This story is rated PG-13. It contains themes, that while not sexual
in nature, may be disturbing to more sensitive readers. Caution is
advised.
Not all the stories I write are connected to each other. Take this one for example. I first wrote it a few years back as a kind of therapy when I was new to SM fanfiction. I've always wanted to be able to go back, tighten it up and bring it into line with Sailor Moon cannon. Call me crazy, but having Mamoru and Haruka snipping at each other like a pair of rabid wolverines isn't a good thing.
And now, a poetic interlude:
Sailor Moon and her friends I don't own. So all Lawyers, please let me alone. Don't take me to court, 'cause me cash 'flow is short and you just can't get blood from a stone.
"Moonfall"
By Meara
Chapter Two - "Waning Moon"
The room was almost dark, save for the meager illumination given by the hallway light that shone from under the closed door. The darkness suited Chiba Mamoru right now. It was a friend that allowed him the illusion of privacy. In the dark he could indulge his emotions, letting the tears fall without having to explain them to anyone. Mamoru could let loose his deepest fear, one he only acknowledged in the blackest hours of the night.
"Usako," he whispered. "Don't leave me."
His beloved, his soul mate could have been killed when the car struck her. That Usagi had been grateful for the chance to die, even for a fraction of a second, frightened him beyond rational thought. She was in such pain from the memories she carried. How could he have not seen that? Mamoru was supposed to protect her and he'd failed - again.
His watch beeped at him. It was 6:00 am. Mamoru had promised the nurses that he'd wake Usagi every two hours. She had a concussion and it was standard procedure. Usagi was emotionally fragile right now. The last thing she needed was another shock. Mamoru decided that right now it would be best if he was the one she woke to, not some stranger.
Shaking himself from his fears, Mamoru went to where Usagi lay. She was badly bruised from the accident. A large purple lump on her forehead drew his eyes. He was careful not to touch it as he gently stroked her face and called her name. Mamoru's heart thumped painfully in his chest as he saw the confusion and fear in her eyes as they slowly opened.
"Mamo-chan? What's wrong, is something wrong?"
He managed to put a smile on his face. "It's okay, Usako, everything's fine. I'm just checking on you." Mamoru said as he reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze. With his other hand he held up two fingers. "Look at my hand. How many fingers do you see?"
Usagi gave a weak chuckle, "Tuesday."
"I'm engaged to a comedian," he sighed as if aggrieved. "How are you feeling? Any pain?"
Usagi closed one eye in concentration. She was pumped full of various medications and they made it hard for her to think clearly. "A little, not too bad. Just so tired."
She seemed to fade on him, her eyes closing again. A thought came to her and the eyelids rose half way once more. "And I'm hungry, too."
"Makoto's coming by in a couple of hours, and I can almost guarantee that she's been baking. If you wait you until then a while can eat something good instead of hospital food." He leaned over and kissed her gently on the cheek. "Go back to sleep, my love. I'm here with you, you're safe. Sleep."
Usagi's eyes were drifting shut. She took a single breath that shuddered in her throat. ".Safe? Promise?" and fell back into slumber.
The longing in her voice shattered his composure. Taking great care, Mamoru raised her hand to his cheek. "Safe," he whispered. "I promise."
With infinite tenderness he placed a feather light kiss on Usagi's hand before putting it down. Then taking himself back to the comfort of the dark corner, Chiba Mamoru placed his face in his hands and silently wept.
***************************************
As she saw it, Makoto had two options open to her when she finally left the hospital. She could use the nervous energy that ran screaming through her to find some miscreants and beat the living hell out of them. Or, since sleep was very unlikely, she could go home and bake. It unfortunately seemed to be a slow night for thugs and Makoto chose to bake instead.
It kept her busy and allowed her to concentrate on the task at hand. Makoto didn't want to have to let her imagination run wild, thinking about what could have happened. The thought of losing Usagi brought up all those old feeling from when her parents had died so many years ago. Just when she thought she'd found peace with her past, Makoto discovered that some wounds never completely healed.
It was almost seven in the morning before she finally finished cleaning up the mess in the kitchen. It would take a lot longer to clear the carnage from her soul. Gathering up a staggering load of freshly baked goods Makoto headed out.
***************************************
Ami thought she'd prepared herself for just about anything she would find in Usagi's room. That her dearest friend would look much worse by the morning was a given. The bruises would have had time to bloom over night and she'd steeled herself for it.
The very act of opening up to all of them last night could have started Usagi on another round of flashbacks. Ami had gone online to find the very latest information about the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. For Ami, knowledge was power, and she intended to be very powerful, indeed.
The scene playing out, however, was not one that Ami had anticipated. Being a referee was not something she did very well. So when Makoto burst into the small and increasingly stuffy hospital room, the petite Senshi of Mercury nearly fainted with relief.
As for Makoto, she couldn't fail to notice that Mamoru was sitting in one corner, Haruka and Michiru in the other. If looks could kill, rigor mortis would be setting in right about now. Ami was milling around restlessly in the middle. Placing her load of goodies on the small table Makoto, just as Ami had hoped, cut straight to the point.
"And a cheery good morning to you. What's got your knickers in a knot?" Makoto addressed that comment to Mamoru, then turned to look directly at Haruka. "And that goes for you, too. Where's Usagi?"
Down getting her ribs X-rayed again," supplied Ami helpfully as Makoto handed her a still warm muffin. "Mamoru and Haruka are discussing."
"Who the hell do you think you are keeping this serious a problem a secret?" said Mamoru. his arms folded across his chest, he was the perfect picture of suppressed anger.
".The situation," sighed Ami, putting a hand to her temple. She was getting a headache.
Mamoru continued unabated. "You should have told me months ago." "You had no right."
"I had every right," barked Haruka.
Michiru groaned inwardly as she recognized the tone in her lifemate's voice all too well. Haruka was just getting warmed up.
That tall blonde now folded her arms across her chest in an unconscious imitation of the man she faced. "You may be the future King of Earth but in case it's slipped your notice, I'm a Soldier of the White Moon Kingdom. I don't have to report to you. My promise was to Usagi. If she wanted you to know, then the Princess would have told you herself!"
Mamoru didn't so much as move, but his eyes narrowed with anger. "And you did such a great job of handling this that Usako was ready to let herself be run down last night. Thank you so much for your help, but this is the end of your involvement in this matter."
It Haruka's turn to narrow her eyes dangerously. "Over my cold, dead and unprotesting body it is."
"What in the name of the Moon do you think you're doing?!"
All eyes in the room turned toward the door. Minako and Rei were standing there, frozen in shock at the sight of Mamoru and Haruka heated disagreement. The voice had come from Luna (smuggled into the hospital in a small basket). It was a constant wonder how so much volume could come from such a small cat.
"Have you two lost your minds? What if Usagi walked in on this petulant, little display? Are you trying to drive her completely over the edge? Because if you are you two are doing a splendid job of it!"
