Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon Sailor Stars: Chaos Theory
Act 24: Sailor Senshi Return to Battle
By: Sora Kazeno
As the title alludes, there will be a battle in this act. A battle with the senshi and a battle of Usagi's emotions between two different men. She thought she had everything figured out until now...
Usagi left Rei's shrine and took the stairs one at a time. She was fortunate enough not to trip, while rushing down. Once she made it to the sidewalk, she began to run. She needed to get away. Her mind replayed the words Mamoru had spoken to her. If she had stayed there any longer she wasn't sure what would had happen. But she was with Seiya now. She tried to block everything else out.
"Usagi-chan!" Naru called to her for the fifth time, until Usagi heard her.
Usagi stopped in her tracks and turned around to see Naru running toward her. "Naru-chan…" Usagi gasped as she tried to catch her breath. She hadn't realized how hard she had run from Rei's family shrine.
"Are you okay? You're in a huge hurry…" Naru said as she finally caught up and stood next to her.
Usagi wasn't sure what to say to Naru. She couldn't explain everything that had happened to her. "It's a long story."
Naru frowned when she listened to Usagi's excuse. Then she became angry. "Usagi-chan why have you been cutting me out of your life? We grew up together and in the past few years ever since you met the other girls, it's like you've cast me aside." Naru said in a hurt tone. "You keep leaving me in the dark."
"I'm sorry Naru-chan," said Usagi as she acknowledged the hurt in her voice. For too long she had kept her distance from Naru because of the dangerous situation she could be in if she was attacked. For the first time she could remember she no longer had to worry about it. Talking to someone else about her current predicament between Mamoru and Seiya might be what she needed. "Can we go somewhere and talk?"
Usagi and Naru sat in Ueno Park on a bench away from the others so they could talk. Usagi wanted to avoid any of the usual places she would go since she didn't want to risk running into Mamoru or the other girls.
"Usagi-chan, is it true?" Naru asked as she eyed her carefully.
"Is what true?"
"The rumors about you and Seiya-san?"
"Ehh…"Usagi said as she tried to play it off, but realized that she couldn't. Naru knew her too well. She decided to come clean, "Seiya and I… are together." Usagi finally admitted. It sounded weird to say it out loud.
Naru's jaw dropped by Usagi's bold admission. "Usagi-chan!" Naru exclaimed once she found her voice again. She then turned very serious, "What about Mamoru-san?" It wasn't long ago that she discussed with Naru her plans to marry Mamoru. When the school year ended they were still engaged.
Usagi sighed and her eyes became downcast when Naru mention his name. "It's… difficult Naru-chan. I… I love them both."
"What are you going to do?"
"… I don't know yet. Before I was so certain that I would be with Mamo-chan until Seiya came along. Eventually, I realized I had feelings for him too and we became a couple. But now… after seeing Mamo-chan again it stirred up some feelings that I still have." Usagi sighed as she thought about her dilemma. "It's really confusing…"
"Why were you running?"
"I just saw Mamo-chan… and it was a very difficult talk… I don't know what I'm going to do," Usagi confessed to Naru.
A flock of yelling people ran by the two girls, which prevented them from continuing their conversation any further. They were in a panic and it gave Usagi a familiar feeling. There was danger and the people of Tokyo were under attack again. Once the initial shock wore off Usagi sprang into action. She got up from the bench, "Naru-chan, you have to get to safety," Usagi directed her, as she watched for signs of the disturbance.
"Usagi-chan, I'm not going anywhere without you!" Naru exclaimed as she grabbed Usagi by the arm trying to force her to leave with her. "I don't know what you plan on doing, but we both need to get to safety."
"No," Usagi said as she firmly planted her feet in the ground.
"Usagi-chan, what are you doing? Let the sailor senshi handle whatever the danger is!" Naru shouted at her as she tried to comprehend her bizarre actions.
"Naru-chan, please leave with everyone else. It could be dangerous here and I don't want to see you get hurt!"
"You keep pushing me away, Usagi-chan! I am not going to let you stay here by yourself. This time I'm not going anywhere without you!"
Usagi didn't know what to do. Several people ran by screaming. Usagi instinctively pulled out her heart shaped brooch from her pocket and held it tightly in her hand. Something or someone was coming toward them. She tried one more time, "Naru-chan, please leave with everyone."
A man in his late twenties, with long dark green hair dressed in a long sleeve black and silver shirt with matching pants appeared. His bangs covered his forehead. His magenta eyes darted back and forth, "I know you are here somewhere…" he said as he looked around the park. He pushed a few strands of hair to the side to reveal black colored stud earrings. His black boots clicked on the pavement as he walked forward.
Usagi knew she was nearly out of time. There was nothing left she could do. "I will explain everything to you later. I promise." She raised her brooch and turned all of her attention to the strange man was causing the disturbance. "Moon Eternal, Make Up!" The star on her compact shined brightly as her body was wrapped in pink ribbons that became her sailor fuku. She had always wanted to tell Naru that she was Sailor Moon, but this was not how she wanted her to find out. Once the transformation ended, Sailor Moon stood where Tsukino Usagi had moments before.
Naru stood there in awe at the transformation of her friend. It was too late for her to escape.
The man smiled when he saw the senshi. "Well… you may not be the sailor senshi I hoped to find, but at least I have finally found one."
