You know, I don't know what I did, but my formatting is simply not cooperating with me. Several of the lines in the last chapter were meant to be italicized because of memory/flashback origins and for some reason, weren't. Sorry if that confused anyone! Gah. Hopefully I'll get it right this chapter.
Neonlights: Ah, my most faithful reviewer! I love your line "silk over steel"… With your esteemed permission, I might use that somewhere! It's EXACTLY Usagi. Hopefully, this chapter will be about the same length as the last one. In fact, since you weren't the only one pleased with the length, I'll try to make all of them about that long. Not that I have any idea how many chapters this will have. Unlike my other stories, this one is completely spontaneous. I'm letting it go wherever it wants! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR REVIEWING!!!! And sorry to keep you waiting! Ami-chan is going to be very cool. Sheesh, I wrote too much. Enjoy!
Serenity's Angel in Heaven: Ah, so glad you liked her speech! I always wanted to see a Princess Serenity who didn't go down just by jumping after the Prince, like in the anime. But in the manga, you just see her kill herself and that's it. So that is what I always imagined Princess Serenity would say when she commits suicide on the moon. Hope you enjoy this chapter!
mila: Thanks! This Usagi is also my ideal. Still funny, innocent, and quirky, but still powerful and intelligent and sophisticated. This version of Usagi is more like the one in the manga, I think, which I prefer to the anime. I'm glad you like the story, and I too, am excited to see where I'm taking this, or rather, where this is taking me! Thanks for your marvelous and encouraging feedback!
emmastarz: I'm so glad you loved it! I love positive feedback! It makes me giggle and write faster! Hope I didn't make you wait too long! Thanks so much for reviewing!
Phew! Thanks for reviewing, minna! And if I missed anyone, it's because my messed up computer isn't letting me online. It's very, VERY much appreciated, as all fellow Fanfiction writers can attest to.
One more thing before the Chapter. I know I promised you guys Ami-chan, and I intend to deliver her, but be warned, this chapter will be long in order to do so! There's lots of important information in this chapter, so pay attention! Now, enjoy!
-Moon Pie
Escaping Oblivion Chapter Three: Written in IceMamoru stumbled into his apartment, too confused and drained to think. He collapsed onto the couch, and immediately, she came to him.
"Endymion! You must awaken! You must help me! I need the Silver Crystal to awaken, and then, neither of us will ever be alone again. When I awaken, my prince, I will give back every memory you lack, and together, we will create newer, happier memories. All will be understood, and all will be avenged. Aishiteru, Endymion. Sarabada."
Mamoru opened his eyes. For once, for once in all his life, he felt… hope. He rolled over, and looked up at the clock on his VCR. 3:04 AM. He sat up, groaning and massaging his temples. He flicked up the TV to see a news alert interrupt the late night talk shows.
"—rupt this program to inform Tokyo and the world of two new Soldiers in the area. Bystanders say the two call themselves Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Kamen. Speculations include alliance to Sailor V, who hasn't been seen since the…"
Mamoru switched the TV off.
"Sailor Moon…" he whispered. Though the name was unfamiliar to him, the image of her face caused his heart to race, his feet to bounce, but also, his shoulders to slump. Something about her made him feel like a failure. And one thing he knew, he was Tuxedo Kamen because he was supposed to protect her.
For once.
Mamoru shook his head. Sure, his life had never been normal, but it was getting weirder by the day.
He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Perhaps Sailor Moon knows where the Silver Crystal is… and the princess… Perhaps she knows the princess. But I have to find the Silver Crystal…"
Mumbling this, he drifted back into a comfortable, dreamless sleep.
However, his friend Odango Atama was not so lucky.
Usagi stumbled into the house, exhausted by her first fight. She mumbled goodnight to her family, dropped Luna onto the floor, and collapsed, missing the bed, and hitting the floor roughly, but sleeping on.
Luna watched her as she slept, utterly still, on the floor. The cat didn't sleep, but patiently waited for her new charge to collect her strength back because in the morning, the questions would come. And Luna had to think of a way to answer all the questions, without letting Sailor Moon know that she remembered little herself.
