Title: Secret's aren't so secret anymore
Author: Sailor Linnea
Chapter: 29
" Speak"
(Thoughts)
The girls gasped when they heard Queen Serenity's words. Artemis studied the Queen with a shocked look on his face before he also fainted. All was silent for a few moments while they processed the information of Usagi's true identity. They looked between Queen Serenity and Usagi with huge eyes and shocked expressions. They looked a lot like each other. The resemblance was unmistakable. But still, could it be true? They had looked for the Princess of the Moon for months, and she was right among them all the time?
"The Moon Princess? Is Usagi the Princess we have been looking for? How can that be?" Rei shakily asked. Her brown eyes were studying the Queen suspiciously. "Why did Luna ask us to look for her when she was among us all the time? And to risk her life in battle so many times? For what reason? Shouldn't that have been Usagi's choice to make?"
"If we would have known her true heritage, we wouldn't have let her fight. We are her Guardians, as Luna has informed us of. What if something happened to her? She fought "Why didn't Luna tell us the truth from the beginning?" Makoto asked in an angry voice.
"Girls, please! Don't blame my mother for this. Please, let her explain!" Usagi pleaded when she saw how angry her friends were.
"I don't understand how you could be so calm about this, Usagi. How could we be sure that she tells us the truth? Maybe she's part of a new trap of the Negaverse?" Rei had crossed her arms.
"You have always been suspicious of everything new that enters your life, Princess of Mars. You have to learn to trust people more." Queen Serenity tenderly replied.
"How can she be a princess if she is Princess Serenity's Guardian?" The other girls chorused with confused voices. Usagi on the other hand didn't pay attention to the conversation anymore since she had a mental conversation with Mamoru.
"You're all princesses of your own planets. Princess of Mercury, Princess of Mars, Princess of Jupiter and Princess of Venus. Your worlds along with Uranus, Neptune, Saturn and Pluto belonged to the Silver Millennium. The royal family of the Moon ruled over all of these planets. So even though you're all of royal blood, it is only Usagi whom could claim the title Queen of the Silver Millennium," Queen Serenity explained with a calm voice.
"What do you mean claim the title Queen? She can't claim that title until the former Queen is dead, and that Queen is you," Rei replied. When she realised how rude she had been she quickly added. "I'm sorry if I offended you."
"It is all right, Princess Mars. But you're right in your assumption that Usagi can't claim the title until the former Queen is dead, namely me. But since I am already dead, that won't be a problem."
"Dead? How can you be dead when you stand here before us?" Makoto puzzling asked.
"Didn't Luna and Artemis tell you about the fall of the Silver Millennium?" Queen Serenity disapprovingly asked.
"Yes….but…" Rei trailed off when she realised something. "She mentioned that you died while using the Ginzoushou to stop the Negaverse. But how can you be here if you are dead?" Her voice confused.
"I'm a spirit but I'm allowed to be here in the flesh so to speak, to guide and help my daughter to adapt to all of her changes in the next couple of months," Queen Serenity gently replied.
"You're allowed? By whom? Who has that kind of power?" Amy curiously asked.
"I'm not allowed to reveal that to you. Let us just say that I have a powerful friend. As for allowing my daughter to be exposed to danger, I had no choice. She needed to learn how to fight. Since she had no training, she needed more protection than you did, so Tuxedo Mask was chosen to be her protector. Of course he didn't know that at the beginning, but they share a bond. "With the help of that bond, he would always know when she was in danger and would be able to come in time to protect her until she destroyed the youmas. As for not exposing her true identity sooner, I was trying to let her live like a normal child for as long as possible. Now, when she knows her true heritage her responsibilities will prevent her from live like a normal child. She has many difficult choices ahead of her, but I'll try to be as supportive as I can. It will not be easy, but is necessary. Don't blame Luna for any of this. My 'friend' apparently erased her memories, as Serenity tells me that she can't remember anything of the Moon Kingdom. She has always been very protective of my daughter, and would not have allowed her to be exposed to any risks, if she would have known the truth. She is very loyal and protective to the royal line of the Moon, and my daughter has always held a very special part of her heart."
During this conversation, Usagi and Mamoru had their own conversation. They stood near each other and studied each other closely.
(At least you haven't changed, Mamoru.) Usagi replied her voice filled with admiration. (You're still the same handsome Mamo-chan.)
(But you have, Usako. You have changed a lot, but all in the right places,) Mamoru replied with an admiring gaze.
(Why don't you just admit it, Mamo-chan! You thought I was ugly before,) Usagi pouted.
(No, of course not, honey. But you have grown and are now in my age. You have to admit that it is a welcome change?) Mamoru replied.
