The Galaxy Cauldron is proud to announce its 15th writing contest. The theme for this writing contest is "Those Forgotten." You are free to interpret the theme as you like. The rules are as follows: 
 
Rules
1. Entries must be 1000 words or less. 
2. Entries must be rated PG13 or lower. 
3. Entries must be related to the theme. 
4. Your entry must be a new entry created specifically for this challenge. 
5. You may only submit one entry. 
6. You may not show your entry to anyone else or post it elsewhere on the Galaxy Cauldron until after the contest is over and the winner is announced. 
7. Sailor Moon themed entries are encouraged, but not required.
 
Note: Please PM your entries to Sailor Venus by 31 July  2013.  Please vote for your favorite entry by 10 August 2013. All questions may be directed to Sailor Venus. Shout out to Tuxedo Mistress for hosting the 14th writing contest! 

I am doing this! Another project for my accountability project! Wooot!

I am considering entering this contest.

This contest theme is very tempting. I hope that I have enough time to write my entry before the deadline.

i think i might join this one, idk =)

Sent in my entry last night! Realized I made a spelling error, and 2 spacing errors after I mailed it in. Whoops! xD

sent my entry

Sent mine in!

(But can you have both a main character and a forgotten one?)

Well I know what I'll be doing tonight. So glad to see I haven't missed this. I love writing contests and as soon as I saw the theme I had an idea. So off to write!

I have 5 entries, so far! Be sure to get your entry in before the deadline, so we can enjoy everything our writers have to offer.

I'm writing I'm writing!!

Go Sailor Uranus! (even though you'll probably win...)

((ha ha, thanks Viola Rhapsody! ((o.o i've gone back to wondering which name i should call you, teehee)) XD You sound so confident, lmao. But this round I"m going a little out of the box, so we'll see ^^'

So you're going out-of-the-box? That sounds cool!

PS: Part 3 of my story is in your mailbox!

I"m so excited to read everyone's entries! =)

Entry #1
Help wanted: Miko at Hiwaka Shrine

Please send all applications to the head priestess, Miss Rei Hino.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Rei had put out the help-wanted ads two weeks ago. 

She was surprised at how many people had responded.

Dragging the bag of letters into her room, she quickly flipped it upside-down, watching the flock of letter-birds fly out.

"83... a blue postage stamp... Miki A.... black envelopes... Kotono Sarashina..."


The last name hit her with an arrow of recognition.

The Black Moon Clan. Koan incinerating that little girl. Burning Mandala.


And she was the one who saw it all...


"Grandpa," Rei hollered into the next room "I've made up my mind on who to hire. Can you please contact Kotono Sarashina as soon as possible?" 

"But you've haven't read any of the letters!"

"JUST CALL HER"
_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Religion and the supernatural are cousins. But people separated them into two different things because it was easier to explain the unexplainable in bits and pieces.


Someday, the two systems will combine and form the true religion of this world.


To outsiders at T*A academy, it just looks like just another one of Kotono Sarashina's odd beliefs. 

For Kotono, this is her way of rationalizing the world.

After Koan and Calaveras and Sailor Mars and the Messiah and dying and being reborn, she needed a new escape. 

Her life was too much like a science fiction novel.

So she turned to everything else she could potentially think of. 

But myths and religion came and stuck. Maybe it was because of her parents. Maybe it was because of her school. Or maybe it was that deep down, Miss Kotono Sarashina possessed a deep love for the unproven. 

The gray area between fantasy and reality.

And life and myth and religion fell into a blender.

What came out was a drink that only made sense to Kotono.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________ 

"Why do you want this job?"

"To help pay for my brother's college tuition"

"Anything else?"

"Um... yes"

"What?"

"I would... like..... to be able to..... stabilize myself"

"Can you please tell me what that means?"

"I slipped off a cliff several years ago"

"What do cliffs have to do with religion?'

"It's metaphorical"

"Ok..."

"Anyways, I slipped in my beliefs and had to recompile them. And I joined this shrine because I wanted to know the truth behind the world"

"Why?"

