Sailor Moon; Avalon Part 1- Shine On by Justin Anderson The air opened up, a gateway forming. He grabbed his things and walked through, the gateway closing behind him. Somewhere on a lone rooftop, a vortex opened. A form stepped out, taking in the surroundings. A large city, night time. The vortex dissipated. 'This will do...' he thought. Wednesday, February 3rd, 1999. 8:11 PM Mamoru held Usagi under the lights in the park. The sky was clear. "When do you want to get married?" he asked. "I don't know..." she replied. "The summer would be nice." "Yes, that would be." "We have such a great future to look forward to, with our friends, and Chibiusa, nothing can take that away from us," she said. Friday, February 5th. 5:32 PM Makoto sat the bag down to dig for her apartment key. Minako ran up from behind, carrying yet more bags of groceries. "I think you bought too much," she complained. "Huh?" Makoto's attention turned to the apartment across the hall. It had been empty for months, only now a fresh name plate was tacked to the wall. "I have a new neighbor," she said. "Oh?" Minako asked. It read JACOB ARDEN. "Hmm... I wonder who moved in?" "Maybe he's cute... you could use a boyfriend, like me,"Mina taunted. Makoto sighed. Monday, February 8th. 6:12 PM The five girls rarely ever met at the Crown fruit parlor anymore. Today was one of the few days hey had a chance to. Rei's priestess training gave her little free time, Usagi, Minako, and Makoto all had jobs, and Ami was busy with college. The other four had vanished without a trace, though occasionally they heard of Michiru's concerts. Usagi was particularly cheerful. Mamoru had returned from Harvard a week before and had proposed. She hadn't shut up about it since. Rei had actually begun to like Yuuichirou, and Minako had her usual selection of dates. Ami considered her studies too important, but even that didn't ease Makoto's nerves. She hadn't even come close to a boyfriend in the past three years. The girls had been talking for at least an hour, mainly about whatever topic had managed to come up at the time. Only they had run out of topics. It was then that Motoki entered, followed by a new arcade employee, a foreigner. "Who's that?" Usagi asked. Unazuki heard the question. "That's Jacob, he just moved here... he started working in the arcade two days ago." "Jacob Arden?" Makoto asked. "Yes," Unazuki replied. "How did you guess?" "It's Mako-chan's new neighbor!" Minako shouted. "He's cute, too..." "I thought you had a boyfriend?" Makoto asked. "Well, yeah, but..." The others signed. They watched Jacob leave. Motoki stayed behind. Mina slid up behind him. "Who's the new guy?" "Huh? ... oh, Jacob. He was hired yesterday. He moved here from the United States about a week ago," Motoki said. "Tell us more," she asked. "I don't know if I should..." "Please," Mina said. "All right. He's only nineteen. He moved here from the United States. Though I don't know why he'd move here to work in a game center." Minako ran back to the table as she saw Jacob return. "He just arrived, and he lives right across from you... I'd talk to him," Mina said. "I don't know," Makoto replied. "What are you talking about?" Rei asked. "He lives across the hall from me," Makoto explained. Wednesday, February 10th. 5:20 PM Rei grabbed a broom, sweeping dirt from the walkway. Yuuichirou was busy scrubbing dirt from the wooden steps around the shrine. Looking up, she saw Jacob, making his way up the long steps. "That's him, the one Mako-chan's interested in!" "Huh?" Yuuichirou asked. "The American who just moved here. I wonder why he's here, though?" Rei's grandfather ran up to Jacob. "Welcome, young man!" he greeted. "We don't have many foreigners here." "I just moved to Japan, actually," Jacob replied. Rei felt something emanating from Jacob. An odd feeling. She could tell he was a troubled soul. Thursday, February 11th. 6:11 PM Makoto saw him in the hall. He was unlocking his door. She approached slowly, saying, "hello." He turned. "Hi." "You just moved in, right?" she asked. "Yes," he replied. "I'm Jacob." She hesitated. "I'm Makoto Kino..." she said. "Nice to meet you... you all right?" "...yes. It was nice talking to you." He entered his apartment. She cursed herself for not having the guts to actually talk to him. Friday, February 12th. 1:44 PM Ami carefully perused the selection