Title: Secrets aren't so secret anymore

Author: Sailor Linnea

Chapter: 20

" Speak"

(thoughts)

"What is it?" Usagi asked with terror. (I'm sure it's something terrible. Ami would never react like this otherwise. I'm sorry Muffin! Guess you'll have to find a new girlfriend.)

(I'm sure you are perfectly healthy, dear,) Mamoru soothed, his arms wrapped around her. "Ami can you please tell us what your scans reveal? Usagi imagines the worst right now!"

"Oh, I'm sorry Mamoru! It's all right, Usagi! You're not dying," Ami said with an arm around the terrified girl.

"I'm not?" Usagi asked with a sob.

"No, of course not, silly!" Ami replied with a reassuring smile.

"Then what is it?" Mamoru, Rei, Minako and Makoto chorused angrily.

"I'm not actually sure, but somehow Usagi's body is changing. And so is yours, Mamoru," Ami replied with a frown as she studied the readings on her computer.

"What do you mean, changing?" Usagi asked. (Am I turning into a vampire or something?)

(That would be rather interesting, dear. Don't vampires wear tight, leather clothing?) Mamoru asked with a malicious smile.

(You watch Buffy too much!) Usagi snapped back, trying to vanquish the picture of Mamoru in tight black leather pants. (Oh my, what a hunk! I hope he never wears that; I wouldn't be able to control my hands.)

(I have only watched one episode of Buffy. I was referring to black leather because I have seen Blade. Maybe we can go shopping later? I know a good store that sells leather,) Mamoru suggested with a raised eyebrow.

"Well, by my readings your DNA is changing," Ami said. She was too caught up in her readings to notice the mental conversation.

"My what?" Usagi asked with a confused frown.

"Your DNA, Usagi. It's an abbreviation of Deoxyribonucleic Acid. Didn't you pay attention in science?

"No, it was boring. Now, can someone please explain to me what NDA is?"

"Not NDA: DNA!" Ami sighed.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever! DNA; what is it and what does it have to do with my body changing?"

"The DNA appears to be the carrier of biological information. That information is expressed through the particular sequence of the 4-lettered alphabet of nature. All people have more than 99 of their DNA in exactly the same sequence. Only a minute portion is individual. This sharing of biological databank goes across the species. The chimpanzees' DNA matches the human with 98 and cows' DNA matches with 80."

"What? I'm turning into a chimpanzee?" Usagi asked with terror.

"I think she means that you already are a chimpanzee and are turning into a cow," Rei suggested with an evil smile.

"REI! You are so mean! This is serious! You don't want me to turn into a monkey, do you?" Usagi wailed.

"Girls, please calm down. I'm sure that Ami has more to say," Luna said sternly. Everyone turned to her in surprise.

"Luna? What are you doing here?" Rei asked.

"Artemis and I have been searching for clues," Luna answered with a disdainful flick of her slender tail.

"Clues to what?" Usagi asked her guardian.

"Well, we need to know more of our enemy: who is behind all this, and what they need all that energy for."

"Did you find anything?" Makoto asked with a hopeful voice.

"Yes, we did!" Artemis said with a proud smile. The smile faltered though, when he thought back to their discovery. "You're not going to like it, though."

"Tell us already!" Minako said with a curious voice. "We need to know as much as possible about the enemy in order to destroy them."

"The enemy is called the Negaverse, as you all know. The leader is Queen Beryl. They need the energy in order to release an evil being named Queen Metallia. If they manage to find the ginzuishou before we do, they will be unstoppable," Artemis said with a serious tone.

"Queen Beryl? The name sounds familiar somehow," Mamoru mused.

"Queen Beryl and her followers are responsible for the downfall of the Silver Millennium, which was your home a thousand year ago," Luna said with a voice full of emotion.

"Our home? A thousand years ago?" Ami repeated incredulously, a small frown furrowing her brows. "Are you saying that we were reborn?"

