Normality
PG
Ryo Angel
+ Chapter Two : History and Chocolate +
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+ Part One : The Disguise +
My story isn't as complicated as many thought. In my past life, I was the Moon Princess, heiress to the throne of the Moon which rules the what is known now as the Milky Way Galaxy. I fell in love with a man who was engaged to a princess of a small, but powerful galaxy known as Metellian. That princess with Beryl. She grew hateful and called upon the powers of her galaxy's diety - Metellia. She grew cold and spiteful and eventually destroyed many of my friends. Endymion died to save me and I had killed myself to follow him into the next life.
Mother used the power of the ginzhoushi and sent us all to the future where I became the fighter for justice, Sailor Moon. The rest, as they say, is history. When I got home that night, my mind was clear and free. It didn't matter that I was no longer Sailor Moon, they were my friends before. They were still my friends now. After the fight with Galaxia, I had labored hard and worked my way to the top of my class. On the side, I had worked with Luna and developed an interest in science. I only need to draw out that information that I know so well. After everyone was asleep, I snuck into the sewing room and started making a disguise. It wouldn't be easy to sneak off as I had done. I would have had to confront them someday, and I didn't want them to know who I was. I didn't make it like the senshi uniforms, instead I kept it simple - a tight, black sleeveless leotard that I can wear underneath my school uniform and a silver shawl that I could drape across my waist.
When I put it on, I knew I had to do something with my face. I remembered my Sailor V passion and after some rummage, found my old Sailor V mask. That would do nicely. Perfect. Weapons now. I can't always rely on finding some sharp trash can lids lying around. Tomorrow, I would need to pay a dear friend a visit, but for now, I can start making a lasso. Rummaging around my closet, I found eight long pieces of thin leather. Braiding them together, I added a few sharpened thumbtacks. They won't hinder me if I tried to swing down from above, but would created a good enough diversion to the youma, stupid as they are. I secured it with some thin wires, leaving about eight inches of leather to spray out like a decoration. This would do nicely as a belt.
Tired, I climbed into bed, but before I went to sleep, I stared out the window and looked up to the moonlit sky. "Mother..." I whispered, "I am still your daughter."
+ Part Two : Enlisting Help +
"Hey, Usagi!" Furuhata Motoki greeted me when I walked into his arcade, "How's it going?"
A bright smile pasted on, I plunked down on a booth and ordered a chocolate sundae. Motoki had known me since birth. He was a friend of my oldest brother, Akira. They had done everything together, from the time they were in diapers until high school. My brother was courting a girl that was claimed by the leader of the fiercest gang in Japan, known to all only as Da Tenshi's - Fallen Angels. He was beaten so badly that he laid in the hospital for three weeks in agony, his life was preserved only by the machines. He couldn't even breathe on his own... My own parent's were so devastated that even now, they couldn't bear to speak his name aloud.
Motoki was away the day Akira was jumped, but when he found out what had happened, he rushed out to find the Fallen Angels and gave each one a lesson on manners. To the leader, Kitano, he left him a special gift and to this day, he still haven't told me what. Every time I brought it up, he just told me that I wasnt to worry about it and if anyone tried to harm me, to go straight to him. In a way, he replaced the brother that I had lost.
With my best puppy dog smile, I turned to him and batted my eyes, "Ya know, Motoki..."
He groaned, "Now what, Usagi?" He knows me so well!
"I need some help." I said seriously, my eyes lost their teasing spark.
Instantly, he was on guard, his eyes sharpened and hard, "Who's been harming you?"
"Chill, Motoki." I chastened him. "It's no one. I haven't practice Martial Arts with you for over a year and I wanted to brush up on it." Thanks to those lessons, my life was saved many a times when I had became Sailor Moon. I needed them now more than ever.
His eyes still hold that suspicious glance, "Why do you want to brush up on it?" He asked. He knew full well that I had quit because it was taking up too much of my time and I had wanted to hang out with friends.
"Because." I said simply. When he contined to wait for an answer, I finally said in a quiet and determined tone, "I know you want to shield me away from the hardships of this world, but you can't protect me forever." I told him, "You're going to have to let me handle some of my fights on my own."
"So there is a fight!" He said triumphantly.
I groaned, "Motoki. Are you going to help me or not?"
He eyed me suspiciously, "It's nothing you can't handle, right?"
No matter what I said, he'd still follow me around until he was sure that I could take care of myself, so I told him the truth, "I'm planning on protecting the Sailor Senshi."
