USAGI'S VERY IMPORTANT MISSION
Chapter 10--
"Are you sure your ankle's fine now?" Makoto asked as she slowly walked behind Usagi, watching her closely. "You're still limping a little."
Usagi scowled. "Yes, yes Makoto. I'll be just fine. Stop worrying about me." She had to admit though that she was relieved there hadn't been a negaverse attack since her slip at the arcade. Her slight limp would no doubt be a hindrance to her fighting capabilities. Speaking of which, she was forced to wear running shoes with her mermaid costume since wearing high heels with a limp was out of the question. It probably looked ridiculous, but there wasn't really a choice. Flip-flops would still pose a risk for tripping and knowing Usagi, a risk meant a probability.
Makoto shrugged. "Okay then. Just don't try to do any crazy dancing at the party."
Rei laughed. "Yeah, Usagi. You'll embarrass us all." She couldn't help it. It was almost second nature to come up with a way to get under Usagi's skin.
Usagi gritted her teeth. "I don't think that's what Makoto meant, Rei."
Ami quickly intercepted as she had done many times to avoid an argument. "It's finally nice to be able to go out and have fun and not worry about studying. Although we should've at least started the history report so that we could've gotten a head start."
Rei, Makoto, and Usagi groaned in unison.
"Relax, Ames. Just this once you need to stop thinking about school and homework." Makoto said as the girls neared Rocketta Hall where the halloween party was being held.
The blaring music that could be heard blocks away was becoming louder and louder as the girls continued to approach nearer to the entrance of the hall. The evening was proving to be perfect with no signs of any rain although there was a slight chill in the air. From outside, multicolored lights were seen flashing through the windows as clusters of teenagers stood outside on the front lawn while others meandered in and out of the building.
"Well, I'll see you guys later! Mamoru's probably waiting for me!" Rei said as she scurried her way across the lawn and in through the front door.
"So much for sticking together." Makoto muttered.
"We'll find her later, but remember we all look out for each other." Ami replied as they all walked in through the open doors.
The smell of cigarette smoke and alcohol wafted throughout the house as a large group of people shimmied on the dance floor while others simply lounged around on couches and chairs chatting. The music was so loud, Ami didn't think her ear drums would stay intact.
"I'm going to get us some snacks!" Ami yelled over the blaring music.
"What?" Usagi and Makoto asked at the same time.
"I said I'm going to get us some snacks!" Ami repeated, this time slower.
"We'll go with you!" Makoto yelled back.
Before Usagi could follow, she heard someone say above the music, "Hey girls! I'm glad you all decided to come!" She turned in the direction of the voice and found Motoki who was dressed as...Tuxedo Kamen? Usagi's heart slammed into her ribs. Her brain simply froze unable to process anymore information. Usagi forced herself with all her might to refocus. She gulped and quickly turned around to motion for Ami and Makoto to go without her.
She turned back to Motoki who seemed to be in good spirits as he bobbed his head a little to the music. Usagi was utterly speechless. She didn't know what to say or what to think. Motoki was dressed as Tuxedo Kamen for halloween. Why would he do such a thing if he was trying to conceal his identity? Perhaps he didn't think it to be a concern since everyone was in costume tonight.
She peered up at him through his mask and into his eyes, the same eyes that she had looked into many times before. But why, why were his eyes different tonight? In fact, his entire person looked different tonight than he had looked during battles. She looked him over once more. He wasn't missing any part of the uniform. The top hat, mask, cape, and cane were all present. What was it then that was missing?
Motoki chuckled at her wide eyed, open-mouthed expression. "You like the uniform?" He reached up to grab his mask and slowly slid it off his face, an action that Usagi had pictured him so many times performing. It was happening right before her eyes and yet something was missing, something was not the way it was supposed to be. Tuxedo Kamen himself was standing right before her and removing his mask, but where was the thrill? Why wasn't her pulse quickening in anticipation? Why was she just standing here like a voiceless idiot?
Motoki laughed, his eyes shining as he said, "I got this costume a long time ago and couldn't wait to wear it for tonight."
