Chapter 3: When Time Stands Still
"How are you today Ami?" Ms. Mizuno asked as her daughter settled herself at the table. She watched her daughter carefully as she leaned back in her chair and started to eat her breakfast. Ami grinned happily at her mother as she ate and thought.
"I'm much better today, thanks mom. I'm just grateful that I can finally go back to school." Ami said as her mother grinned in reply. The two ate in silent comfort for a few moments before the calm was broken by the sound of Ms. Mizuno's pager. The older woman stood wearily and walked to the phone. Ami stood as well and rinsed her dishes before she left them in the sink for later. She hugged her mother, grabbed her school bag and left their apartment as her mother started to talk on the phone. Ami grinned as she walked off to school.
~*~
Hotaru giggled happily as she sat outside in the park near her school. Today her class was working on an art project based on nature and Hotaru was grateful to be out in the sun. Luna was sleeping on her legs as the young girl drew a picture of the large lake. She could just make a girl on the other side of the lake, her twin pigtails blowing gently in the breeze. Hotaru made sure to draw the girl in her picture with the same kind expression she'd seen on the girl Usagi. She drew her hair in the same buns and smiled she showed the image to Luna.
"She's pretty," Luna commented as she looked across the lake. Luna's brown eyes had a soft sparkle of sleep as she laid her head back down and asked, "Shouldn't the girl be at school though?"
Hotaru frowned softly and nodded. She placed her picture next to Luna and slowly walked towards the lake side. Cautiously Hotaru walked along the water's edge until she could see the blond girl clearly. Her frown deepened when she noted that the girl was indeed Usagi. Hotaru slowly approached the sad blond and said, "Hi Usagi."
"Hotaru. How are you?" Usagi asked. Hotaru blushed brightly at the honorific the girl had placed on her name and lowered her head slightly. Usagi's bubbly giggle made her look up again and study the blond. Usagi was smiling brightly, but Hotaru could tell the smile wasn't reaching her delicate eyes. There a deep sadness seemed content to stay despite the blonde's valiant effort to hide her sorrow.
"I'm alright, Usagi. How are you?" Hotaru asked, a smile lighting her face as she tried to follow the blonde's example and not share her sorrow.
"I'm fabulous, Hotaru. I'm actually feeling a lot better seeing you happy. I was wondering if you were okay. Is your friend alright? I was worried about the city's two heroines. You both must be so brave, as young as you are and still fighting for what is right. I'm so impressed, and happy to know that there's someone out there fighting for us all." Usagi said, her smile finally reaching her eyes. Hotaru grinned back fully and told the girl all about the jewelry shop.
"But we're both alright. We were so worried about all the customers, so many got hurt during that incident. I wish there was a good way to minimize the casualties. Any suggestions Usagi?" Hotaru asked.
"Try luring the monster away from others, I'm not sure how, but let the monster know you're the target and make it follow you," Usagi said a soft calculating look in her eyes. Hotaru nodded and looked across the lake to Luna who was awake and staring at the hillside. Hotaru grimaced slightly as she bowed to Usagi.
"I'm sorry Usagi, but I have to get back to my class. I'll see you later, thanks again," Hotaru said as she started back around the lake. Usagi kept her eyes on the young girl as she slowly made her way to the cat's side. She grinned as Hotaru picked up her art notebook and walked up the hill. At the top of the hill Hotaru turned and waved in Usagi's direction before she turned and disappeared from sight.
~*~
Mamoru rested his head on his arms as he sat at the bar listening to the arcade noise. His last week had left him drained but somehow he couldn't sleep. He was worried over Usagi and the dark aura that surrounded her. Mamoru clenched his fists as he thought of the bright blond he'd met months ago, the girl he'd instantly started to argue with. He knew they were acting childish at times, but he had enjoyed the time he spent around her warm personality. He hated watching the warmth, the life, drain from the girl he'd grown to cherish.
"We'll have to confront her eventually Motoki," A sharp voice said as Mamoru felt another sit beside him. A soft hand landed on his shoulder as he looked up into the kind eyes of Motoki's girlfriend, Reika. She smiled at Mamoru as she said, "Usagi's depression won't ease by itself. We need to talk with her, let her know she's cared for."
