Sailor Moon Generation Gap Chapter 4 - Visitor from Abroad "What?" Usagi exclaimed. "You heard me dear," her mother answered. "We're hosting an exchange student from America. She'll arrive after school today, so I want you here to meet her." "Where is she going to sleep?" "Your father is bringing up the spare bed from the basement. She can share your room. Now hurry up and get ready for school." Usagi downed the rest of her breakfast and stormed upstairs. Selina, curled up in a ball on the bed, raised her head. "Time to leave already?" the cat asked. "I can't believe how unfair my parents are being." Usagi sat down heavily on the bed. Selina stood up and padded across the bed to Usagi's side. "What happened?" she asked. "My mother volunteered to host an American exchange student. She's going to be sleeping here." "She can't do that," Selina said. "How am I supposed to tell you about your duties as the Crystal Princess with some stranger here?" "You explain that to Mom. I have to get to school. You coming?" "Of course. Someone has to keep your mind on your duties." "Just don't beat up that tomcat again. His owner complained to Mom, and if it happens again, *I'll* get grounded." "I'll knock him to the Moon if he sniffs me there again," Selina said. Usagi sighed. "Please, just try to avoid him today." She picked up her books. "Let's go, Selina." During the walk to Juuban High School, Usagi was sullen. She had important work as a Sailor Senshi, as Selina kept reminding her, but with the exchange student staying in her room, all the late night talks with Ami and Rei were out. How could she keep in touch with them with someone eavesdropping. It's not like she could keep the communicators secret with someone listening in. Frustrated, Usagi kicked a can lying on the sidewalk. "Ouch!" Usagi looked up. "I'm so sorry," she began. "I should have known it was you, Dumpling-chan," Miyako said, as she rubbed the back of her head. "Don't call me 'Dumpling-chan.' I'm having enough of a bad day without your help." Takao walked over and put his arm around Usagi's shoulder. "What's wrong?" he asked, concerned. Usagi looked up into Takao's eyes, and felt her heart melt. "My parents invited an exchange student, and she's supposed to stay in my room with me. I - " 'I what?' Usagi asked herself. 'I'm afraid she'll find out I'm sailor Moon? I can't tell them that. Well, if Takao is really Tuxedo Kamen-sama, I could, but not in front of Miyako-san.' "You don't want to lose your privacy, right?" Takao finished for her. "Yes." 'Maybe he does know who I am.' "I'm more afraid for the student," Miyako said. She rubbed the back of her head again. "I should get her a helmet." "I said I was sorry." "Miya-chan, can't you see Usagi-chan is upset?" Takao said in Usagi's defense. Usagi resisted the urge to stick her tongue out at Miyako. Instead, she snuggled closer to Takao. She was rewarded by a flicker of rage across Miyako's face. "I think you're making it out to be worse than it is, Usagi-chan," Takao continued. "After a week, you won't notice the change." "Really?" Usagi gazed back into Takao's eyes. "I was involved in a student exchange in junior high school. Once we figured out each other's limits, we got along well. I'm sure the same will happen with you. Who wouldn't like you?" Miyako fixed her uniform's skirt. "Takao, we're going to be late," she reminded. "Sorry, Miya-chan." Takao stepped away from Usagi. "Bring your guest by the arcade after she settles in. I'm sure she'll enjoy seeing the neighbourhood." "Takao, are you coming?" "Right." Takao joined Miyako. "See you, Usagi-chan." "Bye, Takao-san," Usagi returned. "Bye, Dumpling-chan," Miyako added. Usagi watched Takao and Miyako walk away before she fumed. "I hate it when she calls me that." She gave the can another kick. With some prompting from Selina, Usagi soon arrived at school. They found Ami sitting under a tree, reading. Ami brushed her bangs out of her face, then waved to Usagi. Usagi sat beside her friend. "Good morning, Usagi-chan." Ami noticed her friend's mood. "What's wrong? Did you run into Jikuuno-san this morning?" "That, too," Usagi answered. "Usagi-chan's parents are hosting an exchange student," Selina explained. "She arrives this afternoon." "I don't see the problem, Usagi-chan," Ami said. "She should be able to help you study." "That's not the problem, Ami-chan," Usagi said. "What about Muerte? How are we supposed to stop her if *she* is always around?" "Maybe this girl will be another senshi," Ami speculated. "From America? When she's not going to be around that