Bye, Lola."
Shortly after that response, Lola clicked a button on her phone to turn it off.
If she would have stayed on the phone with Eugeal for any longer, then details about her job would probably be spilled.
For her upcoming plan, Lola realized that the older girl wouldn't be of any assistance because she thought about asking Eugeal to create a weapon for her. But Lola had other options.
When the Death Buster took a step away from her nightstand, she could hear the phone ringing again. She prepared herself to bark if it were Eugeal calling back for more nonsense.
"Hello?" Lola asked in a tense voice.
"Hey. The Professor wants you here quickly."
Lola's eyes widened in surprise when she heard this feminine voice through the phone's speaker. It was Kaorinite; just the person who could be apart of her next possible idea.
What Ami thought needed a lot of confidence finally commenced. She'd brought up the chess tickets to Ash while making some tea and snacks for them. Pikachu had been busy munching on his Pokemon treats, sitting beside Ash on the couch who was staring dead center at the chess ticket Ami handed to him.
He'd read the name of the chess challenge about five times but still used time to think his decision over. Ash knew about this brainiac game but could never imagine himself playing it. Not because he thought it was idiotic, but since he was a full time Pokemon Trainer, the young boy never really involved himself in playing regular child's games.
Yet there came the event of last night at Andrew's party; and even as he headed with Pikachu over to Ami's home, Ash could remember just how much guilt it'd placed on him. Did he really want to disappoint Ami again?
Ash assured Ami that he didn't mind having the green peppermint tea flavor. She remained standing over the stove and noticed the water had absorbed enough of its substance, so Ami turned its fire burner off, then stooped down to gaze through the oven's smallish glass window; their desserts needed about 3 or 4 more minutes to rise, while their drink needed to cool off for about the same time.
"Sure Ami," Ash rose from the couch with his chess ticket still in gloved hand.
"Me and Pikachu will go with you to this chess tournament."
When she turned around, Ash noticed a hint of excitement on Ami's face. So it was actually great that he accepted her invitation. Now Ash could feel like he were repaying the girl back for leaving her during the party last night.
"Really?" Ami stood up and turned around, facing Ash with gleam in her gentle eyes.
The Pokemon Trainer smiled at Ami, realizing that he'd made the right decision.
"Yeah. Pikachu might even like it."
"Pika pika!"
This time Pikachu didn't feel dissatisfaction like from the time Rini disguised in a swan costume grabbed Ash's arm so they could dance. At least now the rodent Pokemon sensed wellness from Ami.
What helped the older girl was her acknowledgement of Pikachu's presence. It was nicer for her to ask if Pikachu would also like to accompany them to the chess tournament.
Ami didn't think Ash would agree so willingly, but she was glad that he did. The two of them could be great friends if enough time were spent; Ami could feel it. Any of her best friends wouldn'tve had agreed to seeing a chess game because it wasn't their interest. So at least Ash gave her a chance.
"Thank you, Ash. The others would have said no if they knew the tickets were for chess. None of them like the game," Ami explained with both hands behind her back.
"Well, actually I've never played the game either, but I'm sure it's awesome if you like it."
"Yes, it's pretty interesting once you learn the rules," a warm smile spread across Ami's lips.
Ash stared down at his chess ticket once more while Ami returned to preparing their tea and brownies.
"So when is the day of this tournament?
"Tomorrow at 3 o' clock sharp," Ami answered, heading towards the table with a silver tray filled with two green coffee mugs and the fudge brownies.
Ash headed for the table with Pikachu following after him. As he sat down, Pikachu joined his side by sitting on the edge of the table; Ami didn't mind it.
After taking her seat at the opposite end, Ami grabbed her coffee mug by its handle and took a sip from it. Then she placed it back down on the table.
"Alright then. Well I guess we'll have to find something to do until then," Ash responded, reaching for his cup to place it before him then take a brownie from the dish tray.
The next few minutes continued with biting into their brownies and taking one sip of tea at a time. Neither Ami or Ash could think of anything to say.
As Ash were the guest, Ami didn't want to seem like her house wasn't entertaining. There had to be something for them to talk about.
"Ash? What is the world that you came from like?"
"My world?"
When Ash gave this response, parts of his brownie were still in his mouth. So he quickly motioned to chewing and swallowing all of it not to seem like he didn't carry any manners. It still made him wonder that this topic was being brought up. Of course they'd want to know where Pikachu and him came from.
"Yes," Ami clarified.
"Do more creatures like Pikachu exist?"
"More than you can imagine. It's endless to how many Pokemon there are. That's what's so awesome about it."
Ami was surprised by this answer.
Since Ash was telling the truth, she began to wonder if there were a way she could visit his world and see for herself. If the number to Pokemon species was endless, that would make it never uninteresting.
"There's always something to look forward to then," the scholar smiled, holding her drink with both cups.
"So tell me, Ash. Excluding Pikachu, how many Pokemon do you have?"
"Five."
