Title: Friends with Secret

Genre: Humor/Mystery

Rating: T

Author's Notes: Great thanks to my Beta Ilene who has been such a huge help in getting these chapters ready for all of you. She painstakingly reads these and helps make them make a bit more sense. Go Ilene!!

Thanks also for all who were so kind to review! It means alot. Hope you enjoy the next chapter!

God Bless,

Marronett

-=-

It took him a few days to recover from that mystery Senshi's attack. He had been in hiding from his master since then and now he was beyond angry. If his mistress found out about his failure he was sure he was not going to get another chance. His two fallen brothers didn't get another chance. His face fell a bit as he remembered their deaths. How she had taken their lives from them… if he could call their existence a life.

"Are you done yet?" The voice was dark and deep and Zoicite sneered hearing it. "Done wallowing?" His commander hissed towards him and Zoicite narrowed his eyes towards the tall white haired man.

"I am just finishing my plan. It isn't everyday one of those scantly clad twits gets the upper hand on us." Zoicite responded and he watched as his commander walked past him, brooding on that thought.

"Really? It seems like they get the upper hand a lot." He mused and Zoicite turned, his eyes ablaze.

"Not this time they won't."

-=-

Her frame flew backwards and when it hit the dirt though it was loose it still hurt like a brick wall. With a grunt Jupiter pushed herself to her feet, her eyes roaming in time to see Mercury fly past her. He was back and shortly after they left Mamoru's apartment he had attacked the park. And he was angry. She sucked in a deep breath and pushed herself to her feet. She could hear Venus yelling out orders and than Mars yelling her attack but in the pit of her stomach Jupiter knew that he was too angry, too strong… She shook her head. They needed Sailor Moon and she knew she would never come. She couldn't blame Usagi… she wouldn't come either. A tear slid down her cheek as she watched Mercury try to get to her feet. She wouldn't go down without a fight.

-=-

She felt a rumble within her. It was ominous and her eyes flickered towards her partner who had stilled walking as well.

"I feel it." She whispered and Michiru sucked in a breath when a flash suddenly caught her eye. Before she could think her partner was pulling her into a nearby alley.

"Your highness…" Michiru breathed as the form stood quietly before them.

"They are under attack." Sailor Moon rasped, her voice broken as if her throat was raw. "You have to go to them. You have to save them." She said quickly pointing behind them and Haruka looked at her partner than her Princess and agony came across her.

"Princess…" She breathed and Sailor Moon's face scrunched in pain, her image flickering and she shook her head violently.

"Stop looking at me and go! Save my warriors!" She rasped, her eyes angry with them for not obeying immediately.

"Princess they know the truth. They are probably talking to Usagi right now. She could save you!" Haruka began and Sailor Moon shook her head and moved to push the woman away. Her hands went through her and the three gasped. Sailor Moon shuffled back in horror.

"It's too late for me…" Sailor Moon breathed and Haruka shook her head, ready to fight her, ready to tell her that there was still time.

"Princess…" A broken voice suddenly spoke up and the three women stilled. Sailor Moon's gaze slowly fell to a tiny black piece of fur and her face broke.

"Luna?" She whispered and a whimper broke through them as the small ball of fur raced towards the flickering image. Surprise flittered to the Princess' eyes as she spied the talking black ball of fur. Immediately her heart broke, remembering the beautiful woman Luna was and now the cat she was cursed to be. Instantly the Princess dropped to her knees and opened her hands for her beloved guardian and when Luna went through her a sob tore through the dying Princess.

"No!" Michiru screamed rushing forward and Haruka caught her, preventing her from going through there fading Princess as well.

"She is young, she is stupid. I can convince her." Luna suddenly said determined as she once again was before her Princess. "She believes these lies about you." Luna said with a shake of her head and Sailor Moon sighed deeply. "They are lies…" Luna reiterated, her voice losing some of its confidence as she saw the crestfallen face of her leader.

"Probably not if she told you." Sailor Moon whispered and Luna shuffled back in alarm, her feet tripping over herself and she fell at Haurka's feet.