long?" "Oh. I see your point." The bell interrupted Ami. "Rei-chan and I will figure something out to keep your visitor busy. I'll talk to you after class." Both girls got up. "I can't, Ami-chan," Usagi said. "She's coming after school, and I have to be home to greet her." "I'll tell Rei-chan for you. I'll call you tonight. See ya." Ami sprinted to her class, her long blue hair kept from flying wildly by her purple ribbon. Usagi wathced Selina climb the tree and settle on a branch. After reminding the cat not to terrorize the neighbourhood's cats, Usagi made her way to her class. Yumi met her inside the building and walked with her. Both girls filled the other in on the latest gossip floating around the school. Just before the second bell rang, An and Jiri walked in, hand in hand. Usagi nudged Yumi. "She finally got him to notice her," she whispered to Yumi. "About time he did," Yumi said. "An was ready to try *anything* to get Jiri's attention." Usagi's question had to wait for the break as Meiou-sensei entered the room and started the day's history lesson. -**- Muerte walked among her remaining generals. and Guerre stood uneasily as their leader paced between and behind them. "Lady Muerte," finally said. " was a fool." "And you think you can do a better job, ?" Muerte asked. "Yes, Lady." "Don't be to hasty, ," Muerte warned. " recongnized the threat the senshi posed, and still failed. How do you expect to do better?" turned to face Muerte. " tried to defeat the senshi through direct confrontation. That was a waste of resources. I plan on neutralizing the senshi's ability to fight us." "Neutralize?" Guerre said skeptically. "Killing them is more certain." "More certain to fail, you mean. How senshi have shown up already? How many more will when we don't expect it? No, Guerre," finally turned to face him, "we'll never get ahead that way. We have to make the senshi stop fighting on their own." "How do you intend to do that?" Muerte asked. "A war is always easier to fight if you know who you're fighting," explained, returning her attention to Muerte. "If the senshi aren't sure if the person they're attacking is one of us or an innocent decoy, they'll hesitate. They'll start questioning themselves. They'll be afraid to make a move for fear of injuring or killing an innocent." "Lady Muerte, you're not going to believe her?" Guerre protested. "Enough, Guerre. , you may put your plan into action." "Lady Muerte!" "I said enough, Guerre!" Muerte snapped. ", you know the price of failure." "Yes, Lady Muerte," said. "Good. When can you implement your plan?" "There's a flight coming in from New York City this afternoon. One of the passengers should work for my first test." -**- Usagi and Yumi were able to drag An away from Jiri at the lunch break. They took the protesting An to look at the just posted math test results. Usagi found her mark easily; she scored in the mid-sixties, as did Yumi. An was surprised to see her mark in the low eighties. "How did you do that?" Usagi asked. "That's how I got Jiri-kun to notice me," An answered. "I asked him to help me with my math homework." "Yumi was right. You were desparate." "Yumi . . . " An whined. "I was joking," Yumi said. "I didn't know how you got his attention. I should try that myself." An put her fists on her hips. "Not with my Jiri-kun," she warned. "I don't believe this!" Usagi, Yumi, and An turned toward the source of the commotion, as did every other student at the bulletin board. Ami was pointing at the marks at the head of the class. "What's wrong with Mizuno-chan?" An whispered. "She must have seen Gin'no-chan's marks," Yumi said. "Usagi-chan, can you go calm her down before Gin'no-chan and Seishin'no-chan get here?" "Right. Good idea. I'll see you outside in five minutes," Usagi said. She walked over to join Ami. "Ami-chan? Is there something wrong?" "She did it again!" Ami exclaimed. "Who did?" Usagi asked, already knowing the answer. "Mouse-chan. She got the same mark as I did." "Again?" Usagi tried to sound sympathetic. "So, you both aced the test?" "I'm going to beat her in an exam. There's no way I'm letting her be number one." "Ami-chan . . . " Usagi grabbed her friend by the shoulders. "You got a perfect - " "I'll study harder - " "Ami-chan!" Usagi gave Ami a slight shake. "You were perfect on the exam." Ami bowed her head. "Sorry, Usagi-chan. I got carried away." "I understand, Ami-chan. Why don't you run a few laps? It'll help you relax for this afternoon." "Omigod! I completely forgot!" Ami picked up her books. "The coach scheduled a practice at noon. Thanks