*==========================
III
Wednesday
~Tokyo Rabbit
=====*=====
Countdown: 61: 29: 02
POV: Usagi
-
Looking at the massive test in front of me, I began to slip into my usual test mode: panic. My sweaty palms ran over the pages, reading the problems but instead of crying (like I usually do) a smile spread across my face. Mamoru's teachings came into my mind ringing loud and clear like a bell. With my handy number two in hand, I began to tear away at the massive problems without fear.
After the test I nervously waited for Haruda-san to post the grades up on the black board. As she walked back into the classroom, my breath caught in my chest and everyone rushed up as she taped the paper on the board. I just sat, waiting, waiting, waiting, and waiting. After everyone, some disappointed and some joyous, began to go back to their desks, I stood shakily and strode over to the board.
"I will hand the actual test papers back to you later in the day, after I've entered them into the grade book," Haruda-san announced.
With my index finger as my guide, I scanned down the rows saying under my breath "Tsukino, Tsukino, Tsukino...."
There!
Tsukino Usagi ....................... I nearly passed out at the sight, "A... a...."
"Tsukino-san, is there a problem?" I heard my teacher ask.
I turned to her, white faced. I couldn't believe it. There had to be some mistake!! "I... I... I GOT A B!!"
The whole class gawked at me in disbelief for two reasons: one, I was dancing around the room shouting happily, and two, I actually passed a math test! With a B no less! Haruda-san at first smiled but as I kept on with my parade of joy, her brow began to furrow in annoyance.
"Tsukino, please have a seat. I still have class to teach," she said, clenching her fists slightly.
"I can't believe it!! I got a B!" I sang with absolute happiness.
"Tsukino-san!"
Ug. My joy was cut short with detention, however, seeing how this was my first good mark on a test in a while, Haruda-san went easy on me and let me go ten minutes early.
As I ran down the streets of Tokyo, my feet felt like I had wings on them, carrying me to my destination faster than the norm. I couldn't wait until I saw Mamoru to show him my paper! The Crown Arcade came into view and a smile spread across my face. My heart jumped with anticipation to see the tall figure of Chiba Mamoru sitting at the counter.
I walked in panting and sure enough, there he was drinking his usual coffee. He turned around when Furu-chan smiled and waved at me. My heart nearly exploded to see Mamoru smile at me expectantly, but a sly thought crossed my mind and I began to work up some tears.
As I walked I said, "Sorry, I had detention."
He stood, "It's all right. How did you do?"
His face fell as my labored tears became visible, "Usagi-chan, are you serious?"
Afraid that if I replied, my face would break into a smile, I fished out the paper from my book bag and handed it to him. He looked it over then back at me. A grin replaced my mournful look, as did his.
Before I knew it or I could stop what was happening, I rocketed into his awaiting arms with a cheer of joy. My arms wrapped tighter around his neck as I felt his warm arms quickly wrap around me in return, "You did it!"
"I can't believe it!"
We stayed like that until Furu-chan coughed. I jumped back from his arms, embarrassed. Sure that my face was a red as a turnip, I grabbed the paper from Mamoru and handed it to his best friend, "See?"
"Oh wow! A 'B'! Way to go!" He said and placed a milk shake in front of me, "On the house, as congratulations."
"Thanks!" I cheered and sat down.
Mamoru sat next to me, "I knew you could do it."
"But I had you going there for a second, didn't I?" I winked.
He just smirked.
"So," I said, becoming playfully serious, "What about that dinner you promised me?"
"I didn't forget. I'll pick you up around seven How's that?"
I nodded in agreement, smiling happily.
"Dress nice."
When I got home, I didn't wait to show my mother my good news. Her reaction mirrored mine when I first saw my grade; her face grew pale and she swayed for a moment or two, and then broke out into song and dance. She had known that Mamoru was helping me study yesterday (which totally surprised her because she knows how I feel, or felt about him) so I explained to her that I wouldn't be eating dinner with them. Much to my dismay, she smirked and asked questions that were surely embarrassing.
"So, what are you going to wear?" Mom giggled, "I can't believe it, my darling daughter on a date!"
"Ug, it's not a date!" I shouted, stomping up the stairs.
Looking at my watch, I saw that everything was running smoothly on time for once. It was only four in the afternoon and I had to be at Rei-chan's shrine for a meeting in thirty minutes. I changed out of my uniform and into a pair of jeans and a pink shirt.
