Hello again minna, Here is Chapter 4. I hope you enjoy! Please R & R and let me know what you think?

Author's Notes - Just a few Thank you's. Nanami Sakura - My blessing in disquise ;) A fantastic Beta Reader.

Kou Usako - Thank You Here you go, RedRose18 - Thanks He may not stay that way, Starlit Warrior - Thanks It's supposed to be Creepy :) James Stutz -Thanks I appreciate it!

I know get on with it...


She'll Never Know How Much I Love Her

Chapter 4

Prince Endymion stood enjoying the show. He knew she was close to her breaking point. 'As an essence I may not have much power but if I can destroy Princess Serenity than that will be a beginning.'

He stood staring at Usagi as her terror pushed her towards the edge of insanity. 'That will show that noble, holier than thou, asshole what ruthlessness can accomplish. When I finally kill her I will be able to slip into him and take back what should have been mine!'

He clapped his hands and appeared before Usagi. "Have you had enough my dear?" He watched her head come up in surprise. The terror in her eyes pleased him as he hunched down in front of her.

"Come now surely you believed my warning. I did tell you I was going to take you to the depths of hell." Reaching out a hand he brushed it over her cheek. She whimpered in response to his touch.

"I am sorry I cannot kill you yet. We will save that pleasure for later." He smiled before standing again. "For now I have something else in mind" He grasped her by the elbow and jerked her into a standing position. With a sharp jolt of pain she found herself standing on wobbly legs.

"It is time to face your judgment and punishment." He smiled pleasantly as though he had just invited her to a party and clapped his hands. Prince Endymion vanished and she was left alone momentarily.

With a blinding flash Usagi found herself standing in a bright spotlight and she could just make out figures standing in the shadows. The group of people stood huddled together quietly talking. She could not make out the words just the quiet hum of voices. Trembling in fear her voice shook as she finally spoke.

"H..Hello...hey...who are you people? Who's there?" She waited for some kind of an answer. With none forthcoming she tried to peer into the shadows. The light intensified until it was so bright she had no choice but to close her eyes against the blinding pain. When she opened them seconds later the light was not quite so bright.

"We're the people you have so cruelly killed. We are deciding what your punishment should be. I would suggest you shut your mouth before you make it worse for youself!" A cold voice spoke from the darkness.

'That voice sounded familiar. I think it was Rei.' A single tear slipped down Usagi's cheek. 'I didn't kill them. I didn't. I couldn't have done that!' She leaned forward trying to swipe at the tear with her hand. Succeeding she straightened back up and fought to let no more fall.

The sound of footsteps caught her attention and she glanced towards the shadows. She could see five figures standing at the very edge of the light. A voice from the group rang out.

"We have convened here to decide the punishment of one Tsukino Usagi. This cruel person is charged with coldly and viciously murdering her best friends and her supposed boyfriend."

'That was Ami. I know it was.' Usagi's eyes widened in disbelief at the cold tone of Ami's voice. "I did not kill anyone! Ami-chan you know me better than that." She pleaded trying to reach her friend.

"Shut Up! We don't care to hear your lies." Usagi couldn't believe the anger vibrating in Makoto's voice.

"You have to believe me. I didn't willingly KILL anyone! Guys you know I couldn't do that!" She was crying trying to reach her friends.

"NO MORE LIES!" Usagi flinched hearing the hate in Mamoru's voice. "Care to see what you are capable of?" She was given no option. The light dimmed and a scene appeared off to her right. She watched in horror as she stood, in her school uniform, above her hurt friends. Holding the same blade she walked from one limp body to the next smiling cruelly as she killed each of her friends.

"No no no...I did not do that...I did not do that...I couldn't have done that." She was sobbing in despair when the scene faded. The spotlight grew bright once more causing her eyes to hurt. The group walked forward to the edge of the light.

"We sentence you Tsukino Usagi to a slow and painful death." The hate in Minako's voice could not be mistaken. "We have not decided how you will die but be assured we will. When we decide we shall return." With no more than a blink Usagi was once again alone in complete darkness.


Mamoru tried to ignore Haruka's sarcasm as he focused on studying the barrier. He turned towards Usagi once more and focused clearing his mind and centering himself. He followed the silver cord to the barrier. Feeling it he reached out with his mind and tried to touch it. It sent a slight tingledown his spine as he moved through the power but it did not harm him. All he could pick up was Usagi's terror. He knew something was seriously wrong. Making a decision he tried to contact her.

'Usagi...Usagi? Please answer me sweetheart.' He waited listening intuitively. After a few seconds he heard something but it took him a minute to comprehend what he was hearing.

