Chapter 2 - Of Mystery Men and Evil Little Brothers
Lady Aisheteru: Hi there! I finally wrote chapter 2! Aren't you
proud of me? ^_- I hope you enjoy this chapter. Ja ne!
~*~Usagi~*~
It was cold. Very cold. It was times like this that I wished whoever designed my senshi fuku had thought to add long underwear. Or sleeves.
Not only was I cold, but I was also the last senshi still standing. The youma we were fighting was eight feet tall, the color of blood, scaly, ugly and fang faced. After a report from Luna, we found her(it?) at Tokyo park, ready to destroy. We found out real fast that the youma was a tricky one. It had this big, ugly mirror that took whatever we tried to zap the youma with and threw it right back at us. Sailor Mercury was soaking wet and shivering; Mars was frozen in place, one of those paper thingies she throws at youmas stuck to her forehead; Jupiter was out cold and shaking, suffering from electrocution, and Venus lay tangled in her Love Me Chain.
I would have gladly bitten my nails(I tend to do that when I'm nervous) but my gloves got in the way. Instead, I took off my tiara and held it at arm's length, images of my tiara coming at me full force going through my head.
Knowing I was scared, the youma began to rush towards me, raising its clawed hand.
"Tuxedo la smoking Bomber!" a voice yelled. I watched in horror as the youma raised its mirror and deflected the attack back to Tuxedo Mask. He crumpled to the ground in a heap.
'Great, NOW what am I supposed to do?' I suddenly felt very scared and very alone. I raised my voice and began to wail. "WAAAAAAAAAAH!"
"Ugh!" said the youma. "Somebody stop that hideous crying!" (AN: Forgot about Sailor Moon's sonic yell, huh? That girl's lungs pack a wallop!)
Paying the youma no heed, I continued to wail. Luna covered her ears with her paws as best as she could. Then I heard a shattering sound, and I saw the youma's mirror turn to dust and blow away in the wind. I stopped wailing and rose to my feet. I gave the youma my most intimidating stare and shouted, "Moon Tiara MAGIC!", throwing my tiara like a deadly frisbee. Seeing the flashing of the tiara, the youma started to run, but my tiara was faster. It caught up with the youma, bathing it in light.
"Moon dusted," I said, smiling. I heard a weak groan from behind me.
"Tuxedo Kamen!" I exclaimed. I rushed over to where he lay.
"Are...are you okay, Sailor Moon?" he asked.
"Shh....don't try to speak," I said.
"The...the youma..."
"Dust," I said. I looked at his face, which was burnt slightly red from his own attack. Impulsively, I reached out a gloved hand to touch it. Another gloved hand closed on mine, and I saw Tuxedo Kamen smile. He took off my glove and kissed each finger with slow, deliberate care.
"Arigatou, Sailor Moon. You have always given me strength..." he said, rising to his feet. "Farewell." He turned on his heel and disappeared into the night.
"Farewell, Tuxedo Kamen," I whispered into the air.
I tapped each of the senshi gently and removed Mars's paper from her head. They each rubbed their eyes sleepily, like children getting out of bed. As poor, shivering Mercury got up, I heard her mumble, "As soon as I get home, I'm taking a long, HOT bath."
Each of us nodded our heads. Another great idea from Mercury.
As I got up and turned to go, I saw poor Venus shaking her head, freeing herself from her Love Me Chain. "How," she began, "am I going to explain why I have HEARTS all over me?"
We all laughed and called it a night.
*********
I woke up the next morning, which was Sunday, with shaving cream all over my face. Standing over my head was my little brother, Shingo, holding a can of Dad's shaving cream in one hand and a feather in the other, grinning from ear to ear.
"BAKA!" I yelled. "You are SO dead!" I jumped out of bed and chased Shingo down the stairs, past the kitchen and out the door. He then slammed the door in my face, as I stood there, in my pajamas, fuming, literally foaming at the mouth, courtesy of Shingo. I pounded on the door, but all I heard was Shingo laughing on the other side of it.
"SHIMATTA!" I yelled, loud enough to be heard on the moon and all of Juuban. "Just you wait until I get my hands on you!"
Shingo opened the door just long enough to stick his tongue out at me and slam the door again.
