Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon Sailor Stars: Chaos Theory
Act 3: Kino Makoto
By: Sora Kazeno
Welcome back for the next part. Hmm I wonder which senshi this part is going to focus on? Any guesses? Not too many twists in this part but defiantly more story development.
Sailor Moon couldn't do anything but stand and watch as Mamoru had his starseed taken from him. "Mamo-chan!" She screamed as she tried desperately to help him but Sailor Lethe prevented her as Sailor Heavy Metal Papillon collected his starseed. She never felt so helpless in her life. She was conflicted on what her next move should be. She wanted to run over and try to comfort him but she needed to retrieve his starseed and she was the only one around. She hoped another Sailor Senshi would appear to help her.
Sailor Lethe pulled out the crystal and the crystal began to glow. "Finally we have the starseed that we need!" Sailor Lethe exclaimed gleefully. "You'll never get this one back Sailor Moon! Say goodbye to your prince!" Sailor Lethe laughed as she vanished from sight. Sailor Moon collapsed to her knees, tears streaming down her face. She quickly made her way over to Mamoru.
Mamoru tried to comfort her the best he could but he was fading fast. "Don't cry Usako. I know you will find a way to stop them," Mamoru said as his voice was barely above a whisper. "I love you." Those were his last words before he completely vanished.
"NO!" Sailor Moon screamed in anguish.
Usagi bolted up in bed her heart racing. Her nightmare seemed so real to her. She took several deep breaths trying to calm herself down. It was only a dream, wasn't it? She asked herself. She looked at her alarm clock and realized she had another thirty minutes before she had to be up to go to school. She knew there was no way she was going to be able to go back to sleep. She wanted to call Mamoru to make sure he was all right but how could she when he didn't remember her? She would have to see him today. Even if it was only for a brief moment to put her mind at ease. Usagi slowly got out of bed and began to put on her school uniform and get ready for the day. If she left a little early maybe she would see Mamoru she hoped.
Usagi grabbed her things for the day and went downstairs to join her family for breakfast. When she first entered the room nobody spoke since they couldn't believe what they were seeing.
"Usagi… at breakfast? The world is ending!" Shingo exclaimed at the sight of his sister. "She must be really sick to here this early!"
Usagi shot an evil look at him. "I have been at breakfast before! I don't see what the big deal is!"
"But it has been a long time," Kenji said as he turned a page in the newspaper.
Ikkuko placed several slices of toast on the table as she said, "we should do this more often."
"Uh huh," said Usagi between mouthfuls of food. After she ate she quickly excused herself from the table and went to the front door to put her shoes on. She called out behind her that she was about to leave and closed the door behind her.
Usagi walked quickly to school as she hoped she would see Mamoru along the way. Much to her dismay he was nowhere to be seen. If something did happened to him she would like to believe that Setsuna would tell her and that she would feel it. It was just a dream right? She thought back to the time when Mamoru broke up with her shortly after his memories returned due to a nightmare he had that if he stayed with her she would die. She felt hurt that he didn't explain it to her at first. With him not remembering her it gave Usagi plenty of time to reflect on everything that has happened. She was nearing school and was still unable to find him. It would have to wait until after class. Usagi began to enter the front gate still lost in her thoughts. She didn't even notice she walked past Seiya.
"Odango?" Seiya said as he tried to get her attention. She was unresponsive and continued to slowly walk to the school entrance. Realizing she was in her own world Seiya quickly caught up with her and stood in front of her.
Usagi still wasn't paying attention and walked into him. Usagi began to apologize to the person she ran into. She looked up and realized it was Seiya. A blush crept across her face. "Sei..Seiya," she said with a small smile.
Seiya could tell she was sad about something. "Are you okay?" He asked her.
Usagi was undecided how much she should tell Seiya. She didn't think he wanted to hear about Mamoru. "It was just a bad dream." Usagi said in effort to simplify everything in her mind.
"Dreams don't always come turn do they?" Seiya said. After a moment he added, "the good or the bad."
