damonika2009: this ch/ep will actually be a combination of a few. So there is going to be a LOT going on.
Adore: I LOV the Mamoru we've written to! He's actually got a personality. Lol
trish1573: I'm trying to keep Diamond in without him being all over Usagi. I don't want to over do his love for her in that regards. But that's for the remarks on the sex scene! I LOVE the write them!
kera69love: Glad you loved it but the ch/ep's are normally 17-20 ish pages if not a hint longer.
LoveInTheBattleField: Will do.
Bouowmx (Guest): thank you and to explain Usagi's 'aggressive submissive' bit, she wants to have Mamoru take more control in their intimate lives mainly due to her being the technical leader of the senshi, princess, future queen and future mother, she feels the need for the control to be taken yet in some sense she knows Mamoru desires for her to take an active role in a minor amount of control as well. Like he loves her submissiveness but at the same time also loves that she can be as strong in certain aspects as he can be. So it's like she's having Mamoru take 70-80% of the control but she takes the other 20-30%. I hope that helps answer a little bit.
NeoPrincessRini: Glad you enjoyed the love scene! Beverages won't be a strong contender in this ch/ep. And Diamonds in America so it won't be an overly done Mamoru, Diamond antagonist portion. It'll be little tid bits.
AimlesslyGera: no offense but I find it funny that you called the outers 'outlets'. LOL but Possessive Mamoru is my FAVORITE!
Spike (Guest): that is DEFINITELY a typo. I honestly believed that was how you spelt his name till you said something. I'll try to remember that for future reference.
mavebelikova (Guest): You haven't seen 'chibius interuptus' yet. Believe me when she comes back (soon to) you'll be cringing at asking. Lol as for Diamond to Mamoru, he will be a little but Mamoru feels he can deal with it since Diamond is currently in America.
silverfaerie91 (Guest): yes there will be a next one. glad you liked it!
pandoraskiss (Guest): its heat will continue mark my words.
yamifangirl09 (Guest): give the king and queen some time. but they will make an appearance.
Guest (1): having actually thought about how to inform Usa or Mamo that they'll have another child…that maybe a Supers bit…unless you can think of an idea and PM me.
Setsuna-Chan22: Amber will get a wallop to the head that the spatula will have a hard time competing with.
Guest (2): well you can ease off your toes…for a little while anyways.
divaofthemoon (Guest): thanks, I live to serve hotness!
lunanekoanime (Guest): guess I must be doing my job right then.
witchoftheforest (Guest): thank you so much1 I appreciate that.
thunderkitty902 (Guest): soon.
mizzladyoflondon (Guest): Here it is.
Wow 21 Reviews! Awesome! Let's see what you think about this one! Read and review cause this one was one of my fav's to write out!
Sailor Moon S 'Rise of the Messiah' ch.16
The party was grande, held in an elegantly decorated ball room of pure ivory white, on the second floor. Arcades of roman columns flanked the ball room, with beautiful scenic windows that were capturing the faint evening light and casting it upon the white marble floor before the glass like sparkling jewels. It was like some romantic dream that the girls were being privy to. It wasn't since the moon kingdom days had they seen nearly such royal elegance.
The walls adorned with fluted silk banners, pinned with flowers and cascading to the marble floors in graceful waterfalls. The linen covered tables all decorated with lovely rose center pieces. An orchestra's music floated around the ball room from the stage set up on the far wall.
It was all just so magical, filling them all with wonder and awe. Left breathless, admiring the ballroom as they entered together through the double oak doors.
All the girls were finely dressed up, nothing to over the top glamorous yet perfectly suitable for the occasion. In low cut gowns of their favorite colors, except for Ami, who was dressed in a more conservative piece, with a square neckline and wide straps.
Usagi was feeling nervous and excited, the emotions warring within her for dominance. Standing proudly next to Mamoru as he looked dashing in his black tuxedo, with Motoki in similar dress as Reika to his side as well in her beautiful cocktail dress. The girls were surrounding them from behind, looking about at the crowds excitedly. They were taking in the glitz of the place as they tried not to look at it like gawking spectators at a zoo.
"Wow…" Minako chimed in, looking stunned as much as the other girls were. Even Makoto and Rei were slightly wide mouthed at the party's glamour. "I hope I remember my English." Ami commented, the girls didn't even bother to sweat drop as they all felt the same thing. They could already see numerous English students milling about. It was making them nervous as well. Even Ami's heart was beginning to thud, but she kept brave front.
A small group of men came up to them, obviously American. Mamoru responded first in English, "Hi, my name's Chiba, Mamoru." They nodded mutely. He was hoping to make the transition for the girls and mostly for his Usako a smooth one. He also recognized one of the guys from a class of his. A handsome light blonde man, with soft features and pure ocean blue eyes. "Hi, my name is Ben – san, I believe that would be correct for Japanese way of English speaking." He stated. The girls nodded in greeting still unsure of themselves.
"The professor was kind enough to invite me out here. I've been working to get on his guest list for two years now." He stated. The man seemed shy and reserved, not like the man Mamoru saw in class. He seemed more sure of himself, but a different setting could prove to be a complex problem to the right person.
Ben's gaze shifted to Ami and took an instant liking to her. His eyes softening and a small admiring smile creeping pleasantly upon his face. She blushed at the obvious attention he was glancing her with. "If you'll excuse me, I must say hello to some more people." He excused himself, realizing he was making her uncomfortable. Not to mention he was feeling a tinge warm under his own collar from her as well.
"Is he a friend of yours?" Usagi asked back in English. "NO we just take a few of the same courses together, more like colleagues." He was second in his classes to Mamoru so Mamoru always did feel a tinge of competition with him. Essentially they respected one another academically but also steered clear of one another due to the competitiveness of academics with one another as well.
Usagi looked about and unfortunately found Amber's eyes glued to Mamoru. Standing before a large window hidden out of sight somewhat behind a pillar. Dressed very alluringly in a deep plum gown that hugged her ample breasts and hourglass hips, folding around her legs like a sleeping lily. Her brunette hair was pulled up in ebony barrettes. Falling around her shoulder's in loose curls. Usagi felt her heart skip sickeningly at her rival.
The ball of anxiety already forming from having to speak English was only roiling more at the sight of her. Then Haruka interrupted her line of sight, quelling her anxious feelings with her charming smile.
Michiru followed after her in greeting the girls. Dressed in a graceful aqua ball gown, with a princess bodice and folding layers of satin and silk that caressed her hips like a living flowing waterfall.
"Odango Atama, good to see you. Love the dress." Haruka stated, swaggering up in a white tuxedo, taking an exaggerated look at the sapphire dress she wore.
Placing her hands on her bare shoulder's and staring intently down at the little blonde. Usagi swallowed and her breath hitched in response to Haruka's close proximity. Though Haruka teased the blonde a lot when it came to slight sexual advances she would have considered seriously going after the blonde had Michiru not been in her life. But Michiru could never be replaced in her eyes, not ever. So to her this was just a bit of fun. Besides Haruka was known for her more flirtatious moods.
Plus it didn't stop her from teasing Usagi or seeing the muscles tighten in Mamoru's jaw line with the teasing either. Even with her as a woman she knew some form of him still felt mildly threatened by her. She supposed it was due to her looking boyish with her short hair, but at the same time she held a beautiful female allure to her. She just wasn't up for showing it off. Only Michiru ever got to see that side of her.