for reminding me, Usagi-chan. See ya." Ami dashed to the locker room. Usagi let out a sigh of relief. Ami could get so focussed at times, sometimes frighteningly so. At least Gin'no-chan hadn't appeared. "Hi, Chiba-chan!" Usagi turned around to see Chibi-chan and Gin'no-chan. She laughed nervously. "Hi! Came to see your marks?" "Yep, though Arimi-chan doesn't need to," Seishin'no-chan said. "Right, Arimi-chan?" Gin'no-chan blushed furiously. "You and Mizuno-chan were top students again, Gin'no-chan," Usagi said. "Th-th-thank you, Ch-Ch-Chiba-ch-chan," Gin'no-chan stuttered, her blush growing deeper. "Please, excuse me. I have to join my friends. Bye." "Bye, Chiba-chan," Seishin'no-chan said. Gin'no-chan managed a slight wave. Usagi walked off towards the main entrance. "Thirty-seven?" she heard Seishin'no-chan exclaim behind her. "But I studied all night for it." -**- emerged from the dark portal into an unused corridor at the airport. She straightened the jacket of the business suit she wore to hide among the humans. Walking purposefully, like she belonged at the airport, strode through the airport until she found the information she wanted. The flight from New York via Los Angeles was due at two o'clock, and was delayed another fifteen minutes. checked the clock beside the information. With the delay, she would have to wait another twenty-five minutes. She noted the gate number where the plane would arrive, and strode off. After several minutes, she realized that most of the time she had before the flight landed would be used trying to find the gate. 'Once Muerte takes over,' she thought, 'that's the first thing I do: hunt down the idiot who designed this airport.' After a ten minute search, found the gate. It was not far from the corridor where she arrived. Cursing her luck, she sat in the lounge and waited for the fligt to arrive. 's patience paid off. The flight arrived when expected and taxied to the gate. found a vantage point where she could watch the passengers get off the plane. She made mental notes about each one. Most were business men, arriving for or returning from business. There were a few tourists, and a couple returning from their honeymoon. ignored them. They were all travelling in small groups. She needed someone who was travelling alone, someone who wouldn't have a companion to tell the Sailor Senshi the truth about her victim. The last person to leave the plane caught 's eye. A tall girl in her midteens stretched at the boarding ramp's exit. -**- Usagi took her time returning home after school. Selina, sensing Usagi's mood, allowed Usagi to carry her and even to pet her. At home, Usagi's mother met her atthe door. "Hi, dear," Usagi's mother said. "Our guest hasn't arrived, yet. Your father should be home soon with her, unless he got lost again. You should go tidy your room." "Yes, Mom," Usagi said wearily. "And take your books up with you." "Yes, Mom." Usagi trudged upstairs, followed by Selina. Usagi's room wasn't a mess; all she had to tidy up were her night clothes and her books. She tossed her pyjamas under her bed covers and piled her school books on her desk.. Usagi briefly considered changing out of her school uniform, but decided against it. Instead, she collaped on to the bed and absent-mindedly scritched Selina's ears until she heard her father's car pull into the driveway. Standing up, Usagi straightened her clothes, then went downstairs. "Oh, good, there you are," Usagi's mother said. "Can you get the door, please, dear?" "Okay." Usagi walked to the front door and opened it. Her guest, a tall red-haired girl, turned from watching Usagi's father struggle with her luggage and bowed to Usagi. "<>" Usagi said in halting English, returning the bow. "<>" The red-haired girl smiled. "Good afternoon, Usagi-chan," she said in flawless, almost accentless Japanese. "My name is Fuoca Ginny-chan. Pleased to meet you." Usagi blinked. She hadn't expected the girl to be so fluent. There wasn't much Usagi could do about that, except watch what she said to Ami, Rei, and even Selina about Muerte. Switching back to Japanese, Usagi said, "Please, Fuoca-chan, come in." "Thank you, and please call me Ginny-chan. We'll be living together for a year, so we shouldn't be so formal." 