The bell chimed to signal the start of class. Usagi couldn't believe it. "I can't be late! I even woke up early this morning!" Usagi began shouting at the top of her lungs. She took off running at full speed trying desperately to not be late. Seiya was close behind her.
"I'm worried about Usagi-chan," Luna said looking over at Artemis. "I'm not sure if she can handle this by herself."
"But she isn't by herself. She has the Starlights and a few other of the senshi. Pretty soon everything will be back to normal Luna. You have nothing to worry about," said Artemis as he nuzzled her cheek.
"I don't know if she is going to be able to handle Mamoru-san not remembering her again," Luna said as she moved over as she tried to have a serious conversation with him.
"What is the worse that could happen? It's not like Usagi is going to fall for some else!" Artemis joked.
Luna shot him a look for death at his remark and he didn't say another word.
Usagi sighed as she stood in the hallway. She was late and this was her punishment.
"So this is what they do, eh?" Seiya asked as he looked down the hallway. "This isn't so bad."
Usagi glared at him. "If it wasn't for you I would have been on time!" Usagi pouted as she crossed her arms against her chest.
"But you were off in our own world you could have walked in a wall, Odango," said Seiya as he playfully teased her back.
Usagi became quiet as she remembered the image of Mamoru's starseed being taken right before her eyes. She became really quiet as a few tears threatened to trickle down her cheek.
Seiya became alarmed at the change. "Odango, what's wrong?"
A few tears ran down her cheek. She couldn't hold it back anymore. She opened her mouth to speak but she had trouble forming the words.
Seiya put a hand on her shoulder. "It's okay Odango. Whatever it is… I'll listen," he said.
"What… what if he doesn't remember me…again…" Usagi said as her voice was barely above a whisper.
Seiya tried to keep it together. It was about him again. It seems like he was always causing her pain but she loved him. He tried to find something positive to say but words were failing him. Seiya moved closer to her and said, "Odango, I'll never forget about you."
Usagi slowly looked up at his eyes. This was the second time he had told her that same exact phrase.
The classroom door slid open. Minako looked at the two with a raised eyebrow. Their faces became bright red as they realized just how close they were next to each other. "I was told to let you in but you seem to be having a good time out there!" Minako said with a large smile on her face. She left the classroom door open and walked back into the classroom.
Usagi quickly walked back into the classroom and sat down in her seat. She tried to ignore the envious looks she received from several of her classmates. It was no secret they were close.
Yaten glared at Seiya. In Yaten's mind Seiya was risking too much to protect Usagi and was worried he was going to be seriously hurt because of this girl. He protected her more than once even though he was hurt because of it. It was different during the battle against Galaxia since Sailor Moon was their only hope. Seiya was too close to Usagi in his opinion. He was worried that if Seiya had to make a decision between their princess and Usagi he would choose Usagi without even thinking about it. They had been through a lot with Usagi and she did save their princess but it didn't mean she was a replacement to their princess. He knew that Taiki felt the same way.
Taiki was worried that Seiya would not return back with them after their current situation has passed and it would break their princess' heart. They all had grown closer to the other senshi during their battle against Galaxia especially when Ami, Makoto and Minako prevented Sailor Galaxia from taking their star seeds. But the closest between Seiya and Usagi still had him on edge and he couldn't shake the feeling.
Class resumed and the murmurs of the students eventually died down. Usagi didn't dare talk to any of the Lights until the day ended. She turned her attention to Makoto and her lunch. She was outside sitting in her normal spot but she was by herself. "Is it okay if I join you?" Usagi asked as she stood next to Makoto.
Makoto seemed surprised but she was happy to have the company. "Sure Tsukino-san."
"Tsukino-san is too formal!" Usagi said as she sat down next to her. "Call me Usagi… and I'll call you Mako-chan!" Usagi said with a large smile on her face. She was trying to have things return to normal even if it something as small as being able to call her Mako-chan again.
"Okay… Usagi-chan," Makoto said with a smile. "I always make a lot for lunch so eat as much as you'd like!"
