To Remember the Truth

by AnnabelleG

An alternate reality fanfic: what if it was Usagi who lost her memories instead of Mamoru after Beryl?

4. To Remember the Truth, Part 3

To Remember the Truth
Part 3

By: Annabelle
hannah@pred.ml.org

Disclaimer: It's 5:01 AM, and I haven't slept yet, why don't you guys just
pertain to the disclaimers on the previous chapters... please?

Author's Notes: Hi, sorry this chapter took long. School just takes my
time. Consider this a vacation bonus (sort of). Well, hope you enjoy it!

Thanks: My editors Sailor Stardust, Jade, Sidnei, Arilyn, Nerak (where the
HECK are you?) and Andi Painter. Sailor Walnut, big thanks to you (go read
'em fics) and of course, BIG G, MAR, Dr. Kuya and Abs. Thanks also to all
those who wrote to me about "Living a Happy Life."

http://members.tripod.com/Annabelle_Guillermo/intro.htm

Terms:
Aliens = Normal Forms
Ail/Alan = Ginga Seijuurou
Ann = Ginga Natsumi

=== - Flashback

Chapter 3: The Play: The Kiss of Hidden Love


Looking in your eyes...
I see love and longing
I see a compassionate soul
I see I'm all you've ever loved
I see me as your precious treasure
I see love
But then your eyes are clouded
A Barrier of pain
Such intensity burns
Depthless seas of emotion
I know you care
I feel your warmth
I read them all very well
But then your eyes are somewhat clouded
Troubled, hesitant and undecided
Let me reach for you
Let me caress your tired brows
Tell me what deeply troubles you
And I will be there for you
Yes...
I see it in your eyes
And I recognize you know I am forever yours
But yet there's something else
Something I don't understand
Bare your confusion to me
And then I will see
Eyes that are no longer clouded
Story:

A week after Chapter 2:

Mamoru, once again, strolled at a moderate speed down the houses that
lined Minato-Ku. He was surrounded by a beautiful day, everything was
normal and peaceful, a Saturday. But unlike the others, who only thought
about how they would enjoy their weekend, his mind was in full
concentration and intent. Truth be told, he was oblivious to his wonderful
surroundings. The thoughts in spinning in his mind were all too
complicated: they were the issues concerning his lives: his normal life and
his "other life."

Things were somewhat better now, compared to what his conditions were
from the past weeks. He was slowly adapting to the changes around him, like
his being Tuxedo Mask, and that his love (Usagi) not being able to remember
anything.
Bearing in mind his life as a fighter, things were going rather fine.
He was confident; he was revitalized by the fact that Venus, a fellow ally,
had accumulated a new attack the week earlier. His skills were improving
greatly, and his sense and knowledge had expanded.
Collectively, he, together with the Sailor Senshi proved to be a great
threat to the enemy.

Many battles were won, many days proved victorious, and he was proud.
Not only for himself, but for the others as well. Training had greatly
improved them. Their combined efforts made them stand, and hope kept them
together.

Although they had always came out as the triumphant, Mamoru always thought
that things would have been much better if Sailormoon was with them. The
young warrior had always been his inspiration from the start of everything.
Meaning, EVERYTHING. Her efforts and strong will to try her best gave him
warmth and joy. Clumsy as she was (he prayed that she would NEVER
change...), it was her inner strength and her hopes that had kept them
alive. The senshi missed their wailing leader themselves, but their
feelings were nothing compared to how he felt. He wished that she would be
there, right by his side whenever he went into battle, but by the way
things were going...

This leads into how he had been dealing with Usagi's... situation. The
fact being that she couldn't remember her life as a senshi had affected him
greatly. Assured though, for things were going fairly well now, so he says.
He wasn't as desperate and as poorly sensed as he was before. But he
*still* couldn't --wouldn't-- last a day without seeing the sweet maiden
barge suddenly off a distinct corner and run past him with that oh so
radiant face. Nor could he last one day without thinking of her, the
innocent smile she flashes at everyone, the way she beamed whenever she
thought of food, or that wonderful scent of her...
Come to think of it, he could have sworn he once heard her cheerful
laughter ringing by his apartment...
Okay, so, if he was "adapting" to the changes happening around him, he
was adapting *very slowly*. That is, in Usagi's department, anyway. Believe
it, he tried! But the rabbit of his dreams was just plain too irresistible.
She was an enigma, a picture he couldn't just discard quickly out of his
mind. Through all his day's work, he would always look forward to going
home, where he could *would* think, think, and think of HER. Doing so was
like creating a small light at the end of the tunnel. In fact... one could
see that he was thinking of her once again...

'STOP!' Mamoru reprimanded himself as thoughts and images began to
flash across his mind. He sighed, trying his best to eat up the smile
wanting to curl on his lips. 'So, dealing with Usako, even if in just in an
imaginary way, is hard,' he thought, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

He put his hands in his pocket and closed his eyes for a little while.
He had to consider the agenda in his mind first! Torturously pushing her
out of his mind, he resumed to his former musings... ones that consider the
secret helper who always arrives in times of danger. She hadn't given them
her name, and she disappears as quickly as she arrives, but this just
arouses the curiosity within him. She had an aura of mystery surrounding
her. Her origin was questionable, as neither Luna nor Artemis could find
answers. But there were many possibilities...
Mamoru wanted to thank the lady, to know her intentions, and to find
out why she was always there to help. He wanted to know how HE could help,
or even propose an agreement. She was a great asset, and a good target for
unexplained questions and answers.
But what really affected him were her eyes, the only thing he could see
on her, since she was heavily clothed with white garments and a tassel.
Those eyes... he had only seen eyes like those *once*

Those were Usagi's eyes.

The sparkle, the same azure depths, the love, the hope that stirred
within them. All the same, together with that hint of innocence.

And he came to wonder, was the woman...Usako?

It was possible, since the woman obviously came in the name of the
moon. Her crescent-shaped blades and the moon insignia on her forehead that
he had seen scarcely once proved so. Yet the lady had an air of knowledge
and skill around her, things not yet, but soon would be, awakened from his
Usako. Besides, if she *was* Usagi, matters would be too good to be true.
Usagi didn't remember being a princess, much less being a senshi, so how is
it possible that she could be the... helper?
Maybe she was, maybe she was not, only time can tell.
And he had to wait. Again.
He sighed, breaking away from the thought. 'I'll find out soon enough,
so I guess I better face my other problems...'

He buried his head in his hands in frustration, "The play..." he
groaned.
Determined to do what he had set out to do, he walked faster.

Mr. Whittle, the university's high school department literature
teacher, asked them to create a play for the young students. A program to
raise funds. And he had given them "Romeo and Juliet" as an assignment. But
the high school students oh-so-stubbornly insisted on doing the certain
play themselves. Soon he changed the given work to a childish story called
"Snow White." It was the way they prepared and acted that was to be
observed. A longer version, though, was preferred.

Snow White! Such an easy play to do, in fact, he wondered why they were
given of that sort an unconstrained assignment. Things were going to flow
easily and uncomplicated, he once told himself. Of course, he, together
with his non-so-close friends joined, considering Mr. Whittle's,

"Join and you get extra points on your card, a better scholarship is
fine, ain't it? In fact, you'd be excused from Professor Jones's
'neck-breaking project assignment,' now wouldn't you like that? Points.
Excuse," statement.

Sure, so Prof. Jones's projects weren't that hard, but he needed a
break from intellectual stress. And the points deemed a good bonus. Heck,
it was all too smooth, simple and informal!

But then, nothing comes and goes easily right?

Their group argued, all because of a "measly role," as Mamoru had said.
'The prince! THE ROLE OF THE PRINCE, FOR POINT'S SAKE, WHY SUCH AN IMMATURE
REASON?' he fumed inwardly, 'If only their egos weren't so huge, we could
have worked though the play! And now, look! They leave everything to me! I
already made that brain-racking script, took the costumes from the
theatre's attic --with their crude, musty smell, all which nearly
suffocated me to death-- and acted as the mediator between them! What did
they do? They leave all the work to me!'
He was now stalking toward his destination as his anger burned from
within. He remembered the events of the day before, when he consulted Mr.
Whittle...

===

"Well, Chiba-san, you have two choices," Mr. Whittle said, while
pouring himself a cup of tea.

Mamoru sulked down the soft plush chair the white-haired man had seated
him in, "And what would they be?"

Mr. Whittle, in his late forties and with his pale complexion, chuckled
softly to himself, "You can either abandon the play, or you may continue
with it." he said simply.

But Mamoru knew more than that, there was a catch here, evident by the
expression on Mr. Whittle's slightly wrinkled face.

"And?" Mamoru asked in impatience and annoyance.

'Wise,' Mr. Whittle commented to himself before he spoke, "Leave the
play and you lose the points, and you are unexcused for the project, which
in due in five days. Continue the play, you get the points. But with you as
the only one left, I think you can get much more than you've bargained for."

Mamoru nodded, interested, "And how am I supposed to do that, without a
cast?"

