Sailors No More
	Written by Jamie Godley
	A fictitious, make-believe
	What-if kind of a Sailor Moon fan-series,
	MINUS SAILOR MOON!!!

	Prologue

	"It is now five hours until the execution of the egregious murderer
Chiba Mamoru," the news reporter announced. "Final preparations and visita-
tions are currently underway as of right now.  The execution is said to take
place at twelve midnight on the dot.  On the spot reporter Nazo Shidousha
is with us now, live from the Minato-ku Maximum Security Prison..."

	No, it wasn't a fix; it was the awful truth that everyone feared.
Mamoru was being punished for the murder of Satsujin Monoko, a college
student who was found slain in her apartment in downtown Tokyo.  The finger-
prints and evidence proved it to be none other than him.  The entire police
force was bent on teaching him a lesson for this one, although in the long
run, when all the fine print was read (which in this case it wasn't), it
could be easily figured out that he wasn't the one who murdered her, in
fact, he didn't even know her!  But the police didn't believe this, and
now, one year later, after numerous court appearances, and numerous times
of pleading not guilty, Mamoru was being executed.

	Usually, whenever someone was being executed, family and friends
would show up to give the person a final farewell.  No one would come
visit Mamoru.  He had no family, and the few friends he had were too full
of remorse to show up, especially Tsukino Usagi, his girlfriend.  She never
in all her life expected him to do something like murder, and would stand
behind him, believing that what he claimed was right, that he was not
guilty.  There was no way she bring herself to seeing him one last time
before he was put out of his misery for good.  She didn't even want to
hear about on television, or see it in the papers the next day.  All
Usagi wanted at the moment was a chance to leave the world until she
could return with no talk about Mamoru the murderer, Mamoru the criminal,
Mamoru the executed.  She wanted to go to a time when this wouldn't exist,
but she knew it was inevitable, and next to impossible.  She would just
have to endure it like everyone else.  Or would she?

	In a desperate attempt and a race against time, Usagi ran as fast
as she could to her friend Mizuno Ami's house.  She banged on the door
until Ami finally answered it.  It was pouring down rain outside, and she
was soaked to the bone.

	"Usagi!  What are doing out on a night like this?  You should be
inside!" Ami reprimanded.

	"I know that, Ami-chan," Usagi stepped inside and dried off. "But I
desperately need your help."

	"Did you just catch the news?  In five hours, Mamoru will be-" she
stopped herself as she saw Usagi's tear-stained face. "Never mind."

	"Ami, about that latest invention you created at school," Usagi began
as she went upstairs to Ami's bedroom. "The one that can freeze something
for a period of time?"

	"What about it?"

	"It doesn't kill the object, does it?" Usagi looked out the window
as the rain continued to pour.

	"No, you set it on how long you want it to be frozen, and when the
time is up, the object is the same, as though nothing has happened to it,
including the aging process.  Usagi-chan, why are you asking me about that
at a time like this?" Ami waited for Usagi to answer, but she was hesitant.

	"Ami, it can work on anything, right?"

	"Anything and everything.  Why do you ask?"

	"Ami," Usagi slowly turned to face her. "I know this may sound crazy,
especially at a time like this, but...um, Ami-chan?"

	"Come on, Usagi-chan, out with it already."

	"Will you freeze me?"

	Ami grew incredibly silent.  Her face went pale. "Oh, Usagi, you
can't be serious."

	"I've never been more serious in all my life."

	"I, I, I don't know if I can do this."

	"But you said it can work on anything and everything!"

	"I know, and it can!  But, have you talked to your parents about
this, Usagi-chan?"

	"How could I possibly tell them?  They would never understand, not
in a million years!  Ami, I have to do this!"

	"But what if it doesn't work?  You could die!"

	"I'm willing to take that chance!  I don't want to be around when
Mamoru dies, okay?  I want to be far away, distant!  I want to wake up in
a time where it'll never happen!"

	"And just how long do you want to be away?"

	Usagi hadn't thought about this part. "Um, I'm not sure.  Do you
think a decade is long enough?"

	"A decade?  That long?" Ami could feel an internal conflict
beginning.  If I do this, she won't have to endure Mamoru's pain, which
is a pro.  However, ten years will go by, and everyone will grow up but
her, that's a con.  And what will her parents think about her *mysterious*
disappearance?  But Usagi seems so determined about this.  I'm her friend,
I suppose I have no choice but to help her in her time of need. "Usagi,
you dragged me into this.  I'll help you." With that, Ami let out a heavy
sigh as Usagi hugged her with gratitude. "Now c'mon, we don't have much
time."

	After working together to get the giant case out of the school
without getting caught, Ami and Usagi carried it to Juuban Park, and began
to dig a hole next to a cherry blossom tree.  After making the final
preparations, Ami motioned for Usagi to climb inside.

	"Now lay down.  The chemicals in this machine will slow your body
down, but it won't kill you.  Sort of think of it as a long sleep.  You'll
start to feel drowsy after awhile, and before you know it, it'll be time to
get up!  The machine will also keep your body warm, not to mention keep you
from smelling like who-knows-what when it's all done.  I've set the timer on
exactly ten years.  When you wake up, it will be June 29th, 2006," Ami
explained.

	"And tomorrow's my birthday," Usagi mentioned.

	"Hmm, then consider this my present to you for the next ten years,"
Ami replied as she set the timer.

	"What time is it?" Usagi asked.

	"It's about five till twelve."

	"Hurry!"

	"Okay, okay." Ami gave her a thumbs-up sign for good luck as she shut
the case and flipped the switch on.  She watched through the transparent lid
as Usagi's eyelids got heavy and eventually closed permanently as she covered
the pit with dirt.  The next time she would see Usagi would be ten years from
that point.  Ami wiped the sweat off her forehead as she faced the rainy
weather on her way home.  If her mother were to ask where she was, she would
simply answer, "Oh, just saying good-bye to someone." Everyone would assume
she was talking about Mamoru, but she wasn't.  She was referring to Usagi.


	Episode I: The Scout Gloves are off!

	June 30th, 1996

	Ami woke up with a start as her alarm clock went off the next morning.
"Man, what a night." As she was walking home the night before, she had made
an oath with herself that none of the stuff that occurred had happened.  She
was to be just as naive about the situation as everyone else.  In ten years
time, the burden would be lifted.

	"Are you alright, dear?" Her mother asked as she got her shoes on.
"You look awfully tired.  Studying for another test, I see."

	Ami took a deep breath before responding.  She had never lied before,
so this would be tough. "Yes, for AP Calculus.  We're having an exam today,
so I wanted to prepare."

	"I found your clothes in the hamper this morning.  May I ask why they
were so wet?  You weren't out in that awful storm, were you?"

	"Um, I had to stop by the library for some extra information...for
my...for my Ethics project.  I didn't have enough money for the bus, so I
walked home." Ami felt her neck grow hot in guilt.

	"Oh.  Well, I'd best be on my way," Her mother kissed her on the
cheek and headed for the door. "You're such a wonderful daughter, Ami.  So
sincere and honest.  Have fun at school!" She closed the door behind her.
Ami watched her off, then tossed her rice in the garbage can.

	"If only she knew," Ami mumbled as she felt the burden of guilt grow
more and more. "I feel so, so, so dirty.  Because of Usagi, I'm flawed for
life."
	(

	"'Bout time," Makoto huffed as Ami entered the schoolyard. "It's not
like you to be late."

	"I'm sorry.  Traffic was really something." Ami decided to play dumb.
"Say, where's Usagi?  Has she arrived yet?"

	"Nope.  But I ain't concerned yet.  Hey, you know, I've been
curious.  We took our high school entrance exams a while back, I wonder
why we haven't gotten the results yet." Makoto leaned back against a tree.

	"It takes a while," Ami replied. "I'm sure you did fine, Mako-chan.
You're a smart girl."

	"How 'bout you?  Was it hard for you?"

	"Not at all.  Basic things," Ami paused as she saw Makoto roll her
eyes. "But I guess that's pretty predictable for me to say stuff like that,
isn't it."

	"Hey, I heard about that invention you made in class last week.  The
freezing thing, right?" Ami nodded. "Can we go see it?" She looked down at
Ami's dumbfounded expression. "Huh?  Something wrong?"

	"Eh?  Oh, nothing," Ami pulled her by the arm. "Alright, I'll show
you."

	As Ami pulled her inside, Makoto watched her with concern.  There's
something odd about the way Ami's acting.

	As Ami turned the corner to her classroom, with Makoto in tow, Umino
blocked their path. "Ami-chan!  I've got terrible news!  Your invention...
it's gone!"

	"Gone!?" Ami repeated. "You can't be serious."

	"It's true!  The room was bare.  The only evidence we've found so
far..." He dug into his pocket to reveal a long strand of blond hair. "...is
this.  Left at the scene of the crime."

	"It looks like Usagi's hair," Makoto muttered as she examined it.
Ami rammed her in the elbow.

	"Don't be serious!  Usagi would never do a thing!  Besides, that
machine weighs at least forty, if not fifty pounds.  Way to heavy for her."

	"Hmm, Ami's right," Makoto rested her chin in her hand. "And you're
forgetting, Umino, there's lots of people out there with blond hair, so don't
go finger-pointing anyone yet."

	"Ooh, you think you're so smart, don't you," Umino put on his macho
face and marched right in Makoto's face. "Don't tell me what to do, amazon."

	"Woah..." Ami stepped back.

	"What did you say?" Makoto narrowed her eyes. "Don't tell me you're
threatening me." She made a tight fist and shoved it in his face. "I can wipe
the floor with you, dickweed, so don't even think it."

	"Oh...ahh, uh," Umino stuttered for a few minutes as he trembled. "Oh
yeah?  Well, um, my big brother, Kurushimi, well, he'll, he'll show you, just
you wait!" He held a straight face as he awaited Makoto's response, then he
bolted off in fright.

	"I'm sooo scared," Makoto grunted as she turned heel and went to her
class. "Yo, Ami-chan, maybe we should get the scouts on this.  Perhaps the
Negaverse took it."

	"Perhaps," Ami replied, hopeful.  Then she lowered her head and
walked to her class slowly. "Perhaps not."

	(

	"Usagi-chan?  Usagi-chan!" Luna called out as she pounced on her bed.
"Where is that girl?  School started an hour ago and she's no where to be
found!" She tapped back into Usagi's scout communicator, and an image of
Artemis appeared. "Any luck, Artemis?"

	"None," Artemis shook his head. "I followed her route to school
exactly.  You don't suppose she's already at school, do you?"

	"At school...?" Luna thought about that idea. "Not a snowball's
chance.  Hey, Artemis!  I'm starting to get static!  You're out of range!
Where the hell are you?"

	"I'm downtown now, near the arcade.  Man, this place is sure crowded.
 Everyone is so different.  Thrashers, shop-a-holics, nerds, an evil
Negaverse monster, screaming kids, worthless employees, the same Negaverse
monster stealing energy from innocent bystanders, um, er, um..."

