Author's Notes: Oh my goodness guys, this chapter seriously took less than three hours to type with no plan beforehand. It sort of flowed out as though I'd already written it. That doesn't happen often, but in this case, I ran with it and I'm pretty pleased with the results. Please tell me what you think.


On Her Own
Chapter 10
Missing


Friday


Only moments had passed since Rei had been taken, but Sailor Moon felt as though she had aged a million years. Her heart beat a pounding rhythm in her chest, and she wanted to scream. She knew she had to stay calm, however. She was the leader, whether she had asked for it or not.

Her mind conjured up the image of the deliberate drop Mars had made, revealing her true face. She understood the reason but was worried the other girls wouldn't. It would be horrible if they thought it was a betrayal. In fact, it was an ultimate act of self-sacrifice. Without her henshin wand, there would be no Mars fighting against them. However, Sailor Moon wished her friend had trusted her when she'd said she was protected from turning evil.

She put on a brave face for the others. "We'll get her back!" Sailor Moon declared again. She was determined that she would not fail.

"Who are you?" Sailor Jupiter asked, a look of recognition on her face as she turned to the second blonde.

"Sailor Venus," the newest member of their group said. "I'm sorry I couldn't get here sooner. I was delayed by several Youma in the shopping district or I would have come faster."

"I know," Sailor Moon said, putting her hand on her friend's shoulder.

"It's her fault Mars is gone," Mercury said.

"No, it isn't," Sailor Moon said, her voice breaking on a sob. "It's no one's fault. We were outnumbered five to one before the end. No one is to blame for this."

"But-"

Sailor Moon cut her off with a look. "Don't you dare, Mercury. Don't you go making this about anything but Metallia and what she has done to everyone. I will get Mars back or die trying."

"No!" shouted North Knight and Venus, both of them looking horrified.

"You aren't going in there alone, and certainly not tonight!" Venus said, her voice firm. "You were just mortally wounded. I don't care if you're healed. You need rest."

"She's right," Mercury said, tears streaming down her face. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "I shouldn't have said..."

Sailor Venus turned to Mercury. "Don't. You're upset and scared and all you want is to know she's okay. I'm not mad. I should have come out of hiding weeks ago, so maybe it is my fault."

"I knew it!" Blue Moon Knight yelled, looking star struck. "You ARE Sailor V!"

"We need to get these people healed and to safety," Sailor Moon reminded everyone. She turned to Tuxedo Kamen. "Can you feed me energy so I can heal them all at once?" she asked. He nodded and stood behind her, a hand on either shoulder. She felt him sending energy into her and lifted the wand one last time.

"Moon Healing Escalation!" she shouted. The light of healing touched everyone. It lasted several seconds before fading. People were stirring all over. She sent out a call to first responders and turned back to the rest of the group.

"Go home for tonight. We will meet first thing in the morning to discuss our rescue operation."


Usagi didn't go home. Instead she carefully climbed the steps of the Hikawah Jinja and made her way to the family quarters. Grandfather Hino deserved to know the truth. His granddaughter had not abandoned him, and they would get her back. She had to tell him everything.

It had been a difficult decision for her to make, but it seemed to be the only real course of action. If he suddenly started putting up fliers with her picture, the Dark Generals would easily learn her name, and he would be in danger. It could also lead to the rest of their identities being discovered. She had to protect the rest of the group, and their families.

She knocked on the door and waited, hearing the pattering of feet and a grumble about the late hour. When the door swung open the elderly priest looked up at her in surprise. "Usagi-chan? What are you doing here so late? Rei-chan is sleeping I'm afraid."

Usagi shook her head. "May I please come in?" she asked, trying to remain calm.

He gave her a small smile and opened the door wider. "Of course. You are always welcome child. I know you and Rei have been arguing, but she loves you very much."

She tried to smile back at him, but knew it came out looking rather sickly. She slipped off her shoes and toed on a pair of guest slippers before moving into the sitting area where she immediately knelt on a pillow at the little table.

"Would you like me to wake her for you?" Grandfather asked.

"No thank you. I've come to talk to you Hino-sama."

The old man waved his hand impatiently. "None of that Usagi-chan. None of that. What's the matter child?"

"Would you sit and talk for a moment?" she asked.

He settled across the table from her gracefully, long years of kneeling making his movements like a well-rehearsed dance. "What's wrong?"

