Hey, I'm way ahead of Just because they're down doesn't mean I'm not going to keep writing! I haven't even posted chapter 17 yet as I write this note, but I'm on a roll!!! Enjoy!
Ah, and Happy Thanksgiving to all my fellow Americans! (A little late, yes, but still filled with holiday cheer!) ;-)
BTW, this chapter doesn't follow the pattern of the episode entirely, but this is my story! LOL!
Don't own Sailor Moon. I just own the original plot twists.
-rosa lunae
Twin Kats: Thanks! You're wonderful, too, for leaving me a review!
Senshi no Panku: Thanks for the emails! And the nice review! I know this didn't come quite ASAP, but I hope you like it!
JadesRose: Yes, it has been very wonky. That's a cool word! Haha, I hope you enjoyed the nag! And yes, you should be using your ideas for yourself, however much I appreciate them! Because you could probably develop them better! LOL! But your story is awesome; I daresay you don't need any help! Because I've yet to be disappointed!
pure-sweet: I'm thinking of stopping after Ail and Ann, but don't worry, I'm already developing ideas for the next venture of mine! Thanks for reviewing!
Midnight: Oh, no! I know, I know! I'm guilty! This update took too long! But thanks for reviewing anyway! I will probably stop this story after Ail and Ann, but don't worry, your hint will not be forgotten, because Chibi-Usa will probably be in my next story… hm… Maybe I'll see you there! Thanks for reviewing!
cardcaptor eternity: ah hah! the mystery is solved! Thanks for reviewing so much!
sleepy26: Hope you like this one as much! And thanks for reviewing!
ells: Ah, these are the reviews an author needs!!!!! Encouraging and constructively critical! DOMO Arigatou! Yeah, Kunzite is being a tad OOC, but this is his reaction to Minako of course! Just like Mamoru turned into a jerk when they first met, I think dignified Kunzite would turn into a goof. Love does strange things to people! Hint: there's another Minako-esque excuse this chapter! Enjoy!
Moonmoore: Yes! Fear the storm I am brewing! LOL! Nah, just kidding. Thanks for reviewing!!!!!!!
MoonPrincess: I try to make the characters seem as real as they seem to me! Hope it's working! And thanks for sticking with the story!
Starlit Warrior: Aw, thanks! Gotta love the Starlit Warrior! Good luck, God Bless, and have a nice day! Thanks! Your reviews really encourage me!
Killiara: Here is more! Wait no longer! Thanks for reviewing!!!!
Well that's it! Enjoy!!! And thank you to all who reviewed!
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Chapter 18: The Makaiju Awakens!
The Makaiju was withering. Ann and Ail walked its branches, feeding it energy, but it only withered further.
"What's happening, Ail?" Ann asked, a meekness in her voice he'd never heard before.
"I don't know, Ann. I just don't know."
HELP ME.
The pair whirled towards the tree, but nothing but silence reached their slightly pointed ears.
"Masaka…" Ail said, trailing off dubiously, moving instinctively in front of Ann. The Makaiju shuddered, and the two of them lost their balance and fell to the ground.
The air turned cold, and the frightened pair fled the room. Ann was puzzled by the way Seijuurou took her in his arms, and the look in his eyes, eyes like stars, made her wonder…
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Mamoru came by the house and picked up Usagi to drive her to school. He was especially protective of her since she'd been back to the hospital. The Tsukino's, even Kenji, had no problem with the blossoming romance between the two. In fact, Mrs. Tsukino was fairly giddy.
That morning, Usagi noticed with concern that Natsumi was not in class that day. Upon further inquiry, she discovered Seijuurou was not at school either. Despite her personal dislike for Natsumi, she couldn't bring herself to ignore their absence.
So the next day before school, she embarked on a quest to cheer them assuming brother and sister were sick. She arrived at their apartment building, and knocked on the door, bracing herself for Natsumi's less than welcoming greeting.
"Usagi-san?"
Natsumi looked utterly baffled.
"Um, konnichi wa, Natsumi-san! Ano…"
Ann grew impatient, but her face was still bemused.
"Well, you and Seijuurou weren't at school yesterday… so I came to see if you were feeling okay…"
Natsumi stared. Ok, Ann. She does not know who you are. So this is not a trap.
Then what in Kami's name is she doing here?
