Another Life
Chapter 9
Rating: PG-ish
Timeline: After "Stars" and "Endless Waltz"
Author: Moonchild DJ
E-Mail: moonchilddj@yahoo.com
URL: www.angelfire.com/anime4/animehime
Disclaimer: Sailor Moon and Gundam Wing do not belong to me. They belong to the lovely various companies that own the anime, manga, etc. The only thing I own is the various stuff I bought from stores and these fics. Please do not take this story or its ideas, or omae o korosu. ^-^ Have a nice day.
Author's Notes: Kon'wa, minna-chan! Moonchild DJ back with another chapter to this saga! O.o Eeee..9 chapters, and still no end in sight. Ugh..I know I write long-winded stories, but sheesh..! Anyways, I'm sorry for the long wait in getting this out, but I've been busy with other fics. That and I didn't know how to explain the questions you guys had for Chapter 8. But now I do, and I shall take the time to answer it.
I know it was slightly confusing for the boys to be fused with the girls, but I have a reasonable explanation. See, the Ginzuishou Crystal read Usagi's troubled thoughts on how to protect the boys from another time. So, it took matters into its own hands, so to speak, and took the easiest route- -put the boys and girls into one. But they're NOT wholely one person, the girls still have their own thoughts and separate abilities, same goes with the boys, they just share one body and merged together. In future chapters, they WILL separate into two bodies, but right now, they share one body and and are privy to each other's thoughts/memories. As you'll see in this chapter. ^_^
In the meantime, enjoy the new chapter, and tell me what you think. I love hearing from you guys! You make me so happy! *beams* Review review review! ** Gideon's Dreamer, this chapter's dedicated to you! *Glomps* Thank you for all the encouragement! ^_^ **
********
Usagi said not a word, only stuck the gun back into the waistband of her school uniform skirt and shook her head. "Baka." she grumbled finally, spurring Mamoru to finally move since the appearance of Queen Serenity and Usagi's father.
He stepped behind Usagi and gently took her arm. "Usako? Daijoubu ka?"
Usagi spun and pulled her gun, aiming it between Mamoru's eyes.
"Omae o korosu, Mamoru-baka."
"Guhhh...." Mamoru replied, eyes widening. Kami-sama, his little Usako was aiming a gun at him..it was NOT a good idea to share a body with a trigger- happy lunatic. Scratch that, a trigger-happy lunatic who now could control the Ginzuishou, a crystal that could bring life or death. Things were not looking up. "U-Usako, you don't want to shoot me, do you?"
He heard Haruka chuckle. "Hey, THERE'S something I always wanted to do to make him pay for all the times he'd hurt Koneko. Looks like she beat me to it!"
The feminine face that beared his koi's features but none of her expressions quirked a brief smile in reply to Haruka's words, the gun in her hand steady and capable. "I share this form with Usa-chan now. I know everything about her. I know the pain you've caused her.."
Five years of memories swirled around the collective consciousness of Heero and Usagi--the fierce arguments she and Mamoru got into from the time they first met, fighting him when he was brain-washed, the breakup he'd initiated to "protect" Usagi, the frustration and tears she'd known as his sometimes-aloof behavior..all was known to Heero, and he wanted to make him suffer a little in payment--but he lowered the gun in Usagi's hand.
"..demo she loves you as well. So you're let off easy, bakayaro."
Mamoru sighed in relief, missing the wicked grin that appeared on Usagi's lips just before another gunshot went off, clipping the hair next to his ear. He gulped and paled. A nudge to the right, and he'd be having a bloody ear..
"A warning, Mamoru-baka. Hurt her again and I won't miss next time."
Minako whistled, impressed. "Dude, you're busted. Hee-Usa seems pretty capable of handling that gun. Then again," she grinned widely, reminding those gathered Usagi wasn't the only one 'changed'. "We're all pretty good with weapons ourselves, and these forms are pretty protective of their friend. So you'd better keep yourself in line, ne?"
"Plus, there are these powers they wield.." Rei spoke, smiling snidely. "They could come in handy, too..these onnas aren't weak after all."
Mamoru's jaw dropped. "Am I the only one who finds it weird to hear this?" he glanced at Setsuna. "Did you know this was going to happen?"
Setsuna shook her head. "Time is ever-changing, fate is never constant. I have not been able to see into the future since they started having the dreams. I'm afraid our future is changing, and I can't see the outcome. Gomen nasai, Mamoru-san."
