Sailor Moon: An Ancient Force Rises Chapter 8: Episode 7: Memories and Mamoru, a Sailor Moon + Warframe Crossover fanfic

Episode 7: Memories and Mamoru

A few things happened after the night at the Cafe.

After the attack on Earth, the Sentient's retracted the number of ships they would send out.

They only sent out a few Orphixs a month. But instead of focusing on one planet, they would be scattered to different planets.

When it first happened, everyone panicked. There were Sentients forces on Mars, Pluto and on Europa at the same time.

It was difficult, but using a function on the Railjack, they girls were eventually able to drop one person off with Archwing equipment, head to each following destination and do the same for each Sentient reading.

At first, it was difficult, but eventually, Usagi and the others were able to fight entire sentient hordes, sometimes, even without the Archwings additional power.

After leaving the Cafe, it was decided, to prevent the chances for unexpected guest, the girls, if they were to hang out after a mission or celebrate a victory, they would drive to another town and go to local businesses to celebrate, outside of Minato.

Everything with Rei and Minako went back to normal. They went back to going full time on their careers. Every now and again, they would feel guilty, and try calling Usagi to just talk to her, but now, if she saw their number, she immediately declined it.

Her message was clear. They, and everyone else, had to find a balance in life. They couldn't completely dedicate themselves to careers that would only last a normal human life time. They had to be able to live their lives while defending the Earth once again.

It was a difficult thing to ask, but to Usagi, if they had the power to protect others, but refused willing to use it? That was a let down to the people that would be hurt or even Killed by these enemies.

The others reprimanded Usagi for threatening someone with her Warframe, but she didn't care.

Setsuna, Hotaru, Michiru and even Haruka... all gave up their Earth-born lives to protect the Earth from the Stars. Usagi didn't give up her Earthern life, but she contributed most of her waking hours ready to defend the Earth at a moments notice. So how was it fair that everyone else got the chance to be free in the world dedicating themselves entirely to their careers while she and the others risked their lives, millions of miles away from home, fighting something, they themselves, do not even understand?

The others, seeing that Usagi wasn't willing to recruit the other Sailor Guardians at the moment, met with the Lotus in secret, saying that there was currently some bad blood between her and the others.

As much as the Lotus was against the idea of waiting for the others to reunify. She couldn't force them together, and risk them fighting uncoordinated and making mistakes, or worse, them turning on each other during the midst of battle.

The random attacks were scarce and Usagi was able to spend enough time on Earth, working on her business, working on her own car and living her life as normally as possible.

At first, when she was leaving to battle sentients, the Amazon Quartet were suspicious of something. After she had been leaving so quickly, they questioned her whereabouts. Then they were curious about the incident of the Warframes on Earth, but Usagi was able to act dumb, as if she herself had. No. I-dea.

After the attacks became less frequent, the Amazons were less questionable of Usagi and stopped being suspicious.

It would be a year later, on a summer night, after hours of tossing and turning in the warm and humid summer night, that, another dream came to Usagi.

She was in the garage this time, it was night time, long after she would normally lock up and go home.

She was in one of the bays where cars would come in to get maintenance done, or to get a part replaced/repaired.

Her car was in the bay, the Moon's bright light reflecting off of the pearl white paint.

Suddenly, the bay's door opened, showing the human Garuda. This time, she wore a simple white t-shirt, a red jacket tied around her waist and a pair of black jeans.

(Usagi) Oh, hey Garuda.

(Garuda) It's been quite a while since our last meeting. How are you?

(Usagi) I'm doin alright. The Sentient's are backing off a little for the time being, allowing me to be here more often than not, on Earth. How are you? I know I was pushing you to your limits for a little while out there.

(Garuda) And that is to be expected of a trained Operator. I am well, thank you for asking.

(Usagi) So, got any old memories to unveil to me? Or will I just have to wait for them to return.

(Garuda) I don't suppose why not. Let us be off. But I do warn you. These memories... they will leave you with a million more questions for every answer.

Garuda revealed her talon and created a distortion in space and took Usagi's hand... and they walked through, into a bright light.

The memory began and Usagi was within Garuda again.

They were outside of what looked like an Orokin dance hall. They were enormous buildings made of the finest marbles and gold. All of the guests wore intricate and beautifully woven works of art and danced with each other in an ancient and formal fashion.

But this was all seen through the scope of a Sniper Rifle.