~*~Mamoru~*~
I was driving my fancy red sportscar(We Leo's appreciate the finer things in life)in the Juuban district on my way to an afternoon photo shoot. I nearly jumped out of my skin when I heard,
"SHIMATTA! Just you wait until I get my hands on you!"
I looked out the window to find the source of that godawful noise, a certain Odango looking like she was going to kill somebody...and foaming at the mouth? I chuckled. This was too good to pass up. I pulled over and parked my sportscar.
"What's the matter, Meatball Head? Forget to get your rabies shot?"
"Oooh! I do NOT need this from you, Mamoru-baka," she said angrily.
I grinned...she sure did look cute like that, in her bunny tank top and matching boxer shorts, clenching her fists. She noticed my roving eyes and blushed. "What a way to start the day. First, my evil little brother and now YOU!"
'I could say the same thing,' I thought. "Start the day? It's 11:30," I said, checking my watch.
Usagi sat down, setting into a sulk. "Go away, Mamoru-baka. Don't you have anything better to do than to bother me? How did you find out where I live, anyways?"
"This is the way I get to work," I said.
I came a little closer, the smell of shaving cream tickling my nostrils. "So," I said, breaking the awkward silence that had built up between us, "are you locked out?"
Usagi rolled her eyes. "Gee, what gave you THAT idea?"
"Just a guess. Well, I've got some time to kill before I have to go to work, so why don't I help you get in?"
"Why would YOU want to help ME?"
Feeling insulted, I said, "Because if the Humane Society sees you like this, they'll take you away and quarantine you!"
"Hmph! Well, who needs you anyways, Mamoru-baka!"
"Fine, then I'll just LEAVE. I have BETTER things to do than to sit around and get insulted by YOU, Meatball Head!" I said, turning on my heel and walking towards the car.
~*~Usagi~*~
"Wait!" I yelled. I hated to admit it, but I DID need his help. "Gomen, Mamoru-san."
He turned around, all smiles. Okay, odango. How can I help you?" he said.
"The only way into the house is the balcony next to my bedroom window. It's too high for me to climb up to. Any ideas?" I asked.
"Show me," said Mamoru.
I obediently took him to the side of my house where the balcony was.
"Well, I can help you get to that tree branch. It almost reaches the balcony."
"B-but....I'm afraid if heights!" I whined. Yes, the great Sailor Moon, who leaps from rooftop to rooftop along with the other senshi, is scared of heights. So sue me!
Mamoru smiled a bit. "Don't worry, Meatball Head. If you fall, I'll catch you."
I nodded, still a bit pale. Mamoru knelt down and I climbed onto his shoulders. 'Wow, he's got strong shoulders,' I thought, feeling the hard muscles beneath my stocking feet. He stood up slowly, and I climbed up the tree, across the branch...and stopped. 'It's a loooooong way down,' I thought, even though it's actually only about 10 feet to the ground.
"Don't look down! Trust me, it's easier that way"(AN: Tuxy would know about heights, wouldn't he?)
Fixing my gaze straight ahead, I jumped off the branch and landed right onto the balcony. I turned around and started to say, "Thanks, Mamo..." but he was gone.
After I got into my room, I went downstairs and looked for Shingo. I found him playing a video game in the living room, having forgotten about me a long time ago.
"Oh, Sheeeeeeeeeen-go!" I called out sweetly.
Shingo looked up from his video game. "GAAAAAAAAAAH!" he said. He took one look at me and practically fell over himself in his haste to get to his bedroom. I grinned. I didn't really need to take my revenge out on my little brother...seeing him squirm was more than enough for me.
~*~Mamoru~*~
It was a long photo shoot. I've been modeling ever since I got out of the orphanage at 14, after being "discovered" on the street. By now, I was pretty comfortable in front of a camera. I was good at what I did; I was photographed for everything from clothing catalogues to contact lens ads. Even the hot studio lighting didn't bother me anymore...unless I was doing a sweater ad.
Even though I am by no means camera shy, this was a particularly *embarassing* photo shoot. We were doing a magazine ad for Speedos, you see. The sadistic photographer shot me for hours, forcing me to strike every imaginable pose.