In an instant she saw Mamoru slide his right hand protectively and possessively around Usagi's waist, which in turn had her chuckling. She loved messing with him. "Arigato Haruka – chan." Usagi blushed at the compliment. She also blushed when Mamoru put his arm around her, its protective and possessive gesture had her aching to hold on to him just as tightly. But she didn't want to seem to clingy so she reserved herself as much as possible.
Mamoru glowered at the intrusion before reminding himself that Haruka was a female. That and she was clearly wanting to evoke a response out of him…again. "Mamoru – san would you care to dance with me." Michiru asked, looking to use him to do some searching of her own without looking to obvious. She could get a good look at the guests without standing out if she was dancing with a well-known partner. He would garner most of the attention while she got a good look around.
Usagi grit her teeth when he abandoned her side without thought, not even bothering to ask if it would be okay when she knew without a doubt she would at least give him the respect of asking before dancing with another man.
With all of his possessiveness he still hadn't bothered or hadn't really thought of how possessive she was over him. But she prevented herself from outright yelling and vetoing the decision. She was better than just to yell out like a child getting her toy taken from her.
She felt a mild sting of jealousy seeing them float off around the dance floor. With his hand on her hip and his other hand griping her's tightly. It had been to long since she and Mamoru had danced. Unable to hold it all in, she found herself folding her arms and staring after them with longing in her eyes. She took note of the soft smile he was giving her and warmth in his eyes and it was only making her jealousy fester worse.
I sure wish it was me out there, dancing with him.
"Well, it looks like they are having fun?" Haruka commented a sly look in her soft blue eyes.
Usagi made a small sound of acceptance, though not at all pleased to be a spectator at the side of the room while her prince danced with another.
"I figure, we could have some fun too. Care to dance 'little hell cat'?" Haruka turned back from the dance floor. She offered her, her hand in a slight princely bow, a charming mischievous smile gracing her lips.
Usagi laughed and nodded. Feeling somewhat better.
She saw no problem with it and accepted. Blushing and letting the handsome girl sweep her away, to the disgruntled sounds of her girlfriends. Some mild part of her hoping Mamoru would see it and see his error with his thinking. Her anger deflated a bit as they danced, needing to focus all her effort to move flawlessly with the gliding and perfectly spinning Haruka. It also helped relief some of her anxiety as the focus shifted from it to the dancing.
Her previous dance training with a now deceased Emerald, gave her confidence that she hadn't had before. Making her moves effortless, graceful and still a tad sensual in how unconsciously she swayed her hips into every spin.
Though Emerald never taught her ball room dancing, she taught her to move lightly on the balls of her feet. The steps Haruka had her follow, were not overly complicated. Making her pull them from memory to effectively pull them off without a klutz attack. The last thing she wanted was to pull Haruka into a heap on the floor with her.
She wanted to be elegant, mature and sexy. She didn't want to have to rely on Haruka to make the part work. So her movements were careful and controlled, something that Haruka seemed to notice. The dusty blonde woman cast her an approving smile, gripping her hand more tightly as she pushed lightly on her hip, guiding them deeper amid the floor of graceful dancer's. Usagi couldn't take her eyes off of Haruka, spell bound by the moment.
As a feeling of recollection, like deja vu was heavy over her mind. Part of her was wondering why dancing with Usagi felt so familiar as if they had done this many times before. She knew they had never danced before, at least not in this life. Perhaps in another life….long ago. It had the short blonde baffled.
For Usagi as mildly jealous as she felt she knew Michiru and Haruka were together and that she was more than likely looking to be polite and engaging with him. Once more within Haruka's proximity she smelled the scent of Uranus on her. The exhilarating feeling of the wind, accompanied by a bright scent full of sweet spring flowers.
Should I tell her I know about her being Uranus?
The question was tossed back and forth in her mind even as she was swayed back and forth in Uranus's arms. Mamoru saw this and couldn't help the ridiculous jealousy he felt over it. He knew it was harmless but a nagging doubt within him made him feel like he should break the dance up and whisk her away to a secluded area to dance then perhaps if they were alone long enough do something even more.
Haruka, knowing she was enraging the green eyed beast within Mamoru snuggled closer to Usagi, brushing the curve of her neck with her lips. Even going as far as dropping her encircling hands just before her bum. Usagi gave a small gasp as she felt her fingertips tickling the crest of her butt. Her eyes flew wide in surprise then she saw the purposeful look crossing the woman's face, even smiled at it herself. "He's gonna blow that vein in his neck." Usagi giggled conspiratorially, as Haruka swung her into his line of sight again.
Both girls laughed softly at the tightening of his jaw. As it seemed his possessiveness over her would never die down. He loved her so much that she made his logical reasoning go out the window and dive into heavy traffic. What made it worse was he knew it was only Haruka messing with his mind.
"It seems you've got a case of the green eyed monster within you." Michiru commented, smiling knowingly as she drew his attention back to herself. He glowered at the dancing couple, over her bare shoulder. "I know Haruka – chan is just messing with me but…"
Michiru spoke for him, "She looks so masculine that it really does look as if Usagi – chan is dancing with another man. A man that's NOT you." Michiru's honesty was spoken in a gentle laughing tone. As she found it funny, "You are a goofy one Mamoru – san." He looked to her in slight shock with some befuddlement. "Usagi – chan was jealous when you took me out onto the dance floor first. It seems now you have attracted the same disease." She smiled graciously, her eyes sparkling with mirth.
He was stunned, "Usako has no need to be jealous." He stated, mentally smacking himself for being so thoughtless.
"And neither do you…" She amended, with a very mature air. But she saw the alarmed look in his eyes and sought to tease him just a bit more, "Although if Haruka – chan's hands gets any lower…" she giggled. Mamoru saw the woman's near caress of his girls bum. Quickly excusing himself rudely. Michiru giggled in amusement, standing abandoned on the dance floor, waiting to see the result. She knew her lover well enough to see teasing when it was in play, besides it seemed Usagi was now giggling knowingly.
She hadn't meant to engage Usagi's jealousy, she had merely wished to speak with Mamoru. But Haruka had seen it and wanted to give Mamoru a little pay back for his thoughtlessness towards his beloved's feelings.
The whole episode had now given them a means to have another understanding of one another as a person. She could understand Usagi's jealousy. The girl clearly wasn't too happy that he left her side to another woman without thought to her feelings on the issue, yet the moment he saw her dancing even with a woman – though granted Haruka did look very manly – he got just as jealous over it. That and she had really needed someone to make her look busy and not like a vulture looking out for her prey.
Mamoru made his way over to Usagi when he spotted his other professor. A portly middle aged man with reddish brunette hair and matching beard. Standing beside the banquet table, with a wine flute in his hands. Absently sipping and surveying the young people. He had remembered he wanted to ask him about his possible relation to Amber but kept getting side tracked. He knew he needed to talk with the man.
