Choices
By: ShadowQueenGalactica
Disclaimer: I do not own anything affiliated with Sailor Moon. I do not own the rights to any of the songs related to Sailor Moon.
Author's Notes: This is one of my older stories, going through and trying to fix all the cringy typos. I'm also going to be adding some scenes that I thought the original was seriously lacking. Hope you guys enjoy the revised version of Choices.
Revised: 3/22/2021
::Prologue: Uncertainties::
(Three Years After the Final Battle with Sailor Galactica/Chaos)
"Tsukino-san hustle!" The coach called out, watching with irritation as the petite blonde quickly gathered her belonging, scurrying out of her seat. Watching the blonde rush down the bus aisle, he glanced out of the door, noticing the majority of his players had already departed the bus, making their way to their dorms or cars to go home for the evening. "You really need to get your head out of the clouds and focus." He snapped.
"Yes, coach." Usagi responded blushing in embarrassment. "Sorry, it won't happen again." She apologized, grabbing her gear and quickly making her way off the bus. Hearing the bus doors abruptly shut after she stepped out, she sighed out in exasperation as the bus drove away moments later, leaving her alone in the parking lot. "Well, that was embarrassing." She muttered, shifting the bag on her shoulder.
Looking in the direction of the dorms in the distance of the university's campus grounds, Usagi glanced up at the late evening sky with a small smile as a flock of birds flew over. Tiredly exhaling, she looked down at her dirt-covered uniform, cringing at the thought of the long trek to the campus parking lot where her car was awaiting her. 'Standing here isn't getting me anywhere.' She thought as she began the long walk across the campus grounds to her car.
"Tsukino-san!" A masculine voice soon called out, watching the young woman turn and look at him with surprise. Feeling himself get lost in her cerulean blue eyes, he blushed as he tore his gaze from hers, afraid he would get lost in her gaze. 'She's so beautiful.' He thought, secretly wishing he could kiss her soft lips just one time. Watching Usagi smile at him, he charmingly smiled back as he hurried his steps to catch up to her smiling as she greeted him with surprise.
Stopping at the sound of a masculine voice calling out to her, Usagi smiled when seeing the captain of the baseball team hurry forwards to catch up with her. "Yumiko-chan." She stated with surprise, smiling as the blonde soon stopped in front of her.
"How's your leg feeling?" Yumiko worriedly asked, motioning towards the large scrape on the blonde's leg.
"I'm alright." Usagi laughed with a wave of her hand. "I've had worse scrapes than this." She admitted, knowing her secret life as a Senshi had earned her fair share of wounds over the years.
"You did great out there today." Yumiko stated, smiling at her modesty in regards to the nasty-looking scrape on her calf. "If it wasn't for your quick decision, we would have lost the game." He admitted, knowing if it wasn't for the blonde's unexpected decision to steal home, they would have lost the game.
"Thank you Yumiko-san, that means a lot hearing it from the team captain." Usagi responded, smiling at his kind words. 'What are his real intentions? I know he didn't stop me to discuss the game.' She thought, suspecting the young man was finally working the nerve to approach her for a date since he was always sneaking glances at her both in class and on the field. Taking notice of his nervous shifts, she inwardly cringed knowing she would have to politely turn him down, just as she had the others who had tried to ask her out. 'Why do I bother wearing my promise ring?' She thought with mirth. 'It doesn't seem to work at all to repel these persistent guys away.'
"If you're not busy I was wondering if you-" Yumiko finally stated, his nervousness apparent as he spoke. Looking at the blonde in surprise when she raised her hand, abruptly interrupting him, he felt his heart sink knowing a rejection was about to happen.
"Not tonight Yumiko-san, perhaps another time. I'm exhausted from the game and I have an essay I need to finish as soon as I get home." Usagi apologized, watching him force a smile to hide his disappointment before he nodded his head. "I'm really sorry." She apologized once more, feeling bad when seeing the dejected look she'd seen so many times from others she'd turned down.
"Perhaps another time then." Yumiko suggested, watching the blonde smile and nod her head.
"Perhaps." Usagi responded with a nervous smile. "I'll see you tomorrow at practice, Yumiko-san." Watching the blonde smile and nod his head, Usagi watched him turn and walk in the direction of the dorms. Softly sighing in relief, grateful he'd taken the rejection better than the others, she continued forwards down the path making her to her vehicle once more.
Stopping and turning to watch the blonde walk away, Yumiko smiled as he watched the gentle breeze blow her two long strands of hair around her. 'She's so beautiful.' He thought, wishing he could talk the blonde into going on one date with him. 'I just want one date, I would show her a night she could never forget.' He thought, lustfully smiling at the thought of them spending the night together.
