Yuugasa Usagi – Chapter 9
Disclaimer: Story – own. Characters – don't own.
Now that that's settled, on to the story!
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"So... you'd really want to hear my song?" Usagi asked Hiiro.
He sat himself down on the log and nodded. Usagi took a deep breath before rewinding the music file and pressing the play button. After a few seconds, the recorded voice of Usagi was coming out of the speakers.
"I don't like to be alone in the night.
I don't like to hear I'm wrong when I'm right.
I don't like to have the rain on my shoes.
But I do love you.
But I do love you."
By this point, Usagi had started to dance to the song. She smiled at Hiiro who was looking at her oddly.
"I don't like to see a sky painted gray.
I don't like when nothing's going my way.
I don't like to be the one with the blues.
But I do love you.
But I do love you."
She grabbed Hiiros hands and pulled him up to dance with her – which he did reluctantly.
"Love everything about the way you're loving me.
The way you lay your head upon my shoulder when you sleep.
And I love to kiss you in the rain.
I love everything you do, I do.
I don't like to turn on the radio on,
Just to find I've missed my favorite song.
I don't like to be the last with the news.
But I do love you.
But I do love you."
She danced around him, as he stood quite stationary, with a huge smile on her face. She mouthed her own words as she looked at him. A smile was tugging at the corners of his mouth.
"Love everything about the way you're loving me.
The way you lay your heard upon my shoulder when you sleep.
And I love to kiss you in the rain.
I love everything you do, oh I do.
And I don't like to be alone in the night.
And I don't like to hear I'm wrong when I'm right.
And I don't like to have the rain on my shoes.
But I do love you.
But I do love you.
But I do love you."
Usagi slowly stopped dancing and looked at Hiiro for his approval.
"You're a good dancer." He finally said.
Usagi frowned slightly, "that is not what I meant..."
Hiiro nodded with a slight smile, "I know."
"You're impossible sometimes... Now really – what did you think?" Usagi said.
Hiiro's eyes locked with hers; "it's beautiful."
Usagi let out the breath she didn't know she was holding, "really?"
"Yes, really." Hiiro finally tore his eyes from hers, "so... what's the song mean?"
"What?" asked Usagi. She didn't understand his question.
"Well, everyone has a secret meaning behind their songs. What's that songs'?" he stated.
Usagi's cheeks went slightly red. "Um... I don't really know." She said very unconvincingly.
Hiiro moved closer to her, "tell me or I'll tickle you," he said with a full-blown teenage smile.
Usagi's eyes widened, "you wouldn't dare..."
Hiiro nodded, "I would."
Usagi squealed as he poked at her sides, but remained quite. He kept tickling her until she finally cracked. "Okay, okay! I'll tell you!" she said between her laughing.
"Thought you would," he said teasingly. Usagi smacked him in the arm playfully.
"Okay... well," she started, "it's about this girl would doesn't like to be alone for too long, and she loves someone. But she doesn't know if he loves her back, because his actions are sometimes hard to comprehend."
"What do you mean by that?" asked Hiiro.
"Well, sometimes he acts like he does, but then he does something that makes her think otherwise. But she still loves him," replied Usagi.
"And would that girl be someone you know?" Hiiro asked.
"Not someone I know, per se..." Usagi said. "The girl is, um, me." She said quietly.
Hiiro looked at her quizzically, "then who's the gu—"
"I – I have to go. I'll see you in the morning, Hiiro." Usagi interrupted as she scooped up her laptop and quickly made her way back to the camp without looking back.
"Usagi... why are your cheeks so red?" Minako asked upon seeing her friend.
"Uh... I – er – was – um – never mind." She said in a hurry as she walked into her tent, changed into her pajamas, and said goodnight to Minako.
Hiiro walked into the camp only five minutes after Usagi and mumbled a goodnight to Minako would was grinning like a fool at the entrance to Usagi's tent.
The next morning found Usa shaking her tent partner awake. "Usagi-mama, Usagi-mama!" she called out quietly.
Usagi groaned and rolled over, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes, "what is it, Usa?" she said groggily.
"Get up! There's a surprise for you outside!" Usa said.
"Can't it wait?" she said, which was very unlike her. She usually loved surprises.
"Usagi-mama no baka! Don't you even know what day it is?" asked Usa.
"Um..." Usagi dug in the back of her mind, finally she realized it and said, "it's my birthday!"
"Hai! Now get dressed and get out of this tent." Usa commanded as she tossed some clothes at Usagi who was looking at them as if to approve of them.
