Hello again, Well here it is the last chapter and the epilogue of Mind Games. I hope you all enjoy it Please R&R and let me know what you think.
Author's notes - 'Denotes People's Thoughts' To my wonderful reviewers...Thanks
Jamesstutz - Thanks again, Faerex - Thank you, I hope you enjoy :)
Okay on to the Story...Oh yes btw (I hold no rights to any of this) once again, it is just my imagination working over time.
The Game
Chapter 7 - When Fools Rush In
The four girls dejectedly climbed the stairs to the temple. They were unable to tell Mamoru that the aliens had taken Usagi. He still had not regained his memories and that clearly made him a liability. As they approached the Temple doors, all four caught sight of something hanging on the door. Rei put her fingers to her lips and they all crept forward.
Just as they reached the door, it popped open and Grandpa stuck his head out.
"Rei some young man called for you, will he marry you, Should I meet him? Would he make me a good grandson?"
"Grandpa stop he is nothing more than a friend." Minako, Makoto and Ami were all laughing at Grandpa's antics.
Remembering the note, Rei reached up and snagged it down.
If you want to see SAILOR MOON alive, again come alone! 1266 A Street #24
Turning it over in her hand, she looked for identifying marks.
"Grandpa did you see who delivered this note?" She passed it around to the other girls.
"No Rei I didn't...sorry...I kind of fell asleep." He blushed as they all laughed. Rei gave the girls a look that they all understood.
"Sorry Grandpa we have some studying to do." They all nodded and slipped into Rei's room.
"Okay what are our options?" Makoto asked aloud.
"We really don't have any, so our plan is just to go and do the best we can." Rei looked at each of the girls and she could see the resolve in all of their eyes. They were ready to die to save Usagi if need be.
"Let's do it." Minako looked ready to take on anything. They headed out the back way to avoid questions from Grandpa.
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Mamoru slowly strolled out of the bedroom trying to quell his rising anxiety. He was willing the phone to ring when he spotted it. A white envelope rested on his doormat. Someone must have slid it under while he was in the bedroom.
Moving quickly, he stalked over and bent picking it up. His name was printed on the outside; he tore the end of the envelope careful not to tear the paper inside.
I have Usagi Come alone or else she dies. 1266 A street #24
Without a thought to his safety or notifying Usagi's friends, he grabbed a jacket and his keys and headed out the door. Locking the door behind him, he quickly headed for the stairs. Reaching the street, he took mental note of the address he was heading for.
He was relieved more just to be doing some thing to help. Nearly running people down he didn't even bother with his usual apologies, he just prayed he was not already too late.
Quickly sighting the building number he walked up to the doors. Pulling open one of the doors he took in his surroundings.
It was a nice building with one wall covered in mail slots. Spotless elevator doors gleamed directly across from him and he strolled over to the mail slots taking time to look at the names. #24 was the only one with a name. Ginga Seijuurou and Natsumi was printed neatly on a little card showing the top floor. He strolled over to the elevator doors and poked the button.
Tapping his foot with impatience his sense of worry was growing. He willed the elevator hurry and finally with a whoosh the doors slid open. He walked in and pushed the button for six. The elevator silently lifted him up the levels.
He could sense the urgency growing with each level he passed; when the elevator finally glided to a stop, his mind was clear.
He knew he had to remain calm to face whatever was coming. The doors whooshed open and he found himself standing in an entryway. He walked the few steps to the door and knocked. Seconds later the door opened and Natsumi stood smiling at him.
"Mamoru I am glad you could come, come on in, dinner will be ready shortly." She waved him in and shut the door behind him. He glanced around and was surprised at the opulence of the long room he stood in. The entryway tiled in pale marble with a smooth transition to a very thick white carpet.
A white leather sofa sat out in the center of this long room facing a giant sliding glass door leading to a balcony. This long room ran straight across the building to the front. These two probably had a fantastic view of Tokyo at night.
From where they stood a hallway ran to the right to the and left.
"What the hell is going on and where is Usagi? I want answers now."
Natsumi's eyes got huge, "What are you talking about?" She looked to Sei in confusion. "What is he talking about?"
Sei stood sneering, "Natsumi you should go check on dinner so I can talk to your friend."