Opening the door to her apartment, Usagi tiredly exhaled as she dropped her gear in the doorway. 'I need a roommate.' She thought as she was greeted by the usual silence. 'I miss seeing the girls.' She sadly thought, knowing since the majority of her friends left Tokyo for college, she spent most of her time by herself, occasionally visiting Rei at the temple who had remained in Tokyo to tend to the temple with her grandfather.
Glancing at the calendar that hung in the hallway as she kicked her shoes off, Usagi frowned when seeing the red 'X' on the calendar marking the quickly approaching date when Michiru and Haruka would return from the overseas concert. 'I've enjoyed not having them following me around everywhere.' She thought, knowing she would be confining herself to the apartment once again, to avoid the feeling of having her two Outer Guardians overlooking her every decision. 'Is this how it's going to be when I become Queen of Crystal Tokyo?' She glumly thought with a soft exhale of frustration. 'Constantly being shadowed and told what I can and cannot do?'
Frowning as the thoughts began to plague her mind, Usagi softly exhaled as she began to undress in the doorway, dropping her dirty uniform near her equipment bag. "I need a bath, I'm so sore." She grumbled, walking nude in the direction of the bathroom to soak her aching muscles.
Flipping the switch as she walked into the bathroom, Usagi leaned over the tub turning the knobs to adjust the water to the perfect temperature to appease her aching muscles. Pouring some lavender bubble bath into the tub, she smiled as the suds began to form the relaxing scent flooding her senses. Walking to the sink she smiled in amusement at how much of a disaster her hair looked, one of the odango's barely recognizable.
Loosening the last of the bobby pins, Usagi watched her hair fall around her in long golden waves. Turning her attention back towards the tub, she stepped into the warm water, closing her eyes and smiling as she sunk her body into the warm water welcoming the warmth against her aching limbs. Leaning forwards and turning off the water, she closed her eyes once more wanting to relax before she worked on her essay.
(Three Hours Later)
Tiredly rubbing her face, Usagi stifled a yawn, happy to have finished her assignment ahead of schedule. 'Why didn't I do this when I was in high school?' She thought with annoyance, thinking back to all the late nights she spent in both middle school and high school scrambling at the last moment to complete her assignments the night before they were due. 'My stress has dropped tremendously where I stay on a schedule now.'
Glancing over as her cell phone began to vibrate, Usagi frowned when seeing the number was a long-distance number. 'I don't want to talk to him tonight.' She tiredly thought, knowing between the game and the late-night essay she was past exhausted. Leaving the phone on the table, she walked in the direction of her bedroom never hearing the phone vibrate signaling a voice message had been left for her.
Walking into her bedroom, she tiredly collapsed onto her bed turning her tired gaze out the window in her bedroom. Smiling when she noticed the full moon was shining brightly in the night sky, she sadly smiled, rolling onto her back as her mind thought of the fallen Kingdom that she once called home. 'Sometimes I wish I could return to the Moon Kingdom and hide from my future.' She thought with a slight frown. 'I wonder how differently my life would have been if I had realized my feelings in time?' She sadly thought, thinking of a particular dark-haired teen with piercing blue eyes and long dark hair pulled into a ponytail. 'Seiya-chan.' She sadly thought, a stray tear streaking her cheek at the thought of the short time she had shared with the starlight who had posed as an idol during their time on Earth.
'I wonder how they are?' Usagi curiously thought, wondering if the four had made it safely to Kinmoku to restore their planet from the destruction caused by Sailor Galaxia and the Sailor Animates attacks. 'How many other planets suffered the same fate as Kinmoku? Were they able to restore their homes, or were they forced to call someplace else their home?' She wondered, knowing the thoughts would come to her from time to time leaving her to dwell on something she knew she could not repair.
(Meanwhile in America)
Frowning slightly when Usagi's phone went to her voicemail, Mamoru softly sighed as he awaited the prompt to leave a brief message.
"Hey, this is Usagi, sorry for missing your call. Just leave a message and I'll get back to you as soon as I can." ::BEEP::
"Sorry for calling you so late Usako. I meant to call you earlier, but I lost track of time studying." Mamoru apologized, pausing for a moment before he continued to speak. "I hope your game went well. I'll try calling again before my shift begins at the hospital. I miss you and love you." He said, lowering the cell phone from his ear and ending the call.
Stepping out onto the balcony of his apartment, Mamoru softly sighed looking up at the morning sky, concern and hurt visible in his deep blue eyes. 'Why have you been avoiding my calls Usako?' He worriedly thought. 'I know the distance and time apart have been rough on the both of us, but we have our entire future ahead of us.' He worriedly thought. "Should I ask Haruka-chan and Michiru-chan to check on her when they get back?" He wondered aloud, looking down at his phone as he contemplated the thought of requesting their help in checking in with the vibrant blonde who was awaiting his return in Tokyo.