"You can't blow up a planet." Luna screeched and when she saw tears well within her Princess' eyes the truth slapped her like a wet fish.

"I did not know. I was so angry. The world had stolen him from me… they were all dead. All of them around me and I could not take it. I am so sorry. She was right all of this time, right to banish me from her but they will die without my power! Please, you three need to go save them!" The princess bellowed and Luna shook her head in disbelief. It was all true… Serenity had destroyed the galaxy… Usagi had banished her to save them, to prevent it from every happening again. Realization dawned upon Luna as the idea of an eleven or twelve year old Usagi flitted to her mind. A girl who knew the truth yet knew no one would believe her. Who had to carry the weight and burden alone knowing that everyone would hate her because they wouldn't understand. Usagi did it anyway, she banished her to save them, to prevent it from every happening again.

"She banished you." Luna repeated and the Princess nodded but was quickly growing impatient. They weren't listening and she felt her Warriors begin to lose their lead on the General that was attacking them. "She had the power to stop you." Luna whispered and the three looked at the cat with wonder before suddenly the cat bolted up and raced out of the alley. Haruka and Michiru looked surprised at the action than turned to their Princess who felt the rejection of it. The wind senshi quickly shook her head.

"We can't leave you." Haruka said distracting the Princess from the cat who had just exited.
"I will not be the reason they die again. Do not disobey me. Save them." Sailor Moon mumbled, as she stood once more tall before them. Her life force was flickering away and she had accepted that. She did not deserve a second chance. They did and she

would not let Beryl destroy them when they had worked so hard to live in this life…

-=-

Her paws slid against the cement and she ignored the pain. When she escaped the alley her mind was focused. She had to find Usagi, force her to accept the Princess back into her body so she can save the Senshi. When she glanced around her, the surroundings suddenly dawned on her and her frame slid into a stop. After the girls had confronted Usagi, she had left them to follow the outers. She should have known. As she walked to the large open windows her red eyes caught the frame she was looking for. She was sitting inside, less than twenty feet away from the Princess. Sailor Moon had never left her… she was constantly following her. Of course… why would she not follow her other half? As a customer entered into the arcade she slid in after her, quickly making her way to the counter where the blonde was resting miserably, three empty milkshake glasses beside her.
Motoki looked at one of his best friend's sadly as she laid her head on the counter.

"Do you think I am a murderer?" He heard her mumbled quietly and Motoki didn't know how to answer that. Was it murder if she was the real re-incarnation and she was still alive? Was it murder to kill one half of her soul? Suddenly Usagi let out a scream as teeth sunk into her ankle. He jumped as Usagi fell to the floor.

"Usagi!" He called, leaning across the counter to see her on the floor, a look of surprise on her face as a cat sat on her chest. Quickly he scurried around the counter, helping her to her feet as the cat jumped off, heading to the back room. He dragged Usagi back there and she gulped, following quickly after them. When the door shut, the cat spun on them, the urgency alerting both the clerk and the girl.

"They are under attack." She said quickly and Usagi's eyes widened. She quickly put a hand to her chest.

"I don't feel her, I don't feel her power. Why isn't she there?" Usagi quickly bellowed and the cat shook her head.
"She's in the alley behind the arcade. She is dying. Look, I need your help. If you join with her…" Luna began and immediately Usagi shook her head, Motoki grabbing onto her to stable her. A dead cat in the back of his Father's arcade was not good for business.

"No, no her power is too strong." Usagi quickly said and Luna jumped on a box, quickly coming eyelevel with the teenage girl.

"I'll help you get rid of her once it's over. Please, let's just save them and I'll help you. I'm here for you." Luna tried and Usagi could only stare as confusion took over her brain.

"I don't think you understand. You just can't get rid of her that easily. We are talking about a cosmic force!" Usagi stuttered and Luna nodded, understanding completely… she knew the silver imperium crystal was powerful. It's power had drawn her and Artemis from Mau to serve it but learning that it had the ability to destroy planets… that was a bit sobering.

