Silenced Chapter 6

Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon nor do I own any of the characters. I will gain no profit from this story.

Summary: AU. Usagi is mute. She has never been very good at making friends and enjoys being alone. But, one day her life is turned upside down when her mother forces her to make friends by forcing her out of the house. How will she deal?

Author's Note: This is my first fanfic. Comments and suggestions are appreciated. As with pretty much every author please read and review. I am thinking of another story right now. But don't worry I won't start it until I've finished this one. If you want more info let me. I try to put up new chapters everyday, but homework takes priority over writing (darn grades!). For those of you who requested longer chapters I have given in and finally made them longer. So, enjoy. I would also like to say thank-you to those who have read and reviewed my story.

animeangel99- Sorry it took so long, but people kept telling me to make longer chapters so I did, unfortunately that meant it took longer for me to update. Sorry.

SunMoon,EarthSky- Ok here is more

a fan- Oops did I write crystal! Wow thanks for catching that I meant from her prism but I wrote the wrong word sorry. I'm also assuming that when the Senshi transform some of their natural abilities are heightened, if that's not true please let me know!

Seagirl – thanks! I hope you like this chapter.

Innortal- thank you. This chapter is much longer I hope you enjoy it.

Felicia Mondkind- well no action I'm afraid. (I'm really bad at writing it) so I try and sick with plot (since I have a hard time writing emotion in as well)

Rena Moon- Thank you. As for does tux know sign language, you'll just have to wait and see.

I ran towards school, school books in one hand and my left shoe in the other. Sometimes I hated being Sailor Moon. It always seemed that I was racing to catch up instead of trying to work ahead.

Neonlights- Sorry it took so long to update. I'm glad you like my story! As for when she find out who tux is, well, I can't tell you but in a way you already know. (Oh a riddle)

random reader- thank you for reviewing and double thank you for the great idea! It rocks!

Eo- thanks! See my reply to animeangel99 for update info.

Starlit Warrior- I'm trying the chapters are getting progressively longer. The thing is if I write longer chapters it takes longer to update, so as long as you guys don't mind that I'll write longer chapters.

Silver Moonlight-81- Thank you!

AuroraKnight- thank you so much. And remember I am always open for ideas!

ComosPrincessLight18 – that's a great idea! I might go back later and add them! Thanks for the idea!

rosa lunae- thanks for the great ideas! I'll see that I can do. IU hope fans of your story don't kill me! (runs and hides.) Sorry it took so long to update, but people wanted longer chapters so I had to oblige, unfortunately that means it will take longer for me to update.

rockfreak2003- thank you!

Li-chan- thanks! I hate when that happens! Right now I'm torn between longer chapters and quick updates.

Allie- thank you and I hope I do too!

Guardian Dimension- thanks. I hope you enjoy this chapter.

HarrySlytherinson- well it works on my computer, and other people have read and responded to chapter six so I think maybe it is your computer. Sorry. Thanks for the review though!

Ladytokyo- thanks for sharing your story! I have a question, how do you communicate over the phone? Do you use Morse code? See, I want to have Usagi talking on the phone at one point in the future, but I don't know how I would do it. Oh, and thanks for the ideas! I was looking into the people assuming that just because you can't talk that means you can't hear as well one myself. But, I never thought about pity! Thanks for the idea!

Princess-Serenity-324- Well I'm glad I got it right. I was really worried about that. I didn't want to make her too afraid of the world, but I didn't want to make her too confident either. Thank you again. I don't know how you'll get a cookie to me though.

Jyinxe- thank you for alerting me. I hate to make spelling and grammar mistakes. If you catch anymore please let me know.

Well. That's it thanks for reviewing guys!

General note: '(insert words here)' are Usagi's thoughts. Oh and if you find any spelling, grammar, or problems with consistency please write me a review or email me. Thank you.

I have an idea for another story. It would e a short one-shot type of thing though.

As I have mentioned in some people's responses, I am trying to decided between long chapters and once a week updates or short chapters and I'll update every one or two days. Please review and let me know. Thanks. Oh and also, if I have anything to say between updates, I think I'm going to start using the reviews as author's notes between chapters. I decided to do this because, I find that there are a lot of things that I want to tell you guys between chapters, but when I finally finish the next chapter I forget it. So be sure to look for author's notes in the reviews. Ok well on to the story.