Rei quickly shut the door behind them. It wouldn't due to attract unwanted attention from the nursing staff. Although Makoto had left a generous portion of muffins at the desk, there was only so much leeway a baked good could achieve. Things were tough enough without trying to explain Luna's presence, or the fact that she could talk, for that matter.
Luna popped out of the wicker basket Minako carried and onto Usagi's empty bed. "If you have a complaint, Mamoru, take it up with me. I'm the one who sent Usagi to Haruka and Michiru for help."
The anger that have burned so fiercely drained out him like water. "Why, Luna? Why them and not me? How could you keep this from me?"
The ebony cat sat down with a sigh. "This hasn't been easy on anyone, I know, but I did what I thought was best. You Mamoru, and Ami, Makoto, Minako and Rei, every time you were hurt Usagi was left with the memories of the pain you suffered each time she healed you with the Ginzuishou."
Luna glanced at Mamoru and the Inner Senshi "Usagi used to remember it only in dreams. But now for some reason, she can't stop these memories from intruding on her everyday world."
"Intrusive thoughts are a very common in people who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome," said Ami quietly. Everyone turned to look at her and she blushed. "I read every thing I could find online about PTS last night. I don't imagine any of us got much sleep."
Luna continued, "You were all triggering these memories without meaning to. It got to the point where all one of you had to do was remark how quiet it's been. Or say how nice it is not to have to be fighting all the time and the memories would start cycling in Usagi's head. She couldn't stop the downward spiral they caused anymore, Mamoru-san," Luna bowed her head in a mix of shame and despair. "That's why I sent her to Michiru and Haruka."
The lunar cat gave them a grateful look. "You two don't seem to provoke these memories in her as strongly. Most importantly, by using Setsuna's apartment you gave Usagi a place to go where there had never been any fighting; a place where she felt safe."
"So what do we do now?" asked Minako.
Rei had stood quietly through Luna's explanation. It was very unlike her and the others had almost forgotten that she was there. So it was a surprise when she spoke up. "Now, we ask Usagi what she wants to do."
***************************************
"You want me to what?" asked Usagi through a mouthful of apple muffin.
"Talk to a therapist," repeated Ami in an even tone. "I'm not sure any of us are really equipped to help you deal with the problems you're having."
Usagi put down the muffin. It was suddenly tasteless and dry in her mouth. A cold wave of fear spiked insider her chest, slowly spreading across her heart.
"I don't think that's a good idea Ami. Can you imagine what would happen if I opened up to someone? Hi there," Usagi gave a tiny cheerless wave to the imaginary doctor, "my friends sent me to you because I'm having a few problems with recurring memories. They all died, you see and my magic crystal helped restore them to life. And I have this magic stone because I'm the long lost Princess of the Moon Kingdom. They'd lock me up and throw away the key!"
"It doesn't have to be that way, Usagi-chan," said Ami.
"Don't push her, Ami," said Rei softly. "We aren't going to force you to do anything Usagi, but you can't pretend that this will all just go away."
"I feel a lot better today, really," protested Usagi. She couldn't talk about this right now and certainly to some overpaid stranger! To prove her point she took another bite of muffin.
"See? Much better!" she said as crumbs flew everywhere. Luna shook herself and gave Usagi her patented look of disapproval.
Minako leaned over and picked up the pill bottle by her bed. "That's the drugs talking, Usagi-chan." she said as she rattled it. "We could remove two of your toes right now and I don't think you'd feel it."
Rei came to sit on the edge of the bed. With a practiced hand, she reached out to stroke Luna. "Minako's right, you know, but we'll let it go for the moment. Look, once we can get you discharged I'll show you some meditations when we get back to the temple."
Mamoru, who had fallen into a light doze, startled awake, "Back to the temple? I thought that maybe it would be best if Usako could come home with me," he paused, trying to shake the need to sleep from his mind.
The absurdity of his statement made Mamoru sigh softly and run a hand through his disheveled hair. "Then again, that might not be the best idea."
Makoto gave a short bark of laughter. "You could say that. Face it Mamoru, Usagi's dad would go nuclear and I don't think any of us want to deal with that right now."
"My Grandfather call the Tsukino's last night to tell them about the accident." The look on Mamoru's face told Rei that he hadn't even thought about Usagi's family off in America. "The only thing that stopped them from jumping the next plane home was the promise that Usagi would stay at the temple until they get back."
"That and the promise to bring me a really expensive gift from Disneyland!" added Usagi. She managed to push the panic back down into a small place inside her.
Michiru came to the harried Prince and placed a calm hand on his arm. "You look exhausted. Why don't you go home and rest some, ne?" She gently cut off the words of protest that were forming on his lips. "You can go by the temple and see Usagi later, but you really need to take care of yourself, Mamoru-san."
"Mamo-chan are you sick?" There was barely concealed panic in Usagi's voice that brought him up sharp. "Are you all right?" She wanted to scream, -Are you safe? - but managed not to.
"No, I'm fine Usako, just tired," he allowed Michiru to take his arm and help him gather his sports jacket. "Maybe a nap would be a good idea." Mamoru ran a hand over his face, ".maybe a shower and shave, too."
Minako laughed brightly, "Definitely a shower and a shave too! Go home oh hirsute prince. You can hover over Usagi-chan later."
Under Michiru's watchful eye, Mamoru gently kissed Usagi good bye. He stopped to give her a final smile as he shut the door. Michiru's arm tightened on his in support as they walked down the hall together.
"She almost fell apart again back there," Mamoru said softly. "Oh God, how could I have missed this for so long?"
The gentle Senshi of Neptune was surprisingly strong as he leaned on her. "What's important is that you do know now. Usagi is stronger than a lot of people give her credit for. With your love and support, she'll get through this."
Mamoru stopped and looked at the elegant and self-assured woman. "With the support of all of us, Michiru. Thank you for what you've done these past few months. I shouldn't have been so sharp with you and Haruka. I don't what came over me. I'm sorry," he managed a small smile for her, which she returned.
Michiru squeezed his hand gently. "I know, and it's all right. Haruka will understand too, once she calms down a little. Now go home and sleep, Mamoru." She gave him a quick wink, "That's an order!"
The elevator doors opened and Mamoru stepped in. "Far be from me to question an order from one of the Outer Senshi. Thank you, Michiru. Thank you for everything."
********************
Lucien sat on the hard and uncomfortably warm rock that was his only seat in the pit he now called home. That his current arrangement was vastly superior to the suffering he'd been enduring for almost a thousand years meant very little. What did matter to him was revenge.
Death and damnation had not changed the self absorbed little man very much. As always, Lucien was thought only about getting what he felt was his by right. If he had to be in Hell for all time, he was going to make sure that he held a position of importance.
How very convenient that the body that housed Serenity's soul was so easy to manipulate. The girl had been having nightmares for years and it was almost too easy to use those dark memories.
