A/N: hello, min'na. I'm back much later than promised. Gomen, but stupid PT subjects had me going crazy! To top it, AXN had stopped airing Ranma for a while. Anyways,
Lady Imp: tnx yet again!
kirei*snow*tenshi: thanks 4 the review! I guess u have an answer to ur question now? Seiya does know something, but what is it exactly? Umm, u might not realize it but in ur review, u wrote something that can be a clue as to what seiya's secret is! You think Usa will leave Seiya for Mamoru, umm, nice guess. . . well, since you've been my devoted reader ever since, I'll let you in a little secret, the story is almost ending, you'll soon find out for yourself
just a teen: arigatou 4 reviewing again! what song were u listening? anyways, seiya's sad and scared after all he's in love, right? Anyone would be afraid of losing someone they really care about.
moonangel1: hi there! thank u 4 reviewing! Please don't kill Seiya! I still need him for the last few chaps.
moon_bunii: my exams were fine, thanks 4 asking. But I must say, I HATE ANATOMY LAB!!!!!!!!! Hehehe. Sorry about that, I just needed to get that out. Um, I'm really really sorry for the late update, I was soooooo busy! Anyways, thank u for reviewing again. I hope u continue enjoying my fic.
jabba1: hi there! umm, are u the same abby who reviewed before. anyways, thanks a lot for the review. enjoy the next part. :p
Karla: hi! Long time no hear! Anyways, thanks for reviewing. Hope u like this next part! :p
Moon Angel: thank u for the email. Hope u like this next chap!
Eternity: *blush* Thank you for that very kind review!
Jing2: Hi! *wink* well, that's makes two of us. I love Mamoru too, well next to ranma that is! Thanks again for reviewing.
Xylus Star: *blush* Arigatou!
schoolgirltill2005: thank u again. Sorry for the long wait.
Disclaimer: Sailor Moon isn't mine. But I know one day, Kami-sama will just have to grant my prayers and let me have Mamo-chan. . .
"There are some things that cannot change. And there are some things that once changed, it cannot go back to the way it used to be." -Dao Ming Si(Meteor Garden II, episode 16)
Chapter 12: Pure Hearts
The clock in Usagi's nightstand tells her it is half past six in the morning. It was too early to be up for a summer day.
But Usagi had been up for a long time now. She woke up at about six and when she opened her eyes and saw the ungodly hour, she had tried to go to sleep again, but she was restless and couldn't even close her eyes for five seconds as to something was ringing in her ears. Beside her, clutch tightly to her side was an opened music box that Mamoru gave her. At first Usagi had been disoriented and was not sure whether she was still dreaming or not for the moment she opened her eyes, she heard the melody that was too beautiful to be real, but she soon realized she wasn't dreaming. She had fallen asleep with her music box opened up.
Ever since Mamoru gave her the music box, there wasn't a day nor night that passed by when Usagi didn't took time to just opened the box to let the sweet melody fill her thoughts completely.
No matter how restless she feels, the music box and its sweet melody could relax Usagi like no other medication could. So reaching over, Usagi took the music box in her hands and gently placed it on her lap. Smiling, she opens it slowly but quickly closes it again. She frowns at this.
Something's up with me today, she thought. I'm feeling different. . . very different from the previous days. . .
Usagi took a deep breath and places a hand over her heart.
There's a pain in my chest that's aching more and more each second. . . What is this feeling?
Usagi bits her lip and a thought comes into her mind.
Someone's hurting. . . I can feel it. . . I can feel his pain. . .
Seiya was standing in the balcony outside his room, staring at another balcony a few meters away.
It started a few years ago. Both Seiya and Usagi were only five at that time, but even then, Seiya adored his Odango. Every morning, he would wake up so he can watch her from afar. At that young age, Seiya found himself wishing. Wishing that one day, the blond goddess next door will wake up, open her windows, look his way and then give him a smile.