"Usagi-san?"
Natsumi groaned inwardly at the delighted look in Seijuurou's eyes.
"Hi, Seijuurou-san! I noticed you weren't at school yesterday, so I wanted to see if you were feeling okay, or if I could help in… any… way…." Usagi trailed off awkwardly as the same utter bewilderment crossed his pale features.
There was silence for a moment, before Seijuurou shook himself out of the stupor, and said, "Well, please, please, come in!"
Strange… I felt… warm for a moment, Seijuurou thought, then dismissed it as his imagination.
The instant Usagi stepped into their apartment, a chill crept up her spine, and she stopped suddenly, earning an odd look from Seijuurou and a suspicious glare from Natsumi.
There is a strange power in this house, Usagi thought, looking around. But, naive and trusting as she was, she did not suspect any further.
"Arigatou," she said quickly, plastering a smile on her face. "You have a beautiful home."
A polite thing to say only. Their apartment was plain and devoid of decorations.
Seijuurou shot a glare at his sister, then turned to Usagi. "Please, sit down! I was just making some cocoa!"
He left the room, and silence reigned.
"What are you doing here?" Natsumi asked, suspiciously as they both sat down.
Usagi was utterly speechless. Is it so hard for her to comprehend a kind action?
"I just came to see if you were feeling okay, Natsumi-san."
Natsumi remained puzzled, but because she knew the girl's identity, she refused to lower her guard.
"Well, as you can see, we are both fine."
"Hai. I'm glad."
I am not welcome here, Usagi thought. But her eyes were not on Natsumi.
"Tell Seijuurou thanks anyway for the cocoa. I should be going. I hope to see you at school today!"
Unnerved, she left quickly, and when she was in the hallway, she heard Natsumi shut the door and lock it behind her, but she felt better.
"There is something… strange in that apartment! Something…"
Usagi closed her eyes, and concentrated.
HELP!
Her eyes snapped open, and suddenly she was short of breath. "Nani…"
She took off running to school, eager to talk to Ami. On her way, she slammed right into a familiar male chest.
"Hm… there you are, Odango!"
Sheepishly, Usagi looked up into his eyes as he pulled her close.
Mamoru grinned. "There is a price for standing Chiba Mamoru up!"
Usagi stared blankly, then a fiery blush lit her cheeks. "OH NO! I forgot you were coming, and I left early to go check on a friend."
Mamoru, you are Tuxedo Kamen. If you remembered, I could seek you for protection, advice, comfort. Now you can only give me the latter. But your subconscious gives me the first two! How long can you remain a divided man? And I a divided woman? You cannot give me what I need by being two people, nor can I divide my affections between you and your memories. You must remember soon! Or I will find away to make you. The world needs Tuxedo Kamen, just as I need Endymion.
"Don't you want to know what the price is?"
Usagi shook herself back into reality. "Sure."
He took hold of her cheeks in his palms, and slowly, agonizingly, drew her lips to his own, teasing her, kissing her lightly over and over again. She moaned softly and took her lips for her own, ravaging them.
When they pulled apart, both pairs of eyes sparkled.
"I think I will stand you up more often."
With this remark, Usagi took off running towards school. Mamoru grinned, but as he watched her, he frowned. Her jog was slightly lopsided.
Sailor Moon crumbled, screaming, and clutching at her knee before she went limp. Silent.
Mamoru froze. The image was still so fresh in his mind.
I should be able to help her! I LOVE her! The thought terrified him. Mamoru had never known love. He couldn't remember any love in his past, and certainly none in his present. Sure there was Motoki… and his other friends from school. But that was almost negligible compared to the deep, wild love he felt for Usagi. And he'd known her only for a month…
"That's not true, Mamo-chan! I've known you for much, much longer…"
"Kuso!" Mamoru swore aloud, frustrated with himself. The others next to him on the sidewalk shot him an amused look. He ignored them. "Usako and her riddles."
I'll find you out, Usako. I will find out what you are hiding from me. And I will help you.
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Natsumi and Seijuurou did not come to school. The swarms of girls that usually followed Seijuurou around were devastated, but no one took notice of Natsumi's absence.
Except Usagi that is.
"Ami, wait up!" Usagi called as the final bell rang. "Where are you going?"
Ami blushed. "I was going to go see Zoisite again."