"You know exactly why"

"Oh"

"Yes"

Entry #3
She laughed and followed her new partners down the crystalline halls, the rainbows bouncing around them of little consequence to her now - she just couldn’t pay attention anymore. She was just too happy! She was a Sailor Senshi! She had transformed and fought a monster! Helped defeat it, too! She got to work with Sailor Moon! And now… now she was in the Princess’s palace, on a personal tour. She might… Princess Serenity might even like her. She might have even made a friend. She held the thought carefully as she followed the red-haired princess, the idea that the friendly, carefree girl ahead of her might someday consider her a friend almost too fragile a hope to really consider. She hadn’t really had any friends; she’d never been good at making them. She always said the wrong thing. She was watching her tongue really carefully now, praying that nothing awkward slipped out and jeopardized her chances.

 
Princess Lovely Serenity sped ahead with the blonde girl – Seika, the Sailor Senshi with the turquoise sailor uniform, first of the team to awaken – and both twirled around in the open hallway. They grabbed hands and spun, throwing their heads back so their long hair flew out beside them, laughing and laughing as they got dizzier and dizzier. She waited on the outside nervously, wondering what she was supposed to be doing or how she could join in without being too weird, when suddenly the girls let go of their hands and the Princess spiraled out of control, stumbling into her even as Seika called out a dizzy warning.
 
She caught the Princess shakily and Lovely laughed up at her with blue eyes, “Sorry, Yue-chan!” she giggled lightheartedly, dizzily stepping away while keeping hold of Yue’s hands. Yue couldn’t help the smile on her face at the honorific. “But if you spin and look up, you get a complete rainbow effect! An ancient architect designed this part of the palace – my mother said that if you spin fast enough, the lotus crystal design will pop out at you like a 3D movie!” Yue looked up, but she couldn’t see the entire ceiling. “Here!” the Princess offered, “Lean back; I won’t let you fall.”
 
Tentatively, wishing will all her might that she wasn’t heavy enough to knock the princess off balance, Yue leaned back farther and farther, holding Lovely’s hands to keep upright as her short hair fell completely down and she finally saw the crystalline cutout of the lotus crystal from the ceiling, along with the rainbow of colors on various levels all the way up. “Woah,” she breathed, actually forgetting for the moment the two pairs of eyes that watched her. Her mind wandered as she stared up the sheer walls, wondering what was going on beyond the crystal glass. Was there anything there, or was it all a giant pedestal for the Queen’s Palace at the very top of the tower? Who had made it this way? Why was the palace so high up there?
 
“Here!” the princess offered, and Yue had the jolting feeling of being let go. Her legs started to buckle to help her fall easier, her mind wheeling – the princess had just let her go? – when suddenly the support was back, the princess’s hands having switched position to cross her wrists. “Let’s spin!” Yue didn’t get much of a choice! They were suddenly spinning, her legs moving to keep balance as Lovely’s spun them faster and faster in a circle. Above them the cool crystal blended with the colored lights, creating rainbows inside of rainbows in her vision; with the blood flowing to her head and her senses going haywire all Yue could do was join the Princess in laughing until they, too, broke apart. Yue landed hard on her butt as Seika caught Lovely – their positions having swapped completely – and as they finished laughing, Yue caught sight of a strange figure in an alcove far above them.
 
“What’s that?” she asked, pointing a circling finger in the general direction of the crystalline statue that stood far above them.
 
“That?” Lovely repeated, holding her head.
 
“It’s a statue,” Seika replied. “It’s supposed to be one of the senshi from the start of the Crystal Millennium.”
 
“Yeah?” Yue replied, curiously; she hadn’t heard much about the ancient senshi. The Crystal Millennium was working well past the 10^th actual millennia – they were considering a name change to the Crystal Eon, or the Eternal Crystal Reign, but the historians were throwing a fit. Apparently the era was called something else a long time ago and once the name changed, the original was lost to the ages. They didn’t like that – Yue didn’t really see the point, though. The present was all that mattered. She was sure that starting Crystal Tokyo must have been exciting for some people – like diplomats or whatever (apparently there was a time when Earth wasn’t unified?) – but enough to get a place of eternity in the castle? “What did she do?”
 
