Dreams plagued her sleep. But they weren't the nightmares of her youth. These were new dreams different dreams, dreams that would change her life. In this new dream she was what she once was eleven years ago before the aliens came to Earth and change the lives of her father, her twin brother, and even her own life. For in this dream she was complete once again. In this dream she once again had the tail of her youth. Something she hadn't had since her sensei had removed it along with her brother's as a precaution right before he blew up the moon and ever since she had felt incomplete.

Not only did she have her tail once again she was wearing a long white gown accented in gold at the bodice with small cap sleeves that puffed out at the shoulders. She was standing on a balcony waiting for someone. It was night for there was a beautiful star filled sky above her. As she stood on the balcony she could hear the sound of boots connecting with its stone surface. Soon strong gentle hands took hers in theirs and her tail instinctively wrapped around one of the wrists.

His face was hidden by the shadows or she just couldn't remember what it looked like but she could hear his voice. It was kind and gentle that she was sure of and when he spoke it was as though all the worries and problems they had would melt away.

"I'm glad I could see you one more time." He said to her.

"I wish you didn't have to go." She replied.

Even though she couldn't see his face she could tell he was worried when she looked up at him.

"You know I have to do this. My people need me with them to help protect them." He said.

"I know it's just that the thought of you not being here hurts so much." She replied fighting back the tears that were building in her eyes.

The hand she wasn't holding onto with her tail came up to tenderly stroke her cheek with his strong calloused thumb.

"Don't worry I will return to you one day very soon." He told her.

With that she uncoiled her tail from his other wrist and wrapped it around her waist as she watched the man she loved more than anything in the world walk away from the balcony. And as the dream ended she gently rolled from her side to her back and let the dreamless sleep of night carry her through the rest of the night until morning.

********

Nephlite stood before his queen letting the images play themselves out. In every one Sailor Moon was battling the youma the Dark Kingdom sent to Earth to gather energy. And in almost every scene Tuxedo Mask had come to her rescue with his roses and words of encouragement. And after he had arrived Sailor Moon would do away with the youma.

"It is my belief Tuxedo Mask is the one weakness Sailor Moon has." Nephlite began, "I will use that to my advantage and trap Sailor Moon."

"And how do you plan to do that?" Beryl wanted to know.

"I will disguise myself as Tuxedo Mask and flush out Sailor Moon and then do away with her forever." The general explained to his queen.

Beryl let a sneer slip across her thin lips before responding to Nephlite's plan.

"Good go and carry out your plan. And see to it that you do not fail me." Beryl said.

"Yes my queen." Nephlite replied with a bow just before he exited via a dark portal.

********

Guardians of the Earth
Episode Seven: The Love Letter

********

Usagi walked back to Kinmoko Hall after another day of learning at Juban Prep. During the day Usagi had to set straight rumors floating around the school about her and Umino going on a date. Umino kept telling everyone he saw that he and Usagi had ice cream in the park and then took a romantic walk together. In all reality it was Usagi who dragged Umino to the ice cream cart and then it was Umino dragging Usagi off to show her his favorite parts of the park. In other words they saw a great butterfly garden and one of the better places to find caterpillars and ladybugs.

Usagi didn't mind the walk but she didn't think Umino would tell everyone all about their day together. Usagi had never said they were on a date but Umino thought otherwise. Now all Usagi wanted to do was check her mailbox and get down to some serious training. There was still the little mystery as to why she hadn't gone Super Saiyan yet and Usagi was determined to do whatever it took to break that barrier. What was supposed to happen in the Time and Space chamber never took place and ever since then Usagi had been trying to compensate for that little fact.

Walking into the lobby of her dorm Usagi went over to the mailboxes and opened the one assigned to her and Ami. Looking inside Usagi saw a small stack of envelopes and a slip of paper saying there was a package for one of them in the dorm director's room. Usagi thought about what the package might contain and hoped it was the capsules with the items she had asked Bulma to make for her. Going over to Kimiko's little studio apartment Usagi knocked on the door and waited.