Sailor Moon raised her hands into a familiar pattern, "You've disrupted a peaceful day in the park! For Love and Justice, the pretty sailor suited soldier Sailor Moon! In the name of the moon I will punish you!"
"Sailor Moon? Hmm. Never heard of you before," said the man in an irritated tone. "Where is the Guardian?"
"What Guardian? Who are you?"
"My name is Varada and if you don't know who the Guardian is, you are of no use to me," he said as he raised his left hand to prepare to attack her.
It was at this moment Sailor Moon realized her mistake of not transforming into Sailor Cosmos. It would take her a while to adjust since she had become accustomed to grabbing her brooch and transforming. With a flick of his wrist black energy bolts headed straight for her. Luckily the training she had on Kinmoku kicked in, she was able to dodge the attack. She felt some of the energy clip the side of her wing. She turned to look at Naru and was relieved she was still safe. She had to make sure she remained between Naru and Varada. She continued to dodge his onslaught of attacks.
"This is getting me nowhere," Varada said in an annoyed tone. "Curious to know how well you will be able to dodge the next attack if it's targeted to the girl you are trying to protect." He hurled a massive bolt of black energy at Naru.
Sailor Moon didn't hesitate and ran in front of Naru to protect her. She closed her eyes and waited for the blast. She knew it was coming and she didn't want to see it. A soft breeze caused her to open her eyes. Tuxedo Kamen stood in front of her and blocked the attack with his cane. "Tuxedo Kamen!" She exclaimed, she was shocked by his appearance.
"You seem too surprised," Tuxedo Kamen teased her as he turned his head to the side to make brief eye contact with her. "I'll always be here to protect you. I sensed you were in danger and I'm here to make sure you aren't injured."
Sailor Moon gave him a small smile. He was very protective of her. She felt safe when he was around.
Naru was a short distance away and could overhear their entire conversation. She started to question the secret identity of Tuxedo Kamen. It was someone Usagi seemed to know very well.
"Try to summon your tiare," Tuxedo Kamen directed her as she tried to determine how to defeat Varada.
Sailor Moon nodded her head and stretched out her arms. She knew if she summoned her tiare she should end it quickly. Nothing happened. "I… I can't summon it…" she said in a panic. "I don't understand…" She then thought of how her tiare had transformed into the staff of Sailor Cosmos.
"I believe in you, Usako," Tuxedo Kamen said, as he tried to build up her self-confidence. He placed a hand on her shoulder.
"How touching!" Varada laughed at their display of affection. "I'm growing tired of this game." Varada summoned a large ball of lightening and was preparing to throw it at the couple.
Sailor Moon tried again and focused her energy to summon her staff. In a blinding light her staff appeared next to her. As she held her staff and realized something was off. There was no longer an eight pointed star in the top crystal, but rather a crescent moon. She used her staff and blocked Varada's attack. She furrowed her brows as she had to summon more power to prevent his attack from injuring them. She didn't have to struggle as much when she was Sailor Cosmos. Then it dawned on her and something Sailor Galaxia had told her. Her powers as Sailor Moon were limited when compared to her abilities as Sailor Cosmos that she had begun to grow accustom to them. She realized she could no longer hold back his attack and they were both blasted back a few inches in front of Naru.
"Are you okay, Usako?" Tuxedo Kamen asked, as he checked her for any injuries.
Varada laughed at the events before him. "If all the senshi are this weak, then I guess I don't have anything to worry about against the Guardian." Varada took a few steps forward and prepared to attack again but was disrupted by three different colored balls of energy. Varada dodged two of the three attacks, but was hit by the third energy ball.
Sailor Uranus, Sailor Neptune and Sailor Pluto appeared between the Princess, the Prince and their adversary. They stood protectively in front of them.
Varada changed his approach. Things changed quickly now that there four sailor senshi in front of him. He eyed them carefully and realized none had the mark of the Guardian. He examined the marks on the foreheads of the three new senshi. "Ah yes, the three distant protectors of the Silver Millennium… yet you are a long way from the Silver Millennium… unless…" He stared at the mark on Sailor Moon's forehead. "Of course." He took a few steps back and turned to leave. "Regardless, none of you are whom I am searching for. I'm sure we will meet again." Varada faded away from sight.
"Are you both alright?" Sailor Uranus asked as she turned around to check on their status. She tried to hide a small smile in the corner of her lips at the sight of the two of them together. Once she was able to verify they weren't injured she said, "We need to inform the others."
Sailor Moon nodded her head and then turned to look at Naru. "I have to talk to Naru-chan first…" she said as she slowly stood up to face her childhood friend. "The others are at Rei-chan's shrine. I will join you soon," Sailor Moon said as she walked over to Naru. Her tone insinuated that it was not up for debate.
Once Sailor Moon was out of earshot, Sailor Pluto turned to the other senshi and Tuxedo Kamen. "Someone should stay with her in case he comes back."
Sailor Uranus was about to speak up, but Sailor Neptune interrupted her. Sailor Neptune placed a few fingers on Sailor Uranus' lips and grin mischievously. She turned to face Tuxedo Kamen before she spoke, "Wait here for her. It will give you a chance to talk to each other." She winked at him.
Tuxedo Kamen shook his head slightly and said, "I'll wait for her." He turned to look at Sailor Moon, as she talked to Naru.
"We will see you at the shrine," said Sailor Uranus, as she turned to leave with Sailor Neptune and Sailor Pluto. Within seconds they were gone from sight.
