I Don't Have A Title Yet

1





Usa decided that life could not get much worst than it already had, but it did.



Welcome to the day after the ball. A beautiful Sunday afternoon at Hikawa Jinja. It was a mild day, not overly warm; the temperature was comfortable around the temple grounds and slightly cool in the shade.



Usa, Ami, and Rei were resting on a blanket underneath one of the temple’s famous cherry blossom trees, watching the lazy progression of large puffy clouds in the sky as they listened to Darien and Frankie’s conversation.



The two young men were dressed in the blue and white robes of a novice. They had refused the wooden sandals Yurrichio had offered them and kept on their running shoes.



Usa had a good laugh at her boyfriend’s expense while Rei thanked him for his generosity by helping out his friend. Usa and Ami managed to pull the industrial priestess away from the work, chase off Yurrichio, and enjoy the picnic Usa had brought.



Luna lay in the center of the blanket, scowling at everyone.



“I really don’t know what happened.” Frankie was saying. He kicked a rock out of his path and continued with his raking. “I just felt something…can’t explain it.”



“You best try…” Luna started.



Rei dropped a napkin over the cat’s face.



“I’m never gonna get used to that.” Frankie said as he signed a cross over his chest. “A talking a cat.”



“Ignore her,” Darien told him. “That’s what I do. What do we call you in battle, by the way?”



Frankie laughed, “Jadeite.” He told them.



The four warriors stared at him as if he were mad.



“What?” He cried.



“Jedite?” Luna almost screeched.



“Jedite?” Darien was reaching for a rose.



“Jedite?” Frankie looked confused. “Like in Star Wars? No, hombre. Jadeite, like the stone, jade, but then you add ‘ite’.”



“And how do you know this?” Darien asked.



His friend shrugged. “I don’t. I just know it feels right. You know?”



“Sort of.”



“Yet you have no idea of how you transformed?” asked Ami getting back to their earlier question.



“Not at all.” He squinted up at the sky. “Well, I remember thinking about someone—a person who is very important to me…Someone I would give my life for.” He finished quietly.



Darien and Usa were staring at him with twin expressions of horror and disbelief.



“Frankie is being serious.” Usa cried. “Oh, God, Darien. Hell has frozen over!” She collapsed on her side, screaming in terror.



Ami threw a wadded up napkin at her. “Be serious.”



“I am!” Usa hollered.



“Anyway,” Darien scooped up a small pile of grass and walked over to his braying girlfriend. “This person you were thinking about. Was it a girl?”



Frankie eyed him skeptically. “Why does it always have to be about a girl with you?”



Darien flashed him a superior grin. “Why, Francisco I didn’t know you swung that way.”



“I don’t, you pervert. Shut up.”



Darien dumped the grass on Usa. “What did I tell you about braying? It’s ain’t attractive on farm animals and it sure as hell isn’t an attractive sound coming from my girlfriend.”



She sputtered, spitting out grass as she pushed herself. “Shields, you’re dead…”



He grabbed her brow and pushed her back down. “Okay, you don’t know if your person is a guy or girl?”



“It’s a guy.” He joined the group and dropped down beside the basket. “I would bet Drew’s favorite jersey on it.”



“A guy?” Rei said. “We are searching for a Princess and crystal…”



Frankie shook his head, “Don’t know anything about a princess or some crystal. I…” He looked up at the sky, the colour seemed to mimic his eye colour. “I have to find the others.”



The group was looking at him strangely.



Darien cleared his throat loudly. Frankie lowered his gaze to them and they all smiled at him.



“The others?” Darien asked skeptically. Yeah, Frankie was defiantly off.



Frankie nodded. “Yeah.”



“Would you care to elaborate?” Luna said.



He looked away. “You all are connected to the moon?”



They exchanged questioning looks. The girls gestured for Usa to answer him, she glared at them, and Rei waved her fist under Usa’s nose. She growled then sighed. “We,” she gestured at Rei, Ami, and herself. “We are connected to moon and we are searching for our Princess.”



“Serenity.” Frankie said quietly.



The four warriors looked down at Luna. The cat was staring at Frankie with her mouth gapped open. “How--?” the cat sputtered.



