Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ Don't take me home ❯ Chapter 9 ( Chapter 9 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
Hello all. I don't often write two chapters in one day, but I got some scary words from my best friend Necton_Minako and after having her threaten me with much bodily harm if I didn't write another chapter, I decided to write for her. So this chapter is dedicated to my very best friend who tries to hurt me when I want to quit and give up and encourages me always. Now that the gushy stuff is out of the way I also want to include a very grateful thanks to Crystaldove who was kind enough to email me back and help me work things out in perspective. I can't believe I have 128 reviews and I'm thrilled! I hope you enjoy and please keep reading and reviewing! Reviews are life to me! I don't own Sailor Moon, but I'd like to. Enjoy! And for those of you who want to know what the Void is, this is the chapter for you!
Usagi sighed having come to the hotel at last. It had been a draining day and it wasn't over yet. She felt so strong and powerful, having taken this step on her own. She decided that she would have a backup plan if things fell through with the others, though she knew it wouldn't. Her grades had to stay high for her to keep her scholarship, but she thought about getting a job. She frowned, thinking that a job would be no good if the Void attacked. Checking in, she drug her bags to her room and sat on the corner of the bed thinking of the Void and what it was.
** "Now pay attention Selenity, this information is old, but it is necessary to know." Queen Serenity told her daughter smiling.
Selenity nodded and sat at her mother's knee, watching her carefully and listening to all she told her. "Hai Mama."
"I've told you of the Negaverse, led by the renegade witch Beryl and her ruler Metallia." Queen Serenity stated. "Now I will tell you of an evil even older. An evil that is everything and nothing. An evil which spawned chaos itself. It is called the Void. Nothing lives within it my dear and it is the blackest of the black arts. Light and love mean nothing to it, those who follow it are truly the damned. They are the opposite of all that we are and all that we stand for. The Void was banished several millennia ago by your grandmother Serenitas (A.N - Shameless putting myself in here…). She fought against the Void and banished them to a galaxy far, far away. She used the ginzuishou, the gift of the Goddess herself to ensure that the Void cannot return."
Selenity shifted from her place on the floor. "But everything can return Mother." She said quietly. "Look at the Negaverse. All you truly need are followers to take up the cause."
Serenity smiled. "Very good. Yes that is true Selenity, but different with the Void. The Negaverse believes in its cause. The youma and minions have a purpose and feelings about what they are doing. The Void doesn't. It is mindless, senseless killing. It hates the Moon with all that is and it wants us dead. If you face one of those who is dedicated to the Void, who has embraced it's nature and it's desire, run. There is no shame in it. The touch of one who has been taken by the Void is death. Pain to some, but death to us. Selenity, the Void WAS banished, but it will return again, I'm sure of it."
"How do I fight it Mother?" Selenity questioned, trembling in fear.
Serenity held out the ginzuishou. "With this." She pointed to her heart. "With your heart crystal." She sighed. "And with all of the love in your heart."
Selenity tilted her head, inquisitive. "Can you sense the evil of the Void?"
Serenity nodded. "The corruption of the soul is greater than anything known to us. You cannot sense the evil in the Negaverse but you CAN sense the evil of the Void. You, as all Lunarians can sense the essence of people. Those who follow the Void have nothing. You can sense nothing, feel nothing. In a way, they DO NOT EXIST. Do you understand?"
Selenity looked musingly to the wall. She had felt a lack of humanity on the part of Jadeite, one of Endymion's generals, and there were times when she felt it in her rival Sailor Mars. "Mother, can they feel off the essence of others?" she questioned.
Serenity nodded. "Only if they are weak. They use physical contact to build up their strength and then attack. They are almost impossible to destroy, and therefore you must be wary about them. Our touch is death to them, and that is why they hate us."
Selenity stood, her thoughts racing. 'You feel nothing, sense nothing, in a sense they are not there.' She thought rapidly. 'They are the source behind all evil. They are the root. The Void has returned and it is closer than expected. How do I fight?'
"Come daughter, it is time for daily declarations. Do not worry yourself with the Void, for it is unlikely they will appear in your lifetime." Serenity put an arm around her daughter's shoulders, not seeing Selenity trembling in the aftershock of realization.**
She had never gotten the chance to talk to Mars about it, because the Negaverse had conveniently attacked them a few days later when things escalated on Earth. Perhaps the Negaverse had hastened its plans because those who served the Void realized they had been found out. 'And now they have returned.' She thought. 'I bested Jadeite before when he swore allegiance to the Negaverse, but can I best him again when he is the herald of the Void? He wants me dead, because I am the only one who can fight him, the only one who can harm him. Without the love and support of ALL my senshi, I am weak. And Rei has fallen under his spell. Makoto!' Usagi stood up rapidly, pacing her room. 'Of course, it all makes sense now. The Void has always gone by ideal of divide and conquer, so they set the plan into action with Rei, having her divide me and Mamoru, and then the Senshi, making sure I'd flee so I'd be vulnerable, and now they will put their plans into place.' She felt as though someone had poured cold water down her spine. 'No matter where I go he will find me, for I am his natural enemy. I must find some way to protect Makoto.' Reaching for her communicator, uncaring that it was 3 a.m. in Juuban, she pressed the button for Mercury and heard Ami's grumpy voice in the communicator. "This had better be damn good Usagi!" Ami snapped.