The look he gave me was open disbelief. "Usagi," He said when he finally found his voice, "You can't." He told me, "I refuse it."
I stared back at him, "I'm doing it no matter what you say, Motoki. Now, are you going to help me or not?"
"You're only one person. How can you fight those monsters?"
"How can they?" I countered, "They are no less human than I."
"But they are blessed with powers." His voice was relenting. He knew how stubborn I could be.
I just shook my head, "Motoki. I love you. You're like the brother that I had lost. But this is one thing that I've made up my mind to. Don't try to dissuade me."
He closed his eyes and sighed, "Tomorrow. Four. Old place." He started to dry the cups and dishes again, "I disapprove, Usagi, but I won't let you do this on your own."
With a smile, I told him, "I know. Already got your costume made." I added with a wink to his horrified expression. "Can't let anyone recognize us."
He slapped his hand to his forehead and I laughed, finishing my milkshake and left. "See you tomorrow."
At exactly three fifty-five, I stood at the base of an old willow tree. Akira, Motoki and I spent many a hours playing underneath this very tree. I put my hand on the carving of this age old tree and sighed. It's been so long... looking around and seeing as how Motoki wasn't there yet, I stepped back and with a push, jumped up onto the one of the branches and swung myself upto the second branch. I remember Akira hiding something here... hopefully it's still there... I reached into the small hole in the tree and felt around, my fist closing in on a small metal box. Pulling it slowly out, I brushed aside the dirt and set it next to me. Pulling the key from around my neck, I pushed it into the lock and heard the slight click. My hand still on the key, I thought back to what Akira had said as he laid on his deathbed.
"Usagi..." He breathed, "I had a dream of you... dressed all in white..." He smiled weakly, "Just like a princess... my Lady of the Moon." He paused to catch his breath, "In my bedroom. Second drawer. There's a key. Second branch of the willow tree..." He began coughing hoarsely, "There's a hole in it." He finally got the coughing under control. Enough to give me a small smile, "Ten years, Serenity..."
That was ten years ago today. How did he know to call me Serenity? How did he know that I was the Princess of the Moon? With shaking hands, I withdrew the key and opened the tin box. Inside was a box, wrapped up in white tan leather. Taking it out, I unwrapped it. When I saw the contents, I wept, the melody of the Moon swept through my ears. Bringing it close to my heart, I allowed the emotions to sweep through me. There is still a chance. There is still hope...
Wiping away my tears, I pocketed the locket and withdrew the key. "Good-bye... Brother..." I whispered to the fluttering wind. When I got down, Motoki was already waiting. Putting on a smirking smile, I made my way to him, "Ready?" I asked cheerfully.
"Don't pretend, Usagi." He told me, his eyes full of empathy, "You can fool the world with your smile, but never me." He opened up his arms, and for a while I stood there, a smile pasted on my face. My eyes closed and a solitary tear fell. Dropping all pretenses, I flew at him, throwing myself into his arms and sobbed. I went through ten long years of mourning. Now, I've finally put my brother's soul to rest.
+ Part 3 : Moonlight +
"Hello, good morning, wake-up, wake-up. Hello, good morning, wake-up, wake-up. Hello, good mor-" Slam, went my hand on my alarm clock. Even after so long, I'm still not used to waking up so early. Actually... glancing at the clock, I groan. Its four-thirty in the morning. The science lab opened at five. Dragging myself out of bed, I donne dmy attaire and walked down the stairs. Pulling out the ingredients to make a sandwich, I quickly whipped up lunch and scrambled some eggs for breakfast.
Putting on my loafers, I picked up my bag and raced to school, hey, it's exercise isn't it? Not even breathing hard, I entered the science lab and signed in, making my way to the cornor. I had applied for membership the day before and surprised everyone when I passed the chemical and safety test with full scores. What did they think I was? A clueless bunny? Now... what were the chemicals I needed? Can't really remember the names of them... When I was seventeen, I was mixing some ingredients together for a smokescreen and accidentally added a blue substance... here we go! Hmm... the label's worn off... anyways, it's a powder that when added with water, it solidifies and hardens. It worked really well with the youma's before and I hope that it''ll work the same now. Letting it cool, I withdrew the sieve from my bag. Sorry Mom.Attaching a white silk bag to it, I carefully grounded the substance that I nicknamed Rocky on a medicinal grinder and poured it over the sieve, catching the bigger pieces and grinding them over again until I had about a pound of it. Tying it up, I carefully cleaned up the mess and was about the leave when I noticed Amy and Rei coming in. Funny, Rei doesn't even go to this school... but she's here now... and back when I first saw them... hmmm...
