Tsukino Usagi
Ami comes to collect Usagi from her class as soon as the day is over. Usagi doesn't complain about the loss of her afternoon – Ami wouldn't care. In fact, the other girl is entirely silent the whole trip to Rei's family's temple. It looks to Usagi like the genius is thinking hard about something, though that could be anything from schoolwork to the latest monster they faced.
When they're all settled around the table in Rei's room they look expectantly to Ami to begin the meeting. She is the one who had called it in the first place. "So?" Luna eventually prompts to get things going.
Ami blinks, almost like she's having to refocus on them, before she reaches for her bag to pull out a couple of papers. Usagi catches a glimpse of the top one and it's full of graphs and diagrams that she can barely understand. "I can email you all a copy of these later, but the short of it is, we're outclassed," Ami says, her tone blunt. "The monsters that have been showing up are stronger, and I have a theory as to why. Whoever is controlling these monsters seems to be targeting specific people instead of large groups, like Jadeite had, and they coincide with moments when these peoples' energy is at a peak. I haven't determined whether these peaks are natural or induced, but the greater energy is what makes the monsters so much stronger."
"Is there anything we can do about that?" Usagi asks, her brow furrowed. They'd already suspected that they were no match for the new monsters, but to have it confirmed is displeasing to say the least.
Ami shrugs. "Nothing definitively, I think. The best we can do is monitor for spikes of energy, and then watch the people to see if they transform. As of yet we have no idea who's controlling them, and we have no idea whether they're active in this whole process once they've chosen a target, or they just let things run as they will. If that's the case, then watching and waiting is our only chance. If the person in charge is watching his targets, then we might be able to trick them into releasing the monsters before their full potential by scaring them with our presence, but that's a slim possibility."
"We'll have to play it by ear then," Luna says decisively.
"If you want," Ami agrees amicably. "I also feel it would be important to note that this person seems to be moving a lot quicker than Jadeite was. Before there were sometimes several days between his attempts at gathering energy, however the previous attacks were only a day apart. I have a feeling this is the beginning of a pattern, so we should be on alert tonight and tomorrow especially."
"You'll keep an eye on things, won't you," Usagi says.
"Of course," Ami snorts, sounding a little offended. "I've got a program constantly scanning for abnormalities outside of a certain range. If anything changes I'll know."
"Good. Then we'll be ready when that time comes," she nods. "Until then, I guess this is a waiting game."
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The meeting was finished up not long after that, the girls returning to their respective houses – or in Rei's case, leaving to do her chores. Hours later, while Usagi is sloooowly attempting to do her homework under Luna's watchful eye, her communicator pings and Usagi jumps on it like a man thirsty for water. Luna frowns disapprovingly but plods across her table anyways to read over her shoulder.
Sailor Mercury 20:40
Energy spike detected. Keep an eye out tomorrow.
"That was quick," Luna remarks, and Usagi frowns when she hears the concern in the cat's voice. "It's just like Ami-chan said. Keep both your communicator and transformation brooch ready, Usagi-chan. We have to be even more cautious now."
That distressing thought sticks with Usagi for the rest of the evening, plaguing her even in her dreams. Twice that night she wakes up sweating and breathing heavily, phantom burns stinging at her side and leg even though they're fully healed, courtesy of Sailor Mercury. Luna seems undisturbed by the unknown enemy hanging over their heads, and Usagi enviously watches the cat deeply asleep when she couldn't calm her thoughts enough to rest.
It leaves her irritable the next morning, and instead of leaving early to scout about the town like Luna suggests Usagi turns her headphones up to blasting and walks to school in a disgruntled cloud. Neither Umino nor even Osaka-san even dare approach her in homeroom once they see the stormy expression on her face.
A brief nap during lunch helps alleviate her mood somewhat, but it drops again once she notices the messages her comrades had shared while she was asleep.
Sailor Mars 12:13
Mercury do you have a general location on the energy?
Sailor Mercury 12:14
Not yet. Too weak. Why?
Sailor Mars 12:14
I'm getting an odd feeling from a student at our sister school
Sailor Mars 12:14
Might be the target
Sailor Mercury 12:15
Can't tell for sure yet. I'll keep monitoring the area. You and Moon should check it out this afternoon.