In her ear, she heard Mamoru's voice, talking her through a mission.

In summary, there was an Orokin military chief at this dance who sympathized with the Tenno and assisted them on getting many of their own out of the clutches of the Orokin through means of sneaking them out of prisons, testing labs and purposefully giving them access to Warframes to escape, by all means necessary.

The Order of the Seven and their group of investigators was on to him. The Order of the Seven being the Highest Court in all of the Orokin Empire, with absolute power over justice, they were the Judge, Jury and executioner.

At the time, "Glassing" was the most popular option of execution. It was where an executioner, appointed by the Seven, would use a special blade to encase a person, and their Soul, into glass, trapping them forever in a horrid display of beautiful glasswork and horrific torture.

The Orokin Chief didn't want to die by glassing. No, he wanted to be shot before they could even have the satisfaction of having him in their custody.

All of this was relayed to Usagi and he put up and image of the man in Usagi's view to get a better image of her target.

She froze. The man that was her target, was an exact match to her own father, Kenji Tsukino.

Her arms shook, but she aimed down the sight and told herself that it wasn't her father, it was a man who helped her kind in the first days of the Tenno. This was to be a mercy for the man, for all he had done for their kind.

She found him. He was talking to other people at the party, laughing, smiling, having a good time... just like her father would.

After a while, the man seemed to excuse himself from the guest and walked away from the hall onto an upper floor. He walked onto a balcony, talking into some kind of transceiver.

She was confused.

(Mamoru) (Former Prince) Hey, Serenity. There's something the man wants to tell you. I'm putting you through to him now, okay.

(Usagi)(Garuda) Wait! Just what are you-

(?) Hello there, Tenno.

It sounded EXACTLY like her father.

(?) I... am sorry for having you do this. I know that it isn't easy to take a life. But I cannot allow those bastards in the Seven to have me. So please...

The man was looking right at her, smiling as she aimed her scope at his head.

(?)...show me mercy for what the Orokin have done.

Before Usagi had taken the shot, the man had a few last words.

(?) And one more thing. Thank you... for not shooting me in front of the guests. It... would've been too much for them anyway.

The man ended the transmission, took off his earpiece and showed Usagi a thumbs up.

(?) It's okay, you can do it now. Just take a deep breath... and pull the trigger.

Usagi felt tears forming in her eyes. So she took the man's advice and took a deep, shaky breath, before pulling the trigger, and watching his now lifeless body fall forwards onto the balcony floor.

In the distance, she could hear a high pitched scream.

She could also still hear from the ear piece.

(?) Hello...? Father! DAD!? SOMEONE! PLEASE HELP! MY FATHER! HE'S BEEN SHOT!

The transmission ended.

(Mamoru)(Former Prince) Shit! Serenity, get out of there! NOW! Security's gonna be on you in less than five minutes if you don't start hightailing it out of there.

(Usagi) Endymion... he had a family... He had a wife... a daughter...

(Mamoru)(Former Prince) I know. He helped the Tenno in secret. So they never knew about that, nor did they know about him getting ready to be glassed.

(Usagi) They won't be able to save him, not even with the continuity ritual will...

(Mamoru) Serenity, don't allow yourself to become too emotional. Return to Earth and we'll discuss it in further detail.

As Usagi navigated the Orokin city, everything became black.

(Garuda) We... had to do a lot of... pretty bad things... in order to gain our freedom. After the Silver Millenium fell, we join the Tenno resistance force that was currently overthrowing the Orokin. We were sent on missions like this, and to assassinate those that were too important to the Orokin to be allowed to live.

Garuda led Usagi into another memory.

Here, it was another mission. She, as Garuda, was with a pair of other Warframes. One was a Warframe known as Gauss, a speed demon. The other, was a Warframe feared for his appetite, Grendel.

The three of them were a Corpus Ship, after breaking through their defenses using a Railjack.

They were wiping through the ship, taking out hundreds of mindless Corpus robots and Soldiers. They made quick work of the masses, shooting, slicing, and tearing through their numbers with ease.

Things were going pretty smoothly. Almost too smoothly.

(Usagi) Keep your guard up you two! Somethings not right here. Why are we running into less and less enemies?

Suddenly, something rocked the Ship, forcing everyone to nearly lose their balance from the ground beneath them shaking.

(Gauss) What the hell was that!?

(Grendel) I don't know.