Their eyes met over the crowded ballroom. When he waved him over he was torn between giving in and interrupting the dance or talking to his professor. Passing Haruka a stern warning with his cool gaze. Haruka's once sly look, softened into laughter. She raises her hands up to a respectful portion of Usagi's sides. Giving him a nod that she understood her teasing wasn't appreciated. He nodded back giving her a rueful half smile of acceptance, before moving in his professor's direction. He mentally thanked her for being so astute before walking over.
"Mamoru – san great, I've been looking for you." He grinned, waving him over eagerly. Mamoru nodded his head in greeting,
"I have been going over your grades during your under graduate in Liberal Arts and Science. Also your current extra credit assignment as a T.A." His smile turned from warm to calculating. "I must say, I was impressed. Your work so far has been far more then exceptional. The graduate program here at Tokyo University was very interested in you Mr. Chiba. "
Mamoru couldn't help but smile, his dream at finally being noticed by the medical internship at his university filling him with pride and hope for a bright future. Tokyo had the best program in all of Japan, with hospitals close by for him to train in.
"You must understand, that I am only on the acceptance committee. We are reviewing your file as we speak for the spring program. Unfortunately, you must understand that it very difficult to get into the program and even more difficult to maintain the grades high enough to graduate. The students are all filthy and starving, Mr. Chiba so only the ones with a strong drive and a sharp mind will survive." His face was stern, as if he was putting him on trial right then and there.
"I promise you professor, if I am given a chance I will not let you down. Being a doctor isn't just a want or a need it's who I am. I want to help people." Mamoru responded his conviction clear in his hard tone. That and he wanted to once in a while help someone that wasn't being attached by a daimon.
"I am sure you won't." He nodded, clamping him on the shoulder.
"I want you to meet someone very dear to me." Mamoru widened his eyes then tried his damnedest to keep the sneer from his face. As the professor stepped aside, revealing Amber. His questions over the professor's connection to Amber were answered. Amber pretended to not know him as she turned around in a far from innocent fashion.
He had his question answered before he even asked it. Her dress was more geared towards landing a fine husband, showing way to much skin around the bodice and legs. That would lead her on her back rather than to show off maturity and respect.
"Mamoru – san I've heard so much about you." She stated in a ridiculous sugary sweet tone. His professor clapped him proudly on the back before getting close to him, "She comes from a well to do family. My brother is rich and his name is nearly as prominent as mine. It was would be wise for the medical field you intent on getting into." He stated with conviction. It was essentially a near free ticket to gaining even better access to his dream job. He'd just have to sell his soul to Amber and give up Usagi and everything her truly loved.
He could never even fathom doing that. Amber made his skin crawl. She was vindictive and becoming near psychotic in her weird obsession with him. He had to end this fast, "Gomen professor, but, I have a girlfriend that I intend to one day marry." He iterated, hoping to end the discussion and get Amber out of his life. His professor's hand tightened on his shoulder, "Just give her a shot. A dance is all I ask of you. Consider it a favor for me." He answered sternly, broaching no argument.
Mamoru sighed, feeling like he lost this conversation before it even began.
"Besides…" his professor paused for a second lowering his voice to show the seriousness of it, "Romance is really a silly notion. Whatever the other girl in your life has will not help you in the ways that Amber – chan can. It would be your decision, your girlfriend, or your future. Pick your poison on this one. I'd invite you to not make an 'error' over a matter so simple. Amber – chan is your better option." His tone was almost cold, as he walked off, leaving Mamoru feeling angered and charged in his feelings.
He could never even think of one without the other for his future. There was no future without Usagi in it. She was his future.
Mamoru signalled Amber curtly to follow him to the center of the dance floor. He hoped mildly that Usagi would not see them. He was sure on her reaction being almost nuclear in its destruction towards the infuriating girl if she saw them even just dancing together. He acted as a gentleman would, hands in appropriate places and what not. High on her shoulder's, while she attempted to snuggled herself closer to his chest.
"Why won't you leave that pitiful little twit and come be with me?" she asked, putting her lips in mock sadness as she raised her head up to meet his cold eyes.
He was to frustrated and tired with the matter to care. Plus no one was close enough to hear either of them. "Why won't you leave Usako and myself alone?" he countered, arching an eyebrow snidely. She pursed her lips, "You think her father will ever accept you? He won't, you're much to old for her. To worldly, too...grown up." she explained, a smug smile on her not even remotely innocent face.
"You're the type of man he always wanted to keep his daughter away from, the type that could whisk her off her feet and away from his family. Fathers like him are afraid of guys like you." She smiled near evilly.
He had to admit, she could give the evils of the world a run for their money on how closely she could relate to them. The ballroom was spinning around him, an anxious sweat beading upon his brow. His chest felt tight, his breath shallow and unsteady as a state of panic set in. He was feeling so trapped she seemed to have the keys to his future dangling before him. If he refused her, then that future he so wish to have and secure to prove to Usagi's father that he could care for her would be gone.
He was screaming silently at how unfair this was. Amber's family, if the name was true to form, would destroy his prospects for Med School here in Japan. He'd have to go outside of Japan if her threats carrier through.
"If you're with me, I could give you everything you desire…"she leaned up close to him, her lips near his ear even as his mouth started to curl in disgust. He hid it though. "Outside and inside the bedroom as well." He hated this so badly, feeling trapped in this woman's web of blackmail and deceit. He wanted to become a doctor but not at this price, not if it meant to give up Usagi, "Oh and when you say yes, which I feel you will if you want to be that successful doctor, then I have one major rule for you to follow…" he looked at her like she was deranged.
Suddenly his whole body was trembling with both rage and crawling with nerves. All blood rushed out of his face as he ground his teeth to contain his fury at the cold blooded, heart less man eating whore.
"I never want you near that bitch again. I don't share nor would I let it be her EVER…that I'd share you with." She whispered, her voice low and vicious. "So whatever 'mistress' possibilities you were thinking of with her to still have your cake and eat it to forget it! Your mine from here on out."
He was through listening to this cold hearted girl but her uncle was nodding to him in pleasantries. He groaned in irritation, unable to cast her aside as he wished. "If you don't take me up on the offer, I'll make sure your relationship will fail regardless and that you'll have no choice but to take me up on the offer and make me yours." Her threat was clear, but he reminded himself it was full of crap to.
Her parents could not be fooled by her again. He pulled her away, "You're a scheming leech that sucks the happiness from people. That and I don't believe anything that you say." He remarked, holding her at arms length now. His courage set, eyes determined to end this tonight.
She smirked, "No…?" she asked tauntingly. Casting a glance back at her uncle over her shoulder.
"Pitiful, truly. What is wrong with you?" He began, giving her a sympathetic smile that infuriated her. Amber's face began to grow red, knowing he was casting her aside yet again as unworthy and yet again choose someone she deemed as dirt. "When you breathe the air, it turns toxic around you. Your idea's of love and devotion are so twisted and contrived it makes me sick to even look at you. I have little to no time to deal with even speaking to you. Now heed my words and LEAVE Usako and myself alone."
He sought to walk off when she grabbed his hand. Spinning him back to face her, his body going stiff and cold as stone in her grasp. He didn't say anything, his eyes stunned, looking around franticly for a way out of this crazy situation. As she slid her hands up the lapels of his tux, in a very methodical and seductive manner. He stopped her, pulling her hands away roughly by the wrists speaking before she could talk, "I intent to marry her someday so get it through your thick meaty little head." He shook her hold off and stalked off angrily.
