Sailor Moon X by Starling Sinclair

Chapter 11: The Luxury Cruise Ship...

May 21, 2019

With a blur of heels clicking on pavement and adrenaline, they ran. They didn't stop until they were at the train station. At some point, they slipped through an alley and let their transformations fall.

Usagi leaned against a wall, her arms wrapped around herself. Rei stood stiff, trying to control her breathing. Minako punched the wall.

"Damnit!" Minako screamed.

"We shouldn't have run away," Rei said, her eyes watering.

Usagi looked between the two women, her mouth agape. Were they serious?

"We were outnumbered," Usagi said.

"I could have taken him," Rei said. "I had him…"

"You had him? Great, what about the three others? Were they going to stand around waiting so you could take them down one by one?" Usagi argued.

"If you had only been more trained, then maybe we could have been on more level ground," Rei countered.

Usagi opened her mouth to argue, but she couldn't. She wasn't prepared. She did need to train more. She needed to be more. But she wasn't going to admit that to Rei.

"If we die, then who will stop them?" she deliberated.

"We need to change priorities. We need to find the others," Minako said.

"Others?" Usagi asked.

"Mercury and Jupiter," Minako said. "The final two Sailor Senshi. We're strongest together."

Usagi chewed her lip. If the burden were shared, then she might not be so useless.

"I thought we were handling it on our own," Rei grumbled.

"I know we were trying not to involve them, but I don't see another choice," Minako said.

Usagi furrowed her brow. "Why wouldn't we look for the others?"

"This isn't exactly a great life," Rei answered.

Usagi's confusion grew. "But the sooner we stop the Dark Kingdom, then the sooner we can all get back to our lives," she said.

"Don't be naive, Usagi," Minako said, running her hands through her bangs. "There is no going back to your life. This lifestyle… changes you."

Usagi was pensive for a moment. True. She wasn't the girl she was last week. But...

"But, that doesn't have to mean we can't ever have a life."

"Not a life worth living," Minako said. "A life without love, and family, and friendship."

Minako wrapped her arms around herself and laughed bitterly.

"Who says we can't have those things?" Usagi retorted. "If this last week has taught me anything is that life can take you unexpected places!"

"What happens if you and your new beau go further? What happens when you get pregnant?" Rei pointed out. "You can't go out fighting monsters then. Then where there's a baby, who will take care of it? And what if something were to happen to you? Do you want your kid growing up without a mother?"

"You're right. I don't know what will happen in that case. But what if we don't die? I don't know what happened to you two, but I still believe life goes on. That this doesn't have to be our end all be all," Usagi said. 'I refuse to."

Rei stared at her as if the thought that being a Sailor Senshi didn't have to define every moment of her existence was ancient Greek.

"We don't get to choose," Minako started to say.

"I don't understand what we're choosing between! We don't live in a bat cave, just waiting around. We still have to work to make money. We can still go after something that makes us happy, because if you just let this become everything, then how can we save people? How can we relate? What will give us something to live for?" Usagi said. "Look, I know I'm new to this, and yeah, it's definitely different, but it's not the end of our lives. We're still alive. And maybe, if there are more of us, we can share this responsibility. And then we also wouldn't be so alone."

Rei gave her an oddly hopefully look. Minako looked away and said, "You still don't understand."

Usagi threw her hands up in the air. "You're right. I don't. And I'm going home," she said and headed down the stairs to the train platform.

Rei and Minako stared at the empty stairway for a long time.

"She has a point," Rei said. "We're not strong enough alone. Tonight proved that."

Rei didn't look back as she headed down the stairs. Minako stood there a long time, waiting for the tears to stop so she could see straight enough to go home.

XXX

Usagi did not show up for training in the morning. She did not receive a text message from either Minako or Rei. Unfortunately, she still woke up early, but just lay beside a sleeping Mamoru.

He'd been excited about staying in the night before. He'd had his own long day. Neither of them discussed the details. Usagi did manage to convince him to watch six episodes of My Hero Academia (in exchange for two episodes of his favorite import, Game of Thrones).

Mamoru offered to make breakfast but had to walk down to the 7/11 because Usagi had nothing to cook in her fridge. (Except a half-eaten bento box and a quarter of a bottle of Pocari Sweat.) After breakfast, he left for work.

She texted Motoki, hoping for a work-related distraction, but he had everything covered. The new claw machines were arriving, and she'd just be underfoot during the installation. Tomorrow he'd need her to help stock them. She was much better at setting them up than he was.

So, Usagi spent the morning thinking - about her life and her destiny. There were so many layers to Minako that Usagi didn't understand, but she guessed years of being a Senshi must have been grueling. She'd already felt the pressure, and it'd only been a week.

