One girl is from an alien culture who lives her life by the harsh doctrine of logic over the chaos of emotion which she relies on to control her own powerfully volatile feelings. The other is a creature of deep passion, an ebon beauty with a fiery personality who wears her heart on her sleeve while living for the moment with boundless zest and desire. They are Talia Kirk and Tanya Cambridge: high school students, Sailor Scouts, and, more importantly, the very best of friends. These are the adventures of two courageous young women who walk a sometimes perilous tightrope, balancing their awesome responsibilities as heroines with their cherished everyday existence as ordinary teenage girls. Warriors and defenders, partners and companions, Talia and Tanya live, learn, love and grow together in an unique and unbreakable bond of friendship. If you wish to comment on my story, either positively or negatively, please contact me at treetop@voicenet.com. Sailor Moon and all related characters are the property of Takeuchi Naoko, Toei Animation and DIC. Sailor Sirius is the property of Sharon Williams. Any references to Vulcan are the province of Gene Roddenberry and Paramount Studios. So, please, don't sue me because I haven't any money. I do this strictly for entertainment purposes, not copyright infringement.
The Adventures of Talia and Tanya:
The Logic of Romance
by Jeffrey C. Branch
Chapter One
Rating: PG
"A-CHOOOOOO!"
"Bless you, Serena," said Luna.
Tanya Cambridge and Talia Kirk looked on in concern at Serena Tsukino who lay in bed in her room, the covers up to her chin. Her nose was red and her eyes bleary from a bad head cold. Luna, the black cat who served as Serena's advisor sat on the dresser to avoid getting sick.
"It's a darn shame you caught a cold, Sere," said Tanya. "The concert downtown with the Three Lights is sure to be slammin'."
Serena loudly blew her nose and nodded. "Yeah, I know. I'd kill to see the guys, but I'm just too wasted." She then smirked at Talia. "I didn't know you were into pop music, Tal."
"And you would be correct, Serena. I am not," said Talia. Her beautiful face, all the more stunning from makeup was expressionless as usual. "But, Tanya suggested I expand my horizons, to take in new experiences."
"I assume that includes wearing makeup?" a skeptical Luna asked. Like Serena, she had never seen Talia's face painted before tonight.
Talia suddenly looked slightly uncomfortable, almost nervous. "This was one of those....new experiences. Tanya was responsible for my appearance. Does it, and my outfit meet with your approval?"
Serena nodded and smiled. Wearing a tight, low cut, bright red minidress that hugged her lithe body like a second skin while showing off her long, shapely legs, the Vulcan girl looked sleek and stylish. The finishing touches were a gold herringbone neck chain, bracelets, a delicate chain on her left ankle and large gold hoops in Talia's pointed ears which, at Tanya's urging, she recently had pierced. "Uh-huh. You look gorgeous, Tal."
Tanya, garbed in a sleeveless turquoise blue turtleneck, a short, black leather skirt and fishnet stockings, her long black hair done in curls and her face lightly dusted with gold glitter giggled. "Yeah, she sure does. But you shoulda seen the look or horror on Tal's face when I suggested she go braless!" The pretty black girl then pointed at Talia's ample bosom. "As you can see, girlfriend's got some serious cleavage!"
Talia, her face red, crossed her arms over her chest. "Thank you for mentioning that. I must admit that I am not at all used to looking like this."
"Like what? Glamorous?" Tanya asked.
"No. Trashy."
Serena and Tanya laughed out loud. Luna shook her head sadly. "Teenagers! You'll be the death of me!" the cat grumbled.
"Oh, c'mon, Luna. Don't be such a spoilsport! Even superheroes need a night out on the town!" said a grinning Serena. She paused to blow her nose again. "Speaking of which, you guys better get going! Tell Seiya, Taiki and Yaten I said 'Hi'!"
"You betcha!" said Tanya, giving Serena a thumbs up. She then turned to Talia. "C'mon, stone face! We've got partying to do! I'm gonna show you how to have a good time, even if it kills me!"
"I certainly hope it does not come to that, Tanya," Talia said deadpan. "I have gotten quite used to having you around."
