Well, here we are. Another chapter of Halo is up and ready to go. While the journey has really just started, I love working on this story and I hope you enjoy reading it! :)
Halo
Chapter VI - Insight
Sailor Moon and Sailor Mercury raced through the city, the screams growing louder as they approached the scene of the attack. They peered around the corner of a brick wall, finding a lanky creature standing on a restaurant patio, arms raised and gaunt face angled towards the sky as streams of energy collected at its fingertips. Drained customers slumped over tables, drinks and meals knocked to the ground. Sailor Moon glanced at her partner, who had already activated her visor, concentration set in her brow.
"I need you to buy me some time," she instructed, fingers flying as she began her calculations.
"Okay." Sailor Moon nodded, taking a deep breath, and shaking out her hands; she could do this.
She stepped out into the street, fits clenching and loosening as she weighed her options. The heroine activated her tiara, and hurled the glowing disc of light at the monster's upper arm. Howling in surprise, the youma spun to face its opponent, pupils dilating, and muscles twitching. Sailor Moon's face blanched with momentary panic before she sprinted off down the street. With the monster hot on her heels, she wove between parked cars and metal meters, dodging its swinging limbs and sharp claws.
"Mercury?" Sailor Moon yelled, energy dwindling as a cramp pinched her side.
"Just a few more minutes," she called back, "it's almost there!"
Needing a moment to catch her breath, Sailor Moon scampered onto a nearby balcony. Her hands grasped at the iron rails, and she scowled at the creature that snapped and snarled below.
Jadeite leaned against a burly oak tree, arms crossed and lips pressed into a white slash as he picked at a piece of lint on his shirt. He glanced at his watch and snorted – Zoisite's useless youma and those pesky girls had been running around for nearly twenty minutes now.
He huffed as a thick fog spread through the streets accompanied by a white flash, and the creature falling. The two soldiers erupted into victorious cheers; it was time to put his plan into action. With nostrils flared and mouth drawn downwards Jadeite swore that he would not let Sailor Moon's identity escape him today.
"I thought that would never end," Sailor Moon groaned, cheeks burning and chest heaving. "There's no way that thing could be human." She shook her head in disbelief. "Did you get what you needed?" she asked.
"I think so, but it's still going to take some more analyzing." Mercury swallowed, and licked her lips before continuing. "It's pretty interesting." Her face lit with excitement as she delved into a world of biology that Sailor Moon knew next to nothing about. Luna's head bobbed as Sailor Mercury rattled off a list of components found in her initial reading, and the blonde found her attention beginning to fade. She casually observed their surroundings, frowning with the realization that he hadn't come. Again.
"So, what do you think?"
"Hmm?" Sailor Moon shook her head as the corners of her mouth turned up sheepishly.
"You girls have had enough for tonight," Luna interjected, smiling proudly. "Go home, get some rest."
Sailor Moon's shoulders relaxed with relief, and she muttered thank heavens under her breath. "I'll see you tomorrow," she said, waving at Sailor Mercury who returned the gesture.
"Ten o'clock at my place, right?" Mercury confirmed, receiving a reluctant nod from her partner.
"Be careful where you de-transform," Luna reminded. "I'll meet you at home shortly."
Fighting her curiosity and grateful for time alone, Sailor Moon replied with a simple, "Okay," as she watched Luna take off in the opposite direction.
The triumphant heroine jogged through the streets of Tokyo, enjoying the peaceful twilight and momentary freedom. A breeze tumbled through the night air, and just as she was about to let her guard down, her chest tightened, causing her pace to slow. The hairs stood on the back of her neck, and she spun around, expecting something to be lurking behind her. Nothing. A metal clang escaped from a nearby alleyway, and her head jerked instinctively towards it.
"Who's there?" she called, boots clicking against the pavement as she approached. Her heart raced, and all senses were on high-alert, yet she couldn't help but hope that it was nothing more than the mysterious tuxedo-clad hero watching out for her.
"Sailor Moon." Jadeite addressed, stepping from the shadows.
"Who are you?" she demanded, fists clenched. The man smirked, and whisked a stray strand of sandy hair from his face.
"I'm not here to fight." He showed his gloved palms as a sign of peace, and took a step forward.
"Then what are you here for?" Sailor Moon asked, standing her ground as the distance between them closed.
Jadeite flashed a smug grin before replying. "Answers." Without warning, he grabbed Sailor Moon by the wrist, slamming her into the wall. She groaned as her body crashed into brick, and Jadeite pinned her arms against her back; he'd seen her use that tiara far too many times to take any chances. "Two answers and I'll let you live," he hissed, breath hot on her neck. "What is your civilian identity and where is the Ginzuishou?"
"The what?" she choked, the damp stone pressing into her cheek.
"Don't play games with me, girl," he spat, knowing that delivering both pieces of information would earn him the highest of praises from his Queen.
"Jadeite?" Tuxedo Kamen yelled, face twisted with confusion and instantly halting the general's assault.
"That voice…" he whispered, grasp falling and shoulders tensing as he slowly turned, leaving a relieved Sailor Moon to steady herself against the wall.