Around them, the hissing sound of life support being shut off alarmed them.

(Gauss) Shit! Now the Life Support!? What's going on?

The Grendel ran to the nearest window to look outside.

(Grendel) Everyone. Look outside. Now.

Usagi and the Gauss walked up to the window to see that another Corpus ship had ran straight into the middle of the Corpus Ship they were on. But the other one was completely infested with the Infestation. To the point where the infestation was growing itself to the exterior of the vessal.

Overhead, they heard the ship's captain on the intercom.

(Captain) All personnel! Forget about the Tenno! An infested ship has collided with our vessel and has rendered all defenses and life support useless. Evacuate the ship immediately. If you are overtaken by the infestation, no one will come for you, and that is final. Now GO! NOW!

(Grendel) We can't fight the infestation. There's three of us and thousands of them. If we don't get out of here, then we'll be dead.

(Usagi) Right, let's go!

(Gauss) Right behind you. Where's the nearest exit?

(Grendel) Not too far from here. But lets stay together. They could be anywhere and take us out if we're not careful.

(Gauss) OH come on! My weapon cane take those fleshy bastards out with a single round, I'll meet you all there.

(Grendel) Hey, WAIT!-

The Gauss ran off with extreme speed towards the marked exit.

(Grendel) One of these days... C'mon Garuda, let's go.

The two walked carefully through the quiet vessel's corridors. Every now and again, a group of infested enemies would try throwing themselves at the pair, but they were just simply no match for the two.

It took them a fairly short amount of time to get to Gauss.

But as they neared, they could hear him over the comms, shouting at the infested.

Grendel became urgent and ran over to where Gauss was.

When Usagi got to the pair, she saw the Grendel fighting off a horde of Infested enemies, meanwhile, the Gauss laid on the floor, dagger in hand.

Usagi protected Gauss while Grendel quickly dispatched the remaining enemies.

(Usagi) What happened Gauss!?

(Grendel) I'll tell ya! This idiot ran into a large group of infested, knowing there was an Ancient (A infested healer), among them. He tried shooting them, but there was only so much ammunition left in his weapons after blasting the corpus with most of it!

(Gauss) Yeah... that pretty much sums it up..

After the enemies were dispatched, Grendel went over to Gauss.

(Grendel) Can you stand?

(Gauss) Yeah I can-

As soon as Gauss tried to stand, he fell with a cracking noise at her warframes left knee, where it looked like it had been fractured.

(Grendel) Dumbass. Here, let's go.

As Grendel took Gauss' left arm over his shoulder, the three began walking to the airlock.

As they neared the air lock, an infested enemy, known as a Charger, ran into Grendel, knocking Gauss out of his arm and onto the ground, face down.

The infected, quickly after downing the two, began tearing at Gauss' back plating, scratching and biting at anything it could find.

The Operator within Gauss was screaming in pain, she felt as if the Charger were digging into her own back, tearing apart her muscles, down to the bone.

Quickly, Grendel grabbed his secondary pistol and shot the Charger, throwing it off of her.

After he got up, he went over and shot it, over and over again cursing at it.

Once he was done, he ran over to Gauss and lifted it into his arms. She was quietly crying even after they returned to the Railjack.

As they traveled through the void back to Earth.

There, as they went down to Earth, Gauss was sent to an armory to sit and heal damage.

Gauss' Operator, named Eri, was sent to a hospital on Earth so she could calm down, and relax.

At the hospital, where Eri was sent, Grendel's operator was into the lobby waiting for the doctors to allow him to see her. Apparently, his name was Ren.

(Usagi) How is she?

(Ren) I've head that she's been admitted to the mental ward, where she receive therapy for her mental state. But they won't let me see her for a little while, give her time to adjust from the front lines... to here.

(Usagi) Is she a close friend of yours?

(Ren) Yeah she is... we're siblings. Brother and Sister. We've made a name for ourselves. We've once took down a Fortress before joining the Resistance. The Orokin called her "The Saint of Altra".

(Usagi) And you?

(Grendel) Well... I'm not really known for much... But I did one time free a village from the ravages of a power hungry and fat Orokin dictator! While also nourishing the people while I was at it.

(Usagi) How? That sounds incredible!

(Ren) Well... I kinda... ate the bastard.

(Usagi) You what...?