It's not like I'm ashamed of my body or anything. I run for an hour every morning and I'm an active member of a local gym. I know I look good. It's just that I don't like my...um...package put on display. 'After this shoot,' I thought, 'I'm switching to boxers.'
The only thing that made this torture worthwhile was the thought of the HUGE paycheck Tokyo Modeling Inc. promised me for the shoot. Still, I can just picture silly girls and gay men all over Tokyo posting pictures of *me* practically in my birthday suit, on their walls and ceilings. Ugh.
"Well," said the photographer at 6:30, who was thoroughly enjoying herself(which made me wish the photographer was a guy) "You're free to go, Mr. Chiba. I look forward to working with you again." I couldn't help but notice that she was suppressing a giggle.
'Fat chance,' I thought as I headed to the dressing room, passing many interested female models.
I hastily dressed and was extremely happy to be on my way to my apartment ALONE, away from evil photographers and ogling females.
Feeling over-exposed, I looked forward to the anonymity of the Internet. I thought it would be a good idea to check up on Moon_bunny. I wondered what she was like in real life; what she looked like, her hopes, her dreams, etc. I wouldn't mind knowing a girl who had such valuable insights into the way my mind works, even if she DID type very slowly, as if she was struggling to find the keys. I told her that I'd be online about now; as I logged into the Azabu site, I wondered if she'd remember. I laid back in my flexible chair and began to wait.
~*~Usagi~*~
I had made sure that I got home by 7 pm from my shopping at the mall with Naru. When she asked me why, I said I was meeting someone.
"Oh, so you have a hot date with your BOY-friend!" said Naru, grinning like an idiot.
"I am NOT!" I said, blushing madly.
"Riiiiiight. 'Oh, I'm meeting SOMEONE at 7, and I just CAN'T be late!' Nope, definitely NOT a boyfriend!" Naru finished sarcastically.
"What-EVER, Naru. I'll see you at school tomorrow."
"See you," said Naru, dashing off to her small apartment above the OSA-P, the jewelry store where her mom worked.
Even though I would die before I admitted it to Naru, I really was looking forward to chatting online with Earth_protector, even if he DID type too fast for me to keep up. 'He?' I thought. Yeah, Earth_protector had to be a guy - he sure knew enough about them. I felt like I could tell him almost anything, even things I wouldn't tell Naru or the senshi.
Besides, I had a lot on my mind. After my *encounter* with Tuxedo Kamen, I found myself falling hopelessly in love with the mysterious masked man. I felt happy now that I knew he had feelings for me...or for Sailor Moon, anyways.
Then, there was Mamoru. Even though he had teased me pretty badly, he DID help me out. It would have been hours before I had gotten in otherwise, since Mom and Dad always do their grocery shopping and lunch date on Sundays. Why was he so helpful all of a sudden? And why....was he so damned gorgeous?
So I took the piece of paper that Ami wrote Azabu's website on and I began to type;
Moon_bunny: Hi, Prot. Can we chat?
A few seconds later, my computer alerted me that Earth_protector had
responded;
Earth_protector: Sure, Bunny. What's up?
Moon_bunny: Can we talk about something kind of personal?
Earth_protector: Sure. Tell me what's on your mind.
Moon_bunny: Remember that guy we were talking about?
Earth_protector: Yeah.
Moon_bunny: He actually did something *nice* for me today. Sure, he insulted me like he always does, but actions speak louder than words, right?
Earth_protector: Hmm. Seems like you're getting a mixed message from this guy. I do agree with you, though. Actions do speak louder than words. Maybe he's not as vile as you thought he was.
Moon_bunny: I don't know about THAT yet. Every time I see him, we wind up fighting.
Earth_protector: I know what you mean, Bunny. I know this girl that never has anything nice to say to me. It's not like I've never insulted her. But still, it's like she has something up her butt.
Moon_bunny: Well, remember what you told me about a lack of communication?
Earth_protector: Yeah.
Moon_bunny: Maybe the same thing applies to you.
Earth_protector: Huh? You think she has a crush on me?
Moon_bunny: Maybe she does. Either that, or she's just a bitch.
Earth_protector: lol.
