Chapter Seven
Usagi grunted, as she ducked behind a tree. She looked out, noting where the youma was heading. She pulled out her brooch, and transformed into Eternal Sailor Moon.
She didn't care, what Haruka said. She had been out for four weeks, that last time she got hurt. And this recent time, she had only sprained her wrist, which was a week ago. She didn't need her wrist, in order to fight.
She jumped out, and called out, "Hey, you two faced youma, why don't you take me on!"
The youma turned both heads, and both licked their lips. Usagi nearly gagged, when saliva dripped from their mouths, falling onto the ground.
She shuddered, as the youma laughed, and took a step towards her. The youma resembled a two-headed bull that walked on its hind legs. The youma snorted, and rushed towards her. Waiting for the last second, she leaped into the air, doing a flip, and landed on her butt a few feet away. She climbed to her feet, digging her white boots into the pavement.
She bit her lip, and grabbed her tiara, throwing it out, to distract it. The youma dodge, landing on its feet, only to leap up into the air. Usagi watched, as the tiara came back, slicing the youma in half.
Using her wings, she flew up into the sky. She pulled out her staff, ready to finish battle. She clenched her jaw tight, trying to ignore the ache in wrist, as she lifted the staff out in front of her.
"Not so fast Sailor Brat." Usagi looked down, and saw the youma split in two, and the second one, vanished, in a haze of colors. Something hit her from behind, and she cried out, falling down. She hit the ground, creating a crater. She groaned, using her hands to push herself up. It was then, she realized, her staff was gone.
She pushed herself to her feet, and looked up. "Damn you." The two youmas glared down at her, red eyes glowing with power. The first one smirked, "Only repaying you for what you and your little bratty friends did to our master." The second one snickered, crossing its arms over its chest. "You brats ruined our master's plan. So now we ruin you!"
Usagi stood on weak legs, as she stared up at the two identical youmas. She never imagined this happening. She reached into her sub space pocket, and grabbed her communicator; she had no choice.
Both youmas opened their mouths, and a beam shout out, and linked together, before flying down towards her with increasing speed.
A shadow flew over the battle, and a creature swooped down, two strong arms grabbing Usagi, and the wings blocked the attack meant for her.
"What is that?"
The second youma scowled, and shouted, "Who are you?"
Usagi opened her eyes, and stared at the face of a large youma. Her heart froze in her chest, and she lost all feeling, as her body went numb with fright.
She stared into its bright blue eyes, which were surrounded by a back sharp edge mask of some sort. It had a pointy chin, a long straight nose, and bat like wing horns on the top of it head. A red body, covered with black like armor on its thighs, arms and wings that protected her.
It's claws dug into the pavement, shattering it like glass. Its arms were gentle; they didn't hold her too tight, or in a threatening manner.
"Wha...what are you?"
With a deep voice, it replied, "A guardian."
Usagi watched, as it pulled away from her, and spread out its wings. It flew up into the air with great speed, and disappeared in the clouds.
The youmas frowned, "Damn thing blocked our attack."
Then suddenly, a giant black ball shaped like the full moon appeared in the sky. The three on the ground, watched as the same creature from before slowly slide out. Its wings rose up over its head, and its arm raised high. "Dark Messenger." Energy gathered in its hand, falling from the dark circle in the sky.
With a powerful thrust, the creature brought down its arm, and a ball of dark energy shot down, only to envelop the twin youmas. Usagi heard them scream, and watched as the smoke cleared. Nothing was left behind, but a fine pile of dust.
Haruka found her staring at the spot, where the youmas had died. "Kami bachiatara Koneko chan!" Usagi looked at her startled, "Uranus?"
The dark blue senshi took Usagi by the shoulders, and shook her. "Didn't Pluto and I tell you not to fight? Didn't we? You go on saying, that we don't trust you! But you don't give a rat's ass what we say. How can we trust you, when you don't trust us?"
Usagi blinked, looking around, "I..." Haruka shook her head, "Iie Usagi, I'm pissed. I told you not to fight, and you did anyway. As your guardian, I'm left with no choice, but to take away your brooch."