	Luna's eyes bulged as Artemis tried to finish his sentence. "Artemis!
 Speak to me!  What's going on!" She gasped as the communicator screen filled
with static, and suddenly clicked off. "ARTEMIS!  This is a job...for the
Sailor Scouts!"

	(

	"You don't say," Haruka replied through Luna's screeches and shouts.
"Look, hey, take a chill pill!  Can it, cat!  Michiru-chan and I'll get there
as soon as we can!  Oh, don't bother calling Hotaru-chan, she's out with the
flu.  Alright, alright, alright.  Okay!" She jammed her communicator in her
pocket. "Man, that cat sure has some voice!" She hurried down the hall,
peering inside each room, looking for Michiru.  She checked the usual spots,
the auditorium, the pool, the labs, but turned up with nothing.

	"Are we on some big scavenger hunt or something?" A familiar voice
murmured from behind.  Haruka whirled around to see Michiru giggle.

	"Stop that stupid laughter, you airhead!" Haruka smacked her in the
head. "Didn't you just hear Luna through your communicator?"

	"Um, I left mine at home," Michiru looked down. "Is something wrong?"

	"You better believe it!  Some Negaverse monster is wrecking havoc in
the metro area." She pulled on Michiru's sleeve and yanked her down the hall,
and outside on the campus. "Good, the place is deserted.  We can transform
and get down there!"

	"Right." Michiru held up her pen. "NEPTUNE PLANET POWER...MAKE-UP!!!"

	"URANUS PLANET POWER...MAKE-UP!!!" Haruka hollered.  Within seconds,
they were ready to go.

	(

	Luna waited in anticipation as the girls began to arrive.  Venus
was first, for she was the most concerned for Artemis.  Pluto appeared next,
followed by Mars.  As time went by, Uranus, Neptune, Jupiter, and finally,
Mercury came to the scene.

	"Hey, we're missing someone!" Mars jerked her head around. "I know
Saturn's not here, but where is Sailor Moon?"

	"You'd think she's come, after all, she is the leader," Pluto added
sternly.

	"I mean, we know Tuxedo Kamen will never come again, but where is
Sailor Moon?" Venus wondered.

	"She wasn't at school.  Is she out sick too?" Jupiter asked.

	"No, she wasn't at home," Luna looked down. "But we must find this
monster, we can chew out Usagi later."

	While the girls were conversing and setting their priorities straight,
Mercury became deathly pale. "If only they knew," she whispered. "How I wish
I could tell them, but I can't!"

	"Hey, Mercury, come on!" Mars grabbed her by the arm and led her into
the danger area.

	"Look at the size of that thing!" Venus gasped.  She gaped at the
massive monster as it squeezed the energy out of people in his mighty grasp.

	"I'll try to slow it down," Uranus responded. "WORLD SHAKING!!!"
She watched with hope as her attacked soared toward the monster, but bounced
right off.

	"DEEP SUBMERGE!!" Neptune shouted as she threw her water at him.
Still nothing.

	"This is way too dangerous for us," Mercury said with apprehension.
"There must be some way to strike it!"

	"Maybe what it really needs is a swift kick in the rear," Jupiter
grumbled as she ran at the monster.

	"Jupiter!  Get back here, you idiot!" Mars followed.  The five
watched as the two were swatted back like flies.

	"Are you two alright?" Luna asked.

	"Did anyone get the number of that truck?" Jupiter groaned, then
jumped back up. "I think he's impenetrable."

	"NO FREAKING DUH!!!" The others yelled back at her.

	"What will we do?" Mars asked fearfully.  She turned to Pluto, who
was deep in thought. "Hey!  How can you meditate at a time like this?"

	"I've seen the monster before," Pluto replied softly. "I've seen
him before.  His name is Mamono, and he is a dimensional monster, meaning
that in some dimensions, like this one, he's unstoppable.  In others, he
is very weak.  The only way to fight him is of he was in another dimension."

	"What the-?" Uranus looked up to see a yellow spark above the monster.
 Everyone turned to it in awe.

	"BBBBBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNNZZZZAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIII!!!!"
The girl yelled as she rammed her fists into the monster, only to be shot
back.

	"We already tried that, Sailor Earth1," Mars grunted. "How long have
you been here?"

	"I dunno," Earth brushed herself. "Crap!  That monster knocked out
one of my lenses!" She tried to fix her glasses, but to no avail. "Ooh!
Is he gonna get a piece of my mind!" She got into her pathetic fighting
pose, a cheesy rendition of the Praying Mantis.

	"We're doomed," Venus moaned.

	"Not yet!" Pluto ran forward. "It seems that I'm the only one who can
fend him off."

	"You!?" Everyone repeated.

	"But this ain't your big story," Earth replied.

	"Well, if Sailor Moon were here, then she could probably hit him
with her Spiral Heart Attack, but she's not here," Pluto answered. "I'm
gonna take him to another dimension.  Don't follow, this one's mine."

	"Fine!  I can see where I'm not wanted!" Earth pouted as she pulled
out her teleporter. "TELEPORT POWER!  SEND ME, umm, err, ahh, SOMEWHERE ELSE
OTHER THAN HERE!" She disappeared.

	"Thank goodness she's gone," Mars huffed. "Man, I hate that girl."

	"Always dropping by when she darn well pleases," Neptune added.

	Pluto approached the monster. "HEY, MAMONO!  FIGHT ME!  I'll pick
the place," she whipped out her Time Staff and the Garnet Orb began to glow
tremendously.  A porthole opened, and the monster was helplessly sucked
into it.  Pluto smirked and followed. "Moron." The two vanished.

	"Well, that's done," Jupiter wiped her hands. "And I didn't even
break sweat."

	"No, but you got you butt kicked bigtime.  Shouldn't a bruise that
big hurt really bad?" Venus felt the larger-than-life bruise up her leg.
She looked up to see Jupiter cringe, trying to keep inside.

	"I-it d-doesn't h-hurt at a-all," Jupiter stuttered.

	"Sure, whatever." Venus smacked it as hard as she could.  She leaped
back as Jupiter screamed at the top of her lungs. "Does it hurt now?"

	"Fuck you," Jupiter grunted.

	"This is really weird," Neptune began. "Why hasn't Sailor Moon shown
up?"

	"You think she ran away or something?" Uranus guessed.

	"Maybe she was kidnapped by an evil Mafia forced to their rotten
bidding till the end of time," Mars tried.  Everyone glared at her. "Heh-heh,
just a wild guess."

	"Are you alright, Artemis?" Mercury picked him up.

	"Yeah.  Woo, so this is what it's like to have my energy stolen.
Killer," he flopped back in her arms. "Luna, are you trying to say you have
no idea whatsoever as to where Usagi is?"

	"No idea." Luna shook her head.

	"Call me crazy, but do you suppose she's gone into hiding because of
Mamoru's execution?" Uranus asked.

	"That seems to be the only logical solution," Neptune replied. "The
poor girl.  I feel so sorry for her."

	"If she never returns, will that mean the whole destiny thing is
destroyed forever?" Venus asked, feeling a slow burden of despair emerging
from inside.

	"...." Luna couldn't think of an answer.  This hadn't dawned on her
yet. "I haven't given it much thought yet.  I suppose I'll have to consider
that eventually2."

	"Did her family go on vacation?" Mars wondered.

	"No, I saw Shingo this morning," Luna answered. "Everyone was there,
but Usagi...I never saw her.  It's just the thought of where she could be
that's eating at me."

	"Wouldn't you like to know," Mercury responded obliviously.

	"What did you say?" Jupiter asked suddenly.

	"I mean--where did she go?  I'm with Uranus and Neptune for this one.
She probably ran away."

	"I suppose we'll hafta to go straight to the source," Venus started
off. "I'm going to Usagi's house.  Anyone coming with me?"

	"I'd really love to, but I have temple duties," Mars replied.

	"I'll cruise around and see if I can find her," Uranus piped up.
"Neptune?  you coming along?"

	"But of course," Neptune wrapped her arms around Uranus' left arm.

	"I'll join you," Jupiter stepped forward. "Mercury?"

	"Huh?" Mercury hesitated.  If I go, the guilt of this secret may be t
oo much for me to handle.  Then again, I might as well see how well Usagi's
planned out this scheme. "Alright, I'll go."

	"Let's meet at Hikawa Jinja tomorrow and compare any info we find,"
Artemis suggested.  The girls nodded and went their separate ways.

	(

	Minako was hesitant as she prepared to knock on the door.  As soon
as she finally did it, Mrs. Tsukino answered the door in a flash. "Y-yes?"
She answered as she wiped her tears.

	"Is something the matter, Mrs. Tsukino?" Makoto asked.  Ami tried to
hide her face.

	"It's horrible!  Usagi!"

	"What about her?"

	"This!" She thrust the note in their faces.  Minako snatched it and
began to read.

	"It is hard, to feel the hand of death arrest one's steps, throw a
chill blight over all one's budding hopes...3" Minako read. "My dearest
Mamoru is dead, so I must join him.  We were destined to be together forever,
in life, or in death, so, that is where I am." Minako tried to read the
rest, but her tears evaded and stopped her from doing so.

	"She...she...she committed," Makoto gulped. "...suicide?"

	I guess she had this all planned out, Ami thought.  So thorough.

	"I can't believe this," Minako choked. "She really did it."

	"She vanished sometime during the night," Mrs. Tsukino said. "All we
found this morning was this note."

	"So you don't know how she died?" Makoto asked as she fought back her
tears.

	"Anything seems logical," Ami put in. "She could've walked off a
pier, hung herself, the possibilities are endless!"

	"Oh, Usagi, why?" Minako exploded with a fit of sadness.

	Everyone was crying at this point.  Ami began to show a look of mock
sadness, for she had no reason to cry.  But I can't look too obvious about
this, she thought.  I must be just as surprised as everyone else.  She
looked at everyone.  I don't think it'll be that hard.  She buried her face
in Makoto's sleeve, and burst into tears.

	(

	By the end of the afternoon, everyone knew the news.  Most everybody
reacted the same way, so there's no need in going into detail.  They all
cried, and mourned their loss.  Luna had confined herself in Usagi's room,
with all of Usagi's things, so that perhaps she wasn't entirely gone.  Ami
stayed inside her house as often as she could, so she wouldn't have to face
the mourning public.

	"I can't feel their pain if I don't feel it myself," Ami kept saying.

	Rei took it the worst.  She locked all the doors at the temple, and
hid herself in the back room, where no one dared entered, for it was old and
musty.  She tried to hold it all inside, but gave up after an hour.  The pain
was worst in her heart, she felt as though the most important thing in her
life had been taken away suddenly, and that it would never return.  Everyone
felt it was best to leave her alone, so she could heal.

	"Rei-chan?" Yuuichirou peered in the doorway. "I finally found you."
He stared at her.  Her back was turned and she buried her face in her
sleeves. "You still miss her, don't you." He sat down next to her. "You
want to talk about it?"

	"What is there to talk about?" Rei replied hoarsely. "She's dead."

	"I know what you're going through," Yuuichirou put his arm around
her. "When I was your age, my best friend died too."

