Sorry, I was a bit lazy today. Watched "Beautiful Creatures" and now I want to read the book. Anyways, thank you all for your reviews, this update is for you! Also I re-established my old bog. Going to put the link to it on my profile. I have like 20 posts on it already but they were during my philosophical phase. So if you wanna hear me being political and deep, check it out! I'm going to start posting short essays/poems/stories on it so it may be interesting. Well my lovelies, here is CH. 8!

The Truth About Tragedy

Ch. 8

"No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear." - C.S. Lewis, A Grief Observed

Makoto had made a feast! Pastries, rice balls, sushi, mint tea, sandwiches, cookies, brownies, and muffins. It smelled fantastic, every thing a girl needed to get her mind off of other things. Like confusing feelings and funerals. She was late but she was still the first to arrive, giving her and Makoto some private time. She watched her talented friend scurry around her kitchen, dipping a spoon in here, pulling something out of the oven there, it was like watching a well choreographed ballet. Her friend caught her stare and blushed.

"Sorry, I get a little carried away some times."

Usagi took her focus away to look at the rest of Makoto's apartment. She had been over a few times before but she never really noticed how clean it was before. Clean and homey. You would never think that she lived alone. There were a few pictures in her living room. Mostly of the girls but there were two that were her parents. Makoto never talked much about her parents but Usagi knew they had died when she was young. She lifted a photo that sat next to a large elephant ear plant and looked closely at the happy family. It was a young, chubby faced Makoto. She was bursting with laughter as a tall handsome man held her and a beautiful woman stood close by laughing with her while the two adults held hands. They looked so happy, so complete.

"That was taken a few years before their accident."

Makoto had joined her in the living room and was now looking over her shoulder at the picture she held in her hands. She glanced around the room once more, taking in the healthy and beautiful plants, the freshly vacuumed carpets, and the beautifully decorated walls and tables. Makoto was so mature in her own way.

"How come you live alone? Why aren't you living with family?"

Makoto sat down on the couch and looked up at her.

"I did for a while. I lived with my grandmother. She taught me how to take care of myself. So when she died I decided to live on my own. The rest of my parents' family either couldn't handle me or didn't want me anyways. They are still my family but I'm better off on my own..."

On her own. Makoto sure could take care of herself, that was clear.

"...That is till I met you Usagi."

She turned her attention back to her dear friend. Tears sparkled in her eyes as she smiled up at her from the couch.

"I never realized just how alone I was till I met you. You and the Senshi, you are my family now."

She joined her on the couch and they held each other as they cried.

"You will get through this. You know that right. It is hard, hell it is still hard for me. But you are the strongest person I know Usa. I know you don't think you are but it's true. You are strong and kind, people are just drawn to you. And you are not alone like I was, you have all of us if you ever need anything."

"Thank you. And you are not alone either. You will never be alone ever again."

They laughed at their little moment of tears and happiness. They pulled away just so they could wipe away their tears. Luna entered from the kitchen, flicking her tail as she watched the two Senshi bond. Once they had regained composure, Rei and Ami walked in, missing the whole moment.

It was a perfect day, filled with talk, romance movies, and of course food while Luna slept on the couch. It was well past dark when the girls split up to their own homes. They needed to rest for what would be the roller coaster of a day tomorrow. She looked up to see the moon lighting her path. It was almost full, the next night or so it would be. Now it lit up the snow around her making the Earth glow. It was 9-o-clock on a Friday night so she didn't have to worry about other people on the streets drunk yet. The city seemed to belong to her as it was empty of people at the moment. Snow crunched under her feet, but other than that it was almost silent. The faint sound of music and laughter drifted over the night from the bars and apartments warming up for the night's festivities. She envied the people who were old enough to go out on a night like this. Those who could drink and party, forgetting about their problems. The wind picked up, chilling her through her winter wear. Luna pranced somewhere close behind her and soon hopped onto her shoulder just as the wind picked up again. This time it seemed to whisper something. She turned on her heel quickly to see if there was someone behind her.

"Luna, did you hear something?"

The street was empty in front and behind her. They were the only ones there. Luna went into battle mode, sensing the same thing as her ward. The wind picked up again, blowing straight into her face.

"Uuuuussaaagggiiiiii."