"Rei isn't sleeping," Usagi said. "She's not here at all."

Panic swept across Grandfather's face and Usagi's heart clenched. She knew his only child, Rei's mother, had died in childbirth when Rei was nearly six. The girl had lived with him ever since and was the only family he had left.

"We've been keeping a secret from you," Usagi said, "but it's time you knew the truth."

There was a fierce look in his eyes as he watched her, and she hoped he would not hate her for what was coming. "Rei, Ami, Makoto, and I are Sailor Senshi," she said, bluntly. "We've been fighting against the Negaverse for some time. Recently there have been problems between us and the group split, but we were hoping to reconcile. Tonight, my group, which includes Tuxedo Kamen, and several new fighters, was overwhelmed. Rei's group came to help. She was taken. I plan to get her back. I haven't decided exactly how, but I will not rest until she is safely home with you again."

Usagi felt her heart break as emotions ran across the old man's face. Shock, anger, acceptance, worry, and despair. "She's Sailor Mars, isn't she?"

Usagi nodded. "She is. She's an incredibly strong and powerful warrior, and she won't be broken easily. I have recently rescued two of the Dark Generals, and they can help me infiltrate and bring her out."

There was a long silence as Grandfather Hino digested her words. He seemed to be on the verge of tears, and she didn't know what to do. She'd never thought of making a visit like this. She'd never thought one of her friends might be taken. She couldn't imagine what she would do if one of them died.

"Do the other parents know?" he asked.

Usagi shook her head. "Luna always said it would put all of you in more danger if you knew. We argued with her about it, but in the end, we thought it would be better to protect all of you."

He made a strange sound but nodded his head. "I need some sake," he muttered.

Usagi lurched to her feet and went into the kitchen to grab a bottle and small cup for him. She poured the drink and handed it to him.

He drank it quickly and put the cup on the table. "What do you need from me?" he asked after a long silence.

"I was hoping you could call Rei out of school for a few days and not put up missing signs. I don't know how soon we will be able to move, but I want to get her back as quickly as possible. I know we've fought lately, but she's my friend. No. She's my sister, and I will bring her home!" Usagi felt a fierce need inside to see Rei.

"I believe you child," Grandfather said, looking directly into her eyes. "I think you have the strength of will to do this thing. I will search the fire for you."

"The girls and I will come and do Rei's chores for her until she gets back."

"No!" Grandfather Hino nearly shouted the word. His tone gentled when he continued. "No Usagi-chan. You and the others need to focus on bringing… bringing my Rei home to me."

"Yes Hino-sama." She bowed low in both respect and sorrow, promising herself she would bring Rei home quickly.

The old man picked up the bottle and poured himself another cup of sake. Usagi wanted to stop him, but knew she had no right. She shook her head and went around the table to give him a hug before putting her shoes on and making her way out of the house.

The night seemed darker than ever as she trudged wearily toward her house. Clouds had rolled in, hiding the stars, and the moon. Usagi wanted to throw herself onto the ground and weep like a child. Her mind conjured image after image of the fight. Mars throwing an attack at Kamen. The look of horror on her face when she saw what she had done. The strange moment that seemed to hang forever when Zoicite had grabbed her from behind. The knowledge in her eyes when she had dropped her henshin wand.

All of it bundled together into Usagi's mind. She hardly noticed the tears streaming down her face. It seemed to take enormous effort just to put one foot in front of the other and continue the walk. She had to remain strong. She had to plan her course of action. She had to bring Rei back.


"Where were you?" Shingo asked as Usagi climbed in through her bedroom window.

She looked up in surprise to see her brother, as well as Mamoru and Haruki. She lurched forward and was caught by Mamoru as she stumbled. She began to sob, her body shaking with it, as she clung to him. It took several long minutes to calm herself enough to speak.

"I had to protect Rei's identity," she said finally, sitting on the edge of the bed. Haruki made his way over and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. She leaned against her cousin with a grateful sigh, and then opened her arms when Shingo came to hug her as well. "I told Grandfather what I could and promised to bring her home. He's going to call her out of school and he won't make a fuss about her being missing. It was the only plan I could think of."

"We were worried," Mamoru admitted. "One minute you were right next to me, and then you were gone. Venus was about to send us searching when I explained I could sense you. She wanted me to track you down, but I felt like you needed some time."