"We can figure it out. If they die, you're reason for existence dies as well. Whether you accept her or not you are her re-incarnation. Nothing about you is unique to you. You are her!" Luna said quickly knowing her time was running short. The words hit Usagi's chest and Motoki caught her as she stumbled a step back.
"That's a bit harsh." He growled to the talking feline and Usagi gulped trying to gather herself. Nothing was unique about her? She had no life? She was just a reincarnation who kicked out her soul… delightful.

"Look, I don't mean to be a bitch but you have to save them! They died protecting you and you punished her for killing their home worlds. Don't let her win again by letting them die tonight!" Luna yelled, her eyes frantic and Usagi heard Motoki gulp behind her.

"Usagi, she's right. You are their only chance. If you let Makoto die without me giving her a kiss I will kill you." Motoki spat holding onto her and Usagi was having trouble breathing. She was still having a hard time believing a talking cat could make that much sense. Panic mode was in full swing but she had to take control of herself. True, if she accepted cosmic powers she may destroy the galaxy… but if she didn't… her senshi would die, the love of her life would die and he would lose his planet. Damn, no win win. She looked at the cat and defeat flickered across her features.

"You will help me?" Usagi breathed and Luna felt her eyes well with tears as relief began to flood through her.

"It is all I have ever wanted to do." Luna whispered and Usagi nodded quickly, and the cat immediately jumped into her arms. Motoki was pushing her towards the backdoor and Usagi knew she couldn't turn back now. She would think of the consequences later but for now life was at stake… her friends… her warriors.

The door burst open into the gray alley and slowly dulling cobalt eyes turned to the intruders, not having enough energy to make herself vanish. She feared if she did vanish she would never come back. Her eyes widened as she took in the girl and man before her. They rushed towards her and slowly Sailor Moon got to her feet.

Motoki slid to a stop, alarm immediately on his features. True, he knew about this. True he was very well aware they were the same person but seeing her… Seeing the flickering image before him he was overwhelmed with this. Usagi slid in front of the image and they stood, exactly the same height, same build… same everything.

"Touch me." Usagi said quickly as her evil twin stood before her. Sailor Moon gulped and gently shook her head.

"My power is too strong…" She breathed and Usagi was getting angry. "You were right Usagi. You have been right all along. I am dangerous, I just needed them… They are who I am." The tears that fell down Sailor Moon's face struck Usagi to her core. She knew exactly how she was hurting. The same ache had filled her heart for over six years now… each year as she watched her friends, the Senshi find their identity… each year that she prevented herself from being in their lives, from knowing them, having the opportunity to love them. Love… to hide from the only man she ever loved, loved before she even knew who he was. That was what convinced her long ago that it was real love… because she loved him before she knew and she hoped that would be the case with him but that wasn't what was important right now.

"It isn't bad to need people. We all need someone. They need you." Usagi began and Sailor Moon's small frame was silently racked with sobs, her image flickering badly. "It's ok to need someone as long as you don't need them so much that you can't live without them. We can't blow up a planet if they die!" Usagi cried out, trying to make the girl before her see reason. See the folly in what she had done.

"I just wish you could have understood what it felt like…" Sailor Moon whispered quietly and Usagi shook her head.

"Well, let's prevent that feeling from ever happening again." Usagi said, her voice shaking a bit as she held out her arm towards the woman she had fought for years. The woman she swore she would never become but knew deep down she couldn't fight. They were the same… without one another they were incomplete like a book without a story. Sailor Moon saw the flesh colored digits before her and glanced up at the bright blue eyes she hadn't seen in the mirror for a thousand years.

"Moon…" Sailor Moon breathed and she reached out, clasping her hand around Usagi's small wrist, her fingers wrapping around her arm as Usagi did the same, sparks beginning to fly from them. "Prism…" She continued and Motoki took a step back, quickly scooping Luna into his arms as the sparks continued to grow. He could feel the swell of power begin to surround him and his heart beat fast in his chest, afraid this wouldn't work… afraid they would die.