"Okay, I'm up. I'll be out in a minute." She said as she pulled on her jeans and tank top. Her shoes were outside of the tent so she pulled on socks, then stuck her arm out and grabbed them. She put them on inside of the tent. Finally she exited the tent, putting her hair in a ponytail.
"Happy Birthday!" everyone cried.
Usagi looked up and stumbled over an answer. "Thanks..." she finally managed to get out.
Apparently Makoto had been to town to get cake supplies because Rei was standing there holding a cake that had 'Happy 17th Birthday, Usagi!' written on it with blue frosting.
"So, do you want to open your presents now – or later?" Minako asked.
Usagi looked at all of them, astonishment written all over her angelic features. "How on earth did you get my presents without me noticing?"
"Easy," stated Ami, "we did it when you were preoccupied. And when you were in your secret spot."
Usagi laughed, "wow, you guys are good."
Minako smiled, "so what do you say, Usagi?"
"You already know that answer!" said Usagi as she sat down in front of the small pile.
She got a book from Ami – which she actually wanted! – Some hair ties from Makoto; a very special charm from Rei's Shinto Shrine; and a couple of shirts from Minako. Usa said that she didn't really have to get her "Usagi-mama" a present since she had gotten the slippers for her and she was there. Usagi agreed with her. Each of the guys got her something, too. Well, all of them except Hiiro. She didn't let it show, but she was slightly disappointed.
"Thanks everyone!" she said happily. For as little people there were, it felt like a very special day to her.
Later that day, Usagi was dancing in the clearing to the music she had saved on her laptop hard drive with her hair down again.
'I can't believe that it's been three months since I got here. All the guys have changed a lot.' She thought.
Hidden in the shadow of the tree foliage, Hiiro watched Usagi dance. For some reason he always loved to watch her dance. He was still trying to figure out that song though. Who was the guy? It was getting to him unlike anything had before.
Usagi suddenly stopped as another song started up. She stared at the laptop, then dove at it to stop the song.
'What in the world?' Hiiro asked himself.
"Whew..." Usagi said, "that was a close one. I didn't think I had that one on the play list..." she knew Hiiro was there watching her. She knew he liked to for some reason unknown to her. And she really didn't want him to hear the beginning of that particular song.
'She's crazy. – But maybe that's why I love her.' Hiiro thought, almost laughing at her actions. "Wait... did I just say that I love her?" Hiiro asked himself quietly. "I did... I do... I do love her," He whispered.
Usagi removed that song from the play list quickly and then pressed the play button for the next song to start up. After the first few chords Usagi smiled, "I love this song!" and she turned it up a little louder.
Hiiro nearly fell from where he was sitting. She loved this song? It didn't sound like anything she would listen to... ever. (AN: I don't own this song, but God, I wish I did. *__* Linkin Park (rules) owns the song.)
"I cannot take this anymore
I'm saying everything I've said before
All these words they make no sense
I find bliss in ignorance
Less I hear the less you'll say
But you'll find that out anyway
Just like before...
Everything you say to me
Takes me one step closer to the edge
And I'm about to break
I need a little room to breathe
Cause I'm one step closer to the edge
And I'm about to break
I find the answers aren't so clear
Wish I could find a way to disappear
All these thoughts they make no sense
I find bliss in ignorance
Nothing seems to go away
Over and over again
Just like before...
Everything you say to me
Takes me one step closer to the edge
And I'm about to break
I need a little room to breathe
Cause I'm one step closer to the edge
And I'm about to break
Everything you say to me
Takes me one step closer to the edge
And I'm about to break
I need a little room to breathe
Cause I'm one step closer to the edge
And I'm about to break!
Shut up when I'm talking to you
Shut up, shut up, shut up
Shut up when I'm talking to you
Shut up, shut up, shut up
I'm about to break!
Everything you say to me
Takes me one step closer to the edge
And I'm about to break
I need a little room to breathe
Cause I'm one step closer to the edge
And I'm about to break
Everything you say to me
Takes me one step closer to the edge
And I'm about to break
I need a little room to breathe
Cause I'm one step close to the edge
And I'm about to break!"
"You'd never know how true that is..." Usagi whispered as she sat down to take off her slippers and check if her feet were any better. They weren't, they looked just like they had a few days back – only worse. She leaned over and switched off the computer and stood up only to find Usa staring at her.
"Usagi-mama," Usa started.
Usagi looked at Usa, "yes?"
"Are you – are you ever going to do anything about Hiiro and you?" Usa asked tentatively.
Usagi blushed crimson, "what do you mean by 'going to do anything'?"
