A/N: Thank you to ffgirlmoonie, X00001 and tIgErPrN06 fpr reviewing the last chapter. This chapter has been written for awhile but I wanted to wait until I got back from holidaying. Anyway hope it's worth the wait and enjoy!
Please read and review.
Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon
Chapter 3: Masked uncovered
Friday night came around without anymore droid attacks and Minako was getting ready for her dinner date with Kunzite. Usagi had come over to help and the two girls chatted incisively until Minako was ready.
"You look amazing," Usagi smiled.
"Thank you for helping me. Maybe I can return the favour," Minako replied.
"I don't think so, I don't date."
"What about Mamoru?"
Usagi looked up sharply but Minako was looking in the full length mirror, fixing her fringe. Usagi didn't notice Minako intensely staring at her via the mirror.
"Mamoru and I are nothing," Usagi answered quietly.
"Really? The air between the two of you felt like it was on fire," Minako remarked.
Usagi just sighed as the doorbell rang. Minako answered it – fortunately her parents were away for the weekend – and graciously took the flowers Kunzite offered. Turning around as she placed the flowers in a nearby vase, Minako winked at a concealed Usagi. The couple left and Usagi locked up Minako's now empty house with keys she had leant her.
Usagi arrived home a few minutes later just in time to see her parents leave with Shingo to have dinner with Shingo's friend and his parents. Realising that she was in charge of Chibiusa she went to find the pink haired girl.
"Hey Chibiusa," Usagi smiled.
Chibiusa looked up and noticed the paper and crayons Usagi had brought. They both got to work silently before Usagi broke it.
"I know that you're not my cousin," Usagi stated.
Chibiusa paused for a moment before continuing her drawing, "how?"
"Whatever spell you used doesn't work on me," Usagi answered simply.
"You must be a part of reincarnated Silver Millennium," Chibiusa whispered mainly to herself.
"Good guess," Usagi answered as she looked at Chibiusa's drawing, "who are they?"
"My older brother and sister. I hardly ever see them because they're so busy with their jobs so I don't exactly remember their faces very well," Chibiusa explained indicating the roughly drawn in facial features of the two people.
"Must be hard," Usagi sympathised.
Chibiusa shrugged, "it's been like that ever since I can remember so it's no big deal. Anyway the drawing's done now."
Usagi packed up the paper and crayons, flicking on a movie and wondered how Kunzite and Minako's date was going.
Kunzite tried not to sigh in relief when the cheque came for the meal. This date had been a disaster ever since they had arrived at the restaurant. There was no doubt that Minako looked gorgeous, but her attitude grated on his nerves. Kunzite had thought that perhaps the ditzy attitude was for her friends but it looked like he was wrong. He may love the senshi of love and beauty but the woman she was now was nothing like her. He also had a sneaking suspicion that she was laughing at him. Her eyes often danced with laughter for a few moments until Minako covered it.
The waiter gave them the bill and at Kunzite's insistence he paid. They walked out of the restaurant and headed to his car.
"I hope you had fun," Kunzite said stiffly.
"I did, though I know you had a miserable time," Minako grinned.
Kunzite turned to her, his eyes displaying his disbelief.
"How do you know?" he asked.
"You're very easy to read always have been, or at least easy for me," Minako explained with a smile.
"Minako does the planet Venus mean anything to you?" Kunzite asked cautiously.
"Of course one doesn't forget one's birthplace," Minako grinned wickedly.
Kunzite's jaw dropped, "how long have you had your memories back?"
"Since Usagi was awoken as Sailor Moon," Minako had the grace to look guilty.
"Why the ditzy attitude?" Kunzite asked.
"I wanted to see if you loved me or my beauty and you truly proved yourself," Minako smiled.
"You do realise how torturous that little exhibition was," Kunzite said.
"Of course I do and I know you deserve a reward," Minako grinned impishly.
She kissed him gently and pulled away slowly.
"Time to go," Minako whispered.
"What's your hurry?" Kunzite smiled as he leaned down to kiss her again.
Kunzite called Usagi the next day and informed her of Minako's deceit. After a lot of laughter on Usagi's side she hung up.
"She must have been the senshi who saved us at the jewellery store," Usagi realised.