Tanya squeezed Talia's hand and gave her best friend a warm, sincere smile. "Same here, partner. Let's roll! 'Bye, Sere!"
"Rest well, Serena," said Talia.
"Amazing," said Luna after the girls left. "It's barely been a month since the girls first met, and yet they act like they've known each other for years. Given the incredibly vast difference in their personalities, I never would've believed that Talia and Tanya would become such good friends."
"Just goes to show what you know, smartypants," said a smug Serena who then sneezed. "At the risk of sounding philosophical----heck, I can't even spell the word----it's those differences that brought Tal and Ti together in the first place. Those two were made for each other, Luna. I'm really happy that they've become so close."
"I agree. They function extremely well together as Scouts too," said Luna with a nod. "Their teamwork is without equal. It's almost as if they anticipate what each other is thinking and react accordingly. And, they don't pitch a fit during training....unlike someone I know!"
Pouting, Serena gave Luna a Bronx cheer. "Nag, nag, nag! Why don't you come on over so I can give you a big hug and a few germs?"
Luna shook her head and, hopping off the dresser headed for the open door. "Sorry, my dear, I'll pass on your generous offer. Get some rest."
"A-CHOOOOOO! Easy for you to say!"
Budokan Hall, Japan's equivalent to New York City's famed Madison Square Garden was a hotbed of frenetic activity as teenagers, mainly girls eagerly stood in line to enter the arena to see their idols, The Three Lights. Many of them wore t-shirts, played CD's of their music on boom boxes and carried hand made signs bearing the likenesses of the country's biggest pop stars who enjoyed a level of popularity surpassed only by the likes of N-Sync and The Backstreet Boys in America. Talia, looking all around her at the happy pandemonium was baffled.
"Is this sort of raucous activity commonplace for a Three Lights concert?" the Vulcan girl asked.
Tanya, her arm linked with Talia's nodded. "Yup. Sure is. The Lights are the hottest thing going here. I'm shocked that you don't know about 'em!"
"My taste in music is considerably more mature than my yours."
"Oh, yeah, I forgot. You're into all that Classical stuff. Borrrr-ing! Well, I'm gonna change that, stone face!" Tanya said with a laugh. "Tonight, I'm gonna make you rock until you just can't stop!"
Talia rolled her eyes and sighed. "If you say so."
As the girls walked by a trio of boys, they whistled in approval of the Vulcan girl, looking chic and statuesque in her white, spike heeled pumps.
"Whoa, mama! Check out the babe with the ears! Awesome!" cried one, his eyes wide from amazement.
"You said it, man! She's a four alarm knockout!" said another.
"And those legs! They go on for miles!" added the third. "WHOOOO-EEEE! I'm in love!"
Talia cocked an eyebrow from confusion at what she heard. "Pardon my ignorance, Tanya, but were those boys talking about me?"
"Absolutely, partner. Boys know what they like, and you look downright bootylicious!" Tanya replied cheerfully. While Tanya had as healthy an ego as any girl her age and enjoyed compliments from boys, she didn't mind being ignored this once. She wanted Talia to enjoy the spotlight this evening. "Don't tell me you've never been complemented on your looks before!"
"No. I have never sought such gratification," said Talia. A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth, painted a glossy red that matched her dress. "However, I must admit, I found the attention that I just received rather....pleasurable."
"Well, you should! Thanks to me, you're even more gorgeous than you usually are!" said Tanya, proud of her cosmetics work. "As your best friend, it's my sworn duty to broaden your horizons, to open a whole new world for you beyond schoolwork, archaeology, chess and playing superhero."
"I appreciate your assistance. Still, just being with you has been enlightenment enough, Tanya," said Talia with an all-too human smile that was filled with warmth. "Mere words cannot describe the happiness I feel in my heart to be your friend. In the short time we have been together, you have enriched my life in ways I would never have thought possible. And I love you for that."
Tanya, her eyes moist, her throat tight from emotion, returned her friend's smile. "Thanks, Tal. That means a lot. I love being with you too. Oh, by the way, I have a surprise for you!"
"What sort of surprise?"