Sailor Mars 12:16
Ok
Usagi groans and lets her head thump onto her desk. She shouldn't be surprised, especially after Ami's warning last night, and she'd been fully prepared yesterday afternoon to hunt this newest nuisance. Now, though, after a restless night with minimal sleep all she wants to do is pass out in her bed for a couple of hours. For a moment she entertains the thought of asking Ami to trade jobs, but she discards the thought just as quick. Even if Mizuno consented to relinquish her precious minicomputer – which she wouldn't, not in a million years – Usagi wouldn't have any idea of what to look for. With a resigned sigh she types out her late response.
Sailor Moon 12:58
fine
The communicator pings a moment later and Usagi narrows her eyes in annoyance at Ami's response.
Sailor Mercury 12:59
It's about time you joined the conversation. Sleeping through lunch again?
Sailor Moon 12:59
shut up
She shoves the damn thing in her bag after that, resolving to ignore anymore notifications for the rest of the afternoon.
After the final bell rings Usagi heads over to the T.A. Girls' Academy, where Rei attends school. Usagi thinks it's hilarious that a Shinto shrine maiden goes to school at a catholic academy, but when she pointed it out to Rei the quiet girl just shrugged, saying it was her father's stipulation for living with her grandfather that she go there. Usagi didn't question any further than that; she could tell there was something up with Rei's parents, but she wasn't about to pry into something as personal as that.
Fortunately for Usagi Rei is waiting for her outside of the school gates so she wouldn't have to enter and look for the other girl. "Hey," she quietly greets her fellow Guardian.
"Hello," Rei replies, inclining her head in a polite nod. Then her gaze cuts to the side in the direction of a large group of what looks like reporters, all of them standing around a male student. Usagi raises a brow in silent question. "That's the boy I sensed something from earlier today."
Usagi nods, turning to stand in front of Rei so she can look at both her and the boy from her peripheral. He doesn't look special to her; maybe a little odd because of the dyed streak of color in his hair, but apart from that she can't discern anything abnormal about him. She pulls out her communicator to send a message to Ami.
Sailor Moon 15:21
Got a visual on Rei's guy. See anything odd around us?
Sailor Mercury 15:23
No. Standby just in case.
With a sigh Usagi pockets her phone. At Rei's curious look, she briefly recounts Ami's response. "She wants us to stick around to watch. Is there anything we can do around here?" she asks the other girl, quickly glancing around their surroundings. The Academy takes up almost the entire block in front of her, and behind her are a couple of shops. One of them might be a café, she thinks, dreaming wistfully of a fluffy chocolate cake. Perhaps the sugar will perk her up.
But before she can suggest setting up a post in one of the shops a commotion from the group of reporters draws both of their attention. The boy they'd been interviewing suddenly seems to get nervous, darting quickly from the huddle to run off down the sidewalk. Usagi shares a concerned look with Rei, both seeming unsure of what to do next. "Should we go after him?" Rei hesitantly suggests.
Usagi contemplates it for a second. 'Ami had said to standby…' she thinks, grimacing as she realizes they're going to have to follow him. "Yeah. Come on, we can transform in the alley. It'll be easier." With a nod Rei follows her across the street. A moment later the flashing light of their transformations goes unnoticed and they both leap up onto the rooftops, following the runaway student from their vantage point.
They trail him across town to a moderately sized house in the suburbs, barely out of breath despite the distance crossed. With nothing better to do, the two Guardians settle on the roof across the street to watch. They can't see the boy in the house, but according to Rei he's inside in one of the upper rooms. "How long should we stick around?" Sailor Mars asks, settling down on the roof beside Usagi.
"No clue," she replies with a shrug. "Just long enough to see if he goes anywhere?" she suggests. "I doubt he'll attack anyone while still at home, if the whole point is to gather energy. Though," Usagi pauses, thinking, "I don't think the targets have been attacking people with the intent to steal their energy. It all seems to be coming from the target itself. So I guess it really doesn't matter where he is," Usagi muses, thinking aloud. "We should stick around anyways to see if anything changes, at least for a while." 'Because I'm dead-ass tired and I want to go home,' Usagi mentally adds.