"Can I call you later, Naru-chan?" Sailor Moon asked.
"I… sure. I have a lot of questions for you, Usagi-chan….. that man…" Naru said, as she pointed at Tuxedo Kamen, "Called you Usako… the only one that has ever called you that is…" Her voice trailed off and her eyes widened, as she began to connect the pieces.
"I'll call you later," Sailor Moon said with a nervous glance. "I'll explain everything and it will be easier to discuss with you."
Naru nodded her head, as she tried to process everything she had just learned. "I guess I understand why you've been so distant… I have so much to ask you, but we'll talk later." Naru gave her a faint smile, "Go and talk to the others."
Sailor Moon smiled brightly for the first time in the past two hours. She nodded her head and said, "I will!" Sailor Moon watched Naru leave for a few moments before she turned around. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw Tuxedo Kamen waiting for her.
"Where is everyone else?" Sailor Moon asked when she realized they were alone.
"The others already left and asked me to stay behind to keep an eye out in case he returned," Tuxedo Kamen said, as he reverted back to Mamoru.
Sailor Moon unsuited and became Usagi again. "I was talking to Naru-chan and I had to transform in front of her…" Usagi said, as she tried to keep the conversation focused on something other than their relationship. She wasn't sure if she could handle another discussion like the one they had earlier. "He said his name was Varada."
"He seemed to know about the Silver Millennium and he referred to someone called the Guardian that he was in search of," Mamoru said, as he tried to recall him from his past life. "Maybe the others can shed some light on recent events." The two slowly walked down a path to take them back to the front entrance of the park.
After an awkward moment of silence, Mamoru spoke up, "I would like to continue our conversation from earlier."
Usagi bit down on her lip, as she tried to find a way to avoid it. They had a thirty minute walk to Rei's shrine. She realized she couldn't avoid it again. Since they were walking in a public place it might make things easier for her. "…I guess… it is something we still have to resolve…" Usagi said, as she looked down at the pavement. She was trapped.
"Earlier you mentioned things changed when you awakened as Sailor Cosmos. What changed?"
"… A lot. I mean… ever since I received my memories back after a battle with some of the animates… Seiya was there for me. He's always been there for me."
"Are you saying that I haven't been there for you?" Mamoru asked, as he began to feel his temper rise.
"…well…" Usagi said, as she tried to determine the best way to word how she felt. "He never abandoned me."
Her words hit Mamoru hard, it was as if someone punched him in the stomach. He was shocked she felt this way. "Do you feel like I've abandoned you?"
"…" Usagi was hesitant to respond, but it was time she let everything out in the open. "Yes."
Mamoru felt like he was punched in the gut again and stopped walking. Usagi was a few paces ahead before she turned around and realized Mamoru was behind her. "When did you start to feel this way?" He asked with hurt in his voice.
"…When Chibi Usa first appeared you cast me to the side. You broke up with me because you thought you were trying to protect me. Do you know how much that hurt? You gave me no reason as to why you couldn't be with me anymore. I spent months feeling horrible and trying to figure out what I had done wrong! How did I mess up something that seemed so perfect…" Usagi said, as her voice trailed off. Discussing it now brought some of her anger to the surface. "You made a decision about us… without even talking to me. Something that affected us so deeply. It's not the first and only time you've done that."
"All of the decisions I made were for our best interest. I was terrified something would happen to you if we remained together. At that time, I thought it was better for us to be apart than together, and risk you being in danger," Mamoru explained, as he thought about how it sounded to Usagi. "I wish I would have handled it differently. I should have talked to you from the beginning and told you what was happening, but I was frightened. I thought I was doing the right thing." Usagi was unresponsive, so he continued, "Usako…what can I do to make up for it? I want to make amends for anything I've done that has harmed you." He placed his arms tenderly on her shoulders.
Usagi felt her heart begin to race at his touch. "It's a little late for that Mamo-chan," Usagi said, as she tried to let him down gently. She began to take a few steps forward. She finally had the courage to tell him how she felt. "I'm with Seiya right now." She tried to sound confident in her decision, but it wasn't as easy as she made it sound to walk away from him.
Mamoru's shoulders slumped as he heard her declaration. "Is there any way you'd change your mind?"
"We had our chance in two different lifetimes," Usagi concluded. She looked around at their surroundings. They were almost at Rei's shrine.
"I'm shocked you feel that way Usako. I thought our relationship meant more to you than that. Our relationship means everything to me. I thought you once felt the same way. I'm trying to talk about an issue we have and now you are trying to make a decision that affects the both of us without my input." Mamoru tried to have Usagi see the irony in the situation.
Usagi was silent, as she thought about what Mamoru had just told her. "I don't have everything figured out…" Usagi mumbled, as she tried to find a way to continue to avoid the subject. She knew Mamoru had a point. "It's really difficult… I…" She fumbled to find the right words.
Mamoru smiled slightly at her and told her, "Take all the time you need. I will always be right here waiting for you. I love you, Usako."
"I feel so horrible I interrupted their talk," said Minako, as her eyes were downcast.
"Don't blame yourself, Minako-chan," Makoto said, as she tried to make her stop blaming herself. "We were all there."
"I should have told you guys my plan ahead of time," Rei said, as she placed a tray with ice tea on the table. "Things looked like they were kind of intense."
"Yeah," said Makoto, as she took a sip of her ice tea. "It looked like they were close to getting back together… but then we ruined it."