Moon_bunny: Anyways, there's this guy I really like. Maybe even love.
Last night I found out how he feels about me. But I feel like...I'm betraying someone, somehow.
Earth_protector: Nani?
Moon_bunny: I don't know. It's this weird feeling I get. It's like I'm cheating on someone I knew a long time ago. Pretty weird, huh?
Earth_protector: I know what you mean. I have these weird dreams about this girl that I knew a long time ago. They seem so real, almost like...
Moon_bunny: Memories?
Earth_protector: Yeah, how did you know?
Moon_bunny: I have the same dreams. Only mine involves this hot guy in black armor.
~*~Mamoru~*~
Wow, what are the chances that I would meet someone, even online, that had the same recurring dream that I had? Could she be the Moon Princess? Impulsively, I typed,
I think we should meet and talk about these dreams in person.
~*~Usagi~*~
I couldn't believe the words on my screen. Meet? Wow, this was so exciting!
Moon_bunny: Meet? But I could be anywhere in the world.
Earth_protector: But you aren't. We are chatting in Japanese(AN: Just pretend, okay?) so chances are you're located somewhere in Japan. Plus, you know of Azabu, which places you somewhere in Tokyo.
Moon_bunny: Wow, you're smart.
Earth_protector: Well, they didn't make me head of the Honor Society for nothing.
Moon_bunny: OK, I'll meet you. Where do you want to meet?
Earth_protector: Tokyo park, 7 pm tomorrow. I'll be holding a red rose.
I squealed. This was too perfect! I hope he's handsome...I hope i hope i hope...
Moon_bunny: OK, I'll see you there.
My mom came into the study and said, "What are you so excited about?"
I said, "I'm meeting my friend on the Internet at the park tomorrow!"
"WHAT?! You can't DO that! There are too many dangerous people out there who would take advantage of a beautiful, trusting girl like yourself!"
I pouted. This was NOT fair.
Then I had a brainstorm. "What if I took a friend with me? Mako-chan's very strong, she wouldn't let anyone hurt me."
"Well, okay," said Mom. "But not a WORD of this to your father!"
I did a little dance, then grabbed Mom in a bear hug. "Thanks Mom, you're the greatest!"
"I know," said Mom, winking. "Be back by 10:00."
"No problem!" I said, dancing out of the study. Even though I was excited, I fell asleep the moment my head hit the pillow. Seven hours of shopping DOES take a toll on a girl.
~*~Usagi's Dream~*~
Rays of morning sunshine streamed across my face. I groaned. Morning already? My uneasiness got worse when I heard the robins chirping near the castle window.
Not wanting to get up, I snuggled closer to Endymion, who had taken off his armor and was dressed in his underclothes. My head on his muscular chest, I listed to his heart beat in time with my own. His arm wrapped around me in a protective embrace.
Endymion opened up his eyes. "Morning already, Sere?"
"I'm afraid so, my love." I said.
Endymion sighed and released me from his grasp. I got out of Endymion's bed and straightened out the wrinkles in my royal gown. Then I started to brush the tangles out of my long, platinum blonde hair, but Endymion stopped me, like he always does, grabbed the brush out of my hands and gently moved the brush through my hair. When he was done, he ran his finger through my hair for inspection.
"Beautiful, as always, my Serenity."
"Is that so, Bed-head?" I teased.
"Definitely," he said, turning me around and beginning an earth shattering kiss. When we broke apart after what seemed like ages, I said, "It's time for me to go now, Endy. Mother will wonder about me."
"Let her wonder," said Endymion, gathering me in his arms again. I sighed happily, pushing him away, gently teasing him. "No, I have to go back to the Moon."
"Oh, all right. Here, I'll help you out," said Endymion. He set my foot on a stone of the castle wall, and I began to nimbly climb down, having done this many times before. Endymion blew me as kiss as I reached the ground. As I headed towards the teleporting pod that would take my directly to my bedroom(Endymion had secretly installed it himself) I thought to myself, 'I miss him already.'
Lady Aisheteru: Whew! I FINALLY finished Chapter 2! Sorry about the Speedo, but I do enjoy watching Mamo-chan squirm! No promises on when Chapter 3 will be done, but it will be worth the wait, I promise you. Ja ne!