'A year! What have Mom and Dad done?' Usagi thought. She stood aside to let her father and Ginny enter. As Ginny entered, Usagi stared speechlessly. Ginny was as tall as Usagi's father, and she was only wearing flat sandals. "You must be tired after your trip," Usagi's mother remarked. "Not really," Ginny replied. "I napped on the plane. I would love to change, though." She tried straightening her T-shirt and mini-skirt. "Usagi, show Ginny-chan to your room. And help her with her luggage." Usagi picked up one of Ginny's bags, or at least she tried to. She managed to get the suitcase a few centimetres off the floor before dropping it. Ginny reached over and picked the suitcase up easily. "I'll get that, Usagi-chan," Ginny said. "Could you get my overnight bag, please?" Usagi hefted the strap of the overnight bag on to her shoulder, then looked at Ginny. The girl was carrying both of her suitcases, plus a backpack. Usagi blinked in amazement. "Well, um, Ginny-chan, please follow me." Usagi led Ginny upstairs to her bedroom. Ginny placed her luggage in a pile in a corner of the room, then retrieved her overnight bag from Usagi. "Dad will bring up the spare bed tonoght," Usagi explained. "I've made room in my closet and drawers for your stuff. You brought a lot with you." "I didn't know what I'd need here," Ginny said. "It's mainly clothes and personal stuff. I brought a few photo albums of friends and family." She opened her overnight bag and took out a change of clothes and a picture frame. "Good, this didn't get broken." Curious, Usagi looked over. "Someone special?" she asked. "This is Richard, my boyfriend back home in New York." Ginny showed Usagi the picture of a young man with short, sandy hair smiling easily at the camera. "He's cute." "Thanks. Do you have a boyfriend?" Usagi hesitated. "Not exactly. There is a guy, though." 'Maybe two, if Takao isn't Tuxedo Kamen-sama.' "He has another girl with him, though. She gets possessive about him, but he cares for me. He asked me to bring you by his arcade to meet him." "Sounds like fun. Do you mind if we wait until after supper, though? I haven't had a real meal since I left home." "Sure, Ginny-chan. Mom's making dinner now." Ginny stretched again. "I don't suppose I can grab a bath before we eat?" "I'll show you where we keep the towels. I'll call you when dinner's ready." Usagi showed Ginny the linen closet, then let Ginny take her bath. Returning to her bedroom, Usagi sat down on her bed. Selina softly padded into the room. "What do you think of her, Selina?" Usagi asked. "I don't trust her," Selina said. "I'm getting a bad feeling from her." "You say that about everyone. You even said that about Mom." "I still don't trust her. She never watches where she's walking." "Selina, get out of that bag!" Selina looked up from snooping in Ginny's overnight bag. "She shouldn't have left it open. I'm just watching out for you, Princess." Usagi sighed. There was little she could do once Selina was set to do something. Rummaging through her pruse, Usagi found her communicator. Turning it on, she called, "Ami-chan? Rei-chan? Are you there?" Rei answered first. "Where else, Usagi? Can you get here soon? Ami's trying to get ot the end of the school year in one session." "That's not funny, Rei-chan," Ami called from the background. "The math exam marks were posted today," Usagi explained. "I understand," Rei said. "Can you come by at all?" "Sorry, Rei-chan, I can't. But I'll be bringing my guest by the arcade tonight. I hope you and Ami-chan can think of something to keep her busy by then." "We'll try. Right, Ami?" Usagi's mother announced dinner. "Look, I have to go," Usagi said. I'll be at the arcade at about seven tonight. See you then." She broke the connection. "Usagi?" her mother called. "Are you and Ginny-chan coming?" "Yes, Mom," Usagi called back. Looking at Selina, she asked, "Are you quite done in there? Ginny's going to wonder about all the cat hair on her stuff." Selina climbed out of the bag. "Nothing dangerous in there. I don't think she'll borrow any of your clothes either." Usagi sighed, then left the room. The bathroom door was still closed. Wondering if Ginny was still in there, Usagi knocked at the door. "Ginny-chan?" Usagi knocked harder. "Ginny-chan?" Still no answer. She tried the handle. The door was locked. Usagi pounded on the door. "Ginny-chan?" she called for the third time. "Ginny-chan, dinner's ready." Splashing sounds answered Usagi. "Hmm? I'll be right down, Usagi-chan," Ginny said through the door. "Okay." Usagi went down and joined her parents in the dining room. "Ginny-chan will be down shortly," she told them. "What do you think of her, dear?" Usagi's mother asked. Usagi shrugged. "She's okay, I guess. I never expected her to be so tall or so strong. I'm going to show her around after dinner tonight." "Don't stay out too late," her father reminded. "She had a