(The Following Afternoon:: Tokyo::)
Walking down the stairs of the campus library, Usagi softly sighed as she looked up at the afternoon sky wishing the afternoon sun would offer more warmth. Feeling the brisk autumn air suddenly pick up, she shivered as a sudden chill ran up her spine. "Why does it have to be this cold today?" She grumbled, not wanting to be out in cold for their final practice for their upcoming game. Glancing down at her watch she sighed seeing she had a few hours before her practice started. 'I guess I could go-'
"Tsukino-san." Yumiko greeted, watching her jump at his words. "Sorry I didn't mean to scare you." He chuckled, noticing her cheeks flush with embarrassment.
"It's fine, Yumiko-san." Usagi responded, blushing from embarrassment from him startling her from her thoughts.
"I didn't get all of the notes from today's lecture." Yumiko stated with a nervous chuckle, as he brushed back his bangs from his face. "I was wondering if I could borrow yours to copy?"
"Sure, Yumiko-san." Usagi responded with a smile while removing her bag from her shoulder. Kneeling down she rummaged through her bag for a moment smiling when she found the spiral. "You can return it at practice." She said, raising the notebook up towards him.
"Thank you, I owe you one Usagi-san." Yumiko graciously stated, watching the blonde zip her bag before standing and placing the bag back on one shoulder.
"You're welcome Yumiko-san, it's not a problem." Usagi said with a gentle laugh while placing her bag back onto her shoulder as she stood.
"I'll get these back to you at practice, I promise, Usagi-san." Yumiko swore as he boldly stepped forwards and placed a quick kiss against her cheek before he lost his nerve. "I'll see you later at practice, thanks again!" He called over his shoulder, waving as he glanced back at her one final time.
Watching Yumiko walk up the steps of the library, Usagi blushed as she gently brushed her fingers against the spot Yumiko had gently kissed her, his soft touch making her stomach flutter. Quickly turning and retreating in the direction of the student parking lot, she blushed more at the thought of the chaste kiss knowing it was the first intimate touch she'd received since Mamoru's departure nearly one year ago. 'He keeps promising he's going to visit, but something always seems to come up.' She sadly thought, tears welling in her eyes. 'No.' She sternly thought, blinking the tears back. 'I need to accept this is how our relationship will be until he can finish his studies abroad.' She mentally chastised herself, knowing crying would not resolve her current situation.
(Later That Afternoon)
Standing out in the practice field, Usagi patiently watched as one of her teammates stepped up to bat. Smiling as another teammate threw the ball, she watched the bat strike against the ball sending it hurtling through the air. Raising her gloved hand, she swiftly took off running in an attempt to catch the ball. Throwing herself against the ground in a final attempt, she smiled in relief when seeing the ball safely nestled in her glove. Standing she swiftly threw the ball towards the second base where another teammate quickly caught the ball, passing it forwards as they worked to try to take out the runner, dashing towards home base.
"Good job!" The coach shouted, blowing his whistle. "Let's run laps, then we will call it a day." He announced, watching the team rush forwards dropping their gear to the ground before lining up to begin their laps.
Tossing her glove atop of her equipment bag, Usagi smiled when spotting her notebook lying atop of her bag. Taking a quick moment to tuck the notebook and glove into the bag, she stood and hurried to where her teammates waited to begin their laps.
"Did you find your notebook Usagi-san?" Yumiko asked, watching the blonde smile and silently nodded her head in response. "Thanks again, I owe you one." He said gently touching her shoulder, before walking towards the front of the group to lead his team for their laps.
Running along with her teammates, Usagi felt her stomach suddenly lurch, feeling a sudden ominous presence as if she were being watched. Nervously glancing around, she shook the feeling to the back of her mind when she did not see anyone or anything out of place within her surroundings. Feeling her stomach begin to knot with anxiety, she wondered why she was suddenly experiencing such apprehension. Feeling her head beginning to pound, she cried out as the pain suddenly intensified, abruptly dropping to her knees as she clutched her head. Tightly closing her eyes to the intense pain, she felt tears streak her cheeks as images suddenly filled her mind.
Standing before a shattered kingdom, Usagi could see a city burning, the screams of the innocent echoing in her mind as they were being slaughtered. Hearing a mother's pleas for her child's safety, she soon heard the echoes of the woman's pained screams before silence filled her mind. 'Protect her…' A soft feminine voice weakly pleaded.
