Escaping Oblivion
It was nice to have a slow-paced, relaxing, sweet chapter, was it not?
WELL THAT'S ALL OVER!
There were a whole lot of reviews. Yay! You guys think we can make it to 200?! That'd be massive. Well, I'll keep up my side of the bargain and keep writing chapters and well see how it goes.
JadesRose: Ah, I loved your review! Your suggestions really did help, because this chapter was the hardest one yet to write. So many decisions for me to make! And I love help! Yay! I am also very anxious to get Usagi and Mamoru back together! Hurry up and remember, Mamo-chan!
Mango-Moo: I will indeed tune into your story, especially since you've been so kind to me in your reviews! I'll look forward to it!
Serenity Darkness: I shall continue! And I think I read your evil Serenity fic—I think I remember liking it! I'll have to go check it out again! Thanks for reviewing!
WingsofaDream: Furry spawns of Satan!!! I seriously cracked up when I read that. I tried to do the Usagi/Mamoru thing in a way no one had ever seen before. Hope it's working! Thanks for reviewing!
cardcaptor eternity: Thanks! I didn't know either word, so that helped! Combing all the reviews, and we got it!
pure-sweet: I figured by your screen name that you would like that last chapter! Thanks for reviewing!
Kawaii Usa: Thanks! Hope it didn't take too long!
Krysia: Thanks for the corrections. I love an honest review, and you criticized politely, without being mean! Thank you!
chibi hikari1: Really? The Best?! Wow. Thank you so much!
Nazi Hater: Koneko means kitten. That's Haruka's pet-name for Usagi. I added it, so thanks for the reminder! Haha, I can't figure out if your little list is good things or bad things! They sound good to me! Haha! And you are quite right. I am, in fact, a chic! And I loved all your suggestions… I might use them… Like I told JadesRose, this was a hard chapter to write, and I appreciate all the suggestions I got! And the triangle is more like a square…
Alica Blade: Yep, he's totally fallen for her. My email should be in my bio… Love your stories by the way! I'm totally honored that you're reviewing my stories!
omystars: Ah, my regulars! Yay! Thanks for keeping up with me! And putting up with me! Enjoy the chapter!
Starlit Warrior: Yay! Another regular! I totally needed the luck this chapter, it's a hard one! God bless ya!
ells: I tried to do something new! Glad you liked it! And thanks for telling me about Tsukikage no Knight! I can't wait to see it either… cuz I don't even know yet!
Carla: Your questions will be answered… some sooner than others! Glad you like it so far, and thanks for reviewing! Enjoy!
karone-sakura: I like them too. This chapter will definitely have one, cuz I can't resist for two chapters in a row! Have another chapter and enjoy!
Neonlights: You are only the second person who knew! Thanks!!!! And don't worry, Molly and Umino are coming back. Totally. Ann and Darien together… nah…. I wouldn't do that….
Catty: Haha, do you mind if I call you Catty? Haha! I'm surely not going to dwell on the not remembering stuff. That's a different story for another time! Haha! Escaping Oblivion verses pinball! Haha! I've done that too, checking e-mail during class… fun times. Ramen noodles always work when I have to feed myself. Hope you enjoy this chapter!
Soul-Shard-Wielder: Thanks for reviewing! I hope you stick around! And cool penname. Enjoy!
sailorearth: Don't go crazy! Who would give me nice reviews!? Haha. And if the show's going to restart, I definitely want to get some info!!!
v1786: Edge of your seats? But of course! I guess even when I try not to make a cliffhanger, I turn it into one. Thanks for reviewing!
juniper87: I'm glad you like it!! Thanks for reviewing!
Ok, real quick refresher on Alan and Ann in Japanese.
Alan: As a human, he is known as Ginga Seijuurou, but when he is in his alien form, he is known as Ail.
Ann: As a human: Ginga Natsumi. As an alien: Ann
The Doom Tree: Makaiju
Get it?
Good.
Chapter Fourteen: Reawakening
Haruna-sensei nearly had a heart attack when Usagi hobbled into the classroom early AND on crutches and her entire right leg in a cast.
"Usagi-san!" she cried, rushing to help her exhausted student into her desk. "What happened to you?"
Usagi tried to catch her breath before answering. "I was mugged, Haruna-sensei." she managed, tiredly. Tired of the stupid cast, the crutches, and all the lies…
"Oh, my! Daijobou desu ka?! I thought you dropped out, dear," She admitted, sheepishly.