Usagi still stood motionless, feet plastered to the floor unable to say a word. I knew it was you was what she was supposed to say, was what always happened in her daydreams, but now that this was a reality, for some reason, she couldn't say it. It just didn't seem right to do so. But why? Frustrated at her confusion, she brought her hand up to her head and rubbed her temple.
"Hey, you ok?" Motoki asked as he put a hand on her shoulder, seeing that she was perplexed.
Usagi nodded. "Yeah, just getting a little headache." She said without looking into his eyes because she couldn't bring herself to.
"You better go and have a seat." Motoki said as he led her to the corner where there were a few armchairs.
"Thanks." Was all Usagi said as she plopped onto one of the armchairs. At this point, there really was a headache coming on and she had both hands rubbing both temples.
Concerned, Motoki said, "I'll go and tell Makoto and Ami so they can look after you. I hope you feel better soon Usagi."
She sighed as she watched Motoki disappear into the crowd of party goers. She kept going over and over in her mind how something was different. Motoki had to be Tuxedo Kamen, she had been so sure of it for so long. It aggravated her to no ends however, that she couldn't help but think something didn't match.
--
Mamoru's eyes quickly darted around the hall as he entered through the open doors. A few days ago, he would have never thought he would be attending such a teenage occasion, but nonetheless here he was and all because of Rei. He wanted and had to know why it was that he felt so obligated to save Sailor Moon every time she was in danger.
"Mamoru!" Motoki's voice called from somewhere. Mamoru squinted his eyes in an attempt to see better, but after scanning the crowds, he still couldn't find him. Suddenly, he felt a tap on his shoulder. He whirled around and came face to face with...Tuxedo Kamen? "Ahh! Who are you??" Mamoru demanded to know, nearly jumping out of his skin.
"Sheesh, relax Mamoru." Motoki said as he slipped the mask off. "Why are you so shocked?"
Mamoru inhaled a deep breath, trying to calm his jittery nerves. "I...was just, surprised. That's all." He glanced at his best friend's attire and added, "Interesting choice of costume."
Motoki grinned. "At least I have a costume." He said as he shook his head at Mamoru's t-shirt and jeans.
Mamoru scowled. "I don't have time to prepare for such childish antics." Besides, he hadn't come here to party. He was going to talk to Rei, find his answers and then leave.
"Anyway," Motoki said as he scanned the room. "I'm looking for Makoto and Ami, possibly Rei. Usagi's not feeling well."
"Let me guess, she ate too many sweets and now she has a stomach ache." Mamoru said with a chuckle.
Motoki shook his head. "Actually, she's in the corner with a headache. Can you make sure she's ok while I go find one of her friends?"
Mamoru glanced toward the corner and sure enough, there was Usagi sitting alone with her head in her hands. Something about that sight stirred something in him and he began to make his way to her without even giving Motoki an answer.
"Mamoru!" A familiar voice squealed as two arms wrapped around him from behind. "I've been looking all over for you!"
Mamoru peeled the arms off of him and turned around to a red-faced Rei who was giggling as she looked up at him. "Shame on you, Mamoru, making me wait. Shame, shame shame." She said as she wagged her finger in his face with a large grin. "But that's ok! You're here now."
Mamoru stepped back slightly to put some space in between them. "Rei, have you been drinking?" He eyed her suspiciously and sure enough, she could barely stay upright.
"Drinking?" She murmured. "I drank some juice that smelled funny." Without warning, she burst into a fit of giggles. "Mamoru, you're the handsomest man I ever seen in my life."
Mamoru groaned. How was he ever going to get answers out of her when she was like this? "Rei, maybe you should sit down since you can't really stand right now." He said as she wobbled a little.
Rei sighed. "Oh Mamoru. You care about me so much." She said as she beamed with giddiness. After stumbling over in her high heels a few times, she finally made it to a seating area. Her french maid costume had been chosen carefully with Mamoru in mind of course.
When Mamoru finally albeit reluctantly took a seat beside her, she asked, "What do you think about my costume? Do you like it?" She inched her way a little closer to him on the seat.
He disregarded her question and said, "Look, I want to get out of here as soon as possible so I'm just going to ask you a few questions."
