PG13                            Power in the Hands of Loneliness
                                        by: Shell Presto
Legal Stuff!!!: I don't own any Sailormoon characters. Naoko Takeuchi and
various companies hold that privilidge. *However,* this STORY is my own,
and I'd like to keep it that way. I'd love for you to read it, even
better if you enjoy it, hope you may be inspired by it, but plead that
you do not copy it. Give credit where credit is due, and to each their
own. Have honor, okay? Most importantly, though, ENJOY!!! (P.S. You
probably want to "wrap" this story.) Hey! I just realized that I created
and therefore own Megami, Jun, and Hana Misato. Cool, huh? Just thought
I'd let you know. Remember, if you wanna use them, you need my
permission. (Why the heck anyone would want to, I don't know.)
Note: Want my story on your page? Ask me and email me the address. (I'll
most likely say "yes.")
Oh, this is a compilation of all twelve parts of my original story.


Part One:  Little Lost Boy, and a Crystal as Well.

        The youth was awakening.
        <My head...it hurts. What is this pain? It feels... feels
like...>
        "I think he's coming around."
        "Good. But what if he does have..."
        "You mean if he can't remember?"
        "Yeah."
        "We tell him the truth."
        "What truth? We don't know anything about him."
        "'Chiba' is written on the rim of his baseball hat."
        "His name?"
        <These voices...what are they? Everything's so dark, I can't
see.>
        *Find the Silver Imperium Crystal.* A new voice called out to
him. This one was different, yet seemed more real than those before. It
was soft, gentle, but it was demanding also. Suddenly a faceless being,
dressed in a white gown with long, flowing hair appeared before him. A
princess, blonde tressed godess. The moon made her silouette more
prominent, though almost blinding to look at. *You must find the Crystal
and set me free again.*
        "I don't understand. Who are you?" he asked, now shielding his
eyes from the radience that bared down on her.
        *Please, help me. Protect me, @^$%*&#$%....*
        "What?!? No! Don't go yet! I didn't hear what you said!! Please!
Wait!!!!"
        *Find the Silver Imperium Crystal. Hurry. You must protect it and
me, for the sake of this world...* The princess was taken aback as the
moonlight grew stronger still. Then all was blinding, the figure
disappeared into nothingness.
        "Wait!" And the young boy lunged foward to grab her arm, and in a
cold sweat... awakened.
        He made a low groaning sound between each uneven breath.
"Protect..." he whispered. He squinted, looking towards the light that
was too much for such newly opened eyes. Though this was sunlight, not of
the moon, and glass and blinds covered the full force of the brightness. 
        "You're awake?"
        A turn of his head and the boy saw two much older, more
unappealing, bodies, also garbed in white. Doctors. He then noticed he
lay in a hospital bed. <Why only doctors?> he thought. < If I'm in a
hospital, mom and dad should be here.> Yet these words seemed alien to
him. They brought him no comfort as they should have. He then became
aware of a dreadful notion: he could not picture his mother's face, or
father's for that matter. Their names, voices, touch, all escaped him.
<Wait, this is nuts. I'm thinking like a fool, of course I know my
parents!! Forgetting your parents is like forgetting your own....
own.....> His eyes became wide with fear.
        "My name! I... I don't know my name!" he bawled in a panic. More
questions boggled his mind, he could answer none of them. "I don't know
my name... my self!!! Who am I!!!" Tears streamed down his pale face as
his mind raged to know what he himself looked like. He could not for the
life of him remember, it hurt to much to try. The more he thought, the
more it hurt, until his mind gave up and he buried his head in his hands
and cried. "Who am I?!?" he sobbed.
        "Chiba," one doctor stated, and Chiba snapped to attention. The
name, the label, was taken instantaneously, as it was important to have
something to latch on to.
        " And my first name...?" Chiba asked meekly.
        The doctor hesistated a moment, though the other spoke up
quickly. "Mamoru. Your full name is Chiba Mamoru. You've just woke up
from a coma, you've been out for about a week. You, along with your...
parents, were in a terrible accident, a car crash. Unfortunately, they
weren't as lucky as you were."
        "They're...dead...aren't they?" Mamoru more stated than asked. He
knew the answer before he opened his mouth. He was numb. He wanted to
feel bad, upset. His parents were dead, for god's sake. Why didn't it
HURT!!!!! It couldn't. As far as he knew, he had never met the people,
but he was sure he'd spent his entire life with them. He cried again, the
void in his heart was too much for him to handle. He was cold, and
yearned for a primal comfort, warmth, a mother's arms. He then realized
he was going to be alone for a very long time. He stared at his hands,
small and smooth, almost white in color, unfamiliar. "How old am I?"
        The men stared at the boy. It was as important a question as any.
One's age, how long has he lived on this Earth. Neither of them knew, so
a rough estimate had to be made. "Six," one replied. And he may have
been, but it would never truly be known. "Your birthday is August third."
The day of the disaster that has forever changed Mamoru's life. He had
started over, has been reborn, on that day, so it seemed appropriate to
be his day of birth.
        No more could be said, no more answers were known. So, with
instructions for the boy to rest, the doctors left Mamoru with his self,
and the nagging questions, never to be answered. "Mamoru? Wherever did
you come up with a name like that."
        "It means 'to protect,' it is appropriate as it was what he
uttered as he awakened. However, didn't you find it cruel, telling him
his birthday is the same day he lost his entire life?"
        " There's something about him, I feel as if there is no hope,
simply because of what has happened to that boy, because of his
unhappiness."
        "Did you feel unusually cold in that room, among his presence?"
        "Yes"
        "God help us all, I feel as though that boy holds our life in his
hands."
        "That's insane."
        "Is it?"
        Silence.
        Long hours passed before nightfall came, the youth spent them
alone in his now dark room, only slightly disturbed by those who would
check on him. Now he gazed at the length of tube connected his wrist to a
machine, the nurse had removed the wires from his chest promptly after
sunset. A large window allowed him to gaze at the outside world, and his
body was rigid as he staggered towards it. The cresent moon cast a weak
light upon objects below, the shadow of a nearby tree allowing Mamoru to
see his face in the glass. He stared at his reflection, studying
countless details that made him an individual. He slowly repeated his
name, many times over, as if to call himself. The words seemed distant,
as though they held no meaning. Chiba was understandable, but Mamoru,
that held no truth in it. Still, it was all he had. The experience was
all but endearing, he had no need to torture himself any longer. The moon
was so beautiful this eve it entranced him, he found himself incapable of
turning away.
        *Find the Silver Imperium Crystal,* the phrase echoed through his
mind. He felt as if he recognized the girl, and knew full well he had to
fulfill her reqeust. She had addressed him, but her words had been so
unclear, he could not make sense of them. However, one thing was
understood: she knew him, and in freeing her he would unveil all her
secrets. This was all too overwhelming, and the boy longed for sleep. A
final thought of his princess, and the boy was enveloped by the soothing
darkness.
        Nonsense words passed his consciousness as he became more aware
of his surroundings. 
        "He's fine now..."
        "...Ready to go home..."
        "Oh, you're here. Ready to take him?"
        This line in particular snapped him to attention, and the morning
sun glared in his eyes as he opened them. 
        "You must be Chiba Mamoru," a tall, red-haired woman addressed
him. "I'm the head of the local orphanage, I'll be taking you to your new
home today."
        "Home?" The word felt good as it left his mouth. Home, he felt he
would feel better there. He was going home.
        It was all too unnatural as the car pulled up in front of the
large building. The afternoon light not bringing any warmth to the cold
appearance of the building. A feeling of sheer loneliness engulfed him as
he followed the woman to his bedroom, which would be shared with a still
unknown other. The woman left with the good advice to rest up, and with
that the young boy laid on the bed. "This isn't home..."
        And he was right, as the days passed he withdrew into himself
more and more, for no one would reach out to him. No one could stand to.
It was his eyes. His eyes, which no matter how brave he was, showed his
anguish. They conveyed his feelings of pure sadness right into a body's
soul, and it mattered not how much one would want to comfort him, it was
too painful. So it remained this way for years.
        On his ninth "birthday", he could stand the loneliness no more.
His visions of the princess grew ever stronger with time, as did his need
to truly be with her. For that, he needed the crystal, and he realized he
would never find it on the orphanage grounds. With that thought, he left,
hoping never to return.
        He wandered through every jewelry store in Azabu, almost fully
knowledgable to the fact that the crystal would not be there, but having
to check, just in case. By the evening there was no where left to look,
and he felt an overwhelming despair slip over him. He rested against a
tree, as his path had taken him to the park, and he began to cry. "I'm
never going to find her," he sobbed.
        *Do not give up! You are closer than you were before! We will be
united. I do not doubt you, my %&^(#%^$.* He knew too well not to ask for
her to repeat herself. With all her comforting, she never did. Again she
took his hand in hers, and a warmth rushed to the site of contact. Too
warm actually, and he awoke from the dream to see that someone was indeed
holding his hand.
        "Uhhmmm... are you alright?" a sweet, light-hearted voice called
out to him. It was a young girl, with blonde hair pulled up in a peculiar
manner of pigtails. Her pale blue eyes were bright with concern, as this
boy she saw was crying. She received no answer as he continued to sob, so
she held him close, and asked again,"What's the matter?"
        "I'm never going to find it. Never...never..." the boy let out,
and clutched the girl tightly, for no one, NO ONE, besides the princess
in his dreams had ever held him. He reveled in this simple pleasure, and
took  comfort in the girl's words.
        "Don't cry. It's alright. I'll help you find it. I promise. Just
tell me what you're looking for." With these words the boy just looked at
her.
        "Promise?" he asked. The girl nodded her head in reassurance.
        "By the way," the girl blurted out. "My name is Tsukino Usagi." A
smile spread over her face as she introduced herself.
        "My name is Chiba..." His voice trailed off and he stared at the
girl. It was amazing, as this was the first time his eyes met with
another's and they did not turn away. Usagi seemed to be able to see
right through the sadness, and see the true person inside. However, this
was all very awkward for two children, and a change of subject became
necessary.
        "You know, your hairstyle looks just like two odango." the boy
laughed.
        At this Usagi's face grew red with anger. "I can't believe you'd
say that after I offered to help you! You're so mean and..."
        "Wait! Don't take it the wrong way! I mean.. it's kind of cute,"
explained the boy. Once again, a change of subject was needed.
        "You didn't say your first name."
        "Oh, well, it doesn't really suit me. That is to say, It isn't
really my name. I don't have parents, so someone else named me."
        "Well, what is it?"
        "Mamoru."
        "That means 'to protect.'"
        "Yeah, but I'm not protecting anything."
        "Well, why don't you protect me? I'll be a princess, and you
protect me."
        "But that would make me a prince, or a knight, and I don't know
how to be a warrior."
        "So. I'm not really a princess. That makes us even."
        "Okay, then I'm your protector, Usako."
        "Thank you, Mamo-chan."
        With that the boy grew silent once again, and Usagi urged him to
speak his mind. After a long pause, he did.
        "My name... that's the first time that sounded like my real
name..."
        Usagi couldn't really understand what he was saying, but it was
apparent that Mamoru was upset. So she hugged him, and forced his head to
her shoulder, where he was free to cry.
        "You're the first person who was ever nice to me." he softly
remarked. "No one's ever held me before..."
        "What about your mom? Mom's always hug their children," Usagi
questioned.
        "I don't have a family. My mom died a long time ago." Mamoru's
voice was colder now, as was he. He held Usagi tighter. "Now I'm all
alone."
        "No you're not, I'm here. I'll stay with you. I'll be your
family." the girl offered. The boy perked up when he saw the sincerity in
her eyes. He grinned and his ice cold disposition melted into one of
sheer happiness.
        "Really?!? You mean I can stay with you and live with you and
share your mom and... and..." sadness filled Mamoru's eyes as he watched
Usagi's reaction. She obviously didn't realize the full extent of her
offer. She obviously couldn't fulfill it.
        "I...I don't think Mama-san will let you stay at our house," she
told him in a weak voice.
        "Then... then I 'm going to be all alone." he retorted. Then his
desperate voice grew warmer. "Unless, you did promise to help me find the
crystal!"
        "The crystal?"
        "Yes. The Silver Imperium Crystal! You promised to help me find
it! Do you know where it is?"
        Usagi looked down at the grass and sighed," I don't even know
what it is..."
        "But you have to know! I can't find it myself!"
        "It's a crystal... did you try in a jewelry store?"
        "I tried every one in town. Malls, too. Can't you think of
anywhere else?"
        "I wish I could... but I can't. I'm sorry."
        "But...y..you promised," Mamoru was on the verge of tears, all
his hopes had just shattered. Somehow, he had the feeling that this girl
knew exactly where the crystal was located, but it seemed she didn't, and
this upset Mamoru more than anything in the world. No, what upset him
most was that after Usagi left, which she would eventually have to, he
would be alone again, and he wasn't ready for that now. He started
bawling, and Usagi did her best to help him stop. Unfortunately it wasn't
going to happen. This made Usagi upset. Then she started to cry, she
hated when people were sad. Usagi's heart was so pure, she wanted
everyone to be happy, even at her own expense.
        As she cried she continued to beg Mamoru to stop. She cried and
whined and begged, but Mamoru couldn't stop. Until suddenly a bright
flash of light filled the area around them, and all went silent. The only
noise to be heard was the muffled sound of an object hitting the grass
below them. As all returned to normal, tears filled Mamoru's eyes, tears
of joy this time. The small object that had landed in a puddle of Usagi's
tears was the Silver Imperium Crystal that he had searched so long for.
He picked it up and smiled, all the while Usagi watched him rather
blankly.
        "This is... how did you...?" Mamoru asked, shifting his gaze
between the crystal and the girl. When she didn't reply, he realized she
was as clueless as he was. "Thank you. If there's anything I can do for
you, anything you want..."
        Usagi smiled, pleased that she had helped. She then considered
his offer carefully. She knew she would probably never see him again, she
wanted to remember him. Looking him over, there was not much he could
give..."Your hat." she mumbled.
        "My what?"
        "Your hat. You said anything I wanted. Can I have your hat?"
        He hesitated. The hat was the same one he wore the day of the
crash, his only real possession. He wasn't sure he could give it up. He
swallowed hard, his blue-grey eyes clouding with confusion. He didn't
know if he should...
        Usagi saddened,"I... I'm sorry, I didn't realize I was asking so
much, I..."
        Mamoru looked into her sad eyes a moment, his decision made.
"No." He took her hand in his. "Don't cry. You're too good a person to
ever cry." He removed his hat and placed it on her head sideways,
carefully pulling the strap over one "odango," and the hat itself over
the other. "You're the nicest person I've ever met, you deserve
everything you want." Usagi hadn't the slightest idea of what to say, but
Mamoru could see it in those sky blue eyes. "It's a good trade. Your
crystal for my hat, You don't seem to care about the crystal, but I think
my mom gave me the hat. It's important to me, so, I want you to take care
of it."
        Usagi nodded, determined to take perfect care of the object. She
felt all squishy and good inside, and her hands felt so warm in Mamoru's.
This feeling was wonderful, but not understood. She suddenly became so
close to this boy, yet she had met him no more than twenty minutes ago.
Something about him, or about her. All too much for a little mind. She
smiled though, and hugged him. He responded in kind.
        He couldn't stand to lose her, she had done more for him than
anyone. Still, it was inevitable. "Please don't forget me," he whispered.
        "I won't," she assured him. "I promise."
        "I want to see you again, someday."
        "We will, I know we will." 
        They both knew it was true, without a doubt. They were so mature,
acting like long lost lovers instead of children. It was all so innocent
and right, but it could not last, for now. Usagi's mother called, it was
time to depart, but not without something to be remembered by. Mamoru
pressed his lips against Usagi's quickly, with a passion beyond them
both. It was a suitable ending, leaving them both longing for more,
ensuring their paths would cross again.
        They stood and faced each other, Mamoru towering over his younger
companion. He rubbed his hand over her head with a grin," See you later,
Odango Atama!" He winked and ran away before she could reply.
        Usagi couldn't move, what had just happened seemed too much like
a dream, and a magnificent one at that. Usagi's mother walked up behind
her, wondering about the entranced look of her daughter. "Usagi-chan,
where did you get that hat?" the bewildered mother asked.
        "A... friend... gave it to me," she answered. "Friend," she
couldn't think of a better word at this stage in her life. Other words
would come in future days, but for now, Usagi walked quietly home with
her mother.

