The light is coming to bring back everything the darkness stole

Usagi sat besides her window she watched as the moon brought light to the dark sky. One hand holding her rested face and the other fiddling with the fabric of the sheer pink curtain. She glanced outside and a sad look appeared on her face. "Are you ok Usagi?" A concerned Luna asked. "Yeah I'm ok, I guess I just have some things on my mind." She sighed as she looked at the framed photo of her and Motoki that sat on her window sill. "Usagi c'mon now!" Luna cried in frustration as she knocked down the photo. "You can't sit here and keep feeling sorry for yourself! Your gonna have to get over him at some point!" Luna fussed as she walked passed the teenager. "Besides! You never told me what happened with you and Mamoru!"

Usagi had found herself getting so caught up in her thoughts she forgot about their brief hang out. "Oh, well he's super dreamy." Usagi blushed as she recalled the moments she had with him. A notification popped up on her lilac iPhone 11. "OH MY GOODNESS! THE NEWEST EPISODE OF BLEACH!" Usagi screamed as she ran to her TV to turn it on. "What is it with you and this show?" Luna asked as she watch the intro with confusion. "It's just a bunch of overly hormonal teenagers." Usagi gave an angered stare. "LUNA! IM TRYING TO WATCH THIS!" Usagi growled. She sat in front of her tv legs crossed grabbing onto her throw pillow. "AHHHH, ICHIGO KUROSAKI! your so dreamy." Usagi blushed as she tilted and rested her cheek on both hands that held onto each other. "B-BUT RENJI IS SOO COOL! Oh boy I've become such a flirt! I like two men!" Usagi giggled as she watched the show. A commercial break appeared advertising the brand new sailor V game that would be available at the arcade. Usagi's heart broke once more as she thought about her beloved Motoki. Luna looked at her with eyes of sympathy. Usagi decided to not allow the commercial bother her and continued watching her long awaited episode.

Usagi felt herself beginning to become sleepy. She felt her eyes weigh down. Seeing the teenager about to pass out cold on the ground Luna scratched at the bottom hem of Usagi's favorite oversized T-shirt. A black T-shirt with a printed on image right on the center of the shirt showing one of her crushes Renji Abarai. A startled Usagi jumped. "LUNA! THIS IS MY FAVORITE SHIRT!" Lunas eyes rolled in exasperation. Soon realizing how she was about to sleep on the floor she and her cat made their way to the comfy bed. It smelt of cupcakes and fresh linens, Usagi smiled she loved when her mom brought the cupcake scented laundry soap. She turned off her lights and tv. The soft light coming from the moonlights shine seemed to help the girl fall into the most peaceful sleep she has had yet.

Usagi's Nightmare*

Usagi watched as some sort of tall and dark monster wearing what seemed to be a white mask latched onto her. "SOMEONE HELP ME! ITS A HOLLOW AND IT'S GONNA KILL ME!" she cried out. She watched as some sort of mystery man dressed in a black tuxedo and cape paired with a top hat and a white mask covering his eyes swooped in. A rose covered in sharp thrones pierced the center of the villains mask making it shatter instantly. "WHO ARE YOU!" The hollow screamed in agony as it fell onto the ground dropping Usagi out of its arms causing her to land ever so perfectly into her mysterious knight in shinning... tuxedo? I guess you could say that, anyways she landed in the arms of the mysterious hero. "How dare you torture an innocent girl in her precious dreams! I tuxedo mask won't allow it!" He announced with pride and dominance as the enemy laid down unconscious. "Thanks tuxedo mask!" Usagi blushed. Two shouts could heard in the background at perfect unison the voices belonged to two males. "HEY DUDE! THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE OUR JOBS!" The two of them both said running up to the scene out of breath. One with spiky orange hair and the other with long red hair held back with a white bandana and a hair tie. "Man, I really wish the producers would quit the filler episodes and give us some real action instead! I hate this!" The red head said in disappointment. "I'm not sure who this guy even is? Where did he even come from! He was never once written in the scripts!" The orange haired boy said just as confused. "Yeah! He looks like he belongs on the bachelor! What is he doing here!" The red head rolled his eyes. "I am tuxedo mask! And I won't stand for this back-talk!" They all stood across from eachother, Usagi stepped in trying to diffuse the situation that seemed too strange to be reality. Boys, Boys, Boys, there's enough of me for everyone!" Usagi giggled in a flirty tone.