Luna couldn't believe my test grade so I had to pull it out to show her. Then of course, she began to tease me as well about having Mamoru tutor me and taking me out for dinner. I left the house again with her on my shoulder.
Mamoru.... My thoughts drifted to him. When we had embraced earlier in the day, for some reason my heart knew him, like as if he had held me many times before. He was warm and comforting, surrounding me. It was like heaven.... WHAT?! What in the world was I thinking?!
The walk to the shrine was pretty non eventful until-- apparently I wasn't paying attention (Ug! Mamoru?!)-- I bumped into someone and instantly felt something cold.
"I'm so sorry!" I began but was beat by the other person apologizing first, "I am so very terribly sorry! Oh no!"
I looked down to see why my front was cold and wet. They had been eating an ice cream cone and it was now dripping down my front, "Aya...."
"I am so, so sorry!" They said again.
I just laughed, "Don't worry about it. It was my fault. Let me buy you another one."
For the first time I got a look at whom I owed a cone; it was a girl who seemed to be the same age as me. She was the same exact height and had eyes of cerulean blue and dark, golden hair that reached down her back. She was pretty!
"I really am sorry," she smiled and held out her hand, "Aino Minako."
I took her hand and she shook it vigorously, "Er-- Tsukino Usagi."
"So nice to meet you!" She bubbled as we began to walk back to the ice cream stand. Her smiling personality was contagious and before I knew it, we were sitting near the huge fountain in one of Tokyo's many squares eating ice cream. I had gotten every type of chocolate they had on a large cone while she got every type of sherbert piled high; she was a girl after my own heart.
"So, Usagi-chan, where do attend school?" Minako asked, smiling at me.
"Juuban middle, you?" I returned the warm smile.
"I go to Yasumi middle."
Luna, who was still on my shoulder, dug her claws slightly into my skin, reminding me where I was supposed to be. I must have forgotten; this Minako girl was such a vivacious girl that I got caught up in her happiness.
"Say, that's a cute kitty you've got there," she said, scratching the now flushing Luna under the chin, "I have a cat too, but he's really moody and lazy."
I laughed, "So is Luna!"
Minako's smile flickered for a second for reasons unknown to me, "Really? Maybe some day we should have a play date for them!"
We both giggled and Luna looked as though she were about to behead me.
"How long have you had her?"
"Hmm.... About a year, you?"
"Two years ago."
Again, my 'kitty' sank a claw into me. I jumped up, looking at my watch. Oh no. If I didn't leave then, I was going to be late!
"It was really nice meeting you and all, but I have to go!" I said apologetically.
"Oh? I'll walk with you a ways. I'm not really doing anything at the moment so," Minako stood as well and we began to walk.
Luna, I was sure, was giving me a look of pure venom, letting her come with me to a secret Sailor Soldier meeting, but when I craned my neck slightly to see, she looked very thoughtful.
"Can I ask you something strange, Usagi-chan?" My fast friend smiled.
"Uh, sure."
"Do you believe in destiny?"
What? I looked at her and my face must have been something unpleasant because she blushed and apologized, "I'm sorry. It's a very strange question."
"No, that's all right." I thought about it. The past few days everything seemed to revolve around that word, 'destiny.' "I do believe that fate plays a part in our lives."
"Really.... Go on," she said, seeming to hang on my every word.
"But I also believe that we have some sort of control over what happens to us."
"I see...." Minako said thoughtfully, then she suddenly took my hands into hers and said, "Well, I have to leave you here! It was wonderful meeting you, Usagi-chan. We'll meet again. I just know it!"
And with that, she took off running, leaving me dumbfounded.
"I sensed something strange from her," Luna said, making me jump slightly; except for the especially heavy weight on my shoulders, I nearly forgot she was there.
*=====
Clock: 4: 40 PM
Countdown: 55: 20: 44
POV: Rei
-
I angrily paced along the length of the table that was in the room we normally had our Soldier meetings in, "Where is she?"
"I'm sure she will be here soon, Rei-chan," Ami said nervously.
"You're right. I should have known that she wouldn't be here on time!" I sat down and crossed my arms angrily, closing my eyes.
The door slid open and shut again. I needn't open my eyes to know that it was Usagi, "You are late."
"I know! I'm sorry, but I accidentally ran into someone and she spilt her ice cream--"
Putting my hand up in a snappish way, I silenced her, "Have a seat."
She did so.