"Okay," Rei easily agrees, settling more comfortably down on the rooftop to wait. Usagi does the same, sitting cross-legged beside the other teen.
Barely 10 minutes passes before Usagi realizes this is going to get very boring very quickly. Absolutely nothing has happened since they've arrived, and Usagi can't imagine anything will. Barely anyone has walked by – which she supposes is a good thing, given they're just sitting on this roof out in the open. That would be awkward to explain. 'Is Sailor Moon even supposed to be a secret?' Usagi muses. Sailor V is a thing; hell, she's got video games and an anime being planned. 'That would be cool, to have my own anime,' she thinks. 'Though who knows, they might try to make it into some cliché magical girl anime where all the characters are super happy and defeat monsters with the power of friendship and love or some bullshit like that. That would be lame.'
"What are you thinking about, Usagi-chan? I-I mean, Sailor Moon," Rei asks, startling Usagi from her thoughts.
"Um, just – nothing, it's stupid," she replies. "What do you know of this kid?" she asks instead to distract her companion.
Rei looks thoughtful for a moment. "Not much, to be honest. We attend different schools, since the T.A. Academy is an all girls' school. But I know his name is Shinokawa Ki-something; I forgot. He recently won an award from some photography contest. All the girls in class were talking about it today."
Usagi's eyes narrow as a thought occurs to her. "I wonder if this new enemy is choosing targets who are famous, or not famous per se, but experts or professionals in their field," she muses aloud for Rei's benefit. "Rui-senpai was a tennis champion gearing up for some big-name tournament, and now this kid who's just won a photography contest? Could be a pattern. Though the guy from the park isn't someone I'd consider famous, so maybe not," she frowns.
"We could always ask Sailor Mercury later," Rei suggests, shrugging her shoulders.
"Maybe," Usagi agrees, grinning wryly. "Though she might say there's too little data to draw an accurate conjecture or something like that." Rei cracks a smile as well and they enjoy teasing their comrade for a moment before the feeling fades and they're back to staring silently at Shinokawa's house.
Usagi pulls out her communicator, noting the time displayed on the device. It's almost 15 minutes to 16:00, and Usagi can't imagine staying here that much longer. "Wanna call it at 4?" she asks Rei.
"Sure," the other girl replies with a shrug.
Usagi nods. '15 minutes,' she tells herself. 'I can make it 15 more minutes before we can leave and I can finally take a nap.' For the rest of their time she keeps that thought in her head, using it to keep motivated. People watching is exceptionally boring, especially when there are so few people walking by. Rei seems perfectly fine sitting there in silence and Usagi is loath to bother the other girl when she seems so content. Her communicator can't even serve as a distraction because there's nothing particularly interesting on it, unless she wants to track where Mizuno currently is – her apartment, Usagi assumes. That area is a residential district as far as she knows.
Five minutes to their self-decided deadline she texts the other girl just to make sure nothing they can't sense is happening, and so she can say she wasn't slacking off on her duties if either she or Luna complains about her leaving early.
Sailor Moon 15:55
Mercury anything?
The few minutes it takes the genius to respond only serve to tell Usagi that she isn't fully focused on whatever may be going on with Shinokawa, since she'd have responded nearly instantly if she were using her supercomputer. With that in mind Usagi feels wholly justified in leaving her watch.
Sailor Mercury 15:58
No.
Sailor Moon 15:59
Then we're gonna call it. Let us know if anything changes.
She puts away her communicator and stands, drawing Rei's attention. The other girl has her communicator out as well, likely following their conversation. Usagi feels the buzz of a notification but she doesn't pull it back out. Nothing Ami says will convince her to stay here when she really should be resting. "I'll see you tomorrow, Sailor Mars, assuming nothing happens tonight," she says before parting. Rei merely nods, waving goodbye as Usagi starts leaping across the rooftops towards her own home.
She has to stop in the alleyway beside her house in order to drop her transformation, and Usagi resolves to start leaving her window cracked from now on so she can head straight there instead of having to deal with this. She can only hope her parents aren't home and Miharu-san doesn't try to talk to her because she's already irritable and the older lady really doesn't deserve her ire. Luckily no one seems to be home, so Usagi makes her way upstairs unimpeded and collapses with a deep sigh on her comfortable bed. Luna isn't even home to scold her for abandoning her duty, not that she'd pay the cat much attention. Without another thought she falls asleep.