Usagi didn't waste any time taking Makoto up on her offer. After they finished eating Usagi had an idea. "How about if we go to an arcade after school? I think it would be great if we could hang out more after school."
"I'd really like that," said Makoto with a smile. "This sounds crazy but it seems like we've done this before."
"Yeah," Usagi said with a smile. "I know what you mean!"
"I have a new recipe I was going to try for tomorrow. Would you like to try it?" Makoto asked as she began to put away her bento box.
"I'd love to! You are such a good cook Mako-chan!" Usagi said with a lot of enthusiasm.
"I don't understand what you are worried about," Seiya said to Taiki and Yaten. "I thought we were past this you and everyone had an understanding."
"We were but what are your intentions when the danger passes Earth? Our world is still not completely rebuilt and the Princess needs our help," Taiki said as she watched Seiya's body movements.
"That's a silly question!" Exclaimed Seiya as tried to play it off that he was clueless to what Taiki implied.
Yaten decided it was time to be blunt, "If she asked you, you would stay here."
"She won't," said Seiya as he walked into the bathroom to end the conversation with them. He didn't want to think about returning to the Kinmoku star system yet. It was hard enough leaving this planet once and it will difficult the next time. He was excited when he learned the Princess wanted them to return back to Earth… even if it was only temporarily.
"It has begun," said Sailor Galaxia as she approached Princess Kakyuu.
"I know. We don't have much time," Princess Kakyuu said as she turned around to face her. "I hope the Starlights will be able to guide her until the others are awakened. But we must find a way to seal Chaos before we return to Earth."
Sailor Galaxia nodded her head in agreement. "We knew that Chaos would return one day. I just didn't want to believe it would be this soon."
Seiya wanted to talk to Usagi one more time to make sure she was okay but he saw her leave the school grounds with Makoto and decided to let her be. At least she was with someone she could talk to. Seiya thought about what Taiki and Yaten had told him. For the first time he was starting to realize just how protective he had become of Usagi. He turned his attention to Taiki and Yaten. "We'll keep our distance."
"We should check on some of the others," said Taiki as he watched Ami run off in another direction. Their plan was short lived when someone else appeared that they didn't expect.
"Hi!" Minako exclaimed as she appeared next to Yaten.
Yaten practically jumped in the air. "…Hi?" Yaten said as he took a step back from her. "Did you need something?" He asked as he tried to figure out what here motive was. It didn't seem like she had her memories back yet.
"Do you remember the idol contest a while back?" Minako asked with little stars in her eyes. "I was thinking about taking up on that offer since I have a lot of free time now! I don't remember why I didn't start sooner. I must have been crazy to think I had something more important to do than to start my career!" Minako gushed.
Yaten looked at Minako confused when she discussed a contest. Yaten looked over at Taiki for help. Taiki shrugged his shoulders.
Then it hit him. She auditioned to be an idol and Yaten confronted her about the timing of the audition. He had told her it was more important to protect the planet than to be an idol. He had accused her of abandoning her friends. She had told him that had encouraged her to go. "You have to talk to Moroboshi Takuya-san."
"Then that is what we will do!" Minako exclaimed as she dragged Yaten off. "You know what they say, man and time don't wait for the tide!"
"Have fun!" Seiya yelled to them.
Yaten turned around to glare at him but Minako's grip was too tight as she pulled him forward to the downtown area.
"He doesn't stand a chance," Taiki said as he laughed. "I think she meant time and tide wait for no man."
Usagi smiled as she walked to the arcade with Makoto. She needed a break from being Sailor Moon and for a little while. It was nice to be with someone that didn't know she was Sailor Moon. Someone that didn't know what it felt like to have the weight of the world on her shoulders. Unfortunately she hadn't seen Mamoru yet but it was still early.
