Chapter 7- This is Me Part 2- Sailor Mercury
"When the sharpest words wanna cut me down/I'm gonna send a flood, gonna drown them out
I am brave, I am bruised/I am who I'm meant to be, this is me/Look out 'cause here I come/And I'm marching on to the beat I drum/I'm not scared to be seen/I make no apologies, this is me..."
~ This is Me Keala Settle, The Greatest Showman Ensemble
" The equation is very simple Minako" She explained, "You only have to move x here, just do exactly what Mrs. Hurana taught us today."
" Simple," Usagi scoffed. " I never understand what Mrs. Huranu is trying to explain."
" I bet you weren't even paying attention, Odango-atma" Rei teased.
" I was too."
" You were probably daydreaming about Mamoru!"
" Was not, why would I ever dream about that baku."
" Than why are you blushing!"
" I am not!" Usagi proceeded to stick her tongue out.
" Are too!" Rei stuck her own at her.
" Oh, you-" Usagi picked up the pillow next to her and proceed to throw it at Rei. They all watched as Rei quickly ducked. Everyone froze, as Mako tea spilled all over her worksheet.
" Oh, it's on Usagi!" She declared as she threw her pillow hitting Minako instead. This started a chain reaction as Rei joined. Ami couldn't help to laugh at the girls. Until she notices it gets very quiet. She looked up to see all of them staring at her, mischief in their eyes.
" Ambush!" Usagi yelled before all them proceed to attack her with pillows. Laughter bounce off the wall. A laughter that Ami treasured so much…
A shrill alarm jolted Ami from her dream. She observed the alarm clock, noticing that she was running late. Rushing she quickly found her uniform, pulling it on. Rushing towards the bathroom in order to brush her hair and teeth. It was so unlike her to sleep in. She had just enjoyed the dream so much. Feeling joy of beg with such close friends. She paused, glancing at herself in the mirror. When had she ever laughed like that? The girls in her dream all felt so familiar. She could only recognize one person. The new girl Usagi. Why was she in her dreams? They weren't friends. Ami didn't have friends. Suddenly a deep sadness came over her. She yearned for that laughter to be close to someone. She shook away the thought. She didn't need friends, school she needed to get to school. She rushed from the bathroom, grabbing her supplies, her eyes landed on the small blue pen. She grasp it and gently placed it in bag. Over that last three days the pen had always been with her. She had intend to return the it. Only each time she was about to approach Usagi something would pull her away. A teacher asking a question, losing her in the hall, anything that prevented her from returning the pen. Not the it truly bothered her. The pen felt important, as if she needed easily accessible at any minute. It was just a pen, it barely even wrote. Ami had tried multiple times, nothing would come out. Still though kept it close. A part of her wanted to keep the pen. She walked quickly, afraid of being late to class. She wanted to approach Usagi. Not just to return, she wanted to talk to her. A part of her felt the dream was telling her to. That maybe they could become friends. The thought slowed her walk. Usagi. The girl seemed relax. Even though the last few days she seemed distant, as if something was bothering her. The feeling hurt Ami, as if she could get Usagi to smile. She didn't understand why but she needed Usagi to smile. She wanted to laugh with her. Maybe today she would have lunch with her. That could work she thought.
" Well, well." Ami froze she knew that shrill. " Look what we have here, Perfect Ami running late?" Berthier Ayakashi, head of the school chess team, she also held the top number two spot in school. Just below Ami.
" Berthier," Ami nodded in hello, trying her best to rush away from her. Berthier was not the nicest person. If Ami spoke the truth, Berthier was a bitch. It took a lot for Ami to even think the foul word. It was the only word to describe Berthier. Berthier like to torment many students, not just Ami. Ami though ended up being on the top of her list. Maybe it was out of jealousy, or maybe she just hated Ami. Ami wasn't sure why not that she cared. Okay she cared, but she tried not to listen to her. Berthier would constantly refer to her as the loner even cheater. Even if Ami was still above her by at least by twenty points. Berthier would still imply that she was smarter.