"I know Reika, but what happens if we drive her deeper into depression." Motoki said with a deep sigh as he looked over at the blond sitting in her usual booth. She was just sitting and staring at the table. Mamoru lifted his head and followed Motoki's gaze until he was looking at the depressed blond. He stood and walked over to her booth, he could hear Motoki and Reika following.
Mamoru sat beside Usagi as Reika slid into the booth. Motoki placed a chocolate shake before Usagi as he sat next to Reika. Motoki smiled at Usagi as he said, "We're going over to a shrine on Saturday, and we were hoping you'd come with us. The scenery is supposed to be breathtaking and we thought you'd appreciate it."
"I....I'm not sure," Usagi said as she looked at the shake.
"You should eat that before it melts," Reika said as she pointed at the shake. "You must come. We need another opinion on where to hold our wedding."
"Wedding," Mamoru and Usagi said together as Motoki blushed. Reika looked earnestly at the two across the table. The two across from Reika squirmed slightly as the brown haired girl grinned at them. Motoki grinned happily as he grabbed Reika's hand and waited for his friends' reaction.
"We'll come," Mamoru said as he looked to Usagi who blushed and nodded. The couple on the other side of the table hugged happily as Reika happily giggled. Usagi smiled brightly and started eating her shake. Reika giggled again as Mamoru grabbed a second spoon and stole a bite. Usagi giggled as she filled her spoon with chocolate and -flicked it onto Mamoru's green jacket. Mamoru glared half-heartedly at the chocolate covering his jacket then turned his dark eyes on Usagi, Motoki and Reika who were all giggling hysterically.
~*~
Ami giggled softly as she read her book in the park. Her mother had bought her a romance novel and Ami was enjoying the simple storyline. The book's hero had just rescued a young maiden from drowning in a shallow lake. Ami lowered her book and sighed in contentment when she felt Luna curl up beside her.
Ami scratched the cat behind the ears as she started to scan the park. One of her favorite pastimes was analyzing the people meandering through the park. She enjoyed watching mothers worry over their little children and teens flirting as the strolled aimlessly; it was relaxing. Her soft aquamarine eyes scanned the park as Luna began to purr happily.
She spotted a happy couple dancing to an unknown song and grinned. She sighed and closed her eyes for a moment, her mind imagining the song playing for the young lovers and giggled foolishly. She opened her eyes and frowned as she recognized the blond youth from the jewelry shop. "Luna, there's a problem."
"Hmm, what is it Ami?" Luna asked as she opened her eyes and glanced at the frightened bluenette. Ami pointed across the park at two males walking towards their location. Luna frowned darkly as she recognized the blond man as the man from a week ago. Luna stood quickly and did a back flip, dropping a small pink pen on the grass at Ami's side. Ami grabbed the pen as Luna said, "Use the pen to transform, its magic will shield your identity. Just name something to transform into, and try and keep it simple. Let's follow them and see if we can figure out what they're up to."
"Right, Turn me into a classy photographer," Ami whispered as she held the pen close. She hid a giggle as her romance novel transformed into a high-tech camera and her outfit transformed into a comfortable business suit. She could feel the magic shielding her looks as she stood and started to snap a few random pictures. She started with the couple dancing and then moved onwards, each step leading her closer to the path and the two men.
After several shots Ami smirked as the two men came into view. She examined them closely; the blond had dangerous blue eyes and was wearing a casual outfit. The other man had long white hair and was dressed in a soft grey suit. The man's light blue eyes twinkled slightly as he said, "No, I don't feel like helping you Jadite. I can think of a thousand things I'd rather do, like read a book."
"But those damn soldiers are starting to wake up. I don't think this can be accomplished with my powers alone," the blond said in a huff. He glared angrily at the white haired man as they continued to walk.
"Well good luck then, I'll see you in the next life," the white haired man said as he patted the fuming Jadite's shoulder.
"I'm serious, I need your help," Jadite pleaded
"So am I," The other man said as he started to walk away humming a simple tune.
"Damned bastard," Jadite whispered as he stalked off. Ami followed discreetly as the blond walked into a shadowy section of the park and disappeared in a haze of petals. Luna sighed as Ami returned to normal and started to carefully examine the clearing. After several long moments of finding nothing Ami turned and left the park, her phone already dialing Hotaru.