There was also the problem of Heero and Usagi being so close..why was that? And what outcome would that bring to he and Usako's future, to Chibi-Usa?
"Usak--" Mamoru stopped as Usagi glared at him. "Gomen. Usagi-chan, onegai, can you tell me how you and Heero-san know each other so well?"
Usagi's sky-blue gaze almost met his, but it darkened again. Kuso. Looked like he would be talking to both.
"Queen Serenity brought the Earth warriors to the Moon Kingdom to give lessons to the princesses..."
******
~"I STILL say this is not necessary, Mother, but I will respect your wishes." Serenity grumbled as she, the court and the warriors walked with the lunar ruler through the halls of the palace to their designated rooms. Queen Serenity smiled.
"I know you do not agree with the decision, but thank you for giving it a chance. Perhaps it will not be as horrible as you think.."
"Your pardon, ladies, but why would it be so terrible to be given lessons?" Duo asked respectfully. Mina smiled at him faintly.
"We are warriors, Sir Duo, not just royalty. Lady Mars, Jupiter, Mercury and myself are part of the Planetary Senshi Guard, we are M'Lady Serenity's Guard, and she is the champion for the Moon Kingdom. We have been given lessons of every kind since we were little, so we know the lessons you will be teaching. We feel it would be a waste of both our time when we could be doing more fun things.." she giggled and latched on to Duo's arm, making him blush in realization at the Venusian princess' thinly-veiled words.
"'Lady' Mina, control yourself!" Raye hissed, blushing furiously at Wufei's sly smile. "Not everyone's opinion is the same, you understand."
Wufei nodded, but Raye had a feeling he didn't believe her for a second. Wonderful. Now the Terran warriors thought they were loose women. In retaliation, she sent a thin current of fire up Mina's gown to singe slightly at her ear, smiling innocently when the blonde gave a sharp yelp and glared at the Fire Princess.
"Girls.." Serenity murmured softly in quiet rebuke, soothing the tiff between them. "We may not like it, but perhaps it is for the best. What harm can it do? If it can improve our abilities as warriors and royalty, then I will not argue against it. All the better to protect our kingdoms."
Heero glanced at her in surprised approval, and she blushed. If she admitted it to herself, it was also a chance to get to know this Earth warrior better, as well. He was a quiet one, like Sir Trowa, but she liked him. It was not the right way for a princess to act, but she smiled shyly at him, missing her mother's matchmaking grin as they made it to the rooms.
"Excellent. Our weary travellers will rest tonight, but tomorrow I expect lessons to commence. Good luck, all of you..you will need it.""
Each of the Earth warriors had their own room, lushly furnished with various lunar motifs and spacious, and each interconnected with the other. So they all met in Heero's room to discuss the day.
"Soooo...what did you think of them?" Duo grinned, braid flying as he flopped onto the foot of Heero's bed. Heero sat at the front, eyes closed in thought while Trowa and Wufei sat on the floor silently and Quatre sat in a nearby chair, blushing at Duo's words. "...Well, don't all of you speak at once, I can't hear everything you say." Duo grumbled sarcastically.
He was glad to be here, it meant hearing someone actually TALK again! If it wasn't for Quatre, he'd go mad from all the silence. But even Quatre seemed to be tongue-tied, so Duo just closed his eyes, ready to fall asleep instead.
"I think the Prince has found a good match." Heero murmured quietly, ignoring his own heart's stirrings at the beautiful princess. "Strong, intelligent, compassionate, loyal and true, not like some of the other weak ninnies and fortune-hunting shrews Endymion has had to put up with. Serenity has a good heart."
After staring at Heero in complete shock--he actually spoke three whole sentences!--Duo grinned and added, "AND is absolutely exquisite! That hair, those eyes, that face, that body--EEK!" he yelped and ducked Heero's punch, falling off the bed and glancing up sheepishly into Heero's glare. He squeaked as Heero collared him and intoned coldly,
"Don't talk like that about a lady, it's not fitting. Show more respect for the princess, Maxwell." He released him and Duo smiled weakly.
"Sorry? It was just a compliment, my goodness, Heero! I could say the same thing about Mina, Lita, Raye and Amy. Which I won't, heh heh.." he chuckled and gulped at Trowa, Wufei and Quatre's glares. "Why are you so angry anyway, Heero? You act like she's *your* intended. Do you have feelings for the lovely Moon Princess, O Sir Stoneheart?"