Hours later, Usagi opened her eyes. The first thing she felt was pain. Every muscle screamed at her as she stretched slowly, cautiously. Thank Kami it was still the weekend.
She sat up slowly, her back was sore and tight from fighting and sleeping on the floor.
Fighting.
Slowly, the night came back to her. She was Sailor Moon, champion of Justice and all that. Her normal life had just flown out the window. However, Usagi didn't feel any sense of loss over that particular detail. She knew she was doing what she was meant to do.
How?
Usagi did not have a nightmare that night. For the first time in ages, she slept soundly, borrowing the fact that she was sprawled on the floor. And since she'd been having every night for years. She never had time to study, she was always tired, always overslept, and always, a little delirious and absent-minded from the lack of sleep. Her exhaustion made her clumsy and her temper short when it was actually ignited, which took work.
Usagi decided that being relived of her nightmares, even if it turned out to be temporarily, was a sure sign that she was now on the right path. Now. She only needed to understand.
"I can help you to understand, Usagi."
Usagi looked up and saw the cat sitting on the bedpost nearest her. "Luna. Please, Luna. Tell me who I am."
It took all of the cat's will power not to flinch. The one question that counted was the one that she couldn't answer. In truth, she didn't truly understand why a Sailor Moon would be needed after they found the Princess. But there were legends.
"I'll have to go all the way back to the beginning, Usagi. Please, make yourself comfortable."
Usagi climbed up onto the bed, stretched out, and closed her eyes. Not because she was planning on sleeping through the story, but because she was truly concentrating on taking in every word.
"Millenniums ago, there was once a prosperous Kingdom on Earth's Moon. This Kingdom was the center of a thriving system. This time was called the Silver Millennium. There were people living on every planet, in thriving Kingdoms. The Silver and Golden Kingdoms of the Moon and Earth were trusted allies, and the two most prosperous Kingdoms in the system. They were the source of envy for many evil forces, but they defeated them all."
Luna paused, and sighed heavily. "Except one."
Usagi's eyes snapped open, then closed again, slowly.
"Queen Serenity, ruler of the Moon Kingdom and Silver Millennium, once banished a young woman who was trying to incite a rebellion in Serenity's first year as Queen. As the years went on, this young woman festered in a place called the Dark Kingdom, a place filled with evil beings who've been banished. She grew powerful and more and more evil. This being's name was Metallia."
Usagi shuddered. The very name made her skin clammy and biting chills climb up her spine. Usagi spoke for the first time since the tale began. "Please, Luna. Don't say her name."
Luna nodded, eager to oblige. "The Enemy grew, but at this point, she was not human and needed a human vessel. She chose an evil young woman, much like herself at that age, from the Planet Nemesis, also the Ambassador to Earth for her planet. This woman, named Beryl, had a desire to woo the Prince of Earth and use him to gain power. However, the Enemy seduced her, and used her against the Moon Kingdom that had imprisoned her before she could go after the Prince. She promised Beryl power beyond belief. Beryl fell for it and agreed to use the power she had and her allies on Nemesis to attack the Moon Kingdom. During the attack, the Moon Princess fled to earth, and went into hiding. While in hiding, she met the Prince, and they fell in love. This love awakened all of the Moon Princess's power, and she sealed away Beryl and The Evil One."
Luna paused for a moment, allowing all of the new information to seek in.
"However, the Princess was young and inexperienced and the seal did not hold. Two years later, on the Eve of the Great Union, Beryl attacked the Moon Kingdom. The Kingdom was burnt the ground and the Palace was destroyed. The people of the Earth, except the Prince, turned against us. The battle raged on, without end. Sailor Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter were forced to kill their true loves, the Four Shitennou of Earth. After this, the Four immediately killed themselves. Then, the unthinkable happened."
Usagi shot straight up. "Beryl killed the Prince, and then, the Princess killed herself so Beryl wouldn't have the pleasure."
Luna stared for a long moment. "How did you know that?"
Usagi shrugged. "I've been having dreams about this story since I was a child."
Luna smiled. "It's obvious that the Princess was trying to awaken you all this time. That has always been her method of calling or summoning someone."
