Selece
By Arimi formerly known as Azhure
Author's Note: Here is chapter 1, well not that much to say, except
that it nice for you to write a review of stories you have read. Oh, and
for stargirl, since this is inspired by Ceres, it is going to have a few
similar details, but it is not a Sailor Moon version of Ceres. This
chapter contains a lot of flashbacks and memories. So please bear
with me. I am probably going to move the rating up. There is a scene
in this that might be disturbing and I am sorry if it offends you, but I
need it for purposes of this story. But one scene doesn't make the
entire story rated R, so I am going to have to figure out how future
scenes will play out before I make any final decision on the rating.
-…- denotes thought
~…~ denotes a flashback
*…* denotes passage of time
|…| denotes dream/vision
Do not judge the length of this chapter as the norm, although I will try
to make sure that most of the chapters are long, but this one probably
will be the longest, due to the fact that I am trying to build a
foundation to this story.
Disclaimer: Sailor Moon is the property of Naoko Takeuchi.
Chapter 1: Setsuna
"Setsuna! I'm home!"
15 year old Usagi Tsukino looked around for her guardian. She sighed
and set down her schoolbag and collapsed on the couch. It had been
another miserable day. She had been ignored again as usual. All she
had to do was to tell people her name and they got this look
of fear in their eyes. (Her school uniform looks like that of the Mugen
one just so you know)
"Usagi, are you home?"
Usagi looked up and smiled when she saw Setsuna. She rushed over
to her guardian and gave her a hug.
"Another bad day Usagi?"
"Why does everyone hate me Setsuna? Am I ugly? Why doesn't
anyone ever talk to me?"
Setsuna saw the tears begin to appear in the young girl's eyes. She
knew why people avoided Usagi; it was because they knew of her
connection to the Black Moon clan, one that Usagi was not aware of.
It had been eleven years since the Black Moon had taken over Japan
and there tyrannical rule left many people in constant fear. They
probably thought that Usagi was just like all the other people in Black
Moon.
"I don't know Usagi," Setsuna said, "but you should brighten up,
tomorrow is your birthday isn't it?"
Usagi gave a smile and nodded. Yes, she would finally be sixteen
tomorrow. Yes, she just knew that once she turned sixteen things
would change. She would have friends, and she just might fall in love.
For those were the two things she wanted most.
"Yes, can we go to the gardens tomorrow Setsuna? I want to see the
roses," Usagi said and her smile brightened even more.
"Of course."
Usagi beamed and said that she had homework to do and headed to
her room. Setsuna sadly looked at the girl. Usagi was too kind, and
Setsuna often wondered if Usagi would be able to handle what the
Black Moon had planned for her. -Please Usagi; keep your kindness
and your compassion. Don't let them change you.-
~Flashback~
Setsuna walked through the gardens, a five year old Usagi holding her
hand, and looking up at her with love and adoration.
"Usagi, look around you, do you see how beautiful everything is?"
The little girl looked around and turned back.
"It is very pwetty, Setsuna," she said, but her eyes were soon
wandering when a bee flew past her. The girl smiled, let go of
Setsuna and began to chase after the bee.
"Usagi, wait!"
The girl did not listen, and Setsuna soon lost sight of the little girl.
"Usagi!! Usagi!!"
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!"
Setsuna was on alert when she heard the young girl's scream. She
ran as fast as her feet could carry her. When she reached the little
girl, there was a bright light. And Setsuna felt a sudden pain in her
chest. She had the image of a silver haired, golden eyed woman. And
then it was gone, and all she could see was Usagi crying.
"Usagi?"
"It hurts. It hurts weally bad!"
"I know Usagi, I know." And she gathered the little girl into her arms.
~End of Flashback~
A single tear ran down her cheek. -Usagi, you have a hard road ahead
of you. Please don't let them hurt you.-
And that was when she noticed the small letter that had been slipped
through the mail slot.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Kunzite?"
Kunzite, now 26 years old, looked up and was about to scold whoever
had disturbed him, but stopped when he realized who it was.
"Koishi*? What is it, is something wrong?" he asked, and went over to
her and took her into her arms.
"No it is nothing like that, I was just worried about you; you have
locked yourself up for sometime."
"Don't worry about me, Minako," he said, "I was just thinking."
"About what?"
"Minako, how old are you?" he asked.
She looked confused, but than shrugged.
"I am eighteen, you know that."
He smiled, and put a hand to her cheek.
"I am 26 years old, Minako; I am eight years older than you, how is it
that you are able to love me? You know, a lot people would condemn
us for it."
"I don't know Kunzite. Whenever I am around you I am at peace. I
don't care what other people say. I love you, I can't explain it, but I
love you."
She buried her face into his chest, and he smiled.
"Thank you Minako."
He had been 15 when he had met her; it was a few days after the
Black Moon seized control. A few days after his master had died.
~Flashback~
Kunzite wandered aimlessly. The whole entire area was desolate and
in rubble. No one was going to bother to restore it to what it once was
after it was destroyed two years ago by the Black Moon Clan.
He picked up crying behind him and he turned around. Standing
amidst the rubble was a little girl who looked to be about seven years
old, only three years younger than Mamoru, whose training his master
had entrusted to him. The boy had gotten skilled, but his hatred and
anger towards the Black Moon clan was strong, and it was apparent in
his fighting. -If he keeps that up, his hatred will consume him, and he
will destroy himself.- He pushed his thoughts away and turned his
attention back towards the little girl.
"Are you alright little one?" he asked.
She shook her head.
"My mommy and daddy are gone forever, and I have no where to go,"
she cried.
"What is your name?"
"Minako."
Kunzite's heart broke, she was so young, and now she would be alone.
"Listen Minako, come with me, I will take care of you."