	"He did?" Rei gulped on her tears as she looked up at him.
"Suicide?"

	"No, a car accident.  We had known each other since infancy,
he and I were inseparable.  We fought often, granted, but we still cared
for each other."

	"How did you get over the pain?"

	"Oh, I still mourn his death," Yuuichirou looked up. "But when
I was younger, whenever I missed him, I would think back to the memories.
Swimming in the creek, going to the conventions, crashing the slumber
parties..."

	"What good are memories?" Rei wondered. "You think back, you
reminisce the glory days of the past, but then you cry again, because
you know the memories are limited.  It's just not fair!"

	"I know, life was never meant to be fair.  If it were, it would
be boring," Yuuichirou replied. "I found this in your room when I was
looking for you.  You should try to take your mind off it for a while.
Here." He handed her the Mars Transformation Pen, which he only perceived
as a decorative pen.

	"My pen," Rei held onto it tightly. "Thank you, Yuuichirou."

	"It's not the same here when you're not happy," Yuuichirou stood
up.  He headed for the door.

	"Wait!" Rei beckoned. "Don't go.  Please, stay with me.  You're
my only source of comfort now." He saw the tears swell up in her eyes.

	Yuuichirou looked at her.  He felt her suffering, he knew she
needed a shoulder to cry on. "Alright."

	As he sat down again, Rei looked at her pen. "It's all over now.
I know what must be done."

	"It's okay," Yuuichirou stroked her hair with his fingers. "No
matter what, I'll always be there for you."

	"I hope you meant that."

	(

	Like mentioned, everyone arrived at the temple the following after-
noon.  Rei sat out and waited for them.

	"This is indeed a sad day," Haruka said slowly. "It's like we're
not a full team anymore."

	"We lost the most important thing to us," Minako replied. "Our
leader."

	"But this means we can't totally fight off the evil," Hotaru
uttered. "Sailor Moon always did the final attack, right?  Who will lead
us now?"

	"No one," Rei stood up. "There will be no leader because there will
be no more Sailor Scouts."

	"What do you mean?" Ami asked. "You're bailing out?"

	"If one scout goes, then we all go," Rei pulled out her transforma-
tion pen. "We're like a house of cards.  Take out the main one, and all the
other cards suffer." She tossed it into the middle of the circle.

	"But what if a new evil appears?" Michiru inquired.

	"Fat chance," Makoto muttered. "If any of you have been paying
attention, the Negaverse monsters have always been drawn to attacking Sailor
Moon in particular.  Be it the Emperyan Silver Crystal, or what, they
always went for her.  Seeing that there is no competition, they won't
fight anymore.  No one likes to win too easily."

	"Are you saying no Sailor Moon, no Negaverse?" Minako asked.

	"Exactly." Makoto threw her pen on top of Rei's.

	"You girls are quitting your duty?  Your honor?  Your destiny?"
Luna asked in trepidation.

	"What destiny?" Minako shot back. "If there's no future queen of
Neo-Tokyo, then there will be no need of her court.  It's all over." She
threw in her pen.  Haruka followed, then Michiru.  Hotaru had no pen, so
she threw in her Silence Glaive.  Ami was the only one left.

	"Ami?  Your turn," Makoto turned to an irresolute Ami.

	Could this be the right thing?  Usagi's not dead, Ami deliberated.
But for the time being, we can all be normal.  I guess it's only fate.

	"Why must you hesitate?" Hotaru wondered.

	"There," Ami laid hers on the pile.  The group watched as the pile
suddenly vanished into oblivion. "No more pens."

	"No more fighting," Michiru added.

	"No more risky business," Minako affixed.

	"No more Sailor Scouts," Artemis completed.

	"I guess our work here is done," Haruka stretched and sauntered off,
Michiru at her heels.  As everyone began to depart, Rei held Ami back.

	"What's wrong?" Ami asked.

	"Ami, somehow, you've managed to keep your head in all this," Rei
commented. "You're always the level-headed one.  May I ask you an important
question?"

	"Um, sure," Ami looked away.

	"Should I commit suicide like Usagi?  It seems like the only way to
rid myself of this pain," Rei said.  Ami froze.

	"Suicide?" Ami slapped her across the face as hard as she could.  A
dark mark appeared.

	"What was that for?"

	"How could even think of that?" Ami yelled in fury. "Usagi never
thought about the consequences, I won't have to you do the same thing!"

	"But I feel it's the only way!"

	"Rei, listen to me," Ami held onto her shoulders firmly. "Don't do
it.  Please don't.  No one has confirmed if Usagi's dead or not."

	"But the note!"

	"What about it?  Rei, think about it.  A great note, but hardly
something to be alarmed about.  Chances are, she probably chickened out,
and is hiding somewhere, so she won't have to face her family.  No one
ever proved she was dead."

	Rei tried to think of a response, but was left speechless. "You're
...right."

	"It would make no sense if you were to die and Usagi popped up a
second later, alive and well," Ami explained. "Don't do it."

	"You really think she's alive, don't you," Rei cocked her head.
"Why are you so sure?"

	"I just have a gut feeling, that's all.  Nothing else." Ami turned
heel and walked down the steps.  Rei pulled her back again.

	"Ami, wait," Rei clung to her again. "Ami-chan, thank you."

	"Anytime, Rei-chan."

	Ami casually walked home.  It was going to be tough, but she had
to go through with it.  She had managed to keep the secret so far, but it
was going to get tougher this point on.  The future was quickly approach-
ing, and she was going to have to live with it, her and her pack of lies.

	(

	"Ready, Luna?" Artemis asked as he sat in Usagi's windowsill.

	"I don't see why we can't tell the girls about this," Luna replied
as she slung the tiny knapsack over her back. "We're just deserting them."

	"No we're not," Artemis helped her jump up on the sill. "They're
no longer Sailor Scouts, so we're no longer guardians.  Therefore, it's
time to start our lives anew."

	"I hope you're right," Luna looked down in melancholy. "You think
Makoto was really right in that speech of hers?  Could all the Negaverse
evil be gone forever now that their main foe is gone too?"

	"I believe it," Artemis answered. "It sounds awfully true.  But
let's not think about that type of stuff anymore.  It's time for the girls
to grow up and be normal women, and we shouldn't interfere." He jumped over
to the nearby branch. "Coming, Luna?"

	"Mm-hmm." Luna nodded and followed him off.


	It's time for high school!  That's right, Ami, Rei, Minako, and
Makoto are invading Mugen Gakuen!  Unfortunately, there's something differ-
ent in store for each one!  For starters, Rei's got some competition in the
popularity department, has she met her match?  Meet the American student
James Myers and his first impression on Makoto!  All that and more in store
of episode two of Sailors No More!


	Episode II: Popular Enough

	September 1996

	"I can't believe I'm actually here," James Myers muttered as he
stood at the entrance of Mugen High School. "It would've been easier if Dad
had let me go to the school on the base, but nooo, I stuck here in a Japan-
ese high school, all by myself, and I don't speak a word of Japanese.
It's for the culture, he said, you'll learn more on a first-hand basis.
Man, I'm glad they'll have a translator for me, or else I'd really be lost.
Too bad I had to leave Denver when I did.  The girls here don't even compare
to the pretty things at home." He let out a sigh. "I thought being a lowly
freshman there would be bad, instead I'm here, ten times worse." He closed
his eyes and pictured all the cute girls he had crushes on.  No chance it
would happen here. "I'm a loner for life--well, helloo..." His eyes fell
on one girl in particular out of a group of freshman on the other side of
the courtyard.  She was tall with bushy brown hair. "I think I'm in love."

	"So, this is high school," Rei put her hands on her hips. "Not at
all what I had expected."

	"Well, at least we're all together," Minako pulled out her schedule.
"Damn, I got Japanese first thing.  I hate that class."

	"Who do you have?" Makoto looked over her shoulder.

	"Some Yaki person," Minako replied.

	"Hey, so do I!  It won't be so bad!" Makoto pat her on the back.

	"Wow, Quantum Physics," Ami's eyes widened at the sight of her
schedule. "Sounds tough.  I hope I can make an A in there." Water-drop thing-
ies appeared on the other three's heads.

	"Well, there's the bell," Rei gathered her things. "See you guys at
break!" She darted off.

	"Come on Minako, we don't want to be late," Makoto grabbed her by
the arm and drug her to class.

	"Hmm, I guess that means class is about to start," James took a
deep breath and entered the massive building.

	(

	"Good morning class, and welcome to Ancient Literature," the teach-
er began. "I am Mrs. Shinsho_4.  Let's start off with the role call,
shall we?  When I call your name, please stand up.  Abashiri Hana?"

	Rei shifted in her seat as the teacher ran down the list.  She
felt so nervous, and she didn't know a soul.  She turned to the girl beside
her, who gave her an evil sneer.  Fine, don't make me feel welcome, Rei
snorted.

	"Herazuguchi Justy5," Mrs. Shinsho_ announced.  The girl stood up.
She had long, orangish-brown hair, curled at the bottom, and almond-shaped
eyes.  She bowed, and gave a smirk. "Hino Rei."

	Rei slowly stood up, and gave the polite bow.  Mrs. Shinsho_ nodded
in acknowledgement, and prepared to sit back down.  She had no idea her
seat had been removed, and she ended up on the floor.  Everyone burst into
laughter.  Rei slowly stood up in sheer embarrassment.  As she pulled up
her seat, she turned to see Justy give off a conceited, snobbish smirk.
Hmm, so that's how she wants to play it, Rei thought.  Very well, I'm game.

	(

	"Well, Mr. Yaki doesn't seem that bad," Minako whispered to Makoto.
"Maybe this class won't be so bad after all."

	"Yeah, he seems really cool," Makoto replied. "And he's cute too."

	"Mm-hmm." They both nodded in unison.

	"Class, may I have your attention please?" Mr. Yaki stepped up to
the front.  A young woman, and a boy, about fourteen or fifteen, with sandy-
blond hair and pale blue eyes followed her. "This year our class will
featuring a foreign student from America.  His family has moved upon mil-
itary orders.  His name is James Myers6, and he is 15 years old. This is
his translator, Yono Kikoe7.  If you have any questions you'd like to
ask James, please direct them to Miss Kikoe here, until he has a better
grasp on our language." The students nodded. "Alright, he can have that
seat in the back, next to, ahh, you, you with the brown hair, your name-"

	"Kino Makoto," Makoto replied quickly.

	"Yes, next to her will be fine." Mr. Yaki ushered them to the seat,
then went back up to the front to begin with the class.

	"Lucky you," Minako whispered in Makoto's ear. "He sure looks attrac-
tive."

	"Hah!  That'll be the day.  Look at him, scrawny and lanky.  Not
a muscle on his body.  He looks like a puny wimp," Makoto huffed.

	I wonder what she's saying about me, James thought as he opened
his book.  Maybe she likes me!  Man, I must have blind luck or something
to get a girlfriend this soon.

	(

	Rei sighed with relief as the bell rang for break.  She quickly
gathered her things and made a dash for the door.  Unfortunately, some-
thing obstructed her path, and the next thing she knew, she was flat on
her face.  She looked up to see Justy laughing at her.