The young Spaniard rolled to his feet and grabbed his rake and went back to work. And that was extremely odd for him. Darien and Usagi were freaking out again.



“He’s industrious.” Rei murmured.



“He avoided Luna’s question.” Ami stood up and went over to where Frankie was.



“What the hell is going on?” Darien stared wide-eyed at his housemate.



Absently, Usa smacked his arm. “Stop swearing.” She then remembered something. “Luna,” she picked up the cat and turned it to her face. “You’ve been holding out on us again, kitty.”



Luna trembled at the dangerous look in the girl’s icy eyes. “I have a good reason.”



“None that will excuse this omission.” Usa said gravely.



Rei chose to join in at that point. “I wonder what else she’s been keeping from us, Usagi-chan.”



“Yes, Luna. What other secrets have you been keeping from us?” The girl purred with a completely evil look in her cool eyes.



While Luna was being interrogated, Ami was trying to get some more answers from Frankie. The normally open, talkative young man was surprising tight-lipped on the on the matters of his sudden abilities and whomever it was that he served. They all decided to let the matter drop for the moment and finished their work around the temple.



The next few days were odd ones. There were no attacks—of the mutated critter kind—but the group was attacked by the press. Frankie and Usa watched all five exposes of the “Sailor Girls and the Crime Fighting Phantom.” (One imaginative reporter had dubbed them, the Super Sailor V fighters and the Caped Swordsman.) Darien hated every name the press had given him and he complained about being second to them. (He started shortly after Sailor V had disappeared, four months before Usagi uttered her transformation phrase.)



Usa and her mom and Molly went all out on the Sailor Girls’ merchandise. She even dragged Darien out on her largest shopping spree. By the end of the week, Usagi owned all the Sailor Girls’ paraphernalia she find. Darien refused to enter her bedroom saying it was narcissism at its worst. (He secretly owned a Sailor Moon action figure. But it was his secret.)



By week’s end, Frankie was ready to give up his search for his ‘others’. The enemy hadn’t shown and all he done was join Darien and the girls at the gym for training, go to his classes, and attempt to study. Saturday afternoon rolled around and still nothing had happened.



Darien was in Osaka with his father for something that Darien said was important. The little brunette chick with the short hair was away at swim meet which left Frankie patrolling with Usa and the very delectable little miko who had captured Frankie’s attention from the moment they first met.



Usagi was driving them around town in Darien’s latest toy, a Porsche Cayenne. (Darien loved Porsche and Porsche loved him.)



“I still can’t believe Darien lets you drive his car.” Rei said from the back seat. They had just picked her from her family temple, late that lazy afternoon. Yurrichio had been on the grounds, glaring at Frankie. The two had been staring and gauging each other, like two predatory wolves sniffing about the same mate. But Frankie was not going to allow that shaggy-haired lecher get anywhere near what Frankie had decided was his.



Frankie was thinking of a ways of asking Rei out, when Usa pulled sharply pulled into a parking space and got out. Rei was already moving, Usa looked back at Frankie and told him to get moving. One of the alarms Ami had set up was going off. Frankie got out and watched as Usa and Rei took two of Darien’s rapiers from the converted trunk and hid them in a black case which Usa strapped to her back and they ran for the park.



“Damned creatures always went to the park,” Rei muttered.

Usa smirked. They were becoming more like each other. Now if she could only be more graceful or genteel like Rei, Usa’s life would have been perfect.



They all ducked into an alley and transformed. Then it was off to the rooftops.









2







Lita wanted to kick herself being all kinds of fools. Lita had, while in a drunken stupor, agreed to do some of the grilling and she had been doing since she got there. She also had Usa’s rotten little animal with her for her sorority’s mascot. It was the annual KO University Frat and Sororities picnic/barbeque. She was hot, bored, and smelled of charcoal and cooked meats. She had seen Mina Aino earlier, they chatted briefly before Mina went off to talk to her sisters. Hotaru and Sam hung around before she and Mina went at it. Dave and Jiro dropped by to eat, Josh was there for a couple minutes but he left soon after to finish with one of his paper. No one had seen Frankie all day, which was odd for a guy who practically lived for free food and beer.



Still, she had been expecting to see Usa. That girl could hang with the best of them when it came to eating and free food, she would run down Frankie if he got in between her and piece of free food.



