The Dark Side of The Moon
Chapter Three – Jadeite's Plan
By Crow Skywalker
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Disclaimer – Don't own Sailor Moon or it's characters. Just borrowing them for some fun ;)
Author's Notes – Wow, its me again – with another chapter to this fic. Again, thanks for all the reviews. Although many mentioned/disliked the "brainwashing" part – I never really meant for it to be like that. Usagi can still think and act for herself, so it really wasn't brainwashing now was it? :P It was just memories from the past that Usagi disliked, and there'll be more to it later. Sorry its taking me so long to write...but I haven't been all that interested in writing for a while, so I only write every now and then. Its like severe writer's block or something. Yeah, so anyway – enjoy!
Warnings/Pairings – PG-13 for swearing and evilness. Later pairings of Usagi/Mamoru (way later), and Senshi/Generals.
Series Summary – AU, where everyone's older. What if Queen Beryl had found Usagi before Luna? What if Beryl thought Usagi had good potential, and offered her a place at her side? The first season of Sailor Moon certainly would have been different. Sailor Moon done my way
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The next few days passed rather slowly as Luna waited for a sign, reply or anything from this so-called "friend" Central Control had mentioned. She had hoped that the reply would have come soon – the sooner they rid the earth of the enemy the better. But it seemed the enemy was withdrawing. There had been no attacks since that night, and Luna was beginning to worry.
Staring out through the glass doors to the balcony, she twitched her tail nervously. She had been staying with Mamoru, he didn't seem to mind a whole lot, however, she knew that she had a mission to complete. I must find the senshi soon, she lifted a paw and laid it against the glass, wherever they are...I cannot seem to find them. She sighed, shaking her head. She really was a failure.
A moan from another room woke her out of her depressed state and Luna turned her head to find a sleepy Mamoru dragging himself out of bed and into the bathroom. She soon heard the shower going and after a few moments it shut off again. Clean and dressed, Mamoru headed for the kitchen next.
"Sleep well?"
"Not really." He answered.
"Having nightmares again?"
He nodded in response, yawning.
"Same one?"
He nodded again. "Usagi and Serenity."
A silence fell between them as Mamoru began to cook his morning breakfast.
"There's been no sign of her...it's like she's totally vanished off the earth." Luna murmured, "Even the police can't find her...her family is pretty upset from what I hear on the news. They think someone kidnapped her."
"Someone did."
"She went willingly," Luna reminded him, "Technically that's not kidnapping."
The silence fell again, and Luna watched as the young man finished his breakfast and cleared up.
"I have a class this morning. Are you going to be all right by yourself?"
"Yeah," The cat nodded, "I might head out myself, actually. Who knows – maybe today's the day?"
"Good luck then," said Mamoru, sliding the balcony doors open slightly so she was free to enter and leave as she pleased. After doing so and saying his good-byes, Luna soon found herself alone once again.
Hopefully today's the day, she thought, before leaving the apartment as well.
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Queen Beryl sat in her usual place, surrounded by the darkness and red glow of her minion's eyes. Out of all of them, only her favorite stepped out to face her, bowing slightly under her gaze.
"Jadeite, how is our new arrival coming along?"
"Great, my Queen." He answered, not moving from his bowing position. "She's doing well in her studies and training. The Generals and I are most pleased at her progress."
"As am I. I never expected it to be this easy. She was so willing to accept anything I said to her."
"Indeed, the truth hurts."
"Hmm," Beryl said thoughtfully, "And it really was the truth. What I showed her were sad and angry memories – she didn't see what went on before or after them."
"Like how her mother and guardians were concerned about her with the upcoming war," Jadeite mused, "Or how Endymion was pushing her away for her own safety. It was all very clever, my Queen."
"It was, wasn't it?" She laughed. "And she so easily believed it all."
"But what if she were to regain her memories?"
The laughter stopped, and a thoughtful look crossed her face. "You've brought up a good point Jadeite. One that can easily be fixed with a little dark energy. Lets say, a mind block. That should do the trick, don't you think?"
He nodded silently.
"Rise Jadeite," She finally ordered, and he obeyed, "We've been slacking behind lately in our task with Serenity's arrival and training. As for now, allow Nephrite to take over. We must collect more energy!"
"I have already picked a new location," Jadeite started, and the air around him started to shimmer and move as an image took place, "It's called the Crown Game Center – a place where human teenagers flock to play arcade games and buy food. A great source of energy."