However, with the Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome he'd provoked in her out in the open, it was going to be that much harder to achieve his goal. He had to make Serenity "come out" from where she hid deep in the mind of this girl in order to bring his plan for vengeance to fruition.
The girl, Usagi, was all ready on shaky ground. However, he couldn't take the chance that her friends would be able to help her get too much control of the dreams. He had to find a way to push her to the edge and fast. Lucien had made some promises in return for the power that he now held. The Being he made those promises to didn't take disappointment very well.
With a thought, Lucien summoned an ornate dagger to his hand. It was the very same one he'd used to kill the Moon King those many years ago. The instrument of his damnation, it was now the focus for his power and he used it with care.
While the body he now inhabited was less than whole, it was a lot better than the one he'd exchanged it for. Rising to his feet, he shuffled over to a stagnant pool of water.
The shadows in the pit rose and came to him. As they gathered about him like a cloak, he pricked his finger. Lucien allowed two drops to fall into the limpid pool. The oily water churned red for a long moment before quieting. The dream that haunted Usagi began to play in it.
"Time to turn up the heat," Lucien mumbled. "Blood calls to blood."
He leaned over the waters and whispered into them. The voice that went with Usagi's nightmare was now audible.
"I'm coming for them and you can't stop me. It's only a matter of time before this happens. Never relax your guard for even a second, because I'm waiting. Your pain will go on for ever and ever." A new twist was added to the litany. "There's only one way out, Serenity, only one way out."
Satisfied with his effort, Lucien stood as tall as possible. He snapped his burned fingers once. One of the shadows flowed from his hand. It coiled into a serpentine shape beside him.
"Why do you summon me, Shadowlord?" came the shadow's hissing voice.
"I have an errand for you," replied Lucien with a grin. "One that I think you'll have fun with."
***************************************
Usagi was trapped in the dream again. The creature was large, dark and serpentine. Like the snake it resembled, it struck for her loved ones as she stood by, frozen and unable to move. Her mind shouted at her hand to reach for the henshin locket to no avail.
"I'm coming for them and you can't stop me, Usagi," the harsh, guttural, whisper seemed to be everywhere. "It's only a matter of time before this happens. Never relax your guard, even for a second, because I'm waiting."
She watched helpless as one by one her loved ones suffered and died. Mamoru's turn came she could bear no more. Her friends looked at her with silent eyes that begged her heal them. She raised the Silver Crystal high and screamed aloud as she took their deaths into herself.
Usagi felt herself shattered under the strain. Her heart was made of broken, jagged glass that cut at her. The anguish and fear were so intense, so total and encompassing that death would have been a relief. Then the voice came again and offered to stop the pain forever.
"There's only one way out, Serenity." Usagi looked down and saw that she was wearing the white dress that marked her past as the last Princess of the Silver Millennium. "Only one way out."
Her salvation appeared before her. But it wasn't the headlights of a car, it was something different this time. Usagi tried to see past the agony that begged for an end. Just as the promised way out came into focus and she was overcome by a wave of revulsion that set her screaming.
Usagi sat up in the futon with a start. She cursed softly as she grabbed at still sore ribs.
"Use the breathing I taught you, Usagi," came Rei's voice from behind her.
Usagi dutifully huffed slowly as she let Rei's voice fill her mind.
"That's right, slowly, slowly. Focus. Clear your mind of other thoughts and ascend the three stairs to sanctuary." Rei came up behind her friend and placed a calming hand on Usagi's shoulder. "Feel the cool wood beneath your feet. See the door before you."
Surprising enough, Usagi could see it as she closed her eyes and concentrated. The door had fine, stained glass panels in the shape of a crescent moon at its center. She could actually feel the crystal glass of the doorknob as she turned it. There was bird song audible as she stepped through the door and into the refuge she'd built in her mind.
Usagi's voice chanted in unison with Rei's. "I am safe here. No one may enter unless I allow it. This is my sanctuary, my quiet place."
There was complete silence only for a moment before Usagi added, "But there's nothing to eat in here and I'm hungry."
Rei gave her friend a gentle thump on the back of her head. "That's not the way it goes, baka-Usagi," she laughed.
"You're being way too nice to me Rei," said Usagi as she rolled to her feet ungracefully. "Hit me again, harder please, so I know you still care." It wasn't easy to move in a way that didn't seem to aggravate her already sore legs.
The paper door of the guesthouse rolled back to reveal visitors. "I'm going to tell your Grandfather you're beating up sick people again, Rei-chan," Makoto said with a smile.
Minako and Ami were with her and they took off their shoes before entering. "We came by to see if nap time was finished," said Minako. "Would you two like to go to the park and get ice cream?"
Usagi leaned on Rei and batted her large, blue eyes in what she hoped was an innocent manner. "Oh please, Mommy! I've been a good girl all day. I took my nap and the disgusting medicine that mean, old doctor gave me." She gave Rei a cheesy smile, "Pleeeease?"
"Yeah Rei-Mama," laughed Minako. "Can Usagi-chan come out and play with us?"
Putting one hand on her hip, the raven-haired priestess appeared to be considering the proposal. "Well, if you promise to do your centering exercises later, without complaining that they're boring, I suppose we could."
"Oh yes, sweet chocolate triple fudge, here I come." Usagi couldn't have been happier if you told her that she'd won the lottery.
After changing into a pair of Capri pants (to hide the bruises Usagi explained), the five-some headed out into a perfect August afternoon. They were less than a block from the temple before Usagi asked the question that was screaming in her head.
"So," she said in as nonchalant a voice as she could manage, "How are you guys today?"
Ami wasn't fooled. She reached over and put a gentle hand on her best friend's arm. "We're all safe Usagi."
Usagi hung her head and groaned. "Am I that obvious?"
Ami had explained to the others that Usagi had to learn to control the thoughts and feelings that sometimes ran wild in her mind. "Triggers", a word or a phrase that started the downward cycle, set off these thoughts.
Usagi's almost obsessive concern for their well being and safety was the chief culprit. They had all agreed to help her learn to stop doing it by making her change mental "gears" each time she asked if they were "safe".
Minako came up beside Usagi and Ami. "It's okay Usagi-chan. But remember our deal? When you ask if we're all safe, we get to ask you a question you don't want to answer," Minako said as she stole a glance at Rei. "So, tell us the truth. Does Rei-chan snore?"
"I do not snore!" Rei huffed.
The fiery Senshi of Mars was such fun to tease, Minako decided. She swore there were times when you could actually see the smoke rising from her ears.
"Usako!"
Usagi gave a delighted grin as Mamoru came across the park toward them. "Mamo-chan! What are you doing here?" She stopped and shot a quick look at Ami, "And that was not an 'are you safe' question!"
"Coming to see if you might like to go for a stroll, but it looks like the girls beat me to it." He leaned down and gave Usagi a tender kiss. "My last class was cancelled this afternoon so I thought we might spend a little time together."
Usagi laced an arm into his as they walked toward the ice cream stand. She relaxed a little and enjoyed the warmth of his love. This day might not turn out so bad after all. "Only if I can buy the ice cream for you." She said with a smile.