A chill ran down her back and Luna let out a warning hiss. She had heard it too. Her eyes searched the empty street for some face or body that could explain the eeriness that was occurring.

"Usagi, call the Senshi. I don't like this."

She moved to pull out her communicator when two invisible hands grabbed her arms, holding them tight to her sides. Luna flung off her shoulder like she was pushed. This time the wind felt more like breath on her face.

" Uuuuussaaagggiiiiii."

Panic filled her. How was she suppose to fight an invisible enemy? It felt like the creature was merging into her body. She struggled, trying to break free of the force. It kept whispering her name over and over again like her name was the deepest pleasure. Like it had been searching for her. She heard the car before she saw it. It came to a stop next to her and soon real hands were pulling her and shaking her loose of the creature's grasp. Turning her around she was again face to face with Mamoru.

"What are you doing out alone so late?"

She felt like she was in a trance. It was like her dreams, she kept fighting but she just couldn't seem to wake up. He began to shake her again, freeing the last remnants of the ghost that invaded her system.

"Usagi?!"

The breath she didn't know she was holding released from her body like she had just emerged from water. He looked at her with confusion and concern. She was freaking him out so much, he didn't even put up his mask.

"Usagi, you shouldn't be out this late alone. Someone could hurt you."

He was worried about humans? Did he not notice the battle he just saved her from? She was more worried about the "somethings" that could hurt her. She felt a little dazed as the oxygen began to return to her brain. She didn't fight him as he once again shoved her into his car. He even picked up Luna, much to her protesting, and placed her in her lap. By the time they were halfway home is face had turned from concern to pissed.

"What were you thinking Usagi?"

She was starting to notice that when he used her real name it wasn't always a good thing. The only time he used it was when he was mad or when he was sincere. One left her angry and one left her confused so at this point she did not like hearing her name escaping his lips.

"You could have been raped or killed. Do you have any concern for your own welfare? What is going to happen when I'm not around one day huh?"

She was s surprised by his words, she couldn't stop herself from saying, "Your going to leave?!"

He was just as surprised by her words as she was. Well, she was more because she found herself feeling heartbroken at the thought of his absence.

"I'm not going any where Usagi, I just meant I may not be there when you get in trouble, that's all."

His words calmed the freakout that was silently happening inside her heart. Taking steady, deep breaths, she managed to control herself.

"I can take care of myself. I know you think I'm a weak little klutz but I really can handle myself."

"...I know that you can handle yourself Usagi. You are very strong. I just don't want to see you get hurt, that's all. I want you to be careful."

Her heart picked up it's pace at his words. It was almost the same thing Makoto said but yet it caused a much different reaction this time. All of this was starting to drive her crazy. It was becoming painful clear that she had feelings for Mamoru, but they were unwanted. Of all the boys that had shown her interest, this man who tortured her and drove her crazy was the one her heart made her wait for?! It didn't make any sense. Luna put a paw on her hand, and she looked to see a very worried look on her fury face. She immediately straighten up and watched the world pass out of her window.

She was extremely thankful to awake nightmare free. The last thing she needed right before a day like today was a horrific dream about her parents' death. She would have enough of that in her reality today. Her Aunt had loaned her a dress for the day. Usagi didn't own anything black and it seemed like a waste to buy a new dress that she would never wear again after today. It was a very nice dress. It stopped at her knees and had a scoop neck that showed a small amount of cleavage. The sleeves went all the way to her wrist and were tight against her skin. The bodice was tight but loosen at her hips letting the skirt hang loose against her thighs. She put her hair in its traditional style, but tied a black ribbon around each bun. She topped her look off with stockings and black heels and a pair of black sunglasses. It wasn't a sunny day but she wanted to hide her eyes. Shingo looked so handsome and grown up in his dark suit. It was the first time he had ever wore one and even though his tie was a little messy, he still looked great. She stifled back tears knowing that dad would never get to teach him how to tie his own tie. Yukio was in a black dress that looked similar to hers but it had tank sleeves. Yukio had put a black cardigan on top and tall black boots on her feet. A limo arrived to take them to the church, so they all climbed in to be carried to sorrow.

