Thorny Roses

Chapter 4

Usagi flattened the last empty box. She sighed, standing upright with her hands on her hips. Everything was finally in place.

"Good job, Usagi," Luna commented from her perch on the couch. "I didn't think you would be able to do it all by yourself."

Usagi rolled her eyes at the black cat. "Thanks a lot, Luna. But I'll have you know that I've changed a lot since 'crybaby Usagi'."

Luna stopped smiling. "Usagi, what did you really do while you were gone?"

"I really was training. Zoicite would also tutor me to keep me up to date with school. That reminds me: I'm going to have to finish my last year of high school in order to keep my parents happy. Then, I have to start job-hunting."

"Usagi, don't avoid the question."

Usagi sighed after a moment of silence. "I just needed some time away from…"

"I understand," Luna nodded. "But don't you worry—everything works out in the end."

Usagi snorted in disbelief. "Yeah, sure."

Just then, the front door was bombarded with a multitude of banging. Usagi and Luna looked at each other before smiling. Usagi walked towards the front door, opening it to reveal Ami and Makoto holding armfuls of groceries and bags while Rei and Minako had been the ones harassing the door.

"Hey, you guys," Usagi greeted them.

"About time!" Rei yelled. "We thought you were never gonna let us in!" She and Minako slipped into the apartment.

"Yeah, we came a little earlier than planned to help you…unpack…" Minako trailed off as she realized everything was already unpacked. Usagi took the bags from Makoto and Ami, both of whom had begun to stare in awe (along with Rei and Minako) at her apartment.

"It's so…big…" Makoto exhaled.

"Yeah, why did you buy one so big?" Rei suspiciously narrowed her eyes at Usagi.

"In case you guys would ever want to stay over or something. There are two extra bedrooms so you could all stay over comfortably."

Ami nodded. "That makes sense." She continued into the living room where a shelf of books stood against the wall.

Makoto helped Usagi place the things in the kitchen. Usagi left her there to explore the modern, yet homey kitchen. She giggled as Makoto exclaimed at all the new appliances. Usagi was sure that Makoto would be using the untouched kitchen more than she would.

Usagi followed Minako and Rei's excited squeals to the master bedroom.

"Ah! Look, a Jacuzzi!" Minako yelled.

"Wow, would you look at the size of the bed?" Rei examined the double bed. "The view from the balcony is nice, too," she said as she glanced at the patio doors.

"Goddess of Venus, the closet is huge!" Minako yelled.

Usagi laughed, shaking her head at the two girls. After everyone had been given an entire tour of the apartment, they all settled down in the dining area, which housed a kotatsu the perfect height off the ground. There were large down pillows surrounding the low table that were ideal for lounging on.

"You guys stay here, I'll go make something to eat," Usagi stood up from the table. Each of the senshi's eyes bulged at the idea of Usagi cooking.

"N-no, it's okay! I'll make lunch," Makoto nervously laughed.

"Makoto, it's fine. I can make some great sushi if I put my mind to it!" Usagi laughed. She watched as each of the senshi conceded to her will. "I'm glad you guys bought some shrimp and rice, because I have absolutely nothing in my kitchen…"

Usagi left the girls sitting anxiously at the table.

"Ami, you have some medicine on you, right? In case any of us get sick?" Rei joked, though there was a shade of fear to her words. Ami shook her head, smiling uncertainly.

"Usagi-chan sure has changed a lot," Makoto mused, staring after their friend.

They each nodded in agreement. "It's kind of…sad…" Minako murmured.

"I still say we go after Chiba," Rei grumbled. "And then my grandpa."

Twenty minutes later, Usagi came out of the kitchen juggling a tray of food and silver ware. Each of the senshi watched as their friend gracefully made her way to the table, shocked that she hadn't stumbled in the least.

Usagi placed a bowl of udon noodle soup in front of each girl along with a small bowl of rice topped with shrimp. Usagi's own portion was the same size as the others', if not smaller. She took a pair of chopsticks from the center of the table and slowly began eating.

The girls watched her with their mouths open.

How was Usagi eating so slowly and so little? What happened to the girl who had always pigged out when she had the chance?

Each of the girls made eye contact before cautiously eating their shares.

"Ittadakimasu," each girl mumbled. After one bite, they all moaned.

"Usagi!" Rei yelled. Usagi, alarmed, jumped up. "What is it?"

"IT'S SO GOOD!" Minako sighed, shoveling more food into her mouth. Usagi's mouth fell open at the sight of her friends shoveling down their food. Even Ami was rapidly slurping her noodles and nibbling on shrimp.

Another knock was heard at the door. "Um, I'm going to go get that," Usagi awkwardly said, though her friends were too busy eating to hear her.

Usagi opened the door, her heart stopping.

Mamoru was standing there, looking as handsome as ever in a pair of khaki pants and a navy blue dress shirt that was rolled up at the sleeves.