"Ruined what?" Setsuna asked, as she entered the room with Haruka and Michiru.
"Setsuna-san!" The girls exclaimed in unison. Her appearance shocked everyone and caught them off guard.
"What are you doing here?" Rei asked, as dozens of questions raced through her mind.
"There was an attack in the park earlier. A new enemy has appeared," said Haruka darkly. "It was man in black clothes with dark green hair. He seemed to know about the Silver Millennium and he attacked Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Kamen."
"Where are they now?" Makoto asked, alarmed that something could have happened to them.
"There was a girl there that Usagi-chan was protecting. I think her name was Naru-chan. She stayed to talk to her for a few minutes and we asked Mamoru-san to stay behind in case the enemy came back," explained Michiru, as she sat down on an empty cushion with the other two women. "Besides, it would give them a chance to discuss… their differences," Michiru concluded in a suggestive voice.
"It's wonderful they are talking again so soon," Minako said with a large grin. "They were talking earlier and I hope they can sort everything out." Everyone seemed to be focused on whether Usagi and Mamoru would get back together, rather than on the new enemy that had appeared.
"They have a lot to discuss and we have to make sure we give them space, so they can have as many discussions as they need to," Haruka said, as she tried to force the image of Usagi with Seiya out of her mind.
"What can you tell us about the new adversary?" Asked Ami as she turned her attention to the thought of a new evil attacking the Earth.
A young blonde haired girl opened her eyes and blinked a few times. She tried to focus on her surroundings, but everything seemed blurry, as if she had just awoken from a long rest. As her eyes began to adjust, she observed a crack in the crystal. She pushed on the crystal and began to crack it more. She continued to apply pressure on the area until it broke. She fell onto the ground and slowly sat up. She stood up and brushed off crystal fragments. They were on her purple overskirt and her white underskirt. She inspected her purple knee high lace up boots and discovered there were no crystal shards. She brushed a few more crystal fragments off the golden trim around the edge of both skirts. She examined her maroon colored bow and her feather shaped sleeves. She then examined her purple sailor collar and smiled when she realized all of the crystal shards were gone. She looked around the room confused by her surroundings. She noticed six of her comrades were still asleep and incased in crystals. She walked over to a large crystal fragment. "Sailor Charon must have broken free…" she said as she noticed she wasn't there.
Footsteps caused her to turn around. She gasped when she saw Sailor Charon. She smiled and rushed to her.
"It is wonderful to see you," Sailor Charon said, as she embraced the younger girl. "I haven't figured out how to free the others yet…" her voice trailed off. "I've found the Moon Princess and her court on Earth. Something isn't right. She was with outsiders the other day. I couldn't bring myself to talk to her yet, so I returned here to try to free you and the others."
The girl's face lit up when she heard the rest of her court had been found and asked, "Even Hotaru-chan?"
Sailor Charon nodded her head. "Sailor Titan, lets return to Earth and try to talk to the others. There is nothing more we can do here for them right now. I believe Princess Serenity may be in danger."
"Danger? What happened?" Asked Sailor Titan in an alarmed tone.
"I'll explain on the way."
Usagi silently closed the room to her bedroom. She greeted her parents when she returned home and quickly went upstairs. She walked over to her dresser and placed her brooch on her dresser. Then she saw it. A star shaped locket. She picked up the locket and held it in her hands for a moment. It was her most prized possession as Princess Serenity. She opened the locket to listen to the tune she heard hundreds of time. Normally it brought a smile to her face, but today it was only sadness. She closed the locket lid and the music no longer played. She picked up the locket and was about to place it in her drawer, but she placed it back on top of the dresser. She looked at the ring she had placed on her finger earlier. She didn't even realize she still wore the ring. She wasn't ready to take the ring off yet. She looked at her brooch on the dresser next to the locket and thought about the discussion at the shrine earlier. The girls didn't want her to use her powers as Sailor Cosmos since Varada was after someone and they knew it wasn't Sailor Moon. She was frustrated because it limited her abilities to protect everyone. They assured her they would protect her.
She opened the doors to her balcony to stare at the full moon. She sighed as she watched it for a few moments. A few bright stars twinkled nearby. "Things should have never become this complicated…" she whispered to herself. When she left Earth she thought she had everything figured out until she began to have dreams with Chibi Usa. Her return to Earth and the talks with Mamoru earlier in the day caused her to question her decision. She needed to talk to someone that wasn't so involved.
Usagi walked back inside and closed the door behind her. She walked over to the telephone and called Naru. The two girls talked for a little while and Usagi promised to tell her everything tomorrow since she wanted to tell her certain things in person. They agreed to meet tomorrow early afternoon at Crown for snacks. Usagi felt better after she hung up the telephone. She knew the others girls wanted her to be with Mamoru even though she was with Seiya now. She needed to talk to someone else that was more neutral about everything that had happened.
Usagi walked back out onto the balcony one more time. She smiled this time when she looked at the Moon. For a moment she had a plan. She felt like she would have a better direction after she spoke with Naru tomorrow. She wished everything could return to normal. She smiled at that thought as she wondered what normal was considered anymore.
Usagi thought about what she learned from Setsuna earlier when she informed them Sailor Charon had returned. She didn't remember the Moon Senshi, but there was a lot about her past that was still a blur. Usually something had to trigger a memory. She hoped that once she met the Moon Senshi she would remember something. She was sure she would meet them soon.
