Author's Note: You may notice a few differences between this and the manga/anime. I assure you, all of it is necessary for the story.

Reader's Note: An updated character list will be at the end of every chapter for reference.

True Love's Kiss
Chapter Three
The First Senshi

Luna had waited and watched, biding her time and praying that her young charge wouldn't be forced into fighting so soon, and while she was so sad. But she knew there was nothing for it now. She looked back at the screen of her communicator and frowned.

"Is there no other way?" she asked sadly.

"She must be awakened Luna," her counterpart, Artemis said. "We need her and the others if we have any hope of protecting the city and finding the princess. I wish it could be different."

"You don't know what she's like Art," Luna whispered. "So sad all the time. So focused on bringing those boys home."

"This will help her in that quest," Artemis argued. "Who knows, she might even be annoyed you waited." He sighed and she watched as he wet a paw and slicked it over his head. "Something is coming. Something bad. If I could just find one of the other Senshi it would help. You have one right there. We need her."

"But her family," Luna tried to explain. "Her parents are barely holding on. If they lose her too it would finish them."

"Then train her well Luna. We both need to be searching for the others."

"That reminds me. Yesterday something very strange happened while Usagi was at the shrine." Luna told Artemis about the woman who had slapped Rei, and the way the two girls had talked about the missing boys. She hadn't known Ami dreamt of Zoicite, but now that she knew, and that Rei also dreamt of Jadeite, she was beginning to wonder if there wasn't a connection. "Look for anyone who spends a lot of time looking at those fliers," she suggested. "It might be our only clue. I sensed something about Rei, and I will try and spend some time near Ami as well. She goes to the same school as Usagi."

"You may be on to something," Artemis said softly. "There was a girl. A blonde with a red bow in her hair. She was staring at one of those fliers. She touched the picture of the boy with silver hair."

"That one is Kunzite, I think," Luna said, trying to remember the names on the posters. "It would help if we had more of our memories."

"True," Artemis said. "Maybe they'll come back. At least I can remember you," he said, his eyes full of love. "Are you better after what those children did to you?"

"Much. I stay pretty close to Usagi. She keeps me safe and I protect her in my own way." She frowned. "I don't ever want to see those mean boys again."

"I hope you don't," Artemis agreed. "I want you safe.

"You too," Luna murmured. "I miss you."

"I miss you too Luna. I know we agreed to split up, but I hate it. It's hard being apart." Luna could only agree. "Oh, I have to go," he said, looking away from the communicator. "I see that girl. I'll talk to you later. Bye Luna. I love you."

"I love you too. Bye Artemis." Luna murmured and pressed her paw to the button. The screen went blank. It was difficult being away, even knowing they were in the same city. She figured well over a thousand years had passed while they had slept an enchanted sleep, locked in their protective chambers. It had only been a few weeks since they had awakened in Tokyo, and no one seemed to remember the Kingdoms of old. It was sad. So much history forgotten forever.

Luna did a small backflip and the communicator disappeared into her subspace pocket. She checked both ways before darting out from under the bushes where she had hidden to talk to Artemis, and moved closer to Usagi's classroom. There was a lovely perch in the tree close to the window, which was usually open, and Usagi climbed the trunk and settled in to watch and wait.

Waking Usagi to her purpose might be necessary, but she didn't think it was the best time. Even as she watched, Luna noticed the little blonde, chin resting in her hand as she stared out the window with silent tears flooding her cheeks. No, Usagi shouldn't be forced to become a Senshi, but there was no choice. She only hoped the girl could forgive her.

Usagi left the school, her mind focused on her next task, and almost missed Naru trying to get her attention. When the redhead grabbed her gently by the arm, she looked up startled. "Oh, hi Naru. I didn't see you."

"I know," Naru gave a half smile and Usagi felt guilty. She wasn't trying to ignore her friend. "What's wrong Usagi?"

"My uncle took a turn for the worse," Usagi admitted. "I promised to bring Haruki home to him, but I don't know if I can, and if he dies without seeing him again," Usagi swallowed hard against the lump in her throat. "I just have to find him. All of them."

"Don't give up Usagi-chan," Naru said, throwing her arms around her. "I know we'll find them."

"Arigato," Usagi murmured, resting her head on her best friend's shoulder, thankful for the comfort. "I have to get going. Are you coming to the police station with me?"

"I can't," Naru said, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "My mother is having a sale all of a sudden and I need to get back home. I don't know what's gotten into her. She's been acting funny since I got home yesterday."

"Just talk to her Naru. Maybe there's something bothering her. Call if you need me, okay?"

"I will. Be careful, and good luck." Naru waved and ran off.