Lita was just turning another set of burgers when she heard the first scream. She looked up and was tackled from to the ground. Lita heard someone scream her name and the next second the gigantic bee-like creature was knocked off her. She tried to sit up but was gently pushed back down. Long, platinum blonde hair, streaked with silver fell before her eyes. Lita’s looked up and her eyes went wide in shock. Kneeling beside her was one of the Sailor girls, the blond one. Sailor Moon.



Sailor Moon hovered protectively over her cousin, her pale eyes narrowed into dangerous slits as she waited for the droid to attack again. In the background she could hear Mars and Jadeite working on the rest.



Slowly, the warrior rose to her feet, her right hand went to her brow. The creature roared and made to charge the two girls. Moon snatched her tiara from her brow and sent it flying. The creature dodged it, which was what Moon was expecting. She leapt over her cousin, rushed forward as she drew her sword from her subspace pocket and plunged it into the creature’s heart. The beast screamed in pain and tried to fall back, Moon stayed on it. She pushed the blade in deeper until it tore its back, the thing screams became shrill from agony. Moon ripped the blade out its chest and stabbed it in the throat. The force of the blow sent the creature to the ground where it twitched violently until it died. Moon looked about the park with hard silver eyes. There were ten mutated freaks; Mars and Jadeite were swamped as people and paparazzi crowded about to watch the “show,” they all seemed to have forgotten that this was real and that people could die.



She was not about to let that happen. Sailor Moon reached up and caught her tiara. Grimly, she replaced the ornament to her brow. Something dangerous and powerful came to life in her eyes.



The air seemed to come to life. Charged with lighting, magic, and life. Lita had never felt anything like this before. Whatever it was, it called to her and joined the melody in her blood and thundered along with the rhythm in her heart.



It was strong, stronger than anything she had ever known.



Sailor Moon closed her eyes and relished in the new gift that had been bestowed upon her.



“…Princess…” the wind seemed to whisper. “…Princess…”



She reached for it.



Why was she protecting her?



Shouldn’t it be…?



…It is your scared duty as…



Her fingertips grazed it.



Our once peaceful kingdom…Our beautiful…



…She glows with white light…Our once peaceful kingdom…



Almost! If she could only grab it.



…to protect the Princess…



…sworn never leave her…



“Get up!”



She was jerked to her feet by invisible hands.



“Take it now!”



Her hand closed around the cylinder, she felt a rush power fill her.



“Defend our holy Kingdom.”





“Defend our holy Kingdom.”



Mars turned away from the creature she had just set ablaze as she tried to locate the voice. Defend our holy Kingdom? Who?



Her eyes searched for Sailor Moon but her eyes were drawn to the glowing figure behind her.



“Mars!” Jadeite shouted to her.



Mars was not listening. All she could think about was getting to her leader. She whipped out two of her charms and flung them on two beasts coming on both sides of her. The creatures froze in their tracks.



“Moon!” Mars shouted as the thing behind the petite warrior rose up.



“Moon Healing Escalation!” Sailor Moon thrust a staff in the air. The large crescent moon on top flashed brightly, drawing all the light to it, absorbing everything before it exploded in a brilliant display of intense white light.



Mars lowered her arm and she looked around at the sight. People were lowering their arms and hands from their eyes, but the creatures were gone. Piles of fine grain dust drifted about in the air. In the background people were asking each other what was going on and what had happened. She was wondering the same thing. Then she remembered the glowing thing that had been behind Sailor Moon. She turned back to her leader, her amethyst eyes became as large as saucers.



Jadeite lowered his sword as he stared at the girl in the green mini skirt and half boots.



“Lit—“



“Senshi!” Mars shot him a warning look.



Moon glanced back at the warrior standing behind her and she smiled.



“Sailor Jupiter, I presume?” A saucy grin appeared on her face.



The new looked down at herself and then back at the blonde warrior. “Us—“



“Senshi.” Sailor Moon barked, “Retreat.” She ran toward Jupiter, caught her arm and pulled her out of the park. Mars and Jadeite followed suit, ignoring the startled cries and calls for autographs from the college students in the park.



Their safe spot was half a block over near an abandoned warehouse. The three more experienced warriors detransformed. Jupiter gawked at them.