Usagi grinned. "Figures. I saw Minako on her way to the arcade. Seems that for some inexplicable reason, Kunzite has taken a part-time job there. And Mako was changing into her workout clothes in the girl's room! And I'd wager Rei has similar plans. Anyway, I won't keep you long."
Usagi related her visit with the other pair that morning.
Ami let a stray finger rest at the corner of her mouth. Unlike Usagi, her focus was not on Seijuurou and Natsumi's well being.
"Usagi… I know you. And your intuition. I mean, it may be the case that you can't pass a math test for your life," she said, eyes sparkling playfully, but they sobered quickly, "but if you felt a presence in the building, there is a presence in the building."
Usagi thought on it. "I was planning to go back and visit them this afternoon."
Ami cocked an eyebrow. "Alone? Certainly not!"
Usagi rolled her eyes… then an idea perked into her mind. She grinned. "I'll take Mamo-chan! That will keep Natsumi from strangling me!"
Ami laughed, but dubiously agreed that it would do the trick.
"I can come with you two, just in case," she offered.
Usagi frowned. "Uh-uh. It's bad enough I can't give Zoi-kun his memories back. Go see him. Don't worry, soon Mamoru will remember and he'll be able to wake up your beloved paramour!"
Ami's jaw dropped. "Paramour? Usagi, do you actually know what that word means?"
Usagi grinned. "Ah, impressed you did I? Well, don't worry, I only know it because they made us read Romeo and Juliet last year and it was a vocab word. Only one I can remember. Speaking of Shakespearean romance, be gone with you! Go and flirt to your heart's content!"
Ami laughed. "Be cautious, Usagi," she advised. "You never know where the enemy could be hiding out."
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"What? Aww, come on, Usako… Do I have to?"
Usagi laughed at the whiny tone of Mamoru's voice, and gave him a playful shove.
"They need cheering up, Mamo-chan! I mean, they have no other friends that would visit them!"
Mamoru contemplated if the status of 'friend' really applied, but said nothing of it. Instead, he said, "Ugh, but you know Natsumi will hang all over me, Usako!"
Usagi grinned. "And Seijuurou will be busy trying to win my heart! Don't worry! We won't stay long. It will be okay, really! I mean, geez, what could happen?"
Mamoru rolled his eyes, and knocked thrice on a nearby tree. "With you, who knows?"
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When they reached the door, Mamoru was sure to have his arm secure around Usagi's shoulders. She just smiled, and shook her head tolerantly. Natsumi opened the door, and instantly, a bright smile appeared on her face.
"Mamoru-san!" Then she noticed Usagi, and her expression fell to annoyance. "And… Usagi. But Mamoru, how kind of you to drop by! Please, come in!"
Usagi sensed the struggle to maintain composure from within her soulmate, and squeezed his hand.
They entered, and Natsumi showed them to the couch and left for the kitchen to get some snacks. Mamoru shot Usagi a pleading look and moved to run for the door, but Usagi put her hands on her hips and gave him a stern glare, and he playfully shrunk back into the couch. Satisfied, Usagi sat back, and crossed her arms.
This is when Seijuurou came in. "Usagi-san!" He frowned slightly, but quickly tried to hide it. "Mamoru-san. Konnichi wa! What brings you two here?"
Mamoru glanced at Usagi and she gave him a look. Obediently, he supplied, "We noticed the two of you didn't attend school and figured you could use some company…?"
Usagi smiled.
Seijuurou paused. There's that strange warmth again… Could it have something to do with Usagi's presence?
He sat down and opened a lively conversation with the two of them, though casting wary glances in Mamoru's direction.
From in the kitchen, Natsumi clutched the counter in an effort to keep her feet. This isn't right at all! Why does Usagi keep visiting me? I've been nothing but hateful to her… Her eyes widened. And throughout, she's been nothing but kind to me.
A strange, warm feeling inched towards her cold, thickly iced heart. She stubbornly pushed it back.
"She's Sailor Moon for Kami's sake! She can't be trusted!" she hissed to herself. "It has to be a trick. She must have discovered our identities! She's probably bewitching Seijuurou further as I wait here!"
She quickly snatched up some snacks, and hurried back into the living room. Just as she suspected, Seijuurou was leaning forward in his seat towards Usagi, hanging onto her every word. Mamoru was also gazing at her, a strange expression in his eyes.