"Power!" Usagi screamed the word at the top of her lungs and as if lightning had struck the power exploded and Motoki flew backwards, buffering Luna's fall with his own body as a surge shot through the alley than a brilliant flash of white light as it shot high into the air. The ground seemed to rumble beneath them and when the light faded Motoki jumped to his feet, his legs a bit wobbly as his eyes strained to see beyond the smoke.

A white-gloved hand swatted the remaining smoke away as a heavy sigh left her lips. The power that was surging within her veins was welcome and it sent a jolt of familiarity through her as well as a completeness she hadn't felt in years.

"At least my legs are cut out for short skirts." The Senshi said before them and Motoki let out a breath.

"Is it you Usagi?" He asked softly and when he caught her blue eyes sparkling he knew the answer. She placed a gloved hand over the big red bow at her chest and let out a breath.

"All me. Usagi and Serenity." Sailor Moon breathed and Luna could only stare, overwhelmed by the signature she was giving off almost five feet away. They watched in silence as she stretched her fingers in her glove, wobbling a bit on her heels as she tried to adjust to the power surging before her. When she lifted her eyes to them, tears lingered behind her lids. "Ya know… I use to love being Sailor Moon." Her voice was almost gone with the passing wind it was so soft and Motoki felt his heart go out to her. "I was really good at it. It was the first thing I was ever really good at." Usagi stuttered out and when she caught the sympathetic faces of her the two gathered reality once more hit her. With a giant gulp of air she composed herself. "Let's see if I still got it." She said quickly. "I have to go now. Motoki try and keep as many people here and out of harms way. I'll be back." Sailor Moon said quickly and Motoki nodded. He watched with a few graceful jumps she was gone, jumping roofs to her new destination. Luna jumped out of his arms as well and Motoki said a small prayer.

"Please let them all come back alive and let this not be a mistake…" He whispered.

-=-

By the time she made it to the battle she could see clearly Zoicite was ready to give his last strike at the four fallen warriors. The only ones holding him back were Neptune, Uranus and Tuxedo Kamen and she could sense they didn't have much left to keep him back. She jumped, diving towards the area and landed with a bit of a thud. So much for remembering everything.

"Stop!" She screamed, almost amazed at how her voice carried so far. Everyone turned to stare at her and she gulped a bit. She felt strength bubble within her and with a confident breath she finished, "I am Sailor Moon, the Champion of Love and Justice! In the name of the Moon! I shall punish you!" She monologued and immediately Neptune and Uranus spun, surprise and shock upon their faces.

"So, that is your name." Zoicite spat, his eyes narrowed.

"Finish them." A voice suddenly said into the air and Zoicite balked, surprised his Commander was there to watch him. Than he remembered the battle and what the outcome would be… what a great time for him to come and watch. He lifted his hands, pulling together all of his power, all of his anger and hatred towards them and was ready to snuff out their spark of life.

"Moon Twilight Flash!"

He fired as her words hit the air and Uranus and Neptune dove, trying to protect the senshi they were nearest. Tuxedo Kamen jumped, pulling Mercury into his arms as he dashed towards Jupiter to get them away from the blast. The blinding white light that shot from Sailor Moon hit Zoicite's attack and rumbled like a roaring lion back towards him. All of his power, all his anger and her power, unlike any he had ever seen barreled at him with such force and speed he could only stare horrified as it smashed into him, disintegrating him into the nothingness he had felt his whole life. Kunzite watched in horror as his brother vanished, his life force flickering out before him and with anger he flashed upon the small sailor who had taken him and in an instant he was gone. His Queen would need to know about this.

Her boots crunched across the grass as she made her way to the nearest fallen.

"Is she ok?" Sailor Moon quickly asked, her hand grabbing onto the unconscious Venus and Neptune grabbed onto her Princess.

"Princess…" Neptune cried, tears suddenly leaking from her eyes and Sailor Moon swatted her hand away.

