Thanks so much, Midnight-Nemesis! And this isn't one-shot; I don't think I could ever do one of those. I need to add more, and more, so it kind of builds up. Well, here's Chapter 2.
Disclaimer: I got the rights back. But then I lost them to a blunette in a chess match. I swear, she had this mini computer! Anyways, I don't own the Switchfoot song either, or the Evanescence one from the first chapter.
Usagi and Ami walked slowly, chattering of idle things. They weren't going straightaway to the Crown, as Usagi had suddenly remembered she had to pick up Shingo at his school. Ami had complied gladly, and as they made their way to Juuban Elementary School, both felt soaked in happiness.
"So, Ames, did you hear about the new student coming here?" Usagi asked.
Ami smiled, something that was getting more and more natural when she was around Usagi. "Hai. I heard she's coming all the way from London, England. It seems she'll be in several of our classes."
Usagi nodded as they neared the school. "I hope she's nice. It would be awful if she came out to be someone horrible and cruel." She stopped, and waved to a brown-haired boy. "Shingo! Shingo, you little brat, get over here!"
He made a face at her, but ran over anyways. "Usagi-chan, you know you're the best sister in the world, right?"
She growled at him as Ami giggled. "Whaddya want, spore?"
Shingo flashed a sweet smile. "Can I stay over at Mika's until later? I know Mama and Papa won't mind, and it would only be until about seven. Onegai?"
Usagi thought this over. "If you stay out of my room for a month."
Shingo shook his head. "A week at the most, take it or leave it."
Usagi pouted. "Shouldn't I be saying that?" But she gave a little sigh. "Whatever spore, just be back by seven. And don't do anything terrible, ok?"
He stuck his tongue out at her. "Me? The perfect little angel? I think not. Ja, Usagi and her friend!" And he took off running, to where a girl with short hair stood. He blushed a little as she took his hand and they walked off.
Usagi shook her head. "He so likes her. C'mon, Ami-chan, we can go to the Crown now."
"Why, Odango? So you can stuff yourself till you're Tokyo's largest blimp?"
Ami was startled at the show of emotions that ran across Usagi's face. Anger, surprise, and…there was an unknown emotion, crossing so fleetingly that Ami wasn't sure it was there. But then Usagi spun around, pigtails flying, and glared at the intruder. It was the same man she had seen from last night.
"What is it you have against me, baka?"
He smirked. "Besides the fact that you pummeled me with paper when we first met?"
She held up a finger. "One. One paper, baka!" And she turned to Ami, who looked startled at the exchange. "Sorry, Ami. This is Baka-san, the most annoying, evil, most conceited man in Tokyo."
Ami smiled shyly. "Konnichi'wa. Mizuno Ami is my name."
He plucked her hand up delicately and kissed it, causing Ami to blush and Usagi to stare. "Chiba Mamorou. I've heard of you, Ami-san. Head of your class, and with a 4.1 GPA, correct?"
She nodded excitedly. "And I you. You seem to be Azabu High School's best student!"
Usagi snorted. "The baka? Smart?"
Mamorou rapped a knuckle on her head, and she turned a bright pink. "Why not Odango? I am, at least, smarter than you."
Ami frantically clung to her new friends shirt as Usagi tried to reach Mamorou. "Yeah right, baka! Prove it!"
He grinned. "You have only ever called me baka, Baka-san, or conceited jerk. I have Odango Atama, crybaby, klutz, and several others over you. Is that not proof enough?"
She stood straight. "I do so have some! Let me start over. Ami," she turned to her friend and held out a hand to Mamorou. "This is the most conceited, stuck-up, arrogant, vain, smug, proud, self-important, pompous, self-opinionated, pretentious, haughty, snobbish, high and mighty, superior, denigrating, condescending, er… anything else?"
Before she could stop herself, Ami continued. "Supercilious, snooty, overconfident, patronizing, demeaning, debasing, degrading…" She caught herself, as Mamorou stared. Usagi continued.
"You are also evil, malicious, malevolent, mean, spiteful, unpleasant, nasty, unkind, obnoxious, insufferable, intolerable, unbearable, insupportable, unendurable, stupid, unintelligent, thick, dull, brainless, dim, dense, foolish, mindless, senseless, ridiculous, irrational, nonsensical, foolhardy, idiotic, spineless, pathetic, dismal, annoying, bothersome, irritating, frustrating, irksome, trying, maddening, exasperating, vexing, aggravating, niggling, chauvinist, bigot, sexist excuse for a member of the male species!"
There was complete and utter silence around them. Mamorou was glassy-eyed in shock, and Ami was gaping at Usagi in awe. The aforementioned blonde had frazzled her hair and her face was beet-red. Several passersby's, some who knew them, some who didn't, were standing speechless on the sidewalk after Usagi's loud declarations. Usagi, panting heavily, eyed Mamoru, daring him silently to say something.
He opened his mouth several times, but the only coherent thought processing was the first to his mouth. "What the hell was that?"