Natsumi was puzzled. She'd seen that look somewhere before.
In Seijuurou's eyes.
She shook the threatening warmth away, and moved to sit adjacent Usagi. Black anger filled her, barely controlled.
"Your apartment has a wonderful view, Seijuurou-san," Mamoru commented casually.
"Arigatou…" Seijuurou answered, already relaxed. "We do enjoy it."
Natsumi seized the opportunity. "Seijuurou, why don't you take Mamoru out on the balcony? The view is much better there. Usagi and I want to… you know… girl talk!"
Mamoru looked hesitant, but Usagi nudged him on, eager to see the tension between the four of them dissolve. Reluctantly, he stood, then an impish grin spread on his lips. He sat back down, planted a kiss directly on Usagi's lips, then followed Seijuurou out the window.
A mistake. This gesture not only made Seijuurou irritated, but it also enraged Natsumi even further. She glanced quickly at the door that housed the Makaiju, remembering the plant's fondness for Usagi's energy, then sat down next to Usagi, eyes glowing.
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A flash of alarm sparked in Minako's chest, startling her. Dismayed, she watched her digital self fry in a youma blast. The Game Over sign flashed ominously.
"Minako-chan, you're usually much better at this game!" Kunzite said from behind the counter, an unreadable expression in his eyes.
Her heart was racing. "I just remembered… um… ano…." She threw up her hands. Aw, screw it. "I forgot that I had to race my godmother's newly shaved llama in a llama race because her fourth ex-husband placed a bet on me and if I win, they'll get back together and the llama is faster because it's shaved so I have to run all the way there for practice! Plus…" she yelled, getting excited, "the llama has… um… chick… I mean, llama pox!! And um… if I win, all the proceeds go to the llama's hospital bills!!!!!!!"
She ran out the door as Kunzite collapsed on the floor in laughter, but she paused, engrossed in her excuse.
"Oh, and I forgot. MY GODMOTHER IS PREGNANT WITH OCTUPLETS! BY THE LLAMA!"
Kunzite began to choke, and tears were running down his face. It was a sight strange to see… the dignified military chief-of-staff for Earth was practically giggling on the floor! He was completely unaware when Minako left, but as soon as he could breathe and stand up straight without twitching again, he left to follow her, wondering what was so important that she would make such a… detailed… lame excuse!
"I'm taking dinner break, Motoki-kun!" he called, still chuckling.
"Uh huh. Sure you are!" Motoki replied laughing. "Later!"
He saw her, and found she was telling the truth about one thing.
Wherever she was going, she was running like the fires of hell were behind her.
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With a final glance towards the closet door, Natsumi sat, close to Usagi.
"Usagi-chan… you don't mind if I call you that, do you?"
Usagi was delighted, and shook her head.
"I have a confession to make."
"Uh huh." Usagi looked around distracted by the sudden powerful aura in the room. The same one she'd felt this morning…
HELP ME! it cried.
"You can tell me, Natsumi-chan," she encouraged, absently.
Usagi was searching the room, and didn't notice the black flash in Natsumi's eyes.
"Oh, I know."
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The Sacred Fire suddenly swelled dangerously, and Rei, mesmerized, couldn't move. But Jadeite, who'd been watching from the door, waiting on her to finish, leapt in and threw her body away from the flames.
Rei stood up, panic in her eyes, unaware of her brush with death or Jadeite's rescue. She stumbled on her robes in the process. "This is an omen, a horrible omen!" she shrieked, and took off running. Jadeite paused, then he deftly eased into a sprint, quietly following her.
An instant later, she transformed into Sailor Mars before his very eyes.
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Zoisite tentatively reached across the table for Ami's hand. Ami was startled, but she didn't pull away.
For a moment, they sat like that motionless.
Until the urgent call attack Ami's senses. She stood, but made no move to let go of Zoisite's hand.
"Usagi?" he asked.
"Hai."
Zoisite could feel the pounding erratic pulse in Ami's fingers, tightly grasping his own.
"I'll come with you."
Tears formed in Ami's eyes. "You can't help me, Zoisite."
Zoisite gripped her hand tightly, suddenly aware that it had become icy cold. "But I could in the past! Couldn't I?!"
Ami sniffed back a cry, and tore away from him. It didn't take him a moment to gather the nerve to pursue her.
