AUTHOR'S NOTE: Okay, standard disclaimer. Sailor Moon and all related characters do _not_ belong to me. They are copyrighted by Naoko Takeuchi, Kodansha, Toei Animation, and who knows who else depending on what language you're watching it in.... However the characters of Kaen Kou and Candace "Candi" Martin of this fanfiction are purely creations of my own insanity..... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- AFTER THE FIRE MY SAILORMOON SAILORSTARS FANFICTION BY: Immicolia The Fourth Part: "Love... Exciting and New...." "Candi! Hey! Candi!" Candi turned at the voice and blushed slightly as she saw who was calling to her. "H... hello Yaten," she said softly, stuttering a bit. "What's up." "Oh... nothing...." Yaten put his hand behind his head and looked down, feeling uncomfortable all of a sudden. "I... just... umm... well... I mean I was wondering how... you know... you were doing...." His jaw snapped shut with a nearly audible sound and he cursed himself. he asked himself, trying not to show his frustration. He looked up at her edgely and saw that she was blushing bright red. "I'm doing okay. Going to school here is going to take some getting used to but... I think I'll be able to manage...." She trailed off and giggled nervously. "I'm gonna have to manage if I wanna pass...." "Yea... well...." Yaten trailed off, looking at her nervously and at a complete lack for something to say to her. something shouted in the back of his mind and he blinked, wondering where _that_ had come from. He had just met the girl. And he had more important things to concentrate on than going out on dates. Even if the dates _were_ with magnificently beautiful and sweet girls like Candace Martin.... "I'll... uhh... see you later...." He turned and started away. "Yaten wait!" He turned back and Candi blushed. "I don't want to seem really forward or anything... I mean after all, I just met you... but I was wondering if... umm... you'd like to go see a movie with me sometime. You know, just so we could get to know one another.... I... I kinda like you...." She blushed even deeper if it were possible. "Candi... I...." "Don't want to," Candi finished for him sadly. "I understand. Kaen told me about how you're a big rock star or something.... I don't blame you for not wanting to go out with someone plain like me...." "I'd love to," he finished, cutting her off. "I think it sounds great. And you're not that plain." He winked at her and she blushed even more. "When do you want to go?" "Oh... I don't know.... How about this weekend? Saturday, a nine o-clock show?" "Sounds good to me. I'll see you then?" Candi giggled. "Nothing could stop me!" **** **** **** **** The Elementals gathered, away from their usual meeting place for privacy's sake. "What are we going to do?" Blaze asked, starting the impromptu meeting. "Breeze has discovered that our four scapegoats are here... and are quite powerful it seems. Sailor Supernova was able to destroy one of our more powerful MOTDs on her own. Imagine what the four of them could do together...." "If they can actually _get_ together," Blossom cut in. "I watched them after the battle. The group of three _definitely_ didn't trust Sailor Supernova. And she didn't trust them. There is some definite animosity within that particular group of senshi... who knows why... but it may or may not make things easier for us." "Oh who cares!" Breeze snapped irritably. "Let's just wreck some stuff until we get further orders. I'm bored." "Really now Breeze..." Blossom sighed. "Can't you control those violent urges of yours? We haven't been told to destroy anything...." "But we haven't been told _not_ to destroy anything either..." it replied simply. "Come on Blossom, it's bad enough you're made out of sticks and mud, don't be a stick _in_ the mud too. This might be our only chance at some _real_ fun...." "Oh all right," Blossom sighed. "But we have to do this carefully, maybe find a way to work it into our plan. I'll go first, and have a MOTD attack some public place. We'll keep an eye on what senshi show up, what they do, how they react to one another...." Breeze yawned. "Yea... _you_ can do that. But when it's _my_ turn I'm gonna totally trash something.... Like that tacky old tower...." It laughed sinisterly. "Being here is going to be lots of fun... don't ya think?" **** **** **** **** "Wait... let me get this straight.... _You_ are going out on a _date?!_" Yaten glanced away from the mirror where he was primping and over at Seiya. "Yes, believe it or not _I_ am going out on a date," Yaten drawled back sarcastically. "With a girl?" Yaten glared at him and Seiya stepped back. "Hey, just asking. With you ya never know...." "Yes with a girl," Yaten sighed. "A foreign exchange student by the name of Candace Martin." He smiled slightly at the thought of her and flicked his bangs out of his eyes, trying to make himself look perfect. "She must be something. You're spending even _more_ time in front of the mirror than usual." Seiya smirked and Yaten just ignored him, causing him to wonder just how special this girl was if just the _thought_ of her mellowed Yaten right out. "She is," Yaten sighed blissfully, finally answering. Then turning away from the mirror he asked the one question that Seiya was never expecting. "Do I look okay? Should I change? I could, I've got time. We're going to the nine o-clock show. I just thought I'd get ready a little earlier...." Seiya glanced at the clock. "Yaten," he began carefully. "It's six-thirty...." "I know." "You have about two and a half hours before the show starts." "I know, your point?" "Yaten, you don't even get ready this