long trip." Ginny entered the dining room, catching what Usagi's father said. "It's okay, Chibi-san. I slept most of the way here. I'll need the fresh air to help me sleep tonight." "Please, Ginny-chan, sit down." Usagi's mother got up to get Ginny's dinner. Letting his wife and Ginny get settled, Usagi's fahter waited before asking, "So, Ginny-chan, how do you speak Japanese so well?" Ginny swallowed the bite of food in her mouth. "I've always had a knack for languages," she explained. "I grew up speaking English and Italian, and I've learned six others besides Japanese since. I'm only really fluent in about half of them, though." "That's amazing, Ginny-chan," Usagi's mom said. "Is the rest of your family like that?" "My grandfather was, but none of my brothers or sisters are." "How many brothers and sisters do you have, Ginny-chan?" Usagi asked. "Four sisters and two brothers. All of them are younger than I am. This is the first time I've going to be away from them for so long." "You must miss them," Usagi's mom said. "A bit," Ginny admitted. "I'm sure Usagi won't mind acting as a sister for you." Usagi felt the pit of her stomach drop. -**- sat in a tree opposite the Chiba's home. "Excellent," she said to herself. "The girl is perfect. Lady Muerte will be pleased." -**- Usagi was quiet during dinner. Her parents all but forced her to spend every waking moment with Ginny. How was she supposed to stop Muerte with the American around? Usagi couldn't even talk to Selina about it, not with Ginny around. Maybe Ginny might meet other friends at Juuban, though her size could scare her classmates; Ginny ws taller than some of Usagi's teachers. With dinner finished, Usagi and Ginny helped clean up, then left for the Crown Arcade, where Ami and Rei. Usagi quickly introduced Ginny to her friends. "<>" Rei said in English. "And I'm happy to meet you," Ginny answered in Japanese. "Usagi, you never mentioned that Ginny spoke Japanese so well," Rei said, smiling. "I didn't know until Ginny-chan arrived," Usagi said. "Usagi-chan, I can look around by myself," Ginny offered. "I'll go with you, Ginny-chan." "I think you and your friends want to talk without me around. I'm not going to leave, not until you introduce me to your guy." "Are you sure?" "If you need me, I'm not hard to find. Not here." Ginny smiled. "Thanks, Ginny-chan. I'll get you when I see Takao-san." Usagi and her friends watched as she went further into the arcade. They then found seats at the juice stand. "Well?" Usagi asked, expectantly. "Well?" Rei repeated. "Any ideas?" "To keep Ginny busy? None. Maybe she'll find a guy in one of her classes." "She already has a boyfriend back home." "Do you know what classes she has?" Ami asked. "We're going to find out tomorrow. I doubt she'll be in Meiou-sensei's history class, not in first period." "She could be in Amazon-san's class, then." "Ami-chan!" Usagi admonished. "Amazon-san?" Rei asked. "A girl at school, very tall," Usagi explained. "Not as big as Ginny-chan, though. I think her name is Kino." "For such a big girl," Ami added, "she cries easily. She has a boyfriend at another school. How he puts up with her, I don't know." "Ami-chan!" Usagi whispered. "She's at the door." "Amazon-san?" "Ami-chan!" "The tall girl with the long brown hair?" Rei asked. "That's her. Rei-chan, where are you going?" -**- " . . . name is Kino," Kino Makoto heard as she entered the juice stand. Unable to keep her curiosity at bay, she listened to the girls' coversation. She recognized two of the girls as also going to Juuban. "For such a big girl, she cries easily." Makoto immediately wished that she hadn't kept listening. She blinked, forcing back tears. She didn't want to give any of the girls at the table the satisfaction of seeing her cry. The blue-haired girl then said somthing about Ken-kun that Makoto didn't quite hear. Feeling her ears turn hot, Makoto looked for a seat by herself. 'Why can't people leave me alone?' Makoto asked herself. 'I never asked to be this big.' She let her head drop into her hands. 'I mustn't let them get to me.' Makoto felt tears run down her cheeks. 'I won't let them.' "Excuse me?" she heard a girl say. Makoto looked up and saw a dark-haired girl standing beside her. "Hello," Makoto said, wiping away her tears. She recognized the girl as one of the three who were gossiping about her. "Hi. I'm Hino Rei. I'm really sorry about what my friends said." "Kino Makoto." 