"Yes, but not now. We have to get them to the Temple. Can you help me?" Sailor Moon implored and the ocean goddess nodded quickly, her hands immediately pulling Venus up and supporting her. "Uranus!" Sailor Moon cried, rushing to the wind senshi's side. She too grabbed onto her and Sailor Moon let out a breath. The time for reconciliation was not now.

"Thank you." Uranus whispered and Sailor Moon blinked than felt the emotion begin to well within her.

"What for growing up and accepting destiny?" She breathed and Uranus let out a small chuckle.

"No, for killing that asshole." She responded and Sailor Moon smiled a bit at that.

"Who are you?" A voice suddenly said beside her and Sailor Moon gulped and her hand pressed against her eyes, a red mask forming over them hopefully hiding her identity from the man she loved. "Where are you taking them?" Tuxedo Kamen demanded, his body a bit unsettled as he approached the blonde senshi.

"I have to heal them. Thank you for your help your highness but you are no longer needed." Sailor Moon said quickly, her voice trying to deepen as his penetrating eyes took in her form.

"I will go with them. They are my planet's sole protection. I can help them. Please let me." He responded, his sincerity evident and his suspicion of her annoying. With a lame nod Sailor Moon agreed and within a minute, the eight were gone.

-=-

She shifted a bit uncomfortably in her boots. They were higher than she remembered. In fact they were only half an inch when she was ten. Now they looked three. She gulped uneasily as her eyes drifted from her heels to the man who was still stalking the room. Why in the world was he still here? Uranus and Neptune left awhile ago, promising to return when they awoke so they all could have a nice long talk. Fun.

The great fire roared in the middle of the room as the four warriors lay asleep around it. They were covered with cuts and scrapes but the major damage had been avoided. She had arrived just in time… a phrase like that once jovial was now terrifying. They just needed a good nights sleep and they would be fine in the morning. She would debate with herself later if she would be there when they woke up. Half of her screamed to be there while the other half was terrified. She wondered how long it would take for them to be one again… not two separate opinions dwelling in one body. That was another reason she was standing uncomfortably. Her Serenity side was dying to rush into Tuxedo Kamen's arms. She herself wouldn't have minded doing that but she also had enough sense to realize she was still lying to him and if he found out he would be pissed. She shook her head, trying to clear her head of two sets of thoughts. It didn't matter, Luna was going to help her get rid of Serenity and than… than they would all be fine.

"Are you ready to talk to me yet?" The voice startled her and she visibly jumped, her blue eyes blinking behind the red mask that covered half of her face.

"Forgive me. I have been preoccupied." Sailor Moon responded with a small bow. She wanted to curse herself. Contractions, Serenity! Hello! She growled into her brain when she suddenly heard Tuxedo Kamen let out a breath, his top hat in his hand and she gulped nervously up at his face. He had removed his mask long ago. That she found surprising though not very disappointing. He was so pretty. She clenched her fingers screaming once more into her head. Get a grip!

"Are you their Princess they have waited for?" He asked quietly, unnerved that she still had her mask on. The hair was unmistakable. Long blonde locks in two odango. Looked awfully suspicious but he had decided before he even entered the battle this was not his Usagi. He had held his Usagi in his arms and saw this Warrior at the same time defeat Zoicite a week ago. They could not be the same person yet as he looked at her he could see how the senshi had got it wrong. He would inform them of that emphatically once they were recovered. Usagi may hide some things but nothing that big.

"I hardly think I was worth the wait." She responded quietly, her eyes staring into the fire before them, her mind finally under control.

"Serenity. It's the name of a goddess of the Moon in mythology." He began and Sailor Moon smiled a bit, feeling Serenity light up like a 100 watt bulb within her.

"Endymion is quite a popular name in mythology as well." She mused and he smirked a bit.

"Yes, but I was a little more than a Shepard." He responded and Sailor Moon exhaled deeply wanting to laugh at his joke. She loved it when he was playful and it was something he only did around her or Motoki. When she realized this fact her eyes widened in surprise, why the hell was he that comfortable around her now? Without warning she answered his question, her Princess side taking over.