"You know very well what I mean, Usagi-mama. I know you like him, maybe more then like. And, by the Gods, it's obvious that he likes you."
"I ... well ... I don't know exactly. He acts like he does sometimes, but then other times he seems like he doesn't. You know?" Usagi said, not really knowing if she made much sense at all. It seemed to make sense in her head.
"Yeah. Sort of." Said Usa. "But I still don't see why you don't just do something about it!"
'So that's what she thinks...' Hiiro thought. 'Wait... is the guy in the song me? She said she was the girl and that the song was about the man she loves. And she just told Usa the same thing she told me when I asked about the song...'
Usagi's face went a darker, if possible, crimson. "Well, I – I don't know. I've never had to make the first – technically first – move ever before... The only boyfriend I have ever had was Mamoru. And look how that turned out."
Usa's face twisted into recognition, "oh yeah. I try to forget the bad things."
Usagi smiled, "I know you're just trying to help me Usa, but I think things should just go at their own pace. Don't you?"
Usa sighed, "I guess."
Usagi gave her a knowing look.
"Alright, alright. Senshi honor, I won't interfere." She said.
'Somehow I doubt that...' Usagi thought as they walked back to camp together.
Hiiro sat in the tree for only ten more minutes before his contemplation was finished and he had figured out just exactly what he was going to do about Usagi and his "relationship."
"...and so I told him that I didn't want to be around him and he asked me "why?" so I said that I just didn't feel the same for him as I used to... he didn't seem to like that answer..." rambled Minako. She had been rambling for the past hour because there was nothing else to do since Quatre had gone into town with Duo and Trowa. Leaving Makoto and Ami stuck listening to the rambling Minako.
"Does she ever stop talking?" Ami asked Makoto. Minako didn't notice they were talking to each other instead of paying attention to her story.
Makoto shook her head in a negative gesture; "I doubt it. I think she is only quite when she's sleeping. ... Or eating."
Ami seemed to contemplate this (when really, she was just ignoring Minako) while Makoto sighed and pretended to pay attention to Minako.
Usagi and Usa walked into the encampment only to see Minako talking nonstop even though Makoto and Ami were clearly not paying attention.
"Bored?" Usagi questioned.
"Usagi!" exclaimed both Makoto and Ami – both blushed from their outburst.
"...Poor you." Usagi said to the girls before turning her attention to the still rambling Minako. "Minako..."
"Huh?" Minako said like she had just snapped out of a trance, "what'd you say Usagi?"
"You were rambling, Minako. By the way, where's Rei?" replied Usagi.
"She's over there doing a fire reading. She's been sitting at the fire she made all day, Wufei's watching her since she's passed out quite a few times." Ami said.
"Yeah, Wufei keeps calling her a "baka onna" for it. So she keeps saying that she's seeing "something really important but incomplete and incomprehensible" because she passes out. She said that she wouldn't stop trying until she got the whole premonition." Makoto finished for Ami.
"Where, precisely, is she?" asked Usagi. Makoto and Ami pointed towards an area by Wufeis' training ring. "Thanks." Usagi said before going off in that general direction.
"Rei, just stop. This is the fifteenth time you've passed out today. It's not worth it." Wufei said after waking Rei up yet again.
Rei's scowl deepened, "no. I can't. This is important." She said. "I just wish it wasn't such a powerful one."
"What have you seen so far, Rei?" asked Usagi from behind them. She wore a serious and regal look.
Rei turned around, "Usagi... I'm not sure what the full premonition is yet. It's best if I do."
"What have you seen so far, Rei?" Usagi repeated in the voice she had only used at times when the girls knew not to refuse.
Rei threw a glance at Wufei, clearly telling him to go away. He 'hmph'd and walked away. "What I have seen so far is: we are in the Palace, it must be before the fall. And all of us are standing in the main room, where they always held the balls. The girls and I are in our princess dresses while you're in yours, but it looks somewhat different." Rei said.
"Go on," Usagi urged her voice gentle again.
"Then some man in a mask – I have yet to find out who he is, - like the one Tuxedo Kamen wore, only different. This one hid his eyes like sunglasses do now. You and he join hands and start to dance. Suddenly another man says something incoherent – so far – and your eyes widen and you look half-horrified and half-happy. The man you are dancing with practically drags you off the floor towards your mother. And that's as far as I have gotten so far."
"I want to help." Usagi said.
"I wish you could, Usagi, but—"
"But nothing. I can do this, the Ginzuishou will help both of us."
"Usagi you can't—"
Usagi cut her off yet again. "I can and I am. Please let me help Rei, I want to know what this has to do with me. I know something strange and or big is going to happen," she pleaded. "Just let me help this once."