Chapter 6- Late

I remembered the events of this morning. I awoke from a very nice dream to realize it was already 8:00. I jumped out of bed pulled of my uniform grabbed my brooch from the dresser where I had set it the night before. Then I ran downstairs and barely remembered to grab my shoes and schoolbooks before rushing out the door. The whole time my mother had been asking me if something was wrong, and why I was late.

Just then, I realized, I forgot my lunch at home! I skid to halt and ran straight into…


Mamoru's POV

I had that dream again.

After I awoke from my black out and found myself in my apartment, I sat and tried to remember that events that had occurred.

Let's see… I was walking back from the arcade thinking about Usagi and what was wrong with her, when suddenly a felt a sharp pain in my chest. I made it into the alley and then…

I woke up in my apartment.

I sighed. Why couldn't I remember! I didn't know what to do. Should I let it go? I had ended up at home and it could just be a one-time thing.

But, what if it isn't? What if I am not so lucky next time and end up dead or something?

I shook my head. I would be all right. It was just a one-time thing. If it happened again then I would worry.

I then finished my essay and some other schoolwork and went to bed.

Then next morning I woke from that same dream with the princess.

I went through the morning in a daze. I didn't know what to do. How would I find the unreachable princess and bring her back the ginzuishou, which I didn't have.

My thoughts were interrupted as a blonde girl skidded straight into me.

I smiled; maybe she could release this tension I felt. It worked yesterday. She had managed to get my mind off the princess and the ginzuishou. Maybe it would work again.

And as usual my thoughts were right. My teasing did get my mind off the princess and onto other things.

Unfortunately, those other things were Usagi. I wasn't sure I wanted to be thinking about Usagi.


Usagi's POV

'Oh no! Him again.'

"Apparently you love running into me, don't you Odango Atama? Are you honestly that clumsy or are you trying to get my attention?" He said with a smirk.

Why did he always have to show up just when I wanted to see him least? It wasn't fair! Why did he always have to insult me, like everyone else in my life did? Wait that wasn't true anymore! I remembered Ami, Minako, Makoto, and Rei, and a small smile spread on my face.

"What the matter Odango Atama? Cat got your tongue?" Mamoru laughed snapping me back to reality.

They weren't here to help me now. I quickly bowed to Mamoru, pulled on my left shoe and walked around him. Once I had passed him I ran the rest of the way to school. I made it there just as the bell was ringing.


Mamoru's POV

I had made her nervous again. What was it that made her act this way around me? The teasing? Was that it? It wasn't really that bad, and after all she was a teenage girl! She was probably teased all the time.

But it was the teasing wasn't it. For some reason, I liked teasing her. Her responses weren't what you would expect from a girl her age. I didn't want to hurt her, but it was as if I couldn't help it. My mouth was running ahead of my brain and by the time my brain had caught up the damage had been done.

With that I continued down the street toward the bus station contemplating Usagi.


Usagi's POV

"Tsukino-san you are late, again, I thought we talked about this. Apparently you haven't learned your lesson. I supposed another hour long detention after school would refresh your memory." Haruna-sensei said sternly closing the door behind me. "Sit down Tsukino-san you have already wasted enough of our class time."

I swiftly sat down in my desk next to the window. Then, I folded my hands on the desk put my head into them and silently cried. This was terrible! Now I wouldn't be able to spend as much time with my new teammates! Wait; did I really want to spend time with them? What if they were only nice to me because I was a part of their team? What if they were just like everyone else? These doubts began to stir in my mind. I couldn't do this. I would just have to tell them I couldn't come tonight. Besides, I was supposed to be in the arcade until 8:00. I would be lying to my parents.

In my heart, however, I knew my mother would be happier if I did go to Rei's house and spent time with the girls. Oh, what was I supposed to do!

"Tsukino-san what are you doing?" It was Haruna-sensei. My head snapped up from my desk. "I have already called you four times! Answer the question." She demanded.

I stood. What was the question! I looked at the board. There was a triangle there with some math labels. The shortest side was labeled 3 the longest side was labeled five. What in to world was I supposed to find? I blushed, shook my head, and shrugged showing that I didn't know and sat down.

"Stand up, Tsukino-san. The school board seems to think that just because you cannot speak, you should not have to answer questions in front of the class. I believe that is to dumbest thing I have ever heard! How do they expect you to pay attention and learn something if you do not answer my questions? Now I know you weren't paying attention so I will repeat the question: how long is the unlabeled side of the right triangle?"