Amber was fuming in her place, hands balled into tight fists. Her breath ragged and heart a thunder of denial that he would keep refusing her. Turning back to face her uncle, with a hurt tearful look. Finding him shrugging his shoulders, his eyes narrowing in a calculating manner. Determined and more than miffed she tried one last tactic, one that she was good at gaining attention from. Tried and true lies. "So that night that we had together means nothing to you?" She shouted over the crowds, drawing unwanted attention his way once more.
He looked on stunned at first then irritated and bored. His shoulders even slumping disregarding her totally, "You're like an irritating succubus. Wishing to suck the life out of me. I will never be yours so give up! I would rather be poor and in a menial service job with Usagi the woman I plan to marry one day, at my side, then wealthy and well educated with you." He confessed. "Do your worst...I dare you." He seethed, his voice a low menacing hiss.
It felt good, terrifying...but good. He was casting his future plans here in Japan to the wind, after tonight there would be no turning back from this. His career as a doctor would be over, he would have to figure out something else.
Usagi had felt his fear, loathing and ultimately his rage through their link. Bidding Haruka a hasty goodbye as the dance ended, scrambling through the crowds to get back to his side. Her heart leaping in her throat in worry, as the link burned between them. Her very mind felt on fire with the waves of hate surging from him. As she neared the far side of the dance floor, catching sight of the two confronting each other by the windows. The evening light glowing as a fiery back drop to, two titan's unwilling to give even inch.
Amber stood her ground, face up cast, her face twisted in both hurt and fury. Her eyes misting with tears of defeat yet again. While Mamoru glowered down at her, arms braced at his sides, stiff and cold towards her.
Having heard his final statement, Usagi moved gratefully and graciously to his side. Slipping an arm into his, feeling his body relax at her touch. His anger soothed by her presence and loving feelings she cast through their link.
"Don't let her get to you. This is her idea of entertainment, just ignore her and she'll eventually go away." It was a remark meant to piss the girl off and leave them alone.
Amber watched the couple walk off, their nearness a taunting sight. That churned her anger, making it rolled off of her in heated waves, unable to tear her eyes away them as they weaved into the crowds.
"I can help you if you wish to have him for yourself." A smooth voice giving her an option spoke up behind her. Amber turned to find a tall woman, yet slightly demure. A trait that was not in the clothing she wore that evening, a tight black cocktail dress with a plunging neckline of folding material. That made her look more sexy and bold then sweet.
Her long wavy red hair a cascade of color that stood out like fire against the dark material of the dress. Her eyes were lined with heavy dark makeup making the emerald green of her eyes pop like jewels. "And you are?" Amber questioned petulantly. The woman smiled politely, "If you get him, I will be your 'Fairy Godmother'. Wouldn't I, my dear?"
Amber smiled approvingly, "Good enough for me, so what's your plan?" she asked. "Give her these, there's a card on them addressed to her from another man. Her boyfriend will be to jealous to think straight and break up with her believing her a cheater." Amber liked the angle, "Then I sweep in and pick up the pieces, then he'll be mine." She took the plain shoe box without thought as to why this woman was helping her or without thought to why the woman even cared. She only focused on the need she had to make Mamoru hers and only hers.
Kaolinite smirked after the girl, as she took her 'gift' and made her way over to Usagi, "Baka. Even I can see how in love with her that man is. Though it will be nice little way to see how far boundaries can be tested as I take the pure heart crystal." She remarked, her eyes glittering evilly at the girl. Her plan to capture Usagi's heart crystal was coming to fruition as she watched the idiot Amber unknowingly deliver her daimon for her.
It wasn't her first choice plan but knew it was the only way to get the crystal within these walls this evening. At least without alerting the senshi right away. By the time they would get out to this side of town she'd be long gone with the pure heart crystal. Using the desperate Amber had been a stroke of ill luck. Seeing how ridiculously determined the girl was to gain a man that looked at her with irritation and distain had become an added bonus.
Amber would unknowingly throw the senshi off long enough for her to snatch the crystal and be gone from the scene. Now she just had to wait for her moment to strike. Her eyes were glued to Usagi's form as she walked sweetly hand in hand with Mamoru, gliding through the arcade of columns at the back of the ball room. An evil hunger burned within her to claim her prize as Mamoru ushered her out the glass French doors toward the balcony for some much needed air.
However, Michiru and Rei felt a shift in the air. The currents clashing into one another in obvious protest. Michiru suddenly gripped Haruka's wrist, having retreated to the refreshments table for some punch. The taller wind senshi barely had her wine glass to her lips before Michiru's alarm went through her like a charge of electricity. Suddenly the winds were roaring in her ears, screaming at her to confront the coming threat.
Rei was in middle of an argument with Makoto and Mina over who was going to dance with Haruka next, when the fires within Rei were demanding her to stop the motion of evil. Makoto and Mina grew quiet, while Ami glanced to her in concern. As the miko snapped her head around from the friendly argument to scan the dance floor with concern.
But alas no one could yet see Kaolinite in the crowds. The winds attempted plea to Haruka to help her princess. Though her need to do things her and Neptune's way prevented her from being fully aware of her ability to hear the wind as clear as she should have been. She cursed only hearing the whisper of threat, feeling as if it were trying to scream at her to act, to protect. But whom to protect?
Amber approached the loving couple, determination in her eyes, her lie already ready on her bold red painted lips. Both Usagi and Mamoru stood in weary contemplation before the stone railings entwined with roses. Usagi had her face up cast watching the first stars making their appearance in the evening sky as Mamoru was leaning his hip in close beside her, lost in his thoughts. They had been talking quietly, soothing and comforting each other trying to find some peace once more from Amber's poison.
Then she walked up and directed herself towards Usagi. They both turned to her with varying degree's of annoyance, irritation, anger and even weariness.
"Hi, a young man asked me to give this to you." She stated her tone curt as if it was a burden to deliver this gift. "He was quite the catch to." She smiled, eyes pretending to fall into wistful remembrance.
"Then hitch a date with him instead." Mamoru snipped. She shot him a tight smile, "Such a tease you are." Mamoru simply looked away from her, not even bothering to acknowledge her.
Resisting the urge to 'harrumph' in irritation she instead handed the box impatiently to Usagi.
"Look I would rather not be around you right now either, but he saw us together and was quite adamant I give this to you. I guess he's to shy or not wanting to show his face with you around." She shrugged, non-committal to the whole thing. The last part aimed at Mamoru as if he had scared the man off from the actual delivery. Plus it was galling how she acted as if he should have expected Usagi to be unfaithful with him.
Cautiously Usagi took the gift, a frown of unease falling upon her girls gathered around the balcony doors, a subtle protection for their princess. As Amber delivered the nicely wrapped velvet box they all stared oddly at it, "Open it Usagi – chan!" Rei demanded, walking past Amber and giving the girl a scalding glare. Her temper getting the better of her, as she silently dared the girl to make her move. To give her a reason for a good thrashing be it verbal or physical she truly did not care at this point, ready to attack in any form.
Rei felt odd, part of her wanted to scan the box to see if it was something meant to hurt their leader but told herself Amber was the one who brought it. She was not evil. An annoying human, who meddled and schemed yes, but not a daimon.