Usagi thought about her time at the Silver Millennium with Endymion. He could always make her laugh and was caring. But Seiya treated her the same way and he had never done anything to hurt her. She didn't feel like her entire future was laid out with Seiya like it had been with Mamoru. Yet knowing the future led to her meeting Chibi Usa.
Usagi walked back into her room one final time sat down on a cushion she pulled out from under her table. She decided some music would be a nice distraction. She turned on the radio and heard his voice singing.
Running through the distance night sky
I'm make a wish on a shooting star
Whispering I want to be with you (Please tell this to her, starlight)
As time passes by, we become adults
I have finally realized that
The broken pieces are not enough (Please stay by my side, sweetheart)
Search for your love, on the silver ocean
Search for your love, the ships floats adrift
Search for your love, in this madness
I was swept away by the current
Your strong scent, I'm always (Searching for it)
Can you hear my voice calling out (I love you so)
Where are you now (Moonlight Princess)
My lovely princess
Usagi gasped as she listened to Nagareboshi Ne. She was always told that the song was written to find Princess Kakyuu. But Moonlight Princess? It seemed like as more time passed the message from the song seemed to change and strike a new meaning to her. She smiled and closed her eyes. It was as if this entire time he had left her messages that she wasn't able to figure out until now. She was excited to see him tomorrow night for dinner and was beginning to have less doubt about her decision. Mamoru was her past and Seiya was her present… and possibly her future. But she knew it wouldn't be as easy to break ties with Mamoru.
The late morning rays of the sun poked into Usagi's room, as a soft breeze rustled the curtains. Usagi rubbed her eyes, as she slowly woke up. She was up late the night before mulling things over until she drifted off to sleep. The extra sleep felt wonderful but she was still tired. Her body was still adjusting to being back on Earth.
"Usagi-chan," Luna said, as jumped up on the bed and entered Usagi's line of sight. Usagi mumbled a response as she was still waking up. "If you don't hurry you're going to be late to see Naru-chan."
Usagi slowly sat up and stretched. She knew Luna was correct. She looked over at the clock and gasped as she realized how late it was. "Ahh!" Usagi shouted, as she threw the covers off of her. The morning mad dash to get ready ensued.
Luna took the opportunity to try to talk to Usagi, as she began to dig around for fresh clothes to wear. "Usagi-chan, I'm really worried about you lately. You seem to be exerting yourself a lot lately. You mentioned the incidents on Kinmoku and then when you returned to the Moon. I'm becoming really worried." Usagi had given Luna some details about her trip, but Luna knew that there was a lot more that she hadn't told her yet. She wanted to try to find out more. In the past days, Luna had noticed some changes in Usagi.
"We'll talk later Luna. I need to see Naru-chan," Usagi said, as she tried to assure her mentor.
Yui stood outside the apartment of the outer senshi with Natsuki. Yui knocked on the door and waited for a few moments before Haruka opened the door. She was surprised to have visitors so early in the morning.
"Yui-chan you're back," said Haruka then she noticed the shorter blonde woman next to her. "I see you've brought someone back with you."
"May we come in?" Natsuki anxiously asked. "I really want to see Hotaru-san."
Haruka looked over at Yui for a sign and Yui nodded her head, as if to say it was alright. She moved to the side and allowed the two girls to enter the apartment.
Michiru was in the kitchen making lunch, while Hotaru sat at thwetable with a book.
"We have company," Haruka said, as she entered the kitchen with the two women.
Hotaru placed her book down on the table and turned to look at the two women. She recognized Yui immediately and slowly walked over to Natsuki. She stared at her for a moment. "You look so familiar…" she said as she stared at her. After a moment she said, "Natsuki…chan?"
Natsuki beamed since Hotaru remembered her. "Princess Hotaru…" she said, as she bowed down before her. Hotaru gestured for her to stand up. Once Natsuki stood up again she hugged her tightly.
While the two talked Yui walked over to Haruka, "Is Princess Serenity okay?"
"Yes," said Haruka. "I'm still worried about her though. She's still spending too much time with outsiders."
"You mean those three from the other star system? I'm glad that I observed from the distance the other night. Why did she not run to Endymion as soon as he arrived?" Yui asked, as tried to make sense of the display she had witnessed.
Michiru walked over to Yui to explain. She wasn't sure how well Haruka would explain the situation to her and if she could keep a level head. "Usagi-chan spilt up with him before she left to visit Kinmoku. One of the outsiders that you saw the other night was the one she left with."
Yui narrowed her eyes at the words she heard from Michiru. "No…"she said in disbelief. "I don't believe you."
"That is why I tried to attack the other senshi," said Haruka with venom in her voice. "We all feel it is a mistake that the Princess needs to realize it."
"But we have other things we have to focus on," said Setsuna, as she seemed to appear out of nowhere. She quietly entered the apartment building without the others noticing. "We should try to free the others as soon as possible. Do you know where they are?"
"Yes," Yui said thankful for the assistance. "Can we leave tomorrow morning? It is a long journey and we need to rest."
"Of course," Setsuna said, "Please stay here for the night. We'll leave early tomorrow."
Naru sat back in the booth amazed at what she had just learned from Usagi. They arrived an hour ago and were on their second ice cream sodas. It was a lot for her to take in at once. "I wish you would have told me sooner."
