Title: Destiny's Way (Prologue and headers) Author: Mango Email: mangomandie@hotmail.com Website: http://www.geocities.com/smoondestiny Disclaimer: Sailor Moon and all its characters are copyright Naoko Takeuchi/Kodansha Ltd./Toei Animation, Co., Ltd. and the English adaptation is copyright 1995 DIC productions, LP. This story is copyright Mango, September 2002. Rating: I'll say PG-13 for violence and language. Distribution: Anywhere, but just let me know so I can visit the awesome place that wants to show my work! lol ;) Summary: This fic is slightly AU. Sailor Moon hasn't met the outer senshi or transformed into Super or Eternal Sailor Moon. It's like SMS thru SM Stars never happened. It's been a year or two since any of the senshi have had to transform so they've all gotten on with their lives, until Usagi starts having nightmares... then the fun begins ;) Oh yes, everyone is a few years older (~20) than they are portrayed on the show. Feedback, of course, is very much welcome! :) Happy reading, minna-san! Author's notes and thanks at the very end (Epilogue) Concerning Japanese words and translations: I'll put the translations at the end of every section :) Japanese name conversion (last names are first in Japan): Tsukino Usagi = Serena Chiba Mamoru = Darien Kino Makoto = Lita Aino Minako = Mina Mizuno Ami = Amy Hino Rei = Raye And some suffixes to rememeber: -chan = affectionate (mostly used for girls, though also used in pet names, such as "Mamo-chan") -san = respectful (can be used with a first name, such as Usagi-san or to be even more formal, in conjunction with the last name, like Tsukino-san.) -kun = used for friends of the same age or your inferior (in age or work). Usually only used on guys. Okay, enough with the Japanese grammar lesson and on with the story!! ;) ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ With a crash, Sailor Moon's body was thrown back, impacting roughly against a dark wall. A whimper escaped her cut lips as she painfully lifted herself up. It was dark, her eyes unable to adjust; unable to see who it was that attacked her. "Give me the ginzuishou*, Sailor Moon!" a deep voice commanded, eyes blazing with uncontained fury. Usagi's fuku** was torn in many places, her hair falling out of the odango*** on her head and her exposed arms and legs cut and bruised from numerous attacks. Though her body may have been beaten, the sheer determination in her blue eyes proved that she wasn't ready to give up just yet. "You know I won't. I'll die before I give you the ginzuishou!" she spat. The voice growled. "Very well, Moon Brat. You leave me no choice..." Suddenly, a blinding white light pierced the darkness; a ball of negative energy heading straight for Usagi's exhausted form. Desperately, she tried to move, roll, do *anything* to get out of its murderous path, but she could only watch in horror as it came closer and closer... "USAKO!" Before she could react, a caped figured leapt in front of her, shielding her from the raw power of the energy ball. A second later, the figure collapsed, his life force sucked from him. Usagi couldn't believe what her eyes were showing her. her mind screamed as her hands traveled over the figure's limp body. But no matter where she checked, she couldn't find a pulse. She sat in utter disbelief, her vision blurred by the tears in her eyes until finally, she let out a heart- wrenching scream: "MAMO-CHAN, NOOOOOOOOOOO!" ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ * ginzuishou = Silver Crystal ** fuku = Sailor outfit *** odango = dumpling (In english, Serena is referred to as 'Meatball Head.' Well, in Japan, Usagi is 'odango atama', or 'Dumpling Head' ;) ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ With a start, Usagi awoke, her covers strewn about in the dim light of her moonlit room. Her chest heaved and sweat poured down her brow as she replayed the gruesome images of her dream. No, *Nightmare*. she thought with a shudder, brushing her damp bangs from her forehead. "Usagi-chan!" Luna yelled, barreling into the young woman's room, Artemis at her heels. "Usagi-chan, daijoubu ka*?" Usagi's eyes filled with tears as the image of Tuxedo Kamen's death played in her mind. "Oh Luna," she whispered. "I had the nightmare again." The small black cat jumped up on the bed, curling up on the girl's lap. "Same ending?" she asked gently. Usagi nodded, visibly shaken. "Why am I dreaming about the ginzuishou? It's been years since we last had any problems." "I don't know," Artemis admitted, joining them on the bed. "But maybe the Black Moon is on the hunt again. Maybe they think they have a better chance of getting the ginzuishou if they think we're unprepared." Luna turned to Usagi. "Tomorrow, we'd better try to get in touch with everyone, let them know about your nightmares." "No!" Usagi almost yelled. Both cats jumped in surprise at her sudden outburst. "No," she repeated quietly. "I... I think I just miss Mamo-chan. It's been almost a month since he left to study in America. That's probably why I keep having bad dreams." Artemis looked skeptical. "Usagi-chan, are you sure you-" "I'm not calling everyone because I'm having nightmares, Artemis. They have better things to do than worry about me," Usagi informed him sternly. Luna was about to retort but the blond glared at her. "I refuse to disrupt their normal lives just because I can't sleep." With a frustrated sigh, she rolled over, abruptly ending the discussion. "Now, if you two will excuse me, I'm going back to bed." Luna and Artemis exchanged worried looks, but shrugged and left Usagi to sleep, deciding that they'd worry about what to do once morning came. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ * daijoubu ka = are you alright? ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Usagi awoke to the smell of an elaborate breakfast cooking, her mind a mass of fuzzy confusion when she realized that Mamoru was away and that the cats couldn't cook... She breathed deeply, inhaling the food's mingled scent. Without bothering to throw on a robe, Usagi jumped out of bed and quickly made her way to the small apartment's kitchen. "Mako-chan?!" Usagi exclaimed, her face a combination of confusion and joy. "What are you doing here?" She ran over to the young woman, enveloping her in a warm embrace. "Ohayo*, Usagi-chan!" Makoto greeted, shifting her attention from the stove to her friend. Luna and Artemis watched curiously from the floor where they were sprawled in the early morning sun. "I'm making your favourite breakfast," the brunette explained with a smile, turning back to the cooking food. Usagi was still in shock. "But... but I thought you worked today," she pointed out, pulling out a chair to sit on. Her long, white nightgown flowed around her like a cloud as she moved. "I was supposed to," Makoto explained, "but I decided to book the day off so I could come spend time with you, Usagi. It's been ages since we last hung out." "Hai**," Usagi agreed. "So, how is your restaurant doing these days, Mako-chan?" she asked. "Great!" the other girl explained. "I'm over-seeing some important renovations at the moment." Usagi furrowed her brow in confusion. "But I thought only the head cook was allowed to do that?" Makoto grinned, her eyes bright. Realization dawned on Usagi, and she jumped up from her chair in excitement. "Oh, Mako-chan! They made you head cook?" ~~~~~ * ohayo = good morning ** hai = yes ~~~~~ Makoto nodded. "It's great finally being able to run my own place," she explained, smiling. "I've spent my whole life trying to achieve this and now I have." Usagi bit her lip, her excitement quickly fading away. "Yeah, we've all managed to achieve normal lives..." she trailed off, flashing back to her disturbing dream. "Well, sure, but you never know when trouble will appear again, right? Makoto pointed out with a nervous grin. Usagi's head snapped up at the remark. She narrowed her eyes suspiciously, wondering if Makoto knew something... She glanced over at the dozing cats and caught Luna's watchful eye. The black cat looked away, but not before Usagi caught