Usagi jerked back, her eyes wide, "iie. Uranus you can't." Haruka took a threatening step forward, "hime, you scared the hell out of me, and Neptune today. Our communicator went off, and we saw nothing but static. And then I come here, and find you staring at the ground, pale, and sick looking. What the hell am I supposed to think?"
Usagi felt the tears sting her eyes.
Haruka continued, "I thought you were injured. I ran from the other side of Tokyo to get here. And here I am, and I find you transformed, messed up from fighting, and you look like you had the kuso scared out of you."
Usagi looked at her brooch, "Uranus, I fought, because I chose to." She looked up at the taller woman. "It's my right to fight. You, and the other senshi fight, to protect me, and this planet. I'm going to fight, to protect this universe, even if it means my life."
Haruka stared at her hime, "fine, I guess I can't stop you, but you have to promise me something now Koneko chan." Usagi nodded, dignity forcing her to stare her fellow senshi in the eye. Haruka ruffled her hair, "None of this lone crap okay. When there's a battle, you call, got it."
Usagi smiled, and leaped into the older woman's arms hugging her, "hai Uranus. I promise."
Haruka nodded, as she stared over Usagi's head, at the spot where Usagi had been standing. Something had shattered the ground around it. "Lets go, Neptune's most likely pulling out her hair with worry."
Usagi chuckled, and nodded, "Alright."
?????
Minako tugged on Usagi's arm, "Oh come on Usa chan." Usagi whined, "But I don't want to go to the track and watch the guys run the mile."
Minako rolled her eyes, and pulled the girl from the front of the school, to the back, where the track was. The guys were lining up, with their PE sensei calling out names. Minako let Usagi go, and ran up the bleachers, finding a seat, and patted the spot next to her. Usagi sighed, and sluggishly climbed the bleachers, and sat next to her energetic blonde friend.
She scanned the group of guy on the track, and saw someone she recognized. "Minako, are we here to see Squall run the mile?"
Minako's eyes lit up, and she nodded eagerly. Usagi groaned, "Mina chan, are you crazy? You want to watch the guy you like get all sweaty, and tired?"
Minako nodded again, before she looked away from Usagi, and back out at the track. Suddenly, the young men lined up at the white line, took off running down the track. Minako leaped to her feet, and shouted, "GO Squall!!!!!!"
Usagi covered her face with embarrassment. She shook her head, and muttered, "I'm not here, I am not here." Minako jumped up and down with excitement, "All right!!!!!" Usagi looked, to see Squall come out from third, and hurry to second. Minako squealed again, causing Usagi to wince.
Minako looked down, "Isn't this exciting?" Usagi rolled her eyes, "oh hai Mina chan, just a thrill." Minako grinned, and grabbed her best friend's arm, pulling Usagi to her feet. "Cheer for him Usagi."
Usagi muttered under her breath with a roll of her eyes, "Go Squall."
Minako slapped her upside the head, "Don't be so pathetic Usagi. Scream. He'll do better with cheering."
Usagi pouted, "but you're the cheerleader." Minako nodded, "Hai I know I am, and I need your help, to give him the support he needs." Usagi frowned, "he's just running the mile for class."
Minako shrug, "So..." she looked out at the track, and Usagi followed her gaze. Squall was still in second, another young man from their class, in first. The rest of the class was way behind. Usagi glanced at her watch. They were on the third lap already, and only tree minutes, and fifteen seconds had gone by.
Suddenly, Minako grabbed her arm, raising it up, and shouted, "GO SQUALL!!!!!!" Usagi went beat red, and she fought to free her arm. "Mina chan let me go!"
Minako jumped around, cheering, while holding Usagi's arm. Usagi watched as Squall got a burst of speed, and went to first place, crossing the finish line. She shouted over Minako's cheers, "I swear Mina chan, if you don't let me go, I'll never talk..."
Her words were cut off, when she was suddenly jerked forward down the bleachers. Minako finally let her go, on the last row, but left Usagi off balance. She twisted around in her attempt to stop falling over. She let out a shriek when, as she started leaning backwards, her arms flailing to regain balance. "Mina chan!!!!!"