“Usa!” She cried in horror.



Usagi touched the emerald broach on her cousin’s fuku and she demorphed. “Go back to the park and pretend that nothing happened.” She ordered.



How was that possible? Lita started at her strangely. Her cousin, she was Sailor Moon and her friend was Mars and Frankie—She did not know what Frankie was.



Rei peeked around the corner. “It’s clear.” She told them.



Usa nodded. “We have to get back to the car. Frankie, you follow Lita back to the park. Wait three minutes then run in looking wild eyed and worried. Lita, damn, you’re injuries have healed. But that will be alright. Just tell everyone that you were saved by the Senshi or something. Rei let’s go.”



“But, Usa…”



Her cousin and her friend were gone, leaving Lita alone with Frankie.



“What just happened to me?” She asked the empty air.



Frankie pulled out his sunglasses and ran his fingers through his disheveled hair. “What happened, me amore, is that you are now a Sailor Senshi looking for some Princess and a rock.”



Lita turned her wild eyes on him, Frankie grinned.



“You’ll get used to it.” He winked before he covered his eyes. “But seriously, we need to get out of here. We do have secret identities to maintain.”





3





Lita returned to the park a short while later and the first thing she heard was, “Sam, we found her!” The next thing was that she caught up in her cousin’s arm and was being hugged to death.



“Oh, God, Lita.” Sam cried as he checked her over for injuries. “Are you alright?”



She stared at him blankly.



When Lita did not answer him, Sam shook her hard. “Snap out of it, Lita.” He was already worried, now this was scary. Sam caught her chin with one hand made her look at him. Lita’s pupils were dilated and her were glassy. “Shit!” He swore under his breath. “Dave, Jiro! Help. It’s Lita.” Gently, Sam took Lita into his arms. His friends joined him and hurried for the closest exit.





Usagi’s cell phone was ringing by the time she and Rei reached the car. She tossed the thing to Rei as

she stowed their gear in the trunk.



“She’s right here, Tsukino-san.” Rei was saying as Usagi unlocked the doors. “No, we were on our way there. We are alright. Hai, lie? Her cousin was attacked?” She met Usagi’s questioning gaze. “Tokyo General. Hai, hai. We will be there shortly.” She rung off and handed the phone back to her friend. “Lita collapsed at the park.” She told her.



Usa put the car in gear and pulled out of lot. “I’m not surprised. It the same thing that happened to you and Ami. She summoned her own transformation rod and managed to finish off that red headed demon that was behind her.”



“The one from the Ball?” Rei was shocked.



She nodded. “I don’t know how she did it, but her power joined with mine and she used it to take him down and turn him to dust.”



“Are you sure it was she?” Rei asked skeptically.



“Who else could it have been? We were the only ones there.” She noticed the intent, ponderous expression on her friend’s face and she said. “I don’t believe in Urban Legends, Rei.”



“Nor do I,” the other girl said quietly. “Yet Usa it would explain—“



“Sailor V is not real.” Usagi said firmly.



“There are nine planets, Usa-chan. We’ve just located a fourth warrior.”



“But V?” She said contemptuously.



“How about Venus?” The idea made sense to Rei. It felt right somehow.



Usa braked for a red light; she shook her head to clear it. “Sailor Venus?” She glanced at Rei.



The miko nodded. “Why not?”



Why not indeed, Usa mussed. The light changed and she turned left. “We won’t know until we discover the truth. Does V really exist and if she does, is our ally or our enemy.”



“You’re a pessimist.” Rei laughed softly.



Usa snorted, “Yeah and you’re Mary-frickin’-sunshine right now.”



“Cynic.”



“Frankie lover.”



Rei gasped. “Take that back, Usa!”



“Or is it Yurrichio who owns your heart?”



“It neither!” Rei declared haughtily. “I have no use for men in my life.”



Usa smirked, “Yeah, right.”



“I don’t.”



“You’re just playing hard to get.”



“You calling me a tease?”



“If the shoe fits!”



“Usa!”



The other girl laughed. “You are too easy, Rei.”



“Bite me.” Rei growled.



She pretended to think about it; all the while mischief was sparkling in her eyes. “Naw, I’ll let Frankie or Yurrichio do that.”