Tanya reached into her black croco print purse that matched her spike heeled knee boots and pulled out two rectangular slips of laminated paper which she proudly displayed. "Backstage passes. One of the Lights, Yaten Kou is my boyfriend. Slick, huh?"
"Quite. As you humans are fond of saying, it helps to have friends in high places."
Of the seemingly endless throng of teenage girls in the crowd outside the stadium, one sought to blend in with the crowd. She was tall and thin with long, straight, dirty blond hair. Her slate gray eyes took in the sights around while her heart throbbed from the music blaring away from all around her. She could feel the power of the music and it made her feel strong.
"The Three Lights. I so love their music," she whispered in a low, but melodious voice. "It gives me such energy, such power. I love them so. I can't wait to feel the power of their music."
Once inside the hall, Talia and Tanya were led to their seats, ten rows from the stage, dead center. The arena throbbed from excitement that not only could be heard as fans chanted the names of the Lights, but felt as well. Talia, taking it all in was amazed.
"Remarkable. I had no idea that there was so such ardent devotion for the Lights," she said.
Tanya nodded. "You should see what it's like for a Backstreet Boys show. I went to one of their concerts when I lived in the States last year. My ears rang for a week afterwards! I can't wait to see Yaten and the guys!"
"It must be interesting to date a celebrity."
"Oh, it has it's moments. One thing's for sure, Yaten is never boring!" said Tanya with a chuckle. "Maybe you'll get lucky and land a nice guy too. You deserve one, Tal. No way on Earth a terrific girl like you should be without a boyfriend. Even a Vulcan needs love."
Talia pondered what her friend said for several moments. On Vulcan during her first life a thousand years ago, Talia had no concept of what love was, and the great importance the emotion played in the lives of men and women. Her society's steel rigid tenets of logic made learning about such things difficult, if not impossible because of the disdain her people had for emotions. Even though Talia had struggled mightily to cope with her own emotions, leading her to consider eradicating them completely through the harsh, tradition steeped Kolinahr discipline, she was, in the end, insatiably curious and wanted to better understand her then tumultuous feelings. Even after a millennia, Talia, far removed from the world of her birth desperately sought that much needed understanding of herself, and her place in this world.
Talia's mind returned to the here and now and she felt an odd little pain in her heart. Talia recognized that pain as loneliness. It was a concept she didn't believe in at first, but now she understood it fully. In that secret place deep within herself, Talia ached to be close to someone in the special way Serena was with Darien. Seeing the two of them and how they were so much in love made her feel lonely and unfilled. And it hurt. "I never considered that. But, would a boy be interested in someone like me?"
Tanya looked at her tall, stoic companion in amazement. "Are you kidding? You've got the total package! Looks, brains, coolness, and one hell of a bodacious figure! Any guy would sell his soul to date you!"
"Really?"
"Really. I read somewhere that there's a soulmate for every person on Earth. Your soulmate is out there, Tal. Someone you'll love for the rest of your life. I'm sure of it. You just have to find him."
"Or perhaps he will find me." Suddenly, Talia was highly intrigued, even excited by the prospect of falling in love. It wasn't logical, but Talia had long since accepted that not everything that was good in life had to be logical. Her relationship with Tanya was proof of that.
Tanya saw the hopeful gleam in Talia's eyes and smiled. With every passing day she spent with Talia, the pretty black girl could see that her friend was becoming more and more human. Tanya cared deeply for Talia and wanted more than anything for her to be happy. "You got it, partner."
Just then, the lights dimmed and the crowd screamed as one entity from unbridled delight as the curtains rose and three spotlights illuminated three handsome young men on the darkened stage. Sporting silk suits with waist long hair tied in severe ponytails, the performers stood in the center, their heads bowed. As one, the trio, holding wireless microphones raised their heads and the screams of adoration grew louder.
"Good evening. My name is Taiki," said the first man. Dressed in white, he was the tallest of the threesome with chestnut brown hair and deep green eyes.
"Good evening. My name is Seiya," said the man in the middle. Dressed in red, he was shorter than Taiki with jet black hair and dark blue eyes.
"Good evening. My name is Yaten," said the third man. A fraction shorter than Seiya and dressed in blue, he had snow white hair and crystal blue eyes.