The church was over flowing. She didn't look up to see faces but she could see people in the balcony and standing in the back. It was clear her parents were loved. An Uncle from her fathers side spoke, telling stories of how much trouble they got in as youngsters. Then Aunt Yukio got up and told the story of how her mother and father had met. How in love they had been, and how happy they were to share their love with their two children. She was amazed at how Yukio was able to get through it with very little tears. Shingo had climbed into her lap and she held him tight to her rocking slowly as the piano picked up a gospel. Yukio had asked her to speak but she wasn't sure if she could make it though. Not without breaking down in front of everyone. It wasn't pride that kept her from doing it, it was the small body in her arms right now. Never once did she her parents cry and now as Shingo parent, she wouldn't cry in front of him. At least, she would make it where he couldn't see her tears, leaving her shades on even inside the church. Soon the pall bearers appeared to take the coffins to the grave sight. It was mostly Uncles and friends of the family and...Mamoru. He and Motoki were helping to carry the coffins. There most not have been enough family to carry both of her parents out and Yukio asked Mamoru who in turn enlisted Motoki. She followed directly behind the small convoy carrying Shingo as she went. She kept her eyes to the floor, she couldn't face the sad looks from family and friends as they passed. She had to keep herself numb and focus on walking. Making it out of that church was the most important thing. It was a short trip to the grave site but they still had to have police escort due to the large size of their procession. A few more words were said at their graves and soon everyone was getting up to mingle and give condolences. At some point, Yukio took Shingo from her leaving her defenseless to the onslaught of mourners. Everyone gave her a hug. Some just said "sorry for your loss", others told her how much she looked like her mother or her father, and a small few tried to tell her a joke to cheer her up. Those came from her Uncles of course. She smiled politely and snuggled deeper into her coat in an attempt to escape. Most of the people she had met once or twice and many she hadn't seen in years. Some she didn't remember but they remembered her from when she was "this tall". Finally, Rei, Makoto, and Ami were up to save her from the endless line of people. She fell into their arms and let a few small tears escape. If there was anyone she could let them slip around it was the Senshi. Them and a dark haired mystery man that was no where in sight. Everyone promised to see her at the house where the reception was being held. Secretly she hoped to find some way out of it. It would be the first time she would be back in their old house since it happened. They had to have it there due to the remoteness and small size of Yukio's house. She slipped away from the remaining crowd in search of Shingo. She caught sight of him next to the graves. Clearing the group of family in the way she saw that Mamoru was with him. She watched as Mamoru handed little Shingo two red roses to toss into the open sites and walk away towards the cars.

After making her way through the last bit of friends and family, she searched the parking lot for her brother and Mamoru. Her breath caught as she came around to the other side of the limo. Shingo was standing still watching Mamoru as he crouched in front of him showing him how to tie a tie. She hesitated, not wanting to interrupt the scene when Shingo caught sight of her and ran to her side. She lifted him into her arms once again, thankful that he was small for his age.

"Look Dumpling Head. My tie is much better now right?"

He pulled his tie away from his body towards her for inspection. Shingo was at that age where he would have moments of such high maturity, you would think he was much older than he was. But then he would come back down to Earth and act his age like right now. She smiled and gave him an encouraging nod.

"Yeah, it looks great. Why don't you go tell Aunt Yukio that we are ready to leave okay?"

He shifted out of her embrace and ran back to the crowd to find their Aunt. She turned her attention back to the man in front of her. He leaned against the limo, lacking any worry about the dirt he was probably getting on his nice coat. It was a black suit and tie with a white shirt underneath that seemed to glow in comparison. He had on his usual black pea coat on top which made him look refined and well groomed, way out of her league. She stuck her hands into her tan pea coat and rocked on her heels.

"Thank you, for helping today. Where is Motoki?"

"Oh he got caught up talking with some of your family. You know him, always a good listener."

"Are you two going to stick around for a while?"

"We are here as long as you need us Usagi."

She slowly raised her sunglasses to her crown to show her red eyes to him. Closing the gap between them, he took two steps and pulled her into him. It was the first time he had ever initiated the hug and the first time she needed him to more than ever. His arms circled her making her warm and safe from the outside world. She shivered at the onslaught of emotions that caught up with her and he wrapped her up in his coat with him. Just the two of them in the parking lot, she let her tears fall silently onto his very nice suit.