“Why couldn’t you just stay away from my temple that day?” Rei moaned piteously.



Usa continued to laugh at her stricken expression.







They reached the hospital soon after. Usa and Rei rushed to emergency ward. The trauma center was pack and people were still coming in from the incident at the park. There were no serious injuries. The college students were complaining of slight headaches and had bruises from when they fell or collided with another person.



They managed to skirt the mess and find Lita already being released.



Everyone was there: Usa’s parents, Sam and his housemates including a sheepish Frankie, Mina and Hotaru and four other people Usa did not know. Ilene was organizing everyone, they all wanted to accompany Lita home and make sure she was alright.



Usa waved Frankie over and surreptitiously slipped Darien’s car keys into his hand before she rushed off to join her family.



A half-hour later Lita was settled in her bed with Usa tucked in beside her.



Usagi had climbed into bed with her cousin and gloomed to herself to Lita’s side like a puppy. Sam was lounging at the foot of the bed, absently picking at the light summer quilt that covered the bed. The spacious room was packed with their friends, who covered every available space.



“I can’t believe it, Li.” Andrew was saying. “You met Sailor Moon.”



“She didn’t meet her, Drew.” Hotaru made Sam sit up so she could sit on his lap. “Sailor Moon was saving her life.”



“A lot of good that did her.” A tall, slender blonde young woman with short hair said disgustedly. “One of those creatures still managed to carry Lita off.”



“Alex, please.” Lita said wearily. “There were only two Sailor girls there and they were doing their best.”



“Yeah,” Yaten Kou chimed in excitedly. “Dude, what happened to the other Sailor girl and the boy-toy in the tux?”



Frankie snickered. Darien was just going to love his latest nickname.



“I think they traded him in for the dude in the armor.” Dave suggested.



“I don’t know why? Boy toy was hot.” Yaten sighed dreamily.



Rei stared at him for a moment before turning to Usa.



Usa looked like she was going to attack the famous pop star. How dare the fruity little bastard ogle her man!



“Wait!” Jiro called from Lita’s desk, “I want to know where the chick in the green cheerleading costume came from?”



“I want to know to know where she got those out-dated ankle boots?” Mina threw in.



“Forget her. What about the red cheerleader has those ‘Goddamn’ high heels.” Dave and Frankie shared a high five.



“Long legs, mini skirt,” Frankie sang.



“All she needs is a pair of fishnet stockings, a little red garter and matching garter belt and I’m on it.” Dave hooted.



“Testify!” Frankie shouted merrily.



“Naw man,” Seiya put in, “The little one. That chick is hot to death.”



“I want to hit that myself.” Andrew put in.



Usa and Rei exchanged twin looks of horror and disgust.



“You pigs!” Hotaru spat. “Have you forgotten that there are ladies present?”



“Da, you gang of perverts.” Alex said darkly. “We do not want about your balnoy (sick) fantasies.”



Frankie tapped Dave on the shoulder, “What does balnoy mean?”



Dave shrugged, “I don’t know. Ask the Russian.”



“She said that you were sick.” The latest member of their little group told them.



Lita looked up at the tall, dark skinned girl entered the room and she smiled broadly. “Trista.” She waved the over. “Honey, I did not think you would make it?”



Honey? More than a few people mouthed.



“I was on my way back from the airport when I heard the news on the radio.” Trista said as she bent to touch her cheek to Lita’s. “Thanos was going to stay, but we called the hospital and they told us you weren’t seriously injured.”



“Oh, that was sweet of him.” Lita moved her legs, making room for Trista to sit down. “I’m sorry I didn’t get to see him before he left.”



“Oh, don’t worry about it.” Trista made a dismissive gesture. “He had to get back to his restaurant

before Milo burned it down or something.”



“Still, I wanted to see him.” Lita pouted. “I haven’t seen him since Cory’s wedding.” She nudged Sam with her foot. “You remember Cory Duncan, right?”



He frowned for a moment, trying to affix the name to face, his eyes lit up and he nodded. “Yeah, his sister used to baby-sit us all when we lived in LA. My god, he’s married?”



“Who are you guys talking about?” Hotaru demanded.