She smiled and smoothed down her hair. "That was me kicking your butt, baka." And she grabbed Ami's hand, and proceeded to walk to the Crown.
Mamorou stayed in the same position for several moments. She had come up with two, very, VERY good comebacks. And both times, he could say nothing. With a sigh, the defeated man threw his hands in the air. "What an estrogen fueled nightmare!" He strolled down the other way, deciding to avoid the Crown Arcade for a little bit longer.
Ami and Usagi stepped into the arcade, giggling over her recent victory. Usagi sat at the counter and twirled happily in her chair. "I can't believe I remembered all that!"
Ami stifled a laugh. "Well, Usagi-chan, you were very upset. All the chemicals flowing through your body must have caused a major difference in your brain activity!"
"When did Usa get angry?" Usagi turned suddenly and flashed a brilliant grin to the sandy-haired man behind the counter. "Hey, Motoki! We were just talking about my recent victory over Baka-san. If you get me a shake, I'll tell you about it! Oh, and this is my friend, Mizuno Ami."
Motoki winked at Ami as he went to get the milkshake. "Hey there! Furuhata Motoki, at your service! Anything for you?"
Ami shook her head, but Usagi stopped her. "She'll have a strawberry milkshake, Motoki! We need to get her out more." Motoki shook his head, but disappeared into the back. He came back a short while later with the dripping drinks. As it turned out, Usagi drank hers as Ami explained what had happened. Motoki was stunned.
"Ah, Mamorou's gonna be ego-less for s few days then!" Just then the arcade bells tinkled. A tall brunette in a forest green uniform stepped in and looked around. Motoki waved. Her eyes lit up and she quickly walked over to them.
"Hey Motoki! What's up?" she cried.
Motoki smiled. "Hey Mako. Here, let me introduce you to some people. This is Tsukino Usagi, and Mizuno Ami. They go to Juuban too, so you'll probably see them in school.
Mako let a strained smile come over her face. "Hi, Kino Makoto's the name." She was surprised when Usagi jumped up and hugged her.
"Hey! D'you wanna sit with Ami and me while we have our drinks? I've seen you in school, so I know we'll have something in common."
Mako was shocked. "You know who I am? And you still want to sit with me?"
Usagi giggled. "Well, sure! Some people say bad things about everyone, but I won't believe it till I see it!" Motoki suppressed a laugh as he watched Usagi lead away the two girls to a booth. They both looked stunned, as if it was all an illusion that would soon go away.
6:50 Later That Day
Usagi checked her watch. "Ah, Kuso! I have to get going guys, gomen. Shingo's at a friends, and I really need to get him home."
Mako smiled. "Sure, Usa." She was overjoyed at this new friend of hers, and found Ami to be a great friend to.
Ami picked up her schoolbag. "I've got to get going to. It seems like I have a lot of work to do for school tomorrow." Mako and Usagi made a face, causing all three to break out in giggles. Usagi picked up her briefcase and smiled.
"I'll see you guys tomorrow then! Ja ne!"
The other two girls walked slowly, as she sped off in the other direction. Mako looked at the setting sun. "Boy, is she something. She's like a…a light, you know? That just blows everything away!"
Ami was silent for a moment. Then she let out a sigh. "Wakatta. I only hope it lasts."
Usagi had a habit of running with her eyes closed, and today was no exception. She was going to be late, she knew, and so was very relieved for an excuse when she barreled into someone. "Gomen, gomen!"
"Watch where you're going!" Usagi looked up and found a violet-eyed, raven-haired girl looking at her angrily. The blonde cocked her head to the side.
"I said gomen."
The girl scoffed. "So? You practically fractured my spine!"
Usagi smiled. "The you wouldn't be able to walk, ne?"
The girl glowered at her. "Then you gave me several scrapes." Before she could say anything else, Usagi had stood up and lifted her up as well. The girl stood stock still as Usagi circled her, and then beamed.
"I don't see anything!" A growl emitted deep from the girls throat, but as stopped by the hand suddenly thrust in front of her. "Hi. I'm Tsukino Usagi. I haven't seen you around here before. What school do you go to?"
"A Catholic one." The raven-head put a hand over her mouth. Something about this girl compelled her to say things.
Usagi eyed her curiously. "What's your name?"
Violet eyes surveyed her carefully as an answer came. "Hino Rei. I'm not catholic though. In fact, I'm training to be a priestess at the Hikawa shrine."
Rei covered her ears as Usagi emitted a high-pitched squeal. "The awesome Shinto shrine? I love that place." Rei perked up.
"Really? Because I love it too. In fact, my grandfather owns it, and is the head priest. Although…I love the place more for it's ancientness."
Usagi smiled. "So do I. And the rice paper walls" Rei cut her off.
"And the tinkling charms"
"And the cherry blossom tree's by the entrance!" They finished in unison, and collapsed into giggles. Rei took Usagi's hand and shook it.
"You seem nice enough. Hey, I'll take you on a guided tour of the shrine this Saturday, ok?" Usagi brightened.