"Anyway, after this, the Queen was heartbroken, and due to this, she did not have enough power to simply destroy the enemy. So, she sent us all forward in time to be reborn, all the people of the System, and sent all of the enemy forward too, but sealed them away in the Dark Kingdom with the rest of her power. Then, she died alone on the moon."
Usagi was silent for a moment. Then, her voice filled with confusion, she asked, "What does any of this have to do with me? You just said there was no Sailor Moon during the Silver Millennium. Why am I needed now, if I was not there then?"
Luna sighed and was silent a long moment. "There are many theories, but none more clear than this: there is a prophesy engraved on the Prayer Tower of the Palace. It says this…"
What has been shall pass away
When her flower our fairy must flee.
Drawn in by mother's reddest rose,
To meet love, evil, destiny.
War shall come to an unlikely home
But not a single soul will die.
The goddess has all in hand
And so through the fourth, all will fly.
Time itself shall fly away
until all planets wake from sleep
War shall come with louder cry
when again, its seal is breeched.
Victory shall never come
If the Soldiers stand alone
The Moon's sleeping nymph must wake
And fight with hands that have sewn.
Love is definitely unpredictable
when Rose and Lily meet
And when all Paradoxes come together
what once was, again, shall be."
Usagi took all of that in and did not speak for almost five full minutes. When she finally opened her eyes and relaxed her eyebrows, she could only think of one thing to say.
"I don't sew."
Luna stared at her, and then laughed heartily. "Don't worry, you're not alone. No one understands the prophecy. It's been written on the Crystal tower for thousands of years. The prophet used a diamond to engrave it."
Usagi stared blankly. Luna laughed again.
"Listen, Usagi, let's try not to worry about the why at the moment. Right now, your mission consists of a few simple things. One. There is evil in the city, and Sailor V has receded. You are needed to keep the people of Tokyo safe. Two. The other Senshi are somewhere in Tokyo. We must find them. Three. This is your most important task. As Sailor Moon, I am going to appoint you as the Chief Guardian of the Princess. Once we find her, she must be protected at all costs. And she could be anywhere. You are Sailor Moon, the Champion of Justice, the Pretty Soldier in a Sailor Suit. It is your job to change history, Usagi!"
Usagi looked floored. Luna laughed, and continued.
"But for now, you must only worry about each day as it comes, Usagi. Continue your life as it was before, and become Sailor Moon only when you must."
Usagi breathed for what seemed the first time in about an hour. She threw her head back and her arms out, and laughed. "Sounds like a plan, Luna."
For the rest of the day, Usagi relaxed with Naru in the park, and allowed her brain to think of nothing but things that did not matter. In fact, her dreams even subsided for an entire week. But that next Monday, they returned to haunt her.
The power of Ice had its effect on the long-haired general. His curly sand locks were sopping wet, and several strands were frozen solid But his green eyes, blank from the control of evil, did not even blink at the icy blasts hitting him.
"Give it up, Ice Maiden! Metallia is ravaging your kingdom and Beryl is already on her way to kill your precious princess! You cannot win!" He yelled through blue lips while firing an icy blast of his own.
The petite blue-haired Senshi looked up, and touched her earring. Her visor disappeared. Her eyes were anguished and bitter, but determined. Her face was blue from her opponent's blasts and her lips were purple. Sweat had run down the side of her face and frozen in streams. Her tears were frozen on her cheeks like tiny diamonds, and miniscule icicles hung from her eyelashes, breaking each time she blinked.
"You're right, Zoisite. I cannot win." She whispered brokenly, tossing her computer to the side, and standing before her adversary. "My fate was decided for me when I was born the Princess of Mercury. When I accepted the duty of a Sailor Scout. When I fell in love with you. And when you betrayed me and imperiled my princess."
She looked up, pleadingly, one last time. "Tell me you remember who I am, Zoisite. I… I love you!"
The blank green eyes narrowed. "Of course I know who you are. You are a Sailor Senshi and you are in my way of fulfilling my duty to my Queen. You are the one thing stopping me from destroying the most dangerous woman in the world. And I intend to rectify that!"
He blasted his own icy powers towards her, but she dodged. For a moment, the quiet, intelligent, pleading eyes of the Princess of Mercury remained. Then, as she accepted that response, her eyes closed. Her frozen tears dropped to the ground and shattered. Then, her eyes snapped open, hard and unwavering.
"You have been identified as a threat to the Princess. It is my duty to placate you. Do you comply?"
The general glared at her. "Never!" he spat.
The Senshi did not blink. "You have been warned. Now, it is my duty to eliminate you."
She paused for a moment, her hands before her, gathering energy for her last blast.
"Prepare to die… my love."
With that, she blasted him. The icy water came at him in a continuous flow until he was frozen solid. The blue haired woman watched blankly, listening, as his heartbeat slowed, then finally, silenced.
Then, her energy spent, she weakly fell to her knees. "Oh, Princess," she breathed. "You are worth everything, and that's an affirmative. I'm coming, Zoisite…" With that, she put her cupped her hands on the ground before her, created a huge icicle. Then, the Princess of Mercury took a last breath, and then exhaled, her breath creating a foggy mist, then released all of her pain, and collapsed on her icy sword.
When Usagi woke up that Monday morning, she was not breathing hard or sweating or even startled. She simply sat up, sighed, and moved slowly towards the desk. She uncovered the notebook where she wrote all her dreams, and slowly, deliberately, wrote down the story of the Ice Maiden.
When she really woke up she noticed the time. 6:00 on the dot. She didn't have to be at school until nine! She looked around her room and spotted the sleeping Luna. Usagi was royally unnerved and knew she would be able to get back to sleep. So she dressed quickly, left a note for her parents where Luna would see it, and snuck quietly out of the house.
The city was quiet this early. Peaceful. For some reason, it compelled her to transform. She ran into an alley, and then whispered, "Moon Prism Power!"
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Something woke Mamoru up. It was the now familiar feel that his damsel Sailor Moon was transforming. But he felt that it was different this time. Instead of the panic and fear he'd sensed from her the other times she'd transformed, he felt something… maternal. Curious, he climbed out of bed, transformed, then took to the rooftops.
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Tokyo was still sleeping. Few lights were on, and few cars were in the road. The streets were nearly barren. Sailor Moon leapt to the rooftops where she couldn't be seen, and simply watched. From where she was, she could see the sun rising behind the Tokyo Tower, and she could hear birds beginning to sing. She watched as the people she was sworn to protect slowly began to trickle out of their homes to meet the day.
"Beautiful, ne?"
Sailor Moon smiled. She did not turn around. "I hoped to see you again." She murmured, shielding her eyes as the sun pushed up off of the horizon.
Tuxedo Kamen stepped closer to her, and placed a hand on her shoulder. "You will see me many more times, Sailor Moon. I will always protect you. When you need me, I'll be there."
Sailor Moon craned her neck to look up into his face, wishing with all of her heart that his eyes were not hidden from her. She looked up into his face, a pink flush creeping up her neck and into her cheeks. She simply gazed at him for a long time, then, instead of asking questions, she simply whispered, "Arigatou, Tuxedo Kamen-sama," and took the hand on her shoulder, in both of her own.
"Ano…I guess I'll be seeing you around, my masked hero. Sayonara."
With this, Sailor Moon walked to the edge of the building and leapt off, letting go of his gloved hand at the very last moment. When she touched to ground, she looked up, saw he was gone, and quickly detransformed. She sighed dreamily, then quickly remembered school. "Looks like I'll be on time today."
Instead of running, she began walking to school. She passed Andrew's café and arcade and made a mental note to herself to stop by that afternoon. She stopped in the sidewalk, and looked up to the sky. She saw the moon was still in the sky, just barely floating over the horizon. As usual, she felt a deep sense of failure and longing when she looked at it, but she couldn't look away.
Mamoru was walking along, running through his mind the two women who were playing with his heart at the moment. There was Sailor Moon, a noble and tender soldier with a bit of a quirky side to her, also whom he was sworn to protect by an oath he didn't remember taking. And then, there was the princess in his dream who called through the fog for him to rescue her and find the Silver Crystal. He felt bound to each, but his heart was more confused than ever.
Mamoru shook his head gently, trying to clear his mind. He had to concentrate because he had a calculus test first thing in the morning.
Suddenly, he bumped into a petite female figure, lost in the sky. She gave a soft little cry, and began to topple. Mamoru quickly reached out and snagged her beneath her arms to catch her.