Snapping her eyes open as the images ceased as quickly as they appeared, Usagi felt tears streaking her cheeks shaken by the gruesome images that filled her mind. Seeing the majority of her teammates had worriedly gathered around her, she could see their concerned looks as they looked down at her.
"Are you alright?" Yumiko worriedly asked, kneeling in front of the blonde as he gently rested his hand against her shoulder with concern. Feeling her flinch under his touch, he watched her swiftly stand fear and confusion in her gaze as she wiped the tears from her cheeks.
"I- I have to go." Usagi stammered, wiping the tears from her cheeks as she stood. "I- I don't feel good, I need to lie down." She said, wrapping her arms around her stomach when feeling the same nauseating twist of apprehension return for a brief moment.
"Tsukino-san, I want you to go to the university infirmary." The coach sternly instructed, before turning his gaze towards the team captain. "Yumiko-san, will you escort her?" He requested, watching the blonde silently nod his head as he looked at Usagi with worry.
"I'm fine coach, I just feel nauseated." Usagi insisted, wrapping an arm around her queasy, knotted stomach. "I'm going to go home and lie down if that's alright?"
"Are you sure?" The coach worriedly asked, seeing how pale the blonde was. "I don't want you collapsing before you reach your car."
"Yes, I should be fine after I rest." Usagi responded, forcing a smile in hopes of easing the man's worries. "I feel fine walking to my car, honest coach." She said, not sure if she was trying to reassure her coach or herself.
"I would feel better if Yumiko-san still escorted you to your car." The Coach sternly stated, watching his team captain nod with agreement.
Knowing she didn't have much of a choice, Usagi silently nodded her head in agreement. "Let me grab my things." She said, walking in the direction of her equipment bag.
"Alright, we're going to call it a day." The Coach announced, blowing his whistle as he dismissed their practice early.
"Are you sure you're alright to drive?" Yumiko worriedly asked as soon as they reached the white compact car. "I can give you a ride home, I don't mind Usagi-san."
"I'll be fine Yumiko-san." Usagi responded with a small appreciative smile, relieved the tight knot in her stomach was beginning to ease. 'I don't feel as nauseous.' She thought, relieved her queasiness had subsided from the intense feeling she had experienced on the field.
"Are you really sure?" Yumiko asked, suspecting the blonde was trying to put on a brave face and not admit she was feeling sick. "I-"
"I'm sorry for cutting practice short, Yumiko-san. I don't know what happened." Usagi apologized walking past him to go put her things into her car. Blushing when he gently took her hand into his, stopping her from going any further, she felt her stomach nervously flutter once again from the soft touch. Feeling the same sensation return as their hands touched, she felt her cheeks flush once more. 'Why does he make me feel like this?' She thought, knowing how she selfishly craved the sensations of a lover's caress, not engaging in any in over a year since Mamoru had said his final goodbyes. Hearing Yumiko beginning to talk once more, she snapped from her thoughts, turning her attention back towards him.
"Don't apologize, it's not like you did it on purpose Usagi-san." Yumiko chuckled, as he tried to make light of the situation. "Promise me, you'll go see a doctor if your symptoms get worse. I can't lose one of my best runners before the final game." He teased, watching her smile up at him.
"Yes, I promise Yumiko-san." Usagi responded, smiling up at the blonde. "I'll see you tomorrow in class." She assured him while gently pulling her hand from his hold. "Thanks for walking with me, I appreciate it." She said before quietly turning and walking the short remaining distance to her car. Fighting the urge to glance back at the blonde once more, she gently smiled at the thought of how being near him made her feel wanted and appreciated once again. 'I haven't felt like this in a long time.' She guiltily thought.
(Three Days Later)
Walking down the park's path, Usagi softly exhaled before she tiredly yawned once again. 'I wish these nightmares would stop.' She bitterly thought, knowing the visions she'd experienced at the baseball field, had prompted the same recurring nightmare to repeat every time she attempted to sleep. She was forced to witness the same destroyed city, hear the same echoes of terrified screams, and the same desperate plea to protect someone echo in her mind. 'Should I tell Rei-chan?' She worriedly thought, knowing her friend could easily help her interpret her dreams, well more like nightmares. 'No, I can't risk interfering with the other's, I'll keep this to myself a bit longer.' Her mind stubbornly insisted, softly exhaling in frustration as she continued forwards down the path.
"Neko-chan."
Stopping suddenly at the stern voice, Usagi forced a smile before turning and looking at the approaching couple. Watching Michiru smile and Haruka scowl as they walked towards her, she knew she had to quickly think of an excuse if they asked about her tired appearance. "Welcome back, how was the trip to Paris?" She asked, not wanting to give the chance to begin the conversation.