I stood up again. I honestly didn't know! What had we learned? I remembered yesterday when I was studying at the arcade. What had that book said? Oh yes in a right triangle the sum of the squares of the sides equals the square of the hypotenuse. But what in the world does that mean? Ok there was an equation too right? What was it again? a²b²c² Yes, that was it! OK well a is 3 and 3 squared is 9, ok that's good. And c that was 5 and 5 squared is 25. So how to get b squared? Could you do 25 minus 9? Let's see, that would give you…. 16! And the square root of 16… 4! Is that the answer? I grabbed a sheet of paper. And wrote a 4 on it. I then walked up to Haruna-sensei and gave her the paper.

I watched her expectantly.

She smiled and gave a small laugh. "I suppose you do have some brains in that head of yours." She said. I sighed relieved, and went back to my desk.

What in the world had I just done! My mind was torn. One half said I was utterly humiliated by Haruna-sensei's uncaring remarks. She was completely disobeying my mother's orders to not call on my in class. That was the only way I was persuaded to come to a regular school.

The other part of me however was proud that I had stood up to her and risen to the challenge that she had created. I had proven that I was smart. It showed that I did know the answer to some things. It also proved that I belonged in that class.


Haruna's POV

I watched as Usagi went back to her desk. The look on her face showed mixed emotions. I could see fear and pride but also confusing.

I knew she could answer the questions I asked. Perhaps this would wake her up and help her out of the hole she dug for herself. I hoped it would. There was nothing else I could do. I refused to go easy on her when I knew she could do better.

She has so much potential. I had seen her use it before. Why had she lost it?


Usagi's POV

What was happening to me? I had never had such feelings before. It scared me in a way. I was changing I could feel it. Was it because of the other Senshi? Was that why I was beginning to change? Was my mother right all this time?

But then it couldn't be the other Senshi because I had decided just a few minutes ago that the only reason they were nice to me was because we were on the same side. They didn't really want to be friends they just wanted to make sure we would destroy the Dark Kingdom. But even that was starting to change. Maybe I would go to Rei's house. I should at least give them a chance. Besides, I was a Sailor Senshi, and even if they hated me, I had a duty to make sure to Earth stayed safe from the Dark Kingdom. I couldn't let my feeling get in the way, I had decided that last night.

Just then, the bell rang, signaling that lunch had begun. I stood up and reach for my lunch, and then I remembered that it was sitting at the counter at home. I hung my head and sighed. I had defeated Haruna-sensei, but that wouldn't stop my hunger.

I looked up and saw that there were still some people left in the classroom.

It was Ami, Mina, and Makoto. What were they waiting for? I started to walk out of the classroom, thinking that maybe they were waiting for me to leave so they could speak privately. But then a voice called out as I was in the doorway.

"Usagi! Where are you going?" It was Mina.


Minako's POV

Makoto and I had arrived earlier than usual so that the four of us (Usagi included) could get to know each other better, but Usagi had been late. So our plans were ruined.

Oh well! There was always lunch!

I sat through morning classes. Oh my God this was the slowest day in the history of the universe! I couldn't wait till lunch so that we could talk to Usagi more.

I wonder what she is really like. I mean I know she is shy. She ever tries to talk to anybody. And, I don't mean because she can't speak. She could always write down what she wanted to say, or teach someone sign language but she decided not to.

Did she like Sailor V? Did she like to watch movies, listen to music, read books, or did she enjoy studying like Ami or cooking like Mako?

When Haruna-sensei called on Usagi I almost fainted. That had never happened before. EVER! I was so proud of Usagi when she answered the question correctly. She sure showed Haruna-sensei! I bet she thought Usagi couldn't do it! We would have to talk to Usagi about it at lunch!

Finally the bell rang for lunch. Ami, Mako, and I gathered near the door waiting for Usagi. I was confused when she continued to walk out the door without looking at us.

What was wrong with her? Didn't she get that we were friends now and therefore ate together at lunch? Then I realized she had never truly had a friend before. So I called out to her.

Well we would show her how friends treat friends. And it seemed Mako and Ami had the same idea.


Usagi's POV

I turned and pointed outside to where everyone else was eating lunch. Even though I wouldn't eat out there, I hoped they would understand that I was going to lunch, and leave me alone. As much as I wanted to have friends, I needed to be alone to think right now.