The old man looked him straight in the eye, "Then get one, either from
this university or not, and continue."

===

Mamoru gulped, simply because of the points he would lose and the project,
whose starting date had began weeks ago. He didn't even know what that
project was!

And the only ones he could turn to were...

He saw the Hikawa Shrine in the distance.

...them.

Of course SHE would be with them.

He walked faster and sweat began to form on the sides of his head. But,
as if admitting defeat from an unknown race of sorts, he stopped.

'Okay, so you got me.'

There were so many people he could have asked for help from. There were
Motoki and his buds, Karl, Jo, Rey, Ben, and all of the other students he
had tutored before. In other words, they were countless. Many of them were
much better actors than the senshi, but of course, he chose them, or
rather, chose her--hey!

But that wasn't all...

He could have easily lost those points; after all, he was good in all
his other subjects and courses, and he could have easily caught up. He had
a good scholarship. And he could finish ANY project in physics within ONE
day. So why the hassle?
Mr. Whittle's words echoed in his mind.

"Then get one, either from this university or not, and continue."
'Either from their university, or not.'
'Or not...'

He sighed in admittance; those two words had triggered possibilities
in his heart. After all, every second with his Usako was precious, right?
He gulped, once again, and blushed (!) in guilt. Acting innocent wasn't
easy to do.

The MAIN reason he was frustrated was because getting the girls to
make Usagi join them was going to be DIFFICULT. And he was nervous, dead
nervous. How could he do those with his feelings going out of control?
'Well? So what? I deserve to feel this way don't I? It's just normal!'
he huffed in annoyance as he reached the front porch of the Hikawa Shrine.
Walking closer, he took a peek and listened intently, wanting to find out
if SHE was there...
~~~
"So, how does it feel, knowing who you were and who you are supposed to
be?" Makoto asked, chomping on a chocolate chip cookie.

"I don't know. Fine? Obligated?" Rei replied as she nibbled onto her
cookie, "I missed the old days, but they were pretty difficult, you have to
admit. But I think things may go well, considering how we did last time."

The girls were at Rei's temple, the Hikawa Shrine. They were having
their snacks while talking about their new responsibilities and alter egos.

Minako examined the chips in her cookies, "Things will be fine, I mean
look, just yesterday I learned about my new attack, 'Crescent Beam,
Shower.' And, hey, we have Tuxedo Kamen on our side."

'And that mysterious lady,' everyone added quietly.

Ami nodded, "But we should not overlook our true mission, to protect
Usagi-chan. We've been closer for the past few days; Mako, here has
practically bonded with her. And I therefore concur that it's only logical
if the rest of us would get to know her more, considering the possibilities
of Cardian attacks, I mean. According to my calculations, a Cardian will
attack places with one thousand or more people. Places were Usagi usually
is. I made a chart to prove my hypothesis--"

"Uh huh."

(Sweatdrop) -_-;

Makoto turned to the gang, "Well, we'll be meeting her later, and I
want you, Mina-chan and Rei-chan, to join us. It's a good chance to get to
know our golden-haired friend more. And not just because it's our duty, but
because she was, and will once again be, our friend," she pointed out.

~~~

'So, she's not there, that's good,' Mamoru thought as a mixture of
relief and disappointment coursed through him. But just the mere sight of
the senshi made him gulp in tenseness.

"Well, here goes," he said before knocking on the doors.

~~~

Knock! Knock!

Rei stood up, "Who can that be?"
She took big steps to the white-washed ancient doors of the shrine,
"Mamoru, this is a surprise! Are you here to visit m--mrrmph!"

Makoto smiled as she dunked four cookies into Rei's mouth, "What brings
you here, Mamoru-kun?"

Mamoru, who looked nervous, relaxed and gave them a broad smile,
"Konichiwa Mako-chan, how's Senshi life?"

"Fine, fine! We're getting used to it, especially with the fact that...
Oh, heck I'm babbling! Wait! Not to be rude, but, is that what you came
here for?"

Mamoru put a hand at the back of his jet-black head, "Actually, there's
something else... I need you guys to do me um... err... a favor."

"What favor?" Rei, who miraculously dislodged the four cookies from her
mouth, asked blithely. She gave Makoto dagger-like glares.

"Come in!" Makoto invited.
~~~

"So, you need participants for your play?" Makoto asked.

"Yeah, you see, because of cast problems, our group broke up. And I was
left to deal with our project. I need you girls to help me."

"What's the play, anyway? Because that would be the main foundation
for--"
Ami stopped herself and noticed the glares she received from her friends.

Mamoru gave a laugh, "It's called, 'Snow White,' Ami-chan."

Minako stood up, "That means, if I join, I'll automatically be Snow
White! I'm the best actress in the whole wild world y'know."

Sweatdrops appeared behind her friends' backs as she continued her
obliviously with her slightly wobbly posture and her pretty smile.

"One more thing, Minako," Ami pointed out, "Snow White has--"

"Black hair, ebony black," Makoto finished for her. 'Besides,' she
thought, 'you're not exactly the best actress in the world, much less this
group.'

Minako gave them a smug look, however, still holding her pose,
"So I'll wear a wig!"

Some of the girls sighed and rolled their eyes while Ami buried her
face in her hands, shaking it.

~~~

'My "mission" is almost complete, hopefully, they won't notice a thing,'
Mamoru thought as he prepared to leave. The girls were a good part in his
life, always happy and bright. They were a comedic sight to be seen
whenever one feels down, a group of mood lifters. Now, he felt refreshed.

They had all agreed to join the play, and he felt relieved. 'At least
they haven't suspected anything,' he added. His minor problem was cleared,
but the major task lay ahead, for he wouldn't be in content without finding
out if *she* would be joining.

One more step...

He cleared his throat, "Girls, I hate to leave, believe me, but I still
have more things to do. I really should be going."

The group stood up, "Sure, we wouldn't want to get in your way," Makoto
remarked with a pleasant smile.

"Thanks for the visit," Ami smiled, "it was nice having you around."
He grinned a response, "No, thank YOU, for volunteering to help me. I don't
what I could have done without you, senshi."

"No problem," Rei replied.
"So, I guess we'll see you around," Minako said while leading him to
the door with the others.

"Yes, this Wednesday at four," he commented. As he was on his way to
the door, his mind signaled his cue, and he felt the uncomfortable pounding
of his heart in his chest. 'Come on Mamoru, just one sentence, you can do
it...' he encouraged himself as he bit his lip.

This is it.

He turned around, 'Oh, I pray I won't get caught,' he thought quickly
as he spoke so to erase the anticipating looks on the girls' faces.

"Hey, you can ask any other *friends* of yours to join if they want to.
We'll be needing more participants."

There, finished.

He took a deep breath and turned around, walking off as quickly as he
could, 'Please grant that I won't be caught off guard, I hope I won't get
caught.' he prayed silently.

But Makoto's words pried the lid off, "In other words, you're asking us
to make Usagi-chan join, right? Don't worry we'll help-ow!"

He froze dead in his tracks and threw his clenched fist in the air,
silently cursing himself. So they knew it all along! "I knew this wouldn't
be easy," he muttered angrily as he turned and saw Makoto lying limp on the
floor. Rei must have hit her.

"Don't worry, Mamoru-kun, don't sweat it! We all know how you feel!
Have you been wanting to say that since the start of the discussion?"
Minako said with cute contour eyes while waving at him clumsily.

His cheeks were now tainted with a slight red and a sweatdrop appeared
behind his head as Rei knocked Minako unconscious too.
"Heh, he," Rei said as she began to pull the two bodies inside. "Well,
good-bye Mamoru-kun, have a nice day!" she bade him before vanishing behind
the temple doors.

Ami just gave him a sheepish grin, "Don't worry, Mamoru-san. I truly
understand how you feel. After all, who could not love a girl like Usagi?"
then she waved, following Rei inside the temple.

"Oh, well."

~~~

"Oh well, here goes," Makoto whispered discreetly as the she turned to
Usagi's direction, Ami in tow. School had just ended, and the students were
slowly filing out of their so-called "torture" known as classrooms. The two
walked slowly as Minako joined them.

"How's everything?" she asked.

"Nothing's happened yet," Ami answered.

"Hey, Usagi-chan!" Makoto suddenly yelled out, surprising the two out
of their wits. Nervousness was evident, and success was their goal.
However, they didn't know if they would be able to convince their friend to
join the play. Especially if -when- she finds out who was directing it...

Usagi headed over to them in casual strides, trying her best not to
trip, "Hi, guys? What's up?" was her bubbly reply.

"Well, we're going to be pretty busy soon," Makoto said, smiling.

"It was supposed to be, 'Nothing much, but we're going to be sort of
busy soon,'" Minako whispered quietly in Makoto's ear, stressing about the
script they had made at the meeting they had yesterday.

"It's all the same!" Makoto snapped back.

"Oops, he-he."

"What do you mean?" Usagi asked curiously.

Ami gently nudged Minako; "It's your turn."