'No I know this is another trick.' Usagi's voice sounded broken and hoarse. 'You want to make me suffer more.' These words nearly broke his heart. He pulled back deciding to share what he had learned.

He opened his eyes and looked around. Michiru and Ami were watching him closely unlike Haruka who was focused on Usagi. Clearing his throat he spoke softly.

"I made contact with her but..." He paused trying to think of how to explain.'What can I tell them? I have to tell them the truth.' "She thought I was trying to trick her and she believes that I want to make her suffer." Mamoru looked sadly at the two women. "I don't know what would make her believe that."

Ami tried to reassure him. "We know you would not do that. There is more here going on than we are aware of but I believe working together we can figure it out." Michiru nodded adding her support to Ami's comments.

Mamoru tried to smile. "Thanks for your support. I greatly appreciate it." Michiru nudged Haruka's shoulder.

"Hey!" Haruka looked up irritated. Seeing the look on Michiru's face she paused. "What?" She looked at Mamoru's sadness and caved. "Well maybe we will figure it out but my earlier threat still stands if you hurt her in any way." With a last threatening look at Mamoru she looked up seeking approval from Michiru.

Michiru's slight nod was approval enough and she returned her attention to Usagi. Picking up her hand she began to chafe it once more and spoke in a low soothing voice.

Mamoru sat lost in thought. 'What can I do? If she thinks I am trying to make her suffer how can I convince her that is not true? Why wouldn't she believe me?' Getting frustrated he ran his hand through his hair. 'I need help.'

"Guys look I need your help." Never one to mince words he just said what he was thinking. "How can I convince Usagi to believe me?" Michiru and Ami pondered that question. Haruka seemed not to be paying attention to the discussion.

Listening intently Haruka noticed the desperation in Mamoru's voice. 'I still think he is involved. There has to be a way to prove it.' Michiru read the look on Haruka's face. She knew Haruka could be very stubborn. Deciding to use whatever method worked Michiru leaned forward.

"I think maybe you are right. Mamoru is involved!" She whispered not wanting Ami and Mamoru to overhear. Haruka's head shot up.

"What do you mean? Suddenly you think he might be involved?" Her voice was filled with incredulity.

"I mean I think you are right. I think he intends to harm her. What should we do to stop him?" Michiru tried looking as serious as possible. Haruka, mouth hanging open, just stared at Michiru with surprise.

"Uhh...well...I don't know. He seems sincere in pretending to help her." She looked puzzled by Michiru's sudden change of heart.

Michiru hid her smile. 'She is buying it. This will be my best work yet. Now to be convincing.'

"You have to help her. The Queen did order you to. I think you should offer to help him! That way you can keep a close eye on him. Plus if he does try anything you will be right there to stop him."

Michiru used Haruka's sense of duty as her trump card. "You wouldn't want anything to happen to her. I shudder to think of what Queen Serenity might do if you forsake your duty."

Haruka was at a loss for words. 'Help that...that...grrr...why me?...oh all right.' She smacked her forehead in frustration. "Fine...I will offer to help but don't be surprised if he is suddenly suspicious."

Michiru smiled at Haruka. "Thank you koibito...I know you can do this." Haruka just grimaced.

"I hope your right." Sighing in frustration she set the limp hand down and turned towards her nemesis. Clearing her throat she tried to grab their attention.

"Mmmhhhmmm...cough...cough" She grew frustrated as they continued quietly talking paying her no mind. "Hey!"

When Haruka suddenly spoke loudly Ami and Mamoru both turned around in surprise. She stopped embarrassment coloring her face.

"Sorry I was trying to get your attention." She paused trying to gather her thoughts. 'What can I use as a reason? Quick..think...think' "I want to help you. I think kitten would listen to me. So can you get me in there or not wonderboy...uh Chiba-san?" She tried to cover her slip not wanting to alert Mamoru. If the situation had not been so serious Haruka would have laughed. Mamoru sat staring back at her as if she had grown horns on her head. She threw him an expectant look waiting for his agreement.

"I think..." Mamoru trailed off in thought with a surprised look. 'Could I take someone with me? Usagi would listen to her. It can't hurt to try.' "That might just work, of course I will have to explain the process as best as I can but if it will help, anything is worth a shot."

Ami sat puzzling over what was going on. 'Haruka's offer came out of left field. I have seen her aggression towards Mamoru all morning. What is she up to?' She took a look at Michiru and was surprised to see her grinning. 'She's definitely in on it but what are they up to?'

Michiru stood behind Haruka. 'My plan is a success. Koibito please forgive me but this is for your own good. I hope you realize how much Mamoru loves Usagi.'

Ami watched the play of emotions on Michiru's face. 'That is strange she looks almost guilty. What is going on here?' She sat refocusing on Mamoru and Haruka.

