Title: Forest Fire Author: Viper Inferno E-mail: viperdvman@hotmail.com Rated: PG Howdy, Sailor Moon Fans. Y2V is back with his third fanfic. The saga started out with Brother of Fire, then on to Five-Alarm Fire; y'all have to read them. This one takes place in the first season again, figures, some time after Five-Alarm Fire. I've told y'all enough in my last fanfics, so here's my... ...Disclaimer: Sailor Moon and most of the characters ain't mine. They belong to Naoko Takeuchi, and I thank that woman for creating such great entertainment. The English dub belongs to DiC Entertainment, and I thank them for bringing' it to America. Good news, I hear that DiC's dubbin' the third season, yeehah! Anyways, Russell Hino, Hino Kyodai, Tuxedo Inferno, and all his other identities are MINE (in a deep, dark, growling voice). Titanius is also mine. So, please don't sue me. Well, y'all enjoy this fanfic and e-mail me. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Forest Fire By Viper Inferno Part I At the temple... Russell sits on the couch in the living room, with a gloomy look on his face. Thoughts roam through his mind about the times he and Mina spent together. He remembers seeing "Fantasy Gardens" with her, when they first kissed. He remembers the going to the mall with her. Oh, shopping with a girl can be a drag, but shopping with the right girl makes it a wonderful experience. The crown jewel of that night was going with her to see "The Light Warrior", indeed the best motion picture of the year, which they sealed with a deeply passionate kiss. She even came to watch him at soccer practice a couple times after she got out of school. All they are now are thoughts, memories. "Russell." The sound of his name breaks him from his trance. He looks to see Raye in her Shinto robe. "What's wrong?" she asked as she sits down by Russell. "Mina and I broke up," Russell responded. "I'm sorry, what happened?" Raye asks. "She kinda wanted us to be friends." Russell responds. "No wonder she always complains about having to boyfriend, she always dumps them," Raye comments. "She's also an airhead. She's not really my type now that I look at her," Russell adds. "I also see why you hardly ever share your feelings with people, and why you turn down most girls who flock around you," Raye explains. "Yeah," Russell sighs. "You know, Lita likes you," Raye says, trying to cheer Russell up. "Yeah, and I'm the Emperor of Japan," he says sarcastically. "Oh come on Russell, you two make a cute couple," said Raye. Russell gets up from the couch and walks down the temple steps. "Where 'ya goin'?" she asks. "Driving to Darien's. See 'ya," said Russell as he walks out the door and down the temple steps. 'Oh I feel so guilty,' Raye thinks to herself, 'trying to hook Russell and Lita up.' She turns and walks toward the worship room to get her weekly fire reading. Darien's Apartment... Russell knocks on the door. "Hold on," Darien's voice calls from inside. Seconds later, he opens the door. "Hey Russell." "W'sup Darien," Russell says as they do their secret handshake. "C'mon in." Russell walks into a neatly organized apartment. "Lita's apartment's just as clean, if not, cleaner," said Russell. "Yeah, I got tired of a messy home, so I threw some stuff out by the dumpster," said Darien. "Then you have some people who use it as wall furniture," Russell joked. "Really funny. Nothing I'm worried about though," said Darien, "So, what's up?" "I'm bored," said Russell in a deep and quiet voice. "Why don't you go with Mina?" suggested Darien. "We broke up yesterday," said Russell. "That's too bad," said Darien. "She said she just wanted to be friends," Russell explains. "Sounds like she got tired of you. No wonder she complains as much as Serena," said Darien, reminding himself of the crybaby Serena. "I agree with you there," said Russell. "You'll find 'ya someone, someday," said Darien. "Wanna go to the arcade?" Russell asked. "Sure, maybe I can actually beat you this time," said Darien with enthusiasm. They walk out the door and to Russell's car. They hop in and drive off towards the arcade. "No practice?" Darien asked. "Day off," Russell simply responds. The Park... Lita and Serena walk the trail alongside the lake after school. They admire the beauty of the landscape. Many ducks swim the lake, quacking in mere pleasure. They see many people enjoying the Friday afternoon sun. Some are students from Crossroads Jr. High enjoyng their Friday after school activities along with Lita and Serena. "Hey Lita," said Serena, getting her attention, "Mina and Russell broke up yesterday." Lita lowers her eyebrows and smiles at the of that, 'Yes, he's free game now.' "That's great," she says. "C'mon Lita, I know you like him," said Serena, not being fooled by Lita's masking of her feelings. "Of course I like him," said Lita, "and I told you she'd get tired of him." "And I'm stuck trying to get my own boyfriend," Serena complains. "Like Darien?" said Lita, teasing. Serena's face turns red as she clinches her fists. Then reality sets in, 'I can't hit a girl who's bigger and stronger than me. Besides, she's right. Oh, why did I have to fall in love with such a bully.' "Yeah, like Darien. And I know you say Russell looks like your old boyfriend." Lita just looks toward the horizon, pretending to listen. 