Hi, everyone! Still enjoying yourselves? Me too! Well, I think this is going to be my favorite chapter yet! I can already tell! This was one of my favorite episodes… but I've tweaked it some.
The sad thing is, this episode signals that Escaping Oblivion is nearly done! Well, that's wonderful, but it's sad too. But don't worry this is not the last chapter, nor the next to the last. I think I will finish by 20 or 21. But who knows? Then I'll work on the third in this trilogy and after that, take on a whole new project that I've already begun planning! I'm very excited, so I hope you will all come check it out. I'll tell you more as the details develop.
ells: Gosh, I know! I thought about giving the Generals quote "American" names, but that wouldn't be consistent with everyone else's Japanese names. Then, I thought, maybe I'll just give them Japanese names that start with the same letter, but I figured that would be too confusing, since I confused myself trying to figure it out! But you did make a good point though… how to differentiate between human and Shitennou form… since I have some time yet, do you have any suggestions? I can go back and edit that bit with Zoisite and the parts in this chapter if you think it would be better to change their human names, or if you have any idea about possibly changing their Shitennou names… I'm open to suggestions and I value your opinion! Thanks for all of your help!
CatDemon1: 5:30? Yuck. I never get up that early unless I have to finish work before class or something. Eek. But I'm glad you like the chapter! Yay! I love my faithfuls!
pure-sweet: Perhaps you will be surprised! And I agree, after everything that happened to Usagi in this life and her past one, she simply couldn't remain a crybaby! At least, all the time. Thanks for reviewing!!
karone-sakura: Stupid questions? NOOOOO!!! The ultimate threat! Lol! I'm writing quickly, so I hope I didn't leave you hanging too long! And yes, there's been lots of mush lately, but I couldn't help it! I'm a romantic at heart. But still, I love the action/adventure/suspense, so I'm going to make sure to have more in this chapter! Enjoy! And thanks for reviewing!
sailor earth: Haha! The tv? Interesting. Glad you're back, though! Here's a chapter for ya, so enjoy! And thanks for reviewing!
JadesRose: Hey! Your screen name didn't show up, but I could tell it was you! You're right, it's not really a love square, but I couldn't figure out what else to call it! ;-) Thanks for reminding me about "miko"! I added it. I'm sure there are many more that I've forgotten or don't know. And I did recognize the pitchfork! The whole review made me giggle. So, obviously, I was indeed tickled and not ticked. Stupid typos. Lol! I'm trying to get better about catching those things! Haha, if Mamoru gets his memory back, you're right. The Senshi will be very unhappy! We'll just see what happens!
Starlit Warrior: I think you're good lucking wishing is helping, and especially asking God to bless me is really helping! I'm sure of it! Thanks for reading and reviewing!!
WingsofaDream: France?! Oh, no! Soc le bluer! I have no idea what that means. If anyone else does, I'd love to know. I just know that it's French! LOL! And yes, it was very cruel of me to throw in the fake ending! But I almost did end it there, so be thankful! LOL! Just kidding. You're review was hilarious. I was in stitches!!! I just love reading them; they make my day! Thanks!
You're a new "face"! AHAHAHA! (silence) Ok, bad pun, but I couldn't resist! Glad you love the story, and I'm definitely going to continue, don't worry! Keep reading and thanks for reviewing!
Jyinxe: Only on Chapter 3, so far? That's ok! Glad you like it so far! And "nani" is that Japanese word for "what". BTW, I have a little mini Japanese dictionary on my profile in case you want to check it out! Thanks for reviewing!
cardcaptor eternity: Yes, 17 pages. Long! Ok, I'm sure this will sound stupid, but I'll ask anyway. What is TDP? LOL! I'm sure I'm supposed to know, but I've no clue. LOL! But thanks for reviewing!!!!!!
Neonlights: I had to make up for my less than cliffy, cliffies! LOL! I had to! And thanks, I tried to throw in some contact between the two. Glad you reviewed, as always!