" What no smart remarks," She sneered. " Oh no, your perfect IQ must be slipping. No one will talk to you now." Berthier laughed. Ami didn't reply she just kept walking. While others join in on the teasing. The word's weren't new. Ami knew people tend to push away those they didn't understand. She was just one of those people. A smart young girl who excelled in every topic. True others had try to talk to her, they were only after one thing. Her brain. No one wanted Ami for Ami. The words left there sting. Why did she think Usagi could be her friend. Usagi would just reject her. Everyone did. If someone was to watch Ami they would have noticed the small tear. The tear that Ami brushed way. Not observing how it turn to ice as hit the ground. No one expect a young blonde saw, watching with her own tears.
Today was the day. She was going to sit with Ami. She was going to talk to Ami. Today, maybe. Maybe tomorrow was a better day. Usagi thought as she tightly held her lunch box. Watching Ami who was sitting on a bench reading. She had promised Mamo-chan she would at least try. She had also promised she would wear that bulky, uncomfortable, itchy, stupid knee brace. Just what a girl wanted her boyfriend to come home with. A brand new knee brace. Whoopee. Wasn't she lucky. She wore it at home, he made her. The minute he dropped her off at school, it was off. She knew if had been out of concern. Her knee did hurt. It wasn't the only problem, she felt fatigue. Especially after each battle. It took a lot to even stand afterwards. She hid it though. Everyone was already fussing over her, she couldn't take much more. She hated lying to him. She signed, giving up on her plan and sitting next to a tree. She knew something wasn't right. Everyone did. Not they said anything, they all just watch her with worry eyes. Making her rest. If she thought about getting up to get a drink, one would appear next her. A snack, ready to go. You think a girl would love the attention. She hated it. She was freaking Sailor Moon. Not some weak Princess. She clenched her compact. It no longer gave off the same powerful aura. It had power, but something was different. Mercury would know, her eyes wander back to Ami. She would figure out everything in a minute, one scan from her computer. A click, problem solve. Not that was happening anytime soon. The pen was still missing. Luna swore she wasn't sure she could even make a new one. Something was happening, she had saw that ice tear. She had even been able to pick it up, it was almost like a crystal. Thick and solid. Something was awakening in Ami. She wasn't sure how it was possible. Ami's tear brought up the guilt she felt ever since Rei. She hadn't meant to run. It just happened. For once her klutz attacks where a good thing. Even if hearing what Rei was going thru was hard. The moment was important, and maybe Mars would be back. Mamo-chan was true on his word and checked on Rei's grandfather. At least as much as he could. Apparently not many people were allowed near his room. Mamo-chan had said that his professor had discuss allowing entrance. She was thankful he had even tried. She had been tempted to return to the shrine. Try to find out more information. The same fear she felt about approaching Ami hit her. Rei hadn't contacted her. Maybe she didn't even want to know. Some leader she made. She thought pushing her own tears away. She couldn't even keep her Scouts safe. She took deep breath, this wasn't time or place to cry. Watching she notice that evil Berthier was approaching Ami. The minute Usagi met Berthier, alarm bell rang in her head. SOmething was just dark about the girl. With her long white braid and slim body. Whoever said white hair was pretty was crazy. How she wanted to pull her tiara and flung it at her. Make her Ami cry, she deserved some Moon punishment. Feeling a sense of determination. She could not handle seeing Ami cry again. And she wasn't about to give Berthier the chance. She got up quickly and made her " I'm running late to school" dash over to Ami.
" Hey, Ami," she greeted, sitting down beside her.
" Usagi?" Ami instantly put her book down looked at her like she was crazy.
" I thought, I'd eat with you today, is that okay?" She asked she knew she had to calm down make a good impression.
" Um, sure." Ami hesitatingly replied.
" What were you reading?" A book question seriously, who was she Mamo-chan. She knew nothing about books.
" Pride and Prejudice." Wait hadn't she watch that movie with Mamo-chan.
" I love how the main couple…"
" Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy."
" Yea, Mr. Darcy reminded me of someone. My boyfriend there both just so pig-headed. I mean once he just…" Ami was just staring at her. " Is something on my face?"
"No, it's just," Ami smiled at Usagi. " I expected you to ask questions about the book for the test today."
" Why would I do that?"
" Well most times- never mind, What did your boyfriend do?"
" Well, you see-"
"Well, well, it seems loner Ami has made a friend." Berthier injected. " You would have better luck asking me for information. You don't have to make friends with Snobby Ami."