Then the screams started.
It all happened so fast as to seem instantaneous. The thing appeared from out of nowhere. It was large, dark and serpentine. As it materialized, an ebony wall rose to separate them from the people who ran in all directions seeking escape.
Like the snake it resembled, it turned to strike at Usagi with a bolt of black lightning. The malevolent force held her frozen and unable to move. As the Senshi yelled out their henshin phrases, Usagi's mind screamed at her hand to reach for her locket but to no avail.
Mamoru grabbed at her, shouting her name. Tuxedo Kamen shimmered to life as he continued to call to her, but Usagi couldn't hear him. The focus of her entire world narrowed to the scene unfolding before her. It was one of the dreams that had haunted her for months. She watched as her nightmare began to happen.
"Burning Mandala!"
Sailor Mars attacked the monster with fire that surrounded it. It turned from Usagi and paused for a moment as if confused by the resistance it encountered. Them with an irritated snap of its head, it extinguished the flames and lunged for the Soldier of Fire.
"I could use some help!" Mars dodged to one side but the monster was unnaturally fast.
"Chabon Spray!" Mercury tried to hide them within a dense fog, but with another toss if it's reptilian head, the vapor dispersed. The monster continued its pursuit of Rei.
"Hey ugly, over here!" Sailor Jupiter shouted as she summoned her attack, "Jupiter, oak evolution!" The nightmare shape ignored the blast as it continued to go after Mars with single-minded intent.
"Move it Rei, faster!" called Minako as she lifted her hand to summon the power that was hers to command.
"Oh shimatta!" mumbled Rei as she raised her hands for her flame sniper. With precise discipline, she focused on powering up her attack, not the thing that was looming over her.
"Mars Flame Sni.." Before Rei could finished the shadowy serpent opened its mouth and descended to envelop her.
When it rose again, Mars was gone.
A lightning fast sweep of its undulating body tossed the remaining Senshi through the air like dolls. The snake stopped and gave an evil smile. It swung its head around, looking for something or someone.
It stopped as Usagi came into its line of sight. Tuxedo Kamen placed himself between his beloved and the creature that sought her. The serpent ignored the dagger sharp roses that punctured it in a dozen places.
The large, blunt head darted downward at Tuxedo Kamen and sent him sailing through the air to land hard well across the enclosed area. Although stunned, he tried to get to feet as he saw the monster shift its attention to Usagi.
The head came down closer to her. It's mouth opened again and a vile, hissing whisper came from it. "It's time for it to start all over again. I've come for them, Usagi and you can't stop me. Mars was just the first."
The black energy that held Usagi seemed to melt away in a flash of quicksilver fire. Usagi looked towards the monster and screamed at the obscenity that had taken her friend.
"Noooo! Bring her back!"
The reptile gave a hideous laugh and turned from her. "Who shall it be next? Perhaps the little, blue one," the snake moved towards where Ami lay, stunned.
Even as Usagi launched herself at the thing, she blurred and changed. Stunned as she was, Ami gasped as she realized that Usagi had transformed with using her henshin phrase. That shouldn't be possible!
The snake shrugged Eternal Sailor Moon away as if she was nothing more than a nuisance. Ami stumbled to her feet. Gathering her power, Mercury called to the water in the air around her.
"Shine Aqua - Illusion!"
The monstrosity was slowed, but not stopped by the pile-driver wave that crashed into it. It continued to pursue Mercury in the same single-minded way it had Mars.
"Jupiter!" called Ami as she dodged the massive head again, "Now - hit it while it's still wet!"
Makoto immediately knew what Ami wanted and furrowed her brow in a mixture of anger and concentration. "Time to fry, you horror movie reject. Supreme Thunder!"
There was a gratifying sound, like water being dropped into hot oil and the reptile shuddered, then gave a bellow of pain.
"That hurt!" A bolt of black light hit Jupiter squarely in the chest. She went flying, landing yards away, stunned.
Tuxedo Kamen leapt into to grab Makoto and pull her away just as the massive head, fangs extended, snapped at her. "It's weakened," he called, "Finish it now Sailor Moon!"
Usagi extended her hand and found that the crescent Moon Wand came to her call. There was no time to wonder why it had suddenly reappeared as she powered up and began to call out the words to release the energy in the ornate weapon.
"Moon Healing Escalation!" Nothing happened. Usagi looked at the wand, dumbfounded.
"Venus Love Me Chain!" called Minako as she attempted to distract the creature from its pursuit of Mercury. The monster was too agile and slithered free of the golden restraint.
Things were not right, Ami's mind shouted at her. If she only had a moment to think she could figure it all out. But she didn't have a minute as she suddenly saw she was boxed in. The snake reared, gathering itself for the strike that would take Mercury.
Usagi gave a tortured wail. Between one blink of an eye and the next, Sailor Moon was gone and Serenity, last princess of the Silver Millennium had taken her place.
With an howl of pain she raised her hands over her head. The Ginzuishou came at her calling and hovered over the outstretched hands. A burst of rainbow light rushed into it.
Princess Serenity faced the monster that was beginning a fatal strike for Ami. She screamed with a rage and despair so strong that Mamoru actually heard her frantic thought ringing across the bond they shared.
She pushed outward with the hands and released the great power of the White Moon Kingdom. A bolt of silver light more intense than the sun sprang from the gem and slammed into the monster. It gave an unearthly shriek and exploded into ebony dust.
The dust lingered on the wind for a moment. Then it seemed to draw back in on itself, gathering into a cloud. The blackness undulated and changed form. A veiled figure became visible within it and spoke in the same voice they had all heard before.
"At last. I've been waiting for you to show up Serenity."
"Where is Mars?" Usagi, still in the form of Serenity, asked with a clipped and precise voice. The Silver Crystal floated between her cupped hands. There was an implied threat in her tone as she said, "Bring her back."
The laugh that came from the shadowy figure was unpleasant. "Of course you may have her back. I'm finished with her, for now." He held out one hand and a bubble of dark energy floated from it.
"...Right now! Do you hear me, right now! When I get a hold of you, you overgrown reptile, it's barbecue time! Then we'll find out if snake really does taste like chicken!" The voice of the battered and very agitated Senshi of Mars filled the air as the darkness faded. A surprised Rei materialized in back of Serenity.
"But, you, my dear Serenity," came the Shadowlord's harsh voice, "I have not even begun with you. He gave a curt gesture with one hand and the world around them exploded. The ground opened beneath them and they all began to fall.
"It's time, Serenity! Time for you to feel them die!" The Shadowlord's voice was audible even over the thunder of the chaos he caused." His insane laughter followed them as they fell into an abyss.
"Time for my revenge!"
********************
Next: Chapter Three - "Moonfall." The Shadowlord pulls out all the stops to get what he wants. It's Usagi's worst nightmare come to life. Can she save the Senshi and herself? Ami holds the key to their salvation, but can she figure it all out in time?