"It went well, I'm glad to be home." Michiru responded with a pleasant smile. "How are your studies going, Usagi-chan?" She curiously asked, taking notice of how tired their Princess looked.
"I've been busy studying for upcoming exams." Usagi responded with a tired smile. "I had to get out of my apartment for a bit and take a break."
"You look tired, are you sleeping alright?" Haruka asked with concern, noticing the dark circles under her friend's eyes.
"Yes Haruka-chan, I'm sleeping fine. I've just had some late nights studying, that's all." Usagi responded, waving off the concern as she forced a gentle laugh. 'I hope I was convincing!' She worriedly thought, still fighting to keep her forced smile on her face.
"When was the last time you spoke with Mamoru-chan?" Haruka asked, seeing the blonde slightly falter at the question. "Why are you not accepting his calls, Neko-chan?" She demanded, crossing her arms across her chest while sternly looking down at their Princess. Noticing Usagi had been thrown off by the question, Haruka could tell the blonde was struggling to find an answer to her question. Raising her brow, she watched their Princess stubbornly look up at her before she quickly spoke.
"I've sent him text messages and emails. It's just easier with the time difference." Usagi responded, watching with dread as Haruka raised her brow in irritation at her response before she sternly spoke.
"He's concerned about you, Neko-chan. You need to call him and speak with him directly. I managed to talk him out of flying here." She said with an exasperated sigh. "I need you to stop this childish behavior, you're going to risk interfering with his studies acting like this. It will only take a moment of your precious time to answer your phone and speak with your fiance."
"Alright, I'll call him as soon as I get home." Usagi snapped, not meaning to lose her temper with her friend. "I promise, Haruka-chan." She said with a forced smile, watching Haruka nod her head in approval to her response.
"We're going to an art gala this weekend, Usagi-chan. Would you and Rei-chan like to attend? I can get you both tickets to the event." Michiru asked, trying to change the subject for the moment when noticing something seemed to be bothering their Princess. 'Perhaps Rei-chan could get her to open up to her.' She thought, knowing they could have Rei step in and find out what was bothering the younger blonde. 'Something is bothering the Princess, she's never been this withdrawn to any of us.' She worriedly thought, then snapped from her thoughts frowning as Usagi quickly gave them another excuse for not being able to join them at the Art Gala.
"I can't, I'm really busy this weekend Michiru-chan. I have an essay I need to work on, and I really need to finish it." Usagi quickly lied, watching Michiru politely smile before accepting her excuse.
"Perhaps another time then?" Michiru asked, watching Usagi smile then nod her head.
"Yes, I'm really sorry I can't go." Usagi said with a dismayed sigh, then gently cleared her throat glancing towards the direction of the park's exit. "I should be getting home before it gets too late. I'll call Mamo-chan, hopefully, I can get ahold of him." She stated, her stomach nervously twisting at the thought of speaking with him.
"Be sure that you do." Haruka sternly stated remaining where she stood watching their Princess continue down the park's path.
"Something is bothering her." Michiru worriedly stated, crossing her arms across her chest as she glanced over at the sandy-haired blonde standing next to her. "She has never lied to us like that before, she's always been so open with us."
"We'll get her to talk." Haruka said, softly exhaling in exasperation. "Let's go home and get some rest, that flight was too long." She said, smiling when Michiru gently took her hand into hers. "Perhaps a quick shower will help us rest." She suggested, watching Michiru smile up at her, before linking her arm into hers as they made their way out of the park.
(Later that Night)
Reading the label on the back of the bottle of sleeping pills, Usagi softly exhaled as she tiredly rubbed her face. "I need some sleep." She grumpily grumbled when seeing the recommended dose was two capsules.
Opening the bottle of sleeping pills, she shook out two small blue capsules into her hand before placing them in her mouth. Liting the glass of water resting on the counter, she took a sip, swallowing the pills as she set the small bottle down onto the table. Staring at the bottle for a moment longer, she shrugged before lifting the bottle once more, emptying out two extra pills.
Taking the two extra pills before she could talk herself out of it, she placed her cell phone on the silence setting before walking in the direction of her bedroom. 'I just need some sleep.' She desperately thought, not wanting anyone to interrupt her attempt in trying to get more needed rest. Never hearing the vibration of the phone as she received a call, she closed her bedroom door in hopes of getting some much-needed rest.
(The Following Day)
Groggily waking to the bright sun shining into her room, Usagi tiredly raised as she looked around her room still in a sleepy daze. Glancing at her alarm clock she felt her eyes widen in shock seeing it was already past noon. "I'm going to be late for practice!" She screeched out in shock, quickly scrambling out of bed to get ready.