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A text from Mizuno comes during lunch the next day, and Usagi can't say she's surprised by its contents.
Sailor Mercury 12:03
Meeting after school at Hikawa Shrine
Usagi is willing to bet it'll have something to do with her abruptly leaving Shinokawa last afternoon. The texts Usagi had ignored the day before had not been pleased that she was leaving him alone, so Usagi didn't doubt that was going to come up at some point today. Whether that warranted a whole meeting, though, she wasn't sure about. Still, it only made her a little nervous since she couldn't tell just how pissed Ami was, so for the whole duration of lunch she stayed in her seat and hoped the genius girl wouldn't try to look for her.
Ami finds her after school instead, no doubt so they can walk to the shrine together. The other girl doesn't look angry at seeing Usagi, but that could mean anything. Ami isn't very expressive on the best of days, so for all Usagi knows she's stewing internally with anger. But she doesn't say a word. Neither does Usagi, for that matter, so the 12 minute walk is spent entirely silent.
Rei is already waiting with Luna in her room when they arrive, so the pair takes a seat at the table to get started immediately. She's laid snacks and some tea out for them to enjoy, which Usagi eagerly digs into. She isn't sure who makes the buns or if they're store bough, but they're delicious.
"You have something to tell us, Ami-chan?" Luna asks, beginning the meeting.
"Among other things, yes, but first," she starts, turning a steely blue gaze on Usagi.
Recognizing the intent in the other girl's eyes, Usagi sets down the bun in her hands and straightens her posture, meeting her gaze straight on. She can try to criticize her all she wants, but Usagi will defend her decision. Mizuno may be the genius here, but Usagi is technically the leader, being the first and most experienced of them.
"Why did you abandon the target yesterday? Something could've triggered his transformation and who knows what kind of damage he'd have done in the time it took us to get to him. It was irresponsible of you to leave him alone and unwatched," she scolds.
Usagi's lips thin in her displeasure, her eyes narrowing in return. "I made an executive decision to leave Shinokawa alone. Sailor Mars and I observed him for close to an hour with no discernable change to his person or the energy levels he was outputting. You confirmed that yourself," she points out, feeling smug when Ami's eyes narrow at her. "I didn't think there was anything that would possibly trigger his transformation, cooped up in his house as he was, so I thought it would be a waste of our time to keep watch on him, especially with you and Luna monitoring things from afar. He was never unwatched, technically.
And nothing happened last night, so there's really no need for you to jump on my case. I was right, after all," she finishes, smothering the smirk that threatens to show on her face.
"Your decision was based on a gut feeling, not data, and there was a chance that it could've been wrong. The target could have found a trigger in his house – we have no idea what the triggers even are, for that matter – so you had no real evidence to back up your decision," Ami argues.
"That's not entirely true," Usagi retorts. "I asked you for evidence, did I not? Besides, this wasn't something I randomly decided on; I did think it through. We may not all be geniuses here, but I'm not an idiot either. I've been fighting far longer than you to, so I'm well aware of the risks. I wouldn't have left him if I didn't think it wasn't worth it. It may have been the more logical decision, but it was not the most reasonable or feasible one."
Ami opens her mouth like she wants to retort again, but Luna pipes up before she can speak. "I don't think there was anything wrong with what Usagi-chan did, if she really did think it through like she said. We can say what we think needs to be done while staring at our computer screens, but Usagi-chan was the leader out in the field and she made a judgement call based on what was happening and the information she had. End of discussion," Luna says, a note of finality in her voice. She looks at Usagi while she speaks and the teen swears there's pride in her gaze. It makes her feel a little happy knowing she's done something Luna approves of. Mizuno doesn't look happy at all, but if the slight nod she gives is any indication then she's going to listen to Luna and leave it be. "Now, you mentioned you had other things to tell us?" Luna continues expectantly.
"Around noon today one of the broadcast stations announced a modeling contest, the sole photographer being none other than Shinokawa Kijin. It's meant for women between the ages of 14-30, and it'll be held this Sunday afternoon. Since we suspect Shinokawa to be the next target, I've taken the liberty of signing the three of us up, just to increase our odds of being chosen. I don't expect him to be too picky if his objective is to gather energy, and the more of us are there the better," Ami says.