Rei frowned. "You're not staying? But--"
Mamoru shook his head, eager to get his answers. "When did you first find out that it was me?"
Rei smiled. "You mean when did I first find out I wanted you? From the first moment I looked at you of course." She inched yet again just a little bit closer to him.
Mamoru sighed with exasperation, a little uncomfortable with where this conversation was going. "No, that's not what I meant. How did you know I was T--"
An ear piercing scream was heard resonating throughout the hall. It was the scream of someone in danger, someone who was calling for help and it was causing the hairs on the back of his neck to stand on end. At that moment, Mamoru knew the negaverse was near. He stood up to see what all the commotion was about, but he was pulled back down onto the couch by an inebriated Rei. "Mamoru, don't leave me!" She whined.
Soon enough, a big ghoulish creature emerged from the ground and began attacking several people. More screams filled the building as others frantically made a run for the exits. It was pure chaos.
Mamoru tried to pry Rei's arms off of him, but she refused to let go. "You know, Mamoru..." She said as she clasped her hands around his neck. "I hate pretending to be mean to you, but it's the only way you'll like me."
He grabbed hold of her wrists and unwrapped them from around his neck. "Listen, Rei! The negaverse is here, you need to hurry up and transform into Sailor M--"
He was stopped mid sentence when he heard an all too familiar voice fifteen feet away saying a very familiar phrase.
"I am Sailor Moon! Defender of love and justice! I shall right wrongs and triumph over evil and that means you!"
Mamoru's head shot up and sure enough, there Sailor Moon was, facing the negaverse demon. "What the..." He trailed off with disbelief as he looked from Sailor Moon down at Rei and then back to Sailor Moon.
Rei seemed oblivious to all that was happening around them and only looked at Mamoru with dreamy eyes.
Incredulous, Mamoru forced himself to breathe. "You're not...you're not..." He began, unable to finish his sentence and unable to believe what was going on. He had been completely wrong this entire time! Obviously the person who he thought Sailor Moon was wasn't her!
"What?" Rei asked, a confused look settling on her face, still unaware of the battle that was about to begin. Mamoru cursed, angry that he had been such an idiot. He could have directly told Rei that he was Tuxedo Mask and given away his identity. Who knows what kind of mess that would have made of things?
"Agh!!" Sailor Moon yelled as she dodged an attack. It missed by mere centimeters.
Suddenly, Mamoru developed an intense feeling that was not unfamiliar. It was that same feeling that urged him to make haste and go to Sailor Moon because she needed him. It was always so intense, he could never ignore it.
He quickly shot up out of the seat despite an intoxicated Rei who kept calling for him to come back. He hastily looked around for a spot to transform away from prying eyes, but there didn't seem to be a place that was suitable. He knew there wasn't any time to waste. He took a quick glance at the battle, hoping that it was distracting enough to keep people away from him.
To his dismay, Sailor Moon wasn't getting very far with this monster, but fortunately, Sailor Mercury and Jupiter had just stepped out onto the scene. Mamoru sighed with relief. At least she had some help for the time being. But wait a minute, wasn't there one missing? Where was Sailor Mars?
Suddenly, another attack emerged from the monster and was heading straight towards Sailor Moon. Mamoru's jaw stiffened as she made a pathetic effort to run. He held his breath as she barely dodged it. One millisecond too late and it could have been a different story. What was wrong with her? Why was she extra slow today? Wait, was she...limping? He watched as she hobbled toward the two other senshi. Mamoru knew he needed to transform now. Getting down on all fours, he crawled to the corner and rolled in behind one of the armchairs.
Sailor Moon cursed her ankle because the pain that was beginning to completely subside had now come back tenfold and it was proving to be an impediment on her ability to attack and run. If that monster had aimed only a centimeter more to the left...she shook her head and pushed the thought out of her mind.
"Sailor Moon, watch out!" Shrieked a panic-stricken Sailor Mercury.
Sailor Moon paled. "Oh no, not again..." She looked over her shoulder, where the negaverse creature was extending an arm with a blade on the end right toward her. It seemed to move at the speed of light.