of medical textbooks. Taking the ones she needed, she sat down and began to study. It seemed like all she ever did anymore. But her medical degree was important to her. But so were her friends, whom she had been neglecting. Perhaps soon, she could take a few days off and do something besides read constantly. Sunday, February 14th. 1:45 PM Motoki sat at one of the machines. Jacob leaned on his broom. The place was empty. The festivities outside had drawn nearly all their customers. "I don't know, maybe we should close early today," he said. "Uh uh," Jacob replied. "I'm staying in here where it's nice and quiet. I came here for some quiet, and I'm going to get it." Motoki turned up the radio slightly. "What group is this?" Jacob asked. "The Three Lights... you've never heard of them?" "No," Jacob replied. "Can't say I have. How'd we get stuck working on a Sunday, anyway, I wonder?" "Ah, we're the only ones not out celebrating today, so, we get to work," Motoki replied. "Makes sense," Jacob replied. "Wait... your sister said you have a girlfriend." "I do, but she's away. For another six years." Outside, Usagi dragged Mamoru from booth to booth. She was loaded with prizes and cotton candy. Mamoru had watched his money dwindle. "Usa-ko, don't you think you've had enough candy today? You've had more than I've eaten in my lifetime..." She laughed it off. "Mamo-chan, you don't mean that... oh! Win me a goldfish, please?" He sighed. "I'll buy you one tomorrow. With a tank," he said. She began jumping around in glee. 5:32 PM Makoto paced slowly for her door, the day another depression for her. She had no one to celebrate with. She almost didn't see Jacob, digging for his door key. "Oh, hi..." she said. "Hello," he replied. He pulled out his apartment key. Before he could even unlock his door, she blurted out, "would you like to have dinner with me?" They stared at each other. She felt slightly embarrassed. "That is, if you're not busy, you don't have to-" "YES!" he said quickly. "I mean, that would be nice," he said. She didn't know what to say. Had he actually accepted her invitation? "I was just going to cook a small meal, would that be fine?" she asked. "Umm... that would be fine. I do want to change first, you could let me know when you're ready," he said. "All right," she replied. "But I could always use some help, if you want to help me cook." "That would be nice." 6:29 PM Makoto finished setting the table. Jacob had had no real cooking skills, but had learned fast. She pulled out a chair for him. He held his bowl out while she filled it with soup. "So, why did you move to Japan?" She asked. "Various reasons," he replied. "Part of it was because I had to get away from the United States for a while, get away from New York, see more of the world." "You speak Japanese wonderfully. How long have you been speaking it?" "I finished learning several months ago," he replied. "I know a few other languages as well... German, French, and Spanish. But I didn't want to go to Europe just yet." She had her gaze fixed on him. "I noticed you have a lot of plants," he said. "Yes, they keep me company. Do you like plants?" she asked. "Yes, actually. We had a number of plants, lots of open field space, it was nice. Umm..." "What is it?" she asked. "In a way, I almost didn't want to leave," he said. "But you moved here," she said. "I did... it's not something I can really explain... this is good soup, I like it." "Thank you," she said. "You look nervous, what's wrong?" "Nothing," he replied. "Actually..." "Was it a broken heart?" she asked. "Not exactly," he replied. "I... have no experience with women. I never have. It's part of why I left, I think. I spent all my life working, isolated for one reason or another, and it was all my fault... Thank you for asking me over. I was hoping you would." Her eyes widened. "You were?" "Yes. I was afraid to talk to you, or anyone. I don't know anyone here." "You left friends and family behind to move to a new city. It must be hard," she said. "Yes." "You could go back." "NO! That is... I've thought about it, but I don't think I can. As I said, it's not something I can explain." She could see him shaking slightly, staring at the floor. "Are you alright? Can I get you anything?" she asked. "No... I'm fine, I've just been a bit tired today," he explained. She said, "do you want to go