"Well we have a better idea," Makoto said walking up to me and taking my arm, "come with us!"

And with that they led me down the hall towards the doors that lead outside, however they stopped short and turned down a different hallway. They then lead my upstairs to the roof.

"This is where we eat lunch," Ami said.

I noticed she had a book with her. And, after glancing at the cover I gave her a look of surprise.

She blushed, "Well, I thought since we are all going to be friends it is important that we know how to communicate so I bought this book on sign language." She said kind of hurriedly, as if she was embarrassed.

I gave her a smile. No one had ever learned sign language just for me before, well except my family. But, no one else had, not even Haruna-sensei.

"That's a good idea, Ami," Mina said, and Makoto nodded. "We'll have to learn as well, but I'm sure you'll help us, right Usagi?"

I nodded. Wow, these girls were really trying to be my friends, to show me that they cared too. No one has ever done that for me. I didn't know what to do.

" Where is your lunch, Usagi?" Makoto asked.

I shook my head.

"Um…Sorry Usagi, but do you mind trying to use sign language I have been studying a little and I want to know how much I've learned." Ami said shyly.

I nodded with a smile.

"Wait," she said again, "please go slowly I don't know very much yet."

I nodded again then slowly signed, "I… forgot… my… lunch… this…morning…because… I… was… running… late." Then I looked at her expectantly.

She repeated, "I… something… my… food… something… morning… I … run… late." She said. "Am I close?" ask asked.

I gave her a big smile and nodded.

"So," Mina said, " You forgot your lunch this morning because you were late?"

I nodded again.

"Oh, well don't worry about that I have plenty, I would be happy to share my lunch with you." Makoto said with a grin.

I gave her a small smile and nodded.

We all sat down against the fence of the roof and ate our lunches, I of course was sharing with Makoto.

"That was excellent that way you answered that question in class Usagi." Ami said.

"Yeah, I was so angry at Haruna-sensei for putting you on the spot like that, I mean how could she it was just cruel. But, you handled it so well! I don't know if I could have done that." Mina said.

I shrugged. 'Before I met you guys I don't think I would have done it either.'

"Well Mina that's probably because you wouldn't know the answer to the question." Makoto said laughing.

"That's not true I knew all along that it was 4." Mina said angrily.

"Yeah, uh huh, sure you did." Makoto said.

I was worried. Uh oh they were arguing. I shifted a bit away from them expecting them to start arguing. But, what happened next surprised me.

They both started laughing. "I guess your right Mako, I never would have known how to solve that problem." Mina said still laughing.

They were just joking they weren't really mad at each other at all!

"So Usagi, what do you like to do when you aren't…. well you know out late at night." Ami asked.

I had to think about that one. What did I like to do… "I… like… listen… music." I signed slowly for Ami.

"I like something music?" Ami asked.

I nodded.

"To listen to music right?" Makoto said.

I nodded again.

"This is fun it's kind of like charades or something." Mina said happily.

I gave a silent laugh. Although it was kind of fun to watch them try to figure out what I was saying.

Just then the bell rang to end lunch.

"Well we should go. Usagi, we'll meet you at the arcade after your detention, ok. Then we can walk to Rei's house together!" Makoto said.

I nodded. Then we all walked back to the classroom together.

I had a lot to think about during classes that afternoon.


Ami's POV

Usagi seemed nice, but far too shy. She was even shyer than I was! What she needed was to have some friends. That is what helped me to open up a little. It was Minako, Makoto, and Rei that made me realize that what was important in life.

As I looked at Usagi I couldn't help thinking… Was I that shy when they met me?

I also came to another realization at lunch today.

I needed help. Learning to sign was a lot harder than I thought. I would have to find a class somewhere to teach me. I guess I would look for one this afternoon.


Usagi's POV

Wow! These girls actually liked me. They were trying to communicate with me and be my friends. And the best part was, it wasn't because they felt sorry for me. It may be because we are all Sailor Senshi, but they defiantly didn't pity me. I almost felt like jumping up and down.

I wonder what Rei is like. I don't know much about her besides the fact that she is Sailor Mars. Is she like the others? I think she most likely is. This had to be the best day of my life. Even if I did run into Mamoru, and even if I was late to school I actually made some friends. I had a feeling we would be friends for a long time to come. But there was a growing fear at the back of my mind, not from my new friends, but from the enemy. Now they knew there were more of us. Would they increase the pressure and start fighting more and more? I decided then and there that no matter what happened to me, I would NOT let anything happen to my new friends no matter what.