Not long after, his wish came true. It was one beautiful summer morning, as usual, Seiya was looking over the other balcony when a little girl with bright blue eyes and golden blond hair came out. Seiya watched silently as the little girl stepped outside, closed her eyes and turned her face upwards, letting the early rays of the sun caress her soft skin.
Seiya had stayed rooted on his spot as the said blond suddenly turned towards him with the warmest smile on her young and innocent face.
After that, the two finally got to know each other. But Seiya continued his tradition, every day, he continued looking over her balcony, wishing she'll wake up and smile at him again. But Usagi never did.
But exactly one year later, Usagi came out to grace the world with her sweet smile again. Every year, same day, she'll come out to smile first at the world, before she'll turned to Seiya and smile.
They never talked about this little routine. Seiya never thought about bringing it up either. For him it is what makes it more special.
So every day he'll wake up and gaze over next door, waiting, always, waiting for that day in the year when Usagi will wake up and brighten the world with her sweet smile.
Seiya sighed. Today it has been exactly ten years since that first fateful day.
Seiya checked his watch, it was a few minutes past ten. Usagi was really late. Usually she'll come out at about six thirty.
Another few minutes passed and there was still no Usagi. Instead, he noticed a red sports car stopped in front of the Tsukino house.
Seiya immediately recognized the blond driver and the green-haired girl next to her.
Haruka sure isn't wasting time, Seiya thought. In his mind, he remembered their little conversation a few days ago.
In his heart, Seiya knew that neither Ten'ou Haruka nor Kai'ou Michiru can do anything about the situation. But he couldn't help the pain that he felt in his heart when he saw his Odango stepped out their house and let Michiru usher her inside the car.
Ten years. . . ten years of tradition ruined by Ten'ou Haruka. . .
Hurt and annoyed, Seiya slowly walked back to his room. He stopped dead on his tracks.
Sitting on top of his bureau was one of the gifts left for him for his birthday. It was a box left inside his dressing room a few days ago at his birthday concert.
He sat on his bed and placed the box beside him.
He breathed deeply. No, Haruka was just doing what she thinks she must do, just like everyone else. He took out the gift inside the box. Just like she must be thinking of doing what must be done too.
In Seiya's hands was a priceless gift. And he was the one person who knows just how priceless it was.
Though there was no card with the gift to indicate of whom it was from, Seiya knew at once who gave it.
It could only be from one person. . . The one girl in the universe that he'll sing for. . . The one princess he was destined to protect. . .
He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply the all too-familiar incense.
Kakyuu-hime-sama.
"Kimi no kaori zu tsu to (sagashiteru)
Boku no koe yo todoke (aishiteru)
Ima doko ni iruno (moonlight princess)"
Lying on a bed was a girl with the saddest smile. In her red eyes was much confusion and loneliness. She reached out and turned up her player's volume.
"Boku no princess
Kotaete, Answer for me
Imasugu, Answer for me
Kotaete, Answer for me
Yasashiku, Answer for me"
I did. . . I already did. . . she thought brokenly. I know you got my message, so why don't you. . . Silent tears began to flow from the girl's eyes, Three days. . . it's been three days already, surely you will come. . . today, for sure, you will come for me. . .
Slowly the girl sat up and stared at her wall. She wiped at her tears and went to stand in front of her Three Light's life size poster.
Am I wrong? Am I?
The Three Light's sweet voices continued to fill the room. But Seiya. . . his voice drowned out the two others.
"Search for your love.....
Search for your love,
Search for your love,
Search for your love....."
With trembling a hand, the girl reached to touched the lead Light's face, as her tears threatened to fall once again.
I really thought you were searching for me. . .
"I told you to protect her, not keep her."
"Gomen. I don't know what you're talking about."
Ten'ou Haruka straightened and looked directly at the lead Light. In ten minutes, the birthday concert for Seiya would begin. Michiru would be doing a special performance for the event, so naturally after this night, both Haruka and Michiru's destiny will begin.