"A modeling contest?" Usagi exclaims, half-surprised and half-annoyed. She's never had an interest in modeling – and never will, for that matter – and she's annoyed that Mizuno never bothered to consult them on this before signing them up. Not that she probably would've turned her down anyways, because she is right about them being present for that. She'd have suspected the same thing.
"I don't know about that, Ami-san," Rei chimes in for the first time, looking exceedingly nervous. "I don't – putting myself out there, I don't think I can do that. Especially if it's modeling."
Ami shrugs, unconcerned with their feelings on the matter. "It's a ruse anyways. We probably won't actually have to do any modeling. This is just the easiest way for us to get into the building, and then we can monitor the situation in case things go bad. I suspect this event will probably lead to triggering his transformation into the monster, so it's best if we're as close as possible."
"Assuming we get selected," Usagi grumbles. She can't argue with Ami's logic, but that doesn't mean she has to like it.
"I just explained that it's highly likely we will, so don't make any plans for Saturday. The results will be out tomorrow afternoon, I expect."
Usagi makes another discontented noise but she doesn't argue anymore. "Anything else we should be aware of? Have you signed us all up for Pilates as well?"
Ami makes a face at Usagi for her remarks. "No," she answers coolly. "That's all I have, and unless anyone else has something to add then I think I'll be leaving."
"Um," Rei speaks up, shooting a glance at Usagi as she does. "Usagi-san had an idea, about the targets."
All three gazes focus on Usagi as she blinks, trying to recall what Rei is talking about. Then she recalls their conversation on the rooftop and suddenly remembers. She huffs in amusement. Usagi hadn't expected her to take her tired rambling seriously, but she supposes she might as well mention it. "Both Rui-senpai and now Shinokawa seem to be, hmm, at the 'top' of their field right now, and I was just thinking that maybe this has something to do with why they've been chosen as targets. Obviously we can't be sure with only three incidences so far, but it could be something to consider," she explains with a shrug.
Ami looks thoughtful as she mulls over Usagi's idea. "The idea has some merit, though I agree it's too soon to really draw any conclusions. But I agree, we should keep it in mind." Then she stands. "I have to go now, but I'll let you know when I hear from the company about the competition."
"Same," Usagi says, and without another word the genius departs. Usagi spares a glance at Rei as she too stands to leave. "I wouldn't worry about the modeling contest too much. It's clearly a sham, so if you really don't want to do anything you won't have to."
Rei gives her an appreciative smile and nods. "Thanks, Usagi-chan."
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Usagi slows her walk as she makes her way back from the grocery store, having run some errands from Miharu-san. Not long after she'd left Ami sent the group chat a message about her acceptance into the contest, and Usagi knows her own is probably waiting for her in the mail. Which means this is the perfect opportunity to visit the Crown Game Center. She walks in and immediately perks upon seeing her favorite person. "Motoki-oniisan!"
He turns around to greet her with a smile. "Usagi-chan, it's good to see you again."
"Did you miss me?" she asks, a coy smile on her face.
Motoki chuckles. "You've been gone quite a lot this week. Busy?"
Before Usagi responds another voice chimes in. "Not with studying, if her grades are anything to go by," Mamoru chuckles, a teasing grin on his face.
Usagi frowns, though her heart skips a beat at seeing him seated next to Motoki and she has no idea why. "My grades are fine, thank you," she snaps back. "And for your information, it was that girlfriend of yours keeping me busy these past few days." More or less.
"Girlfriend?!" Motoki remarks, shooting a surprised look at Mamoru. "You didn't tell me you had a girlfriend."
A grimace twists at Mamoru's face as he regards the older boy. "Because I don't," he says. "Mizuno just wanted to mess with you," he says to Usagi now. "Believe me, I have no interest in dating a middle schooler."
Usagi glares suspiciously at the other teen as she mulls over his words. That certainly sounds like something Ami would do, and she really hopes that's all it was. "Good," she finally nods, "Ami was too good for you anyways."
Mamoru chuckles. "A genius like her, yeah I don't doubt that," he agrees.
