Boring ol’ Author Notes: Hey minna! Kat here. Thanks for reading! Addiction coupled with imagination (and waaay too many CD’s) has finally gotten the better of me! This will be my first official fan-fic. ^_^ Wait don't leave! (Casts silver net over unsuspecting escapees. O_O) It’s an Usa-Mamo romance. (No hentai, not even close! Ever! Promise!) It takes place somewhere during the last part of the search for the Imperium Silver Crystal and less than a week before Halloween. MUST HAVE FEED-BACK!!! My inbox is seriously starving here so if you liked it, hate it, want to know what I was on (It’s called too many late nights reading! ^_~). Drop me a note! I promise to respond! RATED: G (It's the introduction, what do you expect?) Disclaimer at end. ((AN:)) = Author Notes. :Thought: Riches take wings, comforts vanish, hope withers away, but love stays with us. Love is God. --Lew Wallace ******************************************************************************** ******************************************************************************** With A Ring of Truth Nearly breaking the sound barrier, Serena skidded around the corner and right into a soft wall. Papers and books scattered across the sidewalk showering the two and Serena groaned. There went her homework! Just before she looked up, expecting to see Darien, a hand closed gently around her wrist, pulling her back to her feet. "Careful, princess." An unfamiliar deep tenor voice chuckled. "Blind corners should be taken at something less than mach three." "I'm so sorry!" Serena bowed apologetically. The young man laughed good- naturedly. "No problem! I knew it was a blind corner; I should have been more careful." Serena looked up and into the face of one of the cutest guys she had ever seen. His unruly chestnut hair kept straying over his deep green eyes as he smiled and held out her bag for her to take. "I think this is yours." He introduced himself as she took her bag. "I'm Talon Archenaar." "Thanks, I'm. . ." she was cut off by another, all too familiar, voice. "Hurricane Serena strikes again!" Darien sauntered up and Serena’s eyes darkened. "Who invited you, Darien?" Serena growled, flushing with embarrassment. It was bad enough he had to show up at all, let alone in front of a cute stranger! "You know, Meatball Head, you really ought to wear warning lights or something, give the rest of us a chance at staying upright!" He laughed. Serena glared at him, her little nose screwing up, and her lips forming a small pout. Darien remained mockingly stoic but a small smile played over Talon’s lips. "Actually, Darien, it really was my fault." Talon smiled, extending his hand. Surprisingly, Darien found himself warming easily to this friendly stranger. :Probably ‘cause he reminds me of Andrew.: He thought, but even as the thought crossed his mind he knew it wasn't quite true. Talon had Andrew’s openness and cheerfulness, -- the kind that made friends with almost anyone -- but there was something else . . . something dangerous. . . even almost deadly. . . to him. A panicked screech startled both of them. "I'M LATE! Miss H.’s gonna kill me! Nice meeting you Talon! Bye!" With a flurry of blue skirts and blonde hair Serena was gone. Darien stared after her retreating form for a moment before shaking his head and continuing on to his own destination. Talon leaned against a low wall, watching the two as they left, in opposite directions, and a small smile played across his lips. :A love-hate relationship. Cute.: He shook his head in amusement. Glancing at his watch he cringed. Late! Laria was going to kill him! * * * * * * * * * * * * The afternoon sun rained glorious warm gold over Tokyo as a brisk autumn breeze danced around the buildings and trees. A stunning young woman half-danced into the Crown Center Arcade, her long gold hair and rose-tinged ivory sun-dress settling from the outside wind. "Can I help you." Andrew asked as she took a place at the counter. "Could I have a Sprite, please?" She smiled brightly as he brought it to her. "Anything else?" "Maybe. I'm suppose to be meeting someone here. Mina Aino?" Hearing her name, Mina’s head popped up from the booth she was sharing with four other girls. Her face lit up when she saw the speaker and she shrieked happily, darting from the booth to wrap her friend in a bear-hug. "Laria! You made it!" Mina enthused. "Mina! It’s been way too long!" Laria laughed, returning the hug. Then Mina grabbed Laria’s hand and literally pulled her over to the booth. "Come on! You have to meet my friends!" She shoved Laria