"No..o-of course not." Heero fumbled awkwardly. "I'm only looking out for the Prince's best interests, and that includes you not insulting the lady."
Trowa smiled and quietly observed, "I think you protest too much, Yuy. Sounds like you're sweet on her."
To their amazement and delight, their comrade flushed and turned away. "None of your business, Barton." he grumbled.
"So it's true, then? Yuy has finally fallen for a lady and actually let his heart rule instead of his head?"
"And you didn't have eyes for Lady Lita?" Heero shot back, then glared at Duo, Wufei and Quatre. "Or you for Lady Mina, you for Lady Raye, or you for Lady Amy? You are not any better!"
"But we aren't the Perfect Soldier." Quatre pointed out. "We can be normal and have emotions. Lady Serenity is the first maiden you've shown emotions about..much to Lady Ririna's dismay. She's certainly tried.." he chuckled.
Heero rolled his eyes. "Ririna doesn't know how to quit. She was a simple mission from the King, protect Lady Ririna while her parents are away, not allow her to throw herself at you."
"It wasn't proper, yes, but you knew you were desired, even if you didn't feel the same. But the Princess of the Moon..?"
"Another mission, Quatre. Observe the princess, see if she would be a good match for Endymion. Nothing more."
Soft laughter suddenly carried to their ears from outside, and the young men moved to the window at the commotion and looked outside.
The planetary princesses were laughing as they moved swiftly away from the palace, following a trail that led over a hill to a lit area by the Earthrise and the sparkling stars in the darkening sky. Duo grinned.
"Well, s'pose we SHOULD follow them, we *are* sort of their guardians for the time being.."
Duo, we shouldn't..!" Quatre replied, eyes widening and blushing simultaneously. "We would be spying, and if we get caught..!"
"Then we won't get caught." Duo laughed, pushing his bangs out of his eyes. "You CANNOT tell me you don't want to see Lady Amy again?"
"Well...I do, but--"
"Then let's go!" He grabbed Quatre's arm and dragged him out the door, followed by Trowa and Wufei. Heero sighed and reluctantly followed. *Someone* had to keep them out of trouble, and Duo attracted trouble..and he needed to keep an eye on the princess as well.
********
~End Chapter 9~
Chapter 9
Rating: PG-ish
Timeline: After "Stars" and "Endless Waltz"
Author: Moonchild DJ
E-Mail: moonchilddj@yahoo.com
URL: www.angelfire.com/anime4/animehime
Disclaimer: Sailor Moon and Gundam Wing do not belong to me. They belong to the lovely various companies that own the anime, manga, etc. The only thing I own is the various stuff I bought from stores and these fics. Please do not take this story or its ideas, or omae o korosu. ^-^ Have a nice day.
Author's Notes: Kon'wa, minna-chan! Moonchild DJ back with another chapter to this saga! O.o Eeee..9 chapters, and still no end in sight. Ugh..I know I write long-winded stories, but sheesh..! Anyways, I'm sorry for the long wait in getting this out, but I've been busy with other fics. That and I didn't know how to explain the questions you guys had for Chapter 8. But now I do, and I shall take the time to answer it.
I know it was slightly confusing for the boys to be fused with the girls, but I have a reasonable explanation. See, the Ginzuishou Crystal read Usagi's troubled thoughts on how to protect the boys from another time. So, it took matters into its own hands, so to speak, and took the easiest route- -put the boys and girls into one. But they're NOT wholely one person, the girls still have their own thoughts and separate abilities, same goes with the boys, they just share one body and merged together. In future chapters, they WILL separate into two bodies, but right now, they share one body and and are privy to each other's thoughts/memories. As you'll see in this chapter. ^_^
In the meantime, enjoy the new chapter, and tell me what you think. I love hearing from you guys! You make me so happy! *beams* Review review review! ** Gideon's Dreamer, this chapter's dedicated to you! *Glomps* Thank you for all the encouragement! ^_^ **
********
Usagi said not a word, only stuck the gun back into the waistband of her school uniform skirt and shook her head. "Baka." she grumbled finally, spurring Mamoru to finally move since the appearance of Queen Serenity and Usagi's father.
He stepped behind Usagi and gently took her arm. "Usako? Daijoubu ka?"
Usagi spun and pulled her gun, aiming it between Mamoru's eyes.
"Omae o korosu, Mamoru-baka."