"Why do you two even know each other?" Usagi asks, curious. She's never imagined Ami to be the social type, and Mamoru doesn't seem like someone she'd normally be caught into conversation with.
"She came for a visit at my high school, and we happened to bump into each other and get talking about classes. I think her words were, 'I didn't seem as dumb as the rest of my classmates,'" he answers, a wry grin on his face. "I'm surprised to hear she hangs with you, though, Bun-head. You don't seem particularly smart."
Usagi bristles, anger coursing through her from his words. "My intelligence has nothing to do with it," she snaps.
"So what have you been doing?" Motoki quickly interjects before Usagi can work up more to say.
Her eyes narrow and she sends one more dirty look towards Mamoru before turning to the college student. "Well…" Usagi starts, but then trails off because there's no way she can tell them they've been following a student who will probably turn into a monster tomorrow. "We've been talking about that kid who won that photography contest recently. Apparently he'll be holding some modeling contest tomorrow, and we signed up for it," she finally replies.
"A modeling contest?" Motoki asks, looking surprised. "I didn't know you were into that kind of thing."
Mamoru snorts. "I wouldn't quit your day job, Bun-head."
"And what's that supposed to mean?" Usagi scowls, only a little insulted. She may not be the prettiest girl out there – and she's never been too concerned with her appearance – but she knows she isn't that bad looking. Mamoru is probably only saying it to antagonize her, but she will admit it still stings.
"On the bright side, it's probably not a real competition. This kid's had a taste of fame and now he's using his name for the opportunity to photograph a bunch of chicks," he continues. "It's not really photography at that point, just some dumbass kid. Never took you for the kind of girl who would go for something like this, Bun-head."
Usagi huffs, crossing her arms defensively. She isn't, and some part of her burns to convince him that he's right, but she doesn't know how to do that without explaining why she's really going. "Whatever," she mutters. "I never really wanted to be a model anyways."
"I'm sure it'll be a fun experience either way," Motoki adds diplomatically. Mamoru snorts again but doesn't try to argue.
"Yeah, well I'm off then. I have more important things to do that don't involve modeling," he says as he stands to leave them. Usagi doesn't care to comment, though Motoki does give the other boy a farewell. As soon as he's gone she rounds on the worker.
"Why are you hanging out with him?" she asks, barely keeping the petulance from her tone.
Motoki just chuckles and replies with a shrug, "A mutual friend introduced us and we talked for a bit. He's interested in attending my university once he graduates, so I was telling him about it. Now we see each other every once in a while around." Then he smiles and pats Usagi's head a few times in what she assumes is supposed to be a reassuring manner. "Don't worry, he doesn't stop by the center too often. You won't have much competition for my attention."
Usagi can't help the flush that fills her cheeks and she pouts, looking away from the other boy to hide her expression. "Like I care about that!" she retorts hotly from embarrassment. "I just don't care to see him around. He's annoying."
"Hmm, and I wonder why," Motoki responds, and Usagi blinks in surprise, swiftly turning back to shoot him an incredulous look.
"And what's that supposed to mean?!" she asks indignantly. Surely he couldn't be implying…But she never gets a response no matter how she pesters Motoki, and eventually she gives up with a pout to play the Sailor V video game. It doesn't keep her from shooting Motoki dirty looks whenever he wanders over near her, but that only seems to amuse him even more.
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When Usagi arrives home the mailbox is empty, but she isn't concerned. Miharu-san likely checked the mail, and sure enough, when she walks into the dining room a little card is sitting right on the corner of the dining table. "Oh, Usagi-chan!' the older woman exclaims when she's spotted Usagi. "Some mail came for you, dear. What is it?" she asks enthusiastically, making her way over and taking the groceries. She's smiling, genuinely curious, and Usagi can't help but indulge her.
She quickly reads the back, catching the gist of the letter before she responds. "I've passed the first round for a modeling contest tomorrow," she tells her.
"Oh, I'm so proud of you!" she says brightly, smiling at Usagi. "You're such a beautiful young girl, I'm not surprised they picked you."