dream ends*

"That's definitely enough bleach for me." Usagi thought to herself as she opened her eyes. She felt her heart pounding in her chest, the anxiety of the breakup still hasn't left her. In an attempt to calm down she gazed up to her guardian planet the moon. She let out a sigh of defeat. "Please Neo queen serenity lend me your strength." She whispered softly as one tear rolled down her cheek. With sleepy eyes she checked the time and it read four thirty am. She noticed a text message from Mamoru was sent to her at around one.

Mamoru:

"Your brooch fell off your bow, sorry for the late message I just remembered picking it up."

The short message read followed with a photo of the pink compact like brooch. Deciding it was too late she left the message alone. She couldn't seem to fall back asleep. Thoughts of the time spent came racing at her. Thoughts of their first encounter came rushing. She thought of how safe and protected she felt in that very moment. She thought of the small talks they shared earlier. "I never felt safe like that with motoki" she thought to herself. She fell back asleep after what felt like an eternity of her mind racing. Usagi woke up the next morning to the sound of her mom announcing how it was time to get up. "Usagi! Wake up! Today is Sunday remember!" Ikuko called from downstairs. Usagi sighed. Once a month on a Sunday the Tuskino's always had a family tradition which consisted of going out for brunch. Usagi immediately hoped out of bed with excitement, she always looked forward to brunch. She quickly got ready. She was quick into washing her face, brushing her teeth, combing and styling her hair into her signature hairstyle. Her outfit was a little bit more dressed up. It was a lavender strapless sweetheart neckline dress with a pleated skirt. Her ballet flat shoes also lavender. She had on a simple moon locket.

She rushed downstairs almost falling on the steps. "There you are! I hope your finally ready!" Ikuko scolded as she hurried to fasten her stud earrings. "Yes mommmm." Usagi whined. "Enough bickering girls, let's go before we're late." Usagi's father said as he grabbed the car keys. The family headed out, the car ride consisted of the radio playing and the family singing along, much to Shingos annoyance. The music stopped. The happy and excited energy turned calm. Beeping sounds and the sounds of buttons being pressed came from Shingos Nintendo switch. Usagi looked out the car window and looked up to the sky. Thoughts of Motoki yet again filled her mind. She just couldn't stop missing him. It had been quite some time since their spilt, but Usagi always found herself daydreaming of him coming back to her as if he was some knight in shinning armor. A small sigh escaped her when reality hit her. "He's never coming back" she thought to herself. She reminisced about all the times Motoki joined the family on these occasions. What seemed like an eternity of driving and reminiscing the car finally came to a stop and was put in park. "Finally! I'm starving!" Shingo exclaimed nearly jumping out of his seat which earned him a giggle from his mother. The family made their way in and was seated outside. The smell of all the fresh flowers filled the air, The gentle breezes seem to hit, the sun shinned bright and warm, and the waves of the ocean could be heard. Soon a waitress came. "Hi! Welcome! What drinks can I start you guys off with?" She asked as she grabbed a pen and her note pad. "I'll have a coffee." Usagi's father said as he glared at the menu. "I'll have a matcha green tea." Ikuko said with a soft smile. "One chocolate milkshake!" Shingo called out as he frantically gripped onto his portable gaming device. "And for you?" The waitress smiled, singling to Usagi that it was her turn. "Oh! Um.. I'll have a strawberry lemonade. Sorry about that!" Usagi giggled awkwardly. "I'll get those right out for you!" The waitress hurried back into the restaurant. The family continued with ordering their meals. Their drinks arrived, small talks and giggling continued at the table and of course what Tsukino family outing would be complete without a classic bickering between Usagi and her little brother? Soon enough the family began to enjoy the meals that they ordered. Usagi usually enjoyed and loved eating. But in this case she was having an incredibly hard time eating. Her mother noticed this. "Usagi, what's wrong why aren't you eating? Do you want to order something else?" Ikuko asked with eyes of concern seeing her daughter barley acknowledging the strawberry hot cakes that sat in front of her. "Don't worry mom! I guess I'm just not that hungry at the moment." Usagi reassured her she tried to cover up the fact she was a complete mess. Ikuko still knew something was up but carried on. Once the family was finished with brunch they all headed home.