I slid into the corner cabinet and waited. Soon, I heard their footsteps and peeking out, I saw them. "We need to find out who helped us. It could be Sailor Moon." Ami said.
"How do we know?" Rei asked suspiciously, "Just because Luna said that a tiara is Sailor Moon's attack doesn't mean anything. We saw a trash can!"
"Flung in the form of a disc. That's what Luna said." Ami said reasonably. "Besides, Minako is weary of pretending that she's Sailor Moon. It's unnerving to Mamoru."
"Jeez Ami." I heard the impatience in Rei's voice. "You should stop pretending around Mamoru. You know you love him."
"We're..."
"Half-siblings? In what world?" Rei scoffed, "That's what you two tell others when they question your relationship, but you know you two are not even related. Your mother took Mamoru in when he was a child and you two grew up together. I saw the way you look at him. Like a woman in love."
I slumped back against the wall. I can't mess this world up. This isn't my world. it's theirs. I'm only a trespasser.
"You're right, Rei." Ami said softly, "But he's not the one for me. I seen the way he looked at Minoko. She reminds him of someone, the woman in his dreams. And that's not me."
So Mamo-chan still have those dreams... But who is the Moon Princess in this world? My ears perked up with I heard Ami mention my name.
"He says that in the right light, Usagi almost look like the woman in his dreams. His Lady Princess." I caught the heartbreak in her voice. "Maybe she is." There was a silence and then she sighed, "Nothing matters now. We have to find Sailor MOon, and then we need to find the Moon Princess."
"Wouldn't it be easier if they were both the same person?" Rei mused, "But NO, they just HAD to be two different people."
"So says your fire." Ami said skeptically.
"Hey, my fire is accurate!" Rei defended, their voices growing dimmer as they left the room.
I emerged from my hiding spot, going over the new information that I heard. So Ami loves Mamoru, who apparently was still haunted by dreams of the Moon Princess. Interesting.
+++++++++++++
Sliding onto the booth at the Crown's arcade, I scowled when Motoki placed a strawberry shake in front of me. "What's the big idea?" I growled.
"I'm cutting you off, Usagi. It's not normal for you to drink all that chocolate and still be able to function." He has a curious glint in his eyes and my own narrowed suspiciously.
"Motoki," I said in a low voice, "Give me my chocolate," I stood up and faced him head-on, "Or I hurt you."
"Ha! That'll be the day." Motoki continued to dry his dishes and glasses and I sighed in exasperation.
"Give me back my chocolate!" I whined, "You KNOW how much I crave chocolate! It's the only thing that keeps me going!"
He shook his head, "No more, Usagi. Now, hit the books!" He ordered.
Grumbling all the while, I pulled out my math book and started going down the problems. After all these years, I still have trouble doing trigonometry. Sigh. By the time I finished and started on History, it was dinner time and I turned my puppy dog eyes on Motoki as he got off the phone with my mom. "Chocolate, pwease?"
Rolling his eyes, he placed a dish of curry down in front of me. "Eat." He commanded, handing me a fork.
Muttering obscene words and giving him dark looks, I shoved the curry down my throat, thinking up ways to torture the chocolate out of him. When I finished the last bite, he cleared away the table. Clearly, he wasn't going to give me my chocolate. Sighing again, I started on History and half-way through, why the heck do I need to know about Japan's part in World War II? Anyways, half-way through History, I could smell the tantalizing smell of... "Chocolate!" Licking my lips, I looked up and saw a big bowl of chocolate ice cream covered in Hershey's Chocolate... mmmm... chocolate... There's even a chocolate covered cherry! "Motoki, I love you!" I said, as I savored each and every bite, licking the bowl clean, "Mmmmm..." Satisfied, I quickly finished History and was about to start on Geography when I heard the scream.
I looked over the Motoki who merely nodded his head foreward. With a brave smile, I whipped off my uniform and tied the silver shawl across my waist. Putting the Venus mask in place, I untied my pigtails as I ran, quickly putting it up in a tight ponytail with a silver ribbon.