Mamoru also examined Usagi's jeans shorts and off-the-shoulder sweater. Mamoru felt warmth spreading through him at the sight of Usagi's long legs and bare shoulders and neck. Her golden hair was loose around her shoulders, curling slightly towards the end.

Suddenly, a pair of arms wrapped around Usagi's knees. She looked down, surprised. She smiled and kneeled down to hug Chibiusa.

"I came by to drop off Chibiusa," Mamoru stoically said.

Usagi nodded. "I see," she turned to close the door before sighing and turning back to him.

"Would you like to come in?"

Mamoru should have said no and walked away. But, the past six months had been a never-ending abyss for him. He rarely had that dream about Usagi getting hurt, the whole reason he had broken up with her.

"Sure," he nodded.

Usagi blessed him with a dazzling smile, moving out of the way to let him in. As he passed her, Usagi caught a whiff of that cologne that he had always worn before. It enveloped her, making her dizzy. She closed the door behind him, suddenly nervous.

The girls' laughter in the dining room was like a reminder to stay strong.

"The others are already here," Usagi said over her shoulder.

"Usagi, do I get to come over whenever I want?" Chibiusa pleaded with her large ruby eyes.

"Of course, but how are you supposed to get here?" Usagi smiled down at the pink haired girl. Chibiusa pouted. "Mamo-chan can bring me whenever!"

Usagi stiffened but did not give any other indication that she was uncomfortable.

"I will take you anywhere, Princess," Mamoru smiled down at the little girl. Chibiusa grinned back, winking. Mamoru froze in surprise.

"See?" Chibiusa said.

"Well, I guess it's okay…" Usagi sighed. They entered the dining room and all laughter ceased. Each of the girls had a wary eye on Mamoru's form.

"Ooh, is that udon noodles?" Chibiusa squealed. She ran over to the table, automatically placing herself in Rei's lap. Each of the girls, who harbored affection for the little girl, softened in their demeanors, instantly chatting again. They began to serve Chibiusa, filling her bowl with the noodles and spooning some rice for her.

Usagi smiled at the sight. "So, where are the generals?"

She turned to Mamoru, surprised with the question. "Well, they're not sure if they are going to live here with me or find another place, so they're out looking for a cheap place. I'll be lending them money to buy a place if they find one."

Mamoru's eyebrows shot up at her answer. "Where did you get all the money?"

Usagi didn't know why she didn't keep the answer to herself. She hadn't even told her own parents. "Pearl diving," she replied.

"Wow…I would've never thought you would take such a job."

"Well, I've changed a lot since you last saw me."

There was an awkward silence and Usagi regretted saying that.

Mamoru cleared his throat. "So, you're seventeen now, right? Will you have to finish school?"

Usagi nodded while she picked up the empty bowls from the table, unnoticed by the girls. She walked towards the kitchen, Mamoru behind her.

"Yeah, I'm just going to finish my last year of high school and maybe start looking for a job."

"What about university?"

Usagi smirked at him. "Depends how well I do. I'll be starting school again next week. It's the same school as the rest of the girls, so they'll be able to help me. The generals will be enrolling in the university nearby," Usagi said as she rinsed out the bowls.

Mamoru was enveloped in his thoughts as he gazed at Usagi. Their high school was but a few minutes walking distance from his university. Maybe…maybe they could start dating again… In a flash, he saw his dream behind his eyes. Usagi was falling, a sad look on her face and tears leaking from her eyes as she stared helplessly at him.

Mamoru shook his head, leaning on the counter. Sweat accumulated on his brow as he swooned from the dizziness.

Usagi looked up in alarm. "Are you okay?"

"I…I need to go," Mamoru panted. Without another word, he let himself out, running past the generals.

They each walked in, dumbfounded. "What's up with him?" Jadeite asked.

"I don't know," Usagi murmured. "So, did you find a place?"

"Yes, we did. It's a few minutes from the university we'll be attending," Kunzite answered.

"Will you need money?" Usagi asked.

"No, the landlady was obliged to let us stay there as long as we do some of her errands and have dinner with her every night," Nephrite smiled. "She's an old lady who lives alone except for her cat."

"Yes, she had certain affinity for cats," Zoicite cracked a smile.

"Usagi? Who's at the door?" Rei peaked around the corner.

"Well, well, well," Jadeite smirked, stepping up to her. "If it isn't Sailor Mars. Are you happy to see me?"

Rei snorted but there was a blush on her cheeks. "In your dreams. Now, get out of my way." She pushed passed him, towards Usagi.

"Usagi, why don't we go out shopping for a few things? It seemed that your closet was empty," Rei said, smiling.

"You went through my closet?"