"Ami, listen carefully, and for god sakes' wake up!" Usagi replied. "Listen…"
Jadeite smirked as he observed the body of Makoto lying unconscious on the floor. He had tried to touch her, but a green light had shone from her body making it impossible for him to touch her. "So she frees herself from my mind trap at last." He said aloud. "It will be a pity to have to kill her, but necessary. She knows too much and I can't risk her getting in the way."
Rei came and stood beside him, fully clothed. "I don't want to kill her Jadeite. She's my friend. She's the only one who stood with me against Usagi."
Jadeite stepped away from Rei. "I have regained my strength, I no longer need you." He sneered. "You are the dark flame through which I will work my purpose. You will go after her and bring her here."
Rei's eyes widened. "I can't Jadeite! If she touches me, she'll kill me! And she's almost done that twice already!"
Jadeite sighed. "Your soul, such as it is, is like mine Rei. You're just like me with as evil a will. Our forces are meant to be merged into one. The world will be panicked when our work is done." He murmured. "Makoto is freeing herself from the hypnotism that you put her under, as Mamoru threw off the lust charm you cast. Usagi has managed to regain her strength and power despite the spell of forgetfulness and clumsiness that you placed upon her. You are failing miserably in your duties Rei. I am disappointed."
Rei knelt. "I beg forgiveness Jadeite. Usagi has proven to be slippery indeed. I do not know what to do."
"We must get her back here." He whispered in her ear. "She has left behind Mamoru, and Ami. There is this Motoki and her friend Naru. We can take them, along with Makoto and use them as ransom until she returns. She will return, because her kind heart will be her undoing."
Rei nodded. "I would suggest bringing her family into this, but she wiped their memories. I still don't know how though, because every other time she's used the ginzuishou, it's nearly killed her."
"She has obviously gained complete mastery over the ginzuishou Flame." Jadeite said, getting upset. "I am not used to having my orders questioned!"
Rei bowed her head. "Forgive my impertinence." She said quietly. "But we cannot fight her, not with all the senshi around. We cannot touch her!"
Jadeite turned to Luna who observed them with wide eyes. "But she can." He knelt by Luna. "If you embrace the Void Luna and join us, I will give you your voice back and turn you human, much like Usagi did to Artemis. Would you like that? To get revenge on Usagi?"
Luna's eyes were sceptical, shaking her head no. "It is not Selenity you'd be attacking," Jadeite continued. "But Usagi, the girl you can't stand."
"The girl who has nearly destroyed this world so many times." Rei added. "She saved it yes, but only after she brought it to the brink of destruction. The Princess of Destiny my foot!" she snorted.
Luna looked pensive and turned away from them, obviously needing to think. "She'll come around." Jadeite told Rei who looked concerned. "Lift up Makoto and bring her inside. We have plans to complete."
Naru fell back in frustration. Despite Ami's reputation as a bookworm, the girl could move! True she wasn't as fast as the other senshi, but Naru couldn't keep up with her. "So how do I transform?" she asked again. "What words can I speak to make that happen?"
"I am quite certain you are Sailor Mars." Ami said, out of breath herself. "You must embrace fire, for it will be part of you, as ice is of me. The transformation the first time can be a bit painful and disorienting, but if you think that you are ready, we'll see if you are the new Mars."
Naru lifted the henshin rod she had hardly put down since it had been given to her. "What do I say?"
"Mars Crystal Power, Make-UP." Ami nodded.
Naru raised it above her head and spoke the words. When the three rings of fire encircled her, Ami took notes. Naru stood before her as Sailor Mars, wobbling like a newborn colt on her legs. Unlike Rei, she did not have red high heels on, rather they were a form of red crisscrossing shoes, similar to the ones that Neptune wore. She did not have a tiara, rather the symbol of Mars burned brightly on her forehead as her hair fell free to her shoulders, not held back by her tiny bow. "Wow!" Naru exclaimed, looking at herself. "Is this really me?"
Ami chuckled. "You'll get used to it." She stood back. "I like your hair like that Naru."
Nephrite materialized close to them. "Now it is time to begin training so that you can use your powers Naru. Not just as a senshi, but as yourself. The physical training will pick up, now that we know that you are truly Mars."
Ami's face dropped. "Then Rei is truly gone."
Nephrite walked close to Ami. "Rei was truly gone a thousand years ago. She was truly gone when she turned against her princess and betrayed her, enticing you all to do the same. Everything that occurred, happened because Rei tricked and befuddled you are. You are not to blame Mercury." He said gently. "And in time the Princess will understand that if she doesn't already. She has told you everything about the Void and what she thinks his plan is. We will act accordingly."
"Protect the innocents." Naru said firmly. "Isn't that what Senshi do?"
Ami smiled and shook her head. "There's more to it than that Naru, but Usagi always said that we fight for love and justice."
"Ah yes, the infamous speech." Naru chuckled. "I heard that a time or two."
"I hear it in my sleep sometimes." Ami admitted. "And there were times I could have cheerfully strangled her just to shut her up. Between her and Tuxedo Kamen and his long winded and painfully corny speeches, it's a wonder the youma's weren't just bored to death."