Exhausted from the almost three hour long car ride Usagi was relieved to be home. She walked upstairs to her room. Being in her room was always difficult for her. It was hard being alone. She didn't enjoy the feeling of no longer having someone to talk to as soon as she came home. She laid on her bed and just when she was about to find herself getting wrapped up in her thoughts of loneliness and despair once more like magic and almost divine timing her phone rang. It was Minako. "Hey Usagi!" Minako beamed on the other line the warmth and joy in her voice was enough to lift Usagi's spirits just a little bit. "Hi! What's up?" Usagi asked in an attempt to conceal the fact she was just about to cry. "Ok so, me and the rest of the girls know you've been feeling super down, soooo we wanted to surprise you!" Minako giggled with excitement. "What's going on?" Usagi asked curiously. "We are going to this years annual floating lanterns festival!" Minako shouted with joy. "NO WAY! THE FLOATING LANTERNS FESTIVAL!" Usagi was excited and touched her friends always thought of her in times of heartache. "It's tonight so get ready! I'll text you once we're on our way to your place!" Minako said to Usagi. "See you then!" Usagi smiled. "Luna! We're going to the floating lanterns festival tonight! Wanna come?" Usagi smiled as she rummaged through her closet and dressers looking for something to wear. "Sure! It's not like I don't already go everywhere with you anyhow." Luna sarcastically giggled. It was a relief to see how Usagi was smiling again. Luna watched as Usagi tried on multiple outfits. Before deciding to wear a green button down shirt with a pink skirt and a light blue jean jacket. She retouched her makeup, she also touched up her hair and re applied her favorite perfume. From the time that was spent getting ready she hadn't noticed the missed call. "We're gonna be to your place in a few minutes I hope your ready!" Minako cheered. "Yeah! I'm ready!" Usagi hadn't been this excited to go somewhere, quite frankly she was happy to see the gloomy feeling of leaving the house was passing her. She smiled as her friends arrived at the door. "Bye mom!" Usagi called out as she ran out to meet with her friends. In her exuberance she nearly fell down the stairs on her porch. "Hi everyone!" She giggled in her usual cheery tone.

"Hey Usagi! It's nice seeing you again!" Makoto was relieved to see her best friend was slowly starting to feel better. The girls all walked down the ever so busy streets of The Juban district together. The liveliness of the city only added to the excitement of each girl. Talks of crushes, tv-show binges, and other things filled the air. "Wow! Look at how many people are here already!" Usagi jumped as she pointed to the very long wrapped line around the entrance. "This is gonna take forever!" Rei was not looking forward to the long wait. "Look at it like this! We can go over the flash cards I've prepared for this weeks mid-term exam!" Ami giggled as she pulled out the hand written cards from her bag. That was something Usagi always seem to love about Ami. She always seemed to find the best in a situation and never failed to incorporate something that would be beneficial to girls education as much as Usagi hated studying.