"There wasn't really anything to go through," Minako answered as she walked around the corner. "But that's what the Goddess of Love is for!" She flashed her signature Sailor V symbol. Usagi rolled her eyes. Minako grinned before her eyes slid to the generals, and one specific general.

Kunzite smiled at her, slightly bowing his head at her. She winked.

"But we do need to buy your school uniform, Usagi," Ami said as she walked towards them. Makoto, carrying Chibiusa, was behind her.

Ami and Makoto both blushed at the sight of Zoicite and Nephrite, respectively.

"Oh, that's right." Usagi turned to the generals. "Then, I guess the girls and I will go shopping."

"They can come with us," Makoto smiled.

"We'd like that," Nephrite grinned back. Usagi laughed.

"Alright then." She turned towards Luna, who was still lounging on the couch. "We'll be back in a few hours, Luna."

"Don't get into any trouble," Luna called after her.

/\/\/\/\/\/\

Usagi smiled at the pairs that had formed around her. As they were walking in the street, Minako and Kunzite were leading their congregation while Makoto and Nephrite were stopping at the occasional food stands and grabbing things to eat. Ami and Zoicite were both carrying armfuls of books that they had bought at the bookstore and were currently sharing one now. Rei was walking next to Jadeite but was scowling as if she was angry. However, a blush was still evident on her cheeks.

Usagi smiled down at Chibiusa, who was holding her hand. The two shared a secretive giggle. Usagi felt herself becoming closer to Chibiusa, but not as friends. Their relationship was more of a mother-daughter bond. Usagi laughed to herself—she was too young for kids.

Suddenly, a piercing scream was heard.

The senshi and the generals turned in the direction of the scream, which was coming from the park.

"Why is it always the park?" Makoto yelled. Each of the senshi transformed and the generals glowed into their uniforms.

"Wait, you guys," Usagi yelled. They each froze in their steps, turning back to look at their leader. "I know this is going to sound crazy, but just listen to me! You can ask me all about it later! Mars, say 'Mars Light Power, Make Up' and Mercury, say 'Mercury Light Power, Make Up', and the same for Venus and Jupiter."

They each stared at each other incredulously but the generals had a knowing look. "We're going to go ahead first!" Kunzite yelled over his shoulder as the generals ran towards the park. Usagi nodded.

"Well, here goes nothing. Mars Light Power, Make Up!" Mars yelled. In a flash of bright red light, Mars had transformed into a different uniform. It was the same white leotard but now her skirt was two-layered, the top layer a dark red and the bottom layer a lighter red. Her shoulder pads were large, light red puffs and her sleeves reached all the way to her elbows. Her boots were white with red borders on the tops. She had the same purple bow but now had a red, crescent moon broach on it instead of the standard circular broach. She also wore a white choker with a red, crescent moon on it. Her tiara was the same as usual.

Each of the senshi transformed with similar results, only differing in their respective colors. Jupiter's bow was still pink and Venus' bow was still navy blue.

Usagi smiled down at Chibiusa before yelling, "Moon Light Power, Make Up!"

In a swirl of ribbons, Usagi was dressed in a white leotard with a two-layered skirt, the top layer white and the bottom layer silver. Her shoulder pads were large, silver puffs and her bow was silver. She wore silver ribbons around her waist and her boots were white with silver borders. Her choker was gone and in place of her normal tiara, her golden moon symbol was present. She also carried a new weapon: a long white staff with gold and silver designs on it. The staff also had a four jewels imbedded in it, each corresponding with one of the Inner Senshi. At the top of the staff was the Silver Crystal, shining in the dim streetlights.

"Wow, look at us!" Makoto exclaimed.

"Yeah, we look so cute!" Minako cried out, smiling at her new uniform.

"Come on," Usagi said. The Senshi gasped when they saw her. Her uniform was so beautiful and the most shocking detail about her was that her hair had gone back to her previous hairstyle.

"U-Usagi?" Rei gaped.

"Yes, Mars, it's me! Now, come on! The generals will probably need our help," she yelled as she picked up Chibiusa and began running. She heard the others following behind her. Usagi closed her eyes and followed her hearing to where she could hear a battle.

"Sailor Moon!" Kunzite exclaimed. They had reached a clearing in the park, where a Yuma was standing against the generals.

"About time!" Jadeite yelled. "What took you so long?"

"Can it! We got here as fast as we could!" Mars yelled back.

"Come on, you guys!" Kunzite chastised.

"Yeah, now isn't the time," Minako frowned. She turned to Usagi who was covering Chibiusa behind her. "It's your call, Usagi."

"Yeah, I'm thinking," Sailor Moon answered back. She analyzed the monster and its attacks. She noticed that it had a large gash on its waist, probably an attack from one of the generals. "Alright, just do what I say!"

Usagi started running towards the back of the Yuma, dodging the spikes it was throwing.

