I do not own Sailor Moon =(
(Again I want to thank all of you for your reviews. This chapter is longer so bear with me. I felt the multiple perspectives were necessary to bring out the day's events here. It took a long time to write today and I always change things slightly when I transfer from paper to computer. I did warn you in the notes on the last chapter about the song. I don't listen to pop so it was VERY hard for me. The funny thing is I could hear it in my head. Maybe I borrowed it from one or more of the songs they sang in the show. I'd have to listen to them again to remember. That's what you get when someone who listens to hard rock and goth music to try and write a pop song though.)
Sometimes You Just Need to Believe Chapter 7
(These are the events of the day of the concert. The Princess is not the main focus here but she does occasionally make her presence known.)
The next day every girl in school seemed to be talking about the concert. It had sold out before school even started. Many of the girls proudly held up their ticket receipts from on line purchases.
Usagi saw Rei, Makoto, Minako, and Ami slumped down against the wall outside the classroom. They all seemed very upset. "What's wrong, guys?"
"Well," Makoto said. "We all saw on TV that the Three Lights were back."
"They're having a reunion concert tonight and they were sold out before I could buy mine," Minako cried.
Usagi smiled and laughed at her friends a little.
"Why are you laughing?" Rei's temper was showing it's ugly head.
"Don't you need to get to your school before class starts," Ami asked Rei.
"I just wanted to see if they were coming back to your school," Rei whined.
"I have a surprise for you all!" Usagi nudged Rei. Calm as she could be, Usagi reached into her purse and pulled out five envelopes each containing a ticket in each. She handed one to all but Makoto. To everyone's shock she handed two to Makoto. "Mamo-chan has to work so he said you should invite Motoki." Usagi nudged Makoto knowingly.
Rei looked at her watch and realized she was going to have to run all the way if she wanted to make it before the bell. "Guys, I have to run. Thank you Usagi!" With that, Rei bolted off.
The remaining girls walked into the classroom, careful to stick their tickets into their bags.
"Usagi-chan," Ami said. "When did you find out the Starlights were back? More importantly, why are they here?"
"Well,"Usagi whispered. "Yesterday after school Setsuna had me over for a late lunch. Haruka and Michiru took Hotaru to the park." She paused for a moment. "Setsuna told me that Princess Kakyuu sent them to help form an alliance. She thinks, and I agree, that we can unite the galaxy in case another galaxy decides to attack. Strength I numbers, right? There are so many solar systems in our own galaxy and each of them has their own kindom within it."
"That's a smart move. You know, Usagi, I think you're starting to prove yourself as a princess,"Makoto said sincerely. 'What was that flash in Usagi's eyes?' 'You know very well Sailor Jupiter. You will begin to show me proper respect,' a voice sounding like Usagi's rang through her head. Only, it did not seem like Usagi at all.
"What about Seiya-chan, Usagi," Ami asked looking worried.
Usagi appeared cold and her voice sounded different somehow. "Everything will be fine. I only have eyes for one man," Another flash went through Usagi's eyes and she returned to her normal self.
This time all three girls noticed.
"Usagi, are you really ok," Minako asked as she placed a hand on Usagi's shoulder.
"Yeah, I'm ok." 'I'm just having a fight with myself like a loon.'
The class took position standing beside their desks as the teacher walked in. The girls all looked painfully at the empty chairs and did not think the Starlights would be attending school this time. The teacher's eyes shot right to Stukino Usagi's desk in shock that she had been on time for a the class had properly greeted her the teacher motioned for her to sit down. "Class, we have some old students returning. The door opened and in walked the three Starlights. Each one made their introduction and paid their respects to the teacher before walking towards their old seats.
Seiya winked at Usagi and gave her that utterly amazing yet arrogant smile. Usagi blushed. The exchange did not go unnoticed by any of the girls in the classroom, especially Usagi's friends.
Morning lessons were boring as usual to Minako and Usagi. At least Minako could look over at Yaten without notice on occasion. Usagi could feel the occasional finger 'slip' across the back of her neck.