back to your apartment?" "No, I'm okay. I would like to finish this meal before I leave. Umm... are you busy tomorrow?" "No," she replied. "If you want, I can fix you dinner tomorrow," she offered. "That would be nice." Monday, February 15th. 3:11 PM Makoto smiled as she leaned on the counter of the bridal shop. So much that she didn't hear a customer enter the store. Though it wasn't a customer, just Minako. "I heard you went on a date last night!" "Not quite," Makoto replied. "I invited Jacob over for dinner." "Oh?" Minako asked. "Yes. Just dinner. We talked for a while. He's coming over for dinner tonight too. He's lonely, like I am." Minako ran from the store. Artemis, waiting outside, almost missed her. "What's wrong?" "Mako-chan's got a boyfriend! Wait until I tell the others!" she shouted. Artemis sighed. 4:06 PM Minako found Usagi at the restaurant. "Guess what! Mako-chan has a boyfriend!" Usagi became extremely interested. "Tell me! Tell me, tell me! Who?" "You know... the American!" "Oh! What happened? Tell me!" "Well, she invited him over for dinner last night... and I don't think she's telling me everything! They look so nice together, don't they? She's almost as tall as he is, and he just moved here..." Usagi began to laugh with joy. "Maybe they'll get married someday!" "You're getting a bit ahead of things, Usagi-chan..." Minako scolded. "Mina... Mina!" Artemis whispered. "You're holding up the line... order something!" 6:32 PM Jacob turned down his stereo. He heard the knocking at the door. "Hello, Makoto," he greeted. "Please, call me Mako-chan. She looked at the picture he had on the table. It was of Jacob, with two others. "These must be friends of yours, from America?" she asked. "Yes," he answered. "They must miss you." "Most likely, but they understood my reasons for leaving, I think..." "I cooked a light meal tonight. Beef stir-fry. I also cooked a cherry pie for dessert." "That sounds nice," he said. "Thank you." She surveyed his apartment. It was furnished with only the basic furniture, as well as a few of his belongings. "I could help you decorate, if you wish. Your apartment is bare." "I haven't purchased much yet, though," he explained. "Please?" He could see it in her eyes. "This isn't about my apartment, is it?" he asked. She said, "no. My sempai dumped me, years ago... I've had no one since." "I see. We both have things in our past that we'd like to leave behind. Maybe we should, leave them together," he offered. Wednesday, February 17th. 6:11 PM "Where do you want to go?" Jacob asked. Makoto looked at the restaurants. "I don't know, they must be so expensive." "I know, but you've cooked for me every night," he said. "I owe you a meal." They continued down the sidewalk. Approaching one of the finer restaurants, Makoto was surprised to see Minako exiting. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you showed up late for your date, right?" Makoto asked. Minako laughed it off. "You two know each other?" Jacob asked. "This is Minako, a friend of mine," Makoto explained. "Yes, I was just going out for the night, actually. You're Jacob? I've heard so much about you!" "Yes," he replied. Jacob could see the white cat around Mina's feet. "That's odd... there's a crescent moon spot on its head. I've never seen a cat like that before," he muttered. "That's Artemis. He follows me everywhere," she explained. Jacob bent down, petting the cat. Artemis purred. "I'd better get going!" Minako said. "I don't wanna miss the fun! Why don't you two come with me?" They looked at each other, each giving a look of 'not really'. "Maybe later, Mina-chan," Makoto said. Tuesday, February 23rd. 2:17 PM Jacob swept the arcade floor, taking his time. "I heard you have a girlfriend now," Motoki said. "How did you know?" he asked. "Word spreads fast. Makoto's friends know, and they like to talk about it." "Well, I don't know if it's that far, yet... we haven't even dated, actually." "You will. Give it time," Motoki said. Jacob returned to his duties. As he finished sweeping, he heard the glass shatter. The front window breaking, the shower of glass falling. He jumped to avoid it, smacking his head on one of the stools. Something had been thrown through the front window. Outside, a massive creature flailed tendrils from its wrists, grabbing more bystanders. It sucked the energy from their bodies. Jacob