Minako brightened in realization, "Oh, yeah. We're going to be joining
a play."

"Really?" Usagi squealed in delight as her eyes began to sparkle.

"Yes, and it's called 'Snow White.' Unfortunately, we need more people
to complete the cast, and, well, we need someone who is... capable and
willing," Ami remarked, puzzling over her own words.

'Forget about the silly script,' Makoto thought angrily, "Okay, I need
to be blunt, we want you to join the play."

Ami and Minako gasped behind her, wondering what Usagi's reaction would
be.

"Wow, that's way cool!"

All sighed in relief.


"Now wait a minute!"

All of the senshi took in sharp breaths as they saw Natsumi heading
their way. She strode with the dangerous aura somewhat like that of a cat
that had heard the scuttling noise of a mouse nearby.

"Are you telling me that all of you are joining a play?" she asked, her
eyes glaring at Usagi.

"Yeah, and I'm gonna be the star!" Usagi said as sweatdrops began to
appear on the heads of her friends.

"Ha! There's no way anyone would be stupid enough to let you join their
play!" Natsumi automatically replied. 'Now here's a chance to prove that
I'm better than this silly Odango Atama,' she thought, her eyes narrowing.
"So, who's the director of the play?"

The girls nervously darted looks at each other.

"Why, you don't have to know Natsumi. After all, it's the roles we all
vie for, right?" Ami surprisingly asked the group.

Natsumi, sensing the hesitant atmosphere, asked again suspiciously,
"Who is the director? Are you hiding something? I don't think I, and, yes,
even Usagi here, like secrets."

Makoto easily reflected Usagi's reaction once she told her WHO the
director was, and she knew she would be making things worse if she
prolonged the little game of 'guess who?' She just hoped things wouldn't
get worse between her and Mamoru...

She sighed, giving up, "Fine, Chiba Mamoru's going to direct the play.
And for all I know, he's going to play the prince too."

"WHAT? THAT BAKA MAMORU?" Usagi shrieked, her face horrified.

As the girls turned their nervous looks toward Usagi while Natsumi
suddenly shrunk against the tree behind her and a dreamy look spread itself
quickly on her face. Her eyes seemed to turn into miniature hearts as a
soft, breathless sigh escaped her lips, "Mamoru-kun?...!"

"You know him?" Minako asked Usagi, a false innocent smile on her face.
Ami groaned as Makoto jabbed Minako in the ribs. ("Ow!")

Usagi stormed over, pacing and turning listlessly, "Of course I do,
he's the most arrogant, conceited... Wait! I thought you saw us argue last
week!"

"We did?" Minako asked nervously once again, and this time, Makoto hit
her HARD.

Fortunately Usagi didn't notice a thing; she was busy in a small world
of her own. The expressions passing her face were unreadable, just like the
blur of quick emotions flashing in her eyes.

She soon turned to them with a determined grin, "Don't worry, I'll make
it through this play without him bothering me! And I'll shove all his
taunting remarks in his conceited face!"

This time, sympathetic paintings were cast on the worried girls' faces.
And once again, the atmosphere of the conversation changed. A dark cloud
hung above them. But then, Makoto suddenly smiled when she saw a delighted
spark in Usagi's eyes, something unrevealed, which only meant...

"Don't worry, I bet you'll enjoy this, Usagi-chan" she said knowingly
and winked at the girls.

The temporarily forgotten Natsumi emerged from the spacey stupor she
had been in, her eyes darting towards them, "And I bet *I'LL* enjoy this
too, I'm going to join."

Ami's eyes widened, then narrowed in apprehension, "Um, of course,
sure."

Uh oh.

~~~

The pink room that finally lay still in the last vestiges of the
vanishing sun was horribly disturbed when Usagi came barging in, carrying a
stack of papers and holding them ever so tenderly, as if they were the most
important sheets in the world.

She plopped down on her bed with a soft 'thud' as she carefully
examined the papers--which were actually the script given to her by the
girls. They decided that she should have a look at it so to make things
easier when they get their roles.

'Oh, I hope I'll get Snow White... it's gonna be so cool, considering
I'll probably get famous, even if Mamoru does get to be the prince.'

She sighed and rolled on her belly. Now staring at the ceiling, she
thought about Mamoru, putting every bit of modesty in it.
'Okay, maybe he'd make a great actor, not that I'd care though. Maybe
it's just the way he may treat me in this play. It's just that he ruins my
mood always. Sometimes from good to bad, from happy to mad. But there are
times when he makes me feel good things, from desperate to hopeful, from
being down to glad... and there are those eyes...'

Usagi blushed and found herself drifting from the main subject (and
from modesty and sanity, no doubt!). She took the script and read it over
and over...

She finally finished and hugged the script to herself, "I'm sure I'd
get Snow White anyway...maybe I should try memorizing some lines."

She laughed out loud. Usagi? Her? Memorize? The names and the word just
didn't match. She was known for her failing marks (sheepish grin) but
*never* for memorizing.

'But maybe this is a good way to start learning...'

~~~

Mamoru gave the room another pace as he impatiently regarded the
thoughts in his head, "Where the heck are they?" He had been walking around
for who-knows-how-long (okay, so it was only five minutes, but, what
gives?) but there was still no sign of them.

He turned to the clock on the wall; it was only 3:45, why should he be
mad? It wasn't like they'd arrive this early. But the suspense was killing
him. The girls hadn't contacted him on Usagi's decision, and he HAD to know
if she was to join.

Despite the air-conditioned room, perspiration began to form on his
forehead, and he wiped it off with a tense hand.

She HAD to join, otherwise, all the effort and the anticipation had
been for nothing. If she wouldn't maybe he should just drop the whole thing
off...
'Get a hold of yourself, Chiba. You're worrying yourself over nothing. You
know the consequences...' he muttered to himself.

"Come on you guys!"

Voices! He strained to hear more as his heart pounded in anticipation.

"WAAHH! Why did we have to go this EARLY anyway? It's not even four
yet! I wanna eat some ice cream!"

Yes!!! Remember Mamoru, keep yourself cool and composed...

"Oh, Odango Atama! It's better to be early..."

SHE'S HERE! SHE'S really, really HERE. ('So much for being cool and
composed...')

He walked slowly to the door as he heard a knock. He smiled to himself
proudly and opened the door, only to be thrown down by Usagi.

"Ow, Natsumi! Why'd you have to push me that hard!" she screamed while
atop him.

Mamoru grew red, she was on *top* of him, yet he knew she would never
notice the effect on him. She was so close, and her scent was intoxicating
him... oh... it felt good to be near her. It was a good thing her head was
turned toward Natsumi, because at the time she sees what's underneath her,
his small heaven would be gone. And he'd need to change back into the
sarcastic person he pretended to be. He hated it, sort of. But now, he was
contented in a seemingly peculiar way. Well, for now, he was enjoying every
second of it...

Usagi noticed the snickers barely escaping her friends' mouths and the
horrified expression on Natsumi's face, 'Why? What was going on?' She heard
a grumble beneath her and when she turned her head, she saw *him* below her.

"EEK! What are you doing down there? You're so perverted Mamoru!"

He gave her an amused grin, which was, by her standards, vastly
irritating.

'Here goes…' He put his hands below his head in a normal lying
position, "The question, Tsukino Usagi, is, what are you doing on top of
me?"

She quickly jumped away from him, "Don't start with me, teaser! You
know it wasn't my fault! I was pushed by--"

"Yeah, right. Whatever you say, Odango!"

She wanted to strangle him and sock his jaw! She was seething as she
turned around "One… two… three… four…" she began, trying to contain her
anger.

Mamoru smiled.

Makoto helped him up, "Having fun?" she whispered.

Her only response was a MUCH wider smile.

"Konnichiwa, Mamoru-san," Ami said.

"We're here and everything you wanted us to do have been accomplished,"
Mina chided, giving him a wink.

His eyes expressed a grateful 'thank you' and moved in the direction of
the fuming Usagi, whose back was turned to them. He was immediately having
the time of his life; he asked what he had done to deserve such a nice
reward. And he had a feeling this was going to be fun... So, being nervous
WAS worth something after all.

He led the group toward a group of chairs and said, "What are you
waiting for, Odango? The end of the world? Come on!" Usagi huffed past him
and sat on one of the chairs in a sulking manner.

Unfortunately, not all of them were readily seated.
"Why hello, Mamoru. Nice seeing you here," a breathy and irritatingly
disturbing voice interrupted his pleased thoughts.

There's always a price to pay. Oh, yes there is.

Mamoru sighed, turned and found himself face to face with Ginga
Natsumi. He swallowed another sigh; this was the girl who had been
mercilessly flirting with him for the past few weeks, something he really
didn't like. Hiding in a corner, waiting for Usagi, and 'accidentally'
meeting (he could have sworn she was following him) Natsumi with her
breath-choking hugs wasn't a very pleasant daily cycle. Sure, she was
nice... but there was one fine line between 'nice' and 'overboard.'