Usagi and Makoto entered the arcade and looked around as they tried to find a game to play. Then she saw him. He was talking to Motoki in the back wearing a pale pink shirt and tan pants. She felt a tremendous amount of relief. She knew he was safe. Motoki faced Usagi and waved to her. Usagi waved back. She wanted to avoid an awkward conversation with Motoki. "Mako-chan, let's play some of the games over there!" Usagi said as she dragged her to another corner of the arcade.
Motoki turned his attention back to Mamoru with a confused look on her face.
"Is something wrong, Motoki-kun?" Asked Mamoru once he noticed the look of confusion on his face.
"Ah no. Not really. Did the two of you have a fight?" Motoki responded back. He noticed how it seemed as if Usagi tried to avoid Mamoru. In the past she would have tackled him with a hug that nearly knocked him over.
Mamoru looked at Motoki like he was crazy. "What are you talking about? Whom would I fight with?" Confusion was written all over his face as responded back to him.
Usagi sat down in front of the Sailor V game and Makoto sat down next to her. She placed a coin in the machine and waited for the game to load. "Who was that guy that Motoki-kun was talking to?" Makoto asked Usagi. "I think I've seen him before but I don't know."
"That's Mamo-" Usagi caught herself mid-sentence. She had almost called him Mamo-chan. How could she explain the situation to Makoto without sounding crazy? "That's… I'm not sure. A friend of his I guess," Usagi said as she shrugged her shoulders. She hated herself for pretending she didn't know him but right now it was easier. She tried to focus on her game but her thoughts shifted to Mamoru and the nightmare she had. Then her thoughts shifted to Seiya when he told her he would never forget her. When the Starlights left Earth the first time, she played it off that she didn't understand what Seiya said but deep down she knew what he really meant. She was grateful to have Seiya with her during this time but it confused her at the same time. Usagi couldn't concentrate on her game and easily died. She turned to watch Makoto play.
Thirty minutes later Makoto let out a frustrated sigh as she died in the game. "Better luck next time I guess!" Makoto said as she turned to the side where Usagi was sitting. "Did you want to go next store and get a snack?"
The thought of cake made Usagi's face light up. "I love the cakes there!" Usagi exclaimed as she jumped up. She was practically drooling. The two girls walked outside but never made it to the desert shop next door. As soon as they walked outside the arcade they were greeted by Sailor Lethe. The street was surprising semi-empty. But there were still too many people around for Usagi to transform into Sailor Moon.
"I've been waiting for you," Sailor Lethe said with a smile. She turned to Usagi and said, "we have unfinished business. However, I have more important matters to attend to this time." She turned to Makoto.
"Mako-chan, run!" Usagi urged her.
"Usagi-chan, what is going on?" Makoto asked as she tried to figure out if she really was in danger. She didn't recognize the pink haired woman Usagi was talking to. She wore a short black dress with a collar. She also wore gold bracelets on her wrists.
Sailor Lethe snapped her fingers and a bolt of black energy struck the ground next to Makoto. Makoto took a few steps backs as she began to fully understand what was going on. Usagi frantically looked for a place to transform into Sailor Moon. There was a small alley between the buildings and used it as a place to transform.
"Moon Eternal, Make Up!" Usagi was impatient as the transformation seemed to take longer than usual. As she rushed out of the ally she saw Makoto hit with the same golden light Haruka was hit with last night.
Makoto cried out in pain as a tangerine flower appeared over her chest. The flower bloomed and revealed a green starseed. Makoto collapsed to the ground without her starseed. She began to feel very weak.
Sailor Lethe gestured with her hands and the starseed flew over to her. Sailor Lethe seemed to be mesmerized by the shine for a few moments. She then pulled out the same clear crystal she had used last night to check the starseed. Once again nothing happened. Sailor Lethe became frustrated. "How many more of these crystals do I have to check?"
"Return Mako-chan's starseed!" Sailor Moon exclaimed as she took a few steps forward. She was trying to figure out the best way to distract Sailor Lethe long enough to take back the starseed.
Sailor Lethe laughed at her. "Who do you take me for? Galaxia? Sympathy is for the weak!" Sailor Lethe was interrupted by a familiar snapping pattern.