When the lunch bell rang the Three Lights ran for their lives from the throng of girls chasing them. They managed to lose them by hiding in a stairwell.
"Guess we're eating on the rooftop," Yaten said.
Up the stairs they went and when they opened up the door they found Usagi and her friends enjoying lunch in private. Makoto was sharing her home-made lunch which included Usagi's beloved meat buns. Ami was quietly eating while she read a book about advanced physics despite her noisy companions. Usagi was stuffing her face, as usual. It was Minako who saw their company arrive."Ya…Ya…Yaten," she exclaimed.
The girls looked over and waved them over.
Seiya placed his finger on his lips and looked straight at Minako.
Minako looked down. "I'm sorry," she said quietly.
"Oi, Odango," Seiya said.
Usagi's cheeks flushed a bright red. Ami, Makoto, and Minako all shot each other worried looks.
The Starlights came over to join them. Taiki sat next to Ami and together they began talking about her choice of study. Yaten sat between Minako and Makoto. When Makoto's attention did not jump directly to him he focused his eyes on Minako. Seeing her blush Yaten knew he had not lost his touch. Seiya plopped down beside Usagi. The girls shot each other more looks. Seiya was sitting at a more than just a friendly distance.
Lunch and afternoon class came and went uneventful. When the bell rang the only thing different was the teacher clasped Usagi's hand and asked her to make it a habit to be on time.
Outside the Three Lights made a b-line towards the limo that awaited them. It was far from easy, but they eventually made it safely.
When Usagi and the others reached the gates Rei was standing there completely out of breath. She stared sadly as she saw the limo come closer.
"Later, Odango," Seiya said through the window he had opened. Shooting Usagi a quick wink he waited for her blush he closed the window up again.
"I have a great idea," Minako said with great enthusiasm. "Why don't we all go and buy outfits for the concert tonight?"
"Then we can support Mako-chan when she invites Motoki," Rei said slyly as she nudged Makoto gently.
"What do you think, Usagi? Doesn't shopping sound like fun," Makoto asked.
"I err…I can't!" Usagi was obviously hiding something. "I have plans actually. I'll see you all at the concert, ok?" With that Usagi took off running. 'I don't even know if this is the right direction. I just have to ditch them fast.'
"She has been acting so strange lately," Ami said softly.
"Its like she's two different people," Rei said.
"Rei-chan, do you think you can use your fire scrying to see if anything's up," Makoto asked.
"I get to see Yaten!!! Did you see him with me at lunch?" Minako was jumping almost as bad as Usagi could.
"Minako-chan! This is no time to behave like that," Makoto scolded.
"I have a nice dress so why don't you guys go on without me. I'll try to look in the fire for anything. I'll call Michiru too. She might know something from her mirror," Rei said. "Go on, have some fun. Oh and Mako-chan, if I don't see Motoki tonight I'll pulverize you. You got that?"
"Yeah," Makoto said blushing.
(Rei's Story)
Rei took off leaving the girls to their shopping. As she rounded the corner she called Michiru's cell.
"Rei, how are you," Michiru asked.
"No time. Can you meet me at the temple? Usagi is acting stranger now that Seiya's back," Rei said franticly.
"I'll be on my way, with Haruka," Michiru said almost whispering. 'Setsuna is right down the hall. Don't get within her earshot.'
"Bring your mirror," Rei added.
"Sure thing." Michiru hung up her phone and made her way to Haruka who was standing on the balcony. She closed the sliding door. "Rei just called."
"I figured she would at some point. Did Setsuna hear you?"
"I don't think so."
"Ok, we're going on a date then. Got that? If she asks where we'll be, the restaurant we missed the other night let us in tonight on short notice."
"Ok."
Haruka threw one arm over Michiru's shoulder. With her other arm she checked her pocket for her keys and wallet while Michiru grabbed her purse.
"Where are you guys going? I was just about to start dinner," Setsuna said.
