Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon or any of the canon characters. I do have my own characters (OC's) as well as having made adjustments to characters (AC's). These and the plot changes are my own. I will not receive any monetary compensation for this work.

Author's Notes: Originally I thought of calling this story The Blonde Ones, but when I took a really good look at the theme and why I wanted to do this story I found myself intrigued by a simple concept that hadn't occurred to me. The Red Moon. To put it in the most basic terms possible, a red moon is seen when the earth comes between the moon and the sun in an eclipse and the light sort of bends around Earth's atmosphere. There are hundreds of myths and legends throughout the cultures of earth about the red moon and what it portends, but I wanted to focus on the effects of such a moon on the Senshi/Shitennou and the Prince/Princess. Might it be a time where their bonds are closest?

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Reader's Notes: For this story Usagi and the other girls are sixteen, while the guys are all eighteen. It is rated T to best fit into the contest. Also, each chapter title gives a different aspect of red, which is the theme of the story. Sorry I got carried away. I have a hard time leaving the story unfinished and I just kept adding more characters until I had all of the Senshi and their soulmates. Just be glad I didn't bring in all of my created characters or this story would be a mile long.

See the bottom of each chapter for notes about the story. It includes a couple of my created/altered characters, as well as back stories for each of the Senshi and Shitennou.

Acknowledgments: As always, I have to thank my wonderful beta, Astraearose-silvermoon, who is absolutely amazing!

Music Selection: Beth Crowley - Red; Gone

SSminiBang2020:
Theme: "Red"
Artist: Final Key
Author: Sailor Silver Ladybug
Title: Under the Red Moon

Under the Red Moon
Sailor Senshi Mini Bang 2020
Chapter One
Rage Red

***Usagi***

Usagi wrapped her arm around Minako's waist and leaned her head on the other blonde's shoulder. "I don't know how much more I can take," she admitted. It had been so hard to keep going since Tuxedo Kamen, Mamoru, had been taken.

Minako sniffled. "Me either. It's bad enough remembering him at all, but to have to fight him over and over again..." her voice trailed off. Kunzite was her soulmate and she didn't know how to save him.

"I know what you mean," Usagi whispered. "Every time I see him I think this will be the time I save him, but it never is. I swear I wouldn't sleep at all without the star locket." She swiped at the tears on her cheeks. "I miss him. I even miss his constant teasing." She gave a watery laugh. "I swear Haruki and Motoki both wanted to punch him when he took my shake."

Minako laughed. "That's because you made their ears bleed." She sobered quickly. "I miss the way Kunzite used to pick me up and carry me off when he got jealous," Minako whispered, and both girls giggled. At sixteen neither had been involved in an intimate relationship in this life, but with their memories of their last life growing clearer every day, each was aware of what could be between themselves and their soulmates.

Growing more serious, Usagi whispered, "I'm actually glad the others don't seem to be getting their memories back. I would hate for them to remember after their men have already been killed."

"About that," Minako whispered, "I had a thought."

Usagi grew excited. Minako usually had brilliant ideas, which tended to be tossed aside by Ami's logic, Rei's wisdom, or Makoto's strength. But when the blonde ones got together incredible things could happen if they were left unchecked. "Tell me," she demanded.

"I don't think they're dead," Minako whispered.

"What do you mean?" Usagi asked, confused. "We haven't seen Jadeite for months, Nephrite in weeks, or Zoicite in days. You heard what Zoicite said, about the queen killing those who failed her."

"Rei's been having nightmares for the past three days," Minako explained. "She keeps dreaming she's in this huge glass tube, big enough to stand in. She can't move, or even breathe, but she can't die either. She's just staring through all this dark liquid, but she can see a bunch of other tubes just like the one she's in. And in two of them are Nephrite and Zoicite."

"Wait, you think she's dreaming about seeing the world through Jadeite's eyes?" Usagi asked. "That maybe he and the others are locked in those tube things?"

"It's possible. I wish I could know for sure. I haven't said anything to her, or the others, because let's face it, now that they remember you are their princess they think their only purpose in life is to protect you, regardless of what they need."

"That won't work. If they're miserable they won't be able to do much. I have no idea how we can save them, but they need their soulmates as much as we do."

"Exactly. You and I can remember how things were. We remember how much easier it was when we had a partner who helped us in everything, knew our every thought, and met our every need. We remember what it feels like to be loved."

Usagi sniffled again. "But we still have to find a way to rescue Kunzite and Mamoru," she whispered. "We can't even find them!"

