Author's Note: An entirely new Youma was created, just for this story. And one of my created characters appears!

To Stand Alone
Chapter Two
Battle

Makoto was only a few steps onto a more well-worn path when she heard the screams. Usagi's order to transform caught her seconds later and within a minute she stood tall as Sailor Jupiter, the most physically powerful of the Senshi. Taking a position on Sailor Moon's left flank, Jupiter ran.

In the city there were dozens of things that might slow them down, causing them to be later to a Youma battle than they wanted to be. On the well cleared path in the woods there was nothing to hinder their progress. Soon the path opened into a clearing at the edge of a small village. It contained perhaps thirty houses, with some smaller dwellings around them that were no more than huts.

Standing in the center of the path to the village was a Youma. It was like nothing she had ever seen before. Honestly, it looked like a small dragon mixed with a lion. Sharp scales flew from it's sides at anyone close. Flames poured out of it's mouth, and it's tail had a sharp spike on the end. The mane ruffled and as soon as the Senshi entered the clearing, it turned it's head, swirling green eyes locking on them.

Between the Youma and the rest of the village stood a young boy. He appeared to be around six or seven years old, with blonde hair that was slightly curly, sky blue eyes she could see even from a distance, and a golden tunic covered by a breastplate and blue pants. He was holding a sword in front of him, as though not sure exactly how to weild it, and he looked panicked as several young miko fled from the creature.

Sailor Moon stepped in immediately with a call-out. All of them hated to do it, but sometimes it was necessary to pull the attention of the creature away from its victims. "Hey charcoal breath!" Sailor Moon shouted. "It is unforgivable to disturb a peaceful village. In the name of love and justice, I am Sailor Moon and I will punish you!"

As she spoke Sailor Jupiter caught a glimpse of Sailor Mars backing away and moving around the creature. Instinctively understanding that Mars was trying to protect the boy, Jupiter threw a lightning attack to keep it's attention turned away from her. "Take that Negascum!" she called. "I am Sailor Jupiter and I will bring down the thunder!"

The Youma, which in spite of it's animalistic form was rather intelligent, launched shattered scales from it's sides even as it turned it's head back towards Sailor Mars and the boy she had just reached. It pulled in a deep breath and roared flame. Jupiter screamed, knowing there was no way for Mars to avoid the attack.

Sailor Mercury screamed," Shine Aqua Illusion," sending a wave of water into the face of the dragon-like Youma, but it was too late. The flame had already reached Sailor Mars. Jupiter screamed. She couldn't lose her friend.

When the flame disippated however, Sailor Mars stood, her back turned to the dragon, the little boy in her arms as she huddled protectively around him. There wasn't a single scratch, or burn, on her. She turned, flames crossing her eyes for a brief moment, and launched her burning mandala attack without a word.

The dragon Youma screamed in pain as the ruff of fur on it's neck burned. It's tail lashed back and forth over the ground, it's feet stomped left and right, and massive scales flew out in every direction, with the largest clump of them headed straight for Sailor Moon.

Mamoru was sitting in the Crown with a cup of coffee in one hand and a newspaper in the other, waiting for Motoki to get done serving customers and come talk to him. It seemed like his blonde friend was the only one who wasn't murderously angry at him. Of course, Motoki was the only person he had told about the dreams.

Unfortunately, Mamoru didn't trust Kunzite or the others not to tell their girlfriends why he had broken Usagi's heart. It had to be done, and though he hated to do it he would rather see her alive and miserable than dead. Someday she would learn to get over him. Someday she would love another. That day would break him, he knew.

"What's up Mamoru-kun?" Motoki asked, pulling his handy rag off his shoulder and wiping the counter in front of him.

Mamoru frowned. "It's not working Toki," he said softly. "I don't think she's given up, and it's killing me. Every time I see that hopeful look in her eyes I just want to grab her and run away somewhere safe. It's getting harder and harder to fight it. I need to keep her safe."

"She isn't here today. Maybe that's a step in the right direction," Motoki murmured. "The others just got here though," he added, warning Mamoru to change the subject.