By the time I arrived, the ground was littered with couples. The youma was up ahead, its head tilted to one side as it studied Mercury. The rest of the Senshi tried to attac it with all their might, but they couldn't penetrate its thick hide. This looked familiar. I thought briefly back and remembered that this youma needed the power of love to destroy it. But how? Tuxedo Kamen doesn't know me. Mercury would never admit her love for him. The youma started foreward, reaching out to Mercury. With a loud hiss, I loosen the whip from my waist and leaping from the rooftop, I slapped it straight onto its thick hide, thinking only of my friends. As soon as the whip touched it, I let out a silent scream. The bastard! It's drawing my energy in via the whip. I concentrated on Mamoru. Only by the power of love... Only... My only love... Only... Dropping to the ground, I rolled to one side, "NOW!" I yelled to the fallen Senshi.
They looked at each other and tried once again, combining their energies together and dispatched the youma. Because of my thoughts of love, the purity of my energy struck the core of this youma. I don't need my powers as Sailor Moon to destroy the dark-verse. I can do it as Tsukino Usagi. Bunny of the Moon.
As I struggled to stand, the Senshi rushed over, "Who are you?" Mars demanded.
I smiled mockingly. They mustn't know who I am. But that was a good question. Who was I? I looked around and saw the full moon. "Born under the moon, raised under the rays of Luna." I met their gazes with a calculated degree of coldness, "I am called Moonlight."
"Are you friend or foe?" Venus asked, stepping up. She was the leader. Always.
I thought about her question. "I am neither. I serve only the Moon." I told them. It was true. I do.
"Are you Sailor Moon?" Mercury asked urgently.
I shook my head. "I am not one of you." Not anymore. I added silently to myself. I backed away, but they continued to advance with their questions. Finally, in desperation, I looked to Tuxedo Kamen and said aloud, "Under the moonlight, you made a promise to find her. Protect her. Love her." I saw his eyes widen, "Mamoru." I whispered holding his gaze for a few seconds later before and running off reluctantly, taking advantage of their stunned faces.
I ran to the arcade and changed. Stepping inside, I saw Motoka enter, her eyes sweeping the room, probably searching for signs of Moonlight. "Motoka?" I asked, walking up to her, "Who are you looking for?"
"I..." Biting her lip, she smiled and shook her head, "Just looking for a late-night dinner."
Frowning, I invited her to pull up a seat on the counter, "Don't you usually cook?"
"Eh..."
I laughed, "I guess even a great chef needs a break once in a while. Don't worry, Motoki makes a decent curry." I told her, sliding off my own chair and walked into Motoki's kitchen, heaping some curry in a bowl. Coming out, I placed it down in front of her. "Try it."
She took a bite cautiously and nodded, savoring the taste, "Interesting flavors... I'd have to ask him for his recipe."
I laughed, "It's a closely guarded secret. Not even I know what it is."
Motoka pursed her lips, "Are you two... dating?"
Motoki came in just as she asked that question. "Dating? Me and Usagi?" We looked at each other and burst out laughing.
"Ha! That'll be the day!"
Motoka looked at us and frowned, "It was a logical assumption! Usagi here, knowing her way around. Her hair down, books strewed all over the place."
"I come here to study." I told her, "Not to mention free games." I added with a big smile, "Motoki is my family outside family. We've known each other since we were children."
"Oh." She made a point at looking at her watch, "I got to run, told some friends I'd meet with them in a bit."
I nodded, "Mind if I walk you out? I have to get going myself."
"Sure."
Packing up, we said our good-byes to Motoki and walked quietly down the street."Look, it's Jupitar!" I pointed excitedly towards the sky.
Motoka looked up in surprise, "So it is."
"Jupitar's lightning storms must be getting worse every year... I bet you can just feel it in your bones, huh?" I asked in an off-handed manner as I continued to walk, knowing that Motoka would wonder just how the heck would I know that. Smiling, I switched my briefcase and continued to walk, "I'll see you tomorrow, Motoka. This is my stop." I told her, "Didn't you need to meet with your friends tonight? You didn't have to walk me home."
"No trouble." She waved a dismissive hand in the air. "Think of it as an act of friendship."
"I will." I said with a soft smile, "Thanks." I hugged her. Surprised, she stood there. Letting her go, I went inside and ran upstairs to my room. Looking out the window, I saw her talking softly into her communicator and knew everything would turn out fine in the end. Opening my locket, I let the music wash over me as I slept. Yep, everything would turn out in the end.
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It's not that bad, I hope. Anyways, if there's still anyone interested in Of Heaven and Hell, put a review with your e-mail on it. If there's no one, I'll just stop writing it. Onward and beyond!