The past month had not been easy on either of the girls. After the battle at Tokyo Tower there had been a lull in attacks for three days. And then Dark Endymion, the perversion of everything Mamoru or Tuxedo Kamen could be, had appeared. If only in her mind, Usagi refused to think of him as Endymion either. Dark Endymion made the distinction clearer. He wasn't her prince any more than he was Mamoru.

She sighed and leaned against Minako, relaxing in the knowledge that her friend understood what she was going through. She wouldn't wish it on anyone, and yet she was glad she wasn't alone. Thinking back to that first battle after he had been captured was awful.

Dark Endymion had been searching for Sailor Moon. When she'd seen the familiar billowing cape, Sailor Moon had thought he'd come to help her when Kunzite's hair-dressers had attacked. But his roses had been black as night, not the beautiful crimson she loved.

Minako wasn't fairing much better. It was hard enough facing your soulmate in battle. She also felt guilt because of Mamoru's capture and was determined to protect Usagi. They stayed close together in battles now, Venus attempting to make the path to each Youma clear so Moon could strike the final blow. And Mercury had been told to stay back from battles and watch for the generals. It made each fight a little harder, but it was important to know where they were at all times.

"I want him back," Minako murmured.

"Me too," Usagi whispered.

"There has to be something we can do. How much do you remember of your old lessons?" Minako looked like she would break into helpless tears. Usagi was afraid she might do the same.

"I remember that Soulmates have a particular draw to each other," Usagi said, biting her lip again. It was really starting to hurt. "I remember some things affect that bond, and that there were things you could do to make it stronger." She blushed, thinking of some of those things.

"What things affect the bond?" Minako asked.

Usagi looked up into the sky at the pale shimmering moon, already visible so late in the afternoon. "The moon," she said softly, praying that her old companion would send a blessing down on them that might send them the other half of their souls.

***Dark Endymion***

Kunzite and Endymion were locked in a heated argument. Endymion was constantly getting between Kunzite and Sailor Moon and he'd had enough. A simple sparring match that had begun in the Dark Kingdom had turned into something more. Now they were battling at the top of a skyscraper that neither knew the name or purpose of, instead of preparing for an attack on Tokyo.

"You're just jealous," Kunzite panted, attempting to knock Endymion off his feet with a sweeping hook of his leg even as he bore down with the sword.

"Ha! Jealous of you?" Endymion scoffed. "What possible reason could I have? You're nothing but a failure. You make these insane schemes and then wonder why they fall apart."

"At least I'm trying," Kunzite hissed, leaping backwards to avoid a blow to his abdomen. "You just sit there until the very end and then help our enemy!"

"Only because you cheat," Endymion announced. "What is the point in winning if you don't do it honestly?"

"To win!" Kunzite said, knocking Endymion's sword out of his hand and attempting to stab him in the shoulder. "If we don't do what the queen commands, we are severely punished!"

Endymion scoffed. "What would she do? She has no one else to do her bidding."

"There are plenty of others," Kunzite growled. "Three of whom you know. Jadeite, Zoicite, and Nephrite."

Confusion filled Endymion for a moment, allowing Kunzite to get the upper hand and knock him flat on his back. He rolled and did a kick-up to get to his feet, swinging almost immediately as Kunzite approached again. He could remember the three generals, but he didn't know where he had met them. Still, he could clearly see the laughing faces of the three young men. There was a connection between them, though how it had come to be he couldn't guess.

"So if we fail the queen she will have us punished?"

"Yes. We will be put in the Eternal Slumber, like the others."

Kunzite's anger seemed to be fading and Endymion took full advantage, knocking his sword out of his hand and putting his own blade to the other man's neck. "Do you yield?" he asked.

A smile spread over Kunzite's face and Endymion felt something slice into his arm. He gasped in pain and looked down to see Kunzite putting a dagger away. "That was underhanded," he growled, rage turning his vision red.

"Quite. One day you'll learn. The first rule about a true fight isn't about fairness. It's about staying alive. Cheat," Kunzite said, then disappeared into a portal.

Endymion closed his eyes and followed the traces of magic. Kunzite thought to hide in the park, like the coward he was. He would have a surprise. Endymion had taught himself much in the past few days. In a blind fury, Endymion opened his own portal and stepped through, launching himself at the other man.

***Minako***

Minako picked at a suiren blossom. Lotus flowers had become a secret language for her and Usagi both. Their meaning, being far from a loved one, was special to both girls, whose loved ones were both very close, and very far away. It was hard to imagine having them back in their lives, but Minako wished for it constantly. It had hurt so much, seeing Kunzite that first time, and every time since, knowing he couldn't come to her, wouldn't be there to help her in her mission to keep Usagi and Mamoru alive.