"Oh, I was able to change our reservation to tonight, so we're going to go on our date after all," Haruka replied.
"Oh, alright," Setsuna said smiling. "Have a good time."
"Later," Haruka said waving goodbye over her shoulder as she led Michiru out of the apartment.
Setsuna looked knowingly at the door. 'Those two are up to something.'
(At the Shrine)
When they arrived at the Hino Shrine went directly to the room where the scrying flame was kept. They saw Rei waiting for them.
"Good, I'm glad you're here," Rei said. "Michiru, did you remember to bring your mirror?"
"I did but it won't help," Michiru said shaking her head. "Its been too clouded for that."
"We think…"
Michiru cut Haruka off. "Why don't we see what Rei can find before we share that."
"Right. If I know your own suspicions and ideas it could influence what I see. What we are looking for is the truth, not what I think you want to hear," Rei said.
'Wow. She has learned a lot,' Michiru thought. 'Let's just hope that Setsuna never realized it.'
Looking into the fire Rei saw many images flash. 'This is too much. I can't focus. I…I…'
When Rei regained consciousness she realized that it was nearly nightfall. "How do you do this, Michiru? I saw so much. I could not control it or focus in on anything."
"Why don't you share what you can remember," Michiru said calmly.
"I saw Setsuna and Hotaru"
Haruka and Michiru exchanged glances.
"They were guarding the princess. Only, she wasn't like Usagi at all. I saw Crystal Tokyo, and it was fine. Then this princess that Pluto and Saturn were guarding laughed and it crumbled to dust. Its like the princess they protect is another person altogether."
"We've been having our suspicions about Setsuna for some time now," Haruka said.
"We think she is blocking my mirror." Michiru clasped Rei's hands in her own. "Rei, if you can still see then Setsuna must think that you are not skilled enough. You saw things. The things you saw show that you are advanced and you need to learn to control it. I can teach you that. Will you allow me to? You'll have to do what I say without question."
With great respect Rei bowed onto her hands before Michiru. "Teacher, I will be honored to be your student." Rei looked up knowing that if the others were there she would never live this down."
"Tomorrow then," Haruka said. "We need to move in case Setsuna is trying to track us."
"I have to keep an eye on Usagi at the concert tonight," Rei said.
Haruka and Michiru took their leave so that Rei could get ready for the concert.
"Rei," called out Haruka. "You keep us informed. Don't let the wolf catch the kitten."
Rei smiled back at them and took off for her room to dress for the concert feeling like she had joined a secret society.
(The girls' afternoon pre-shopping)
"I hope she can see something," Ami said.
"Well she did tell us to go shopping and have some fun." Minako sure seemed excited. "I'm going to find a dress that will be sure to help me catch Yaten's eye!"
(The girl's' afternoon after the shopping is done)
Makoto reluctantly walked into the Crown Arcade. Motoki was standing behind the counter. The moment he saw Makoto he straitened his hair and then turned at least as pink as Makoto was.
"Motoki, we've been friends for over two years now, right," Makoto said nervously.
"Yes, Mako-chan"
"You see, I have an extra ticket for the Three Lights concert tonight. I was sort of wondering if you might like to come with me. It doesn't have to be a date or anything."
"I'd love to go with you. It doesn't have to be like a date or anything, but where can I pick you up?"
When Makoto finally emerged from the arcade the girls giggled knowing that he had said yes. The three girls parted ways to get ready for the show.
(The Starlights after they arrived home)
"So," Taiki said. "You're really going to try for her, aren't you?"
"And just what makes you think I have to try?" Seiya flashed that signature smirk. 'I hope she finds our place ok.'
Yaten could not resist reverting to female form and dancing around the living room in excitement, in a dress.
Taiki and Seiya just shook their heads.