Not all the stories I write are connected to each other. Take this one for example. I first wrote it a few years back as a kind of therapy when I was new to SM fanfiction. I've always wanted to be able to go back, tighten it up and bring it into line with Sailor Moon cannon. Call me crazy, but having Mamoru and Haruka snipping at each other like a pair of rabid wolverines isn't a good thing.
And now, a poetic interlude:
Sailor Moon and her friends I don't own. So all Lawyers, please let me alone. Don't take me to court, 'cause me cash 'flow is short and you just can't get blood from a stone.
"Moonfall"
By Meara
Chapter Two - "Waning Moon"
The room was almost dark, save for the meager illumination given by the hallway light that shone from under the closed door. The darkness suited Chiba Mamoru right now. It was a friend that allowed him the illusion of privacy. In the dark he could indulge his emotions, letting the tears fall without having to explain them to anyone. Mamoru could let loose his deepest fear, one he only acknowledged in the blackest hours of the night.
"Usako," he whispered. "Don't leave me."
His beloved, his soul mate could have been killed when the car struck her. That Usagi had been grateful for the chance to die, even for a fraction of a second, frightened him beyond rational thought. She was in such pain from the memories she carried. How could he have not seen that? Mamoru was supposed to protect her and he'd failed - again.
His watch beeped at him. It was 6:00 am. Mamoru had promised the nurses that he'd wake Usagi every two hours. She had a concussion and it was standard procedure. Usagi was emotionally fragile right now. The last thing she needed was another shock. Mamoru decided that right now it would be best if he was the one she woke to, not some stranger.
Shaking himself from his fears, Mamoru went to where Usagi lay. She was badly bruised from the accident. A large purple lump on her forehead drew his eyes. He was careful not to touch it as he gently stroked her face and called her name. Mamoru's heart thumped painfully in his chest as he saw the confusion and fear in her eyes as they slowly opened.
"Mamo-chan? What's wrong, is something wrong?"
He managed to put a smile on his face. "It's okay, Usako, everything's fine. I'm just checking on you." Mamoru said as he reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze. With his other hand he held up two fingers. "Look at my hand. How many fingers do you see?"
Usagi gave a weak chuckle, "Tuesday."
"I'm engaged to a comedian," he sighed as if aggrieved. "How are you feeling? Any pain?"
Usagi closed one eye in concentration. She was pumped full of various medications and they made it hard for her to think clearly. "A little, not too bad. Just so tired."
She seemed to fade on him, her eyes closing again. A thought came to her and the eyelids rose half way once more. "And I'm hungry, too."
"Makoto's coming by in a couple of hours, and I can almost guarantee that she's been baking. If you wait you until then a while can eat something good instead of hospital food." He leaned over and kissed her gently on the cheek. "Go back to sleep, my love. I'm here with you, you're safe. Sleep."
Usagi's eyes were drifting shut. She took a single breath that shuddered in her throat. ".Safe? Promise?" and fell back into slumber.
The longing in her voice shattered his composure. Taking great care, Mamoru raised her hand to his cheek. "Safe," he whispered. "I promise."
With infinite tenderness he placed a feather light kiss on Usagi's hand before putting it down. Then taking himself back to the comfort of the dark corner, Chiba Mamoru placed his face in his hands and silently wept.
***************************************
As she saw it, Makoto had two options open to her when she finally left the hospital. She could use the nervous energy that ran screaming through her to find some miscreants and beat the living hell out of them. Or, since sleep was very unlikely, she could go home and bake. It unfortunately seemed to be a slow night for thugs and Makoto chose to bake instead.
It kept her busy and allowed her to concentrate on the task at hand. Makoto didn't want to have to let her imagination run wild, thinking about what could have happened. The thought of losing Usagi brought up all those old feeling from when her parents had died so many years ago. Just when she thought she'd found peace with her past, Makoto discovered that some wounds never completely healed.
It was almost seven in the morning before she finally finished cleaning up the mess in the kitchen. It would take a lot longer to clear the carnage from her soul. Gathering up a staggering load of freshly baked goods Makoto headed out.
***************************************
Ami thought she'd prepared herself for just about anything she would find in Usagi's room. That her dearest friend would look much worse by the morning was a given. The bruises would have had time to bloom over night and she'd steeled herself for it.
The very act of opening up to all of them last night could have started Usagi on another round of flashbacks. Ami had gone online to find the very latest information about the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. For Ami, knowledge was power, and she intended to be very powerful, indeed.
The scene playing out, however, was not one that Ami had anticipated. Being a referee was not something she did very well. So when Makoto burst into the small and increasingly stuffy hospital room, the petite Senshi of Mercury nearly fainted with relief.
As for Makoto, she couldn't fail to notice that Mamoru was sitting in one corner, Haruka and Michiru in the other. If looks could kill, rigor mortis would be setting in right about now. Ami was milling around restlessly in the middle. Placing her load of goodies on the small table Makoto, just as Ami had hoped, cut straight to the point.
"And a cheery good morning to you. What's got your knickers in a knot?" Makoto addressed that comment to Mamoru, then turned to look directly at Haruka. "And that goes for you, too. Where's Usagi?"
Down getting her ribs X-rayed again," supplied Ami helpfully as Makoto handed her a still warm muffin. "Mamoru and Haruka are discussing."
"Who the hell do you think you are keeping this serious a problem a secret?" said Mamoru. his arms folded across his chest, he was the perfect picture of suppressed anger.
".The situation," sighed Ami, putting a hand to her temple. She was getting a headache.
Mamoru continued unabated. "You should have told me months ago." "You had no right."
"I had every right," barked Haruka.
Michiru groaned inwardly as she recognized the tone in her lifemate's voice all too well. Haruka was just getting warmed up.
That tall blonde now folded her arms across her chest in an unconscious imitation of the man she faced. "You may be the future King of Earth but in case it's slipped your notice, I'm a Soldier of the White Moon Kingdom. I don't have to report to you. My promise was to Usagi. If she wanted you to know, then the Princess would have told you herself!"
Mamoru didn't so much as move, but his eyes narrowed with anger. "And you did such a great job of handling this that Usako was ready to let herself be run down last night. Thank you so much for your help, but this is the end of your involvement in this matter."
It Haruka's turn to narrow her eyes dangerously. "Over my cold, dead and unprotesting body it is."
"What in the name of the Moon do you think you're doing?!"
All eyes in the room turned toward the door. Minako and Rei were standing there, frozen in shock at the sight of Mamoru and Haruka heated disagreement. The voice had come from Luna (smuggled into the hospital in a small basket). It was a constant wonder how so much volume could come from such a small cat.
"Have you two lost your minds? What if Usagi walked in on this petulant, little display? Are you trying to drive her completely over the edge? Because if you are you two are doing a splendid job of it!"