'Russell, he's such a hot guy. And he's a star soccer player too. Oh how I wanna be in his arms, to cuddle with him, to look into his dark purple eyes and kiss his lips..." "Hello," said Serena, trying to get Lita's attention. Lita doesn't even twitch. "HELLO!" Lita continues starring. "Earth to Lita, Hello." Serena fails to break her from her trance. She cups her hand over her mouth, "Houston, we have a problem." "What?" said Lita, breaking her train of thought. "Just wanted to see if you were listening," said Serena, "You must really like him." Lita can't take holding it back anymore, "Oh, he's so handsome, so athletic, and so good with women. He will be mine, oh yes he will." "Well, you oughta go get him," said Serena. "I will," said Lita, smiling and cocking an eyebrow. They walk along the trail, enjoying the Friday afternoon sun. Part II Negaverse Headquarters... "Look at them," said Malachite, referring to all the students hanging out near the school, engaging in their after school activities. Some of the girls are flirting with some guys. "Yes, perfect feeding grounds for my youma," said Titanius. "And the scouts will definitely show up, as always," said Malachite. "And then, I blast them," said Titanius as they both laugh in their demise. Back at the park... Serena and Lita continue walking along the trail, skipping stones across the lake. "So Lita, wanna go to the arcade?" Serena asked. "Sure, it'll get our minds off of guys for a while," said Lita. Suddenly, both their communicators go off. Serena gets to hers first. "Yes Luna?" "Serena, trouble up at Crossroads Jr. High. There's a youma resembling a bird/tiger hybrid that's draining the students' energy." "We'll be there," said Serena as she pulls out her pin. "Wait," said Lita, holding Serena's arm down, "We can't transform here. There are too many people around." "Yeah, you're right," said Serena. She spots a covered picnic area with no people around. "We can transform there." "Good idea," Lita says in agreement. They run into the covered picnic area and raise their pins up in the air. "Jupiter Power!" "Moon Prism Power!" They sprint out from the picnic area like a couple track runners after the firing of the starting pistol. Crossroads Junior High... Minutes later, they arrive at the junior high, not even panting or breaking a sweat. They see the youma just as Luna described it. It had a tiger's body, tail, hind legs, and head, but an eagle's wings and front legs, talons and all. "Looks like a griffin," said Sailor Jupiter, "only it's a tiger instead of a lion." The youma holds a helpless girl, in her school uniform, in its talons, electrocuting her as it drains her energy. "Molly," Sailor Moon screamed at the sight of her best friend in the clutches of the electric youma. She removes her tiara and attempts to rescue her friend, "Moon Tiara, Magic!" She hits the youma in the face, knocking it back about 20 feet and causing it to let Molly go. Sailor Moon runs up to her, picks up her unconscious body, and carries her off. Meanwhile, Sailor Jupiter sees an opportunity to destroy this beast. "Jupiter Thunder, Crash!" She sends bolts of lightning at the youma. Her jaw hangs open in astonishment as her thunder attack doesn't even phase the youma. She pulls herself together and decides to use raw muscle on this beast. She grasps its talons with her bear hands and tries to overcome it with her great strength. Just as she overpowers the youma, a strange burning sensation overcomes her body as the youma electrocutes her. Her body falls limp as the youma grasps her in its talons. They rip her suit a little and dig into her skin as the youma drains her energy. Suddenly, a blast of bubbles stuns the youma, causing it to release the injured Sailor Jupiter. Sailor Mercury jumps from the top of a building and near to her unconscious friend. She tries to get to Sailor Jupiter, but is batted away by the talons of the youma. A tiara hits the youma off guard, knocking it into one of the school buildings. Sailor Moon stands with an angry look on her face, "You hurt my friend. In the name of the Moon, I will punish you." Sailor Mercury recovers and pulls out her minicomputer to study the youma. "Be careful Serena. That youma uses electric attacks before it drains your energy. Electric and water attacks are ineffective against it." "Is that what happened to Sailor Jupiter?" "The youma was already draining her energy when I