Nephrite grinned. "Come, we have training to do. Jadeite is massing his minions to him, and he will attack soon, showing his hand and what he truly wants here."
Haruka was grateful to be off the plane. She went to the information counter, and asked if there were any messages left for her. She saw a note scrawled in Usagi's unique hand and knew she was safe. "Michi do you see any phones around here?" she questioned.
Michiru nodded and pointed to a far wall. "Do you have Canadian money?" she asked Haruka.
Haruka nodded and Michiru tossed her a quarter. Minako and Hotaru were over trying to grab their baggage off the carousel while Artemis got used to walking on two legs. Michiru smiled secretly. Minako, the representation of the Goddess of Love was hit by her own arrow at last. Venus, having been the cursed scout was destined to never find love, but Artemis as a human was the one who would break those chains, Michiru was certain. She nodded at Hotaru who brought her bag over to her and walked towards Haruka who was talking seriously into the phone. "So Hotaru, are you looking forward to school without uniforms?" she questioned.
Hotaru shrugged. "It never really mattered one way or another to me Michiru." She told her. "I spent more time being home-schooled and less time in actual school. I'm more nervous about school itself and the grading system here. Will I still be in grade 7?"
Minako popped up behind them. "I can't believe I don't have to wear a uniform, and I'm so glad I managed to get into the same school Usagi is at. I hear they have some pretty bad rivals."
Artemis strolled up and put his arms around Minako, savouring being able to hold her at last. "I hear they started this whole exchange program to try and improve the school's tarnished image. Apparently they aren't the best school to be going to."
Minako shook her head. "The classes and the teachers are good, but the students are something else…" she trailed off. "It would be easy for an enemy to hide in an already highly charged atmosphere."
"Then it's just as well that you and Usagi are in the same school." Haruka responded. "Kitten is fine, though jet-lagged. She's waiting at the hotel. She sounds concerned over something but refused to talk about it over the phone. So, shall we rent a car?" Haruka gestured to a rental service kiosk.
Artemis held up a hand. "Don't you need an international license?" he questioned.
Haruka held one up. "I love being a car racer. Gets you a license for most countries in the world." She grinned. "And makes life so much easier for everyone. Michiru, get a map because I have no idea where we are going."
"When will Setsuna arrive?" Hotaru questioned, looking at the outside, abundant with trees.
"When she chooses to." Michiru responded. "You can't rush Setsuna, and I think she was actually taking a plane this time."
Haruka gestured to a car. "Get in minna. Let's go to our princess. I won't feel right until we are around her again."
In dark shadows, where light was forbidden, red eyes stared out at the hotel sitting innocently across the street. Her essence was like a beacon to all those who were creatures of the night, and she had to figure out a way to get her out. She had to die by year end, for if she reached her eighteenth year, the danger would be unbearable, for at the age of eighteen she would transform into a full Lunarian and thereby be unstoppable. Her touch was death to them, and this was a suicide mission. She shrugged, knowing her mission well. Grabbing an unsuspecting person the minion began to torment, letting the prey give out an anguished shriek that the moon child heard. Dragging the now- fainted woman into a nearby grove of trees, the minion waited with its companions for her arrival.
Usagi felt the blackness before hearing the scream and was halfway out the building when the terrified and anguished scream ripped through the normally peaceful night. Dashing across the road and dodging the nearby bus station, she ducked behind some trees and transformed. Once again this transformation was different, for instead of just her white fuku with a bow, a form of light silver mesh armour had been woven over the top, and her locket was glowing with a silver energy she had only seen when actively using the crystal. She frowned in worry at the sight of the armour, for she knew she never would have been given it unless the Goddess deemed it necessary for her senshi t o have it. Running towards the scream, wishing she could have had just one night off, she froze as she saw a scene out of hell itself. The woman was lying on the ground, unconscious while three minions danced around the body. They were a cross between a wolf and a youma, with eyes that glittered red, having once been human before devoting oneself fully to the Void and losing grasp on their humanity. She didn't waste time with little speeches, knowing she'd never get close enough to touch them, and even if she did, it would mean her death. Pulling out the Tier, she extended it as far as it would go and began to fight, using it as a quarterstaff until she could get some space to throw her attack.
The minions were fast and the fighting was rough and brutal. Long claws attempted to shred her fuku, but the armour protected her from the poison barbs. Her legs were a mass of cuts and blood seeped down into her boots as the bare skin that had been touched began to weaken and fester with the poison that had gotten to her. Her hair was in disarray once more and her face a mass of bruises from where some unseen punches had hit her from some hands that were in gloves. Knocking down the third minion and gasping for air, she saw the three of them disoriented and confused on the ground. Using their confusion to her advantage, she threw her attack, destroying them, then fell to her knees. They had once been human and she had killed them. For the first time she killed humans. 'Not humans' her mothers voice corrected in her head. 'They stopped being human the instant they embraced the Void. You have cleansed them Sailor Moon.'
Lifting herself off the ground, she checked to make sure the woman was alright, de-transformed and returned to the hotel to clean up, running into a frantic Haruka in the lobby.