Then, as one, the trio shouted: "We're the Three Lights! And we're here to entertain you!"
The stage lights suddenly came on, revealing a six piece band, and with guitars wailing, the Lights broke into a power packed rock song, bringing everyone in the audience to their feet.
Alone in the dark, tears in my eyes,
pain in my heart, watchin' time fly.
I'm sad and hurt and feelin' the blues,
livin' for the moment while searching for you.
Had you in my arms, then you were gone,
must've been stupid, did something wrong.
My life's shot, love's gone from view,
fightin' despair while searching for you.
Searching for you,
the girl of my dreams,
searching for you,
harder than it seems.
Searching for you,
goin' out of my mind,
searching for you,
we're two of a kind.
From Paris, London, New York to L.A.,
I'm on the road, every damn day.
Tired and lonely, but gonna stay true,
givin' up my future while searching for you.
Missed you by a day, felt like a year,
can't see straight through all the tears.
But I'm really close, the day is due,
nothin' else matters while searching for you.
Searching for you,
the girl in my life,
searching for you,
she eases my strife.
Searching for you,
my one and only goal,
searching for you,
the mate to my soul.
A hopelessly puzzled Talia looked around her as everyone, including Tanya clapped their hands and danced wildly to the beat of the song the Lights sang. "Is this natural behavior for a concert, Tanya?" she asked her partner over the din of the music and the cheering throng.
"You betcha! C'mon, Tal! Groove to the beat! It's awesome!"
"But....I have never danced before."
"Why am I not surprised?" said Tanya. "It's easy! Just watch me and let the rhythm take control of your soul!"
Talia cocked an eyebrow as she observed Tanya happily writhing in place. Always eager to experience new things, Talia followed her friend's example. At first, the Vulcan girl felt horribly clumsy and awkward, but after a few seconds, she fell into a steady rhythm and shaked her body in the exact same way Tanya did. Tanya watched her friend and was elated.
"Go, Tal! Go! Grind those hips! You're a dancing machine!"
Talia grinned as she danced. She picked up moves of other girls around her and incorporated them into her routine which became more fluid, and, in some instances, even provocative. The Vulcan girl was extremely pleased with the new skill she discovered. "I must say, this is highly entertaining! Let us shake and bake!"
Tanya laughed out loud at the stoic and proper Talia using slang. "HA! I knew I'd rub off on you sooner or later! Party on, girlfriend! Par-tay ON!"
High above the stage in the least expensive seats in Budokan, the girl with dirty blond hair, her eyes closed, was in ectasy. Like everyone else, she danced to the song while the Lights' music filled her soul, and her body with energy. She soaked in every bit of sound she could and it elated her.
This is so great, she thought happily. I feel so strong when I hear music like this! It's like I can take on the world! I just can't get enough!
When the girl opened her eyes, they were glowing a bright red like twin crimson suns from the power she felt from the music. She closed them again and giggled from the joy she felt.
For a solid hour and a half, the Lights kept their promise and entertained the crowd, including Talia and Tanya who barely sat down the whole time, dancing together to the trio's high powered pop tunes and thoroughly enjoying themselves. When the concert finally came to an end and the trio did an encore, Tanya, tired but happy dabbed at her brow with a tissue.
"Whew! I'm beat! I haven't danced this much in ages!" said a panting Tanya as the crowd filed out. She then noticed that Talia still looked fresh, like she hadn't exerted herself at all. "But, you're not even breathing hard!"
"Of course. You forget, Tanya, I am a Vulcan. I possess a great deal more stamina than humans do," Talia replied haughtily. "I assume we will not be doing any more dancing tonight."
"You assume right, stone face. I don't know about you, but my feet hurt like hell," Tanya replied. Then she broke out in a smile. "Besides, it's time for that little treat I promised you. We get to meet the band!"
"I look forward to that. I would like to compliment the Lights on the music they played."
Tanya smirked. "Does that mean I've got you liking pop music now, Miss Stuffed Shirt?"
"Not exactly. But, I am willing to keep an open mind. After all, that was why you brought me here this evening. To broaden my horizons."