Usagi stared for a minute, but instead of being offended, she laughed heartily. "I'm not surprised. Demo, hai, I'll be okay. I get the cast off on Saturday. The reason I was out for two weeks was because I was in the hospital for a concussion, a fractured knee-cap, and stitches on the back of my head. And one of my eyes was swollen shut. Man, that didn't look very good. I lost a lot of blood, so they kept me there."
Haruna-sensei found herself tearing up. Usagi spoke of her injuries as if they'd happened to someone else, as if they were no big deal. Lazy student or not, Usagi is too innocent, too naïve, too sweet to experience something like this! Her heart filled with anger at whoever hurt her, but sympathy and pride for Usagi.
"Oh, Usagi, gomen! Gomen nasai! Just stay after school for, say, an hour, every day, and I'll get you caught up in no time!"
"Arigatou, Haruna-sensei. I promise to work hard."
Again, Haruna had to fight her tears of guilt regret for her student fiercely, and she could feel her face turning red, so she turned away, saying she had to finish preparing for class.
Usagi had almost dozed off when the bell rang. Ami and Makoto came in, looked at her leg sympathetically, but said nothing. But after Ami sat down, she sent a long, evaluating glance back at Usagi, and Mako, sitting beside her, stared at her curiously, when she thought Usagi wasn't looking.
Usagi smiled brightly at both of them, but when their eyes wandered from her face, her smile fell, and an unfathomable expression clouded her eyes.
"Usagi-chan?!"
Usagi smiled again, turning as best she could in her desk, knowing who sat behind her.
"Ohayoo, Naru-chan!" she said cheerfully, as if nothing was wrong.
Naru was gawking at the huge cast. "What did you DO?"
"Fall down multiple flights of stairs?" Umino inserted playfully, from opposite Naru.
Usagi stuck her tongue out at him. "You'll be sorry you said that when I tell you what happened."
Just as they both opened their mouths, Haruna-sensei silenced them. "Students, please, quiet down a moment. I'd like to introduce a new student our class Ginga Natsumi."
Usagi sensed the temperature drop slightly in the room, as she shifted in her seat to observe the newcomer.
Natsumi was short with brown hair, unnaturally pale skin, and narrow, suspicious eyes. Her nose was pointed up, just slightly.
"Natsumi will be joining our class, and her older brother, Seijuurou, will be in grade 10 for the remainder of this school year."
Usagi looked the girl over inconspicuously as she sat down. She sensed something strange from Natsumi, but couldn't decipher what it could be.
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At the end of the day, Usagi was thoroughly depressed. Ami and Mako had no idea who she was, Naru and Umino were grilling her about her "mugging" which forced her to lie some more, she missed Mamoru more than she would have missed her sight or hearing, and, on top of everything, she had a bad feeling about the day, positive that it wasn't going to end well.
When she left school that day, she could feel the gazes of Ami and Mako on her back—their dormant memories were driving them crazy, she realized, smiling. Before she even had time to worry about how she was getting home, a familiar convertible pulled up in front of her. She smiled, a pink blush tinting her cheeks, leaning on her crutches tiredly.
Mamoru parked, and jumped out of the car, running over to open the door for Usagi. "Konnichi wa!" he said, charmingly, helping her to the car.
Just as she was settled, and he was moving to get in on the driver's side, a sudden hand locked on his arms. Mamoru whirled, and found himself face-to-face with a pair of hungry, narrow, brown eyes stuck on a gaunt face he'd never seen before.
"Konnichi wa," the girl said, looking up into his face as if he was a Twinkie, "Watakushi-wa Ginga Natsumi desu," she said sweetly, still locked onto his arm. "I don't think we've ever met."
Mamoru looked down on her, removing his arm, trying to mask his distaste. "Ano… I guess not. Chiba Mamoru," he muttered, backing away.
Usagi had turned around as best she could and her face was bright red with repressed anger. "Natsumi-san?!" she demanded.
She was ignored.
"Are you seeing anyone currently, Mamoru?" the annoyingly high voice inquired.
Mamoru fought to keep his composure. It was girls like these that made being sexy a pain in the butt, he thought dryly. "Ie, Natsumi-san, demo, I've promised Usagi-chan that I would drive her home. Gomen. Ja!" he said shortly, getting into his car.
Usagi had to smile at his discomfort. "I'm sorry about that," she ventured. "Natsumi-san is a new student; I just met her today."
Mamoru glanced at her quickly before returning his focus to the road. "Usagi-chan, are you aware that your hair resembles a pair of odangos?"