"Hey, are you guys an 'item?' Whoa (shudder), I would have thought your
taste in women were better, Mamoru!" Usagi had now found a very irritating
way to get back at him.

A very, very irritating way.

He cringed.

"No, silly! What the heck made you think of that?" he responded
immediately. He calmed himself down with the surprised and nearly hurt
expression she gave him.

"Well, Odango, if you want to know, I DO have the BEST choice in women.
And we're DEFINITELY not," he said looking at Natsumi with her pouting
lips, "'an item.'" ('Whatever that truly means…')

Usagi shrugged and turned around, unconsciously grumbling something.

Mamoru breathed in relief, but his heart pounded quickly once again
when he thought he heard Usagi say a small word that raised his very hopes
up.

"Good."

~~~

Usagi stole a quick glance at who was once her mortal enemy as he
discussed the agenda for the play. His black her glistened like a blade in
the escaping rays of the sun, smooth and fine, his build made him seem
quite a giant next to her, yet it looked just... so... right and tempting.
And his eyes, those beautiful eyes, she'd want to stare at them for an
eternity...

What was happening to her? It was all happening too quick! One day, she
would be so mad at him, then the next day, she would be imagining him in a
not-so-angry way. He was her most hated enemy! Why, she could even recall
calling him a 'conceited, two tongued jerk!'

These days had been unusual themselves. Mamoru was as unreadable as an
English book (well, to Usagi, anyway). Whenever they meet, there would be
that emotion in his eyes that would vanish as quickly as they appeared.
He'd change from Mr. Moody to Mr. Taunt. She didn't know what was happening
to him.
And as for her, it all began on that normal day, when they first met, a
simple feud-she knew him as the world's most merciless teaser.

But these unexplainable feelings she felt started that day when she was
with Seijuurou, that day she first looked deep into his (Mamoru's) eyes.
With those raging storms in his seas of midnight blue, she had felt
trapped. And those weird intuitions and voices started...
But what were they? These...things her heart was fingering with, she
couldn't understand. After all, as she had said earlier, they were enemies,
weren't they? She wasn't sure anymore.

She was going to stop these thoughts and forget about him.

She didn't have ANY feelings for him. Period. Probably friendship, but
nothing more. He was still the jerk he was and she was the Odango Atama. No
more, no else, nothing to be shown.

'Yeah right! Whatever you say, Odango!' Mamoru's previous words echoed
in her mind.

~~~

Mamoru jumbled the pieces of paper slowly and repeated the ominous
cycle of escaping some looks at Usagi. Oh, remembrance, she was so
beautiful! (The word "Remembrance" had been an expression to him ever since
he had recovered his memories; it had also been a word he used whenever
angry) He had this gluttonous feeling whenever it came to her... But what
was she thinking of?
She had that angry, yet seemingly glad expression on her face. He just
hoped she'd remain that way for some time. Getting to look at her without
actually making her angry would be a better condition.

He stared at the strips of paper in his hand; each had the names of the
characters involved in the play. He had hopes for who he wished to get Snow
White's role (very evident isn't it?). And he prayed to the One above that
she would be Snow White. He wanted a chance, even if only for the play.

"Okay, guys, here's the thing, we get to pick strips of paper from this
box," he said, indicating the small red box he had in hand, "and the names
on the paper would be the character you're going to present."

Nods of understanding affirmed his questions and he set the box down,
"Good luck, everybody." Good luck, Usagi.

He stared as they put their hands in the box and began to pick the
pieces of paper...

Natsumi got hers then, and he noticed her eyes narrow. And for a split
second, he thought he saw a flash enveloping her piece of paper. An
enchantment?

Usagi, who got hers next stared at the paper she was holding, and, like
Natsumi's, it flashed too. She jumped back, surprised, and now had a
wondrous look on her face. Natsumi began to grin slyly.

'No, probably just my imagination,' he thought. 'Well, I hope she
doesn't get...'

Usagi shook her head incredulously, "The EVIL QUEEN? That's strange, I
thought I got..."

"Snow white! I got Snow White!" Natsumi shouted out in joy.

He nearly fainted.

~~~

She was supposed to be the evil queen.

Mamoru sighed. She didn't even look evil. And it was a good thing the
queen was supposed to be beautiful in the beginning -at least he had the
chance to admire her for real.

She needed to look really sinister and dangerous, actually. But her
face radiated the opposite. It still shone in innocence, and her eyes still
sparkled beautifully, despite the black attire. She was an angel in
disguise. The long black lace gown did her good, with the top held by a
choker around her neck. A diamond lay in a solitary air in the middle. The
bodice ended below her bosom, and the rest flowed out around her body with
a slightly heavy weight. Her hair still remained in its odangos, and he
thanked his Maker for that. And there was that small pout on her lips, for
he knew how she hated the role. Her reaction earlier proved so. But,
remembrance, she didn't know how her beauty vastly affected him.

It would have been better if she wore white, it would make her look
more like a princess, more angelic and innocent. But he was thankful for
the black theme, for if it were the opposite, he wouldn't have controlled
himself and would have started holding and kissing her by that time.

Come to think of it, his hands were already aching to hold her right
this moment...

'STOP.'

It was a week later, and things turned out great. All of them were
prepared, and the dress rehearsals were going on, although more practices
would be held. He had changed some parts in the original story, giving the
prince more lines and making the two leading roles meet even before Snow
White was banished from her castle. He needed to guide them, and the best
way to do so is to be a model. The new script made the story more
interesting, dramatic even.

Natsumi was a great actress, no doubt. But her desire for the kissing
scene was *more* than annoying. He truly wished that Usagi got the role
instead.

As for Usagi, she was a good actress too, which had been very
surprising. The fact that she memorized all her lines was enough of an
affirmation. She still had a hand full of klutz attacks, but other than
that, she was fine. The only thing he hated was the fact that she had to
put on the fake long nose at the end. It didn't suit her, but her irritated
face was more than a great sight to admire: it was priceless.

The others were also doing well, (okay, so Makoto didn't suit her role
as a DWARF) and they caught up finely with everything. The play seemed to
on the road to success.

"Mamoru."

He turned and faced Natsumi, "Yes? Any problems?"

"Well, since the play is about to end, why don't we take a walk
together?"
'Why not? After all, with the way I've been treating her last week, she
deserves an apology. And this walk would be the best way to do it.' He
thought, analyzing the condition of their relationship. He was feeling
guilty with the way he had been treating her, and it would be better if
they had a good talk. He gave one last look at Usagi.

"Sure," he said simply.

Natsumi brightened, and she practically wound herself around Mamoru's
arm. She began dragging him towards the door.

Well, uh...

They passed Usagi and her friends in their way to the door. They were
conversing with a couple. He strained to hear them...

"Oh, sorry Gurio, but there are no more roles..."
The boy in glasses proudly placed his arm on his chest, "I memorized all
lines! Too bad. But don't worry Naru, once someone needs to be replaced
around here, I would be the first one to substitute for them, just to prove
that I can do LOTS."
The brown-haired girl laughed, encircling her arms around the young
mans waist, "Oh, Gurio, you don't need to. You're adorable yourself, with
or without proof."

"Ah, how sweet," Makoto said, "Don't worry Gurio, we'd inform you about
substitution when needed."

Mamoru smiled, they must be friends of the senshi. But he envied them,
for they were happy with each other... they had no boundaries, nothing
seized them apart. Whereas in his condition...

"Hey look, it's Mamoru and Natsumi," he froze. He knew whose voice THAT
was.

"Er... yeah Usagi. Hehe." Minako.

He turned and saw a fuming Usagi, a sight that contented him and made
him at ease. For some reason, she was angry-and he only hoped that it was
jealousy. She HAD to feel something!

He smiled again and went out with Natsumi.

"Yuck, they don't match," Usagi criticized, hands on her waist.

Makoto's eyebrows rose, "Uh, huh. You really think so?"

The group's attention turned to her, and they all leaned slightly
closer to hear what Usagi would say.

Usagi suddenly lost the serious, observing mode she had earlier and
gave a smirk, "Come to think of it, they DO match! Both of them irritate me
so much!"

The girls let out hopeless sighs as they turned back to their previous
conversations.

~~~

"Curse you, Chiba!" Ginga Seijuurou muttered under his breath as he
watched both of the walking figures from the apartment's balcony.

Down where Mamoru and Natsumi were talking animatedly.

'Firstly, you try to gain Usagi's favor. And now, you're even involving
Ann. You really want some competition, don't you?' he thought, grimacing.
'Well, I won't give up without a fight.' He was determined.

Natsumi was good company; she said many interesting things. And for
that Mamoru was relieved. The topics they had caught his attention, and he
enjoyed himself (although he still wished that it was *Usagi* he was
talking to). He thought that she was a good deal better when she wasn't
busy pining after him.
They were chatting about a certain topic when they came to a halt before
her apartment.

"Okay, contented?" he asked, teasing her.

She batted her eyelashes at him, "Maybe..."

Mamoru gulped. 'Well... uh, oh. Time to leave,' he thought nervously as he
observed her well-evidently-wanting face.