"Gomen nasai, miss!" he said quickly, absently rubbing the back of his neck.
She turned slowly. He instantly recognized the familiar hairstyle. "Odango Atama?"
Instead of firing back a retort this time, Usagi was actually glad to see him. She grinned mischievously, then tossed one pony tail behind her shoulder. "For once it's you who ran into me, Baka!" she teased. Her eyes sparkled.
Mamoru was shocked for a moment by her flirty response. He cursed his rapidly beating heart, and his already sweaty palms. Come on, Chiba! You canNOT add a third girl to your little list of wishful thinking!
Still, he couldn't resist the little thrill he got from teasing her. "Ah, Odango, I think this one is still on you, seeing as you were blocking the sidewalk in a very busy city."
Usagi sniffed distastefully, though she enjoyed the little bickering. "Ugh, figures. Blame the woman! Typical chauvinist pig behavior. Good luck with that. And how about paying more attention, Baka!"
With that, she turned on her heel, and continued on her way.
Mamoru laughed. Kami, that was fun. He turned to other way, towards the elite high school.
------------------
When Usagi got to school on time, there was a small celebration. Not only did Miss Haruna have a date that night, but Usagi added to the happiness by being on time! AND there was a new student to introduce!
"Minna," Miss Haruna began bubbly, "Allow me to introduce our new student, Mizuno Ami!"
Umino gasped from behind Usagi as the blue-haired girl stood up. But as he started raving about 300 IQ's and girl geniuses, Usagi's eyes were locked on the small sapphire frame.
The petite blue-haired Senshi looked up, and touched her earring. Her visor disappeared. Her eyes were anguished and bitter, but determined. Her face was blue from her opponent's blasts and her lips were purple. Sweat had run down the side of her face and frozen in streams. Her tears were frozen on her cheeks like tiny diamonds, and miniscule icicles hung from her eyelashes, breaking each time she blinked.
Usagi's eyes brightened. It was the Ice Maiden! Sailor Mercury!
At lunch, when Naru and Umino were chatting nonstop, Usagi noticed the young blue-haired girl sitting alone. Already, she'd been shunned for her amazing intellect. However, not only did Usagi think she was Sailor Mercury, her own Usagi-esque instincts took over.
Someone sitting alone? Un-alone them.
Usagi plopped right down under the tree next to Ami, who delicately munched on a sandwich.
"Ohayoo!" Usagi greet cheerfully. "My name is Tsukino Usagi."
The shy girl was stunned for a moment, then smiled warmly. "Hi. I'm Mizuno Ami."
Before awkward silence could ensue, Usagi took charge. "Ano…" she said, looking away. "I saw you were sitting alone and might want some company?"
Ami looked at her suspiciously. "I hope this doesn't sound rude, but you aren't trying to bribe me to help you cheat are you?"
Usagi was stunned. "Ie!" she protested. "I'm not even smart enough to come up with that idea. I might ask you for tutoring later on, but really, I only came over here because you looked lonely."
Ami looked at the girl. She trusted the girl immediately. "Okay. Well, Arigatou!"
Usagi thought for a moment, then said, "Say! You're new here, right?"
"Hai."
Usagi grinned. "Well, how's about I show you around today after school? I can show you everything you need to know about Juuban and Tokyo!"
Ami looked excited for a moment, then her face fell. "I'd love too, but I have cram school this afternoon. Tomorrow, I'm free though! I'd very much appreciate the tour!"
Usagi cringed. "MORE school? Wow. There is a fine line between genius and insanity!" she teased gently.
Ami laughed, a short, high chuckling sound, just as the bell rang. "Well, Usagi, I'll see you around!"
"Ja!"
-----------------------
When school got out, Usagi walked with Ami towards her cram school, pointing out various sites on the way. Suddenly, a black shape leapt into Ami's arms
"Oh!"
Luna purred loudly, squirming to get comfortable in the girl genius's arms.
"Well, hello, kitty! What's your name?" Ami asked, scratching Luna's ears.
Usagi rolled her eyes. What a suck up cat. "Her name's Luna."
Ami looked up. "Oh, she's your kitty?"