Kimiko opened the door and greeted Usagi with a smile. It was obvious to the female Saiyan that the dorm director had just returned from her office. The older woman was dressed in a modest garnet red suit and had on a pair of thick comfortable white slippers on her feet. In the background the sound of violin music could be heard coming from the small stereo in the room.

"Usagi how can I help you?" Kimiko asked the younger female.

"I got this note saying there's a package for Ami or me here in our box." Usagi replied.

Kimiko smiled at the younger woman and motioned for her to come into the studio apartment.

"Come on in and I'll get it for you." Kimiko said.

Usagi walked into the small apartment and began leafing through the envelopes from her mailbox. There was a letter addressed to Ami from her family, a letter from one of Ami's friends back in Nerima, a letter from Tuxedo Mask to Sailor Moon, a letter from Chichi that looked like Goten had decorated the outside, and a letter from Krillin and Juuhachigou. Usagi knew there would be a new picture of Marion in there. If Juu-chan didn't put one in then Krillin more than likely would have.

Kimiko returned from the other room with the small box that was for either Usagi or Ami. Handing the box to Usagi the female Saiyan saw that it was the package she was expecting from Bulma. The new capsules containing the training equipment, items her friends could use, and a little surprise Bulma had thrown in were just what Usagi needed to take her mind off of the events of the day. Hopefully Bulma would include a letter and a new photo of Trunks in the box as well.

"Alright! I was wondering when this would get here." Usagi said excitedly.

"Mind if I ask you what's in the box?" Kimiko inquired.

"Just a few things a friend from home sent me. She encapsulated them in some handy Hoi Poi capsules for easy transport. That's why the box is small." Usagi told her.

"Well I hope you get a lot of good use out of them." Kimiko commented.

"Oh I plan to." Usagi replied with a huge smile.

With that Usagi said her goodbyes and headed up to her room to check out the contents of the capsules and read her letters. Knowing Krillin there would probably be a good story or two about Muten Roshi and his demented little hobbies. Usagi let a big happy smile come across her face as she walked down the hall to her room. Opening the door she saw Luna napping on her bed.

"Wake up sleepyhead we got mail today." Usagi said as she put her bag on her desk and separated Ami's mail from hers.

Luna woke with a yawn and a stretch and looked over at her charge noticing the box and three envelopes she had in her hands. Curiosity being a requirement for all felines Luna wondered whom Usagi had received the mail from.

"Who wrote to you Usagi?" Luna wondered.

"Bulma sent the box and I got letters from my mom, Krillin, and Tuxedo Mask." Usagi replied.

Luna's ears perked up when Usagi mentioned that one of the letters had come from Tuxedo Mask. The lunar feline began to wonder if the tuxedo clad warrior knew who the Senshi really were. And if the letter weren't really from him and from the enemy instead then they would be in real danger.

"Why would Tuxedo Mask send you a letter?" Luna inquired.

"I really don't know why but we'll find out soon enough." Usagi said, "But first I want to see what Bulma sent me. Hopefully she included a new picture of Trunks in there."

Opening the box from Bulma Usagi dug through the strips of recycled newsprint and pulled out three capsules marked one, two, and three with a blue band around them to distinguish them from the red band set Usagi had in her capsule case. Included with the capsules was an envelope from Bulma's personal stationary set. The paper was in her usual color a nice light violet that matched the color of her father's hair. Usagi opened the envelope and pulled out a letter and a photo from Bulma.

"She did include a picture with her letter." Usagi said happily.

"What does she have to say?" Luna asked as she sat next to Usagi so she could see the letter.

Usagi unfolded the two-page letter and began to read it to Luna.