Speaking of his Pokemon, Ash remembered that releasing each creature from their Poke Balls would be safe since they were inside and not out in the open. The idea seemed cool.
"I can show them to you if you want," Ash suggested, getting up from his chair.
"Really? I'd love that!" replied Ami, also rising from the table.
Before reaching for his Poke Balls from his pocket, Ash chose the largest empty space in front of the couch and stood in the middle of its rug.
He chose to toss all 5 items into the air in unison.
"Come on out, everyone!"
All of the Poke Balls opened while releasing light. Once each streak reached and touched the floor, it revealed 5 figures of Ash's Pokemon. It wasn't until the light faded did Ami grasp a good look of each creature; she couldn't feel her mouth opening from the utter amazement.
They all looked so contrasting and unique.
Ami grew boggled as to how a monkey like Infernape could have flames for hair. His tail was extremely long, and his the top of his head with the embers reached to her neck. And his expression... it made Infernape appear so tough and fierce; this was one powerful looking creature.
Next was Staraptor. Ami had never seen an aerial creature like this, with the part of his body that came from its back and covered its face. His feathers looked shiny and well-groomed. No one would able to track down this sort of mammal in her universe.
Torterra was one of the Pokemon that made Ami gawk. The humongous spikes and grown tree on his back were unexplainable, and his shell had to have been made of a substance harder than titanium. Ami could tell by just viewing it.
Studying Gible, Ami couldn't pinpoint what sort of creature he was. It was because of that she became curious. Maybe because of the fin on Gible's head, she guessed that he could be a fish-type being.
Finally with Buizel, it could be discovered right away that he was a weasel. She noticed that a floatie used for swimming was bore around his neck. Just what did this indicate exactly?
Ash continued by first introducing his allies to Ami.
"You guys, meet Ami. She wanted to see what all of you looked like."
Next Ash informed Ami of each Pokemon's names, that factor becoming something else of interest to the girl.
Each Pokemon muttered kind words in their language to greet Ami with smiles plastered onto their lips.
"Hello. You all look so interesting."
So when they spoke, each Pokemon carried their own language.
Ami wasn't sure which Pokemon to ask about first, for they'd all intrigued her in the same manner. Making a decision was difficult.
The biggest of them all was Torterra with his giant shell, making him more noticaeble than the rest.
"Ash? If it's alright with you, can I study Torterra's shell?"
"Sure! Torterra won't mind."
And with that, Ami started walking towards the giant masked turtle. With every step she took, Torterra's eyes never changed. He watched Ami head towards his shell.
She slid her hand along its back and felt how smooth its was. Ami could recall the same feeling when touching his large and sharp spikes. Anyone who poked or got attacked by them would have a major accident.
Then came the question of its tree. Of course dirt, seeds, and water had to be placed on Torterra's shell to grow what Ami now saw, but it still left her puzzled. Her friends would flip if they ever saw this feature of his.
By the time she finished taking closer looks at the rest of Ash's companions, Ami heard the ringing of her usual door bell. Ash had decided to return his 5 Pokemon to their homes, so at least he wouldn't have to worry about them being discovered.
"Hello? Ami?" came Luna's voice through the front door.
"Luna?"
Ami was confused to hear only that one voice and not anyone else. Cats weren't known to be tall enough to reach door bells.
Luna could hear footsteps coming closer. So when the time was right she parted her lips again.
"A-ami, it's alright if you don't open the door. I just have a question for Ash, that's all."
"Are you sure?"
Ami didn't want to suspect her mentor of anything, but what was taking place now seemed pretty strange.
"Yes. Can you call him to the door?"
In a confused manner, Ami turned around and motioned Ash to come stand beside the door. He asked why she didn't open it, but learned that Luna assured it wasn't needed.
"Luna?" Ash began.
"Ash, I just came by to ask if you have any activities planned for today."
"No, not really. I just got through telling Ami that we should find something to do."
This made Ash feel wierd because the subject had been discussed minutes ago. And why was Luna curious to know in the first place?
"Very well then. I'll see you two later then."
Amy, Ash, and Pikachu moved away from the door in confusedly. Already Luna had made herself suspicious; the female cat was aware of that, but for personal reasons chose not to walk into the room.
It wasn't until she left the apartment building itself that Luna checked if the coast were clear. She looked both ways and saw no one, therefore in a matter of seconds she changed from her humanoid body back into her animal form.
After ward she started power walking away down the street.
'If only there were a way cats could ring door bells... Ami and the others have probably already grown suspicious of me... but I don't know if they're ready to know about my human form just yet.'
End of Act VIII
ThoughtfulTikal: Well, there you have it! The beginning of the sequel. Comments!
Batthan: I love it so far! ThoughtfulTikal, making a sequel was a awesome idea.
ThoughtfulTikal:Yeah, well I wasn't sure where to end it so that's how a sequel became the idea. Anyways, until the next chapter of... SAILOR MOON S: LIKE THE DIAMOND SHE IS!