Nazi Hater: Oh, gosh, you poor thing. You must be so lost! Okay, first of all, Ail and Ann are an anime thing and the Moonlight Knight, or, Tsukikage no Knight, is also an anime thing. It's going to be explained later on in this chapter, so don't worry! I'll try to answer anymore of your questions next time around, too! I forgot that you'd never seen the anime, just the manga. Go here fore a picture: . Anyway, I hope this chapter kind of clears things up a little. It should help. And don't worry about grammar editing! I love it and I need it, so keep those corrections coming! Besides, it's great to see how confused you are, because that's exactly how Usagi feels! She has no idea, until… this chapter. Well, just read and see! And then I'll try to answer anymore questions you have! Thanks for the review, of course!
STANDARD DISCLAIMERS APPLY
Chapter 16: VR Madness
Sailor Moon could see the resolve in Mamoru's eyes, and knew she couldn't escape his questions. So, she jumped from the rafters, and landed like a cat, but let her good leg absorb the impact. Mamoru noticed this, eyes narrowing.
He stopped his approach when she met his eyes. He was taken aback by the utter sorrow in them.
"Sailor Moon…" he whispered, feeling trapped in her eyes. "Where have you been?"
Sailor Moon studied him for a moment, then sighed. She knew he suspected and she knew Mamoru: he'd figure it out. Instead of answering, she activated her scepter. The scepter controlled the Crystal's energy in a way that was weaker but less exhausting to her. The energy it released was directly from the Silver Crystal. She used it to repair the Crown and return any energy that had been drained in the short attack. She glanced at Mamoru, but he was not responding. The last time, just being in the presence of the Crystal had awakened his memories. Not this time. He just watched her carefully.
She finished, and turned slowly back to him, lowering the weapon.
"I was injured…" she said finally, "in my last battle." She motioned to her Senshi and all five of them disappeared.
Mamoru was still for a moment, thinking things his overprotective mind did not want to consider. When finally turned to find where Usagi was hidden, he found her sitting quietly in the booth behind him, lost in thought. She stood, when she felt his eyes on her.
"Daijobou desu ka, Mamoru-kun?" she asked, touching his arm with her free hand. The cane was tightly gripped in the other. Her eyes showed concern, but revealed nothing. But the simple idea, the mere thought of it frazzled Mamoru. Eager to be assured of her safety and presence, he pulled her tightly against his chest.
"Hai. You?"
"Hai."
Usagi listened to the rapid pounding of his heart. Something, she could sense, had terrified him.
They were silent for a moment, just enjoying each other's warmth, but when people began to trickle back inside, Usagi pulled back slightly so she could see Mamoru's face.
"Weren't you going to feed me?"
Mamoru laughed. "I think I was. Let's get out of here."
The almost-couple left the café in the Crown. Mamoru tentatively reached for her hand, and when she didn't pull away, he tightened his grip.
Neither noticed the figure, carefully masked in shadow, following their every step.
-----------------
Rei fumed, watching Usagi and Mamoru leave the arcade hand in hand. "The nerve of that girl!" she growled, pacing. "Kills the cardian, then leaves us high and dry to… to… take a walk in the park with Mamoru!"
She paled, suddenly, and her heart skipped a beat.
"THE PARK!"
Without another word, Rei dashed off. Ami watched her curiously, but made no move to follow. She'd been quiet ever since she'd seen Zoisite at the hospital. Makoto looked bored already now that the fight was over, and went to the counter to flirt shamelessly with unavailable Motoki. Minako rolled her eyes, and went to go play her favorite game. The Sailor V game, what else?
"I'm Sailor Venus, for Kami's sake," she muttered to herself. "I can beat Usagi's score."
She was so involved in this quest that the person tapping on her shoulder had to clear his throat to catch her attention.
------------------
Mamoru chose a charming Italian restaurant where they could sit outside. The table had a quaint little umbrella shading them, and a comfortable breeze was blowing. Usagi moved to sit down, but Mamoru hurried past her to pull the chair out for her. She giggled, delighted. "Suck-up," she accused playfully, laughing as she sat.