PG
Ryo Angel
+ Chapter Two : History and Chocolate +
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ Part One : The Disguise +
My story isn't as complicated as many thought. In my past life, I was the Moon Princess, heiress to the throne of the Moon which rules the what is known now as the Milky Way Galaxy. I fell in love with a man who was engaged to a princess of a small, but powerful galaxy known as Metellian. That princess with Beryl. She grew hateful and called upon the powers of her galaxy's diety - Metellia. She grew cold and spiteful and eventually destroyed many of my friends. Endymion died to save me and I had killed myself to follow him into the next life.
Mother used the power of the ginzhoushi and sent us all to the future where I became the fighter for justice, Sailor Moon. The rest, as they say, is history. When I got home that night, my mind was clear and free. It didn't matter that I was no longer Sailor Moon, they were my friends before. They were still my friends now. After the fight with Galaxia, I had labored hard and worked my way to the top of my class. On the side, I had worked with Luna and developed an interest in science. I only need to draw out that information that I know so well. After everyone was asleep, I snuck into the sewing room and started making a disguise. It wouldn't be easy to sneak off as I had done. I would have had to confront them someday, and I didn't want them to know who I was. I didn't make it like the senshi uniforms, instead I kept it simple - a tight, black sleeveless leotard that I can wear underneath my school uniform and a silver shawl that I could drape across my waist.
When I put it on, I knew I had to do something with my face. I remembered my Sailor V passion and after some rummage, found my old Sailor V mask. That would do nicely. Perfect. Weapons now. I can't always rely on finding some sharp trash can lids lying around. Tomorrow, I would need to pay a dear friend a visit, but for now, I can start making a lasso. Rummaging around my closet, I found eight long pieces of thin leather. Braiding them together, I added a few sharpened thumbtacks. They won't hinder me if I tried to swing down from above, but would created a good enough diversion to the youma, stupid as they are. I secured it with some thin wires, leaving about eight inches of leather to spray out like a decoration. This would do nicely as a belt.
Tired, I climbed into bed, but before I went to sleep, I stared out the window and looked up to the moonlit sky. "Mother..." I whispered, "I am still your daughter."
+ Part Two : Enlisting Help +
"Hey, Usagi!" Furuhata Motoki greeted me when I walked into his arcade, "How's it going?"
A bright smile pasted on, I plunked down on a booth and ordered a chocolate sundae. Motoki had known me since birth. He was a friend of my oldest brother, Akira. They had done everything together, from the time they were in diapers until high school. My brother was courting a girl that was claimed by the leader of the fiercest gang in Japan, known to all only as Da Tenshi's - Fallen Angels. He was beaten so badly that he laid in the hospital for three weeks in agony, his life was preserved only by the machines. He couldn't even breathe on his own... My own parent's were so devastated that even now, they couldn't bear to speak his name aloud.
Motoki was away the day Akira was jumped, but when he found out what had happened, he rushed out to find the Fallen Angels and gave each one a lesson on manners. To the leader, Kitano, he left him a special gift and to this day, he still haven't told me what. Every time I brought it up, he just told me that I wasnt to worry about it and if anyone tried to harm me, to go straight to him. In a way, he replaced the brother that I had lost.
With my best puppy dog smile, I turned to him and batted my eyes, "Ya know, Motoki..."
He groaned, "Now what, Usagi?" He knows me so well!
"I need some help." I said seriously, my eyes lost their teasing spark.
Instantly, he was on guard, his eyes sharpened and hard, "Who's been harming you?"
"Chill, Motoki." I chastened him. "It's no one. I haven't practice Martial Arts with you for over a year and I wanted to brush up on it." Thanks to those lessons, my life was saved many a times when I had became Sailor Moon. I needed them now more than ever.
His eyes still hold that suspicious glance, "Why do you want to brush up on it?" He asked. He knew full well that I had quit because it was taking up too much of my time and I had wanted to hang out with friends.
"Because." I said simply. When he contined to wait for an answer, I finally said in a quiet and determined tone, "I know you want to shield me away from the hardships of this world, but you can't protect me forever." I told him, "You're going to have to let me handle some of my fights on my own."
"So there is a fight!" He said triumphantly.
I groaned, "Motoki. Are you going to help me or not?"
He eyed me suspiciously, "It's nothing you can't handle, right?"
No matter what I said, he'd still follow me around until he was sure that I could take care of myself, so I told him the truth, "I'm planning on protecting the Sailor Senshi."