Usagi smiled at that memory. "Ano… some people have said so."
Mamoru laughed, pleased. "I think I'll call you Odango Atama, Usagi-chan! Would that displease you?"
Averting her eyes to hide her brightening blush, Usagi replied very softly, "Ie. Not at all."
Mamoru dropped her off a short distance from her home, wary of Tsukino Kenji reaction to his daughter in a boy's car. He helped Usagi out of the car, and she lingered in his arms for a moment before sighing, and pulling away.
"Are you still coming to dinner on Friday?" she asked mischievously. "Or are you too scared?"
Mamoru stood to his full height. "Why, no! On the contrary, Odango, I'm very much looking forward to it!" he replied chivalrously, bowing without missing a beat.
Usagi laughed. "Good. Ja ne, Mamoru-san!"
She hobbled back to her home.
Mamoru frowned after her. "I'm going to get rid of that blasted '-san' if it's the last thing I do, Odango Atama!"
With this vow, he hopped into his car and drove off.
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When Usagi came in, her mother was in a rush, already stressing over the appearance of the house for Usagi's rescuer's visit. Usagi had to smile; her mother's matchmaking plans were already painfully obvious.
She took her time up the stairs, but she was practically an expert at using her crutches efficiently. She found Luna waiting on her.
"Usagi, did you see the Senshi today?" Luna demanded.
"Hai." she answered shortly. She snagged some clothes and headed to the bathroom. "You know, is privacy too much to ask for?" she yelled through the closed the door. Luna rolled her eyes.
"Well, did you awaken them?"
Usagi hobbled through the door, wincing as it hit her in the back when she had no hand to stop it. "Yeah, of course I did Luna. I whipped out the Silver Crystal in the middle of the hall, transformed into my true form, and restored their memories before the bell rang."
Luna stared. "So you didn't awaken them."
Usagi sighed. "Luna, I'm going for a walk."
"Usagi, you can't walk!"
She tossed an aggravated look over her shoulder. "Fine, Luna! I'm going for a limp!"
She made her way to the park, slowly. The citizens of Tokyo were kind to her, and gave her plenty of the room on the sidewalk.
She got to the park, and her feet automatically to her to the bench beside the big oak where she'd last seen Mamoru, and the Senshi.
She sat down.
Usagi leaned back, and let her crutches rest against the bench, and closed her eyes. She wondered where Haruka and Michiru and Hotaru were now. Their memories probably had been wiped too. Setsuna was no doubt back at the Gate. And all her other friends were right here… under her nose.
Well, she wished for them to be happy, so the Crystal wiped their memories. So as long as there was no danger, she couldn't be selfish and awaken them because she was…lonely. No. That was not acceptable.
"Excuse me, miss… Are you okay?"
Usagi's eyes popped open, only to be opened wider when she found Hino Rei's concerned violet eyes. She had to bite her tongue to keep from whispering her friend's name.
"Hai, hai. Arigatou, priestess. I'm fine. Just tired is all." Yes. Tired of it all.
Rei looked doubtful, but smiled kindly, and walked off. She took a seat on another bench, where a blonde man she recognized was sitting. "Jadeite? Wow. Weird coincidence."
Usagi sat up, and looked around the park. She glimpsed Makoto's long brown ponytail swinging as she worked to climb one of the huge trees. Minako was playing volleyball with a group of people. And Ami was sitting in swing, reading a book.
Usagi's senses suddenly perked. "Everyone here? That's a sure-fire sign of trouble."
Usagi again locked eyes with Rei. Rei was looking at her worriedly. Usagi snagged her crutches, and stood. She hobbled quickly to the path, and chose a direction, positive something bad was going to happen any moment.
It didn't take long.
Soon, she heard screams coming from the basketball court about fifty yards off. Usagi took a deep breath, and began crutching as fast as she could to the site, though she wasn't sure what she was going to do when she got there.
When she was within ten feet of the court and thoroughly winded, she stopped, but the strange looking youma that was draining energy immediately turned to her, a hungry look in his eyes.
"Sure," Usagi muttered, backing up slowly and carefully. "Go after the wounded one."
After the third step, she misplaced her crutch, and fell backwards, arms flailing. The youma rubbed its vine-like tendril hands together, then launched one at her. It coiled around her neck, and began to drain her energy.
"Uh-uh," she whispered, eyelids drooping. "Can't go out like this… not even morphed…"
Suddenly she heard a familiar zap, and a steel tip rose embedded itself into the monster's tendril. Before her eyes closed, Usagi noticed it was pure white.