"How do we find them?" Usagi asked, picking their conversation back up as she ran her fingers over the soft petals of the blossom she held. Her eyes held such sorrow and wisdom that Minako gulped unconsciously as she met them with her own watery ones.

"I would assume they must be in the Negaverse," Minako said. "Where else would the queen keep them?"

Usagi shrugged. "We know next to nothing about the Negaverse," she whispered, obviously feeling overwhelmed. "And how do we heal them? We have to capture them somehow." She bit her lip, which was getting raw, and Minako pulled out a tube of Chapstick and handed it over.

"I don't know if it will work," she started, but didn't finish as her attention was drawn by the sound of metal striking metal. "What-" she was cut off as Kunzite and Endymion moved backwards out of the trees, swords streaking through the air as they fought.

"Oh Kami!" Usagi breathed, dropping the tube of Chapstick on the grass. "Why are they fighting?"

Minako had no answers. She didn't know why they were fighting, but both men moved with dark intent as they swung their swords and blocked each other's strikes. She'd never seen anything quite like it in this life. Vague memories of watching them train in their last life came close, but both men moved with deadly precision and catlike grace. It was rather incredible, oddly beautiful, and absolutely terrifying.

Endymion seemed to have the upper hand at the moment as he pressed Kunzite back toward the stream, getting closer and closer to the edge of the water. He struck out with his blade and Minako saw blood well up on Kunzite's neck as he went tumbling backwards into the water. Unable to help herself, Minako let out a small scream.

Kunzite turned his head the moment he was standing again, seemingly forgetting about Endymion and his still unsheathed sword, or the small wound on his neck where Endymion had drawn blood. Their eyes locked and the world stopped turning. Minako watched as Kunzite's eyes widened slightly. His mouth parted and he took a deep breath and a stride forward.

Beside Minako, Usagi squeaked. Turning automatically to defend her best friend, Minako gaped as she watched Endymion, who had grabbed the small blonde while she was distracted, lower his head and kiss her with a desperation that couldn't be ignored or explained away.

Distracted, she was caught off guard when Kunzite snatched her off the ground and turned her face to his with more gentleness than she had ever imagined. There was a light in his eyes she couldn't decipher and, before she could so much as think of what to do, his mouth was on hers and it felt as though she was floating away. His lips were hard but gentle, soft but firm, hot and dry. He nibbled at her lower lip, his arms tightening around her, and then she felt his tongue pressing into her mouth. Helpless to do anything but respond, Minako slowly slid her hands up his chest and around his neck, kissing him with all the desperation and longing she had locked inside, her vision edged in red as her mind floated in lust.

When Kunzite lifted his head, he growled, "mine," and held her even tighter. Reality hit like lightning. This wasn't her Kunzite. He had been turned evil. She shouldn't be kissing him, she should be fighting him. Struggling was nearly impossible however, as she could hardly breathe with his arms squeezing her ribs so tightly. It took a moment for her mind to catch up with what had just happened, then she kicked her feet, trying to land a strike on him so he would let her go.

Instead he only chuckled and kissed her forehead. "Nice try, but I don't play fair."

Before she knew what was happening, Minako felt herself being carried. Endymion, who was holding Usagi in a similar pose to her own, turned to Kunzite. "We have to get them out of here," he said, his voice soft but full of emotion. "Somewhere safe," he added.

"Somewhere no one would think to look," Kunzite murmured, kissing Minako's cheek. She frowned. What on earth was happening? Why did the two men suddenly feel the need to take them? They'd fought dozens of times and nothing like this had ever happened.

"What about the queen?" Endymion asked. "If she knew we'd found our soulmates…" his words trailed off.

"She watches sometimes," Kunzite added. "There's only one place I know where she doesn't watch us."

"The Dark Kingdom," Endymion hissed. "We have to get them out of Tokyo. Fast."

"Let's go then," Kunzite answered, all thoughts of fighting apparently forgotten.

Minako met Usagi's eyes, silently asking if they should fight. An infinitesimal shake of Usagi's head gave her an answer. They were going to let this play out and see what happened. Both girls wore their communicators and at the moment it seemed as though neither man knew they were Sailor Moon and Sailor Venus. This might be their only chance to save their soulmates and the others.

Kunzite swiped his hand in the air. A swirling portal appeared and the two men carried the girls into it. Minako gasped as she found herself in a sitting room that was also a rather large cavern. There were six doors leading off the rectangular room. Two doors on each of the long sides and one at either end. Two of the doors stood open, one on the side and one at the far end. Inside those rooms Minako could see beds. Was this where the men lived in the dark kingdom?