~*~
Kunzite ginned as he continued to stroll through the park examining all the various sites of the park. Everyone he passed was smiling happily and enjoying the nice weather. His pleasant stroll finally took him from the park and he stopped at the entrance to survey the rushing traffic.
Kunzite frowned suddenly as he felt a soft figure run into him. He instinctively wrapped his arms around the other figure to protect them from harm as they both fell to the ground. The two hit the cement and Kunzite could feel the blond bundle in his arms shaking with tears. "You alright?"
"I…I'm so sorry," The girl sobbed as she pulled herself from Kunzite's arms and stood. Kunzite examined the blond girl's long tresses and tear-stained face. He quickly stood and bowed to the girl.
"I'm Kunzite, and you are?" he asked.
"Usagi," the girl sobbed as she bowed low. Kunzite grabbed her hand and gently kissed it before he started to pull her across the street to a small café.
"Well Usagi let me treat you to a drink and you can tell me about why you're so upset. Of course you could just sit and keep me company, though I'd truly like to know what could be bothering such a gorgeous young lady," Kunzite said as they reached the sidewalk again.
"I… I had a fight with my best friend," Usagi murmured as the two walked into the café and settled at a small table. Kunzite ordered the two chamomile tea and waited for Usagi to continue. "Naru ….she's been distant since she starting dating her new boyfriend. Lately she's been worse than ever, I think she may hate me. Today we were supposed to meet at the Crown Arcade Center but she was late, and then when she did come she was with him, and she ignored me completely. I don't know what to do?"
"Ah, I see. That's quite the problem. This Naru can't be a very good friend if she's ditching such a great friend for a boyfriend. Personally I'd rather ditch my partner than hurt a friend has sweet as you," Kunzite said as their drinks arrived.
"That's sweet of you to say, but you don't know me. I could be a horrible person for all you know," Usagi mumbled as she sipped her tea. Kunzite laughed merrily at her comment and took a sip of his own drink.
"Then, with your permission, I'd like to get to know you. Strictly as friends see, my boyfriend would protest if he thought I had an interest in dating ladies, even one as attractive as you." Kunzite said with a charming grin. Usagi smiled shyly and nodded thoughtfully. Kunzite's grin grew as he said, "How about we hang out this weekend, Saturday perhaps? I'll bring my boyfriend Peruru and we'll start getting to know each other."
"I have to go to a shrine with my friends Saturday; they're scouting out a good place for their wedding. I already promised… but maybe you could meet us there, Kunzite. It's the Hikawa Shrine, and I'd really like to spend some time getting to know you," Usagi said, a crimson blush staining her tear-streaked cheeks.
"Then I shall meet you and your friends there. Though perhaps we can start getting to know each other now, my lady, I'd love to spend the afternoon basking in your presence and asking a multitude of utterly pointless questions." Kunzite said with a friendly smirk. Usagi grinned in reply and nodded happily.
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Ami slowly turned the pen over in her hands as she examined it from every angle. She glanced at the sleeping girl on her bed, and grinned as Hotaru pulled the dozing Luna closer. Ami placed the pen down quietly and covered the two with a spare blanket before she grabbed the pen and left the room. She walked into the living room and slowly started to dismantle the pen in an attempt to discover its inner workings.
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"Ramue, how are things progressing," Jadite asked as he materialized in the dusty backroom of a clock shop. The monster grinned maliciously and nodded happily as Jadite examined a small black cat shaped clock.
"I'm ready. Tomorrow's the store's annual discount sale and everyone will want one of my clocks. By tomorrow evening I'll have collected enough energy to please our Queen. Our plan is flawless," Ramue purred happily as she grabbed another clock to infest with her energy.
"Good, and be wary, those tutu wearing brats may return." Jadite said as he faded from the clock shop. Ramue grinned as she scratched a sharp fingernail down one of the clocks. Her evil smirk widened as she turned from the clocks and entered a large grandfather clock.
~*~
"Why are we here?" a tall blond asked her shorter friend as they strolled through the shopping district hand in hand. The other girl smile silently and pulled her companion along through the busy crowd. "Michiru, why here?"