The problem was, she hadn't heard this from Minako herself. Outside of morning training and the regular reprimands, Minako didn't say much at all. The two girls were basically strangers, yet they were supposed to function as a team.

The problem was, she hadn't heard this from Minako herself. Outside of morning training and the regular reprimands, Minako didn't say much at all. The two girls were basically strangers, yet they were supposed to function as a team.

As if a tiny cartoon lightbulb went off over her head, Usagi realized what she could do. The best contribution she could make to training was working on strengthening their friendship. That was something she was good at. She and Rei were getting there. They'd at least had some girl time. She needed to establish that connection with Minako.

So, Luna helped Usagi navigate to Minako's home. It wasn't too far from Usagi's own apartment - only two subway stops over. (She supposed she could have walked it and called it training.)

"Are you sure this is the place?" Usagi whispered to Luna. No harm in checking right?

"It's the place," Luna said.

Usagi blinked and wondered what exactly Minako did outside of being Sailor Venus. Her home was impressive. It was a three-story house with a garage. Usagi didn't know if that meant Minako owned a car or not, but it was quite a feat for a single person in their early 20s. She hoped Luna didn't relay how pathetic her one bedroom tiny apartment was to her leader.

Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the door.

"There's a doorbell," Luna whispered into Usagi's ear. She flushed and pressed the button.

After a moment, the intercom beside her beeped. "Who is it?" the voice on the other side said. A male voice.

Luna leaned over and pressed a paw to the intercom, "Artemis, it's me. I've brought Usagi. She'd was hoping to have a word with Minako," the cat said.

There was no answer, and the silence seemed to linger on. The door finally opened to reveal a white cat.

"Usagi!" The new cat said. "It's lovely to finally meet you."

Luna hopped down from Usagi's shoulder, and she and Artemis nuzzled. Usagi raised an eyebrow. Luna, that dog, er, cat, was holding out on her with a secret beau.

She followed the cats in and shut the door behind her.

"Artemis," Luna inquired, "when did you get back?"

"This morning, actually," he said. "I was following up on the North American conflicts and checking in with Katarina. It seems like it's finally quiet over there, while, here, the Japanese activity has really been on the rise."

The two cats lead the way while Usagi followed behind. Artemis moved slowly and with a limp. The interior of Minako's home could have been in a Western magazine. It was sparsely furnished and full of windows. Luxury, white furniture with wooden accents were set over a cream rug. A few large abstract art pieces hung perfectly on accent walls beside very well framed Sailor V memorabilia.

Usagi smiled at this. Finally, there was something the two had in common. Sailor V was the best.

They rounded a corner to a stairwell and proceeded downwards to a basement floor. It had a landing, then a closed door with a hydraulic cat door and a red light. Artemis pressed a button and continued chatting with Luna.

"I've also been working on a new simulator," he explained. "Something that might appeal to our girls since their older now," he said.

"Usagi would be fine with some of the old Sailor V ones. She never lost her interest in video games," Luna commented.

"Hey," Usagi said indignantly. "It's part of my profession to be in the know."

The light above turned green, and Luna and Artemis walked through the cat door. Usagi hesitated. She felt like she was breaking into a secure facility instead of visiting a friend. She turned the knob.

It was a music studio. The walls were black with noise control tiles. Several guitars, a keyboard, and an electric drum kit were carefully set to the side. Minako sat in an office style chair before several monitors; her large headphones draped around her neck. A small music mixer was beside her. Artemis and Luna sat beside a small laptop on the floor.

"Is everything okay?" Minako asked.

Usagi flushed. She felt like an intruder. Or a peeping Tom. Minako, lounging in her chair in pale orange joggers and a cream tank top, looked so vulnerable. All her hair was piled on her head, red bow added messily to the side.

Usagi rubbed the back of her head. "Um, I…" Usagi trailed off.

Minako arched her eyebrows in an out with it expression.

"What is all this?" Usagi asked.

"It's just a hobby," Minako said.

"Some hobby," Usagi said, in genuine awe. "Can you play all these instruments?"

Minako shrugged. "Somewhat."

"That's so amazing," Usagi said, walking over to acoustic guitar and gently touching it.

There was a little smile on Minako's face. "I don't think you came all this way to talk about my hobbies."

Usagi sighed, her shoulders drooping. "I thought maybe we could discuss last night."

Minako turned back to her computer and started clicking on her mouse.

"Why didn't you call a meeting at the temple then?" Minako asked suspiciously. "Rei should be involved."

Usagi cringed. "Well, it is a Shinto holiday," she started, "And I was kinda hoping, that maybe, by strategizing, we could…" Usagi gestured at the air, struggling to find the words. "Maybe get to know each other better."

"Why?"

"So we can be friends!" Usagi said cheerfully.

Minako blinked. Was the idea of friendship so foreign?