	"Ooh, did Madame Queen trip and fall?" She teased.
	"What's your problem?  What have I done to you?" Rei got up and
glared at Justy.

	"I've heard about you being Miss Popular at T*A," Justy twisted
a curl around her finger. "You had the good life, students waiting on you
hand and foot, well, I got news for you, it ain't happening here.  If you
wanna be the best, you gotta get through me!  No one's more popular than
me."

	"Hmmph, if you're so popular, then how come I've never heard of
you?" Rei threw back.  She grinned as Justy tried to think of an answer.

	"Ooh, well, that doesn't mean you never will," Justy strutted out
the door and down the hall. "Akemi!  Hurry up with my books!" Rei watched
as a short girl with mousy-brown, chin-length hair scurried out after
Justy, carrying all her books.

	"There's gotta be a way to bring her down," Rei grumbled. "Don't
go strutting your stuff just yet, Herazuguchi, I'm just getting started."

	(

	"What took you so long, Rei-chan?" Ami asked as she uncovered her
lunch under the large tree. "You get lost?"

	"Nah, just met up with the biggest snob in Japan," Rei retorted
angrily. "She thinks she can go around being all primp and prissy, with
a little friend to do her evil bidding.  Believe me, if you have a class
with Herazuguchi Justy, you'll learn to hate her."

	"Well, don't go asking for trouble," Ami replied.

	"Hi guys!" Minako greeted happily as she plopped down next to Ami.
"Guess what, some boy from America was hitting on Mako-chan, bigtime."

	"No kidding," Rei sighed.

	"Yes, I heard there was a foreign boy here," Ami said. "We passed
in the halls.  He seems very nice.  Awfully shy, though.  He seems like a
total opposite of Makoto.  Why her?"

	"Someone up there must think this is a big joke," Makoto grunted
as she sat down with them. "That boy is everywhere I go.  I turn my back
and there he is.  I've tried to communicate with him the best way I can,
but he just doesn't get the message that I don't have any sentimental
feelings for him!  He's almost as annoying as Umino!"

	"Aw, give him a chance, Mako-chan," Minako asserted. "He's new
and he needs a friend."

	"Then why don't you go put up with him," Makoto replied harshly.

	"Because he doesn't have a crush on me, idiot.  He likes you, and
only you."

	"Minako's right," Ami replied. "Try to at least be civil around
him."

	"It's not that I hate him," Makoto said between chewing. "But
there's a difference between being platonic and being an item!  I only
wish he'd see that!"

	(

	"Rei, I've never seen you so bent on trying to upstage another
student," Ami watched as Rei frisked through the student files. "Why is
this so important to you?  Did Justy upset you or something?"

	"Nah, she pulled my chair from underneath me and tripped me on
the way out," Rei replied. "A-ha!  Herazuguchi Justy." She skimmed down
the list. "Hmm, a cheerleader, eh?  I can do that."

	"But Rei, you hate cheerleaders," Ami pointed out. "Remember
when you beat up those girls from Shibakouen because they were too
perky?"
	"I'll try anything once," Rei crammed the file back inside the
file cabinet. "And there's something else about her.  She has this girl,
Akemi, who waits on her hand and foot.  Justy treats her so cruelly, but
she doesn't care."

	"Akemi?  As in Chikarazoe8 Akemi?" Ami blinked.

	"Something like that.  You know her?"

	"Yes, she's in some of my gifted classes.  She's very kind.
Anytime I see her other than school, she's always hanging around this
girl with long auburn hair."

	"That would be Justy," Rei narrowed her eyes. "Ooh!  Look at
the time!  I can't be late for try-outs."

	"Try-outs?" Ami repeated as she followed Rei down the hall.
"For what?"

	"Cheerleading!  What else?" Rei gave a happy smirk and dashed
outside.  Ami rolled her eyes.

	(

	"Crap, I'm lost," James sulked as he wandered aimlessly down the
halls.  He and Kikoe had lost track of each other in the mainstream at
the entrance. "I gotta find her." He peered in each class, looking for
her, but to no avail.  He slumped down against some lockers. "Just my
luck, this always happens.  Something good will happen, then something
equally bad will happen immediately after.  I can never get off easily,
there's always gonna be something that holds me back.  Like today, I see
the most beautiful girl, and then I get lost, and I can't find my way
because I don't understand Japanese, and I'll probably never see her
again!!!" He slowly stood up, and tried to read the signs on the walls.
It was no use.  To him they seemed like scribbles.

	"Hello?  Can somebody help me?" He would walk up to stray students,
but they all ignored him, with looks of utter confusion. "Man, I can't
win." He lowered his head.  The next thing he knew, he was right back
where he started. "I've just gone in a circle.  Say, I haven't tried that
room over there," he went over to a set of double doors, both with two
giant signs on them. "Maybe I'll find someone in here."

	Little did he know he was about to go where no man has gone
before...

	Late for class because of the crowds, Makoto was trying as hard
as she could to get dressed for phys. ed.  Unfortunately, her shirt was
too snug, and she needed to find another one.  Wearing only her shorts
and her bra, Makoto wandered around the large locker room, hoping to find
a deserted shirt she could use.  She disregarded the door opening and
shutting behind her.

	"What kind of place is this?" James wondered aloud. "Alright!  I
found the guys locker rooms!  Maybe there's a coach around here.  I told
Kikoe I needed to see the coach about track and field, might as well get it
out of the way."

	"There's a shirt!" Makoto ran over to one hanging from a locker
door.  She picked it up, only to see that it was caught in the door.
"Damn!  It's stuck!" She began to yank on it, and yank and yank and yank.

	James went up and down each aisle, but found no one.  He stood in
the middle of the room and scratched his head. "Jeez, it seems that every
place in this school is its own little maze.  Hello?  Hello?  Anybody here?"

	"Almost got it," Makoto clenched her teeth as she pulled with all
her might. "Come on, come on...SNAP!" She was unprepared for the sudden
snap in the shirt, which sent her flying back at full force.  Unfortunately,
James was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and he ended up being
knocked back as well.  The two slammed into a set of lockers.

	"Huh?  What happened?" James rubbed his head.

	"Eh?" Makoto sat up and held up the shirt. "Darn, I tore it!  Man,
I'll never find one that fits me." She then realized that on either side
of her was a leg. "The hell-?  Who..." She slowly turned around, and was
face to face with an awestruck James. "...."

	"You!" James stared at her dumbstruck face, which was slowly grow-
ing red with rage.  Still oblivious about the situation, he chanced to look
down, only to get punched to the side suddenly.

	"FUCKING PERVERT!!!  HOW DARE YOU COME IN HERE!!!" Makoto grabbed
him by the scruff of his neck. "I don't know, nor do I care if they let
you get away with this in America, but you don't go looking at girls in
the locker rooms here!" She slapped him a few dozen times, then threw him
down.

	"Please!  If you'll just understand!  I'm lost!" James waved his
hands, motioning for her to stop.  Haplessly, the two couldn't understand
each other. "Oh, what's the use.  You can't comprehend what I'm saying.
I'm really sorry, Miss Kino, I really am.  I had no idea..." He tried to
reason with her, but she just glared at him, with a look that could freeze
lava.

	"GET OUT AND STAY OUT!!!" Makoto dropkicked him out the door. "The
nerve of him!"

	"There you are!" Kikoe went and helped him up. "What happened,
James?  You're all black and blue!"

	"It's nothing," James shrugged. "Kikoe?"

	"Yes?"

	"I really need to learn Japanese," he finished pitifully as Kikoe
helped him to the nurse.

	Meanwhile, Makoto watched him off. "I should've tried to hear him
out.  But he didn't half to scare me like that!" She punched a good-sized
dent in the door's frame. "AMERICANS ARE JERKS!!!"

	(

	Rei was more than determined to teach Justy a lesson.  As she
pushed the double doors to the gym open, she was somewhat caught off
guard when she heard that they didn't close.  She turned around to see
Ami standing there, a smile across her face.

	"Ami, what are you doing?" Rei asked as she entered the locker
room to change into the designated outfit.

	"I had to come and see this," Ami giggled. "I never thought I'd see
the day when you tried out for the team of the perkiest girls in the area!"

	"I know it may be hard to visualize, but I know I can do it," Rei
replied as she put her hair up in a ponytail. "You make it sound so hard."

	"That's because you'd stick out like a sore thumb in that group.
You have, like, perpetual PMS or something.  You're never entirely happy,"
Ami explained as a water-drop thingie fell down Rei's face.

	Rei scowled. "I gotta go now.  I can't be late for try-outs, you
know." She pranced out the door (a mocking rendition of Trixie's little
strut in Speed Racer).

	"Hmm, now that Rei's gone, I can find out about this Justy girl
all by myself.  She can't be as bad as Rei claims.  And it'll also give
me a chance to say hi to Akemi-chan," Ami nodded and slid outside.

	"Akemi, bring me my hairspray," Justy demanded in the other set
of changing rooms.  Akemi hurried over and handed her the stuff.  Justy
smirked (again) as Akemi walked away. "Stupid girl.  She thinks she can
be popular if she hangs out with the right crowd, but it takes years to
be as popular as I.  She thinks if she works for me I'll get her in all
the cool things, but that's a lie.  The only reason why I haven't ditched
her yet is because she's so smart, almost omniscient, so I can always
copy off her.  Sheesh, if it weren't for Akemi, I'd be back in Junior
High.  You'd think a girl that smart would know that I'm only using her
for her brains9."

	"Akemi-chan!" Ami called from the bleachers.  The small and
timid girl looked up at her and smiled.

	"Ami-chan, I can't believe you're here!" Akemi exclaimed. "I
thought for sure you'd be at a university now or something."

	"No, I'll be here for a while," Ami shook her head. "I was
about to ask the same about you.  I haven't seen you at our AP Astro-
nomy course downtown in a while.  Mr. Hoshi's really concerned about
your absences.  Is everything alright?"

	"Yeah..." Akemi replied, a slight overtone of discouragement
in her voice. "I've been busy." She then thought back to the times when
her class was in session, and she wasn't there, instead (pan to flash-
back sequence)...

	"But Justy-san!  I have a very important class right now, I
can't be tardy!" Akemi had argued.

	"I am aware of that, but you see, Mitsuido Noriko is throwing
a big party this weekend, and I need a new outfit.  Seeing that your
family gives you such a generous allowance, I was wondering if you'd
treat me," Justy replied snootily.

	"But I can't!  I earned that money fair and square!" Akemi
argued.
	"Oh gee, that's too bad," Justy looked away. "Noriko said I
could invite one other person, I had you in mind, but I guess if you
won't help me get ready..."

	"Alright, alright, cut me the melodrama," Akemi frowned.
"I'll go."
	"Akemi, I'm feeling worried for you," Ami brought her knees
up to her chin. "You're not your normal, cheerful self.  I can only
assume there's something the matter."

	"What makes you say that?"