"Dear Usagi, it certainly was nice to hear from you. I'm glad to hear everything is going good at school and that you've made some new friends. When you said you were teaching your new friend Ranma the Kamesennin method I laughed when I pictured a young man in Chinese clothes running around Tokyo with your father's shell on his back. But it is good to know you have him out helping in the community.

"When you mentioned you wanted some Chinese styled weighted shirts for him I immediately took up the challenge. It was hard work but I hope he likes the results. And speaking of challenges I was thrilled to be working with micro circuitries again. The small circuits are always fun to work with and those communicators you asked for are full of them. I hope your other friends like them. Just promise me you won't use them during your classes. Your mother would have my head if she found out.

"Speaking of your family your father seems to stop by with Goten an awful lot lately. I think he misses you too much. He spends all his time sparing with Vegeta while Trunks and Goten play with all of Trunks's toys. If those two aren't playing card games or board games then they're trying to squirt each other with water guns or they're playing police detectives with Trunks's detective set and walkie-talkies. Those two sure are the best of friends.

"Enclosed in the box along with this letter and the latest picture of Trunks are three capsules. Capsule one contains the training equipment you wanted. Capsule two contains the weighted shirts and the communicators. And capsule three is a little surprise I cooked up for you. I know how much you like surprises. Well I have to be going Vegeta and I are going to a big fancy reception and I have to convince the baka to wear a tuxedo. Wish me luck Usagi. Write me soon. Your friend always, Bulma."

Luna looked up at her charge with a look of pride in her eyes. Usagi was taking things seriously and had actually thought of a way for the Senshi to keep in contact with each other.

"I'm proud of you Usagi. You took the initiative to find a way for you girls to let each other know when a youma is attacking." Luna said.

"I knew Bulma would be the one to ask for communicators she's a real techno whiz." Usagi replied with a smile as she pulled out the number two capsule.

Usagi pressed the activation button on the top of the capsule and dropped it to the ground. With a small puff of smoke the capsule opened to reveal a carry-on sized case. Upon opening the case Usagi and Luna saw that it contained four simple Chinese styled shirts. One was red with long sleeves and black knotted buttons. One was blue with no sleeves and white knotted buttons. Another was white with short sleeves and gold accents. And the last was a sleeveless dark green one with matching buttons. The material the shirts were made out of was silky and light but at the same time added to one's own body weight. Next to the shirts in the case were three small pink communicators that resembled calculators. Each one had a tiny circular view screen and buttons that would allow the user to be able to contact the other Senshi.

"Wow Bulma certainly outdid herself this time." Usagi commented.

"Those communicators will come in handy. And I must say she is quite talented in the clothing department as well. Those tops are exquisite." Luna added.

"Yeah I can't wait to see what Ranma says when I show him these." Usagi said.

Usagi decided to close the case and put it back in its capsule. When the case was properly encapsulated Usagi decided to see what the letter from Tuxedo Mask had to say. Upon opening the envelope Usagi saw a simple one-page note on a sheet of clean crisp white linen paper.

"Sailor Moon, meet me tomorrow at midnight at the MS department store. Please come alone. Yours truly, Tuxedo Mask." Usagi read.

"I wonder how he knew where to send the letter?" Luna asked Usagi.

"You know Luna I was thinking the same thing." Usagi replied.

********

Usagi woke earlier than usual the next morning. She was eager to get to the quad and give Ranma the good news before checking out the training equipment and the surprise Bulma had sent her. Today would be the day she would reclaim the memory of her father's childhood and give Ranma his new weighted clothes. Ranma was graduating the Kamesennin School of training. The time had come to introduce Ranma to the sensation known as Ki. He was finally ready.

I still can't believe someone who has never trained in the use of Ki could be as strong as Krillin, Yamcha, and Tien were when I first met them Usagi thought as she tied the black belt to her training clothes. The mystery of how Ranma had gotten as strong as he did had been plaguing Usagi's mind ever since the day she had met him. One theory she had was that his strength and speed were somehow enhanced when he received the curse from Jusenkyo. But she'd have to actually see the springs in order to find out if that theory was correct. Well she'd at least have to meet guide who lived there to hear the tale of the girl who fell in the spring Ranma was cursed by. There had to be something special about the girl Ranma was cursed to resemble. If only he and his father had actually stopped to listen to that story.