"Then I've done a pretty good job!" said Tanya with a laugh. "C'mon. The guys are waiting for us! You'll love 'em!"
The girl with dirty blond hair was now in the depths of despair, what with the concert having ended. Still, she could feel the power surging through her after having heard the Lights live for the very first time.
She had felt energy from music many times before, but the Lights were special to her. Their energy was beyond anything she had felt before. Listening to their CD's was one thing, but hearing them live was a revelation that bordered on rapture.
The girl especially loved hearing the black haired one, Seiya sing. His voice seemed to cut through her heart and pierce her very soul. To her, it was if only he knew how to please her with his voice. Once she gained the courage to approach Seiya, she would enjoy that experience again.
"Soon, I'll get that chance," she murmured as she left.
With Tanya leading the way, the girls headed for the backstage area which was crowded with musicians, back-up singers and stagehands. The girls approached the Lights' dressing room where two tall, burly security guards stared suspiciously at them. Unfazed, Tanya pulled out her backstage passes and flashed them at the guards. Without saying a word, one of the guards opened the door, allowing the girls to enter.
The inside of the dressing room was spacious with leather seating, mirrors over three makeup tables, a door that led to a private bathroom and a small refrigerator. Seated on a couch sipping on sodas, their jackets off were Taiki and Yaten. When Yaten saw Tanya, he grinned from ear In ear, then leaped off the couch to run up to his beloved. He took the pretty black girl into his arms and the couple kissed, long and passionately.
"Okay! Okay, you nuts! Knock it off or get a motel room!" Taiki joked in a fake growl. Yaten and Tanya blushed as they broke their embrace. "Hi, Ti. Enjoy the show?"
"Always. You guys were great tonight." Tanya then motioned to Talia. "Guys. I want you to meet my best friend, Talia Kirk."
Yaten was first to extend a hand to the Vulcan girl and she shook it. "Hi, Talia. Pleased to meet you. Any friend of Ti's is a friend of mine."
Taiki rose from the couch to give Talia his hand. "That makes two of us."
"It is a pleasure to meet you as well. Having never heard your music before. I found it quite entertaining," said Talia. She then looked around and cocked an eyebrow from curiosity. "Excuse me, but where is the third member of your group?"
"You mean Seiya? Where he always is after a show, signing autographs!" said Yaten with a laugh. "That egotripper's never happy unless he surrounded by a gaggle of groupies!"
Almost as if on cue, the door opened and a smirking Seiya, looking full of himself strutted in. "Ahh! My public. So many fans, so little time! I tell ya, it's absolutely great to be me!"
Taiki rolled his eyes and groaned. "Oh, please. If your head gets any bigger, it's gonna explode. In case you haven't noticed, we have guests."
Seiya smiled at Tanya. "Yo, Tanya! What's shaking? Come to bask in my brilliance?"
Tanya snorted. "Ha! You wish! Sey, I want you to meet my best friend, Talia."
When Seiya looked at Talia, his smirk faded. His eyes then widened from undisguised awe and his mouth fell open. Talia, staring back at the dark haired young man wore a look of fascination, almost wonder on her face. Tanya, watching what was going on grinned. The room was silent for several moments until Seiya finally said, "Hi."
"Hello."
Seiya, still staring at Talia walked to her and held out his hand. He was stunned from Talia's appearance. Even her pointed ears fascinated him. "Nice to meet you, Talia. Uh, pardon me if this sounds like a lame pick-up line, but I think you're the most exotic girl I've ever met."
Despite her best efforts, Talia could feel her cheeks grow warm from a blush as she shook Seiya's hand. Her breathing suddenly became shallow and her heart started beating faster. The Vulcan girl couldn't understand why she felt the way she did. All the while, she continued to stare at Seiya. "No one has ever called me exotic before. That is quite a compliment. Thank you."
Seiya gave Talia a wide smile as he held Talia's hand and gazed into her eyes. "My pleasure. Anyone ever tell you that you've got very pretty eyes?"
Talia swallowed, her heart now pounding in her chest like a triphammer. She felt nervous and light-headed and struggled to find the right words to say. It was all insanely inexplicable to the Vulcan girl, yet, those sensations were also quite pleasurable to her. "No, it has not been mentioned to me recently."