It was Mamoru who saw the note on the box. Taking it from the side he opened it and read it out loud, "To Usagi, may you enjoy this gift as I did yours." He looked from the front then the back of the note again. "No sender." He remarked. "You have a new friend or something?" he asked her, restraining his curiosity. After his last confrontation with Amber, he wondered what angle she was after now. This gift could not be innocent or coincidence.
"Or something." Amber remarked smartly, getting a scorching look from Mamoru. Her petulant attitude was not helping and they all knew it.
"Who gave you the package?" he demanded, his anger towards her rearing like a dog about ready to bite. She tightened her lips not letting a hint of who it could be out. At least any more than she already had. If he thought Usagi was unfaithful he'd leave her and see his prospects with her. "Spill it!" he barked, rounding on her as the four girls she never truly liked formed a ring of containment behind her.
Amber's eyes were suddenly filled with panic, unsure of this plan as Usagi's small army had her trapped within their midst. Mamoru's ire was rising at the fact that another man sent his girlfriend…his Usako a gift. Had it been Motoki no big deal, but a man he was not familiar with…he was having issues.
He calmed himself down enough to see reason. He asked himself 'was this a trick?' was this Amber trying to one up them and divide them apart? It was Usagi's pleasant gasp of surprise that drew his attention. Inside the box was a now uncovered set of four inch heels. Their surface gleamed like crystal, clear and pure like glass. "Their gorgeous!" she exclaimed. Falling in love with the glimmering heels.
Oh...I bet Diamond sent these. To complement my dress!
Mamoru growled something uncomplimentary under his breath, thinking the very same thing as she was. That Diamond had sent them, a subtle dig that he could provide better for Usagi then he could. Muttering to himself that when he was able to have her live with him simple trinkets like these would not be what made her eyes go big.
Part of him really wanted to and was seriously contemplating to just take her away for the weekend. Just out, not the apartment, not in town just out and away from everyone and everything. All these petty intrusions from other people was really starting to get to him and get on his nerves. Stupid heels wouldn't be in his way, not unless she was wearing something he picked out as they made love.
Images flashing of her on her back on his bed as her heels would dig into his backside adding pain as well as pleasure as he held her pinned and ravished her writhing form dominated his mind for a few moments. It was Usagi's blush that alerted him to how his thoughts leaked through their link. He gave a small meaningful smile that said much about what he had planned for her tonight. She smiled back, a rapid blush staining her cheeks.
"I haven't had any extra money to splurge on you lately." Mamoru ground out bitterly, gritting his teeth in minor curiosity himself. Usagi passed him a pained look, suddenly not wanting to accept this gift.
"Who said it was the gift of money?" Amber stated slyly. The girls shot her look of shock then a look of hate. She didn't care. She had been hoping to douse more gas on the fire. It was Usagi's befuddled expression that told him how clueless she was to Amber's meaning.
"Who cares they look hot, you should try them on!" Minako stated, the ever tried and true shoe – aholic was looking at the shoes with a longing gleam in her eyes as well. "I care." He shot Minako a look for her shallow thoughts regarding a gift from another man. Mamoru was ready to grab them and shove them to her while whisking his 'future wife to be' to dance with him when Usagi touched them lightly, unable to resist.
"Nani?" she yelled in unison with Mamoru. As the shoes came alive in a flash of blinding light. The roar of Snatcher energy surging from the glass, creating a thundering wind that was sucking the air around them into a cyclone. The ballroom went deathly silent all eyes drawn to the violent drama happening just outside on the balcony.
The girls recognized the bright light and ran off, hoping to find a suitable place to transform without being caught. The shoes began to morph and twist into the shape of a huge, muscle bound gladiator. The daimon came to life and instantly spied her target. "Senishenta!" the daimon yelled out, announcing her presence. She looked big and powerful, with gold armor and a Spartan helmet adorning her glass body.
The other patrons inside the ballroom screamed then fled the estate. Amber backed up against the elegant steel pained patio windows, stunned that the so called gift was really a convenient delivery system for her to give Usagi a monster. "Oh kami what have I done?" she asked herself. Her face pale, mind swimming in a haze of dread. She never dreamed such nightmarish things existed in the real world. She just wanted Mamoru, she just wanted to win.
She wasn't an actual monster, she never wanted Usagi to get hurt like this. Its one thing to steal a woman's man it's another to literally be responsible for a monster attacking someone and possibly getting them killed.
She struggled to make herself move, her muscles refusing her command. So filled with fear as she watched Usagi scream, then get slammed into a window pane on the other side of the balcony. Then somehow, the monster melted her into the glass. Making the blonde one with the window. Clear glass melted over her golden blonde hair and wrists, pining her to the window with ease.
Usagi feebly kicked her legs, seeking freedom, though she was obviously trapped and unable to stop the monster. The Daimon oozed out of the glass once more over Usagi's shoulder and reformed before her with a leering smile of satisfaction. It was when Amber heard Mamoru's shout of fear that part of her regretted the pursuit of him.
"Usako!" he bellowed. His voice full of anger at the daimon for attacking her and terrified for his beloved's life. There had been no other man it had been a trick and he knew it. He'd yell at Amber later right now Usagi needed him. He ran to her, Shenishenta spun to face him. Striking out with her fists, he dodged two humanly impossible blows only to get caught by the third. It rocketed towards his jaw at incredible speed.
"Mamo-chan!" Usagi wailed in fright, knowing he wasn't going to evade this one.
He was propelled back and out of sight. Shouting in frustration as he soared over the balcony and into the rose garden below. It caught Amber's eyes the look of fear that he might lose Usagi. Of disappointment in himself at not moving fast enough and lastly the fury in his eyes that he would never give up till either that monster or he himself was dead. That purity of true love towards Usagi and she'd seen it clear as day.
If Usagi were to lose her life…if it were to happen tonight, and she'd been the cause though inadvertently, she felt a crushing weight of guilt for the first time since her pursuit. Huddling near the floor, her hands gripping the sides of her head in remorse. Yet grateful that the monster was after Usagi and not herself. Guilt was in her now but so was relief. In the end she wasn't brave or strong, but a coward.
"How adorable, he was trying to save you." The daimon mocked at Usagi, who was still trying valiantly to kick at her. Her spirit refused to stop fighting, though she couldn't pull out her broach and transform. Hearing the words Usagi grit her teeth in anger. She wanted this thing gone.
Anytime now guys!
Amber finally managed to slip away un noticed by the daimon whose sole focus was on Usagi, crawling out of sight through the half opened patio doors. She dashed through the abandoned ball room then down the grande staircase and out the front doors and into the night. Glancing over towards the gardens, wondering where Mamoru had landed. The hit that he took told her of a definite knock out. She would be surprised if there wasn't a concussion. He must be lying somewhere deep within the bushes and trees.
The daimon tried to get close again only to be met with resistance in the form of her stilettos, for the material the daimon was made out of was hard to penetrate or pierce. "Such a violent girl, or is it that you have such a bright and strong pure heart?" the daimon whispered next to her ear. Like a snake hissing in threat, Usagi tensed.