Usagi walked out onto the quad clutching onto the three small blue-banded capsules. She knew what the first two capsules contained but she still hadn't figured out what could be in the third capsule. And knowing Bulma the third capsule could contain practically anything. Usagi couldn't wait to see what extra little something Bulma had sent her.

Out in the middle of the quad Usagi could see Ranma working through a difficult kata as the early morning rays of sunlight spread through the school grounds. The orange shell matched the glow of the sunrise perfectly and didn't seem to slow Ranma down one bit. When the kata was over Usagi gave Ranma a small round of applause announcing her arrival.

"Gee I didn't know I had attracted an audience." Ranma said with a slight blush.

"Ranma my boy today is a big day for you." Usagi announced.

"In what way?" Ranma wanted to know.

"The volunteer work is over with unless you want to continue with it. And you no longer have to wear the turtle shell. I have something better for you." Usagi told him as she pulled out blue capsule number two from her pocket.

With a quick click and toss the capsule opened in the customary puff of smoke revealing the case containing the shirts and communicators Bulma had made at her request.

"Ranma in this case is something that will allow you to train in style." Usagi said with a goofy grin on her face.

Ranma opened the case and saw the four Chinese styled shirts neatly folded inside. Taking out the shirt on top Ranma noticed the material had a bit of heft to it.

"Looks like someone knows my tastes pretty well. But why'd you do this?" Ranma said.

"Because you get a lot stronger when you wear weighted training clothes. Even I wear them when I train. And the longer you wear them the stronger you'll get. Besides I noticed that you only wear Chinese inspired clothes outside of school." Usagi explained.

After Ranma checked out the shirts and changed out of the shell into the sleeveless blue shirt Usagi encapsulated the case and decided to check out what was in capsule three. The capsule was opened with a puff of smoke to reveal a perfect looking red capsule bike. Usagi got a look of pure excitement on her face when she saw the large red bike. The futuristic aerodynamic racing bike with its large front end, working machine guns, and rear positioned seat was an item that sat unused in Bulma's collection of vehicles for quite some time. Usagi had often checked out the bike wishing it could be hers. And now it seemed Bulma had fulfilled that wish. Usagi loved flying but she loved riding Bulma's capsule bikes even more. Now she would be able to ride whenever she wished.

"Cool Bulma gave me one of her bikes." Usagi said as she encapsulated the bike once again.

"That was an interesting looking bike." Ranma commented, "What's in that last capsule?"

"Some training equipment I asked Bulma to send me." Usagi replied as the last capsule opened with the customary puff of smoke.

The capsule opened to reveal four training bots designed to help with speed training. Each bot held at least a hundred cue ball sized lead balls that could be shot at an individual at a high rate of speed. The balls weighed enough so they stung like the dickens and left quite a mark when a person was hit by one of them. The objective was to not be hit and the bots could be programmed for increased speeds to continually challenge the person using them. Usagi figured Ranma might benefit from some time training with them to help his leg power.

"That's training equipment?" Ranma inquired when he took a look at the bots.

"Those are Bulma's specially made bots for speed training. They help you get faster by making you avoid getting hit by weighted led balls. And as you progress the bots can be set to a higher speed." Usagi explained as she began setting the controls on the bots.

When the controls had been set both Usagi and Ranma spent the remainder of the morning before breakfast training with the bots. And after the workout was over with Usagi prepared to face another day of school hoping the midnight hour would come fast.

********

Usagi got to class ten minutes before the first bell was to ring. As she walked into the classroom Usagi could see most of the girls in her homeroom huddled together with small pink envelopes in their hands. Usagi immediately recognized the envelopes as the exact same type of envelope her letter from Tuxedo Mask had arrived in the day before. Upon seeing the envelopes her heart began to sink a bit at the realization that she was not the only one who received a letter from the dapper defender.