Usagi stretched the next morning. Haruka had certainly been worried about her, and discovering that the evil lurked here and was worse then they thought worried her. She had three days until the start of the new school year, so today while Haruka and Michiru sought a house, she, Minako, Hotaru and Artemis would go shopping. She knocked on the door to the room where Hotaru and Minako were staying, seeing Hotaru roll her eyes at Usagi as she opened the door. "They're gushing it up." She cautioned. "You have been warned."
Usagi frowned in confusion until she saw Minako and Artemis locked in a passionate kiss. Clearing her throat, she waited. They did not notice her, so she went over and tapped them on the shoulder. Still nothing. Growling in frustration she yanked the two of them apart. "Lay off you two." She grumbled. "We have shopping to attend to."
Minako sighed and stared at Usagi with happy eyes. "So this is what love feels like when you experience it yourself. Now I know."
Usagi nodded wistfully. "Great isn't it?"
Minako stood. "Let's go explore our new home."
The following weeks were filled with establishing a routine and settling in. Usagi and Minako did surprisingly well at their new school, being advanced into grade 12 and at the age of just 17 grinned at being seniors in school, though Minako barely made it. Haruka and Michiru enrolled in a local university as Hotaru became accustomed to life in school in general. There were no attacks apart from that first one, but Usagi wasn't fooled. The first attack had been a test and darkness was still coming. She talked frequently to Ami and Naru who was thrilled to be the new Sailor Mars. Evidently, Makoto had vanished completely and Usagi feared the worst for her former friend. True, she didn't like what Makoto had done, but if she was used as a sacrifice… her fears mounted. She knew they were trying to get her back to Tokyo and if she returned, she would die. The one feeling she couldn't shake was that of being watched. No matter where she went or what she did, she felt that she was watched and protected from afar. She had avoided trying to touch the broken link between her and Mamoru, rather enjoying going on the odd date or two with different guys from her school. She smiled at her foolishness, but it often felt that her unseen watcher was horribly angry when she dated.
Walking towards her horribly boring math class taught by a teacher she nicknamed "The Grim Reaper in a Tie" because he looked like walking death (A.N - There Necton_Minako is your reference to our old Math teacher! Hope you're happy now!) and was more boring than anything on earth. She froze as she saw a familiar figure standing outside the class. 'No,' she thought, blood draining from her face. 'He's not here, it's not him.' She slowly walked closer. It was him, the only guy who ever truly competed with Mamoru, the only one she could have accepted seeing. "Seiya." She whispered.
Seiya turned to face her, shock evident on his face as well. "I left Kinmouseki because I couldn't concentrate there, all I saw was you. I couldn't return to Tokyo because I couldn't stand running into you, so I came here. We could at least share the same planet. I don't know how you are here or why, but all I know is that I've never been happier than this minute." He said quietly. "Where's…"
Usagi cut him off with a shake of her head. "Him and Rei." She said simply. "I caught them in the act."
"Did you forgive him?" Seiya questioned, slowly walking towards her.
Usagi shook her head. "Not yet."
Seiya smiled with that sardonic grin he was so famous for "Then I finally have a chance." He murmured before pulling her to him in a kiss.
Minako had seen Seiya and had spent the last few minutes gaping in the hallway, trying to convince herself to move. She knew she'd never had a chance with him, he was gone on Usagi from the first time he had seen her. Watching him kiss Usagi at last, knowing he'd yearned for this for so long, she did the only thing a person could do in a high school. She let out a wolf whistle and stood back to watch the embarrassment begin.
Seiya glanced up briefly at Minako, gesturing for her to come over. "Have you felt the evil?" he asked in a low voice.
Usagi and Minako nodded. "They want me." Usagi told him. "This war is personal."
"I will protect you in Mamoru's stead." Seiya vowed. "I will never hurt you and I will never leave you."
Usagi smiled at Seiya, her emotions roiling. "We should get into class early." She said in a small voice, clutching her books to her chest and dashing in the class.
Minako put a restraining hand on Seiya's arm. "Don't force her Seiya, she's been through an awful lot."
"You must be devoted to her to follow her here." Seiya commented. "I will not force her, but she is fair game and this time I will win her."
Mamoru watched as Usagi was pulled into an embrace by Seiya and clenched his fists in anger. The last month had been a torturous hell on him, watching her and not going near her. He knew she sensed she was being watched, but couldn't figure out just who. He had watched her grow stronger as she was advanced a grade, he watched her grow more beautiful as her hair began to change colour and her eyes change to a silver blue. She had begun to discover who she was, separating herself from Sailor Moon and Selenity and he was so proud. He sighed as he realized that she hadn't promised to return to him, hadn't promised that she'd think only of him. From what he had seen, she hadn't given him a second thought since she arrived. Turning on his heel, he walked out of the school, cursing Setsuna for forcing this punishment on him, and cursing himself for a fool.
Rei turned to Jadeite, smiling. "It's been a few weeks, so surely she must have dropped her guard by now."
Jadeite nodded. "I agree. She has no doubt grown complacent and lazy. It is time to begin the second phase of our plan Flame. Are you prepared?"
Rei inclined her head. "I give up my soul do I not? And in return I get power?"
Jadeite chuckled. "You do indeed."
Rei spread her arms. "Then begin my love."
Jadeite nodded again and began chanting the spell that would rip Rei's soul from her body and make her an unstoppable dark flame that would destroy Usagi once and for all.