He grinned as he walked back around to his seat. He signaled the waiter, eager to settle down and let the attack business and his disturbing notions about Sailor Moon be forgotten.
They chatted gaily, until Usagi stopped speaking and cocked her head. Mamoru found the gestured extremely cute, but didn't say anything. Instead, he too listened to see what got her attention.
It was flute music.
Usagi turned in her seat, and found Seijuurou standing on the sidewalk below the deck where they were eating.
"Seijuurou, you are very talented!" Usagi praised politely when he stopped. Mamoru froze in his seat.
Seijuurou. There was that name again. Mamoru nodded coldly at his competition, glad Usagi's back was turned.
"Arigatou, Usagi," the brown-haired boy said. Mamoru disliked him right away; when Usagi waved to someone else, Seijuurou sent Mamoru an icy smirk. Mamoru felt his face flush with anger. Seijuurou was undressing Usagi slowly with his eyes. Eyes that Mamoru would take great pleasure in blackening.
"Usagi, this afternoon, my sister and I are going to go to that new VR place that opened today, and I want to know if you'd be interested in joining us."
Usagi glanced back at Mamoru. His knuckles were white; she was scared he was going to snap that fork right in half. She gently put her foot over his own in a subtle effort to calm him. He responded, and relaxed his hand slightly.
Sighing, she turned back to Seijuurou and discovered Natsumi was now standing beside him. Before Usagi could answer, Natsumi elbowed her brother and exclaimed, "Seijuurou, how rude! Mamoru, you are invited, too, of course. Please say you will be able to meet us there!"
Mamoru fought against the urge to cringe. Another guy interested in Usagi and a strange girl who had a crush on him?! However, he saw in Usagi's eyes that she wanted to go, but he could tell she wouldn't if he declined.
Suddenly, Mamoru grinned. This would be a great chance to show off a bit; after all, he was a whiz at video games. Impress Usagi and show up his adversary. He couldn't refuse such a golden opportunity.
"Arigatou, Natsumi-san. I'd love to go; it sounds like fun. Right, Usako?"
Usagi fought a laugh. He was calling her Usako in effort to stake his claim. She kept composure, and grinned, delighted. "Yes! Why don't we all meet up at about four? How does that sound?"
They agreed and the two newcomers reluctantly went on their way.
Usagi smiled, and teasingly broke the new silence. "I think Natsumi has a crush on you, Mamoru."
Mamoru looked around, then sniffed distastefully. "I think so, too. But she's not my type. And Seijuurou-san obviously has a thing for you!"
Usagi blushed, endeared by his jealousy and protectiveness. "Don't worry, Mamo-chan, he's just a friend. Nothing more."
Mamoru stared. She'd called him Mamo-chan. Before he could realize the message behind that statement of hers, a picture flashed across his memory.
It was Sailor Moon. And tears were streaming down her face. She wept with noble acceptance. "Prince Endymion…Tuxedo Kamen… Mamo-chan…I do not deny my love for you, but I deny the right to hold it."
Mamoru shook his head to clear the dizziness, then stared at the girl sitting across from him. She was contentedly eating, unaware of the turmoil Mamoru now found himself in.
No one has ever called me Mamo-chan except Usagi, he realized. And she looks just like Sailor Moon.
Mamoru found the revelation terrified him. But it made deadly sense.
She disappeared when Sailor Moon appeared. And when Sailor Moon was gone, Usagi was back. And Sailor Moon didn't reappear until Usagi had gotten her cast off.
Oh, Kami, Mamoru thought, feeling helpless. Usagi is Sailor Moon.
He frowned. Then why don't I ever remember her saying that to me before? Was I hallucinating?
That was unlikely. It had to be true. Why she had called him a Prince and Tuxedo Kamen, Mamoru couldn't understand, so he dismissed it. For now.
Now what in Kami's name am I supposed to do?! I'm in love with a super heroine!
"Daijobou desu ka, Mamo-chan?"
The sweet voice brought him back to reality. "Hai," he replied, smiling, enjoying the sound. "Just thinking."