(Ren) Don't get me wrong, I used my Warframe, Grendel's ability to eat the guy and spread nutrients around the village, preventing the people from dying of hunger.

(Usagi) Yeah...

(Ren) It was kinda poetic if you think about it. Really, you had to be there to see it.

After a few minutes of Ren trying to prove that his act of consuming an Orokin Dictator was "Poetic", a doctor walked over to the pair.

(Doctor) Are you the Tenno who brought her in?

(Ren) Yes, we are.

(Doctor) Please. Follow me.

The Orokin Doctor had a depressed look on his face as he lead the two through the hospital. But, he wasn't the only one. The hospital staff consisted of Retired Tenno, regular humans rescued from Orokin rule and Orokin defectors.

At first Usagi was puzzled, but the memory came back to her.

It was rare for doctors of the Tenno to ever be happy. The majority of the Patients were Tenno, children and young adults who had all seen the horrors of War. There were some that were still just over the age of twelve.

But those, somehow, weren't even the most depressing statistics. Some Tenno would be severely injured due to an ability that most that learned from the Tenno School of Unairu, called "Last Gasp". This ability was for when Tenno, out in the field, needed to overcharge their systems when their Warframes have lost too much health and cannot regenerate their shields. They dangerously exit their Warframes and kill enemies around them (Three) to recharge their Warframes and continue the battle, so goes the School of the indomitable. What is so dangerous about this ability, is that an Operator is only protected by a weak shield before succumbing to weapon fire. This can cause Operators to be pierced by bullets, shot by plasma fire, sliced, stabbed... and eventually killed.

This, although it was only taught to those who had mastered the ways of the Unairu, were nearly half of the patients.

The other half of patients, were similar to Eri. Tenno who've experienced a traumatic experience and have to be taken out of the fight. Sometimes this is temporary and an Operator is out and about again, fighting alongside other Tenno throughout the Origin System, or it's permanent, causing Tenno to retire early, helping the Tenno as other occupations. Doctors were just one of the many ways the retired Tenno could still assist their allies among the stars from their home, Earth.

The old outpost they were in, Cetus, was one of the remaining places that humans were free before the Tenno insurrection. Now, instead of a small, remote village, it was a flourishing city that was well defended.

Usagi snapped back to the memory as the Doctor made his way to Eri's room.

There was an observation window, allowing Usagi and Ren to see areas of the wall, burned away with void energy.

(Doctor) She was very unstable when we registered her into our care. She was screaming, possibly from the trauma and nearly killed one of my assistants.

The three looked into the room, where Eri laid on the white bed, sleeping away comfortably.

(Doctor) Since she was threatening to destroy the building, we have put her to sleep using some local medicine. I hope that you understand that this was necessary for the safety of the other patients.

(Ren) Totally fine doc. As long as she's okay.

(Doctor) Now, can I have a name for this patient, something normal that I can address her with?

(Ren) Eri. Her name is Eri.

(Doctor) Excuse me if you don't mind me asking, but what is your personal relationship with this individual? Ren, was it?

(Ren) Wow, your perceptive! As a matter of fact... Eri is my sister. We were together when the Void Jump happened and we haven't separated since then.

(Doctor) And as for a last name? I don't recall you saying you had one.

(Ren) We don't, but we did always think of having the last name of Aomori if we were to just... choose.

(Doctor) So, can I put you down as a Mr. Ren Aomori?

(Ren) Yes, if you wouldn't mind.

(Doctor) I understand. I will send word for you if I require your presence.

(Ren) Well, until she's better, I won't be goin on too many missions now.

(Doctor) That's good to hear.

They were dismissed by the Doctor, and they left the hospital.

As they walked away from it, Usagi talked to Ren.

(Usagi) So... I guess we won't be on the same squad anymore?

(Ren) Afraid not. I can't just go on missions, knowing that she's not right there with me. Plus, I can't just risk dyin while she recovers. She'll think it's my fault.

(Ren) And you? Still want to go out and beat the crap outta everything that's doin things like this to the people we care about?

(Usagi) Yes. I can't just sit around and wait. I need to be out there.

(Ren) Yeah, I can see why too. You're one of probably the best fighters out there that I've ever seen.

The two looked up at the night sky together, watching as smaller ships, known as Landing Crafts, were taking their operators back to space, on their way to their next mission.

(Usagi) Do you know how much we have left until this is all over?

(Ren) Just need Sedna, Pluto, Neptune and Uranus.