"So, I guess I'd go now. Bye," he quickly said and began to walk away,
his pace soon getting faster.

"Where do you think you're going, Chiba?" a sleek, masculine voice
stopped him.

He turned and saw Seijuurou casually leaning on the now-open apartment
door. His handsome frame was balanced naturally, seemingly attractive.
There were lines of anger by his jaw, but the thin smile he showed them
seemed to betray his set features-therefore giving Mamoru an annoying
impression.

Not wanting to arouse any fight or argument, he began, "Where else?
Back to the auditorium, I-"

"I knew that. But you won't go anywhere without receiving my message
for you," he cut him off abruptly.

"Seijuurou!" Natsumi insisted, "let's go inside."

"You go inside, Nat. I'm going to follow shortly."

Natsumi sighed in bewilderment, then went inside the apartment.

Seijuurou turned his attention back to Mamoru, whose hands were crossed.

"So what is it?" Mamoru asked simply, yet tersely.

Seijuurou gave him a dangerous smirk, "I've tolerated your interrupting
us for long enough, Chiba. First and foremost, you go on, carrying a torch
for *my* Usagi, and you're lucky I'm patient enough not to do anything you
might not find pleasant. And now, you even start pining after my girlfriend
-I mean- my sister! Stop putting yourself in-"

"She's just a friend."

Seijuurou stopped, "What?"

Mamoru's eyebrows rose cynically "I'm not 'pining' after your sister,
and I definitely have no plans of going past that line…"

Seijuurou stood, his handsome face looming closer, "You better not be,
if you know what's good for you."

~~~

Ha!

Mamoru was musing about the week before; their play was going to begin
in an hour. But unlike the others, who were worrying about what may happen,
he was thinking about the unpleasant encounter he had had with Seijuurou.
The man was insane! He was so... possessive. Mamoru didn't want to deal
with him.
He had laughed in front of Seijuurou's face mockingly and went directly
back to the auditorium, only to find out that the girls had gone home. That
was one of the worst days of his life. Remembrance, he was so angry... and
he didn't know why he felt it at such intensity. It was probably because
Seijuurou freely thought that he could push him around. Seijuurou also
suspected him easily. The man was peculiar.

'Whatever, but I won't back down easily,' he thought, resolved.

"You hoo! Baka Mamoru! Come back to Tokyo!" a voice interrupted his
thoughts as two flailing hands covered his vision.

"Hey, Odango!" he said good-naturedly looking down at her.

"Humph!" was the automatic reply upon hearing the nickname. She then
turned away, her arms crossed about herself, a smug look on her face, and
then Mamoru got a good look at her. His breath caught in his throat. She
was still wearing the same gown she had in the dress rehearsal, but now,
she completely garbed. Together with the cloak, the light scepter, that she
was swinging with her jeweled hand, and the tiara. Oh, she looked so
enchanting...
He backed from her, fearing he'd lose control. He'd taken so much effort
into getting her to be here right now, and he didn't want anything wrong to
happen. Nor did he want confusion to plague Usagi, and most especially, he
didn't want their 'love and hate' relationship to end. Patience was a
virtue, and distance kept things stable.

"Odango, don't be mad. Hey, you actually look good for a change! But
aren't you happy because you still have your odangos on? Although everyone
will surely to call you 'Odango Atama' soon…"

"ARGH! BAKA BAKA BAKA!" she yelled out her fists revolving in the air,
"GOOD-BYE!"

'Oh, no.' He quickly grabbed her wrist, "Wait, Odango. Gomen, I was
just kidding," he grinned.

She only peered at him.

His laughing eyes greeted her.

She rolled her eyes, raised her nose up high and turned away
indignantly.

But he caught her smile.

Immediately, his earlier thoughts vanished into thin air. Not resisting
the urge to go near her, he casually went nearer, "Look, Usagi… would you
like-"

"Mamoru, hello!" a silky, sultry voice interrupted his supposed offer.

Both spun around to meet Natsumi, her hand enclosed in Seijuurou's.

"Nice seeing you here, Chiba," he remarked dryly.

Lines of tension began to form in Mamoru's jaw and he found himself
clenching his fists, "Same here," he muttered.

Seijuurou's eyes rested on Usagi, "Why, good afternoon, Usagi-chan. You
look extremely wonderful and attractive, and what a pleasant-oof!"
Natsumi, who looked very attractive herself, in a cream white and rose pink
dress, had just elbowed him sharply. And Mamoru averted his irritated gaze
to Usagi, who was blushing deeply. He felt his mind heat up in anger and
slight jealousy.

Soon, both noticed the…(er, eh) intimate way the two were holding
hands, and Mamoru said, "For siblings, both of you seem *very* close."

The two quickly released their holds on each other, "Oh, never mind
him," Natsumi replied quickly, "I'm just nervous, and I need support."

"You should have let me join as the prince, at least you wouldn't be
that nervous," Seijuurou muttered icily.

Mamoru tried to ignore him, he quickly took Usagi's hand, "Why don't
we..."

"Don't ask, sure," she replied quickly, darting a nervous glance at
Natsumi, who was busily scolding a stubborn-looking Seijuurou.

He nodded with a smile; and quickly, they fled.

~~~

"You're being too nice," Usagi said suspiciously, breaking the
comfortable silence between them.

She had been busy, adjusting the folds of her dress while he had
admired her silently as they walked down the empty corridors when she asked
the question.

"My being silent makes me nice?" he asked innocently, continually
enjoying the bliss of being near her... talking to her.

She blushed, as if having difficulty in finding an answer, "Um... well,
for one thing, you keep on smiling like a..."

He laughed, "I always smile, especially when it comes to teasing a
certain somebody." Keep distant, no, keep close... no keep REALLY close...
oh, stop. She's here, that's what matters.

As for Usagi, she didn't know why, but she smiled too. He was
infectious. When he smiled, she felt like smiling too... and that was a bad
thing, well... sort of. But it felt good.

'Yet,' she added, 'I better keep distant.' But why? 'Because... because
I want to. No, because... I feel confused once again. He changes like the
weather. I definitely can't understand him.'

"Odango! You're the one spacing out this time!"

She snapped out, silently cursing herself for being assailable when it
came to blushes, as she was reddening again, "Gomen," was all she was able
to say, forgetting how to say offensive words.

He laughed, but after noticing the troubled look on her features, a
mask of worry replaced his amused grin, "Is something bothering you, Odang-"

"What? Nothing's wrong!" she stammered quickly. Then she turned away
and walked faster, leaving him behind.

~~~

"Look, Odango, was there something I said?" he asked, grimacing
underneath-maybe he should listen to those voices in his head. He only
needed to walk a few strides to catch up with her; after all, her dress was
a little too heavy for her.

He caught her wrist when she didn't reply.

She then turned to him, flashing a nervous grin. 'For remembrance's
sake, Usako, why do you have to be so stubborn and unpredictable at times?
Do I irritate or confuse you? Whatever is the matter?'

"Well?" he prompted her.

"I'm..." she looked around, as if searching for clues, "I'm... nervous,
aha!" she said, waving a hand carelessly in the air. "It's the play,
Mamoru. He-heh, it worries me a lot, y'know."

He gave her a skeptical look.

She then looked at him, as if accepting defeat, "Okay, so I know you
don't believe me..."

She now turned to see his searching eyes, and time seemed to stop
short. It was because he saw her eyes, clouded eyes. But why do they seem
so? Was there REALLY something troubling her?

Or was it him?

Darn it.

"Hey you guys, we've been looking all over for you!"

He turned and saw Makoto eyeing them mischievously. The other girls
were behind her, each minding her own business, as Ami's hat was quite
long, and the leggings Minako wore were quite itchy. He would have enjoyed
the comedic sight, had he not felt Usako ease away from his grip and leave
quickly. For when he looked back at her, she was gone.

'What do I always do to push you away?'

~~~

Well, it wasn't exactly a lie.

Of course she was nervous. She had been worrying about the play all
day. That was the reason she came to Mamoru earlier. What if she had one of
her klutz attacks? What if she forgot her lines? She thought that Mamoru's
taunts would erase the nervousness away. And yes, he did, in a way she
couldn't explain. But that was a small issue now, she entered another
troublesome situation. It was HIM who made her apprehensive.

Usagi leaned on the bathroom wall as she sighed. Why was he like that?
Why? Mamoru, you baka, I hate you for doing this.

The question still echoed in her mind when she heard the announcer say,

"The play would be starting in ten minutes!"