The three people blushed and laughed sheepishly. “Sorry, love.” Sam pressed a kiss against her neck.



“We were just reminiscing.” Lita told her.



“So you guys are American?” Alex asked them.



“Japanese and American,” Sam told her.



“I’m German and American.” Lita corrected.



“Kino’s Japanese.” Jiro said.



“It’s also a German word.” Lita yawned broadly. “But it doesn’t matter.”



“So you all grew up in La La Land.” Dave asked.



Trista nodded. “The same neighborhood. All of the children of movie stars, directors, producers, and studio executives.”



“Which one were your parents, Sam?” Jiro said.



“Mom. She was on a soap and did a few films before she started making a living as photojournalist.”

Sam found a lock of Hotaru’s hair and started to play with it. “Lita’s mom, our mom’s twin, she was actress, too.”



“Mother only did films.” Lita said snidely. Sam stuck his tongue out at her in response.



“What about your dad?” Jiro asked interestedly.



“You’ve never heard of Kasper Kino?” Sam laughed.



“The Kasper Kino?” Jiro cried.



“Yes,” Usa had to get in one. “The one and only. He’s my uncle.” She beamed.



“Shut up.” Dave tossed a fuzzy slipper at her.



“But he was married to Daphne Rose and they had a daughter named Lindsay.” Said one Kasper Kino fan, (Jiro had seen all of the man’s film and was a student of his style.)



“Lindsey Brita Rensselaer-Kino.” Lita told them.



“How did you come up with Lita?” Rei asked curiously.



“Their father?” Lita pointed at Usa and Sam. “He took the first two letters of my first name and the last two of my middle name and he came up with Lita and I’ve been stuck with it.”



Usa was studying Trista and it hit her. “You’re the girl Darien’s tutoring!”



Trista looked down at the Usa shocked face and smiled. “I was beginning to wonder if you remembered me, Serena.”



Usa threw herself in the older girl’s arms and hugged her tight. “Puu! Oh, my God.” She sat back and looked Trista over, “Oh, wow! Why didn’t you guys tell me that Trista was Puu! I was planning on kicking your ass for trying to get with my man.” She hugged her again. “Wow, I haven’t seen you seen since I was like five…Oh, but wait!” She let go of Trista so fast that the other girl fell back on the bed. She held her hand out to Rei. “Puu, this is one of my new best friends.” She pushed the blankets back so Rei could climb in with her and Lita.



Rei flashed Lita an apologetic grin, Lita just nodded and made room for her.



“Puu, this is Rei Hino. Rei-chan, this my most favorite person in the world next to Lita, Mina, and Hotaru and Dave.” She winked at the blond playboy on the who was clacking away on Lita’s computer. He winked back.



“Trista Meiou.” The olive skinned girl introduced herself.



“Puu.” Usa corrected.



“It’s an honor Meiou-san.” Rei said politely.



“Please, just call me Trista.”



Usa crawled over to Sam and Hotaru. “Hey, I want some ice cream.”



“Do I look like Darien?” Sam shoved her back.



“Speaking of the child,” Hotaru started.



“Don’t start on my baby brother, you black haired witch.” Mina said coldly.



Hotaru glared at him. “It would mean something if he truly was your brother, Blondie.”



“You want me to come over there and kick your ass?” Mina hissed.



“Chick fight.” Seiya hooted. The two girls glared at him. He paled and moved behind his taller brother. “I’m shutting up now.” He squeaked.



“Will someone please get me some ice cream!” Usagi cried in desperation.



The phone at Lita’s bedside rang. “Moshii, moshii.” She had to plug her ear just so she could hear who was on the other end. “Grandmother? Hello.” She glared at the people in the room. Sam almost shoved Hotaru off his lap. Usa tripped over both Rei and Trista as she tried to get out of the bed. “Yes, ma’am, I am well. No, ma’am, I became dizzy, I am well. They are here.” She shoved the phone at Usa.



Usa tried to move away from it, but she ran only into people and Lita shoved the receiver to her ear. “Hello, Grandmother.” She dropped back on her rear with a pout. “I am fine. I am doing well in school this semester. Yes, ma’am. I will be accompanying mother to New York. Yes, ma’am. Grandmother, Samuel would like to say hello.” She threw the phone at her brother; he caught it before it beamed him.