"What's that?" Usagi asked Naru pointing to the letter in her friend's hand.

"It's a letter I received yesterday from some guy calling himself Tuxedo Mask." Naru said.

"Yeah I got the same letter yesterday too." Momoko added.

As Usagi looked at the girls she remembered Ami didn't receive a letter from Tuxedo Mask. She found it odd that all the girls in her homeroom received one except for Ami. Maybe whoever Tuxedo Mask really was knew someone like Ami wouldn't have time to get caught up in romance.

"Did all of you get a letter from Tuxedo Mask?" Usagi asked the girls.

The girls replied with a nod or the occasional yes and mm-hmm affirming what was already running through Usagi's mind, Tuxedo Mask had no clue as to who Sailor Moon really was.

"You know this letter is probably a big hoax." Hikari commented.

"Yeah I mean who would even think of calling themselves Tuxedo Mask anyway. And meeting him at the MS department store at midnight that's plain crazy." Momoko added.

"Well I just know that my dream guy sent this out because he didn't know where I lived." Naru told the girls in the group.
"Just because you saw that millionaire playboy over the weekend at that charity tennis tournament your cousin was in you think he's hot stuff." A girl named Seika said.

It was at that point that Haruna-sensei came into the room to begin the class for the day. And as Usagi took her seat between Naru and Ami she silently decided to keep a watch on her friend so she didn't do anything foolish or get hurt because of a phony letter.

********

The MS department store was the Macys, Nordstrom's, Field's, and Harrods of Tokyo. The large six-story store carried the finest in designer clothes and other items from Japan and the western countries especially France, England, and America. American designers were big in Japan and people like Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger were popular not only for their clothing but their household items as well.

It seemed everyone and their grandmother came to the MS Department Store on this particular day and Sanjouin Masato was no exception. The tall chestnut haired millionaire playboy had come to the MS to scope out a good location for his midnight rendezvous with Sailor Moon. The lanky man stood on the main floor watching people come in and out of the front door to the department store. Mostly though, he was watching the young high school aged girls. Sanjouin Masato was waiting for the girl who was Sailor Moon to walk through those doors. For in his mind only Sailor Moon would respond to a letter from Tuxedo Mask. At least that's what he was hoping for.

Usagi had also gone to the MS Department Store to check out the rendezvous point for that evening. If the letter from Tuxedo Mask were the real deal then she would have nothing to worry about. But if it was a hoax then she had better know the layout of the store just in case she would have to fight that night. Usagi was determined to see this thing through to the end.

As Usagi stood amongst the rows of handbags and other ladies accessories she noticed the lanky millionaire playboy from the school tennis courts standing near the store's indoor water fountain. Pretending to look at the small bags and packs Usagi watched as the millionaire playboy checked out every girl that passed him by but it was one girl in particular that caught her eye, one Osaka Naru.

Usagi watched as Naru saw Sanjouin Masato standing by the fountain. Getting a better vantage point Usagi saw Naru walk over to the millionaire playboy and engage in a conversation with him. The female Demi-Saiyan was glad she had inherited her father's heightened hearing and if she concentrated enough she would be able to hear their entire conversation. Giving Naru the once over Usagi noticed she still had the little pink envelope from the person claiming to be Tuxedo Mask clutched in her hands as though it was the only thing between her and death.

"Oh hi Sanjouin-san I thought I recognized you." Naru said beginning the conversation.

Masato looked Naru over before replying to her and saw the envelope in her hands. He remembered seeing her before a couple of times and recalled her name.

"You're Osaka Naru the ball girl at the charity tennis tournament last weekend." Masato said.
"You remember me." Naru replied.

"Yes I do. We talked for some time between matches and you told me your mother runs a jewelry store in the Mintako ward." Masato told her recalling a prior conversation.