(Usagi just after turning the corner)
Usagi poked her head back around to see if her friends were going to follow her. Much to her relief they took off in the opposite direction. She pulled out the note with Seiya's directions. 'Wow, his handwriting is worse than mine.' She quickly realized that she had gone slightly off course but she could figure out how to get to the next street. When she finally arrived at the apartment building Usagi could hardly believe her eyes. It had to be the most luxurious apartment building she had ever seen. 'No time for that Usagi. I'm going to go see Seiya, err, the Starlights.' She walked into the building and went right to the elevator and pressed the button for the penthouse.
Seiya nearly fell over running to the door when he hear the soft knock. "Oi, Odango! Come on in."
"There isn't much time is there?" Usagi looked sad
"No, I'm afraid there isn't. You can use my room to change. It's the second door to the right. "
"Thank you," Usagi said quietly. She slipped into the room closing the door behind her. She slid into the dress and put on her cute little shoes, only because they were running late,or could be if she took too long. She applied carefully her eye shadow and lip gloss. Usagi took down her hair and began brushing it. Instead of her usual odango style, Usagi parted some hair to the side of her face and braided them. She finished the look by winding them to the back of her head and tying them in the back. Fully satisfied with her appearance, she left the room.
The image of Usagi surprised all of the Starlights. They had all known she was cute and even a little pretty. But before them was a beautiful sophisticated woman, in appearance any way. "Don't go too far, Odango," Seiya said as he went into his room. Usagi entered the living room and sat on the loveseat opposite the sofa that Taiki and Yaten (back in male form and dressed for the show) were sitting.
"Seiya sure is spoiling you," Yaten sighed.
"I bought this dress myself," Usagi said in her defense.
"That's not what he's talking about," Taiki said.
"Then why would you say that?" Usagi's jaw suddenly dropped. A beautiful pearl necklace was being dangled in front of her face. Then she felt Seiya's hands brush against her neck as he fastened it on.
Yaten and Taiki looked at each other in amazement.
"Maybe he can get her," Taiki whispered to Yaten.
"Yeah, maybe," Yaten whispered back. Yaten would have to find out where Seiya had bought such a lovely necklace.
"Do you like it, Odango," Seiya asked.
"I love it! Pearls are my favorite! I don't know what to say, Seiya-chan," Usagi said excitedly.
"Don't say anything. Just do one thing for me." Seiya smiled at Usagi. "Go with us in the limo and come to the show as our friend. "
"Ok," Usagi replied nervously.
(At the concert)
The girls all met up at their seats. "Front row center!" Minako could hardly contain her excitement. On the television screen over the stage they saw a limo pulling up. Out of the limo stepped the Three Lights and Seiya reached his hand down aiding a woman out of the limo.
"She's beautiful," Minako said.
"She'll help Usagi from being distracted," Rei chimed in.
"Where is she anyway," Makoto asked.
"Guys, I think that IS Usagi," Ami said.
Rei agreed but did not let on. She instead shot a smile to Makoto who was seating herself down next to Motoki.
Usagi came running to the girls and they all knew it was confirmed…That WAS her who had stepped out of the limo.
"Where did you get those pearls, Usagi-chan," Ami asked.
"Oh, these. They were a gift." Usagi smiled at them all.
The stadium lights went out and the stage lights came up. The crowd was screaming and cheering. Some of the girls were crying.
The Three Lights played all their old hits and made the crowd swoon. Sometime during the concert Motoki had slipped his arm around Makoto. She was red in her face but did not shy away. She kind of leaned in and smiled. Seeing this Rei smiled.
'Why are you here? You know Endymion is better than this…this circus performer.' "You are not going to get to me tonight," Usagi said under her breath.
Rei happened to hear her. She focused in and tried to see what she could feel from Usagi. 'Who are you kidding? You need Michiru before you can even think about this kind of stuff.
'You know I'm right. Endymion should be your only care.' "I don't care what you want. I want to watch Seiya-chan right now." Usagi had been really trying to ignore Serenity, but it was getting harder every day.
"Is something wrong, Usagi," Rei asked.