"Mars, Mercury, hit her now!" Sailor Moon yelled as she deflected a spike with her staff. Sailor Mars and Sailor Mercury closed their eyes, searching within themselves for their new attacks. Mars and Mercury opened their eyes, suddenly knowing what words to use.

"Mars Wildfire!"

"Mercury Tsunami Wave!"

A blast of fire and water hit the monster, causing it to shriek in pain. It turned its assault on Mars and Mercury.

"Venus, Jupiter, now!" Usagi yelled. A spike grazed her cheekbone, slightly cutting it.

"Jupiter Lightning Storm!" Sailor Jupiter yelled, her eyes closed in concentration.

"Venus Beautiful Love!"

Lightning bolts traveled down from the cloudy sky above, striking the Yuma full on. Sailor Venus' beams hit the monster with the strength of a thousand missiles. The monster fell to the ground, exhausted.

Each of the senshi whooped but Usagi still had a wary expression on her face.

"Usagi, how did you find out about these new transformations and attacks?" Sailor Jupiter asked, ecstatic at the newfound power.

"It's a long story…" Usagi said, her eyes trailing to the monster. It was struggling to stay up, gathering its powers for one last strike. It had its eyes on something behind the girls and Sailor Moon traced its glare to the target: Chibiusa.

"No!" Usagi screamed as she ran towards the pink haired girl.

The Yuma threw one last spike and Sailor Moon pushed herself to run faster. She scooped up Chibiusa in her arms and attempted to dodge the spike. She was so close but the spike dragged across Sailor Moon's thigh, causing a deep gash. Usagi fell to the ground, cradling Chibiusa to her.

"Sailor Moon!" The Senshi screamed. Usagi stood up, leaning on her staff. Blood was beginning to run down her leg, the gash throbbing with pain.

"That's it," Usagi muttered. "No more playing around." She took a deep breath and raised her staff to the sky, the Silver Crystal gleaming.

"Silver Moon Kiss!"

The Yuma was enveloped in a silver light and, when the light had disappeared, there was nothing left but dust. Usagi sighed, beginning to fall. A pair of arms caught her and she looked up into the eyes of Tuxedo Mask.

"You're late," Usagi murmured.

"My apologies, Sailor Moon," his eyes shining. Usagi gave a faint smile as she leaned against her staff.

Kunzite approached her and kneeled down to examine her gash. He placed a hand on it and closed his eyes. After a faint light, the wound was healed.

"Thank you, Kunzite," Usagi sighed as her transformation disappeared. Her hair was still in its old style, with the two buns on her head and her hair reaching to the ground.

"Of course," his transformation, along with the rest of the generals, also faded away. The Senshi ran over to them, Rei carrying Chibiusa. Their transformations faded, as well.

"Usagi, are you alright?" Ami exclaimed.

"Where did you get all that power?" Makoto asked.

"And explain our transformations!" Rei demanded.

"I'm sure this can all wait until tomorrow," Mamoru said, his Tuxedo Mask form gone. "We're all tired and it's gotten late. Why don't we head home for now and we'll meet up tomorrow to talk about it?"

The Senshi reluctantly nodded.

"But first," Usagi said. She opened her hand towards Jadeite, who handed her his sword. The Senshi and Tuxedo Mask watched in astonishment as Usagi undid her buns and proceeded to slice her hair off. It was perfectly even, ending at her navel as before.

"Why did you—" Venus cried, surprised.

"Like I said, it gets in the way," Usagi smiled. She picked up Chibiusa. The little girl had tears in her eyes and was truly frightened.

"I'm sorry, Usagi! If I hadn't been standing there, then you wouldn't have gotten hurt," Chibiusa cried, hugging Usagi.

"It's okay, Chibiusa. Kunzite healed me and now I'm perfectly fine!"

"How did you do that, by the way?" Mamoru asked the generals' leader. Kunzite shrugged. "It's just a power that we have. In fact, you probably have a power within you, as well."

"Maybe…" Mamoru wandered off.

"Come on—let's all get home," Usagi said as she carried Chibiusa and some of their shopping bags. The Senshi escorted Usagi and Chibiusa home while Mamoru and the generals watched them.

"I didn't know Mars was so powerful," Jadeite smirked.

"Yeah, might want to be careful—you might get your ass lit on fire," Nephrite snorted.

"Well Jupiter might shove a lightning bolt up—" Jadeite retorted.

"Shut up, you two," Kunzite shook his head. "I never noticed how long Venus' legs were." Kunzite blushed when he realized what he said.

"Ami is so cute when she looks angry," Zoicite wistfully commented.

Mamoru remained quiet as he stared after Usagi.

Kunzite put a hand on Mamoru's shoulder. "You silence says the most." Mamoru blushed as the generals dispersed, as well. He looked up at the rising moon.

How was that? I hope you all liked it and I hope I get more of your lovely reviews. A special dedication to:

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Pegasus'Horn