"Yes; Queen Serenity was able to save all of you at the cost of her own life. She sent you to the future together to watch over her daughter, Princess Serenity, the Moon Princess."

"The Moon Princess is reborn as well?" Mamoru said with confusion. (Why does the name sound so familiar?)

(Maybe because you were one of her guards?) Usagi suggested.

(No, I don't think I belonged to her guard. I think I knew her better than that. After all, I dream about her every night,) Mamoru replied, trying to sort out the feelings that the Moon Princess had stirred inside of him.

(I don't know, Mamoru. This is just so confusing,) Usagi replied with a frown, when she was suddenly interrupted in her thoughts by Luna's answer to the question that Mamoru had asked earlier.

"Yes, she is! We just need to find her before the Negaverse does," Luna said with a sigh.

"But how are we going to find her? We have searched for her for almost two months now!" Makoto asked.

"If we find the ginzuishou, we'll find her as well. She will need the crystal in order to help us in the war against the Negaverse," Artemis said.

"In order to find the crystal, you'll need this," Luna said and back-flipped. A new item appeared on the floor. It was a moon stick.

"What is it?" Usagi asked as she took up the Moon Stick.

"This is your Moon Rod. With it you are able to locate nijizuishou. If you find all seven parts, they will form the ginzuishou. Unfortunately, the enemy has a black crystal; with it they are also able to locate the nijizuishou. Therefore, we have to be careful."

"Of course we'll be careful," Ami said with a reassuring smile.

"Yes, we'll beat them!" Makoto said while cracking her knuckles.

"I don't think you understand the danger that you will be facing. So far you have only faced youma. The Negaverse won't trust youma for this important mission. They will send one of the four generals to collect the nijizuishou. They are extremely powerful and dangerous."

"The four generals?" Makoto asked with a confused frown. "Who are they?"

"They may look like humans but have more powers than 20 youma put together. They are leaders of an army of youma and only answers to Queen Beryl. They are smart, strategic and extremely evil. They are willing to sacrifice everything in order to reach their goals. The only weakness they have is their hatred of each other," Luna explained.

"Then we will use that hatred against them!" Ami said with a smile. "We are, after all, a team, and they are alone."

"Don't underestimate them just because they work alone, Ami. We'll have to remember that they were able to kill you in the past," Artemis said without thinking. "Ouch!" he yelped as Luna smacked him on the head.

"They killed us?" Usagi asked with a terrified voice.

"Great job, Artemis. They didn't need to know that!" Luna hissed angrily.

"No, Luna! It's all right. We did need to know of our past. Otherwise the generals will use it against us," Ami said with a soothing voice.

"Yes, that's right. We need to face our fears in order to destroy the evil in this world!" Minako said and flashed them her V-sign.

"Maybe you're right, Minako," Luna said with an uncertain voice.

"We'll promise that we'll be careful Luna," Usagi said with a serious voice. "But right now, I would like to know what Ami meant by our DNA changing."

"Yes, I would like to know as well," Mamoru said and turned his attention to Ami.

"Yeah, are they turning into monkeys?" Rei asked, silencing when she saw Luna glaring at her. "What? I was only trying to lighten the mood. Everyone looked so serious."

"Well, all I can say at the moment is that their DNA is slowly changing, and I'm not sure what it means. They may not even still be human when this is all over. We'll just have to wait and find out."

"So you mean that you're not going to do anything about it?" Usagi asked with a threatening voice.

"What can I do? I'm not even sure why you are changing or into what!" Ami defended herself.

"I'm sorry Ami; I'm just scared right now," Usagi said and hugged her friend closely.

"It's all right, Usagi. It's always scary with the unknown," Ami said and hugged her back.

"But you are certain that she isn't turning into a monkey?" Rei asked with a raised eyebrow.

"REI!" Usagi wailed and blow her a raspberry. Soon, a tongue war had started.

The others sighed and started to discuss senshi business.