One minute, she was frozen to the spot watching that blade shooting toward her and the next, she was sailing through the air, a familiar scent surrounding her. It was cologne, a very familiar smell. She didn't get to finish the thought, however, because in the next second, she was lowered to her feet with Tuxedo Kamen hovering over her. "What's wrong with you?" He hissed as soon as her feet made contact with the floor.
She looked up at him, her face scrunching up in confusion. "What are you talking about?" She asked as she looked up into his face.
She stopped, frozen when her eyes met his. This was him. This was the Tuxedo Kamen that she had admired all along. She had no doubt about it. These eyes she was gazing into were the same mysterious eyes she had always gazed into after battles. That's when it hit her. Motoki isn't Tuxedo Kamen.
She continued to look, unable to tear her eyes away. All this time she had believed wrong. She had believed so very wrong. She tried to fight the sinking feeling in her stomach.
"Stop standing around, we need to fight!" Tuxedo Kamen urged, bringing her out of her deep thought. He quickly immobilized the monster with his roses allowing Sailor Jupiter to nail the monster with her thunder attack.
"Now, Sailor Moon!" Sailor Mercury shouted.
Sailor Moon took the cue, aimed her tiara, and soon enough, the negaverse creature was turned into dust.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief as applause and cheers echoed throughout the room from people who emerged from underneath tables, sofas, and any possible hiding places.
Amidst this, Sailor Moon turned to Tuxedo Mask feeling as if she was back to square one. As if reading each other's minds, they both spoke at the same time.
"Who are you?" They both asked, each one looking intensely at the other and trying very hard to think who the other might be.
"Sailor Moon, I'm afraid Sailor Mars has gone MIA." Sailor Jupiter informed her, interrupting what was going on with Tuxedo Mask.
Sailor Mercury nodded as she scanned the area. "Yeah, she didn't show up at all. I wonder what happened."
Sailor Moon sighed. "Just a second guys." She replied, a little annoyed that they didn't notice that she was in the middle of something right now. "I'll help you look for her in just a second." She turned back to continue her dialogue with the once again mysterious masked man.
But he was gone.
--
Mamoru raked a hand through his dark hair as he made his way into the Crown Arcade the next day. Sleep had been next to impossible last night after the discovery that Rei wasn't Sailor Moon. He had spent all night wondering who then, she could be. Who was it who was 'closer to him than he thought'? But when he had asked to speak to Rei privately, it was as if she knew what he was talking about. Or perhaps he had just assumed that she did. Rei did look confused for half the conversation. To add to that, how had Sailor Moon been injured before she had even been attacked? He recalled seeing her limp away from the first attack aimed at her. Was it possible she injured herself running away? He wouldn't put it beyond her. It had happened before.
He sighed with vexation after ordering a coffee and taking a seat at one of the booths. All the confusion was enough to make the circuits in his brain go haywire. He had to admit though, he was sort of relieved that Rei wasn't Sailor Moon. He couldn't deal with her obsessiveness during battles as well as during normal life.
Motoki approached Mamoru's table and took a seat across from him as he handed him his coffee. "Last night was insane." Motoki said, amazed that everyone made it out alright except for a few injuries.
"Yeah." Mamoru agreed, taking the cup of coffee.
"Let me tell ya, I'm glad the real Tuxedo Kamen showed up. I would've been toast if I was the one who had to fight." Motoki said with a chuckle, able to find humor in the situation.
Mamoru laughed, trying to picture Motoki fighting in a tuxedo. It wasn't going so well in his imagination.
Just then, Makoto and Ami walked into the arcade and took a seat at a nearby booth. Mamoru noticed that they too, seemed as if they hadn't gotten any sleep last night.
"Rei's not coming today. She's in bed with a hangover." Ami said to Makoto who groaned at the memory of Rei's drunken state the night before.
"She kept asking where Mamoru was the whole entire way home!" Makoto said with annoyance as she rested her chin on her knuckles.
Mamoru grimaced upon hearing this and reminded himself to restart operation escape Rei.
"Usagi seemed really distracted on the way home." Makoto pointed out after a short silence.
Ami nodded. "Yeah, something was definitely on her mind. I told her not to come today because she was in so much pain."