The look he gave me was open disbelief. "Usagi," He said when he finally found his voice, "You can't." He told me, "I refuse it."
I stared back at him, "I'm doing it no matter what you say, Motoki. Now, are you going to help me or not?"
"You're only one person. How can you fight those monsters?"
"How can they?" I countered, "They are no less human than I."
"But they are blessed with powers." His voice was relenting. He knew how stubborn I could be.
I just shook my head, "Motoki. I love you. You're like the brother that I had lost. But this is one thing that I've made up my mind to. Don't try to dissuade me."
He closed his eyes and sighed, "Tomorrow. Four. Old place." He started to dry the cups and dishes again, "I disapprove, Usagi, but I won't let you do this on your own."
With a smile, I told him, "I know. Already got your costume made." I added with a wink to his horrified expression. "Can't let anyone recognize us."
He slapped his hand to his forehead and I laughed, finishing my milkshake and left. "See you tomorrow."
At exactly three fifty-five, I stood at the base of an old willow tree. Akira, Motoki and I spent many a hours playing underneath this very tree. I put my hand on the carving of this age old tree and sighed. It's been so long... looking around and seeing as how Motoki wasn't there yet, I stepped back and with a push, jumped up onto the one of the branches and swung myself upto the second branch. I remember Akira hiding something here... hopefully it's still there... I reached into the small hole in the tree and felt around, my fist closing in on a small metal box. Pulling it slowly out, I brushed aside the dirt and set it next to me. Pulling the key from around my neck, I pushed it into the lock and heard the slight click. My hand still on the key, I thought back to what Akira had said as he laid on his deathbed.
"Usagi..." He breathed, "I had a dream of you... dressed all in white..." He smiled weakly, "Just like a princess... my Lady of the Moon." He paused to catch his breath, "In my bedroom. Second drawer. There's a key. Second branch of the willow tree..." He began coughing hoarsely, "There's a hole in it." He finally got the coughing under control. Enough to give me a small smile, "Ten years, Serenity..."
That was ten years ago today. How did he know to call me Serenity? How did he know that I was the Princess of the Moon? With shaking hands, I withdrew the key and opened the tin box. Inside was a box, wrapped up in white tan leather. Taking it out, I unwrapped it. When I saw the contents, I wept, the melody of the Moon swept through my ears. Bringing it close to my heart, I allowed the emotions to sweep through me. There is still a chance. There is still hope...
Wiping away my tears, I pocketed the locket and withdrew the key. "Good-bye... Brother..." I whispered to the fluttering wind. When I got down, Motoki was already waiting. Putting on a smirking smile, I made my way to him, "Ready?" I asked cheerfully.
"Don't pretend, Usagi." He told me, his eyes full of empathy, "You can fool the world with your smile, but never me." He opened up his arms, and for a while I stood there, a smile pasted on my face. My eyes closed and a solitary tear fell. Dropping all pretenses, I flew at him, throwing myself into his arms and sobbed. I went through ten long years of mourning. Now, I've finally put my brother's soul to rest.
+ Part 3 : Moonlight +
"Hello, good morning, wake-up, wake-up. Hello, good morning, wake-up, wake-up. Hello, good mor-" Slam, went my hand on my alarm clock. Even after so long, I'm still not used to waking up so early. Actually... glancing at the clock, I groan. Its four-thirty in the morning. The science lab opened at five. Dragging myself out of bed, I donne dmy attaire and walked down the stairs. Pulling out the ingredients to make a sandwich, I quickly whipped up lunch and scrambled some eggs for breakfast.
Putting on my loafers, I picked up my bag and raced to school, hey, it's exercise isn't it? Not even breathing hard, I entered the science lab and signed in, making my way to the cornor. I had applied for membership the day before and surprised everyone when I passed the chemical and safety test with full scores. What did they think I was? A clueless bunny? Now... what were the chemicals I needed? Can't really remember the names of them... When I was seventeen, I was mixing some ingredients together for a smokescreen and accidentally added a blue substance... here we go! Hmm... the label's worn off... anyways, it's a powder that when added with water, it solidifies and hardens. It worked really well with the youma's before and I hope that it''ll work the same now. Letting it cool, I withdrew the sieve from my bag. Sorry Mom.Attaching a white silk bag to it, I carefully grounded the substance that I nicknamed Rocky on a medicinal grinder and poured it over the sieve, catching the bigger pieces and grinding them over again until I had about a pound of it. Tying it up, I carefully cleaned up the mess and was about the leave when I noticed Amy and Rei coming in. Funny, Rei doesn't even go to this school... but she's here now... and back when I first saw them... hmmm...