'Sorry? She's sorry? She sounds sincere.' "Are you waiting for someone?" "I was supposed to meet my boyfriend here, but his club called a meeting for tonight." "You shouldn't be alone." Rei took Makoto's hands and gently pulled her. "I don't want to intrude," Makoto protested. "You're not intruding. It's not fun being by yourself, is it?" "Not really." "Then join us. Please?" Rei smiled warmly. Makoto let herself be dragged away from her table by Rei. Rei led Makoto to two of her schoolmates, whom she recognized immeadiately. Chiba-san had a very distinctive hairstyle, with two red pigtails flowing from heart-shaped buns. The other girl, Mizuno-san, was one of Juuban's tow girl geniuses and the school's track star. She was also the girl who had said something about Ken-kun. Makoto stopped, throwing Rei off-balance. "What's wrong, Makoto?" "I can't, Rei-chan." Makoto felt tears returning to her eyes. She blinked, trying to force the tears back. "Why? Is it because of what Ami said? She doesn't mean to be cruel. You shouldn't be alone." "I can't, Rei-chan." "Nonsense, Makoto. Come with me." Rei pulled harder, finally getting Makoto to follow again. They finally reached Rei's table. Rei quickly made introductions and invited Makoto to sit down. "Ami," Rei said, "I think you have something to say to Makoto." She stared at her blue-haired friend. "Kino-san, I may have said something unfair about you," Ami said, her eyes turned downward. "I didn't think of your feelings." "Mizuno-san . . . " Makoto's eyes glistened with tears. "Kino-san . . . ?" "That was kind of you to say that, Mizuno-san," Makoto explained, tears again running down her cheeks. "Kino-san, you really cry easily." "Ami!" Rei exclaimed. "I'm sorry, Mizuno-san." "Don't be, Makoto. There's noting wrong with a girl being open with her feelings." "Makoto-chan," Usagi said, "it's just that no-one expects someone as big as you are to be - " "To be a crybaby?" Makoto finished. "I wasn't going to call you that." "But that's what everyone thinks I am. Right, Mizuno-san?" Ami shrugged sheepishly. "It's just that no-one expects someone your size to be so emotional." "That's not fair," Rei protested. "Whu shouldn't Makoto express herself? She has feelings, too." "Thank you, Rei-chan." Makoto hugged Rei tightly. Rei gently escaped Makoto's embrace. "How did you get so strong?" she gasped. "Mako-chan," Usagi started, ignoring Rei, "did you see anything unusual about Meiou-sensei today?" "The history teacher? Why?" "Didn't she seem a bit stiff today?" "You saw that too, Usagi-chan?" Ami said. "I heard that she had a bad accident over the weekend." "Now that you mention it, she did have a limp," Makoto added. "What sort of accident did she have?" Rei asked, concerned. "That's what I'm wondering," Usagi said. "Meiou-sensei didn't look hurt, except for being stiff." "Seishin'no-chan and Mouse-chan seemed worried about her," Ami said. "Mouse-chan?" Makoto asked. "You meant the little girl at Juuban?" "Yes, her," Ami confirmed, showing a slight distaste. "Seishin'no-chan spends a lot of time with Meiou-sensei," Usagi remarked. "Could be that Seishin'no-chan has gotten close." "Seishin'no-chan is interested in homework?" Ami was surprised. "I've seen her with the little girl. She must have helped her marks," Makoto said. "How old is she, the little girl? Shouldn't she be in junior high?" "Mouse-chan is our age," Ami said flatly. "You're kidding." "Ami-chan is telling the truth, Mako-chan," Usagi said. "Hoi! Usagi-chan!" Usagi turned to see Takao approach the table. "Did you bring your guest by?" he asked. "I did," Usagi answered. She stood up and scanned the arcade. As Ginny predicted earlier, the tall American was easily seen in the crowd. Usagi called Ginny to get her attention, then waved her over. When Ginny arrived, Usagi introduced her to Takao and Makoto. Ginny bowed respectfully to Takao, then Makoto. "Nice to meet you both," she said. "You're the exchange student we're expecting?" Makoto asked. "You're going to be in my homeroom. Isn't that wonderful?" Tears formed in Makoto's eyes. Ginny stepped back, not prepared for Makoto's emotions. "You'll help me get settled tomorrow, with Usagi?" "Of course." "You knew?" Ami asked. "You knew what class Ginny-kun was going to be in? Why didn't you tell anyone?" "I found out after class tonight," Makoto explained. "I overheard Sensei talking to another teacher. Who could I have told?" "Ginny-chan, would you like something to drink?" Takao offered. "No, thanks," Ginny said. "Some other time? Usagi-chan, do you mind if I head back to your place? The flight took more from me than I thought." "Do you want me to go with you?" Usagi asked. "It's okay, Usagi-chan. I can