Lady Aisheteru: Hi there! I finally wrote chapter 2! Aren't you
proud of me? ^_- I hope you enjoy this chapter. Ja ne!
~*~Usagi~*~
It was cold. Very cold. It was times like this that I wished whoever designed my senshi fuku had thought to add long underwear. Or sleeves.
Not only was I cold, but I was also the last senshi still standing. The youma we were fighting was eight feet tall, the color of blood, scaly, ugly and fang faced. After a report from Luna, we found her(it?) at Tokyo park, ready to destroy. We found out real fast that the youma was a tricky one. It had this big, ugly mirror that took whatever we tried to zap the youma with and threw it right back at us. Sailor Mercury was soaking wet and shivering; Mars was frozen in place, one of those paper thingies she throws at youmas stuck to her forehead; Jupiter was out cold and shaking, suffering from electrocution, and Venus lay tangled in her Love Me Chain.
I would have gladly bitten my nails(I tend to do that when I'm nervous) but my gloves got in the way. Instead, I took off my tiara and held it at arm's length, images of my tiara coming at me full force going through my head.
Knowing I was scared, the youma began to rush towards me, raising its clawed hand.
"Tuxedo la smoking Bomber!" a voice yelled. I watched in horror as the youma raised its mirror and deflected the attack back to Tuxedo Mask. He crumpled to the ground in a heap.
'Great, NOW what am I supposed to do?' I suddenly felt very scared and very alone. I raised my voice and began to wail. "WAAAAAAAAAAH!"
"Ugh!" said the youma. "Somebody stop that hideous crying!" (AN: Forgot about Sailor Moon's sonic yell, huh? That girl's lungs pack a wallop!)
Paying the youma no heed, I continued to wail. Luna covered her ears with her paws as best as she could. Then I heard a shattering sound, and I saw the youma's mirror turn to dust and blow away in the wind. I stopped wailing and rose to my feet. I gave the youma my most intimidating stare and shouted, "Moon Tiara MAGIC!", throwing my tiara like a deadly frisbee. Seeing the flashing of the tiara, the youma started to run, but my tiara was faster. It caught up with the youma, bathing it in light.
"Moon dusted," I said, smiling. I heard a weak groan from behind me.
"Tuxedo Kamen!" I exclaimed. I rushed over to where he lay.
"Are...are you okay, Sailor Moon?" he asked.
"Shh....don't try to speak," I said.
"The...the youma..."
"Dust," I said. I looked at his face, which was burnt slightly red from his own attack. Impulsively, I reached out a gloved hand to touch it. Another gloved hand closed on mine, and I saw Tuxedo Kamen smile. He took off my glove and kissed each finger with slow, deliberate care.
"Arigatou, Sailor Moon. You have always given me strength..." he said, rising to his feet. "Farewell." He turned on his heel and disappeared into the night.
"Farewell, Tuxedo Kamen," I whispered into the air.
I tapped each of the senshi gently and removed Mars's paper from her head. They each rubbed their eyes sleepily, like children getting out of bed. As poor, shivering Mercury got up, I heard her mumble, "As soon as I get home, I'm taking a long, HOT bath."
Each of us nodded our heads. Another great idea from Mercury.
As I got up and turned to go, I saw poor Venus shaking her head, freeing herself from her Love Me Chain. "How," she began, "am I going to explain why I have HEARTS all over me?"
We all laughed and called it a night.
*********
I woke up the next morning, which was Sunday, with shaving cream all over my face. Standing over my head was my little brother, Shingo, holding a can of Dad's shaving cream in one hand and a feather in the other, grinning from ear to ear.
"BAKA!" I yelled. "You are SO dead!" I jumped out of bed and chased Shingo down the stairs, past the kitchen and out the door. He then slammed the door in my face, as I stood there, in my pajamas, fuming, literally foaming at the mouth, courtesy of Shingo. I pounded on the door, but all I heard was Shingo laughing on the other side of it.
"SHIMATTA!" I yelled, loud enough to be heard on the moon and all of Juuban. "Just you wait until I get my hands on you!"
Shingo opened the door just long enough to stick his tongue out at me and slam the door again.