Usagi soon informed everyone involved of Minako's deception. She then decided to go to the mall for some much needed relaxation. She shopped until lunch where she went to the crowded café, saying hi to Motoki as she sat down in an empty booth.
"May I join you?" came a smooth male voice.
Usagi looked up and saw a man with dark blonde hair and azure blue eyes. He appeared to be the same age as the Shitenou and also quite shy. Usagi immediately agreed getting a strong feeling from this young man.
I'm Miyamoto Isamu," he introduced himself.
Tsukino Usagi but please call me Usagi."
"Feel free to call me Isamu. I never usually talk to strangers this boldly, yet I felt compelled to speak to you."
"I feel the same. We haven't met before have we?" Usagi asked.
"It feels like it but I doubt it. I just moved here from Russia where I've lived most of my life."
You don't have an accent," Usagi remarked.
"I've always been good at adapting to different languages,"Isamusaid.
Usagi smiled as Isamuopened up, especially when they began to talk about the senshi of Japan. She was so absorbed in their conversation that she didn't notice Mamoru enter the café with Hikari. She froze in her tracks as she saw the man Usagi was conversing with. Shaking her head she joined Mamoru at the counter.
Isamulooked up from his conversation with Usagi and caught Hikari's eye. He quickly looked away but not before he saw the murderous look in Mamoru's eyes.
"Is that guy your boyfriend?" Isamusaid subtly gesturing at Mamoru.
"It's very complicated," Usagi sighed.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Isamuasked.
"It's really strange but I feel as though I can trust you," Usagi smiled.
Mamoru growled under his breath as Hikari tried not to laugh, though she had taken more than one glance at the man Usagi was with.
"Green eyes are not very becoming Mamoru," Hikari smiled.
"I am not jealous," Mamoru snarled.
"Sure and I'm Santa Clause in disguise, tell me have you been naughty or nice?" Hikari smirked.
"Shut up," he replied grumpily.
Usagi looked at Isamuwho had glanced up every so often to look at Hikari. She suddenly had a flashback to Silver Millennium.
Flashback
Serenity sighed as she looked from a window seat in the Moon Palace down at Earth, where her prince was. She missed Endymion especially because she hadn't seen him on his last visit to the Moon when she had been on Venus.
"Are you alright your highness?" came a familiar voice.
Serenity looked up, "Lord Iasion how are you?"
Iasion sat down on the window seat next to the Princess. Serenity turned her focus to the young man who had recently been promoted to head of the Moon Kingdom's security. It was a highly respected position especially among the men as it was the highest position of authority for any man. The only males who outranked him were the senshi and planetary ruler's consorts.
His dark blonde hair and azure blue eyes were typical features of a person of Lunarian ancestry. In fact Lord Iasion was her second cousin, hence his royal title. Serenity had no siblings or fist cousins so Iasion was like the older brother she never had.
"Don't you think we can dispense with the formalities Serenity? No-one else is here," Iasion smiled at his younger cousin who happened to be heir to Silver Millennium's throne.
Serenity smiled, "of course how are you?"
"Good though you look tired," Iasion commented.
"Ishtar was awake all night but she and Yarikh are finally asleep," Serenity replied.
Unbeknownst to anyone else Serenity had informed her cousin of her secret marriage to Endymion and resulting pregnancy.
"I though Princesses had nannies to take care of that," Iasion grinned.
"Well with Ishtar and Yarikh's births being a huge secret it's hard to get one," Serenity sighed.
"I'm sure the negotiations will be finished soon after all the Prince was here a few days ago while you were at Magellan Castle."
"I know and believe me I'm upset that I missed it."
"His sister came with him to meet the Queen."
"Princess Demetria right? I haven't actually met her but Endymion is incredibly fond of her," Serenity smiled.
"You haven't met her?" Iasion asked.
Serenity shook her head, "what is she like?"
Iasion's azure blue eyes turned to look at Earth as he answered Serenity, "she was beautiful."
End Flashback
Usagi's hand flew to her temple, "Iasion."
Isamuturned to face her, "how do you know that name? I've only been called that in my dreams."
"You really are Iasion," Usagi paled.
"Serenity?" Isamuwhispered.
Usagi smiled shakily, "I'm called Usagi now."
"That man who is glaring daggers at me is Endymion's reincarnation isn't he," Isamustated.