the guilt that lined her face, plain as day. "Luna!" Usagi yelled, jumping up from her chair. Her rapid movement toppled it, startling the others. "You told Mako-chan, didn't you?" "Usagi-chan-" Luna began, but was cut off before she could continue. "I can't believe you! Do you have so little faith in me that you have to break my trust and go behind my back?" the blond continued her rant, oblivious to the bewildered look that plagued everyone's face. "Usagi-chan!" Makoto yelled, shifting her friend's attention away from the poor cat. "Usagi, yes, Luna called me. But I had been planning a surprise visit this week anyways." The tall girl looked sheepish. "Figured today would be as good a day to do it as any..." Usagi, her angry rant interrupted, let out a frustrated sigh. She righted her chair, slumping into the large frame. "Gomen*, minna**," she told them, resting her head in her hands. "I know you're all just being a friend, but I'm fine. Really," she insisted. "I just don't sleep well when Mamo-chan is away." ~~~~~ * gomen = sorry ** minna = everyone ~~~~~ Makoto quickly finished the food and brought the plates over to the table, placing one in front of her friend. "Here. It's your favourite," she offered, gently squeezing her shoulder. Usagi looked up at the warm face above her and her frustration seemed to melt away like snow. She missed the days when her and the senshi* would hang out at their favourite restaurant after school, discussing the day's events and boys. she thought dejectedly, accepting the plate. "Arigatou**, Mako-chan. It smells delicious." ~~~~~ * senshi = scouts/soldiers ** arigatou = thank-you ~~~~~ Makoto pulled out a chair and sat opposite her friend. "You've been having nightmares," she finally stated, watching Usagi push her food around the plate, lost in thought. "They're not that bad, Mako," Usagi assured her, glaring down at Luna who was about to protest. "Nothing I can't handle." "Luna said you keep dreaming about the ginzuishou and the death of Tuxedo Kamen," Makoto ventured cautiously. "That sounds pretty bad to me." At the mention of Tuxedo Kamen, Usagi's big blue eyes welled up with tears and she turned away. Makoto thought. "I'm right, then?" she said out loud. "Hai," Usagi responded quietly. "Tell me," Makoto prodded gently, her voice calm and reassuring. After a few minutes of tribulation, Usagi finally revealed the disturbing images in her head. "What if it's a warning, Mako-chan?" Usagi asked, tears staining her soft cheeks. "What if it means something is going to happen to Mamo-chan?" Makoto was deep in thought, processing everything Usagi had told her. "It's been years since any of us had the need to transform," she pointed out. "I haven't heard from the other senshi, but I could ask Ami or Rei-" "No!" Usagi exclaimed, once again startling everyone. "That girl has *got* to learn how to control her outbursts," Artemis mumbled, oblivious to Luna's grimace. "No?" Makoto repeated in confusion. "But Usagi-" "No," Usagi said firmly. "It's bad enough that I had to trouble you with my silly dream, Mako-chan. Everyone's moved on, made a normal life for themselves. I'm not going to drag them back into this." Luna jumped up at her words. "Usagi-chan, you *know* we're all here for you, at any time. It's our destiny. I really think you should listen to Makoto- chan and talk to-" "Baka* Luna! Why must you constantly harass me!" Usagi snapped, instantly regretting her outburst when she saw the hurt in the cat's red eyes. But her temper had already been ignited. Angrily, she pushed away from the table. "It's *my* dream and I'm telling you that I don't want anyone else to know about it!" She took a moment to relax, closing her eyes as she took in a deep breath. "Daijoubu**, minna-chan***," she told them, her voice wavering, but under control. "Arigatou for the breakfast, Mako-chan." With that, she turned and left, shutting herself in her room. Makoto exchanged worried looks with Luna and Artemis before getting up to clear the untouched food. "You're right, Luna," she finally said once she was sure that Usagi was well out of earshot. "There's more to this nightmare than she's telling us." "So what are we going to do?" Artemis asked, following Makoto to the door. "She's adamant about keeping quiet." "No matter how good of a show Usagi is putting on, she needs our help," Luna told them quietly, head down. Makoto gently patted the black cat's head. "We're doing the right thing, Luna," she assured, standing up. "I'll call Mamoru-san tonight and see what he thinks is the best course of action. But whatever you do, don't let Usagi know that I told him, or all hell will break loose." Once both cats nodded their consent, Makoto headed home. "And so it begins again..." Artemis mumbled, glancing worriedly at his mate. But Luna didn't notice. Her big red eyes were fixed, unseeing, on the Tokyo landscape visible from the apartment's front window. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ * baka = stupid ** daijoubu = I'm fine *** minna-chan = still means 'everyone'. The '-chan' is just to make it friendlier. Add '-san' and it's formal. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Usagi sat in her room, blinds drawn and door shut as if the outside world were a toxin that she needed to keep away from. On top of everything, she felt horrible; horrible about the way she treated Luna and Makoto. They were her friends and they only wanted to help her. Usagi fumed. She rolled over in her bed, her pink fluffy pillow clutched to her chest. Her shimmering eyes fell upon the picture of Mamoru she kept on her night table; the one of him at the amusement park he had taken her to as a surprise on their anniversary. "Oh, Mamo-chan..." she whispered, grasping the picture. "Why do you have to be so far away from me...?" ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ It had been hours since Usagi had shut herself in her room, and Luna knew the girl must have been famished. But the cat refused to disturb her; fearful she would just cause more trouble. "Luna, don't take her outburst personally," Artemis tried to console. "You know she hasn't been herself since Mamoru left." But it was no use. Luna spent the morning staring out the window, oblivious to anything her mate told her. It was just after one o'clock in the afternoon when the phone rang; its loud, annoying ring finally pulling Luna out of her depressed daze. By the time she arrived to the receiver, Artemis had already picked it up. "Moshi moshi*," the white cat answered, the crescent moon on his forehead reflecting the sun. "Mamoru- san?!" he yelled a second later, his face lighting up. "Thank god!" You don't know how much Usagi-chan needs to hear your voice right now." "I'll go wake her," Luna informed Artemis, speaking loud enough that Mamoru heard her as well. Tentatively, she walked up to Usagi's closed door, suddenly afraid to go in. she scolded herself. Her confidence upped, she ventured inside, finding the room cool and dark. Usagi's sleeping form was curled under her comforter, a picture of Mamoru clutched in her hand. Carefully, she jumped on the bed and walked up to the girl's head. "Usagi? Usagi-chan! Mamoru-san wants to talk to you." "Mmmm, Mamo-chan," Usagi mumbled, dreaming. She rolled over, her limbs flailing, almost knocking Luna off the bed. "The things I put up with," Luna grumbled. She walked up to the girl's ear once again. "USAGI! WAKE UP!" "NANI*?!" Usagi yelled, jumping out of the bed as if it were on fire. Her golden hair clung to her as she tried unsuccessfully to untangle herself from the covers. With a squeal, she tripped, landing unceremoniously on the floor. ~~~~~ * moshi moshi = hello (to use when answering the phone) ** nani? = what? ~~~~~ "WHAAAAAAAAA" she wailed as Luna covered her ears from the assault. "USAGI!!" Luna yelled over the girl's incessant wailing. the cat mused. Usagi stopped the waterworks and glared at the cat. "Nani?! I was sleeping if you didn't notice, Luna," she growled, getting up from the floor. "Mamoru-san is on the phone!" Luna growled back. "And I think you had better talk to him before you turn into a permanent grump!" At the mention of her beloved's name, Usagi's bad mood was instantly forgotten. The girl nearly tripped over her long nightgown in her race to the phone, grabbing the receiver from Artemis. "Mamo-chan? Is it really you?" Usagi asked, her voice overflowing with excitement. 