Mamoru nodded and started talking about a paper Osaka-sensei had given them as an assignment. He sensed Kunzite and the others getting closer and a moment later they were all sitting at one of the booths very near the counter. He couldn't hear what they were saying to one another, but knew by their quiet murmurs they were having a serious discussion. They had all seemed very angry at him the past few weeks.

As he was sitting there, contemplating the best way to approach his men, Mamoru felt a sudden flare of heat in his chest and a pull in his gut. His mind opened to Sailor Moon's fear. But something was very wrong. She was far away. Very far away.

Standing quickly, he made his way to the break room. "Kunzite!" he called, not loud, but with emphasis. The silver-haired teen stood again and the others followed behind him.

Once the break room door had shut Mamoru turned on his heel. "Which one of you was supposed to be watching Usagi?" he asked, very angry.

"None of us," Kunzite answered promptly.

Mamoru's jaw dropped. "I told you to watch her," he growled. "That is the only order I have ever given you and you disobey?"

"Usagi is safe," Kunzite answered. "She's with the Senshi."

"She's not even in Tokyo!" Mamoru shouted.

Jadeite raised an eyebrow and tilted his head toward the door in reminder. "No, she isn't." His voice was far too calm.

"Where is she?" Mamoru growled. "Where the hell is she?"

"On a training mission with the girls," Kunzite answered.

"Why wasn't I told?" Mamoru asked. "Where is she? How far away? I need to get to her."

"No." Kunzite crossed his arms over his chest.

"What?" Mamoru saw red. No one would keep him from protecting the only person on the planet who mattered.

"We were sworn to secrecy," Kunzite said. Then he sighed and sat on one of the folding chairs in the back room. "We can't watch this anymore Mamoru-sama. We can't watch you destroy her."

"I'm not," Mamoru insisted. "First, she'll get over it. She's stronger than you think. Second, you had better tell me where the hell she is or I swear to all the kami there will be hell to pay."

Jadeite snorted. "Not likely," he whispered. "You don't just get over a Soul-Bond. And we don't care if there is hell to pay. She needs this."

Enraged, Mamoru glared at the curly-haired teen. "You are my men, not Usagi's. You are supposed to obey," he declared, feeling abandoned.

"You're her soulmate, you're supposed to be the one protecting her so don't tell us what we're supposed to do!" Zoicite answered, eyes flashing. "If I have to listen to Ami tell me she's cried herself to sleep one more time I think I'll quit."

Unable to believe what he was hearing and seeing, Mamoru stared at the four teenagers. His own men seemed to be abandoning him for Usagi and for their girlfriends. Was this what his world would be reduced to? Hanging on the fringes, no one telling him what was going on, watching them live their lives and exclude him?

Usagi was frightened. And tired. He could feel it through the bond. She wasn't doing well against whatever she was training on. Then it occurred to him. She wouldn't be afraid while she was training. That made no sense. But Usagi was scared. Very scared.

And he was trapped in Tokyo, not knowing where she was. How the hell had that happened? He needed to get to her. Needed to protect her. If he couldn't be there she might get hurt, and if she got hurt both of their combined misery would be for nothing.

Standing, he concentrated on the pull to Sailor Moon. Instead of walking out the door and running after her, more heat welled in his chest, similar to when he felt her transform, but stronger, much stronger. It was burning him alive. He didn't care so long as he could be with Usagi.

With that one thought, everything changed. He heard shouts and screams and the battle cries of the Senshi. And feet in front of him, charging her tiara, was Sailor Moon. She didn't see the attack of scales coming. She was midway through a spin. Without thought he launched himself at her, pulling her out of the way of projectiles, grunting heavily as several pierced his skin. The thick cape he wore deflected most of them and they landed in piles, clinking against each other metallically.

"Now he figures out how to teleport," Jadeite grumbled. Months of training with no results and now he got mad and teleported without help. He sighed.

"Henshin yo," Kunzite said softly. "He looked worried. I think there must be a battle."

"The city…" Zoicite started.

"Is protected," Nephrite reminded him. "I'm sending a message to Fiore now. The three of them will keep an eye on things and watch the girl."