" Sorry, I'll pass. Ami is a much better friend."
" Friend," She scoffed." Snobby Ami here can't even make friendly conversation." Berthier laughed.
Usagi felt anger right away. She wasn't sure how much more she could take from this girl. Without thinking she got into Berthier face. " Look here you snooty Blonde wash out, Ami is nowhere near as bi-"
" Usagi, you don't-" She heard Ami whisper.
" No, I do. Ami is a true friend, she is the kindest and sweetest person I know. She's not all brain. She cares about people. She will help her friends no matter what. She protects and helps other without a second thought. People like you with there ugly old lady hair and who probably cheated off Ami just to score second place." Usagi growled, not realizing she shouldn't know those things. She just had lost it. Everyone was quiet, it was the first time someone had yelled at Berthier.
" Why you little," Berthier flung her hand back, clearly about to slap Usagi. Usagi waited for it only to watch Ami grab Berthier wrist tightly.
" You will not touch her." Usagi and the rest of the students were stunned. Only Usagi noticed the drop in temperature. The ice-cold chill. This wasn't Ami, Usagi looked seeing something clench in Ami other hand. The pen. She had the Pen. This was Sailor Mercury.
" Don't you ever come close to her again, you nitwitted Bitch!" Ami growled.
" What are you going to do about it?" Berthier challenged glaring at her. Usagi swore she saw something on Berthier forehead, it was gone fast though. Every alarm in Usagi head went off. Ami might be awakening but she could take on one of Diamond's lackeys. Before Usagi could do anything. A nearby fountain burst, grabbing everyone attention. Quickly water was bursting. Students began to run as teachers tried to keep everyone calm. No one paid attention to the two glaring at each other. Usagi pulled on Ami other arm, feeling how cold it was almost made her pull away. Ami suddenly looked at her, the symbol of Mercury clear on her forehead.
" Ami, not here," Usagi warned, noticing that Berthier was gone. Ami suddenly started to breathe fast as if she was unsure of what was happening. She had to get Ami out of here.
" Usagi…" She whispered, Usagi unsure what else to do grabbed Ami her away from the scene. Usagi wasn't sure where to go. Her eyes landed on the locker room. That would work. She rushed in. She could hear Ami talking asking questions. Usagi to had focus though, she pulled a bench instantly feeling her knee ache. It would really hurt later, not caring she pulled a bench in front of the door. She quickly hit her wrist communicator. " Mamo-chan I need you, attack at school!"
" Are you okay?" He frankly replied.
" Yes, I've got Ami, no she doesn't remember but you need to get here quickly!" She cut the call, she was going to be trouble for that.
" Usagi, What is going on!" Ami proclaimed, worry in her voice.
" Look, you know what just happen it was you." Usagi faced Ami, grabbing a hold of her shoulder in order to keep Ami's attention.
" How-Your not making any sense Usagi!" Ami shouted, a bit of fear in her voice.
" Come out wherever you are Sailor Mercury, I know you're here." A light whisper stated Usagi knew that they would be found.
" I know that this may sound weird. But you cause that fountain to burst. Everything I just said to Berthier is true. You were once a warrior, a strong one. You might not remember any of it. But we were once close friends, we once fought together and I love you so much. Understand I want you to be yourself. More than anything. But you need to make that choice, you need to decide what to do next," Usagi pulled away calling on her transformation. " Use that pen for it true purpose." She declared as a nearby door burst open.
Ami hadn't meant to attack Berthier. Ami never attacked people before. Until she saw Berthier about to hit Usagi. The girl who just actually talked to her. Ami hadn't even saw Usagi sit down to have lunch with her. One minute Ami was just reading her book, the next Usagi came in rush. Instantly talking, she seemed so animated. As her body move with her words. Each expression justified. She remind her of the strange dream. When she didn't ask her a question. Only to wanting to have a normal conversation about Usagi boyfriend. With her. Well she was shocked. It felt so right. Like they had always been close. After watching Usagi stand up for her. Ami heart pounded how did Usagi know so much about her. Then Berthier moved to hit Usagi. Ami saw black. She felt protective. She could not let anyone touch Usagi. She felt the air shift. She knew water was near and felt it flow with her anger. When the fountain burst, she wasn't sure what to do. Her other hand was clenching the pen like a lifeline. She hadn't even notice pulling out the pen. The pen that felt like it had its own pulse. Like begged her to do something. To fight for Usagi. When Usagi had grabbed her. She heard each word. She wasn't a just timid girl. She was a friend, a protector of the moon. Sailor Mercury. The minute she watch Usagi transform she knew it was true. She had to do something. She pulled the pulse pen close. Allowing herself to accept its power. Memories came flying back. A black cat falling on her, friends fierce battles. Friends dying. Usagi screaming her name as last breath escaped. The power surround as she open her eyes feeling at home.