"Hai. She's spoiled rotten, though," Usagi sniffed.
Ami giggled primly and set Luna down on the ground. Then, she glanced at her watch, and gasped. "Oh! I might be late! Arigatou, Usagi-chan, for everything! Ja!"
She took off in a tidy jog.
Luna spoke before Usagi could. Her voice fairly dripped with suspicion. "I sense a strange power in your friend, Usagi."
Usagi opened her mouth to voice her suspicions, but something caught her eye. She bent down to pick it up.
"What's this?" she asked of the cat.
"That's a computer disk, Usagi," Luna sighed, rolling her eyes. "Do you know what a computer is?"
"Shut up, Luna. I think Ami dropped this."
The cat perked up. "Well, where can I find a computer to look at it?"
Usagi thought then grinned mischievously. "I believe Motoki has one at the Crown, Luna."
Luna rolled her eyes again, but was already walking. "Oh, my. How uncanny and yet so convenient," she said sarcastically. "Let's get on with it."
Usagi raised an eyebrow. "Matte, Luna. Cat using the computer? Very suspicious. You can't just waltz in there and start surfing the net! Please. Allow me to provide a proper distraction."
Luna cocked her head curiously but skeptically as well. "Very well, Usagi."
-----
When Mamoru walked into the Crown when school got out, he tossed his bag over the counter for Motoki to watch, only to discover that Motoki was not behind the counter. He looked around and saw a huge mass of people huddled, whooping and cheering, around the Sailor V game. They were chanting a name Mamoru had come to enjoy.
"U-SA-GI! U-SA-GI! U-SA-GI! U-SA-GI! U-SA-GI!"
Mamoru grinned, unconsciously thrilled at the opportunity to tease the Odango Atama he almost always ran into. Literally. He shoved his way through the hysterical throng, then froze.
Usagi was destroying the Sailor V game. She was past any level that anyone had ever seen, with more points than the scoreboard was equipped to handle. Motoki was right at her side, cheering!
"Go Usagi-chan! You got him! SHOOT! NOW!"
Usagi leaned forward, her fingers flying over the buttons. "DIE, TRASH!"
The siren sounded as she cleared the next level.
Motoki actually squealed. "Sweet KAMI! No one has EVER been this far!"
Mamoru was caught up in the excitement as well. "Go, Odango, GO!" he yelled.
Usagi froze. Steam began to filter out of her ears as the Game Over sign flashed and the crowd collectively screamed at the awesome run. Motoki watched as she stomped over to Mamoru.
"MAMORU-BAKA! How many times must I tell you my name is USAGI! How is it that this entire crowd of strange people that I don't know gets it but you don't! Why I outta…"
Motoki interrupted, laughing nervously. "Uh… Look, Usagi! A prize came out!"
Instantly, Usagi turned, Mamoru forgotten. "Where?"
Motoki presented her with a pretty blue pen with the sign of Mercury on it. "Cool," Usagi breathed. She glimpsed Luna waiting at the door.
"Later, Motoki! I'll be back soon to finish that game! Ja, everyone!"
"Ja, Usagi!" half of the arcade called.
"Sayonara, Odango Atama!" Mamoru called amiably, waving.
She stuck her nose in the air, and stalked off.
Motoki laughed. "Mamoru-kun, I just don't understand you."
Mamoru turned to look at his friend curiously. "What?"
Motoki's eyes sparkled devilishly. "Instead of insulting her, why not just ask her out? It's obvious you're sweet on her!"
Mamoru laughed, then dove for his friend.
-------------
"I have some bad news, Usagi," Luna began when there were no people in earshot.
Usagi twirled the ornate pen around her fingers, thinking intently. "Shoot," she muttered absently.
Luna took a deep breath. "I think you're friend is the enemy."
Usagi stopped suddenly, shocked. "WHAT?! That's ridiculous!"
Luna shook her head. "No, it isn't. The computer disk she dropped was a hypnotic message from the enemy invoking rebellion against YOU, Usagi."
Usagi stopped twirling the pen, and clutched it tightly in her hand. "No, listen to me, Luna. Ami is—,"
Suddenly, a scream was heard from the cram school down the street. Usagi's eyes hardened. "Never mind, Luna. You're wrong, and I am going to rescue my comrade."