Wheels turned quickly in her mind. They were in the dark kingdom, and she and Usagi both knew it was their only chance to save the other girls' soulmates. They would have to move quickly, and carefully, but hope was welling up inside her. She watched the side of Kunzite's face speculatively. Perhaps he could help.

***Kunzite***

Kunzite couldn't believe his luck. He had been dreaming of this girl for months. Over time the dreams had gotten stronger and stronger. He hadn't thought himself capable of love, but holding the girl in his arms he knew he would willingly lay down his life for her. Bright azure eyes stared around the room curiously before she looked up into his face, a mixture of hope and fear reflecting back at him.

"It's alright," he said, setting her on her feet. "I won't hurt you."

Endymion brought the other girl close. Kunzite had dreamed of her as well, though not nearly as much as the one he couldn't stand to release, and not in the same way. His arms were still wrapped around her waist.

"How do we keep them safe from the Youma?" Endymion asked. He still hadn't let the other blonde touch the ground. His arms were wrapped so tightly around her it looked as though she was struggling to breathe fully.

Shaking his head, he rested a hand on his soulmate's shoulder, unable to stop himself from touching her. She was so perfect. So beautiful. "I'm not sure," he answered honestly. "But I can't let her go. She isn't safe in Tokyo."

"What about the Senshi?" Endymion asked. "We could ask for a truce."

Kunzite snorted. "You maybe. You've helped Sailor Moon enough. But for me?" He shook his head. "There is none who would help."

"That's not true," Endymion argued. "Venus."

Frowning, Kunzite stared at Endymion. At times he hated the man, while other times he knew he would do anything for him. Their competition was fierce, but looking at him now, Kunzite saw something he'd never expected. A friend.

"Why her?" he asked. "She's the one who attacks me most."

"And cries about it," Endymion responded.

Startled, Kunzite raised an eyebrow in question. "What?"

"You miss much," Endymion murmured. "You obey your queen and attack openly. I watch from the shadows. I've seen the Senshi during and after their battles with you. Venus cries when she's forced to face you, but she doesn't want the others attacking you. Something about not wanting them to feel guilty."

"It's because she loves you," said the little blonde in Endymion's arms.

"What?" Kunzite couldn't wrap his head around what she had just said. How would she know? Did she know the Senshi?

The little blonde didn't speak again. Instead she was staring at the girl Kunzite held. For a moment he wondered if they were speaking without words. Their eyes spoke volumes, but neither answered his question.

A niggling doubt touched his mind for a moment. Was this some sort of trick? Could it be a cruel joke played by the queen? A test perhaps?

If it was a test, he would fail. He wasn't letting his own blonde go. Never again. She was his! As much a part of him as his own eyes. He couldn't explain how he knew, but he did.

"It's too bad we don't have the others to help us," he murmured, thinking of Jadeite, Nephrite, and Zoicite. They had long been his friends and he missed them. He wished the queen would hurry and wake them.

Storyline Notes:
I always prefer the Manga timeline and character attitudes with Anime stories added in and my own unique twist on the characters background and motivations. In this story, Mamoru was taken as he was in the Manga(Crystal) version. The relationship between the Shitennou was mostly manga, with my own twist thrown in (Zo and Jed are brothers). Kunzite and Zoicite (yes, I do know I spell it wrong) were never lovers. Zoicite's hatred of Usagi comes from thinking she killed Nephrite, or that he was killed because of her. He also never falls for Naru (sorry to those of you who ship that couple, but she has a different destiny in my stories), and Usagi and Naru tend to remain close in my stories, as she usually discovers the secret early on. Motoki also generally figures out Mamoru's secret and the pair are best friends.

If I use any of my own devises in the story, I will explain them at the end of that chapter. You can check before you read, but be prepared for spoilers, or at least hints of what may come.

Character Notes:
Usagi: Usagi has a cousin named Haruki. He and her brother are both powerful warriors too. She had a little sister, who passed away, but she doesn't like to think about her because it hurts too much. MANGA VERSION 98%
Mamoru: MANGA VERSION 100%. Tends to be extremely overprotective, and is a little less reserved with Usagi, though still remains a bit uncomfortable with people he isn't friends with.
Minako: Minako's parents are affected by a Youma named Shadar, who gives them the sin/gift of greed, warping them. They were on their way to England for a short trip at the time and did not return to Tokyo with Minako and Artemis.
Kunzite: Kunzite lost his family to Agate (Beryl's brother) when they attempted to take him as a child. He survived, and grew up in an orphanage where he met the others, including Mamoru. Tends to be a bit bossy/overprotective.

More character notes will be added as the characters are introduced.