Usagi nodded, "The girl with him is Demetria."
"Her reincarnation?" Isamu asked.
Usagi shook her head, "Demetria never died so she was never reborn. She goes by Hikari now."
"Hikari? Does she remember me?" Isamu asked somewhat hopefully.
"I think so," Usagi grinned.
Isamusmiled as he paid for his drink. After typing his number into Usagi's cell phone he gave her a friendly kiss on the cheek and left.
"You say you're not jealous," Hikari smiled.
"Well I saw you checking out the guy," Mamoru retorted sounding very much like an older brother.
"Guilty I guess," Hikari replied distracted.
"Well I'll see you Monday," Mamoru smiled as he left.
"Life is way too complicated," Hikari sighed as she noticed Ami entering the café in deep conversation with Zoicite.
"Hey guys," Hikari said as she left.
Ami sat as the booth with Zoicite, blushing slightly. She had never been alone with a man for so long, especially one she found as attractive as Zoicite.
"Is everything alright Ami?" Zoicite asked.
"I'm fine just….well a little nervous I suppose," Ami answered shyly.
"Ami there is nothing to be nervous about I promise," Zoicite said earnestly.
"I'm not like the other girls. I'm not as social and I'm not as pretty," Ami admitted frankly.
"Ami you are beautiful and even if you weren't it wouldn't matter. I care about you not your outer covering, as attractive as it is," Zoicite grinned.
"I could see myself falling for you," Ami sighed.
"That's the plan," Zoicite whispered as they both lost themselves in conversation.
Usagi smiled at the young lovers as she headed home. She was almost there when her cell phone rang. Sighing Usagi answered.
"Attack at the downtown music shop," Sailor Earth replied as she snapped the cell phone closed.
"Damn it," Usagi cursed, "Moon crystal power makeup."
Sailor Moon soon arrived and surveyed the scene. Her daughter and son were battling the first droid, while Ceres, Venus and surprisingly a transformed Kunzite were battling the second droid. Sailor Moon saw the droid's commander – a man who called himself Scorpio – float above the chaos. She launched her sceptre attack, knocking him to the ground.
"Hello Sailor Moon or should I call you Serenity," Scorpio grinned mockingly.
"I don't give a damn what you call me you'll be dead soon," Sailor Moon replied grimly.
Both fired their respective attacks, each bouncing off the other. The senshi ducked, yet didn't allow it to stop their respective battles.
"Luna, Artemis I need help," Moon cried.
Luna nodded as she and Artemis split up. Luna went to the café to get Ami, while Artemis went to Hikawa Shrine to get Rei and Makoto.
Zoicite was the first to catch sight of Luna and casually led Ami out of the café's main room into a back room.
"Ami this is going to feel strange but I need you to trust me," Zoicite stated.
Ami looked confused, "I trust you."
Zoicite looked at Luna who had just joined them, "Do it."
Luna's crescent moon glowed as did the symbol of Mercury on Ami's forehead. Flashes of past battles, friendships and love went through Ami's mind. She fell onto her knees and grasped the transformation wand.
"Ami are you alright?" Zoicite asked.
"I will be. Mercury power makeup." Ami called as she was enveloped in a bright blue light.
Sailor Mercury addressed Luna, "where is it?"
"Downtown Music shop," Luna answered.
"Do you need help?" Zoicite asked but Sailor Mercury had already left.
"We can still make it," Luna stated.
Zoicite nodded as he transformed into the Earth Shitenou he had once been. Taking Luna under his arm he followed Mercury.
Artemis arrived at the Shrine in time to hear Rei shrieking at Jadeite. Makoto was sitting on the veranda with Nephrite watching Jadeite being pummelled by Rei. Artemis was able to catch Nephrite's attention and he was able to slip away from Makoto.
"What's going on?" Nephrite asked.
"Sailor Moon's given the order for all of the inner senshi to be reawoken," Artemis responded.
Nephrite silently agreed as he followed Artemis back to the group where Rei and Jadeite had settled down and were arguing in a less violent manner. Aretmis's crescent moon glowed as the symbols for both Mars and Jupiter appeared on the respective girl's forehead. Two transformation wands appeared and were grasped by the two girls.
"Mars power makeup."
"Jupiter power makeup."