Usagi feels a tinge of heat on her cheeks at the woman's praise, which more than makes up for Mamoru's earlier comment. She's never really doubted her looks before, but hearing Miharu-san's genuinely earnest words make her all warm on the inside and it's not a feeling Usagi is very comfortable with. She ducks her head to avoid the woman's proud gaze, though a small smile betrays her pleased feelings. "Thanks," she says. "I'm gonna head upstairs now." She ducks out of the dining room before the woman can say another word.
Once she's in her bedroom she pulls out her communicator to send a quick message saying she was also accepted before tossing it aside and flopping on her bed. Ami's plan is going well, and Usagi knows almost certainly that something is going to happen. She's a little apprehensive, but not too worried. It's only another monster, after all, and though Ami says they're stronger than before all three of them are going to be there, so the odds of her being overwhelmed are smaller. 'This fight will be fine,' she tells herself, resolving not to worry about it.
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Noon the next day finds all three girls in an auditorium packed with other girls. It's a little overwhelming, Usagi things, but she supposes Ami's assumption about the contest is true. The more girls the more energy, so they probably didn't turn down very many people, if at all. The only unfortunate part is that for the main competition they've been split into different groups, which will make the reconnaissance hard.
"Look, just get to your designated room and then leave early to join up with the rest," Ami tells them before they head their separate ways. Usagi nods, Rei doing the same despite the nervous expression on her face, and then they're heading off in different directions.
For all the girls that had been present the halls get empty pretty quickly. She counts the doorways until she hits her designated number and opens it to head inside. The other four girls in her group are already there, and to her horror Usagi recognizes half of them.
"Oh, Usagi-san!" Osaka remarks upon seeing her enter the room. She sitting at the wall-length vanity touching up her makeup. "I didn't know you'd entered the competition. Wow, isn't this great? Even Haruna-sensei is here," she adds, leaning forward to whisper to Usagi. Usagi's gaze flicks towards the closed changing room where she'd seen her teacher vanish just after she'd entered the room.
"Yeah, weird," Usagi replies absently.
"You should hurry up and get changed; our group will be called soon, I think," she continues, oblivious to how tense Usagi has grown. Escaping to join the others might be a bit hard now. "You did bring your swimsuit, right?"
"Hmm? Oh, yeah, I'm already wearing it." Even though they hadn't planned to actually take part in the photoshoot Usagi had still worn the attire the card had said to, just on the off chance it couldn't be avoided, and clearly that forethought is paying off.
"Great, then we can all head out together," Osaka says, moments before Sakurada exits the changing room. She looks surprised for a moment to see Usagi sitting there.
"Oh, Tsukino-san, you're here too. What a coincidence," she remarks as she sits down on Usagi's other side.
"Yeah. Well, I should…" she trails off, making a vague gesture towards the changing room before vanishing into the spot Sakurada just vacated. 'Okay,' she tells herself, trying to remain calm. 'This will just be a slight modification to the plan. Ami might hate it, but they'll never let me get out of this. Shit.' She debates sending a message to the others about the change in plan, but it's highly unlikely either of them will see it. By now they're probably waiting for her to join them, but Usagi is stuck.
She quickly drops her dress, neatly folding it up and placing it in her bag. There's no mirror in the little changing station, but she doesn't think she looks too bad in the white bikini she dug out of her closet literally this morning. It still fits her figure, and the strappy sides of her bottoms make it interesting enough for a photoshoot, she hopes. When she steps back out none of her companions say a word about her appearance, so Usagi takes that as a good sign. But it's not long before they finish up their primping and then they're dragging Usagi out with them to the set.
Shinokawa is standing on the far side of the pool where the lights and some props have been set up for the session. Immediately Usagi can tell this isn't the same boy she saw outside of Rei's school two days ago. There's something more…manic about his personality, and it's far cry from the shy teen who ran away from reporters. If anything this more than confirms that Shinokawa is the Dark Kingdom's next target.
Usagi tries not to let her nerves show as she gets into position with the other girls. She has no idea what could set him off and trigger the monster's appearance, and she can only hope she gets through this session without any incidences. Shinokawa instructs them on how to stand, adjusting the positions of their hands and legs and even heads as he sets them up how he pleases. Then he steps back and lifts his camera up, a wide grin on his face, and a feeling of dread creeps down Usagi's spine as she knows something bad is going to happen.