~End of Flashback~
It was when he was 23 and she was fifteen that he realized he was in
love with her, but he waited a year until she was sixteen before he told
her. He expected for her to be disgusted since he was so much older,
but she had returned his feeling. For now she was the only thing he
had that he cherished. The one thing he felt possessive of. She was
his anchor. His life.
Another knock on the door came, he let go of Minako and told the
person on the other side to come in. The door opened and Mamoru
walked in. He had grown into a very handsome man. His jet black
hair often would go into his eyes, and his dark blue eyes would often
seem to bore into a person's very soul. He wore a long black trench
coat that went past his knees. Underneath it was a gray tank top, and
he wore of black jeans and black heavy boots, around his neck was a
silver cross, it had belonged to his mother.
"What is it Mamoru?"
"You had sent for me, don't you remember, Master?"
"I'll leave you to alone, Ill see you tonight Kunzite," Minako said,
kissed Kunzite on the cheek, waved to Mamoru and left the room.
Mamoru's face hardened.
"Why do you take advantage of her, Master? You are way too old for her."
"Mamoru, you do not understand. Do you not think I know the
dangers to her, and if I could I would cast her away to protect. But
Mamoru, you do not understand. You have not learned what it means
to love a woman, to live for someone, not a cause, but a person. You
have not found a person who is able to give you hope that maybe one
day life could be better."
"It is selfish Master. It is selfish to find happiness when so many
people are suffering."
"Mamoru, everyone is trying to find happiness. It is the goal of ever
person living on this planet. Those who do not wish to be happy have
given up on life, and deserve to die. I pray Mamoru, that you are not
one of those people."
"I do not agree, but I respect you, Master. Why have you sent for
me?"
"Something is up at Black Moon's Kyoto headquarters. I am going to
assign you, Rei, Jadeite, Makoto, and Nephrite to find out what is
going on. You are to sneak there tomorrow night and gather
information. Please relay this information to the others."
"Very Well, but if I come in contact with one of the big shots, I can't
guarantee that I won't kill them."
Kunzite nodded, and Mamoru turned and left. -Mamoru is reckless;
his hatred was beginning to consume him even more. If something
doesn't happen soon to show him his faults, he is going to be
destroyed. I am sorry Master. I could not guide him to the right
path.-
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rei Hino stared indifferently at the computer screen. She did not
comprehend what Ami was trying to show her. She combed her hand
through her long black hair.
"Ok, Ami, what is this. I don't really understand." Rei said.
Ami Mizuno smiled at her comrade. She was one of the rebellion's top
computer geniuses and was also rising in her medical training, under
Dr. Zakari "Zoisite" Ashida.
"Well of course you can't, it is written in a type of a code. But I think
this information will be useful. Well it is the plan for a meeting at the
Kyoto base. Seems like it has been scheduled since before Black Moon
took control."
"Do you know what it is about, Ami?" Rei asked.
"No, but I do know where is located. It should help you for tomorrow
night."
"Oh really."
Rei and Ami turned to find Jeison "Jadeite" Sakiyurai standing stolidly
in the doorway.
"If this has been planned for a long time, any information we might be
able to collect would be too late to be efficient," he said.
"Any information we can gather, will be good to bring them down,
Jadeite," Rei shot back.
"Oh really, Rei. You are too confident; you're going to get yourself
killed."
"Why don't you take your own advice Jadeite? I have known you to be
way too cocky yourself."
"Oh really. Well I didn't know you thought so much of me Rei, I would
be glad to make you one happy woman."
"You bastard!"
"Don't let him get to you Rei. You know he is just trying to get a rise
out of you," Ami said.
Jadeite laughed and walked over to the computer.
"Well, Kunzite already ordered us to head out tomorrow night. Rei, we
are going to have to work together. Let's get along, okay."
With that said, Jadeite left the room, and Rei felt her face turn red.
"What happened, Rei? Did Jadeite get to you again?" a cheerful voice
said.
Rei calmed herself down when she heard a much more welcome voice.
She turned around to see Makoto Kino and Naohiro "Nephrite"
Yamakage coming towards them.
"Makoto, Nephrite, I guess you came here to get the scoop on what is
going on."
"Yeah, Mr. Joyful gave us the orders. Is it just me or is he becoming
even more menacing?" Makoto said.
"Chiba-san is a very cold person. None of us can change that. He is
going to need to find his own hope on his own," Nephrite said, "His
demons are for him to conquer and him alone."
They all nodded.
"Well guys, we have a mission, let's get on it," Makoto said.
"You're right, we have no time to lose," Rei said. -We are in a fight
that we most likely can't win, but I will fight until the last breath in my
body. If someone doesn't resist Black Moon than no one will.-
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mamoru sat silently in his quarters. The day was over, and for all
purposes he should have been trying to sleep. But he had been
unable to sleep well for the last few years. The screams of his mother,
of his master haunted him in his dreams.
~Flashback~
A ten year old Mamoru, a fifteen year old Kunzite, and their master
stood in a clearing just outside of Kyoto.
"Is something wrong, Master?" Mamoru asked.
"Yes, the Black Moon will finish its plans tonight. Come we must
return home."
They nodded, and followed their master.
*A few hours later*
Mamoru walked through the halls, uneasiness had disturbed his rest,
and he was looking for Kunzite and his master. He heard whispers
come from the living room. He pressed his ear to the door and
listened.
"Kunzite, your training is complete. I hope that you remember
everything that I taught you. I have had this feeling that tonight will
be the last one I will have. If I am to die tonight, I want you to
complete Mamoru's training, and help him to find his way through
life."
Mamoru could not take this anymore, he burst into the room.
"You can't die master!! I won't let you. I will kill any Black Moon scum
who wants to hurt you."
His master walked over to him and put his hands on his shoulders and
gave a slow sad smile.
"Mamoru, you mustn't hate. Hared only leads more to hatred.
Mamoru, I know you have kindness within your heart, but you have
lost sight of it. You have to find it again."