"Now that we're all here, I'll begin." Ami brought out a blue note pad and began to flip through the papers; "I've been recording everything that's been happening to us for the past week. First, I have here the information on the shooting stars: for the past few nights, they have come in waves of thousands and no report of a meteor shower has been made in the news. Scientists seem to be just as baffled by them as we are. Secondly...."
The meeting droned on like that for over half an hour, not that I found it boring or anything. It's just that all of the information seemed to be connected, but not without huge holes that needed filling in.
"I don't know any more," Makoto put her head in her hands.
"We need to gather as much information as possible," there was a steely glint in Usagi's eyes, "Ami, next battle, I want you to drop back into hiding and gather as much information on the enemy as possible. When you have enough, come down and join us, then we'll finish them off."
The blue-haired girl nodded and Makoto pounded her fist into the table, "Time to get some answers!"
"But can we handle all of those youmas with only the three of us?" I asked, slightly worried.
Usagi laughed and winked confidently, "Of course we can!"
We'd have to.
"Now, if you'll excuse me," she stood and began to walk towards the door, "I have to go get ready."
"What? You can't leave yet!" I said, "We're not done!"
"You guys will have to fill me in later."
"Where are you going?" Ami asked.
"Ah.... Well, that's...." She turned red.
"Usagi-chan's got a date," Luna snickered.
"Luna!"
"With who?" Makoto grinned, "I can't believe you didn't tell us!"
"With Chiba Mamoru," Luna's smile stretched from ear-to-ear.
All three of us were stunned. It was a well-known fact that she hated his guts! And now they were going out on a date together?! We sat in shocked silence as Usagi flushed even deeper and ran out of the shrine shouting, "That's not it!"
"Usagi-chan is on a roll today," Ami said, laughing nervously, "She even made a B on her test today."
"What?! I don't believe it!" I shouted. What was going on?! Usagi taking the initiative, dating her arch enemy, AND getting good grades?! Everything went black and I heard the voices of my friends in the distance.
"Rei-chan!"
"Are you all right?!"
*=====
Clock: 6: 40 PM
Countdown: 53: 20: 17
POV: Mamoru
-
I pulled up to Tsukino residence, turned off the engine, sat back, and inhaled deeply. Why was I so nervous? It was just Usagi. Just Usagi.
My mood didn't improve as I walked up the cement walkway to stand before the white door. Before I could even ring the door bell, it swung open and I saw a flash of a woman with violet hair holding back a man who was kicking and screaming about 'being too young,' and without a greater assessment than that, the door swung shut with Usagi leaning against it, panting. With a questioning look, I asked her silently what had just happened.
She cleared her throat then straightened up brushing the unseen wrinkles in her dress out. My breath caught. She was breathtaking --obviously-- wearing a black dress that clung in interesting ways to her body with nothing covering her shoulders but slender straps. On her full lips I could detect a slight hint of gloss, her light-cream hair seemed silkier than ever, and every nerve in my body screamed to reach out and touch her.
The angel in front of me spoke, bringing me out of my torturous thoughts. "That was my dad," Usagi said, blushing slightly, "He's sorta protective of me."
'Sorta?' From what I had just seen, that was an understatement! Oh well, "Shall we go?"
My date-er-Usagi took my offered arm, her cheeks growing a shade darker, and we walked to my car, "You look nice."
"Thank you," she murmured, "You too...."
I knew that. I spent all day trying to figure out what to wear for goodness sakes! I felt like some idiotic, hair brained girl who ripped through their closet every morning trying to find that certain outfit to impress the right person. Well, I should because that's exactly what I did. Becoming unreasonably frustrated, I decided on black dress shoes, black slacks, a black blazer, a black belt, and a midnight blue shirt. All of which, knowing my taste, were not the cheapest things in my closet.
When we arrived at 'Star,' the restaurant, I knew that I wasn't the only one who thought Usagi glowed that night because of the eyes on her. Without thinking, I wrapped a protective arm loosely around her waist. I noticed that I had done it when I felt her tense up then a few moments later relax. Embarrassed, I was about to pull back but felt her step into my embrace, inviting me to stay.
The waiter sat us down in a secluded part of the sky-high restaurant where the light was dim, the silver candles in their translucent candleholders on our table created an effect I wasn't sure I knew how to restrain, and the city lights could be seen from every point of view. Over all, I was glad that I picked this place and was surprised that we got in as quick as we did considering that I just made the reservations yesterday; 'Star' was very popular, not to mention one of the best that money could buy, but I wasn't concerned about that.