arrived." Sailor Moon turns to the youma. She removes her tiara, calling on the powers of the moon. "Moon Tiara, Magic!" She throws it with all her strength, hitting the youma in the heart. It falls on its side, with lightning surrounding its body as it disintegrates. She walks over to Sailor Jupiter and moves her body off the school grounds. She lies her down and places her hand upon Sailor Jupiter's chest. "Moon Healing, Activation!" In an instant, Sailor Moon heals Sailor Jupiter and restores her energy. As she gets up from her unconscious state, the schoolyards fill with a constant dark laugh. "I've heard that laugh before," said Sailor Moon. The girls look back to see Titanius across the street from the school, with hair and cape waving in the wind and sword in hand. "What, only three of you?" he says in surprise at the fact that he only lured three scouts. "Oh well, at least it'll make it easier." "Yeah, for us that is," said Sailor Jupiter. The scouts scatter as Sailor Jupiter waves her arms out to her sides. "Ha! Your muscle doesn't scare me," Titanius commented. "Insult me, do you," said Sailor Jupiter with anger, "That's the last mistake you'll ever make. JUPITER THUNDER, CRASH!" She sends bolts of lightning at him, singeing his armor and sending him flying into a news helicopter flying overhead. "...Folks, it looks like that the villain has hit our news chopper... Oh my goodness! ...we're okay Janet, it's just... jeez! Sailor Jupiter's a strong girl if she could send a man that size into our news chopper," said reporter Randy Midori in the news chopper, covering the battle. Titanius falls on top of the school's fountain, "Oww! Curse that news chopper. How dare the media embarrasses me like this," he comments in pain. He recovers and turns his attention to the scouts running towards him. "You'll pay," he yells as he waves his arm, sending a powerful wave of dark energy at them. The wave hits them, scattering them about the school grounds. He walks to the nearby softball field, where Sailor Mercury tries to get up. "I'll finish you," he yells as he thrusts his open palm at her chest. He electrocutes her, causing her to fall unconscious, and drains her energy. Suddenly, a tiara hits him from behind, sending him over the center field wall. "Yes! Homerun!" said Sailor Moon, jumping up and down excitedly and running the bases, "Sailor Moon 1, Titanius zip." She then runs towards the wall as Titanius recovers from his trip across the field. She grabs her crescent wand and aims it at Titanius' face. "You hurt my friend. Now I'm gonna hurt you." Her wand glows as she fires a beam of light, causing Titanius to fly like he was shot out of a cannon. He lands some distance away near the arcade, as people scatter in fear. He gets up and shakes the dizziness from his head. "Now I know what a postal package feels like," he says. He regains his bearings and takes a stroll down the sidewalk. Some of the people look at him in near terror, wondering how a man could survive such a fall. "That Sailor Moon is a tough one," he says to himself, "But I want that Mars Prince." Back at Crossroads Jr. High... Molly wakes up from what seemed like a nightmare. Serena, back in her civilian form, runs up to her and grasps her in her arms. "Oh, Molly. Are you alright?" she says. Molly comes to tears, "Serena, it was horrible. That monster was electrocuting everyone, left and right." Serena too comes to tears, feeling assured that her best friend is okay. "Sailor Moon saved my life," Molly gasped. "She saved everyone," Serena added, gasping and sobbing, "I'm so glad you're safe." Amy, also in civilian form, walks up to them. Molly looks up at her. "Oh, Amy," she sobbed as she gets up and throws her arms around her. Amy's eyes come to tears as she returns Molly's embrace, remembering that she too was in great danger, even as Sailor Mercury. "She saved mine too," she gasped. "Let's go home," said Serena. They get up and walk towards Molly's house. "Wait," Lita calls out to the group as she runs towards them. "Where 'ya goin'?" "We're taking Molly home," Amy answered. "When are you gonna ask Russell out?" Serena asked, winking an eye. "Soon," said Lita, cracking a smile, "depending on what he's doing." At The Park... Titanius sits on a bench, watching the people and planning his next attack. "That pyromaniac didn't even show up," he says to himself, "and that kept the Mars Prince from coming to his doom." More people walk by, while others scream at the sight of him. "It's that villain on the news, Run!" a woman with a baby stroller screams as her baby wails. Titanius drops to his knees and raises his arms. "Curse the media," he yells. He then lets out a sigh. "This is why I went freelance," he says as he gets back up, "But the Mars Prince will be mine." He laughs as he drops a smoke bomb and disappears. Part III Russell arrives home