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On the balcony, the two guys hovered over the railing, bathed in dusk and silence.
"It is even better out here," Mamoru ventured.
"Yeah."
Crickets chirped, announcing the approaching dark of night.
"It was…" Seijuurou searched for the word… "kind of you to come visit us…" he said uncertainly.
"It was Usagi's idea, but I was glad to come."
Strange, Seijuurou thought. I haven't really been… kind…to him.
The warmth moved in to consume him, but Seijuurou was wary and pushed it back. The image of the two of them kissing was too fresh in his mind.
The two men distracted themselves from each other's presence by gazing at the stars. Or, in Mamoru's case, the waning moon.
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The punch was well thrown, but not fast enough. Like lightning, she ducked, and twisted her body into a tornado kick, the signature move of her Silver Millennium days. But Nephrite easily caught her leg, effortlessly stopping the move, and twisted her. She spun wilding in the air, but landed easily on her feet, crouching, then sweeping his feet from under him. Seeing this vulnerability, Makoto dove for him, but at the last minute, he twisted, and ended up on top of her.
And didn't move.
Mako felt her hands begin to crackle with electricity, and to dispel the power discharge, she lifted her head from the ground, and cautiously kissed Nephrite. He deepened the kiss, and finally, they pulled away, short of breath.
"I win," Nephrite breathed, elated.
He helped her up, then suggested the snack bar. She shook her head and reached for a nearby green lunchbox, and opened it. "I gotcha covered."
After one bite, Nephrite's eyes dilated, and he eyed the bag with animal desire.
She laughed, and moved to toss it to him, but mid-toss, she cringed with a pain in her chest, and it fell to the ground.
Usagi-chan…! She's in danger!!
"I hope you enjoy the snacks," she said, standing hurriedly under his concerned gaze, and speaking as if nothing had happened. "I don't have time to stay and eat tonight! Ja ne, Neph!"
Nephrite stared after her. He looked at the food, then the door, then once more, lingering, at the food, then finally dropped the bag and headed out the door.
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Natsumi searched wildly for something to get Usagi's attention. Anything to distract the dangerous warrior from the spirit of the Makaiju, which she so obviously sensed. "Well, Usagi-chan, Seijuurou and I aren't really brother and sister."
Usagi's jaw dropped, and she was momentarily distracted.
"In fact, I have something I want to show you."
Usagi was hooked. With that bit of startling information, the curiosity innate within her was perked. She stood and followed Natsumi to a closet door.
HELP ME, SAILOR MOON!
Usagi recognized the trap just as the door was opening. Natsumi knew the moment Usagi was gone and Sailor Moon was there just by the look in her eyes. So, she transformed into Ann, grinned maliciously, then shoved Usagi through the door, then slammed it shut.
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The Sailor Senshi were aware the Shitennou were following them, but using their abilities, they easily lost them.
They met up at Seijuurou and Natsumi's apartment building, and Mercury opened her mouth to divulge what she knew. But before she could, the building exploded.
Several blocks away, four men met at an intersection.
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"WHOA!"
The balcony began to crumble, and the two guys dove for the door just as it fell. Mamoru made it, but Seijuurou was hanging on by one hand. Mamoru instinctively grabbed the man's arm, and slung him over the side without a thought.
Suddenly, Usagi's screams filled the air. Deafened by the crumbling building, Mamoru could only call her name helplessly.
Suddenly, huge, thick vines pushed through the wall, crumbling it. Mamoru couldn't believe his eyes.
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When Usagi hit her knees, she found she was not in a closet, but a huge void expanse. A dark one.
Suddenly, something coiled around her waist and arms and began to squeeze mercilessly, sucking all her energy in the process.
HELP ME!
She opened her eyes, and saw Mamoru, saw the panic in his eyes.
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Vines surrounded the crumbled building, and all entrances were blocked. "How do we get in?!" Mars cried desperately.
Usagi's screams pierced the air.
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MUAH HAH HAH! I am evil. That's the end of this chapter! See you in the next one! Which will probably come quickly because leaving off here is torture for me as well as you!!!!
Arigatou, minna-chan, for reading and reviewing!
-rosa lunae
PS: Hm… the waning moon… did anyone catch that bit of foreshadowing…? Oops… I've said too much!