Taking her pajamas off as she ran down the hall, Usagi cried out as she tripped over a pile of clothes she had discarded against the wall. Crashing onto the floor she kicked her pajama bottoms off, while quickly digging through the pile of clothing on the floor until she found her spare practice uniform. After placing her practice uniform on, she quickly tied her shoes, then stood rushing to the door grabbing her equipment bag. Tossing it onto her shoulder, she ran into the kitchen quickly grabbing her cell phone from the table.
Seeing she had eight missed calls, Usagi dismissed it for the moment knowing she did not have time to look at the list or return any calls. Tossing the cell phone into her equipment bag, she quickly lifted her keys from the counter and promptly went to the door.
Jerking her apartment door open, Usagi gasped in surprise seeing Haruka and Michiru on the other side of the door Michiru's hand still raised, ready to knock. Seeing their surprised looks as well, she noticed the scowl on Haruka's face and realized she had forgotten to call Mamoru. "I don't have time for a lecture, Haruka-chan, I know, I forgot to call." She said quickly walking past the two. "I'm running late, I have to go to practice!" She called out over her shoulder as she ran down the hall towards the elevator.
Watching their Princess swiftly run down the hall, the couple looked at one another in concern knowing their Princess had become more punctual, rarely late to functions since she had graduated high school. Noticing the apartment door was still cracked open, Haruka shook her head with frustration reaching to close the apartment door for their forgetful friend.
"Wait." Michiru quickly stated, pressing her hand against the door to stop Haruka from shutting it completely. "Perhaps we can find something that will help explain this sudden odd behavior." She suggested.
"You're right." Haruka said with a nod as she pushed the apartment door open.
Walking into the apartment, the two stood in shock at how messy the chaotic state the apartment was in. Piles of laundry lay scattered on the floor, take-out containers laying abandoned where their Princess had been eating. Walking into the kitchen they noticed the kitchen was the cleanest room in the apartment.
"She's a bigger slob than you." Michiru teased, giggling with amusement.
"I am not nearly as bad as this." Haruka defended herself with a soft chuckle, as she scanned the room looking for something out of place. Taking notice of the small medication bottle lying on the table, she quietly walked forwards. "What are these?" She wondered aloud walking forward and lifting the bottle from the table. "This could be why we couldn't get her to answer her phone." She said holding up the bottle of sleep aid medication.
"Something is seriously bothering her, Ruka-chan." Michiru worriedly stated with a small frown. "This isn't like her, the apartment has never looked this bad, she's always kept her place clean and organized."
"We'll confront her after her practice." Haruka responded with a worried sigh, glancing over to watch Michiru silently nod in agreement. "Neko-chan is going to talk to us, whether she wants to or not." She said, placing the bottle of medication into her jacket pocket.
(Later That Afternoon)
Swinging the bat, Usagi swiftly dropped the bat running towards the first base. Seeing one of her teammates catch the ball and toss it towards first place, she hurried her pace quickly taking a dive towards the base. Seeing the dust settle, she sighed in relief seeing her hand on the base. Standing and dusting herself off, she awaited her opportunity to go to second base.
Feeling more awake and alert, than she had the last few days, Usagi watched the next player hit the ball sending it hurtling through the air. Swiftly running towards second base, she smiled enjoying the rush she felt every time she successfully made it to the next base. Awaiting the final pitch, she smiled seeing Yumiko go up to bat next. Seeing him hit the ball she swiftly took off running making her way to the home base.
Sliding in on home base, Usagi smiled standing and dusting her uniform off once more. Lifting her bat from the ground, she walked to her equipment bag tossing the bat atop of the bag as she walked towards the benches. Sitting towards the end of the bench, she glanced towards her teammates who were already sitting. Raising her gaze towards the afternoon sky, she smiled for a brief moment relieved the sleeping pills had allowed her the rest she had desperately needed. 'It was nice to have a night's rest without being plagued by those nightmares.' She thought, then smiled with amusement at how late she had woken. 'I cannot believe I made it to practice on time.' She thought with relief, knowing she had become more punctual since she enrolled in the university.
Turning her head when their coach soon blew the whistle, Usagi stood with the rest of her teammates walking to where their coach stood.
"This was a good practice, I want to thank you all for working so hard this season. I have a sign-up sheet prepared for those who will be interested in returning next season." The Coach said while raising a clipboard and looking at his team with pride. "If you're interested, please sign up before you leave today." He announced. "You're dismissed for the afternoon, I need everyone to be well-rested and ready to give me their best performance tomorrow. This will be our final game for the season." He said, watching the group separate some going to grab their gear while others stayed back to sign up for the next season.