" Sailor Moon, we need to get out of here now." They had successfully ducked behind some lockers. She could hear, the enemy closing in.
" Any suggestions?" Sailor Moon asked. Mercury activated her visor quickly, as she scanned for an easy exit.
" That door leads toward the track field, hopefully, everyone has been evacuated." She suggested pointing to the closest door.
" Sounds good to me." Sailor Moon agreed. " On three, okay!"
" Three!" Sailor Mercury rushed down the door, hearing Sailor Moon rush behind shouting something about not counting. They pulled the door rushing out, happy to see that her guess was right. It was abandoned.
" Okay, now we-"
" Look what we have here," Sailor Mercury looked up as her visor started to scan the enemy. It was definitely Berthier, only with a new outfit. A blue tight bodysuit with strange designs, knee-high blue heel boots, and a black upside down moon on her forehead. The visor quickly examine Berthier, noticing a power source coming from her white hairpiece that held a black crystal in the middle." It looks like I couldn't pervert your awakening, Sailor Mercury. That's okay I'll have more fun killing you!" She hackled.
" Sailor Moon, the headpiece is her weakness."
" Oh, I love having you back." Sailor Moon exclaimed. " Can you weaken her a bit!"
" Ha, you twits can't defeat me! I one of the strongest Auskashi Sisters!"
" With pleasure." Sailor Mercury concentrated as the word came to her " Shine Aqua Illusion!" A burst of ice went flying straight at Berthier, causing her to scream in pain.
" Moon Tiara Magic!" Berthier, screams faded as the attack turn her into dust. " Take that Prince Diamond." Sailor Moon cheered laughing. Sailor Mercury couldn't help to laugh as well. Suddenly Sailor Moon launched herself enveloping her into a tight hug.
" Oh my God, I am so glad you're back." She screamed. Sailor Mercury hugged her back.
" It's good to be back!"
Mamoru glanced into the hospital room. He was exhausted. He hadn't gotten much sleep the last few days. Between worrying about what was wrong with Usako and tracking down Makoto. He barely gotten an hour of sleep. It turned out that the address in Makoto's wallet was no longer accurate. He spent all day at the police station office, trying to get more information. They had said something about calling him later. He wasn't sure how much help they would give. No wonder Tokyo needed the Sailor Scouts.
" Mamoru are you listening?" He heard his Professor proclaimed.
Oh great, he was daydreaming like Usako, he really needed sleep. " Yes Sir, you were explaining the test you had performed on Hinata Hino."
"Could you repeat them?" Oh crap, he quickly looked down at the chart.
" A Brain MRI, that turned up blank. Many different blood test that had no concerning marks, a full body MRI…." He continue to list the many tests having the same results, no wonder Rei needed her father, this had to be expensive.
" As you can see we have tried everything, the Patient is a complete mystery. I'm unsure why you have such an insert."
" I like a good mystery." Mamoru chimed, hoping the excused sound convincing.
" Well if one if our Top Medical students think he can shine some light go ahead."
" Thank you."
" Also Mamoru, I do hope that you find a way to solve your girl problems." Mamoru was speechless. " Trust me it's obvious, I wish you luck. Women are the true mystery." The professor laughed exiting the room.
