Okay, so finally got around to editing this chapter. Unfortunately, the beta-ing has been suspended, so if you catch spelling or grammar errors, sorry about that! I totally tried to catch all of them myself.
Forgot to mention that sensation-transmutations29 was my beta for the first three chapters, wanted to commend her for an amazing job done!
Anyway, I'm going to go back to updating Sorrow once a week or so, so there probably won't be such long time between updates again- at least for a bit.
Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon or pretty much anything. I am a poor college student, so sue me and I'm screwed.
Chapter 4: Real Monsters
Chibi-Usa wearily yawned, stretching out tiredly. Her eyes opened lazily, blinking at the sunlight streaming in from the window. She jumped up as her mind began to work, telling her that she hadn't fallen asleep in the room. For that matter, she'd never even seen the room before in her life.
She was in a sparsely decorated room; darkness exuding from the corners the light from the window wasn't reaching. She glanced outside, the window was extremely large, but covered with bars that crisscrossed, and obviously nothing but light could get through. She had been lying on large bed, black silk sheets below her. There was a dresser across the room, between the two doors. She rushed to the closer door the second her legs overrode her fear and confusion and she pulled at the door, twisting the knob. It didn't budge. It was locked- from the outside.
She tried the other one, entering into it easily. It was a small pastel colored bathroom. She immediately jumped into the tub and heaved herself up to the window. It was misted over and she could barely see out of it, and the only thing visible was the light filtering through it. She pulled it open with extreme difficulty; her muscles groaning as the window barely budged every time she pulled. Finally it was open slightly and she peeked under it- then had to bite back a whimper as a screen became visible. It was made of pure wire, and thus, impossible to break through. Through it, she could see a large backyard surrounding it.
She couldn't even call for help.
"Enjoying yourself?" a familiar voice said, causing her heart to jump in fear. She tottered backwards, landing on her butt painfully in the tub. She held back her groan of pain, choosing rather to stare up at the man who had spoken.
His brown hair hung limply over his harsh green eyes, which exuded, for some reason, hate. "Scott?" she asked, her eyes furrowed in confusion. What was Usagi's cousin doing here?
"The one and only," he commented, leaning against the door and watching her with laughing eyes. The smile on his lips made her shiver uncomfortably as it seemed right out of horror movie at the crookedness and malice behind it.
"What's going on? Where am I?" she asked as she got up, brushing off her pants and stepping out of the tub. She faced him expectantly.
"Let's just say I…" he thought it over slowly, taking his time, "needed your presence to get something of great importance to me. We're at my house"
Chibi-Usa was no less confused than she had been before he had started talking- more so than before actually, "What?" she asked, shaking her head aggravatedly, "Tell me what is going on!"
"So demanding," he said, smiling condescending at the small girl before him, "Okay, I'll help you out. In simple words, since you can't understand much else, I'm using you to get to Usagi. There, happy?"
"To get to Usagi…?" Chibi-Usa asked, her brows only furrowing deeper, why did he want to get to Usagi?
"Because, you little brat, I'm taking her for myself where your stupid little Senshi can't get her. She belongs with me."
Chibi-Usa's mind connected the dots quicker than a speeding bullet. He knew they were Senshi, he was obsessed with Usagi, and he obviously needed her to get what he wanted. She had to get out of there.
Her hand plunged into her pocket-
"Looking for this?" Scott asked, forcing her to look up in defeat to see the small broach in the palm of his hand.
"You son of a-"
"Such dirty words from such a small brat, who knew," Scott commented lightly
Chibi-Usa launched at him, her hand immediately reaching for the broach- but she was pushed back heavily, landing once more on the cold linoleum floor.
"Give it to me!" She shouted, jumping up and running at him again. He easily slapped her, sending her sprawling out the door and into the room. She gripped her cheek, moaning in pain.
"You're not getting out of here, so don't try," he spat from above her, "Usagi will be by to collect you tonight, so just amuse yourself till then." He pocketed the broach and walked past her, sweeping the door closed behind him.
Chibi-Usa jumped up and raced to the door, but it was closed before she reached it. She rattled the doorknob violently, "LET ME OUT! SCOTT!"
The door held easily and she banged against it exhaustedly, screaming out all the obscenities she had ever heard. It didn't budge and she collapsed against it when she grew tired. Her mind was running at a speed she didn't think possible. Scott had been bad news from the minute he had entered the house- Usagi had never again relaxed in the house again. Chibi-Usa had always thought it was because Usagi was uncomfortable around him, but it was obvious now that there was more to it.
Her mind veered as she remembered the last drop of information that could possibly inform her any more. A month or so ago, she had went to Usagi's room in the middle of the night, scared because of a nightmare she had had. Usagi had been awake and ready to help her off to sleep, and when she had asked to sleep in the bed, Usagi had helped her into the bed. But right before she had fallen asleep, she could have sworn a figure had stood at the doorway, hiding in the shadows, and the green eyes had hardened at her on the bed.