When she opened her eyes, she found herself on the moon. "Mother?"
Queen Serenity appeared. "Serenity! Quickly dearest, you must wake up and fight!"
"Fight for what, Mother? My dearest friends and my prince don't even remember me!"
Queen Serenity took her daughter's face in both of her hands. "Darling, fight for the innocents! And just because your friends don't remember me, doesn't mean they aren't alive. They're in danger."
"You're right of course. I needed a pep talk, Mother." Serenity said smiling.
The Queen held out her hands. In one, she held four bright pens. In the other, she held a new locket.
"I think you might need these, dearest," she said with a smile. After Usagi secured these in her space pocket, and fastened on her new brooch, the Queen held out a new weapon. "This is the Moon Princess Scepter. It was once mine… and I now pass it on to you."
The Princess took it reverently. "I'll make you proud, Mother!" she said, closing her eyes.
"You always do."
When Usagi opened her eyes, she saw a very familiar pair of blue eyes looking down at her. But something was wrong. This face was partly covered by a white piece of cloth, and a white hood hid what she guessed was midnight hair.
"Who are you?" she asked, wearily.
"Watakushi-wa Tsukikage no Knight desu," the man said mysteriously. He stood quickly, ripping a curved Arab sword from its sheath, and returned to the monster.
While he was distracted with one set of arms, the monster let out one tendril from its other set and it slithered slowly towards Usagi. Usagi glared at the vine, and lifted her good foot. "No way."
As soon as it was close enough, she let her foot crash down on it. The monster squealed, and the vine shot up and wrapped around her midsection, and lifted her high above its head. She screamed as it began to tighten mercilessly and drain her energy.
She could hear Tsukikage no Knight fighting the creature fervently, and she heard feminine cries that said, "Matte, matte, matte!"
Usagi opened her eyes, feeling as if she'd been drugged with anesthesia. The four girls yelling at the youma were her Senshi.
She could hardly breathe. She sucked in air long and slow, and with a deep breath, ripped one of her arms free.
In her hand, she held four bright pens. She gathered all the willpower she had left, and threw the pens to their owners, hoping, hoping…
"Mercury Star Power, Make up!"
"Mars Star Power, Make up!"
"Jupiter Star Power, Make-up!"
"Venus Star Power, Make up!"
The four girls looked at each other, trying to shake the fog from their heads. Then, they attacked, asking questions later. The man in white darted to the shadows when they appeared.
"Shine Aqua Illusion!"
Mercury let loose a powerful spray of icy water at the youma, freezing it and focusing on the tentacle gripping the now limp Usagi, casted leg hanging heavily at an odd angle.
"Sparkling Wide Pressure!"
Jupiter's lighting bolts cut through the frozen limb, shattering it. Venus and Mars leapt forward, catching Usagi, being very careful of her leg. Mercury rushed over to check for vitals, and Mars and Venus stood to attack.
Sailor Venus's eye lit with fury. "Venus Love-Me Chain!" She expertly lassoed the youma, and yanked it roughly to the ground. It shattered some more, but wasn't completely gone.
Fire flashed in Sailor Mars's eyes. "Burning Mandala!" she cried, letting lose a barrage of flames from her hands. They melted the shattered pieces to liquid, which then evaporated away.
Usagi came to, just about then, but before the Senshi could interrogate her, a familiar voice floated to them.
"Tsukino hikari wa ai no message," The man known as Tsukikage no Knight declared, gazing at Usagi's waking form with an unreadable look in his eyes. Then, with wave of his white cape, the man disappeared.
"Usagi… What in the world is going on!" Venus demanded. She looked around, and saw that the park had been emptied when the youma appeared, so she powered down, and the others followed suit.
Usagi rubbed her eyes tiredly, trying in vain to stretch her leg within the cast. "Where should I begin?" she asked tiredly, an amused smile in her eyes.
"How about why in the world you have a cast on your leg?"
She explained about tripping in the Dark Kingdom, very sheepishly, and the hairline fracture caused by a 'mugging.'
"Mugging. Right." Mako snorted angrily, crossing her arms.
"When do you get it off?" Ami asked, concerned.
"Saturday," she answered.
"Good," Rei declared. "Because we can't go doing your job forever, Odango Atama."
"What about our memories? How long have we been without them?" Minako wondered.
"Almost a month."
"NANI?!"