Rei quickly shut the door behind them. It wouldn't due to attract unwanted attention from the nursing staff. Although Makoto had left a generous portion of muffins at the desk, there was only so much leeway a baked good could achieve. Things were tough enough without trying to explain Luna's presence, or the fact that she could talk, for that matter.
Luna popped out of the wicker basket Minako carried and onto Usagi's empty bed. "If you have a complaint, Mamoru, take it up with me. I'm the one who sent Usagi to Haruka and Michiru for help."
The anger that have burned so fiercely drained out him like water. "Why, Luna? Why them and not me? How could you keep this from me?"
The ebony cat sat down with a sigh. "This hasn't been easy on anyone, I know, but I did what I thought was best. You Mamoru, and Ami, Makoto, Minako and Rei, every time you were hurt Usagi was left with the memories of the pain you suffered each time she healed you with the Ginzuishou."
Luna glanced at Mamoru and the Inner Senshi "Usagi used to remember it only in dreams. But now for some reason, she can't stop these memories from intruding on her everyday world."
"Intrusive thoughts are a very common in people who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome," said Ami quietly. Everyone turned to look at her and she blushed. "I read every thing I could find online about PTS last night. I don't imagine any of us got much sleep."
Luna continued, "You were all triggering these memories without meaning to. It got to the point where all one of you had to do was remark how quiet it's been. Or say how nice it is not to have to be fighting all the time and the memories would start cycling in Usagi's head. She couldn't stop the downward spiral they caused anymore, Mamoru-san," Luna bowed her head in a mix of shame and despair. "That's why I sent her to Michiru and Haruka."
The lunar cat gave them a grateful look. "You two don't seem to provoke these memories in her as strongly. Most importantly, by using Setsuna's apartment you gave Usagi a place to go where there had never been any fighting; a place where she felt safe."
"So what do we do now?" asked Minako.
Rei had stood quietly through Luna's explanation. It was very unlike her and the others had almost forgotten that she was there. So it was a surprise when she spoke up. "Now, we ask Usagi what she wants to do."
***************************************
"You want me to what?" asked Usagi through a mouthful of apple muffin.
"Talk to a therapist," repeated Ami in an even tone. "I'm not sure any of us are really equipped to help you deal with the problems you're having."
Usagi put down the muffin. It was suddenly tasteless and dry in her mouth. A cold wave of fear spiked insider her chest, slowly spreading across her heart.
"I don't think that's a good idea Ami. Can you imagine what would happen if I opened up to someone? Hi there," Usagi gave a tiny cheerless wave to the imaginary doctor, "my friends sent me to you because I'm having a few problems with recurring memories. They all died, you see and my magic crystal helped restore them to life. And I have this magic stone because I'm the long lost Princess of the Moon Kingdom. They'd lock me up and throw away the key!"
"It doesn't have to be that way, Usagi-chan," said Ami.
"Don't push her, Ami," said Rei softly. "We aren't going to force you to do anything Usagi, but you can't pretend that this will all just go away."
"I feel a lot better today, really," protested Usagi. She couldn't talk about this right now and certainly to some overpaid stranger! To prove her point she took another bite of muffin.
"See? Much better!" she said as crumbs flew everywhere. Luna shook herself and gave Usagi her patented look of disapproval.
Minako leaned over and picked up the pill bottle by her bed. "That's the drugs talking, Usagi-chan." she said as she rattled it. "We could remove two of your toes right now and I don't think you'd feel it."
Rei came to sit on the edge of the bed. With a practiced hand, she reached out to stroke Luna. "Minako's right, you know, but we'll let it go for the moment. Look, once we can get you discharged I'll show you some meditations when we get back to the temple."
Mamoru, who had fallen into a light doze, startled awake, "Back to the temple? I thought that maybe it would be best if Usako could come home with me," he paused, trying to shake the need to sleep from his mind.
The absurdity of his statement made Mamoru sigh softly and run a hand through his disheveled hair. "Then again, that might not be the best idea."
Makoto gave a short bark of laughter. "You could say that. Face it Mamoru, Usagi's dad would go nuclear and I don't think any of us want to deal with that right now."
"My Grandfather call the Tsukino's last night to tell them about the accident." The look on Mamoru's face told Rei that he hadn't even thought about Usagi's family off in America. "The only thing that stopped them from jumping the next plane home was the promise that Usagi would stay at the temple until they get back."
"That and the promise to bring me a really expensive gift from Disneyland!" added Usagi. She managed to push the panic back down into a small place inside her.
Michiru came to the harried Prince and placed a calm hand on his arm. "You look exhausted. Why don't you go home and rest some, ne?" She gently cut off the words of protest that were forming on his lips. "You can go by the temple and see Usagi later, but you really need to take care of yourself, Mamoru-san."
"Mamo-chan are you sick?" There was barely concealed panic in Usagi's voice that brought him up sharp. "Are you all right?" She wanted to scream, -Are you safe? - but managed not to.
"No, I'm fine Usako, just tired," he allowed Michiru to take his arm and help him gather his sports jacket. "Maybe a nap would be a good idea." Mamoru ran a hand over his face, ".maybe a shower and shave, too."
Minako laughed brightly, "Definitely a shower and a shave too! Go home oh hirsute prince. You can hover over Usagi-chan later."
Under Michiru's watchful eye, Mamoru gently kissed Usagi good bye. He stopped to give her a final smile as he shut the door. Michiru's arm tightened on his in support as they walked down the hall together.
"She almost fell apart again back there," Mamoru said softly. "Oh God, how could I have missed this for so long?"
The gentle Senshi of Neptune was surprisingly strong as he leaned on her. "What's important is that you do know now. Usagi is stronger than a lot of people give her credit for. With your love and support, she'll get through this."
Mamoru stopped and looked at the elegant and self-assured woman. "With the support of all of us, Michiru. Thank you for what you've done these past few months. I shouldn't have been so sharp with you and Haruka. I don't what came over me. I'm sorry," he managed a small smile for her, which she returned.
Michiru squeezed his hand gently. "I know, and it's all right. Haruka will understand too, once she calms down a little. Now go home and sleep, Mamoru." She gave him a quick wink, "That's an order!"
The elevator doors opened and Mamoru stepped in. "Far be from me to question an order from one of the Outer Senshi. Thank you, Michiru. Thank you for everything."
********************
Lucien sat on the hard and uncomfortably warm rock that was his only seat in the pit he now called home. That his current arrangement was vastly superior to the suffering he'd been enduring for almost a thousand years meant very little. What did matter to him was revenge.
Death and damnation had not changed the self absorbed little man very much. As always, Lucien was thought only about getting what he felt was his by right. If he had to be in Hell for all time, he was going to make sure that he held a position of importance.
How very convenient that the body that housed Serenity's soul was so easy to manipulate. The girl had been having nightmares for years and it was almost too easy to use those dark memories.
However, with the Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome he'd provoked in her out in the open, it was going to be that much harder to achieve his goal. He had to make Serenity "come out" from where she hid deep in the mind of this girl in order to bring his plan for vengeance to fruition.