Usagi chose to leave it there and he was grateful. He finally began to eat, mind whirling. But when Usagi reached for his free hand, he knew everything would be okay.
---
When they were finished, Usagi said she would meet him at the VR place because she needed to talk Ami about something. She didn't say why, but Mamoru was vaguely aware that Mizuno Ami was a girl-genius, so he assumed it was something to do with school. He smiled, and said it was fine, he was just going to go chat with Motoki for a while.
Before they parted, Usagi shyly used her cane as leverage to stand on her toes, and gave Mamoru a kiss on the cheek. He was speechless, and she just smiled, and walked away.
----
Usagi found Ami on her way to the library. Usagi volunteered to walk with her there, eager to ask her some things.
"Ami-chan, is it possible for Mamoru's memories to be removed from his mind?"
Ami understood instantly. "You mean, not erased, but physically relocated?"
Usagi nodded. "Is it possible?"
Ami smiled wryly. "Usagi, I think, considering what I've seen over the years of my life, that anything is possible. Why do you ask?"
Usagi's face was bright with excitement. "I think that Tsukikage no Knight is the physical embodiment of Mamoru's memories of me."
Ami stopped walking, astounded. She was silent for a full minute before she started walking again. "I think you may be correct, Usagi-chan. What makes you think that?"
Usagi explained animatedly. "I asked the Knight who he was, and he said, he was a memory of me. Then he said 'the moonlight carries the message of love' and disappeared. And when I used the Crystal through the Scepter, Mamoru was not affected at all. I know, if his memories had been in his mind that the Crystal's presence would have awakened them. But, I think when I made that wish, the Silver Crystal must have tried to erase Mamoru's memories of me but his desire to protect me was so strong that the Crystal was forced to separate the memories from him entirely, creating the entity known as Tsukikage no Knight." She paused, eyes softening. "Besides, Ami-chan, the Knight has Mamoru's eyes. No one else has those eyes, but Tsukikage no Knight does."
Ami was floored for a moment, then she laughed. "You came up with all of that on your own, yet you simply cannot pass a math exam?"
Usagi smiled, but her eyes were serious. "I have more important things to think about."
Ami nodded. "Well, I think you're right about it." A moment passed, them Ami very quietly posed another inquiry.
"Then that means that the Shitennou still have their memories within and that you should be able to revive them."
Usagi was dreadfully somber, but she empathized with her friend. "I miss Mamoru just as much as you miss Zoisite, Ami. Having him near, even without his memories, is wonderful, but not the same. I know how you feel, I really do. And I would give anything to give Zoisite back to you, anything. But I think Kunzite was in the arcade when the attack came, and he did not respond to the Crystal's presence either. I think now that Endymion is awakened (and kept so by Tsukikage no Knight) that jurisdiction over the Shitennou lies in his hands, not mine. Remember, they were never under my command, Ami-chan."
Ami nodded sadly. "I understand, Usagi, really I do. Don't put this on your shoulders along with everything else. But what can I do? I miss him so much, Usagi-chan, so much!"
Usagi smiled regretfully. "I know exactly what you can do."
A moment later, Ami was on her way to the hospital, hope shining in her eyes.
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"This is a great opportunity, Ail!" Ann said eagerly, as Ail was practicing on his flute. "It's a perfect chance for us to feed the Makaiju some of Usagi's rich energy!"
Ail shot a scowl at her. "Why should we bother with Usagi, Ann? She's done nothing to us. And there will be plenty of other adrenaline-high humans there to extract an offering from."
Ann took a step back, looking at him suspiciously. "Why are you protecting her, Ail?"
Ail stood, anger flashing in his eyes. "Why were you so insistent that that fool Mamoru come along, Ann?" he shot back furiously.
Ann was struck silent at the anger in her normally mellow life companion's eyes. Ail sighed, sitting back down. "This is getting us nowhere, love. Pick a cardian, so it can be prepared for battle."
She sullenly picked a cardian. Then, he positioned his flute and resumed his practice.