"No I want to know what he is talking about now." Realization dawned in her eyes, "No way, you didn't tell me!" Her attitude suddenly changing she smiled.
"I'll go check on dinner, while you two talk." She smiled coyly at Mamoru before turning and heading down the hallway to the right.
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Natsumi walked down the hall to the kitchen. Digging in their junk drawer, she dug out the duct tape. Walking through the kitchen, she paused at the door. She could not believe Sei hadn't told her sooner. She would find a way to pay him back later. Opening the door, she stalked into the room.
"So it is true." Natsumi walked closer taking in Usagi's haggard appearance. Her shirt was ripped open and her ribs were ugly shades of purple; thesame as her face. She could not believe that Sei or Mamo-chan would want something like that. Her temper got the best of her as jealously consumed her.
She stalked over and grabbed Usagi by the throat, applying pressure to her windpipe.
"Bitch, I could kill you right now but that would piss off Sei. He wants to enjoy beating and raping you in front of my Mamo-chan. Don't get the wrong idea though, Sei doesn't care about you at all and after he's done Mamo-chan won't want you either!" Letting go of her windpipe she studied the girl for a moment.
Looking into Usagi's eyes, Natsumi saw her light and her temper grew. She lashed out and slapped Usagi across the face. Taking a deep breath and seeing Usagi's pain, she calmed herself.
She finally remembered her reason for coming in. Raising the duct tape, she tore a piece off.
"We wouldn't want you spoiling our show, now would we?" She took the four-inch piece and quickly covered Usagi's mouth. With a smile and a wave, she turned leaving the room.
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Mamoru looked at Natsumi's brother, "Enough of the games, where is Usagi?"
Sei just stood there grinning, "In good time my friend, in good time. Let me make the introductions, it seems Natsumi forgot." He strolled towards Mamoru with a smirk.
"You are Chiba Mamoru, I have heard a lot about you from both women." Conceit was evident in his voice. "I am Ginga Seijuurou, Natsumi's older brother, we have not met before."
At the mention of the man's name, Mamoru's ears perked up. 'Where have I heard that name?' He thought for a moment. A memory floated into his mind. 'No... no...mamo-chan loves Natsumi now...someone...please help...Tuxedo Kamen, where are you?...Sei...NO!'
'That's it, Usagi had cried out in her fevered state.' Mamoru was now beginning to put some of the pieces into the puzzle. His anger knew no bounds as he looked at Sei.
Walking back into the room Natsumi smiled. "Seems you are right again brother dear, anyway dinner is ready, if you two will please come this way?"
Deciding that playing along with their game would be safest for Usagi, he followed Natsumi down the hallway to the right. As they passed through the kitchen, Mamoru heard an odd sound. The sound was faint and resembled hoarse screaming. The hair on the back of his neck stood up.
With a dawning realization, he glanced around quickly. They had come down a hallway to the kitchen. At the far end of the kitchen was a door and left from there seemed to be the dining room.
Not letting on to what he had guessed, Mamoru followed Natsumi around the corner to the left into the dining area. As he passed the doorway, he noticed a slight increase in the sound.
'It has to be that room,' betraying none of his thoughts he quickly ran through several ideas. None of which were any help, thinking quickly he made a decision.
Sei was still behind him blocking his access to that door. In one swift move, he turned around bringing up his fist, connecting with Sei's jaw. Mamoru watched in slow motion as Sei fell backwards slumping to the floor.
"Sei" Natsumi screamed turning around. Paying her no heed Mamoru made his way to the door. Grabbing the knob, it turned easily in his hand, pushing the door open he stopped in shock. The sight before him nearly dropped him to his knees with grief.
Usagi hung by her arms with her feet barely resting on the ground. Her shirt ripped open to the waist and her ribs and stomach were black and blue. He could not see anything else in the darkened room. Regaining his wits, he made his way over to her. Quickly grabbing her wrists, he fumbled with the handcuffs.
Suddenly ripped backwards and hoisted into the air, he hung helplessly. Whatever was binding him slowly bit into his flesh.
A light suddenly flared over by the door and Mamoru watched in horror as two aliens, strolled into the room. Mamoru could see the resemblance to the brother and sister, Sei and Natsumi. Natsumi shut the door and melted into the shadows.