could hear the panic, both outside and inside. Motoki was pulling him further inside, rushing the other employees and customers to the back. Jacob was muttering in English. Motoki assumed it wasn't worth repeating. The creature continued its attack, draining the energy from whoever it could grab. "Fire SOUL!" The shout was followed by a column of flame which burned through the tendrils. It could see them standing not too far away, three of them. "You have attacked innocent people trying to go on with their busy days! This will not go unpunished! I am the sailor suited pretty soldier of love and justice, Sailor Moon!" "I am Sailor Mars," the second shouted. "And Sailor Venus!" "In the name of the moon, we'll punish you!" the three shouted in unison. It stared at them. "Sailor Moon! I knew you would come, if I caused enough trouble!" It sent tendrils after them. "Venus Love-Me Chain!" Sailor Venus shouted, sending a stream of yellow hearts at the creature. It was knocked back. "Now, Sailor Moon!" "Right!" She produced her Moon Kaleidoscope. Aiming it, she shouted, "Starlight Honeymoon Therapy Kiss!" The wave of energy reduced the monster to a pile of dust. the crowd turned their attention to the three. "Thank you, Sailor Moon!" someone shouted. She surveyed the damage. a few weak victims, but no serious injuries. They left, leaving the police and ambulances to take care of the scene. Once out of sight, the three girls reverted to their civilian personas, rushing out to help. Usagi ran into the arcade. "We're closed," Motoki said. "I know that!" she scolded. She spotted the object that had gone through the window. A street sign. Motoki helped Jacob to his feet. "I'm fine, don't worry..." he stumbled as he walked. "Okay, I'm not fine... I'm a bit dizzy," he said. "Do you want me to get a paramedic?" Motoki asked. "No. I just bumped my head." "All right. Why don't you go home. I have to close for the day as it is, maybe for the next few days... Usagi, can you take him home?" "Huh? Yes, I can help him!" she said gleefully. "You're Mako-chan's boyfriend, aren't you?" she asked. "Yes... I live in the apartment across the hall." 2:43 PM Usagi helped him through the door. He sat down. "Thank you. I'll be fine." "You sure? Maybe I should call Mako-chan!" "No, I don't-" His head began to throb. "Actually, that might be a good idea." Usagi could see the bruise forming on his forehead. 3:14 PM "Yeah... all right, let me know when the repairs are finished. No, I could use the time off, there are things I need to do yet." He hung up the phone. He heard the tapping at the door. "It's open." Makoto entered, slipping off her shoes and into the slippers. "I brought a few things, medicine for your head and an icepack." "Good. My head's pounding. I think I hit that stool dead center. And I'm out of a job until the game center is repaired. The front window was destroyed, and several games were damaged," he explained. "How are you feeling?" she asked. "Just a bit dizzy, I should be fine if I sleep it off," he answered. "I'd like to know what happened though." "I heard it was a monster," she said. "A what?" "A monster. It was attacking people in the street," she said. "I don't remember anything after the glass breaking," he explained. "It was over quickly. Sailor Moon stopped the monster." 'I must have passed out,' he thought. Out loud, he asked, "who?" "Sailor Moon. She fights for love and justice. You've never heard of her?" "Oh... yes, I have," he said. 3:37 PM He watched the monitor, panning over the city. the craft gave a low hum. "Report," he said. "Minimal success," the other one said. "The unit attacked a busy center of the city, draining minimal life energies from the population. Sailor Moon quickly responded. She does have the Ginzuishou." "Excellent," the first said. "What of the anomaly a month ago?" "Nothing new to report. A simple opening in the space-time rift, possibly a fluke. Nothing else similar discovered anywhere else in this solar system, sir!" "Excellent... it is only a matter of time until we claim the Ginzuishou." Copyrights: Sailor, Tuxedo Mask, other Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon characters, and settings are copyright Naoko Takeuchi/Toei/Kodansha, and are used without permission. Jacob Arden is my sole copyright. 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