A moment later the doors to the pool are slammed open and Usagi hears the familiar cry of Sailor Mercury. "Mercury Bubble Spray!" The room floods with a thick fog and before Usagi can really think about it she's scrambling away from the other girls and around the pool as quickly as she dares. There are several cries of confusion from her companions, as well as an angered shout before the click of a shutter can be heard and then silence reigns around the room.
Usagi can't quite tell where her comrades are, but she has a feeling the monster might be appearing at any moment now and she really doesn't want to be caught facing it in a bikini. She doesn't hesitate another moment to transform. "Moon Prism Power Make Up!"
When the dust clears, Usagi isn't the only one to have changed. The girls she'd come in with are all missing, and several feet away from where she'd just stood lies Shinokawa. Above him stands a female monster in heels wearing a funky purple leotard with some weird protrusion on her right arm. Its attention is currently on Sailor Mercury and Sailor Mars standing in the doorway and Usagi would very much like to keep it that way, if only to maintain the current advantage she has as an unknown combatant.
Luckily for her, Sailor Mercury seems to be thinking along the same lines as Usagi as she starts speaking to keep it distracted. "I am Sailor Mercury, Guardian of Water and Intelligence. Douse yourself in water and repent!"
"And I am Sailor Mars, Guardian of Fire and Passion. In the name of Mars, I'll chastise you!" Sailor Mars joins in.
The monster grins. "Smile for the camera, Sailor Mercury, Sailor Mars. I'm sure you'll make a fine addition to my collection," she says, holding up her right arm. Something – it looks like an eyeball, though Usagi can't really tell – sits in the palm of its hand, and now it's pointed right at her comrades.
Usagi doesn't hesitate to attack while it's distracted. "Moon Tiara Action!" Her throw hits the monster in its side – not that she had many options to aim for, facing the side as it was – and it snarls in pain and anger, its arm swinging towards her. Usagi immediately ducks and dodges to the side, just in time for whatever beam it had shot from its hand to hit the mirror behind her and ricochet off wildly. One of the props gets hit instead, turning black and vanishing a moment later. 'So that's what happened to the girls,' she realizes.
She summons her tiara back for another attack as she moves into a better position a little closer, Mars intervening to draw its attention back with her Fire Soul. The monster tries to vanish it away with her beam attack, but it passes through the center and only absorbs part of the fire. The rest still hits, and though it doesn't do as much damage as it should have the monster is still screaming in pain and smoking in certain places.
"Moon Tiara Action!" Her second throw hits more solidly on the monster's back, and with one final scream it starts to disintegrate into nothing. As it disappears, dozens of Polaroid photos start to appear around it, resting for a moment before they too disappear, leaving the bodies of countless girls lying in their places.
Usagi looks over at Ami and Rei still on the other side of the pool, glancing briefly back at the girls scattered around her. 'Stay or go?' she wonders, taking a hesitant step towards her friends.
"Stay," Ami calls out, answering her unasked question. "Your group will undoubtedly wonder where you went if you suddenly leave, and we don't need the suspicion. We can meet up some other time."
"Okay," Usagi nods, and then both girls are quickly running from the pool. Usagi watches them go for a moment before dropping her transformation, and just in time too as some of the girls are starting to stir awake. They all seem very confused, others more concerned, but luckily none of them seem to remember what happened before they woke up. Usagi tries to blend in, acting just as confused as the rest. Eventually they start to file out, assuming the shoot is over. Shinokawa is still unconscious, and Usagi suspects it might take him a bit longer to recover.
Usagi makes small talk with Osaka and Sakurada-sensei – "Just Sakurada is fine," she had insisted earlier, but that's just too weird for Usagi to accept – as they head back to their changing room to get dressed again. When she leaves Usagi tries to look around for Ami and Rei but sees neither of them, so that 'meeting later' Ami had mentioned must not be happening right then. 'Wonderful,' Usagi thinks, 'I can go straight home now.'
For a fight with a monster that had supposedly outclassed them, it had gone surprisingly well, Usagi thinks. No one was injured, and though there were several dozen confused women back there everyone was going to recover with no issues. Usagi counts that as a win, and she can only hope the rest of their encounters are similarly as easy.