Epilogue
        There was a spring in his step as Mamoru walked through town that
day. He had no clue where he was going, but he felt better, the
depression and loneliness lifted off his shoulders. Sure, it would come
back, but that was for another day. Right now, his mind was on a
remarkable young girl whom he had sworn to protect. A genuine smile
adorned his face as he sighed words not completely understood by
himself,"I think I'm in love with you, Tsukino Usako."


Part Two: Destruction of Home, Mind, Love, Self

        Chiba Mamoru walked through downtown Azabu with pride. He had
escaped the orphanage that had plagued his life, made a real, true
friend, and had received the key to finding his princess, all in the same
day! He was truly in the best of moods. That is until his stomach started
to growl, and he remembered he had yet to eat since dinner, two days ago.
He also had no money. Intent on not letting it bother him, he managed to
march through the town with a smile on his face. That is until the
evening.
        As the sun danced with along the horizon of the summer sky,
Mamoru's stomach twisted into knots. He was hungry, and had never gone
this long without eating. He began to panic as he realized his dilema, no
food, no money, no where to stay, no one he knew. The day was hot, though
Mamoru was unbearably cold, uncertain of what he would do. People passed
him on the street, ignorant of his suffering. His needful eyes searching
the crowd for a familiar face, he was to dazed to realize he didn't know
anyone. Images of Usagi burned through his mind; if he met with her,
maybe he could borrow some money to eat. But Usagi was gone. 
        Panic racing into his mind, he slipped into a state of delirium.
He could no longer think straight, and no longer make out the world
around him. A woman with shorter, light hair bumped into him, knocking
him to the ground. The woman knelt down beside him, asking him questions
of his okay-ness and addresses and whether he was lost. Her build wasn't
that foreign to him, he recognized it. Then he wasn't seeing that
particular woman at all, but another one. His eyes, now a deep, bright
blue, widened and filled with tears. He could believe his problems were
solved. 
        "Mama?" he whispered enthusiastically. He eyed over the face, he
didn't know it, but he knew it. Of course that makes no sense, but then
again nothing did as he threw his arms around the woman,"Mama-san!!!! You
came back!!! They told me you weren't coming back, but you're here!!!
Mama-san!!!" 
        "Uhm, I'm not you're mother, little one. Are you lost? I might be
able to help you find her..." she offered.
        Mamoru gazed blankly into her eyes, his too glazed over to see
clearly. Then he started to laugh, hysterically. "That's a good one,
Mama! I almost believed you!! Haha!" He clutched the woman tighter.
        "But... I'm not. Really. I don't even know you. Maybe I look like
her?"
        He stared again, unable to accept this. This was his mother! This
had to be his mother! Wasn't it? He couldn't think, and he began to get a
headache, haze draining from his mind. Memories in the form of sudden
flashes pounded at his brain. The crash, the doctors, the orphanage,
those eyes, staring at him, letting him know he was different, an
outcast, always alone! He couldn't stand it, his heart was thumping, head
pounding, stomach growling, he was out of control! He clawed desperately
to the woman's back out of fear, fear of rejection and the cold. He
wanted her warmth, like Usagi gave him so badly! He knew this wasn't his
mother, but his mind raged against the truth. He wanted his mom so badly
all these years, he couldn't take it  anymore! "You will be my mother!
You ARE my mother! You ARE! You ARE! You ARE!"
        A flash of light filled the area, and Mamoru got his answer, at
first, in the form of being hugged back. "Of course I'm your mother,
silly. Now are you going to stop pouting so I can buy you some dinner?"
Her voice was sugar-sweet, like icing on a birthday cake. The home-made
kind, like Mamoru never had, although her response made him feel that he
could taste it.
        His breathing calmed, as did the rest of him. This was
ridiculous, he told himself, a dream. However, this time it was real, if
only because he wanted it to be. He believed in it. "Yeah, Mama-san."
        He was rather light for his age. Although tall, he was thin and
lanky, with almost no meat on his slender bones. As it was, his "mother"
had no trouble carrying him to the food court in a local mall. She placed
him down on a chair at a table, at sat down across from him. "So, what do
you want to eat, Mamo-chan?" He was quiet and unspoken for quite some
time. "Mamo-chan? Are you alright, honey?"
        His only reply could be taken from action, as he ran to his
mother, wrapping his arms around her. He was crying.
        "Mamoru?" she wondered. "What's wrong?"
        He was choking, a huge lump formed in his throat from crying.
"I'm just so happy. I love you, Mama-san." A real test, for no one had
yet to tell Mamoru he was loved.
        "I love you, too, silly boy. Now, what are we going to eat?"
        Mamoru was ecstatic. "I don't care... something good."
        "Ramen? With sashimi?"
        "Sure!"
        That night, they went home. It was a cozy little apartment, a
good size for one and a half people. It was sort of plain, white walls
and tan furniture, but very comfortable, Mamoru noted. Home, god, he
loved that word. He rolled it around on his tongue, repeating it a few
times, home. He was home. It was late, and he was tired. His mom brought
out his newly bought pajamas, they were short and green cotton and very
cool on this hot summer night. He lay on the sheets of the matress in the
bedroom, his mother tucking him in before she laid down beside him.
        "Good night, my shining boy," she bid him sweet dreams with a
kiss. 
        "I love you, Mama-san," he spoke those wonderful words again, as
he had all day. He cuddled up to his mother, taking pleasure in the fact
that he could only hear two things, his mother's heartbeat, and the low
hum of the air conditioner. He couldn't wait to go to the park again, to
meet with Usagi and show her his good fortune. His life had already made
a change for the better, for the first time in his life he didn't want to
wait for the next morning. He wanted to see Usagi, right now. Then his
mother put her arm around him, and he realized it could wait. Chiba
Mamoru had never slept more soundly in his entire life.
        The morning came to him with the smell of pancakes and maple
syrup. He rubbed his eyes, not wanting to move too soon, like moving too
fast would take it all away. The softness of the bed, it was warm, though
the air was crisp and cold. His mom came in a gave him a nudge. "Time for
breakfast, sleepyhead," she lovingly informed him. He smiled, it wasn't a
dream.
        He drug himself out of bed towards the mouth-watering aroma of a
home cooked breakfast. He almost began to drool before his mother placed
his meal before him. He ate the pancakes greedily and with haste, somehow
managing to savor every bite. Afterwards he bathed and dressed, then
settled himself to make plans for the day with his mother.
        All was going well, until a knock came from the door, and a voice
along with it, "'Gamiko, are you there!" Mamoru was too stunned to stop
her from opening the door.
        "Jun! What brings you here?" she said in an all to sweet voice.
        "What do you think? I was worried when you didn't come last
night. It's usually the guys who forget an anniversary, not the women,"
the tall, blonde man said, voice heaving as if he had run there.
        "I'm fine, silly. Come on in, I'll make you some tea." The man,
apparently her boyfriend, walked into Megami's apartment, relieved that
the woman he loved was safe. Then his eyes met with the young boy
standing in the middle of her living room.
        "Your cousin or something?" he inquired, confusion in his voice.
        "Who?" 
        "The kid in your apartment."
        "Oh, don't you remember my little boy?"
        "Little boy?"
        "Right. Mamo-chan, my son."
        Jun was dumbfounded by this statement, and he looked at Mamoru,
who was grinning wildly. Jun had known Megami ever since grade school.
Then they were best friends, as they were lovers now. He had never been
more sure of anything then when he said those next words. "'Gamiko, you
don't have any children. You're joking, right? You don't really think
this is your kid...?"
        "What do you mean?" she asked, an astonished tone in her voice.
She came out to him and he held her arms gently, both searching for
answers within the other's eyes. All the while Mamoru stood in silence,
his mind not comprehending the events taking place. A burning sensation
filled his eyes as he noticed the shocked expression on his mother's
face. Somewhere in her mind something just clicked. Her fiancee's love
snapping her out of the illusion. 
        Mamoru gazed at the man, hatred in his eyes at the realization of
what he had done. "You're not wanted here," he growled. The couple turned
to him, considering what should be done.
        Jun was the first to speak up, "Hey, little guy, you lost? Don't
worry, we'll help you find your house. Just..."
        "THIS is my home, SHE is my mother, and YOU are not welcome
here." His tone was icy and cruel, as it had never been before. It struck
fear into the very depths of Megami's soul. She suddenly feared for Jun's
life.
        "No, leave him alone!" she screamed, filling the gap between the
boy and her love. "Go away! I don't want you here!"
        Mamoru's heart shattered into tiny pieces, damage that could
never be repaired. He knew the feeling, but not at this degree,
rejection. He then felt very cold, "Mama..." He uttered the word so
softly, he could hardly hear it. "I just want..." He reached up to hug
her, he needed that warmth again, needed it so badly.
        "No! Don't touch me!" she let out once again, and her lover
pulled her back towards the door.
        "I won't let you take her away from me!" retorted Mamoru. "She's
my mother, I won't let anyone take her away!!!" The emotions, the pain,
bubbling inside Mamoru hit a point where his vision blanked only for a
moment. This point was beyond thought, simply sheer necessity and desire.
He couldn't take being hurt again. He just wanted a mother who loved him,
anyone who loved him, was that so much to ask? Just before his sight
returned, he heard the woman sobbing. He walked towards her, then kneeled
at her side. The words passing his lips now in comfort, "It's alright,
Mama. I'll make it all better, like it was."
        "What did you do with him! Give him back!" she pleaded. It was at
that moment that Mamoru noticed the man was no where to be found.
        "I... I don't... I didn't..."
        "Liar!" she yelled in rage. "Give him back!"
        "I... I can't... I..."
        "LIAR!!!!" she shrieked as her hand batted his cheek with a
resounding "CRACK." 
        Mamoru fell to the carpeted floor, the despair seeping over him
as if it were a tangible thing. Tears washed the sting of his face. <Now
physical pain as well... I don't... I can't...> His thoughts were
interrupted by his own sobs. They racked his chest and gagged him, as if
he were about to hurl. He went to that grey area beyond thought again,
wishing it didn't have to be like this. When he recovered, he was lying
in the room, cold and lonely. Distraught he remained on the floor,
shivering, later choking as his stomach could no longer hold the once
delicious breakfast. His mouth watered the same as it had before he
devoured them, he dreaded the fact that the taste was nowhere near as
good. His heart pounded until it threatened to burst wide open, but
Mamoru was gone long before it had the chance.
        Three hours later, Mamoru was taken back to the hospital. Three
monthes passed before he was again capable of speech. After three years,
he was released from the mental hospital back to the orphanage, still
unable to talk of what had taken place on that day.  
        Mamoru's life became one of constant embarassment and depression.
He became anything but normal. His eyes still held that power of
loneliness, but now it was accompanied with a fear of opening up, of
talking. He was assigned his own room only days after his return, for the
urge to crawl into the arms of a sleeping roomate was too great. He
longed for the warmth. Subsequently, he was always cold to the touch,
constantly shivering and sick. His needs were looked upon as weakness and
disease, to be overcome with drugs and medicine, not tender loving care.
        As nightmares threw him into fits, the response was to shove
pills down his throat to quiet him. The chemicals made him feel no
better, they simply rendered him incapable of expressing his discontent.
They rendered him incapable of control as well, and it certainly did not
help his confidence to have his saliva constantly running down his face.
The slightest nightmare would scare the piss out of him, literally. Not a
thing could be done for him, and not taking his medication meant a proper
scolding. Mamoru began to loathe the pills as well as the people.
        Eating also became a chore, as his appetite was all but healthy.
He would either not have hunger, or would starve and binge. This being
the case Chiba Mamoru became unreasonably thin, but it didn't bother him
much, and it became all too natural for him.
        He had lost everything, dignity, love, hope. The only reminder
that there could be something else for him became the crystal, and the
recurring dreams of a princess he was sure he would never find. He kept
the crystal with him at all times, hoping against hope that one day the
girl he was so fond of would come to him, free him from this living hell
and take him to wherever it was he belonged.
        It didn't come until his thirteenth year when he could absolutely
stand no more. He was again hungry, but it was only morning when his body
told him to eat that day. After devouring his breakfast alone at the
corner table of the cafeteria, his stomach revealed that his hunger was
less than satisfied. Physical pain added greatly to his stress, and took
a heavy toll on Mamoru whenever it surfaced. This time the adults refused
to let him follow his urges, though he had not eaten for quite some time.
His pent up emotions were released, with a startling effect. The
orphanage burned to ashes within moments of his rage. He didn't stick
around long enough to see the full results. 