"It might help with our teamwork," Usagi added.

"Some bonding would do you all good," Luna added. "Teamwork will be key to defeating the Dark Kingdom."

Minako sighed. "Would you like something to drink then?"

XXX

On the walk to the kitchen, Usagi exclaimed, "Oh, yeah! I see you're a Sailor V fan! She was my hero as a growing up."

At the kitchen, Minako's cheeks turned pink. Her kitchen was immaculate. As if no one ever used it. White countertops with copper pans hung above an industrial stove. Minako opened the giant silver refrigerator door, and Usagi smiled with camaraderie. The fridge was almost as bare as hers.

"Um, I'm not exactly a fan," Minako said shyly. "I played her. She was based on my work as Sailor Venus."

"No way!"

Minako looked actually bashful. "Artemis had just found me, and I ended up telling my friend Alan everything."

She sighed and closed the fridge, then walked over to a different cabinet. Reaching up she pulled out two glasses and a bottle of Habiki before continuing, "His dad was a tv exec, and we thought that the best way to hide was in plain sight."

Minako poured the whiskey into one of the glasses, then downed it before then filling both again. She walked to Usagi and offered her the second glass.

Usagi chewed on her lip, suspecting this story was about to become very dark. Sailor V ended rather unexpectedly after season 3.

"Alan died when I was 17," Minako continued. "He was out on a mission with me, and Tuxedo Kamen could only save one of us. He picked me."

Usagi's eyes widened as a piece fell into place. Why Minako hated Tuxedo Kamen. Why she was so adamant about keeping Senshi business separated. Usagi felt her heartbreak.

Minako looked up at the ceiling and wiped away the tear before it could fall. "Damn it, it's been seven years and I still get choked up about it."

Seven years? Just how long had this girl been Sailor Venus?

Minako shook her head and continued, "After that, I quit acting, and went to college to pursue my dreams. Music."

"Which is why you have a studio," Usagi deduced.

Minako nodded. She sipped on her whiskey before continuing. "I met someone in college, a med student."

"Ooo, I'm assuming cute and well off? Almost got with a doctor?" Usagi winked.

Minako smiled softly. "He was so good looking. And so good in bed. We almost got married, but, he knew I was keeping a secret. We both were. But, I couldn't bring myself to tell him about this."

"Why not?" Usagi asked.

"Alan died because he was a civilian out on duty with me. He wasn't even like Katarina. She was the police detective I worked with," Minako supplied. "I didn't want my fiance to be killed by monsters because he wanted to help. It was too much, too big, and our relationship fell apart a few weeks before the wedding.

"So, I came back here, because the Dark Kingdom activity was spiking. It made for a convenient getaway. Then I found Rei, and now you," she said.

She downed her glass of whiskey. Silence lingered in the air while Usagi contemplated her own glass.

"Damn girl," Usagi finally added. "No wonder you're so stressed. That's a hell of a history."

Minako laughed. She started to pour herself another shot when Usagi took the bottle from her. Usagi smiled as she refilled Minako's glass. Minako stared for a moment, registering the gesture. She often forgot Japanese customs since she'd spent her formative years in the Western world.

Usagi held her glass up for a toast, and Minako clinked her newly filled glass against it.

"Kampai!" the pigtailed blonde cheered. This time, they drank together. Usagi cringed a little at the burn of whiskey at lunchtime. Minako tried not to laugh.

"What you need," Usagi said, "is a vacation."

Minako blinked. "A vacation?" she asked.

"Yeah. Something relaxing. Something away from Dark Kingdom monsters, and old boyfriends, but full of potential hook-ups," Usagi continued. "Like a cruise."

Minako looked thoughtful for a second. She hadn't been on a vacation since… she actually couldn't remember her last real vacation. It had actually been a sore point between her and her ex-fiance. They couldn't even agree on a honeymoon destination. Clearly, it was doomed.

"Maybe you're right," Minako said. "Would you come with me?"

"Hell yes," Usagi said. "I'm always down for a vacation. Though, if I'm being perfectly honest, right now I do not have the means for a ticket…"

"I can get free tickets," Minako said.

"Huh?"

"The musical director of the new Love Luxury ship that's launching in two weeks owes me some favors. I could get tickets comped for all of us. You, me, Rei." She sighed then added, "And I guess that new boyfriend of yours too. It is supposed to be a 'romantic' cruise after all."

"Seriously? You can call this guy up and get tickets?" Usagi said.

"Hey, old connections in show business has its perks. I also did all the compositions for his last original production for free," she said. "He owes me."

"If you did it all for free, how do you live in a place like this?" Usagi asked gobsmacked. "Like, holy smokes girl."

"I own 10% of all Sailor V," Minako continued. "I'll be living off residuals for life."