The waiter took our orders, but not before I shot him a 'look' (without Usagi noticing of course) for the way he ogled at the beautiful blonde sitting across from me. He flushed taking our menus then left to bring us our drinks.
Usagi was currently studying the ceiling, which had small star-like lights and vines all through out the place, except for over the dance floor. In her bright eyes reflected their hopeful light and once again I was reminded why I had tried to keep my distance from her in the beginning; she was absolutely beautiful and the emotions that flowed through her eyes captivated me, making me feel frightened and safe at the same time. What was I feeling for Tsukino Usagi?
*=====
Clock: 7: 48 PM
Countdown: 52: 12: 45
POV: Usagi
-
It felt like a dream. The way he looked-- devilishly handsome-- the restaurant with it's magical atmosphere, and the wonderful music playing. It was almost too much to handle!
I looked at him and my face flushed as I caught him looking at me in a strange way. I wasn't sure, but it looked like longing. Longing for what?! Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all.... I mean, this man was my mortal enemy only days before and here I was, on a date with him! Wait! It's NOT a date! It's NOT a date! Geez, everyone's teasing must have gotten to me.
I smiled at him, trying to take my mind off of the subject, "This place is wonderful, and I only got a B on my test."
His chuckle slid like velvet down my spine, "Well, it's a once in a life time thing, so I figured 'why not make it special?'"
A spark of anger flared. However, it was quickly extinguished as I caught the mischief in his eyes, which in turn, made me smile and say playfully, "Mamoru, you're such a jerk, but I don't think anything you could do for the next couple of days could make me mad."
"Oh really?" A raven eyebrow arched and his smirk widened, "I did that good huh?"
I nodded, my heart feeling like it was going to explode with happiness. He really did do that good, and we just sat down. Conversation, just as before, came so easily and in such a pleasant way, our food arrived, it seemed, moments later. My jaw dropped, "It's so pretty.... I don't know if I can eat it...."
"Usagi not eating?" My companion started, but any anger that I would have normally felt towards him grew into happiness.
But I did and it was the most heavenly thing I had ever tasted. Mamoru made another comment about my eating habits, this time on how slow I was eating. I stuck my tongue out at him in mock anger and what was so wonderful about it was that he knew it and I didn't mind him teasing me one bit. Why couldn't I have seen that mischief in his eyes before?
He surprised me by standing and holding out his hand. I just looked at him, "What?"
Then I noticed in the middle of the room there were several couples dancing, "You want me to dance?!"
Again, his lips tugged into a smirk, "Of course."
He reached down and gently pulled me from my seat and lead me to the floor all while ignoring my protests, "I can't do this! I don't know how to dance! Mamoru...!"
He pulled me to him with such ease and so closely that it made me weak in the knees. A hand fell comfortably onto my hip while the one still holding my hand held it up. Mechanically, I placed my free hand on his shoulder.
Again, his satin chuckle caressed my skin, "Don't worry. I'm leading."
And like clockwork, he led me into a dance that flowed with effortlessness. What was going on? I was Tsukino Usagi, fifteen-year-old going on sixteen, who did not know any inkling of any step of any dance, so why was I dancing like an expert? Was it the magic of the night that was sweeping me away, Mamoru's charm, or his lead? Perhaps it was all of them, each one a different type of magic.
Looking into his eyes, I saw something that I wasn't sure I had ever seen in him. They say that a person's eyes are the windows to their soul and he was showing me emotion so strong that I didn't know what to do. Should I embrace it like my heart was screaming to do, to explore that uncharted, unknown territory, or run from it in fright like my mind was commanding to comply with?
"Did I tell you how wonderful you are, Usagi?" He said softly, almost whispering.
That was it. That was the last grain and the scale tipped and plummeted to the deepest, darkest reaches of my soul, "No."
The hand on my waist pressed gently and I gravitated toward him without any thought of hesitation, "Well, you are, and I'm not talking about your dancing."
"I don't know what's going on; I really don't know how to dance, promise."
He laughed, "Maybe it's our sole purpose to be dancing partners."
"Maybe," I agreed, laughing as well.
As if by an enchantment, the floor lit up in a soft, silver light and my eyes traveled up along with Mamoru's to see a skylight over our heads. A silvery cloud was moving aside, revealing a star-studded velvet night and an eerily beautiful moon. A blanket of silver stars shot across the sky as if on cue. It surely was magic, this whole night....
