Chapter 9

Watching the news broadcast unfold, Koji sat with his hands crossed in front of his face. Riots were popping up all over the world; people were scared of the encroaching darkness. But everyone in Tokyo seemed calm. Because of Sailor Moon he thought, squeezing his hands until the knuckles cracked from the added tension. The minions he had recruited so far had all been useless. All but Aksuna had been failures. She presented something none of the others had though. She was cold and calculating, planning her schemes carefully, making sure nothing was left out. He knew if he didn't keep a close eye on her, she could prove to be his greatest foe.

Picking up the phone he dialed a number that he felt he called too often of late. It rang twice before a breathy Aksuna answered. "Yes Koji?" She sounded annoyed at having to take his call. Anger welled up inside him and he gripped the phone in his hand tighter until he heard the plastic starting to come apart. Instead of lashing out at her, in a calm voice he replied "Is this a bad time for you?"

"I've just hit a slight detour. Nothing I can't handle" her annoyance had seemed to disappear, taking on a much more pleasant tone. "What is it you require of me, my Master?" That was better. She knew her place was below him. Settling back in his chair satisfied that she submitted to his will he said "I need you to stop at a costume shop."

"You're kidding right?" Came the reply of the surprised woman on the other end. Koji exhaled deeply, trying to calm his raising anger once again. "No I'm dead serious. Now listen carefully..." He gave his instructions with clear detail, outlining everything he needed her to do.

-/-*-\-

"Usagi!" The young girl heard a familiar voice say. The pillow felt soft against her head as she pulled herself out of the dream like daze. "Usagi wake up! You'll be late for school!" She heard Luna warn. Stretching her arms and stifling a yawn she felt around the bed until she made contact with the black cat's soft fur. "It's ok Luna, I set my alarm early so I wouldn't-"looking at the clock, she quickly realized Luna was indeed correct. She was going to be late for school.

Jumping out of bed in a panic Usagi rushed to her closet, whipping the door open and rifling through her clothes. "Why didn't you wake me up sooner?" She barked at Luna from over her shoulder. Sitting calmly on the bed and watching as Usagi ran back and forth, hurriedly trying to get ready Luna replied "I did try. You put your alarm on snooze five times. I don't think you even really woke up each time you reached over and pushed that button." She was right. Usagi didn't remember her alarm going off once.

After hastily dressing in her schools sailor uniform and running a brush through her hair, she bolted out the door and down the stairs. Her mother knowing she was running late had put her lunch beside the door, writing her name and drawing a small picture of a bunny on it. "Thanks mom! Love you!" She hollered as she slipped her feet into her shoes and took off out the door, not waiting for a reply.

My second day back to class and I'm going to be late! She cursed herself. She ran as fast she could along the sunny streets of Tokyo on her way to school. Her shoes clicking against the pavement as her legs pushed her forward. The traffic light ahead was about to change so she picked up the pace, determined not to be stopped here, else she be any later. The flashing turned to a solid hand, signaling the light was about to change, she wasn't going to make it. Nevertheless she sprinted to the light as the cars and pedestrians carried on their way.

Coming to a breathless stop and placing her hand against the light pole for support, she sucked air in deeply. "Usagi?" Came a male's voice from behind her. She turned around to see Sol walking up casually, dressed in his uniform with a book bag thrown over his shoulder. He had dark circles under his eyes, and his shoulders were slumped as he dragged his feet towards where she stood. Upon seeing that it was who he thought it was, he offered a weak smile.

"Good morning Sol" she said, still trying to catch her breath. "You look really tired." Pulling the single strap that hung over his shoulder back up, he sighed "Yeah I had a late night." Giggling devilishly the blonde girl squinted her eyes and poked him in the chest "With Mako-chan eh?" She watched as his tired face went red all over and he looked around nervously, anywhere but at Usagi.

"It-uh... It wasn't anything like that. All we did was kiss last night" Usagi's eyes bulged and her mouth dropped open upon hearing the news. The signal changed and Sol proceeded forward while Usagi watched him go, still stunned at what she had just heard. Coming back to reality, she chased after him before the light changed again. "You really kissed Mako-chan?" Usagi asked urgently.