I slid into the corner cabinet and waited. Soon, I heard their footsteps and peeking out, I saw them. "We need to find out who helped us. It could be Sailor Moon." Ami said.
"How do we know?" Rei asked suspiciously, "Just because Luna said that a tiara is Sailor Moon's attack doesn't mean anything. We saw a trash can!"
"Flung in the form of a disc. That's what Luna said." Ami said reasonably. "Besides, Minako is weary of pretending that she's Sailor Moon. It's unnerving to Mamoru."
"Jeez Ami." I heard the impatience in Rei's voice. "You should stop pretending around Mamoru. You know you love him."
"We're..."
"Half-siblings? In what world?" Rei scoffed, "That's what you two tell others when they question your relationship, but you know you two are not even related. Your mother took Mamoru in when he was a child and you two grew up together. I saw the way you look at him. Like a woman in love."
I slumped back against the wall. I can't mess this world up. This isn't my world. it's theirs. I'm only a trespasser.
"You're right, Rei." Ami said softly, "But he's not the one for me. I seen the way he looked at Minoko. She reminds him of someone, the woman in his dreams. And that's not me."
So Mamo-chan still have those dreams... But who is the Moon Princess in this world? My ears perked up with I heard Ami mention my name.
"He says that in the right light, Usagi almost look like the woman in his dreams. His Lady Princess." I caught the heartbreak in her voice. "Maybe she is." There was a silence and then she sighed, "Nothing matters now. We have to find Sailor MOon, and then we need to find the Moon Princess."
"Wouldn't it be easier if they were both the same person?" Rei mused, "But NO, they just HAD to be two different people."
"So says your fire." Ami said skeptically.
"Hey, my fire is accurate!" Rei defended, their voices growing dimmer as they left the room.
I emerged from my hiding spot, going over the new information that I heard. So Ami loves Mamoru, who apparently was still haunted by dreams of the Moon Princess. Interesting.
+++++++++++++
Sliding onto the booth at the Crown's arcade, I scowled when Motoki placed a strawberry shake in front of me. "What's the big idea?" I growled.
"I'm cutting you off, Usagi. It's not normal for you to drink all that chocolate and still be able to function." He has a curious glint in his eyes and my own narrowed suspiciously.
"Motoki," I said in a low voice, "Give me my chocolate," I stood up and faced him head-on, "Or I hurt you."
"Ha! That'll be the day." Motoki continued to dry his dishes and glasses and I sighed in exasperation.
"Give me back my chocolate!" I whined, "You KNOW how much I crave chocolate! It's the only thing that keeps me going!"
He shook his head, "No more, Usagi. Now, hit the books!" He ordered.
Grumbling all the while, I pulled out my math book and started going down the problems. After all these years, I still have trouble doing trigonometry. Sigh. By the time I finished and started on History, it was dinner time and I turned my puppy dog eyes on Motoki as he got off the phone with my mom. "Chocolate, pwease?"
Rolling his eyes, he placed a dish of curry down in front of me. "Eat." He commanded, handing me a fork.
Muttering obscene words and giving him dark looks, I shoved the curry down my throat, thinking up ways to torture the chocolate out of him. When I finished the last bite, he cleared away the table. Clearly, he wasn't going to give me my chocolate. Sighing again, I started on History and half-way through, why the heck do I need to know about Japan's part in World War II? Anyways, half-way through History, I could smell the tantalizing smell of... "Chocolate!" Licking my lips, I looked up and saw a big bowl of chocolate ice cream covered in Hershey's Chocolate... mmmm... chocolate... There's even a chocolate covered cherry! "Motoki, I love you!" I said, as I savored each and every bite, licking the bowl clean, "Mmmmm..." Satisfied, I quickly finished History and was about to start on Geography when I heard the scream.
I looked over the Motoki who merely nodded his head foreward. With a brave smile, I whipped off my uniform and tied the silver shawl across my waist. Putting the Venus mask in place, I untied my pigtails as I ran, quickly putting it up in a tight ponytail with a silver ribbon.