Part Three: Just Your Average, Ordinary High School Student.

        "Another perfect report card," he congratulated himself. Chiba
Mamoru had come quite far in the past four years. He had his own
apartment in Asakusa, was a full grade ahead of his class (in a very
elite prep school to which he had gained a scholarship for, by the way),
had a slim, yet very defined build to him, was no longer dependent on
medicines, and had a very nice car, to boot. He still tended to keep to
himself, but had no troubles making small talk among others. Why, he even
had his sites set on a girlfriend, but this proved to be his most
challenging obstacle. For all his knowledge, he could not figure out how
to express his feelings for a person.
        Hana Misato was one of the most popular girls in school. Kind,
shy, beautiful, and intelligent, she had everything a guy could want in a
woman. She was of average height, with shoulder lenth red hair that she
usually had pulled back from her eyes with a headband. Her hazel eyes
were nothing less than stunning, and Mamoru noted that she was virtually
flawless. As a bonus, she actually held a few conversations with him from
time to time, but his studies of her came from simple observation. He
adored just watching her, and had played over all possible methods of
approaching her in his head so many times he could have sworn he was
already dating her.
        Still, for the four years since he had met her, he had yet to
tell her of his affections. He decided the time was now. On Friday night,
the school was holding a semi-formal dance, and it was the perfect
opportunity to tell her. The crisp air of late fall seemed all that much
more fresh that afternoon, as Mamoru ran through the plans once again in
his mind. Tomorrow was Tuesday, and Misato only had fencing after school
that day, tomorrow.
        Most of the students had gone home, or wherever they had to go
that day by now. Not that it was important, but it would probably be
easier to ask Misato if she was alone. He stood outside the girl's locker
room, unnoticed as he waited for her to exit. When she finally did, she
walked right by him, as he was lurking in a cove in the wall. It came as
a shock when he called out to her, "Misako, hold up a sec!"
        "Huh?! Oh, Chiba-san! You startled me!"
        He gave off a slight laugh, "Misako, we've been going to school
together for four years, you can be a little more friendly than 'Chiba.'"
        She also giggled a bit, "Yes, I was thinking that, too, but
everyone calls you 'Chiba-san.'"
        "But you're not just anyone, Misako. You're special."
        "Wh... what does that mean?" she asked, puzzled and surprised.
        "What do you think it means? Every guy in school is crazy about
you, to some degree or another." explained Mamoru.
        "Ha ha, ALL of the boys? Then that would include you, Chi...
Mamoru-san, and everyone knows you don't go for any..."
        "When I said 'all,' I meant it, myself included." Misato blushed
while gasping in shock. Mamoru continued his confession, which seemed to
be going well enough, "Myself more than most, and I'd think most of all."
        "Ma... Mamoru-san..." she didn't know what to say, so she
stuttered. Mamoru took this as a very good sign.
        <She doesn't know what to say... I bet that means she doesn't
know how to say what she feels. Then, she does love me, as much as I do
her. But, she won't say it... yet. I know she won't say it yet. Only
after I say it will she...> He revealed his hand from behind his back, a
single red rose within it. He smiled, knowingly, his eyes clouding with
anticipation. He spoke more passively now, soft emotions warming his
voice, "I... I really like you, Misako. No, I love you. Every night I
think of you, every day in school I watch you. I have since my eyes first
met your beauty. I've wanted to tell you, but was afraid you wouldn't
feel the same. Though now I'm absolutely positive it will work. Misako,
there's a dance Friday night, would you go with me?"
        Mamoru was hopeful and confident, almost giddy, with the
realization that he had just asked his life's love out on a date. His
heart soared at the thought of not being alone on a Friday night. His
lips ached, wondering what his first kiss with her would be like. She
wore that lipstick that tasted of cherries...
        Then she said it, "No."
        "What? 'No' what?" Mamoru looked at her in bewilderment.
        "No, I can't go to the dance with you," she restated, coldly.
        "Wh... why not? Are you already going with someone?"
        "No, I just have plans."
        "Oh! Alright. Well, how about something Saturday?"
        "Sorry, I'm busy all weekend," she answered flatly.
        Rejection, obviously, but Mamoru refused to acknowledge it. He
grinned unwillingly, his arm still extended, offering the rose. "Okay,
howsaout I buy you a late lunch after school on Monday?"
        "I have a fencing match."
        "And I'll be watching." 
        A silence came between them, and even though Mamoru was not
stupid, he couldn't tell he was being shot down. Misato was aware of
this, and knew there was no other way around it. He was a nice boy, she
didn't want to hurt him. She had to do it, just get it over with. Her
blank eyes stared directly into his hope-filled ones as she told him,
harshly, "I'm sorry, Chiba, I don't feel that way about you."
        His hand tensed, strangling the rose. He still couldn't
comprehend. "Wh... what do you mean... don't feel..."
        "I don't love you. I'm sorry."
        Tears welled up in Mamoru's eyes, that shining happiness replaced
by a sharp, stinging pain. His face cringed, trying to hold the smile, as
if he didn't hear. He did, however, and it hurt like hell. He managed to
choke out his next words, "B... but, I... I love you. Y... you're
supposed to... love me back... I... Mi... Misako... Say you love me
back."
        "I don't."
        She might as well have pulled out a gun and shot him. It would
have hurt less. Years of planning and praying were just flushed from
existance. You could tell he was hurting by the tone of his voice.
"Misako, please, you don't even know me... just give me a chance!" he was
begging her.
        "No." Before he could respond, she walked away. He collapsed onto
his knees, unable to accept the events that had just taken place, the
rejection, the loneliness. Blood seeped through his tightened fingers,
dripping off the rose.
        Mamoru couldn't remember how he got home that day, he definitely
didn't feel like moving. He laid in bed the rest of the day, sulking and
eating a bag of Hershey kisses, as if sweets could take his pain away.
"She doesn't love me..." his barely audible tone was cold and ragged,
reflecting his insides like a mirror. "Why doesn't she love me?" he
tormented himself with the question over and over, not once being able to
answer it. It nagged him on, even into the night. "I try to be good, it
just never seems to work out..."
        *Stop it, you are a good person. You're daring and noble and
intelligent, you have many wonderful qualities, %#&*%^$#. She just
doesn't know the real you.*
        "I don't know the real me!" Mamoru retorted. "How is she supposed
to?" With that he turned to see the Princess, face still hidden and
distorted in a blinding radience, in what was his apartment. He
constantly dreamed of her, and her appearance made him realize he had
finally fallen asleep. However, he wasn't in the best of moods for
talking. "Maybe if someone told me my real name, I could get somewhere!"
        The Princess had gotten used to his behavior, and promptly
changed the subect. *She's not the one for you, anyway. You can do much
better.*
        "With who? You? You're just a ghost, a phantom, a figment of my
imagination! I have the crystal, and you still aren't real! What am I
supposed to do?!" he yelled, half pleading.
        *You know full well that I am real, %&^$^#&@. *
        "You've haunted me for years, you come every night, why won't you
just tell me what I need to know!?! I don't deserve this punishment! I
just want to know who I am!"
        *This is a test, my love. I've told you that many times before,
you just have to wait. In the meantime, don't worry your heart with these
troubles of crushes, you'll grow out of them in time.*
        "What do you mean 'grow out of them'? I love her!"
        *And what of Tsukino? Do you still love her? You haven't said a
word of her in years.*
        "Be quiet!" Mamoru yelled. <How could anyone understand? Of
course I love her, I've missed her every day of my life! I can't go back
to Azabu, now, though, not after what I did.>
        The Princess continued on, taking his harsh words as a victory
*See, you're still young, you don't know what you want. You'll grow out
of it.*
        "I don't need some apparition telling me what to do. It's
probably your fault she won't go out with me! You probably did something
to her!" he accused.
        *Don't be insane! Why would I do that?*
        "To ruin my life, like you already have!"
        *Stop it! Why are you being like this?!*
        "Just tell me my name!"
        *I can't, why don't you understand, I want to, but I can't!*
        Mamoru stopped dead. He didn't want to argue anymore, he just
wanted to be alone. No, he just wanted to be loved, but that wasn't
happening. He would settle for alone. He turned his back on the Princess,
and prayed to whatever it was he believed in that he would wake up soon.
        *@%$%&$^%, please, forgive me. I'm sorry. I know you're just
upset, I didn't mean to yell,* her voice was sweet and concerned. It was
the type of voice he longed to hear. He faced her, tears streaming gently
down his face. He was sobbing a bit too hard to respond, but he had a
slight smile on his face. That in itself spoke volumes. He felt a little
warmer, and longed for her touch. She, too became joyous over their new
peace with each other, and she reached out to him. He bowed his head a
bit, desiring to lean into her as he went to wrap his strong arms around
her. He closed his eyes.
        Suddenly, he was torn away from her by a strong force. His eyes
snapped open in terror, as he was in his apartment, awake, and cold, and
lonely. He held himself, as if in pain. He forgot the cardinal rule of
his dreams dealing with the Princess, "No touching."
        His desire to be warm was increasing on that cold autumn night.
He pulled his blankets up over his head, as if hiding from something. He
thought hard about Misato, and his current situation. He simply wanted to
be held so much, and it was denied to him over and over again, even in
his dreams. He imagined what it would be like if Misato held him, surely
she would be cozy. She had small, thin arms, and fair skin. He frowned,
remembering what she had told him and wanting to forget it. <Maybe I came
on too strong. Would she be willing to give me a chance if I used a more
subtle approach? What did I do wrong?> He pondered the question long and
hard, but after about an hour it resulted in no answers, and a headache.
        He fluffed his pillow and rested his head in his hand. "Owww..."
he mumbled to himself. His fingers were sore and he stared at them in the
moonlight. Then it hit him. <Baka! I'm such a stupid, pathetic idiot! I
gave her one red rose while asking her out on a first date. Red
symbolizes love and passion. Maybe she thought I was asking for a one
night deal or something.> Yeah, he was deluding himself. No, he didn't
care. He spent the rest of the night devising new tactics to get Misato
to go out with him. The morning came all too soon, and he would have to
wait until Thursday.
        Misato was halfway home when Mamoru caught up with her. "Misako!
Hold up a second, wouldja?" he called out in between breathes. He stopped
running in front of her, panting heavily because he had lost track of
her. "I just wanted to apologize for Tuesday, I know I was too foward. I
was kinda hoping we could start over."
        "Chiba-san..." she groaned, as if he were an annoyance.
        He disreguarded this, and brought a bouquet of flowers to her
attention. White roses, a dozen of them, which represented innocent love
and purity, conveying his feelings much better than the single, red one.
He revealed his smile once again, knowing he would get more positive
results. "I hope you'll reconsider about the dance tomorrow, Misako."
        "Stop it! I told you, I don't want to go! Not with you!"
        "You don't even know me, just give me a chance."
        "No!"
        "But, I'm going to all this trouble, you could at least..."
        "No!"
        Mamoru was at a loss for words, what had he done that she hated
him so? He felt his tears coming on again, evil little things that showed
his innermost feelings. He didn't want to be hurt. Ice cold air gripped
his body, he wanted heat. Soft warm arms, gentle lips against his,
someone to wipe away the tears. "M... Misa..." he choked, the words
wouldn't come out of his throat. He reached for her smooth, fragile hand,
tears leaking out of the dam he had built up inside his eyes.
        "Chiba-san, I won't go with..."
        He found his voice again, "Forget the dance... I don't want it.
Please... just... " He pushed himself into her, basking in her warmth,
"H... hold me. I need it so much. I've been lonely, so lonely. I just
want..."
        "Get away from me!!!" Misato screamed as she pulled back, Mamoru
refusing to let go of her hand.
        "This isn't fair! You can't just blow me off, I'm a person, not a
bug! I'm not asking for a date, but you're the only one who knows, and I
need it! I just want to be held, I thought you were my friend!"
        "I said stay away!" The high pitched cry arose as she slapped
him, hard on the cheek. His head snapped back, and pain ruptured in his
neck. Why did she have to hit him? 
        <What makes her so afaid? I can't figure out...> Then he knew,
she was staring at the reason. His eyes, he never lost that sheer
loneliness in himself, that look of despair in his eyes that drew people
in, and scared the heck out of them. It made people feel the darkness
that was his life, and that kept people away. But it was him, he could
never lose that look until he found his happiness, the heat to melt the
ice around his heart. He could never find that, though, with his eyes.
The hopelessness engulfed him once again, and got so bad he couldn't
think, he head only felt pain. White hot flashes overcame him, and then
everything went black. The last thing he could recall was the small
object in his pocket, the crystal, burning his thigh. He never felt the
impact of his body against the sidewalk.
        "Mamo-chan? Mamo-chan!?" he heard the voice yelling as he was
being shaken, back slightly off the ground. His head hurt, and warm
liquid played in his hair. The voice called to him once again,
"Mamo-chan, are you alright?! Your head's bleeding!"
        Then he recognized the voice, "M... Misako?" His eyes fluttered
open, then quickly snapped shut from the glare of the sun. He repeated
the motion until he could withstand its intensity. "What... happened?"
        "You passed out."
        "Why... how?"
        "I don't know," she giggled. "Was my accepting your invitation
too much for that lonely little heart of yours?"
        "You... accepted. We're going to the dance together? But, you
said no..."
        "So you're hallucinating, too?" she asked jokingly.
        <She said yes?! I must've dreamed... seemed so real though.
Misako's gonna go out with me! This is great! Feel so dizzy though...
Room's blurry, not in a room, outside. Know cause I can smell the air...
and her perfume. Nice perfume.> He continued to ramble on to himself
until he gathered his bearings.
        The day was heaven for Mamoru, he took Misato out for dinner, and
they walked aimlessly through Tokyo hand in hand. Mamoru loved the way
her little fingers interlocked with his perfectly. She saw a flattering
white dress with a yellow flowered print on it in a store window. As
pretty as it was on a mannequin, it was gorgous on her, and Mamoru bought
it immediately for the next day. In all, the day was wonderful, except
that as the day progressed Misato seemed a bit more distant. Mamoru
wouldn't notice for quite a while though.
        It was finally Friday, and Mamoru was set on making it the best
one ever. He stared at his reflection as he combed his soft black hair,
wondering why he was sweating so much on as cool an evening as it was.
His white dress shirt clinged to his arm as he ran long fingers through
the strands that refused to stay out of his face. He laughed silently
<Good as it gets.> The navy blazer was slung over his shoulder as he
walked out to the car, hands unconsciously playing with the keys.
        Misato was estatic to see him, she rushed out to his jet black
sports car and hopped right in. She kissed him, gently on the cheek, and
he blushed. He handed her a white rose, and she kissed him again, but for
some odd reason, it had less feeling in it. Did she really mean it? He
wanted to know, "Misako, are you feeling alright? You do want to go,
don't you?"
        "Oh, yes, Mamo-chan! I really want to go to the dance with you!"
she reassured him enthusiastically, too much so, actually. It seemed
superficial. Something was dreadfully wrong. Still, maybe Mamoru just
imagined it, he was really nervous... He pushed those thoughts side as he
drove to the dance.
        At the dance, it was even more wonderful, and weird. They danced
for hours, never stopping except for short breaks to rest themselves.
Misato had taken her shoes off, so she could better dance with her love.
Mamoru worried about her, after ten dances or so his feet began to get
sore, and there she was not even wearing shoes. He still wanted to dance,
though, and she reflected his desires. 
        He held her so close, and as they tired she began to lean into
him. He cherished this, taking in everything about her. The smell of her
hair, like apples. <She must really like those scented care products> he
thought as he smelled a cinnamon perfume that complimented the first
scent. Her fragile body fit so well to his, and her tiny hands gently
gripped the back of his neck. He pulled her even closer, until his mouth
was nearly upon her ear. He whispered nonsense, then true words, "I love
you, Misako."
        She bounced her head up and giggled, "I love you too, Mamo-chan!"
Her response shocked him, not because he wasn't expecting it, but because
Misato never answered anything that way. Still, he wanted her to say it.
Why did it all seem so wrong? He denied himself relevant thought as he
returned to their dancing. Then he lost himself. Not allowing himself to
think, he lost control. He stopped moving altogether, and kissed Misato,
passionately, right in the middle of the dance floor. His own actions
surprised him, but not nearly as much as hers. For when he realized his
error, Misato would not let him pull back. Her arms suddenly became very
strong, and she forced him still as she brutally pressed her lips against
his. He couldn't deny that he wanted that reaction, but not like how she
had given it, openly, brazenly, with no sense of kindness to it. 
        He reeled in shock, unable to do no more than stare, eyes wide in
something near horror. What was wrong with her?! His eyes searched hers
for answers, he found only more questions. Those hazel pools sucked him
in, they were happy, almost giddy, yet lined with blankness, and a
darkness, and almost... pain? He turned away, it was as if he had looked
in a mirror. <What's going on?! Why are her eyes like that? So much like
mine... yet that light, I've never seen that in her eyes, either. What's
going on?!>
        The air in the dim room became thick, and the music, though soft
in tone, began to pound at his head. He needed space, to clear his mind,
to think! He ran out into the bathroom, and began to splash his face with
cold water. He couldn't figure any of this out, why was Misato acting in
such a way. There was no time to sort through the questions jabbing at
his mind, because at that moment, Misato walked through the door of the
boy's bathroom.
        "Mi... Misako?! The girl's room is..." She didn't allow Mamoru to
finish, she simply walked up to him, pressing the side of her face
against his jacket. Then he was, beyond a doubt, positive something was
wrong. His voice shifted immediately from shock to concern, "Misako,
what's wrong?"
        Her words were dull and unsure, "hu... hurting me..."
        "Who is? Or what? Are you sick?" he asked as he wrapped his arms
around her, kissing her softly on the forehead. She remained still, hot
tears escaping her eyes. He looked at her, confused. Then he saw her
eyes, they appeared stern, hard, like someone had just stolen something
very important from her. Like someone had stole her life. Like HE had
stolen her life, her eyes accused him of the crime. It was undeniable
now. The crystal in his pocket gave off a low heat on his upper thigh,
and Mamoru came to a horrible realization.
        <The crystal?! No! I knew it was powerful, but all these years...
I've been... it's been... forcing people to... NO!!! There's no way I
could have done all of this! I didn't use it... Misako loves...> Now
there was no way of hiding it, Misato hated him, wholly and cruelly, she
hated him. All those memories he locked away came flooding back. Megami
and Jun and the orphanage. He destroyed them all, using a crystal he
never thought he knew how to. Now he was doing it again, it was Misato's
turn to suffer. No, Mamoru was better than that. This wasn't her fault,
it was his. He would pay, he would suffer, he would lose everything he
had gained, if only he could make ammends for what he did. The crystal
grew cold as it loosened its control over the girl, and she passed out
into his arms as she was released. He placed her against the wall, and
left immediately, sobbing apologies that no one could ever hear.
        He got in his car and drove off, rushing towards his apartment
with the knowledge that he couldn't stay. Eventually, someone would
expose him, and he had to be out of Asakusa before that happened. Maybe
it was time to go home...