--------------
Makoto carried a lot of pent up energy after the fight since she only got to release one attack, and one attack was not a satisfactory fight for Makoto, so she did the only thing she could think of that would release all the energy.
She went to the gym.
She signed in, and immediately set her sights on the punching bag. The skinny guy attempting to use it saw her and fairly jumped off the mat around the bag. He could see the spark in her eyes.
Mako put on her gloves. They were faded emerald green, worn from multiple uses. They protected her knuckles. Then, after fastening them tightly, she began to hop, arms close to her chest, hopping on the balls of her feet, left, then right, left, then right. The blood began to pump. She tightened her ponytail, then began to beat the crap out of that bag. She punched at it, over and over again, arms pumping, feet constantly moving, totally engrossed. She imagined it was a youma, and executed a flawless tornado kick, and the punching bag sailed across the room at impact.
"Shimatta, Kino-san!" the owner cried, annoyed. "That's the third one this month!"
"Gomen nasai, Ryo-kun, I'll pay you for this one too!" Mako called back, breathless and laughing. She jumped when a hand fell on her shoulder.
"Hey, nice move!" The man praised, appreciatively. Mako stared. His beautiful hair was pulled back into a ponytail, but she recognized him instantly. He grinned, and cracked his knuckles. "Care to spar a little?"
----------------
Usagi was on her way to the VR arcade, thinking. She could sense that her Senshi had each found their Shitennou at this point, but at this point, she didn't know how that would turn out. But she was determined not to bother them for a while, no matter the cost to her. So, she began to prepare herself.
Another attack was coming. She could feel it in the chill in the spring air, the velocity of her heartbeat. She guessed that it would be at the new VR center since lots of excited, energy-rich people would be there, and the enemy would be angry that they captured no energy at the Crown.
Usagi had to keep several things in mind, and she counted on her fingers as she listed them. One. I have to keep Mamoru safe. Two. I have to watch out for the attack and be ready for it. Always keep a place to henshin in sight. Three. She began to grin deviously as she thought about the third task. I have to blow Natsumi out of the water with my video gaming skills!!
Usagi had to smile. Seijuurou and Mamoru were already engaging in their male competition. It was flattering and endearing, not to mention entertaining. And it was painfully obvious, no matter how subtle they tried to be. Plus, part of Usagi enjoyed entertaining the envy of every other girl in school, since every other girl in school had a crush on Seijuurou. And his affections were not discrete. At all.
When she got there, the line was all the way down the street, but she saw Mamoru near the front, already in line. He waved her over, and she gleefully cut, ignoring the groans from behind her.
"Ohayoo!" she greeted him, cheerily, instinctively reaching for his hand.
"Hi." Mamoru enjoyed the feeling of her small hand inside of his. But it was a little cold, so he tightened his grip to warm it. "I didn't know you liked video games," he fibbed.
She smiled impishly. "Then you are unaware that I hold the highest score in the history of the Sailor V game?"
"Impressive," he responded with a grin. He pulled her closer, and whispered into her ear.
"But are you aware that I hold the second highest?"
Usagi grinned, and elbowed him playfully. Of course I know.
Just then Seijuurou and Natsumi appeared, and Usagi waved them over. Seijuurou glared at the pair's entwined hands, but Mamoru only tightened his grip, extending his free hand for Seijuurou to shake, which he did, reluctantly. Sparks seemed to go off, as the two men locked eyes and acknowledged the challenge between them.
Natsumi just rolled her eyes, and "inconspicuously" walked through their joined hands, forcing them apart. Usagi chose to ignore the immature gesture, and animatedly engaged the other girl in a conversation, leaving the guys to continue their silent glaring contest.
"How long have you known Usagi-san?" Seijuurou asked quietly, crossing his arms.
Mamoru shifted his weight. Honestly, he wasn't sure anymore. "Long enough!" he answered with a casual laugh.
"The two of you are a couple?" Seijuurou wanted to know. Mamoru strongly disliked the tone of his voice and the strange glow in his eyes.
"We are seeing each other right now, yes."