'Hai, Usako. It's me. How have you been?' Mamoru asked, amused. "Good," she lied, not wanting to trouble him with her nightmares. "Except for the fact that you're not by my side," she added mushily. Artemis made gagging sounds behind her and Luna smacked him upside the head. 'Aw, Usako. You should keep busy with school and not worry about me,' he scolded, even though he felt the exact same way. "I miss you, Mamo-chan. When will I get to see you again?" Usagi asked, her voice catching. 'Actually, that's what I'm calling about. I'll be coming to visit this weekend.' "REALLY?" Usagi exclaimed, jumping up and down. "Oh, Mamo-chan! I can't wait that long!" Mamoru chuckled. 'Aishiteru*, Usako. You're so kawaii**.' Usagi's eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "I love you too, Mamo-chan." 'I'll see you Friday night, alright?' he confirmed. 'And I've got a surprise for you that I *know* you'll just love.' "Hai," Usagi affirmed, barely able to contain her excitement. "I'll see you then, my love." 'Sayonara***, my Usako.' When Usagi hung up the phone, she glanced down to see two sets of eyes staring up at her uncertainly. "Ano****..." Artemis began, unsure of what to say. "Minna, my Mamo-chan is coming to visit!" Usagi squealed, picking Luna up in a crushing hug, her earlier anger forgotten. "Mumph!" Luna protested, her face squished against Usagi's chest as she flailed her arms madly. "Oh, gomen, Luna!" she apologized, holding the cat away from her. Artemis snickered from his spot on the floor. "Urusai*****," Luna muttered, but her smile returned a moment later when she noticed how happy Usagi was. "So, Usagi-chan, what did Mamoru-san say?" Artemis finally ventured. Once Usagi had recounted her conversation, the two cats began to purr happily. "That's great, Usagi!" Luna exclaimed. "It's been far too long since you've seen that man." "Hai," Usagi said dreamily. "It has." Her eyes hardened a second later as she looked down at the cats. "Minna, I don't want you to breathe a *word* of my nightmares to him, do you understand?" "But, Usagi-" Luna protested. "No. Not a word," she said firmly. "I want my visit with him to be special, not plagued with speculation, got it?" Reluctantly, both guardians agreed to keep quiet about the nightmares, each feeling a slight pang of guilt knowing that Makoto had already told Mamoru. "It really is for the best, Luna," Artemis whispered once Usagi had gone back to her room. "Mamoru needed to know." "I know, Artemis. But why do I feel so bad?" ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ * aishiteru = I love you ** kawaii = cute *** sayonara = goodbye **** ano... = umm... ***** urusai = 'be quiet', or 'shut up'. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ "Usagi-chan's been having dreams about the ginzuishou?" Ami asked, speaking to her computer. The webcam on her laptop broadcasted her image onto Makoto's computer, halfway across Japan. Almost a year ago, Ami had left Tokyo to study medicine at a prestigious neurology hospital in Kitami, in the north Japanese island of Hokkaido, in turn leaving all her friends and family behind. It had been a hard adjustment, especially knowing that if the senshi were ever needed, she wouldn't be there to help. But over time, she had come to accept the fact that they had all moved on with their lives. And so it was that this new bit of news about the ginzuishou troubled her greatly. "Hai. Though she refuses to talk about it. I'm not supposed to be telling you, but I thought it best that you look into it, let us know what your scans pick up," Makoto explained, once again feeling guilty for breaking Usagi's trust. she kept telling herself, although it never made her feel any better. "I'll see what I can do, Mako-chan," Ami assured her. "Although, I'm not sure what good my scans will do way over here." "Oh, come on, Ami," Makoto laughed. "You're not *that* far away. An hour by plane, max." Ami smiled, though her blue eyes were sad. "Maybe, but it feels farther than that sometimes." Makoto's sympathetic reply was cut off by a wave of Ami's arm. "So how is Usagi doing then? Has she told anyone else?" the blue-haired girl inquired, changing the subject. "Besides me and the cats? No," Makoto informed her. "Though, I called Mamoru-san and told him about them," she added guiltily. "Mako-chan!" Ami jabbed good-naturedly. "Remind me to keep quiet around you." "Ami, I did it for her sanity!" Makoto reminded her friend. "The mood swings that girl is going through since Mamoru left are incredible!" Ami laughed, her face bright on the computer screen. "Mako-chan, it's been far too long since we chatted. I only wish you had called with good news," she added, her tone more serious. "Gomen, Ami. I really do hope that it's nothing, but you never know." "Tell everyone 'Hi' on my behalf," she told Makoto. "And I'll get back to you once those scans are completed." "Will do. Arigatou, Ami-chan!" Once her computer had been shut down, Makoto walked over to her dresser, catching her reflection in the mirror. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Mamoru quickly checked his watch as he drove, glad to note that he was still on time. he thought, a smile forming on his lips. Even the congested streets didn't bother his mood as he slowly made his way towards Juuban, whistling all the while. Less than twenty minutes later, he found himself at the apartment he shared with Usagi, though he hadn't been around long enough since they had bought it to qualify as an occupant of the place. He sighed. "I'm sorry that I've been gone, Usako," he whispered to himself as he parked the car and got out. He glanced up at the balcony that connected to his room and his heart leapt. A golden silhouette with long pigtails and big odango was looking down on him. "Usako?" he tentatively called up to the figure. "Mamo-chan!" she yelled back, the happiness and excitement in her voice overwhelming his heart. "Chotto matte kudasai*! I'll be right up!" he called to her, a smile playing on his face. Without even bothering to grab his things, he ran inside to the elevator, cursing the machine's slowness as he waited impatiently to arrive at the tenth floor. When the bell chimed, signaling his arrival, the door opened to show Usagi waiting with barely contained excitement for him. "Mamo-chan!" she exclaimed happily, enveloping him in a fierce hug. "Okairi**!" Mamoru almost fell back into the elevator from the impact of the hug. He smiled down at her. "It's good to be home, Usako." He leaned down and kissed her then, a slow, passionate kiss that seemed to last forever; their love so bright, they seemed to illuminate the very hall they stood in. "Oh, Mamo-chan," Usagi whispered as she pulled away, a dreamy look on her face. "I've missed you." "I've missed you more, Usako," Mamoru told her, holding her face gently in his hands. A small, polite cough was heard from a doorway down the hall. Startled, the two lovers looked back to see Luna and Artemis watching them with amused expressions. "Luna! Artemis!" Mamoru called out, running over to the cats and hugging them to his chest. "Mamoru-san, okairi nasai***!" Luna told him happily, purring. "Life in the apartment has been lonely without you." He smiled, "Arigatou, Luna," he said cheerfully, placing the cats on the ground once again before he stood up. "But I won't be staying." "NANI?" Usagi cried, running to his side. Her blue eyes had doubled in size, unshed tears shimmering in the hall's dim light. "Uso****, Mamo-chan! You just got here!" With a laugh, he hugged his distraught girlfriend to his chest. "Usako, you're so kawaii." When he pulled away, he could still see the hurt and confusion that lined her features, so he decided it was time to reveal his