"Sure! Can I bring some friends?" Rei frowned, but at the look Usagi's look, she relented. "Yeah, fine. But not a whole school! If you do" She made a threatening gesture.
Usagi merely nodded. "Arigatou! I've got to go now, so until Saturday. Bye, Rei-chan!" And she sprinted into the other direction, never noting the stunned but happy expression that settled on Rei's features, or the mumbled words.
"Rei-chan…"
Later That NightSailor Moon jumped from roof to roof, with her headphones in her ears but no music on. She reflected over the friends she had just found. All of them, so different, and yet they seemed to fit together like pieces of a puzzle. But the Silver Millennium had been said to be perfect, and now all of its inhabitants were either dead or reborn. Everything was gone. Moon flipped through the small pack of CD's she kept in her boots, and found the CD she was looking for. Quickly clicking it in, she began a random path through the city.
She told him she'd rather fix her makeup, than try to fix what's going on. But the problem keeps on calling, even with the cell phone gone.As she loped easily through the city, a distant memory formed in her mind. It was she, talking to a man, shrouded in shadow so she could not see him.
"There have been almost 300,000 deaths. We must go into battle." He said.
Her voice sounded strangled to her ears. "But if we do, that's more deaths than before! Come now, these monsters have been slowly destroying the people of Earth for years now. They have only recently been unleashed into the world. They must be weak! We should strike against their leader!"
She told him she believes in living, bigger than she's living now, but her world keeps spinning backwards and upside down.
The man replied, in a tired tone. "We have tried. Do you not understand it? Beryl is too strong!"
She stood, or she felt like she stood. "We must find a way to get to her. We must!"
There was a steely undertone to his voice now. "What is this incredible stupidity you are displaying? Beryl cannot be stopped. She has taken my own men, and turned them against me. What makes you think your idea will work? A whim, perhaps, or that Martian friend of yours tells you the 'Great Fire' says it will work."
Don't say so long, and throw yourself wrong. Don't spin today; cause today will soon be gone, like yesterday is gone, like history is gone. Just try and prove me wrong, you pretend like you're immortal.
Silence. She walked to the door. "Father was killed today. Beryl did so with her own hands." The man stiffened.
"I'm sorry, I did not know" But she opened the wooden door and stepped out. He voice carried, disturbing the man with her words.
"She has promised retribution. She will kill me, Endymion."
Sailor Moon stopped. Endymion… The name was so foreign, and yet so right. But who was he? The war they had been referring to must have been the last battle with Beryl, and the Martian friend defiantly Sailor Mars. But that was all she got. A siren wailing caught her attention, and she noticed a long line of police cars and ambulances headed for the Tokyo Garden Mall. With a muttered curse, she followed.
She said he said live like no tomorrow. Everyday we borrow brings us one step closer to the edge, infinity. Where's your treasure, where's your hope if you get the world and lose yourself? She pretends like, she pretends like she's immortal.
Sailor Moon landed in the entrance and ran in, then immediately stopped. A youma, dressed to look like a teddy bear with fangs and sharp claws. It was currently terrorizing several innocent shoppers. Moon took a breath. It would be her first public appearance. "Stop right there! For destroying the fun of shoppers and consumers, in the name of the moon, I Sailor Moon, shall punish you!"
The youma turned to her and growled. "Teddy!" It cried, before launching itself at her. She dodged, and tumbled to a stop in front of the water fountain. Unfortunately, this youma was quick, and soon she had to be on her toes to avoid it. It suddenly swiped a paw at her, sending her flying into a display case.
She struggled to get free, and a hand was suddenly in front of her. She looked up, and found Mamorou looking at her with worry. "Are you alright?" She nodded, and stood with his help. Before he could say a word, she grabbed him and jumped to the side. The youma growled as its claws lodged in the side of the store.
Without missing a beat, Sailor Moon removed her tiara. "Moon Tiara Magic!" The tiara hit the bear dead on, and it disintegrated in a heap of dust. Moon sighed, and turned to go.
Don't say so long, you're not that far gone. This could be your big chance to make up, cause today will soon be gone
Mamorou grabbed her hand, and she looked down. He took a gulp of air. "I saw you last night. You were watching me?"
Gone, like yesterday is goneShe nodded. "Hai."
Like history is gone, the world keeps spinning on"Why?" Mamoru asked. She considered this, the leaned forward. Mamoru gasped inaudibly as she whispered in his ear. "Because you need watching, my friend." And she was gone, power-jumping out of the open-air mall before he could say a word.
You're going, going gone. Like summer break is gone, like Saturday is gone, just try to prove me wrong, you pretend like you're immortal.
Sailor Moon bounded happily into her room, and de-transformed. As she closed her eyes, a brief though super imposed all others. The man in her memory, Endymion, and Mamoru, sounded very alike.
We are not infinite, we are not permanent, nothing it immediate. We're so confident, in our accomplishments, look at our decadence.
That night, she had no dreams.
Wahoo! Minna, that was awesome! Although a bit long…6 pages typed on Microsoft Word! Oh, joy.