(Ren) But. That won't happen for a long time from now.

(Usagi) Why's that?

(Ren) Because, those planets were transformed into fortresses, built to withstand the Sentient Attacks of the Old War and are now the bunkers of the last of the Orokin.

Usagi turned to look at his face and what she saw was mouth dropping.

The guy she had been talking to this whole time? He looked identical to... Furuhara Motoki!

His face was a little different and his body looked different in the transference suit. But other than those two things, his pretty boy aura and that golden head of hair was identical.

Ren noticed Usagi staring at him. He blushed a little.

(Ren) Um... is there something on my face?

The memory ended and she was back at the shop, standing there with Garuda, in her human form.

(Garuda) We did our best to right the wrong we did when we were apart of the Orokin Empire, and it paid off. Eventually, the Infestation got to the Orokin before we could and that was that. Then the Grineer and the Corpus took over, we fought them for hundreds of years and then, another great War occurred. We survived and when all the dust settled, we and the other Tenno, retired on Earth, allowing time to forget about the Tenno, forget about the Orokin, the Grineer, the Corpus... and everything that came before. The Tenno all agree that, even though their hard work would be quickly forgotten, that their pride was not worth allowing our enemies from before to be remembered. So with that. We, the Warframes, and you, the Tenno, were all, but forgotten. Like ashes in the wind. At least until now.

(Usagi) And now what? Before this, I was supposed to reestablish the Silver Millenium, bring peace upon the World! But now, with what I know...? I'm not sure. What DO I do now?

Garuda looked at Usagi. Her expression neutral and unfazed by Usagi's question.

(Garuda) Well, after fighting alongside you and the other Tenno for so long... wouldn't it be a betrayal to those who lost their lives in order for this all to happen? A future. Where the name "Orokin" means nothing, nor do the words "Grineer" or "Corpus". and especially, "The Old War".

Usagi felt ashamed for asking such a thing and Garuda saw it in her expression, a mix of confusion and sadness.

(Garuda) You know. Being apart of the Tenno... wasn't ALL bad for you and the others you call "friends".

(Usagi) It... wasn't?

(Garuda) Especially for you it wasn't. Here, allow me to show you something that, to you, made everything, and anything, worth it.

The two were of to another set of fond memories.

She was in a Railjack. She remembered the architecture of the interior of the vessel.

She was standing on the bridge with the Former Prince, outside of their Warframes.

She was staring at the Earth through the giant window as the pilot flew the ship.

(Endymion) Beautiful isn't it? A blue planet, free of Orokin rulers and slave owners. A place, where everyone can live freely as they please.

(Usagi) So why save us? What if someone were to come with the intent on trying to take it back for the Orokin?

(Endymion) My, aren't we a pessimist. Believe me when I say that, when the Orokin created us, the Tenno, they never thought we would turn on them, just like their other creations.

(Endymion) Ever since they knew we had power, they have always wanted to control us, use us to enforce whatever rule they wanted. But now... we're free. Free from the bonds that they created to hold us.

(Endymion) Now, you can fight for whoever and whatever you want. Your morals and opinions won't be questioned, unless, you have the morals of an angry, wild, Kubrodon.

(A Kubrowdon a type of creature that can be encountered within Warframe. They are extremely territorial and dangerous to encounter. They were genetically modified by the Orokin to be exotic pets, but were eventually abandoned on Venus to die, but instead, they evolved.)

The two laughed a little.

(Endymion) Finally, I was able to make you smile!

Usagi turned away from him, her face getting slightly red.

(Endymion) So... We never formally introduced ourselves. I'm Endymion. You are?

(Usagi) I thought you knew who I was.

(Endymion) Sure, I know you as the Princess of the Silver Millenium, daughter of the Queen... but not you. I don't know you as a person yet.

(Usagi) I see. In that case, I'm . . . Serenity.

(Endymion) Serenity... what a beautiful name.

(Usagi) Thanks, I'm flattered.

(Endymion) So... What will you do, when we get to Earth?

(Usagi) What do you mean?

(Endymion) Well, when we get to Earth, you'll be allowed to do whatever you please.

(Usagi) What are you talking about!? Isn't there a process to document us? Aren't you worried one of us might go bezerk?

(Endymion) We have taken precautions, I assure you. But other than that, no. You are free upon this planet.