-Later....
Countdown: Who cares right now...?
If I didn't know better, I could have said that I was falling in love with Chiba Mamoru and instead of totally becoming disgusted, revolted, and angered by that idea, it settled in my heart like a fond dream. He had parked in front of my house and we sat for a moment or two in silence. I tugged on his blazer he gave me to wear when we left 'Star.' It smelt like roses--like him.
Mamoru looked over at me and seemed like he wanted to say something, but didn't. In fact, I was about to urge him to say it, but he opened his car door and got out, then shut it. My heart fell slightly for hoping something. What, I didn't know. My door opened and he helped me out then walked me to my door. I began to remove the jacket, but he laid a hand on mine, shaking his head slightly, "You can give it to me tomorrow, given that we'll bump into each other."
A smile spread across my face as I nodded slightly, "All right. It's a deal." Silence fell again. With his hand on mine, his warmth seemed to radiate through me. Looking in his eyes, I became strangely brave so I took his hand, held it gently, and stepped forward whispering, "I had a good time tonight, Mamoru. Thank you."
His free hand came up and caressed my check softly, lulling my eyes shut. His thumb traced my lower lip slowly. Heart hammering against my rib cage, I felt him step forward and his body came in contact with mine. 'Please, please, oh God, please grant me this one wish,' I pleaded and heaven was surely listening for a pair of lips slowly brushed against mine. A wave of energy bolted between us for we jumped back, looking at one another. What was happening? Was this what I really wanted...?
Slowly, with a hint of apprehension, we came together again and our lips locked in heavenly bliss. Yes, this was what I wanted. Everything I wanted. The one that I wanted. His lips moved against mine in a soft motion, almost as if nibbling on my bottom lip. I felt his hand release mine and both arms come slowly and surely around my waist, crushing my body against his in a sweet, delicate grasp. Mimicking him, I wrapped my arms around his neck, holding him there, but it didn't really seem like he wanted it to end either. Time slowly fluttered by in honey-like hours. We pulled apart. Breathless as I, he kissed my nose gently then whispered fondly, "Get inside; you'll catch your death out here." I was about to protest that I was completely warm all over, an effect by the kiss no doubt, but instead quickly kissed him once, "Okay."
"I'll see you tomorrow, Usagi," Mamoru said and we slowly pried ourselves from our warm embrace.
"Bye, Mamoru," I replied while slipped inside slowly.
A jovial sigh escaped my slightly swollen lips. My arms flew up in a stretch. I was beyond happy. I was in love! With Chiba Mamoru no less. The kiss had sealed any hope of running away from him forever.
"My, you look happy," a voice said.
I jumped. I hadn't noticed when I came in (who would?) but on the couch sat my mother who looked like she just won the lottery and my father who was bound and gagged. No joking and he looked like he was about to have a conniption.
"I, uh... It's cold out there," I said, pointing over my shoulder with the blazer sleeve hanging well over my hand, as if that were going to explain anything.
"I'm sure," Mom said, her smile stretching further, and then grabbed my father by his ear, dragging him up the stairs and into their room.
"Thanks Mom," I whispered then skipped up to my own room.
As if on cue, my watch began to beep. I flipped up the cover and Jupiter's face appeared, "Usagi, we need your help! It's a youma attack!"
"I'm on my way!"
*=====
Clock: 9: 50 PM
Countdown: 50: 09: 02
POV: Luna
-
The girls were implementing the plan Usagi had formulated earlier: Sailor Moon, Jupiter, and Mars fought off the massive amounts of soul-sucking monsters while Mercury hid in an alley, gathering as much information as possible. When she was done entering it in her computer, she would join the others and help finish them off. Well, that's what we hoped would happen; even though my mind rationalized with the plan, my soul cried out some warning of foreboding.
Please, Goddess of the Moon and the God before her, watch over my girls. Don't let my worst dreams come true; protect Usagi-chan from her past....
*=====
Clock: 10: 00 PM
Countdown: 49: 00: 55
POV: Zoicite
-
Wave after wave of youma were pushed back. I couldn't understand it. How could some little girl push back my forces? I had watched the Generals before me fall; I had watched the junior high student day in and day out, picking apart everything. It was that girl. She was the flaw to our plans and as a flaw, she must be removed.
Descending down upon them, I called back the forces, "Good evening, ladies."
Their only response: cold glares.