Mamoru closed his eyes.
"I am sorry master."
*The Next Day*
It was hopeless. His master lay on the ground, he was dying, and
neither he nor Kunzite could save him.
"Mamoru, Kunzite, please, always remember what I taught you. And
hold on to whatever hope you can find."
And his master died. Mamoru held back his tears. He would not cry.
His master may have meant well, but he was wrong. Hope had been
destroyed. Once again the Black Moon had taken from him any hope
he had. He had no hope, but he did have a cause. Every breath that
he would take would be used to destroy the Black Moon. They would
feel the rage of his hatred.
~End of Flashback~
Mamoru closed his eyes. Yes they would pay. His revenge would
come, and they would be unable to hide themselves. And hatred won
a little bit more of his heart.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Setsuna scanned the pages of the magazine. The letter lay unopened
on the kitchen table. It did not matter; she knew what was inside that
letter. It had Black Moon's seal on it. They had called, they wanted
Usagi.
Despair consumed her heart. It had come, the time that she had
dreaded for the past sixteen years. -If only I had the power to resist
them. If only I could free Usagi from her fate. But I am too weak. If
only someone could save her. Save Usagi from their evil.-
~Flashback~
"LET GO OF HER!! LET GO OF MY SISTER!!" a fifteen year old
Setsuna cried. But the thugs who held a five year old girl in their
hands would not listen. They had already raped the little girl in front
of her very eyes, and now she knew they would kill her. The hurt in
her sister's eyes broke her heart. What kind of people were they?
What kind of person who do such a thing?
And they twisted the girl's neck and Setsuna let out a scream. The
men dropped the lifeless girl's body and headed over to her. Just as
they were about to grab her, a shot rang out. And one of the men fell
to the ground. The others turned around to find a group of men
pointing guns at them.
"We are the Black Moon Organization, as formed by Senator Ryuu
Demando, and your lives will now pay for your crimes."
And with that a three bullet shots were fired, and the three remaining
men who had raped and killed her sister fell to the ground, dead. She
stared at the men in shock.
"We have saved your life, but do not think that we did it for free. You
are now indebted to us."
"But…"
"We needed you anyway. You are one of the Sentinels, but now we
can insure your loyalty to us. Remember this always, Setsuna Meiou.
You are indebted to us; we have the power to take from you what we
saved. Remember this always. We will always know where you are."
And they left, and she was left alone, and she knew she was at the
mercy of ruthless men.
~End of Flashback~
-I was unable to save my sister, and now I am unable to save Usagi.
Oh what has the world come to?-
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Usagi woke up to the sound of the birds, and she gave a huge smile.
She was sixteen today, and a feeling of a new start was beginning to
form in her mind. Yes, today was the day her life would be different.
She would be happy, and everything would finally make sense.
She got out of bed, and headed out. She went to the kitchen to eat,
but stopped as she passed Setsuna's room. Her guardian was sitting
on the bed looking at the picture in a frame that had been by her
bedside.
"Setsuna? Is something wrong?" Usagi asked.
She glanced at the picture; it was an image of a girl about five years
old, with shoulder length hair that was the same color as Setsuna's
and the same eyes as her guardian. Setsuna glanced at her and gave
a small smile.
"Happy Birthday Usagi."
Usagi smiled and took her guardian's hand and guided her to the
kitchen.
"Setsuna, I don't want you to be gloomy today, we are going to have a
good time, so please be happy!" Usagi said.
"You're right Usagi. Do you still want to go to the gardens?"
"Yes."
"Well then we will go soon. Tonight I am going to take you
somewhere."
"Where?" Usagi asked.
A flash of hurt appeared on Setsuna's features but it completely
disappeared after a moment.
"It's a surprise."
And Usagi understood that she should drop the subject.
--A few hours later—
Setsuna and Usagi stood in the Kyoto gardens enjoying the sense of
peace that the flowers portrayed.
"Setsuna, I want to see the roses," Usagi said.
Setsuna nodded and guided her to the small rose garden in the middle
of the main gardens.
"Usagi, roses are probably the most beautiful flower in the world, but
they do have thorns. To find the roses softer side to you have hold it
by the petals, and try to see the kindness that they hide in their cold
exterior. A rose's beauty is cold and heartless; if you want to love
them you must dig and find the kindness that lies within."
Usagi did not understand her guardian's but she knew that Setsuna
was commenting on something more than a rose.
"Usagi, you are going to meet awful people in this world, but that does
not mean that you should not try to find the good that exists in
people. Never lose hope, and never stop believing in yourself or
others. Please promise me; please promise me Usagi that you will
never lose your kindness. Your kindness and loving spirit will one day
light up the world."
"I promise."
After that the two remained silent.
Later, Setsuna guided Usagi to the most feared place in Kyoto, to one
of the main bases of the Black Moon Organization.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On a hill overlooking the Black Moon's Kyoto base, Rei, Makoto,
Jadeite, and Nephrite kept their surveillance on the entrance.
"Where is he?" Jadeite asked in annoyance.
"Calm down, dimwit, Mamoru will be hear, he never misses a chance
to get at the Black Moon," Rei snapped, why did that guy always get
on her nerves?
"Will you two be quiet? We don't want to be discovered?" Makoto cut
in.
The two nodded, and the group lapsed in silence. It was disturbed by
the sound of footsteps behind them. Jadeite and Nephrite unsheathed
their swords, and Rei and Makoto had their hands ready to take out
their handguns.
"You have nothing to fear, it is just me," Mamoru said, coming out of
the shadows.
"You're late," Jadeite said in disdain.
Mamoru's cold demeanor always made Jadeite feel uncomfortable; the
man was to full of rage that Jadeite often wondered what Mamoru
would do if he was pushed in the wrong way.
