Hi everyone! Another bit of a transition chapter, but don't worry, there will be some action, too! Don't want to lose anyone to boredom. This is the chapter where it starts to help if you've read "In Happy Hiding."
omystars: All right! Conspiracy! Who doesn't like it? HEE! Thanks for reviewing constantly and thank you separately for saying such wonderful things! I'm indebted to you!
JadesRose: Sheesh. I can't believe I typed, "sweat." Man. But it could be true since protecting her is usually pretty physical, and then they sweat and… nah. I'll stop it there. Yes. Luna was distasteful. Hee! Thanks for reviewing!
Nazi Hater: Man, I hope you turn into a regular because your review totally invigorated me! Thanks for all the kind words! About the spaces, I had stars in there, but they didn't come up. And Mamoru was six. Darn it. I knew I must have missed something. But thanks so much for telling me! Which scene made you cry, I wonder… That's an extremely high compliment. Anyway, thanks so much for reviewing!
WingsofaDream: Gym? Shudder. And I totally agree with you. I can't stand a brainwashed Mamoru, because I think he's stronger than that, so yay! He's not brainwashed! I don't like angst either. Yay, sunshine and rainbows! I hope this came soon enough because I am very ticklish.
PisxiePam: C2 is like, there's a little collection of a certain kind of stories and the staff members help pick out stories for it. And thanks for reading and the kind review!
insanechildfanfic: Thank you! And so are you!
cardcaptor eternity: C2 is like, there's a little collection of a certain kind of stories and the staff members help pick out stories for it. And thanks! I like my new name too. Better suited to me. Thanks for reviewing!
krystelo: Thanks so much! I had fun writing that scene. And I hate seeing Mamoru brainwashed cuz I'm sure he's stronger than that. Thanks for reviewing!
Alicia Blade: I, too, am looking forward to the Generals and Senshi being reunited. Funny, huh? Can't wait to see what happens in my own story… that just shows that the story is in control, not me! . And thanks for adding me to your C2 staff!
Neonlights: C2 is like, there's a little collection of a certain kind of stories and the staff members help pick out stories for it. Nothing big. As so eloquently put it, C2 is the favorite stories feature on steroids. And YES!!! I added you. I think you get an e-mail, if not, then log in and go to C2 staff and press accept. Rock on! And thanks for the review!
Well. That's about it! Thanks to everyone who reviewed, again, and those that read but didn't review for unfathomable reasons. . So I hope everyone enjoys this next chapter! Anyone else wanna join my C2? Nothing serious, just people who like romance and action in the same Usagi/Mamoru story. Anyways, enjoy!
I have a feeling I will get many agitated reviews when you all read the ending of this particular chapter…
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Chapter Nine: Joining Forces
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Usagi found it was harder than usual to concentrate in school. For obvious reasons.
Her parents were concerned about the subtle change in her behavior. She was now hardly sleeping at all, but she didn't fall asleep in class either. She talked less, she appeared sad all the time, and her appetite was minimal. When her mother asked her what was the matter, she simply said that a friend was away and she missed him. Ikuko was even more worried but didn't press the matter as she couldn't stand the look in her daughter's eyes when she had asked. It was so unbelievably sad, that Ikuko unconsciously tried to erase it from her memory. Her daughter couldn't be that sad, that unhappy. Absurd.
Haruna-sensei droned on. Obviously, she was without a date that night due to her listless tone. Usagi tuned her out.
She began a battle with her unconscious. I could give them their memories back, she thought. But they're such horrible images.
That's not fair, the optimistic side of her argued. Surely the good times on the Moon outnumber the bad? And who am I to keep true love from them?
True, she answered herself silently. I am much happier remembering Mamoru even with all the horrible images that come with it. But what if they don't want those memories? What if their true love lies elsewhere?
Rubbish, the emotional side dismissed the weak argument made by the logical side. True love transcends all time.
Usagi smiled to herself. Very true. But I must still give them a choice.
Very well.
By this time, Ami had caught sight of the strange expression on Usagi's face. She coughed, and Usagi looked up to the question in her friend's eyes.
She held up a finger, then scribbled a note and passed it inconspicuously to Ami.
Meeting After School. URGENT.
That decided, Usagi settled into her desk, and allowed herself to fret over Mamoru's safety.
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"What's up, Usagi-chan?" It had been hard, since Minako had met Usagi first as the intimidating Sailor Moon then the Princess of the White Moon, but Minako had finally become comfortable with calling her Usagi. She found the young woman delightful company, and very much like herself when she had her mind off of Tuxedo Kamen.
For once, Usagi's face was very serious. Usually, she goofed off at Senshi meetings, but she'd never called one herself. First she explained quickly about Tuxedo Kamen's plan, leaving out the part about Kunzite. That would come in a moment.
"Do you want to remember your past?"
Immediately, they chorused yes, and she flinched as if physically struck.
"You do not know what you are asking. There were good times on the moon, but our last days were… awful. Your final memory will be that of your…death. It will be the most vivid, the most prevalent. Trust me, it will be difficult to bear. You will be able to continue without knowing what you did in your last hours."
Rei was a little wary after that speech. "Usagi… Do you speak from experience?"
Usagi's eyes were blank, but Rei could see the raw pain behind them. "Yes," she answered simply, in a tone that said, You will never know or comprehend the depth of my suffering.
Minako spoke up. "Do you wish that you did not have the memories, Princess?" It only made sense to address her such, as Usagi never spoke in this way.
A very small smile appeared on a face lined with trauma. "No. Never."
"Why? What would we lose by not remembering?" Ami wanted to know.
Usagi's eyes were sincere beyond understanding. "True love."
Makoto saw something else in her eyes. Pity. Regret. "What are you leaving out, Usagi-chan? What's so horrible that you can't tell us about it?"
"You must remember for yourself. If you choose to. I'll tell you this, though. Your deaths in the past and the deaths of your mates… are very difficult to see. Difficult to accept."
"Well, we need to know." Rei. Ever the certain one. Slowly the others agreed.
Usagi nodded. "Very well then. But, before I give these memories back to you, you must know one thing."
"What's that?" Ami whispered.
Tears ran down her face, scared they would blame her, scared they would blame themselves, but understanding everything they would feel. "You are not to blame. I am."
With that, she reached to her brooch, took out the Crystal, then a soft, glimmering silver glow came from her. She became the Princess again, and slowly, the glow grew to include her Senshi. She watched as their eyes glazed and entranced, they remembered.
"We…killed ourselves?" Rei whispered, dazed.
"We killed the Generals?" The shock in Makoto's murmur was deafening.
"They were brainwashed. We knew that." The logic came from Ami.
Minako had tears running down her face. She did not brush them away. "But Princess… what happened to you?"
Serenity began to sob, but relinquished her hold on that memory, the last she granted them. The scene played out before their eyes, and they too began to cry.
"We failed!" they cried.
"NO!"
The glow vanished and Usagi was Usagi again. They stared, startled at the fierce tone in her voice. "No. You did not fail. You sacrificed everything for me… and I… because of me… all was in vain. Beryl killed Endymion right before my eyes, and he died in my arms. He fell protecting me. She told him… she told him…"
Ami moved closer, and brought Usagi into her arms, pulling her gently to the floor. "What did she say, Usagi?" she whispered.
Usagi's tears went unchecked. "She told him to die with the knowledge that he'd failed me in the very end. That's why Mamoru was so unhappy. That was the unconscious feeling he had, that he'd failed me. When I get him back, I'll have to tell him that I… was a coward, and could not face life without him. All the death, defeat, everything… was because of me."
The raw, exposed self-loathing in her voice made the other Senshi cry, but it made Rei angry. Rage burned in her eyes, and he power reacted. Her hand began to glow red.
"No, Usagi!!" she screamed, hot tears of fury racing down her face. "You are wrong! Beryl is to blame! Metallia! It is evil that caused all of this!" Rei feared the depth of her own rage.
"Yes, Usagi, think logically!" Ami urged. "Your power is fueled by love. With your heart so tormented, your power was virtually helpless! K—killing yourself was logical."
"Yes!" Makoto's eyes flashed. "Beryl should never get the pleasure of defeating you. You stole it from her, Usagi. You humiliated her, deprived her of the ultimate victory."
Minako's voice was quiet. "Princess Serenity, you died with honor. You have never failed the Prince or us, and you never will. Don't dwell on the past, but look to the future! Soon, VERY SOON, you will have the chance to avenge all that was lost."
"Hai." The voice was hard. "And I will."
"That's more like it!" Makoto cheered.
Usagi composed herself. "One more thing I can tell you, know that it will make sense. Kunzite was healed last night since the Crystal gave off such massive amounts of energy."
At this Minako gave a delighted squeal, but then blushed furiously. Usagi smiled. "When the other generals escape, I'll heal them as well."
"Well, maybe Motoki will miss all the attention we gave him!" Makoto cracked. They giggled, but their minds were elsewhere.
"Do you remember the prophecy?"
The question was sudden, startling the Senshi.
Minako shook her head. "Only you and the Queen were allowed in that room, Usagi. We'd heard of it, but you'll have to fill us in."
The heartbroken atmosphere lightened slowly, tentatively, each girl contemplating her own grief. One, basking in all the grief, and the other four, desperate to see her smile again.
Usagi had the prophecy memorized. "Maybe you should type this in to your computer, Ami-chan," she suggested quietly.
Ami disliked the hollow look in Usagi's eyes, but did as she was asked. Her hand hovered over the keyboard, shaking slightly.
Usagi took a deep breath, then recited the prophecy softly, heavily.
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."
The room was quiet for a moment, except for Ami's keyed up typing. Usagi fell into a chair, her body physically weighted down by her metaphorical burden.
"And now, I understand it," she whispered.
"Tell us." A quiet request from the usually not-quiet Minako.
Usagi closed her eyes, guarding herself against the pain. "I am the sleeping nymph, the fairy, and the cause of everything."
"Stop shooting yourself down for a moment, Odango, and explain some things to us." The harsh tone in Rei's voice wasn't malicious, but concerned and eager to get her attention back on track. The anger behind her words was directed elsewhere.
"What do you want to know?" She asked sagely.
"Why did you have to flee the moon, again? My memories are foggy," Mako interjected.
"The Moon was attacked. You guys were fighting the enemy and hiding my mother. I couldn't get to safety on the moon in time, so I went to earth."
Minako's eyes flashed playfully. "Yes, and you didn't go to the Terran Royal Family as planned! Instead you insisted on hiding in the village and driving us crazy."
Usagi stuck her tongue out, desperate to shoo the tenseness in the room. "Well, duh, the enemy was after me, that would put them in danger!"
"YOU were in danger!"
Usagi threw up her hands. "Next question."
They laughed, and Rei posed the next one. "What's it saying when it says, 'drawn in by mother's reddest rose'?"
Usagi was puzzled. "I assumed the rose was Endymion, but Mother had nothing to do with the match, however much it pleased her."
Ami grinned. "I've got it! The moon orbits the earth, so it could be considered the Moon's mother."
Usagi grinned. "Leave it to Ami-chan to solve the mystery."
"Okay, so how can it say that no one died?" Minako wondered.
"Mother sent all the souls of those in the Silver Millennium forward in time, even those that had died in the conflict. Don't ask me how, but it worked. We're here, aren't we?"
Ami nodded. "Yes. So the fourth would be the fourth dimension. Time."
"Okay, got it. What about the sewing line?" Mako asked.
"Ah, you wouldn't know that particular riddle would you?" Usagi's eyes were reminiscent, obviously thousands of miles away and thousands of years in the past. "While I was in the village, I was a seamstress. I lived with Naru. She is also from the past, and someday, I'll give her her memories back."
"But you suck at sewing!" Rei protested.
Usagi laughed, but otherwise ignored the comment. "One thing I can't figure out, is the rose and the lily?"
Ami laughed. "Usagi…" she chastised playfully. "You are the Lily! Tuxedo Kamen said it himself!"
"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.
"Well, I was unconscious," Usagi defended herself absently. But she wondered if she was supposed to divulge the other memories she'd held from them. Probably not. She kept them to herself, wondering if she was supposed to remember such things.
After that, they decided to go to the arcade to relax. On the way, they talked of other things, each trying to keep their minds off of the men in Beryl's grasp, and each failing miserably but refusing to stop trying.
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Kunzite snuck down to the dungeon again while Beryl was distracted with Endymion. He hurried, eager to return quickly, perhaps to stop any unwanted advances on the prince.
Sailor Moon was unaware of this particular spontaneous part of his plan, but he knew she wouldn't disappoint him. He pushed the heavy door open.
"What's the plan, Kunzite?" Zoisite demanded, shooting to his feet.
"Quiet."
Kunzite's hands shook with the adrenaline rush. He opened the door to their cell with his key, and then shut it again. Then, he blasted a hole in it with all his power, in order for it to look like they escaped.
They gaped at him.
"No time for questions. I'm letting you escape, so you can help the Senshi."
"NO!" Jadeite declared, crossing his arms. "We can't leave you and Endymion here with Beryl."
"Besides, how will the Senshi welcome us after everything we did?" Nephrite wondered.
"Don't worry about that, of all things," Kunzite told them, agitated. "I spoke with Sailor Moon last night. She was very kind to me. However, Beryl has… terrible plans for her, and I want as many guards around her as possible."
The generals shuffled out of the cell slowly, reluctantly. "Kunzite, what do we owe to this woman? We do not remember like you do." Zoisite said quietly.
Kunzite's eyes were clouded, his voice distant. "We owe her our lives. Everything. Now go!" He slashed his sword through the air, and a portal appeared. He shoved them through it, and then took off running towards the Throne Room.
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Usagi recognized them, but the other Senshi did not. Usagi remembered them well, remembered missing them because of their long absences, remembered their lessons, their teachings. She locked eyes with the blonde-haired one, then her companion. They knew her immediately. But Usagi had no more time to communicate, because she sensed three new presences in the area.
"Girls!" she hissed. "Quick! Come with me!" They left the arcade together, with the other two trailing at a distance, watching.
Usagi began to run. She transformed en route, following her senses, and the Senshi followed suit. Kunzite had acted unexpectedly, it seemed. She found the three of them wandering around in the woods behind the Crown.
"Zoisite!" She addressed the Strategist, the calmest one. He whirled, then bowed slightly at her presence, and the others mimicked him.
"What are you doing here?" She asked him, breathlessly. The Senshi stopped, and stared a distance behind Sailor Moon.
"Kunzite set us free. He said you would need the help." Zoisite answered. His tone showed his own distaste for the idea.
"Where are he and Tuxedo Kamen?" Sailor Moon asked, softly.
"They stayed behind. They're trying to figure out the details to Beryl's plan. Also, with the two of them remaining 'loyal' Beryl won't get too angry at once."
Sailor Moon's eyes were hard. "I do not fear Beryl. I vowed never to run from her."
Zoisite cocked an eyebrow, a new respect for her dawning in his eyes. "Perhaps not, but she wants you dead more than she wants Endymion, Earth, power, anything."
"I do not fear her."
Jadeite spoke up. "Well, then, Sailor Moon, we will have no problem serving under you in Endymion's absence."
Sailor Moon smiled. "Would you like to receive cleansing from the Silver Crystal?"
"Hai." They answered in one voice.
"Very well. Do you wish to have all of your memories back? Some are… very painful, and hard to accept, but just know that you are not at fault. Kunzite, because the power of the Crystal was unfocused, didn't get all of his memories back—only bits and pieces. Would you like them all back?"
Nephrite answered for the group this time. "Princess Serenity, Endymion told us how we fell to Metallia's influence and betrayed you. We are aware that we've done horrible things, but if you can forgive us as the Princes has, we can accept them."
"You don't even need to ask. I've nothing to forgive you for. You were not yourselves. Dwell not on the events of the past, but look to the bright future."