	"I've heard from, ahem, other people that you're taking
*orders* from Herazuguchi Justy," Ami pointed out.

	"That's not true!"

	"Then why are you constantly around her?"

	"I never thought you'd be the type to go snooping other people's
affairs," Akemi glowered. "Since when did you become so nosy, Mizuno?"

	"I'm not snooping!  I'm only curious," Ami shot back.

	"Curiosity killed the cat, you know," Akemi snapped.

	"So why are you hanging around with Justy so much?  Are you
ever alone?  Or with anyone else for that matter?"

	"Why should I tell you?"

	"AKEMI!!!" Justy screamed. "Bring me my towel!"

	"Yes, Justy!" Akemi scurried off.

	"I am somewhat stupefied as to what has just occurred," Ami
murmured. "Justy's extremely popular, and Akemi's doing whatever she
says.  My best guess is that Akemi thinks if she does whatever Justy
says, she'll become popular too." She looked down to see Justy smacking
Akemi upside the head.

	"You buffoon!  Not this one!  The other towel!" Justy bitched.

	"I gotta stop this," Ami pounded a fist in her other hand.

	(

	Rei shifted in her seat in the bleachers as she and the other
girls awaited the results. "I know I nailed that stupid routine," Rei
thought aloud. "But keeping that ridiculous grin the whole time sucked.
I felt like Minako on a sugar high."

	"Alright girls," the coach clapped her hands to get the girls'
attention. "We have the results of your try-outs.  I'm very impressed
with how you did, but only a few of you were chosen.  I shall start with
the Varsity team, which consists of talented students, with perfect
potential." She began to call out names.  Rei leaned back and sighed.

	"The things I do to get even with someone," she smirked.

	"The rest of you will be on Junior Varsity," the coach said as
she put down the list.  Rei had been thinking about revenge the whole
time she didn't hear her name called.

	"Excuse me, but you called my name, right?" Rei asked.

	"Hino Rei, right?  You had the physical aspect down perfectly,
you could do all the stunts with the greatest if ease.  Unfortunately,
you didn't meet the character requirement," the coach replied.

	"What's wrong with my character?" Rei inquired in a stern tone.

	"You don't have one," the coach pursed her lips. "Now go over
there with the other girls."

	Rei sulked as she sauntered over to the ditzy group of girls.
She shuddered uneasily as she listened in on their conversations.  Of
course, she couldn't understand half of them, every other word was like.

	"So, you got this far, Hino," a voice sneered from behind.  Rei
whirled around.  There stood Justy. "That skirt is fitting.  The maroon
brings out the crimson on your face from embarrassment."

	"This isn't over yet," Rei clenched her fists. "Now that we're in
the same boat, I can make every practice session for you a living hell."

	"True," Justy crossed her arms over her chest. "But I hear one of
the Varsity cheerleaders is quitting after the big wrestling tournament
next week, so that means a position will be open.  It's no contest, I
know they'll pick me."

	"What makes you so sure?" Rei crossed her arms over her chest.

	"I have my ways.  During the match, while we're cheering, they'll
be looking for the most athletic, the most all-together, the most talented
girl.  And since you lack all of that, they'll choose me." She strutted
off.

	"Ooh, this isn't over yet, Herazuguchi!" Rei wrung her fists in
anger.  The other cheerleaders stepped back in fear.

	"She's, like, not all for it," one of the cheerleaders shuddered
as she smacked her gum.

	"A non-valley girl on the squad?  EWW!!!" One of the other girls
screeched.

	"Vengeance will be mine, Herazuguchi," Rei narrowed her eyes.
"Vengeance will be mine."

	(

	"I can't believe you beat him up that bad, Mako-chan," Hotaru
scolded as the two stood in the courtyard after school. "He's new, he
can't speak Japanese, he's an outcast!  I know what it's like!  Give
him a chance, it was an honest mistake!"

	"Ever see The Hunchback of Notre Dame?" Minako put in. "Be like
Esmerelda, and give the poor guy a chance!  Like Hotaru said, he didn't
mean it!"

	"I'm still pissed at him, though," Makoto grumbled. "He scared me
half to death.  And another thing, he's a little pansy!  I took him easily.
We have absolutely nothing in common.  I'm strong and fierce, and he's,
well, weak and powerless."

	"That's no excuse!" Hotaru and Minako shouted in unison.

	"Man, you guys should've come to the track meet!" Michiru caught
her breath as she approached them. "We took that other school by storm!
We've got the ultimate guy on our team this year."

	"Who?  Haruka?" Minako guessed obliviously.

	"Not even close.  That American boy, what's his name, he can run
like hell!  Almost set a new school record, or perhaps he already has!
And the shot put, I thought Haruka had nailed it, but that boy took the
contest by storm!  He may not look it from the outside, but he's one hell
of an athlete!" Michiru replied.  Everyone turned to see Makoto's jaw
dropped.

	"What do you think of the little pansy now, Mako-chan?" Hotaru
crossed her arms over her chest.

	"...."

	"Excuse me, ladies," a gruff voice called from behind.  They
turned around to see Mr. Kaminari Oyagi10, the wrestling coach. "You
girls wouldn't happen to know where I can find a Miss Kino Makoto,
would you?  I'd like word with her."

	"If you're referring to what she did to James, then she's right
here," Minako pushed her forward.  Makoto shook nervously.

	"HE PRACTICALLY SAW ME IN THE NUDE, SIR!!!  I TRIED TO GET HIM
OUT, BUT I HAD TO USE FORCE!!!" Makoto explained in a pleading tone.

	"Beg spawn!" Hotaru whacked her in the head.

	"Force, eh?" Kaminari nodded. "Yes, I've heard of your fighting
spirit, Kino."

	"You have?" Makoto squeaked. "Positively or negatively?"

	"Don't get scared, we don't like that in a wrestler," Kaminari
yanked her up.

	"Wr-wrestler?" Michiru repeated. "You don't mean..."

	"Yes I do," Kaminari finished. "We have been looking far and wide
for the famous Kino Makoto, and now we've found her.  She's exactly what I
need for the wrestling team this year."

	"Wrestling team?" Makoto went pale. "You would like me to join?"

	"No, we wouldn't like for you to join, we're demanding you to
join!" Kaminari shot back.

	"I don't know..." Makoto stepped back.

	"Mako-chan, reality check," Minako whispered in her ear. "You'll
be the only one to see all the virtually topless guys wrestle like crazy,
a dream for any other girl, but for you, free admission!" She grinned as
Makoto's eyes grew wide.

	"Coach, consider me there!" Makoto replied happily as she shook
his hand with all her might.



	Next time, has Makoto made the right choice about joining the
wrestling team?  Will she remember to do her regular human activities,
like sleep and eat (you know many team members tend to forget this, like
many otaku at cons)?  Can Ami help Akemi stand up to Justy once and for
all?  And who this mysterious cheerleader that wants revenge on Justy?
Find out in the next exciting episode of Sailors No More!


	Episode III: Let The Games Begin

	September 1996

	"Akemi, wait!" Ami called as she chased Akemi down the hall. "We
have to talk!"

	"Ami, just go away!" Akemi called back. "This is none of your busi-
ness!"

	"Please, if you'd just listen," Ami tugged on her sleeve. "We
really need to talk."

	"Alright," Akemi came to a halt.  She turned around and glared
at Ami. "Why is this so important to you?"

	"I'm just concerned for you, that's all," Ami put a warm smile
on her face and put her hand on Akemi's shoulder. "I know we're not the
best of friends, but I care for you."

	"You do?" Akemi's eyes grew wide. "Thanks.  I'm glad somebody
does."

	"What do you mean?"

	"It's a long story," Akemi motioned for her to follow her outside
to the bleachers. "I hope you don't have anything planned for later on."
Ami shuddered as she ensued Akemi.

	(

	"This, Kino, is the training room," Kaminari explained as he
led Makoto inside the room.  It reeked of men's sweat, and the sound
of weights clinking soon got on her nerves.  But sure enough, as Minako
mentioned, the guys were virtually topless. "We have a competition on
Friday against Densetsu High, and we train every afternoon prior to the
match.  Because your strength and fighting abilities are rumored to great,
I won't start you from scratch, with the exception of the running exerci-
ses."

	"Running exercises?" Makoto repeated as she looked up at him.

	"Yes, a mild seven mile run will do you some good," Kaminari
patted her on the back. "Now those weight terms listed over there may
deal more with boxing, but they apply here as well.  You're lucky we
found you when we did, we need someone to fight in the Junior Feather
division."

	"Junior Feather?  What's that?"

	"120 lbs.  I hope you are that weight," Kaminari looked down to
her go pale. "Well, how much are you?"

	"125," Makoto squeaked. "Is that a problem?"

	"..." Kaminari grunted a bit under his breath, his back turned,
then whirled around to Makoto, who began to tremble. "You're also lucky
you're not a guy, or else you'd be flat on the mat now.  Hmm, it seems
we'll have to train you a bit more than we planned.  Taio!  Bring me some
of those wrist and ankle weights!  Which ones?  Um, try the twenty pound
ones.  Yeah, thanks." He threw them in Makoto's arms. "These'll do the
trick.  Just strap them around your wrists and ankles when running.  They
may be cumbersome at first, but you'll eventually get used to them.  They'll
make you more stronger and agile, but at the same time they'll be burning
off those excess calories.  And when you come back, we'll be teaching
you some wrestling techniques, heh-heh, not that you'll need them.
Don't feel so bad, Kino.  You'll be doing this every day from now on,
especially since you got a match all lined up in five days!" He shoved
her out the door. "Ahh, rookies."

	"He's got to be kidding," Makoto mumbled as she put on her
jogging suit. "Seven miles...a day!?  With eighty extra pounds added
on?  This is inhuman!" She strapped the weights on her wrists.  They
immediately made her sink to her knees. "Well, like they say, no pain,
no gain.  I just wish I knew what I was gaining in all this."

	(

	"You don't say," Ami leaned back against the bleachers. "She used
you all this time?"

	"Yeah," Akemi sighed. "I just wish I had the guts to stand up
to her.  But she's so popular, I don't want to give that up!"

	"Akemi, if being popular means spending your hard-earned money,
working to the bone, and getting chewed out for doing the slightest
thing wrong, then I say it's not worth it," Ami replied.

	"You're right, but I'm still spineless," Akemi said pitifully.
"Oh, Ami-chan, you've got to help me stand up to her!  I'm sure you've
been in situations where you have to bulk up your strength and take a
stand!"

	"You have no idea..." Ami muttered under her breath. "Well, my
suggestion would be to get her where it really hurts, and at a crucial
moment, one that could cost her entire reputation.  Somehow, you've got
to prove to her that you have what it takes not to take orders from her
anymore!  Now, since you know her more than I do, where do you suggest
you claim your vengeance?  Remember, your chance to get even with her
is on the line!  Show her your worth!"

	"Um, where it really count's, huh?" Akemi thought for a minute.
"Ami, I got it!  I haven't been watching Justy every minute to not some
moves of my own.  She's really big on cheerleading, as any fame-hungry
girl isn't."