"Standing in the darkness of the night…"
"Dashing through the air of freedom…"
"Three shooting stars… Sailor Star Fighter!"
"Sailor Star Maker!"
"Sailor Star Healer!"
"Sailor Starlights, Stage on!"
"Star Sensitive Inferno!" Sailor Star Healer shouted as she used her star shaped locket to fire an attack at Sailor Lethe.
Sailor Lethe dodged to the right and was hit with another attack.
"Star Gentle Uterus!"
Sailor Lethe was blasted back. She slowly stood up and realized that the starseed was gone. Sailor Star Fighter was holding the starseed. She didn't waste any time returning the starseed to Makoto.
Makoto began to feel her energy returning to her body. She saw images of herself fighting Sailor Galaxia and Queen Beryl. How she originally met Usagi when Zoisite searched for the rainbow crystals. Makoto felt her forehead become very warm as the glowing symbol of her home planet began to form. Makoto snapped open her eyes and didn't waste any time. "Jupiter Crystal Power, Make Up!" Lighting radiated out of the emerald crystal which quickly became her sailor fuku.
"Agent of Love and Courage, the pretty sailor suited soldier Sailor Jupiter! In the name of Jupiter, I will punish you!"
Sailor Lethe sighed. "Yet another Sailor Senshi? But... I might as well have some fun before I destroy you!"
"Jupiter Oak Evolution!"
Orbs of green energy flew at Sailor Lethe and hit her right arm. Her eyes narrowed at Sailor Jupiter. "I didn't think you had it in you." Sailor Lethe smirked and then vanished.
Sailor Moon ran over to Sailor Jupiter. "Mako-chan, are you okay?" Sailor Moon asked as she tried to visibly check Sailor Jupiter for any signs that she wasn't.
"I'm okay Usagi-chan." Sailor Jupiter reassured her. She de-transformed back. Makoto looked around for her possessions and then realized that she left them inside. "I left my things inside. We were in such a hurry to go I forgot to grab them!" Makoto said with a smile.
Usagi felt relieved that she had Makoto back. She was close to the arcade doors and was the first to walk him. She heard a crunching sound which made her look down to see what the source of the sound was. She kicked up her shoe and realized she had crushed a red rose. "Mamo-chan…" she murmured as she looked at the rose petals.
Makoto was surprised to see the rose on the ground. The rose made her think of Tuxedo Kamen. "We didn't see him today," said Makoto as she looked to Usagi.
Usagi shook her head and said, "you won't see him for a while." She continued to head inside the arcade to where Makoto left her bag.
Makoto thought Usagi's actions were strange. "Usagi-chan…" Makoto said softly as she collected her bag. "Did something happen?" She asked as she began to head to the front door. Then she saw him in the back with Motoki.
They overheard Mamoru say to Motoki, "I don't know it was the strangest thing. This rose seemed to appear out of nowhere. I have no idea what it means," said Mamoru as he looked at Motoki.
Usagi looked even more depressed after Mamoru's comment. She was visibly upset and was in a hurry to leave the arcade. She walked past the Lights without a word.
"What happened?" Makoto asked the Three Lights as she stood next to them. "Mamoru-san acted like he didn't know Usagi-chan."
"You are one of the few that have your memories back," explained Yaten. "It's us, Uranus and Pluto. Against who knows what."
"It seems that once one of the senshi losses their starseed their memories comeback when their starseed is returned. But what happens when they find what they are looking far?" Taiki wondered out loud.
"Then we have to find a way to restore everyone's memories with them losing their starseeds," said Makoto as she tried to remember what happened the last time she lost her memories. "Luna! I need to talk to Luna. I remember she helped us last time." Makoto seemed excited that she had a place to start to help everyone.
Taiki nodded his head in agreement as he spoke, "I think it is a good place to start. If we can speed up the process I believe it will be beneficial. What do you think Seiya?" There was no response. Taiki looked over to where Seiya was standing and realized he was gone.