And that is the end of this chapter. I realize some people didn't want Seiya in it, but it fits in with my plot and therefore he has returned. NO FLAMES PLEASE! Please read and review and let me know what you think! I'm still undecided on what to do with Makoto and Luna so any suggestions are most welcome! If this story gets good reviews, the next one will be up tomorrow if people want to read more! Remember, reviews are my life so please review, but be kind!!
Ja ne!
Usagi sighed having come to the hotel at last. It had been a draining day and it wasn't over yet. She felt so strong and powerful, having taken this step on her own. She decided that she would have a backup plan if things fell through with the others, though she knew it wouldn't. Her grades had to stay high for her to keep her scholarship, but she thought about getting a job. She frowned, thinking that a job would be no good if the Void attacked. Checking in, she drug her bags to her room and sat on the corner of the bed thinking of the Void and what it was.
** "Now pay attention Selenity, this information is old, but it is necessary to know." Queen Serenity told her daughter smiling.
Selenity nodded and sat at her mother's knee, watching her carefully and listening to all she told her. "Hai Mama."
"I've told you of the Negaverse, led by the renegade witch Beryl and her ruler Metallia." Queen Serenity stated. "Now I will tell you of an evil even older. An evil that is everything and nothing. An evil which spawned chaos itself. It is called the Void. Nothing lives within it my dear and it is the blackest of the black arts. Light and love mean nothing to it, those who follow it are truly the damned. They are the opposite of all that we are and all that we stand for. The Void was banished several millennia ago by your grandmother Serenitas (A.N - Shameless putting myself in here…). She fought against the Void and banished them to a galaxy far, far away. She used the ginzuishou, the gift of the Goddess herself to ensure that the Void cannot return."
Selenity shifted from her place on the floor. "But everything can return Mother." She said quietly. "Look at the Negaverse. All you truly need are followers to take up the cause."
Serenity smiled. "Very good. Yes that is true Selenity, but different with the Void. The Negaverse believes in its cause. The youma and minions have a purpose and feelings about what they are doing. The Void doesn't. It is mindless, senseless killing. It hates the Moon with all that is and it wants us dead. If you face one of those who is dedicated to the Void, who has embraced it's nature and it's desire, run. There is no shame in it. The touch of one who has been taken by the Void is death. Pain to some, but death to us. Selenity, the Void WAS banished, but it will return again, I'm sure of it."
"How do I fight it Mother?" Selenity questioned, trembling in fear.
Serenity held out the ginzuishou. "With this." She pointed to her heart. "With your heart crystal." She sighed. "And with all of the love in your heart."
Selenity tilted her head, inquisitive. "Can you sense the evil of the Void?"
Serenity nodded. "The corruption of the soul is greater than anything known to us. You cannot sense the evil in the Negaverse but you CAN sense the evil of the Void. You, as all Lunarians can sense the essence of people. Those who follow the Void have nothing. You can sense nothing, feel nothing. In a way, they DO NOT EXIST. Do you understand?"
Selenity looked musingly to the wall. She had felt a lack of humanity on the part of Jadeite, one of Endymion's generals, and there were times when she felt it in her rival Sailor Mars. "Mother, can they feel off the essence of others?" she questioned.
Serenity nodded. "Only if they are weak. They use physical contact to build up their strength and then attack. They are almost impossible to destroy, and therefore you must be wary about them. Our touch is death to them, and that is why they hate us."
Selenity stood, her thoughts racing. 'You feel nothing, sense nothing, in a sense they are not there.' She thought rapidly. 'They are the source behind all evil. They are the root. The Void has returned and it is closer than expected. How do I fight?'
"Come daughter, it is time for daily declarations. Do not worry yourself with the Void, for it is unlikely they will appear in your lifetime." Serenity put an arm around her daughter's shoulders, not seeing Selenity trembling in the aftershock of realization.**
She had never gotten the chance to talk to Mars about it, because the Negaverse had conveniently attacked them a few days later when things escalated on Earth. Perhaps the Negaverse had hastened its plans because those who served the Void realized they had been found out. 'And now they have returned.' She thought. 'I bested Jadeite before when he swore allegiance to the Negaverse, but can I best him again when he is the herald of the Void? He wants me dead, because I am the only one who can fight him, the only one who can harm him. Without the love and support of ALL my senshi, I am weak. And Rei has fallen under his spell. Makoto!' Usagi stood up rapidly, pacing her room. 'Of course, it all makes sense now. The Void has always gone by ideal of divide and conquer, so they set the plan into action with Rei, having her divide me and Mamoru, and then the Senshi, making sure I'd flee so I'd be vulnerable, and now they will put their plans into place.' She felt as though someone had poured cold water down her spine. 'No matter where I go he will find me, for I am his natural enemy. I must find some way to protect Makoto.' Reaching for her communicator, uncaring that it was 3 a.m. in Juuban, she pressed the button for Mercury and heard Ami's grumpy voice in the communicator. "This had better be damn good Usagi!" Ami snapped.
"Ami, listen carefully, and for god sakes' wake up!" Usagi replied. "Listen…"
Jadeite smirked as he observed the body of Makoto lying unconscious on the floor. He had tried to touch her, but a green light had shone from her body making it impossible for him to touch her. "So she frees herself from my mind trap at last." He said aloud. "It will be a pity to have to kill her, but necessary. She knows too much and I can't risk her getting in the way."