	"Oh, I see what you're getting at," Ami nodded. "Use your learned
skills and attack her at a big match, huh?  Make her know that you can't
be pushed around, right?"

	"Well, actually, I was thinking of pantsing her at the big game
this Friday, but your idea seems more practical," Akemi answered. "Well,
what are you waiting for, Ami-chan?  Let's go prepare!"

	"I think I've created a monster," Ami said uneasily as she and
Akemi walked off.

	(

	"Say, where's Mako-chan?" Michiru asked with concern as she,
Haruka, Hotaru, and Minako stood out in the courtyard.

	"Shit!  I'm late for practice!" Haruka gasped as she glanced at
her watch. "I should be running right now, not yakking with you guys!"
She hurried off.

	"Hey, it ain't our fault!" Hotaru yelled after her.

	"Getting back to the question at hand," Minako said suddenly.
"Makoto has to lose five pounds by Friday, or she'll get kicked off the
team.  Hmm, if it's three-thirty now, then she must well into her seven
mile run, my guess would be somewhere near Juuban Park about now."

	"You have her whole schedule memorized?" Michiru's eyes grew con-
ceivably large.

	"Naw, I just know these things."

	"I didn't think she was gonna actually go through with all this
training," Hotaru looked up. "I mean, she told me she wasn't too crazy
about all this wrestling, I'm still confused as to why she's doing this."

	"For the guys if not anything else," Minako giggled.

	"But just imagine how tired she is from all this," Michiru said
sympathetically. "I'd never have the guts to something as strenuous as
all this training.  She must be pretty brave to have gone on this long
without collapsing of exhaust."

	"Or pretty stupid," Hotaru retorted.

	"It's not like she can quit when she wants," Minako put in anxiously.
"Coach Kaminari made her join.  He claims it'll give her credit towards
graduation, so of course she'll do it for that.  You think she enjoys
all this work?  It's just for the credit that's all.  And if she quits,
she won't earn it."

	"Hmmph, that's not what you said last week," Hotaru put her hands
on her hips. "You claimed she'd get to see all the guys, the really cute
ones might I add, nothing else."

	"Well, of course I'd say that to her!" Minako shot back. "If I said
it was for the academics, she wouldn't give a care about it!  You have to
know how her mind works before you try to get into something that would
otherwise be very stupid, like this."

	"What great morals you have," Michiru rolled her eyes.

	(

	Perhaps Minako did have too much free time on her hands, how else
could she have guessed Makoto's location head-on?  As she rounded the
corner, Makoto let out a long, exhausted exhale.

	"I...can't...keep...doing this," she panted as she choked a bit.
She tried to lift a hand to wipe off her sweat, but the weights made them
feel like a ton. "Why do I make myself do this?  I'm such a glutton of
punishment." She forced herself to keep going. "Only three miles to go."

	As she was about to cross the street, she heard some feet shuff-
ling by behind her.  She turned around to see members of the track team
hard at work on their own routine.  She caught a glimpse of Haruka
darting by, desperate to catch up.  As she started off, she turned again
to see the next group coming up.  There was something familiar about the
boy in the lead there.

	"Shit, it's that pervert James," Makoto grunted as she crossed.
"Ooh, I'm still steamed about what he did."

	James watched as she crossed the street and kept going. "Man,
she's till mad about what I did.  It was only an accident, I would never
do something like that on purpose!  How can make her understand that I'm
sorry?  I guess if I wrote her an apology note..." he sighed as he tried
to catch up with his group.

	About three miles later, Makoto managed a weak smile as she saw
the school coming up ahead. "Finally...I'm...almost..."

	"Nothing like a brisk run, eh?" Minako called from behind as she
rode up on her bike.

	"You ran home and changed, is that it?" Makoto asked.

	"Nah, you took so long, I've been here for the past fifteen minute
waiting.  You get distracted?"

	"Um....no," Makoto looked down as she caught her breath.

	"Hmm?  I heard you hesitate, girl.  Lemme guess, him again, right?
Mako-chan, when is it ever gonna dawn on you that it was all by accident?"

	"As soon as he apologizes.  That should've been the first thing
out of his mouth, not no senseless babbling," Makoto snorted.

	"It wasn't senseless babbling, that was apologizing.  He was
speaking in English, or have you forgot that he can't speak Japanese?
Mako-chan, I've seen him walk up to you and try to talk to you, and you
give him the cold shoulder.  Give him a chance!  He's really sweet and
kind, not a pervert as you conceive him to be.  If you'd listen to his
voice, not his babbling, and see that he's being sincere, you wouldn't
be so hung up on avoiding him!" Minako explained, only to be hit in the
arm by Makoto.

	"Hurry up and get to the point, Minako-chan," she said gruffly.

	"Augh, he's be sincere and friendly, and if you'd give him a
chance, then perhaps, then perhaps," Minako huffed in irritation. "Then
perhaps you would learn to like him." As she looked up, she sighed relent-
lessly as she saw that Makoto had cut her off and headed back to the gym.
"I give up."

	(

	"AKEMI!  AKEMI!  Where are you, Akemi?" Justy put her hands on her
hips in anger. "Come out here right now!" She turned to see Rei glaring at
her. "What are you staring at?"

	"Maybe she's not here," Rei suggested.

	"Of course she's here!" Justy clenched her fists in fury. "She
always comes when I tell her too, that is, if she wants to be with the
right crowd." She threw a crafty grin at Rei, who rolled her eyes.

	"The right crowd?  What the hell is that?"

	"Hmm, I knew you wouldn't know.  Hey, Rei-chan, if you really
wanna be cool, why dontcha do me a favor?  If you, I'll let in on the
popular crowd," Justy sneered.

	Rei shoved her aside and stormed off. "Do your fucking favor
by yourself.  You got arms, you got legs, make some use of them,
instead of letting your mouth run twenty-four hours a day.  And
another thing, I'm perfectly happy with the crowd I'm in now," she
gave Justy the finger. "Thank you very much." She slammed the door
behind her.

	"...." Justy grunted something under her breath, then went back
to her practice. "Who needs her anyway.  I got Akemi to pamper me."

	"Oh, really?" Ami popped up from behind.

	"Eh?  Who are you?  And who does your hair?  2000 Flushes?"
Justy ranted.

	"At least I don't have to boss people around to get what I
want," Ami shot back in a sophisticated tone. "Come on, let's hear
a good comeback.  Hmmph, I thought so.  You can dish it out, but you
can't take it.  And what makes you think Akemi'll do whatever you say?
Shows how much you know."

	"I don't need to say anything to the likes of you," Justy ran
her fingers through her hair. "I'm too cool."

	"Um...yeah," Ami made a face as Justy turned her back for a
brief second, but straightened up as Justy turned to face her.

	"I have Akemi to do whatever I want," she smirked. "Who pampers
you?"

	"Myself," Ami deadpanned. "When are you gonna start taking care
of yourself?"

	"Ergh, I don't have time to put up with low-lifes like you,"
Justy turned heel and strutted off.  Ami made another face as Justy
walked away.

	"She'll get what's coming to her soon enough.  Jeez, she's really
pathetic," Ami thought aloud as she crossed her arms over her chest. "On
to Phase Two."

	(

	By Thursday evening, Makoto was beyond exhausted.  She managed to
get in the Junior Feather division, but it certainly took a lot our of her.
She was able to get the new wrestling techniques down cold, but she was
growing wary of her actual match.  Minako and Hotaru watched with concern
as she trudged out of the gym, dragging her stuff behind her.

	"You sure you're in shape for the match tomorrow?" Hotaru asked
as she helped her stand up straight.

	"Sure, don't worry about me," Makoto replied faintly as she fell
forward.

	"You look terrible.  Haven't you been resting?" Minako helped
her back up.

	"Not really," Makoto yawned. "I've been so busy preparing, I've
had to stay up way past midnight just to finish my homework.  But I know
it's worth it."

	"But if you're so tired now, imagine what you'll be like tomorrow
during the match!  That guy from Densetsu won't have to do much to defeat
you," Hotaru pointed out.

	"Don't worry, I'll be fine..." Makoto tried to glare at them, but
because her excessive drowsiness, her vision soon became blurred. "Don't
get all worried about me, Rei-chan."

	"I ain't Rei, I'm Hotaru!  Big difference!  Honestly, you can't
keep going on like this!  You gotta go rest!" Hotaru put her hand on her
shoulder.  She stepped back in surprise as Makoto fell forward.  The two
leaned over to see that she was already zonked out.

	"Man, she trains till it hurts, and then some, studies her butt
off just to make the grade, and look at her!  Is it really worth it?
This is major critical!" Minako lugged her over her shoulder.

	"But she really wants to be on the team," Hotaru said. "We can't
take that away from her, no matter how much we want to."

	"I think she'll have to find that out for herself," Minako answer-
ed as she drug Makoto off. "Once she sees how bad a person can get when
they lack the proper sleep, maybe she'll quit.  But we could be wrong."

	Hotaru blinked. "Wrong?  How do you mean?"

	"She might win by sheer luck.  Then she'll get on our case for
contradicting her, which by the same token was for the better..." Minako
trailed off.

	"If that's the case," Hotaru cracked her knuckles. "Then we'll
beat the truth into her.  Sometimes they have to learn the hard way."

	"Why must you be so stubborn?" Minako grumbled as she drug Makoto
home. "Fine, ignore me then.  You're only hurting yourself.  I didn't
think being on the team was so important.  I had no idea you were so
obsessed with guys to stoop this low." In the distance she saw James
walking home alone.  Luckily she knew enough English to say hi to him,
which she did out of consideration.  She had no idea it would make him
want to join her troupe. "Uh...hi."

	"What happened to Makoto?" He asked with concern, in the best
Japanese he could use at the time.

	"Zonked out from over-training," Minako replied, only to see a
look of confusion on his face. "Um, you see, she practiced too hard, and
now she's sleeping."

	"Oh."

	"I don't know if she'll be up to the match tomorrow against
Densetsu," Minako sighed with concern. "I'm really worried about her."

	"I see her every day running like crazy," uttered James. "It
takes so much out of her, because she has eighty extra pounds added on.
And she hardly eats anything during lunch break."

	"I know, I know," Minako nodded. "I know this may sound mean,
but I hope she loses the match tomorrow."

	"Why?"

	"Then she'll realize, I mean, understand," Minako corrected
herself with an easier word for the lingual-impaired James. "That
training till dusk, doing homework till the wee hours of the morning,
and barely eating her food is not the way to go."

	"For multitudinous individuals it's more enigmatic for them to
comprehend," James looked down.  He turned to see Minako's eyes bulge.

	"I thought you didn't know that much Japanese."

	"Extra hours of cramming never hurt anyone before," James looked
at the dozing Makoto. "You think she'll be awake enough to do her paper
for Mr. Yaki's class tomorrow?"

	"I hope so.  That's practically 50% of our grade this semester,"
Minako replied.  She came to a stop before Makoto's apartment. "Well, here
we are.  James, make yourself useful and get her key from her pocket."