"Well I think it is time for our show to begin, Mamoru, I see you have met our friend." He looked across the room. "Take it slow with him I want him to enjoy the show." The room cast in eerie shadows, the only thing Mamoru could see was some kind of tree.
Mamoru brought his gaze back to Usagi. The fear in her eyes nearly broke his heart. "Stop this now and I will let you escape with your life."
Sei/Ail stood sneering; he strolled over to Usagi and slapped her hard for good measure. "Who is in control here? I suggest you not threaten me. You will only make it worse for Usagi."
Mamoru growled in frustration seeing Usagi's head bounce off the wall. "Trust me this is no threat, you will die for that."
With a chilling laugh, Sei/Ail strolled over to the wall, removing the riding crop. "You just don't get it." He flicked his wrist and the riding crop bit into her stomach. Leaving another long red welt, blood began to show. "You will learn quickly or your little woman here will suffer even more."
Mamoru felt a headache coming on, he wondered if the thing feeding off him was going too fast. He felt dizzy and knew the blackness was trying to suck him into its vortex. His last conscience thought condemned him, "I have failed."
Suddenly the door blew open. Sailor Jupiter burst through the door and immediately threw an attack. "JUPITER OAK EVOLUTION" The other three Senshi were right on her heels as Sailor Venus slipped over to Usagi.
Sei/Ail dodged the attack and sent an energy burst back inJupiter's general direction. The girls easily dodged his wide attack.
Sailor Venus fumbled with the lock on the handcuffs.
Sailor Mars was ready. "Burning Mandala" She threw a fireball at Sei/Ail but he moved at the last minute.
Finally, pulling out a hairpin Minako steadied her nerves and had the cuffs unlocked in seconds. Usagi tumbled to the floor in a heap.
Sei/Ail cursing the fates for the Senshis' untimely arrival had only one option left. "Tree, snatch them!" The tree shot out fresh tendrils and grabbed the four girls.
"I am the Moonlight Knight, Earth's Protector in times of need!" A new voice called from the doorway. Usagi hearing the voice knew her friends needed her help. Climbing unsteadily to her feet, she grabbed her brooch.
"MoonCrystal Power Make Up" A pink light spread from the brooch, coalescing around Usagi as she transformed.
The Moonlight Knight stepped over in front of Usagi. From the far side of the room in the shadows an energy burst flew through the air. Slamming into the Moonlight Knight its blast sent him smashing into the wall.
Natsumi/An stepped from the shadows. "You stupid bitch" She sent another energy burst this one aimed for Sailor Moon. Usagi could barely avoid it.
Sei/Ail became angry. "An, No she is mine to torture, if that is what you want, then I will give you something to think about." He quickly threw an energy burst at Mamoru, hanging unconscientiously in the tree's deadly grip.
Usagi seeing what Sei/Ail was about to do knew what she had to do.
"NO!" She jumped in the way taking the hit meant for Mamoru. "You will not hurt him." She gasped as the energy burst slammed into her.
Natsumi/An ran towards Sei/Ail, "How dare you, you promised not to hurt Mamoru! You promised." Losing her temper she simply threw an energy burst at Sei/Ail.
He easily side stepped it. "You naive little fool. You can't love this dork." He flicked his wrist sending another energy burst at Mamoru.
Sailor Moon jumped again, a scream of pain ripped from her throat as the burst slammed into her sending her crashing into the wall. Using the wall for support, she stood. Making her way towards Mamoru the two were distracted by their arguing.
Sailor Moon was crying, concerned for everyone, she did not know how much more she could take. Reaching Mamoru she grabbed his hand trying to pull him down did no good the tree was strong.
Seeing part of the shoot on the ground she tried to squash it but the tree just ignored her and continued draining Mamoru.
Natsumi/An realized whyshe and Sei/Ail were fighting. "Bitch this is your fault" Vicious rage blinded her and she threw another energy burst at Sailor Moon.
Sailor Moon grabbed Mamoru's hand standing in front of him to protect him. "NO! This man is my destiny!" The burst slammed into both of them Usagi taking the brunt of the force. It ripped Mamoru right from the tree and they landed in a heap across the room.