Then the glass shattered behind her, exploding around her into millions of tiny projectiles making Shenishenta shout in surprise, crouching low in defense and protect her head with shielding arms. Usagi screamed as well, as her hands became free. Her back arching from the concussive force of the sudden assault of wind, as she stumbled forward. The glass rained down like glass tears around them.
Glancing over her shoulder, she nodded in grim gratitude to find Uranus standing within the arcade of columns before the balcony doors a smug grin on her face, gloved hands falling to her sides smugly.
Refocusing upon the battle at hand. She grabbed her broach and started to say the words as Uranus leaped away to aid her partner currently in battle with Kaolinite.
"Moon...!" She cried out to the Universe, when the daimon hit it from her hands. She gasped in shock, as the broach clattered to the marble inside the ballroom. No monster had truly ever done that before. Then again no monster was truly or seemingly as smart as this one was.
"Were you going to hit me with that?!" the daimon asked in outrage. The broach slipped underneath a table the energy charged and unable to be released. It hummed dangerously as it was concealed within the linen waterfall of white that draped the table. It waited nearly buzzing with power till its mistress could once more find it and use its power to defeat the darkness surrounding it.
But Kaolinite spotted it, recognition sparked within her. Ducking out of the fight, by sending Neptune through an upper window with a dark blast. Getting a small break as Uranus leaped out of the shattered glass to check on her partner.
"Could she be…Sailor Moon?!" she looked to Usagi in surprise then floated back to the floor, cautiously picked up the broach, concealing it on her person within her brazier. As the inner senshi charged in through the ballroom's double oak doors.
Jupiter being the most aggressive when in combat, rushed towards the balcony.
"Sparkling Wide Pressure!" She tossed a ball of electricity through the busted glass. Using the senshi as a distraction Tux leaped over the balcony's railing. Five roses poised between the finger's of his right hand ready to let fly, a glint of redemption in his eyes. This time he would protect Usagi.
Senishenta sent a barrage of glass spears back towards the Senshi. Then pumped her arm to form the black star that would pull Usagi's heat crystal out. Usagi had no time to react to the loss of her broach and Jupiter's attack had all happened so quickly. By the time she sought her escape, turning her back on the Diamon to dash into the ballroom. To retrieve her broach she was out of time. The dark blast exploded through her back and out her chest.
Her whole world went white as agony tore through her body and soul. She couldn't breathe, couldn't think. Cold fire bathed her, shivering in shuddering gasps. As the sanctity of Tsukino, Usagi was reduced to a perfect crystal shard within her breast. All there was, was the sensation of herself being ripped apart from the inside out. As if she was made of such fragile stuff as tissue paper.
The physical manifestation of her purity began to burrow out from within her. As if a great force was pulling it away from her against her wishes. She fought against it with all the mental will she had. But it was like her arms were bound, legs trapped in a heavy layer of quick sand and quickly she became fatigued.
Kami...Help me!
Unable to restrain the pain, a soul shattering scream erupted from her. Hanging in thrall to the Snatcher's power, her body prone and arms outstretched like a butterfly pinned on a display. It made Tuxedo mask cringe for her as he could feel the ungodly sensation of her heart being torn from her soul. Their link was throbbing and searing him inside as if a hot iron was being stabbed into his head.
Her mind became sluggish, her will power fading away as the darkness consumed her. She sank beneath the surface into a state of near awareness. As if she had separated from her body. As her pure heart crystal was torn from her body, as a glowing rose color crystal more luminescent and beautiful than all other's before. Like a shining star, it had a brilliance that entranced the eye and drew everyone to it.
Tux gasped at how bright Usagi's crystal was then he feared even more greatly for her. It might be a talisman...
He himself had never been targeted for a pure heart but thought maybe it had to do with him being the earth prince. The earth protected him from being seen as a potential target.
He was grateful for it but at the same time felt bad since the other senshi still were targetable. He figured it was because the earth was protecting him as it was his planet but because it wasn't the senshi's original planet it didn't protect them in the same light. It let them use their elements from their home planets but other-wise she didn't protect them in the way she did Mamoru. He figured that was due to his connection versus theirs. His was a direct link whereas the girls weren't, not to earth.
He just had feebly wished that since Usagi was his, the earth would conceal her pure heart from attack seeing that she would rule with him in the future. Maybe it wouldn't till they were married, till the moon and earth rituals for their marriage had been done, now he wanted to research this theory. But till then he'd have to do everything possible to keep her safe.
The two outer senshi were after the pure heart crystal's as well. If they spotted the illumination they wouldn't hesitate to take her heart crystal. He'd fight them for it without a second thought, it was after all his beloveds. He'd go to the ends of the earth if he had to but he would get it back for her. He also noted the brightness was much more than even the other senshi's who had been targeted before.
Not wanting to hurt his love, he threw enough roses to surround the daimon and form a shield to keep it inside. While he dashed past, wrapping his cloak around Usagi, as he guided her crystal back into her body. Then dashed away with her in his arms, through the battle raging within the ballroom. Out the main oak doors and into the hall of room set just beyond, he felt her breathing heavily, trying to regain her connection to her crystal heart.
After nearly losing her life, it was a struggle to find her way back him, to find her way back within her own mind and body. He felt the pressure for himself, their connection so strong now he felt her pain and her feelings of fear and panic rise from it.
Getting Usagi safely inside a nearby room, he set her down gently on the large queen sized bed that was swathed in a white down comforter, the frame a cherry wood, with long bed posts and ornate head board. The room was dark, only the silver light of the moon shone in through a large window behind the bed. He knelt beside the mattress, barely taking in the romantic settings surrounding him.
He was totally focused upon his princess, on the slow rise and fall of her chest. Ruefully taking in how her elegant gown had managed to survive the battle unscathed even if it's occupant wasn't so lucky.
She looked so peaceful, serene as if she was merely sleeping and not healing from such a horrible defilement of her very soul. A cold shiver ran up his spine as he looked down upon her still form. A reminiscence memory of how Neo Queen Serenity had looked healing inside her crystal tomb in the future. It now frightened him like never before. Needing to confirm she was still with him, he grasped her hand tenderly.
"Usako are you alright?" he asked. She nodded as best she could. A weak twitch of her head. The darkness was fading, a drunken awareness of reality coming back to her as her purity seeded itself back into her soul. He gave her a few more minutes to regain proper consciousness. Releasing a held breath as she finally opened her sweet blue eyes. Gazing up at him with a depth of love that took his breath once more.
He could only smile, grateful she was alright once more. That was the most frightened he had ever been. Those last few minutes when he didn't know if she was lost forever, felt like an eternity of torment even if it had only been a few minutes.
Brushing some stray strands of gold hair off her cheek, he leaned down and gave her a tender, sweet kiss. So very grateful that she was ok. "I thought I'd lost you." he whispered painfully against her lips before pulling away to compose himself.
Usagi slowly sat up with the aid of her prince, clutching her aching head in a hand. "You should power up." He remarked. She looked up to him, "I can't that daimon smacked my henshin from me. Its somewhere on the floor, back in the ballroom." Her explanation sent ice through his veins. He didn't want her out there trying to fight, not when she was the obvious target.
"Then we need to get you some place safe till I can get it back for you." He stated, his prince self coming out in a near order form. But she wouldn't have it, "No, let me go and get it. You help the senshi." she commanded. But in her sapphire dress, she looked less able to order unless it was a cocktail or him in their bed. He shook his head from that last thought, brushing his smirk from his face. His instinct to protect her would not be denied.