"You have to clear your mind and center yourself. Steady even breaths in and out...in and out until everything fades away. Almost as though you are in a trance." Mamoru paused thinking of the next step. "Then because I am holding your hand..."

"What! No one said anything about touching!" Haruka was glaring daggers at everyone. "I never volunteered for touching!" Michiru broke into the conversation.

"Koibito It is for your Princess." With that said she gave Haruka a meaningful look reminding her of her duty. Haruka understood the look at once and sighed.

"Oh all right but no touchy-feely got it!" Haruka glared at Mamoru daring him to argue.

He continued from where he left off. "Now as I was saying because I will be holding your hand you should be able to follow the cord also. Then we will check to see if you can slip through the barrier as I was able to do."

Mamoru took a deep breath. 'She has to be the prickliest person I have ever had the displeasure to meet.' Sighing in exasperation a thought caught him unaware. 'She doesn't act that way towards Usagi. 'In fact' Thinking back he realized something. 'She has never been really prickly towards Usagi. Hmmm something to think about?' He took another deep breath trying to rid himself of the exasperation.

"Okay are you ready to try this?" Mamoru held his breath as he waited for Haruka's aggreement. When she finally nodded he breathed a giant sigh of relief. "Let's do this." He moved over to Haruka's side kneeling next to her. Looking at her solemnly he reached over and grabbed her hand.

"Don't tell me when you are ready, just squeeze my hand." He immediately closed his eyes and centered himself. Breathing deeply in and out he felt the room fall away. Just as he was focusing on the silver cord he felt a presence beside him.

Haruka closed her eyes and tried to relax. Following Mamoru's breathing pattern she centered herself and felt the room start to fade. She visualized the cord he spoke of. She was surprised to see that it wasn't silver as he described it but rather it appeared white glowing with a soft light.

She could sense him next to her and squeezed his hand letting him know she was ready. They followed the cord for a short way before coming to the barrier. It glowed with a black light and crackled with power.

'Now go slowly just put your hand up there first.' Haruka was shocked that she felt rather than heard Mamoru's words.

'Gently now push your hand into it.' She did as he directed. She put her hand up against the barrier and ever so slowly pushed into. Other than a tingle up her spine nothing happened. 'Okay let's go' Mamoru slowly followed her and they slipped through the barrier...


Usagi stood completely alone in the darkness. With no warning a voice broke into the silence.

"Usagi...Usagi?...Please answer me sweetheart." Tears slipped down her cheeks as she listened to the gentle lull of his voice.

'This has to be another trick. No I know this is another trick.' Usagi's voice sounded broken and hoarse. 'You want to make me suffer more." She waited for something more but silence was her only companion...


Mamoru and Haruka stood inside the barrier waiting to see what would happen. After a few minutes with nothing Mamoru finally called out.

'Usagi...Sweetheart Usagi please answer me?' Feeling for anything finally they felt a response.

'No you can't trick me. I fell for it once but not again.' Her voice was weary and hoarse. At her next words their eye's widened in shock. 'Why don't you just kill me and get it over with. Damn you I can't take anymore!' Her control was breaking. Both Mamoru and Haruka knew they had to do something and fast. He called out again.

'Usagi you have to listen to me. I don't know what is going on. I am not trying to trick you.' They waited for more but all they could feel was her hopelessness.

It tore at Haruka's heart to hear Usagi so terrified and hopeless. 'Kitten if you won't listen to Mamoru then please listen to me. We don't know what is going on but we are trying to help you.'

Usagi's head shot up when she heard Haruka's voice. 'This has to be another trick. Stop...stop...stop...I can't go on. Endymion just kill me.' Usagi was weeping helplessly. She was beyond her breaking point.

'Kitten That's Enough! ' Haruka's words were spoken harshly in hopes of breaking through Usagi's despair. It had taken her by surprise when Usagi called out to Endymion. 'What is going on here?' Haruka had an idea. "Kitten please why would Endymion want to hurt you?'

'I don't know...I don't know...He just wants me to suffer before he kills me.' Usagi was babbling on the edge of insanity. 'He made me kill Mamo-chan and the girls. They hate me now.' Her voice trailed off .

Mamoru felt her confusion and despair and wanted to hurt something or someone. 'As far as I know I am Endymion. I have not done these things. What is going on here?' He felt Haruka's presence.

'I don't know either but I don't like it.' Haruka had a sudden thought. 'Kitten...kitten...you have to be strong!' Haruka prayed this would work. 'None of your friends hate you.'

'Sweetheart, I don't hate you either. Can you help us? We want to help you.' Haruka and Mamoru listened hoping to feel a response. 'Usako, can you tell us where you are? How do we find you?' Mamoru prayed his words had an effect. They were both holding their breath listening intently for any sign that she was still there.