Rei came and stood beside him, fully clothed. "I don't want to kill her Jadeite. She's my friend. She's the only one who stood with me against Usagi."
Jadeite stepped away from Rei. "I have regained my strength, I no longer need you." He sneered. "You are the dark flame through which I will work my purpose. You will go after her and bring her here."
Rei's eyes widened. "I can't Jadeite! If she touches me, she'll kill me! And she's almost done that twice already!"
Jadeite sighed. "Your soul, such as it is, is like mine Rei. You're just like me with as evil a will. Our forces are meant to be merged into one. The world will be panicked when our work is done." He murmured. "Makoto is freeing herself from the hypnotism that you put her under, as Mamoru threw off the lust charm you cast. Usagi has managed to regain her strength and power despite the spell of forgetfulness and clumsiness that you placed upon her. You are failing miserably in your duties Rei. I am disappointed."
Rei knelt. "I beg forgiveness Jadeite. Usagi has proven to be slippery indeed. I do not know what to do."
"We must get her back here." He whispered in her ear. "She has left behind Mamoru, and Ami. There is this Motoki and her friend Naru. We can take them, along with Makoto and use them as ransom until she returns. She will return, because her kind heart will be her undoing."
Rei nodded. "I would suggest bringing her family into this, but she wiped their memories. I still don't know how though, because every other time she's used the ginzuishou, it's nearly killed her."
"She has obviously gained complete mastery over the ginzuishou Flame." Jadeite said, getting upset. "I am not used to having my orders questioned!"
Rei bowed her head. "Forgive my impertinence." She said quietly. "But we cannot fight her, not with all the senshi around. We cannot touch her!"
Jadeite turned to Luna who observed them with wide eyes. "But she can." He knelt by Luna. "If you embrace the Void Luna and join us, I will give you your voice back and turn you human, much like Usagi did to Artemis. Would you like that? To get revenge on Usagi?"
Luna's eyes were sceptical, shaking her head no. "It is not Selenity you'd be attacking," Jadeite continued. "But Usagi, the girl you can't stand."
"The girl who has nearly destroyed this world so many times." Rei added. "She saved it yes, but only after she brought it to the brink of destruction. The Princess of Destiny my foot!" she snorted.
Luna looked pensive and turned away from them, obviously needing to think. "She'll come around." Jadeite told Rei who looked concerned. "Lift up Makoto and bring her inside. We have plans to complete."
Naru fell back in frustration. Despite Ami's reputation as a bookworm, the girl could move! True she wasn't as fast as the other senshi, but Naru couldn't keep up with her. "So how do I transform?" she asked again. "What words can I speak to make that happen?"
"I am quite certain you are Sailor Mars." Ami said, out of breath herself. "You must embrace fire, for it will be part of you, as ice is of me. The transformation the first time can be a bit painful and disorienting, but if you think that you are ready, we'll see if you are the new Mars."
Naru lifted the henshin rod she had hardly put down since it had been given to her. "What do I say?"
"Mars Crystal Power, Make-UP." Ami nodded.
Naru raised it above her head and spoke the words. When the three rings of fire encircled her, Ami took notes. Naru stood before her as Sailor Mars, wobbling like a newborn colt on her legs. Unlike Rei, she did not have red high heels on, rather they were a form of red crisscrossing shoes, similar to the ones that Neptune wore. She did not have a tiara, rather the symbol of Mars burned brightly on her forehead as her hair fell free to her shoulders, not held back by her tiny bow. "Wow!" Naru exclaimed, looking at herself. "Is this really me?"
Ami chuckled. "You'll get used to it." She stood back. "I like your hair like that Naru."
Nephrite materialized close to them. "Now it is time to begin training so that you can use your powers Naru. Not just as a senshi, but as yourself. The physical training will pick up, now that we know that you are truly Mars."
Ami's face dropped. "Then Rei is truly gone."
Nephrite walked close to Ami. "Rei was truly gone a thousand years ago. She was truly gone when she turned against her princess and betrayed her, enticing you all to do the same. Everything that occurred, happened because Rei tricked and befuddled you are. You are not to blame Mercury." He said gently. "And in time the Princess will understand that if she doesn't already. She has told you everything about the Void and what she thinks his plan is. We will act accordingly."
"Protect the innocents." Naru said firmly. "Isn't that what Senshi do?"
Ami smiled and shook her head. "There's more to it than that Naru, but Usagi always said that we fight for love and justice."
"Ah yes, the infamous speech." Naru chuckled. "I heard that a time or two."
"I hear it in my sleep sometimes." Ami admitted. "And there were times I could have cheerfully strangled her just to shut her up. Between her and Tuxedo Kamen and his long winded and painfully corny speeches, it's a wonder the youma's weren't just bored to death."
Nephrite grinned. "Come, we have training to do. Jadeite is massing his minions to him, and he will attack soon, showing his hand and what he truly wants here."
Haruka was grateful to be off the plane. She went to the information counter, and asked if there were any messages left for her. She saw a note scrawled in Usagi's unique hand and knew she was safe. "Michi do you see any phones around here?" she questioned.
Michiru nodded and pointed to a far wall. "Do you have Canadian money?" she asked Haruka.