early before you get on stage. Why are you freaking about looking nice for this girl you've only just met?" Yaten nervously stuck his arm behind his head. "I... I don't know. She's just so... so... beautiful and perfect and... and... I want for her to like me so much...." Seiya smiled at his old friend. "You know, if I didn't know you better I'd swear that you'd fallen in love with this girl, on first sight no less, but that can't be possible. Can it?" Yaten tensed slightly. "No!" he snapped irately. "I... I just want to get to know her better. She's seems like a nice person. So beautiful, intelligent, kind...." "Face it Yaten," Seiya said with a smile. "You're in love with her. That's the only thing that could explain how you're acting right now." Yaten glared at him. "What do you mean, 'explain the way I'm acting' I'm not acting weird!" "You don't _think_ you're acting weird..." Seiya began slowly. "Shut up! I'm not acting weird, okay!?" "If you say so...." **** **** **** **** Candi dashed downstairs as she heard the doorbell ring. she thought excitedly. She composed herself at the bottom of the stairs and casually swung the door open, her face falling as she saw who was there. "Kaen!" she whined. "What are you doing here. I told you I have a date with Yaten tonight!" "Nice to see you too," Kaen said flatly. "And I'm here _because_ of that. I want you to put a nice word in for me...." "Kaen, I already told you. I'm not doing your dirty work." "But Candi...." "Forget it! I refuse! I'm not ruining my chances with a great guy just cause you want to be a star...." "First, he's not that great of a guy. Second, I'm not in it to become a star!" "He is too great! And why are you in it then!?" "I want people to hear my message! And you can tell him that!" Kaen immediately turned and stormed out. Leaving Candi standing there in shock. she wondered, closing the door behind the other girl. An hour later Candi tore down the stairs once more at the sound of a doorbell, knowing for sure this time that it was Yaten. "He's here!" she squealed as she went. "He's finally here! Oooh..." She screeched to a halt in front of the door and stood still for a moment, catching her breath. "Okay," she whispered softly to herself. "Stay calm. You don't want to seem like a total ditz do you?" She slowly swung the door open and gave a small smile. "Hi Candi," Yaten said as the door opened. "Ah... hi Yaten," she mumbled back, blushing slightly. "So... you ready to go?" "Yea... I guess...." They stood there uncomfortably for a moment until Yaten finally broke the silence. "Shall we?" he asked, holding out his arm. Candi blushed even more before taking it. "Sure...." **** **** **** **** The pair walked down the street. Just another happy couple enjoying an evening out. Both a tad on the short side, and at first glance rather feminine looking, but still a striking couple. The dark haired one suddenly stopped short in front of one of the theaters on the strip, yanking her blond companion to a halt. "Oh! Yaten, look! American Film Classics! And they're showing Casablanca! We've got to see this!" She started towards the ticket booth and Yaten held her back. "What? Candi... why do we have to see this one?" Candi looked at him incredulously. "You mean you actually have to ask _why_? Yaten, this is the most romantic film ever made! It's going to live on through history as the greatest story of true love ever told! And it's my most favorite move of all time. Come on, let's go...." Her look changed from one of irritation to one of wide-eyed pleading. Yaten sighed. "Okay, why not. I suppose an old foreign movie can't be _that_ bad...." Candy squealed delightedly and gave him a quick squeeze. "You are soooo sweet!" She gave him a quick peck on the cheek and he blushed hotly. "Yea... well...." He nervously stuck his hand behind his head. "Uhh... shall we?" "Sure! Let's go!" She began dragging him forward again, and the pair entered the theater. Not too far away, Blossom the Earth Elemental was eyeing the buildings on the strip, watching the people. "Now let's see," it mumbled to itself. "According to my calculations... most of the people are going in... there." She glanced at the theater she had selected and turned back to face her MOTD. "Quake?" "Yes," a gravely voice responded. "You know what to do?" "Of course." "Then go to it. And be quick about it! I'll be watching...." **** **** **** **** Candi hastily blotted away tears, her eyes glued to the scene playing out on the screen, and Yaten rolled his own eyes. What was he doing here? How could he have gotten so crazy over such a dizzy, flighty, emotional girl. He glanced at her again and couldn't look away as he saw her eyes. When holding back tears her eyes were even more luminous. It was almost like they were lit from within by tiny candles or something.... He fought back a sigh, and jumped slightly as Candi suddenly turned to face him. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" she whispered, her eyes glistening. "Immensely," he breathed, frozen by her gaze. "Oh, I love this scene," she said suddenly, turning back to the screen. "It's just wonderful.... He gives up his happiness for her... because he knows he's not the right one...." She giggled slightly. "Why can't I meet a man like that?" Yaten opened his mouth, wanting to tell her that he'd do just that for her. That he'd give up anything and everything for her. But survival instinct stopped him. He couldn't just bear his soul to a girl he hardly knew. She could laugh at him.... But he had to say something.... Maybe... maybe if he said it half seriously. Kinda to test the water.... Then he'd be able to tell how she felt about this.... "Candi, I'd..." he began, but was suddenly cut off by a sudden strong vibration through the floor. "What the?" Candi said softly. "An earthquake?" Just then the floor several rows up split open, and a large rock like creature came barreling out of the crevice. People began panicking even before it hit the ground and Yaten was immediately on his feet. he thought frantically. Then he glanced at Candi. "Candi, come on!" he said, grabbing her by the wrist and trying to drag her to the nearest exit. "We gotta get out!" "But..." she held back, looking worriedly at the people trapped nearest to the creature. "What about those people down there? Isn't anyone going to help them?" Yaten rolled his eyes and continued to try to drag her to safety. he thought irately. "Don't worry, I'm sure the Sailor Senshi will show up soon. They always do, and they always rescue people in danger like that." "But...." She shook off his grip. "But what if they don't show up in time? I've got to do something!" She dashed heedlessly towards the monster and Yaten smacked his forehead in irritation before running after her. "Candi! Wait!" He grabbed her wrist again as he caught up to her, but not before she got the creature's attention by whipping what was left of her soda at it. The beast slowly turned to face the new irritant, and Candi immediately began shouting at the people cowering nearby. "Run! Hurry! Get out of here!" Then she turned her attention back to the monster. "Why don't you leave those people alone ya bully!" The creature simply stared at her, then glanced at the ground. Slowly the floor near Candi's feet began crumbling away, leaving nothing but a deep pit. Yaten immediately yanked her backwards away from the hole, but unfortunately did it in a way that got them cornered as well. he told himself. He gasped as another section of floor fell away and pushed Candi behind him, so if anyone fell it would be him. Glancing briefly between the girl of his dreams and the monster threatening them both he saw no other choice. "HEALER STAR POWER, MAKE UP!" Candi gasped in shock as a light enveloped Yaten when he shouted those words. What he had said had made no sense to her, but it had been effective since now where Yaten had been standing there was a scantily clad blond girl. The girl turned to face her for a moment and flashed her a lopsided smile before turning to face their foe again. The monster looked at them dumbly, then caused some more of the floor to fall away and Candi had to fight back a scream. The girl tensed slightly as she tottered at the edge for a moment, then turned to face Candi. "Grab on to me," she whispered. "What!?" Candi gaped at her. "Grab on to me," she repeated simply. "If you want to get out of this one alive that is...." Faced with that simple choice, Candi immediately threw her arms around the girl's neck. The girl wrapped her own arms around Candi's waist and, after breathing what sounded like a small prayer, leaped with all her might. Propelling the two of them across the gap and over the monster's head. The second they landed the girl pushed Candi behind some seats. "Stay here," she hissed. Candi nodded vaguely and watched as she turned to face the monster again. She didn't waste any time with speeches, and fell into an attack position. "STAR SENSITIVE INFERNO!" she shouted, blasting the creature and not letting up until it was nothing more than a small pile of dust on the floor. The second it was over she collapsed to the ground, breathing hard. Candi slowly stepped forward and stopped at her side, eyeing the girl carefully. "Yaten?" she asked softly. "Is... is that you?" The girl looked up guiltily and gave a small nod. "That means you're a... a...." "A girl," the female Yaten finished for her flatly. Candi gave a small shrug. "I guess you're that too. I was gonna say that you're a super hero. That's so cool! Do you have a cool name? Or are you just an unknown avenger while you're like this?" She sighed and, not seeing that she had anything else to loose, slowly began explaining. "My name, while I'm like this, is Sailor Starhealer. I'm a Sailor Senshi. One of the Star Senshi to be precise. I'm not even from this planet...." "You mean you're an alien too!? Oh wow! That's so cool! A hero from another planet! Like Superman or something.... No wait... you said something about a team.... More like the X-men... although they were mutants not aliens. Or were some of them aliens... oooh! I can't remember! Not that it matters anyways! You're a hero, this is so wild! Who else is in your team? You don't have to tell me their secret identities or anything. Just what their super names are... and what you guys are doing here... and what it's like being from another planet.... Ohhh! There's just so much I want to ask you!" "Wait a minute!" Healer cut in suddenly. "You don't care that I'm a girl? That I'm a guy who becomes a girl. That while I was on my home planet I originally _was_ a girl...." "What does it matter?" Candi replied with a shrug. "You're a guy now aren't you? The girl is just the super hero you. And really, no matter what, aren't you still the same sweet guy... well, person, that I met at school? Besides," she gave Healer a quick peck on the cheek and the other girl blushed. "Gender switcher or not, it's kinda cool dating a super hero...." END THE FOURTH PART..... ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- -Immicolia... immicolia@hotmail.com Immicolia's Fanfiction Nebula http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Temple/8671 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------