(I'm not so sure if I like these changes. I don't know what to do. It is very difficult to explain to everyone that I have aged five years over night, her voice was distressed
(I can adjust to your new appearance, but I don't understand how you can be the Princess I've been looking for. It has been you all along that have sent me dreams and demanded me to find the ginzuishou. Why? How were you able to send me dreams if you couldn't remember who you really are?) Mamoru was puzzled.
(Dreams? I haven't visited your dreams, as I know of. Maybe I was searching for you in my dreams without realising it? I didn't realise whom I really was until a few minutes ago. I still don't remember much. I only have an image of you, me and Queen Serenity walking together in the Moon Kingdom's garden.)
(At least you remember something. I only have your and Queen Serenity's word on that I'm really Prince Endymion of Earth.)
(Believe me, honey, it is true. Your memories will come back in time,) Usagi tenderly replied.
(Funny! A couple of days ago I thought I was interested in three different girls and now I realise that they are all the same,) Mamoru mused.
(You never told me that you were interested in the Princess,) Usagi replied with a hurt expression.
(I didn't want to make you jealous. Besides, even if she had been another girl, I still would have chosen you Usako,) Mamoru honestly replied.
(Really? Even if she was your fiancée?) Usagi asked with a small voice.
(Of course I would have chosen you. I love you! I can't be with a girl that I don't love,) Mamoru reassured.
(Maybe you would have loved her more than me. After all she would have been a Princess, and I would have been her Guardian. Maybe she would have forbidden us to be together, if she found out about us and then….)
(Usako, please calm down. You are Usagi as well as Sailor Moon and Princess Serenity. Don't worry about things that could have been. It is all right for us to be together. No, it is destined for us to end up with each other. I love you and you love me. We will love happily ever after. End of discussion!) Mamoru stated.
"Mamo-chan! That was the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me," Usagi threw herself in his expecting arms, just as Queen Serenity explained how loyal and protective Luna was. Usagi's actions caused all discussion to end and the girls regarded the couple with curious eyes.
"What did he say?" Minako asked.
"I'll tell you later," Usagi replied and kissed Mamoru tenderly on the cheek. Mamoru held her closely, careful not to hurt her wings in the process.
"You know, I'll have to get used to your wings, Usako. I'm not sure how sensitive they are," Mamoru exclaimed. That immediately reminded the girls of Usagi's revealed royal blood. They studied her closely.
"Well, she certainly looks like a Princess," Makoto replied after a few minutes.
"Or an angel. I wonder if she can fly with those wings? In that case they would have to be magically enchanted. And why does she have wings. Of course, Queen Serenity has them, but still…..I wonder…." Amy mused while typing furiously on her computer.
"Still the same eagerness to learn new things I see, Princess Mercury?" Queen Serenity asked with a smile towards Ami.
"Of course, your royal highness. There are always new things to learn," Ami mumbled her concentration on her laptop. "And please don't call me princess. I'm not used to titles."
"All right Mizuko Ami, I'll try to remember that," Queen Serenity gently replied.
"I'll appreciate that!" Ami replied, a frown on her face. "Hmmm….These readings don't make any sense to me. Maybe it's something wrong with my computer? I can't get a clear reading of Queen Serenity. It is as time is flowing around her differently than us…I wonder…" She mumbled.
"Ami stop that at once! Aren't you as shocked as the rest of us to find out the truth? I mean little clumsy Usagi ends up to be the Crown Princess of the Silver Millennium. Not to mention that we are all princesses as well. Expect Mamoru whom is the Prince of Earth. How can you be so calm?" Rei asked with an irritated voice.
"Of course I'm shocked, Rei. But at least now we have figured out the explanation to Usagi's transformation. Now we just have to figure out the rest," Ami replied with a distracted voice. "If the computer truly is broken, who would be able to fix it for me?"
"Don't worry Ami. Your computer is not broken. The reason why you can't get a clear reading of me is because my friend knew that you would try and she used her power to block your attempts," Queen Serenity explained.
"She used her power to stop me? She must be really powerful and one of her powers is defiantly time," Ami would have said more but Makoto interrupted her.
"Usagi, how are you taking this?" She asked with a gentle voice.
"I'm shocked, Mako, but relived at the same time. Some of my memories have returned so in a strange way I feel content," Usagi revealed. She looked more mature and serious than the senshi had ever seen her before.
"Content? How can you feel content? I mean you have just grown to a 19 years-old women. You have lost five years of your youth not to mention that you have to get used to your wings. Never mind that we have finally found our princess, what are we going to do about Usagi's normal life? I mean, she can't go out like this, how can she?" Rei asked with a worried expression.