Part Four: Who Said You Can Never Go Home Again?

        Mamoru kneeled against the ledge surrounding the roof of his
apartment building. This city had become something of a home to him, he
had mixed feelings about leaving it. He had no choice, though. As his
actions influenced by the crystal had forced him out of Azabu, they now
were forcing him out of Asakusa. He could no longer stay, not after what
he'd done. Yet, part of him desperately wanted to go back to Azabu, not
because he grew up there, (at least, he thought he did, but he was never
really sure of his home town) but because of a young girl he had met
there, so many years ago. It had been quite some time since he had lived
there, and by now anything that could have been tied to him had to have
been forgotten. Forgotten, perhaps Usagi had forgotten him, it had been
over eight years.
        Something about Tsukino Usagi had a calming effect on Mamoru.
Even thinking of her made him feel a little warmer on this cold autumn
night, a hard task for anyone to do. Not that anyone had tried, she was
the only one, and it was so long ago. 
        <She still loves me, she has to. She couldn't have forgotten that
feeling. The one I felt when she... held me.> Warm feelings gushed up
through Mamoru, and he closed his eyes to experience them more fully. He
remembered every little detail, summer sun hot on his body, and small,
comfortable arms wrapped around his form. "Usako," he whispered, as if
she could hear him, and he brought his arms up as if to hold the girl
that was nowhere close to where he was. He moaned his disappointment as
his eyes jarred open, he was holding himself, and was cold again. He
wanted her touch. <She loves me.>
        Then a horrid sensation burned on Mamoru's upper thigh. <The
crystal?! No! It can't...!> But it was, the crystal picked up on Mamoru's
raw emotions, his wants and desires, and was already working on making
them real. On Usagi, he could just tell. "Stop it!" he screamed as he
pulled the jewel from his pocket. "I want real love, not the fake shit
I've gotten because of a crystal!" It burned his hand as tears burned his
face, he knew he had to get rid of the crystal before it did anything to
Usagi. Being distraught, he could only think of one way. 
        Not at all concerned at where it might land, not wanting to see
it ever again, he gathered his strength, and pitched the crystal off the
roof.  That is to say, he thought he did. He let out a loud scream as he
noticed his hand, glowing. The crystal hadn't moved, far from it in fact,
it was joining with his hand, becoming one with his body. He yelled, and
tried to pull it out. For a moment he made desperate actions that made it
appear as if he was trying to rip his own hand off at the wrist, just to
be free of the crystal. 
        After it had completely entered inside of him, Mamoru stopped his
struggle, being content to sob at his misfortune. "I don't want this, I
didn't ask for any of this," he cried. "I just want to be normal." He had
no conception of how bad things were going to be, in less than a minute
his life would again take another turn... for the worst.
        "So you don't want the crystal?" a sleek voice asked of him. He
turned quickly to see a blonde man, in an outfit the likes of which he'd
never seen outside a science fiction movie, smiling evilly at him. "Good.
That'll make this easier."
        Mamoru quickly dried his tears before answering this threat, "Who
are you? What do you want?"
        "I am Jadeite, general under the rule of the great Queen Beryl. I
have come for the crystal, and should you give it now I will spare your
life," the man said, eyes narrowing on Mamoru. He reached out towards
him, "Give up the Silver Imperium Crystal. Now."
        Mamoru seemed rather confused. He wanted full well to rid himself
of the crystal, but also knew this wasn't the person to give it to. This
in mind, his reply was still an honest one, "I can't."
        "Don't play games with me, boy."
        "Even if I wanted to give it to you, I can't. I can't get to it
right now."
        "Where is it? It's close. I can feel its power." Jadeite was
growing impatient, and a sort of rage grew in his eyes. "You have it."
        Mamoru didn't know why he felt so confident, but the more Jadeite
spoke, the more he seemed like a simple bully. "Yes, I do. However, the
crystal's unavailable at the moment..." his voice was thick with sarcasm.
He smiled, not realizing that this was for real. Jadeite had more than
enough power to back himself up. Too bad Mamoru didn't notice until it
was to late to run.
        "I'm sick of your games. You had your chance," the man hissed.
Mamoru watched in amazement as energy manifested between the Jadeite's
palms. "Now die."
        Mamoru was stunned by the events taking place, so stunned he
almost didn't move as the concentration of energy made its way to his
head. Fortunately, instinct kicked in. Mamoru dropped to the floor,
managing to get behind the small projection on the roof that led inside
the building. He never had a chance to touch the doorknob. Jadeite hurled
bolt after bolt of energy at him, which Mamoru had no trouble avoiding.
His problems came when his dodging led him onto the edge of the roof,
with nowhere to go. Jadeite grinned as he prepared his aim.
        His thoughts became a blur as Mamoru tried to figure out his next
move. He had precious few seconds to act, they passed too soon. His last
thought was of needing some kind of armor or protection, some means by
which to defend himself. They came too late, though, the panic-stricken
youth found himself jumping off the side of the building. He silently
made peace with himself, unnecessarily, before he realized he had cleared
the sixteen foot gap between buildings, landing safely on the one
neiboring the apartments. <How in the world did I manage to...>
        He was cut off by another barrage of attacks. Once again he
reacted without thinking, pulling his cape up over his face, absorbing
the bolts. New thoughts wreaked havoc on his mind, breaking his
concentration. <I'm wearing a cape!?!> Further curiousity led his eyes
downward, he was now in a tuxedo. Something caught the corner of his eye,
and he could tell it was a mask, simply because he could feel it on his
nose and cheekbones. He didn't have the time to contemplate further,
though. Jadeite had followed him.
        "What the...?" Jadeite mumbled. He hadn't expected what he was
seeing. Mamoru decided to take advantage of the situation.
        He let go, allowing whatever impulses that would come over him do
so. His first surprised even himself as he began to speak, "I am Tuxedo
Kamen, protector of Earth and guardian of the Imperium Silver Crystal." A
wry smile made its way to his face. "And you'll get it over my dead body.
En garde!"
        He lundged at Jadeite, cane in hand. Jadeite materialized an
energy sword in his defense. It went on for what seemed like forever,
weapons clashed and parries parried. One would think the two were perfect
equals. Although Tuxedo Kamen lacked experience, he made up for it in
sheer vigor. However, Jadeite did eventually got the best of him. He let
his guard down for just a second, trying to catch his breath. Jadeite was
on him in an instant, slicing Tuxedo Kamen's hand, jarring it open,
dropping his cane.
        Jadeite was laughing almost hysterically as he closed in on his
opponent, bringing the glowing sword dangerously close to his throat.
"Looks like you underestimated me. Now you'll pay."
        Tuxedo Kamen smiled wickedly, "I could say the same."
        "What?"
        Jadeite had no time to react as a fire lit itself in Tuxedo
Kamen's eyes. The flames grew, consuming everything Chiba Mamoru was, and
he welcomed them. He let them burn into his very soul, consuming himself
in a familiar white light. "Go to hell."
        Mamoru had no idea of what had happened to Jadeite, he was
blinded by his own power. However, if the screams were any indication, he
thought Jadeite did just as he instructed. Mamoru rose with a shiver, he
had just taken a man's life. In a way he was proud of his accomplishment,
in a way he was scared out of his mind. He decided not to think about it
until he settled down a bit. That wouldn't be for a while...
        In the meantime, he had a lot of work to do. He had to pack, move
into a new apartment, and change schools. It wasn't any problem, it would
just take a day or two. No time like the present to get working.