"Proceed with your plan, Jadeite – and do not fail me."
"I will not, my Queen."
And with that, he vanished.
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Luna sighed, sitting on a curb and watching people pass her by. She was having no luck at finding the other senshi
Where do I even start? I've looked all over, and I haven't sensed anything at all! She shook her head. But I can't stop...every minute I waste sitting around thinking about it, could be a minute I might find her... She stood once again, stretching her sore legs, and began her journey once again. But after an hour of walking, she soon found herself in front of a familiar place.
The arcade...thought Luna, staring up at the large sign. This is where I followed Usagi... She pushed that sad thought out of her head. If Usagi had hung out here, then perhaps another senshi might too. That thought in her head, she raced across the street, not bothering to look both ways. She didn't see the car coming until it was too late. There was a loud honk, and Luna prepared herself for the hit, but it never came.
"Hey you!" Yelled a voice, "Watch where you're going next time!"
Luna opened her eyes to find a girl holding her tightly, cursing the car as it disappeared. She sighed in relief – she was safe. She silently scolded herself for not looking where she was going.
"Are you okay kitty? I hope you're not hurt.." The girl said softly, scratching her behind the ears. Luna tried hard not to give in to the pleasure, but she soon found herself purring happily.
"You seem okay." The girl giggled, holding her up to look her over – and for the first time, Luna had a chance to look the girl over as well.
She was wearing a school uniform, obviously just getting out of school, and had long raven black hair that framed her pretty face perfectly and really brought out her dark eyes. She was smiling and she seemed to light up with a glow.
"Luna! Are you okay?"
They turned to find Mamoru exiting from the Crown Arcade, a worried look on his face. Luna meowed in response.
"Oh, this is your cat?" The girl asked, a slight blush crossing her cheeks.
"Well...err...sort of." He gave her a smile as she handed him the cat. "She followed me home one day, and has been staying with me since."
"She seems like a nice cat," She smiled back, face reddening even more. Luna could tell that this girl was attracted to Mamoru, and watched and listened in amusement. "Although that spot on her head is kind of strange. Looks like a crescent moon or something."
"Well, she's a very strange cat." Mamoru mused, and Luna growled softly in response. "Hey, you must think I'm pretty rude.." He stretched out his hand, which she took. "I'm Chiba Mamoru."
"Hino Rei." She said, shaking his hand.
"Rei...hey, you work at the shrine, don't you?"
She nodded, letting go of his hand. "My Grandpa owns the place."
"I've been there a few times. It's very nice."
"You think so?" She blushed some more, "Maybe next time you come by you can drop by and say hello...maybe stay and have some tea?"
"That would be nice." He smiled.
"Anyway, I must go. See you around!" She waved, and was off again.
"Thanks again for saving my cat!" He yelled after her.
Setting Luna down, Mamoru made sure no one was looking before he talked to her.
"Watch where you're going next time, huh? Don't want to end up as road kill before you find these senshi of yours." He smirked.
Luna rolled her eyes. "I'll be careful next time."
"So what were you doing here anyway? The arcade is where kids hang out after school."
"It's a good place to search then, now isn't it?"
"I guess...especially now since Motoki's hired a new assistant. The girls seem to flock here after school. Not only that, but Motoki's bought a ton of new flavored ice cream. I haven't tried any yet, but it's very popular. Everyone's buying it. It's on sale and everything."
"Hmmm..." Luna sighed thoughtfully, staring at the building. Maybe this would be the place she'd find her....she was close, she could feel it.
"C'mon Luna, it's going to be dark soon. Lets go home – you have all day tomorrow to check out this place."
Luna nodded silently, following after Mamoru as they left, glancing back over her shoulder every now and then to look at the arcade. There was something about that arcade, and she'd soon find out just what it was. Whether it be good or bad, she was drawn to it. And if she was lucky, she'd find what she was looking for.
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Jadeite faked yet another smile as he handed another starry-eyed girl an ice cream. She took it, her eyes never leaving his as she grinned stupidly and blushed. He pretended not to notice as he served the next girl, who wore the same stupid grin.
What is it with these girls? He thought, scooping up another frosty treat, It's like their hormones are gone crazy! What kind of girl comes on to a guy she doesn't even know? He shook his head. I'm definitely not interested in any of these bimbos – or anyone, for that matter. He silently wished they would stop their high-pitched giggling and just leave him alone. He had work to do.
"Busy day, huh?"