in next to Lita. "This is Raye Hino, Amy Mizuno, Molly Osaka and Lita Kino!" Mina pointed at each girl in turn. "Everyone, this is Laria Thundaraan!" "I'm glad to meet all of you." Laria smiled brightly. "Mina invited me to go shopping with you today. I hope that’s okay with everyone. " "Sure, girl, the more the merrier!" Lita clapped Laria on the shoulder. "Once Meatball Brains gets here we can start!" Raye added enthusiastically. Talon walked into the Crown Arcade, his eyes scanning for a certain young lady he knew. He was pleasantly surprised when he found two. Smiling, he removed his sunglasses and strolled over to a booth full of giggling girls, hoping to surprise a certain pair of blondes. Laria looked up from her half-finished drink as his shadow fell over her, gasping slightly as Talon’s hands covered her eyes. "Talon Archenaar, let me go!" Laria laughed. He chuckled deeply, pulling her out of the booth and into his arms. "Not a chance, Ash’arra!" Talon replied, quickly capturing her lips with a quick, heartfelt kiss. Amy blushed, Raye, Lita, and Molly sighed dreamily, and Mina just grinned. "Hey Talon! Mina greeted him. "I see you and Laria haven't killed each other, yet!" "Yeah, I still put up with her." Talon drawled, grinning back at her. The other girls giggled -- even Amy -- and Laria swatted him lightly. "Did you decide you wanted to come?" She asked. Talon rolled his eyes. "Thank the stars, no. Actually, Dia wants us back at the studio at 7:00. One of the tracks didn't turn out." Laria stepped back from him, irritated. "Gee, could it possibly be the one we had to rush through at the end ‘cause someone was late?" She pointed an accusing finger at his chest. "Not to name names, Sloth-Boy, but punctuality is a virtue." "This from the girl who doesn't get up before nine?!" He retorted play- fully, getting into the argument. Laria mock-scowled at him, ready to deliver another scathing reply. The three girls looked at Mina who dismissed the argument with a wave of her hand. "They're always like this. Believe me, I knew them both in England. They despised each other when they first met but I swear they're the closest thing I've ever seen to soul-mates." "You're not serious!" Raye sputtered. "Soul-mates?! Looking at the couple still deeply engaged in their verbal sparring match. Engaged, and enjoying it immensely! Looking past their sharp words, Raye finally saw what Mina was talking about: electricity. Power literally coursed between the two! "Wow, you're right!" Raye finally whispered. Talon was now defending his earlier tardiness. "I ran into something on the way!" "Really?" Laria smirked at him. "And was she blonde or brunette?" "Wouldn't you like to know!" He teased, laughing. Talon glanced at his watch. "Look, fun as it would be to stand here and trade insults all day, I've still got things to do. See you at the studio, Ash’arra." With that Talon put his sunglasses back on and walked out. Laria slid back into the booth just as another round of arguing erupted at the counter nearby. Darien and Serena had arrived. "Detention again, huh Meatball head?" Darien smirked accepting a cup of coffee from Andrew. "And what’s your excuse, Mr. Minus Zero!" Serena screeched. "You weren't here any earlier than I was!" "Wouldn't you like to know, Meatball Head!" "Quit calling me that! I am not a food!" ((AN: I admit, I borrowed that line, but I don't remember where! Thank you though!) She shrieked back. The windows were starting to vibrate and Andrew was shooting ‘help me!’ glances at the six in the booth. They all slid out and gathered around the feuding pair. "Hey, Serena! Ready to go?" Molly asked, distracting her while Raye and Andrew attempted to distract Darien. Mina beamed and pulled Laria to the fore- front. "Meet Laria, she’s visiting from England, so I asked her to come with us!" She bubbled. Serena smiled, anger gone. "Hi, Laria! I'm Serena! Are you really from England?" Laria laughed. "Actually I'm from Northern California, in the United States But I'm living in England with my family for a while." "I have two friends visiting," Mina interjected. "but you were late, so you missed Talon." Darien laughed as he caught the name. "No, she didn't!" Serena blushed crab-red, which was about the same color she was seeing. Lita and Mina struggled to hold her back from tackling Darien to the floor and throttling him. Laria chuckled slightly at their antics. Heaven knew she'd been just as infuriated with Talon’s teasing more times than she cared to admit. Looking back to Serena’s misting