Sam shot her a murderous look; she made a face at him. While Sam spoke to their grandmother (actually their great-grandmother,) Usa settled back in the bed with a pout.



“I want some ice cream.” She said sourly.



“Me, too.” Rei pouted..



“We ran out last night.” Lita reached for her purse. She fished around until she found her

wallet. “Why don’t you two run out and pick some up.” She handed the wallet to Usa. “Dave, do you see my PDA over there?”



He held it up.



“And while you’re at the store, could you two grab the stuff on that list.”



Usa dropped her head on Rei’s shoulder and groaned. “Fine. Frankie, give me Darien’s car keys.”



“What!” Sam cried out in horror.



“Darien let’s you drive his car?” Drew was gaping at the keys Frankie passed over his head to the little girl on the bed.



Jiro was practically drooling. “Usa, baby…”



“Every time I turn around, someone is hitting on my girlfriend.”



Usa turned to the door and her expression brightened. “Darien!” She held her arms out to him.



He made his way into the room, trying not to trip over the people in the floor. “You do know the Tsukinos have a living room, a den, and rec room. What’s up, Kous?”



“Shields.” Seiya nodded.



“Hey, sis.” He said to Mina once he had reached the bed. Darien easily exacted his beloved from the over crowded bed. “Hey, you.” He pressed a chaste kiss to her lips.



“Hey yourself.” She cupped his face in her hands; a soft smile graced her lips.



“Miss me?”



“Of course.” She hugged him. “We have to talk.” She whispered.



“What’s up?” He said against her ear.



“Help Rei out of the bed, I’ll tell you on the way to the store.” She pressed a kiss beside his ear before she let him go.



Darien sat her down on her feet, then he turned and reached for Rei.



Usa adjusted her pants and tank top. “Frankie, you’re coming?”



He started to say no, he noticed the intent look in her eyes and he nodded. He stood up and followed her out the door. Darien and Rei came down soon after. Rei had Lita’s PDA in her hands.



“You forgot this.” She told Usagi.



“Oh, yeah.” She said sourly. “I just wanted some ice cream.”



“What’s all this?” Darien took it and glanced down at list. “Chicken, curry powder, wild rice…”



“Shopping list.” She rooted through the pile of shoes before the door until she found her sandals and

Rei’s. “Mom, we’re going to store.” She hollered.



“Usa,” her mother popped her head out of the kitchen. “I ordered supper, but we’re out of soft drinks and dessert.”



“Colas and pies.” Usa asked.



“Crème pies.” Ilene told her.



“Will do.”



“Oh, boys,” She said to Darien and Frankie, “Will you be staying for supper?”



“Yes, ma’am.” Darien told her. “We’ll chip in of course.”



“You better.” Usa stuck her feet in her sandals. “You guys can put me to shame.”



“Rei? You are still staying over?” Ilene asked the other girl.



“If it is no problem…” Rei said.



“Of course not.” Ilene smiled at her, “Ami will be coming over as well. Usa, you will be doubling up.”



“That’s alright. Daddy went to pick her up from her school?”



Ilene nodded. “Oh, one of Lita’s sorority sister dropped your cat off.”



“Okay, could you feed her, please?”



“I’ll have Sam do it.” Ilene turned back towards the kitchen.



“Alright, let’s go.” Darien took his keys from Usa and they herded out the front door.





Back in Lita’s room, Jiro confirmed that Frankie did get in the car with Darien and the two girls.



“Is it just me or is something weird going on with them?” Dave asked the room.



“No, something is definitely up?” Sam rested his chin on Hotaru’s shoulder. I’ve been able to excuse

Darien and Usa’s behavior. Dare’s a genius and he a bit eccentric; And Usagi—Usa always doing something. She doesn’t know how to stay still.”



“What is it that you suspect Darien and Usagi to be hiding?” Mina asked him.



Sam shrugged. “I haven’t a clue.” He confessed. “But I just have this feeling…”



“Then say it.” Mina snapped. “If you think my brother is in any danger—“



Sam cast about helplessly. To be honest, he hadn’t a single clue of what was going on with Darien and his sister. But it was tied up in Usagi’s new friends and somehow, Frankie was now apart of it.