The rest of the face now swam before her eyes. It had been Scott.
And he had been in the room to-
What had he said before? That Usagi belonged with him.
She blanched.
Oh god.
**
"Usagi, you have to eat something," her mother said to her, her face worried, "We understand that Chibi-Usa is missing, but the Police are on it and there's nothing more we can do"
Usagi just shook her head wordlessly, her eyes gazing blankly past her mother. It had been almost twelve hours since Chibi-Usa had been taken. Her parents had immediately called the police when Usagi had told them Chibi-Usa hadn't been at the temple when she got back in. The shoes had confirmed her story and soon there was an alert out on the young girl. Rei had helped her call the others and they had told them about Chibi-Usa's disappearance, and then the girls and Mamoru had organized a search party.
They had checked almost the whole town- and had found nothing. Now they were at the house, all waiting by the phone, hoping Chibi-Usa would contact them. Usagi closed her eyes tiredly, knowing it would never happen. Scott would call her when he was sure she was out of the earshot of others, and only then would he give her his demands.
Usagi had begged Rei, down on her hands and knees, not to tell the others about Scott, and finally, after much begging, Rei had agreed. She was now watching Usagi warily, as if she knew what was going on in Usagi's mind. And it must have shown clearly on her face that she was worried sick about Chibi-Usa. The girl was her daughter, for god's sake, of course Usagi was worried. And Chibi-Usa was in the hands of the man who had raped and tortured her countless times- what else could she be other than worried?
Usagi's eyes went to Mamoru, whose expression was exceptionally grim as he looked out the window. Her heart went out to him. He had no idea of what was going on, all he could understand was that their future daughter was not safe, wherever she was. And that was enough to drive a father sick with worry. He had been the most desperate when they had gone searching for Chibi-Usa, and now he just sat still, looking as if he couldn't see or feel anything.
Ami was sitting next to Mamoru, typing quickly on her computer, trying to pinpoint Chibi-Usa's energy. But, according to Ami, Chibi-Usa's energy signature was weak since her training as a Senshi had barely begun and she hadn't activated her crystal. Plus, the farther they were from her, the harder it would be to pinpoint her location. But, Ami tried silently still.
Makoto was cracking her fingers repeatedly as she glared at nothing in particular. She had almost gotten into a fight with one of the police officers that had stated, thinking that none of them were in the vicinity of hearing, that Chibi-Usa was just a runaway brat who was in it to punish her caretakers. It had taken both Minako and Mamoru to hold her back from attacking the man. Then she had stalked away angrily to punch at the makeshift punching bag Usagi kept in the basement. She had returned still very livid, but she had stopped trying to pick fights at the least.
Minako's eyes were almost as red as Usagi's own, as she had buckled to the pressure of not finding Chibi-Usa about two hours ago. She was still sniffling quietly at the moment, her knees drawn to her chest in the couch beside Makoto.
Shingo had retired to his room a few minutes ago. He'd seemed deflated and tired. She could tell he was worried just as much as the girls were, but trying not to show it. He cared a lot about Chibi-Usa and saw her as his little sister. Usagi had always loved the relationship Shingo and Chibi-Usa had, if slightly jealous of it. They hung out together, playing and talking with each other.
She had been the victim of many of their pranks, but even then she had loved to see the fun they had together. But Shingo didn't like to show his feelings too much, as if only expecting people to not understand him. Usagi understood perfectly even without him voicing what his emotions were. He had stayed with them the entire time they had spent searching for Chibi-Usa, calling and going ahead of the rest of them. There had been a tone of desperation in his voice when he said good night.
Usagi kept her hand over the pocket of her jeans, making sure if her cell vibrated, she'd feel it. But it remained still. Finally the clock struck ten, and her mother rose from her corner seat.
"You should all get some sleep," she said tiredly, her eyes just as red as Usagi's, "We'll call you if something happens."
"I don't think Usagi should be alone," Rei said, sitting forward in her seat, "I think I should stay here with-"
"She won't be alone, Rei," Ikuko said tiredly, "Kenji and I will take care of her. You're tired, go home and get some sleep, honey"
Rei shot Usagi a fearful look, then nodded, realizing it was useless as Usagi didn't raise her voice to comment, "Yes, Mrs. Tsukino"
The girls stood and shuffled to get their coats, Mamoru still staring blankly out the window, looking as if he had heard nothing that had just been said.
Ikuko went to console him and in that interval, Rei immediately attacked Usagi. "You call me if he contacts you," she ordered under her breath, "Do not do anything he says before that"
Usagi looked at Rei, and nodded wordlessly.