Haruka nodded and Michiru tossed her a quarter. Minako and Hotaru were over trying to grab their baggage off the carousel while Artemis got used to walking on two legs. Michiru smiled secretly. Minako, the representation of the Goddess of Love was hit by her own arrow at last. Venus, having been the cursed scout was destined to never find love, but Artemis as a human was the one who would break those chains, Michiru was certain. She nodded at Hotaru who brought her bag over to her and walked towards Haruka who was talking seriously into the phone. "So Hotaru, are you looking forward to school without uniforms?" she questioned.
Hotaru shrugged. "It never really mattered one way or another to me Michiru." She told her. "I spent more time being home-schooled and less time in actual school. I'm more nervous about school itself and the grading system here. Will I still be in grade 7?"
Minako popped up behind them. "I can't believe I don't have to wear a uniform, and I'm so glad I managed to get into the same school Usagi is at. I hear they have some pretty bad rivals."
Artemis strolled up and put his arms around Minako, savouring being able to hold her at last. "I hear they started this whole exchange program to try and improve the school's tarnished image. Apparently they aren't the best school to be going to."
Minako shook her head. "The classes and the teachers are good, but the students are something else…" she trailed off. "It would be easy for an enemy to hide in an already highly charged atmosphere."
"Then it's just as well that you and Usagi are in the same school." Haruka responded. "Kitten is fine, though jet-lagged. She's waiting at the hotel. She sounds concerned over something but refused to talk about it over the phone. So, shall we rent a car?" Haruka gestured to a rental service kiosk.
Artemis held up a hand. "Don't you need an international license?" he questioned.
Haruka held one up. "I love being a car racer. Gets you a license for most countries in the world." She grinned. "And makes life so much easier for everyone. Michiru, get a map because I have no idea where we are going."
"When will Setsuna arrive?" Hotaru questioned, looking at the outside, abundant with trees.
"When she chooses to." Michiru responded. "You can't rush Setsuna, and I think she was actually taking a plane this time."
Haruka gestured to a car. "Get in minna. Let's go to our princess. I won't feel right until we are around her again."
In dark shadows, where light was forbidden, red eyes stared out at the hotel sitting innocently across the street. Her essence was like a beacon to all those who were creatures of the night, and she had to figure out a way to get her out. She had to die by year end, for if she reached her eighteenth year, the danger would be unbearable, for at the age of eighteen she would transform into a full Lunarian and thereby be unstoppable. Her touch was death to them, and this was a suicide mission. She shrugged, knowing her mission well. Grabbing an unsuspecting person the minion began to torment, letting the prey give out an anguished shriek that the moon child heard. Dragging the now- fainted woman into a nearby grove of trees, the minion waited with its companions for her arrival.
Usagi felt the blackness before hearing the scream and was halfway out the building when the terrified and anguished scream ripped through the normally peaceful night. Dashing across the road and dodging the nearby bus station, she ducked behind some trees and transformed. Once again this transformation was different, for instead of just her white fuku with a bow, a form of light silver mesh armour had been woven over the top, and her locket was glowing with a silver energy she had only seen when actively using the crystal. She frowned in worry at the sight of the armour, for she knew she never would have been given it unless the Goddess deemed it necessary for her senshi t o have it. Running towards the scream, wishing she could have had just one night off, she froze as she saw a scene out of hell itself. The woman was lying on the ground, unconscious while three minions danced around the body. They were a cross between a wolf and a youma, with eyes that glittered red, having once been human before devoting oneself fully to the Void and losing grasp on their humanity. She didn't waste time with little speeches, knowing she'd never get close enough to touch them, and even if she did, it would mean her death. Pulling out the Tier, she extended it as far as it would go and began to fight, using it as a quarterstaff until she could get some space to throw her attack.
The minions were fast and the fighting was rough and brutal. Long claws attempted to shred her fuku, but the armour protected her from the poison barbs. Her legs were a mass of cuts and blood seeped down into her boots as the bare skin that had been touched began to weaken and fester with the poison that had gotten to her. Her hair was in disarray once more and her face a mass of bruises from where some unseen punches had hit her from some hands that were in gloves. Knocking down the third minion and gasping for air, she saw the three of them disoriented and confused on the ground. Using their confusion to her advantage, she threw her attack, destroying them, then fell to her knees. They had once been human and she had killed them. For the first time she killed humans. 'Not humans' her mothers voice corrected in her head. 'They stopped being human the instant they embraced the Void. You have cleansed them Sailor Moon.'
Lifting herself off the ground, she checked to make sure the woman was alright, de-transformed and returned to the hotel to clean up, running into a frantic Haruka in the lobby.
Usagi stretched the next morning. Haruka had certainly been worried about her, and discovering that the evil lurked here and was worse then they thought worried her. She had three days until the start of the new school year, so today while Haruka and Michiru sought a house, she, Minako, Hotaru and Artemis would go shopping. She knocked on the door to the room where Hotaru and Minako were staying, seeing Hotaru roll her eyes at Usagi as she opened the door. "They're gushing it up." She cautioned. "You have been warned."