I sat through the rest of class only half listening to Haruna-sensei. I was so excited about the meeting and being with my new friends I could hardly stop from fidgeting. Then, finally the bell rang. I was about to jump up and join them as they left the classroom, when Haruna-sensei called to me.

"Up front Tsukino-san." She said pointing to the same chair I sat in yesterday at detention. I sighed and sat up front.

"Tsukino-san, I want to know what is going on with you. You may be a bit of a space case during class but you are never late. I believe that you feel that since you are mute, you don't have to follow the rules. That you should be treated special."

I sat up straight and shook my head I began to sign to her that it wasn't true, when I realized she didn't know sign language.

"Don't interrupt me Tsukino-san, well from now on you will have to follow the rules just like all the other students. That includes answering questions in class and giving presentations. I don't want to hear anything form you saying that you can't do it because I know you can."

Presentations! Participate in class! This was getting to be ridiculous.

"This is for your own good Tsukino-san. You must learn how to fit in with the rest of society. That will never happen if you are exempt from things that other students are not exempt from. Do you understand?"

I nodded.


Haruna's POV

I knew I was being harsh but it was for her own good! The world was a harsh place. She wouldn't always have the opportunity to be exempt from the rules. She would have to learn to follow them just like everyone else.

I watched her secretly. There were tears in her eyes. She probably hated me at that, but I knew that one day she would thank me.


Usagi's POV

I wanted to run out of the room crying. How could she do this to me? She wasn't allowed to! But, no one would stop her would they.

The rest of the hour was spent in silence. When the clock finally struck four. I gather my belongings and left the room as quickly as possible.

I ran to the arcade as fast as I could. I made it there in five minutes. This time I didn't run into Mamoru. With that happy thought in my mind I walked into the arcade. I immediately spotted the three girls, but with them was a fourth girl this time. It was Rei. I smiled and quickly walked over to them.

As it was yesterday, the four girls were flirting with Motoki. As I approached Motoki was the first to notice.

"Hello, Usagi, how are you?" He asked.

I smiled at him and gave him a short nod.

"Oh Usagi, there you are. Wow you made it here fast." Minako said with a smile. She jumped up and pulled me into their little circle.

"We were just telling Motoki how hard school was, weren't we." Rei said.

There was a laugh from behind us. We all turned around to see…

"Well, I suppose it would be difficult for someone who got a 30 percent on her last test isn't it Odango Atama." It was Mamoru.

"Hey, Mamoru!" Motoki said.

Rei started laughing. "Odango Atama? That's funny. But it does fit with her hair style and all."

I wanted to disappear. Rei was supposed to be my friend she was not supposed to agree with someone who hated me.

I tapped Ami on the shoulder. "Do… you… think… we … could… go … Rei's… house?" I signed.

Ami stared at me. "You want to go to Rei's house?"

I nodded. Thank goodness one of them could understand me a little.

"Sorry, Usagi, we can't go to Rei's house until five because that is when the temple closes and people will no longer be there." Ami said sadly.

I hung my head. Oh lovely now I would have to put up with Mamoru. I didn't know if I hated Mamoru, it was more like I just wanted him to stop teasing me. Did he have to be as mean as other people.

"Well, Usagi, would you like anything?" Motoki asked.

"Wait," Mamoru said, "Why are you using sign language Odango Atama?"

Oh no! Now he would make fun of me even more. How could this wonderful day have turned our so terrible!

"Well, duh Mamoru. She's mute everyone knows that." Mina said matter-of-factly.

Mamoru turned to me. "Your mute?" he asked a bit surprised.

I nodded making sure to keep my head bent so I wouldn't see the smirk I knew was on his face. I waited for him to laugh, preparing to make a run for the bathroom, but he never did.

"Sorry, Odango, I didn't know." He said.

I looked up. He just had to call me Odango, didn't he.

I turned to Ami and signed, "Please… tell… him … not… call… me… that."

Ami, looked something up in her book. Then she turned to Mamoru.

"Usagi doesn't want you to call her that anymore." Ami said, relying my message.

"I know Ami, I can understand sign language." Mamoru said.


Mamoru's POV

As I came into the arcade I saw Usagi sitting with the other girls. They were talking about school.