"Cause, She's here. I can feel it, can't you? Our search will end in this city, somewhere." Michiru said as she stopped at a small café. Michiru and her companion walked inside, bought drinks, and found themselves a small table to rest in. Michiru examined her partner's slightly darkened eyes and frowned in concern. "Haruka, what's bothering you?"
"Michi, what if we don't find her. The person who recruited you, Artemis, didn't give us much information about the Messiah. What if we're already too late or we simply can't protect her?" Haruka asked her voice devoid of almost all emotion. Michiru reached across the table and gently grabbed Haruka's free hand.
"She's strong, and so are we. We'll protect her, promise," Michiru whispered before she pulled the other girl's hand to her lips and placed a soft kiss on her knuckles. Haruka blushed slightly and looked away as she contemplated the other girl's wisdom.
"But we felt Her, the Death Senshi, awaken not too long ago." Haruka mumbled.
Michiru sighed heavily and said, "Yes, but she's not very strong and she's here too. If we can find her, we can see if she's up to evil or good. We'll be prepared for anything, especially if we're together."
"Together," Haruka agreed in a silent whisper a she watched the crowd out the window. Michiru freed the other girl's hand and started to drink her tea as she waited for the other girl to stop thinking of other things. She'd known Haruka for two months and she still felt uncertain of the other girl's feelings at times. She knew that Haruka wanted to stay with her, to protect her, but how far did the girl's emotions reach out towards her. Michiru frowned and thought of her aching desire for the other girl's undivided love.
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TWO DAYS LATER
"Haruka," Michiru called after the raging blond. Haruka was currently running towards the train station with Michiru trailing behind. The blond had decided that after two days of no leads that it was time to move their search. "Haruka!"
The blond paid no heed to her companion as she sped up. Michiru sighed and braced herself for a long hard jog to catch her teammate and secret love. She squared her shoulders and started to run as fast as she could towards the nearest train station.
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Hotaru frowned distractedly as she walked along the shopping district with Ami. She could feel the air humming with energy that just kept getting stronger with each step they took. Everyone had been rushing through the day and school had been dismissed by her teacher before the day was even supposed to begin. Ami's class had been much the same so the two girls had decided to search for the cause of the disturbance.
They slowly worked their way through the bustling crowd towards the heart of the shopping center. Luna walked between the two girls and searched the passing faces warily. Their long walk brought them to a small closed clock shop where Ami stopped and examined the steel grate with a puzzled frown. Hotaru frowned at the older girl and asked, "Something wrong Ami?"
"This place…it was so full of life the other day, people were going in and out of here, so why close on a busy shopping day? It's the only shop we've seen closed so far…why?" Ami murmured. Luna and Hotaru studied the street for a moment before all three slipped into the shadows of a nearby alley. Hotaru and Ami transformed as Luna did a quick flip in the air. Once the girls had transform then knelt next to Luna who whispered, "This is for you Sailor Mercury. It should help us identify the source of this problem."
"Alright," Sailor Mercury whispered as she grabbed the small portable computer with the symbol of Mercury on its little blue lid.
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Michiru collapsed on the nearly empty train station and glanced around for Haruka. When she spotted her blond friend she gasped in shock. Her companion had transformed into Sailor Uranus and was kneeling beside a young man's form. Michiru let out a strangled gasp as she spotted a train-like monster sending twin electric railings at Sailor Uranus's back. She grit her teeth and stood, pulling out a pen as she whispered, "Neptune Planet Power."
Energy filled her exhausted form as she transformed into Sailor Neptune. She raced across the deserted platform and pushed Sailor Uranus and the boy aside. One of the electric cables cut her shoulder as she fell onto her teammate. Sailor Uranus growled as she pulled her friend to her feet. She faced the monster and cried, "World Shaking!"
"Deep Submerge!" Sailor Neptune shouted as her attack joined Sailor Uranus's. The monster was hit by the combined attack and shrieked in pain as it disappeared. The two girl's de-transformed as a small red crystal floated into the boy. Haruka quietly used her jacket as a bandage for Michiru's shoulder wound before the two started to leave the platform.
The boy left on the platform slowly rose and looked around the station. He pushed his long bangs out of his face to reveal clear blue eyes before he grabbed his discarded duffle bag and started to walk to the exit. He grimaced as he reached the entrance and turned to examine the platform for a second before he squared his shoulders and left.