"Mamoru, the entrances are heavily guarded; there is no way all five
of us can get in there without being noticed. Only one of us can go,"
Rei said, trying to detect any kind of emotion in the taller man's face.
"Than I will go, I am the most able."
"Listen buddy, you are not all powerful. You can't afford to screw up,"
Jadeite snapped at Mamoru.
"All the more reason why I should go, you would just mess everything
up," Mamoru replied, no emotion detected in his voice, but there was a
fire in his eyes.
"Mamoru, this mission is only for information gathering purposes, if
anyone notices you, you have to get out of there," Rei said.
"If anyone sees me, they will be dead."
And with that he walked into the shadows, and the group watched in
awe. Rei closed her eyes. -Does he not care about killing or
bloodshed anymore?-
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Usagi walked with Setsuna through the Kyoto base's halls. She could
feel the uneasiness radiating of the older woman. Something was
wrong, and she did not understand what was going on.
She thought of what Setsuna had said earlier, and closed her eyes.
Was this what her senses had been telling her this morning? No, this
was different, she could sense evil. Whatever would happen here, it
wasn't going to be good. She was afraid.
"Usagi, do not be scared, everything will be okay. If you keep to your
promise than everything will be okay."
Usagi nodded, and looked back ahead of her. -If I keep my promise,
everything will be okay.-
And it was then that they reached the main hall. This was it, and now
it was time to find out what fate had in store for them.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Demando, the leader of the Black Moon Clan, looked out at the bright
lights of Tokyo. Tonight was the night he had been waiting for.
-Soon I will have the power of a goddess, and Artemis and his
rebellion will be unable to stop me-
He turned to hear the door open, and looked to see one of his soldiers
standing waiting for his acknowledgement.
"Is it time?"
"Yes, Demando-sama, we have just received word from Safiel that the
seed has arrived at the Kyoto base. We will have a direct live
connection in thirty minutes."
"Very well I will be down in awhile." The soldier left and Demando
smirked. "Yes, the new era has come. Soon, Selece's power will be
mine."
And his laugh rang through the building.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Usagi looked around the hall. Soldiers stood around the doors. A large
screen was in front of them, the black moon insignia was below it.
Tension was so thick in the room that it was practically choking.
Setsuna squeezed Usagi's hand in reassurance, but it did not ease her
anxiety.
A man with bluish black hair walked towards the two.
"Setsuna, it is good to see you again. You have completed your
purpose with little trouble. We thank you, and your debt to us is
broken," he said in a silky cunning tone.
Usagi did not like the man at sight but she kept quiet. She had no
idea what was going on.
"Safiel-sama, Demando is online, he is waiting for us to initiate the
connection," a soldier said from the back.
The room was silent, but after a few moments the giant screen lit up
and on it was the image of a silver haired man in white.
"Is she here?"
"Yes, Setsuna, will you please introduce her to us."
Setsuna nodded.
"Demando-sama, Safiel-sama, I present to you Usagi Tsukino."
Setsuna took a few steps back until Usagi was by herself.
She looked up at the man on the screen, and she now felt the severity
of the situation. These men had been waiting for her. Why? She was
just a sixteen year old, what was so special about her.
"Usagi, I have eagerly awaited this meeting. You are truly valuable to
the Black Moon Organization. I know you won't know why, but soon
you will. Please see it fit to aid me."
Usagi was silent; she could not comprehend what was going on.
Setsuna mean while balled her fists, this wasn't right.
"Bastards," she whispered. The soldier that stood next to her looked
at her in disbelief.And without warning she ran into the soldier, and
removed the gun from his holder, she held it towards Safiel.
"Setsuna?" Usagi said, looking fearfully at her guardian.
"Let her go, Safiel, Demando, I won't let you use her as your pawn."
"How amusing. Safiel, destroy the obstacle."
"Right. Setsuna, your true feelings are shown. You have no power to
resist us. Soldiers, take care of her, and bring Usagi to me when she
is dealt with." With that Safiel left the room.
"Usagi get behind me," Setsuna said.
Usagi nodded and rushed behind the woman.
"Usagi, you will be okay, this is all I can do for you, but Usagi, please
don't let them take advantage of you. Please keep your promise.
Never let anyone change…"
And a gunshot silenced her, and Usagi watched, horrified.
"SETSUNA!!! SETSUNA!!!"
And a bright light filled the room, and the building began to shake.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mamoru crept out of a storage closet and looked around. Nobody was
there. Something was going on. Something big. It was at that
moment that the building began to shake. And then without warning a
bright light flashed through the sound of an explosion rocked the
building. What was going on? He knew it couldn't be the others, no
this was something else. And he was going to find out.
He ran down the hallway, until he saw a blown out door. He walked
into the room and froze. Everyone was dead. He looked around.
What happened here?
He saw two women lying on the floor. The blonde haired one looked
to be sixteen years old. He checked her pulse and found that she was
still alive.
"Who, Who are you?"
Mamoru turned around; the other woman who looked to have been
shot was looking at him.
"Are you a Black Moon soldier?" she asked weakly.
"No, I hate the Black Moon," he said.
She smiled.
"Please, could you grant me one wish before I die?"
He raised his eyes at her.
"Could you please take care of that girl? Don't let the Black Moon get
her. Please, protect her," she said and than she moaned, "Usagi,
someday your light will shine throughout the world, and true
happiness will be found."
Mamoru watched as the woman gave one more breath and than died.
He looked at the other girl, and suddenly Kunzite's words popped into
his mind.
-You have not learned what it means to love a woman, to live for
someone, not a cause, but a person. You have not found a person
who is able to give you hope that maybe one day life could be better.-
He tried to brush the thought away but it remained, and so he took
the girl in his arms. He would honor the dead woman's wish. No
harm would ever come to the girl.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*- Beloved
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well there is the first chapter, Please review, I am not going to
continue this if I don't know what you think.