Usagi turned to Rei, no, not Usagi. She was still cheering at the Three Lights. But this really looked like Usagi. Something was off, yet so familiar. 'Yes Rei, you know who I am. I need you to reign this child in and release me. Her time is over. Serenity is ready to set things right. Sailor Mars, help me and you will be rewarded. You always did have the best intuition. You know this girl is not the princess. Release me, please.' Rei broke of her glance as the figure melded back into Usagi.
It was nearing the end of the concert when Seiya started talking to the crowd. "I just want to let you all know how special you are to us! We're going to do this last song for one special person in particular. I hope you all enjoy it!"
(Seiya) Moon
(Taiki) Light
(Yaten) Dreams
(Seiya) Moon
(Taiki) Light
(Yaten) Dreams
(Seiya) Ever since I first saw your face
(Taiki and Yaten) Moonlight Girl
(Seiya) Nothing's been the same for me
(Taiki and Yaten) Starlight Dreams
(Seiya) I want to fly into the sky with you
(Taiki and Yaten) Moonlight Girl
(Seiya) Show you all the love I feel
(Taiki and Yaten) Starlight Dreams
(Seiya) Forever I will have you on my mind
(All) And all I need is you
You fill me up with star light dreams
My moonlight girl
(Seiya) Together we can fly away
(All) Say goodbye to what we know
Fill our lives with love and laughter
Forever after
All I want is you
(Seiya) Moon
(Taiki) Light
(Yaten) Dreams
(Seiya) I know you hear me
Please say that you'll never leave
(Taiki and Yaten) Starlight Dreams
(Seiya) Surely you must feel the same
Aren't I good enough for you
(Taiki and Yaten) Moonlight Girl
(Seiya) You know I want and need you by my side
(All) You fill me up with starlight dreams
Fill our lives with love and laughter
Forever after
All I want is you
(Seiya) Moon
(Taiki) Light
(Yaten) Dreams
(All) Starlight dreams
(Seiya) Forever after all I want is you
(All) Moonlight girl
You give me starlight dreams
My moonlight girl
(Seiya) All I want is you
The music died down and the Three Lights took their final bows for the night. The men made their way off the stage and the backstage was now open for those who held passes.
'Stop this. You know that isn't who we love.' "Its my life isn't it? Stop doing this," Usagi pleaded quietly.
Rei heard Usagi, but did not let anyone know. She had a mission. She was working with Uranus and Neptune to possibly stop Pluto and Saturn from doing something terrible. 'Pluto WANTS Usagi to fall for Seiya! This is why they are back. Not for some alliance. Well, perhaps that is the reason, but why were THEY sent? Surely someone else could have come. What are Princess Kakyuu's motives? Why is Usagi fighting her fate? Tomorrow's lesson with Michiru can't come fast enough.'
As the girls all headed for the backstage area, they were pulled aside by security. They displayed their passes to the guards The guards began laughing at them. "No, you guys have the passes that don't just get you autographs. You all get to go and hang out with the band backstage. They only gave out the ones you all have. Seiya said to look for an Usagi. I can't argue with his good taste,"one of the guards said looking at Usagi. Her name scrawled on the pass.
'Go on, Usagi. Go to him and see the torments I will bring to him.' 'You can't hurt him! I won't let you!'
"Usagi-chan," all the girls gasped in unison as Usagi collaped clutching her head.
"I'm alright, really guys. I'm sorry to worry you," Usagi apologized.
'Something is very wrong here,' thought Rei. 'Very wrong.'
(I did warn you all about the song. Its ok to laugh at me about it. I hope to update again soon! Oh in case any of you don't know, the necklace was pearls because Naoku sensei's favorite stone is the pearl and she feels that she is most like Usagi out of all the senshi. If you noticed she never hinted at pearles for enemies nor did they wear them. It was only the good who wore pearls. I also threw in a hidden cheesey joke. If you read the part with Usagi in the apartment over you'll find it. Yeah it was stupid but I couldn't resist.)