Usagi hung her head slightly since she knew Naru was right. Before she could respond Naru continued, "But I understand why you never told me. A lot of things make sense now. But there are still a few things that I'm unclear about… you have a long history… a really long with Mamoru-san, but you chose Seiya-kun." Naru took another sip from her drink. "I do remember when you were heartbroken the time you broke up with Mamoru."
Usagi was surprised by her friend's bluntness. "Seiya has shown me nothing but kindness," responded Usagi. "Even after he left last time things were different with Mamo-chan." Usagi hesitated she caught herself using his pet name still. "It just seems strange to call him Mamoru-san."
"How was it different?"
"Once Seiya was gone I found myself missing him. I missed him even when I was with Mamo-chan. I know we were planning our wedding… but my heart wasn't into it as much. I kept telling myself I just needed time to adjust." Usagi sniffled a little before she continued, "I was afraid to admit to anyone how I really felt… even to myself until recently."
"What happened recently?"
Usagi discussed with Naru her recent awakening as Sailor Cosmos. "Everything changed when my new powers awakened. I didn't hold back my feelings anymore. It was like I was set free and it was liberating."
Naru smiled at Usagi, "As long as you are happy Usagi-chan and it sounds like you are. I want you to be happy. You've been through so much, especially in the last two months. But there is something I want to ask you Usagi."
"Sure."
"Would you still have these feelings if you didn't receive new powers?"
"… Yes. It just I never really let myself experience or explore how I really felt about Seiya, since I was with Mamo-chan. I want to be with Seiya."
"Even knowing about the future you had with Mamoru-san?"
"Yes," Usagi responded without hesitation. "The future already changed once Chaos returned. I think that is what made it easier to change my path."
"It sounds like you've made a sound decision. Are the other girls okay with it? What about Mamoru-san?"
"Eh… well the others girls will have to get used to it… and Mamo-chan he's trying to win me back."
Naru nearly spit out her drink at Usagi's last remark. "He...what?"
"Well… he says he'll wait for me to sort out my feelings and he thinks we belong together."
Naru sighed at Usagi's comments. "So, I guess things are never that simple. Especially since he is Tuxedo Kamen."
"… I never said that!" Usagi exclaimed.
"He called you Usako yesterday… and he is the only man that has ever called you that."
"Yeah… things are never that simple." Usagi said with a lop-sided grin and a nervous hand behind her head.
As if on cue, a horde of people ran by down the street and a few seconds later an explosion sounded.
Usagi sighed as the familiar sinking feeling in her stomach returned. There was about to be a battle. Usagi stood up and clasped the crystal pendant on her neck. Then she remembered the words the other senshi told her yesterday. Varada was in search of someone and she was safer as Sailor Moon than Sailor Cosmos. "I'm sorry Naru-chan, but I have to go. We'll meet again soon."
Naru nodded her head, "Be safe, Usagi-chan."
Usagi nodded her head and ran out of the shop towards the direction that everyone seemed to be fleeing from. After she confirmed that Varada was there, she ducked around the corner and checked her surroundings before she pulled out her brooch. "Moon Eternal, Make Up!"
Varada walked down the street in searched of a sign from the senshi he sought. The longer the quest continued the more impatient and angry he became.
Sailor Moon turned the corner and prepared herself to face her adversary. "Every time I try to spend time with a friend you keep interrupting and I can't tolerate it anymore! For love and justice, sailor suited pretty solider! In the name of the Moon, I, Sailor Moon, will punish you!" Sailor Moon struck her signature pose.
"This again?" Varada said in a slightly amused tone. "You may not be the Guardian, but the Princess of the White Moon is excellent target practice." He raised both of his hands above his head and began to unleash several attacks.
Sailor Moon summoned her staff. She knew she was better off attempting to dodge his attacks and then use her own offensive attack. She wished she could use her abilities as Sailor Cosmos. She would easily defeat him. She never had the chance as her staff was blasted away. For a moment she heard Sailor Galaxia's words in time of battle sometimes a senshi didn't have access to their abilities. But she was not the type to use hand to hand combat. Thinking back to her time on Kinmoku cost her. Varada attacked her and the blast threw her backward into a bicycle rack. She became a sitting duck, as she was trapped among the bicycles. Her leg throbbed. She couldn't move quickly.
Varada smiled at how helpless she was. "I guess the Princess is all by herself this time… with no one to save her." His eyes danced as he enjoyed her predicament. He raised his hand to unleash another large bolt of black energy at her.
A flash of red disrupted Varada and he cried out as a sharp object pierced his hand. He turned to face the direction that the rose had been thrown.
Tuxedo Kamen jumped down from the ledge and stood in front of Sailor Moon to protect her.
Varada's facial expression changed and he began to laugh. "It's funny how the Prince of Earth always comes to the rescue of the Moon Princess on Earth. You'd think I was at the Silver Millennium again."
Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Kamen gasped, as they heard the name of the palace. What was his connection to that time? He seemed to know a lot about their past.
"But I grow tired of this game. I'm sure we will meet again," Varada said, as he vanished once more.
Now that the danger had past, Tuxedo Kamen turned around to help Sailor Moon up from the tangled mess. "Are you okay?"
"…Thank you. I'm fine," Sailor Moon said, as she tried to balance her entire weight on her one good leg. In the process, she nearly fell over, but was caught by Tuxedo Kamen. She felt a blush creep across her face at their closeness. It was awkward. "I have to go…" Sailor Moon said, as she tried to take a few steps away and winced as a sharp shooting pain hit her body. She nearly fell over again and would have if it wasn't for Tuxedo Kamen.