Mamoru's ears perked up at this. Why was Usagi in pain? He waited for more to find out why, but Motoki said something and took his attention. "Well, enjoy your coffee Mamoru. I've got to go and work."
Motoki slid out of the booth and made his way to the front counter, but only moments later, the arcade doors opened and Motoki was heard saying, "Usagi! You should really be home right now."
Usagi's voice was heard replying, "I'll be fine, Motoki."
Mamoru turned his eyes toward the exit, but as soon as he saw Usagi, he instantly froze.
She was limping.
A/N: And cue the dramatic music! As I promised, this chapter was released before the end of the week. It was fun writing this chapter. I hope this made sense to you guys and I hope that you found it interesting and somewhat suspenseful. I'm sorry that I sort of left you hanging with the last part of this last chapter, but I'll update soon. I think you all know what is going to happen soon...secrets uncovered!
neonsnickers: It would be ideal if every time I fell or tripped (which has been numerous times), a handsome guy was there to catch me/help me/tend to my injuries. Lol. Thanks for reading and reviewing! I appreciate that you took the time to write something. I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
.!: Both are fine! You can be in love with my fic and me! I'm fine with both. Lol. I love writing so whenever I can, I try to update as much as possible. It's just a shame that there aren't more hours in the day for me to do it. Anyway, thanks for reviewing and reading!
sailormoon-is-eternal: Woo hoo, Mamoru has seen the truth, but only half of the truth. Just wait till he uncovers the other half. I'm glad you liked the last chapter and thanks again for reviewing.
Nandini709: That seems like a really interesting way to describe hypocrisy or how people don't want to believe their own faults, but they see it easily in others. You're right, now that you've point it out I just realized how much irony is actually in my story. It's nice that you're liking Mamoru more and I'm a sucker for romance so there will be more romance, but at the same time I don't want it to be sappy or too mushy. I've read a lot of romance novels and manga to know what is too corny so I don't want it to be too corny. Thank you once more for reading and reviewing. You are awesome!
Jingy5: Hahah, I'm glad you found Rei's thoughts to be hilarious! It's funny how she doesn't see that she is exactly that way with Mamoru! You got your wish in this chapter! Mamoru realized that Rei isn't Sailor Moon and also Usagi realized that Motoki isn't Tuxedo Mask. It's great that you thought last chapter was fun and I'm hoping you thought this chapter was interesting too.
empty-spaces: Yay, I'm glad you liked the blossoming attraction between Usagi and Mamoru. You said you had an idea of what would happen, was your idea close? I want to know! Thanks once again for reading and reviewing!!
Baine: I do realize that my story starts out like quite a bit of others out there, but thanks so much for sticking with it and continuing to read! Your review really made me blush! It was so nice to hear that you thought it was interesting and you are excited to see more. It's flattering that you think the romance between Usagi and Mamoru is going at a good pace. That's exactly what I was aiming for. I've read quite a bit of romance novels and manga and I didn't want it to be too corny or unbelievable. I'm glad to hear from you that I'm what I intended is working out. I hope your trip went well (you'll probably read this when you get back), but when you do get back there will probably be more than one update so I hope you'll be able to enjoy that. I completely understand how difficult it can be to update. Writing is a joy, but there are other priorities and unfortunately, we're not getting paid to write so our fics get moved to the very bottom of the list. I have a couple weeks off so I'm trying my best to complete this story before my time off ends. Also, how could I not update when I'm getting such nice and encouraging reviews like the one you gave me. It's pretty funny that Rei doesn't realize that she is smothering Mamoru the exact same way Yuuichirou is smothering her. I assure that at the end of the fic, Rei and Usagi's friendship will be in tact. I could never end it otherwise. I really didn't mean to make Rei as much as the underdog that she is in this fic, but she adds to the plot in so many ways as she is now. Thank you very very much for your kind words and you have made me very happy with your review.
ninjett1: Eventually, the truth will come out and I can't wait for that. Thanks for your encouragement! I hope you liked this chapter.
supersaiyanx: Lol, yes Rei is so silly! As I've said to other reviewers, she is doing the same thing to Mamoru that Yuuichirou is doing to her. Thanks for being a faithful reader and reviewer. You are great!