Sailors Mars and Jupiter stood were Makoto and Rei had been standing.
"Where?" Mars asked.
"Downtown music shop," Artemis replied.
"Let's go," Mars – as second in command to Venus – directed.
Mars and Jupiter leapt away, with a transformed Jadeite and Nephrite following behind them. Artemis soon followed, meeting up with Luna and Zoicite on route.
A few moments later they caught up with Mercury, Mars and Jupiter and the remaining Shitenou.
"Doesn't look like it's going too well," Jadeite commented as Sailor Moon was thrown across the street.
"Looks like they could use some help," Jupiter said as she fired her thunder attack.
The three senshi and their Shitenou landed next to Sailor Moon.
"You alright Odango Atama?" Mars grinned as she helped their leader up.
"Of course," Sailor Moon smiled.
"Alright looks like the twins could use some help. Zoicite you and Mercury go help them. Jupiter, Nephrite help Ceres, Kunzite and Venus with the second droid. Jadeite and I will help Sailor Moon," Mars instructed.
Sailor Moon hid her smile as Mars issued orders, The senshi and Shitenou split as commanded.
"Do you really think you can stop me?" Scorpio commented.
Sailor Mars turned to Sailor Moon with a twinkle in her eyes.
"Mars fire ignite," Mars fired, while Jadeite launched a red energy beam.
Sailor Moon added in her sceptre's attack power. Scorpio managed to throw off the attacks. The two droids weren't so lucky. With the combined power of the senshi and Shitenou they were vaporised. Unfortunately it seemed that Scorpio was not alone. Eleven new figures appeared, each standing in line with Scorpio.
"Who are they?" Jupiter whispered.
Sailor Earth paled as she saw the symbols on each of their foreheads, "Aires, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces."
"You have got to be kidding me," Ceres broke the stunned silence.
"They draw power from the constellations," Nephrite said.
"Yes they were normal humans, living in the Scorpion galaxy who were seduced by the dark arts. They offered themselves to some type of evil entity and were given these powers," Lunar Knight answered tightly.
"Who was the evil entity?" Mercury asked as they stared at their new opponents.
"Our best scholars have summarised it was something similar to Metallia," Earth answered.
"Are you really under the delusion that you can stop us?" Scorpio stated in disbelief.
"It's no delusion and we will destroy you," Sailor Moon stated firmly.
"One on one?" Ceres asked.
The twelve fighters for good faced off against the twelve members of evil. The fight began, leaving destruction in its wake through the downtown area. It spread from the music shop into the newly repaired jewellery shop and throughout the entire block of shops.
"What a mess," Artemis said from where he and Luna had taken watch.
"At least the area has been sealed off," Luna said as they saw the Tokyo police seal off the battle zone and escort any civilians away.
Isamu was standing at the barricade, trying to catch a glance of any of the senshi especially Sailor Moon. He glanced around and saw Mamoru also watching. Isamusaw red, his cousin was fighting to save the world while her prince was standing there doing nothing.
"Why aren't you doing anything?"Isamualmost demanded.
"What are you talking about?" Mamoru asked annoyed.
"Sailor Moon, Usagi, Serenity whatever you want to call her is fighting for this planet and you're just standing there letting her get pummelled."
"Usagi is Sailor Moon?" Mamoru looked shocked.
"Yes but you already knew that," Isamusaid though he was starting to get suspicious.
"How would I know something like that? As a matter of fact how do you know?" Mamoru turned fully to face this virtual stranger.
"You really didn't know any of it, about being Tuxedo Mask," Isamu realised.
Mamoru frowned at that name Tuxedo Mask. It sounded so familiar to him. Mamoru clutched his head as images flashed before him.
"Are you okay?" Isamu bent down to help Mamoru.
"I think so," Mamoru said.
"You've got to help Serenity," Isamu said.
"I don't know who Serenity is but I've got to help Usagi," Mamoru answered as he ran off.
"What the?" Isamusaid as his eyes widened, "oh my god."
Mamoru had made it pass the barricade into an alleyway, transforming into Tuxedo Mask. He rushed off to find Sailor Moon, Usagi.
Sailor Moon was fighting Scorpio, who seemed to be the most powerful of the bad guys. She was running out of energy and her reaction time was sluggish. Sailor Moon was about to be hit when she felt two arms wrap around her and pull her out of the line of fire.
