Chapter 7 Love Scouts! Lita arrived at the college campus with plenty of time to spare before Reika's evening class let out, and she leaned on a wall close to the building Reika was in to wait for her rival to appear.  For once, Lita was grateful for her height, because from a distance she looked older than she was, so most people walking past didn't notice her much and she didn't have to explain her presence to anyone.  She tried to use the time to rehearse what she was going to say, and come up with an excuse for even being there.  A middle school student approaching a college student for no apparent reason would be strange and suspicious

Chapter 6 Lita's Shocking Discovery Lita practically skipped down the sidewalk to Andrew's apartment complex.  She'd had a great talk on the phone with Andrew the previous day - his voice over the line was so soothing and beautiful, she had never wanted it to end - and she had arranged to come over to his place the following afternoon to give him his first cooking lesson.  She had actually worked up a two-step approach for him, starting with discussing the basics of cooking before actually trying to cook something that took more than three directions. When she reached the apartment building, she merrily climbed the stairs until she reache

Chapter 5 One Rainy Day Serena was running down a long hallway, long skirts rustling softly around her legs.  She was looking for someone, but she wasn't sure who it was.  It was someone important, she knew that much.  The heels of her shoes echoed off the walls as she ran, aiming for the doorway at the far end of the hall.  Her heart leaped in excitement and happiness when she finally reached the door and pushed it open.  For a moment she smelled roses and saw the tall figure of a man beckoning to her.  And then everything was swallowed by fire. Serena jerked awake as her alarm clock jangled at her, and she sucked in several deep breaths

Chapter 4 Tuxedo Mask, Friend. . .or Foe?! “Yumemi, please, try to remember,” Serena said pleadingly to the monster that had been her friend.  “You have such a kind heart; don't let them take it from you!” Veena's eyes darted back and forth between Sailor Moon and the departed Tuxedo Mask.  “Familiar,” she mumbled.  “Yes, yes, beautiful tragedy. . .” “Huh?  Yumemi, what are you saying?” Serena tilted her head in puzzlement.  She was having trouble hearing what Veena was saying, but she heard the word 'tragedy.'  What was she going on about? “Lovers on the balcony. . .R

Chapter 3 Know Yourself Night had fully fallen by the time Yumi finally finished her sketch.  As promised, she paid her models for their time, and Serena giggled as she put a month's worth of allowance into her backpack.  She was already picturing the treats she'd buy with it.  Darien smiled in relief that the strange afternoon was over and likewise pocketed the money. “Thank you both so much for your help.  I should have the painting finished in a few days; would you like me to call you when it's done so you can see it?” Yumi asked.  She looked tired but triumphant, and Serena and Darien both gave her their phone numbers. 

Chapter 2 Serena, the Model! Back inside the art house, Serena, Molly, and Melvin were about to check another part of the exhibit when Molly happened to glance out the front window, which perfectly framed Darien and the mystery woman outside. “Hey, isn't he a friend of Andrew's?  The one that bugs you all the time?” Molly asked, pointing out the window. “Huh?” Serena answered, looking around to the window.  “Yeah, it sure is!  What's he doing here?  And who's she?” Serena asked with a slight frown.  She couldn't hear what they were saying, but Darien looked confused and uncomfortable, so apparently the

Chapter 1 Beautiful  Paintings Queen Beryl's throne room was much quieter than usual.  The remaining youma held very still and did not speak; they barely breathed for fear of drawing Queen Beryl's attention their way.  Malachite had been told to wait outside while Zoicite spoke to the crimson-haired Queen, and he hovered just on the other side of the door.  Zoicite knelt before the throne, one hand over her heart, her eyes downcast. “So, to be clear,” Queen Beryl said, her eyes narrow slits of fury, “you lost another Rainbow Crystal, and another Shadow Warrior.  Of the three crystals you've found, you've only brought back

Chapter 12 Ryo's Fate Bumboo loomed over Amy at over six feet in height, and his broad body seemed to be solid muscle.  His flat, reptilian face was devoid of human emotion, his mouth parted slightly to reveal several pointed teeth.  He wore white armor over his chest and arms, armored boots, and a crested helmet on his head.  The armor on his arms ended in smooth, red dome shapes that reminded Amy of a Swiss army knife and hid his hands.  The creature that had once been Ryo opened his mouth wide and hissed in challenge, crossed blades springing from the armor over his hands – or were those his hands now?  Amy didn't know. Amy didn't