"Yes... Is that bad?" Usagi shook her head from side to side, long blonde ponytails swinging back and forth. "So Mako-chan is your girlfriend now?" She couldn't stop herself from grinning as she asked the question, happy that her dear friend could enjoy some companionship. Sol stopped in his tracks at hearing the question. Usagi took one more step and stopped herself, looking back at the tall boy. She watched as his face went from a tired worn down look to one of elation. A bright smile lit his face and he started nodding slowly. "Yeah, I guess she is now. I hadn't thought about it until you asked. Mako-chan is my girlfriend now" he said proudly.

Usagi beamed back, already thinking about how happy her friend must be. She got kissed on the first date, lucky! Before she could say anything else, she remembered they were both already late for class. Reaching back and grabbing Sol's arm at the elbow, she pulled hard and started to run, dragging him in her wake. "We're going to be late! C'mon Sol, hurry up!" Pulling him in and out of the throngs of people that milled about, she cursed herself again for having slept in. When they were 2 blocks away she could hear the last bell, signaling that they really were late. The chiming of the bell only made her pull Sol behind that much harder. He isn't trying very hard to make it on time. As she trotted them both into the school yard, he shook her grip free and told her to go on ahead. She stared at him silently for a few seconds and then hurried down the empty hallways to her class.

Usagi's teacher wasn't impressed with her tardiness, making her stand outside the classroom door as punishment. While she waited she daydreamed about going on a date with Mamoru, receiving her own kiss from him. After a short time her teacher let her come back into class, and the rest of the morning was pretty slow and boring. During home room Usagi didn't get a chance to talk with Sol again as Naru and Umino kept her attention talking about some riots that were happening around the world. It wasn't that she didn't care about the people getting hurt in these instances; she just wanted to find out more about Sol and Makoto's date. Lunch wasn't far off though.

As soon as the bell rang for the lunch break Usagi bolted out of class, hurrying to the big shady tree the girls usually met at. Arriving first, she paced back and forth impatiently, waiting for Makoto to come. Usagi spotted her tall friend easily through the crowd and waved excitedly. Makoto seemed to glide as she walked closer, her natural grace shinning through. Usagi noticed her skin and eyes glowed, something she had never noticed in the brown haired girl before. Usagi waited for Makoto to come to a stop beside her.

"Good afternoon Usagi-chan" Makoto almost sang, cheerily. Usagi could hardly contain herself from the excitement she felt. "So how was your date with Sol?" She asked as calmly as she could. Makoto exhaled and fell back against the tree for support, closing her eyes while a small smile spread across her lips. "It was wonderful. Easily the best date I've ever been on. He was charming and funny, and we kissed. It was wonderful." She repeated. The opening Usagi was waiting for presented itself.

A high pitched squeal escaped past Usagi's lips as she reached up to hug her taller friend. She felt Makoto's arms wrap under her arms and lift as Usagi was picked up off the ground effortlessly. Makoto spun her around, laughing as they embraced. Usagi was starting to feel herself getting dizzy by the time Makoto put her back down. Stumbling and still laughing she asked "So is he your boyfriend now?" Makoto stopped suddenly as big green eyes looked back at Usagi. She is having the same reaction as Sol. Makoto started to slowly nod as the realization sunk in. Makoto took both of Usagi's hands in her own and hopped up down excitedly "I have a boyfriend!" She exclaimed as Usagi shared in her delight.

Once Ami had shown up Usagi made Makoto tell them all the details about what happened last night with Sol. After she had finished, Usagi was in her own daydream, imagining going on a similar date with Mamoru. She wasn't even listening while Ami filled Makoto in on their findings of the previous night. Once Ami had finished with telling Makoto that the palace could actually locate their whereabouts, Usagi mentioned going on a double date with her and Sol. Something she had been daydreaming about most of the morning.