after spending some time at the arcade with Darien. Raye runs to him and grabs him by the arm. "C'mon Russell, something you gotta see on the news," she says, dragging him. "I thought you hated television," Russell comments. "I overheard something from Yuuichiro's room about the Sailor Scouts," said Raye, "I just couldn't resist." They burst into Yuuichiro's room as the reporter on TV begins the report. "...a situation at Crossroads Jr. High where a tiger-like youma attacked students during their after school activities. But help arrives as the legendary Sailor Moon and two of the Sailor Scouts rescue the students and defeat the youma. The battle wasn't over as a villain arrives on the scene. Sailor Jupiter immediately attacks the villain, sending him into Chopper 13. After a short battle, Sailor Moon sends the villain off the school grounds and out of sight, once again saving the day. Sailor Moon, thumbs up to you and your friends from Channel 13..." "I knew they'd pull it off," said Yuuichiro. "They're the Sailor Scouts," said Raye, "of course they did." "I would've loved to see that battle," Russell commented. "I'm heading over to Lita's with Amy and Mina," said Raye as she walks towards Yuuichiro's door, "Wanna go, Russell?" "Sure," he responds and begins walking out the door with Raye, "See 'ya Yuuichiro." Lita's apartment... Raye, Russell, Mina, and Amy all arrive at Lita's apartment. Lita, wearing her usual green blouse and pink apron, opens the door. They walk inside to see that Lita has rearranged her furniture. Her couches still sit across from each other, with the cedar coffee table between them. The chair, love seat, television, wall furniture, and wall clock all sit in different places. The dining room table still sits in the same place. "You did great rearranging this place," said Russell. 'He likes it,' Lita thinks to herself as her beautiful emerald green eyes sparkle, 'and he's smiling at me too.' Amy and Mina take their seats on one couch, while Raye sits on the other couch, and Russell sits on the love seat. "So," said Raye to Mina, "How'd you like that Sailor V movie?" "I loved it," said Mina, "Sailor V is the best." "I agree," said Raye, "she was really something. Did you see it Russell?" "I saw it yesterday with Daniel and some of the other guys after practice," said Russell. "How was it?" Raye asked. "Oh, please tell us," said Mina, blinking her eyes. "Great movie. The guys loved it, and it even turned a couple of them into Sailor V fans," said Russell. "Oh, she gets more and more fans everyday," said Mina, thinking about how much of a role model she really was. "Yeah," Russell sighs, "she was a true fighter before the Sailor Scouts. Speaking of that, I saw them on the news today." "Yeah," said Mina, "only three of them were there." "I loved how Sailor Jupiter zapped that villain and sent him flying into Chopper 13," Russell comments. Lita walks in and sits on the love seat next to Russell. "You like Sailor Jupiter, don't you?" "Actually, I admire a girl with great strength," said Russell, "How much do you know about Sailor Jupiter?" "I do know she tends to use that physical strength rather than her powers in battle," Lita explains. "I've noticed her doing that in battle," said Raye. "It takes a lotta guts to use just physical strength against a youma," said Russell. "When she does use her powers, her thunder attacks are a force to be reckoned with," said Lita. "But Sailor Moon is the best," said Amy, remembering that it was Sailor Moon who saved her from Titanius' energy drain, "Nobody can top her." Lita gets up from the couch and walks toward the kitchen. As she enters the doorway, she stops and turns to the group, "Hey Russell, I'm gonna make dinner. You wanna help?" The other girls look at her in shock, "She's actually asking someone to help her cook?!" they say in unison. "Sure," Russell as he gets up and walks over to Lita, "I'm a pretty good cook. What are we making?" "Shepherds' pies, vegetable soup, and dinner rolls," said Lita. "Sounds easy enough," said Russell. Lita's eyes sparkle at the sound of Russell being a good cook, "Where'd you learn how to cook." "Yeah Russell," said Raye, putting her hands at her waist, "Where did you find the time to learn how to cook?" "Aunt Rosalyn taught me to cook when I was living with her," said Russell. Lita and Russell walk into the kitchen and grab what all they need to cook as the girls continue their conversation. Negaverse Headquarters... Titanius returns to the Negaverse Headquarters. He enters one of the training rooms and begins practicing the use of his powers. He's a little rusty in using them since he's used to using his blaster, which he no longer has thanks to Sailor Moon. Malachite walks in minutes later, "Failed your mission, eh?" "The Mars Prince wasn't even there," said Titanius, "Heck, the pyromaniac didn't even show