By Arimi formerly known as Azhure
Author's Note: Here is chapter 1, well not that much to say, except
that it nice for you to write a review of stories you have read. Oh, and
for stargirl, since this is inspired by Ceres, it is going to have a few
similar details, but it is not a Sailor Moon version of Ceres. This
chapter contains a lot of flashbacks and memories. So please bear
with me. I am probably going to move the rating up. There is a scene
in this that might be disturbing and I am sorry if it offends you, but I
need it for purposes of this story. But one scene doesn't make the
entire story rated R, so I am going to have to figure out how future
scenes will play out before I make any final decision on the rating.
-…- denotes thought
~…~ denotes a flashback
*…* denotes passage of time
|…| denotes dream/vision
Do not judge the length of this chapter as the norm, although I will try
to make sure that most of the chapters are long, but this one probably
will be the longest, due to the fact that I am trying to build a
foundation to this story.
Disclaimer: Sailor Moon is the property of Naoko Takeuchi.
Chapter 1: Setsuna
"Setsuna! I'm home!"
15 year old Usagi Tsukino looked around for her guardian. She sighed
and set down her schoolbag and collapsed on the couch. It had been
another miserable day. She had been ignored again as usual. All she
had to do was to tell people her name and they got this look
of fear in their eyes. (Her school uniform looks like that of the Mugen
one just so you know)
"Usagi, are you home?"
Usagi looked up and smiled when she saw Setsuna. She rushed over
to her guardian and gave her a hug.
"Another bad day Usagi?"
"Why does everyone hate me Setsuna? Am I ugly? Why doesn't
anyone ever talk to me?"
Setsuna saw the tears begin to appear in the young girl's eyes. She
knew why people avoided Usagi; it was because they knew of her
connection to the Black Moon clan, one that Usagi was not aware of.
It had been eleven years since the Black Moon had taken over Japan
and there tyrannical rule left many people in constant fear. They
probably thought that Usagi was just like all the other people in Black
Moon.
"I don't know Usagi," Setsuna said, "but you should brighten up,
tomorrow is your birthday isn't it?"
Usagi gave a smile and nodded. Yes, she would finally be sixteen
tomorrow. Yes, she just knew that once she turned sixteen things
would change. She would have friends, and she just might fall in love.
For those were the two things she wanted most.
"Yes, can we go to the gardens tomorrow Setsuna? I want to see the
roses," Usagi said and her smile brightened even more.
"Of course."
Usagi beamed and said that she had homework to do and headed to
her room. Setsuna sadly looked at the girl. Usagi was too kind, and
Setsuna often wondered if Usagi would be able to handle what the
Black Moon had planned for her. -Please Usagi; keep your kindness
and your compassion. Don't let them change you.-
~Flashback~
Setsuna walked through the gardens, a five year old Usagi holding her
hand, and looking up at her with love and adoration.
"Usagi, look around you, do you see how beautiful everything is?"
The little girl looked around and turned back.
"It is very pwetty, Setsuna," she said, but her eyes were soon
wandering when a bee flew past her. The girl smiled, let go of
Setsuna and began to chase after the bee.
"Usagi, wait!"
The girl did not listen, and Setsuna soon lost sight of the little girl.
"Usagi!! Usagi!!"
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!"
Setsuna was on alert when she heard the young girl's scream. She
ran as fast as her feet could carry her. When she reached the little
girl, there was a bright light. And Setsuna felt a sudden pain in her
chest. She had the image of a silver haired, golden eyed woman. And
then it was gone, and all she could see was Usagi crying.
"Usagi?"
"It hurts. It hurts weally bad!"
"I know Usagi, I know." And she gathered the little girl into her arms.
~End of Flashback~
A single tear ran down her cheek. -Usagi, you have a hard road ahead
of you. Please don't let them hurt you.-
And that was when she noticed the small letter that had been slipped
through the mail slot.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Kunzite?"
Kunzite, now 26 years old, looked up and was about to scold whoever
had disturbed him, but stopped when he realized who it was.
"Koishi*? What is it, is something wrong?" he asked, and went over to
her and took her into her arms.
"No it is nothing like that, I was just worried about you; you have
locked yourself up for sometime."
"Don't worry about me, Minako," he said, "I was just thinking."
"About what?"
"Minako, how old are you?" he asked.
She looked confused, but than shrugged.
"I am eighteen, you know that."
He smiled, and put a hand to her cheek.
"I am 26 years old, Minako; I am eight years older than you, how is it
that you are able to love me? You know, a lot people would condemn
us for it."
"I don't know Kunzite. Whenever I am around you I am at peace. I
don't care what other people say. I love you, I can't explain it, but I
love you."
She buried her face into his chest, and he smiled.
"Thank you Minako."
He had been 15 when he had met her; it was a few days after the
Black Moon seized control. A few days after his master had died.
~Flashback~
Kunzite wandered aimlessly. The whole entire area was desolate and
in rubble. No one was going to bother to restore it to what it once was
after it was destroyed two years ago by the Black Moon Clan.
He picked up crying behind him and he turned around. Standing
amidst the rubble was a little girl who looked to be about seven years
old, only three years younger than Mamoru, whose training his master
had entrusted to him. The boy had gotten skilled, but his hatred and
anger towards the Black Moon clan was strong, and it was apparent in
his fighting. -If he keeps that up, his hatred will consume him, and he
will destroy himself.- He pushed his thoughts away and turned his
attention back towards the little girl.
"Are you alright little one?" he asked.
She shook her head.
"My mommy and daddy are gone forever, and I have no where to go,"
she cried.
"What is your name?"
"Minako."
Kunzite's heart broke, she was so young, and now she would be alone.
"Listen Minako, come with me, I will take care of you."