Some how, everyone packed into her old house. Having so many people there made it a little easier to be there. It made it feel more like a party room instead of a house. A sad party room, but a party none the less. Photos littered the house as it always did but they were accompanied by the flowers sent from all parties. Their sent mixed with the food in the air and the perfume from both men and women that occupied her house turning into a potent concoction. The guest stayed late into the night. She had seen Mamoru and Motoki but only glances. Every time she saw Motoki he was either delivering food or comforting someone. Mamoru had Shingo and the other small children glued to him like he was a shiny new toy. Last she saw, he was being dragged by a large group of kids towards Shingo's old room. She should probably save him but what was a few moments of torture for all the years he had given her huh? The girls and a few others had made it outside and Rei had made a small bon fire for the few forced outside. The three girls huddled together and talked quietly to each other. Usagi tried to join them many times but every time she got close another long lost cousin would pull her into a long conversation. At this point she couldn't do anything but escape. It was already 1:40 when she slipped upstairs and into her old room. It still held the same smells and colors as it always had. Nothing had changed which thrilled and saddened her at the same time. It had only been a short time but still it seemed like forever since she was in this room. Her closet stood empty, that was new. She sat on her bed and took in the view from her window. The moon was one step closer to full, lighting her room and filling her with comfort. She was suddenly painfully aware of how tired she was. Her head sunk to the pillows as her eyes became so heavy she couldn't lift them if she tried. She didn't even have the strength to pull the covers over her before she passed out.

She stood in a dark cold room. The wind picked up from the dark nothingness in front of her and whispered in her ears.

"I found you again prriiiinnnnccessss."

A chill ran through her body so she turned and ran. She was running to no where, an endless black pit of nothingness. She tripped on something and braced herself for the hard floor beneath her hoping that at least the shock of it would wake her up. But the floor never came. She opened her eyes to find herself floating down into the darkness. It was like she was blind, there was no light or object for her eyes to focus on. She pinched her flesh hard trying to wake herself but she felt nothing, she was numb. She tried to scream but the darkness filled her empty mouth like water. Finding enough feeling in her arms, she slung the stumps together in a clap to hear or feel something, but no sound came out. She was deaf. The darkness began to fill her veins like a drug. She fought it off as long as she could but she soon tired and began to give in. This was her death. She would die alone in a dark empty pit. The whisper returned just as she felt the last of her life slipping from her.

"Stay asleep, stay with me forever prrrriiinnccessss."

Her mind was dull and she felt her eyes slide closed.

A painful jolt ran across her face. Air returned to her lungs greedily as she coughed from the release of her dream. She felt like someone who had been saved from drowning, coughing and gasping for air. Her face stung with fire as her eyes took in the sight of her room. She was back in her room. She had fallen asleep and the dreams had found her. The voice that called to her the other night on the street was the same one in her dream. Someone was looking for her and they had found her as soon as she returned to her old room. It seemed like forever before her heart and lungs stopped hurting from the lack of oxygen. She felt a little lite headed and her cheek still stung. How had she returned from her nightmare. She flipped over to the weight that was on her bed to see a large figure looming over her on her bed.

"Usagi, what the hell happened?"

It was Mamoru. His face moved into the moon light and she could see the fear in it. She herself was unclear on what had happened, but he waited for her response.

"I..I don't know. I was just having a nightmare. It's no big deal."
"No big deal?! I hear you screaming from Shingo's room. I came in here and you were thrashing on the bed like you were in pain. I tried to wake you but nothing worked. Then you stopped breathing. I had to slap you across the face to get you to snap out of it. You were turning blue!"

"It was just a bad dream."

She tried to rise but he pushed her back down to the bed.

"This is not the first time I have had to wake you from one of these bad dreams. In fact, we went out one night so you could avoid them."

She pulled her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. Each of the dreams had been so real. And each time she had tried to wake herself up but no matter how hard she tried or how horrific the dream was, it held on and wouldn't let her go. Then there was that voice. It was the same voice that attacked her on the street. It called her Usagi the first time but this time it called her princess like some sick pet name. Something was after her and she didn't know why. It was one thing to be after Sailor Moon but another when it came after her. She began to unconsciously rock and Mamoru wasn't letting up on his interrogation. He let out a sigh as he caved and stood from her bed. She quickly grabbed is hand and used him to pull herself up from the bed. She didn't let go as he led her out of the room.

Now if you are good little readers and read this quickly, shoot me a review and I will update real quick!