	"Her pocket?" James gulped as he slid his hand in her pocket and
slowly took out the key. "Thank goodness.  She didn't wake up."

	Minako took the key and opened the door.  The two crept inside and
rested her on her bed.  She was so out of it she didn't know what had
happened.  As the two headed for the door, James hung back.

	"Come on, James, let's let her sleep," Minako whispered as she
tugged on his sleeve. "Fine, take your pretty little time." She flashed
him a witty smile. "Oh, I see.  I knew it was true.  You have to stay
and admire her, because you have a crush on her, right?"

	"Cr-crush?  I do not!  I just want to make sure she's comfortable,
that's all," James blushed uncontrollably as he visibly stiffened.

	"Yeah, and I'm a Harvard graduate," Minako giggled as she shut
the door behind her.

	"Hmmph, you said it, not me," James muttered under his breath.
He looked back at Makoto, who was sleeping soundly. "Man, she could
probably sleep through an earthquake.  I don't think she'll be awake
enough to do her paper.  I just wish there was something I could do.
I mean, I know I'm not on good terms with her in her own opinion, but
there's no use in watching her fail!" James, don't even do what I think
you're going to do, his conscience asserted sternly. "I know I may not
be the best person for this, but maybe it'll make her think twice about
me." He pulled out a sheet of paper and began to write.  He had a bad
feeling in his gut, but it was for the better.  Being that this was a
free-lance term paper, he simply made up a topic.  Once he was done,
he swallowed his pride as he signed the name.  Kino Makoto. "Like
they'll know the difference."

	As he got up to leave, he looked back at her once more.  She
was still sound asleep. "Maybe Minako is right.  Maybe the real reason
I stayed behind was because I do have a crush on her.  I mean, I know
I did the moment I saw her, but once she beat me up, I tried to let it
subside.  But it doesn't matter.  She'll never have the same feelings
for me.  When she sees that paper tomorrow morning, she'll think she
did it, not think for one moment that it was me, or anyone else for
that matter.  Oh, Mako-chan, why must you be so cold?  I, I," he gulped
as he consequently glanced at his watch. "I'm gonna late for dinner!
Well, gotta go!" He bolted off, not looking back once.  As he tore down
the street, he wondered why he didn't finish what he was going to say,
and that perhaps his sudden change of subject was on purpose. "What
does it matter, anyway?  She'll never feel the same way for me."

	About two hours later, roughly around nine I guess, Makoto slowly
sat up as she rubbed her eyes. "Huh?  How did I get here?  I guess Minako
and Hotaru dropped me off." She walked over in wonder to the paper sitting
on her desk. "My term paper?  But I don't remember writing this.  Hmmph,
the things I do when I'm asleep." Her shifted over to the ballpoint pen
lying next to the paper. "What's this?  Property of the USS Jamieson.
USS?" She tried to figure that one out, but came up with nothing. Luck-
ily, that was the only homework she had that was due the next day, so
she yawned and went back to bed.  If only she knew...

	(

	The next morning, all the students turned in their term papers
to Mr. Yaki.  Minako gave Makoto a half smug/half concerned smile.  Her
eyes bulged as Makoto inattentively turned in a paper. "When did you have
time to do that?  I practically had to drag you outta bed this morning."

	"I don't know," Makoto shrugged. "I woke up at some time during
the night, and I saw it sitting there before me.  It looked exactly
like something I would write, but I, I don't remember.  I wanna say
it's sleepwalking."

	"No, sleepwalking would be waking up, slinging everything off
your dresser, telling your friend to sleep on the floor, then screaming
at the top of your lungs," Minako corrected. "All while sound asleep."

	"You did all that?"

	"Yup.  Remember when Rei was really mad at me a few weeks ago?
Just ask her," Minako finished. "Say, maybe someone up there must like
you a lot, Mako-chan."

	"Like an angel?" Makoto looked up. "That sounds a bit far-
fetched."

	"Or perhaps, perhaps it's someone down here who really cares
for you," Minako shifted her eyes over to James, who suddenly buried
his face in his textbook.

	"Like who?  And isn't it wrong for a person to do someone
else's work?" Makoto replied.

	"Basically."

	"I'm just real confused," Makoto rested her chin in her hands.
"But I won't worry about it now.  If I can't think of a legitimate
reason by the match this afternoon, then I'll have to be honest and
tell Mr. Yaki the truth."

	"But Mako-chan, you could fail!  And you'll be put off the
team!" Minako screamed.

	"Yeah, I know, and despite all the rough training Coach Kaminari
is putting me through, I've come to enjoy it.  I've already K.O-ed half
the team, and I'm in the lightest division.  But I can't live a life of
lies.  Believe, the burden of guilt is not a pretty thing.  I know I
didn't do that paper, and I don't deserve credit for something I didn't
do," Makoto explained as she gathered her things.

	"That's for sure," Minako said as the bell rang for lunch break.
"Um, go on ahead.  I'll meet you guys out there in a bit."

	"Okay!" Makoto darted off.

	"Alright, James, I want some answers," Minako slammed her hand
down in his desk.

	"For what?" James asked as he tried to maintain his composure.

	"You did that paper for Mako-chan, didn't you," Minako narrowed
her eyes.

	"And what if I did?"

	"James, if you don't tell her, she'll have to turn herself in!
You know what that means?  She'll fail for the semester, and so will
you."

	"But I can't tell her," James persisted. "Minako-chan, she hates
me, and, I, and..."

	"And what?" Minako tried furiously. "I don't want to see my
friend fail."

	"It's just that..." his face turned many shades of red.

	"Oh, I see," Minako lowered her head. "You only did it because
you didn't want to see her get kicked off the team.  Unfortunately, she
knows she didn't do it, and she doesn't want to get credit for some-
thing she didn't do.  You were trying to help her, but your plans went
up in smoke."

	"I was only doing it out of consideration." He turned to leave.

	"...." Minako watched him out, but had no idea how he was going t
o resolve this.

	(

	As Justy was completing her eleven o'clock primp in the bath-
room, she turned to see Ami looking at her. "You.  I've seen you with
Akemi a lot lately.  What are you doing to her?"

	"Oh, nothing," Ami replied as she brushed her hair. "You'll
find out soon enough."

	"Look, you brain farm flunky, I know you're toying with Akemi's
mind, I know you're playing the superhero in this little game, and
making me look like the villain.  Akemi may be very smart, but when it
comes to trying to be popular, then she's putty in my hands."

	"Hmmph, you really think you can boss her around and make her
do whatever you want?  I think not," Ami huffed.

	"Shows how much you know," Justy said as she applied her
lipstick.

	"But is the price of the popularity really worth all the
hustle?"

	"Everyone has to go through with it sometime," Justy hesi-
tated. "Believe me, if I can go through with it, then Akemi can.  I
took orders and was used, now look at me!"

	"Not much improvement," Ami responded as she headed for the
door. "Oh by the way, your epidermis is showing." She shut the door.

	"My what!?  Omigosh, I thought I got rid of it!  Eww, get it
off, get it off!  Where is it?"

	"Say, isn't epidermis another word for skin?" A girl nearby
asked her friend as she washed her hands.

	"Yeah.  We just learned about it in Human Anatomy," her friend
replied.  As she gave her answer, Justy turned beet-red with rage and
embarrassment.

	No one really followed what happened next, but the deafening
scream made everyone stop.  Michiru dropped her drink in stupefaction.

	"Did you hear what I heard?" Haruka stood up in wonder.

	"If I didn't know any better, I'd say that was the largest
outburst of profanity I've ever observed," Michiru trembled.  Ami caught
the two off guard as she joined the group, with a real smug grin on her
face.
	"Ami, what did you do this time?" Rei asked.

	"Just having some fun with Justy," Ami laughed. "By the way, have
you seen Akemi?"

	"I haven't seen her.  I didn't bother to look for her in class,"
Rei answered as she picked at her sushi. "Why have you been picking on
Justy so much lately, anyway?  What has she done to you?"

	"Well, not really anything to me individually, but to a friend,"
Ami leaned back. "I'm kinda going undercover, trying to break down her
iron defenses.  I should know better than to meddle in others' affairs,
but when the victim doesn't know they're being used until it's too late,
then I have to step in for action."

	(

	James was desperate to find Makoto, but she wasn't anywhere.
"Man, I gotta tell her the truth before it's too late.  I know my parents
are gonna kill me for this, but I have to accept what I've done.  I know
she doesn't care for me, but I couldn't care to see her suffer.  Makoto
doesn't deserve fail, it's me!  I did the paper!" As he tore around the
corner in despair, little did he know who had just heard his little speech.

	"Hey, Kino!  Stop standing around and get ready!  You're up
first!" Kaminari yanked her by the arm inside. "Now's not the time to
be in hyperspace!"

	"But-" Makoto suddenly found herself in an empty locker room.
She quickly got herself ready.  A great wave of nervousness filled her.
As she walked out, she by chance found Kaminari standing by the doors to
the crowded gym. "Hey, Coach, I was thinking, and I think that wrestling
may not be my thing-"

	"There you are!  Alright, we're ready!" Kaminari drug her
outside.

	Once Makoto entered the gym, the cheers of numerous classmates
and fans welcomed her.  She looked up to see Minako holding up a banner
that read, Good Luck, Matoko!  Makoto frowned.  Great, she thought, she
came all this way to cheer me on, and she can't even spell my name right!
She looked over to see Rei trying to cheer.  While all the other girls
were jumping around like maniacs, she had a smug grin on her face, and
flopped around her pom-poms insipidly.  Hotaru, Michiru, and Haruka sat
next to Minako, Hotaru had a blank expression, as though she could care
less.  Haruka had a look of envy, as though she wanted to be in Makoto's
position (which Makoto would have gratefully done).  Michiru sat app-
rehensively, concerned for Makoto's safety.

	"Why aren't you cheering?" Justy turned to Rei in aversion, who
was slouched back in her seat.

	"Why bother?" Rei sighed. "All we're really here for is to att-
ract the guy wrestlers." Apparently she didn't know about Makoto yet.
She didn't even look up as she had entered the gym.

	"But what if they're not all guys?" Ami asked as she plopped
down next to her. "Don't you recognize who's up there?"

	"Eww!  A girl wrestling?  How dirty!" Justy wrinkled her nose
in disgust.

	"Whaddya mean, a girl wrestling--OH MY GOSH!!!  THAT'S, THAT'S,"
Rei's jaw dropped in bewilderment. "THAT'S MAKO-CHAN!"

	"You didn't know all this time?" Ami wondered. "You know, I'm
surprised you're not making any effort in trying to fill that Varsity
position." She flashed Rei a sneer.  Rei nodded.  Just moments before,
she had been let in on her plan to upstage Justy and redeem Akemi.

	"I'm not interested," Rei replied. "Justy can have it for all
I care."

	"I see you're finally seeing it my way," Justy scoffed. "Mizuno,
now you get it?"

	"Get what?" Ami asked.

	"I could never have gotten here all by myself," Justy began.
"When you find someone as gullible as Chikarazoe Akemi, they'll do
whatever you want, even get you in on the squad."