The girl, Usagi, was all ready on shaky ground. However, he couldn't take the chance that her friends would be able to help her get too much control of the dreams. He had to find a way to push her to the edge and fast. Lucien had made some promises in return for the power that he now held. The Being he made those promises to didn't take disappointment very well.
With a thought, Lucien summoned an ornate dagger to his hand. It was the very same one he'd used to kill the Moon King those many years ago. The instrument of his damnation, it was now the focus for his power and he used it with care.
While the body he now inhabited was less than whole, it was a lot better than the one he'd exchanged it for. Rising to his feet, he shuffled over to a stagnant pool of water.
The shadows in the pit rose and came to him. As they gathered about him like a cloak, he pricked his finger. Lucien allowed two drops to fall into the limpid pool. The oily water churned red for a long moment before quieting. The dream that haunted Usagi began to play in it.
"Time to turn up the heat," Lucien mumbled. "Blood calls to blood."
He leaned over the waters and whispered into them. The voice that went with Usagi's nightmare was now audible.
"I'm coming for them and you can't stop me. It's only a matter of time before this happens. Never relax your guard for even a second, because I'm waiting. Your pain will go on for ever and ever." A new twist was added to the litany. "There's only one way out, Serenity, only one way out."
Satisfied with his effort, Lucien stood as tall as possible. He snapped his burned fingers once. One of the shadows flowed from his hand. It coiled into a serpentine shape beside him.
"Why do you summon me, Shadowlord?" came the shadow's hissing voice.
"I have an errand for you," replied Lucien with a grin. "One that I think you'll have fun with."
***************************************
Usagi was trapped in the dream again. The creature was large, dark and serpentine. Like the snake it resembled, it struck for her loved ones as she stood by, frozen and unable to move. Her mind shouted at her hand to reach for the henshin locket to no avail.
"I'm coming for them and you can't stop me, Usagi," the harsh, guttural, whisper seemed to be everywhere. "It's only a matter of time before this happens. Never relax your guard, even for a second, because I'm waiting."
She watched helpless as one by one her loved ones suffered and died. Mamoru's turn came she could bear no more. Her friends looked at her with silent eyes that begged her heal them. She raised the Silver Crystal high and screamed aloud as she took their deaths into herself.
Usagi felt herself shattered under the strain. Her heart was made of broken, jagged glass that cut at her. The anguish and fear were so intense, so total and encompassing that death would have been a relief. Then the voice came again and offered to stop the pain forever.
"There's only one way out, Serenity." Usagi looked down and saw that she was wearing the white dress that marked her past as the last Princess of the Silver Millennium. "Only one way out."
Her salvation appeared before her. But it wasn't the headlights of a car, it was something different this time. Usagi tried to see past the agony that begged for an end. Just as the promised way out came into focus and she was overcome by a wave of revulsion that set her screaming.
Usagi sat up in the futon with a start. She cursed softly as she grabbed at still sore ribs.
"Use the breathing I taught you, Usagi," came Rei's voice from behind her.
Usagi dutifully huffed slowly as she let Rei's voice fill her mind.
"That's right, slowly, slowly. Focus. Clear your mind of other thoughts and ascend the three stairs to sanctuary." Rei came up behind her friend and placed a calming hand on Usagi's shoulder. "Feel the cool wood beneath your feet. See the door before you."
Surprising enough, Usagi could see it as she closed her eyes and concentrated. The door had fine, stained glass panels in the shape of a crescent moon at its center. She could actually feel the crystal glass of the doorknob as she turned it. There was bird song audible as she stepped through the door and into the refuge she'd built in her mind.
Usagi's voice chanted in unison with Rei's. "I am safe here. No one may enter unless I allow it. This is my sanctuary, my quiet place."
There was complete silence only for a moment before Usagi added, "But there's nothing to eat in here and I'm hungry."
Rei gave her friend a gentle thump on the back of her head. "That's not the way it goes, baka-Usagi," she laughed.
"You're being way too nice to me Rei," said Usagi as she rolled to her feet ungracefully. "Hit me again, harder please, so I know you still care." It wasn't easy to move in a way that didn't seem to aggravate her already sore legs.
The paper door of the guesthouse rolled back to reveal visitors. "I'm going to tell your Grandfather you're beating up sick people again, Rei-chan," Makoto said with a smile.
Minako and Ami were with her and they took off their shoes before entering. "We came by to see if nap time was finished," said Minako. "Would you two like to go to the park and get ice cream?"
Usagi leaned on Rei and batted her large, blue eyes in what she hoped was an innocent manner. "Oh please, Mommy! I've been a good girl all day. I took my nap and the disgusting medicine that mean, old doctor gave me." She gave Rei a cheesy smile, "Pleeeease?"
"Yeah Rei-Mama," laughed Minako. "Can Usagi-chan come out and play with us?"
Putting one hand on her hip, the raven-haired priestess appeared to be considering the proposal. "Well, if you promise to do your centering exercises later, without complaining that they're boring, I suppose we could."
"Oh yes, sweet chocolate triple fudge, here I come." Usagi couldn't have been happier if you told her that she'd won the lottery.
After changing into a pair of Capri pants (to hide the bruises Usagi explained), the five-some headed out into a perfect August afternoon. They were less than a block from the temple before Usagi asked the question that was screaming in her head.
"So," she said in as nonchalant a voice as she could manage, "How are you guys today?"
Ami wasn't fooled. She reached over and put a gentle hand on her best friend's arm. "We're all safe Usagi."
Usagi hung her head and groaned. "Am I that obvious?"
Ami had explained to the others that Usagi had to learn to control the thoughts and feelings that sometimes ran wild in her mind. "Triggers", a word or a phrase that started the downward cycle, set off these thoughts.
Usagi's almost obsessive concern for their well being and safety was the chief culprit. They had all agreed to help her learn to stop doing it by making her change mental "gears" each time she asked if they were "safe".
Minako came up beside Usagi and Ami. "It's okay Usagi-chan. But remember our deal? When you ask if we're all safe, we get to ask you a question you don't want to answer," Minako said as she stole a glance at Rei. "So, tell us the truth. Does Rei-chan snore?"
"I do not snore!" Rei huffed.
The fiery Senshi of Mars was such fun to tease, Minako decided. She swore there were times when you could actually see the smoke rising from her ears.
"Usako!"
Usagi gave a delighted grin as Mamoru came across the park toward them. "Mamo-chan! What are you doing here?" She stopped and shot a quick look at Ami, "And that was not an 'are you safe' question!"
"Coming to see if you might like to go for a stroll, but it looks like the girls beat me to it." He leaned down and gave Usagi a tender kiss. "My last class was cancelled this afternoon so I thought we might spend a little time together."
Usagi laced an arm into his as they walked toward the ice cream stand. She relaxed a little and enjoyed the warmth of his love. This day might not turn out so bad after all. "Only if I can buy the ice cream for you." She said with a smile.