eyes, Laria’s darkened slightly in sympathy and annoyance. Serena didn't realized he was joking! Worse, Darien didn't realize he was hurting her! Moving behind the smaller girl Laria put a comforting hand on her shoulder and met Darien’s tormenting gaze with chilling dark-sapphire eyes. Talon often told her that her eyes reminded him of clear mountain lakes; liquid and calm. However, Laria’s eyes changed color with her moods, a now they had darkened to a vivid icy sapphire capable of giving a vampire pause. Darien suddenly found himself staring into those pools of blue fire and he couldn’t help but be a bit intimidated. :Baka!: He could almost hear the chastisement in that gaze. :You're hurting her!: This new girl definitely knew how to stare someone down! After glaring at him for a moment she finally spoke. "You know, Darien, what you lack in looks you're definitely making up in charm." Darien stared at her, trying to decipher that statement. "Come on, Serena, let’s leave tall, dark, and annoying to his black death." Laria glanced pointedly at the coffee cup in Darien’s hand before turning and sweeping out the door with Serena in tow and the other five following soon after. Andrew chuckled nervously to his friend. "So, was that a compliment or a cut-low?" The five other girls hurried out of the arcade and found Serena and Laria almost doubled over with laughter a little ways away. "I still can’t believe you said that!" Serena gasped, trying desperately to catch her breath. Laria had managed to calm down to chuckles. "Sorry." She grinned, one hand behind her head. "Talon use to pull that sort of thing on me all the time; the name calling and such. It’s instinct to fight back!" "Darien should know better than to pick on a pro!" Mina chuckled. "So, what say we hit the mall?!" Everyone cheered. As they walked the mile or so to the mall, they chattered back and forth. "So, Laria, why are you in Tokyo?" Amy asked curiously. "Laria’s recording the vocals for the new Sailor V movie!" Mina answered brightly. "Really!? That’s so incredibly cool!" Serena squealed. "Do you get to meet lots of famous movie stars?" "Sometimes." Laria admitted with a smile. "The recordings are mostly done in a studio far from the filming so sometimes we don't see the cast until the premier. It’s hard work, but a lot of fun." She paused and an idea struck her. "You know, if you want you could all come watch the recording tonight." Laria offered. "It'll only take about half an hour, as long as Mina doesn't touch any of the equipment." Laria grinned slyly at her friend. Mina hit her. "I'm not that dangerous!" "Right. As long as you keep your hands to yourself, V." Laria stepped quickly out of reach. Mina followed her and soon they were chasing each other down the street, hair and taunts flying. The others rolled their eyes before going after the blondes. Two hours later, all seven girls sat nearby one of the large fountains sprinkled throughout the mall happily munching on ice cream cones and discussing the Halloween party they had decided to throw at the end of the week. All of them, by this time, were bedecked like Christmas trees with bags from dozens of stores. Unfortunately, one thing they hadn’t found was a good costume shop. Further conversation was prevented by the excited squeal of Molly and Serena. "Geez, lower the decibels, Meatball Head!" Raye snapped, covering her ears. They ignored her. "LOOK!" The two girls shrieked. The other girls followed their pointing hands. A beautiful window display full of jewels and costumes beckoned them. Just what they had been looking for! "'Mystic Realms, the Shoppe of Ages.'" Laria read, feeling a bit wary. "I don't remember that being there a minute ago. . ." "Let’s go! Molly and Serena screeched, grabbing as many hands as they could and dragging physically them across the hall. "Nice diplomacy, Sere!" Laria laughed as she followed them inside. Then she gasped, mouth hanging open. They had stepped into another world! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Good spot to leave off, ne?. . . (Dodges flying debris) Kidding! I hate cliff- hangers too! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Well, Several worlds, actually. The Shoppe was divided into different zones like Arabia, Olympus, Atlantis, and numerous others. Each section was decorated meticulously, the scenes painted on the wall blending seamlessly into one another. It was magnificent! "Wow!" They breathed at once. The middle-aged lady behind the counter cleared her throat, drawing their attention. "Can I help you?" They looked at her, breaking the trance-like state. She smiled, walking toward the group and looking around as well. "Yes, I never get tired of looking at it either. My name is Mrs. Anaki. Is there anything you ladies are looking for in particular?" "Halloween costumes. Would it be alright if we just browsed for a while?" Raye asked. Mrs Anaki nodded. "Of course. The dressing rooms are in the hall behind the counter if you want to try anything on." Her warm smile shattered their remaining reluctance and the seven girls nearly dove into the displays. "Laria!" Mina drew the other girl aside into the heart of the Olympus display and began speaking softly in English. With the exception of Amy, none of the others would understand her. "I have an idea!" "The five scariest words in the English language! Especially coming from you, V-babe!" Laria teased. Mina scowled at her. "I'm serious!" "Rarely. Kidding!" Laria held up her hands. "What’s your idea?" "Get Serena and Darien together!" Mina stated triumphantly. Laria’s eyes registered her surprise. Her answer was definitely cautious. "Really? And how do you propose to do that?" "Well I hadn’t really thought that far, yet." Mina shrugged with a touch of chagrin. "But you must have some ideas! You're the expert on love-hate relationships!" Laria raised an eyebrow. "And how do figure that?" "You and Talon, of course!" Mina told her, exasperated. Wasn't it obvious? Laria wasn't usually this dense! Laria smiled slightly. She could see where this was going. "Talon and I can hardly be termed ‘normal’, Mina." She pointed out. "True. But you two are just like them!" Mina asserted, a bit thoughtlessly. Laria laughed at the ludicrous (to her) idea. "Not unless Serena and Darien are Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask we're not!" Mina looked distinctly uncomfortable but Laria didn't notice. "Honestly, Mina. Life-threatening situations were key in getting us together and I don't think Serena and Darien are going to end up in many of those together." "Yeah, probably not together." Mina sulked slightly. She KNEW Serena and Darien liked each other, no matter how much they denied it. There had to be some way make THEM see that! A sudden idea struck her. (Not to mention the small devil- Mina appearing on her shoulder in a puff of smoke. ^_~) "Hey, Lar, do still have those Truth Rings? She asked nonchalantly. A bit TOO nonchalantly! Realization hit and Laria looked like a deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming truck. It took her a moment to get her voice back. "I don't think so! Uh-uh! There is NO WAY I'm letting you use those!" "So you do have them!" Mina squealed happily. :Perfect!: "Keep it down, V!" Laria hissed. "Anyway, it’s crazy! If they like each other as much as you say they do, magic shouldn't be necessary! Lock them in a room for a few hours! It will work just as well!" "You underestimate their stubbornness." Mina retorted. "I TRIED locking them in a room together. For three hours straight! I didn't work! They ended up sulking in opposite corners! Using the rings will be much easier. Or you could always just plant the suggestion yourself." Mina grinned slyly. There was no way Laria would EVER agree to THAT! "Uh-huh. And is this before or after Artemis and Mistress Cara kill us?! You know I'm not suppose to use magic unless it’s absolutely necessary!" "It is!" "Not! Seriously Mina, even if this does work, how in heaven are we going to explain it? Tell them I'm Phoenix?" "Why not?" "Because then the next line out of my mouth is going to be: ‘and Mina is Sailor V’!" She threatened. "It’s Venus now." Mina corrected a bit primly. Though she didn't like the way the way the discussion was going. "Whatever! They may be attracted to each other, but do you have any idea of how royally we could mess this up!?" Laria whispered harshly. "So you feel it too!" Mina smiled. HAH! She was gaining ground!" "Well, yes, there’s definitely a connection." Laria admitted cautiously. "But they'll probably figure it out on their own." She finished in a rush. Mina snorted. "Doubt it. They're both way to stubborn to admit anything!" Alright, Mina thought. Laria wasn't taking to the idea as easily as she had hoped. Time to bring out a bigger gun. "What about you and Talon? You two use to fight all the time." "We still do." Laria interjected wryly. "Yeah, but you don't mean it. It’s kinda cute! Don't you ever with that someone had force the issue between you and Talon? Without the poisoned sharp things being involved, that is. He save your life