“Uh… we’re not really sure,” Seika replied, a little embarrassed. “The ones up there were senshi of the planets. Mercury, Venus – Neptune, even – but other than nameplates and astronomical symbols, there’s nothing up there about them.”
 
“Neptune?” Yue replied, “But that’s a dead planet – it shouldn’t have a senshi, should it?”
 
“Strictly, no,” Lovely replied, shrugging her shoulders noncommittally. “But who knows what life was like that long ago.”
 
“Huh,” Yue replied, then giggled, “I wonder what they were commended for? Chaos wasn’t even that big back then, was it?”
 
Both girls shrugged, looking up at the solar-system senshi with pony-tailed hair.
 
“Designing the castle, maybe?” Seika offered. “Or building it?”
 
“Maybe they were the ones that unified the planet under one banner?” Lovely suggested, her tone unsure. “Or maybe they participated in some long-ago system war?”
 
“Well,” Yue commented, looking away from the statue. The past was the past. “We’ll probably never find out. What do you guys want to do next?”

Entry #4
It was mid-afternoon and Furuhata Motoki was sweeping the front of Crown Arcade when a familiar face appeared in the crowd. He paused in his sweeping and raised a hand in greeting. “Naru! It's been a while since I've seen you here.”

Osaka Naru smiled brightly at the older man who had, at one time, been her school girl crush. Like so many girls who attended Juuban Middle School, Naru nursed a little crush on the then high schooler. But she had grown out of it over time. She gave him a little wave and stopped in front of the arcade. “Motoki, how have you been?”

“Busy, you know how summer is. On break from college?”

She nodded, sending her wavy red hair bouncing. “Yes, I just got back in town a couple days ago. I thought I'd wander the streets and see my old stomping grounds.”

Motoki leaned on his broom. “That's right, you've been studying abroad for the last two years haven't you?”

“Yes, in America. I just transferred to Tokyo University though, so I'm back for good.”

“That's fantastic. Why don't you come in and I'll treat you to a celebratory milkshake?” Motoki offered.

“You don't have to do that,” Naru protested with a slight blush.

“Nonsense. You and Usagi used to be two of my best customers. I remember the days when you two would come in after school and have two or three milkshakes and play some video games. It's the least I could do for one part of my favorite duo.” Motoki held open the door for Naru and gestured her in.

Naru's smile faded just a little at the mention of her old school friend, but she couldn't deny Motoki and his sweet smile so she walked in the arcade and paused in the doorway. Nostalgia hit hard, memories of distant afternoons spent here with Usagi, slurping down milkshakes while sighing dreamily over Motoki. The frustration of never quite getting that perfect score on their favorite video game. So many treasured memories, Naru thought as she followed Motoki to the counter.


“So, Motoki, does Usagi ever come by? I haven't seen her in years?” Naru asked as Motoki walked behind the counter.

He stopped and scratched his head as he thought. Then he laughed. “Come to think of it, that's another face I haven't seen in forever.”

“Really?” Naru asked, her eyes going wide with shock. She never would have believed that. There had been a time when she was convinced that Usagi's wedding would take place here. It was, after all, Usagi's favorite place to hang out.

“Yeah. I don't even remember when she stopped coming by. She and the girls used to come here or the cafe upstairs all the time. Then they just stopped I guess.”

“That's so sad,” Naru mused softly.

“When was the last time you talked to Usagi, Naru? I remember the two of you being joined at the hip,” Motoki commented as he placed a double chocolate shake in front of her.

Naru swirled her straw through her treat and shrugged. “I don't know. I guess we just drifted apart during high school. I think the last time I saw her was our graduation.”

“Lots of things change during that time. Usagi was a very busy girl, I seem to remember,” Motoki said lightly, a wealth of hidden meaning in his voice. “I'm sure she didn't mean to forget you.”

Naru studied Motoki from behind her milkshake as she sipped at it. Something in his voice led her to believe that he knew more than he was saying. She remembered the suspicions she had in middle school and the reasons she thought that Usagi drifted away as a friend. Staring at the older man, she had the sudden realization that he suspected it as well.