"That sounds like a great idea" her friend agreed, smiling brightly. Usagi nodded at her own brilliance and said "Go ask Sol right now. In fact, spend the rest of lunch with him; he's your boyfriend now." The remainder of the lunch hour was spent with Usagi and Ami chatting about school and the double date. Usagi talking about the latter and Ami the former. Shortly before lunch ended Makoto approached both girls with her arm intertwined with Sol's. Both had big smiles on their faces as Makoto told Usagi they would be thrilled to go on a double date with her and Mamoru.

The rest of the day was agonizingly slow for Usagi as all she could think about now was the fun night ahead of them. First she thought about going to a movie, but that was better for just one couple. Makoto and Sol needed something more intimate, more personal. She thought about going dancing next, and then remembered the last time her and Mamoru went dancing how much she stepped on his feet. Embarrassed at the memory, she decided dancing would be better for another time. After a few more bad ideas for a double date she finally settled on dinner for the four of them. It wouldn't put any pressure on Makoto and Sol, and would give everyone a good opportunity to talk.

Once the bell rang for the end of class, Usagi hastily made her way to the main doors, wanting to run her plans by with Makoto. She waited patiently until her friend arrived and asked if a dinner date was a good idea. "I'm fine with it and Sol said he didn't care what we did as long as it was with me" Makoto gushed. Usagi nodded in determined agreement. "Good. Go home and get changed, I'll call Mamo-chan and let him now the plan. We were going to spend some time together tonight anyway so I know he isn't busy. Once we get everything settled I'll call you and let you know so you can pick up Sol from his house." Usagi knew she should probably be putting this kind of effort into doing her homework tonight, but you're only young once. She didn't want to waste her youth on studying every night after all.

Hurrying home and running up to her bedroom, she quickly got undressed from her school uniform and picked out a bright yellow long sleeved blouse, and matching ankle length skirt. While she was putting her new clothes on, Luna jumped onto the bed from the floor, hoping to get Usagi's attention. Usagi looked over at the black cat while she balanced on one foot, trying to put a short white sock on the other. "What is it Luna? I have plans tonight. Plans you already know that I have with Mamo-chan." The black cat huffed "How am I supposed to teach you to be a queen if you go off every other night with your boyfriend?" Luna asked.

"I'm not the queen yet, and I still have a life you know" Usagi snapped back quickly. "A life I probably won't have once a become queen, so please just let me enjoy this night before everything changes Luna." Her tone softened as she spoke, pleading by the end. Luna sighed and nodded in understanding. Usagi knew this was the closest she was going to get for an approval from the talking cat so she didn't wait for her to say anything more.

Running down the stairs she picked the phone off the receiver and quickly dialed Mamoru's number. Having dialed it so many times she didn't need to think about the actual numbers, instead just letting her hand go through the motions with muscle memory. The other line rang twice before Usagi heard Mamoru answer. She spoke quietly and quickly so her mother wouldn't hear, filling him in on the new plan for the night. When Mamoru agreed immediately and with no objections what so ever, Usagi was a little suspicious. He usually went along with her whims, but there was almost always some kind of weak protest.

"Mamo-chan, why did you say yes so fast?" She asked, her tone turning dark. "Usako, it's not like that. I'm glad we can go on a date with Mako-chan and Sol. It should be fun." She could just picture him on the other end, waving his hand defensively at her. She still suspected something, but was glad that he agreed.

Now that that was settled, she called Makoto and gave her the time to meet at the restaurant. Excitedly she slipped her shoes on and told her mom she would be back later tonight. Her mother was used to the girl going out on weekdays so she didn't ask any questions and waved good bye as Usagi stepped through the door.

-/-*-\-

Sol hung up the phone as Makoto had just finished telling him what the plan was. It felt good to be getting out of the house again, even though he was dead tired. He couldn't sleep in this place anymore, invaded by waking nightmares of his mother's lifeless body, and tormented by his father's disfigured face right before he changed. He knew he had to deal with the loss of his parents, but right now he felt he didn't have the strength or energy. He would face this unrelenting feeling of loss someday, but not today. Tonight he was going to spend the time with the one person who made him forget about all the pain, all the misery. Mako-chan. Just thinking about her brought a smile to his face, and he immediately felt guilty, thinking his parent's death should have a greater affect on his mood than a girl he's been admiring from afar for so long.