Usagi wiped away a few tears that were streaming down her face. She wanted to know when this would end. She was almost at the point where she didn't want to see Mamoru until he had his memories back since it was too painful for her. Once again Usagi was did not pay attention to where she was. She was lost in her own little world. The light had changed and a bus was charging down the down the street trying not to be late to the next stop. Usagi noticed the bus when she was in the middle of the crosswalk. She panicked. Within a few seconds the bus was going to run her over. A blur of black seemed to come out of nowhere and pulled her out of harm's way in the nick of time. She felt a thump as the person landed on the sidewalk and took the brunt of the fall.
Usagi kept her eyes closed for a moment as she felt someone with their arms around her. The warmth she felt made her think it was him. "So warm…" she whispered. She slowly began to open her eyes expecting to see Mamoru but it wasn't him. "Se…Seiya…" Usagi stammered.
"I told you I would protect you Odango. But don't walk in front of buses again, okay?" said Seiya with a wink.
Then something he didn't foresee happened. A microphone was shoved in his face. "Seiya-san, how does it feel to be a hero?" A news reporter exclaimed. "Who is she? You two seem really close!"
Usagi realized she Seiya still had his arms around her. Her face became bright red as she quickly stood up. "Um.. thank you for saving me!" Usagi shouted as she ran off.
Seiya quickly stood up as well but it wasn't quite as easy to get away from the cameras. "Is it true that you are doing a charity concert with Kaiou-san?" The woman asked him as she continued to place the microphone in his face.
Usagi was very happy to return to her house. She took off her shoes and announced she was home.
"Usagi-chan!" Ikkuko said as she ran into the front room. "Why didn't you tell me that you had such as close relationship to Seiya-san?"
"What…. What are you talking about?" Usagi yelled at her mother. She was hoping the other night would be the end of it. Her mother dragged her into the other room and directed her to the television set.
Seiya was on the television trying to answer the questions the reporter was asking him. The program then showed a replay of Seiya's rescue. The camera wasn't close enough to pick up what he had told her but it definitely put them in a compromising position.
"Ugh!" Usagi exclaimed as she went upstairs. "I'm going to do my homework!" She yelled over her back.
"That's nice dear," responded Usagi's mother as she was hanging on every word from the news broadcast.
Mamoru shut off the television in his apartment. It was the same girl he had seen a few times that seemed a little odd to him. Something about seeing her in someone else's arms didn't sit right with him and he didn't understand why. He barely even knew her. How could she have an effect like that over him? He rubbed his forehead for a few minutes trying to make sense of things. He hoped things would seem clearer to him in the morning.
He shut off the light in the common room and walked in his small bedroom. He walked in front of his shelf and froze. On top of the bookcase was a picture of him and the girl. They were both smiling and they had their arms around each other. He continued to stare at the picture. He felt a sharp pain in his head. He clutched the side of his head as he thought about what Motoki had asked him earlier. He asked if he and that girl had a fight. Why can't he remember something so important? How could he forget someone that was clearly so important? His head was spinning. He collapsed on his bed.
Sailor Chi glared at Sailor Lethe. "You have just awakened another senshi!" She yelled at her.
"At least we know that Chaos is not in their starseeds! It is two less senshi we have to worry about! It means we are actually getting closer to achieving our goal!" Sailor Lethe exclaimed as she tried to demonstrate to them the progress she made.
"Let me try again," Sailor Heavy Metal Papillon said to Sailor Chi and Sailor Lethe. "I already have a new target. However, I think the senshi are expecting another attack tomorrow. If we wait a few days it will make them nervous and on edge."
"You present a very interesting case," Sailor Chi as she debated Sailor Heavy Metal Papillon's plan. "Very well. You will have the next target."
A couple of plot twists! Mamoru better hurry up and get his memories back or Seiya might take Usagi from him. When will Sailor Galaxia show up to help the senshi and will the others accept her help due to her past? So many potential targets discussed in this chapter. Will it be Mamoru, Michiru or Minako? None of the above! Stay tuned for Act 4: Hino Rei. See you on March 14th!