up." "That's too bad," said Malachite, "What are you gonna do now." "I'm gonna take most of next week to perfect the use of my powers. Then I'm gonna try to lure those scouts to a more... closed area. That'll make it harder on them," Titanius explains. "I'll go tell Queen Beryl," said Malachite as he leaves the training room. Titanius continues throwing waves of energy at various targets. "I may have failed today, but next week I'll lure all of them. Then the Mars Prince will come, and go," Titanius says to himself as he fills the cavernous training hall with his evil laugh. Lita's apartment... Lita and Russell make it halfway through their cooking. The shepherd's pies are in the oven baking. Lita's dropping the vegetables in the soup while Russell presses and rolls the dough for the dinner rolls. The girls had left 5 minutes earlier to take a stroll while the chef duo cook dinner. "Could you please hand me the celery seed over there?" said Lita. Russell grabs the celery seed from the spice rack. "Here 'ya go," he says as he tosses it to her. "Thanks Russell, you've been such great help," said Lita. Minutes later, the oven timer goes off. Lita walks over to the oven, pulls the shepherds' pies out, and puts the dinner rolls in. While she's busy, Russell picks up on the vegetable soup, test tasting it as he goes. Lita looks over to see Russell taking to the soup like one of those master chefs on TV. "You're good, Russell." "Thanks. I've made this kind of soup before. It's Raye's and my favorite," said Russell, "But I couldn't possibly compare to your meatloaf, nor your chicken cordon blue." "But you do a great job," said Lita as she places her hand on his shoulder, "Don't sell yourself short." She gently squeezes his shoulder, then lets go and goes back to making the soup. 'She's a great girl too,' Russell thinks to himself, watching Lita tackles the soup like a true master at her line of work, 'She sounds like someone who cares.' "Tell me a little about yourself," said Lita as she takes a short break from the soup. "Well, as you may have heard, I was the star soccer player on the high school soccer team. We were 2-time state champions while I was there," Russell explains. "I noticed the championship ring on your finger," said Lita. "Raye's wearing the second ring I won," said Russell. "And that black one on your right hand, what's that?" she says, pointing to his obsidian jewel ring. "This... was passed down to me by my father, whom Grandpa passed down to, and so on. One of my ancestors crafted it from the lava of Mt. Fuji," he goes on telling the story about his ring, leaving the transformation part out (Let's not tell her about the Tuxedo Inferno thingie). Lita walks up to Russell. "A true antique, locking the age-old fire inside," she says as she places her arms around his shoulders, "just like your dark purple eyes, only they release those fires locked inside." They gaze into each other's eyes, then press their lips together. Lita feels the fire from his lips calling to her as she envelops herself in the flames of his kiss. Her burning passion is only short lived as the oven timer interrupts her pleasure. "Oh," she says as they break their kiss, "the dinner rolls." She runs over to the oven and pulls the dinner rolls out. Russell turns back to working on the soup. "Did I say that I admire a strong, athletic girl," said Russell. "I gotta tell you something," said Lita, with a flirty smile on her face. 'Ooh, this must be good,' Russell thinks in response to her expression. "I've liked you since before you and Mina went out." "Really, I never knew," said Russell, lying of course. "Soup should be done by now," said Lita. She then removes the soup pot from the stovetop and turns the burner off. "What did the girls mean when they said 'You actually asked someone to help you cook'?" Russell asks after it had just hit him. "Well," said Lita, "I usually never ask anyone to help me out with any housework." "But you do make exceptions," Russell added. Lita smiles and shakes her head. She then walks up to him and gives him a peck on the cheek. "The others will be back in a little bit. Let's get dinner ready." They begin setting the table when Raye, Mina, and Amy walk through the door. "We're home," they all say in unison. They all sit down at the dinner table and pass the food around. "At least Serena's not here to gobble it all up," said Raye. "You two did great," said Amy. "Thanks," Lita and Russell say in unison. "You have a soccer game tomorrow, right?" Raye asks Russell. "Sure do," said Russell, "Our first scrimmage of the season. You are coming, right?" "Of course," said Raye, "And so is everybody else at the temple." "Oh, can I come too?" Lita begs, placing her hand on Russell's and thinking, 'You will take me.' "Sure, you can come too," said Russell. "Thanks," said Lita, "Now I get to see a star soccer player