Giggling and excitement filled the air. The guardians had been so caught up in their conversations and laughs they hadn't noticed that they were no longer the last ones in line. "Woah look at that super hot guy behind Usagi!" Minako gave a sly whisper. "A HOT GUY B-B-BEHIND ME!!?" Usagi cried out as she instantly turned around she was standing right in front of Mamoru. He let out a chuckle at the young girls ditziness. "Oh, uh hi!" Usagi felt nothing but humiliation. "Hey bun-head, wasn't expecting to see you here." He said trying to cover up the slight awkwardness he also felt. Makoto could not stand the silent tension and decided to break the ice. "Hi! I'm Makoto! It's nice meeting you!" She warmly greeted as she reached out her hand to his. "How come we don't see you at our school?" Minako asked shyly. "That's because I go to university." Mamoru answered. The group started to become acquainted, questions about favorite subjects, and past times all being asked. "So how do you know Usagi?" Rei asked in literal shock wondering how Usagi seemed to pull such a handsome guy. "We met at the party." Mamoru answered. The conversations carried on. Eventually they all entered into the festival."WOW! THIS IS AMAZING!" Usagi squealed her eyes glistening from the park lamps, the sky gave off a pink and purple color as the sun was beginning to set. She watched as groups of people seemed to be dressed in beautiful kimonos made of silks and luxurious fabrics and some dressed in regular but still beautiful clothing. She looked at all the different vendors with wonder and awe. Mamoru noticed this and felt his heart instantly warm up at the sight. The smallest things always seemed to make her the happiest. The group began to explore making their way pass everyone. They stumbled upon a bakery. Everyone instantly noticed all the exquisitely decorated and quite over the top pastries and treats. "Wow! These look amazing!" Makoto exclaimed as she pointed to the macaroons that sat on a display. "Welcome to sweet like candy!" The older lady called out from behind the register. The girls and Mamarou spent time looking at different candies, pastries, and other festive treats. Soon enough everyone got what they all wanted and continued to go about the festival enjoying all the festivities. The group enjoyed eating all the fun street foods, playing games, and taking lots of pictures and videos. For the first time Usagi began to feel happy. She was no longer feeling that empty and lonely feeling. Maybe this is what she needed to be happy? To surround herself in the presence of her friends more. "I can't remember the last time I laughed and smiled this much." She felt refreshed as she realized this.

The evening continued and was filled with laughs, running around, and of course a classic bickering session between Rei and Usagi. "Hey! How come your cupcake has more frosting then mine!" Usagi whined. "Relax! Both cupcakes have the same amount of frosting! Your such a crybaby!" Rei hissed back. "YOUR ALWAYS SO MEAN TO ME REI!" Usagi yelled as she tried grabbing the cupcake from her and tripped over. "As you should've." Rei sarcastically said as she and the others giggled, not in a mean way but more in a innocent way it was funny how Usagi could be so clumsy sometimes. Soon enough she picked herself up letting out a sigh of embarrassment.

The crowd of moving people came to a sudden pause. "Listen up everyone! It will soon be time to send your lanterns into the sky! Everyone meet at the main stage!" The male voice spoke into all the speakers. "The wind seems to be at perfect speed!" Ami said as she checked her phone. "The lanterns will float at the perfect pace!" She smiled as she looked up at the sky. The sunset was now turned into a dark night sky. The moon was full tonight and the stars looked even brighter. Usagi hadn't noticed she was holding onto so many empty boxes and containers of what once held snacks. "I'll meet up with you guys soon! I'm gonna throw this stuff away." She smiled brightly. "Why don't I come along." Mamoru spoke in his deep and smooth voice. "Why am I feeling this way?" Usagi couldn't explain what she felt when she heard his voice. It was warm, but also assertive, however his voice was also calm. "Sure!" She nervously blushed. Catching onto what was going on the girls agreed to meet at the center stage and the group made their separate ways.