"Well fine. Time to get what I want...." With a snap of my fingers, two youma leapt forward with untraceable speed and pinned the girls against something or another while I mimicked them, but went for the heart, "And that's you, Tsukino Usagi!"
My hands wrapped around her smooth neck and squeezed, "Tell me the Secret!"
*=====
Countdown: 49: 00: 55
POV: Sailor Mercury
-
Hiding in a dark alley, I watched as my friends fought with anything and everything to hold the youma waves off. My fingers flew across the small keypad of my computer, but it wasn't fast enough. They were slowly inching back and soon exhaustion would weigh them under. Faster Ami, faster!
"Well fine. Time to get what I want... and that's you, Tsukino Usagi!"
What?! My head snapped up to see the General's hands around the cowering Sailor Moon's neck...! He was choking her! Instinct had my feet itching with madness to leap into action and rip him from Usagi, but common sense nailed my feet to the concrete. In desperation, I tried to hurry and pinpoint the enemy's source.
"I'm coming Usagi...." I whispered under my breath.
A light and a scream caused me to look up again...! What I saw was something I had never expected to see: Sailor Moon was standing over an injured General in a glowing radiance. The light she reflected blindingly so was familiar and warm.
"Light of the Moon...."
The light died and in an instant, the youma forces crumbled in piles of ash along with their leader. It was over. Frantic, I ran out from hiding to Sailor Moon, "Usagi! What happened?!"
The others joined me, but our friend just stood there, looking at the ground but not really focusing on anything. Complete shock and confusion was written across her face. Then, as if called, she looked up to where the tops of buildings skimmed the sky and jumped up to the rooftops.
"Where is she going?" Mars asked in a half demanding voice. The other half was concern, I'm sure.
Just as we were about to follow, Jupiter stooped down and picked up something from the pile that used to be a General, "What's this?"
She handed it to me, "Why, it's a computer diskette...."
"Why would a General have a disk?" Mars asked.
"I don't know," I answered, looking towards the star streaked backdrop where our friend had disappeared.
*=====
Clock: 10: 20 PM
Countdown: 49: 40: 33
POV: Tuxedo Kamen
-
Looking down at the scene, I let the contents in my gloved hand to flutter down to the ground below. Sailor Moon's attention snapped in my direction and as I saw her fly towards me, I took off, smirking at my cleverness which I'm sure wasn't clever at all. I had to lead her away and convince her to stop being Sailor Moon. I had to protect her....
Figuring that we were far enough, I stopped on one roof and waited. She wasn't too far behind.
"What's this about?" She gasped, trying to catch her breath.
Where to start? Do I tell her stop being Sailor Moon? Do I tell her about my nightmares? Where to start...?
"Give up being Sailor Moon."
Her eyes grew wide and she straightened up to look at me, "...what?"
"If you don't quit, on the Judgment Day your life will be taken," I explained.
Her shock turned into anger, "Why is everyone trying to stop me?! I've had countless amounts of death threats! What makes you think that yours will be different?"
She wasn't listening! I can't lose her! Frantic, I stepped forward, "Please. You have to trust me!"
"No! I can't...." The Soldier said a little more softly.
Grabbing her shoulders, I tried again with all of my soul, "Please Usagi! You have to stop this!"
Her eyes flew open to look at me in alienation, "What did you call me?"
Damn! Realizing my mistake, I stepped back, "You must stop being Sailor Moon, or it'll cost you your life!"
And that was it. Seeing the silhouettes of the other Soldiers catching up, I took off into the night and prayed for the best.
*=====
Clock: 10: 50 PM
Countdown: 49: 9: 17
POV: Sailor Jupiter
-
After zeroing in on Sailor Moon's Aura, we came to a rooftop where she stood staring off into the night's darkness. We immediately began to ask questions about the attack and where she had gone.
"What happened? With a blast like that, you should be hurt!" Mars said, looking her over thoroughly.
I had to agree. The General that had left behind the mysterious disk had sent a powerful blast that gave me goose bumps from my toes to my scalp, and it was directed at Usagi, point blank. It was a miracle that she didn't even had a scratch on her.
Instead of answering, she took something from her fuku, "I don't know what happened...."
In her gloved hand was a silver watch; its face was broken and seemed slightly charred....
*===========================================
=======
TR- Yeah, this is super long! I was thinking about splitting
it into two chapters, but nah. It's definitely not edited yet-I haven't even went
over it once-so if it's horrid, I apologize and promise to go over it later. Ja!
2-25-02
(unedited)