She sighed as she began to leave the comfort room.

~~~

"Quick, my wig!" Natsumi shrieked loudly, grabbing Minako's hand.

The people backstage were in a hurried state, each minding a certain
business of their own. Tension filled the atmosphere like a fire would, and
panicked faces were seen everywhere.

Mamoru sighed in apprehension as he tried to get the people to calm
down (the cast didn't just consist of the girls, many people had offered to
help). He walked over to Ami, who seemed to be the only one calm.

"Having trouble, Mamoru-san?" she asked, smiling.

He nodded silently, the incident with Usagi left him bothered and
deeply disturbed, and the troubled people all the more added to his stress.
He stared at Ami, as if begging for help.

"Oh, okay," she said, taking pity on him. She stood on a wooden crate
and raised her voice, catching everyone's attention. She then told them how
nervousness would make things worse and that there was nothing to be
worried about; all of them were great actors. She then began on tips about
calming themselves down.

'Thanks Ami, I knew I could count on you,' he said silently, he was
calming down, himself. After giving a silent prayer of thanks, he motioned
for everyone to prepare.

"Okay everybody, the play's going to start in five minutes, and I don't
want you all to be nervous. Believe in yourselves," he said, staring
intently at Usagi, who had just arrived, "because I believe in you."

~~~

Rei motioned Usagi to them as she saw the girl hurrying toward them.
She had just finished the scene where the Evil Queen was supposed to order
the best hunter to kill Snow White and give her heart to him. It was
amazing!

Usagi had somehow managed to go on without any trouble.

"You were great," she whispered reassuringly. The blonde smiled back,
"Thanks, Rei-chan."

Rei noticed that Usagi was nervously scanning the back of the stage,
and Rei smiled. She instantly perceived that she was looking for Mamoru.
Something was certainly brewing between the two of them.

Having found no one, Rei saw Usagi's somewhat relieved yet disappointed
facial expression. Having nothing to say, she just kept quiet.

Usagi, who had given up searching, turned back to Rei and sat down,
"Are you really ready for your role, Rei-chan? I mean, I'm not that nervous
anymore or anything, maybe you'd need my help. You see, I actually had to
play a recorded tape over and over so that I could memorize my lines."

Rei thought for a while, "Don't worry, Odango Atama, I'm perfectly
fine. You see, I have experience," at seeing the girl wince at the mention
of her nickname, she grinned. 'Ah, the old days...' She added, "Actually, I
was hoping to have your role, Usagi."

Usagi gave her a puzzled look, "What do you mean?"

Rei looked farther off into the distance, "You see, I always had the
leading roles in every play we had in school. Most of my schoolmates
admired me, and that was great. So, I prayed for a change in this play, you
know, to be the bad guy. I guess I was given a different role, right?"

"Oh, I'm sorry Rei-chan. I really wish you told me earlier, we could
have traded roles."

Rei smiled, "Nah, it's kind of cool. At least I get to have a new kind
of experience, right?"

"Actually, Rei-chan, I know how you feel. I really thought I'd get Snow
White, and I even memorized her lines earlier!" Usagi commented, smiling
sadly.

Rei simply nodded, "That's okay, there will always be a next time."

"Hai, Rei-chan. I enjoyed our rehearsals anyway. Hey, did you ever-"

But Rei suddenly hurried out, pointing to the stage, "No time, Odango!
You have to go back out there. It's the scene where you have to get mad at
the hunter."

"Oh, yeah! I completely forgot!" she cried out, scrambling to her feet.
She nearly tripped over herself, had not Rei helped her balance her fidgety
frame.

"Now that was very 'un queen-like'!" Rei said, laughing.

Usagi gave her a small glare and ran off, she soon returned, though.
She forgot her tiara. And after Rei's continuous laughter, she returned to
the stage.

~~~

'Who was she looking for?' Mamoru asked himself as he observed the two
girls from a curtained wing above. He had discovered about the trouble he
was causing Usagi and had chosen to just admire the girl from a distance.
He didn't want her to suddenly leave like she did earlier.

He saw her leave clumsily and head for the stage. He smiled and turned
towards the other side of the railing, smiling as he began to watch her act
below.

~~~

Beautiful.

Simply elegant.

A smile curled on Seijuurou's lips as he watched the play proceed.
Hidden as he was in the shadows, he was clearly enjoying the play. His eyes
followed Usagi's every move, as if she was the only one in the play. The
girl, although awkward and clumsy as she seemed at times, to him was an
enigma. Her eyes surpassed the others he had seen at great length. If only
he was the one who had the prince's role, and Usagi, the princess, things
would have been better. And he had a certain feeling of admiration and
attraction to her, and he wanted to get to know her more. This was a nice
challenge for him.

Of course, what ever is a challenge without obstacles?

Chiba proved to be a very great rival. Seijuurou didn't know what the
girl meant to him yet, or how the man was going to deal with it. But he
knew that he simply had to get rid of him soon.

But for people like him, soon meant *now.*

He chuckled softly to himself as a card materialized before him. Taking
the card into his white hand, he swung his long legs and walked cautiously
outside.

He raised his hand and his intricate flute appeared in his hand. He
released the card and let it float in the air silently. A transformation
occurred and his alien form replaced the handsome, pale man he represented.
And with gentle, yet very dangerous ease, he placed the flute against his
lips and played a soft melody.

A flash of light can be seen from a distance.

~~~

Natsumi smiled as she went backstage, only a few more scenes and the
play would be a success! Of course, there would be the last scene, the
kissing scene. Throughout all the weeks they had practiced, Mamoru somehow
managed to avoid getting kissed. Was he shy? But later, things would
change, and everything would be perfect.

She powdered herself and prepared for the scene where she got to bite
the poisonous apple. After fixing herself up, she quickly headed for the
sidelines.

There, she found Mamoru and the rest of the main cast. All of them were
waiting for her.

"Hey, Natsumi! You were great!" Usagi yelled.

She regarded the girl with a cold stare and went in Mamoru's direction.
Somehow, the latter noticed the way she had treated Usagi, and moved away
in what Natsumi supposed was irritation.

'Oh great,' she thought sarcastically air as she drew nearer. But her
intentions were interrupted when she heard Minako gasp.

"Er, Mamoru, I don't remember practicing with a clown..." she said
steadily.

"Hey guys, look! The clown's wrecking the stage!" Usagi said, pointing
a finger towards the center of the dais.

They all turned and indeed saw a clown moving restlessly at the stage,
yet they immediately knew that it wasn't there to entertain.

It was there to destroy.

~~~

Natsumi immediately recognized the power within the clown. A cardian!
She should have known! Seijuurou was having one of his jealous fits again,
but why now? Her plans would be ruined, and she should immediately put a
stop to it.

~~~

Mamoru cursed under his breath as he realized that the clown wasn't
just an ordinary jester. His eyes indicated that it was a cardian, and
Ami's nod verified his conclusion.

It was all the more dangerous; they had to get everybody to safety!
His mouth dropped when he saw Natsumi heading for the cardian, what was she
thinking? He immediately ran after the girl.

As he was on his way, he heard her speaking, "Baka! Look, come back
later. Let us finish the play first."

Mamoru shook his head with ironic mirth. She was trying to talk to the
cardian! He then noticed that the cardian was preparing to attack Natsumi.
"Look, it's me, Ann! Don't you recognize me?"

He thought that Natsumi was having a nervous disorder or something
else. She was putting her life on the line! And there she was, talking
about other names, which he clearly didn't understand, as if nothing was
going to happen at all.

"Natsumi, get out of there!" he shouted.

Natsumi turned to him; she was smiling (at the thought of Mamoru trying
to save her), "Don't worry, Mamoru. I can handle this!"

Just as she was about to turn back to the cardian, it blasted her.
Mamoru was instantly angered: the cardian was doing too much. But the
blast's impact on Natsumi sent her hurling in his direction, making her
land on top of him.

Natsumi was still conscious, thankfully. But Mamoru saw the intuitions
flashing in her eyes. "Oh, Mamoru..."

He groaned.

"Er, Natsumi... what are you doing?" he asked as he saw her lips furrow
up. "Maybe you should get to safety, after all, you ARE Snow White."

But she didn't seem to have heard, for her face still hovered over his.
'Uh, oh...' he thought. All knew that he had hoped for someone else's kiss,
not hers, that she was a friend to him. And clearly, this girl thought a
whole new idea.

'Oh, Lord,' he thought seriously, 'get her off me...'

His prayer was thankfully heard, as Natsumi was knocked off him. The
cardian seemed to love hitting the girl. And for once, he was grateful for
his enemy. He smiled, wiping his forehead. He quickly got up and turned to
see if Natsumi was all right, and to his great surprise, the girl was
missing.
He smiled, knowing that she was safe. But his smile faded into a scowl as
he saw Usagi in the distance, still in danger.

~~~

Usagi watched in amazement as the people hurried past her. The...
monster was taking some of the audience's energies. But the peculiar thing
was, it seemed like she encountered events like this every week.

She opened herself to reality when she remembered her experience when
they were in the modeling agency. She shuddered at the memory and turned to
hide somewhere.

But when she turned, the sight of two aliens arguing above her greeted
her. Apparently they didn't notice, or even if they did, didn't
acknowledge her.

"Why the heck did you take me from him?" the female alien asked angrily
(so... she *wasn't* hit after all).

"You're asking me that insolent question when you were practically
KISSING that man?" the other countered, equally enraged.