intentions. He turned back to the cats. "Luna, Artemis," he addressed each one. "I hope you don't mind, but I'll be abducting Usako for a couple of days." "Nani?" Usagi repeated. "Really?!" "Hai," Mamoru confirmed. "So I think you should go get packed," he added with a laugh. With a squeal of excitement, Usagi hugged Mamoru. "Oh, Mamo-chan! Arigatou!" she told him before disappearing inside their apartment to pack. Once Usagi was out of earshot, Mamoru knelt down beside the cats. "Makoto-chan told me about her nightmares, minna," he informed them quietly. "I'll try and get her to tell me more about them while we're away." "Arigatou, Mamoru-san," Luna thanked him. "This getaway you have planned is just what Usagi-chan needs." "Yeah, maybe with you around, she'll stop having nightmares and mood swings," Artemis joked. Luna quickly glanced in the doorway, checking for Usagi. "I hope you're right, Artemis," she whispered. "But I've got a bad feeling that these dreams of hers are foreshadowing something..." Before Mamoru could respond, Usagi had already run up to the trio, abruptly putting an end to their discussion. "I'm ready, Mamo-chan!" she informed him happily, a stuffed overnight bag slung over her small shoulder. Mamoru turned to the cats and winked, reassuring them that everything would be all right. "I'll be back in a week, minna!" Usagi called as she followed Mamoru out the door. "And if anything happens-" Luna began. "Luna, you worry too much!" Usagi exclaimed, cutting her off with a warning glance. "I'm with Mamo-chan now. What could possibly go wrong?" With that, the door closed behind her, leaving the cats wincing at her temptation of fate. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ 1 chotto matte kudasai = wait a minute 2 okairi = welcome back 3 okairi nasai = welcome back (formal) 4 uso = you're kidding me ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ "So where are we going, Mamo-chan?" Usagi asked as she got into the passenger seat. "You still haven't told me." "It's a surprise, Usako," he teased, knowing full well that his secret was driving her crazy. "Aw, come on!" she protested, latching onto his arm as he pulled out into the evening traffic. "Tell me, please?" He glanced down, her large blue eyes pleading. "Oh all right!" he laughed, turning his attention back to the road. "We're going to a little resort in the mountains to relax. It'll be just you, me and nature, Usako." "Oh, Mamo-chan," Usagi swooned. "That sounds so romantic." Mamoru smiled, pleased that Usagi loved the idea. "How are your studies going in America, Mamo-chan?" Usagi inquired, relaxing into the comfortable seat. "They're going good," he said with hesitation. "Actually, I'm thinking about coming back here to finish studying," he admitted after a moment. "What?" Usagi exclaimed. "But Mamo-chan, you've always dreamed of going to study abroad!" "I know, I know. But, well... I'm doing it now and..." He paused, glancing at Usagi; at her big, innocent blue eyes, at her long, golden hair that reminded him of sparkling strands of gold... "Well what, Mamo-chan?" Usagi ventured, pulling him out of his trance. He quickly returned his attention to the road, swallowing the rising emotion that threatened to break. he scolded mentally, clearing his throat. "The truth is, Usako, that I miss you. Miss you so much it *hurts*." His blue eyes welled up with unshed tears from the overflowing love he suddenly felt. "It hurts to wake up alone every morning," he ended quietly, keeping his eyes focused ahead. "Oh, Mamo-chan," Usagi said, lightly touching his arm. "It hurts me too." Mamoru pulled Usagi's tiny body to his chest, kissing her softly on her temple. A few minutes later, he heard her breath even out as she fell asleep in his arms. "Aishiteru, Usako," he whispered, keeping one arm wrapped around her as he drove. The rest of the journey was passed in silence as Usagi slept, her first dreamless sleep in a long while. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Less than an hour later, the young couple found them selves at a scenic resort, ponds of koi swimming contently and cherry trees in full bloom, their pink blossoms floating in the light breeze. Birds sung cheerily in the coming dusk, backed by the sound of a small waterfall echoing off some rocks in the distance. Mamoru took in a deep breath, relishing the smell of the fresh air. They were one with nature out here, the lodge a good five minute walk away down a side street. He glanced over at his sleeping princess, her features relaxed and peaceful in her slumber. "Usako?" he called, reaching over to gently shake her. "We're here, Usako." Groggily, Usagi opened her eyes, the irises growing smaller as she tried to focus on her surroundings. "Mamo-chan?" she called tentatively. "I'm here, Usako. Look!" He got out of the car and went to the passenger side, helping her out. "What do you think of the place?" "Oh, Mamo-chan!" Usagi exclaimed, suddenly wide awake. "It's wonderful!" She ran to him, enveloping his lean body in a tight hug. "I'm glad you like it, Usako," Mamoru told her, smiling, "because it's just you and me all week." Usagi looked up at him, blue eyes awash with unshed tears of happiness. "Aishiteru, Mamo-chan." "I love you too, my little Odango," he teased, holding her close. They stayed locked in their embrace until Mamoru finally broke the silence. "How about we go check out our cabin?" "Hai," Usagi agreed with a smile, "yoush*!" ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ * yoush! = let's go! ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ "Somebody's after the ginzuishou?" Minako asked in amazement as she sat with Makoto and the cats on the couch. Makoto had invited the senshi to her small apartment, wanting to discuss Usagi's nightmares with them. Ami, who was still in Kitami, took up the computer screen nearby, Makoto's web-cam picking up the conversation for her. "Hai," Luna affirmed. "At least, that's our theory." "But why the sudden comeback?" Rei asked, confused. "It's been years since they were last after it." "Exactly," Makoto said. "Maybe they're trying to take us off guard." "The question we should be asking is: 'who are *they*'?" Minako pointed out, the other senshi nodding their agreement. They all turned to Ami's projection, their faces expectant. "Well, Ami. What did you find out?" Artemis asked. "Not much, I'm afraid," she responded. "My scans turned up a slight negative disturbance, but I couldn't pinpoint its whereabouts. I don't even know for sure if it has something to do with the Negaverse or the Black Moon family." "You're sure that these aren't just nightmares Usagi's been having?" Rei demanded impatiently. "I mean, she *is* a whiner, and-" "This is different, Rei," Luna cut off. "Yeah," Makoto agreed. "You guys didn't see her the morning after she had one. Her moods were all over the place and she was super jittery." "Maybe she's pregnant," Rei mumbled. Everyone whipped their heads around to stare at the raven-haired girl in shock, sweat-drops forming on their heads. "Rei-chan! Don't say such things!" Ami scolded from the monitor. "Well, it's a possibility!" Rei snapped. "'Usagi' *does* mean 'rabbit', and you know what they say about ra-" Her words were cut off as Makoto covered the girl's mouth. "That's enough, Rei!" Luna snapped. "This is serious. You could all be in danger." The black cat turned her attention back to the computer. "Ami-chan, keep scanning for any unusual energy signatures and keep us updated." "Hai," the blue-haired girl replied. "As for you three," the cat continued, "keep your senses alert and ready. Usagi's dreams have been getting more frequent so that can only mean trouble is on its way." "Sure thing, Luna. You can count on us!" Minako exclaimed. After signing off with Ami, Makoto showed her two friends to the door. "I'll meditate tonight, Mako-chan," Rei told her, finally serious. "I'll let you all know what I find." "Arigatou, Rei-chan," Makoto thanked, closing the door. Once they were gone, she let out a big sigh and sank to the floor. "Makoto-chan? Daijoubu?" Artemis asked. "I'm fine, Artemis," she assured, reaching out to pet the white cat. He purred in contentment. "I just forgot how stressful it is being a senshi." Luna furrowed her brow. "Yes... You three should henshin* tomorrow, get used to handling your powers again. Just in case." "Good idea, Luna," Makoto agreed. She pushed herself to a standing position and stretched out her arms, yawning. "But for now, I think I'm off to bed. It's been a long day. Oyasumi**." "Sweet dreams, Makoto," Luna whispered, watching the tall girl head off to her bedroom. "Come on, Artemis. It's time to go home." With that, they made their way outside and lost themselves to the fading light of the sun. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ * henshin = transform * oyasumi = goodnight ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ On their third night away, Mamoru found himself sprawled out on the king sized bed, stretching his limbs as far as he could, totally relaxed. Less than an hour earlier, he had taken a romantic walk in the forest around their place, holding hands with Usagi as they snuggled in each others embrace, relishing the feel of the other. Mamoru sighed contently, feeling more at peace with himself than he had all month. A tiny door opened on the other side of the room and Usagi emerged, towel wrapped around her head, white nightgown flowing behind her. "How was your bath, Usako?" Mamoru asked. Usagi smiled, a lazy, content smile, her blue eyes relaxed. "It was wonderful, Mamo-chan," she responded drowsily. She jumped on the bed, snuggling up to him. "Made me sleepy though," she admitted, her eyes drooping. Mamoru held her close, inhaling her fresh, clean scent. "You've been sleeping a lot since we got here," he remarked nonchalantly, keeping his voice light and teasing. "It's a relaxing place," she pointed out, stifling a yawn. "Have you been sleeping alright with me away?" he asked, feeling her tense at the question. "Of course," she replied, too quick. "Why do you ask?" Mamoru sighed, realizing that she wasn't going to volunteer any information. "Makoto-chan told me about your nightmare's, Usako," he said quietly, avoiding her eyes. "NANI?!" Usagi exclaimed, no longer on the verge of falling asleep. "She did *what*?!" "Usako, don't be mad!" Mamoru tried to calm her, rubbing her arms gently. "She was just worried about you." "And I suppose this is why you brought me here," she snapped, fire in her eyes. "Aren't you glad to see me?" Mamoru asked, pouting. Usagi watched him, her struggle to stay mad apparent on her face. Finally, she smiled, giving him a hug. "Oh, Mamo-chan. Why do you have to be so kawaii?" she demanded, nuzzling his smooth neck. Mamoru unraveled the towel that held Usagi's golden hair, freeing it to dry in the light breeze that came in through the open window. "See, aren't you glad Makoto told me?" he murmured, kissing her forehead. "Hai," Usagi whispered, melting in Mamoru's embrace. "But she'll get an earful when I get back..." Mamoru furrowed his brow. "Why all the secrecy about your nightmares?" he finally asked. "It's been so long since we had any trouble..." Usagi began quietly. "We've all made normal lives for ourselves." "And you didn't want to ruin that," Mamoru finished, finally understanding. "But you know what, Usako?" "What?" "It would have been selfish to keep the info to yourself. Our destinies are all intertwined; they're one and the same," Mamoru explained. "We're here to protect you so you can protect the Earth." Tears were running unheeded down Usagi's cheeks. "Oh, Mamo-chan," she sobbed, clutching his shirt. "I was only trying to protect their normal lives. I didn't mean to keep anything from you!" Mamoru smoothed the girl's hair, calming her. "Tell me, Usako," he pleaded gently. "Tell me your nightmare." Once Usagi had calmed down and stopped crying, she told Mamoru everything, finally collapsing when she was done, overcome with exhaustion. "Sleep now, my love," he whispered as he tucked her in bed beside him. "You're safe now." ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ That night, Mamoru found himself wide awake in the early morning hours, watching as his soul mate slept peacefully beside him, snuggled into the crook of his arm. he thought. Mamoru had just begun to drift back to sleep, hugging Usagi's form closer, when he felt her begin to squirm in his embrace. "No...you can't have it..." she mumbled, her brow furrowed in defiance. "Usako? Usako!" he called, shaking her gently. Her sleep became even more fitful, her cries louder. "Usako! Daijoubu! I'm here. It's all right, my love," Mamoru reassured desperately, his heart aching as he witnessed Usagi's inner torment. "I'll die before I give it to you, bakayaro*!" she yelled, her eyes still closed in sleep. As Mamoru went to rouse her again, he recoiled in shock. A bright white light was beginning to form on her forehead. "No... masaka**..." he muttered in astonishment as he watched the royal crescent moon insignia appear as plain as day on Usagi's sweat-stained brow. "USAKO!!" Mamoru finally yelled, shaking her harder. "Onegai***, WAKE UP!" Usagi awoke with a start, her golden hair damp with perspiration and her blue eyes wide in horror. "MAMO- CHAN! NOOOOO!" she screamed, still oblivious to his presence. "USAKO! I'm here! It's me, Mamo-chan!" he assured her, holding onto her shoulders gently, trying to get her eyes to focus on his face. "Usako, can you hear me? Daijoubu?" The moon princess blinked once, twice, adjusting her eyes to the dark room. Finally, "Mamo-chan?" "Yes, Usako, it's me. I'm here." He pulled her to his chest, hugging her tightly. "It's alright, my love, everything is alright." Tentatively, she brought her hand to her forehead, her fingertips lightly brushing over the moon insignia. She looked up at Mamoru, fear in her eyes. "Mamo-chan, what's going on?" "Usako, I-" Before he could finish his thought, a great thunderous roar was heard outside, followed by a bright light that blinded them both. The sound of shattering glass filled the room, shards flying at the couple as a whirlwind assaulted them. "AHHH! MAMO-CHAN!" Usagi screamed as tiny shards embedded themselves in her exposed arms and legs. She buried her face in Mamoru's chest, trying to protect her face. "HANG ON, USAKO!" Mamoru yelled back over the continuous roar, holding her close to him despite the flying glass that cut him. The wind's intensity grew stronger and stronger, debris from all over the tiny cabin flying around them at an impossible speed. Mamoru could feel his control slipping as the wind began picking him up off the bed, Usagi in his arms, screaming... ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ * bakayaro = derogatory term, worse than 'baka' (idiot) ** masaka = 'it can't be' or 'that's impossible' *** onegai = please ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Back in Tokyo, Rei awoke as if someone had punched her in the stomach, her raven hair matted to her brow with sweat. "Usagi-chan! Mamoru-san! No!!" she yelled, jumping out of bed. Quickly, her hands trembling from the extreme energy she had just felt, she dialed Makoto's number. "M-moshi-moshi...?" a groggy voice answered, unaware of anything but her sweet dreams. "Mako-chan! Usagi and Mamoru are in trouble. We gotta help them!" she yelled, her purple eyes welling up with tears. "We can't let them die!" Makoto was already out of bed, getting dressed. "I'll phone the others, Rei. Just get ready. I'll pick you up in ten minutes." As soon as she hung up the phone, her computer beeped, telling her that Ami was waiting. She quickly flicked on the web-cam as she continued to dress. "Mako-chan! I think-" "We already know, Ami. Rei-chan just called. We're on our way to save them." "But how will you get there on time, Makoto? Without me, you can't teleport and it'll take an hour to get there!" Ami protested, tears already staining her cheeks. Makoto gritted her teeth. "We'll get there, Ami." she added silently. "Listen, I've got to call the others. I'm bringing my communicator and I'll keep the channel open for you." Ami gulped back a sob, visibly fighting for control of her emotions. "Thanks, Mako-chan, but I'm taking the next flight out. You may need Sailor Mercury there in person." Makoto stopped rushing around to look her friend in the eye. "We could *always* use Sailor Mercury in person," she reminded warmly. Ami smiled, her eyes a watery mess. "Arigatou, Mako- chan," she said quietly. "Good luck!" ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ "USAKO!" Mamoru yelled as Usagi's form was ripped from his protective embrace by the intense wind. "AHHHHH!" Usagi screamed as she flew across the room. Her body impacted roughly against the far wall, knocking the wind out of her. She lay on the debris- laden floor, fighting for breath. Mamoru's body was also thrown from the bed, the wind too intense for him to continue fighting it. He crashed into the far night table, smashing the antique lamp that still stood upon it. "Kuso!" he swore, trying to ignore the intense pain in his side. "Usako?" he called, trying his best to see through all the debris as it flew around the room. He finally found her motionless body a few feet away, face down on the wooden floor. "Usako! Get up!" he yelled, crawling to her side and rolling her over. He was surprised when he saw that her eyes were open, but unfocused, as she continued to take deep, wheezing breaths. "M...Mamo..." she managed to cough out. "W- what's...h..happening...?" Mamoru's body was doubled over, his back to the door as he tried to protect Usagi's body from flying debris. "I don't know, Usako. Is it a monsoon?" His question was soon answered as a tall, dark-haired man entered the room, the wind suddenly dying down and the wreckage raining unceremoniously onto the huddled couple. "Who are you!" Mamoru demanded, still hunched over Usagi's form. The dark figure laughed. "I am Keitaro, and I'm here to take the ginzuishou." Usagi visibly stiffened in Mamoru's cut and bruised arms. "Mamo-chan," she whispered, her breathing back to normal. "My nightmares..." "Are you strong enough to henshin?" Mamoru whispered back. "We need Sailor Moon." "Hai," Usagi responded, though there was a dullness in her eyes that made Mamoru's blood run cold. "Hand over the ginzuishou and everything will be fine," Keitaro assured them, an unnerving smile playing across his lips. "What makes you think we have this, this 'ginzuishou'," Mamoru stalled for time, slowly getting to his feet so that Usagi could transform behind him. "Don't play stupid with me, Chiba. I know who you are," Keitaro growled, showing his teeth like a feral animal. "Where's the rabbit?" Usagi could hear Mamoru stall for time as she slowly made her way into the room's tiny lavatory. Once she was sure that she was out of sight, she reached into her overnight bag and pulled out her heart-shaped locket. "Oh, minna," she whispered sadly. "I thought all this fighting was over for us. Gomen." Suddenly, she heard Mamoru's yell as he was thrown across the room, the sound of the impact making her wince. Without further misgivings, she held her locket above her and yelled, "Moon Cosmic Power, MAKE-UP!" It may have been years since Usagi had last transformed, but as she felt her old powers return, she smiled, relishing in its familiarity. she assured herself as she settled back on the ground. Her eyes opened abruptly at the sound of Mamoru's yells. "Mamo-chan!" Sailor Moon yelled back. "I'm coming!" When she emerged from the tiny washroom, she was appalled by the sight before her. The once immaculate room was awash in wreckage from the broken windows and doors, and everything that had been resting on the various dressers had been destroyed by the swirling whirlwind. But seeing Mamoru pinned to the far wall by the man called Keitaro made Usagi's blood boil. Both men turned at her reappearance. "So, Sailor Moon. You've come to deliver the ginzuishou like a good little senshi?" Keitaro asked in a mocking voice. "You'll never get it!" Sailor Moon yelled, her eyes hard and determined. "Let Mamoru go." "Oh, you mean you don't want me to hurt your boyfriend?" Keitaro taunted. "Well, hand over the crystal and I'll think about it," he spat. "Sailor Moon, don't worry about me," Mamoru assured her, though his voice was thick with pain. "Sailor Moon, *do* worry about him," Keitaro mocked, throwing Mamoru across the room once again with a sickening thud. "Mamo-chan!" Sailor Moon exclaimed, beginning to run over to his side. "Yamette*!" Keitaro yelled, trapping Sailor Moon in a kind of invisible cocoon. She tried in vain to move her limbs but they refused to cooperate. "No..." she mumbled. "Onegai... Please stop hurting him!" she cried, her eyes wide. "You know how to make the hurting stop, Rabbit," Keitaro reminded her, his voice taunting. "Usako...no...," Mamoru grunted, trying to regain his breath. "But Mamo-chan!" Sailor Moon cried, "He's going to kill you!" Mamoru pushed himself to a sitting position, a small rivulet of blood running down his forehead from a gash on his hairline. "Sailor Moon, if you... give him the... ginzuishou... everyone will...suffer..." he wheezed, holding onto his side. Before Usagi could respond, Keitaro grew impatient. "Enough with this! Shiine**!" "MAMO-CHAN!! NOOOOOO!!" she screamed, unable to move as the deadly energy raced towards her soul mate... ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ * yamette = stop ** shiine = die ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ "Minna, we have to hurry!" Sailor Mars called from the middle seat of Makoto's van. "They're in a lot of trouble." "We shouldn't have let them go off on their own like that," Sailor Venus complained, her eyes alight with worriment as she clutched Artemis. "We'll be there soon, minna. Just hold on," Sailor Jupiter assured, gritting her teeth. "I just hope it's not too late..." Luna stated quietly, her big red eyes turned towards the full moon. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Sailor Moon averted her eyes as the energy impacted, smoke and debris filling the room. "No... Mamo-chan," she sobbed as the smoke cleared a bit. All she could see was a large crater where he had once sat. Suddenly, her restricting energy field disappeared and she sank to the floor in grief. Keitaro's amused voice broke her trance. "Well, now what are you going to do, Bunny?" he demanded, laughing. At his cold laughter, Usagi felt her resolve harden. she thought, bitterness and anger coursing through her veins. Suddenly, she jumped to her feet, her eyes hard and unforgiving. "You BASTARD!" she spat, before she yelled, "MOON SPIRAL HEART ATTACK!" Keitaro deflected the attack as if it were nothing more than a nuisance. "Is that the best you can do, Moon Brat?" Sailor Moon recoiled in shock, hand over her mouth. The dark-haired man grew impatient. "Well, Sailor Moon, it's been a real blast chatting with you," he laughed, his eyes heartless. "But now I'm afraid it's time for you to die and for me to take the ginzuishou." Before she could react, a dark energy ball was coming towards her, her fear freezing her in place. She watched, eyes wide, as it came closer and closer... Suddenly, a large dark figure slammed into her side, catapulting her tiny form across the room, covering her with his body as the energy exploded where she had been mere seconds before. "Hanashite***!" Usagi yelled, only to freeze when she saw who it was. "Miss me?" Tuxedo Kamen asked with a smile, his eyes bright as he watched her reaction. "Tuxedo Kamen!" she exclaimed, hugging him close. "Oh, Mamo-chan. I thought you were dead," she whispered, tears falling freely. "Nani?!" Keitaro exclaimed angrily. "Where did you come from, Cape Boy?" Tuxedo Kamen ignored the other man, helping Sailor Moon to her feet. "Now, Sailor Moon. We can beat him together." Usagi's eyes welled up with tears once again, uncertainty and doubt filling her. "No, I can't. I can't do it, Mamo-chan. I'm not strong enough." Mamoru grabbed onto her shoulders, shaking her gently. "Usako, you *can* do it. Search your heart, call out to your friends. We're all here for you, my