Jadiete nodded and transformed into West Knight. He needed to get to Rei. If there was a battle his place was at her side.

A moment later he let the darkness of teleportation take him and found himself in the middle of a heated battle with a Youma that had to be some sort of hybrid between a dragon and a lion. Sailor Mars stood apart from the others, her arms wrapped protectively around a young boy. His only thought was to get to her. The Prince already had Sailor Moon wrapped in his arms and the others were moving towards their own soulmates.

Sailor Moon was already moving out of Tuxedo Kamen's hold. "Planetary attack," she said, loud enough for all of them to hear.

West Knight knew that he and the others would be responsible for drawing the elements in their four corners attack. They all formed a circle around the creature. Mars put the little boy down and urged him to stand behind her. In order to get to her safely, West Knight teleported. He didn't want to call more attacks on them or any of the others.

""Mercury Power," Sailor Mercury called.

"Venus Power," cried Sailor Venus.

"Mars Power!" his soulmate's voice rang out powerful and strong, reducing his worry over her.

"Jupiter Power!" Jupiter's call started a massive buildup of power and Tuxedo Kamen looked to his men to continue.

"Power of the North!" Kunzite, now North Knight, called.

"Power of the South," South Knight called.

"Power of the East," Nephrite called, now East Knight.

"Power of the West," he yelled when it was his turn.

"Earth Power!" Tuxedo Kamen cried.

"Moon Power!" Sailor Moon shouted.

"Planetary attack!" they all yelled.

The power had built through all of this, and though the powerful Youma heard them, it obviously did not understand what was happening because it didn't try to flee. A circle of light covered the creature, which screamed long and loud as it disintegrated into dust and floated harmlessly down to the sand below.

No sooner was the Youma dusted than Tuxedo Kamen turned rage-filled eyes on the Senshi and Sailor Moon. "What were you thinking?" he screamed. "You could have been killed. You don't leave me behind, ever!"

Sailor Moon's eyes filled with tears. She backed away and disappeared into the woods. Sailor Venus ran after her, but returned a moment later. "She needs a few minutes alone," the blonde said with a heavy sigh and a glare for Mamoru, who looked just as angry as ever.

Releasing his henshin, Jadeite turned to pull his soulmate into his arms. "Are you alright?" he asked.

"Hai," Rei said after releasing her own transformation. "And I think this young one is as well." She knelt in front of the boy. "Where are your parents little one?" she asked.

"Nowhere," he said.

Jadeite moved closer and knelt in front of him with Rei. "Who takes care of you?" he asked.

The blonde boy turned and pointed to the small shrine in the distance. "The miko take care of me," he said. "But they're going somewhere and I can't go with them cause their new places don't want me." He bit his lip and Jadeite caught the hint of tears at the corner of his eyes.

"Oh little one," Rei said, pulling him back into her arms.

Moving on pure instinct, Jadeite moved closer and wrapped his arms around Rei and the boy. "We want you," he said softly. He wasn't sure where the words came from, as he hadn't intended to speak, but they were the truth. They felt right.

"Really?" the little boy asked, eyes wide.

"Really," Rei said with a small sigh. She turned her head and their eyes locked. Jadiete could almost hear the questions she was mentally asking.

"Forever," he whispered, and he knew Rei understood. It was beyond time for them to make their relationship official. He would have to speak to her father and grandfather, but Jadeite was rather certain if he asked Rei at that moment she would agree to marry him.

Minako reached out and grabbed Mamoru by his sleeve. "Come talk to me," she demanded. "Now." She didn't give him a choice as she dragged him after her, walking around to the outer edge of the village.

"What the hell Minako," Mamoru grumbled, pulling out of her grasp. "What are you doing?"

"I am trying to spare you and Usagi both from pain," Minako muttered. She wasn't sure how much more of this she could take.

"You can't," Mamoru insisted. He backed away. "If you're about to tell me to get back together with her, you're wasting your breath. I won't do it."

"Do you love her?" Minako asked. She could see the red and gold flow of their ancient bond, still massive even after all he had done.