like you in action." She rubs his cheek with the backs of her fingers. "Woo! You go Russell," said Raye in response to Lita's action. After dinner, Russell and the girls all get up from the dinner table and prepare to leave. "See 'ya tomorrow," said Raye. "Good bye, Lita," said Amy. "Be good to my Russell," said Mina. "Excuse me," said Lita, glaring at Mina, "He's MY Russell." A bead of sweat drips from Russell's forehead as the girls walk out the front door, 'Okay ladies, you don't have to fight over me.' Lita meets him at the door and lays her arms across his shoulders. "Thank you for tonight," she says, then kisses him. "Don't sweat it. See you tomorrow," he says. After another kiss, Russell leaves and begins his walk towards home. Thoughts roam through his head: 'She's not as flamboyant as Mina, but she is a great cook. She has so much potential to be a star athlete like me. And she's cute too. I just hope she's the right one.' Part IV Russell sits in the changing room with Daniel and the rest of the Azabu Tech soccer team. He changes into his red shirt with white lettering, black shorts, red socks, and black shoes. The pre-game anxiety in the changing room builds up as some of the juniors and seniors do their chanting and screaming. After changing, Russell and Daniel jump into the pre-game rally. The head coach slams the door open, getting all 46 of the guys' attention. "Alright you bunch of good for nothings, listen up. All that practice, I was hard on you for a reason. Some of you freshmen came to Azabu Tech as the best on your soccer team, one of you as 2-time State Champs," as he looks directly at Russell with a stern face, "All that 'I was the best in high school' (baby mocking) doesn't mean jack on this team. This is college now, and all you sorry little excuses for 'freshmeat' and 'squashmores' gotta grow up. This is the big league, and you gotta get your heads out of your cans and get focused. This ain't no walk in the park. Kobe U is one of the better soccer teams in Japan. So y'all need to get motivated, go out there, and make them look like a junior high team. Are you with me Jaguars?" (I just chose Jaguars) The whole team yells and cheers with great motivation. "Y'all stinkin' motivate me," said the coach, "Now get your sorry hides out there and play tough. C'mon, hurry up!" The soccer team furiously runs out of the changing room, pumped up, psyched up, and ready to win themselves a game. They make it outside. "So Russell, found yourself a new girlfriend," said Daniel. "Yeah, she's up there," said Russell, easily picking Lita out among the thousands of fans in the crowd. She and the others are sitting in the front row, all waving at him. Daniel and Russell both return their waves. "She's kinda cute," said Daniel, "Is Darien here?" "He's on the other side of the stadium," said Russell. The fans get louder as the rest of the Azabu soccer players make their way to the field. The band plays their fight song. It's just like a regular season game, only half as many fans, from both colleges. The team gathers in the middle of the field. "Alright guys," said the team captain, "lets make them look bad." They all put their hands in the center, "One, two, three, JAGS!" The game... Lita and Raye watch on as the referee tosses the ball in to start the game. Daniel immediately gets a hold of the ball and takes it downfield. He passes it to Russell as a Kobe player moves in to attempt steal it from him. Russell reflects the ball towards the goal, but is knocked back to Kobe. An Azabu player immediately steals the ball, knocking towards Daniel. Daniel kicks it to Russell, who knocks it in the goal. The fans roar as Russell and Daniel slam their chests together in celebration of a quick score. A jaguar growl signals the score and the band plays their fight song. "Russell's good," said Lita, "scoring less than 2 minutes into the game." "I told you he was good," said Raye, "He and Daniel work well together. I've seen them at practice." The referee tosses the ball in as another jaguar growl is played. Kobe gets a hold of the ball and makes every attempt to keep it out of Azabu's possession. At 4:23 game time, the Azabu captain manages to steal the ball and take it downfield. He passes it to Daniel, who knocks it toward the goal. The Kobe goalie does his job and blocks it. Kobe gets possession and takes it to Azabu's goalie. This back and forth battle goes on for a while before Russell kicks it away from Azabu's goal, causing a toss in. "You'd be great at this sport," said Raye to Lita. "Yeah, I guess so," said Lita, trying to keep her girlish figure. They begin cheering as Daniel kicks the ball across the field to Russell, who misses the goal by inches. The Kobe goalie kicks it towards his teammate. But Azabu's captain blocks it, sending it to Daniel, who knocks it in the goal. The crowd yells and screams as