	"What exactly are you saying?" Rei and Ami wondered in
unison.

	"What I'm saying is, when someone as smart and clever as Akemi
knows certain people and get you on the track to being popular (obviously
cheerleading is a plus), you don't have to try out.  You just get in."

	"So I'd say this is all a fix.  And you're just gloating because
you can use people to get you things that would otherwise be impossible.
It's as though Akemi is a lifeline, and without her, you're nothing,"
Ami explained.

	"What if Akemi didn't do what you said?  What if she wanted a
life of her own?" Rei inquired.

	"Hah!  Like that'll ever happen!  Lemme guess, she thinks she
can upstage me?  The great Herazuguchi Justy?"

	"If she made you what you are, then it can't all that diffi-
cult," Ami crossed her arms over her chest.

	"Are you two gonna talk, or are you gonna cheer?" The coach
yelled at Justy and Rei.

	"Rah..." Rei said in deep sarcasm.  Justy shot up and tried
to regain her reputation.

	Meanwhile, Makoto shook nervously as her opponent entered
the arena.  For 120 pounds, he certainly looked bulked up.

	"FIRST ROUND, JUNIOR FEATHER DIVISION!  FROM DENSETSU, CURRENT
UNDEFEATED CHAMPION, TSUBUSHI TODOME11!  FROM MUGEN, NEWCOMER KINO
MAKOTO!" The referee announced.  Kaminari gave Makoto a thumbs-up as
she turned to see Todome give her a sly grin.

	"May the best man win," Todome said in calm voice as he
offered his hand in greeting.  Makoto growled and squeezed it with
all her might, enough to make him do more than wince.

	"Wanna repeat that?"

	"Uh...person?"

	"How about woman?"

	"Don't be so sure about that," Todome sneered as he crouched.

	"Why not?  It includes both of us!" Makoto teased as she got
into her position.

	TWEET!  As the whistle sounded, the round began.

	Todome lunged right for her, and grappled his arms around her
shoulders.  With the fierce pressure he was applying, she could barely
wriggle to get loose.  That is, until she managed to wrap her hands
around his wrists and fling him forward.

	"Way to go, Mako!" Haruka whooped.

	"Oh!  It looks so brutal!  Tell me when it's over!" Michiru hid
her face in Haruka's sleeve.

	"Puss." Haruka shoved her off.  Coincidentally, she glanced over
to the exit to see the figure of a boy with blond hair glued to the
current fight. "Say, he looks familiar..."

	"Give up now while you still can!" Todome grunted as he app-
roached Makoto.

	"And let you hog all the glory?  I think not," Makoto shot
back.  As she went right for him, she was caught off guard when he
slung her over his shoulder and swung her around.

	"Oh, Mako-chan, be careful!" Minako yelled with concern.

	"I don't think she can hear you," Hotaru replied in a soft,
monotone voice as she studied their moves.

	"Ah!" Makoto shirked as Todome threw her down on the mat.
As she tried to get up, he held on of her arms down with his hands,
totally immobilizing her.

	"Don't even try," Todome whispered. "This attack in infall-
ible, no one can escape it."

	Then consider me no one, Makoto thought hastily as she managed
to roll over and smack him off her.  He recoiled, then jumped up, and
tried to do it again.  But perhaps that would be too repetitive, so
instead, as they charged for each other, he clasped her elbows, and
tapped her in the back of her knee, sending her to the mat, flat on
her back.  He went down too, but immediately got to his feet.

	"I don't think she's gonna win," Rei murmured fearfully.

	"What kind of idiot does she think she is?" Justy said in her
snobbish voice. "No girl can win in wrestling."

	"Hotaru-chan, what are you doing?" Minako asked as Hotaru
jumped up in her seat.

	"Huh?" Makoto finally got up, only to end up in a tight bear
hug.  This time, Todome was not going to let go. "Now what'll I do?"

	"Give up, girl," Todome sneered. "I haven't lost a fight yet,
and I'm not gonna start with you!"

	"MAKO-CHAN!" Hotaru shouted. "You can do this!  There's one
attack you forgot!  Mako-chan, hit him in the family jewels!"

	Makoto looked up weakly.  She was surprised to suddenly see
Todome release his grip on her, but was taken off guard when he put
her in a massive headlock.

	"MAKO-CHAN, THE FAMILY JEWELS!" Hotaru shouted again. "GET
HIM IN THE FAMILY JEWELS!"

	"The family jewels...?" Makoto thought for moment, but realized
this would have to be quick, since Todome was suffocating her. "I get
it now!" Using the last bit of her strength, she brought up her knee,
and twisted around so that she faced Todome.

	"What are you staring at?" Todome asked as he held onto her
with all his might.

	"Goodnight, Tsubushi," Makoto waved and gave a cheerful grin
as she rammed him in the groin with all her might.  His face was once
mean and fierce, now it was red in pain.  He hands flung off her,
and down to the surging pain in his family jewels.

	"Oh my..." Haruka gasped as she watched Todome teeter from
side to side.

	"EEESH!" Every male in the gym cringed.

	"You're going down!" Makoto leaned back as far as she could,
and wrapped her arms around Todome.  She flipped back forward, and
slammed him down on the mat.  He made no effort in getting up.

	"ALRIGHT!!!" Her friends jumped and cheered.  For the first
time, Rei cheered her ass off as the other girls stood there with
clueless expressions on their faces.

	"You're unpredictable, Hino," Justy said in a cocky tone.

	"And you're mighty perceptive, Herazuguchi," Rei shot back.

	"AND THE WINNER OF THE JUNIOR FEATHER DIVISION...KINO MAKOTO!!!"
The referee yelled.  Makoto beamed as Kaminari joined her in the
spotlight.

	"Good job, Kino, I had no idea what a great fighter you were
in person," he commended. "You're gonna help us win a lot of competi-
tions in the future."

	"I don't think so," Makoto waved her hand. "I've been meaning
to talk to you..."

	"Well, that was quick," Rei said as she joined the other
cheerleaders.

	"Now for the moment of truth," Justy stood akimbo as the
coach approached them.

	"As you all know, one of you will now move up to Varsity
division," the coach began. "But this girl must be capable of main-
taining such a position while remaining physically, mentally and
academically stable in her other areas.  So, without further adieu,
I believe no one is more qualified than Miss Chikarazoe Akemi here."
She patted the happy Akemi on the shoulder.

	"What do you think of her now?" Rei sneered as she turned
to Justy.

	"What!?  How did she-  Now fair!!!" Justy screamed.

	"Yep, now she'll be popular with the rest of them." Ami said
as she joined them.

	"Don't think she'll be taking orders from you anymore,"
Rei smirked.

	"Oh yeah?  Shows how much you know," Justy clenched her
fists. "AKEMI!  COME HERE!"

	"Mm?" Akemi turned to face her. "Oh, it's you, Justy. It's
only fair that I got the position rather than you.  Serves you right
to boss me around and use me like that!" She stormed off.

	"A lesson learned, Herazuguchi?" Ami turned to her, but
blinked once she saw that Justy had walked off in dejection. "Can't
say I don't feel sorry for her, because I don't."

	"Akemi's right," Rei replied. "Serves her right.  Maybe
she'll start taking care of herself now, you think?"

	"Or get someone else to do her dirty work for her," Ami
shrugged.

	"Hi guys!" Minako waved. "I'd love to stay and chat, but
I gotta go repave Justy's driveway, okay?  See ya!" She darted off.
Ami and Rei glared at her, then at each other.

	"MINAKO-CHAN!!!" They bolted off after her.

	(

	"Ahh, nice refreshing air," Makoto sighed as she leaned against
the wall of the gym.  Everyone was gone, and she was filled with much
exhilaration.

	"There you are," a tired vice said from the side.  She turned
to see James standing there, panting like crazy.

	"James," Makoto murmured. "Listen, I-"

	"No, let me explain.  I didn't want to see you fail, so I did
your term paper for you.  Wrestling was filling up your entire schedule,
and you were so tired afterwards.  But just so you can maintain your
high average in Mr. Yaki's class, I'll help you with your studies,
and perhaps I can help you practice.  Wrestling, that is.  Anyway, I
went and told Mr. Yaki the whole thing, and he's letting you turn in
your paper late, but it'll be a B instead of an A," He looked up to
see her reaction.

	"You were really concerned for me, weren't you," Makoto said.
"I was going to tell you earlier, but Kaminari yanked me in before I
could.  I heard everything you said.  If it weren't for the stupid
honor code, I would be in great debt to you now, but I gotta earn the
grade myself.  Thank you for your help though."

	"It was nothing, really," James replied.  He hid his face as
he blushed.

	"But about your offer," Makoto continued. "It would be nice
to have some help with my homework in Mr. Yaki's class, seeing that
Minako can't do that, I suppose I could count on you..."

	"And about the wrestling?" James urged. "I know I'm not the
best fighter, but I could learn."

	"Nah," Makoto shook her head. "You won't be necessary.  I
quit." She sauntered off. "Thanks again.  See you in class!"

	"What!?" James' jaw dropped. "Not fair!  Man, you see, this
is exactly my luck.  Something good happens, then something bad has to
jump right in afterward.  Why can't life be perfect?" He sulked for a
few minutes, then walked home.


	End of Freshman Year

	Characters (c)1996 Naoko Takeuchi/Kodansha/Toei Animation

James, Justy, Akemi, Todome, Kaminari, Mr. Yaki, Kikoe, and anyone else
not recognizable from Sailor Moon (c)1996 Jamie Godley/WYSO

	Sailor Earth (c)1996 Renee Starling/WHAU

	Freshmen...what a curse.


	Now it's time to fast-forward to 1997, Sophomore Year!  This
time around, things are taking some strange courses, and many surprises
are to be revealed!  Hotaru--on an athletic team?  Makoto--in love?
Wait a minute, that doesn't sound  right!  Or does it?  Find out for
yourself in installment two, as our story continues!

    1Sailor Earth is not an actual Sailor Scout, but one my friend
created.  Like me with my friends, she is the comic relief for the
Scouts, but is also an independent fighter.  In this fanfic, she
came across the monster by accident, during her intrepid quest for
the Fountain of Youth, so she can remain a young and perky scout forever.
    2You are probably wondering where Chibi-Usa is all this time.
Because Mamoru's dead, she will never be born now.  This being the
case, any knowledge of her existence has been totally wiped away
from the scouts' minds.
    3This is part of a quote by Kirk White.
    5Although I don't know what Justy means, herazuguchi is an idiom
for "one loser's retort." You'll understand why I used this name later
on.  I took the name Justy from the anime series "Captain Tailor."
    6He's the man!
    7Yo no kikoe--reputation
    8This is an idiom for "help."
    9This is the typical part for a "villain" this far along in the
game.  Eventually, they have to spill the entire anatomy of their
 ruthless plan, as Justy has just demonstrated here.
    10Kaminari oyagi is an idiom for "snarling old man."  This fits
the coach perfectly.
    11tsubushi-making scrap metal; todome-finishing blow.  Sounds
like a real gentle guy if you ask me.
??