"Then the world is awfully damn blind not to have noticed." Seiya replied. His head spinning, he was puzzled from the giddiness he felt. He had met dozens of girls in his life, yet none of them, not even Serena whom he had been infatuated with affected him as strongly as Talia had. Staring deeply into Talia's bright blue eyes, he felt as if no one else in the world existed except the two of them. Seiya found that he liked his fantasy.
Whoa! What's happening to me, he wondered.
"Ahem! Have you two forgotten us?" a smirking Yaten said loudly. The sound of his voice snapped Seiya and Talia back to normal. It was only then that Seiya noticed that he was still holding Talia's hand. Feeling foolish, he let it go and chuckled.
"Sorry about that, Talia. I usually have better manners than that."
"You have manners? Amazing!" Taiki joked.
Seiya turned and glared at him. "Bite me, clown."
"It is quite all right, Seiya. I....I did not mind," said Talia, her cheeks still flushed. Breaking into a shy smile, Talia found that she enjoyed the physical contact with Seiya. "My friends call me Tal. You can too, if you wish."
Seiya smiled at the Vulcan girl. "I'd like that....Tal."
Tanya meanwhile, was grinning like the Chesire Cat, elated from what she saw. It took all her willpower to stand still and keep from shrieking in delight. Oh, wow! Oh, WOW! I don't believe it! Tal....and Seiya! If this isn't love at first sight, then I've never seen it!
"The guys and I always unwind after a show at a restaurant or a night club," Seiya said directly to Talia, his voice trembled from nervousness. "Um, would you like to, er, come along with us?"
Talia, again staring at Seiya slowly nodded. She knew such behavior was inappropriate, if not rude, but she couldn't help herself. Seiya fascinated her on levels she never knew existed. "Yes, Seiya. I would like that. Very much"
"Yoo hoo! I'm here too, big boy!" Tanya joked.
"Huh? Oh, yeah. You are." Seiya blushed and laughed nervously. "Give us half an hour to shower and change, then we'll paint the town red! Anyplace in particular you girls like to go?"
Tanya shook her head. "Nope. How 'bout you, Tal?"
"A place where we can dance perhaps?" Talia suggested. Tanya giggled. She had created a monster.
"You got it, kids! I know just the spot! We'll be right back!" said Yaten.
"We'll be here!" said Tanya, giving Seiya a thumbs up.
"Most definitely" added Talia. There was a tone of eagerness in her voice as she looked at the departing Seiya.
Once the boys went into the bathroom, a smirking Tanya turned and faced her friend. "So? What do you think of the guys?"
"He is quite....nice," Talia replied, a trace of a smile on her lips as she stared at the door Seiya and the others went through. Realizing her gaff, the Vulcan girl blushed, looking nervous. "I....I mean, they are nice."
"Uh-huh. I thought as much." Tanya's grin widened. Yup! No doubt about it! Tal's head over heels for Seiya! Who said Vulcans can't fall in love?
TO BE CONTINUED
Author's Note: This story, in fact, the entire Talia and Tanya series will focus more on the ordinary, every day lives of the girls instead of their neverending battle against evil as Sailors Vulcan and Sirius. However, there will be adversaries for our heroines to fight, such as the strange blond girl introduced in this chapter. Just wait until you see what she's all about! It's my goal for readers to learn more about T'alya of Vulcan, and how Talia Kirk's life will be shaped and forever changed by her ongoing experiences with Tanya. This series will also give me a chance to flex my creative muscles with Sharon Williams' brainchild as I've grown quite fond of the feisty, loveable Tanya and I'm very eager to write stories about her. I can't thank Sharon enough for giving me permission to use her creation in this series. Together, Talia and Tanya will make for quite a fascinating, and, hopefully, an entertaining pair! In case you wondering about the lyrics to the song the Lights sang earlier in this chapter, they weren't borrowed, I wrote 'em! After studying about the Starlights for this story and their mission to find their missing queen through the songs they sing as the Three Lights, I wrote "Searching For You", figuring it would be appropriate for them. Grant you, I don't have a career as a songwriter, still, it was a lot of fun! What do you think?