He looked up to see Motoki giving him a thumbs up, a knowing smirk across his lips. Jadeite nodded. Although Motoki looked the same on the outside, inside was a whole different story now. Deep down, ready to strike when needed, was one of Jadeite's creations. It had taken up residence just the other day – when Jadeite had taken over the Crown. He smiled, remembering. After all, it had been so easy! The real Motoki was tied up out back, out cold.
The bell over the door jingled to signal the arrival of another customer, and Jadeite bit back a sigh of annoyance. Yet another stupid human girl, I bet. Glancing over at the newcomer, he found he couldn't look away. In the entrance stood a raven-haired girl dressed in a red top, red overcoat and a black skirt. She stood looking around, as if looking for someone.
Who is she? He wondered, searching his mind for an answer, but coming up with none. There was something strangely familiar about her...the aura that seemed to surround her. He couldn't help but stare, drawn to her as if he knew her a great deal. He shook his head. It couldn't be possible...but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't look away.
"Hey! Some service here!"
Jadeite finally snapped out of it, turning his attention back to his customers. An elder lady stood with her arms folded, clearly annoyed.
"Sorry." He muttered, getting back to work. Queen Beryl would be most displeased if he failed her another time.
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Rei entered the Crown Arcade, shyly looking at her surroundings. The place seemed a bit full, but that didn't matter. She was meeting someone, and as she peered at one of the back tables, she realized that someone was already there.
"You're late." A smiling Mamoru pointed out as she slid into the booth.
"Sorry...never got off work until late." She smiled back, remembering earlier that morning. Mamoru had dropped by that morning, and had offered to take her out for a thank you for saving his cat. She gladly accepted and had agreed to meet him after work. Now, here she was, staring at a menu and chatting with Mamoru as if they were good friends.
"How's it going there anyway?" Asked Mamoru after he'd been served his favorite apple pie dish.
"It's busy this time of year. Lots of people looking for charms, I guess." Rei answered, slowly taking a spoonful of her ice-cream and putting it in her mouth. "This ice-cream is really good!" She declared as she tasted it, "Do you want to try?" She offered. Mamoru shook his head.
"I was never really into all that charm stuff...I believe we make our own luck." He ate another spoonful of pie, "I heard you were psychic or something –" He started.
Rei hesitated slightly. She really didn't like to talk about her 'special powers', as people called it. It seemed to scare people, and a lot of the time she was shunned or called names by her fellow classmates. "Yeah.."
Mamoru noticed how she suddenly became uncomfortable. "I think that's pretty cool. How does it work?"
Cool? Rei raised her eyes to look into his, which were studying her. Nobody had ever told her her powers were 'cool'. Most people thought it was freakish. But it seemed most people weren't like her new friend Mamoru. She smiled slightly. "I do readings of a sort...by looking into fire." She revealed. "It doesn't always work, but I'm getting better at it."
"That's good. The more you work at it the better you'll get, right?"
She nodded, eating some more of her ice cream. "I hope to be a great fortune teller one day."
He smiled at her in response, and she smiled back.
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Jadeite scooped up another cone, getting frustrated with his work. Just to think – one of Beryl's proud Generals working such a degrading job. My plan had better work. He frowned, handing the cone over to another unsuspecting customer, who gladly licked at it and threw money his way. I don't see how humans can eat this stuff, he thought, looking down at the containers, its basically frozen sugar. What point does it serve?
Scowling, he looked up to find Motoki handing out ice cream as fast as he could. The day was soon coming to an end and there were fewer customers than before. Thank the Dark Kingdom, he sighed, wiping his hands off in his earth clothes.
"Motoki – I'm taking a break. See to it that the plan is carried out." He said, passing by the other boy.
Walking into the back room, he couldn't help but smirk. Everything was going smoothly – certainly his plan would work.
A loud giggle interrupted his thoughts, and he scanned the room to find its owner. His eyes immediately landed on the girl he had seen earlier, who was happily chatting away with some guy. For some reason this made Jadeite angry and he tried to shake the feeling away.
Who is this girl? He wondered, and why does she draw my attention? He studied her hair, her face, the way she smiled and talked. She was a stranger to him..but yet, he felt like he knew her...
His anger grew as he watched her gently touch the man's arm, a bright smile on her face. Why does she make me feel this way?
He shook his head, shrugging the feeling away. He had no time for such nonsense. Narrowing his eyes, he stepped through a portal and back to into the Dark Kingdom. He had to report to his Queen.
To Be Continued....