Author note: thanks for all the views; I hope you're all enjoying the story I'm telling here. It's very enjoyable to write. Thanks for the reviews too! And yes, I've been watching Sailormoon Crystal as well. My story will likely pull influence from both animes and the manga; however probably nothing from the live action, given one of my main characters never saw life on the show. On with it!
Sailormoon characters are not mine – this is FFBF (For Fans By Fans). Enjoy the continuation of Dream Princess!
CHAPTER 2
Mamoru only walks a third of the way back to his apartment before the nausea hits him as well. The feeling of the ghostly dream-Mamoru finding footing in his present-self nearly makes him topple over into the street. By some fortune, his strength blooms and he suddenly stands tall and purposeful. He gasps as the ghost of a mask flutters before his eyes. It's gone in less than a breath, but the sense of power, importance, and commitment lingers. It's the most foreign feeling he's experienced in his entire life, because for that moment, he felt as though he were King of the Earth.
However, the experience of his dreams maybe having just now leaked through to his normal, waking life stops him cold. He stands, frozen in place as his jerky breaths try to balance out his racing heartbeat. If what he's seen in the dreams is true, then there must indeed be a princess, or at least an important girl, who needs help.
But, if more than one man has had this dream, perhaps he alone isn't meant to save her. This crushing realization hits Mamoru just as he shuffles into his apartment and is locking the door. He strikes out with his fist against the door-frame and slides to his knees. As much as he longs for understanding of this madness, and the possible empathic support of Tenoh Haruka there is a compulsion he can't bury to selfishly shield his dream girl from everything - even the possible help of another man. Sobs wrack his body. As an orphan, he had basically raised himself, but in doing so, had severely isolated himself. He has but one person he would call a friend, so to have a glowing goddess beseech him so tenderly makes his heart bleed.
A barely-noticeable, but still comforting warmth blossoms in his chest as faint moonlight filters in through his curtains.
"Silver Crystal…"
He gasps – it was voice of his princess… but, was it her speaking, or just his memories triggered by his recent vision? Hoisting himself up with a heavy sigh, he walks into his bedroom to change, not even considering the idea of trying to catch a little sleep.
"I must be going completely mad." He mumbles, just as the first rays of dawn lighten the sky from black to blue.