Minako to excited to hear Usagi's distressed wails, shouted, and cheered, as Squall came to a stop on the track nearby.
Usagi shrieked again, as she lost all footing on the bleacher, and fell backwards. Squall looked up in time, to see Usagi hit the ground. Worried, he jogged towards her. Minako squealed, at seeing him coming towards her.
He climbed the chain fence, leaping over the top, and landed in a crouched position on the other side. He hurried past Minako, causing her to frown, and knelt down next to Usagi.
"Oh kami Usa chan are you okay!!!"
Minako raced towards Usagi, kneeling on the other side of her. She may have sounded worried, but the whole time she knelt there, she stared at Squall, with hearts in her eyes.
"Usagi are you okay?"
The blonde lying on the floor moaned, "Five more minutes okaasan." Squall frowned, but asked, "Usagi, how many fingers am I holding up?"
She giggled, "Don't kid around Mamo chan..."
A single eyebrow rose in interest, and he fought to find away to snap her out of her daze. "Usagi, I have ice cream."
"Nani!" She shot up, smacking her head against his, and she fell back down, why he cursed.
"Oh what did I hit?"
"My head." Squall touched his forehead, wincing at the pain. Usagi blinked, clearing her vision, and found Squall looming over her.
"Oh kami, are you all right Squall?" He looked up, and found Minako looking at him with worry. He had almost forgotten that she was there. "Yea I think."
He climbed to his feet, as Usagi sat up. She touched her forehead, "What happened?"
He looked back down at her, "You fell off the bleachers." Suddenly, Usagi smacked Minako, "Bachiatara Mina chan. It was you're fault, and you're not even the least bit worried about me." She pouted, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Are you okay to get up? You didn't hurt yourself when you fell, did you?" Usagi looked up at him, and flushed. She shook her head, and climbed to her feet, only to sway, light headed. "Whoa." Squall caught her, "are you sure?"
Usagi flushed, and looked up at him, nodding, "Hai I'm fine." He let her go, and Usagi took a step away. Minako stood as well, "All right, lets go Usa chan. We have to go play volleyball now. Come on." Minako took hold of Usagi's arms, dragging her away from the track. "If you weren't madly in love with Mamoru right now, I'd say you were crushing on Squall." She chuckled, "ha, but you got Mamoru san."
Usagi looked over her shoulder, and watched Squall head back to the track. "Yea Mamoru...uh." She shook her head, looking at her friend. "What did you say?"
Usagi blinked, "Nani?"
Minako let Usagi go, "Did you just call him Mamoru?" Usagi sheepishly laughed, "Iie. I said Mamo chan." Minako looked skeptical.
Usagi frowned, "I said Mamo san."
?????
'I'll be here...'
She sighed, propping her head up with her palms, as she lay on her bed. She thought about what they had gone through together.
'Why...?'
She sighed, letting her chin hit the pillow. She could still hear him; his voice, it sounded so real at times.
She lifted her head up, and she saw a wet spot on the pillow, from her tears. Angry with herself, she flipped it over, and stuffed her face into it.
'I'll be waiting here...'
She lifted her head, and stared out her bedroom window. God she missed him so much it hurt. She wiped her eyes, riding the traces of her tears, and rolled over onto her back.
'For What...?'
She almost laughed, tears threatening to fall again. She closed her eyes, picturing him. He had saved her life, how many times? She shook her head, opening her eyes.
"I'll be waiting for you...so"
She sighed long and deep. Waiting and waiting. She still was waiting. She covered her face with her hands, 'for how long?'
'If you come...'
She almost laughed at that, was she a fool? Tears clung, threatening to surface. With a frustrated sigh, she sat up, to angry at herself, to even think anymore.
'You'll find me...'
She looked out her window again, looking up at the sky with longing. How long had it been since the war? Weeks, months?
She smiled, and touched the necklace around her neck, fingering it, taking hold of it like a vice. She'd wait forever for him. She opened her hand, and looked down at her palm, and stared at the ring, waiting, wondering, and hoping.
She clenched her hands around it tightly, praying for him to return, wishing he would come back to her. She'd wait forever for him, forever.