Luna was startled by her tone of voice. It was familiar somehow, but when Luna reached for the memory, something blocking it. She shrugged, and ran after her charge.
Usagi ducked into an alley, transformed, then took off running at a superhuman speed. Finally, Luna stopped trying to keep up, and decided to walk.
When Sailor Moon arrived at the school, the guards stared at her, and quickly allowed her in. She rolled her eyes, and continued.
She took a moment to look through the window in the door to take in the scene, something working with Tuxedo Mask had taught her. She saw a monster, in ripped teacher's clothes, with Ami by the neck, and other students, their eyes blank, staring at computer screens as if nothing was happening.
She listened for a moment.
"So, you didn't want to use the disk, girl-genius, Ami?"
Ami glared, struggling against the youma's iron grip. "I do my studying the old-fashioned way, youma!"
The youma laughed, and tightened its grip. "Well, we're going to have to do this the old-fashioned way since you didn't use the disk. Cooperate with the Dark Kingdom or face your doom!"
Ami's blue eyes snapped opened, cold as ice. "Never!"
The youma laughed again, and lifted one hand above its head as Ami struggled all the fiercer. Long, sharp claws shot from her fingers. Ami gasped, and braced herself.
"Hold it right there!"
Sailor Moon kicked up the door, and dropped into a fighting stance. "School's bad enough without being invaded by the enemy! Unhand the girl, and come and get me, youma!"
The youma actually yawned. "I don't think I will degrade myself in that way." She turned to the other students. "New servants of the Dark Kingdom! Seize that rebel!"
The entranced students gave a monotonous chant. "Destroy Sailor Moon. Destroy Sailor Moon."
In a fluid motion, every one of their faces became angry and they picked up reams of paper and began to fling them at superhuman speed. Squealing, Sailor Moon dove to the side and rolled over, only to have her fuku pinned to the wall by pencils and pens.
The monster dropped Ami, and headed over to Sailor Moon. Ami crumpled, coughing and massaging her neck.
The youma placed a single claw under Sailor Moon's chin and tilted it up. "So, this is Sailor Moon, the lone soldier. The sleeping soldier." She grinned, exposing dripping fangs. "I will be given a seat at Queen Beryl's right hand for destroying you." She traced a bleeding slice across Sailor Moon's neck, but the Senshi refused to give her any sign of pain. Her face was stone and she remained silent. Blood dripped slowly down her neck, staining her fuku. The monster missed the subtle flick of her wrist, and the slender blue object that landed in the hands of her previous quarry.
"Will you surrender, Sailor Moon?" the thing growled, placing its claws at her already bleeding neck.
"NEVER!" she snarled, and reared back and spat in its face.
The thing let out a feral screech, and grimaced, revealing its fangs.
Suddenly, before anything else could happen, a rose shot through the air, landing with deadly accuracy in the youma's eye.
"No pretty soldiers die on my watch!" Tuxedo Kamen yelled, whipping out his cane, and diving towards the youma, engaging it in a duel. The hypnotized teens paused to watch. Sailor Moon gladly accepted the diversion, and jerked herself free, ignoring the scratches in her fuku and pale skin. She dashed over to Ami who was fingering the pen in a daze.
"Mizuno Ami! Look at me!"
Ami looked up, blinking owlishly. "Sailor Moon?"
Sailor Moon smiled kindly. "Hai. Ami, listen to me."
The blue-haired girl shook her head quickly, then blinked several times. Then, she looked up, paying rapt attention.
Sailor Moon took a deep breath, and placed the pen in Ami's hand. "Mizuno Ami, what I am about to tell you will change your life. You will have to be prepared to stop what you're doing at any moment to fight a youma. You will have to keep your identity a secret from everyone, which will call for stealth, and when necessary, dishonesty, in order to keep your identity a secret and your loved ones safe. You will face danger on a daily basis, and you will be called to risk your life in order to protect the city from evil."
Ami was quiet for a moment. "Why me?" she asked.
Sailor Moon smiled again. "Ami, you are Sailor Mercury. Lady Wisdom. The Ice Maiden. Why you? Because you have the power. It is your destiny. You have the chance to be a hero. A chance to protect your family, your friends, your city, your world. Uncap that pen, and all of your worst nightmares," Sailor Moon paused, giving a small smile, "And all of your fondest dreams will come true. You will have no regrets."
Sailor Moon straightened, seeing that Tuxedo Kamen couldn't keep the youma busy for much longer.
"Ami Mizuno. Once you swore to protect the innocent from evil. Will you now redeem that vow and fight by my side? Besides," Usagi whispered, winking, "I wouldn't mind some company, Ami-chan."
Ami stared for a moment. She resisted a strange urge to stay on her knees, and stood face to face with Sailor Moon.
"Who are you?" she whispered, fingering with the recognition pending in her mind.
Sailor Moon gave a small smile. Her eyes shimmered. Tuxedo Kamen paused, titling his head slightly to hear her answer.
"I am… an anomaly," she whispered. Then, she heard Tuxedo Kamen give a sharp intake of breath. Sailor Moon's eyes hardened. "I trust you will make the right decision, Ami. I must help my comrade."
Ami thought about it for an instant, but she'd already made her decision as soon as she saw the danger that Sailor Moon had to face.
"It's an affirmative, Sailor Moon," she whispered, and uncapped the pen.
Tuxedo Kamen was thrown against the wall, and Sailor Moon landed roughly in his arms.
"Are you ok?" he hissed, touching her neck as he moved in front of her.
"Get out of the way, and it's nothing! But are you okay?"
There was a smile covering the alarm in his voice. "Yes, and don't lie to me, my lady, and I don't believe that I'm in the way. Take this." He handed her his handkerchief behind his back. She quickly wiped the blood off of her neck and chest and then tied it around her neck.
"I can take it!" Sailor Moon hissed, though she wobbled behind him. The youma laughed, and approached slowly.
He turned to catch her. "You've lost too much blood. Stay back." Tuxedo Kamen turned, just in time to hear three sweet new words.
"Mercury Power, Make-up!"
Sailor Moon perked up, and dizzily tried to stand, but crumpled.
Sailor Mercury stood proudly. "Halt, youma! Your opponent is Sailor Mercury, the Senshi of Wisdom and the Ice Maiden!" Her eyes hardened, in the same fashion of Sailor Moon's did when Tuxedo Kamen was harmed.
"And you wounded my friend, you piece of Dark Kingdom refuse! Shabon Spray!"
She brought her wrists together, and icy mist shot from her out-turned palms. The room filled with fog, and the youma was slowly frozen.
Tuxedo Kamen smiled, and helped Sailor Moon up. "You can do it," he whispered. She nodded weakly, and touched her tiara.
"Moon Tiara Action!"
Because of the ice, the youma couldn't even widen its eyes in fright as the tiara hurtled toward it. It exploded into tiny shards, and all of the crazed students began to wake up, just as Sailor Moon fainted.
"Quickly!" Tuxedo Kamen hissed, hefting her up into his arms. "We have to get out of sight.
"Affirmative."
They ducked out of the window and landed on the roof.
"Should we take Sailor Moon to the hospital?" Mercury asked, her furture-doctor instincts kicking in.
"Ie. It's not necessary." Tuxedo Kamen said. He placed his hand on her neck, and they began to glow. Within moments, the wound was healed, and the blood stopped. However, Tuxedo Kamen made no move to remove his hankerchief.
"Arigatou, Tuxedo Kamen-sama," Mercury said, taking her friend and positioning Sailor Moon's head in her lap.
The man smiled. "No, thank you, Sailor Mercury. It was you who saved my lily, not I." With the swish of his cape, he was gone.
Sailor Moon stirred, and slowly sat up. She smiled. "Great job, Ami! Not bad for your first youma!"
Mercury blushed. "Not so bad yourself, Usagi-chan."
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And that's the end! SHEESH! I haven't EVER written a chapter this long before. 17 full pages. It won't happen again, that is, unless you guys enjoy crazy long chapters. I'll split this one into two, if you like. The reason I didn't was because I promised to bring in Ami in this chapter, along with everything else.
Tell me what you thought about the story! Ja, minna!
-Moon Pie