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Sailor Mercury and Sailor Saturn grimaced as they walked through the dusty second floor of the clock shop. At Luna's suggestion the two had decided to break into the shop using an open window on the second floor. Now they silently crept towards the stairs leading to the shop below them. Mercury grimaced as she felt the air hum with energy and continued forward.
After the two finally managed to navigate the upstairs maze and reach the ground floor they gasped in shock. The shop was just as dusty as the upstairs had been and looked as though no one had stepped foot in there for months. Sailor Saturn slowly walked among the many clocks with her right hand hovering over each clock for a moment before she moved on. Mercury followed her example and started on the opposite side of the room.
Thirty tiring minutes later Sailor Mercury and Sailor Saturn stood before the only clock in the entire building that was dust-free. Mercury slowly opened the grandfather clock to reveal another dimension hidden within. The two scouts walked inside as Mercury pulled out her portable computer. Saturn readied her glaive and the two walked further into the new dimension. "Be careful Saturn."
"Of course," Saturn responded as she scanned the area. She noticed many twisted clocks floating around their blue-lit path and frowned. The many clocks looked to be doors within the dimension and she didn't want to go through any. She could feel evil aura's leaking from each door as they slowly walked towards the end of the twisting hall.
"Look, it's the Tutu brats! Welcome to my domain," an eerie dislocated voice murmured. The two girls looked around in the twirling domain for any hint of the monster location. Spotting nothing that would be of any help in the warped reality the two slowly started forwards. After just a few feet Sailor Saturn fell through a hole in the ground. Mercury gaped at the suddenly sealed hole and tried to hold her frightened tears at bay.
Terror and worry over the younger scout went the normally logical scout into a panicked frenzy. She spent several dizzying moments racing around the area looking for another hole in the ground or any obvious signs of her teammate. Slowly the adrenaline rush of panic faded to leave exhausted calm and Sailor Mercury turned to her small computer. Within moments she'd pinpointed the monster location and she slowly walked in its direction.
When she could easily spot the monster she tucked her computer away and pulled out the crescent wand. Her hand shook as the monster turned to look at her holding a small bundle in her arms. An evil smirk flitted across the monsters face as it tossed the bundle at Sailor Mercury. Fumbling slightly sailor Mercury managed to catch the squirming bundle. Horror filled her as she looked down into infant Hotaru's face, her planetary symbol slightly reflecting the swirling atmosphere. A single tear slid down Sailor Mercury's cheek and landed on Hotaru's symbol.
Sailor Mercury's vision swam as the image twisted and she found she was gazing at a soft white marble floor. A gentle hand settled beneath her chin and forced her eyes up to look into caring silver eyes. 'You are afraid, my dearest princess. Do not worry so, you have the strength to protect. My daughter chose you as one of her warriors, it was a gift, and an honor. Fear not, sweet princess, my daughter searches just as heard for you as you do for her. Now rise up and protect her dream, your dreams, and fight. Twilight last not forever.'
Ramue grinned at the two scout with victory gleaming in her eyes. Sailor Mercury carefully settled Hotaru on the ground beside her and pulled herself from her knelling position. Squaring her shoulders and shifting so Hotaru was slightly behind her Sailor Mercury pulled all her strength together and screamed, "Twilight Flash!"
The crescent wand glowed brightly and sent a stream of energy at Ramue who crumbled into dust. Sailor Mercury looked down at Hotaru and found herself looking into the exhausted eyes of Sailor Saturn. Sailor Saturn and Sailor Mercury hugged each other close for a few moments before they slowly stood and made their way to the emergency exit of the old clock shop. The two staggered into the street and leaned against the building, their transformations slipping away. After a few moments the two walked off, Ami watching the other girl with a careful eye.
"Look, they lived," Michiru whispered as she exited the alley across from the rear entrance to the clock shop. Her companion, still worrying over Michiru's wound walked out to stand beside her.
"I'm not impressed." Haruka whispered.
"You're never impressed." Michiru accused as the two started to walk down the street. Haruka looked at the green haired youth and smiled softly.
"I was impressed with you." Haruka whispered as she blushed softly. Michiru glanced at her friend before she pushed the taller girl into a bush. A blush stained Michiru's cheeks as she walked away from her friend.