'I promise.'
Usagi grunted, as she ducked behind a tree. She looked out, noting where the youma was heading. She pulled out her brooch, and transformed into Eternal Sailor Moon.
She didn't care, what Haruka said. She had been out for four weeks, that last time she got hurt. And this recent time, she had only sprained her wrist, which was a week ago. She didn't need her wrist, in order to fight.
She jumped out, and called out, "Hey, you two faced youma, why don't you take me on!"
The youma turned both heads, and both licked their lips. Usagi nearly gagged, when saliva dripped from their mouths, falling onto the ground.
She shuddered, as the youma laughed, and took a step towards her. The youma resembled a two-headed bull that walked on its hind legs. The youma snorted, and rushed towards her. Waiting for the last second, she leaped into the air, doing a flip, and landed on her butt a few feet away. She climbed to her feet, digging her white boots into the pavement.
She bit her lip, and grabbed her tiara, throwing it out, to distract it. The youma dodge, landing on its feet, only to leap up into the air. Usagi watched, as the tiara came back, slicing the youma in half.
Using her wings, she flew up into the sky. She pulled out her staff, ready to finish battle. She clenched her jaw tight, trying to ignore the ache in wrist, as she lifted the staff out in front of her.
"Not so fast Sailor Brat." Usagi looked down, and saw the youma split in two, and the second one, vanished, in a haze of colors. Something hit her from behind, and she cried out, falling down. She hit the ground, creating a crater. She groaned, using her hands to push herself up. It was then, she realized, her staff was gone.
She pushed herself to her feet, and looked up. "Damn you." The two youmas glared down at her, red eyes glowing with power. The first one smirked, "Only repaying you for what you and your little bratty friends did to our master." The second one snickered, crossing its arms over its chest. "You brats ruined our master's plan. So now we ruin you!"
Usagi stood on weak legs, as she stared up at the two identical youmas. She never imagined this happening. She reached into her sub space pocket, and grabbed her communicator; she had no choice.
Both youmas opened their mouths, and a beam shout out, and linked together, before flying down towards her with increasing speed.
A shadow flew over the battle, and a creature swooped down, two strong arms grabbing Usagi, and the wings blocked the attack meant for her.
"What is that?"
The second youma scowled, and shouted, "Who are you?"
Usagi opened her eyes, and stared at the face of a large youma. Her heart froze in her chest, and she lost all feeling, as her body went numb with fright.
She stared into its bright blue eyes, which were surrounded by a back sharp edge mask of some sort. It had a pointy chin, a long straight nose, and bat like wing horns on the top of it head. A red body, covered with black like armor on its thighs, arms and wings that protected her.
It's claws dug into the pavement, shattering it like glass. Its arms were gentle; they didn't hold her too tight, or in a threatening manner.
"Wha...what are you?"
With a deep voice, it replied, "A guardian."
Usagi watched, as it pulled away from her, and spread out its wings. It flew up into the air with great speed, and disappeared in the clouds.
The youmas frowned, "Damn thing blocked our attack."
Then suddenly, a giant black ball shaped like the full moon appeared in the sky. The three on the ground, watched as the same creature from before slowly slide out. Its wings rose up over its head, and its arm raised high. "Dark Messenger." Energy gathered in its hand, falling from the dark circle in the sky.
With a powerful thrust, the creature brought down its arm, and a ball of dark energy shot down, only to envelop the twin youmas. Usagi heard them scream, and watched as the smoke cleared. Nothing was left behind, but a fine pile of dust.
Haruka found her staring at the spot, where the youmas had died. "Kami bachiatara Koneko chan!" Usagi looked at her startled, "Uranus?"
The dark blue senshi took Usagi by the shoulders, and shook her. "Didn't Pluto and I tell you not to fight? Didn't we? You go on saying, that we don't trust you! But you don't give a rat's ass what we say. How can we trust you, when you don't trust us?"
Usagi blinked, looking around, "I..." Haruka shook her head, "Iie Usagi, I'm pissed. I told you not to fight, and you did anyway. As your guardian, I'm left with no choice, but to take away your brooch."