"So what brings you to the MS?" Naru wondered.

"I'm doing a bit of people watching and some purchasing of items I need for my lavish home." he replied giving her only half of the story, "Why are you here?"

"I like to come here and look at all the wonderful clothes. I rarely buy anything but I love to try things on when I'm here." Naru told him.

Masato could tell Naru was developing a crush on him from the way she kept looking at him. And from her hiding place amongst the handbags Usagi could see the same thing. Naru was acting the same way she did when she was around Mirai Trunks. This had Usagi quite concerned.

"Well I have to be going now." Masato said to Naru.

"Okay. I'll see you again sometime." Naru replied as he got up to leave.

Usagi watched the expression on Naru's face as Sanjouin Masato left the fountain. She could tell her friend was wishing he was Tuxedo Mask and letter he sent was meant for her and her alone.

"I wish Sanjouin-san was Tuxedo Mask." Usagi heard Naru say to herself.

Usagi was definitely going to have to come to the MS department store now. Because she knew Naru was going to do exactly what that letter said.

********

Usagi was restless the rest of the day. She had plodded through her studies and mentioned the letters all the girls in class had that morning to Luna and Ami. And upon hearing that almost everyone had received a letter from Tuxedo Mask both Usagi's roommate and guardian had advised her not to go running off to the MS Department Store. They were both concerned that it might be a trap set by the Dark Kingdom but Usagi had reassured them she had survived worse situations.

It wasn't easy but Usagi had managed to convince Luna and Ami that she could handle most any situations she found herself in. The lunar feline didn't like the idea of her charge rushing off into the unknown but she had enough trust and faith in Usagi that she wouldn't stop the female Saiyan if she did go. And as the midnight hour approached Usagi prepared for what may or may not be a romantic rendezvous with the man of her dreams.

Slipping on a dark blue sleeveless turtleneck, a pair of loose tan pants, and her usual moccasin boots Usagi was prepared for either a romantic evening or a serious battle. Climbing out the window and onto the large branch she used to blast off from Usagi headed off towards the department store. Flying above the city Usagi hoped and prayed Naru wouldn't show up at the store.

Usagi landed by the front door of MS Department Store and took a quick glance up at clock on the corner of the street seeing that it was five minutes until midnight. And as she tried to come up with a plan of attack Usagi saw Naru heading towards the store out of the corner of her eye. The female Saiyan silently cursed herself over the fact that her friend was walking into danger. Usagi had to get into the store and fast before Naru and the man claiming to be Tuxedo Mask even saw her. Going to the front door Usagi found much to her surprise that it had been left unlocked. Once inside she could watch everything.

Usagi saw him standing in front of the fountain in the exact same place Sanjouin Masato was standing earlier that afternoon. He was dressed in the familiar black tuxedo, cape, top hat, and white mask worn by Tuxedo Mask but the long chestnut hair had given him away. The man waiting for Sailor Moon was not Tuxedo Mask this was Sanjouin Masato or better yet Nephlite general of the Dark Kingdom. Usagi now knew that the two men were one in the same and Naru was walking into some serious danger.

Naru saw the man in the tuxedo standing by the fountain. One look at him and she knew right away he was Sanjouin Masato. What she didn't know was that he was also Nephlite general for the Dark Kingdom. Naru had no clue as to the real reason why he was in the MS Department Store. All she knew was that he was dressed in a tuxedo and was at the right place at the right time.

"I was right. I knew you were the one who sent me the letter." Naru said.

Nephlite couldn't tell of the girl was Sailor Moon but he couldn't waist the opportunity to gather energy for the Dark Kingdom. The young girl was just begging to be tapped into by showing up at the store. And if it turned out the girl wasn't Sailor Moon he would at least have something to show for all his trouble. Turning to girl Nephlite decided to use his tuxedo guise to his advantage and play out the hand that was dealt to him.