(Usagi) Then... there is something I ask of you.

(Endymion) And that is...?

(Usagi) Can I join you... in your quest to free everyone from the Orokin?

(Endymion) I see... but are you sure? You've only just regained your freedom, are you sure you want to go right back out into the field? Why not rest for a bit at least. A lot has changed for you and your friends.

(Usagi) I cannot rest. Knowing that out there... There are other children just being used as weapons... I want to save them. With your help.

Endymion let out a small chuckle as the two stared back out at the Earth.

(Endymion) I see. Well then...

Endymion held out his hand to Usagi.

(Endymion) Will you, Serenity, join me on my quest to vanquish the Orokin and their tyrannical empire.

Usagi shook Endymion's hand.

(Usagi) Yes, I will happily join you.

(Pilot) Entering Earth's Orbit! Everyone hold onto something!

As the Railjack began to shake, the memory faded with a bright light.

(Garuda) We went on many missions with the former Prince. We'd exterminate an entire ship with him, intercept enemy communications, defend captured allies, rescue sympathizers from death... It was a wonderful life.

(Garuda) We went on so many adventures together... that was... until...

Another memory flashed into reality. There was beautiful music playing nearby, it was a gorgeous, sunny, winter morning.

Usagi looked down to see... a wedding dress.

In front of her... was Endymion, wearing an ancient version of the Tuxedo, with clothes that were dyed with black and white pigments.

They were saying their vows to each other.

(Garuda) As you would say it today... you both tied the knot. Got Married. And with that...

It was the last memory in Garuda's memory from before she was recovered.

It Was Usagi and Endymion, looking at their pair of Warframes, kneeling, side by side, as Usagi and Endymion walked away, but not before dropping a bombshell on Usagi as she watched herself.

As Serenity turned around for the final time, Usagi saw, that at that time, Serenity was indeed, pregnant.

(Usagi) Ho-ly, Shit...

(Garuda) That's right. At the moment you left me, you were with Endymion, as well as a child.

(Usagi) And then what!?

The two were back in the garage.

(Garuda) Unfortunately, that is all of my memory. Everything after that... is long forgotten history.

(Usagi) I just...

Usagi felt tears in her eyes, which was odd for a dream.

(Usagi) I'm glad I was able to know. Know what REALLY happened. And that Chibiusa... was real.

(Garuda) Who?

(Usagi) No one.

(Garuda) Alright them... I'll be seeing you. Hopefully. We can create better memories for you to remember in your next life.

Usagi woke up. She still felt the dry tears in her eyes. She needed to tell him. Mamoru, he needed to know this along with her.

She drove her 86 to the Cafe.

After walking inside, she asked Unazuki if she could talk to Motoki.

Unazuki called out to her brother, and he came over, as his usual, laid-back self.

(Motoki) You called, Usagi?

(Usagi) Yeah. Quick question, do you still talk to Mamo?

(Motoki) Sure do, every week when he gets a chance.

(Usagi) Okay. Do you have his number?

(Motoki) Yeah, I got it in the back, but I warn you. You might as well go there yourself instead of trying to get him to answer.

(Usagi) Thats a good idea! It has been over two years since I've seen him.

(Motoki) A-Are you sure about that!? I know I said it, but I don't actually mean it! And do you even speak any english!?

(Usagi) Yeah, why?

(Unazuki) Wait, you do?

(Usagi) Yeah, during trade school, I had to take a course the had to do with something cultural. So I chose to learn English. Then after I got my degree, I decided to get better at it just in case I ever wanted to go there, or if I got english speaking customers.

(Motoki) I... see.

Unazuki tapped her elbow into Motoki's side.

(Unazuki) Hey, leave her alone.

(Motoki) Hey! It's just that... I feel REALLY old now. First you graduated from high school. Just hearing about Usagi reminiscing about school reminds me of how she and Minako would always be in the arcade, with Ami and Rei there to remind them to study.

(Usagi) Yeah, good times. (If only it had stayed that way...)

Motoki wrote down Mamoru's number and Usagi went home to call him.