One week later.
        It was your average Friday afternoon for Tsukino Usagi. She was
walking through downtown Azabu with her friends, whining about the "24"
on the test she held in her hands.
        "Usagi-chan, calm down. You'll do better next time," Ami
comforted.
        "But I actually studied this time! I tried really hard!" Usagi
cried.
        "Dumb bunny!" Rei chided. "Keep it up with that whining and
you'll never get anywhere! And she wonders why she doesn't have a
boyfriend..."
        "Rei-chan..." Minako whispered to her friend. "Don't get her
started on..."
        But Minako's warning came too late. "I do too have a boyfriend!"
Usagi yelled. "He's the nicest..."
        "'...guy in the whole world, and my protector. I haven't seen him
in a long time, but he gave me this hat to remember him by.' Yeah,
Usagi-chan, we have it memorized by now," Makoto sighed. "It's nice to
have a dream, but..."
        Usagi was beginning to get rather mad at the way the conversation
was headed, so she decided to end it once and for all. "He is too real!
Just you wait, one day you'll be jealous at my wedding! Then you'll all
say..."
        "Where's my hat?" Rei teased as she lifted the old blue hat off
of Usagi's head. The girl wore it all the time, and said her boyfriend
gave it to her. Everyone thought she was just being silly, how could
anyone understand the truth?
        "Hey! Give that back!"
        "Come and get it!"
        The remaining girls sighed as Rei bolted down the street, Usagi
hot on her tail. "I wonder who she'll crash into this time?" Ami thought
aloud.
        Makoto was the first to respond, "I hope it's a cute guy."
        "One that looks like your old boyfriend?" Minako laughed.
        "Why you..." Makoto raised her fist in rage. "Take that back!"
        "Never!" And the two girls ran down the same street that the
others had before, with Ami walking slowly behind them.
        All Mamoru could think about was getting something to eat. As if
his first day of school wasn't bad enough, they didn't sell lunch there,
either. He gazed at the restaurants of downtown Azabu, wondering which
one would suit his style best. He was so preoccupied with making up his
mind, he didn't even notice the raven tressed girl run by him, waving a
familiar baseball cap in the air. On the other hand, there was no
avoiding the second girl as he turned the corner. Before he knew it, he
was on his back, his head slammed on the sidewalk. He looked up to see
two blonde buns, with hair streaming in pigtails from them. Of course,
his day wasn't exactly perfect to begin with, but now he was ticked.
        "Why can't you watch where you're going, Odango A..." As soon as
the girl looked up at him, he was in shock. He knew those eyes. "ta..."
        "I'm so sorry, excuse me!" she pleaded in a flustered voice, not
noticing she was still on top of the young man.
        "...ma."
        She stared at him as he finished his words. Someone had called
her that before... "Do I... know you?" She asked.
        "Tsu... Tsukino? Usako?!" he managed to say. Then their eyes met,
and they seemed entranced. Still, Usagi couldn't place the man. His eyes
were familiar, though, and so lonely...
        Rei broke their trance. "Geez, Usagi. If I'd've know you'd cause
all this trouble, I wouldn't've bothered. Here's your hat back." She
threw it down, causing it to land on Mamoru's chest. "Now get off the guy
already!"
        Mamoru stared at the hat, his hat. He knew it was real, that the
girl that was lifting herself off his stomach was the same girl he met
eight years ago, the girl he loved. "You wear it?" he inquired.
        "Of course I do. My boyfriend gave it to me, you know. He
promised to come back and..." Usagi could only stare at the boy's smile.
Then she knew. "Oh my god..." she whispered. "Mamo-chan...?!"
        He nodded.
        "Mamo-chan!!!" the girl squealed as she threw her arms around his
neck, nearly knocking him back down to the ground. "I thought I'd never
see you again! You were gone so long! What happened to you?!"
        "I guess you could say I moved," he explained to her under his
laughing, he had found her. "But I'm back now. To stay."
        "Really!?!"
        "Really."
        By now the other girls had caught up to them by now, and were
they ever confused. There was hopeless, ditzy Usagi, and the most
gorgeous guy they had ever seen, who should be yelling at her, hugging
her, right in the middle of the sidewalk.
        Minako was the first to speak up. "Uhm... who are you?"
        The embarassed couple got up from the sidewalk, and after
brushing himself off, Mamoru made his introduction. "Sorry about all
that. I'm Chiba Mamoru, an... old friend of Usagi's. And you are...?"
        "Oh my..." Minako stuttered, "Y... you're real?!"
        "I hope so, was last time I checked."
        "You mean, you're the handsome young boy that traded a crystal
for your hat and swore to protect Usagi-chan?!" Makoto asked in
disbelief.
        "I think that'd be me."
        "You're for real!?!" Rei uttered in shock.
        Mamoru blushed, "I guess when you think about it, it does kinda
seem unreal..."
        A small black cat with a cresent moon on its forehead silently
observed the conversation. Usagi had told her the story, and at the time
she didn't believe it, but now... If Usagi's story was true, it meant
that boy had the Silver Imperium Crystal, and if he had it, all the
Senshi' training would finally be of use.
        Rei stared at Mamoru as the others talked. Something about him
was too suspicious. If he was the Mamoru of Usagi's tales, then he had
the crystal, but why would he want it? Unless, he was the enemy. Luna had
gathered all five girls, made them the Sailor Senshi, taught them how to
fight. They never knew why, no enemies attacked, though Luna insisted
they were needed. Was Mamoru one of the reasons. They had to find the
crystal, and the princess. That was their mission. Rei closed her eyes,
focusing her power. She sensed the crystal in Mamoru's pocket. She had to
retrieve it.
        Mamoru didn't notice Rei as she moved closer to him, he simply
continued to talk to the girls, Usagi in particular. After offering to
buy them lunch, he didn't notice Rei slip her hand in his pocket as he
walked. On the same note, Rei should have been more careful as she tried
to remove the crystal from its chain. She didn't expect Mamoru to yell as
she tugged on it.
        Mamoru turned to her, anger in his voice. "Just what do you think
you're doing?!" he snapped as Rei dropped the crystal. It fell until the
chain pulled taught and the small object stopped against his leg.
        "How did you..."
        "What? Know you were taking it?" he finished for her as he lifted
the crystal into his palm. "Do you really think I'd be so stupid as to
just let it unprotected?" He edged the waist of his pants down slightly
over his hip, revealing that the chain was connected to his body, through
the bone. He smirked, "As you can see, I've taken some precautions. I've
been getting some trouble because of this crystal lately. Know anything
about it?"
        Rei didn't take her eyes off him. "Just who are you? You're not
anyone normal. Who sent you? And why do you need the crystal?"  
        Mamoru's thoughts turned to the princess, "It's none of your
concern."
        "I'll show you what's none of my concern! Who are you?!" she
demanded.
        <What's wrong with this girl? What does she mean 'Who are you'? I
don't know who I am! She seems to want the crystal, though. Maybe she's
with that Jadeite character! Is that why she's friends with Usako? Then
what do I do? Only one thing to do...> So Mamoru grabbed Usagi's hand,
and ran away as fast as he possibly could while not causing her injury.
Without a word of explanation, he ran up the stairs of a building, and
unlocked the door to a room, his apartment.
        "Mamo-chan..." Usagi started to say as she caught her breath.
"Why did you...?"
        "Last week some guy came after me for the crystal. Now that Rei
girl is after it. I don't mean to alarm you, but I think you should stay
away from her."
        "No, Mamoru, you don't understand."
        "Understand what?"
        "That..." How could Usagi explain? She couldn't just tell him
about Luna and the Senshi, that could compromise the mission. She was
willing to bet Rei saw Mamoru as an enemy, too. For the time being, Usagi
had some secrets to keep. "Rei's a friend. Trust me."
        "But..."
        "I know you have your doubts, you just have to trust me."
        Mamoru's eyes softened, "As long as you're sure."
        "I am."
        "Okay."
        Their conversation had taken a rather morbid tone, and Mamoru
searched for a way to lighten it up. Then he found it, and smiled. "So...
how often do you wear that thing, anyway?" he inquired, abruptly changing
the subject.
        "What thing?" Usagi questioned him, wondering if he was talking
about her brooch, her mind so intense on Sailor business.
        "The hat, of course. Do you wear it often?" he repeated his
initial question. It sure looked like she did, the poor thing was worn
and faded. It looked like it had been through a war. <Sure looks cute on
her.>
        "Oh, the hat!" she giggled. "Well, actually, I wear it all the
time. 'Cept when I'm indoors 'cause it's rude. Sorry I haven't taken such
good care of it. It's kinda ratty since I wear it all the time, but it's
clean!" She removed it from her head, placing it in her lap. "The way I
treated it, it's not at all the way you wanted me to, is it? I suppose
you want it back..."
        He appeared to be wounded by that last comment. "Of course not!"
he assured her. "It's your hat! I gave it to you. Besides, I kinda hoped
you'd wear it. It really suits you." Almost completely off the subject,
he added some other lines. "You look nice." Then his voice dropped under
his breath. "You're beautiful, actually."
        Whether she heard him or not, Usagi approached him, hat in hands.
"It suits you better now, too. It is an adult sized hat..." she stated,
placing the hat snuggly over his black mop of hair. It did fit him
better. "It's the same color as your eyes."
        A quick glance in a mirror on the wall confirmed her statement.
Mamoru thought he'd never see the dumb old hat as long as he lived, let
alone wear it. It looked good on him. <Looks better on her.> He thought
as he placed it carefully on her head, looping the strap around a bun of
hair. "Deja vu," he mumbled.
        "I did miss you. I was worried when that orphanage burned down. I
thought maybe you were there or something. I'm glad you weren't."
        "Yeah..." <I was hoping she'd never heard of that...>
        Her eyes filled with hope. "You weren't there... were you
adopted? Did you find a good family?"
        Mamoru stared at his feet, unable to meet her beaming eyes. His
voice was full of depression, "No. I never did find a family."
        "Oh, well, you must have made some really good friends," her tone
was optimistic, trying to cheer him up.
        "No friends, either."
        "Pets?"
        "Apartments don't usually allow them."
        Usagi went limp as she sheepishly gazed at him. She fell back
onto the couch as she scolded herself for bringing up such horrid
memories for him. Still, she couldn't avoid the subject now. "I'm sorry,
I should have been able to tell. You can see it in your eyes, you're
still all alone."
        Mamoru sat down next to her, taking her small hands in his. His
disposition became hopeful, if not tranquil. "Not anymore," he whispered.
        "Mamo-chan..." Usagi pensively replied. She smiled. "You're
right. You'll never be alone again. I won't let you."
        He kissed her, softly and sweetly. This time he gave her time to
respond, and she did. Mamoru felt that warmth rush over him, the one he'd
been looking for all his life. Usagi held him so close, he returned the
favor. "I feel so bad, having such feelings for a girl so much younger
than me."
        Usagi released herself from his arms as she yelled, "I'm not that
much younger than you! You're what? Sixteen?"
        "Seventeen, and you're what? Four or five years younger than..."
        "I can't believe you'd think that!" she whined.
        He didn't even notice many details of her now, he just loved her
eyes, he didn't bother to look at anything else. When he first met her,
she seemed so young. How old was she? He studied her, becoming entranced
by her body as well. Thin lips, small waste, curved hips, an overall
petite frame, with small, yet supple, breasts. <Whoa, Chiba, stop right
there before you get yourself into some trouble. I'm not ready to be
thinking about her like that.> Indeed, her body was, to say the least,
very mature. "You're sixteen?" he more of stated than asked. 
        She grinned wildly. 
        "Too old," he realized.
        "What makes you say that?!"
        "You wouldn't be so happy if that was your real age. Fifteen?"
        Usagi quietly answered him, "I will be in a year."
        "Fourteen? That's a good age."
        "Why is that?"
        He laughed, "Well, have you ever heard of a bad age?"
        She joined him in his laughter. "No, I haven't."
        "Usako..."
        "Hmmm?"
        "When are you supposed to be home today?"
        "I'm not, I'm supposed to sleep over at Mako-chan's apartment. I
could stay with you tonight for as long as you want," she offered.
        "That's good. Usako..." he began rather timidly. "There's
something I've always wanted to... do with you..."
        Usagi's eyes widened. "What's that?"
        He took her hands and led her into his bedroom, where he bid her
to lay down. Usagi's mind raced as he joined her in his bed, she had to
tell him that she was too young, that she wasn't ready for this. 
        He kissed her softly on the forehead, then brought his mouth to
her ear. "I love you, Tsukino Usako." And before she could protest he had
his arms around her.
        "Ma... Mamo-chan, I... can't..." Too late, her words fell upon
deaf ears. Mamoru was living out one of his few fantasies, and Usagi
giggled as she realized what it was. He lay asleep, with the woman he
loved by his side. Usagi then knew he was truly the man for her, and
closed her eyes, letting his warmth be her blanket as she slipped into
darkness.
        Chiba Mamoru had always wanted to fall asleep, knowing he'd wake
up with Tsukino Usagi in his arms.


Part Five: Alright, That Explains You. So Where Do I Fit In?

Midnight
        It had been only a few hours since Usagi had left to go to
Makoto's apartment with her friends, but it bothered him just the same.
He wanted to see her, now. He wanted her to hold him again, and he felt
even more lonely than usual without her in his apartment. <Should've
insisted that she spend the night...> He knew it wasn't true. If she
didn't want to be there, for whatever reason it was, he wouldn't be
comfortable making her stay. He cursed himself for sleeping while she was
with him, so many things he could have said. Still, he never slept so
soundly before. While he was lying beside her, no nightmares plagued him.
It was wonderful. Then he found himself regretting not having slept
longer, because he hadn't had a good night's sleep in weeks. <I'm
hopeless...> It was getting late, and he went to bed.
        After hours of tossing, his mind entered the darkness. His
squirming didn't stop. 
        "You'll hurt her," a deep voice warned him.
        <No! No I won't! I'll protect her, I swear it!> He was screaming,
trying to deny the words his mind knew as truth.
        "You shouldn't have come back. Jadeite wasn't the only one
looking for the crystal. Others will come. Others will hurt her to get to
you."
        <I won't let them! I can handle it! I can protect her!>
        "You shouldn't have brought her back into your life. Leave her
before it's too late."
        <Never! I've never been happier than when she's with me! She and
I, we'll be together forever!>
        "You're being an idiot."
        <I don't care! I'm not going to be alone again!>
        "And what about her? Will she be alone?"
        <What?>
        "Will she be alone?"
        <I'd never leave her! I love her! Do you here me?! I LOVE TSUKINO
USAGI!!!!>
        Silence, the voice was gone.
        *You do?* The soft, caring voice rang out in the darkness.
        He turned to it, to the beautiful woman who possessed it.
<Princess... I... I'm sorry.> He felt ashamed. Here he was, madly in love
with Usagi, yet he couldn't deny his feelings for the gold tressed
goddess before him.
        Her face was hidden, but a tear glistened in the newly developed
moonlight. *It's alright. I understand. I've known your love for her
since you first met her. She's the right one, isn't she? The one you'll
spend the rest of your life with.*
        <Yes, she is.>
        *You're beautiful together. I know she'll make you very happy.*
        <She already has.>
        *I know you'll make her very sad.*
        <What...? What do you mean?>
        *You'll break her heart if you stay.*
        <I'm never leaving her!>
        *You'll break her heart if you go.*
        <Stop talking in riddles! What are you saying?>
        *You have a decision to make, #^%$&@#$. If you stay here, with
her, you'll bring much joy to her life. You'll make her the happiest girl
in the world, but it won't last. Because of you, her life will come
crashing down into the near pits of hell, and it will be by your doing.
If you leave now, she will be sad. Depression will overtake her, though
it will pass in time. By leaving, you will spare her pain comparable to
your own, pain that will not leave her no matter how much time passes.
It's your decision, &%$#^$@$.*
        <You're lying!>
        *I wish I was, if only for your happiness.*
        <You're jealous!>
        *I am not. You couldn't comprehend how happy I am for you. I am
also very sad, however...*
        <How do you know! It can't be true!>
        *It is, I'm afraid.*
        <I refuse to leave her!>
        Then the princess's tone changed. It was too odd a mix, too many
emotions rivaled to control it. *Really?*
        Mamoru was shocked. In all the years he'd known her, he hadn't
heard her voice in such a way. She sounded ecstatic, yet full of
mourning. He thought, for just a moment, that he saw her... smile... <I
will never leave her. I swear it.>
        *Thank you.* The words were barely audible.
        <What?>
        *Good bye, *%$&#^@#.* She faced him as the light began to engulf
her, revealing smooth, pale skin, thin, rosy lips, and bright... bright
sky blue eyes...
        <Can't be...> he thought as the light grew blinding. He jumped
up, arm outstreched desperately to reach her before the light could steal
her away. <NOO!>
        "USAKO!!!!!!!!" He screamed her name as he lunged out of his bed,
slamming his body to the floor. He curled himself up into a little ball,
pulling his knees uncomfortably up to his chest. Tears cascaded from his
eyes as he lied there, tense and shaking uncontrolably. He was scared out
of his mind, and found himself suffocating from his own heart. It
wouldn't stop beating so fast, like it would burst. He couldn't move, not
even to close his eyes. One word was ringing in his mind, it refused to
leave. <Usako...>
        Then he felt a new sensation. Icy cold fingers clutched his heart
and tore at it, forcing him to listen. It snapped him back to reality as
it filled his heart with dread. <She's in trouble.> He wasn't thinking,
though he knew he'd be alright as he jumped off of his balcony onto the
street below. Very few things could hurt Tuxedo Kamen.
        