Seijuurou chose then to change the subject. "How good are you at video games, Mamoru-san?"
Mamoru grinned, cracking his knuckles. "I'm all right. You?"
"Same."
After this tense exchange, the doors opened, and Usagi's group was allowed in. They were given goggles, cheesy plastic armor, and of course, guns. The employees showed them how to work their equipment, and then pointed them down a tunnel, wishing them good luck.
The group immediately split into twos. Usagi and Natsumi ran down one side, and shooting at the red, digital monsters that appeared in their goggles. Usagi was lightning fast, and Natsumi grew angrier and angrier; Usagi was showing her up.
Natsumi paused a moment to watch as Usagi whipped out the gun from behind her back, then jammed it up against the computerized monster's neck, then fired.
That move… Natsumi thought. Where have I seen that move before?!
Annoyed with herself for not remembering, Natsumi stepped up her speed and accuracy, and the competition deepened.
The competition was closer to even on the boys' side. Seijuurou was very fast, but not near as accurate as Mamoru. When Seijuurou shot a youma that Mamoru had been aiming at, Mamoru lowered his gun, fighting for control. He glanced over his shoulder, and grinned. Usagi's skills were easily putting Natsumi to shame. He shook his head incredulously. Natsumi had no idea she was competing with the Champion of Justice.
The levels slowly increased in difficulty, and Mamoru and Usagi were separated from their companions, but they didn't lose the flow. A monster appeared behind Mamoru, and Usagi shot it. Three others approached Usagi and Mamoru shot all three. They shared a smile, then continued on.
---
"You're exerting too much energy, Ann. This is not a game for us." Ail reprimanded from the shadows.
"You were fairly absorbed yourself, Ail. Anyway, let's get this over with. I have a bad feeling about this."
Ail spread the cards in his fingers, and Ann picked one. He played his flute, and it turned into a youma. Ann gave it directions in their native language, eyes glowing, and sent it on its way.
The screams followed shortly.
---------
Usagi stopped suddenly. Mamoru slowed, then turned, wondering what was wrong. The look on her face was strangely familiar; she was concentrating hard, a pained look in her eyes.
"I think something's wrong up ahead," she said, finally, and broke into a lopsided jog. Mamoru watched distastefully. Running couldn't be good for her knee.
Then again, neither was saving the world.
They rounded a bend, and a monster in full color was draining the customers of their energy. Mamoru glanced at Usagi. Her fists were clenched tightly at her sides.
"Stay here," he ordered, locking eyes with her. "I'll hold him off until help arrives."
Usagi's eyes widened with realization. Mamoru smiled and nodded, confirming her suspicions. Then he ran into the fight.
"Kuso!" she swore, then ran into the shadows to transform.
"Moon Crystal Power, Make up!'
A moment later, Sailor Moon ran from the shadows. The youma had several of the customer's necks in its coiled tentacles. Including Mamoru. She saw his eyelids drooping as his energy was stolen.
"Moon Tiara Action!"
Sailor Moon let loose a tiara, and it sliced through the tentacles. Mamoru gasped when his throat was freed, and fell to his hands and knees, weakling panting for breath. Sailor Moon somersaulted through the air, and landed gracefully in front of him, her good leg absorbing the impact.
"Sailor Moon!" Every child in the room cried.
The heroine smiled, falling into a fighting stance. She turned to Mamoru and locked eyes with him, then jerked her head to the civilians, eyes pleading.
He understood instantly, and nodded. Sailor Moon turned back to the youma, and Mamoru began to usher the civilians from the room.
"Sailor Moon, huh?" the youma hissed, rasping. "You are nothing but a foolish child."
It lifted a tentacle in the air. With a flash of light, the tentacle became a long, pointy blade.
Sailor Moon backed up a step, summoning her scepter. "That may very well be," she answered, eyes hardening.
-----------
Suddenly, Rei jumped up from the park bench, eyes frantic.
"What is it, Rei?" her blonde-haired male companion demanded.