"Usako… you're injured," said Tuxedo Kamen as he held her close. He looked down at her leg and noticed the large cut for the first time. "You don't always have to pretend to be so brave around me," he scolded her gently. "Let me help you home."
She knew she needed his help. It was too painful without it. "Okay," Sailor Moon said, as she reverted back to Usagi. Tuxedo Kamen did the same and unsuited back to Mamoru.
There was an awkward silence as the two walked. Usagi leaned heavily on Mamoru for support. Her heart raced, as she inhaled his intoxicating scent. He still had that effect on her.
Mamoru decided to keep the conversation simple and focused on what just happened. "Do you know who that was? It sounds like he is someone from our past."
"I don't remember, but he seemed to know a lot about the Silver Millennium…and us," Usagi responded back. "A lot of my memories from the Silver Millennium are still hazy and I only remember bits and pieces. There are a lot of gaps." She was silent for a moment and then continued, "I wish I had all of my memories from that time back."
"Yeah…" Mamoru said, as he thought back to the Silver Millennium. "I remember it being so peaceful…" his voice trailed off when he thought of something Princess Serenity had told him when she was separated from Chaos. "I know your other half remembers everything… she told me as much. She is very different from you Usako."
"Different?" Usagi said with an arched eyebrow. "How so?"
"A lot more serious…but I noticed since you returned from Kinmoku you've changed a lot too. You are more serious."
"What else is different?"
Mamoru hesitated, "Let's just say she insinuated some things about our relationship in our past life and how close we were."
Usagi turned bright red. "Ah… well… umm…" She stammered.
Mamoru laughed at her reaction. "I don't have many of my memories back either. I wish I did."
Usagi was very quiet, as she remembered that he has lost a lot of his memories from this current lifetime as well. Before she could say anything else they had arrived at Usagi's parent's house.
Usagi tried to take a step forward and nearly fell. Mamoru held her tightly to keep her on her feet. Usagi took a sharp intake of her breath as her body was pressed up next to his. She couldn't describe the feelings she experienced by his touch. She slowly pushed herself away from him. Their eyes met in the process. She gasped as she felt herself being pulled into them.
"Usako… I don't want you to feel afraid to talk to me about anything. I don't want to lose you when I love you so much. I want to be there for you," Mamoru said, as he lightly pushed a few of her bangs out of her face.
Usagi closed her eyes as she tried to remain calm despite her rapid heartbeat. "I … I'm sorry Mamo-chan… but I don't think I can right now…" Usagi said, as she slowly pushed herself away from him and his advance.
Mamoru was disappointed by the rejection, but he was not about to give up. He helped her to the front door. There was a slight pause now that she was at home. "Let me help you inside," he offered, as he helped her open the front door.
"I'm home," Usagi said, as she limped into her home. She leaned on support from Mamoru as she removed her shoes.
"Usagi! How can you be so late when you know there is company today! You're lucky I'm still working on dinner!" Shouted Ikkuko from the kitchen in a frantic tone.
Footsteps were heard as someone approached them. Seiya turned the corner. The smile he had immediately dropped when he saw Mamoru, his presence made Seiya feel uneasy. He then noticed how Usagi stood and leaned against Mamoru. Her leg was injured.
Seiya rushed forward to her, "Odango, are you okay? What happened?"
"I was attacked earlier by Varada, a new enemy. This is the second time in twenty-four hours," Usagi said, as she shifted her weight. "I was injured and Mamo-chan helped me home."
Seiya stood on the other side of Usagi, "I'll help you into the other room." Seiya put his arm around Usagi, so she could lean on him for support now. "Dinner is going to be ready soon I know you are hungry." Seiya began to lead Usagi into the other room. He left Mamoru standing in the doorway. Seiya turned his head slightly to the side to say over his shoulder, "Thank you for helping her, Mamoru-san. I'll take it from here."
Mamoru stood there for a moment, as he watched her leave in Seiya's arms into another room. He sighed and turned around to leave. He knew he had a difficult road ahead of him. He quietly closed the door behind him.
Seiya led Usagi over to the couch in the living room. Her mother was finally able to leave the kitchen to scold her daughter for being late. She gasped when she saw her daughter's leg. "Usagi! What happened?" She rushed forward to examine the injury up close.
"I was attacked earlier…" Usagi said, as she tried to figure out the best way to break the news easily to her mother. "I'm okay. It looks worse than it feels."
"You should go to the doctor," insisted Ikkuko "Or at least let me clean it. Move into the kitchen since the light is better in there and I will get some first aid materials," she instructed and walked over to the bathroom.
Seiya helped Usagi stand up when an idea occurred to him, "Odango, why don't you use your new powers and try to heal the wound?"
Usagi looked at him for a moment and then laughed. "Sometimes I forget what I can do… I'm still getting used to everything." She sat back down on the couch and closed her eyes. She clasped her crystal pendent in her hand. A bright light emerged on her forehead and took the shape of an eight pointed star.
The light caused Kenji and Ikkuko to rush back into the room. "What is going on?" Kenji asked alarmed at the mark on his daughter's forehead.
"It's okay," Seiya reassured them, "She's going to try to use her abilities."