The two quietly walked together, they had some distance. "So? What made you come here by yourself?" Usagi asked instantly regretting it. "Oh no! That was so rude!" She was horrified. "Oh well, I figured why not? It beats staying inside and studying all night." Mamoru explained to her as the two continued walking. "What is it that your studying? I know you mentioned you go to university." Usagi was curious and wondered what he could be studying, he already seemed to be so intelligent as it was, was school really needed? "Right now I'm studying to become a philosopher." Mamoru spoke. "I'd love to publish my own book or become a professor one day." He added on. "Wow! That's so cool! I'll be honest I don't have much talents! I love eating though, to be quite honest I don't even know what I want to study, I'm still in high school!" Usagi blurted out once more she couldn't help but be so nervous around him. "WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME!" "WHY AM I LIKE THIS!" She thought to herself. Mamoru noticed her embarrassment. "Don't be too worried, I'm more then sure you'll figure it out." He gave her a soft smile of reassurance. The two tossed the empty boxes and cups into the can. They began to make their way back to where their friends waited for them.

The crowd seemed to become even larger more people gathered in anticipation for the long awaited part of the night. Usagi felt her Mamoru begin to separate. Nerves filled her Usagi didn't like crowds and didn't do well around huge groups of people. She could feel herself getting scared. Anxiety and terror filled her body. Suddenly flashbacks of the night before came running across her mind. All the sudden she seemed to no longer be at the festival she seemed to be back at the party. "Where am I?" Usagi couldn't feel anything the only thing she felt was darkness and the sensation of body's pushing against her. Tears filled the young girls blue eyes. "Mamoru where are you?" She felt her legs turn to what felt like mush. And just when she felt herself about to loose it a strong and slightly calloused hand gripped her arm suddenly. She jumped in fear and began to cry. "Calm down, don't worry it's just me." Mamoru spoke gently trying to calm her down noticing her fear. "Oh-I." Usagi began to collect her nerves. Mamoru felt sympathy for the girl. "Here let's sit down." He pointed to the bench and walked there with her, holding her hand he could feel her trembling. The two sat down. "I'm sorry about the scene I caused, I get really bad anxiety." Usagi spoke quietly as she looked at the ground with shame. "No need to be sorry, can I ask is this because of what happened at the party?" Mamoru was sure to carefully address the sensitive nature of the question. Usagi looked up at him. Leftover tears brought a gloss to her blue eyes. "Y-yes." She gathered every ounce of courage to bring up that God awful night. Mamoru looked down at her with eyes of compassion and sorrow. "I'm sorry that happened, I promise as long as I'm around no one will hurt you Usako-" "Did I just call her that?" He paused not realizing a special pet name for the girl accidentally came out of him. She blushed at the newly given nickname and the words that brought a sense of security she felt the sensation of butterflies inside her. "I barely know this girl, and something in me already wants to protect her?" Mamoru was never an emotional person. He always seemed to be rather cold but this girl brought out something in him he didn't know he had. "Oh! I forgot to give you this!" He said to her attempting to break the silence as he attached her pink circle brooch onto her shirt. "Oh! Thank you!" She smiled as she looked down sniffling her nose softly. "Now c'mon! Let's get back!" Usagi smiled as her spirits lifted.

The two finally made their way. It seemed to be much easier navigating their way to the group as most of the people all seemed to be seated on the field. Usagi smiled as she watched families and friends all sitting down on their blankets writing down their wishes on their lanterns. "I hope all of their wishes come true" Usagi thought to herself. Just as the two were about to approach the group. The cries of a little girl could be heard. "Mommy! I lost my lantern!" She cried out. It wasn't the typical tantrum it was a genuine sadness and disappointment. "Sweetheart! You can write on mommy's lantern!" The young mother said as she tried to calm down her crying daughter. "B-but mommy I wanted my own. Besides that's for your wish!" She began to cry more. Mamoru and Usagi both noticed. He decided to step in. "Here you go." He spoke softly as he kneeled down to the small girls level handing her his blank and folded lantern. "I'm not supposed to accept things from strangers." The little girl accepted the offer shyly and with hesitation. "That was very nice of him! What do you say Sakura?" The young girls mom said. "T-thank you, but what about your wish Mr.?" She smiled softly as she wiped her tears and asked with concern. "Your welcome! Don't worry, my wish is that everyone's wishes come true." He smiled at her reassuring her he didn't need it. She giggled and blushed. "That was really kind of you! Your so good with kids!" Usagi beamed. "It was nothing really." Mamoru spoke to her. "Usagi! Mamoru over here!" Minako called out.