Haruka and Michiru had planned on seeing Usagi and the other senshis after the concert but Haruka hadn't been planning on meeting Seiya, but the moment he appeared out of his dressing room, Haruka knew she wanted to have a talk with him.
"Listen," Haruka started.
"Oh I know you," Seiya interjected. He smirked, "You're Kai'ou-san's special someone." He held out a hand.
Haruka ignored his outstretched hand. "Listen, Fighter," she began again. "I'm warning you, stay away from her. You're interfering with her destiny."
Seiya's smile faded. "Sou ka? So what are you planning to do about it? Tell her the truth?"
"Don't worry, I will."
Seiya laughed. "You can't."
"Why not?"
"Because I said so."
This time, it was Haruka's turn to laugh. "You haven't change at all, Fighter. You're still arrogant more than you're worth."
"I'm not being arrogant at all," Seiya said calmly. "All I'm saying is that you can't tell her because a force much greater than you won't permit it."
"Why don't you people just try to accept it," Seiya continued. "Who knows maybe this is her destiny. Maybe this is what she was destined for from the start."
"You don't really think that I'll believe that crap?"
Seiya shrugged. "Well, you'll find out soon enough."
Haruka frowned, remembering her talk with Seiya a few days ago. Their suspicion were proven true, Seiya did know more than he was letting on. But there was something more. Something she was sure that Seiya was hiding. . .
A warm hand on her arm brought her back to reality. She turned to the innocent face of her princess.
"Koneko-chan."
Usagi smiled. "Daijobou ka? You were frowning, is something wrong?"
"All I'm saying is that you can't tell her because a force much greater than you won't permit it."
Oh yeah? Let me see you stop this, Fighter, Haruka thought.
She took Usagi's small hand and pulled her beside her. "Koneko-chan, I need to tell you something."
Usagi smiled to encourage Haruka. Yesterday, at Michiru's house, Haruka had also pulled her next and said the same thing. Said she needed to tell her something. But Haruka never opened her mouth to speak at all, she just continued sitting and staring at her as if not knowing how to start.
For two days in a row now, she was with Kai'ou Michiru and Ten'ou Haruka. Yesterday, the other girls were with them hanging out on Michiru's grand home. But today, it was only the three of them on the park.
She had only met them four days ago at the Three Lights special birthday concert for Seiya. She can still remember how her eyes widened when the announcer said that a violinist named Kai'ou Michiru would give a special performance.
She can even still remember how her eyes grew even wider when she first saw the green haired beauty. The graceful features, the elegant demeanor. . . they were all too familiar to her.
After the concert, the girls literally dragged Usagi backstage. Not to greet Seiya on his birthday, but to meet the gorgeous violinist. But for some reason, Usagi was suddenly afraid to meet her. She grew even more afraid when they found themselves face to face with Ten'ou Haruka.
"Koneko-chan," Haruka greeted, smiling softly at her.
The girls were thrilled to see her. Haruka for her part, smiled and greeted them all well. Watching them, Usagi had a sudden thought of them being old friends finding each other again.
And then, that was when Michiru came out of her room and immediately the girls flocked around her. She smiled charmingly and chatted with them like they were old pals.
And just like old friends, Michiru didn't think twice of inviting all five girls to her house. Of course, the four girls agreed, so naturally Usagi agreed too.
Yesterday, all five girls plus Michiru and Haruka hanged out like best friends in Michiru's parlor. Everyone was having fun, except Haruka, who was moodily sitting in a corner. Usagi had noticed it so she went to her and then that's when Haruka grabbed her and proclaimed that she needed to say something.
But Haruka had been tongue-tied, just like how she was now.
"Haruka-san?"
"Koneko-chan, about Seiya. . ."
"What about Seiya?"
"He's. . . he's not. . . he's not what. . ."
"Haruka."
Both Usagi and Haruka turned towards Michiru, who had suddenly stopped playing her violin.