"You were still in love with me though." She mused and he pressed his lips together silently. "I don't think you remember though." She continued quickly, taking over her mind once more and with a small nod he confirmed it. "Just because you loved me once does not mean you have to love me now." She finished, Serenity regrettably agreeing within her as she looking back towards the fire, an understanding smile on her lips.

"Well… you are kind of weird." Mamoru said suddenly and surprise lit Sailor Moon's eyes and laughter suddenly bubbled from her lips. "I mean the short skirt and the mask thing might be a little kinky but it just doesn't do it for me." He said lightly and Sailor Moon shook her head playfully, a smirk on her face. Oh she loved him when he was playful…

"I imagine bunny pj's do it for you then?" She teased and he looked a bit hurt at the suggestion than relaxed before her. Her presence was calming, soothing… he felt like he'd known her forever. Apparently he had. Besides the point.

"So, you have been spying on me." He mused quietly and Sailor Moon's face colored dramatically and her eyes widened.

"I am so sorry. I did not mean…" She quickly shut up, knowing if she kept blabbing she would tell him she knew he liked them because she was wearing them when he made out with her.

"That's another turn off. I think we are doomed." He said with a sigh stepping close to her and Sailor Moon shook her head, a smile on her lips.

"I am here to help you your highness. It is my fault you are the only surviving planet… for my crimes I will be under you forever." She whispered and Mamoru nodded a bit, confused and realizing sleep was begging upon his doorstep.

"That's a little haughty to assume you used to outrank me." He mumbled and one of her eyebrows rose playfully.

"You always did hate how I was better than you." She breathed and he couldn't stop the laughter that hit him. He quickly stifled it and pressed his lips together.

"Is that what ended our relationship? My pride over your vanity?" He mused and a sad smile took over her features.

"You died saving me from some evil psyco bitch who was madly in love with you." She whispered, turning the conversation dramatically.

"How do you remember this?" He questioned, suddenly sobered as his eyes bore into hers.

"I had a really bad nightmare once." She replied quietly and Mamoru gulped a bit.

"I panicked when you died. I think I loved you too much… I was young and stupid." She breathed and Mamoru blinked.

"Thanks." He responded dryly as he placed his hat back upon his head. She spun and grabbed onto him in order to apologize but a spark shot through them and he jolted back, her hands immediately dropping though half of her desperately wanting to cling on.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean it that way." She said hastily and he nodded and smiled a bit at her.

"I am sure you were worth saving." He said quietly and she gently shook her head.

"Well, to be honest… I was so pissed you died I killed all your people and the rest of the galaxy." She said quickly, unease hitting her and surprise lit across his face.

"You destroyed a galaxy because of me?" He snapped and she gulped nervously.

"I told you I loved you too much!" She whined and he shook his head and exhaled.

"Well, just don't do it again ok?" He growled and she blinked.

"What fall in love with you?" She said confused and he looked at her oddly.

"No, destroy the galaxy." He hissed and she nodded quickly. "But I wouldn't fall in love with me either, just in case." He continued and she nodded, turning a bit away from him. "I'm afraid… I love someone else." He breathed and Sailor Moon tilted her head and turned to him, watching as the memory of whoever it was danced across his face happily.

"Good for you." Sailor Moon breathed and he glanced up at her again than nodded.

"Please let me know if they need anything else." He said, placing his mask back over his eyes. "Oh, and don't tell them I helped them. It works better if we all hate each other." He said with a smile and Sailor Moon narrowed her eyes a bit at him oddly.

"Than why so nice to me?" She questioned and slowly he took her gloved hand in his and kissed it charmingly.

"I suppose we at least can be friends." He breathed over her skin. "I mean I might have a dream one day and remember you naked and I don't want it to be awkward." He mumbled and she yanked her hand away from him.

"Leave now." She hissed with a bit of laughter and with a tip of his hat he was gone.