"Rei, are you worried about me? That is so sweet! And I'm 20, not 19 years old." Usagi squealed and hugged her friend closely.
"I'm trying to be serious, odango atama!" Rei replied but hugged her back nonetheless.
"Rei's question is an important one. You can't go with the crescent moon or the wings visible. The hair we can explain, the moon mark maybe we could cover but the wings? No way!" Makoto mused.
"Aren't you forgetting something, Mako?" Minako asked with a raised eyebrow.
"What?" Makoto asked with a confused voice.
"Well, our little friend isn't so little anymore. She is apparently five years older than us! How are we going to explain her grow spurt to all of the teachers? Not to mention all of the other students. She's going to end up in a laboratory, with a lot of doctors taking strange tests on her and then…"
"Mina, please calm down. We'll figure something out!" Ami said and placed a reassuring hand on Minako's shoulder.
"What about her family? I bet that they are really worried by now," Makoto mused. "Usagi, have you spoken to them after the battle?"
"Oh no! I knew that I forgot about something!" Mamoru replied with horror in his voice. He pictured Kenji with a big gun, aiming for either his heart or another part of his precious autonomy. (He's going to kill me!)
(Don't worry Mamo-chan! I'll handle daddy!) Usagi replied and gave him a quick hug.
"Why did you hug, Mamoru? What did he forget?" Minako asked with a curious voice.
"He's just a little worried about my father, that's all!" Usagi said with a mischievous smile.
"Well he has every right to be! Your father is scary," Minako replied and patted him sympathetically on the arm.
"He's just a little overprotecting, that's all!" Usagi replied.
"A little? Usagi, we have had this discussion before. Your father may be nice to children and women, but he's dangerous to all living young men." Mamoru replied.
"Not all of them! Just the ones that dares to look at Usagi in the wrong way. Heavens forbid the ones that dare to touch her!" Makoto added with a small smile.
"Unfortunately, you belong in that category." Minako corrected. "If he knew what happened here earlier, there wouldn't be enough of you left to fight the Negaverse. He will either kill you or maybe change your religion?"
"Mina! My father wouldn't do that! You're gross!" Usagi protested.
"Speaking of the Negaverse, what should we do now? What has happened to your powers now that you have changed to Princess Serenity?" Amy worryingly asked.
"Don't your scans reveal that, Ami?" Rei asked with a frown.
"The only thing my scans indicate is that she is more powerful than before and that she's no longer human. Her DNA is completely different than anything I have ever encountered before. Since the reading of her age was wrong. I'm not sure if I should trust my other scan results."
"I'm not human anymore?" Usagi asked with a worried voice.
"No Serenity, you're not human. You are completely Lunarian now. Your Guardian's DNA is changing rapidly as well. Soon no one of you will be human anymore. There for you have to be cautious from now on. Even a single blood test would reveal your secret to the world," Queen Serenity explained.
"But how are we going to keep it a secret? Everyone is obligated to take a blood test from time to time," Makoto asked.
"I guess we have to reveal our true identities to my mother. Maybe she can be our doctor from now on," Amy suggested.
"That would be a good solution, Ami," Rei gently replied.
"But we still have the question what has happened to Usagi's powers. Maybe you can answer that question, Queen Serenity?" Makoto asked.
"Indeed I can! Usagi is more powerful now than before. She can still fight, so don't worry! But in addition to her changes, she'll have to transform to a stronger form of Sailor Moon. She'll have new attacks and another fuku. If she gets a little training, she'll be fine. "The most difficult lesson is for her to learn how to fly!"
"Yes, I can see why! I don't think it is easy to control those huge wings. But we'll help her as much as possible," Makoto hugged Usagi closely.
"Thanks, Mako! I think I'll need a lot of help from now on!" Usagi replied with a worried glance at her wings.
"Don't worry, Usako! I'll catch you if you fall! Together we'll make you an expert flying angel," Mamoru stroked one of her wings tenderly. Usagi shuddered in delight and leaned a little closer to Mamoru.
"Serenity?" Queen Serenity interrupted. When she had her daughter's attention she continued. "You still need to collect the remaining shards of the Ginzoushou. Once it is complete she'll be powerful enough to defeat Queen Beryl and Metallia. But remember Serenity; you have to heal the shadow warriors if it is possible. They are innocent victims in this war."
"Yes mother, I'll remember. I'll do my best!" Usagi seriously replied.
"That's all I'm asking for, honey. Do your best and make me proud," Queen Serenity replied and patted Usagi affectionately on the head.
"Mom! Stop it, you're embarrassing me," Usagi blushed scarlet. (I'm not ten years old, yesh!) She mumbled mentally.