"So we know that we need the seven nijizuishou. But how do we find them?" Makoto asked with a frown.

"Luna, did you say that the Moon Rod could locate them?" Ami asked while typing on her computer.

"Yes; the top of the rod will glow when it's close to a nijizuishou." Luna said.

"But, there is no way for us to locate them on a map with the help of the Moon Rod?" Ami asked and typed in some commandos on the computer while she scanned the Moon Rod.

"I'm afraid that it can only indicate when a nijizuishou is close, not search for them," Luna said with a sigh.

"Well, that's splendid. So we just have to hope that Usagi is near by? Otherwise we will never find them," Rei said sarcastically.

"Welcome to the conversation!" Luna said and gave Usagi and Rei a stern look.

"What? Don't look at me, Luna. She started it!" Usagi said with a pout.

"Did not!" Rei yelled.

"Did to!"

"Did not!"

"Did to!"

"Did not!"

(You're behaving like children.) Mamoru said with a tired voice. (Aren't you too old to do that?)

(But Muffin, she's so annoying,) Usagi pouted.

"Can you two please stop behave like sisters?" Minako asked with a sigh. "Just tell each other that you love each other like sisters and stop pretending that you don't care."

"Minako!" Rei said with sour look.

"Well, don't look at me! You know that it's true!" Minako defended herself.

(Are you?) Mamoru asked with a curious voice

(Are we what?) Usagi asked, confused.

(Behaving like sisters?) Mamoru explained.

(Yeah, maybe! She annoys me like Shingo does, so maybe!)

(But you love her?) Mamoru asked with a tender voice.

(Yes, I love her. And now that I think about it, it's almost the same love as I have for Shingo. Well not the same, but you know what I mean?)

(Actually I don't! Remember, I don't have any siblings,) Mamoru replied with a sad smile.

(Oh sorry, Muffin. But don't worry, you have me now. And all the senshi, Luna, and Artemis. Even my family, when they get used to me having a boyfriend,) Usagi said with a tender voice.

(I don't think I deserve you, Usagi. Do you really have room for me in your heart? You deserve someone much better than me.)

(Don't speak nonsense, honey. I love YOU! It's I who don't deserve you.)

"Now they are speaking mentally again! I'm so envious of them. I want to know what they are talking about!" Makoto whined.

"I don't think that would be good for you!" Rei said with an evil grin in Mamoru's direction.

"Why not?" Ami asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Well, let's see. Haven't you heard what the most common thoughts are in a young mans mind?" Minako asked.

"I think I know!" Makoto said with a teasing smile.

"Well, according to a magazine I read a couple of days ago: a man between 15-25 thinks about sex for almost three hours a day," Minako said.

"What?" The girls chorused and turned their attention to a blushing Mamoru.

"Well, is it true?" Makoto teased him.

"Well, I…uhmm…..I…" Mamoru stuttered.

AN/ Hi again...I hope you liked this chapter, and sorry for the little cliffie at the end. I don't think my cliffie-obsession can be cured...Thanx for all of the wonderful reviews as always...Now, what do you think Mamoru is going to answer?

Rena Moon- I love each and every chapter beautifully written, well done! And so funny! I don't know who is worse the girls or Usagi's father! I can't wait to read more and see what you have planned for Usagi & Mamoru... Though I wounder what Ami find out? Hm guess I'll have to wait and see. Please update soon I beg of you oh mightly author!

Magemaster- this is hilarious! Poor Usagi and Mamoru!

blvd- i love the story! its so funny! and i love the romance part! cant wait for the next one!

SammiM- Man the girls are cheeky lol. I think they need to get guys of their own lol. I can't imagin what Usa's dad is gonna do when he finds out about she and Mamoru making out in her bedroom lmao. That is going to be a huge explosion. Great update.

sailro Ice- this is pricliss all cant what for the next chapter:)lol

talldarkanddead- I LOVE THIS STORY! Do you think you could give me some feedback on my story, "Remember When?"