love." "Awww, how romantic," Keitaro mocked, his eyes growing hard. "But I've had enough of you two!" Without further warning, he shot waves of energy at the couple, enveloping them in a burning net. "Ahhhhh! It hurts!" Sailor Moon yelled, her fuku smoking. Tuxedo Kamen gritted his teeth against the pain, his mask falling off. "You can do it, Sailor Moon. You *have* to do it." After what seemed like an eternity, the scalding energy stopped as Keitaro regained his strength. "Now, Sailor Moon!" Tuxedo Kamen yelled, before he sank to the ground, succumbing to his injuries. "Mamo-chan!" she called, desperation filling her. She glanced at Keitaro as he glowed, his strength returning. Usagi reminded herself. Concentrating, she closed her eyes, focusing on a bright spot deep inside herself. she repeated, over and over, gathering what strength she could. Before her, Keitaro's power was almost at its peak again. "Prepare to die, Moon Rabbit," he sneered, his hands going above his head, electrical energy sparking off them. The whirlwind returned, picking up the wreckage and tossing it about. Sailor Moon called out in her head, trying desperately to contact her friends. She ignored the shooting pain as debris impacted her body as it flew about. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ * bakemono = monster ** sona bakana = that's impossible *** hanashite = let me go! **** tasukete = help ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ About five minutes away from the resort, Sailor Jupiter suddenly slammed on the brakes, violently pulling the van off the road. "Did you guys hear that?" she asked, breathless. "Hai," Sailor Venus replied, closing her eyes. "Sailor Moon needs our power," Sailor Mars told them, also closing her eyes. The crescent moons on the cats' heads began to glow brightly, lighting up the van's dark interior. On the deserted stretch of road, the van began to glow green, red, and orange as the three senshi inside surrendered their powers to their future queen. "We have faith in you, Usagi-chan! You can do this!" Luna called out, her voice echoing into the endless night. "We believe in you!" ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Ami sat nervously on the nearly deserted plane, constantly checking her watch. she swore. Her blue eyes watered as she watched the twinkling lights down below, all the normal people fast asleep. she thought longingly, wiping her eyes. Suddenly, Usagi's desperate voice invaded her thoughts. Ami gasped, covering her mouth as the angry image of Keitaro flashed through her mind. Her heart leapt in her throat, fear causing her to shake as she quickly made her way to the plane's tiny washroom. Nobody gave her a second glance; the passengers all asleep. Once she was certain that the door was locked, she closed her eyes, focusing on the familiar voice she heard calling out to her. she replied, her body glowing blue as she surrendered her power. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ * Usagi-sama = -sama is used to address a princess. And other people as well, but they have no relevance in this story ;) ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ With a rush, Usagi felt everyone's power converge on her, a yellow glow surrounding her battered body. Her fuku disappeared, replaced by the garments of Princess Serenity and her crescent moon insignia burned so bright that the broken room was awash with light. "What the hell?" Keitaro exclaimed, shielding his brown eyes from the intensity of it. Finally, it died down and he gasped in surprise. "It can't be!" Princess Serenity opened her eyes, her irises focused intensely on Keitaro as she stepped closer, her fear vanishing. "Keitaro," she spoke evenly. "You will never take the ginzuishou. Not while the sailor senshi live to defend it." The man scowled, recovering from his shock. "We'll see about that, Princess!" he yelled, throwing daggers of energy at her. The Princess didn't even move, the daggers impacting harmlessly against the forcefield surrounding her. "Nani? Why won't you DIE?!" Keitaro screamed, launching himself at the young ruler. Suddenly, the ginzuishou materialized in Serenity's outstretched hands, emitting a powerful burst of light at the young man. Keitaro halted, midair, before the Princess as his body lit up from within. "Shitmatta*!" he swore, trying in vain to evade the power of the crystal. "NOOOOOOOOOO!!!" His mortal body was ripped apart by the power of the moon, Serenity not even flinching as the small explosion rocked the room, destroying what was left of the small cabin. Once the battle was over, Serenity let out a gasp and sank to the floor, her princess dress transforming back to Sailor Moon's tattered fuku, the ginzuishou nestled safely back in her locket. Breathing hard, she smiled, her blue eyes glazing over. "I did it, minna. I did it," she wheezed, finally allowing the darkness to enfold her in its grasp. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ * shimatta = similar to 'shit' ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ "Hurry, minna!" Mars yelled. The senshi had parked the van only seconds before and had barely waited for it to stop before jumping out. "The energy I was picking up earlier is suddenly gone!" "We're going as fast as we can, Mars!" Jupiter assured, ignoring her pounding heart as they arrived at Usagi and Mamoru's remote cabin. "Oh my god," Venus exclaimed, placing a shaky hand over her mouth. "What happened here?!" "Usagi? Usagi!" Mars called out frantically, beginning to wind her way through the destroyed cabin. "Shimatta!" Jupiter swore, punching the broken wall angrily. "We're too late!" "They weren't strong enough," Mars cried, holding back a sob. "Oh, Usagi-chan..." "Matte*!" Artemis called out, having ventured further into the room. "Over here!" The three senshi, followed closely by Luna, ran over as fast as they could, apprehensive as they approached Artemis' discovery. "Masaka..." Luna cried. "Usagi-chan!" Jupiter exclaimed happily, though worry shone in her green eyes. A bruised and battered Sailor Moon was sprawled limply amongst the debris, her breath shallow and uneven. "Usagi-chan, can you hear me?" Mars asked, gently slapping the girl's cut face. "M... minna.... I did...it..." Usagi coughed out, her voice barely above a whisper. "Arigatou." "You're hurt, Usagi. We need to get you home," Venus informed her. "Can you get up?" After a few painful minutes, the senshi were able to get Usagi on her feet, and Jupiter offered to carry the girl back to their abandoned van. "M...Mamo-cha...an," Usagi mumbled from Jupiter's protective arms. "Where *is* Mamoru-san?" Luna asked, looking around. "There! I see him!" Mars pointed to a limp figure that was trapped under a half-collapsed wall. "Mamoru-san! Mamoru-san, are you alright?" Venus asked, running over to the injured man. Dried blood streaked his face and his Tuxedo Kamen outfit was torn and charred, but he smiled up at her. "Minako-chan," he whispered, eyes warm. "Usako did it. She beat Keitaro." Venus' eyes welled up with tears. "Yes, she did, Mamoru-san. Our Usagi is one to be reckoned with." Mamoru chuckled, wincing in pain at the movement. "Mina... Minako. Is she alright?" "She'll be fine," Mars assured him, coming over to help remove the collapsed wall. "What we need to worry about now is getting you both home so you can heal." "I'll be fine," Mamoru lied, knowing the senshi could see his pain. "Sure you will," Jupiter said, coming back from the van. "Once we get you home and cleaned up, that is," she added with a smile. "Looks like you two put up one hell of a fight for this Keitaro character," she noted, gesturing at the damage. Mamoru chuckled, his breath catching again as pain shot through him. "Be careful, minna. He may have broken ribs," Artemis warned. After many arduous minutes, the three senshi had removed enough of the wall to safely move Mamoru. They all helped carry him to the van and laid him down on the back seat, careful not to disturb his ribs. The ride back to Tokyo was silent and uneventful, each lost in their own