the jaguar growl plays and the band goes hog wild with the fight song. "You go Russell," Raye and Lita yell out and cheer. The players on the sidelines can hear the girls' yelling over their own cheers since they are sitting in one of the front rows, right up close to the action. "Isn't he the only freshman out there?" Lita asked. "The program says he's the only freshman starter," said Raye, "But I'm sure the coach sent a couple out since the game started. "GoooooOOOOOO JAGS!" the crowd yells as the ref tosses the ball in and the jaguar growl plays. Kobe sends it right to Azabu's goal, missing by a couple feet. Azabu's goalie kicks it to one of his teammates, who takes it downfield and passes it to their captain. He makes an attempt to score, but his kick flies wide right and misses. Lita's wild sports insulting urges come out, "You idiot, the goal was three feet in front of you. Coach, send someone in who can actually kick." The Azabu head coach hears every word Lita is yelling, but he only ignores her, concentrating on how his men are performing. Minutes later, most of the crowd boos as Kobe scores. "Oh my gosh, hello!" Lita yells in response, "What the heck was that!" "It's called Kobe scoring their first point," said Yuuichiro, who is sitting behind the girls. At 12:43, the ref tosses the ball in, with Kobe immediately getting possession. Azabu struggles to get possession. Lita gets furious at the fact that Kobe is keeping her man from making a big play, "Come on Jags, take that stinkin' ball from them." Her yelling turns to booing with the crowd as Kobe scores again. "What's the matter goalie, you can't see either. You gotta block that dang ball," her yelling continues. The head coach benches Daniel and Russell for a few minutes to give them some rest. Lita and Raye do not like this at all. "What! Put my brother back out there," said Raye, responding in anger to her brother being benched. "Yeah coach. We want Russell Hino," Lita yelled, throwing more insults. An Azabu player turns to her, "Hey you up there, shut up." "What, you want a piece of me," Lita yells, putting one foot forward. "Lita, calm down," said Raye, holding her back, "We're supposed to be cheering Russell on." A couple minutes later in the game, the coach benches two players and sends Russell and Daniel back out. Lita, Raye, and everyone from the temple cheers as Russell goes back out. An Azabu player tosses the ball to the team captain, who passes it to Daniel downfield. He bounces it off his head towards the goal, but the goalie bats it back. The ball bounces off Russell's knee and into the goal. He, Daniel, and the team captain bang their chests together in celebration as the crowd cheers, the jaguar growl plays, and the band plays the fight song. "That's my Russell," Lita yells as the girls cheer and whistle. At halftime, the score is 4-2 with Azabu leading. The girls and the guys from the temple all fight their way through the crowd to get to the concession area. "Great game so far," said Yuuichiro. "Russell's as good as everybody says he is," said Lita. They get some snow cones, nachos, and some drinks and head back to the stands to watch the marching band perform. After the performance, the fans cheer as the Azabu Tech soccer team takes the field. Russell looks toward where Raye, Lita, and the rest of the group are sitting and waves at them. For the remainder of the game, Azabu tech scores 5 times. One was by Russell, 1 by Daniel, 2 by the team captain, and 1 by another player. Kobe too scores a few. Lita yells throughout much of the game, with Raye yelling along with her. In the end, Azabu Tech wins 9-5. After some on the field celebrating, Russell jumps up into the stands and into his sister's arms. "You were great out there bro," said Raye. He lets go and lets Lita jump into his arms. "You were great sweetheart," she said. "Thanks," he says as they share a few quick kisses. "See you girls later," said Russell as he jumps out of the stands and runs back to his celebrating teammates. He and Daniel bang their chests together, along with a few other soccer players. "I wouldn't expect him home until tonight," said Raye. "Why is that?" Lita asked. "They won. You can bet Russell's gonna party with Daniel and the rest of the team," said Raye. They all get up and fight the crowds on their way out of the stadium. When they finally make it out, they make their trek towards home. A week later, the day after another soccer scrimmage... Russell paces around the living room of the temple, with thoughts running though his mind about Lita, mostly what troubles him about her. Raye, wearing her Shinto robe, walks in to see the concerned look on his face, "You alright Russell?" "Yeah, I'm just not sure if Lita's the right girl for me," he responds. "What do you mean by that?" Raye asks. "She seems to be an aggressive type of person. She also has