"Michiru, I-"
"We've already talked about this, Haruka." Michiru gave Haruka a look but Haruka was stubborn. Michiru didn't let the blond's stubbornness stopped her though, instead she continued to look straight into Haruka's eyes as if silently communicating with her.
Finally, Haruka gave in. "Fine," she muttered.
Michiru smiled sweetly, Haruka looked away. "Damn smile," she mumbled to herself.
Usagi, on the other hand was confused with all of it. Haruka wanted to tell her something, something important, it seemed, so why Michiru asking Haruka to keep her silence.
Usagi turned questioning eyes to the green-haired beauty, "Michiru-san, what is it? Please tell me."
Michiru smiled at her. Such a serene smile. . .
"Usagi-chan," she began. She placed her violin on her shoulder then she closed her eyes, "Forget about it."
"Fine!" Usagi flared. Both Haruka and Michiru turned to her, surprised at her outburst.
But Usagi couldn't help it, she was tired with everyone trying to keep secrets from her. Secrets that she knew will probably decide her life.
She jumped on her feet and quickly excused herself.
But Michiru was too fast, her hand had quickly grabbed unto Usagi's wrist.
Usagi turned to Michiru, expecting her to finally explain herself.
But Michiru didn't go explaining, instead she asked Usagi a simple question that threw her in a shock.
"Doshite?"
I knew it, she's in the brink of breakdown, we really need to tell her the truth, Haruka's voice echoed in Michiru's mind.
Michiru purposely ignored Haruka. She looked intently into Usagi's now confused blue eyes and repeated her question.
"Doshite, Usagi-chan?"
Usagi stares at Michiru for a few moments before turning her head away. "I don't understand. . ." she whispers.
Michiru-Haruka, Michiru interjected as she turns towards the blond. You know exactly it's not our destiny to tell her anything, Michiru continued to say in Haruka's mind.
But this is all too much for her! Haruka protested. Because of that guy, our princess is in-This isn't about Seiya, Michiru replied. She turned away from Haruka's disbelieving stare and concentrated on Usagi once more.
Usagi was still looking down on the floor. Michiru always had been in control of her emotions. Aside from Haruka, no one can bring out so much passion from her. But now, staring at her lovely princess's vulnerable profile, Michiru felt her heart go out to her completely.
"Come," she said, ushering Usagi down on a bench about five feet away from where Haruka was seated.
Usagi sat down quietly. Michiru sits beside her and then sets aside her violin first before turning to Usagi.
"Usagi-chan," Michiru began softly. "Do you know what the water and mirrors has in common?"
It was a few seconds before Usagi answered, without looking. "They both reflect images."
Michiru smiled. "Yes, that's right." She pretended to fiddle around her violin case and produced talisman from her subspace pocket.
Michiru? Haruka questions.
Michiru smiled at Haruka reassuringly before turning back to Usagi. "Usagi-chan, do you know what this is?"
Usagi finally relents and looks back at what Michiru held in hands.
Usagi bit her lip. "It's a mirror," she replied, her voice trembling.
"Yes, but this is no ordinary mirror, this mirror is my talisman, this is the Aqua Mirror."
"Talisman? Aqua mirror?"
Michiru nodded. "You're right when you said that both mirrors and the waters reflect images. Water in its most important sense is connected to life, but yes, it does reflect images. Though sometimes, the image water reflects is distorted, and one can be fooled. But mirrors, there can be no mistaking with the images they reflect. Just like in that old fairy tale, mirrors can't lie." Michiru took a deep breath before continuing, "That's what makes this mirror very special, it has both the elements of water and mirrors. Life and truth."
"Michiru-san?" Usagi asked. She sounded scared but Michiru knew she had to do this, and she will, she had to!
Slowly, Michiru turned her mirror so that it reflects Usagi's face.