She gave him a secret smile and said brightly, “Sometimes a friend goes somewhere that you can't follow. And that's okay because it's important they go.”

Motoki nodded his understanding. “And no matter how long it may take, a true friend always remembers.”

In that one moment, the two were in perfect accord, knowing they may have been forgotten for the time being, but a day would come when they were remembered. And when that day came, they'd accept their best friends back with open arms, because what else could they do? After all, their best friends were super heroes that saved the world.

Entry #5
Being forgotten is a fear of some people. Whether it was intentional or not. Memories fade as time moves on since there is only so much room in the brain to keep track of things, especially when there are some memories considered more important to remember to others. Maybe that’s why people easily forget doctor appointments or some trivial things. It’s not relevant to them unlike an anniversary, a birthday, or a life changing experience.

Bonds between people. Maybe it’s forgetting many thing about a person that makes others think the bond is broken. What if it’s not broken, but stretch so much that we can’t see it? Even if it was a simple meeting a bond was formed. That simple meeting could form into something much greater years later when it’s least expected.

Destiny. The concept of a some existential being or idea already having people’s life laid out for them without their say or control on what happens and when it happens. The inevitable failure to not break from destiny.

What if all these concepts were connected and meant something? At least that’s what crossed Haruka’s mind many times since she accepted her destiny of being a senshi. The school year was close to coming to the end. That meant she and Michiru would be graduating high school soon. While they were some New Year’s cleaning, Haruka stumbled upon an old and worn unopened envelope that she wrote to herself years ago. She wrote this to herself when she was starting middle school and wasn’t supposed to open it until she had graduated high school.

And that’s what she did. Even though she hadn’t officially graduated yet, it was a few months away and she opened the envelope. In it was the letter she wrote and a few pictures she had forgotten about. The letter contained the typical where her life was back then and where she hoped to be by the time she graduated high school. Questions to herself six years from now if certain things happened and what not. Looking at the photos that was with the letter made her remember how simple and trivial things back then used to be. Before accepting her destiny.

In a way she did accomplish some of her goals. Become an F1 Racer, own a Ferrari, and have a family. When she wrote ‘have a family’ she didn’t expect to have the family she formed with Michiru, Setsuna, and Hotaru. She wanted her blood immediate family to be a family again, but since her mother passed away, her father became a workaholic with their family company leaving her alone and to do whatever she wanted.

While her relationship with her father is estranged and probably has no chance of being recovered, he actions gave her the opportunity to form memories and bonds with people who cared about her and who she cared for in return. She wrote herself another letter and placed a photo of Hotaru, Michiru, and Setsuna in the envelope along with a photo of everyone together for a big group photo. Haruka didn’t care if she was forgotten by the public because she knows she won’t be forgotten by those who matter most.

Entry #6
Several years after going back to thirtieth century Crystal Tokyo, Small Lady was wondering about her friends Momoko and Kyusuke. She wanted to visit them and catch up. With that, Small Lady snuck off to 21st century Tokyo to see just what her friends were up to. When Chibiusa arrived in Tokyo she decided to take a visit to Crown Arcade. When she arrived she discovered that Kyusuke was running the arcade now.  (Motoki had gone abroad with Reika after they were married.)She walked up to him to say hi. Shock ran across Kyusuke’s face as he hugged his pink haired friend. “Chibiusa, it seems like it has been years since I saw you,” Kyusuke said. Chibiusa told her friend she had been doing some traveling and studying abroad. Chibiusa asked Kyusuke if Momoko came to the arcade often.  Kyusuke informed Chibiusa that she was volunteering at the local animal shelter, but she did come to the arcade after she was done at the shelter and they could all go to Crown Fruit Parlor around 5:30.