Wasn't that the truths, Mamoru thought before returning to Grandpa Hino's chart. He knew what was wrong. He could feel the darkness in the room. It almost suffocated him. He had wish he had brought Usako, even with a part of the Silver Crystal. She might be able to heal Grandpa Hino. Something inside though told him he could help. He wasn't sure what, he knew if he listen to his institution. Maybe he wouldn't have endanger her. She looked awful after their last battle. She might of thought he hadn't seen her struggle, but he knew it. He always did. He knew something was wrong, her knee wasn't even getting better. He had gotten a brace easily from school, and made her wear it. He knew something was up, and if he was going to fix it. He was going to need the Scouts. He moved closer to Grandpa Hino. He remember how short the man was. Connected to so many tubes made him seem shorter. Almost like a helpless child. Mamoru gently touch Grandpa Hino's forehead, sensing the dark energy biggest pinpoint. Suddenly he felt a rush of power. He closed his eyes allowing it to full him. It was unlike anything he had ever felt. A golden aura seem to surround him. He suddenly could feel the darkness presence. He guided it away. He felt he was pushing an anvil. He took deep breath concentrating. He suddenly felt it leave. "Endymion," he heard hoarse whisper. Mamoru felt stunned, observed that Grandpa Hino was beginning to move. He quickly pulled the call button, nurses rushed in. He wanted to stay and find out how Grandpa Hino knew his past name. Until he heard his watch go off.
" Usako?"
" Mamo-chan I need you now, attack at school!" she screamed.
" Are you okay?" He frankly replied.
" Yes, I've got Ami, no she doesn't remember but you need to get here quickly-"
"Usako?" he slammed the watch closed in frustration. She always seem to give him only a bit information. He rushed away from the busy hospital room towards a back alley exit. He called on his transformation, jumping to rooftops. Using all his superhero strength to run towards the school. He could hear police sirens nearby. Thankful that Chibiusa would already be with Luna. Allowing him to focus on one woman. He saw a bright light, that usually came with Sailor Moon Tiara attack. He rush towards watching as the enemy became dust. The sight before him made him laugh. Sailor Moon had Sailor Mercury in the tightest hug. He could tell Sailor Mercury was struggling to breath and she gave him a friendly salute. He smiled in reply.
" Sailor Moon, too tight!" Sailor Mercury pleaded, even though she seemed very happy.
" I'm just," Sailor Moon pulled away, then suddenly she collapsed.
" I told you I wouldn't accept failure." Prince Diamond loudly proclaimed throwing off waves of dark energy that sent Rubeus flying toward a wall. " Not only did you're lackey allow Mercury to awaken, but she almost injured the Princess." He hissed slamming his fist on the armrest of his throne.
" I am sorry, My Lord." Rebeus painfully uttered.
" Leave, and pray Koan can do better." Prince Diamond dejectedly sat on his throne. Pinching his brow in frustration. How could his plan already be falling apart? One scout was awake, he knew that it only took one to start the domino effect. He had to prevent it or else. He threw his goblet storming towards the window, fuming, he punched the glass. Leaving a crack.
" Now, brother calm yourself, it's only a minor setback," Saphir exclaim coming into the room.
" I know brother, but I feel her slipping." Diamond hit the remote closet as the hologram of Serenity appeared. He had adjusted it to her current form. With one scout it would be harder to get her alone. He needed her alone in order to fully attack.
" I'm afraid I bring more bad news." Saphir proclaimed. Diamond glared at him. " I'm sorry but Mars relative is no longer sick."
" Endymion." Diamond growled.
" Yes, but no fear Koan has decided to kill Mars now." A plan formed in Diamonds mind.
" Have another Droid attack in a heavily populated area, order it to cause as much collateral damage as possible." He ordered.
" Why?" Saphir asked, ignoring his brother pointed look. He was only one who could question Diamonds orders. Not that Diamond approved of the action.
" It will isolate Serenity." Diamond informed him.
" How?"
"Leave that part up to me." He smiled as he stared at the hologram. "I think its time we had talk, My Love."
(( Diamond is going to have some fun! Sorry, he's my fav Villain. I know I'm spelling only his name in the English Anime way. Only cause I hate the Japanese way of saying it. Also, I made up the name for Grandpa Hino. According to every wiki, he has no name….And Mercury is back! Thanks for reading, I have done some edits in previous chapters. Not much, there very little. I am trying my best to catch all my mistakes. I am still very much in need of a beta! (Volunteers please!) As always don't forget to review!~Saiaino!"))