~End of Flashback~
It was when he was 23 and she was fifteen that he realized he was in
love with her, but he waited a year until she was sixteen before he told
her. He expected for her to be disgusted since he was so much older,
but she had returned his feeling. For now she was the only thing he
had that he cherished. The one thing he felt possessive of. She was
his anchor. His life.
Another knock on the door came, he let go of Minako and told the
person on the other side to come in. The door opened and Mamoru
walked in. He had grown into a very handsome man. His jet black
hair often would go into his eyes, and his dark blue eyes would often
seem to bore into a person's very soul. He wore a long black trench
coat that went past his knees. Underneath it was a gray tank top, and
he wore of black jeans and black heavy boots, around his neck was a
silver cross, it had belonged to his mother.
"What is it Mamoru?"
"You had sent for me, don't you remember, Master?"
"I'll leave you to alone, Ill see you tonight Kunzite," Minako said,
kissed Kunzite on the cheek, waved to Mamoru and left the room.
Mamoru's face hardened.
"Why do you take advantage of her, Master? You are way too old for her."
"Mamoru, you do not understand. Do you not think I know the
dangers to her, and if I could I would cast her away to protect. But
Mamoru, you do not understand. You have not learned what it means
to love a woman, to live for someone, not a cause, but a person. You
have not found a person who is able to give you hope that maybe one
day life could be better."
"It is selfish Master. It is selfish to find happiness when so many
people are suffering."
"Mamoru, everyone is trying to find happiness. It is the goal of ever
person living on this planet. Those who do not wish to be happy have
given up on life, and deserve to die. I pray Mamoru, that you are not
one of those people."
"I do not agree, but I respect you, Master. Why have you sent for
me?"
"Something is up at Black Moon's Kyoto headquarters. I am going to
assign you, Rei, Jadeite, Makoto, and Nephrite to find out what is
going on. You are to sneak there tomorrow night and gather
information. Please relay this information to the others."
"Very Well, but if I come in contact with one of the big shots, I can't
guarantee that I won't kill them."
Kunzite nodded, and Mamoru turned and left. -Mamoru is reckless;
his hatred was beginning to consume him even more. If something
doesn't happen soon to show him his faults, he is going to be
destroyed. I am sorry Master. I could not guide him to the right
path.-
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rei Hino stared indifferently at the computer screen. She did not
comprehend what Ami was trying to show her. She combed her hand
through her long black hair.
"Ok, Ami, what is this. I don't really understand." Rei said.
Ami Mizuno smiled at her comrade. She was one of the rebellion's top
computer geniuses and was also rising in her medical training, under
Dr. Zakari "Zoisite" Ashida.
"Well of course you can't, it is written in a type of a code. But I think
this information will be useful. Well it is the plan for a meeting at the
Kyoto base. Seems like it has been scheduled since before Black Moon
took control."
"Do you know what it is about, Ami?" Rei asked.
"No, but I do know where is located. It should help you for tomorrow
night."
"Oh really."
Rei and Ami turned to find Jeison "Jadeite" Sakiyurai standing stolidly
in the doorway.
"If this has been planned for a long time, any information we might be
able to collect would be too late to be efficient," he said.
"Any information we can gather, will be good to bring them down,
Jadeite," Rei shot back.
"Oh really, Rei. You are too confident; you're going to get yourself
killed."
"Why don't you take your own advice Jadeite? I have known you to be
way too cocky yourself."
"Oh really. Well I didn't know you thought so much of me Rei, I would
be glad to make you one happy woman."
"You bastard!"
"Don't let him get to you Rei. You know he is just trying to get a rise
out of you," Ami said.
Jadeite laughed and walked over to the computer.
"Well, Kunzite already ordered us to head out tomorrow night. Rei, we
are going to have to work together. Let's get along, okay."
With that said, Jadeite left the room, and Rei felt her face turn red.
"What happened, Rei? Did Jadeite get to you again?" a cheerful voice
said.
Rei calmed herself down when she heard a much more welcome voice.
She turned around to see Makoto Kino and Naohiro "Nephrite"
Yamakage coming towards them.
"Makoto, Nephrite, I guess you came here to get the scoop on what is
going on."
"Yeah, Mr. Joyful gave us the orders. Is it just me or is he becoming
even more menacing?" Makoto said.
"Chiba-san is a very cold person. None of us can change that. He is
going to need to find his own hope on his own," Nephrite said, "His
demons are for him to conquer and him alone."
They all nodded.
"Well guys, we have a mission, let's get on it," Makoto said.
"You're right, we have no time to lose," Rei said. -We are in a fight
that we most likely can't win, but I will fight until the last breath in my
body. If someone doesn't resist Black Moon than no one will.-
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mamoru sat silently in his quarters. The day was over, and for all
purposes he should have been trying to sleep. But he had been
unable to sleep well for the last few years. The screams of his mother,
of his master haunted him in his dreams.
~Flashback~
A ten year old Mamoru, a fifteen year old Kunzite, and their master
stood in a clearing just outside of Kyoto.
"Is something wrong, Master?" Mamoru asked.
"Yes, the Black Moon will finish its plans tonight. Come we must
return home."
They nodded, and followed their master.
*A few hours later*
Mamoru walked through the halls, uneasiness had disturbed his rest,
and he was looking for Kunzite and his master. He heard whispers
come from the living room. He pressed his ear to the door and
listened.
"Kunzite, your training is complete. I hope that you remember
everything that I taught you. I have had this feeling that tonight will
be the last one I will have. If I am to die tonight, I want you to
complete Mamoru's training, and help him to find his way through
life."
Mamoru could not take this anymore, he burst into the room.
"You can't die master!! I won't let you. I will kill any Black Moon scum
who wants to hurt you."
His master walked over to him and put his hands on his shoulders and
gave a slow sad smile.
"Mamoru, you mustn't hate. Hared only leads more to hatred.
Mamoru, I know you have kindness within your heart, but you have
lost sight of it. You have to find it again."