Usagi smiled, and explained about her wish. She also told them that Mamoru had lost his memories, too, and presumably, the Shitennou had as well.
"Where are the guys?" Mako wanted to know.
"They're somewhere in the city, but that's all I can sense," Usagi answered, trying to sit up. Ami helped her.
"So you were pretty banged up after we got back to earth," Ami surmised colloquially, as Mako handed her Usagi's crutches.
"Hai. You could say that." Usagi stood with difficulty. She was utterly exhausted.
"Can you give the guys their memories back, Usagi?" Rei wanted to know as they began to walk towards the exit of the park.
Usagi thought about it. "I don't know," she whispered. "You see, the reason it worked when they were brainwashed was that their memories were still there, just blocked by the evil energy. The Crystal healed the evil energy, releasing their memories. But returning memories that have actually been wiped? I'm not sure I can do that; it's stepping into End—Earth's territory."
"What about Mamoru? Can you wake him up?"
Usagi's head drooped. "I just don't know…" she whispered, tortured. "Even if I could, I'm not sure I want to. Mamoru is safe now; he's not in danger anymore."
The Senshi understood her conflict, and said nothing.
"But if Mamoru… who is that Tsukikage no Knight?" Mako thought out loud, opening the gate for Usagi.
"I'm not sure… how… but I'm sure that that is some part of Mamoru…" Usagi answered thoughtfully, hobbling down the sidewalk.
The moonlight carries the message of love…Usagi cast a lingering gaze at the moon, tears dropping from her eyes.
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"Who are they?"
Around a huge, strange tree, two equally foreign figures were pacing. One was predominantly pink, and obviously female. The other was mostly blue, and male.
"I don't know. But they had strange powers. That yellow-haired girl… she had a very peculiar energy signature… the Makaiju seemed to like it very much. Very potent," the girl said. "They were protecting her."
"Yes, but Ann, she was injured and frail," the male said distastefully. "We are not to the point where we're desperate enough to drain sickly humans! We need vibrant, young humans."
"Such as those warriors, perhaps," the being known as Ann suggested.
"Maybe eventually," her companion answered. "We must learn more about them. Until then, we continue the plan as usual. This planet is ripe with energy for the Makaiju if every human is like that injured yellow-haired girl."
"Ail, she is in my class in the human school. We can extract donations from her whenever we want."
Ail looked thoughtful. "Maybe not. Those warriors protected her very adamantly. We should tread softly."
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A week passed quietly for the Senshi. At least, when it comes to youmas. Usagi was anything but quiet—she swore Pluto was slowing time to torture her and keep her cast on longer.
Mamoru faced a similar problem. The week dragged by for him, inch-by-inch, moment-by-moment. Friday evening waiting on the horizon, taunting him, and when if finally came, his classes went by slower than ever. When the bell rang, guys grinned knowingly when Mamoru dashed from the classroom, and sped off from the campus before anyone else even reached their cars.
After he changed clothes, he stopped by a florist's and made two purchases. One was a potted plant with bright blooms for Mrs. Tsukino, and the other, a single, flawless, thornless red rose for Usagi, a gift he planned to present if they ever had a moment alone.
Mamoru grinned, adjusting his rearview mirror. By the look in Mrs. Tsukino's eyes, he guessed they'd have a moment alone. Mr. Tsukino would be an obstacle. And Shingo would simply be a nuisance in that matter; in all other respects, Mamoru thought the kid was great.
He stopped in their driveway to check his hair, and for the first time, he was dissatisfied. He fussed with it for a moment, then gave up. Then, he adjusted his clothes, the outfit he'd painstakingly selected to be not too casual but not too dressy. Also, the green blazer accented his broad shoulders, and his khakis highlighted his narrow hips and long, muscular legs.
With a deep breath, Mamoru scooped up the potted plant, urged his pounding heart to slow, and stepped out of the car. He rang the doorbell, and plastered on a practiced, genteel smile.
The door opened.
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HAHAHA! CLIFFHANGER!
No, it's not really slimy like I said it would be. But still, it's a cliffhanger! Who knows, a youma could answer the door or something!
You're right, it was a sorry attempt. Haha! Oh well! Sorry this took so long; it was a difficult chapter to write, even if it didn't seem that way!
Everyone please review, and stay tuned for the next episode! And don't worry, the Shitennou will be making an appearance very soon! (In what fashion? That's for me to know, and you to agonize over!)
Favorite part of story? Chapter? I'd love to hear about it!
-rosa lunae