reflections. Usagi snuggled against Rei as the raven-haired girl kept an eye on Mamoru, who was drifting in and out of consciousness from his pain. "Stay with us, Mamoru-san," Rei whispered. "We're almost home." Once they arrived back to Usagi and Mamoru's place, the sun was just beginning to peak above the horizon, the city and its people gearing up for another day. As quickly and quietly as possible, the three girls managed to get the injured couple up to their floor without attracting any unwanted attention. But as Makoto went to open the door to Usagi and Mamoru's place with her spare key, it suddenly did so on its own. "Nani...?" she began, but then jumped in surprise. "Ami-chan?!" Minako exclaimed, shifting Mamoru's weight in her arms. "You made it!" Makoto smiled, impressed. "Yeah," Ami responded, about to add more until she saw the state of Usagi and Mamoru. "Oh my god, what happened to them?" "We're not entirely sure, Ami," Luna explained as they all made their way into the apartment. "But Mamoru-san may have broken ribs." "Can you heal him, Ami-chan?" Rei asked, worry in her eyes. "I'll do my best, minna," she assured them. Ami ushered them into the bedroom, going over to Mamoru as soon as he was placed on the bed. "Alright everyone, give me some space!" Ami yelled over her friends' worried banter. "You're sure you don't need help?" Minako asked as she made her way to the door. Ami shook her head. "Arigatou, Minako-chan, but I'll be fine. Just look after Usagi-chan until I'm done here." "Will do," the blond responded, gently shutting the door. "You can't kick me out, Ami," Luna insisted, jumping up on the bed beside the unconscious Mamoru. "I wouldn't dare," Ami teased, carefully removing Mamoru's tattered clothes, leaving him clad only in his boxers. Once Ami had looked over his many wounds, Luna asked: "How is he then?" worry in her soft voice. "He's got some badly bruised ribs," Ami explained as she sanitized and bandaged Mamoru's cuts, "but he'll be fine, Luna." "That's a relief," Luna let out the breath she had been holding. "I was worried." "Me too," Ami admitted, "which is why I came. They looked down at Mamoru as he slept, his face peaceful despite the bandage that covered his forehead. "What do you say we let him get some sleep?" Ami asked, pulling a sheet halfway over the man's body to keep him warm. "I need to check on Usagi-chan." Luna nodded, rubbing against the girl's leg affectionately as they quietly left the room. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ How's Usagi doing?" Ami asked as she emerged from the hallway, wiping her hands on a cloth. "She's fast asleep on the couch over there," Makoto answered, leading her to the resting girl. "Rei-chan helped her into some clean clothes and Minako-chan cleaned her up a bit. She'll be fine once she gets her strength back." "Yeah. She must have used the ginzuishou. Her energy level is way down," Artemis remarked, walking up to Luna. "That crazy Usagi," Rei scolded gently, her voice filled with relief. "She could have killed herself doing that." "I'm glad she's alright," Ami smiled, kneeling down beside Usagi's still form. "I feel bad for her, always having to put her life on the line to save everyone." "I don't know about you, but I know that *I* feel safer knowing she's out there, protecting us," Minako admitted, her eyes expressing the love and respect she had for the young princess. Ami reached out, brushing damp, dirty bangs away from Usagi's face. "Me too, Minako-chan. Me too." ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ EPILOGUE - one week later Usagi had been out of commission the following week, spending most of her days sleeping and regaining her depleted energy. Mamoru slept fitfully, agonizingly aware of the pain in his side. Ami had prescribed some medication, which helped keep him knocked out to aide his body's healing. Because the couple wasn't fit to take care of themselves, the senshi had agreed to alternate eight- hour shifts so that someone was always present to help them out. At the beginning of the second week, Usagi had felt well enough to walk around the apartment and the following day, invited the senshi over to discuss the battle; a topic they were all anxious to talk about... "So, you don't know where Keitaro was from or why he wanted the ginzuishou?" Rei asked, her brow furrowed in confusion. "No, nothing. He just attacked us," Usagi explained, shuddering as she relived it. "It was just like my nightmare... you guys were right." She closed her eyes, a tear slowly making its way down her cheek. "Gomen nasai*, Usagi," Makoto apologized, gently touching the girl's arm. "I didn't mean to go behind your back and tell everyone about your nightmare. I understand if you're mad at me." Usagi gripped the other girl's hand, squeezing it reassuringly. "You did the right thing, Mako-chan," she explained, eyes watering. "I was just being selfish." "Oh, Usagi-chan," Minako consoled. "You weren't being selfish. You just didn't want to give up your normal life." "That sounds selfish to me," Rei mumbled. "And what's so wrong with that?" Usagi complained, her voice strained with emotion. "I never asked to be Sailor Moon or Princess Serenity or Neo-Queen Serenity. All I ever wanted was to be a normal girl with a normal life!" "But then you wouldn't be the Usako that I know and love," a voice said from the shadows of the hall. All seven heads turned to see Mamoru slowly making his way into the living area. "Mamo-chan! What are you doing out of bed? Ami told you to stay there!" Usagi scolded, running over to his side so she could help him walk. "It's all right, Usagi-chan. The exercise will be good for him," Ami reassured with a smile. "See?" Mamoru teased. "Is it so wrong for me to want to come and see my future bride-to-be?" he asked, his eyes bright. Usagi failed to notice seven sets of eyes grow wide. "Well, when you put it that way, Mamo-" Suddenly she stopped, her head snapping up to look at him. "M- Mamo-chan?" With great effort, his brow beaded with sweat from the pain, the tall man crouched down to one knee, a ring box in his hand. Usagi watched him in rapt silence, her eyes welling up with unshed tears. "I had meant to do this during our romantic getaway..." he chuckled, trailing off as he watched Usagi's expression. He cleared his throat. "Tsukino Usagi... Usako," he added with a tenderness that made her grow weak. "Will you marry me?" "Oh, Mamo-chan!" Usagi yelled, ecstatic. "Of course I'll marry you!" She jumped to him, carefully wrapping her arms around his neck. Mamoru gazed up into her big blue eyes, seeing genuine love and respect shinning back. He gently pulled her face to his and kissed her, their passion overflowing, oblivious to the others in the room. "All right!" Minako exclaimed, jumping up with a huge grin, squishing an equally happy Artemis to her chest. "It's about time!" Rei muttered sarcastically, though her eyes betrayed her joy. "Destiny has its way, minna," Makoto said quietly, her eyes watery pools of happiness as she watched the couple embrace again. "The fighting may not be over, but destiny always has its way." Ami gently placed and arm around Makoto's shoulders. "Yes, I agree. As long as we have our future king and queen, we'll be okay," Ami said just as quietly. With that, everyone rushed over to the newly engaged couple, surrounding them with their love, offering their congratulations, everyone hopeful and expectant in this new chapter of their lives. ~*~fin~*~ author's notes & thanks: I would like to give a great big THANKS! to Lillian, aka Lavenderswirl, for her great job in beta-ing this story :D She stuck with me, even though she had school, and I'm very grateful for that :D Also, this story is only 1 part in a bunch of stories I have planned. I just wish that school would cooperate :P I'm going to try and write the next part during December when I'm off. (General plot: Usagi & Mamoru's wedding, find out more about Keitaro and why he wanted the silver crystal). Until then, thanks for reading and remember, feedback is an author's best friend ;) ~Mango