"Nani? NO! You're the target this time. I can't – I refuse to let you take that risk." He told her, arms braced on her bare shoulders. A fierceness in his eyes that gave her pause. His need have her safe roaring within him just as strongly as his love and lust did on occasion. It was the look of protest on her face that had him shifting his stance, pulling his hands back. "Mamo – chan I'm - " she tried, "The daimon is stronger than the previous ones and is after your pure heart crystal!" he nearly yelled.
"I am not some weakling in need of protection all the time anymore! You weren't this hell bent on throwing yourself into harm's way when it was my Senshi earlier." she ranted back, equally fierce. If not for the conversation at hand he'd love to show her what seeing her riled up in that dress did to his libido right now.
"Because they aren't my 'beloved', they aren't the woman I intend to marry. They aren't the mother of my future children, they aren't the woman that I want to spend the rest of my life with, YOU ARE!" he roared. "They are like little sisters to me, I love them as such, but, you…you I'd give my life to protect." He ended, standing up and glowering at the floor, hands balled into tight fists. Trying to reign in his temper, she could be so damn frustrating and stubborn at times.
Mamo – chan…
Though she knew the truth of this but to her his proclamation of it in such a manner, made her heart flutter. She knew deep down he was right, but she couldn't stand by as her senshi fought the battle for her. She had had enough of them fighting with Diamond and Rebeus, she wanted it to end. "Compromise Mamo – chan. Guard me till I get to the broach then I can transform." She reasoned with her over protective prince.
He could give papa a run for his money when it comes to his over whelming stubborn protectiveness over me…
Pursing his lips he ordered, "Stay behind me…I mean it!" he commanded. She merely nodded, lightening the argument with a flippant salute. He was frustrated that yet again she came up with a way around his overly protective issues when it came to her. But he also loved that about her. She didn't stand by and let others do her fighting, she found a way into the fight so she could protect those that she loved, even if she was the target.
He loved her for it and was frustrated by it at the same time. His heart pounded in fear over his beloved. Of course having felt her pain from earlier hadn't helped his pounding heart at all.
Sneaking back into the main room, Usagi took in the scene of destruction before her. Blackened scorch marks marred the white walls, the decorations were in ashes upon the floor. Vases smashed, the remains of flower's littering the marble floor. Several pillar's cracked and crumbling along the arcades. The girls had trashed this party but good. The senshi each having expended a bit of their power, now circled the daimon.
In the center of what was left of the ballroom. She was stronger than the last several half dozen they had encountered. Apparently Kaolinite was wising up on them. Usagi saw her broach in Kaolinite's hands. She was seemingly waiting for her to show up. "Oh kami, does she know?" she asked Tux. Sending him an alarmed look for only a second, unwilling to take her eyes off the demon witch.
Hovering in her skimpy cocktail dress high up near the arching roof. He spotted her broach as well, it glimmered in the flickering light of the dying chandeliers. "Damn." He swore. "Usagi – chan, come out or your friends die a painful death!" Kaolinite yelled.
Tux grabbed hold of her form as the daimon shot a shower of strange melted glass fragments resembling diamonds at the senshi. Barely dodging the attacks they scattered. All it took was for Venus to miss her footage and she went down. The shards hitting her and acting as a living glass blob and encasing her in a giant piece of clear ice like glass. The other senshi stunned by what had happened attacked out of rage.
"Sparkling Wide Pressure!" Jupiter shot her ball of lightening towards Shenishenta. It glowed dangerously like a nuclear bomb ready to explode upon impact, as Senishenta sent her barrage of glass downwards towards her.
"Fire soul!" Mars had flanked the Snatcher and send her own flaming projectile towards the monster. Soon becoming the target of the Diamon's relentless attack. Uranus and Neptune as always had become scarse, observing the fight from a safe haven.
While Mercury typed away on her computer to figure out if Venus was okay and at least able to breathe.
Jupiter's thunder seemed to barely be preventing the glass from getting to her, but soon enough it went through her attack, going around the electricity and hitting her hands first. Cracking like moving ice, as it travelled up her arms to surround her. Mars ducked and dodged most of the attack, her movement more agile and graceful then poor Jupiter. Till a few odd shards cut throw the moorings of the massive glass chandelier above her.
The luxury fixture collapsed upon her with a rending crash. Pinning her instantly to the marble floor, knocking her out. Then a shard of living glass embedded itself into the chandelier, encasing the fixture and Mars as well. Mercury was able to keep the glass away as she formed an 'aqua illusion' around herself as well as Venus, continuing to examine the trapped senshi. She worked fast knowing it wouldn't last forever. The fog was keeping her hidden, thick and murky like an impenetrable cloud.
But Shenishenta wasn't one to wait it out, she waded into the cloud intent on finishing the last threat. Mercury was so deep in concentration upon her data pad she never felt the Diamon's presence till she was hovering behind her. Whirling around in fright she met the death mask grin of the glass monster, just as her hand lunged out and wrapped around her neck. Lifting her off her feet, struggling to breathe as glass crawled over her body and across her face. Silencing her coming screams, as she was incased in glass as well.
However as it stood, all the senshi were down and Tux was left with a straining Usagi, desperate to get out of his imprisoning hold on her. To help her fellow senshi. Her fighting had him stunned, happy yet irritated. Stunned that she was seemingly a stronger physical fighter, happy that she was stronger not only in her mind but her body as well but irritated that he didn't know it sooner, he could have countered it better.
"You try to save them now and you risk the enemy getting what they want!" he grit out, as she pummeled his sides with her elbows. The training sessions with the senshi was doing a lot for her. She was really getting much stronger. "Gomen." She muttered as she gently and effectively calmed herself down only to use it to elbow him in the soft part in his side, not painfully hard but enough to shock him and loosen his hold. Stunned he released her enough for her the break free the rest of the way as she ran to Kaolinite.
Gomen a sai Mamo – chan, but, I cannot just let my friends, my sister's die!
As she ran forward holding up the left portion of her skirts to not trip on them. A courageous princess dashing into danger to save her friends. It was heroic but Tux couldn't let her sacrifice herself for her friends. Yes they were like sisters to him as well, but she was someone he couldn't live without. Her beautiful bright eyes were the light in his world. It was all that kept him going when things seemed to be against them. And right now everything was against them...
If she was gone the personal hell he'd be in would swallow him whole. He couldn't stand by and watch so he ran ahead of her. Wanting to use himself as a shield, protect her, hoping that the earth would protect her via himself.
Instead Kaolinite saw this and had the daimon attack him. His one act to defend his beloved resulted in making him the target as well. Shenshita cast a barrage of glass shards towards him, forcing him back into a corner near the colonnade. "Now that the nuisances are out of the way give up your pure heart, or watch them die as I shatter them." She threatened. Usagi bit her lip in the need to wail like a child at the injustice of it all. Her best friends, her beloved, the closest people in her life…were in terrible danger.
Gomen a sai sisters….Mamo – chan…maybe if I give myself up she'll let you go.