find my own way back. You stay with your friends." "Are you sure?" "Positive. Don't worry about waking me when you get home, either. I can sleep through a riot." "Alright, Ginny-chan. I'll see you later." "Bye, Ginny-chan," Makoto called. "See you tomorrow!" Ginny left, waving to Usagi and her friends. Usagi watched Ginny leave, the returned her attention back to the girls with her. "She seems nice," Makoto remarked. "I never expected her to be so . . . big," Usagi added. "I'm happy. I'm not the biggest girl anymore. Makoto beamed. "Oh! Ken-kun's here. Thank you for letting me sit with you. Bye!" She ran off to meet a boy at the entrance. "You were right, Ami-chan," Usagi said, watching Makoto and her boyfriend. "Makoto-chan could keep Ginny-chan busy." "Usagi-chan!" Rei said, shocked. Before she cpuld continue admonishing Usagi, she heard screams. "That came from outside." "Shadows?" Usagi asked. "Could be," Ami answered. "We better check it out." Usagi, Ami, and Rei dashed out of the arcade. A panicked crowd ran by, forcing the girls to step aside. Selina followed the crowd, stopping at Usagi's feet. "It's about time, Princess," Selina said. "It's one of Muerte's shadows. Follow me." Selina lead her three chrages several blocks, turing several corners before stopping. Usagi looked around the corner. She saw a shadow threatening several people. Usagi pulled back. "Everyone, transform," she ordered. "We have to stop that shadow." Ami and Rei held up their transformation pens. "Right!" Ami said. "Mercury Crystal Power . . . Make Up!" "Mars Crystal Power . . . Make Up!" Usagi held up the Silver Crystal. "Moon Power, Make Up!" -**- Makoto beamed as she listened to Ken talk about his club meeting. Ken didn't mind Makoto's emotional swings. She could truly express herself around Ken without worrying that he would be scared away by her outbursts. As she and Ken spoke, Makoto noticed Usagi and her friends get up. She watched them leave, entering a panicked crowd. Her curiosity piqued, Makoto kept watching as Usagi lead her friends against the crowd. "Mako-chan?" Ken said, getting her attention. "Are you listening?" "Sorry, Ken," Makoto answered. "I just saw some classmates. I'll be right back." "Makoto?" Makoto smiled warmly to Ken. "I won't be long. I promise." Trying to walk camly to the door, Makoto waved reassuingly to Ken. She left the arcade and looked around for Usagi and her friends. -**- Sailor Moon, Sailor Mercury, and Sailor Mars dashed aroung the corner into the alley. The shadow looked up from its victims and smiled. It turned to face someone in the darkness behind it. The person yelled at the shadow, telling it something none of the Senshi could understand. The shadow nodded, then disappeared. "Hey!" Moon called. "Whoever you are, you won't destroy the city. Not with the Sailor Senshi around." "Whoever it was is gone," Mercury said. "Too fast for me to get a scan, too." "You tried, though, Mercury. I wish I knew who was controlling that shadow." "I know who," Selina said. "It was the exchange student, Ginny Fuoca." -**- Makoto lost sight of Usagi, despite Usagi's distinct hairstyle. The heartshaped buns should have been easy to find. Still, she had an odd feeling of where Usagi and her friends went. Ken was always telling her to that she she should trust her feelings more. Trusting Ken's faith in her, Makoto let her feeling lead her. She heard cries of fear, followed by angry shouts. She rounded the corner and saw three girls in tight versions of school uniforms. One, the leader Makoto assumed, was yelling at a tall person disappearing into the alley's shadows. " . . . the city. Not with the Sailor Senshi around," the leader yelled, her long red pig tails streaming behind her. 'Sailor Senshi?' Makoto wondered. She ducked back around the corner and peeked at the scene. The Senshi in teh blue skirt said something that Makoto couldn't hear. What surprised Makoto was the presence of a grey cat. What shocked her was that the cat could talk. 'No one will believe this.' Makoto ran back to the arcade and Ken. She was still in awe over seeing the Sailor Senshi. 