Mamoru closed his eyes.
"I am sorry master."
*The Next Day*
It was hopeless. His master lay on the ground, he was dying, and
neither he nor Kunzite could save him.
"Mamoru, Kunzite, please, always remember what I taught you. And
hold on to whatever hope you can find."
And his master died. Mamoru held back his tears. He would not cry.
His master may have meant well, but he was wrong. Hope had been
destroyed. Once again the Black Moon had taken from him any hope
he had. He had no hope, but he did have a cause. Every breath that
he would take would be used to destroy the Black Moon. They would
feel the rage of his hatred.
~End of Flashback~
Mamoru closed his eyes. Yes they would pay. His revenge would
come, and they would be unable to hide themselves. And hatred won
a little bit more of his heart.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Setsuna scanned the pages of the magazine. The letter lay unopened
on the kitchen table. It did not matter; she knew what was inside that
letter. It had Black Moon's seal on it. They had called, they wanted
Usagi.
Despair consumed her heart. It had come, the time that she had
dreaded for the past sixteen years. -If only I had the power to resist
them. If only I could free Usagi from her fate. But I am too weak. If
only someone could save her. Save Usagi from their evil.-
~Flashback~
"LET GO OF HER!! LET GO OF MY SISTER!!" a fifteen year old
Setsuna cried. But the thugs who held a five year old girl in their
hands would not listen. They had already raped the little girl in front
of her very eyes, and now she knew they would kill her. The hurt in
her sister's eyes broke her heart. What kind of people were they?
What kind of person who do such a thing?
And they twisted the girl's neck and Setsuna let out a scream. The
men dropped the lifeless girl's body and headed over to her. Just as
they were about to grab her, a shot rang out. And one of the men fell
to the ground. The others turned around to find a group of men
pointing guns at them.
"We are the Black Moon Organization, as formed by Senator Ryuu
Demando, and your lives will now pay for your crimes."
And with that a three bullet shots were fired, and the three remaining
men who had raped and killed her sister fell to the ground, dead. She
stared at the men in shock.
"We have saved your life, but do not think that we did it for free. You
are now indebted to us."
"But…"
"We needed you anyway. You are one of the Sentinels, but now we
can insure your loyalty to us. Remember this always, Setsuna Meiou.
You are indebted to us; we have the power to take from you what we
saved. Remember this always. We will always know where you are."
And they left, and she was left alone, and she knew she was at the
mercy of ruthless men.
~End of Flashback~
-I was unable to save my sister, and now I am unable to save Usagi.
Oh what has the world come to?-
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Usagi woke up to the sound of the birds, and she gave a huge smile.
She was sixteen today, and a feeling of a new start was beginning to
form in her mind. Yes, today was the day her life would be different.
She would be happy, and everything would finally make sense.
She got out of bed, and headed out. She went to the kitchen to eat,
but stopped as she passed Setsuna's room. Her guardian was sitting
on the bed looking at the picture in a frame that had been by her
bedside.
"Setsuna? Is something wrong?" Usagi asked.
She glanced at the picture; it was an image of a girl about five years
old, with shoulder length hair that was the same color as Setsuna's
and the same eyes as her guardian. Setsuna glanced at her and gave
a small smile.
"Happy Birthday Usagi."
Usagi smiled and took her guardian's hand and guided her to the
kitchen.
"Setsuna, I don't want you to be gloomy today, we are going to have a
good time, so please be happy!" Usagi said.
"You're right Usagi. Do you still want to go to the gardens?"
"Yes."
"Well then we will go soon. Tonight I am going to take you
somewhere."
"Where?" Usagi asked.
A flash of hurt appeared on Setsuna's features but it completely
disappeared after a moment.
"It's a surprise."
And Usagi understood that she should drop the subject.
--A few hours later—
Setsuna and Usagi stood in the Kyoto gardens enjoying the sense of
peace that the flowers portrayed.
"Setsuna, I want to see the roses," Usagi said.
Setsuna nodded and guided her to the small rose garden in the middle
of the main gardens.
"Usagi, roses are probably the most beautiful flower in the world, but
they do have thorns. To find the roses softer side to you have hold it
by the petals, and try to see the kindness that they hide in their cold
exterior. A rose's beauty is cold and heartless; if you want to love
them you must dig and find the kindness that lies within."
Usagi did not understand her guardian's but she knew that Setsuna
was commenting on something more than a rose.
"Usagi, you are going to meet awful people in this world, but that does
not mean that you should not try to find the good that exists in
people. Never lose hope, and never stop believing in yourself or
others. Please promise me; please promise me Usagi that you will
never lose your kindness. Your kindness and loving spirit will one day
light up the world."
"I promise."
After that the two remained silent.
Later, Setsuna guided Usagi to the most feared place in Kyoto, to one
of the main bases of the Black Moon Organization.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On a hill overlooking the Black Moon's Kyoto base, Rei, Makoto,
Jadeite, and Nephrite kept their surveillance on the entrance.
"Where is he?" Jadeite asked in annoyance.
"Calm down, dimwit, Mamoru will be hear, he never misses a chance
to get at the Black Moon," Rei snapped, why did that guy always get
on her nerves?
"Will you two be quiet? We don't want to be discovered?" Makoto cut
in.
The two nodded, and the group lapsed in silence. It was disturbed by
the sound of footsteps behind them. Jadeite and Nephrite unsheathed
their swords, and Rei and Makoto had their hands ready to take out
their handguns.
"You have nothing to fear, it is just me," Mamoru said, coming out of
the shadows.
"You're late," Jadeite said in disdain.
Mamoru's cold demeanor always made Jadeite feel uncomfortable; the
man was to full of rage that Jadeite often wondered what Mamoru
would do if he was pushed in the wrong way.