Jadeite's expression softened and jaw dropped, words catching in his throat. Suddenly his body wrenched with pain, and he clenched his hands over his ears, blood boiling as he released an anguished cry. "Stop it," he screamed, knees buckling.
"Jadeite!" Tuxedo Kamen ran to the general's aid.
"No." His lip twitched, and eyes turned crimson. "I'm hers," he seethed, back hunched and jaw clenched.
Raising his hands as a sign of surrender, Tuxedo Kamen took a step forward, cautiously reaching out.
"Stay away," Jadeite barked, mustering what power he could, and shooting an energy blast from his palm, knocking Tuxedo Kamen to the ground. His attention turned to Sailor Moon who's head jerked back and forth between the two men, the colour drained from her face.
"Sailor Moon," Jadeite growled, lunging forward – he could not let her escape. Tuxedo Kamen struggled to his feet, and stumbled in front of the girl, bracing himself for impact.
"Go," he ordered. "NOW!" Lip trembling and heart breaking, Sailor Moon nodded and sprinted from the alleyway, barely looking back until she reached the solace of her home.
The heroine climbed through her bedroom window and collapsed on her bed. Despite having returned to Usagi Tsukino, she was unable to shake what had happened that night. Tears stung her cheeks, and left salty traces in her mouth.
"Jadeite," she whispered. Why did the name feel so familiar on her tongue?
Only feigned sleep came to Usagi as she tossed and turned, scenes replying and haunted by the idea that maybe Luna had been right about Tuxedo Kamen all along. Her stomach churned at the thought of her hero calling out the enemy's name – had they been working together? But why did he save her again? Who's side was he really on?
She heard Luna slip into the room, the light patter of her feet on the sill and soft landing on the bed. Usagi's eyes fluttered closed; she was not ready to share what she had learned. First, she was going to get answers from the only person who truly had them: Tuxedo Kamen.
Mamoru shot up from sleep gasping for breath, heart racing and brow beaded with sweat; his dreams were becoming increasingly realistic. He threw back the covers, welcoming the night's cool air against his skin, as his head fell back against the pillow. He rubbed his face, and dropped his tired arms down at his sides, wincing when his hand brushed up against a dark bruise on his stomach.
"What the fu-?" He pulled the cord of the lamp, a warm light flooding his room as inspected the discolouration. Images from his dream of man knocking him to the ground resurfaced, and he shook his head in disbelief – it was crazy. "I must have just dreamt that to explain this," he reasoned, voice lost in his empty room.
Shadows played against the wall as Mamoru stared at the ceiling, trying to remember every detail from his dream before they faded away. There was the man he had fought with, and girl he protected yet her face was a blur. He growled in frustration, hitting the mattress with his fist; what was happening to him?
This wasn't the first time he woke to a new injury, nor was it the first vivid dream that had him retching for air. His memory was hazy, and he had been plagued with searing headaches for months. He'd tried everything from pain killers to sleeping pills, but nothing seemed to work.
With morning fast approaching and mind too busy to rest, Mamoru shuffled to the kitchen to make himself a cup of coffee before sinking into the couch, and flipping on the television. News ticked across the screen, accompanied by morning talk show hosts debating the best breakfast cereal. Their conversation soon turned to the increased monster attacks and the vigilante guardians protecting the city. Mamoru's posture straightened and interest piqued as they showed footage of Sailor Moon and her new companion, Sailor Mercury.
"Why do I feel like I should know her?" he muttered, snorting at audacity of the question. Still, the thought lingered and he rose to grab his phone from the table, sliding on his glasses as he navigated to images of the blonde-haired heroine. He inspected photo after photo, squinting at the tiny screen and poor quality cell phone shots, searching for something – anything – that could possibly lead him to answers. Coming up empty handed, Mamoru released a heavy sigh and reached for his coffee, only to discover it was gone.
"Eight-thirty," he mumbled, glancing at the clock. Had he really just wasted two hours staring at photos of a girl? He took off his glasses, and pinched the bridge of his nose. "You need to get a grip." He shook his head, and rolled his shoulders, quickly deciding that a brisk walk to the arcade and a cup of the best coffee in Tokyo would help clear up his muddled thoughts.
Stepping into the Crown, Mamoru inhaled, welcoming the scent of pastries and coffee and the gentle chatter of morning customers. A bemused smirk crossed his face when his gaze fell upon Usagi slouched over the counter, pink phone in hand as she tapped away at what he could only assume was a game.
"No milkshake, Odango?" he said, taking a seat beside her.
"Too early for milkshakes," she grumbled, trading her phone for a piece of toast. "Too early to even be awake." Mamoru chuckled, taking a moment to appreciate her casual appearance; it was rare to see her out of her school uniform.
"Good morning," Motoki sang, promptly filling the empty space in front of Mamoru with a drink before scurrying off to take care of other orders.
"Thanks." Mamoru grabbed a packet of sugar, and poured it into the coffee. "So why are you here so early on a Saturday?" he asked, watching as Usagi considered her answer.
"I don't even know," she admitted, having arrived before she even realized where she was going. "Are you usually here at this time?" she wondered, slowly feeling her energy return.