Rei sighed, "fine, but you have to promise not to use too much energy."
"Okay." She said. They both sat down next to each other and Rei readied herself as Usagi called upon the Ginzuishou to help. In a flash, they were standing in the room Rei had described.
"They can't see, nor hear us, Usagi. Just remember to keep a relaxed mind." Rei said. Usagi nodded in reply. She looked over towards her friends' past selves, and her own.
They all laughed at something Minako had said. Soon a man came over and bowed to Serenity.
"May I have the pleasure of this dance, Serenity-hime?" he asked.
Serenity smiled – a fake one, Usagi noticed, - "yes, you may." And she allowed herself to be lead away.
While they were dancing, Usagi was watching... waiting for the man to show up. She had to know what he said. Right on time, he appeared. ... Out of thin air.
"Serenity-hime! The Prince of Elysion lives! He is closer and closer to you each day. Watch out for the other!" He said, looking squarely at the man Serenity was dancing with. And then the man just disappeared as suddenly as he had appeared.
Serenity's face held a look of horror and happiness. The man she was dancing with practically dragged her towards the Queen.
"I demand to know what that was about!" he said.
Usagi scowled at him even though he couldn't see her. That was no way to talk to the Queen.
"Prince Endymion, you shall not speak to my mother that way!" Serenity burst out.
'I should've known...' Usagi thought.
"Mother..." Serenity began, hope in her face. "He's alive..."
The elder Serenity nodded, "then, my child, I guess it is time for the announcement to be made, is it not?"
"Yes, the time is just right," the younger replied.
"Attention everyone," Queen Serenity said. Everyone quieted down at once. "On this day of Princess Serenity's seventeenth birthday, I have an announcement to make. It is time to tell you all of the royal court and beyond that Serenity's true betrothed lives. As long as he comes forward, or gets to the palace, by Serenity's twenty-first birthday they shall be wed. Otherwise, Serenity shall marry Endymion."
Usagi and Rei felt a tug before they both were shot out of the premonition and promptly passed out. Rei woke up and looked over at Usagi. She still was out.
"Usagi," Rei said, patting her friends' cheeks, "Usagi, wake up! Usagi!" she called out, splashing a little water on Usagi's face.
Usagi sputtered and awoke. "Did you hear what that man said?"
"No, it was still incoherent to me. Did you?" asked Rei.
Usagi nodded her head.
"What did they say!" Rei burst out.
"The man said: "Serenity-hime! The Prince of Elysion lives! He is closer and closer to you each day. Watch out for the other!" and he looked at the man I was dancing with, who by the way is Endymion. And Endymion pulls me to Mother and says, "I demand to know what that was about!" and Serenity – I – yell at him saying he should respect Mother.
"Then the Queen says that it's time to make the announcement and I agree. And she stands up, saying: "On this day of Princess Serenity's seventeenth birthday, I have an announcement to make. It is time to tell you people of the royal court and beyond that Serenity's true betrothed lives. As long as he comes forward, or gets to the palace, by Serenity's twenty-first birthday they shall be wed. Otherwise, Serenity shall marry Endymion." And then we passed out."
Rei was in deep thought. Every premonition she had ever had about their past lives had always been played out in their present life. Was this one of those times? 'No, it can't be. Mamoru isn't here...' but her subconscious told her that he didn't need to be.
"Rei. What are you thinking?"
"I'm thinking... that this is going to happen. Not the exactly the same... but just think about it. Every single time I have had a premonition from our past, it had played out in your current lives. This one won't be any different. Your seventeen now... the only thing that is needed to make everything come together is your mother and the Elysion prince. Whomever that may be."
"Who do you think it is?" Usagi asked.
"I don't know, Usagi. I honestly don't know..." Rei said. She looked at the fire dejectedly, "and I doubt that the fire will tell me." She got up and walked away towards the springs. She desperately needed a bath after all the work she had been through that day.
"But I love Hiiro... if we find the Prince of Elysion then I'll have to be with him..." Usagi sighed, "my life is full of duty and never full of love."
"So Hiiro is the one she loves. Then Hiiro is the one she shall have." A male's voice said like the wind through the trees.
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o_o Oh, my God, I finished the chapter. Isn't that amazing? I would've posted it right away but the main server in my region is down for some stupid-ass reason and I can't get online to post it. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Not much happened, but hopefully the next chapter will be the last, or the one after that. I don't want this to be too long! Bye!
-Ema
P.S. You all should go download the Ska version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," it's so cool. :D