'I don't know...it's dark and there is no light and it's dark...I don't know.' Usagi rambled on just to be talking to someone.

'Kitten don't worry about it. We'll find you no worries.' Haruka tried to convey a sense of calm assurrance. Taking a deep breath she continued. 'You owe me a date when we're out of here.'

Mamoru's head shot up at that comment. 'Why would Haruka want a date with Usagi? More to think about.' He hoped it helped right now anything that would calm her down was useful.

O..okay but won't Michiru-chan be upset?' Usagi sounded a bit calmer and Mamoru and Haruka both relaxed a bit. Haruka sensed that keeping her engaged would help.

'Kitten, I think she will be understanding. What would you like to do?' Haruka knew what was coming next.

Usagi was as surprised as Mamoru. It took a moment for her to reply. 'Can we go out for dinner?'

Haruka almost laughed. It seemed to be working so she kept up the light banter. 'How does dinner at a nice restaurant sound? First we need your help though. We have to figure out what is going on. So when Endymion shows back up we need you to keep him talking. Can you do that Kitten?'


Prince Endymion stood watching her. She was babbling to herself and he smiled thinking that he had broken her. Leaving her alone in the dark was a brilliant move. 'It has pushed her close to the edge. She thinks she is talking to someone.' He smiled viciously and clapped his hands.
Usagi was about to reply to Haruka's question when a blinding flash brought Prince Endymion back. She whimpered in fear.

He stood before her smiling. 'Well my dear looks like you have finally gone over the edge. I think the time of your death is nearing.'

Mamoru and Haruka were both shocked to hear Mamoru's voice. At the same time that it was Mamoru it wasn't. It had an evil, hard edge to it with a contemptous quality that Haruka had never heard in Mamoru. She paused for a moment trying to decide what to do. Thinking quickly she came up with an idea.

'Kitten can you keep him talking for a few minutes at least? Ask him questions.' Haruka hoped Usagi was able to distract him.

'Why are you doing this?' Usagi questioned sadly.

'Why...why? Haven't you figured that out yet?' With a condescending tone he continued. 'It's simple my dear. When you were fighting Beryl, I was Prince Endymion. Metallia created me. You wonder at my hate for you, don't you? When you gave him the locket and he regained his memories I was sucked out. You ruined everything!' Out of pure hatred he brought his hand up and viciously slapped her. He smiled as the tears welled up in her eyes.

Sensing Usagi's pain, Mamoru was reeling with turbulent emotions. At Endymion's next words his anger grew rapidly.

'As Endymion I was set to take over for Beryl. That noble ass everyone bowed to knew absolutely nothing about ruling Earth. Then when you collapsed after defeating Beryl, I was able to slip into you. Ultimate revenge, don't you think? Destroying you from inside and then upon your death I will be able to slip back into Endymion and take what should have been mine; will yet be mine!'

He stood above her sneering, as he continued talking. 'So you see your death is a necessity. It really is tragic you know because I have immensely enjoyed seeing you suffer. Do you realize my dear how much pure energy you have fed me? Ahhh...when you held the Holy Grail it was truly amazing. Did you ever wonder why you were so weak after touching it? That would be my fault.' Endymion smiled truly enjoying her suffering.

Listening to Endymion, Haruka grew angrier by the moment. When she felt Usagi's pain she nearly broke the link. She caught herself clenching Mamoru's hand in a death squeeze. Relaxing her grip she questioned Mamoru.

'So how do we destroy this evil?' She had no idea how to battle an entity like this. Mamoru was thinking the same thing.

'I have no idea. We might have to break the link and talk with the others. What do you think?' He waited while she pondered the idea.

'I am not sure I want to leave her but I am not sure I can stay on my own. I am here because of your link to her. Besides what if he decides to kill her while we are not here? I could not bear that.' Haruka took a moment to ponder the situation. 'Although Queen Serenity did tell us to rely on Mercury's knowledge.' She thought for a moment more before continuing. 'Okay here is the plan. I want you to break the link but I am going to try and stay here. Look the worst thing that could happen is that I won't be able to stay but it is worth a chance.' She could feel Mamoru's reluctance she had to be convincing. 'You know I will protect her with my life! Now go before he decides to kill her and we aren't ready to stop him.'

Mamoru felt her conviction and decided she might be right. Taking a deep breath he slowly let go of her hand. When nothing overwhelming happened he went back to the barrier and slipped through. Pulling back he sat up and opened his eyes.


Here is an end to Chapter 4. I hope you have enjoyed it. Please R & R and let me know what you think?