(No, defiantly not! You're an adult now, like me!" Mamoru huskily replied.
(Hentai!) Usagi muttered tenderly. (Weren't you worried about my father's wrath a moment ago?)
(I'm still worried. But that doesn't mean that I suddenly forgot about your warm and sexy body.)
(Are you trying to seduce me again?) Usagi asked with an amused voice.
(I don't need to seduce you, Usako. I'll just remember you of our shared pleasures a few hours ago and you'll come willingly into my arms,) Mamoru stated.
(You're not only a hentai, but a cocky one as well! The world is doomed! It has a prince who thinks he is the 2000th Century's Casanova,) Usagi muttered, but her eyes shone of amusement.
That comment brought an abrupt end of Mamoru's hentai thoughts. (Prince of Earth? I have not yet thought about that. What does it mean? What will it mean in the future? What will my responsibility be toward the people of Earth?) He thought with a frown.
(Don't worry Mamo-chan! In time we'll figure it out! In the meantime, I think we need find a solution to my sudden change and aging. I can't go home like this, that's for sure. And what should I tell me parents?)
Mamoru kissed her tenderly on the mouth and Usagi leaned into his touch, seeking strength from him.
"Kawaii!" The girls chorused and that ended the tender moment.
"That reminds me! I haven't dealt with your drooling over my boyfriend earlier," Usagi threatened.
The girls immediately looked terrified. "Usagi, please! We didn't mean to! But he was sitting naked on the bed with only a blanket to cover himself with. I mean, look at him! He's gorgeous! Before we knew what we were doing it was too late! Please forgive us?" Minako pleaded while batting her eyelashes and looking like an innocent child.
"Don't accuse me of drooling over Mamoru, Usagi. I was more interested in you, than Mamoru! I'm not interested in a naked man's body!" Ami replied with a distracted voice, still running scans on Usagi.
"We have already established that you are gay Ami," Makoto teased.
"Very funny, Mako!" Amy replied with a grimace.
"Yeah, you have to be if you didn't even look at him once. I mean who wouldn't have ogle Mamoru? If they have the opportunity I mean?" Minako replied. When she realised what she had said, her eyes widened in panic. "Oops! I didn't mean it like that, Usagi! I promise!"
"Hentai! You are all hentai!" Usagi angrily replied. "You're drooling over your friend's boyfriend. Yesh, get a life!" When she had said it she realised something her Guardian's didn't remember. They were once betrothed to Endymion's Guardians. Sadly, they were tricked by Queen Beryl and brainwashed to betray and kill their loved ones. (Should I tell them or not?)
(Tell them what, Usako?)
(My mother revealed to me that the Negaverse top generals were once your Guardians and that they were betrothed to the girls. Should I remind them of their past loves or not?)
(Negaverse General Jeadite that we encountered was once my Guardian?) Mamoru exclaimed.
(Yes, along with the other three men that we haven't encountered yet,) Usagi sadly replied.
(Maybe, we should wait a little while before telling them? Why cause unnecessary pain? It's going to hurt them more to tell them than to keep quiet about it,) Mamoru suggested.
(I hate to keep secrets from my friends, but I guess that you're right. What they don't know can't hurt them!) Usagi agreed with a hesitant voice.
"Maybe we wouldn't look if we had boyfriends as well, but we don't! After all you were the same as us until you began dating Mamoru a few days ago. Give us a break, will you?" Rei replied with an irritated voice.
"I'm sorry, Rei! Please forgive me for the harsh words?" Usagi pleaded.
"Of course I'll forgive you, Odango! But I don't think you deserve Mamoru!" Rei teased. "After all, I'm more beautiful than you are!"
"Are not!"
"Are to!"
"Are not! Are not!"
"Are to! Are to! Are to!" Rei stuck out her tongue. Usagi stuck out her own tongue and soon the tongue war had begun.
"Maybe she isn't as mature as I thought she was?" Mamoru sighed.
"They are always like this and always will be! That is their way to show each other that they love each other dearly. Like sisters," Queen Serenity smiled at the sight that the two princesses made, recalling them doing exactly the same thing many times in the past.
The argument between Usagi and Rei would have continued longer if the phone hadn't suddenly started ringing. Mamoru answered it.
"Moshi, moshi! Chiba Mamoru speaking." He listened for a few seconds and got a lot paler as he heard who it was at the other end of the phone. "Yes, Tsukino Kenji she is here." He replied with a terrified expression on his face.
To be continued….
Sorry for the long wait. I hope it is worth it. Since don't allow the author to reply to the reviews any more I'll just say: Thank you all! Take care!