"Oh really?" she asked indignantly "... Oh, augh!" she suddenly said,
as she put her hands around herself, moaning in pain.

"Ann!" the male one said in concern.

Usagi watched in perplexity when a hand grabbed her arm; she turned and
saw "Mamoru!"

He was clearly angry, "What are you doing here? Why are YOU still here?
Don't you know how dangerous it is for you?"

She yelled back, irritated, "Well, for your information, I was already
going to take cover when those two aliens - Wait, why do you even care-"

"I don't have time for this," he cut in curtly, his eyes not meeting
hers. "You have get to safety," he said, practically dragging her off.

She didn't try to anger him anymore, for she was seeing a whole new
side of him. He was very serious, and he appeared to really care for her
safety. She was surprised. Was he that angry because she had remained in
open danger?
She felt pain in her arm where he held her, "Ow!" she whimpered.

He didn't seem to heed her, he continued to keep his hold on her. He
stopped, as if looking for something. Usagi eyed him curiously, what was he
thinking?

He then brought her in front of the broom closet. "Here," he said
flatly. "You stay here and don't, I repeat, DON'T come out, unless it's
safe. I don't want to lock you in to do so. Do you hear me?"

She nodded quickly as he practically pushed her inside the dark
opening. He closed the door and left her there, wondering about his actions.

~~~

"Is everything all right?" Makoto heard Mamoru say as he emerged from
the back of the stage, looking upset.

"Yes, of course" she replied. "But we have to transform now, for only
the cast and maintenance crew are fine. Our audience are in major trouble!"

The rest of the girls nodded.

In a matter of minutes, holographic lights filled the spot, and the
Sailor Senshi and Tuxedo Mask stood in their places.

~~~

Sailor Mars produced a strip of paper, and after chanting a few words,
pierced it on the forehead of the clown. The cardian became temporarily
dazed by it and staggered into different directions.

"Way to go, Mars." Venus complimented.

Sailor Mars smiled, satisfied. But the cardian became enraged; it
lashed out, firing blasts at them. All of them ran off, but most of them
were hit.

"Oh, gosh... that hurts!" Mars yelped.

"Ditto!" Jupiter replied.

In the distance, they heard Tuxedo Mask groan.

Sailor Mercury's voice cut through the air, "Guys, look out!"

They both looked above, suddenly catching sight of the cardian. It rose
about them, suddenly seeming bigger. Both of their breaths caught in their
throats as the figure loomed before them, smiling menacingly.

Both of them cringed in fear.

Meanwhile, Tuxedo Mask was having difficulty aiming his sword at the
cardian's back - it moved too much. It was precariously circling the two
scouts. He knew that by one wrong move, he could accidentally hurt, if not
kill, one of the two girls. He growled in frustration as the clown took one
more step to its right. He realized that it was on the verge of attacking.
Pain seared his right arm after that, and he let out a small grunt. He then
tried to focus on the monster.

Sailor Jupiter closed her eyes, trying to find a plan. Backing away was
of no use-the clown was very quick-and it might result in a much worse
situation. She knew that Mars was getting frantic. 'No, it can't be over
yet...' she thought to herself.

"Jupiter, look!"

As it had from the past weeks, a crescent blade went past the clown,
confusing it. All heads turned up to see a figure clad in white standing on
an aisle wing.

"Another one of their evil minions, I suppose?" the lady asked, in a
voice non but too familiar. She jumped down and crouched beside the two
with definite grace. This won renewed determination for both of them, and
they had now resolute expressions on their faces: they trusted her.

Although unseen, the mysterious person seemed to smile under her cloak.
She then took out two more of her blades. But this time, both were larger,
and under her silent command, both flared out with magic. White fire
resembled the light emitted by both of the blades.

"Moon Crescent Blade, Strike!" she ordered, and flung the two blades in
the direction of the clown.

It hit the clown squarely, but surprisingly, it didn't die. It was only
hurt and was at present paralyzed.

"Crescent Beam Shower!"

"Shabon Spray Freezing!"

The two combined attacks kept the cardian rooted in its place, and the
girls nodded to Tuxedo Mask.

He smiled and drew his sword, running toward the cardian and finishing
it off.

~~~

"That was great," Sailor Venus commented as she helped Jupiter stand up.

"Uh, huh. But that was a close call, too. And if it weren't for..."

Silence rested upon the group as they all turned to the lady who saved
them. She allowed them a smile, and leapt off with speed. But just as she
was about to vanish through the roof, Sailor Mercury called out,

"Wait! We need to know your name."

The figure stopped and turned to them, eyes nearly visible.

"I am the Moonlight Lady, and I will be here to help. That's all I can
say for now," was the soft reply.

"Thank you," Tuxedo Mask spoke as he nodded, regarding her thoughtfully.

The Moonlight Lady simply nodded back, acknowledging their -his-
gratitude, and then she disappeared, right into the moonlight.

~~~

Meanwhile, an alien cursed in the distance.
"Next time..."

~~~

"Is she okay?" Usagi urged Ami as she checked Natsumi's condition.
It was after the incident, and as the others tended to the weary audience,
the cast was backstage, discussing about the trouble caused by the cardian
on the play. Mamoru thought that it was a good thing the others assigned
for the intermission was out on the stage.

Back to their conversation, Natsumi had been surprisingly weak,
considering the fact that she had gotten off to safety earlier. Mamoru
concluded the blast that had hit her to be the reason of her sudden
weakness.

"She's going to be all right," Ami confirmed.

He had gone to the broom closet earlier too, meaning to apologize to
Usagi for his rash behavior. But darkness only greeted him when he had
opened the closet door; there was no one inside. He supposed that the girl
was avoiding him. But that can be handled later.

As for the present, the cast was having problems: big problems. After
all, Natsumi was out of condition; and it was not like he hadn't been hit
by the cardian too. He was actually lucky he was able to destroy it with
his sword earlier. Come to think of it, he wondered how he had managed to
eliminate it, with one of his arms biting in pain. Now, they were out of
leading roles.
He bit his lip; this was something to really worry about. They needed to
finish the play. There should be something they could do... after all, he
did want to see the play a success. He then turned to the discussion.

"What do we do?" Minako asked worriedly.

"Wait," Rei voiced, looking up thoughtfully. "I have an idea...
Good, he thought as he watched them from afar.

"Usagi, you told me you had memorized Snow White's lines earlier,
right?"
Usagi nodded sheepishly. Mamoru just grinned; he liked the idea forming in
his mind... He then frowned, remembering the incident he had with her
moments ago. He REALLY had to apologize to her.

"And is Gurio still around here?"

"Hai, I'm here. Why, what are you thinking of?" prodded the boy.

Rei smiled, "I'll tell you later. Lei-chan," she turned towards one of
their friends, "do we have a blonde wig over there?"

The girl nodded.

"Perfect!" she exclaimed, smacking her hands together.

Mamoru leaned closer, straining to hear her. This was getting
interesting...

"Okay, here it is," Rei started.

"Usagi, since you've actually memorized Snow White's lines. You take
Snow White's place. Take Natsumi's black wig."

Mamoru smiled when he saw Usagi blush, admiring her. Behind him,
Natsumi scowled.

"So," Rei continued, "I'll replace the queen's role. I have scanned
Usagi's lines a few minutes ago. And I pretty much know what she was
supposed to say. Lei, I'll take the blonde wig. Meanwhile, Usagi, style the
wig up in your 'odangos.'"

Everyone laughed as Usagi gave a smug look and left the room with Lei.
But they all knew that she was smiling inside. 'Usako...' Mamoru thought as
his eyes followed her retreating figure.

"Gurio, you take my place as a dwarf. You'd barely speak anyway," Rei
concluded.

"Good idea, Rei-chan," Ami remarked. "But, just a minute. Who's going
to replace Mamoru-san?"

Mamoru started to speak, intending to tell them that he could still
act. But instead, a sound of pain escaped his lips for his arm twitched and
ached. Words of irritation filled his mind as he sat back down. He knew
what they were thinking, and admittedly, they were right: as much as wanted
to do so, he couldn't do it.

Rei shook her head softly.

A voice suddenly interrupted their talk.

"Do you need anyone to substitute for him?"

They all turned and saw Seijuurou in the doorway.

Mamoru's mouth dropped open.

~~~

"You think you can do this?" Rei asked Seijuurou as she gave him
another dark wig.

"I *know* I can do this," he replied steadily. He just had to take a
glance at the script, and all were memorized and taken care of.

She quickly glanced at Mamoru, who had recently joined Natsumi in the
"scowling department," as Makoto would say. 'I'm sorry, Mamoru-san...'

Usagi came, clad in the sleeveless white outfit Natsumi had worn
previously, "Rei-chan, I don't think I can do this... I might fall of, or
forget my lines, or trip and make the people laugh, or--" she babbled
nervously.

Rei patted her shoulder, "Don't worry. You won't Odango Atama; I've
seen the effort you put in this play. And believe me, I think you can do
this."

Usagi gave her a shaky smile at the encouragement, "Wish me luck."