Sighing to himself, he picked up the TV remote to turn off the news broadcast "And now in breaking news-" He didn't wait to see what tonight's top story was going to be, instead going to the closet where his shoes and light blue spring jacket were hanging. Eyeing the long trench coat, and white sheathed sword he wondered if he would need to bring some protection tonight. Shaking his head at being irrational he left the coat and katana where they were. Tonight isn't the night for that. Pulling the jacket over his shoulders after putting his shoes on, he opened the door and slipped out quickly, taking off at a light jog, excited to spend the night with the green eyed beauty.

-/-*-\-

Minako couldn't believe what she was seeing on the news. Her parents had called her down from her room to see what was unfolding. When she had walked into the living room, she was stunned to hear from the broadcaster that Sailor Moon was the one behind the new monster attacks. Not only were they making such outrageous claims, but the anchors were stating they had video footage right before it had cut to commercial.

Now she watched in horror as someone who looked exactly like Usagi dressed up in a bad Sailor Senshi uniform seemed to order one of the monsters to attack an innocent bystander. The black skinned creature was much smaller than the previous ones they had faced so far, but what it lacked in power it made up for in speed and savagery.

"This is footage given to us from an anonymous citizen on a CCTV security camera. As you can see, it appears Sailor Moon is giving the monster orders to attack the victim. We can't show the entire video as it becomes much too graphic for a younger audience. Police are now actively searching for Sailor Moon and consider her the prime suspect. If anyone has any information as to her whereabouts, you are asked to contact..." Minako stopped listening, panic rising deep inside her chest. She quickly ran back to her room and told Artemis what she had just seen. Picking up the phone she dialed Usagi's number. Usasgi's mother informed her that her daughter was gone for the evening. Minako pressed the end call button and dialed Ami's number. The phone rang once before Ami answered. "Hello?"

"Did you see the news? They're saying that we're behind the attacks now, and they have Sailor Moon on video ordering one of those creatures to attack someone!" Minako talked as fast as she could, the panic getting greater as the reality of what was happening started to set in.

"Slow down Mina-chan, what are you talking about?" She heard Ami ask calmly. Of course the girl wouldn't know what she was talking about. All Ami did with her free time was study. "Turn the TV and change it to the news." Minako waited as the other girl asked her to wait while she did as requested. A short time later, Minako heard the shaken voice of Ami come back "This must be our new enemies doing. This is a much more cunning tactic than I would have thought possible from what we've encountered so far. I think we need to get a hold of Usagi-chan and Mako-chan and meet at Hikawa Shrine immediately." Minako couldn't agree with her friend more at the moment.

But what neither girl could know is that Usagi had told Makoto to leave her communicator at home so they wouldn't be bothered on this special night. The wrist watch communicators rang as no one on the other side was available to answer the call. Where are you Usagi? Finally, the blonde girl got through, but it was Luna who answered and not Usagi. After Luna told her the news, Minako cursed the care free Usagi. Calling Ami back and giving her the news, she decided they're best course of action was to meet with Luna and Artemis at Hikawa Shrine without the other two. They could be anywhere in the city and waste the entire night trying to find them.

She got ready quickly and stepped outside. People were starting to fill the streets as the news spread. It seemed it didn't matter if the story was true or not, as the few on the streets were calling Sailor Moon a fraud, yelling for her to show herself. "You claimed to protect us for all this time, but really it was to pull the wool over our eyes! Your true colours are shinning through now Sailor Moon!"

"Show yourself!"

"Turn yourself over to the authorities!"

Already people were calling for blood. This is bad, and it's getting worse fast! The few had already turned into many, creating a mob. If Sailor Moon was public enemy number one, how were they ever going to find the real enemy now? This was new territory for Sailor Venus. She had never been called the enemy before, and the thought of everyone against her scared the young blonde girl.

A/N: Sorry for the wait again, I'm having writers block. Hopefully I can get the creative juices flowing again. And as always, thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed it