Wow! The last chapter was the most popular yet! And I've never been called evil so many subsequent times! I knew that particular cliffy would drive you guys nuts! I'm going to keep the replies as short as possible since there are so many!
JadesRose: Nope, mine does not make yours look like crap. I think it's the other way around! EVERYONE READ THE DAWN ROSE BECAUSE IT IS AWESOME!!!!!!! Thanks for reviewing! I'll send another nagging review in a week or two, lol!
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Wow. Thanks you guys!!!! I couldn't write this much this fast without all your support! Here's another chapter! Enjoy!
-rosa lunae
Chapter Ten: Turning the Tables"World Shaking!"
"Deep Submerge!"
Sailor Moon whirled around, thrill lighting her eyes, as the last of the youmas was destroyed. She motioned for the other Senshi and the Generals to stay behind, then she ran into the arms of the elegant aqua-haired Senshi. The woman responded tenderly, smiling and hugging her gently. The tall, sandy haired one chuckled and ruffled Sailor Moon's hair.
The Senshi and the Generals watched, curious and somewhat shocked at Sailor Moon's degree of familiarity with the strangers. They couldn't hear the conversation but watched from a ways off.
"Where are the others?" Sailor Moon whispered, quickly swiping at her joyful tears.
"The Eldest sent us, but she is not able to leave yet. And the Child has not been found yet."
Sailor Moon nodded eagerly. "So you know what's going on?"
They nodded in sync.
"Good. So, go introduce yourselves! Obviously, their memories need prodding!"
The pair grinned, and the blonde one rubbed her hands eagerly together. "No problem."
The other Senshi and their paramours watched as the new Senshi stepped forward. The ground shook slightly as the blonde one began to speak.
"Drawn by the old epic, protected by Uranus, the planet of winds, I am the Soldier of Magnificence, Sailor Uranus!" she announced, striking a fierce battle stance.
The beautiful aqua-haired Senshi stepped forward, lifting an elegant palm to the sky to feel the drops of rain that had begun to fall.
"Invited by the old epic, protected by Neptune, planet of seas, I am the Soldier of Affinity, Sailor Neptune!" The young woman slid into an elegant pose.
The pair bowed just slightly. "It is an honor to fight alongside you, Sailor Senshi, a privilege to protect the Princess together."
Sailor Moon smiled, as remembrance dawned in her Scouts' eyes. She giggled to herself, and counted silently.
"One. Two. Thr—,"
"Haruka?! Michiru?!"
She laughed out loud, and backed out of the way as the Inners practically sacked their heroes, questions spilling over their lips. Sailor Moon meandered over to the Generals, who looked a little lost without their women at their sides.
"Do you guys remember Sailor Neptune and Uranus?"
Zoisite answered, "Yes, by reputation only."
Sailor Moon smiled, cocking her head slightly to listen in on the catching up. She laughed softly, again. Then, she looked around, and seeing no one, detransformed. The other Senshi followed her example unconsciously. When the Generals did nothing, Usagi gave a small smile.
"My friends, I don't believe you can go around in your uniforms during the day. And you'll need somewhere to stay until something permanent can be arranged."
They waited, obviously for their instructions. She laughed. "And you must lighten up around me, too!"
They grinned, and relaxed a little, each occasionally glancing at their sweetheart. "Do you have any ideas Prin-uh-Usagi-sama?" Nephrite asked.
Usagi rolled her eyes at the formal suffix, but said nothing. "I was going to suggest Mamo-chan's apartment. That shouldn't be too hard to explain, and I'm sure he wouldn't mind."
She looked them over, and smiled. "And you guys will need to raid his closet, since you're all around the same size. Let's be realistic. After you guys show up in a few battles, people will begin to recognize the uniforms. After this," she motioned the chattering Inners and their heroes. Michiru smiled, and answering questions patiently, but Haruka threw Usagi a look and mouthed HELP ME, before being swarmed by Mako and Rei. "We'll take care of everything."
"Arigatou, Princess."
Usagi smiled again. "Yes, it did take Mamoru a long time to learn just to call me Serenity. Any chance you guys could get used to Usagi?"
They grinned sheepishly. "We'll try."
Usagi grinned. "Good. I better go save your girlfriends."
As Usagi left to calm the inners and set up a meeting time, the Generals stood back and watched for a moment.
"She's very good at hiding her emotions when she wants to," Jadeite remarked, but like Rei, he was able to sense what she attempted to hide.
"What do you mean?" Nephrite asked, concerned.
Jadeite studied Usagi carefully. He smiled absently at her playful interaction with Rei, but noticed that Usagi's laugh didn't touch her cheerless eyes. He saw her get lost in thought when no one was speaking to her, caught the slow close of her eyes as reality resurfaced.
"She's hurting," he said simply.
Zoisite slowly clenched and unclenched a fist. "Well, we are going to get Endymion back as soon as possible. He has always been the only one who can lift the burdens she carries. I can't even begin to understand what she is feeling."
The magnitude of that statement was profound.
Later, the guys settled in Mamoru's apartment, and borrowed some of his clothing. Then, Rei, Ami, and Makoto took their guys on a huge shopping trip, leaving Usagi, Minako, Michiru, and Haruka at the latter pair's apartment.
Michiru and Haruka sat together on the love seat, hands linked and resting couch between them, and Usagi lounged in the recliner. Minako settled Indian style at her leader's feet, leaning back against Usagi's slender legs.
"Well, what should our next move be?" she asked, almost eagerly. Usagi had to smile. Minako was obviously very eager to get Kunzite back home safely. Usagi could empathize. At least Queen Beryl didn't have a thing for Minako's boyfriend… She laughed to herself, earning a strange look from her comrades.
Haruka shook her head, grinning, and proposed, "I think we should let Kunzite and Mamoru-san continue their masquerade until we can find the Child."
Michiru agreed. "Yes, I'm sure these two are capable of taking care of themselves and sensible enough to abandon the plan should they or you, Princess, become endangered."
"We can take care her!" Minako huffed playfully. Usagi laughed at the 'offended' Senshi, then added her own two cents.
"I know you can, Minako-chan, but Mamo-chan is a little overprotective."
Haruka barked out a laugh at that understatement.
"Anyways." Minako rolled her eyes. "Who is the child you're talking about? My memories are still a little foggy."
Usagi moved her legs, and slid off the chair to the floor next to Minako. "You don't remember?"
Minako clenched her eyes shut, and massaged her temples. "I do, but its like, I can't reach the memory. My mind's just so overwhelmed right now."
Usagi rested a hand on her shoulder. "Then, don't worry. It will come with time."
At the mention of that last word, Usagi's world went black.
"Usagi-chan?!"
-----------------------
Tuxedo Kamen caught his disoriented friend when the portal dropped them in the Dark Castle. Kunzite stumbled into his strong arms, then composed himself. He blinked back tears, and stood up straight, his face flushed with grief.
"Your Princess has just restored the rest of my memories, Endymion." Kunzite whispered, his eyes and voice dolorous. My Mina-chan had to… to kill me! That's the depth of my betrayal. I do not deserve to live."
Tuxedo Kamen shook Kunzite's shoulders, his fingers digging into Kunzite's skin. "Don't think that way! Serenity didn't give you back your memories just so you could wallow in self-pity. Listen, you have to get past the past. My past is tarnished, too. I fell at Beryl's hand, and because of that, my princess died." His voice trembled over the words. "But this is a new life! A second chance! I love her, she loves me, and that's all that matters. Listen. Minako still loves you, Kunz. And as soon as this battle is over, maybe even before that, you can be with her again."
Kunzite was encouraged by this speech, but still, he muttered, "I don't deserve her."
Tuxedo Kamen laughed. "Get used to that feeling, pal. I have never deserved Serenity, and she deserves much more than me. But she chose me. Just as Lady Venus chose you."
Kunzite smiled wearily. "You are right, as usual, Prince. And we must go report to Beryl."
They began to walk slowly down the halls. "You and me? We're the victims here!" Tuxedo Kamen joked. "The other guys just show up, get their memories, and the girls are all over them. You and I get our memories back but as soon as we do, duty sends us away from our girls. I'm telling you, when this is all over, I'm taking Usako in my arms and never letting go."
"Amen to that."
As they prepared themselves to enter the throne room, Mamoru's chest began to ache. He sensed something strange from Usagi, but no danger, so he took a deep breath, and kept walking, trusting the Scouts with his princess.
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Usagi found herself in the vaguely familiar foggy void. She found she was dressed as Princess Serenity.
"Halt!" A voice called. Serenity smiled. "You cannot pass through this forbidden zone!"
Serenity rose to her full height. "It is I, Princess Serenity of the Silver Millennium, heir to the throne of the White Moon. I will be allowed to pass."
A tall woman with long emerald hair and a huge key-shaped staff stepped from the fog, a maternal smile on her lips.
"Impressive entrance, Serenity." A mischevious smile lurked in Sailor Pluto's fiercely sophisticated voice.
"Not so bad yourself, Setsuna." Serenity smiled. "You called?"
Pluto sobered quickly, nodding. "Hai. I needed to let you know that the Child is in the city. You only have to find her. And I know you will recognize her on sight."
Serenity nodded. "Have we done everything right so far?" she asked.
Pluto gave a mysterious smile. "Who can call life right or wrong? No one."
Serenity rolled her eyes and threw up her hands, causing her skirts to rustle. "There you go with the riddles. I miss you, Setsuna. When can you come and join us? I need you."
Pluto blushed. "You have more power than any other breathing entity in this universe, and you say you need me?"
"Yes."
"I am honored. But I cannot leave my post."
Serenity peered in to Sailor Pluto's eyes, and saw the loophole. She grinned, and stood to her full height. "Then, in my mother's absence, I, Princess Serenity of the White Moon, grant you leave of your position beginning when the Child is found and ending when the battle is won. And it will be." Her eyes and voice softened as she watched Sailor Pluto's face light up. She smiled softly. " I will make sure that someone guards the gate, Setsuna."
"Arigatou, Serenity…" Pluto breathed. "Now, the others are worried. I will see you soon."
Usagi opened her eyes to find three worried Senshi hovering over her. She shook the dizziness from her head, rubbing her eyes. "Setsuna." She grumbled good-naturedly as the headache that came from visiting the Time Gate ensued.
Michiru and Haruka backed off, sharing an understanding smile. Minako looked confused, and frantically fanned Usagi's face with her hands. "Daijobou, Usagi-chan?"
Usagi laughed, sitting up. "Hai, hai. I'm fine."
"What was that?" Minako asked, still worried.
Usagi glanced at the Outers and just smiled. Minako groaned. "Fine, fine, I get it, you shall remember soon, Minako," she said in a deep voice, mirth reappearing in her eyes.
"Something like that." Usagi grinned. She stood, then, looking each of the three women in the eye. "I need to be alone for a while."
Haruka opened her mouth to veto that, but Michiru slid an elegant hand over her mouth, smiling winningly. Haruka glared playfully, but nodded, and her mouth was released.
"Be careful, koneko," she ordered gently. Usagi nodded and slipped out the door.
-----------------
Usagi stepped out of the apartment building, and closed her eyes.
The air was humid and heavy. Something hung, impending over her. Usagi could sense it. Clouds crowded the sky, and a dark storm cloud from the west moved over the sun.
Her communicator beeped, and Mako's voice came over the intercom, accented by soft static. "A storm is coming, Usagi."
A warning. Haruka must have let everyone know she was alone, and wanted to remain so.
"Hai. I know," she answered, quietly. She continued walking. Her feet took her to the park. And as the sky darkened under the storm cloud, Usagi knew she was in the right place.
No crickets chirped. No birds sang. No wind made the leaves rustle. No children laughed on the playground.
Absolute silence.
----------------------
"I commend you on last night's battle, gentlemen," Beryl muttered, glaring intently into her crystal ball. "And one of you will receive another chance to become great."
"How so?" Kunzite asked.
"I know Sailor Moon's identity."
Tuxedo Kamen's heart stopped and the blood leaked from his face. Chills bit into his spine.
Kunzite slowly sucked in a breath, but glanced towards his master. Though pale, Tuxedo Kamen's face was blank.
"She is now alone in the city. One of you will go retrieve her and bring her back here."
Trapped.
Mamoru's mind whirled. Why was she alone?! What was she thinking?! Now the Senshi wouldn't be there to stop this from happening, and it wasn't time for his masquerade to end. Not all the Senshi were found yet! But Mamoru knew one thing. There was no way in hell he was bringing her here.
So, Mamoru did the only thing he could think of.
"I will go, my queen."
He trusted Usagi.
---------------------------------
Usagi stood, her heart racing. She sensed a sudden, untamed fear from Mamoru. And only one thing scared him.
He appeared out of nowhere. His face was blank, but she could see through his mask when he tilted his head to look around franticly. His eyes were wild, panicked.
"Usako, Beryl knows who you are. She knows Sailor Moon is Usagi Tsukino!"
Usagi paled visibly. Mamoru could feel her heart skip a beat. "How?"
"I don't know!" Unlike her, Mamoru didn't bother trying to hide his apprehension. "What do we do?!"
Usagi paused a moment. The only sound in the entire park was Mamoru's rapid breathing and her own pounding heart.
Silence.
She smiled. "Listen, Mamo-chan," she whispered, backing away from him for Beryl's benefit. "I happen to believe that the Child is very close by. So, we stall."
"Moon Prism Power!"
When the lights faded, Mamoru grinned, calmed by her composure. "I could have thought of that!"
She launched her tiara at him, and he actually laughed as he dodged. Without missing a beat, he drew out his cane and took a fighting stance.
Sailor Moon yanked out her Moon Wand and blasted him. He somersaulted over the blast, then swung his cane at her. She blocked it with her wand, and they dueled.
"I'm sure the battle will attract her."
Usagi slapped his cane away and through her leg out in a tornado kick. He caught her ankle flirtatiously. "Speaking of attraction…" He remembered Beryl was watching and threw it away from him, resuming his fight stance.
It took all of Sailor Moon's will power not to giggle. "Down boy. We're being watched."
He dodged a kick, and attempted to swipe his leg under her feet, but she hopped. "What are you going to do, Usako? She knows who you are. She has a lock on your energy signature, Senshi and human."
Usagi's thoughts did not follow his own. "I will protect my family and friends," she said in a low, dangerous voice.
Mamoru's threw a punch knowing she would dodge. "I'm worried about you, Usako."
She gave a small smile. "And I'm worried about you, so we're even."
"Why did you come alone?" he demanded, dodging one of her fierce kicks.
Sailor Moon looked puzzled. "I was supposed to. Besides, I do not know how she will react, what she will remember. I just know that I was meant to come alone."
Before those words had fallen from her lips, the leaves rustled. The first other sound besides the two of them in ages.
Sailor Moon whirled, and her eyes fell on a young girl, about 11 years old. (AN: How old is Hotaru? Anyone know? I'll correct it next chapter it I was way off!)
The young girl was watching keenly. Sailor Moon turned, and used her Moon Wand to enclose Tuxedo Kamen in a shield of energy that he would soon be able to break out of. Partially for Beryl's benefit, partially because she feared for his safety. But she designed it so that it would look very impressive when escaped, keeping him in Beryl's good favor.
"USAKO!" he bellowed, not out of anger, but out of fear for her. He remembered Sailor Saturn well.
Usagi approached the young girl slowly. "Hotaru?" she asked.
The girl's voice was barely above a whisper, and Sailor Moon had to kneel to hear her. "How do you know me?"
Sailor Moon smiled maternally. "I have known you for a very long time. You were once my very good friend." She was unaware of the peril she was in, unaware of where the danger was.
Hotaru accepted this answer, even from a young woman she'd never seen before this day. "What is your name?"
"My name is Princess Serenity. Do you remember me, Hotaru?"
Hotaru closed her eyes, drawing her knees up against her chest. "No. I remember warm arms, long distances, and a sad war."
From out of nowhere, Sailor Moon produced the Silence Glaive.
"Do you remember this?"
Hotaru opened her eyes, and when her eyes fell on the weapon, she began to tear up, but she made no sound. "Yes."
"What was it for?"
Hotaru looked up, wisdom beyond her years making her eyes bright. "It was for protecting you, no matter what."
Sailor Moon stood, bringing the child to her feet. "Hotaru, would you like this back? It's yours."