By the time I arrived, the ground was littered with couples. The youma was up ahead, its head tilted to one side as it studied Mercury. The rest of the Senshi tried to attac it with all their might, but they couldn't penetrate its thick hide. This looked familiar. I thought briefly back and remembered that this youma needed the power of love to destroy it. But how? Tuxedo Kamen doesn't know me. Mercury would never admit her love for him. The youma started foreward, reaching out to Mercury. With a loud hiss, I loosen the whip from my waist and leaping from the rooftop, I slapped it straight onto its thick hide, thinking only of my friends. As soon as the whip touched it, I let out a silent scream. The bastard! It's drawing my energy in via the whip. I concentrated on Mamoru. Only by the power of love... Only... My only love... Only... Dropping to the ground, I rolled to one side, "NOW!" I yelled to the fallen Senshi.
They looked at each other and tried once again, combining their energies together and dispatched the youma. Because of my thoughts of love, the purity of my energy struck the core of this youma. I don't need my powers as Sailor Moon to destroy the dark-verse. I can do it as Tsukino Usagi. Bunny of the Moon.
As I struggled to stand, the Senshi rushed over, "Who are you?" Mars demanded.
I smiled mockingly. They mustn't know who I am. But that was a good question. Who was I? I looked around and saw the full moon. "Born under the moon, raised under the rays of Luna." I met their gazes with a calculated degree of coldness, "I am called Moonlight."
"Are you friend or foe?" Venus asked, stepping up. She was the leader. Always.
I thought about her question. "I am neither. I serve only the Moon." I told them. It was true. I do.
"Are you Sailor Moon?" Mercury asked urgently.
I shook my head. "I am not one of you." Not anymore. I added silently to myself. I backed away, but they continued to advance with their questions. Finally, in desperation, I looked to Tuxedo Kamen and said aloud, "Under the moonlight, you made a promise to find her. Protect her. Love her." I saw his eyes widen, "Mamoru." I whispered holding his gaze for a few seconds later before and running off reluctantly, taking advantage of their stunned faces.
I ran to the arcade and changed. Stepping inside, I saw Motoka enter, her eyes sweeping the room, probably searching for signs of Moonlight. "Motoka?" I asked, walking up to her, "Who are you looking for?"
"I..." Biting her lip, she smiled and shook her head, "Just looking for a late-night dinner."
Frowning, I invited her to pull up a seat on the counter, "Don't you usually cook?"
"Eh..."
I laughed, "I guess even a great chef needs a break once in a while. Don't worry, Motoki makes a decent curry." I told her, sliding off my own chair and walked into Motoki's kitchen, heaping some curry in a bowl. Coming out, I placed it down in front of her. "Try it."
She took a bite cautiously and nodded, savoring the taste, "Interesting flavors... I'd have to ask him for his recipe."
I laughed, "It's a closely guarded secret. Not even I know what it is."
Motoka pursed her lips, "Are you two... dating?"
Motoki came in just as she asked that question. "Dating? Me and Usagi?" We looked at each other and burst out laughing.
"Ha! That'll be the day!"
Motoka looked at us and frowned, "It was a logical assumption! Usagi here, knowing her way around. Her hair down, books strewed all over the place."
"I come here to study." I told her, "Not to mention free games." I added with a big smile, "Motoki is my family outside family. We've known each other since we were children."
"Oh." She made a point at looking at her watch, "I got to run, told some friends I'd meet with them in a bit."
I nodded, "Mind if I walk you out? I have to get going myself."
"Sure."
Packing up, we said our good-byes to Motoki and walked quietly down the street."Look, it's Jupitar!" I pointed excitedly towards the sky.
Motoka looked up in surprise, "So it is."
"Jupitar's lightning storms must be getting worse every year... I bet you can just feel it in your bones, huh?" I asked in an off-handed manner as I continued to walk, knowing that Motoka would wonder just how the heck would I know that. Smiling, I switched my briefcase and continued to walk, "I'll see you tomorrow, Motoka. This is my stop." I told her, "Didn't you need to meet with your friends tonight? You didn't have to walk me home."
"No trouble." She waved a dismissive hand in the air. "Think of it as an act of friendship."
"I will." I said with a soft smile, "Thanks." I hugged her. Surprised, she stood there. Letting her go, I went inside and ran upstairs to my room. Looking out the window, I saw her talking softly into her communicator and knew everything would turn out fine in the end. Opening my locket, I let the music wash over me as I slept. Yep, everything would turn out in the end.
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It's not that bad, I hope. Anyways, if there's still anyone interested in Of Heaven and Hell, put a review with your e-mail on it. If there's no one, I'll just stop writing it. Onward and beyond!