Both made their way toward Minako and the rest of the group. "There you two are! We've been waiting for you! Hurry it's just about to start!" She said with a sound of hurry in her voice. Usagi grabbed her lantern noticing everyone did the same. Minako recorded the moment on her yellow iPhone 11. "Hi guys!" She said to the group. Rei, Ami, Makoto and Usagi smiled into the camera all saying hello and holding up their lanterns and smiling. "This is gonna be so cute for my Instagram page!" Minako smiled. Usagi watched as everyone wrote on their lantern. She couldn't seem to think of what she wanted. Finally it came to her. "My wish, is that no matter how hard things become I can always find happiness and strength." She wrote down each letter with care hoping that whoever or whatever would read these wishes would hear. She noticed Mamoru seemed quiet. "Maybe he feels left out." Usagi offered him her pen and the lantern. "No need to worry about me, my wish is that whatever you wish for comes true." He smiled at her, which also earned a smile from the rest of the group "AWW" Usagi's friends all said unison. "Oh, ok." Usagi blushed as she looked to the side. She felt his fingers accidentally caress hers as she pulled away the items. "Alright everyone! The time has come! Time to send your lanterns in the sky!" The male voice announced into the microphone while standing on the stage. Soon enough the orchestra began to play the melody of the song "I see the light" from Usagi's favorite movie tangled. She and everyone else looked up in wonder and awe as the lanterns began to ascend into the sky, a golden glow was created in the dark night sky. Each of the girls happily lifted their lanterns. All while Minako recorded. Usagi wanted hers to go as high as it could. She stood up on the tips of her toes, Mamoru noticed her efforts and with his strong long arms and hands he guided her much smaller ones toward the direction she wanted the light to go towards. The two of them smiled at the other and watched as their lantern began to float. "So happy I got this on film!" Minako thought to herself. "Mommy look! It's floating! My wish is gonna come true!" The ecstatic cheers of the same little girl could be heard which made Usagi and Mamoru giggle as they turned around and smiled at the small child they watched as she gave a giddy wave and let out a smile with some teeth missing. He stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her. Everyone just say enjoying the sound of the beautiful songs playing and the scenery of the golden lights illuminating the dark sky. Soon enough the lanterns seemed to fade away. And the orchestra came to a slow stop. "Thank you everyone for joining us this year! We hope to see you again next year!" The older male announced into the microphone. The crowd began making their way to the exit.

The group walked together and Usagi's hand was held by Mamorus. "This was a blast! I'm so happy we all did this!" Rei said to everyone as they all exited the venue. "I'll see you guys tomorrow!" Makoto smiled to the group. Everyone began to make their ways separate all while exchanging their goodbyes. Usagi and Mamoru stood alone together on the dark and empty sidewalk. "I guess I have to get going now." Usagi said softly. "I'll walk you home." Mamoru spoke as he took action walking next to the girl. She said nothing but watched as he stood next to her. The two look at each other. The moon shinning down on them as they walked home. They finally approached her entrance for her house. "Well I guess this is my que, goodnight Mamoru!" She nervously smiled knowing what was to come next. Their eyes deeply stared into the others. He got closer to her softly. His right hand making his way to her cheek and then cupping it. His other wrapping around her waist puller her in closer. She followed. A soft and gentle kiss was given she gave in. Her whole heart could explode at the butterflies. He gently opened his eyes. She could feel his lashes flutter on hers. He gave her a soft kiss on her forehead and then pulled away. "Goodnight Usako." He said with soft and gentle passion. "Good night Mamoru." She smiled as she walked into her house.