To kill time, Chibiusa walked around town when she heard Ami and Makoto talking. Chibiusa could not be discovered as her tip back in time was a secret and for the purpose of visiting old friends, but when she heard the girls taking of the new enemy, every part of her wanted to come out and learn about this new enemy and return to being a sailor soldier. Mama would not approve, thought Chibiusa. I am a princess in training and when I returned to Crystal Tokyo, I knew my days as a soldier were over. Deciding to try and stay hidden, Chibiusa turned the corner and walked into the first door she saw. By coincidence she walked into the animal shelter and bumped into Momoko. Momoko nearly screamed with joy when she saw her friend.

Momoko proceeded to bombard Chibiusa with questions, “where have you been, why didn’t you write or call, did Kyusuke know she was here?” Chibiusa answered all of her questions .Momoko asked her boss for the rest of the afternoon off and was told yes because things were running slow and all the chores had been done. Momoko took Chibiusa’s hand and practically dragged her down the street to the bakery. “Slow down Momoko”, said Chibiusa. “I have so much to tell you, and we need girl time”, responded Momoko. After getting tea and pastries both girls went to sit and catch up. Momoko told Chibiusa about school and her plans to become a Vet, and how volunteering at the shelter will help her get into a specialty school during her high school years. Chibiusa asked Momoko if she was seeing anyone. (Momoko and Kyusuke are both 15 now). Momoko responded by saying it was no one she knew, but he was a really great guy and she enjoyed spending time with him. “Enough about me”, said Momoko, “tell me about what you have been up to.” Chibiusa proceeded to explain that she was going to an academy and was working on her art. Momoko asked if there was a special someone in Chibiusa’s life. Chibiusa thought of Helios, but had not seen him since the day Nehelenia was sealed back in the dark moon and he returned to Elysion to keep guard. Chibiusa responded no with a sigh. Before Momoko could say more, her cell rang; it was Kyusuke- “Hey you wanna meet at the Parlor in 15 minutes with me and a friend.” Yes be right there- but I am bringing a friend too.

When Momoko walked into the Parlor with Chibiusa and saw Kyusuke she asked, “Where’s your friend.” Kyusuke said- apparently she found you. The three talked and reminisced old times. Chibiusa had to ask if Kyusuke was seeing anyone. Putting his arm around Momoko, he said “you didn’t tell her”, Momoko blushed and said “I wanted to be together when we told her.” Chibiusa stuck her tongue out at Momoko and said “you said I didn’t know him.” Laughing Momoko said “I wanted to surprise you.” After finishing their meals the three walked around the park and sat by the lake and watched the sunset. When it was time to go home and goodbyes were said, Chibiusa told her friends she wished she could stay longer, but had to get back before it got too late (and before all of Crystal Tokyo was searching for her). She promised her friends she would write. Chibiusa hugged her friend’s goodbye before all three departed their separate ways. Feeling satisfied that all was well with her friends Chibiusa pulled out her space time key and shouted- "Time Guardian! Tear apart the sky, and open the space-time door to me! I call the true name of the almighty god of time, the time guardian's father! Chronos! Reveal to me the path of light!” 

When she arrived back in Crystal Tokyo she found Pluto waiting for her. “ Where have you been Small Lady?, you had me worried sick, your parents have been in meetings all day, and do not know you were gone- but you have some explaining to do.” Small Lady told Pluto where she went, her reasons, and the new enemy she learned about. Pluto told Chibiusa she was happy she got to see her friends, but not to sneak off like that again as it could disrupt the time space continuum and she would talk to the senshi, the king and queen about this new enemy. Before Pluto departed back to the time gate she told Chibiusa to go wash up and spend time with her parents before they realize she had been gone all day. They may have been in meetings, but parents know especially her parents. With that, Chibiusa followed Pluto’s instructions and went to find her parents.

All of the entries have been posted! Please vote for your favorite entry in the poll by 10 August 2013.

So many wonderful entries! Can't wait to read all of them!

Lol, Post 1000!

Voted! Good job, everyone!

Voted!

voted

Voted!

GRATS TO ENTRY 4!!!!

Well, because it's been 14 days and the contest hasn't been updated and I'm assuming 4 won. xD

Admin note to prevent confusion - User Guest above is "Natasha" , and has left the site.

I have no clye how to vote, much less send an entry... But if I'm to send a vote in, id say..... entry # ......