"Are you signing up again?" Yumiko asked, glancing over at the blonde as he retrieved his bag.
"Of course." Usagi said with an amused smile. "I've enjoyed being on the team."
"Good, I don't want to lose one of my best players." Yumiko responded with a playful wink before turning and walking to where their coach was passing around the sign-up sheets. "I'll see you around, Tsukino-san." He called over his shoulder as he walked away.
Blushing at his compliment, Usagi smiled as she continued to gather her before she went to the line that had formed where the majority of the team was waiting to sign up for the next season.
Shifting her equipment bag on her shoulder as she pressed the keyless entry button to her car, Usagi smiled as she opened the back passenger door. Carelessly tossing her bag onto the backseat, she was unaware that she was being watched as she shut the back door and proceeded to get into her car.
Shutting her door as she got into the car, Usagi tightly closed her eyes as her stomach painfully twisted with the same anxious knot she'd experienced the day on the field. Feeling her head begin to pound, she rubbed her head as she shakily exhaled.
'Help her…' The feminine voice pleaded in her mind once more.
Feeling the pounding in her head and the tight knot in her stomach suddenly ease, Usagi shakily exhaled in relief tears shining in her eyes. Nervously glancing around, she felt her senses go in hyperdrive when she had the same feeling of someone watching her return once again. Easing slightly when she did not see anyone or anything out of place, she forced a laugh, trying to find the humor in her paranoid state. 'What is wrong with me?' She thought with frustration, dismissing the feeling as she started the car and proceeded to reverse from the parking spot.
Cursing as a car was suddenly behind her, Usagi slammed on her brakes in time before colliding with the second vehicle. Recognizing the car to be Haruka's, she groaned out in despair watching from the side mirror as Haruka casually emerged from the car moments later walking towards her. Rolling her window down as Haruka reached the car, she kept her face calm as she looked up into Haruka's irritated gaze.
"I need you to follow me Neko-chan." Haruka sternly ordered, raising her hand to silence the blonde before she could speak. "We need to discuss some things." She stated before swiftly turning and walking towards her car once more. Returning to her car, she glanced back at the white car before she drove forward and glanced into the rearview mirror, smiling when she noticed their Princess was agreeing to follow them.
"Do you think she'll come clean?" Michiru worriedly asked, glancing over her shoulder at the white car following them.
"I don't know." Haruka responded with a soft sigh. "I'm not expecting her to be truthful." She admitted glancing over at her girlfriend. "She's been lying to us." She said with irritation. "Whatever this is about, she obviously doesn't want us to know or she would have been honest with us at the beginning."
"You don't think-" Michiru stated pausing to look at Haruka with distress. "Could she be seeing someone else?" She worriedly asked.
"No." Haruka sternly stated. "Neko-chan is loyal to the Prince. She knows what her future has in store for them, she would never do something so foolish to destroy what we've worked so hard to protect." She said, her hands tightly clenching against the steering wheel for a brief moment.
Parking next to Haruka's car, Usagi softly sighed in frustration knowing she was going to get another lecture from the couple for not calling Mamoru as she exited her car. Watching Haruka walk towards her, she gasped in shock as her friend roughly grabbed her by the arm shoving her back against the car. "What are you doing? Let go of me, Haruka-chan." She demanded, shocked by the rough treatment from her Guardian. Feeling tears shining in her eyes, she quickly tried to blink them back not wanting to give Haruka the satisfaction of seeing her cry.
"What is going on with you, Usagi-chan?" Haruka angrily demanded. "You're refusing to speak with Mamoru-chan, why?" She angrily demanded, not allowing her Princess anytime to answer before she continued to speak. "Something is going on with you and we want to know what it is. Rei-chan said you haven't been to the temple in almost a month. Then we find these in your apartment, so this tells us that you're obviously not sleeping." She snapped while removing the pills from her jacket pocket, holding them up for Usagi to see. "What are you not telling us, Neko-chan? You-"
"What were you two doing snooping in my apartment?!" Usagi angrily demanded, reaching out to take the pills from her friend. "Give those back to me now! I need those!" Huffing out in frustration as Haruka raised the medication higher from her reach, Usagi could feel her blood boil the more she thought of her two friends snooping in her apartment after she had left them standing in the hall of her apartment building. "I don't have to tell you anything, now give me back my medication!" She snapped before crying out in pain as Haruka firmly took her by the wrist. "You're hurting me!" She cried out in pain, trying to wrench her wrist free from her Guardians tight grip.
"You're going to listen to me Usagi-chan." Haruka sneered, glaring down at her friend. "I'm tired of these damn excuses we hear every time we see you."