~*~Mamoru~*~
I was driving my fancy red sportscar(We Leo's appreciate the finer things in life)in the Juuban district on my way to an afternoon photo shoot. I nearly jumped out of my skin when I heard,
"SHIMATTA! Just you wait until I get my hands on you!"
I looked out the window to find the source of that godawful noise, a certain Odango looking like she was going to kill somebody...and foaming at the mouth? I chuckled. This was too good to pass up. I pulled over and parked my sportscar.
"What's the matter, Meatball Head? Forget to get your rabies shot?"
"Oooh! I do NOT need this from you, Mamoru-baka," she said angrily.
I grinned...she sure did look cute like that, in her bunny tank top and matching boxer shorts, clenching her fists. She noticed my roving eyes and blushed. "What a way to start the day. First, my evil little brother and now YOU!"
'I could say the same thing,' I thought. "Start the day? It's 11:30," I said, checking my watch.
Usagi sat down, setting into a sulk. "Go away, Mamoru-baka. Don't you have anything better to do than to bother me? How did you find out where I live, anyways?"
"This is the way I get to work," I said.
I came a little closer, the smell of shaving cream tickling my nostrils. "So," I said, breaking the awkward silence that had built up between us, "are you locked out?"
Usagi rolled her eyes. "Gee, what gave you THAT idea?"
"Just a guess. Well, I've got some time to kill before I have to go to work, so why don't I help you get in?"
"Why would YOU want to help ME?"
Feeling insulted, I said, "Because if the Humane Society sees you like this, they'll take you away and quarantine you!"
"Hmph! Well, who needs you anyways, Mamoru-baka!"
"Fine, then I'll just LEAVE. I have BETTER things to do than to sit around and get insulted by YOU, Meatball Head!" I said, turning on my heel and walking towards the car.
~*~Usagi~*~
"Wait!" I yelled. I hated to admit it, but I DID need his help. "Gomen, Mamoru-san."
He turned around, all smiles. Okay, odango. How can I help you?" he said.
"The only way into the house is the balcony next to my bedroom window. It's too high for me to climb up to. Any ideas?" I asked.
"Show me," said Mamoru.
I obediently took him to the side of my house where the balcony was.
"Well, I can help you get to that tree branch. It almost reaches the balcony."
"B-but....I'm afraid if heights!" I whined. Yes, the great Sailor Moon, who leaps from rooftop to rooftop along with the other senshi, is scared of heights. So sue me!
Mamoru smiled a bit. "Don't worry, Meatball Head. If you fall, I'll catch you."
I nodded, still a bit pale. Mamoru knelt down and I climbed onto his shoulders. 'Wow, he's got strong shoulders,' I thought, feeling the hard muscles beneath my stocking feet. He stood up slowly, and I climbed up the tree, across the branch...and stopped. 'It's a loooooong way down,' I thought, even though it's actually only about 10 feet to the ground.
"Don't look down! Trust me, it's easier that way"(AN: Tuxy would know about heights, wouldn't he?)
Fixing my gaze straight ahead, I jumped off the branch and landed right onto the balcony. I turned around and started to say, "Thanks, Mamo..." but he was gone.
After I got into my room, I went downstairs and looked for Shingo. I found him playing a video game in the living room, having forgotten about me a long time ago.
"Oh, Sheeeeeeeeeen-go!" I called out sweetly.
Shingo looked up from his video game. "GAAAAAAAAAAH!" he said. He took one look at me and practically fell over himself in his haste to get to his bedroom. I grinned. I didn't really need to take my revenge out on my little brother...seeing him squirm was more than enough for me.
~*~Mamoru~*~
It was a long photo shoot. I've been modeling ever since I got out of the orphanage at 14, after being "discovered" on the street. By now, I was pretty comfortable in front of a camera. I was good at what I did; I was photographed for everything from clothing catalogues to contact lens ads. Even the hot studio lighting didn't bother me anymore...unless I was doing a sweater ad.
Even though I am by no means camera shy, this was a particularly *embarassing* photo shoot. We were doing a magazine ad for Speedos, you see. The sadistic photographer shot me for hours, forcing me to strike every imaginable pose.