"I was hoping you'd show up." Nephlite said to her.

"Why are you dressed as Tuxedo Mask?" Naru wanted to know.

"It would be more romantic this way. All the American stories talk about the dashing romantic hero in a mask and cape. I wanted to be that hero." Nephlite replied, "Why don't you come here so I can get a better look at you."

Stepping into the light streaming down from the large skylights above the fountain Naru was fully visible to the Dark Kingdom general. One look at the girl and Nephlite knew she wasn't Sailor Moon. Angry at the direction things were headed in Nephlite confronted the girl he had spoken to earlier that day.

"You're not Sailor Moon!" He sneered as he leapt for the girl.

The figure Nephlite made in his cape and mask as he went for Naru terrified the schoolgirl to the point where she screamed for dear life. Naru's energy was being sucked away from her.

"No but I am!" a voice called out from the shadows.

Nephlite looked in the direction of the voice and saw the familiar outline of the defender of justice who had so many times before foiled the plans of the Dark Kingdom. Jumping into the light was none other than Sailor Moon herself.

"I am the sailor suited soldier Sailor Moon. And in the name of the moon I shall punish you." Sailor Moon said forgoing the hand gestures.

Nephlite dropped Naru like a wet rag and called forth his latest youma.

"Come forth Aki and destroy the moon brat!" Nephlite commanded as he transformed back into his Dark Kingdom uniform.

The youma like all prior youma was female only this time she had pale lavender skin with two small catlike ears, a long tail, and dark pink hair done up in a high ponytail that had three braids coming from it. The eyes of the youma were a cold steel gray that seemed to bore through Sailor Moon's very soul.

Aki stared down Sailor Moon and watched as the female Saiyan immediately got herself in a defensive position. Underestimating Sailor Moon's ability greatly Aki gathered up her energy and prepared to send a blast of dark energy towards the Demi-Saiyan. Sailor Moon could feel the slight rise in her power level and knew the youma would try and blast her with an attack.

"Black Flame!" Aki called out sending the dark blast towards Sailor Moon.

Sailor Moon stood her ground and let the attack overtake her. Both Nephlite and Aki thought they had finished off the female Saiyan but when the dark attack had dissipated Sailor Moon stood before them with not a single scratch upon her body. It was at that point Nephlite knew that Sailor Moon was stronger than she seemed. The dark general decided to leave the department store via a convenient portal and leave Aki to do her job.

Sailor Moon took use of the momentary lapse in the action and decided to send her tiara at the youma. Placing her thumb and forefinger on the stone in her tiara Sailor Moon powered up for her signature attack.

"Moon Tiara Magic!" she called out sending the Ki charged disk at the youma.

But the tiara was ineffective against Aki. The youma was able to bat it away as though it was nothing. Sailor Moon knew she had to come up with another plan of attack and fast. Aki sent another blast of her dark fire towards Sailor Moon who easily blocked it while she tried to come up with her next move. But before either combatant could make a move a red streak flashed across the battle scene leaving a perfectly timed perfect red rose imbedded in the marble floor. Looking in the direction the flower came from Sailor Moon saw Tuxedo Mask standing atop one of the large central display shelves behind the perfume and makeup counters.

"Sailor Moon not every youma can be defeated with your tiara. You must use every ability you have in order to defeat her. Remember you are a lot stronger than you may think." Tuxedo Mask said.

Sailor Moon knew Tuxedo Mask was right. They were the same words her father had said to her and Gohan many times when they were growing up. What he said was absolutely true and it had been a while since she had heard those words spoken to her. She just needed to hear them one more time.

Knowing now what she had to do Sailor Moon powered up for one of her lesser blasts. If she used a kameha meha wave it would more than likely destroy the entire store and that was something Sailor Moon did not want to do. A simple well-placed masenko would be more than sufficient to do away with the catlike youma. Raising her hands Sailor Moon let the Ki build up in her hands for the final blast.