The Senshi watched quietly, anxiously. Rei actually smirked, logging Sailor Moon's statement away to use against her, and maybe get her to follow her own advice.
"However, after you remember, you will have others that you may wish to ask forgiveness from. But don't fear, I've no doubt that you will receive it."
With that, she unleashed the Silver Crystal's healing magic over them.
The Senshi watched eagerly, hope welling up within them. Sailor Venus looked sad, but when Sailor Moon raised an eyebrow, she gave a brave smile, proud that her life mate was doing a very courageous deed.
After a few moments, the light faded, and Sailor Moon withdrew herself from the pleasurable sensation of the Crystal's power, and watched. Sailor Venus joined her, and Sailor Moon laid an empathetic hand on her shoulder. Sailor Venus took it, then rested her head on the two hands, watching tearfully.
They were motionless, fighting the tears that threatened to burst forth. Zoisite was the first to react. "Amiko!" he cried, anguished, and ran to her. Sailor Mercury met him halfway, weeping, and threw her arms around his neck. He wrapped his arms around her, and tightly pulled her close, crying into her neck.
Sailor Jupiter reacted next. She ran at Nephrite, and leapt at him, tackling him to the ground in a passionate kiss. He was shocked, but wrapped his arms around her and rolled to the side, kissing her back.
Rei approached Jadeite slowly, then circled him, her face emotionless. She stopped in front of him, and crossed her arms.
"Firefly?" he asked, tentatively. She threw up her hands, annoyed. "Kiss me, you idiot! Kami!"
Grinning, he obeyed, kissing her over and over again. Cheek, mouth, neck, ear, all over, repeatedly. When tears escaped, he kissed them away.
The new observers watched, linking hands tenderly. Sailor Moon caught their eyes briefly, then looked away, as to not draw attention towards them yet.
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"Yes, my Queen?" Tuxedo Kamen bowed.
Beryl actually left her crystal ball, and stood, walking slowly towards him. "Prince Endymion, where do your loyalties lie?"
Mamoru did not hesitate, though he dreaded the words. "To you, my Queen, and no other."
"What about Sailor Moon?"
Mamoru stood straight, and looked the evil woman in the eye. "Sailor Moon deserves to die death at your hands, my Queen, like she should have all those years ago."
Beryl was pleased, and traced the angular line of Tuxedo Kamen's jaw. It took every ounce of his self-control not to flinch, back away, or throw up.
"Very good."
"What are your plans for her, my Queen?" Mamoru asked, sounding eager. "Will I have a part in the wench's demise?"
Beryl stepped closer, fingering his jet-black hair.
"Of course. Nothing would please me more than to see Serenity weep at your betrayal. But I am going to kill her myself. I'll bring her here, and then, I'll have my vengeance."
Tuxedo Kamen shuddered inwardly with fury and repulse. As soon as they discovered Beryl's weakness and how to defeat Metallia, he was taking Kunzite and getting out of there so he could personally protect Usagi.
Of course, he trusted the Senshi and the generals, but protecting a man's true love was usually something a man preferred to do himself.
"Of course, my queen," he answered.
She took his face in his hands, and he remained motionless, blank. "I've desired you for centuries, Prince Endymion…"
Her face moved slowly closer, and Tuxedo Kamen frantically tried to think of something, but luckily, he didn't have to.
"Queen Beryl!" Kunzite burst through the doors. Beryl jerked angrily away
"WHAT?! This had better be EXTREMELY important!" She growled.
Kunzite gulped, but burst out, "The other Shitennou have escaped, my queen! They've joined forces with Sailor Moon!"
Tuxedo Kamen took several wary steps back.
"THEY WHAT?!?!" Beryl's fury shook the castle.
"Kunzite! Endymion! Take some youma, and go make them pay!!!" she ordered, snatching up her Crystal again.
"NO ONE BETRAYS QUEEN BERYL!"
Tuxedo Kamen and Kunzite bowed, then fled through Kunzite's portal.
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The teary reunion didn't last much longer. A portal opened, and dozens of youma dropped from it. The soldiers below all slid into a fighting stance.