I couldn't help myself. I had to make one more comment. As usual she replied my hanging her head as if she was ashamed or hurt. Didn't she know I was just teasing her? That it didn't really mean anything?

Then she turned to Ami and began to use sign language to communicate what she wanted.

What in the world was going on? Why was Usagi using sign language? It didn't make sense.

Finally I had to ask.

The reply wasn't what I expected.

She was mute. How could I have been so stupid! No wonder she was so offended by my teasing. She probably thought I was teasing her because she was mute. How could I prove to her that I wasn't?

I know! I wouldn't tease her anymore! That way she would know that I wasn't trying to make her feel worst about herself.

How could I have been so blind? It was so obvious now. She had never said a word. And her eyes were so expressive! I never understood why, but now it makes perfect sense.

I would make it up to her. Somehow. I knew that I had to try and make it up to her.


Usagi's POV

I nearly fell off the stool. He knew sign language. How? Why? I just stared at him speechless.

"You do?" Ami asked.

"Yes," He said, "When I was younger I got a job translating for the deaf, so I had to learn sign language."

"Really! Maybe you can teach us so we could communicate with Usagi better." Rei said moving closer to him.

Lovely now Rei was using me to flirt with Mamoru. Maybe I had given in too easily. I knew I should have stayed away from them. They didn't like me at all they were just using me.

I got out of that arcade just as fast as I could.

I ran. I didn't know were I was going, I just knew I had to get away from there.


Mamoru's POV

I watched Usagi leave the arcade. What had I said? I just wanted to show her that… that we could be friends.

Was she upset because I knew sign language? I couldn't help that.

Was she upset because I teased her? That was probably more likely.

I wanted her to see that I didn't tease her because she was mute but because it was fun. Wait that wouldn't go over right would it?

It was fun to tease her, but… I couldn't tell her that.

I wish I could just talk to her. Maybe then she would understand.

'Understand what? You don't even understand what you feel towards her.' A voice said in my head, and I knew it was right. My feelings towards Usagi were blurred. Part of loved her, or at least wanted to get to know her better. The other part though was bound to the princess. I couldn't give up the chance to discover my past for a girl I barely knew and felt… undecided about.

I just didn't know what to do.


Usagi's POV

Mamoru knew sign language. This was terrible! I had hoped that he wouldn't so that I could talk to my friends in sign language maybe even about Senshi stuff without others knowing, but he would understand just what we were saying. Besides they weren't my friends really they were just using me. They just wanted to get closer to Motoki and Mamoru. I never wanted to see any of them ever again.

"Usagi, where are you going!"

I skid to a halt. I turned around and saw Luna behind me.

"I don't know," I signed to her.

"Well, aren't you supposed to be at a meeting with the other Senshi?" she asked.

I nodded.

"Well why aren't you on your way? Weren't you supposed to meet them at the arcade so they could show you the way?"

I nodded.

"So come along then let's go."

I reluctantly followed Luna back to the arcade.

I would have to deal with them. After all we had and evil force to get rid of. And, I would need their help in order to do it. I picked up Luna as we approached the arcade and walked in with her.

"Usagi, where did you go?" Makoto asked.

I pointed to the clock that hung above the counter. It read 4:30.

"Oh don't worry Usagi we have plenty of time." Mina said.

Ami watched me warily. "You alright?" She asked.

I nodded. Then I looked around as I set Luna on the floor. Mamoru was sitting at the farthest booth where I had sat yesterday. Rei was playing the Sailor V game in the corner.

Just then Motoki came up to us. "Would you like anything Usagi?" He asked.

I gave him a smile and shook my head.

Rei finished her game and joined us. "Well girls, let's go." She said. And we all followed her out, Luna trailing at my heels.

As we walked to Rei house the other girls talked about school and boys and everything in between. I finally decided that Mina, Makoto, and Ami were all right, but Rei, she was just like Mamoru.

We finally reach the Temple. Rei led us to her room. Inside was a cat similar to Luna except for the fact that he was male, and that he was white instead of black. As soon as Luna saw him she yelled "Artemis! What are you doing here? Were you the one who gave these girls their power? How come you didn't try to find Sailor Moon?"

"Whoa, Luna slow down. I am here for the same reason you are, to discuss our next coarse of act. Yes I did give these girls their power, and I didn't try to find Sailor Moon because it isn't my job to find her. It has always been your job to look after Sailor Moon and mine to see after the Sailor Senshi." He said calmly.