Then the screams started.
It all happened so fast as to seem instantaneous. The thing appeared from out of nowhere. It was large, dark and serpentine. As it materialized, an ebony wall rose to separate them from the people who ran in all directions seeking escape.
Like the snake it resembled, it turned to strike at Usagi with a bolt of black lightning. The malevolent force held her frozen and unable to move. As the Senshi yelled out their henshin phrases, Usagi's mind screamed at her hand to reach for her locket but to no avail.
Mamoru grabbed at her, shouting her name. Tuxedo Kamen shimmered to life as he continued to call to her, but Usagi couldn't hear him. The focus of her entire world narrowed to the scene unfolding before her. It was one of the dreams that had haunted her for months. She watched as her nightmare began to happen.
"Burning Mandala!"
Sailor Mars attacked the monster with fire that surrounded it. It turned from Usagi and paused for a moment as if confused by the resistance it encountered. Them with an irritated snap of its head, it extinguished the flames and lunged for the Soldier of Fire.
"I could use some help!" Mars dodged to one side but the monster was unnaturally fast.
"Chabon Spray!" Mercury tried to hide them within a dense fog, but with another toss if it's reptilian head, the vapor dispersed. The monster continued its pursuit of Rei.
"Hey ugly, over here!" Sailor Jupiter shouted as she summoned her attack, "Jupiter, oak evolution!" The nightmare shape ignored the blast as it continued to go after Mars with single-minded intent.
"Move it Rei, faster!" called Minako as she lifted her hand to summon the power that was hers to command.
"Oh shimatta!" mumbled Rei as she raised her hands for her flame sniper. With precise discipline, she focused on powering up her attack, not the thing that was looming over her.
"Mars Flame Sni.." Before Rei could finished the shadowy serpent opened its mouth and descended to envelop her.
When it rose again, Mars was gone.
A lightning fast sweep of its undulating body tossed the remaining Senshi through the air like dolls. The snake stopped and gave an evil smile. It swung its head around, looking for something or someone.
It stopped as Usagi came into its line of sight. Tuxedo Kamen placed himself between his beloved and the creature that sought her. The serpent ignored the dagger sharp roses that punctured it in a dozen places.
The large, blunt head darted downward at Tuxedo Kamen and sent him sailing through the air to land hard well across the enclosed area. Although stunned, he tried to get to feet as he saw the monster shift its attention to Usagi.
The head came down closer to her. It's mouth opened again and a vile, hissing whisper came from it. "It's time for it to start all over again. I've come for them, Usagi and you can't stop me. Mars was just the first."
The black energy that held Usagi seemed to melt away in a flash of quicksilver fire. Usagi looked towards the monster and screamed at the obscenity that had taken her friend.
"Noooo! Bring her back!"
The reptile gave a hideous laugh and turned from her. "Who shall it be next? Perhaps the little, blue one," the snake moved towards where Ami lay, stunned.
Even as Usagi launched herself at the thing, she blurred and changed. Stunned as she was, Ami gasped as she realized that Usagi had transformed with using her henshin phrase. That shouldn't be possible!
The snake shrugged Eternal Sailor Moon away as if she was nothing more than a nuisance. Ami stumbled to her feet. Gathering her power, Mercury called to the water in the air around her.
"Shine Aqua - Illusion!"
The monstrosity was slowed, but not stopped by the pile-driver wave that crashed into it. It continued to pursue Mercury in the same single-minded way it had Mars.
"Jupiter!" called Ami as she dodged the massive head again, "Now - hit it while it's still wet!"
Makoto immediately knew what Ami wanted and furrowed her brow in a mixture of anger and concentration. "Time to fry, you horror movie reject. Supreme Thunder!"
There was a gratifying sound, like water being dropped into hot oil and the reptile shuddered, then gave a bellow of pain.
"That hurt!" A bolt of black light hit Jupiter squarely in the chest. She went flying, landing yards away, stunned.
Tuxedo Kamen leapt into to grab Makoto and pull her away just as the massive head, fangs extended, snapped at her. "It's weakened," he called, "Finish it now Sailor Moon!"
Usagi extended her hand and found that the crescent Moon Wand came to her call. There was no time to wonder why it had suddenly reappeared as she powered up and began to call out the words to release the energy in the ornate weapon.
"Moon Healing Escalation!" Nothing happened. Usagi looked at the wand, dumbfounded.
"Venus Love Me Chain!" called Minako as she attempted to distract the creature from its pursuit of Mercury. The monster was too agile and slithered free of the golden restraint.
Things were not right, Ami's mind shouted at her. If she only had a moment to think she could figure it all out. But she didn't have a minute as she suddenly saw she was boxed in. The snake reared, gathering itself for the strike that would take Mercury.
Usagi gave a tortured wail. Between one blink of an eye and the next, Sailor Moon was gone and Serenity, last princess of the Silver Millennium had taken her place.
With an howl of pain she raised her hands over her head. The Ginzuishou came at her calling and hovered over the outstretched hands. A burst of rainbow light rushed into it.
Princess Serenity faced the monster that was beginning a fatal strike for Ami. She screamed with a rage and despair so strong that Mamoru actually heard her frantic thought ringing across the bond they shared.
She pushed outward with the hands and released the great power of the White Moon Kingdom. A bolt of silver light more intense than the sun sprang from the gem and slammed into the monster. It gave an unearthly shriek and exploded into ebony dust.
The dust lingered on the wind for a moment. Then it seemed to draw back in on itself, gathering into a cloud. The blackness undulated and changed form. A veiled figure became visible within it and spoke in the same voice they had all heard before.
"At last. I've been waiting for you to show up Serenity."
"Where is Mars?" Usagi, still in the form of Serenity, asked with a clipped and precise voice. The Silver Crystal floated between her cupped hands. There was an implied threat in her tone as she said, "Bring her back."
The laugh that came from the shadowy figure was unpleasant. "Of course you may have her back. I'm finished with her, for now." He held out one hand and a bubble of dark energy floated from it.
"...Right now! Do you hear me, right now! When I get a hold of you, you overgrown reptile, it's barbecue time! Then we'll find out if snake really does taste like chicken!" The voice of the battered and very agitated Senshi of Mars filled the air as the darkness faded. A surprised Rei materialized in back of Serenity.
"But, you, my dear Serenity," came the Shadowlord's harsh voice, "I have not even begun with you. He gave a curt gesture with one hand and the world around them exploded. The ground opened beneath them and they all began to fall.
"It's time, Serenity! Time for you to feel them die!" The Shadowlord's voice was audible even over the thunder of the chaos he caused." His insane laughter followed them as they fell into an abyss.
"Time for my revenge!"
********************
Next: Chapter Three - "Moonfall." The Shadowlord pulls out all the stops to get what he wants. It's Usagi's worst nightmare come to life. Can she save the Senshi and herself? Ami holds the key to their salvation, but can she figure it all out in time?