Rei narrowed her eyes but did not say anything as she left Usagi sitting on the hard chair.
Mamoru approached her slowly, then when he did, he gathered her in his arms, allowing her to fall into him and feel that all was right with the world- if only for an instant. He smoothed her hair lightly, "She'll be okay," he said, "She's a smart girl."
"I know," Usagi whispered brokenly
"Usako?" he sighed, "You don't know anything about this, do you?"
She looked at him swiftly, "Of course not," she said, "I'd have told the police." Her heart beat against her chest as he looked through her. She was scared to death that he'd read right through the lie in her eyes.
He nodded, "Right, right." He gazed distractedly past her, "You know you can tell me anything, right?"
She was sure he knew something. Had he seen something? She forced herself to relax- any other response than the calmest would only give him more to analyze. And Mamoru, he was a good analyzer. He'd connect the dots faster than Minako could run to a shoe store with a sale.
She furrowed her eyes, "Yeah…"
"I've noticed that you've been very distant the past few months," he said, "It just makes me worried. This happens, and you're like this…"
"That's nothing," she whispered, her eyes focused on a speck of dirt on his cheek, "It doesn't have anything to do with this."
"Good," he nodded again, "It'll be alright, our little girl will be back before we know it."
"I hope…" Usagi whispered, her eyes not meeting Mamoru's once more. It wouldn't be alright. Not the way this was careening out of her control- never mind that, it had never been in her control. Scott was the only one who had control here.
Mamoru brought her chin to meet his gaze, "We've gone through a lot, love. But our love always prevails, and Chibi-Usa is the personal embodiment of that love. She'll be fine."
Usagi nodded, looking up at Mamoru, "I know, Mamo-chan, it'll all be okay"
His mouth twitched into a half-smile, and he kissed her lightly, "Stay strong"
"I will" she whispered, breaking the kiss, "Always"
Mamoru kissed her one last time and then exited the house, rubbing his shoulders in the cold. He wasn't stupid. Usagi was still hiding something from him; it was obvious. She couldn't even meet his eyes anymore when he asked her a question. The feeling of unease grew in his stomach, warning him of an upcoming trouble. It had been happening for the past month. Something bad was coming and it was coming fast. And he couldn't help feeling that Usagi was a part of it. Her distance from him wasn't intentional, something else was drawing her away from him. He knew he wouldn't like what he found out, he could tell that just by the look in Usagi's eyes as they had searched fruitlessly for Chibi-Usa.
Chibi-Usa…
He missed her. His heart hurt constantly, knowing she was in danger somewhere. He'd rather have taken physical pain to this. It was a never-ending cycle, this pain he had with her. But that was what it was like being a father, he guessed. And he wouldn't change that for anything in the world.
He made his way to his car slowly, settling into it exhaustedly. A knock came at the window and he immediately reached for his transformation rose, but relaxed when he turned to see Rei. He rolled the window down, "What's up? Do you need a ride?"
"I'm scared about Usagi," Rei said, ignoring his question, "I want to keep an eye on her"
"I was just thinking the same thing," Mamoru said to her, giving the house a glance, "I'll take first watch."
"I'll stay with," she said, walking around the car to the passenger door and waiting patiently for him to open the car lock.
"Er, fine," he said, pressing the button to let her into the car. He hadn't expected that. She usually said fine and that she'd bring coffee with her at three in the morning and stay with him from then. They had taken to staking out Usagi's house whenever an enemy was near. There was an unspoken bond between them that said they wouldn't ever tell Usagi of what they did. She wouldn't understand.
Mamoru knew, just as well as Rei did, that Usagi attracted danger like light attracted moths. The enemy just drew to her inexplicably and neither of them would have had a state of pleasant sleep with her in constant danger.
He felt the need to do something anyway. He would have just gone home and stared at the ceiling for the whole night. There was no way he could sleep with Chibi-Usa gone.
Rei stared stonily out the window towards the house and he had a feeling she wasn't in the talking mood. She kept her face hidden from him, and he could tell she knew something of what was happening. But he knew it would make no difference at all if he questioned her- save for getting her pissed off.
It was going to be a long night…
**
Usagi's phone finally rang at eleven when she finally retired to her room. The phone was at her ear within the first vibe, "Chibi-Usa?"
"Quick on the uptake, are you?" Scott's voice wafted through the phone, his tone amused and light
"Where is she?"
"Safe," he answered simply
"Bring her back!" she cried, gripping the phone tightly.
"Right after my demands are met," he said, and she could tell he meant it.
"What are they?" she asked, knowing they'd be crazy
"The only way I'm giving up my leverage over you is if I have you, you know that," he said clearly
"Yeah…"
"Are you willing to give yourself up for her?" and she had a feeling he didn't just mean in the present. He was finally taking her away from everyone she had.