"Guhhh...." Mamoru replied, eyes widening. Kami-sama, his little Usako was aiming a gun at him..it was NOT a good idea to share a body with a trigger- happy lunatic. Scratch that, a trigger-happy lunatic who now could control the Ginzuishou, a crystal that could bring life or death. Things were not looking up. "U-Usako, you don't want to shoot me, do you?"
He heard Haruka chuckle. "Hey, THERE'S something I always wanted to do to make him pay for all the times he'd hurt Koneko. Looks like she beat me to it!"
The feminine face that beared his koi's features but none of her expressions quirked a brief smile in reply to Haruka's words, the gun in her hand steady and capable. "I share this form with Usa-chan now. I know everything about her. I know the pain you've caused her.."
Five years of memories swirled around the collective consciousness of Heero and Usagi--the fierce arguments she and Mamoru got into from the time they first met, fighting him when he was brain-washed, the breakup he'd initiated to "protect" Usagi, the frustration and tears she'd known as his sometimes-aloof behavior..all was known to Heero, and he wanted to make him suffer a little in payment--but he lowered the gun in Usagi's hand.
"..demo she loves you as well. So you're let off easy, bakayaro."
Mamoru sighed in relief, missing the wicked grin that appeared on Usagi's lips just before another gunshot went off, clipping the hair next to his ear. He gulped and paled. A nudge to the right, and he'd be having a bloody ear..
"A warning, Mamoru-baka. Hurt her again and I won't miss next time."
Minako whistled, impressed. "Dude, you're busted. Hee-Usa seems pretty capable of handling that gun. Then again," she grinned widely, reminding those gathered Usagi wasn't the only one 'changed'. "We're all pretty good with weapons ourselves, and these forms are pretty protective of their friend. So you'd better keep yourself in line, ne?"
"Plus, there are these powers they wield.." Rei spoke, smiling snidely. "They could come in handy, too..these onnas aren't weak after all."
Mamoru's jaw dropped. "Am I the only one who finds it weird to hear this?" he glanced at Setsuna. "Did you know this was going to happen?"
Setsuna shook her head. "Time is ever-changing, fate is never constant. I have not been able to see into the future since they started having the dreams. I'm afraid our future is changing, and I can't see the outcome. Gomen nasai, Mamoru-san."
There was also the problem of Heero and Usagi being so close..why was that? And what outcome would that bring to he and Usako's future, to Chibi-Usa?
"Usak--" Mamoru stopped as Usagi glared at him. "Gomen. Usagi-chan, onegai, can you tell me how you and Heero-san know each other so well?"
Usagi's sky-blue gaze almost met his, but it darkened again. Kuso. Looked like he would be talking to both.
"Queen Serenity brought the Earth warriors to the Moon Kingdom to give lessons to the princesses..."
******
~"I STILL say this is not necessary, Mother, but I will respect your wishes." Serenity grumbled as she, the court and the warriors walked with the lunar ruler through the halls of the palace to their designated rooms. Queen Serenity smiled.
"I know you do not agree with the decision, but thank you for giving it a chance. Perhaps it will not be as horrible as you think.."
"Your pardon, ladies, but why would it be so terrible to be given lessons?" Duo asked respectfully. Mina smiled at him faintly.
"We are warriors, Sir Duo, not just royalty. Lady Mars, Jupiter, Mercury and myself are part of the Planetary Senshi Guard, we are M'Lady Serenity's Guard, and she is the champion for the Moon Kingdom. We have been given lessons of every kind since we were little, so we know the lessons you will be teaching. We feel it would be a waste of both our time when we could be doing more fun things.." she giggled and latched on to Duo's arm, making him blush in realization at the Venusian princess' thinly-veiled words.
"'Lady' Mina, control yourself!" Raye hissed, blushing furiously at Wufei's sly smile. "Not everyone's opinion is the same, you understand."
Wufei nodded, but Raye had a feeling he didn't believe her for a second. Wonderful. Now the Terran warriors thought they were loose women. In retaliation, she sent a thin current of fire up Mina's gown to singe slightly at her ear, smiling innocently when the blonde gave a sharp yelp and glared at the Fire Princess.
"Girls.." Serenity murmured softly in quiet rebuke, soothing the tiff between them. "We may not like it, but perhaps it is for the best. What harm can it do? If it can improve our abilities as warriors and royalty, then I will not argue against it. All the better to protect our kingdoms."