"No." He shook his head, glad that he had made the decision to come. "Weekend plans?" he asked, hoping to keep the conversation going.
"Hanami with Naru and everyone tomorrow," she answered, praying that there wouldn't be an attack at the same time.
"I haven't done hanami since I was a kid," Mamoru remarked.
"Is it because you have no friends to go with?" Usagi joked, craving the banter that made everything feel normal.
"Funny," he bit dryly, and Usagi flashed him a saccharine grin.
"I try." Mamoru rolled his eyes, unable to stop the smile from spreading across his lips. She was cute even when she was mocking him.
A shrill beeping erupted from Usagi's phone, and she scowled. "Time to meet Ami." She sighed. "Studying session," she explained, catching Mamoru's confused expression.
"Science again?"
"Everything," she whined, reluctantly shoving her arms in her coat sleeves.
"One sec." He reached over the counter to grab a pen and blank notepad, and hastily scribbled down his number. "Just in case you need help with, you know." He shrugged, handing the paper to Usagi. "Biology, or whatever," he stammered, hoping the heat on his cheeks was invisible.
"Thanks," Usagi beamed, tucking the number into her pocket. "Hey, Mamoru?"
"Mhmm?"
"You can come tomorrow, if you want," Usagi said as she twisted the ring on her finger in circles. "We're meeting at noon at the Hikawa Shrine. They're supposed to have some really beautiful trees there, and you won't be the only guy, some other guys from school are going, and Yumi's older brother should be there," she rattled on, becoming increasingly flustered as the words sped from her mouth. "You can bring some friends, too, like Motoi and maybe even Unazuki" she added, gaze dropping to her shoes – would he think her invitation was lame?
"Thanks, that sounds nice." His heart warmed as a bright smile lit up her face. "I'll see you tomorrow, Odango."
"Bye," she waved, and Mamoru downed the rest of his coffee. Being with Usagi always made him feel alive, rejuvenated even, and he gingerly touched the bruise on his stomach to find that no longer ached. He lifted his shirt in surprise, fingers running over where the discolouration used to be, starting to wonder if he had dreamt the entire thing.
Usagi sat cross-legged on a pillow in Ami's living room, trying to stop her mind from wandering. They had been talking about youma for an hour now, after learning that Ami's scans proved that these monsters were modified and animated corpses of deceased humans. The thought alone caused her stomach to churn, yet she admittedly found some relief in the fact they were dead to begin with.
"So I guess our next step is finding out where the bodies are collected from," Luna surmised. Ami jotted down a note on the pad in front of her as Usagi stared blankly out the window, face painted with disdain.
"Maybe we should start at the hospital, funeral homes, cemeteries," Ami listed, Luna's head bobbing accordingly.
"I have a question," Usagi interrupted, unable to keep her curiosity at bay. "What's a gin… gin…" She tapped her finger against her bottom lip – what had he been asking for? "Ginzui something?"
"Ginzuishou?" Luna asked, eyes wide and expression blanching.
"Yes!" Usagi cheered, pointing to the feline. "That."
"Where did you hear that word?" she urged, tail flicking and ears drawn back.
"The youma said it," she lied, still determined to keep the incident with Jadeite and Tuxedo Kamen a secret. "It wanted to find it."
"It's a crystal," Luna said, swallowing as she stalled to gather her thoughts. "It was protected by an ancient civilization for thousands of years, but a great war broke out and the civilization was destroyed," she explained, fighting the tears that threatened to fall; it was not the time to mourn their loss.
"Where's the crystal now?" Ami wondered, pen hovering over paper.
"No one has been able to find it for eons." Luna shook her head.
"Why would the bad guys want it?" Usagi asked, mouth twitching – was Tuxedo Kamen looking for the crystal, too?
"It's extremely powerful," Luna stated, the news weighing heavily on her mind.
"What does it do?" Head propped up on her arm, Usagi's eyes narrowed as she listened intently.
"It depends who uses it," Luna replied simply, thrilled by Usagi's interest, but wanting nothing more than the questions on the Ginzuishou to subside. "We should make finding how the enemy is creating the youma our first priority," "the Ginzuishou has remained hidden for thousands of years, I believe it's safe for now,"
The conversation turned back to youma, and Usagi sighed, her focus turning to the fluffy clouds drifting through the spring sky. Her head ached, her stomach growled, and she was sick of discussing monsters.
"I can't talk about this anymore," Usagi announced, blowing the bangs from her forehead in a dramatic display of tedium. "We need a break," she groaned. Ami smiled sympathetically; Usagi had been dealing with this for months, it was no wonder she had heard enough.
"I could use a break, too," she piped, forehead wrinkled with hope.
"Of course," Luna agreed.
"Yes!" Usagi cheered. "Come on Ami, let's go to the mall! We can get something to eat, do some window shopping…" She glowed with excitement, running to the door and shoving her feet into her shoes.
"Go. We'll finish this later," she said to Ami, knowing Usagi was right – they needed time to be regular teenagers. Luna watched after the pair, nostalgia catching in her throat – this is what she would have wanted.