Turning, Usagi looked for her little black shadow and wasn't surprised when Luna came out of the bushes at the side of the door and leapt to her shoulder. "Hi Luna," she said softly. "Let's go. We've got a lot to do today. I need to check in with the police and then we have calls to make. Ami is supposed to make a new batch of fliers too."

The cat didn't answer, but Usagi hadn't expected her to. She walked quickly out of the school yard, not sure if she would have time for everything she needed to do. She wanted to get to several public transit stations, especially train stations, to put up fliers, but she still had to get home and make her parents supper and try to convince her mother to eat.

As they were walking through the park Usagi heard a small, "ahem." She turned to find the source of the voice, but there was no one behind her. Shrugging, she continued walking.

"Usagi," came a soft voice, nearly in her ear. Startled, Usagi turned again, but still there was no one there. For a moment she wondered if she was losing her mind. Luna hopped down from her shoulder then, and turned to stare at her. "Um, Usagi, down here."

Usagi's mouth dropped open and she stared in shock at the little feline who had been her constant companion for days. Her legs felt wobbly so she knelt in front of the cat. "Either I just heard you talking or I need to see a doctor. I could be going crazy."

"You aren't crazy," Luna said. "I'm sorry if I upset you, but I couldn't keep silent anymore."

"Can all cats talk?" Usagi asked, curious.

Luna shook her head. "No. Just two of us. And if you want to be technical, we aren't exactly cats, though we are closely related I believe. I'm not originally from Earth."

Usagi frowned. She had a choice. She could believe Luna at face value, or run straight to the nearest hospital. Since talking to cats would probably get her locked up, and she had people to find, Usagi chose to accept that the cat could indeed speak and was telling the truth. But that made her wonder. "Why now?" she asked. "Why didn't you talk the day we met?"

The cat let out a little cough. "I didn't want to burden you any more than you already are," she sighed. "I wanted to wait until you found the boys, but Artemis and I talked today and he said he sensed dark energy rising in Tokyo. We need you Usagi."

"What do you need me to do?" she asked, worried. As it was she probably wouldn't make it to the police station. She didn't have any time.

"We've been searching for some very important people Usagi. They are called the Senshi. They have the ability to fight the Negaverse, the very ones who took the boys. Since we met I've been sure that you must be one of them, but I didn't want you to be burdened even more. You've been dealing with so much."

"What is a Senshi?" Usagi asked, "I know it means soldier, but that's not exactly what it sounded like to me."

"A Senshi is a person with inborn abilities to fight evil. All Senshi are connected to a Crystal that gives them their power. With the help of that Crystal and a transformation aid, they can transform, becoming a warrior that can fight the Youma."

"The Youma. Those are the monsters that have been attacking Tokyo." Usagi pursed her lips in thought. "If I can fight them, it would help, but I don't even know how. And I still have to find the boys."

"Exactly," Luna said. "That is why I wanted to wait, but my husband, Artemis, says that we don't have a choice anymore. We need you all to be awakened and ready to fight when the time comes. He thinks it will help you find the boys. If they become dark generals you will need a way to fight them, and to heal them."

"So how do I transform into this Senshi?" Usagi asked.

"Lets go into that copse of trees over there and I'll show you," Luna suggested. Usagi nodded and they made their way into a deep thicket. Beyond it was a small clearing hidden from sight to anyone else in the park. "This is good,"

Luna did a backflip and on the grass in front of Usagi landed a small golden brooch with four stones circling the edges in different colors, red, blue, green, and orange. A star was etched into the metal. Usagi bent and picked it up. It felt warm in her palm.

"It's heavy," she said, surprised.

Luna nodded. "Hold it up and say Moon Prism Power, Make Up," she instructed.

Usagi swallowed hard and held the brooch above her head. "Moon Prism Power, Make Up!" she said, her voice sounding different to her ears, deeper and stronger than normal. As soon as the words were out of her mouth Usagi felt heat rushing into her palm, up her arm, and straight to her chest, where it seemed and echo of power responded. She was lifted from the ground, slightly spinning, and her clothing melted away. Hidden by bright, sparkling light and fuchsia ribbons, Usagi continued to spin as those very ribbons formed themselves into the bodice of a fuku, gloves, boots, and a dark blue skirt. On her forehead she could feel the weight of a tiara. A choker and earrings appeared as well as little red circles that sat just in front of each bun in her hair. A mask formed on her face as well, and through it the world looked different. With one last turn, Sailor Moon's feet finally rested on the ground. As though dancing she continued to move her arms and body into a stance that felt powerful and familiar somehow.

"What is your name?" Luna asked, curiously.