"Something's bothering you, Usagi-chan," Michiru finally said. "Gomen, I know you're upset that Haruka and I are keeping something from you-"
Usagi began to tremble.
"But that's not it. There's something else that's bothering you," Michiru said softly. "Usagi-chan, I know that we've only met for a few days but believe me when I say that Haruka and I care very deeply for you."
Usagi nodded. "I know," she whispers.
Michru places her mirror on her lap then takes Usagi's hand on her own, "If you want, you can tell me what it is, if I can, I'll help you out."
Usagi bit her lip. "Gomen, I didn't mean to snap at you, Michiru-san. And thank you for thinking of helping me, but I don't think anyone can help me, the truth is I don't even know what's wrong with me today."
"Go on," Michiru encouraged.
"It's just that I woke up today feeling really strange. Actually these last few months I've woken up feeling strange, but today was different, there's a tingling in my chest." Usagi places a hand over her chest, "The tingling is still here, it won't go away as if reminding of something that I'm forgetting."
"Something you're forgetting?" Michiru echoes.
Usagi nods her head.
"Then may be I can help you after all," Michiru says.
"How?"
Michiru releases Usagi's hand and takes her mirror in both hands. "I'll let you in a secret, my mirror can show me anything I wishes to see."
Usagi's eyes reveal that she was confused whether to believed Michiru or not. "You're pulling my leg," she whispers.
She said like she was convincing herself, but finally she nods her consent.
Michiru smiles, she turned to look into her mirror.
Slowly the image begins to form.
"I see a guy," Michiru finally says. "He's sulking in his sofa. . . he's feeling very lonely. . . every year, this date is the loneliest for him. . . and today, he's even lonelier because you've forgotten-"
Michiru didn't bother finishing because Usagi wouldn't hear anyway as she was already running off.
"What's that all about?" Haruka asks.
Michiru doesn't answer Haruka instead she smiles as the image finally forms clearly.
She stood up, turned to Haruka and smiled even brighter. "Don't worry, Haruka. Everything is looking up fine."
Chiba Mamoru was sitting on his sofa, trying his best not to sink more into the depression he already felt.
But it was no use, for today, August third, was his nineteenth birthday.
Mamoru laughed self-mockingly. Who knows if it really is his birthday today?
Years ago, Mamoru had woken up in a hospital bed with no memories of whatsoever. The doctors informed him that he was in a car accident. Two unidentified people, whom the police assumed to be his parents was with him, but sadly they were instantly killed in the crash.
Mamoru suffers complete amnesia. He couldn't remember his name, much less his birthday. The name Chiba Mamoru was given to him by a kind psychiatrist who commented his passion for anything that comes from the earth like flowers, especially for the roses. She said he was a "protector" of the earth, thus she christened him with the name Chiba Mamoru.
August 3, it wasn't his birthday, well it could be, but no one knew for sure. In reality, August 3 is the day when two police officers found an orphaned little boy, all bloody and dirty inside a wrecked car.
Today, it has been exactly thirteen years since that fateful day. The doctors had assumed he was six, he could be seven or five then, no one will ever care anyway.
So every year, for the last thirteen years, the third of August was the loneliest day for him. All through out the year, he would try to keep his feelings at bay. But every third of August, all the horrible memories of waking up alone in the hospital would come flooding back, haunting him all through out the day.
Today had been no different, he had woken up at about six, all lonely and sad. After all these years, he still finds himself yearning for parents he could never remember. After all these years, he still finds himself longing for memories he could never collect.
For twelve years that was how life had been for Mamoru. He was the best example of the word loneliness.
But the past year for Mamoru was a bit different for it wasn't all about loneliness, it was also sweet. After twelve lonely years, he finally found the one thing that kept him sane during all those long sad years at the orphanage. Oh yes, to fall in love was the only sweet thrill he found in life.
Just to see her, talk to her, touch her once in a while was enough to warm his hardened heart.