Sei/Ail seeing the tender look on Usagi's face, as she glanced to make sure Mamoru still lived grew livid. He reached deep within himself and pulled out his most powerful attack.
Sailor Moon could see Sei/Ail was up to something. She could not take another big hit it would probably kill her. 'What can I do? What can I do?' She knew that she did not have the energy to attack the aliens. Her henshin rod had lain useless in her hand so far. Seeing an attack coming, she did the only thing she could think of. Holding the renshin rod straight up, she waited.
Sei/Ail threw the attack knowing the damage it would do.
Sailor Moon watched it approach until the last minute.
"FOR LOVE!" she threw all of her love for Mamoru and her friends into that one scream hoping it would some how protect them.
She was amazed to see the rod light up and as the energy came close the rod began to glow brightly.
It slowly grew brighter in the room the light, born of love, spread out of the rod and pushed Sei/Ails attack across the room back to him. As it connected with him, there was an explosion that rocked Tokyo.
Usagi stood dizzily looking around, An and Ail were nowhere to be found, the tree now lay blackened and dead. The senshi were lying where the sprouts had dropped them slowly regaining their energy.
From over by the doorway she heard a groan as The Moonlight Knight slowly stood and worked his way to Sailor Moon.
"My Queen," He dropped on bended knee. "You have saved us all once more."
He took her hand placed a gentle kiss on the knuckles. "I swear my undying allegiance, as the Moonlight Knight, to you my Queen." With bowed head, he showed utter respect.
She nodded not knowing what else to do. Standing weakly, she watched as he walked over to where Mamoru was sprawled.
"It is time for you to remember." He waved his hands creating funny symbols in midair and then just lie down and melded into Mamoru.
His eyes fluttered open. "Usagi-chan?" he murmured.
"Yes I am here Mamo-chan." Usagi stilled waiting to see what happened.
He groaned as he sat up. "I remember everything." He stood slowly and walked to where she stood. "Princess, you have saved us all once more." He smiled tenderly at her.
With everything catching up to her, she knew what was coming. "Mamo-chan I love you."
"I love..." Mamoru began, but she passed out and he just barely caught her.
Epilogue - Sweet Sacrifice
Three days later...
They all sat in the waiting room at Juuban Memorial Hospital. It had been three long days since the evening of the explosion. Mamoru had been there the whole time. The rest of the group came and went, as they were able.
The disappearance of Sei and Natsumi from school explained easily, they had to return to Europe for family business and the explosion blamed on a gas leak.
The girls and Mamoru were all seriously worried, because it had been three days and Usagi had not come around. Mrs. Mizuno told them that Usagi had gone beyond what any doctor had seen in endurance. The Doctors all agreed she was lucky to be alive they also had her on an IV with antibiotics and to give her fluids.
Mamoru sat in the chair by the bed holding her hand talking soothingly.
"You know you cannot leave me, not now when I just remembered everything. I love you too much for that. You have to fight your way back for me, I am here for you and always will be." His voice broke and he was not afraid to beg.
"Please Usagi, if you leave me I will be a broken man unable to love anyone else, unable to go on, I need you like plants need the rain."
A lone tear slipped down his cheek. 'I have never been so scared in my life.' Leaning forward he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. As he did another tear slipped out plopping right down on her nose.
"W...why are you crying Mamo-chan?" A soft scratchy voice startled him.
He looked in amazement to see groggy, cerulean eyes looking at him.
He smiled gently. "You scared me you know, we weren't sure if you were going to pull through."
"I love you Mamo-chan" her eyes slowly closed and she slipped back into slumber.
He kissed her forehead again and went to alert everyone that she had woke long enough to speak to him. His grin spoke volumes as he told Dr. Mizuno.
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It was not until the next day that she was more alert, but still weak and tired. The girls were all sitting around when Usagi cleared her throat.
"I have something to tell you, I owe you all an apology but I am going to try and explain. When I first met Sei the other day he was a total sweetheart, then things changed quickly, he changed."
Tears slipped down her cheeks and she took a deep breath. "That's not true, he didn't change he never was a nice guy, it was all just an act. You see, the other night he hit me, I didn't really fall against my dresser."
Rei looked up sharply before tears ran unchecked down her cheeks guilt written on her face.