It's not like I'm ashamed of my body or anything. I run for an hour every morning and I'm an active member of a local gym. I know I look good. It's just that I don't like my...um...package put on display. 'After this shoot,' I thought, 'I'm switching to boxers.'
The only thing that made this torture worthwhile was the thought of the HUGE paycheck Tokyo Modeling Inc. promised me for the shoot. Still, I can just picture silly girls and gay men all over Tokyo posting pictures of *me* practically in my birthday suit, on their walls and ceilings. Ugh.
"Well," said the photographer at 6:30, who was thoroughly enjoying herself(which made me wish the photographer was a guy) "You're free to go, Mr. Chiba. I look forward to working with you again." I couldn't help but notice that she was suppressing a giggle.
'Fat chance,' I thought as I headed to the dressing room, passing many interested female models.
I hastily dressed and was extremely happy to be on my way to my apartment ALONE, away from evil photographers and ogling females.
Feeling over-exposed, I looked forward to the anonymity of the Internet. I thought it would be a good idea to check up on Moon_bunny. I wondered what she was like in real life; what she looked like, her hopes, her dreams, etc. I wouldn't mind knowing a girl who had such valuable insights into the way my mind works, even if she DID type very slowly, as if she was struggling to find the keys. I told her that I'd be online about now; as I logged into the Azabu site, I wondered if she'd remember. I laid back in my flexible chair and began to wait.
~*~Usagi~*~
I had made sure that I got home by 7 pm from my shopping at the mall with Naru. When she asked me why, I said I was meeting someone.
"Oh, so you have a hot date with your BOY-friend!" said Naru, grinning like an idiot.
"I am NOT!" I said, blushing madly.
"Riiiiiight. 'Oh, I'm meeting SOMEONE at 7, and I just CAN'T be late!' Nope, definitely NOT a boyfriend!" Naru finished sarcastically.
"What-EVER, Naru. I'll see you at school tomorrow."
"See you," said Naru, dashing off to her small apartment above the OSA-P, the jewelry store where her mom worked.
Even though I would die before I admitted it to Naru, I really was looking forward to chatting online with Earth_protector, even if he DID type too fast for me to keep up. 'He?' I thought. Yeah, Earth_protector had to be a guy - he sure knew enough about them. I felt like I could tell him almost anything, even things I wouldn't tell Naru or the senshi.
Besides, I had a lot on my mind. After my *encounter* with Tuxedo Kamen, I found myself falling hopelessly in love with the mysterious masked man. I felt happy now that I knew he had feelings for me...or for Sailor Moon, anyways.
Then, there was Mamoru. Even though he had teased me pretty badly, he DID help me out. It would have been hours before I had gotten in otherwise, since Mom and Dad always do their grocery shopping and lunch date on Sundays. Why was he so helpful all of a sudden? And why....was he so damned gorgeous?
So I took the piece of paper that Ami wrote Azabu's website on and I began to type;
Moon_bunny: Hi, Prot. Can we chat?
A few seconds later, my computer alerted me that Earth_protector had
responded;
Earth_protector: Sure, Bunny. What's up?
Moon_bunny: Can we talk about something kind of personal?
Earth_protector: Sure. Tell me what's on your mind.
Moon_bunny: Remember that guy we were talking about?
Earth_protector: Yeah.
Moon_bunny: He actually did something *nice* for me today. Sure, he insulted me like he always does, but actions speak louder than words, right?
Earth_protector: Hmm. Seems like you're getting a mixed message from this guy. I do agree with you, though. Actions do speak louder than words. Maybe he's not as vile as you thought he was.
Moon_bunny: I don't know about THAT yet. Every time I see him, we wind up fighting.
Earth_protector: I know what you mean, Bunny. I know this girl that never has anything nice to say to me. It's not like I've never insulted her. But still, it's like she has something up her butt.
Moon_bunny: Well, remember what you told me about a lack of communication?
Earth_protector: Yeah.
Moon_bunny: Maybe the same thing applies to you.
Earth_protector: Huh? You think she has a crush on me?
Moon_bunny: Maybe she does. Either that, or she's just a bitch.
Earth_protector: lol.
Moon_bunny: Anyways, there's this guy I really like. Maybe even love.