        "Aku Ryo Tai San!" Sailor Mars yelled as flames burst in a steam
from her hands towards Nephrite. The general brought his hands up,
absorbing the power, then letting loose his own. The Senshi dodged a
shower of energy, as the man laughed. 
        "Nothing seems to work, Luna!" Ami commented as they scattered.
        "And nothing will" the man added. "Although I will admit, I
definitely wasn't expecting any obstacles. Now, give up the crystal!"
        "We told you, we don't have it, you long haired freak! Supreme
Thunder!" Another futile response with another futile attack. This was
the first battle of the Sailor Senshi, their first encounter with the
enemy, and they were losing horribly. 
        "Ah, this is getting tedious. Fine, whether or not you have the
crystal, I'll find out soon enough when I search the corpses." The Senshi
took it as a threat, in truth, it was a promise. Dark energy rained from
the sky onto the girls. They screamed as they dropped like flys, barely
conscious and not moving. Nefrite raised a hand to the air, preparing the
finishing blow.
        "LEAVE HER ALONE!!!!"
        Nefrite turned as the voice rang out. A twirling cane smashed
into the general's face. He groaned mercilessly in pain. "Whoever did
that, your gonna pay... Huh?!" Nefrite smiled, and almost burst out
laughing as he caught a first glance of his opponent. As if those girls
in the short skirts weren't enough, now there was a teenaged prom reject
in a cape attacking him. "Go home kid, before you get hurt," the man
chuckled.
        "Not until you leave Usako alone!" the boy called back from the
street.
        "Usako? You mean one of those girls. You can have her in a
second. Well, her body anyway." Nephrite gathered his strength again,
foolishly turning away from his opponent.
        "I said..." Tuxedo Kamen growled, arm extendeded toward Nephrite,
other hand fingering the crystal on its chain. "to leave her alone."
White light surrounded Tuxedo Kamen, growing while he concentrated on his
goals. It enveloped the general first, causing him to scream in pain as
the light burned first his eyes, then his entire being. The light
proceded to devour the forms of the Senshi, but instead of causing pain,
it awakened them, instantly healing any wounds they had sustained.
        "Who...?" the small black cat whispered as she brought herself up
on all fours.
        Sailor Moon groaned as she awoke. She knew who had saved them,
she could feel in her heart. "Mamo-chan."
        He rushed to her side, ignoring his foe who was writhing in agony
in the middle of the street. Still, he didn't forget about him. <Hope a
car runs the jerk over. Too much to ask at this hour...> His attention
turned to more important matters, instead. "Usako? Are you alright?"
        "Yeah, Mamo-chan. I'm fine," she sighed. "Thanks for the help."
        "Sure, no problem. I said I'd always protect you. I always try my
best to keep a promise." Usagi began to giggle wildly as she came to her
senses, causing Mamoru alarm. "What... what's so funny?"
        "Your outfit. You look kinda funny in that gettup..."
        "Well, your not exactly Miss Rain in that little sailor suit," he
retorted.
        "You look really handsome, Mamo-chan," she said with a grin. 
        "Mamoru? You're the boy with the crystal. And you're a...
warrior? Whose side are you on? And what do you want with the crystal?!"
Luna jumped on his lap with her barrage of questions. 
        Mamoru simply looked confused. His face was still bright red from
Usagi's last comment, and now all the questions... "Usa-ko," he laughed
nervously. "Your cat is talking to me."
        The other Senshi had risen, and surrounded the couple on the
ground. "Mamoru..." Rei began.
        Mamoru stopped her quickly. "Please, call me Tuxedo Kamen. I'm
unpopular enough at high school, don't make it worse." He had said it
half jokingly, he didn't like all this tension. Usagi was the only one to
laugh.
        "Just what exactly are you?" one of the girls asked, but Mamoru
wasn't listening as he walked towards Nefrite.
        Mamoru looked over Nefrite's battered form, huddled in pain.
There was no mercy in his voise as he spoke. "Just who the heck are you?
Why are you after the crystal? Who do you want it for?"
        "Why should I tell you?" Nephite hissed back. 
        "Wrong answer." Mamoru kicked him in the face, hard. "Now, why do
you want the crystal?"
        Nefrite then became aware that this boy knew nothing of the
crystal, or of fighting. He had seen the boy's reactions to Jaedite, and
knew he was powerful, yet still a novice. He had the crystal, but he
wasn't invincible. Nefrite decided to use this to his advantage. Fear
could always overcome youth. "I... wouldn't do that if I were you."
        "You're in no position to make threats."
        "Neither are you. I know who you are, Mamo-chan, Mamoru. So does
Beryl," he informed Tuxedo Kamen. "Black hair, tall, thin, high school
student. You'll be easy to pick out. You're the one with the crystal,
aren't you?"
        The Senshi gathered around the two men, though kept their
distance. Mamoru was ticked. He violently grabbed Nefrite by his jacket,
pulling him up towards his face. He tried not to show his struggle,
Nefrite weighed more than he looked. "I don't give a damn what you know
about me..." he growled, only Nefrite could hear his words.
        "Oh, I figured that," Nefrite added. "But a blonde haired, blue
eyed teenage girl named Usagi, I think you care about her. Your
girlfriend? Give up the crystal now, or Beryl will make sure she suffers
later."
        Mamoru's eyes grew wide with horror. He didn't care what happened
to himself. Usagi, on the other hand... "No..." he choked out under his
breath. His body tensed and his arms wouldn't stop shaking. It was a
miracle he didn't drop Nefrite. "No..." <This can't be happening. They'd
kill her, just to...> "No..."
        "So it looks like I've got you pegged. The crystal, I want it,
now."
        "NO! Don't you threaten her! DON'T YOU EVER THREATEN HER!" he was
saying it, but he didn't notice. His mind was already past the point of
comprehension. Fire grew in his eyes, liquid fire that shot up into his
arms like quicksilver. He faintly heard someone yelling that they needed
Nefrite alive, but Mamoru didn't care. <The dreams... if I let him go,
he'll hurt her. They know who she is... I...> The liquid fire brimmed in
his eyes, out of them, down his cheek. He didn't want to kill anyone
else, to ruin more lives. He'd done enough of that, too many sins he
could never repent for.
        Then the voice of reason touched his mind, of course, it was
Usagi. "Mamo-chan, don't! You're killing him!" she was pleading with him.
She wrapped her arms around one of his, Nephite still in his grip.
Nefrite's pain finally became audible to his ears, his grasp slackened a
bit.
        "Usako?" he mumbled in a daze. Too much was happening all at
once, nothing was making much sense anymore. <I can do it. I won't kill
Nephrite, I'll find some other way to defend Usako. She doesn't want me
to. I don't want her to ever see me kill anything.> He found himself
staring into her eyes. <So sweet and innocent, she loves everyone. She
loves me, and I love her. We'll find a way through this, I'll protect
her.> He dropped Nefrite altogether, and took Usagi in his arms. He held
her so tight, not wanting to ever let go. He felt so much better when he
was near her. He couldn't think straight, the forthcoming events were a
blur to him.
        "Mamo-chan!" 
        "How could you?! We needed him alive, you idiot!"
        <Needed who alive? Nefrite? I didn't...>
        "Mamo-chan how could you?!"
        "Usako?"
        "Why would you be so impulsive?!"
        He wasn't letting go of Usagi, and he felt rather dizzy, or
tired, or both. It was as if he would fall if he let go. His eyes made
their way to the street beneath his feet. <What's wrong with me? Why do I
feel so... spent? Ground's spinning.> He looked down at the figure clad
in general's garb, a skeleton. That was the last thing he saw before
blacking out. 

        "You'll hurt her."
        <No, I won't!>
        "You don't have a choice."
        <This's just a dream! A stupid, pointless dream!> It was dark,
pitch black. Mamoru could only stare into the abyss as the low voice
spoke to him.
        "You know it's real, or else I wouldn't be here."
        <You can't tell me what I should believe!>
        "But I know you believe it."
        <You don't know me! I don't know you!>
        "On the contrary, we know each other very well."
        <WHO ARE YOU!? WHY ARE YOU RUINING MY LIFE?!> In rage, Mamoru
lashed out. To his amazement, he decked someone. He stumbled to the floor
to find the body. After long moments, his hand found the body, a man's.
He pulled him up by his... armor? <Another general?> As if on cue, a dim
light filled the darkness. He found himself in a garden, moonlit like the
day. The smell of roses filled the air. The man in his arms was limp,
head hanging low, dark bangs covering his face. Something about him.
        He looked up, directly into Mamoru's eyes. Mamoru gasped in
shock, too scared to move while the man, no the young man, talked. "Don't
look so surprised, you know the truth. You know it all. This has happened
before, you know your life will end in tragedy, you'll bring her down
with you. You can't change your fate."
        <You're... you're... me...!> It was his reflection, a mirror, it
had to be. Mamoru had never worn body armor, or something so closely
resembling a blue general's uniform. He began to shake all over. <This
can't be happening. Who are you?>
        "You, more or less. I go by a different name, but I am you."
        <Why are you doing this to me?>
        "Because you have to know. You will drag her down with you,
though you can still save her. She can't be with you then."
        <When?>
        "That's not for you to know right now. Find and protect the
princess. Be careful with the crystal. That is your mission. It is your
destiny."
        
        He woke with a start, Usagi by his bedside. The others in various
positions in his room.
        "You're finally awake," Usagi sighed in relief.
        "Yeah. You alright?" he asked.
        "Mmm hmm. We all are," she informed him. "I told them all about
you, I hope you don't mind."
        "No. Who are all of you? You're not just school girls."
        "That's right." The blonde girl with the bow spoke up, "I am Aino
Minako, Sailor guardian of the planet Venus. I was known as Sailor V,
champion of justice. I am the leader of the Guardians of Serenity."
        The raven haired girl with violet eyes made her introduction
next. "As Hino Rei, I'm a Shinto priestess. When needed, I am Sailor
Mars. My element is fire."
        "I'm rather skilled with the element of water, but my true power
is in my brain. I am a Sailor guardian of the princess. I am Mizuno Ami,
Mercury."
        "My strength goes unrivaled, like my planet's name states. Sailor
of lightning, Kino Makoto, Sailor Jupiter."
        "You already can guess that I'm Sailor Moon. All I do is use a
wand..."
        "And I..." said the black cat at the foot of his bed. "am Luna,
trainer of the Senshi."
        Mamoru was stunned. "You speak of the princess, do you know her?"
        Luna shook her head. "Sadly, no. The Four Guardians have been
revived to find her, along with Sailor Moon. They will. It has been
prophesized as so. Just the same, I've never heard of another guardian.
Just what purpose does Tuxedo Kamen serve? Are you on are side, or are
you an enemy?"
        "Luna!" Usagi interjected. "I told you he's on our side! Don't
accuse him of..."
        "I don't want to be on a 'side.' I only want to protect Usako. If
she's a Senshi, then I stand with them, if not, I don't. My loyalty lies
with her alone," Mamoru calmly explained.
        "But who are you?" Ami questioned.
        "I don't really know."
        "Maybe we'll find out on the Moon..." Usagi pondered.
        "Usagi! You dumb..." Rei chided
        "The Moon?" Mamoru interrupted Rei's scolding.
        "Yeah! On the full moon, we're going to learn about our past,"
Usagi unfolded their plans. "Now you'll have to come with us!"
        Luna seemed happy about the situation. Mamoru would soon know
why. "Good," she commented.
        "Why?" Mamoru asked.
        "Now you can give us the crystal."
        "WHAT!?"
        "Sailor Moon needs the crystal, to fulfill our destiny. SHE must
locate the princess."


Part Six: Rabbit of the Moon, the Princess!? So... Where's Her Prince?
                                