"I did," Usagi nodded. "I had to decide how much to tell Grandfather, and I needed a chance to think it through."

"I wish you hadn't gone alone," Shingo said quietly. "But I understand."

Usagi gave him a small smile. "I'm sorry. I guess… it hit me hard. We argued the last time we spoke, and I… it was just a bit overwhelming."

"It wasn't your fault she was taken Usako," Mamoru murmured, touching her cheek gently and turning her face to look at him. She stared into his eyes. He truly believed his own words. She nodded, but she wasn't convinced. If she hadn't left the group, perhaps things might have been different. But she would never know.

"What we need is a plan," Usagi said. "We have to figure out how to get her back."

"Well, we do have Kunzite and Nephrite, and I'm sure they will tell us everything they know."

"It might not be enough," Usagi said, a frown crossing her face. "What if they've added new security measures because they are on our side now?" There were too many variables she had no control over. "Should only one or two of us go in and break her free, or should it be an all-out assault? Should we go instantly, or wait a few days until they let their guard down? What do we need to get there? How do we approach? It's all too much."

"Not really," a voice said, coming through the window. Kunzite stepped into the room, followed by Minako.

Usagi started and stared at him in shock. She hadn't heard them coming.

"It's not too much. We'll help you." Kunzite hugged her before looking for a place to sit.

"Are you alright Usagi-chan?" Minako asked.

She could only nod, staring at the other blonde who was her near mirror-image. There were no words for everything she was feeling. She still hadn't had a chance to process that Minako was both Sailor Venus, and the infamous Sailor V. It was obvious Minako had known who she was.

Two cats followed the blonde into the bedroom. Luna, and a white cat with the same crescent marking on the forehead. "This is Artemis. He is my guardian; the way Luna is yours."

"Hi," Usagi said.

"Hello Usagi," the cat said. His voice was deep and soothing. "Hello Mamoru, Shingo, Haruki. I'm sorry, but I didn't want to wait until morning to meet you, and Minako rather thought you shouldn't be alone tonight." The cat shook his head. "I did tell her the others might come, but I don't think she believed me."

Minako glared at the cat and stuck her tongue out. For some reason the absurd act made Usagi feel better. The new arrivals found spots on the floor and sat. Kunzite frowned as he looked at her and Usagi wondered if he blamed her for what had happened.

"Is this a private party?" another voice asked, and Usagi turned to see Makoto, Ami, and Nephrite peering in through the window. A moment later they had climbed through. There was absolutely no room left once all of them were inside. Mamoru plucked her up and held her in his lap so that Ami could sit on the bed.

"I'm glad you're all here," Usagi said, a small sigh escaping in spite of herself. "Although it might be better if we do meetings at the command center from now on," she added, seeing how everyone was cramped in the small space. Her bedroom seemed so much bigger when it was just her inside.

"My mother is at work and I didn't want to be alone," Ami said quietly. "I went to see Makoto and Nephrite had they the same idea. But then we realized the others would come to make sure you were alright, and we wanted to see you."

"It's okay Ami. Really." Usagi sighed. "I went to visit Grandfather to make sure he knew what was happening. I couldn't take the chance he would put up fliers and have the Negaverse learn who she was."

"I don't understand why she dropped the pen," Makoto said.

"Because she wasn't sure what I did would be enough. She didn't want to risk us having to face her in battle." Usagi said.

Minako nodded. "She was protecting all of you."

Ami held the pen in her palms, staring down at it. "I know you've had problems with her Usagi," she said, "but Rei really loves you."

The words sounded exactly like what Grandfather Hino had told her. Usagi bit her lip in thought. She knew there was more to the situation, but until she and Rei could speak there was nothing to do but hope and work to bring her home.

"So what's the plan?" Shingo looked at Usagi as though she had all the answers. She knew this was one time when she couldn't let any of them down.


Saturday


Inside a secret command center the group of heroes and their allies met. Motoki was upset over the missing girl. Like the others he had taken her on as an honorary little sister, and in spite of recent troubles, Usagi knew he cared as deeply for Rei in his own way as her and the others. Naru hadn't said anything yet and she wondered what the girl was thinking.

She met Mamoru's eyes and he instantly made his way to her, wrapping his arms around her shoulders and pulling her against his chest. No plans had been finalized the night before. She and the others had talked over several possibilities, but she knew ultimately the decision of how to proceed was hers.

Usagi frowned and sat down at the conference table. It was a new addition to the command center and she wondered where it had come from. "I think the easiest way is to sneak in and grab her, then sneak back out. We only need one or two people for that."

Minako shook her head. "You aren't going in alone." Her arms were crossed over her chest and she looked fierce, and slightly annoyed.

Usagi sighed. "I didn't say I would." She didn't mention that she had several plans that included that very scenario. She'd made and discarded dozens of plans but kept coming back to the knowledge that they weren't yet ready to confront Metallia, or even Queen Beryl, head on. No, they needed stealth.

Minako gave her a look and Usagi wondered if the other blonde could read her mind, or if she was just considering what she would do if it was up to her. In any case, Usagi was the acknowledged leader of the Senshi, and Mamoru the acknowledged leader of the Shitennou and Shingo. It was just how it had to be. Everyone needed to know what they were doing, and someone had to give the orders.

Kunzite pulled Minako to the side and the two of them talked in whispers for several minutes before he turned back to Usagi. "Pri-" he cut off and cleared his throat. "Usagi, I think perhaps it would be best if I accompanied you. We can be in and out before anyone is the wiser. I know my way around and I am quite good in a fight."

Mamoru cleared his throat behind her. "Actually, I think it would be best if I went with her. The two of us have fought together so long it's as though we can almost read one another's minds. I always know when she is in danger, and I can tell she does the same for me."

"Why does she need to go in at all?" Shingo asked. "Surely someone else can make the trip instead." When Usagi looked at him he shrugged. "What, the leaders shouldn't go," he said.

Usagi shook her head. She hadn't even decided if it was to be a two-person team yet, and she wasn't going to decide in that very moment. What she needed was information. She had loaded the maps given to her into the Moon Computer, and for the first time she was using the feature to put an image out for everyone to see.

"What I want to know right now," she said, changing the subject, "is where they would be holding her. Would she be in the cells or in one of those coffin-things?"

"More than likely they would be trying to turn her," Nephrite said. It could take days and it will be a great drain on Metallia's energy."

Usagi nodded. "Show me exactly where the chambers would be, and the cells too," she added thoughtfully. "They might be trying to extract information first. If I remember correctly they took your memories when you were turned. I'm sure they would want to question her before that happened.

Kunzite stood and marked the locations. His approval was obvious in the way he looked at her. She was grateful he thought she was doing well. All she could think about was getting Rei back without anyone else being put into danger.

Naru had to leave to meet Umino, but came to give Usagi a hug, and a warning to be careful. Usagi promised and turned back to her work. She had to save Rei.


"I think we should still go out tonight," Mamoru said, his voice low.

Usagi turned to look at him, her heart stuttering a little. How could he think of their date when Rei was missing? She opened her mouth to respond but he covered it with his hand.

"Hear me out before you argue," Mamoru said, his tone gentle as he stroked her face. "First, you don't want your parents realizing anything is wrong. Second, there will never be a time when there are no troubles. We have to carve out a few moments to stop fighting and be ourselves. Finally, I think a change of scene will do you good right about now." He stopped for a moment, then blushed. "And, yes, also because I just want to spend some time alone with you. I won't apologize for it."

Usagi opened her mouth again but was forestalled when Minako came over and interrupted. "I think Mamoru is right Usagi. We've talked this to death and there is nothing we can do right now. For tonight you just need time to rest and relax."

Usagi looked around at the others in the room, realizing that in spite of his caution, Mamoru's words had been heard by everyone. She sighed and looked back at him. She wasn't sure what the right answer was. It was true she wanted to be with him, but she didn't want a cloud of misery and worry overshadowing their date either.

"I think you should go," Ami said, giving her a small smile. "It will give you a chance to decide who is going with you," she added.

Usagi sighed again and nodded. She could almost feel the atmosphere in the room change. What she noticed was relief. Why would they feel so relieved? And then it hit her. They thought she was going to go alone, tonight. She shook her head. It wasn't completely out of the realm of possibility, but she would much rather have one of them at her back just in case.

She said nothing about it however, and simply turned toward Mamoru. "Is there a dress code?" she asked.

"Comfortable," he answered smoothly, pulling her back into his arms and lowering his lips to hers. His tongue was insistent as he pressed into her mouth and her whole body seemed to hum at the action of kissing him. When they parted, she stared up at him in wonder. She'd never known she could feel so good with a simple kiss. Her breath came in short gasps as she lost herself in his eyes.

It took a moment and giving herself a mental shake before she could turn, rather unsteadily, and look at the girls. "I'm going to go home and get ready then. Anyone want to come?" She knew the answer of course, before anyone spoke.

Ami, Makoto, and Minako leaped up and hurried to her. Within moments they were practically dragging her out of the arcade. She hid her smirk. They were not going to leave her alone for a moment. Instead of being annoyed, she was grateful. They obviously cared.


Mamoru pulled up in front of the house in a shiny red sports car. Usagi knew the moment he arrived because Shingo and Haruki both made a huge deal about the car in loud voices. She shook her head. Boys could be strange. Neither of them had shown any really interest in cars before, but as soon as a red sports car pulled in, they were staring at it like it was the last piece of chocolate cake.

Minako laughed as she ran the brush through Usagi's hair a final time. She'd changed the style for the evening, and though Usagi wasn't sure it was the best idea to leave so much hanging loose, she had to admit it looked beautiful. Minako had taken one strand and braided it into a crown and added little hair clips that looked like butterflies as well as a couple of flowers.

Usagi's biggest concern was getting her hair caught under her feet and tripping. She was wearing flats, which added nothing to her height, but she had chosen them because it was rather dangerous for a klutz to wear heels. Makoto and Ami had chosen her outfit. She wore a pair of bright pink leggings under a matching skirt. The top was emblazoned with roses, which Usagi thought was perfect considering who her date was. She had rosebud earrings in her ears and a matching necklace and ring. It was a beautiful set, but she was worried she might damage it.

She made her way to the bedroom door, but Minako hauled her back. "No!" the other girl hissed. "You are supposed to make him wait!"

"Why?" Usagi asked, genuinely curious.

"So he can see you come down the stairs. You have to get the reaction."

Usagi snorted. "Seriously, he's never seen me this dressed up before. I'm sure he'll be happy with it."

Minako shook her head. "It's not about that," she giggled. "If you look at his face as you go down the stairs, then you get to see his jaw drop," she explained.

"Oh." Usagi smiled at the idea of a speechless Mamoru with his mouth on the floor. "Okay then. How long should I wait."

"Until your mother calls you downstairs. She's a woman. She knows."

Usagi looked at Minako in a new light. Perhaps her friend could be a fount of useful dating information. She waited another minute before she heard her mother's voice, and then tiptoed to the top of the stairs. Sure enough, she could see Mamoru's shoes. He must be sitting on the couch. Slowly and carefully she walked down the stairs, her little silver slippers in her hand.

Seeing Mamoru's reaction was more than worth the wait. He sat with a bunch of pink roses in his hand, on the couch next to her father. When he caught sight of her his jaw dropped open and his eyes widened. Usagi even noticed his nostrils flared. She giggled as she approached.

"Hi. Sorry to keep you waiting."

"Huh?" he asked, sounding a little confused. "I mean no. I mean…" he blushed. "You look beautiful."

"You look great too," Usagi said honestly. He was wearing khaki pants with a black button up shirt and a crisp white t-shirt underneath, barely visible. She smiled at him. He'd even tried to make his hair behave. It hadn't worked, but she appreciated the attempt. What she noticed most was how good he smelled. He always smelled of coffee and roses, but today the smell of roses was actually muted by another scent, one she couldn't name, but that made her want to curl up into his arms.

He gave her a chaste kiss, promised to have her home by 11:30, and after she had smelled the roses and passed them to her mother, he led her out the door. As soon as it closed behind them, Usagi knew that everyone in the house was already peeking out the windows. She grinned and let Mamoru lead her to the car.


Mamoru led her into a restaurant lit by dim lights and filled with light romantic music. He held her hand as they were led to their table and even held her chair for her. It made Usagi feel special and cared for. Though she couldn't get the upcoming rescue completely out of her mind, she did try to enjoy herself and to give Mamoru her attention.

At first conversation faltered a bit. She bit her lip after he attempted to talk about their school work. Then he brought up the subject of her father. Neither were subjects she thought entirely wonderful for a first date. Then he asked what types of music she liked, and the conversation took off. Usagi was a very eclectic music lover. She enjoyed classical, pop, rock, and all sorts of music.

"I can generally find at least one song in a genre that I like," she leaned closer to him, "but I have to confess I'm not a huge fan of jazz."

Mamoru smirked at her and Usagi thought she might melt into a puddle in her soup bowl. For some reason the look which had once made her nearly insane with anger and irritation, now made her want to kiss him until he couldn't speak. She giggled at the thought.

Turning the question around, she asked what music he loved and was surprised to find his tastes varied nearly as much as her own. "I can't stand rap," he admitted. There wasn't much in Japan, but they'd both heard enough to discuss various pieces.

"What's your favorite instrument?" Usagi asked.

"Violin," he answered immediately. "Yours."

"The voice." She grinned at him when he looked about to argue. "There's this one group. The songs are all in English, but I've heard them before. Anyways, they sing the songs, but they also make the sounds of several instruments with their voices."

As their plates and bowls were taken they moved from music to art and he began discussing artists, some of which she'd never heard of before. They left the restaurant talking about her ideas for creating a manga series, and they were smiling and laughing. She didn't even notice when he didn't drive to her house, but instead headed for one of the outdoor amphitheaters.

They walked down into the seats and he put an arm around her as the musicians began to play. There was a girl with aqua hair playing the violin, accompanied by a boy with short blonde hair playing the piano. The melody was so intricate and beautiful it brought tears to Usagi's eyes. She listened in rapture, every note pulling at her.

A rather melancholy beginning to a song hit a crescendo with notes that were so hopeful and poignant that she wept unashamedly. Somehow the music gave her hope. The particular song was so incredible that she nearly wept again because it ended. In her head she almost saw a story and somehow she linked the music with the attempt to rescue Rei. She wanted to hear the song again and again.

Mamoru brought her forward at the end and they saw a little table set up with CD's. She had a little money in her purse and instantly grabbed for one of them, but Mamoru took it and refused to let her pay. He bought himself a copy as well, and they each tucked one away in their subspace pockets.

The musicians came down from the stage and mingled with the audience. Usagi and Mamoru were just about to leave when the young man who had played piano came and stood in front of them. He looked at them both carefully and gave a small bow.

"I see you enjoyed the music Koneko," he said, and winked at her before waving a hand in the air. The other musician came forward. Her smile was beautiful, and she bowed as well.

Usagi found herself enjoying light conversation with them for several minutes. "I'm Michiru," said the girl with aqua hair. "This is Haruka."

She looked at the boy again and grinned. It wasn't a boy at all but a girl wearing boys clothing. She smiled at her and leaned back against Mamoru, who had apparently begun to feel threatened and wrapped his arms around her from behind.

"I'm so glad to have met you," Usagi said honestly. "There was one song you played," she swallowed. "I'll just say it gave me hope." She brushed away a stray tear.

"There is always hope Koneko," the blonde said, then took her hand and laid a gentle kiss on the back of it. Usagi heard a low growl from Mamoru and winked at the girl. She let Mamoru lead her away, grinning widely.

They listened to the song again on the drive back to her house and it simply melted Usagi's heart. She knew she would be playing it on repeat that night, because in spite of the enjoyable evening, she had not forgotten her upcoming quest to steal her friend back from the Negaverse.

At the door, Mamoru tugged her into his arms and lifted her chin gently with his hand. "Usako," he whispered, and lowered his mouth to hers in a sweet, loving kiss, with hints of passion and possessiveness. His hands went into her hair and he pulled her even closer. Her own hands fisted in the fabric of his shirt as she explored his mouth. He nipped at her lower lip before they parted and both of them gulped in air.

She blushed and ducked her head, but she was happy.

"Good night little Odango," he said, smiling down at her.

"Good night my baka," she whispered. She raised herself of the tips of her toes to brush a kiss along his jaw, then hurried into the house.


Sunday


She was awake early the next morning. She had showered and changed before anyone else was up, and by the time the others were stirring she had listened to her new favorite song dozens of times, as well as every other song on the CD. She heard a knock on her door.

"Come in."

"Usagi, do you think you could run to the store for me?" Kenji asked, frowning as he came into her bedroom. "Your mother wants to make sushi tonight and I promised I would get what she needs, but I just got called in to work."

Usagi nodded, smiling at her father. "Of course," she promised. "Do you have the list?"

Her father handed it over as well as enough yen to purchase what was needed. "Thanks, Usagi. It doesn't have to be right this minute. Obviously," he added. "But it's tonight's dinner, so try to get it this morning."

"I think I will go now," Usagi said. She had no clue what would happen and wanted it done so she didn't have to worry about it later. "It's beautiful out. Perfect time for a walk."

"Good idea," her father said, and kissed her forehead.

"Are Shingo and Haruki up yet?" she asked.

Her father shook his head. "I think they were up late planning a prank or something. I just checked and they're both still asleep. You've been forewarned," he added, grinning.

"Thanks dad."

"I'll see you tonight."

"Bye daddy," she whispered.

It only took a moment to find her purse and she immediately headed out It really was a beautiful morning. Her mind wasn't on the weather though. She wanted her plans firm in her mind before they went to the Dark Kingdom. They would go late, shortly after midnight. She had looked over the sketches Nephrite and Kunzite had completed dozens of times the night before and had worked out every detail in her mind.

She had several ideas for getting Rei out unnoticed. Her henshin wand was in Usagi's subspace pocket. The only issue was choosing who would go in with her. Kunzite insisted it should be himself, while Mamoru argued he should be the one. Usagi wasn't sure. Kunzite knew the Negaverse, but she and Mamoru worked best together. It was a difficult decision to make.

Usagi sighed and sped her walk. She needed to hurry up and get everything purchased and back home in the refrigerator before she could meet with the others. She hadn't decided when to call the meeting, but she thought it would be best to do it right after she returned. Saving Rei was her top priority at the moment, and she would do whatever it took.


Usagi was just outside the grocery store when her senses went on alert. Within seconds the Moon Computer beeped. She raced to the nearest alley and hid to henshin and tuck the bags of food into her subspace pocket. Then she jumped to the roof of the building and peered down, seeing Dark General Jadeite standing below with a single Youma at his side.

He looked up as soon as she moved and a second later he was standing next to her on the roof, staring at her.

"Heal me!" Jadeite said, throwing himself in front of Sailor Moon. She watched, startled, as he waved his hand and the Youma disappeared. "You have to help me," Jadeite continued, his voice pleading. "If Rei doesn't turn within three days the queen will have her killed!"

Sailor Moon was confused. She hadn't thought Jadeite would have cared. She hadn't once gotten close enough to touch him with healing, so she didn't understand his need to save Rei. And how did he know her name? Rei never would have told. None of that mattered, however. She would grasp at any straw she could find.

Sailor Moon didn't hesitate. She simply pulled the Moon Wand and faced him, holding it between her hands. "Moon Healing Escalation." The words were quiet, but her full will was behind them. She watched the silvery light sink into him and knew the darkness was being pulled out. Like the others he clutched at his chest, obviously in pain.

The change was immediate in him. His eyes changed to a light blue, glittering with emotion. His uniform became a light grey, nearly white, and the sword at his side changed to silver and gold. The strange, unhealthy tinge to his skin disappeared almost instantly.

Sailor Moon reached out and put a hand on his forehead. She made the same wish for him that she'd made for the others. 'Keep him free of the dark energy. Don't let him be turned again and protect him from the influence of the Negaverse.' He met her eyes, looking sad.

"I love her," he whispered.

She was overwhelmed with shock and awe. "How?" she asked.

Jadeite frowned. "I met her months ago, watched her from afar. Remembered her… I didn't know she was a Senshi…"

Sailor Moon gulped, her heart breaking for him. She could see the ragged emotions on his face, the way he clenched his jaw, and that his fists were clenched tightly together.

"I'm going to save her," Sailor Moon promised.

"I can help you," Jadeite said. "I know where she is, and what is guarding her."

"How do we get in?" she asked. She was willing to accept his help.

"We have to go now," he said, lowering his voice. "The queen will know soon enough that she can't control me anymore."

Sailor Moon pulled her disguise pen from her subspace pocket. She gave him a grim smile as she removed her communicator and put it away in the same space. "Take my hand," she said. Once he had her in his grip she spoke again. "Luna Disguise Pen, make us invisible."

A moment later she felt a pressure and closed her eyes instinctively. When she opened them again she found herself in the Dark Kingdom.