"How dare you betray Queen Beryl?!" Kunzite bellowed for the youma's sake. "You shall be punished!"
Tuxedo Kamen was glad his eyes were hidden, because he couldn't help but tear up a little at seeing the reunion below him, but more importantly, his Princess and her feisty stance, even despite the masquerade. He descended to her, and wordlessly engaged her in a duel, leaving Kunzite to 'torture' the generals and the youma to bother the Senshi.
"You are a sight for sore eyes, Princess," he whispered, blocking her Moon Rod, then slashing his cane at her, knowing she would dodge.
Sailor Moon fought the smile on her lips. "I should kill you for taking such a risk."
Tuxedo Kamen laughed, trying to make it appear malevolent. "I fear that more than Beryl."
"I love you. Be careful." She said, leaping over his effort to swipe her feet from under her, and throwing a high tornado kick, which he ducked easily. "And hit me."
He looked shocked. "I love you too, but NO."
She began to cry for good measure. "Do it! Make it look real. Beryl's watching."
Tuxedo Kamen swiped at her with his cane, but she ducked again, waiting for his acknowledgement. "Can you fake it so I don't have to hit you?" he practically begged.
Sailor Moon had to grin at that, but nodded. "Threaten me, I'll cry, then hit me. I'll make it look painful. Then, send Kunzite over to me."
Tuxedo Kamen sighed. "Fine. Beryl has terrible plans for you, love. Be very cautious. As soon as I found out her weakness, I'm coming back, no matter how angry she gets. We can handle her fury together."
She began to cry, more from joy than the need to fake it. "Good."
Sucking in his breath, Tuxedo Kamen raised his cane high, then swung it at her. It had barely made contact when she threw herself back, giving a cry of 'pain'. She writhed on the ground, and Tuxedo Kamen grinned at her acting skills, and tossed a rose distastefully on her chest, then sent Kunzite over. He began to fake battle the generals himself.
Kunzite dashed over to Sailor Moon, and threw the point of his sword at her throat, stopping it millimeters from her exposed skin.
"Yes, milady?" He asked, charmingly, though his face was blank.
She continued to cry for the effect. "Time is running out, friend. My Senshi are quickly destroying those youma. So I'll be quick. Another challenge to your theatrical capacities, Kunzite. I'm going to complete your memories, but you are to pretend that I'm trying to heal you and resist. The memories will overwhelm you, but you must resist that for real, to make this believable. Are you ready?"
Kunzite nodded curtly.
Sailor Moon kicked his sword from his hand, lightly, then leapt to her feet, tossing up the Moon Wand, then catching it after the third spin, and pointing at him. White, sparkling energy overwhelmed him, but he blocked the memories temporarily, and just appeared to resist. He pushed the energy away when he knew it was complete, then fled through a portal.
Tuxedo Kamen, his face harsh, but his voice encouraging, left these words to the Senshi, who still battled two youmas, "Protect Serenity no matter what!" Then, followed Kunzite, after letting a few roses fly.
Sailor Moon recovered quickly from her encounter with her lover, and immediately moved to destroy the nearest, when two new attacks sounded, destroying each.
"World Shaking!"
"Deep Submerge!"
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That's it! Am I evil or am I evil? Man, I love this. The Outers should have gotten to kick Beryl butt after everything too, so, they will.
What does everyone think? Tell me what you think of this development. Also, I'm kind of curious as to how far you guys think this should go. I could stop after the battle with Metallia, or I could go as far as Ail and Ann. What do you think? Farther? Or stop after the first season? I'm open to suggestions, since I'm enjoying this fic so much!
One more thing. A Public Service Announcement
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ROSA LUNAE WANTS YOU! COME AND FULFILL YOUR DUTY TO AND SAILOR MOON FANS EVERYWHERE AND JOIN ROSA LUNAE'S USAGI/MAMORU ROMANTIC SUSPENSE C2!
And if you don't want to be on staff, feel free to subscribe to the community so you can be alerted when new stories are put into it!
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This has been a public service announcement.
Hah! Please review, everyone! Next chapter very soon!
-rosa lunae