Mamoru didn't speak. He only stared at her with eyes full of both pain and fury. Kunzite was right. The other teenager was losing it. He had been angry and rude toward the Shitennou, uncooperative with the Senshi, and downright dismissive of his grades. This was not the warrior she had come to like and respect.

"Mamoru-san," Minako tried, hoping to stay calm. "I know you love her. I know you miss her. You are constantly watching her or sending one of your men after her."

A small animal in the woods squeaked. Minako peered under the trees but didn't see anything. It was probably a squirrel. She sighed and turned her attention back to the black-haired youth in front of her.

"I have a duty to protect her," Mamoru muttered. "That's all."

"Your duty to protect her. That's how you were suddenly able to teleport even though the men have been trying to teach you for months with no success? Duty? That's bull. You love her."

"No. I-" Mamoru cut himself off and shook his head. "I don't. I have to protect her for the sake of my former self and the vow he made. That's all it is."

There was another squeak from the woods and Minako thought she caught a glimpse of something yellow trail across the ground. Whatever it was, the sound disappeared quickly and she saw no other sign of it. Frustrated now, she turned her attention back to Mamoru. Again.

"Bull."

Mamoru opened his mouth, then closed it again. He ran his hands through his rather unruly hair and gave her a look full of misery and loneliness that Minako knew she would never forget.

"Talk," Minako demanded.

"If I stay with Usagi, she'll die," he whispered, hanging his head.

Minako frowned. Had someone threatened Usagi? "Explain." She knew she was being rude, but at this point it was the only thing she had left. Mamoru sighed and sank to the grass. Minako settled next to him and waited.

"About three days after Chibi-Usa arrived I started having nightmares. Horrible, horrible nightmares. It would all start off so wonderful. Usagi and I were getting married. She was so beautiful. Her eyes were sparkling and she looked so happy. Then everything blew apart and Usagi…" he choked on a sob and turned devastated eyes to Minako. "She fell. She was pulled away and she died. And I couldn't stop it. Then this voice came into my head and told me if I didn't stay away from her she would die."

He shuddered then. "I ignored it, at first. But it just kept getting worse. The visions started hitting me in the daytime, and every time I got close to Usagi the voice would say the same thing again. I had to break up with her. I had to."

"So you love her," Minako said, ignoring the dream. It was unimportant.

"Of course I do. That's why I broke up with her. I have to protect her."

Minako snorted. "Men. You're all morons!"

"What?" Mamoru asked, confused now.

She shook her head. It wasn't fair to say all men were morons, but right at that moment she felt like they were. Her father was being overprotective about her dating Kunzite. Kunzite was overprotective about everything else, and here Mamoru was trying to protect her friend from a stupid dream that was probably sent by an enemy to break the most powerful couple on the team apart.

"Out of all the Senshi," Minako asked, "who is the strongest?"

"Sailor Moon," Mamoru answered without hesitation.

"And of you and your men?" she asked.

Mamoru frowned. "I don't know. They're pretty equally matched, like the rest of you girls. Different skills for different things. If I had to choose I would say Kunzite."

Minako sighed in exasperation. "Include yourself in the men," she instructed.

Shaking his head, Mamoru denied her claim. "I'm nowhere near the others."

"Bull," she said again. "You're the strongest of the men, even though you haven't tapped a tenth of your power. You haven't even discovered all your powers yet. Just like Usagi. You are the strongest."

Mamoru tried to deny it again, but Minako cut him off.

"Now what would happen," she started, "if the two strongest of our warriors were upset and miserable and not paying attention during a battle?"

"They could get hurt," Mamoru said.

Minako rolled her eyes when he didn't immediately get it. He was supposed to be a genius like Ami and Zoicite. Why wasn't he getting it through his thick skull?

"The enemy probably started sending those dreams to scare you into backing away from Sailor Moon, leaving her vulnerable."

"What?" Mamoru asked.

"This seriously didn't occur to you?" Minako asked. "We dealt with a Youma that affected dreams. Is it really so much of a stretch that someone would create something similar? You're probably being fed those bad dreams to keep you away from Usagi. Which means, she's being targeted," Minako added, nervous now. "Where is she?" she wondered.