(I had to try, "I'll give up if you let them go! Right now Kaolinite!" I demanded. Standing tall just below her, refusing to cower in fear even as I walked to my death. Glaring up at her with barely veiled hate. My head was still clearing slowly from the first attempt to take my heart crystal, I was not relishing the intense pain the awaited me soon.
She looked to me with distain before commanding her daimon to allow the girls heads to at least be un covered. A collective, "Usagi – chan! Run!" rang out. "Usagi – chan get out of here!" came from several senshi. It was Mercury who spotted the transformation broach in Kaolinite's hands, "Usagi – chan, you can't fight as you are, she'll kill you! She'll kill us anyways you know that so GO!" she yelled to me, her voice stern and full of dire logic I could not refute. I whimpered pathetically.
"Usako!" Tux warned, his voice tight with rage. I could feel our link buzzing with his feelings of anger and frustration. He didn't want me to do this, he wanted to find another way. It was a like a small fire burning in the back of my mind. He hated this whole situation, his finger's twitching, roses ready to let fly the moment either the Daimon or Kaolinite made a move towards me. I knew he wouldn't let me do this without a fight.
I was useless unless I gave up, he needed to understand that I couldn't, wouldn't let them die for me again. "You let them go now or I won't give up!" I shouted with more courage than I had at Kaolinite. "Release them, but make sure if she even attempts to re nag on the deal to capture them once more." The daimon was at the ready and nodded in agreement as the senshi were slowly let loose.
It was however unfortunate that since their powers were depleted I was the only one with enough power – if I could get my broach – to defeat Kaolinite and the daimon. It was Tux's words that had me struggling no to cry.
"Usako! You can't give up! Once she has your pure heart the fate of the future will be in their hands! Please run!" he begged me. Even his link poured thoughts of fleeing and letting them die so I could still survive came through. "I can't. I just - I can't let any of you guys die…not for me…especially not for me." I told him. Facing Kaolinite I spoke, "You let them go out of here and I'll surrender myself to you." I told her. She seemed to have different plans.
"Baka! The last thing I need is interruptions once I have your pure heart crystal." She snapped her finger and the daimon shot its power at me. The energy of it's summoning was like a knife through my soul. I was sent flying across the room, slamming mercilessly into the back wall. The banquet table was over turned, wine glasses and the punch bowl were tossed to the floor and shattered as I knocked it all down, my body trapped within the force of the blast, pinned to the wall it cracked further beneath me.
I screamed in mind numbing pain. Feeling both hot and cold, bathed in a fire that sought to burn away all impurities such as my flesh away. To leave behind only my thoughts. As if this dark power sought to cleanse me, to refine all the goodness inside into one solid object. As the power burrowed deep into my true self. It felt a bit like dying all over again. No wonder Makoto, Rei, and Ami had taken a few days to recoup after wards, it's incredibly draining.
I could feel a literal part of my soul being pulled out from me. The light like a glowing fragment of a star was being extracted from my very being. I could feel everyone's eyes on me.
The sheer shock of seeing the light of a possible talisman. Or the absolute anger of those that wanted me to live versus themselves. The pain in the eyes of the one man I could never in any mindset replace…someone that always had my heart and soul….someone who I could feel, felt like a part of him was dying as well. Perhaps in my need to spare my friends I not only sacrificed myself but a part of Mamo – chan as well.
The pain was excruciating. Far worse than anything I've dealt with before. The pain of loosing my life when we fought Beryl was a bitter sweet moment, in which I felt hardly anything when I fell through the stone and ice pillar I was upon. Only thinking of one wish to make. Right now, I was in agony, and no one could help me. I could feel both Mamo – chan and the crystal calling out to me, seeking to let their power flow through me so I could combat the evil pulling my pure heart from me.
But alas the evil power had won, I felt a part of my soul now floating in front of me. My eyes dimmed into a thoughtless void, I could vaguely make out Kaolinite smiling evilly down at me from her floating perch. She laughed harshly and cruelly in her victory as my body slowly fell to the ground. Crumpling like a broken doll behind the debris of the banquet table.
All I could hope for was that Uranus and Neptune had seen it and would tell her it wasn't a talisman, I hoped not but it seemed fate may not be on my side for even in my near death state I could see the intense shine.)
You're kidding me? I have a talisman? At least if Uranus and Neptune get it, there'll be a chance for peace.
(Usako! I heard being shouted through the link by my Mamo – chan. His voice hoarse and broken in my head. As a frustrated sob as I felt his hearts pain at my tragic state. Gomen a sai Mamo – chan…I will always love you. I felt a tear slip down my cheek as my bright pure heart floated to Kaolinite. It was a shouted 'World shaking' that told me of the other senshi's arrival. At least Uranus and Neptune are here.
I can feel his bitter thoughts towards them. If you have a talisman then they'll take your pure heart to. He stated bitterly. At least they will keep it safe…make good of it. I said. I can't lose you again…I can't live without you – I WON'T live without you! He raged at the in justice of being unable to help, of being trapped. If this is our end we'll find each other again…we always do my prince. I sent the last feelings of happiness into him as I felt my body going numb, falling into the unfeeling darkness.)
High up and out of sight upon a long arching window within the ball room. Uranus and Neptune stood in silent witness to Usagi's death. Uranus hated that Usagi had been the target, so when Neptune had seen her struggle she had asked her if she'd be able to go through with it. As good as her front was internally she was grateful as anything that they didn't share a link the way Moon and Mask did.
She was already to readable to her lover but anything more and she would have been exposed for wanting to save Usagi. Her teeth grind together in an effort to stay rooted to the window sill, her white gloved hands balled into tight fists. She had a soft spot in her heart for the long hair blonde. Plus she gave her another point of view that she once a long time ago had herself.
It was that innocence, that need to save everyone, the need to find a way no matter how much pain she went through to protect those around her. She reminded her of Sailor Moon. As irritating as they both were on those lines they were also equally fierce and determined to protect and save. So she threw down her power.
"World Shaking!" She tossed a ball of wind toward Kaolinite. Who had been floating down to retrieve Usagi's crystal. The witch screamed and dodged aside as her attack missed, taking out a pillar against the side of the room. As Neptune jumped in front of Usagi with her not far behind. Eager to take a look at the brilliance of the pure heart. "It's not a talisman!" she uttered to everyone's shock, "It must be magnified by how pure her heart is." Uranus comment greatly relieved.
It was her only explanation. Neptune couldn't be more relieved as well.
Uranus smiled gratefully down at Neptune take the crystal and deftly guiding it back towards it owner. Usagi reminded her of a time when she herself was carefree and loved all. She wanted to protect that so much. Plus she would dearly miss teasing the blonde when it came to sexuality. Michiru found it annoying but saw the humor she did. "Nani? But, it's so bright!" but Kaolinite still had an ace up her sleeve. When she saw the pure heart go back into the blonde she said, "Talisman carrier you may not be but Sailor Moon you are!" she announced.
Now everyone looked to Usagi, even more so Uranus looked shocked and almost wishing feebly that it wasn't true. Even if she had compared the two earlier. Neptune was stunned to, she would never have guessed it but it was starting to make sense now. Usagi and Moon posed so many of the same traits that it should have been obvious to another senshi. "Oh kami how did we not see this before?" Neptune asked. Uranus was just torn.
To be continued…