Usagi jerked back, her eyes wide, "iie. Uranus you can't." Haruka took a threatening step forward, "hime, you scared the hell out of me, and Neptune today. Our communicator went off, and we saw nothing but static. And then I come here, and find you staring at the ground, pale, and sick looking. What the hell am I supposed to think?"
Usagi felt the tears sting her eyes.
Haruka continued, "I thought you were injured. I ran from the other side of Tokyo to get here. And here I am, and I find you transformed, messed up from fighting, and you look like you had the kuso scared out of you."
Usagi looked at her brooch, "Uranus, I fought, because I chose to." She looked up at the taller woman. "It's my right to fight. You, and the other senshi fight, to protect me, and this planet. I'm going to fight, to protect this universe, even if it means my life."
Haruka stared at her hime, "fine, I guess I can't stop you, but you have to promise me something now Koneko chan." Usagi nodded, dignity forcing her to stare her fellow senshi in the eye. Haruka ruffled her hair, "None of this lone crap okay. When there's a battle, you call, got it."
Usagi smiled, and leaped into the older woman's arms hugging her, "hai Uranus. I promise."
Haruka nodded, as she stared over Usagi's head, at the spot where Usagi had been standing. Something had shattered the ground around it. "Lets go, Neptune's most likely pulling out her hair with worry."
Usagi chuckled, and nodded, "Alright."
?????
Minako tugged on Usagi's arm, "Oh come on Usa chan." Usagi whined, "But I don't want to go to the track and watch the guys run the mile."
Minako rolled her eyes, and pulled the girl from the front of the school, to the back, where the track was. The guys were lining up, with their PE sensei calling out names. Minako let Usagi go, and ran up the bleachers, finding a seat, and patted the spot next to her. Usagi sighed, and sluggishly climbed the bleachers, and sat next to her energetic blonde friend.
She scanned the group of guy on the track, and saw someone she recognized. "Minako, are we here to see Squall run the mile?"
Minako's eyes lit up, and she nodded eagerly. Usagi groaned, "Mina chan, are you crazy? You want to watch the guy you like get all sweaty, and tired?"
Minako nodded again, before she looked away from Usagi, and back out at the track. Suddenly, the young men lined up at the white line, took off running down the track. Minako leaped to her feet, and shouted, "GO Squall!!!!!!"
Usagi covered her face with embarrassment. She shook her head, and muttered, "I'm not here, I am not here." Minako jumped up and down with excitement, "All right!!!!!" Usagi looked, to see Squall come out from third, and hurry to second. Minako squealed again, causing Usagi to wince.
Minako looked down, "Isn't this exciting?" Usagi rolled her eyes, "oh hai Mina chan, just a thrill." Minako grinned, and grabbed her best friend's arm, pulling Usagi to her feet. "Cheer for him Usagi."
Usagi muttered under her breath with a roll of her eyes, "Go Squall."
Minako slapped her upside the head, "Don't be so pathetic Usagi. Scream. He'll do better with cheering."
Usagi pouted, "but you're the cheerleader." Minako nodded, "Hai I know I am, and I need your help, to give him the support he needs." Usagi frowned, "he's just running the mile for class."
Minako shrug, "So..." she looked out at the track, and Usagi followed her gaze. Squall was still in second, another young man from their class, in first. The rest of the class was way behind. Usagi glanced at her watch. They were on the third lap already, and only tree minutes, and fifteen seconds had gone by.
Suddenly, Minako grabbed her arm, raising it up, and shouted, "GO SQUALL!!!!!!" Usagi went beat red, and she fought to free her arm. "Mina chan let me go!"
Minako jumped around, cheering, while holding Usagi's arm. Usagi watched as Squall got a burst of speed, and went to first place, crossing the finish line. She shouted over Minako's cheers, "I swear Mina chan, if you don't let me go, I'll never talk..."
Her words were cut off, when she was suddenly jerked forward down the bleachers. Minako finally let her go, on the last row, but left Usagi off balance. She twisted around in her attempt to stop falling over. She let out a shriek when, as she started leaning backwards, her arms flailing to regain balance. "Mina chan!!!!!"