        "No! I won't do it!" he yelled in protest.
        "You don't have a choice! It's destiny!" the black cat scolded
the boy.
        "I will not allow Usako to have such a cursed possession! The
crystal is too powerful for her to control, for anyone to control!"
        "And you're not anyone?" Rei asked, her sarcasm not hidden.
        "It takes time to learn to control it, I still can't! It's too
powerful for anyone, it only brings pain." he explained.
        "You're just being selfish..." Luna commented under her breath.
        Mamoru was completely taken aback. That someone could make such a
remark about him... He lost it, he face became red and he cringed, as if
in pain. "How can you say that?! This crystal destroyed my entire life! I
have nothing left of who I was before! I can't get close, I can't settle
down! I've lost every chance to be normal when I got this thing! I don't
want it! Do you think I wanted to kill Nephrite?! It warps my every hope
and dream! My slightest desire can cost innocent people their lives! And
you think I'm being selfish?! THE SILVER IMPERIUM CRYSTAL IS RUINING MY
LIFE!!!"
        Sunburst, brightest flash of light, strong enough to illuminate
infinite galaxies, filled the room. Mamoru had snapped. Words could no
longer express his anguish, he was beyond it again. White hot pain
flooded every crevice of Mamoru's soul. The scouts had been at him for
over an hour, not leaving him alone until he would condemn Usagi by
giving her the key to all his suffering. He wanted to, actually. He just
wanted to get rid of it, the burden that came with it, but he wouldn't
condemn another, especially not Usagi.
        <I just wanna be left alone... I want them to go away.> The
Senshi saw their lives flash before their eyes. The good, the bad, love,
pain, regrets, all of it, and nothing could be changed, for it was the
end. 
        At least, it would have been, if something within Usagi hadn't
reached out to Mamoru. It was uncertain as to what it was, a thought, a
feeling maybe. No, something more abstract, something never understood,
an all powerful message, a code of the heart that only Mamoru could hear
and translate. It resounded within him, though not holding a voice, "I
love you." It anchored him, gave him strength when he thought he had
none. He calmed, and the world came crashing down.
        The room fell silent, except for Mamoru's groaning. He sat near
his bed, head in hands, trying to figure out why his head hurt him so.
The girls just stared. The full power of the crystal had just been
released, on them. They felt how the one simple yearning of a weary boy
almost brought their death, and suddenly no one wanted the crystal. The
slightest notion of possessing it leaked fear into their hearts and
minds. Nothing left to say, they removed themselves from his apartment,
Luna in tow. Only Usagi remained with the hurting young man.
        She immediately went to his aid, comforting him with words and
small hands. It was long minutes before he recovered, not enough to talk,
though. Usagi helped him to bed and snuggled in beside him. Caressing his
hair and kissing his face she whispered, "Good night." Then drowned her
senses in his chest as he unconsciously wrapped an arm around her,
pulling her closer than he had ever before.
        He was weak, tired, completely drained. He needed something, but
he couldn't figure out what. He liked the warmth as his eyes drifted
shut. He felt odd. "Mama...?" he managed to force out, and part of him
wanted it to be. Never had he felt so on edge, like he was somewhat
unfulfilled, yet almost happy. His eyes got one more glance at the world
before they sealed, blonde odango, Odango Atama. "Usako." he mumbled, out
of breath. He slept, for once completely satisfied.
        He awoke holding Usagi, partially over top of her. She breathed
quietly, not up, but seemingly aware of his presence. She buried her face
in his shirt, and began to moan slightly. Mamoru became concerned, but
was too drowsy to wake her. He wouldn't have to. Her moaning grew in
intensity, he wished he wasn't so sore, then he could comfort her. 
        She began to toss a bit. "No..." her muffled cries rang out.
"No... E#$&mi@n!"
        Weariness was lost as Mamoru shot up in bed. He could not have
been more shocked had lightning struck him. He knew that name, or at
least what he had heard of it. He lumbered over Usagi, debating whether
to wake her and ask her the name, or to wait and see if she repeated it.
Either way, he knew it was his, the name his princess would say, over and
over, never for his ears to hear. <E...min...>
        "NO!" Usagi screamed as she jolted erect. Her head nearly
collided with Mamoru's, instead it found his shoulder. She leaned into
him as she sobbed. He huddled her close to him, offering his warmth in
her time of need. He straddled her body on his knees to bring her into
him, her tiny fore arms curled around his neck, tensing iminent.
        The were silent for some time, Mamoru wanting to help with all
his heart, trying his best to make her calm. His mind, on the other hand,
was going mad. He needed to know that name before ignorance drove him up
the wall. <How does she know it in the first place?> "Usako..." he
started, backing his shoulder away from her head without actually pulling
her out of his grip.
        "Wha... what?"
        He didn't know how to say it. "You had a nightmare?"
        "Yeah, kind of... It... it scares me sometimes..."
        <This'll be harder than I thought.> "I... Usako, I have to
know... You called out a name in your sleep..."
        Usagi's eyes grew wide in fear, but Mamoru was misunderstood. She
explained herself quickly, before he could finish, "Oh, Mamoru! It's not
like that! I know it's a man's name, but there's nothing to be jealous
of. It's not real, I've never met..."
        "Usako..." he cut her off, to no avail.
        "Mamoru, you're the only one for me."
        His mind reeled in shock, his heart in warmth. <That she would
say that... of me. She... really does...... I'm... so... lucky.> He
tightened his grip on her, body tensing with shivers, questions driven
from his mind. <She really loves me... ME. I'm... loved, no crystal, no
nothing... just love.> "I love you, Usako."
        Eventually he remembered. Taking a deep breath, he resumed his
initial conversation. "Usako, I'm not at all jealous. The thought didn't
cross my mind. Actually, I just wanted to know the name."
        Usagi looked at him confused. "Why?"
        "Do you remember, before you left my apartment yesterday, I told
you about my dreams of the princess, the one who wouldn't tell me my
name?"
        "Of course I do. How could I forget?"
        "You mumbled that name in your sleep. I think the name you said
is mine."       
        "What...?" Usagi looked horrified, more terrible than when she
woke. She recalled the dream. A young man running towards her, faceless,
yet handsome in every way. She added the connection that the figure did
look a heck of a lot like Mamoru. The man called out to her, "Serenity,"
before being taken down from behind by an unknown entity. The dream
always ended there, and she would wake up calling the name. She mouthed
it as she thought, and Mamoru's eyes attentively goaded her on. She
shuddered, if that was Mamoru's real name, it would mean he was that man.
Then he would... die? "It... it's not your name."
        Mamoru's eyes grew blank for a moment, disappointment and...
betrayal welling within them. "H... how do you know?" he stuttered.
        Usagi turned her face from him as she quietly replied, "It's just
not." She was ashamed of herself, he really wanted to know.
        Mamoru was in shock. <She... she's lying to me?! She knows it is.
I can tell. I can feel it. Why would she...?> He placed his hands on her
shoulders, and whether he shook her or he was shaking, neither could
tell. "Usako, tell me! I really need to know!" he pleaded.
        "I... forgive me, I can't."
        "WHY NOT!?!" he asked, his voice cracking in near hysteria. <It's
my name, she knows it! Why won't she tell me?!> As his body tensed, so
did his fingers into her shoulders. She pulled back.
        "Mamo-chan, watch it! You could really hurt me like that, you're
twice the size of me..." she warned, falsely.
        "Sorry, but don't change the subject. Even if it isn't MY name,
it's close. Maybe close enough that I'll remember it myself. So tell me,
okay?"
        "I... I can't, Mamo-chan. I just can't."
        "WHY?!" <Why is she doing this to me?! She's my... my friend, my
love, my... Why is she doing this?> The questions wreaked havoc in his
mind, placing doubt where it should never be, in his faith of Usagi. At
first, he wanted to hit something, not her, but something to release the
anger. It only took a moment to get over that urge as the pain slid over
him like an old security blanket. He knew this feeling all too well,
betrayal, but this time, it hurt. Not the hurt he had felt before, that
seemed like nothing now, this was a new pain. It hurt so much he couldn't
act, or think, it paralyzed him.
        "Mamo-chan... I..."
        "I thought you... loved me..." he choked.
        "I do, Mamo-chan... but..."
        "How foolish I was, to think that someone could love me. It's the
crystal, isn't it? The crystal's doing it again, making you think you
love me..."
        "No, Mamo-chan..."
        "So, if that's the case, then..." he head snapped up, the pain
building in his voice. <None of it's real... It's all a hoax. None of
it's real...> "TELL ME THAT NAME!"
        Usagi's eyes grew dark, that glossy coat of tears covering the
surface. She couldn't pull away from him, she took in a long breath to
say the name...
        In the split second it all took place, Mamoru came to his senses.
He realized the crystal was not at all warm before his request, knew his
accusations were wrong. It suddenly didn't matter if he heard the name or
not, he had to stop controlling Usagi. As her lips began to form the
word, he covered his ears. "STOP IT!" he ordered the little gem attached
to his hip, but it was too late. He hadn't heard the name, but Usagi
cried as she was revived. He was the one to betray her trust.
        "Mamo-chan, you... you used the crystal to..."
        "Usako, I'm sorry, I didn't listen... I..."
        "I can't believe you would..."
        "I didn't mean to."
        "I... I have to go." she whispered solemnly. She stood up and
proceeded to the door of Mamoru's bedroom. 
        Mamoru quickly grabbed her wrist. "Usako, wait. I don't want you
to go. I..." He made eye contact with her, his eyes begging her to stay.
He didn't want her to... leave....... him. Unfortunately, they had just
the opposite effect. For the first time in her life, Usagi saw the
darkness in his soul, that tainted, lonely part of him that he always
tried to hide. The part that was his depression that drew people in and
away from him, and it scared Usagi just as much as it had the others.
Especially Usagi, who had never experienced such negative feelings
before.
        "Mamo-chan, please..." she sobbed, tugging at his grip. "Just
leave me alone."
        Shocked, Mamoru let go, and Usagi ran out the door, out of his
apartment, and out of his life. For however short a time it would be,
even the instant was already too long. Old memories flooded back, the
ones he forgot when he was with Usagi. It all became so real again, and
what he and Usagi shared became just a fairy tale, make believe. It
pushed him to the edge, slowly moving him closer to the abyss. He just
wanted to crawl in a hole and be put out of his misery. The sheets of his
bed would have to do, and Mamoru lied awake, head buried under his
pillow, for the next thirty six hours.
        
Monday Night
        <The Moon... I'm going to the Moon. I could finally know who I
am.> It was all he could think about as he drove to the park, a good
distraction from his situation with Usagi. He parked his black sports car
and walked towards the five girls, already transformed into Senshi.
        "Mamo-chan..." Usagi called, without enthusiasm.
        "Usako, I have to apologize..."
        "Don't. I know it wasn't your fault."
        "Yeah, but..."
        "I know it all, about the orphanage, the couple, and Misato," she
grimly informed him.
        Mamoru's jaw dropped. "How?"
        "When I looked into your eyes, I saw everything. I realized you
can't control the crystal as well as I thought. We all, want things,
Mamo-chan, secret wishes that mean the world to us. It's not fair to you
that you're denied them, that your slightest whim activates that horrible
thing. I know it's not your fault. I'm actually proud of you for not
listening to me." 
        Her smile melted him like a hot knife does butter, he immediately
felt better about everything. He didn't even have time to state his
appreciation before she threw herself at him, wrapping her arms fiercely
around his neck. "I love you, too, Usako," he forced out before his
oxygen was cut off.
        Finally, Usagi loosened her embrace. "You're not going like that,
are you?" Usagi giggled. She was right, though, it was more appropriate
to go as Tuxedo Kamen. 
        Light enveloped Mamoru as he fingered the crystal, calling upon
its power to transform from civilian clothes into a regal tuxedo with a
flowing cape. "Alright, I'm ready."
        After a few minutes the Senshi had made a circle around Tuxedo
Kamen. As he held the unchained crystal between his hand, the girls
clasped hands and began to chant.
        "Mercury Power!"
        "Mars Power!"
        "Jupiter Power!"
        "Venus Power!"
        "Moon Prism Power!"
        Mamoru whispered silently to himself, "I call upon the power of
the Silver Imperium Crystal. Lend the Guardians your power that we may
find the truth..."
        All chimed in with the same cry, "SAILOR TELEPORT!" Then, they
were gone.  
        It was an astonishing sight, the ruins of the Moon. The smallest
glint of starlight setting off the ancient ruins that were once the
greatest civilization not known to man. Darkness crept into the void, the
air was chilling, but they could breath. Usagi tightly clutched Mamoru's
arm, she wan't too fond of the atmosphere. <She actually seems...
scared.>
        Makoto caught on and decided to lighten up the situation.
"Tsukino Usagi..." 
        "Hmm?" she answered, still pent up against Mamoru, who had his
cape around her shoulders, along with his arm.
        "You know," Makoto laughed, "Now you really are the rabbit of the
Moon!" She burst out laughing at her own pathetic humor, Ami and Mamoru
joined in. However, the others did not, and that made the whole mission
more grim than before.
        "We should be heading this way," Mercury instructed them as she
read the information on her visor. "Our destination's not too far from
here."
        "Where are we headed, anyways? You never bothered to let me in on
our itinerary for this little field trip." Mamoru questioned. 
        "To the main hall of the castle, the queen's prayer room."
        "Oh..."
        They walked in silence, it seemed like a funeral march. Then
again, the ruins of the Sea of Serenity were more or less the graves of
everyone who died trying to save it, including the five Senshi, and
possibly Mamoru. The longer they walked, the closer Usagi tried to get to
Mamoru. It was getting ridiculous, as her legs had almost tripped him
four times. <This is outta hand, Usako looks so pale, like she's sick.
She'd shivering as well. Usako's scared. Can't blame her, this place
gives me the creeps, too. Still, I have to calm her down.> He whispered
to her softly, bringing his lips close to her ear, "Usako, it's gonna be
okay. I'm here." He carefully stroked an odango while she gathered her
strength to answer.
        "Mamo-chan, I'm scared."
        "I know, but it'll be alright. There's nothing to worry about,"
he assured her.
        "I don't feel so good..."
        "You're not gonna be sick are you?"
        "No, it's not like that, I..." She stopped walking as her heart
sped up. The beat began to ring in her ears, causing her head to hurt.
She forced herself into Mamoru's arms, her fingers digging into his back
to involuntarily express her pain. She cried out as her temperature rose,
and she fell into Mamoru as her legs gave out. Her tiara shattered,
revealing a bright cresent moon on her forehead. The Silver Imperium
Crystal detached itself from its chain, and shone it front of Mamoru.
        <Usagi's hurt, and the crystal's reacting. Am I doing this, or is
Usagi...> The crystal flashed, and Mamoru yelled in tune with Usagi. He
felt a burning sensation filter through his body, his mind went black,
though he managed to stand while holding Usagi.        Then she was no
longer Usagi, instead Princess Serenity took her place, with white gown,
flowing lockes, and all her other glories. She called out his name, the
one belonging to her love. Mamoru was too incoherent to notice. <Stop...>
        When the pain cleared, Mamoru was laying on his back in the dust,
the princess on top of him. He reached to check for the crystal which was
again on the chain. Relieved, he turned his attention to Usagi, who was
now the princess. <Oh my... I can't believe it. Usako's the princess from
my dreams, the Moon Princess. This is impossible! I...> "Are you alright,
Usako?"
        "Oo-sa-ko?" she repeated, then paused. "Yes, I'm alright...
E#&@mi#n?!" She hardly said the name before Mamoru's eyes widened. She
took this as a 'yes,' and excitedly hugged him, once again knocking the
wind out of him. 
        <Who said princesses were gentle?> "What did you call me again?"
        Serenity let go, staring at him with a blank expression. "What?"
        "That name, what did you call me?"
        "You don't know?"
        "Maybe, I recognized it. It sounds familiar."
        Serenity studied his eyes a moment, looking into his soul. He
seemed familiar, too familiar, but... She saw the darkness in his eyes,
the one she never witnessed before. "Sorry, I mistook you for someone
else."
        "What? Who do you mean?"
        She let out a sorrowful breath. "You... you looked... look...
like... my prince."
        Mamoru seemed intrigued. "Your prince?"
        "Yes, the man I love." She placed a finger on Mamoru's face,
gently tracing his features. 
        <Her prince?! Of course, I'm her prince! I'm the man she loves,
that's who I am! Oh, Usako, I'll be your prince. I'll protect you! We'll
truly be together forev...>
        "You're almost identical," she added.
        <...er... almost identical?> "Wh... what does that mean? I... I'm
your prince, aren't I? I'm... the man you love, Usako. You said so
yourself."
        "I'm... sorry If I led you to belive that," Serenity apologized,
biting her lip. "I must have thought you were him. He's my only love, I'm
sorry."
        "That's impossible! I know we were meant for each other, can't
you feel it? Usako, I..." he reached out for her, but she backed away.
        "I'm not Usagi at the moment, do not address me as such. You may
be her boyfriend..."
        "I'm more than that." He forcefully took her in his arms, and she
pushed him away. <Rejection...>

        He walked behind the Senshi in silence, not wanting to bother the
princess. <She doesn't love me. I'm not her prince. It wasn't meant to
be... NO! That's Serenity, my love is Usako, she still loves me. I don't
doubt that. Although... what if she loves the prince MORE than me? Then
what will I...> He fell to his knees, not wanting to continue, if he
couldn't have Usagi...