"Masenko-ha!" Sailor Moon cried out as she let the blast escape her hands.

The blast of pure Ki tore through the body of the youma disintegrating her and turning her into a pile of dust. With the youma defeated Sailor Moon could now focus on her fallen friend.

"Good job Sailor Moon." Tuxedo Mask said, "You'd better get that girl home and into bed."

"You read my mind Tuxedo Mask. I was just thinking the same thing." Sailor Moon replied as she picked up Naru and cradled her in her arms.

"Until next time." Tuxedo Mask said with a small two-fingered salute before leaving the store.

With that Sailor Moon walked out the main door of the department store and blasted off into the sky to return Naru to her bedroom.

********

Tuxedo Mask was headed in the direction of the apartment building where Chiba Mamoru lived. He knew he had to get there but he didn't know why. All he knew was that the moment he stepped into the apartment he blacked out. But this time fate had decided to deal Tuxedo Mask and Chiba Mamoru a different hand. It was time the college student and the dapper defender became one in the same. It was time Chiba Mamoru knew who he really was. And with that the blackout that changed Tuxedo Mask into Chiba Mamoru never came. Instead a massive headache swept over the tuxedo-clad warrior as he transformed back into Chiba Mamoru. Clutching his head Tuxedo Mask fell to his knees in pain.

"I'm Tuxedo Mask." Mamoru said in disbelief as he noticed a rose in his coat pocket that hadn't been there before.

********

Nephlite stood once more before his queen. He had failed her in his mission to destroy Sailor Moon but the mission wasn't a complete bust. He had managed to gather quite a large amount of energy from the lovesick girl who worshiped Sanjouin Masato. Osaka Naru possessed a vast amount of energy and she would be the perfect person to tap into again if needed.

"You've failed me once again Nephlite." Beryl sneered, "But somehow you managed to gather energy for our great leader and for that I will not punish you. Don't expect me to be this lenient with you in the future though."

With a bow of his head Nephlite responded to his queen's reprimand.

"I understand my queen. I promise you I will not fail you again." Nephlite promised her.

"See that you don't." Beryl warned.

From off in the shadows of the large throne room Nephlite's constant tormentor Zoicite used this opportunity to tease the lanky general.

"Once a failure always a failure. If I were in charge of this mission there would be no failures." The effeminate general commented.

"You won't even get the chance." Nephlite returned.

"Don't be too sure of that." Zoicite commented with a demented smirk upon his face.

The time had come for fate to deal the Dark Kingdom a new hand.

********

I have returned! And with that I give you a new chapter for your reading pleasure. I hope all of you had a pleasant fourth, I know I did. This whole I can't find my notes thing is turning out to be good for me it forces me to work that imagination. Anyhoo for those of you who want to see some DBZ characters join the fray don't worry they'll show up. I just haven't gotten to the point where we need them yet. Oh and some more Ranma characters will show up in this story too. I do have plans for the meddling fathers to make a surprise visit to their pride and joys a bit later on so be on the lookout.

Now I must explain a few things. For those of you wondering what the bike Bulma gave Usagi looks like just go to any Dragonball image gallery and find a picture of a younger Bulma riding on a drab green motorcycle with the aforementioned machine guns. Usagi's bike is that exact same one only in red. The department store in this episode actually appeared in the original love letter episode of Sailor Moon. I decided to take a creative license and base it on an actual department store. The look of the store was based on the flagship store for the Marshall Field's chain of department stores in Chicago. The fountain and clock do exist along with the skylights above the central part of the store. If you're ever in Chicago I highly recommend you check it out.

Now that Nephlite has tapped into the never ending well of energy known as Naru what's up next for our heroes? The girls are going to start the search for the Imperium Silver Crystal. The Dark Kingdom sets their sights on a reception for Princess Dia. And it looks as though Naru will be attending that reception. Find out what will happen in episode eight The Bell of the Ball.