a short temper, shorter than yours even," he explains. Raye gets disgusted at that last part about her temper and crosses her arms, "Humph!" "She hardly lets me be a gentleman," Russell continues. "She likes to do everything herself," said Raye, "Let me tell you a little secret. She does it to fit in with some of the other girls." "I can tell she's a little ashamed of her physical prowess," said Russell. "So, what are you gonna do?" Raye asks. "I still want to be her friend. I mean you found yourself a really good group of people," said Russell. "Tell her," said Raye, "Anyways, I'm heading to the worship hall, I'll see you later." She walks off for her weekly fire reading. Park... Russell arrives to the park to see Lita at the duck pond. She looks back to see him approaching her and smiles, "Hi Russell." She runs up to him, embraces him, and kisses him on the cheek. Her face changes when she sees that Russell doesn't seem to return her love. Her eyes widen as she backs off a bit, "What is it Russell?" "Lita, I'm not sure just how to say this," said Russell. "Just tell me, I don't like guessing games," said Lita. Russell hesitates, then gathers up all his inner strength, "I'm not sure I'm in for this relationship." "What?!" said Lita, with her eyes widening to about twice their normal size in great shock. "I just don't think you're right girl for me," he tries to explain as nicely as possible. "Not right?!" she says. In response, she punches him in the face with shattering force, sending him flying about 20 feet or so. She runs up to him, scaring away some ducks, and gives him a good kick in the side, sending him flying even further. She then picks him up and throws him towards the duck pond. She runs away, crying, as Russell lies next to the duck pond with a large welt and quite a bit of blood where Lita hit him in the face. Russell wakes up hours later on a couch with Raye holding his hand. He soon realizes he's back home. He tries to get up, but a sharp pain in his side causes him to wince as he lies back down. "Easy Russell," said Raye, "Just lie there, Yuuichiro's got another icepack coming." "I guess she took that rather well," said Russell. "You're lucky she DID take it easy on you," said Raye, "With the way Lita can be, you could've easily ended up in the emergency room." "She is one tough girl," Russell commented. "Yeah, she got kicked out of her old school for picking fights with some of the students. So she transferred to the same school as Serena and Amy," Raye explains. "Don't worry about it, you'll find the right girl someday." "What I'm worried about now is my reputation. You know, getting beat up by a junior high girl does not look good on a college soccer player. At least no one was there to see it," Russell babbles. "You could always say a car hit you," suggested Raye, "It explains your bruised side and the bloody welt on your face." "How did I get here anyway?" Russell asks, "Weren't you were doing your Shinto thing?" "Yuuichiro found you unconscious next to the duck pond," said Raye. Yuuichiro brings him the icepack. "Thanks Yuuichiro," said Russell. "No problem," said Yuuichiro, "It's not everyday that someone dumps Lita and lives to tell the tale." "Thanks, you're reassuring," Russell says sarcastically. "Your side should heal in time for your first game next week," said Raye, "I'd take it easy if I were you." "I'm still gonna practice," said Russell. "I've seen how brutal soccer can be," said Raye, "You'll just hurt yourself even more." "Thanks Raye, I'll keep that in mind," said Russell as he struggles to get up, keeping the ice pack on his face. "Russell, you're so stubborn about these things," said Raye. "Thanks Raye, for your help. I'm going to my room," said Russell as he gets up from the couch and walks towards his room. Raye runs to follow him and calls to him, "Russell." He stops at his doorway. "She still wants to be your friend, and she feels sorry for hurting you," said Raye. Russell lets out a sigh of reassurance, then turns to Raye and smiles. She runs up to him and gives him a hug, remembering to take it easy on his side. "I love you Russell," said Raye. "I love you too, sis," said Russell. They let go and Russell walks into his room while Raye walks into hers. ---------------------------------the end------------------------------ Well, there's for y'all a lovely, but short, romance between Russell and Lita. Sorry it took me a while to get this out. I actually gave Titanius some more parts in this fanfic, hope y'all villain lovers out there like it. I also hope y'all understand Titanius a little better. You can tell he definitely has some vendetta with Tuxedo Inferno. I mean the Negaverse hired this guy to get him. Well, I'm starting on a few more projects and I hope to get them out ASAP. Hope y'all enjoyed my short little fanfic. Have fun Sailor Moon fans, Viper Inferno