She waited, the [Call?] sign, staring at her. Se felt a little embarrassed. She felt like a kid who was about to call her crush and tell him she liked him. But then again, she hadn't heard his voice in over two years since he left for the United States. She had told him not to write back for the time being. This was due to the fact that Usagi believed that Mamoru's degree, a Master's in Neural Science and practice becoming a Brain Surgeon... She felt that his time would most likely better spent on focusing every minute he had on studying for school. But she needed to visit him, she needed to feel a familiar touch, of someone who wasn't one of her so called "friends", Garuda, or anyone else. It was like their was a void in her heart, created by all of the turmoil that had been her life for the last year or so. And he... he was the only one could fill that void, restore her balance and relieve her.

Usagi finally gathered the courage to press the call button and held her breath as the dial tone rang for a few moments.

At first, the school picked up and then she was transferred to his dorm room.

Then it happened, she heard his voice, for the first time in ages.

(Mamoru) Heeeey! Motoki, what's happenin!

(Usagi) Um... Hi Mamo.

Usagi could hear a sudden shift of movement.

(Mamoru) Wait... that voice... Usako? Is that really you...?

(Usagi) Yeah! It's me Mamo! It's Usagi!

(Mamoru) Wow... it's... been so long since I've heard your voice. How are you Usako?

(Usagi) I wish I could say things are great... but they aren't.

(Mamoru) What, did something bad happen? Are you okay?

(Usagi) Well... physically, I've never been better. But there are some things I need you to see. Would you mind if I came over? To the U.S., to see you?

(Mamoru) Are you serious!? Of course. Nothing would make me happier than to see you.

(Usagi) Okay then. I'll let you know when I get there.

(Mamoru) Okay. Can't wait to see you, Usako.

(Usagi) Me neither.

After exchanging a few more pleasant words, the two disconnected.

Usagi told her family about her exciting news. They were thrilled for her. Especially Shingo. He could feel that she was going through something, just like when she was a Sailor Guardian and when her friends abandoned her.

He was happy for her.

The next day, when she was at the Shop, she let the girls know that she would be giving Shingo the keys to the garage during her time in The United States. Since it was the Summer, she thought it would help him get out there, for when he would eventually get a part time job.

The Amazons all thought it was good idea. They hadn't met Shingo before, but Usagi talked very well of him, at least, in more recent times. They also believed that Usagi traveling was a great thing, especially after seeing how she had been for the last few months.

Usagi knew what they meant, but did not question it.

She went on a small shopping spree with Haruka, Setsuna, Michiru and Hotaru. They went everywhere, figuring out what Usagi would wear in America.

It was great, for everyone. For once in a while, they were able to feel like normal people, just living their lives in the moment.

After a few weeks of preparing, Usagi said goodbye to everyone at 5 A.M. and took the flight from Minato, Tokyo, Japan, straight to Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States. Usagi thought that maybe, even with the 13 hour flight, she would be able to resist Jet Lag.

After the 13 long hours of flying through the air, Usagi was in the United States, where her beloved was.

After getting off the plane. She immediately felt exhausted. She took a taxi to her hotel and went straight to bed.

When she woke up, she had woken up at 8 A.M. the next day.

After struggling with the cold and comfortable sheets, she made her way out of bed and got ready to see Mamoru.

She had memorized where his dorm was and went straight there.

At the dorm area, she waited outside and called him.

He answered, but still seemed groggy.

(Mamoru) Hello?

(Usagi) Sorry, did I wake you?

(Mamoru) Hmm..? Oh hey Usagi, how are you?

(Usagi) Well, I'm fine, but why don't you get out of bed and come down here so we can grab some tea together?

(Mamoru) What are you tal-

It took a few moments for Mamoru to register the sentence.

(Mamoru) Wait. How did you know it was morning here?

(Usagi) Because. I'm standing outside, waiting for you.

(Mamoru) Wait. You. Came to the United States.

(Usagi) Yup.

(Mamoru) And you're outside of my dorm? Right now?

(Usagi) Yes. Yes I am.

(Mamoru) Give me 20.

(Usagi) Sure thing.

Usagi found a bench outside of the building.

After 30 minutes, Mamoru came running out of the building, out of breath, looking for Usagi.

(Usagi) MAMO!

She waved him over.

He ran to her and held her, tightly.

(Mamoru) I... I can't believe you're here right now! Finally after so long...

(Usagi) I know... it's been too long.

The two stood out in an open courtyard, just holding each other in the warm winter Sun.

For Mamoru, it was like breath of familiar air. Finally, someone who he had known, someone who wasn't from the States... and someone who he treasured dearly.