Minako to excited to hear Usagi's distressed wails, shouted, and cheered, as Squall came to a stop on the track nearby.
Usagi shrieked again, as she lost all footing on the bleacher, and fell backwards. Squall looked up in time, to see Usagi hit the ground. Worried, he jogged towards her. Minako squealed, at seeing him coming towards her.
He climbed the chain fence, leaping over the top, and landed in a crouched position on the other side. He hurried past Minako, causing her to frown, and knelt down next to Usagi.
"Oh kami Usa chan are you okay!!!"
Minako raced towards Usagi, kneeling on the other side of her. She may have sounded worried, but the whole time she knelt there, she stared at Squall, with hearts in her eyes.
"Usagi are you okay?"
The blonde lying on the floor moaned, "Five more minutes okaasan." Squall frowned, but asked, "Usagi, how many fingers am I holding up?"
She giggled, "Don't kid around Mamo chan..."
A single eyebrow rose in interest, and he fought to find away to snap her out of her daze. "Usagi, I have ice cream."
"Nani!" She shot up, smacking her head against his, and she fell back down, why he cursed.
"Oh what did I hit?"
"My head." Squall touched his forehead, wincing at the pain. Usagi blinked, clearing her vision, and found Squall looming over her.
"Oh kami, are you all right Squall?" He looked up, and found Minako looking at him with worry. He had almost forgotten that she was there. "Yea I think."
He climbed to his feet, as Usagi sat up. She touched her forehead, "What happened?"
He looked back down at her, "You fell off the bleachers." Suddenly, Usagi smacked Minako, "Bachiatara Mina chan. It was you're fault, and you're not even the least bit worried about me." She pouted, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Are you okay to get up? You didn't hurt yourself when you fell, did you?" Usagi looked up at him, and flushed. She shook her head, and climbed to her feet, only to sway, light headed. "Whoa." Squall caught her, "are you sure?"
Usagi flushed, and looked up at him, nodding, "Hai I'm fine." He let her go, and Usagi took a step away. Minako stood as well, "All right, lets go Usa chan. We have to go play volleyball now. Come on." Minako took hold of Usagi's arms, dragging her away from the track. "If you weren't madly in love with Mamoru right now, I'd say you were crushing on Squall." She chuckled, "ha, but you got Mamoru san."
Usagi looked over her shoulder, and watched Squall head back to the track. "Yea Mamoru...uh." She shook her head, looking at her friend. "What did you say?"
Usagi blinked, "Nani?"
Minako let Usagi go, "Did you just call him Mamoru?" Usagi sheepishly laughed, "Iie. I said Mamo chan." Minako looked skeptical.
Usagi frowned, "I said Mamo san."
?????
'I'll be here...'
She sighed, propping her head up with her palms, as she lay on her bed. She thought about what they had gone through together.
'Why...?'
She sighed, letting her chin hit the pillow. She could still hear him; his voice, it sounded so real at times.
She lifted her head up, and she saw a wet spot on the pillow, from her tears. Angry with herself, she flipped it over, and stuffed her face into it.
'I'll be waiting here...'
She lifted her head, and stared out her bedroom window. God she missed him so much it hurt. She wiped her eyes, riding the traces of her tears, and rolled over onto her back.
'For What...?'
She almost laughed, tears threatening to fall again. She closed her eyes, picturing him. He had saved her life, how many times? She shook her head, opening her eyes.
"I'll be waiting for you...so"
She sighed long and deep. Waiting and waiting. She still was waiting. She covered her face with her hands, 'for how long?'
'If you come...'
She almost laughed at that, was she a fool? Tears clung, threatening to surface. With a frustrated sigh, she sat up, to angry at herself, to even think anymore.
'You'll find me...'
She looked out her window again, looking up at the sky with longing. How long had it been since the war? Weeks, months?
She smiled, and touched the necklace around her neck, fingering it, taking hold of it like a vice. She'd wait forever for him. She opened her hand, and looked down at her palm, and stared at the ring, waiting, wondering, and hoping.
She clenched her hands around it tightly, praying for him to return, wishing he would come back to her. She'd wait forever for him, forever.
'I promise.'