Heero glanced at her in surprised approval, and she blushed. If she admitted it to herself, it was also a chance to get to know this Earth warrior better, as well. He was a quiet one, like Sir Trowa, but she liked him. It was not the right way for a princess to act, but she smiled shyly at him, missing her mother's matchmaking grin as they made it to the rooms.
"Excellent. Our weary travellers will rest tonight, but tomorrow I expect lessons to commence. Good luck, all of you..you will need it.""
Each of the Earth warriors had their own room, lushly furnished with various lunar motifs and spacious, and each interconnected with the other. So they all met in Heero's room to discuss the day.
"Soooo...what did you think of them?" Duo grinned, braid flying as he flopped onto the foot of Heero's bed. Heero sat at the front, eyes closed in thought while Trowa and Wufei sat on the floor silently and Quatre sat in a nearby chair, blushing at Duo's words. "...Well, don't all of you speak at once, I can't hear everything you say." Duo grumbled sarcastically.
He was glad to be here, it meant hearing someone actually TALK again! If it wasn't for Quatre, he'd go mad from all the silence. But even Quatre seemed to be tongue-tied, so Duo just closed his eyes, ready to fall asleep instead.
"I think the Prince has found a good match." Heero murmured quietly, ignoring his own heart's stirrings at the beautiful princess. "Strong, intelligent, compassionate, loyal and true, not like some of the other weak ninnies and fortune-hunting shrews Endymion has had to put up with. Serenity has a good heart."
After staring at Heero in complete shock--he actually spoke three whole sentences!--Duo grinned and added, "AND is absolutely exquisite! That hair, those eyes, that face, that body--EEK!" he yelped and ducked Heero's punch, falling off the bed and glancing up sheepishly into Heero's glare. He squeaked as Heero collared him and intoned coldly,
"Don't talk like that about a lady, it's not fitting. Show more respect for the princess, Maxwell." He released him and Duo smiled weakly.
"Sorry? It was just a compliment, my goodness, Heero! I could say the same thing about Mina, Lita, Raye and Amy. Which I won't, heh heh.." he chuckled and gulped at Trowa, Wufei and Quatre's glares. "Why are you so angry anyway, Heero? You act like she's *your* intended. Do you have feelings for the lovely Moon Princess, O Sir Stoneheart?"
"No..o-of course not." Heero fumbled awkwardly. "I'm only looking out for the Prince's best interests, and that includes you not insulting the lady."
Trowa smiled and quietly observed, "I think you protest too much, Yuy. Sounds like you're sweet on her."
To their amazement and delight, their comrade flushed and turned away. "None of your business, Barton." he grumbled.
"So it's true, then? Yuy has finally fallen for a lady and actually let his heart rule instead of his head?"
"And you didn't have eyes for Lady Lita?" Heero shot back, then glared at Duo, Wufei and Quatre. "Or you for Lady Mina, you for Lady Raye, or you for Lady Amy? You are not any better!"
"But we aren't the Perfect Soldier." Quatre pointed out. "We can be normal and have emotions. Lady Serenity is the first maiden you've shown emotions about..much to Lady Ririna's dismay. She's certainly tried.." he chuckled.
Heero rolled his eyes. "Ririna doesn't know how to quit. She was a simple mission from the King, protect Lady Ririna while her parents are away, not allow her to throw herself at you."
"It wasn't proper, yes, but you knew you were desired, even if you didn't feel the same. But the Princess of the Moon..?"
"Another mission, Quatre. Observe the princess, see if she would be a good match for Endymion. Nothing more."
Soft laughter suddenly carried to their ears from outside, and the young men moved to the window at the commotion and looked outside.
The planetary princesses were laughing as they moved swiftly away from the palace, following a trail that led over a hill to a lit area by the Earthrise and the sparkling stars in the darkening sky. Duo grinned.
"Well, s'pose we SHOULD follow them, we *are* sort of their guardians for the time being.."
Duo, we shouldn't..!" Quatre replied, eyes widening and blushing simultaneously. "We would be spying, and if we get caught..!"
"Then we won't get caught." Duo laughed, pushing his bangs out of his eyes. "You CANNOT tell me you don't want to see Lady Amy again?"
"Well...I do, but--"
"Then let's go!" He grabbed Quatre's arm and dragged him out the door, followed by Trowa and Wufei. Heero sighed and reluctantly followed. *Someone* had to keep them out of trouble, and Duo attracted trouble..and he needed to keep an eye on the princess as well.
********
~End Chapter 9~