Last night I found out how he feels about me. But I feel like...I'm betraying someone, somehow.
Earth_protector: Nani?
Moon_bunny: I don't know. It's this weird feeling I get. It's like I'm cheating on someone I knew a long time ago. Pretty weird, huh?
Earth_protector: I know what you mean. I have these weird dreams about this girl that I knew a long time ago. They seem so real, almost like...
Moon_bunny: Memories?
Earth_protector: Yeah, how did you know?
Moon_bunny: I have the same dreams. Only mine involves this hot guy in black armor.
~*~Mamoru~*~
Wow, what are the chances that I would meet someone, even online, that had the same recurring dream that I had? Could she be the Moon Princess? Impulsively, I typed,
I think we should meet and talk about these dreams in person.
~*~Usagi~*~
I couldn't believe the words on my screen. Meet? Wow, this was so exciting!
Moon_bunny: Meet? But I could be anywhere in the world.
Earth_protector: But you aren't. We are chatting in Japanese(AN: Just pretend, okay?) so chances are you're located somewhere in Japan. Plus, you know of Azabu, which places you somewhere in Tokyo.
Moon_bunny: Wow, you're smart.
Earth_protector: Well, they didn't make me head of the Honor Society for nothing.
Moon_bunny: OK, I'll meet you. Where do you want to meet?
Earth_protector: Tokyo park, 7 pm tomorrow. I'll be holding a red rose.
I squealed. This was too perfect! I hope he's handsome...I hope i hope i hope...
Moon_bunny: OK, I'll see you there.
My mom came into the study and said, "What are you so excited about?"
I said, "I'm meeting my friend on the Internet at the park tomorrow!"
"WHAT?! You can't DO that! There are too many dangerous people out there who would take advantage of a beautiful, trusting girl like yourself!"
I pouted. This was NOT fair.
Then I had a brainstorm. "What if I took a friend with me? Mako-chan's very strong, she wouldn't let anyone hurt me."
"Well, okay," said Mom. "But not a WORD of this to your father!"
I did a little dance, then grabbed Mom in a bear hug. "Thanks Mom, you're the greatest!"
"I know," said Mom, winking. "Be back by 10:00."
"No problem!" I said, dancing out of the study. Even though I was excited, I fell asleep the moment my head hit the pillow. Seven hours of shopping DOES take a toll on a girl.
~*~Usagi's Dream~*~
Rays of morning sunshine streamed across my face. I groaned. Morning already? My uneasiness got worse when I heard the robins chirping near the castle window.
Not wanting to get up, I snuggled closer to Endymion, who had taken off his armor and was dressed in his underclothes. My head on his muscular chest, I listed to his heart beat in time with my own. His arm wrapped around me in a protective embrace.
Endymion opened up his eyes. "Morning already, Sere?"
"I'm afraid so, my love." I said.
Endymion sighed and released me from his grasp. I got out of Endymion's bed and straightened out the wrinkles in my royal gown. Then I started to brush the tangles out of my long, platinum blonde hair, but Endymion stopped me, like he always does, grabbed the brush out of my hands and gently moved the brush through my hair. When he was done, he ran his finger through my hair for inspection.
"Beautiful, as always, my Serenity."
"Is that so, Bed-head?" I teased.
"Definitely," he said, turning me around and beginning an earth shattering kiss. When we broke apart after what seemed like ages, I said, "It's time for me to go now, Endy. Mother will wonder about me."
"Let her wonder," said Endymion, gathering me in his arms again. I sighed happily, pushing him away, gently teasing him. "No, I have to go back to the Moon."
"Oh, all right. Here, I'll help you out," said Endymion. He set my foot on a stone of the castle wall, and I began to nimbly climb down, having done this many times before. Endymion blew me as kiss as I reached the ground. As I headed towards the teleporting pod that would take my directly to my bedroom(Endymion had secretly installed it himself) I thought to myself, 'I miss him already.'
Lady Aisheteru: Whew! I FINALLY finished Chapter 2! Sorry about the Speedo, but I do enjoy watching Mamo-chan squirm! No promises on when Chapter 3 will be done, but it will be worth the wait, I promise you. Ja ne!