'Life is so not fair," Usagi said. "Not only are you my hero, but you're living the dream. Well, the dream if you were to swap music for video games and manga."

Minako laughed.

"This is gonna be so much fun!" Usagi cooed. "I'm texting Mamo-chan now."

"Mamo-chan?" Minako asked, eyebrow arched.

"Kinda a long story," Usagi said. "But, just know he deserves it. So, you have to tell me, what's it like working in film?"

XXX

Mamoru was drowning in luggage. He'd brought a duffle bag and soft suit rack. Usagi had brought half her closet, and probably half her laundry since her wardrobe seemed to live on the floor. She'd had to borrow suitcases from him to fit everything. For a four day cruise.

"This way Mamo-chan!" she called out, pushing through the crowd of embarkers with her small rolling carry-on.

"Usa, I am not your personal luggage trolly," he complained.

"No, you're much cuter than a trolly," she retorted.

She stopped abruptly before him. It took all his reflexes (natural and supernatural) to keep her excessive luggage from crashing into her.

"Huh, I wonder where the girls are," she said while looking around. People swarmed around them. Mamoru felt his anxiety grow.

"I can't believe I let you talk me into this," Mamoru grumbled.

"You're gonna love them," Usagi said. "Plus, we'll get some serious romantic time in."

She nudged his shoulder with hers, nearly toppling his precariously perched tower. He shook his head. Finally, a porter came to take their bags. Usagi handed off her little carry-on, then the porter's face fell when he saw Mamoru.

"Is this all for…" the porter looked between him and Usagi.

"Yup," Mamoru said, happily dumping the mountain of luggage onto the poor sap. "Shoes. Who knew?"

The porter stared wide-eyed as Mamoru waved and followed after Usagi.

This was a four-day special sneak preview of the new cruise ship Love Luxury. And it wasn't even going very far. Just up the coastline to some hot springs, then back to Tokyo Bay. A day at sea, a day at port, a day at sea, then disembarkation at Tokyo Bay. The time at sea was marketed as time to be spent with your significant other. Though, there wasn't much more than a relaxing all you can eat weekend on a boat with a lover.

It was a little hampered by the fact it was mixed with a girl's weekend. Still, Usagi's friend was paying for the tickets.

And they were swanky tickets - priority boarding and VIP access. It also meant eating for free on all the pay restaurants too. Maybe they could book it one night for something special. Celebrate their newfound togetherness. Did they have a label? Should they put a label on it?

Usagi took his hand as they walked up the boardwalk, and onto the deck. Very helpful crew members directed the couple through the main area and to the VIP lounge in the bow. At every turn as if on instinct, Usagi turned in the wrong direction. Mamoru sighed and gave up on hand-holding, instead guiding her by the shoulders.

"Odango, seriously, how hard it is to not go downstairs?" he grumbled at some point.

"Not all of us are born with perfect internal compasses."

They finally reached the VIP area - a solarium bar overlooking the harbor. Mamoru had to admit it was the perfect spot to watch the launch. Usagi fidgeted, trying to look around the attendant checking their key cards. Once his card reader blinked green, he waved them into the Diamond lounge.

There were twenty or so other people in the lounge, and Usagi squealed with delight when a server offered her Champagne. She grabbed two glasses for herself while she scanned the room for her friends.

"There they are," she said, pointing to two women sitting comfortably by a window. Two empty seats were saved beside them. Usagi tugged his hand as she started walking towards a familiar red bow.

The dark-haired woman turned and smiled. She unabashedly checked Mamoru out while she tapped the blonde beside her. Mamoru swallowed hard, his pace slowing. Usagi didn't notice.

"Hey guys!" she greeted, ignoring the weirdness. "This is my boyfriend, Mamoru, and Mamoru, these are my friends Rei and …"

"Mina," he said. He tugged at the collar of his shirt. "It's been awhile."

"Mamoru," Minako answered. "I didn't know you'd moved back to Japan."

Usagi looked between the two adults, and she and Rei exchanged a glance.

"About six months ago," he answered.

"How do you two know each other?" Rei asked, unafraid of bringing up the elephant in the room.

They answered at the same time.

"We went to university together," Mamoru said.

"We were engaged," Minako said.

AN: Oh my! I was almost late with my update! I am so sorry everyone.

Hey narsenic, you're called my big chapter twist! When I read your comment I went, oh snap. Good reading there.

A special thanks to Celestial Cat, Annunminuialiel, phillynz, and TaelarNicole. Your comments brighten my day.

A special thanks to mali86! Thanks for sticking with me and commenting. It really brightens my day.

A super special thanks to SmokingBomber for beta-ing what she could and my Prince for helping keep all my notes about everything straight. And most of all, thanks to my husband for being my best critic.