AN/ I'll try to read it today...

ClaimingUntoughable- love this chapter hope u can wrote more. i want to know nore nice ending lol.

ashpup- O.o i wonder what amy means by omg. i cant believe u stopped there. Y O Y...u r so cruel. now im going to have to wait T-T. pliz update son cuz if u dont ill come after u ...ok not really because 1. -dont no where u live. 2. to lazy and 3. orange is not my colour. :p

AN/ Actually I live in Sweden, so is black and white more your colour? That's the colour for the prisoners here...

Usagi1816- Hurry and update PLEASE! I read all of the chapters today! And I'm here in Japan when I could be watching the latest anime, reading manga, sighting! I took the time to read it so please update ASAP! bye-bye! From Usagi:)

AN/ You're in Japan? I'm not in the least jelous of you (wails loudly) I want to be there toooooooooo!

artisia- ah... short chapter! it was funny how the girls wanted to know but i can't believe that the couple actually told them stuff.

Sailormoonhannah- this chapter kicked ass! I love how Usagi tells them just because she could not live without video games! but thats Usagi and thats why I love her! you are starting to leave evil cliffhaners agen! please update soon!

KeikoKasaiTora- ""Okay, now that we know all the details, let's study this mind link," Ami said and reached for her computer. She typed furiously and then proceeded to scan Mamoru and Usagi. When she saw the readings she got big eyes. "OH MY GOD!" she gasped." Now tell me how the hell you have the audacity to end a chapter like that? I am going through withdrawal here! Oh By the way, the story is awesome.

AN/ What can I say? Leaving cliffies seems to be an uncureable dicease!

Ishq- ami found the reading of there past convo's! haha now thats great! And mamoru called usagi--USAKO YAYA but personally i like odango cause its cuter but usako is more passoniate, and soo lovel dovey...don't cha think? hm ya mamo was real prevted in this chapter...lol...i love him like that! HAHA! UPDATE UR STORY IS THE BEST! Ishq

AN/ Actually, I love all of the nicknames.

Goddess -Princess-Serenity- the chapter was great! Update as soon as possible!

DarkParis- hm, wonder whats gonna happen now. hoping for a major cliffhanger!

CharmedSerenity3- What did the scan say? Update soon.

dancingpixies- You need to hurry with these chapters..I hate evil cliffies!

pyro the dark angel- Stupid cliffhanger! starts grumbling about evil cliffhangers and how they should all just die Well I hope you update soon! Can't wait to see what made Ami react the way she did! Bye byez

MizzDL- "OH MY GOD!" and then... whatz the deal? What did Amy find? Since I most likely have to wait for the next chapter to find out, I shall return. MizzDL waz here

anangelslife- nice chapter like to see more soon

Ouji no Baka- What! What! ARGH! Cliffhangers are evil! hahahah! Can't wait for more!

cardcaptor eternity- AAH! Serena is pregnant!

AN/ Ahem, no...Don't want to copy one of the best stories out there- That Special Magic by The Yarnspinner

Minako Aiy- Gah, cliffie...melts into a puddle Thanks for writting such an interesting story :) But if you don´t update again soon, I think I´m going to go crazy! Especially if Ami had such a strong reaction it must be interesting! Please? pleading eyes with little tears for added effect

AN/ I try to update often, I hope this chapter was worth the wait?

Red-Rose18- lol Ami is so silly! err another cliff hanger please update soon

shadowd07- ok first of all, usagi's friends are asking to many quetions...and when is there a usagi and mamoru date or alone time again!
please hurry up! love it though!

AN/ I promise it's coming soon...

bubbletea-swthart- oh yeah...blame it on the MUSE! hmph...but this chapter was much better! sits in cushiony chair drinks bubble tea quite good indeed! especially with the little "he was staring at my breasts!" thing, LOL! u go grl, who ever knew our authoress was a hentai! ahaha...

AN/ Well, I'm busted...I confess; I am a little hentai...