Tsukino Usagi. The one girl who could complete his day. The one true love of his life. The one princess he'd been dreaming for two millennium. The one soul that was his mate.
But to love Usagi was also hard for him. Just thinking about the comfortable days with her, snuggling after a strenuous battle, just remembering the perfect love between the royal couple that everyone admired and envied was enough to tear Mamoru's heart into million of pieces.
Mamoru sighed. He knew he was crazy by wishing for Usagi to greet him on this day. She didn't know it was his birthday today after all, shoe wouldn't know, they seen each other for a month since he came to her house that night to give her his gift.
Ever since that day, Mamoru had been wondering what she must be thinking. He had wanted to see the reaction when she first opened the music box and heard the lovely melody inside. The song in the music box, after all was recorded from the star locket she, then Princess Serenity had given him as a token. It was way back in their first life.
He wants to see her and get an answer. Just one little sign was all he needed. A sign from her, to reassure him that she acknowledges their destiny and love. . .
But destiny seems to be going against him now too. For a whole month he haven't seen her when before the longest they didn't get to see each other was two weeks.
So he had been thinking, if maybe he was wrong. Maybe it wasn't his destiny to be with her after all. Maybe his destiny was to forever remain alone and think about the way it used to be.
Suddenly, Mamoru grabbed his head. It was aching like hell. It always hurts like that when he tried to think really hard. The doctors explained that it is because of the permanent damage in his brain caused by the tragic accident.
Usako, just one sign. . . all I need is one small sign. . . Mamoru prayed, knowing only Usagi could save him from this eternal pain. Pain that is physical, mental and emotional.
Just then, the phone started ringing, Mamoru groaned. It was probably Minoru, trying to get him out of the house. The guy had been calling him the whole day, inviting him for a drink or two.
Minoru had known him since high school, he should know his stubborn will by now. Mamoru closed his eyes and let the phone continue its ringing.
Finally, the machine picked up.
"Hello, Mamoru-san, Usagi desu. Um, we haven't seen each other for a while and I. . . nande mo nai. Um, I'm calling because I woke up today having this weirdest feeling. . . just now a thought comes to me that it's your birthday today. . . that's why I wanted to greet you a happy birthday. I'm probably wrong but somehow I feel like I'm right. . . I'm not making sense am I? Anyway, if it is your birthday, I wish I could have gotten you something especially after what you gave me for mine. I haven't thank you again since. I wanted to thank you again, Mamoru-san. Your gift was wonderful, everything about it is wonderful. . . uh Mamoru-san? About the music. . . where did you hear it? I have to know. . . I really must. . . I wish you could tell me. . . next time, tell me okay? I'll be ready to listen. . . "
A/N: Yippee!!! Hope that sign enough to mamo-chan! Anyways, how was it, min'na-san? good? Bad? What? Tell me, please!
Jap translations:
nande mo nai - never mind
Nagareboshi He lyrics translation
I've always been looking for your sweet smell,
To convey my voice. (I love you)
Where are you now? (Moonlight Princess)
Our Princess
Answer me right away (Answer for me)
Answer me gently (Answer for me)
Answer me right away (Answer for me)
Answer me gently (Answer for me)
Oh sorry if Michiru is a bit ooc. Michiru and Haruka are both hard to write about, the way they're always calm and everything. And about mamo-chan, I hope you don't mind if I had taken liberties in telling about his life, I'm not sure if that's how it was with the accident in the real story of Naoko-sensei.
Anyways, min'na you should watch out for the next part! My favorite chapter! The chapter I've been wanting to write since I first began this fic! I'm sure you will all like it too. It's the chapter we've all been wanting to see! Mamoru will finally confess!!! (Finally! Good for him!) Yes! You read it right, min'na! Mamoru will be confessing on chap 13, Fateful Confession(am borrowing a title from Escaflowne)!!! So what are u waiting for min'na? Review and nag me so that I'll update soon. . .
Till next time! Love u all! Ja!!!