"I am." There was no hesitation. The love a mother had for a child couldn't be expressed in words. Usagi would slit her own wrists if it meant Chibi-Usa would be safe. She'd do anything to keep her daughter safe.
"Good," he said, "Come to the window"
She stepped to the window lithely, pulling the curtain away.
"Mamoru and Rei are keeping watch," he stated and her eyes were immediately drawn to the familiar car, "What did you tell them?"
"I told Rei I'd call her if you called me. But she didn't tell Mamoru, I'm sure of it," she said as she let the curtain fall back into place before one of them looked up.
"You're going to have to avoid them," he stated coldly, "I'm waiting down the block by the Ito's house"
"I'll be there in five minutes," she said, "Keep the car running, I'm not sure Rei won't spot me"
"Fine," he said simply, his voice expressing his usual malice.
She went to close the phone, "Wait," he said, making her pause, "You know what happens if you tell someone, right?"
"Yes, Scott, I know," she spat before she closed the phone. He'd probably be pissed about that, but she couldn't bring herself to care. She readied to leave.
She had thought already about saying goodbye to her parents. But they'd know something was wrong if she even showed her face at this moment. So instead, she left a note lying on her bed.
Couldn't bear to sleep. Went looking for Chibi-Usa.
Sorry.
Love you.
-Usagi
She pulled the dark jacket around her, pulling the hood to make sure her hair was covered. She closed her eyes, bowing her head at the foot of her bed. She had never believed much in a higher power, how could she, when she was almost the higher power herself? But back before her powers had been revealed, she had known that there was something out there watching over the Earth, watching over her. Now she herself was what was supposed to watch over the Earth. But how could she, when everything revolved around her life so?
She opened her eyes, gazing around the room for what could be the last time. Everything within the room had become tainted the second Scott had stepped within it- but she still loved it. It was her haven. She had always returned to it, no matter the problem. It had brought her up from her innocent days into her Senshi days, easily changing into the relaxation room she needed. In it, she could pretend that none of that had happened and she was still the little girl who needed a night light to fall asleep because she feared the monster under the bed. But now, she knew there were real monsters. And she had to face them.
With one last look around the room and a hushed whisper to her sleeping parents and kid brother, she exited the house through her window. She jumped immediately into the tree from the roof, knowing she needed cover in case Rei or Mamoru were looking. She stayed in her place for a few seconds, almost waiting for their voices to shout out and their faces to appear. But nothing happened. She silently thanked the stars.
She knew she should at least wish a little that Mamoru and Rei would intercept her and drag her back in the house, but the truth was that she didn't. Chibi-Usa needed her, and she didn't want anyone getting in the way. Especially since that person would be taken out if need be. She knew if Rei or Mamoru found her, she'd have to use force to get away- and she wouldn't hesitate.
She crept down the tree slowly, making sure not to make any noise. She peeked around the tree trunk when she reached the bottom. Rei and Mamoru were just sitting there, their eyes almost attached to the house. She ensured her jacket was securely hiding her and stepped into the view of the car. She crouched down, staying as far down as she could and almost crawled till she hit the bushes. There she straightened and walked to the fence separating her neighbors yard and hers. She heaved herself over, landing skillfully on the cold ground. From there on out it was a piece of cake. With her head hung low, she hurried across the lawn. Then reaching the next fence, she jumped over. She stopped in the center of the other lawn, looking for the car. It was across the street, idling quietly. She shot across the street, still playing it safe even though Mamoru and Rei were far down the block and facing the wrong way. Better safe than sorry.
And she'd be very sorry if they caught her.
She opened the car door and slid in slowly, "Where is she?"
"She's safe and warm, don't worry," he said simply as the car pulled away from the space. She turned around one last time, simply staring at the distant car behind them where she could see Mamoru's cute little head. How she'd miss him.
It was a quiet drive as she stared out of the window, her mind wondering how everyone would take her disappearance. In a way, she knew she'd eventually make her way back to them. But who knew how long it would be.
She'd never stop trying to escape, to find a way to get Scott to let her go. And she'd get away. If it was the last thing she did, she'd escape his clutches.
One thing she knew was that she wasn't going to die by his hands. He'd taken everything away from her, he wouldn't be given the chance to take her life too.
She'd rather kill herself than give him that.
But then again, he had that power all to himself. He controlled her. He always had, it had just taken her forever to figure it out.
So, that was this chapter. I thought the chapter name wasn't that great, but it sort of fit with what Usagi said near the end, about having to fight "real monsters"
Anyway, next chapter is titled Loss of Future and should be up soon.
Don't forget to review, it helps me rush myself through work to start editing.
REVIEW!