Usagi held up her hand to ward off the apology.
"At the time he turned it against me, blaming me for causing him trouble. I...uh I was unsure, thought maybe it was my fault, then he apologized and promised it would never happen again and I believed him."
She looked down. "That was before...before he started threatening Motoki of course. We all met that night at the temple and I met him returning home, that is when he first hit me."
Usagi's hand wandered up to feel her face.
"It caught me completely off guard after apologizing he wanted to go get ice cream, so I thought okay. Well when we arrived at the Arcade he acted differently."
She held out her wrists for all of them to see. "That is when he threatened Motoki; I couldn't let any of you be hurt by him."
She was fully crying now, the memories ate at her and she took a deep breath before continuing.
"That night at the Arcade he used Motoki against me. I had to do whatever I could to protect him. Sei wanted me to sneak out, so I met him outside my house and we went to the park."
Taking several deep breaths she went on, "It was there that." She struggled to continue..." that was when it became worse."
"He wanted more than I was able to give and he beat me with a riding crop. I made it home and crashed on my bed and then that last day he used all of you against me. I am so very sorry butI had to protect you from him."
The girls all looked ready to say something and she stopped them with a look smiling sadly.
"My wonderful friends, all the great things you have done for me; all the times you have saved me. I brought this evil into our midst and I couldn't see you hurt for my mistakes, so I did what I had to."
They were all on her in a second, each of the girls wanting to hug their selfless friend. Rei spoke first.
"Usagi, Why I ought to..." She let the words die off before continuing. "I am so sorry, I knew something was wrong but not how badly." Rei enveloped Usagi in a hug and placing a kiss on her forehead.
"Next time no matter what come and talk with us." Minako brushed Usagi's hair tenderly out of her face.
"I still cannot believe how great you did Usagi." Motoki smiled and gave her a gentle hug.
Ami just smiled, the tears running down her face. "Usagi-chan", completely overcome with emotion, she just gathered Usagi in a gentle embrace.
Seeing how worn down Usagi looked they all said their goodbyes and quietly left her to rest.
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They passed Mamoru holding roses, in the hall and stopped him. Rei looked at him through new eyes.
"You knew didn't you?" she did not sound angry, just confused.
He looked embarrassed, "Yes I did, but not everything, I only knew someone had beaten her severely. I knew she would want to be the one to explain. I am sorry for not telling you everything but I did not fully understand myself. Just knowing what she dealt with to protect us all astounds me."
He smiled softly, "I am just going to see her now, how is she?"
The four girls all smiled, "Better." They all broke into giggles. Waving goodbye they all headed out.
He wandered over to her door. Shifting the flowers, he reached out and opened the door. Walking in to the room, he went to the side of her bed and gently set the roses in her lap.
She lay dozing and he just stared at his precious angel thinking of her selflessness and her courage. It brought him to his knees, emotion that just overwhelmed him. All she had suffered for him and for her friends. He did not know too many people who could do that.
Usagi awoke to the fiery sweet scent of roses tickling her nose. She cracked open her eyes to see Mamoru standing by the side of her bed. A dozen roses lay beautifully in her lap.
"For me?" she questioned shyly.
"Yes for you, for all you do." He smiled tenderly at her and pulled the chair up to sit. Dropping down into it, he leaned forward and took her hand. "How are you feeling?"
"Much better, Miss Mizuno says I can go home in a couple of days. How I am going to explain this to my family though is another question."
He looked startled for a minute, "You mean the girls didn't tell you?" He chuckled.
"Tell me what?" She threw him a questioning glance and waited.
"It is already taken care of. Ami-chan called your Mom yesterday to tell her that you would be spending a few days with her."
"That helps a lot." She smiled at him in relief he was giving her an odd look. She waited to see what might happen.
"Someday if you feel up to it, can you fill me in on the whole story?" He smiled tenderly at her again.
"Yes I think so since I just shared the story with the girls, let's wait until I am out of here though." She laughed softly and he could not resist.
"I love you Usako." He leaned forward giving her a tender kiss.
"I love you too Mamo-chan" she smiled as she drifted off to sleep.
Well here is an end to the story. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I loved writing it. Please R & R and let me know what you think.