"Ok let's settle down and see what we do know before we start fighting." Ami said.

"Well, we know that we are the five Sailor Senshi, and that we are supposed to protect the world from the Dark Kingdom." Minako said.

"We must also find the Princess and the Silver Crystal." Rei added.

"We know that we have powers in orders to stop the Dark Kingdom." Ami said.

"We know that your powers come from their respected planets and that this has happened before." Artemis said.

"Artemis! We weren't supposed to tell them that yet. We should wait until we find the Princess before we explain that." Luna said.

" I think we should know, what happened Luna." Ami said.

"Please girls, when the time is right we will tell you all we know, for now you must figure this out on your own." Luna said sadly.

Then no one spoke.

"Is there anything else we know?" Makoto asked.

No one said anything.

"Wait, you girls need to make arrangements to learn sign language, you too Artemis, I don't know if the girls told you, but Usagi is mute. She cannot communicate with you if you don't know sign language." Luna said.

"Oh don't worry about that Luna, we have made arrangements, and I will teach Artemis at home." Mina said smugly.

"How do you girls plan to learn sign language?" Luna asked.

"Oh well Ami is learning from books of course she could always help us, but Chiba Mamoru is going to teach us on Saturdays." Makoto said. "Oh Usagi, you are free on Saturday, we couldn't go without you it would be pointless."

I nodded numbly. I would have to spend the entire day with Mamoru. This just couldn't be happening. However I couldn't see any alternative. Books were good, but they could only teach you so much with sign language, you need to have a practical application to learn it properly, so I must resign myself to the fate of spending my Saturdays with Mamoru and Rei.

"Well that's good, now that that's settled, back to the business at hand," Luna said, satisfied that the girls were making an effort to learn sign language.

"Alright then what should we do now?" Rei said.

"Find the Princess and the Silver Crystal," I signed, and Luna told them.

"Well obviously, but how?" Rei said sounding a bit annoyed.

"I could use my computer," Ami said hopeful.

"But we tried that we can't do that until you have the Silver Crystal and you can't find the Crystal on your computer." Mina said.

"Ok let's go at this another way. What do we know about the Dark Kingdom?" Ami said.

"Not much there is a guy named Jadeite, and he seems to be in charge." Makoto said.

"He works for Queen Beryl." I signed slowly so Ami could understand, and then Luna relayed the massage.

"That is true, but what do we know about where they are hiding, what they are up to, and where they will strike next?" Ami asked.

No one said anything.

"Well, they are probably after the same thing we are, finding the crystal and the Princess." I signed.

After it had been translated, everyone nodded.

"Yes most likely that is exactly what they are doing." Mina said.

"So how do we find them?' Mako asked.

"I guess we'll just have to wait for them to find us. For now." Rei said.

Everyone agreed.

"Girls here," Artemis said. "These are devices that you can use to communicate with each other. That way if there is an attack and only one of you is there, you can alert the others."

Each one of us took a device and began playing with it. Soon talk turned from Senshi business back to boys, school, and shopping.

"Well," Luna said loudly to try and be heard over Mina's laughing, " I suppose we won't get much else done today, so I think you girls should go home and work on your school work."

"I agree that is a great idea, Luna," Ami said. "Girls there is a big math test tomorrow remember." Then she quickly gathered her things.

"Oh yeah, oh I definitely need to go home and study," Mina said as she too gathered her books and started to leave.

"See ya Rei, sorry, maybe we can stay later another day," Makoto said, heading out the door, books already in hand.

Seeing that I was the last one left I gathered my books as well, and gave Rei a quick nod before leaving.

"Usagi, do you mind if I stay here and speak with Artemis for a bit?" Luna asked.

I shook my head. She gave me a smile then walked back inside.

I looked at my watch I still had an hour before I was to be home for dinner. I decided to take a walk in the park.

It took me fifteen minutes to get to the park near my house. I smiled as I entered the section with the rose bushes. I loved this part of the park! I could spend hours here just smelling the beautiful roses.

"So you like roses Odango Atama," a voice said behind me.

I turned around and Mamoru standing behind me.


Mamoru's POV

I watched as Usagi came back with her cat. But before I could talk to her, the girls were already heading out the door.

I sighed. I guess I would have to wait. It was for the best anyways. I didn't even know what I was going to say to her!