Usagi frowned in confusion until she saw Minako and Artemis locked in a passionate kiss. Clearing her throat, she waited. They did not notice her, so she went over and tapped them on the shoulder. Still nothing. Growling in frustration she yanked the two of them apart. "Lay off you two." She grumbled. "We have shopping to attend to."
Minako sighed and stared at Usagi with happy eyes. "So this is what love feels like when you experience it yourself. Now I know."
Usagi nodded wistfully. "Great isn't it?"
Minako stood. "Let's go explore our new home."
The following weeks were filled with establishing a routine and settling in. Usagi and Minako did surprisingly well at their new school, being advanced into grade 12 and at the age of just 17 grinned at being seniors in school, though Minako barely made it. Haruka and Michiru enrolled in a local university as Hotaru became accustomed to life in school in general. There were no attacks apart from that first one, but Usagi wasn't fooled. The first attack had been a test and darkness was still coming. She talked frequently to Ami and Naru who was thrilled to be the new Sailor Mars. Evidently, Makoto had vanished completely and Usagi feared the worst for her former friend. True, she didn't like what Makoto had done, but if she was used as a sacrifice… her fears mounted. She knew they were trying to get her back to Tokyo and if she returned, she would die. The one feeling she couldn't shake was that of being watched. No matter where she went or what she did, she felt that she was watched and protected from afar. She had avoided trying to touch the broken link between her and Mamoru, rather enjoying going on the odd date or two with different guys from her school. She smiled at her foolishness, but it often felt that her unseen watcher was horribly angry when she dated.
Walking towards her horribly boring math class taught by a teacher she nicknamed "The Grim Reaper in a Tie" because he looked like walking death (A.N - There Necton_Minako is your reference to our old Math teacher! Hope you're happy now!) and was more boring than anything on earth. She froze as she saw a familiar figure standing outside the class. 'No,' she thought, blood draining from her face. 'He's not here, it's not him.' She slowly walked closer. It was him, the only guy who ever truly competed with Mamoru, the only one she could have accepted seeing. "Seiya." She whispered.
Seiya turned to face her, shock evident on his face as well. "I left Kinmouseki because I couldn't concentrate there, all I saw was you. I couldn't return to Tokyo because I couldn't stand running into you, so I came here. We could at least share the same planet. I don't know how you are here or why, but all I know is that I've never been happier than this minute." He said quietly. "Where's…"
Usagi cut him off with a shake of her head. "Him and Rei." She said simply. "I caught them in the act."
"Did you forgive him?" Seiya questioned, slowly walking towards her.
Usagi shook her head. "Not yet."
Seiya smiled with that sardonic grin he was so famous for "Then I finally have a chance." He murmured before pulling her to him in a kiss.
Minako had seen Seiya and had spent the last few minutes gaping in the hallway, trying to convince herself to move. She knew she'd never had a chance with him, he was gone on Usagi from the first time he had seen her. Watching him kiss Usagi at last, knowing he'd yearned for this for so long, she did the only thing a person could do in a high school. She let out a wolf whistle and stood back to watch the embarrassment begin.
Seiya glanced up briefly at Minako, gesturing for her to come over. "Have you felt the evil?" he asked in a low voice.
Usagi and Minako nodded. "They want me." Usagi told him. "This war is personal."
"I will protect you in Mamoru's stead." Seiya vowed. "I will never hurt you and I will never leave you."
Usagi smiled at Seiya, her emotions roiling. "We should get into class early." She said in a small voice, clutching her books to her chest and dashing in the class.
Minako put a restraining hand on Seiya's arm. "Don't force her Seiya, she's been through an awful lot."
"You must be devoted to her to follow her here." Seiya commented. "I will not force her, but she is fair game and this time I will win her."
Mamoru watched as Usagi was pulled into an embrace by Seiya and clenched his fists in anger. The last month had been a torturous hell on him, watching her and not going near her. He knew she sensed she was being watched, but couldn't figure out just who. He had watched her grow stronger as she was advanced a grade, he watched her grow more beautiful as her hair began to change colour and her eyes change to a silver blue. She had begun to discover who she was, separating herself from Sailor Moon and Selenity and he was so proud. He sighed as he realized that she hadn't promised to return to him, hadn't promised that she'd think only of him. From what he had seen, she hadn't given him a second thought since she arrived. Turning on his heel, he walked out of the school, cursing Setsuna for forcing this punishment on him, and cursing himself for a fool.
Rei turned to Jadeite, smiling. "It's been a few weeks, so surely she must have dropped her guard by now."
Jadeite nodded. "I agree. She has no doubt grown complacent and lazy. It is time to begin the second phase of our plan Flame. Are you prepared?"
Rei inclined her head. "I give up my soul do I not? And in return I get power?"
Jadeite chuckled. "You do indeed."
Rei spread her arms. "Then begin my love."
Jadeite nodded again and began chanting the spell that would rip Rei's soul from her body and make her an unstoppable dark flame that would destroy Usagi once and for all.
And that is the end of this chapter. I realize some people didn't want Seiya in it, but it fits in with my plot and therefore he has returned. NO FLAMES PLEASE! Please read and review and let me know what you think! I'm still undecided on what to do with Makoto and Luna so any suggestions are most welcome! If this story gets good reviews, the next one will be up tomorrow if people want to read more! Remember, reviews are my life so please review, but be kind!!
Ja ne!