"Tuxedo Mask," Sailor Moon gasped.
"Who were you expecting Usagi?" Tuxedo Mask whispered.
Her eyes lit up as she powered up the Moon sceptre. She blasted Scorpio who hadn't been expecting it. He quickly picked himself up and vanished. The rest of his group quickly vanished after their leader.
"Oh thank god," Ceres gasped.
All of the senshi and Shitenou gathered around Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask. Isamu had managed to slip past the police barricades.
"I'm glad you're alright," Sailor Moon smiled.
"I was more worried about you, hence the rescue," Tuxedo Mask grinned.
"Well I'm sure we are all glad that your memories have been restored," Sailor Earth said.
"Right, who are you again?" Tuxedo Mask asked.
"It's Mizuki remember," Sailor Earth said.
Tuxedo Mask looked very confused, "You're that girl who moved to Usagi's school right?"
"Mamoru what are you talking about…." Sailor Moon was cut off when Isamu pulled her into a nearby storefront.
"Isamu what are you doing?" Sailor Moon asked.
"I'm saving you from looking like an idiot. He has no idea who Serenity is or who Ishtar and Yarikh are," Isamu answered.
"What!" Sailor Moon almost yelled.
"Yes and I'll bet he's never heard of Endymion or Demetria either," Isamuadded.
"Damn it, I'll try and pass the message around. You have to go before someone breaks the door down," Sailor Moon said indicating the shop's front door that was being pounded on.
Isamu nodded as he went out the back door. Sailor Moon flicked the door's lock, letting everyone in.
"What the hell were you doing?" Mars yelled.
"I thought I saw something in here," Sailor Moon stumbled.
Venus looked at her best friend, knowing that she was hiding something.
"We should get out of here," Mercury suggested.
Ceres waved a hand as they all disappeared in a flash of silver light. They reappeared at the manor's cloaked training grounds.
"Where are we?" Mamoru asked as they detransformed.
"Training grounds in the manor," Hikari answered.
"So you're Sailor Ceres Hikari? You guys are all involved too" Mamoru said indicating his new guy friends.
They nodded trying not to look too guilty.
"Why don't you walk me home?" Usagi suggested quickly.
"Sure but does that mean I have to meet the parents?" Mamoru grinned.
"Not if you don't want to," Usagi said as she held out her hand.
Mamoru took it as they both left the manor.
"What the hell is going on?" Jadeite burst out as soon as they were out of hearing range.
"Usagi told me that somehow Mamoru didn't get all of his memories back," Minako answered.
"When did she tell you?" Mizuki asked.
"Right before we left the battle scene," Minako replied.
"Any idea what he remembers?" Nephrite asked as they all entered the manor and sat down in the lounge room.
"Usagi said he remembers everything from this life but nothing about Silver Millennium," Minako sighed.
Kunzite gripped her hand as she leaned against his shoulder. Mizuki, Yasuo and Hikari took this as their que to leave. Nephrite and Makoto both left to catch a late movie, doubling with Ami and Zoicite. Rei and Jadeite went into his study, presumably to argue and then make up.
Kunzite brought Minako's hand that was clutched in his up to his lips and kissed it softly.
"We'll all be alright," he murmured.
"How can you be sure?" Minako asked.
"Because I believe in us and in you," Kunzite answered simply with a soft smile.
Hikari left Mizuki and Yasuo in the library and went upstairs to her room. Today had been a very long day and now they had to deal with 'The Zodiacs' as Hikari had dubbed their latest enemy. She collapsed onto her bed with a sigh. Usagi had Mamoru back and the senshi had the Shitenou. She was happy for them but it did make her feel lonely. Before she had Mizuki and Yasuo but they were so different from the boy and girl she had adopted. Besides she believed that they had someone special, judging by the amount of times she had caught them both playing with the chains around their necks. Sighing Hikari changed into her pyjamas and fell asleep, dreaming of a Lord from the Moon long dead.
Usagi had arrived at her doorstep but assured Mamoru that he didn't have to meet her parents.
He leaned over and kissed her softly, "goodnight."
Usagi waved as she blushed slightly and went inside.
"Who's that?" Chibiusa asked.
Usagi smiled, "my boyfriend."