"Mamoru, the entrances are heavily guarded; there is no way all five
of us can get in there without being noticed. Only one of us can go,"
Rei said, trying to detect any kind of emotion in the taller man's face.
"Than I will go, I am the most able."
"Listen buddy, you are not all powerful. You can't afford to screw up,"
Jadeite snapped at Mamoru.
"All the more reason why I should go, you would just mess everything
up," Mamoru replied, no emotion detected in his voice, but there was a
fire in his eyes.
"Mamoru, this mission is only for information gathering purposes, if
anyone notices you, you have to get out of there," Rei said.
"If anyone sees me, they will be dead."
And with that he walked into the shadows, and the group watched in
awe. Rei closed her eyes. -Does he not care about killing or
bloodshed anymore?-
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Usagi walked with Setsuna through the Kyoto base's halls. She could
feel the uneasiness radiating of the older woman. Something was
wrong, and she did not understand what was going on.
She thought of what Setsuna had said earlier, and closed her eyes.
Was this what her senses had been telling her this morning? No, this
was different, she could sense evil. Whatever would happen here, it
wasn't going to be good. She was afraid.
"Usagi, do not be scared, everything will be okay. If you keep to your
promise than everything will be okay."
Usagi nodded, and looked back ahead of her. -If I keep my promise,
everything will be okay.-
And it was then that they reached the main hall. This was it, and now
it was time to find out what fate had in store for them.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Demando, the leader of the Black Moon Clan, looked out at the bright
lights of Tokyo. Tonight was the night he had been waiting for.
-Soon I will have the power of a goddess, and Artemis and his
rebellion will be unable to stop me-
He turned to hear the door open, and looked to see one of his soldiers
standing waiting for his acknowledgement.
"Is it time?"
"Yes, Demando-sama, we have just received word from Safiel that the
seed has arrived at the Kyoto base. We will have a direct live
connection in thirty minutes."
"Very well I will be down in awhile." The soldier left and Demando
smirked. "Yes, the new era has come. Soon, Selece's power will be
mine."
And his laugh rang through the building.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Usagi looked around the hall. Soldiers stood around the doors. A large
screen was in front of them, the black moon insignia was below it.
Tension was so thick in the room that it was practically choking.
Setsuna squeezed Usagi's hand in reassurance, but it did not ease her
anxiety.
A man with bluish black hair walked towards the two.
"Setsuna, it is good to see you again. You have completed your
purpose with little trouble. We thank you, and your debt to us is
broken," he said in a silky cunning tone.
Usagi did not like the man at sight but she kept quiet. She had no
idea what was going on.
"Safiel-sama, Demando is online, he is waiting for us to initiate the
connection," a soldier said from the back.
The room was silent, but after a few moments the giant screen lit up
and on it was the image of a silver haired man in white.
"Is she here?"
"Yes, Setsuna, will you please introduce her to us."
Setsuna nodded.
"Demando-sama, Safiel-sama, I present to you Usagi Tsukino."
Setsuna took a few steps back until Usagi was by herself.
She looked up at the man on the screen, and she now felt the severity
of the situation. These men had been waiting for her. Why? She was
just a sixteen year old, what was so special about her.
"Usagi, I have eagerly awaited this meeting. You are truly valuable to
the Black Moon Organization. I know you won't know why, but soon
you will. Please see it fit to aid me."
Usagi was silent; she could not comprehend what was going on.
Setsuna mean while balled her fists, this wasn't right.
"Bastards," she whispered. The soldier that stood next to her looked
at her in disbelief.And without warning she ran into the soldier, and
removed the gun from his holder, she held it towards Safiel.
"Setsuna?" Usagi said, looking fearfully at her guardian.
"Let her go, Safiel, Demando, I won't let you use her as your pawn."
"How amusing. Safiel, destroy the obstacle."
"Right. Setsuna, your true feelings are shown. You have no power to
resist us. Soldiers, take care of her, and bring Usagi to me when she
is dealt with." With that Safiel left the room.
"Usagi get behind me," Setsuna said.
Usagi nodded and rushed behind the woman.
"Usagi, you will be okay, this is all I can do for you, but Usagi, please
don't let them take advantage of you. Please keep your promise.
Never let anyone change…"
And a gunshot silenced her, and Usagi watched, horrified.
"SETSUNA!!! SETSUNA!!!"
And a bright light filled the room, and the building began to shake.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mamoru crept out of a storage closet and looked around. Nobody was
there. Something was going on. Something big. It was at that
moment that the building began to shake. And then without warning a
bright light flashed through the sound of an explosion rocked the
building. What was going on? He knew it couldn't be the others, no
this was something else. And he was going to find out.
He ran down the hallway, until he saw a blown out door. He walked
into the room and froze. Everyone was dead. He looked around.
What happened here?
He saw two women lying on the floor. The blonde haired one looked
to be sixteen years old. He checked her pulse and found that she was
still alive.
"Who, Who are you?"
Mamoru turned around; the other woman who looked to have been
shot was looking at him.
"Are you a Black Moon soldier?" she asked weakly.
"No, I hate the Black Moon," he said.
She smiled.
"Please, could you grant me one wish before I die?"
He raised his eyes at her.
"Could you please take care of that girl? Don't let the Black Moon get
her. Please, protect her," she said and than she moaned, "Usagi,
someday your light will shine throughout the world, and true
happiness will be found."
Mamoru watched as the woman gave one more breath and than died.
He looked at the other girl, and suddenly Kunzite's words popped into
his mind.
-You have not learned what it means to love a woman, to live for
someone, not a cause, but a person. You have not found a person
who is able to give you hope that maybe one day life could be better.-
He tried to brush the thought away but it remained, and so he took
the girl in his arms. He would honor the dead woman's wish. No
harm would ever come to the girl.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*- Beloved
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well there is the first chapter, Please review, I am not going to
continue this if I don't know what you think.