Heck I didn't even know how I felt about her!

After I finished my coffee I decided to talk a walk in the park near my apartment. I loved it there. They had a large section dedicated to roses. For some reason being there calmed my nerves, sort of like Usagi did.

After awhile I spotted Usagi walking a bit ahead of me.

For some reason I was drawn to her. It was as if there was some force that was bringing us together.


Usagi's POV

I turned back around and quickened my pace, but he easily caught up with me.

"Listen I'm sorry about earlier, I didn't know you were mute, I wouldn't have given you such a ruff time if I had known." He said.

I turned toward him. "I don't need you pity Chiba Mamoru," I signed.

"I didn't mean it that way it's just I know what it's like to feel out of place, I understand your situation." He replied.

I shook my head and continued walking down the path. We walked in silence for a while.


Mamoru's POV

Why had I told her that? She didn't care. I was surprised at myself. I never let people know how I felt. Why was I telling her?

She thought I pitied her. This wasn't what I was going for. I wanted to be friends with her didn't I?

'You want to be more than friends with her and you know it.' The voice said again.

I turned and looked at Usagi. She was beautiful. The way the fading sun hit her gave a ethereal glow. As if she had stepped off of the moon.

It was then I realized.

I wanted to get closer to Usagi.

I shook that thought away.

No!

I could only ever think about the Princess.

She was the one who has always been there not Usagi!

I pushed these thoughts of Usagi to the back of my mind. 'Think of the princess. Think of how happy you will be to get your past back! All you memories. You can remember your family again. That is what you want, and Usagi can't give it to you.' I told myself.

My mind finally at easy I turned back to Usagi.


Usagi's POV

"It's getting dark Odango Atama, don't you think you should be heading home?" He asked.

I looked at my watch it was 7:50 I could go home now. I nodded.

"Great I'll walk you." He said.

" I don't need you to." I said.

" I wasn't asking Odango, it's dangerous out here at night be yourself." He said.

I nodded and lead the way towards my house.


Mamoru's POV

As much as I wanted to get away from her so I could think, I couldn't allow her to walk home in the dark alone.

What if something happened to her? I would never forgive myself for putting my peace of mind before her well-being.

Deep inside myself I knew I cared for her, but I just couldn't admit it to myself yet.


Usagi's POV

Why did he care what happened to me? In fact why had he walked with me in the park? Did he feel sorry for me, or was he trying to be nice. I couldn't imagine him trying to be nice. Most likely he was apologizing because he felt sorry for me. I wasn't going to fall for it.

"So did your friends tell you about their plans on Saturday," he asked?

I nodded.

"Are you coming," he asked?

"I don't have much of a choice do I," I signed.

He laughed, "No you don't do you."

"Well this is my house," I signed as we reach my house.

"Ok see you later Odango," he waved than then walked back the way he came, most likely heading towards home.

That Chiba Mamoru, I wouldn't let him fool me.

I open the door and walked inside just as my mother put dinner on the table.

"Welcome home Usagi, how was your day?" she asked.

"Fine," I signed back, " I went to the house of a girl I met yesterday's house."

"That's wonderful, Usagi!" she said, giving me a hug. "Now come clean up for dinner."

Dinner passed without much incident. After dinner I went up to my room, took a shower and did some of my homework before realizing that Luna still wasn't back.

I looked at the clock, it was 10:30, and I had school tomorrow, I couldn't stay up and wait for her. So, instead I left the window open a little, turned out my light and went to sleep.

That night I had a dream that I was dancing with a very handsome man, in fact he looked a lot like the masked man who saved my the other day. He was telling me something but I couldn't make out what it was. There was music playing in the background, however and that was loud and clear. I told him something back he nodded and pulled me closer. I felt so warm in his arms. I curled deeper into my blankets smiling.

Suddenly I heard a hissing. Someone was calling my name. I cracked my eyes open and saw Luna standing there.

"Luna it's 3:30 in the morning," I signed as I looked at my clock. Why did she have to go and ruin my beautiful dream?

"Tomorrow there will be another meeting at five at Hino Temple." She said.

"That's wonderful, Luna, but couldn't have a told me that in the morning?" I signed as I turned over. Curling into my covers again.

Unfortunately the dream did not return.

I awoke the next morning as my alarm started ringing, I grumbled and quickly turned it off. I saw to my satisfaction that I was not late today.