"Ruka is right, Usagi-chan. Something is clearly bothering you, you're not acting like your usual self." Michiru calmly spoke, crossing her arms across her chest as she gave their Princess a stern look. "Why are you refusing to speak with the Prince?"
"I- It's the-" Usagi said, then flinched back in fear as Haruka angrily shouted at her.
"Stop lying!" Haruka angrily shouted, watching her Princess flinch at her words. "No more lies, what's really going on?" She demanded.
"I- I don't want to talk to him." Usagi quietly stammered, looking down with shame as tears streaked her cheeks. "I haven't seen him in a year, what do you expect? The last time we spoke on the phone it was a forced conversation between us. We had nothing to talk about, it was- AGHH!" She stated, before crying out in shock and pain as Haruka abruptly slapped her. Touching her stinging cheek, she looked up at Haruka in disbelief, shocked by her friend's unexpected action.
"Ruka-chan." Michiru gasped, shocked that Haruka had struck their Princess.
"You're so damn selfish, Usagi-chan." Haruka angrily accused, shaking her head with disappointment at their friend and Princess. "You're risking his career, his future by your selfish behavior. He's wanting to come home because you're worrying him that much."
Feeling guilty tears streaking her cheeks, Usagi shakily exhaled, struggling to find her voice through her tears. "I- I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-" She tearfully stammered before she was abruptly interrupted.
"Are you really?!" Haruka coldly asked. "You're endangering your's and Mamoru's future by your selfish actions!" She angrily accused, trying to make their Princess realize what she was truly risking with her selfish behavior. "You're endangering your daughter's life, do you not care about Chibiusa?" She demanded, trying to hide her smile when seeing Usagi reel back at the mention of the future Moon Princess.
"Of course I care about Chibiusa. How could I not?" Usagi demanded a sob escaping her lips, hurt that Haruka would accuse her of not caring for the pink-haired child.
"Call him Usagi-chan, I want to see you speak with him." Haruka demanded, watching her Princess abruptly look at her with shock.
"What?!" Usagi gasped in surprise by the demand, looking up at her Guardian in shock and disbelief.
"You heard me. You're going to fix this before you mess up everything we've worked so hard to protect for you." Haruka sternly instructed, watching their Princess hesitate a moment before turning and opening the passenger door to retrieve her cell phone from the bag that held her baseball gear.
(Later That Evening)
Wiping the tears that streaked her cheeks, Usagi felt another sob escaping her lips as she bitterly cried into her pillow. 'Why do I let them treat me like this?' She bitterly thought, knowing she had never been strong enough to stand up to the outer guardians. 'They have never shown me any respect. I'm their Princess, I should be the one giving the orders, not them.' She angrily thought, ashamed that she wasn't strong enough to command the respect she deserved from them.
Trying to calm her racing mind from all the thoughts running in her mind, she silently turned onto her back as she tearfully looked around her bedroom. "I'm not going to get any sleep." She miserably muttered to herself, knowing her mind kept going to the conversation she had with Mamoru. 'He's so patient with me.' She guiltily thought, as more tears streaked her cheeks. 'I don't deserve him.' She sadly thought before turning into her pillow, her body shaking as she began to bitterly cry once more. "Haruka-chan is right, I am selfish." She whimpered into her pillow, turning her tearful gaze towards her bedroom window.
Silently raising, she scrubbed the tears from her cheeks, soft sniffles breaking the silence as she tearfully exhaled. Taking notice of a shooting star streaking across the late-night sky, she cried out in pain, grabbing onto her head as the premonition suddenly filled her mind once more.
'Protect her…' A soft feminine voice weakly pleaded in her mind. 'Protect the Princess…'
Opening her eyes as the vision ended, Usagi watched in shock as a small red butterfly fluttered towards her window. Watching the butterfly enter through the closed window, she extended her hand out, tears streaking her cheeks when feeling the warm familiar energy as the butterfly rested against her hand. "It can't be." She gasped, looking at the butterfly in awe. "Are they back?" She asked, then gasped as the butterfly fluttered off her hand. "Wait!" She cried out, acting out on the sudden urge to follow. Slipping her jacket over her pajamas, she quickly hurried out of her bedroom, rushing to get her shoes on. Watching the butterfly flutter past her patio door, she sighed in relief before she spoke hoping the small butterfly would understand her. "Please wait for me, I'll be down shortly." She pleaded, as she swiftly ran out of her apartment in pursuit of the small butterfly.
To Be Continued…
Revised: 3/22/21
Thanks so much for reading the prologue. For those who have read this before, there weren't very many changes in the prologue. I will be starting my revisions in the next chapter soon.
Thanks for reading!
-SQG