'I can't believe it. They're real,' she kept repeating to herself. Ken still sat where she left him in the arcade. His face was full of worry. "Mako-chan, you shouldn't have gone out," Ken said. "I heard that one of those shadow things was out there." "I know," Makoto said. "I saw it. I also saw the Sailor Senshi." "They're real? I thought that the Weekly Dokkari made them up." "They're real," Makoto repeated. "They chased away the shadow thing." "What about your friends?" Ken asked. "How are they?" "Ohmigod! I forgot about them. I never saw them. I hope they're not hurt." Makoto started to get up again. She saw the arcade door open for Usagi, Ami, and Rei. Blinking back tears of relief, she waved to them. Rei waved back, smiling. "They look like they're safe," Ken said as Makoto returned to her seat. "I got worried for nothing." "That's why I love you, because you care." Ken smiled. "Tell me about the Sailor Senshi. "There were three of them . . . " -**- Rei returned Makoto's wave, then returned her attention to Usagi and Ami. The trip back to the arcade was filled with an argument, as Selina kept insisting that Usagi's guest was Muerte's new henchman. Usagi wasn't easily convinced, but Ami was more than willing to believe Selina. Rei herself wasn't sure of Ginny. The American gave Rei an odd feeling. Not the same feeling that gave her; Rei wasn't sure what to make of Ginny. "Selina said she could smell Ginny," Ami argued. "Selina can't smell her own cat food in front of her nose," Usagi countered. "You should be careful, Usagi," Rei said. "At least keep an eye on her." "You, too, Rei?" Usagi asked. "Can't we wait until we actually know Ginny works for Muerte." "That may be too late," Ami pointed out. "What do you want me to do? Ask her if she's trying to take over the world?" "Usagi's right, Ami," Rei said. "Ginny can't find out about what we saw. There's something about her." "Rei-chan, you're as paranoid as Ami-chan." "Hey!" Rei and Ami said in unison. "Usagi-chan. just watch out for Fuoca-kun, okay?" Ami-said. "Oh, I will," Usagi said. "A shadow attack the same day as her arrival is too much a coincidence." "Just don't let on who you are," Rei said. "What's that supposed to mean?" Usagi demanded. "Don't say anything to her that'll give yourself away, that's all." "I should be telling you that." Ami sighed. "Neither of you tell Fuoca-kun, okay? Now, can we get some homework done?" "I should get home and check on Ginny-chan," Usagi said. "I'll see you at school tomorrow, Ami-chan. 'Night, Rei-chan!" -**- Usagi returned home and went up to her room. She found Ginny sprawled on the spare bed, asleep. Selina padded in, jumping on to Ginny's bed. The cat sniffed the sleeping girl. "Selina, get away from here," Usagi whispered harshly. Selina pawed Ginny's arms and chest. Getting no reaction, Selina batted the girl's face. Ginny let out a snore, then rolled over. "I think she's asleep, Usagi-chan," Selina said. "Well, don't wake her." Usagi looked over her roommate. "You really think she commanded the shadow?" "You heard her." "I couldn't understand what she was saying." "You should study harder in English, then, Usagi-chan." "Then what did she say?" Usagi asked. "I never took English class." Usagi sighed as Ginny let out a snore. "Just let her sleep. She's not going to be awake for a while." -**- Usagi woke with the alarm clock. Groggily, she checked the time, then snapped awake. Rolling out of bed, she saw Ginny still asleep. "Ginny-chan! Time to get up!" Usagi called. Ginny rolled to her side and curled up. Usagi shook her shoulder. "C'mon, Ginny-chan, you're going to be late for class." Ginny mumbled something in English. Usagi could only pick out a few words, like "sleep" and "cat". 'Selina needs another talking to,' Usagi thought. "Ginny-chan! Time for breakfast!" she yelled. Ginny slowly stirred, opening her eyes. She blinked several times before recognizing where she was. "Usagi-chan?" she asked. "Hurry up, Ginny-chan. Mom'll have breakfast ready soon. You don't want to be late, do you?" Ginny sat up and stretched. "Do you mind if I grab a shower?" "Go ahead. I'll see you downstairs." After Ginny left, Usagi picked up Selina, holding the cat up so that they were eye to eye. "Did you do anyhting to Ginny-chan while I slept?" Usagi demanded. "I did nothing," Selina answered. "She slept all night." "You watched her?" "Of course." Selina slipped out of Usagi's hold. "Usagi-chan, she commanded a shadow yesterday. You'll have to keep an eye on her." "So you keep telling me. She can't do much at school; the teachers won't let her." Usagi checked the time. "I have to get going. Try to behave for Mom today, okay?" "She won't have to worry about me," Selina promised. Usagi finished getting dressed and dashed downstairs. Ginny soon joined her as she ate. With breakfast done, the two girls made their way to Juuban High School. It was a quiet walk with Ginny looking around at scenery and Usagi watching the American. At the school, Usagi lead Ginny to the principal's office.