A few sparkles appeared next to Usagi's left shoulder. She moved her left arm to the side and the sparkles took the shape of her Cosmos staff. She slowly opened her eyes as she felt power radiate throughout her. She could feel the difference between her powers from earlier. Her staff began to glow, as did her right hand. She leaned forward and gently placed her right hand on the wound. The area began to glow, as the wound slowly closed.
Usagi's parents stared in awe and Seiya smiled at the control that Usagi demonstrated.
The light began to fade and Usagi opened her eyes. Her staff disappeared and the star on her forehead gradually faded. She stood up slowly. Seiya was already on his feet in case she needed assistance. Usagi took a step forward without any pain. She beamed at her accomplishment. She walked forward a few more steps and lost her balance. Seiya caught her and steadied her.
"You're tired from using your healing abilities," Seiya said, as he held her tight. "Let's go sit at the dinner table."
Usagi nodded her head and slowly walked with Seiya into the kitchen. Usagi appeared exhausted.
Usagi's parents followed behind with a loss for words. They couldn't believe they had just witnessed their daughter heal a cut on her leg.
"I will start serving dinner," Ikkuko said, as she began to grab plates.
A loud growling noise eased the tension of the moment. It was Usagi's stomach crying out for food.
Varada was becoming inpatient that he hadn't found the Guardian yet. A man about the same age as him dressed in a charcoal long sleeve shirt and matching slacks snickered at his lack of progress.
"I haven't seen you try to help in the search Varuna-san," Varada shot back at him.
"It's simple really, the Guardian is a myth that is several thousands of years old. If the Guardian existed they would have appeared by now. We've made preparations for years and now we have the last piece, the perfect host. It is only a matter of time until he is ready to take charge. We must nurture him to be the leader he is destined to be."
Logos, a man with dark purple hair in gray long sleeved shirt and gray long pants entered the room interrupting the bickering men. "The Guardian is real. I felt their presence a moment ago. It quickly disappeared though. Bu I know it was the Guardian. They must be dealt with, as soon as possible, or they will ruin everything we have planned."
Mamoru entered his apartment and removed his shoes. He walked over the radio to listen to a new bulletin to see if he could learn anything else about the attack or if the enemy had returned again. When he turned it on he heard a part of a familiar song.
Suddenly the cell phone rings out,
Coming across the distance between us
You say I'm a friend, you say I'm a nice guy
I just don't understand
Yesterday you were so sweet to me
But now you are being held in his arms…
To the distances where the moonlight doesn't reach
Oh, I want to take you away there
If we had only met earlier
All I can find is that excuse
Mamoru turned the radio off. He couldn't listen to Todokanu Omoi anymore. It was a song sung by the Three Lights. The song was ironically about how a girl that he couldn't have and now the role was reversed. He took a few minutes to rub his temples. It was still a struggle for him to understand how things were turned upside down. He had spoken to Usako several times and she explained everything to him, but he struggled with understanding her reasons. She told him she was with Seiya, yet her body language said differently. He didn't know how to get her to change her mind, but it was obvious she still had some doubts.
Princess Serenity sat in the garden tending to some of the flowers. A voice called out to her. She looked up in the direction of the voice and smiled. It was familiar to her.
"Momma!"
A pink haired girl ran up to her and hugged her tightly. It was Neo Princess Serenity. She looked up at the older woman, her eyes twinkling, "Daddy is looking for you."
Princess Serenity gazed down at her daughter, "Can you take me to where he is?" She asked sweetly.
"Sure!" Neo Princess Serenity said, as she quickly stood up. She grabbed her mother by the hand and began to lead her outside of the garden.
Princess Serenity looked around her surroundings and realized she was not in the Crystal Tokyo palace, as she originally assumed. Rather she was in the gardens of the Silver Millennium. She examined her gown and was aware she no longer dressed as Princess Serenity but Neo Queen Serenity. She looked up at the sky and noticed the Earth. She looked down at the child that pulled her along. The girl now had silver hair.
Neo Queen Serenity stopped in her tracks. Everything rapidly changed around her and it confused her greatly. The girl let go of her hand and ran forward into a man's arms. "Daddy!" She yelled joyfully.
The man was dress mostly in black, but she couldn't see his face. He picked up the young girl as he stood up. "There you are, I've been looking for Odango."
Usagi bolted upright in her bed. She was breathing hard and struggled to calm her racing heart. She placed a hand on her heart and closed her eyes.
"Usagi-chan, are you alright?" Luna asked, as she jumped on the bed and walked over to her.
"I'm fine Luna," Usagi said, as she moved to the other side of the bed. She swung her feet onto the floor. "I think I just need some air." Usagi got up and began to change her clothes. Dinner had ended early to allow Usagi to rest. She slept for nearly two hours, but it was still early. The sun had set an hour ago. "I'm going to go for a walk Luna. I'll be back in a little bit."
"Are you sure you don't want company?" Asked Luna, as she tried to pry information out of Usagi.
"I need some time to myself."
I'm sure you've notice a difference in this act how I've written Mamoru. After watching Sailor Moon Crystal I forgot how much better the manga version of Mamoru can be so I've changed his personality a bit. He is not giving Usagi up without a fight! Fear not Seiya will have a more active role in the next act.
Who is the Guardian the new villain trio keeps searching for? Act 25: A Late Night Encounter. The next act will not be out until early December as November is National Novel Writing Month and yes this story will be my project. The story is listed under Chaos Theory: The Guardian if you want check on the progress…. expect more beginning December!
Thank you to Kikis87 for being an awesome beta reader!