"Sailor Moon," she answered, smiling as she looked down at the long white gloves that climbed her arms. The brooch was somehow attached to a bow on her chest. She reached up and removed the mask. "I feel different," she said. "Stronger, I guess."

"That's how it should be," Luna said, her voice sounding strange now. "Once we find the others you'll see they feel the same way."

"How many Senshi are there?" Usagi asked.

"That's a difficult question to answer," Luna said. "There is typically one for each planet, except the Earth, which always had male heirs, but sometimes it changes."

"Oh," Usagi said. She was about to ask another question when she heard Naru crying out in fear. She spun quickly, looking through the bushes to find her friend, but Naru wasn't there. "I have to find Naru! She's in danger!"

Luna hopped to her shoulder. "Let's go!"

Usagi, or Sailor Moon, raced away as fast as she could towards OSA-P, the jewelry store owned by Naru's mother. She saw the world around her blur slightly and knew she had never traveled so fast before. Stronger than she had ever been she made the fifteen minute walk a ninety second run. Through the window of the store Sailor Moon saw Naru being lifted by throat by a woman with strange features. It took a moment to process that it wasn't a woman at all. Littering the floor of the jewelry store were dozens of customers, all of whom seemed to be unconscious.

"That's a Youma Usagi," Luna said. "You must be very careful."

Sailor Moon nodded, but ran through the door heedlessly, not bothering to be quiet about it. "Get away from Naru!" she yelled.

The Youma looked up, surprised, then laughed. "And who are you supposed to be?" she asked.

"I am the pretty guardian who fights for love and for justice. I am Sailor Moon. And now, in the name of the moon, I'll punish you!" she shouted, and was surprised by the outburst. She hadn't meant to say all that. "Now put Naru down and face me!" she added, noting that her friend's face was turning purple and her struggles were growing weak.

The Youma tossed Naru aside. She hit one of the counters and tumbled over. Sailor Moon winced, but the Youma lifted her hand and held up a red glowing cylinder, calling for her minions to arise. Sailor Moon opened her mouth in shock as the customers, who had been passed out on the floor climbed to their feet and launched themselves at her, encircling her quickly. She wasn't sure what to do. They were innocent people and she didn't even know how to fight. Frightened and angry, she let out a cry. The red pieces in her hair picked up the sound, amplifying it before it rebounded back from the walls.

The Youma dropped the red piece she was holding and covered her ears. "Now Usagi," Luna hissed.

"What do I do?" she asked, confused.

"Your tiara," Luna answered.

Sailor Moon nodded. "Right," she said, still not sure what to do, but when she reached up and took the tiara from her head, the way became clear. Pulling back her arm and twisting her body slightly, she yelled, "Moon Tiara Action!" and hurled it through the air, spinning like a blade. It took out the Youma and the customers all fell to their hands and knees again. She sighed in relief. Then realization hit and she ran around the counter to find Naru lying on the floor, eyes closed.

"Naru?" Sailor Moon asked, not sure if her friend was alright.

The red-head's eyes fluttered open and she stared at her for a long moment. "Everything hurts," she mumbled.

"We have to get out of here Usa- I mean Sailor Moon," Luna hissed. "I hear sirens. She'll be okay."

"But-" Sailor Moon wanted to argue, but at the panicked look in Luna's eyes, she nodded her head and stood. She snatched Luna up and ran with her out of the store. It was still early afternoon and people thronged the streets. They pointed and stared when they saw her.

"Jump to the roof and run Usagi," Luna whispered. She did as she was told, racing away across the rooftops, never noticing that someone was watching her from the shadows.

Senshi -
- Tsukino Usagi (Sailor Moon)
- Aino Minako (Sailor Venus)
- Kino Makoto (Sailor Jupiter)
- Mizuno Ami (Sailor Mercury)
- Hino Rei (Sailor Mars)
- Meiou Setsuna (Sailor Pluto)
- Tomae Hotaru (Sailor Saturn)
* Note: Ten'ou Haruka (Uranus) and Kaiou Michiru (Neptune) will be in England for the duration of this story.

Shitennou/Hogosha -
Chiba Mamoru (Tuxedo Kamen)
Ine Kunzite (North Knight)
Yoshida Nephrite (East Knight)
Sasake Zoicite (South Knight)
Sasake Jadeite (West Knight)
Kazuo Haruki (Sun Knight)
Tsukino Shingo (Blue Moon Knight)

Supporting Characters -
Luna & Artemis
Tsukino Ikuko & Kenji
Doctor Mizuno Saeko
Furuahata Motoki
Nishimura Reika
Osako Naru
Umino Guiro
Osaka Sensei
Haruna Sensei
Officer Takahashi
Officer Sato
Granfather Hino
Yuuichiro