Rei laughed, "I wish you won't klutz out, Odango Atama."

Usagi took it as her wish for luck and ignored the joke in it. She
turned to Seijuurou, and gave a deep breath "So, are you ready,
Seijuurou-san?" she asked nervously.

He smiled, taking her hand and bringing it to his lips, exactly
duplicating what a prince would do, "Of course, Usagi-chan."

Rei heard Mamoru say a whammy far off.

Usagi giggled, enlightened, and pulled her hand away, "Uh... good luck!"

"Good luck to you, too, Snow White," he answered, smiling. But he
quickly turned away when he received the look Natsumi gave him.

Usagi then took one last deep breath and went in the direction of the
stage. But soon, she turned her head, "Oh, and Rei-CHAN?"

Rei turned to regard her, "Yes?"

"You're wearing my odangos, too."

~~~

Mamoru was FUMING.

'Stop,' he told himself. He had been saying words that are
non-to-pleasant for the past few minutes. 'Stop saying those words, Chiba.
I order you!' he knew what he had been saying wasn't very nice, and he
tried to stop the habit.
But his hands were clenched white and his teeth gritted in fury. 'Who
could blame me?'

'You have no right, Chiba Mamoru: you mean nothing to her. You're her
greatest tormentor and you always confuse her. And if you really want to
know, you had just scared the heck out of her earlier,' he reminded himself.
He wanted to be the one to hold and kiss her, but seemingly, his enemy was
the one who replaced him to do so. And he was dead enraged and jealous. If
only he hadn't been hit by the cardian...

Yet, he remained that way, sans the bad-word part. He had his arms
crossed and was sitting on a stool, glaring at the stage: especially at the
man who came in and out every now and then.

He did enjoy the play: he was pleased with everything, the rehearsals,
the jokes and the laughter. But just thinking that this man was going to
kiss HIS Usako soon was too much. He would be assured if he knew that he
meant something to Usagi, but that thought was as unsure as the weather.

And to top it all, Seijuurou would flash him a triumphant grin every
now and then.

'Come on now Mamoru, you're not being yourself...' he thought as
threats came to his mind.

He sighed in admittance and closed his eyes.

~~~

'The end is coming up soon, good,' he thought later.

But so was the kiss at the end of that scene.

Mamoru sighed remorsefully: he couldn't take it. And Seijuurou seemed
to be throwing the fact in his face. 'Oh, please let this be a
nightmare...' he thought desperately.

"How's your arm, Mamoru-kun?"

He looked up and saw Minako, he smiled, "It's doing fine, thank you,"
he turned to his healing arm. "I don't know, but I think I'm healing faster
than normal," he voiced out.

Minako laughed, "Of course, silly. You're a warrior; one that can
control magic-it comes naturally. All of us, senshi have it."

He stared at her, gaping.

She placed her arms on her hips, "Am I supposed to take that as an
insult?" she asked, her pretty face pretending to be hurt.

Mamoru looked shocked, "N-No! I mean, I was surprised at first. But
then again, you, of all scouts, have the best experience. I mean,
considering you were Sailor V," he covered quickly, sweating.

She tipped her head up, her index finger pointing above, "Ha! That's
right! Anyway, I hope your arm becomes well enough for later."
Mamoru's head shot up, what did she mean?

His eyes questioned hers as she smiled knowingly, then she walked off.
'Well, trust the senshi to be unpredictable...' he thought bitterly as he
saw her speaking with the girls.

"Oh look, it's about to end!' a girl squealed excitedly.
He ruefully covered his ears.

"Seijuurou, COME HERE THIS INSTANT!" Natsumi's voice shot up.

He saw Usagi, looking troubled and Natsumi, who was dragging Seijuurou
away. His eyes lit up mischievously.

"Oh no..." Usagi remarked. She turned to the girls "Guys, what are we
going to do? We can't chase after them. Natsumi's look is enough to kill!"

The girls nodded, as if knowing in advance that it was going to happen.
And Mamoru saw the naughty looks on their faces. 'Well what do you know...'
He smiled, checking on his arm, 'Oh thank you...' he sang in his head.

Immediately, all the anger and desperation in his mind seeped away.
This was going to be great. 'I am never going to forget this...'

Minako came from behind him, "No problem, girl! Mamoru here will
replace him. After all, he IS the original prince."

~~~

'I don't know about this...' Usagi thought, blushing and stole a glance
at Mamoru. She had been nervous twice times earlier, but this was the
worst. She didn't need to worry about having clumsiness attacks: she was,
after all, just going to be kissed. But WHY HIM?

She built up her courage and met his eyes, her own expressing this
message, 'Are you trying to torment me again or something?'

He smiled, his eyes laughing once more, 'What do you think?'

In his mind, Mamoru promised to lay off her for later. This was to good
a time to keep away. Oh, but remembrance, he barely managed to breathe.
Still and all she was wearing a beautiful WHITE gown, and just as he had
said earlier, she looked better. She was an angel.

She tried her best to say "Baka," angrily before lying down the wooden
bed, but there was laughter in her voice, and Mamoru had to smile more.

"Humph... I think."

"Hey Odango, I'm sorry about what I did earlier, okay?"

"You mean acting like a military officer?" she asked, sitting up. "That
was okay, although you really surprised me that time. You were like my dad
when he found out I was dating somebody a year ago. Boy, I never knew you
could be that... scary."

He gave her a sheepish grin. But then, it returned to a handsome smile.

She blushed and lay back on the bed.

He just watched her, his grin never leaving his face.

Then the curtains rose.

~~~

"Yes, my dear, beautiful one: Once you awaken, you will be in my arms
and we will be together for the rest of our lives. You have stolen my
heart, and I am yours, my angel, for all eternity."

Mamoru said the words, looking at Usagi. He meant every word he had
said. He then forgot the anticipation he had for the kiss, for it was the
real love he felt inside him. It was that flame within, and it burst
higher, becoming stronger. Everything left his mind: the jealousy he felt
earlier, the irritation, the envy, leaving only the main thing he felt:
love. Love not only for all the beauty in her, but for everything she was.
Now, he knew that he wouldn't have minded even if Seijuurou had been the
one to kiss her: knowing that he loved her was enough. This time, he gazed
at her, not admiringly, but lovingly.

His short reflection ended, and his heart pounded as he watched her,
this was the moment...

Usagi...

He lowered his lips onto hers.

She felt it, the soft touch that grazed her lips, and it was nice,
comforting even. So smooth and feathery, so wonderful. She then sensed
warmth and happiness surge with her. It was... beautiful.

How did he make her feel... this way?

She forgot she had established boundaries as he held her and willingly,
she responded...

He couldn't keep it like that for it wasn't enough. And he found his
lips remaining there moving over hers with such ease and grace. Heaven was
what he felt when she kissed him back and all pain disappeared. It had
always been a dream, and he couldn't believe that it was now reality.
Feelings blended and united within him. And now, he felt himself going on
and on, gently probing her mouth to open. He couldn't stop...

Snicker!

"How sweet..."

"..."

Sigh.

"Er, Mamoru... would you mind? I think the audience is getting way too
interested in what you two are doing," he heard Makoto.

His eyes shot up, and he released an internal groan. Why does it have to
stop? Expertly, he withdrew from her and brought her up to him. Her eyes
were open now, and her hands were, surprisingly, on his shoulder. A blush
covered her cheeks, as well as his.

He held her chin, and again, he didn't do the things they had rehearsed.
He had forgotten his lines immediately, and said words that came from his
heart.

"I love you."

The audience stood and began to applaud loudly, while others were wiping
their tears.

~~~

Mamoru smiled as he walked down back to his apartment. The play had
finished about two hours ago. And everything WAS a success. Mr. Whittle had
congratulated him on the work. He thought that the script and story lines
had been excellent, and the cast had done great. He commented on the
proportions though (take Makoto as an example). But other than that, (well,
maybe the part where the cardian clown came in) he thought that the play
was perfect.
Mamoru got the extra points and got exempted from the physics problem he
was supposed to take. Boy, this was his lucky day.

His smile grew as he touched his lips and brushed his thumb on it.
There was a red tint on his face.

He didn't know if Usagi acknowledged the words he had said, or if she
considered them just a part of the play. She had begun shouting curses at
him the moment they broke apart-but not after blushing furiously. Yet one
thing was for sure: he did mean SOMETHING to her.
This was his lucky, lucky day.

End of Part 3.

Next Chapter: The Shooting Game: When One Gets Lucky= Mamoru and Usagi
meets coincidentially (?) at the hit "Virtual Shootout" game that was the
talk of the town. They join together on the game, each having no one with
them. As sparks almost begin to fly, their little interlude will be
destroyed as they meet Natsumi and Seijuurou, the senshi, Usagi's PARENTS,
Shingo, and another cardian inside the [horrendous] place.
SPOILER: Looks like there's going to be more romance and juicy details
during this part, as we close up on another -ahem- kiss.

http://members.tripod.com/Annabelle_Guillermo/intro.htm