For Usagi, the truth she wanted to tell Mamoru was momentarily forgotten, for the first time, in a long time, she felt safe. Safe from all the worrying and loneliness she's endured without him for the last two years. Telling him the truth could wait a little while. For now, she just wanted to be in his company.

Mamoru took Usagi around for a tour of Cambridge Massachusetts, United States. They went to different shops, saw a few nearby historical sights, and it wasn't for a few hours that Mamoru noticed. Usagi was speaking English! A non-native language!

(Mamoru) Holy crap! Usako!

(Usagi) What!? What is it!?

(Mamoru) You speak english! I never knew you could!

(Usagi) Yeah... when I was in college, I thought that it would be a good idea to brush up on it just in case one day, I would need it.

(Mamoru) You... already got your degree from college. I've missed so much... I wish I could've came back to celebrate with you.

(Usagi) There's a lot you should know about. But for now. Let's just enjoy the day... just you and me.

The two spent the entire day together, traveling around the city that Mamoru had called home for over two years now.

Later in the evening, Mamoru took Usagi back to his dorm, where she met his roommates, a pair of guys who teased Mamoru about how much he would talk about Usagi daily, ever since they met him. Afterwards though, the two went out to give Mamoru and Usagi some privacy.

(Mamoru) Sorry about them. They can be real pains in the ass, but they're pretty nice to be around when you get to know them.

(Usagi) Yeah, got a few of those at home now.

Mamoru was about to throw himself on the bed when he seemed to have an idea.

(Mamoru) You know... there is one last place I wanted to show you.

(Usagi) Wow, you still got energy left. Okay, lets go then!

Mamoru took Usagi out of the dorm room and took her to roof of the building.

There, you could see nearly the entire city around you with just your naked eyes.

(Usagi) Mamo... this is just... beautiful...

(Mamoru) I know. When I first got here, after a few months, I came up here to let off some steam and them I saw it... thinking of you.

(Usagi) Oh come on... now you're just trying to make me blush.

(Mamoru) Well, it's working isn't it?

(Usagi)... maybe...

For the rest of her trip, Usagi felt that, even though he would eventually need to hear the truth about themselves. It could wait a little longer. He didn't need his world getting crushed while he was going to school. Especially seeing him be so happy... she just couldn't bring herself to just drop all of that information on top of him.

Every morning for her weeklong stay. She fought with herself every night and morning on whether she should tell him or not. But every time she decided to herself to tell him... his smile after classes were finished or seeing him laugh with the people he had come to know here... she just couldn't.

After the week of her stay. Before she went on the 13 hour flight back to Japan, Mamoru took the taxi with her and walked her to the gate. He also slipped her a piece of paper.

(Usagi) Hm? What's this?

(Mamoru) It the number for my personal cellphone. So you don't have to keep calling me through the dorm's admin again.

(Usagi) Thanks Mamo... this means a lot.

She did her best not to cry in front of him. But something inside her was banging on her chest, screaming not to let him go again.

Mamoru saw right through her facade and held her again.

(Mamoru) Usako. You don't have to force yourself to be brave on my account. In only a few more years, I'll return to Minato, Japan, where I know you'll be. Then, we can start our lives together again, and we'll never have to separate again. Okay?

As he spoke, Usagi allowed a few tears to flow down her face and drop to the floor. She tried to muster an "Okay." But when she said it, it was wobbly and made it known that she was crying in his arms, after she had done her best to put up a front.

As the time went by, the two eventually detached.

(Usagi) SO, you promise, right? That when you come back, you'll never leave again?

Mamoru

flashed her a reassuring smile.

(Mamoru) Yes Usako. I promise.

The two said their final farewells and went their separate ways.

Usagi went back to Japan, back to working at the Shop, while trying to fight of the Sentient Army and learning about the truth of who and what she is.

Mamoru went back to studying, clueless as to what he had not been told. (Motoki never told Mamoru about the Sentient aliens or the Sailor Guardians. This is because, Motoki feared that, if he did, Mamoru would quit school in the U.S. and return to Japan without a second thought. But he had even talked to Usagi about this and they both agreed. He shouldn't know about anything bad happening in Japan. What's more, Mamoru didn't watch the news nor listen to gossip, because of how hard and how long he was studying for.) (Another thing is that, in the United States, there is an entire culture surrounding Aliens, so Mamoru would've drowned it out long before the Sentients came.)

End of Episode 7: Memories and Mamoru