Hotaru took the weapon, an object that should have been too heavy for a child of her age to carry. "Yes. I want it back." When she touched the weapon, Sailor Moon recognized the glazed look. It said her memories were returning. She also recognized the look of self-loathing that flashed through the young eyes.
"Hotaru, my death was not your fault. I love you."
She nodded, and fingered the blade. "I missed you, Serenity-mama."
The world stood still. "Saturn Planet Power!"
Then, chaos.
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Beryl snickered into the crystal ball. "It was a clever plan, Serenity. You almost succeeded. You could have, but I saw you smile into the face of your 'traitorous' prince. And I saw him allow you to transform when it would have been easier to bring you here in your civilian form. And Kunzite? He was much too willing to have Endymion here. I must admit that it worked for a time. But, now, I am on to you. And no one goes behind Queen Beryl's back and survives it."
Queen Beryl stood, and stepped away from her throne, picking up her scythe bladed staff.
------------
The Senshi and the Generals dashed up towards Sailor Moon but froze when they saw the Senshi of Silence. Tuxedo Kamen burst from the shield Sailor Moon had put him in. Saturn prepared to fire on him, only registering that he had been the previous attacker. Kunzite dropped from a portal, and another portal opened and a dozen youma fell from it.
"Hotaru, no." Sailor Moon said, very calmly, laying a firm hand on the girl's arm. "That's Prince Endymion. He is not the enemy. He was pretending to attack me because we are fooling Queen Beryl."
"Beryl. I remember her. And I remember her minions," Saturn said quietly, turning on the youma. Sailor Moon breathed a sigh of relief, only to be caught from behind by one of the youma, and staggered to the side from the blow. The other Senshi were busy battling, and Tuxedo Kamen was fighting his way towards her, masquerade dropped.
"Moon Tiara Action!" she screamed. It damaged the youma, but still it advanced.
"Cosmic Moon Power!" She cried, aiming the Wand at it. It dissolved away. Tuxedo Kamen never made it to her side, but slowly all of the youmas were destroyed.
Before anyone could even breathe, a sultry voice slithered through the air to Sailor Moon's ears.
"Serenity. We meet again."
Sailor Moon turned very slowly. She remained calm, even while drinking in the sight of Tuxedo Kamen angrily on the ground at Beryl's feet, with a blade at his throat.
"Remove your staff, Beryl," she ordered in a low voice.
Beryl gave a fanged smile, moving the blade slowly closer to Tuxedo Kamen's exposed neck.
"I do not believe you are in a position to give orders, Serenity."
Sailor Moon opened her palms, and her Crescent Moon Wand vanished into thin air.
"What do you want, Beryl?"
Another fanged smile. Sailor Moon fought a strong urge to retch. "I want what is rightfully mine. Vengeance."
She paused, glancing at her prey on the ground, and moved the blade against his skin for good measure. "I want you, Serenity. I want what you stole from me. I want your blood on my hands."
"OVER MY DEAD BODY!" Sailor Uranus roared, advancing. The earth shook beneath her feet.
"No, Senshi, over your prince's dead body."
Sailor Moon sent her a warning look that made even Sailor Uranus freeze. Then, she winked, since Beryl couldn't see her face with her head turned. Her face hardened as she turned back to her enemy.
"Fine. Let's trade. Leave Endymion with my Senshi. You get me."
Warning looks didn't work on Tuxedo Kamen. "IE, USA--ugh!" he bellowed, but was cut off by the flat of the blade pressing against his windpipe.
"It's done."
Just as every Senshi opened their mouth to attack, Beryl swung her staff at Sailor Moon's head. The flat of the blade crashed into her skull, and she collapsed. Beryl was lightning fast. Before anyone could think about attacking, she slung Sailor Moon over her should by her hair with terrifying force, then disappeared, thunder crashing behind them.
Mamoru's anguished howl was the only sound to pierce the cold night air, just as it began to rain.
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Wow. Everyone, please review.
-rosa lunae
PS: One note. Should I continue that review replies? They take up a lot of space, but if reviewers enjoy them, I will continue them. Thanks for you help! I hope you enjoyed this chapter!