"Oh, um, I forgot, I'm supposed to be somewhere right now! Call me tonight!"
With that, she ran off, ebony hair flying out behind her.
----------
Mako stopped fighting suddenly, then jerked backwards, barely avoiding a high kick from Nephrite. He stopped, and looked at her questioningly.
"Great match," she said, quickly, backing from the ring. "But I've got to go."
"Matte," he protested, following her.
"Tomorrow," she answered, apologetically, slinging her gym bag over her shoulder. "Same time, same place!"
Then, Mako sprinted from the gym.
-----------
A flash of panic seized Minako, and her car crashed into the side of the track on the screen in front of her. She leapt from the video game booth, stumbling. Straightening, she began to exit.
"Where are you going," Kunzite asked, laughing. "It's just a game!"
Frantically, Minako searched her brain for an excuse.
"I… um… I… have to go shave my godmother's pet llama! See you tomorrow!"
She was gone in an instant, leaving Kunzite scratching his head, puzzled. "Strange girl. Cute, though."
--------------
Ami stopped speaking, mid-sentence. Her eyes widened, and she stood from the table.
"Thanks for the coffee, Zoisite. I really must be going."
Zoisite stood, too. "Don't worry, my break is over anyway. Where are you going?"
Ami was silent, mind blank. It was already boggled enough by being in Zoisite's presence.
Zoisite nodded sagely. "Something to do with your friend Usagi, ne?"
Ami stared, shocked. Then she nodded, and began to leave.
"I'll call you tonight, Amiko!"
Heart pounding, Ami fled the room, fighting down both tears and fears.
---------------
Sailor Moon attacked first, leaping through the air, and swinging her scepter against the bladed tentacle. The monster was surprised, and howled in pain.
Mamoru appeared again, watching anxiously.
The duel continued until Sailor Moon spotted an opening in its defenses, and cried, "Moon Princess Halation!"
The monster burst into dust, and a card fell from the air, landing, perfectly balanced on the ground, before dissolving.
Sailor Moon thought it was over, but Mamoru spotted a figure behind her, and yelled, "Watch out!"
Sailor Moon whirled, and had just enough time to somersault over a flying Ann.
Ann landed, furiously, and dove for her. Sailor Moon swung her scepter, hurling the alien across the room, but she landed on her feet.
"Put your weapon away, Sailor Senshi, and fight like a true soldier."
Sailor Moon straightened, then opened her hand, and the weapon disappeared. She fell back into a fighting stance.
Ann took the offensive, and attacked Sailor Moon. But the experienced Senshi blocked every blow and kick, never taking the offensive. Finally, Ann seized Sailor Moon's arm and began to quickly drain her energy. Sailor Moon's eyes widened; she couldn't move.
Suddenly, a shape hurled into Ann, throwing her off of Sailor Moon. Sailor Moon caught her breath, and heart in her throat realized Mamoru had saved her. Even more surprising, Ann did not blast him; in fact, she sent him an offended glare, and returned to her fighting.
Sailor Moon's reflexes were slower now, and Ann was able to get in a few hits. Finally, a buried suspicion resurfaced, and Ann threw her leg back, and kicked at Sailor Moon's right knee as hard as she could.
Mamoru's heart stopped when Sailor Moon screamed and crumbled limply to the ground. He ran to her.
Suddenly, a white form appeared in front of them. All Mamoru could see was a pair of oddly familiar eyes. And they were dark with rage.
Tsukikage no Knight unsheathed his sword, and the room was silent. Then Ail appeared defensively in front of Ann, and glared, energy crackling in his hands. The two men glared at each other until the other four Sailor Senshi ran up. Flames danced in Sailor Mars' eager hands.
Silently, the aliens disappeared, and the Senshi ran up to their leader. Sailor Venus ushered Mamoru away, and ordered him to call an ambulance. Reluctantly, he nodded, and ran off. When he returned, the Senshi were gone, but Usagi was still unconscious on the floor. He ran to her, and cradled her head in his lap. The Senshi watched from the shadows.
Soon, a siren's wail lit up the silence.