that time, didn't he?" Laria’s eyes and fist closed momentarily at the painful memory. :And almost died because of it.: Mina felt a brief twinge of guilt. She knew it was a painful memory for her friend, but a lot of good had come of it; and even more could. Laria’s resolve teetered and Mina decided to give it a final shove. "Hope that doesn't happen to Serena and Darien. Though, with all the youma we've been having lately. . ." Laria sighed in defeat. "Fine, Mina. Fine! I'll do it!" "Thanks, Laria! It wouldn't be the same without you!" Mina grinned triumphantly. She had her very own sorceress-empath! "I'll bet." Laria grumbled, rubbing her temples lightly. Mistress Cara and Gatekeeper J’rel were both going to kill her for this one. The bright side was that her hyperactive friend would probably be hospitilized for cat scratches. "Okay, Aphrodite, you know how the Truth Rings work, right?" "Sure! The two people wearing them can’t lie to each other. That’s kind of key, Lar. We want Serena and Darien to know how the other feels!" Mina's happy eyes dimmed a bit. "Uh-oh! There’s a problem!" "What?" "How are we going to get those two to wear them? Darien’s not the kind to wear jewelry." Laria smiled slyly. If she was going to go along with this idiocy she would make SURE it worked. "That’s easy, V. Halloween’s on Friday. We stuff them both in costumes that require rings as accessories. Mina matched her smile as all sorts of interesting ideas spun themselves in the mind. "We'll need Andrew’s help." She concluded. Laria nodded her agreement and picked up a rose-gold toga-style dress from the nearby display. "If you're going to play Aphrodite, you might as well look the part!" Laria said. "Why don't you try this on? While I look for a little something for Prince Charming." Once everyone had chosen a few costumes from the displays -- and with Mrs. Anaki’s extensive help with the accessories -- the girls put on their own impromptu fashion show for each other. Their theme this year was Mythology and Legend, so everyone had looked for costumes to go with that. It took over an hour of switching and tweaking before everyone was satisfied and stood admiring themselves in the mirrors. "What am I again?" Serena asked, twisting to look at her gossamer wings through the ornate mask. "You're Titania, Queen of the Fairies." Laria said, walking up behind her with Raye. The two were striking side by side: the frost maiden and the phoenix. Raye carried a small sack filled with more fire-like feathers and ruby beads that would be strung in her raven hair later. Serena had taken down her ‘meatballs’ so she could try on the tiara that went with the costume. Her hair cascaded down her back and between her wings. Both the girls smiled approvingly. Serena was the smallest of them all and made a fantastic Fairy Queen. And, of course, the matchmakers had already stored a companion costume safely away with the shopkeeper until they could pick it up later. The deep bong of the shop’s grandfather clock caught Laria’s attention. It was 6:30. :6:30! We're going to be late!: Guys! We're going to be late! ******************************************************************************** ******************************************************************************** End Part 1 So, anyone want to hazard a guess on what Darien’s going to be for Halloween??? While we're on the subject. . . what do you think the others will be wearing? I'm curious. Comments and suggestions always welcome! ((Seriously, people! I'm not totally sure where this is going!)) Disclaimer: (If I have to! -_-; ) Okay, Sailor Moon and all things moonie are not mine! They belong to numerous other people and I'm sure their creator, Naoko-san, loves them very much. (And the companies love the royalties, but we won't go there.) I'm just playing with them for a while. Laria, Talon, and anything/anyone related to them, however are mine! And so’s the plot. I want to thank all the courageous souls out there who post fanfics! You're incredible! LUV YA ALL! Special Thanks goes to: Anyone actually reading this insanity! Miss J. for her story "A Change of Heart" that gave me the idea for setting this during Halloween. And especially to Megan-chan, who was willing to play sounding-board for me, even though she doesn't really like Sailor Moon very much(gasp!). ((She is in fact one of the only ones that knows of my obsession! My manga and video collection is hidden where only my niece and nephew know of it. Yes, I have corrupted them! ^_~)) Anyway, I'll stop rambling! ~Kat Morning~