        He caught up with them much later, they were talking to some kind
of miniature figure. <A hologram?> 
        "And the crystal, where is it?" the figure said, a beautiful,
white haired maiden. 
        Mamoru smiled <Has to be the queen, same odango atama as
Usako's.>
        "We don't have it..." Mars solemnly responded.
        "Do you know who..."
        Mamoru stepped foward. "I do."
        The figure gasped as he walked towards it, stopping only a few
meters from it. After observing him, she commented, "No, your not him.
Who are you?"
        "Tuxedo Kamen, or Chiba, whichever suits your style."
        "Why do you have the crystal?"
        "I was told to find the princess, and the crystal."
        Queen Serenity became cross. "Yet you failed to give it to
Usagi."
        "Why does she need it? I won't give her something that would
cause her to suffer."
        "Because she can control it. She'll need it for the darkness, to
seal away the evil of Metallia."
        "Metallia?"
        And so the story was told to Mamoru of the fall of the Moon
Kingdom, how the Prince of Earth had saved the Princess of the Moon, only
for them all to die at the power of Metallia. He was told of the
Guardians being sent to the future, along with others from the Moon, and
how the evil was revived with them. It was up to Usagi to seal them away.
He didn't come up in any of the tales.
        "So, where do I fit in?" 
        "You don't," the queen retorted. "Which is why you need to give
the crystal to Usagi."
        "But, the power that you speak of... she'd die!"
        "Possibly, but there is no other choice. No one else can wield
the crystal."
        "I can!" Mamoru snapped back. "I've been using it since I was
nine! I can..."
        Venus joined the conversation. "We tried that. Only those who
naturally carry crystals can unleash the full power of one. Someone else
doing it isn't a choice."
        "How do you know who carries a crystal? You didn't even know
Usagi did until..."
        "Well, you don't, that's for sure," Mars added.
        "What's that supposed to mean?!" Mamoru retorted.
        "You're a normal human. You would've had to have been from the
Moon Kingdom to possess one," she explained confidently.
        "I..."
        "She's right," the queen agreed.
        "How do you know? You didn't check or anything. Maybe I..."
        "You don't."
        "Check."
        "Are you sure you want that?"
        "Check."
        

Part Seven: Crystals

        Sheer agony rang out in the screams of Chiba Mamoru as white hot
fire gushed through his every vein. It wasn't the normal sensation of his
power, it was something different, alien, and very painful. His body
rejected it, fighting it like some disease, and losing. It crept into
every part of his body, his self, eating at him like acid. Then it
enveloped his heart, and his body stiffened as his chest grew dark,
literally, like a black hole.
        He dimly heard the others stating their disbelief, and he
wondered what could be such a shock. His body slackened, and he knew the
worst was over. On his knees, he looked up to see an amazing sight,
another crystal, shining in the same radient color of the sun. Another
crystal, and it was his. Drained, he laughed to himself. <Didn't honestly
think I had one...>
        Princess Serenity was about to say something when Mamoru fell
foward onto his arms, convulsing. He shook as he cried out, not knowing
what was wrong, but knowing that the lack of that crystal was wreaking
havoc on his insides. He felt his heart stop a moment, then pound wildly.
His stomach wanted to come out his throat and only tension kept his arms
stable. In an instant, he felt a sharp, driving pain in his chest, and he
welcomed it. It was the crystal, replaced after the violation. 
        When his breathing calmed he managed to get up on uneasy legs.
Had Usagi, his Usagi, been available, the crutch would be a godsend.
Unfortunately, she wasn't, and he had to do it his way, alone. Words
eventually returned to him, and he smirked, "There, I showed you. Normal
human my..."
        "You can't be..."
        Everyone turned to face the queen, her eyes studying Mamoru. "You
LOOK like him, SOUND like him, and have the crystal, but you CAN'T BE
HIM."
        "Who?"
        "The... the Prince of Earth. You're not him, so why do you have
the Golden Imperium Crystal?"
        Mamoru gave the queen an odd look. "If you don't know, How should
I know?"
        Sailor Venus stepped foward. "His full name is Chiba Mamoru, to
protect the Earth. Maybe his role is to protect the prince?" she
suggested.
        <That makes sense, but it doesn't feel right. I should BE the
prince, I'm the one Sere... Usako loves. Not someone else, I know it, I'm
sure. What we have is REAL. Doesn't matter, though. So long as I have the
Silver Imperium Crystal, she's safe. I'll settle the past in the future.
That sounds weird...> He began to laugh to himself, and everyone stared
at him like he was a fool. <Usagi would've laughed.>
        His thoughts were broken when Princess Serenity threw herself at
him, forearms pounded at his chest desperately. "You're his protector,
where is he?!" she cried. "You have to know!"
        It pained him to see her like this. Even though it wasn't his
Usagi, the face was almost identical, the changes too scant for even him
to descibe. Her face was taught in pain, and tears streamed from her eyes
as she pleaded. She wasn't nice to him, she didn't love him, but the
horrid expression on her face was enough to make him wish he knew the
answers. When she at last gained her composure, he looked deep into those
pale eyes, filled with the remnants of tears, and said as comfortingly as
possible, "I don't know if I'm the prince's protector, but either way, I
don't know him. I'm sorry."
        She pushed into his arms, and it felt so right to him. <Maybe I
do love her. If she is the princess of my dreams, I should. If only she'd
open up, give me a chance...>
        "What's that?" the princess inquired. Her hand rested on Mamoru's
shoulder... guard. Silver plated metal jutted forth from both of Mamoru's
shoulders, a thick chain connecting them, and his cape. The cape was
different as well, but not placable as to how. It just was. "His... your
wearing his... armor..."
        <I'm wearing the prince's armor, now? This all makes no sense.
From everything that's happening, I should be...>
        "NO!" yelled Venus, and the queen flickered out of existance just
as fast as she had come. Princess Serenity sceamed and ran towards the
small alter her mother had appeared on. It was over. The six gathered to
return home. <Like it'll ever be home again...>
        "What do you mean, 'I'm not wanted'?" he asked. The Senshi were
returning to their base. They still didn't trust him enough to have him
come along. It was rather degrading, but he wasn't up to the arguement.
He powered down and slowly walked home.
        Mamoru flopped onto his bed, tired and upset. His chest had a
dull, resounding pain from the crystal. He sighed. <I'm not her prince...
I'm sure Usako still loves me. I'm sure of it. Just think of that, Chiba.
She's the one constant in your life. Usako will always love you.> He
relaxed himself, how he wanted to believe it fully. He wanted to believe,
but his mind wouldn't let him. He had been hurt so many times before,
most lately by the crystal, and yet he would keep it, for her, the gir...
woman he loved. <She'll always love me, but she could love someone else
more.>
        As the doubt grew in Mamoru's mind, he buried his head in his
pillow. He didn't want to doubt Usagi. Usagi was the only real friend he
had, he wouldn't allow his own thoughts force her away.
        His ragged breath stopped a moment when he felt something...
familiar. He didn't have time to turn around when there was a soft hand
on his neck, when he did turn around, it was to a pink sweater. There sat
Usagi, holding Mamoru's head in her lap, and leaning over him on her
knees, on his bed.
        "I'm so sorry. Forgive me, Mamo-chan," she whispered to him.
        "For what?"
        "For what I said before. I didn't mean it. I love you."
        He continued to question her motives, confusion apparent in his
voice. "I know you love me. What are you apologizing for?"
        Usagi sniffled a bit. "When I was the princess I said I..."
        He brought a finger up to her lips to silence her. "It wasn't
you. I understand."
        She shook her head in disagreement. "No, Mamo-chan, it was me. Or
at least a part of me. I am Princess Serenity, but I still love you."
        "And the prince?" Mamoru questioned, turning away. "I don't doubt
that you love me, but do you love the prince more?"
        "I couldn't," Usagi assured him.
        "How do you know?"
        She smiled. "Because, if I loved anyone more than I love you, I
would just stop living. My heart would explode. You're all the love I can
handle."
        Mamoru got a bit of a shock from her response, it was more
serious than he knew her to be. He playfully sat up, running his fingers
through a pigtail. "Oh, well, that's a problem," he smirked.
        "What do you mean?" Usagi wondered, a tinge of fear in her eyes.
        "I was kinda hoping to officially take you on a date, but if you
can't handle any more... AH!"
        He was cut off by his pillow, as Usagi whapped him over the back
of the head.
        "What'd you do that for?!" he protested.
        She grinned wickedly. "If you aren't taking me out because of
something I said......" She hit him again with the soft, blunt object.
        "So that means yes?"
        His answer was another blow to his arms, now covering his face.
        This continued for long minutes, along with laughter, and an
innocence that Mamoru thought he'd never feel. Playing, laughing, just
enjoying life. Usagi was so bubbly and joyful. It was just perfect. He
lifted her up and, tired from their rough housing, brought her softly
down on his bed. As he laid down on top of her, they both grew quiet.
        "Mamo-chan... what's wrong?"
        "It's not fair. It feels like we were meant to be..."
        "I know."
        "So why is destiny against us? Why is it everything in my life
just slips through my fingers?"
        She put a surprisingly firm hand against his cheek. " We'll fight
it. Our love is stronger than anything fate can hold for us."
        "Wow."
        "'Wow' what?"
        "I didn't know you were so deep, Usako."
        "Well, I am royalty."
        "Royalty my ass. You are Tsukino Usako, the girl I love. I don't
care what you are after that."
        "Really?"
        "Really. We'll win, Usako. As long as we stand together, we'll
win."
        "So, when is that date?"
        "You little...!"
        "What's that supposed to be?"
        "Revenge."
        "En guarde!"

        S.W.A.K.

Part Eight: The Big Date


        He felt her coming before he heard his doorbell. He was surprised
that she was there, she wasn't supposed to be for another three hours. He
didn't even have a chance to tell her where they were going.
        She smiled as he opened the door for her, and invited herself in.
Needless to say she was a bit confused to see Mamoru in a dress shirt,
sleeves rolled with most of the buttons undone, and grey dress pants.
"Why are you so dressed up?" she wondered out loud, looking down at her
own dark grey skirt and pink sweater.
        "You're here early," he commented while doing the rest of his
buttons.
        "I figured we could start early."
        "Too early, you didn't give me a chance to tell you I got us
reservations at a restaurant," he added. "Now you're under dressed.
Though the outfit does look nice." He felt almost guilty, she obviously
went through a bit of trouble to get ready, but still, dinner would be
nice, too.
        Usagi looked at him sheepishly. "Uhm, I guess I'd better go get
changed..."
        "Nah, don't worry about it."
        "But..."
        He fixed his bow tie that was loosely draped under his collar,
then grabbed his wallet, keys, and jacket before leading her out the
door. "Did I ever tell you how much I make a month..."
        
        "Gorgeous. You look spectacular, Usako."
        "You think so?" she questioned in disbelief. Usagi twirled in
front of the three way mirror, the pink material flipping up as she
turned. She was trying on a pink gown, sleeveless, with long white gloves
and a flowing scarf. It was floor length, and the skirt drug along the
floor without her shoes to give her the needed height. Pink ribbons were
strung about her buns, lacing around her streams of hair.
        "Really. It suits you."
        "You think this is the one?"
        "Definitely."
        "It's two hundred," the owner of the dress shop stated. She held
up a pair of medium heeled white dress shoes. "These are twenty."
        Usagi slipped them on, admiring herself in the mirror. "Oh, it's
so nice. Mamo-chan..."
        He handed the woman his credit card. "She'll wear it out."
        She felt giddy walking in such a dress, "We've still got two
hours." she observed as they headed to the car. Mamoru tossed her clothes
into the back seat, then shut the door, locked it, and stepped over to
his girlfriend. She looked at him, confusion in her eyes. "Uhm...
Mamo-chan, why aren't we getting in the car?"
        "We're not done yet."
        "We're not?"
        "Nope."
        A visit at the local flower shop resulted in a white rose pinned
to the front of her dress, and miniature ones laced through her odango.
Usagi was so embarassed strolling down the main streets, all decked out
as she was. Though it made her proud to be doing so with her arm around
Mamoru's. However, she wasn't prepared for the next stop. They were
already through the sliding doors when she realized what was written on
them, "Osa-P."
        "No!" she yelled. "Mamo-chan we can't go in here! We can't!"
        "Why?"
        Too late, they were spotted. Let the embarassment begin!
        "Usagi-chan?! Is that you?!" Naru gasped in disbelief. "When did
you get a boyfriend?"
        Usagi looked to the floor, face red as a beat. "Well, not too
long ago. Naru-chan, meet Chiba Mamoru."
        "Chiba Mamoru... that guy you always talked about! Is that your
real name?!"
        "Uh huh. You a friend of Usako's?"
        "Sure am! I'm her best friend. She's told me so much about you,
but I didn't think you were real."
        "I'm beginning to doubt it myself..."
        "So why are you two all dolled up, you look like your going to a
prom."
        "Nope, just dinner and dancing," Mamoru corrected.
        "Ooo, sounds romantic."
        "It is," Usagi cut her off. "So, where are those earrings I
always liked..."
        After getting through Naru's barrage of questions, they were
attacked with another set by her mother. All in all, the diamond earrings
weren't worth the embarassment, but the couple took it in pride, along
with the earrings, which Naru was nice enough to put in for Usagi.
        It was twilight as they drove to the restaurant. The sun was low
against the horizon, casting dark shadows along the streets. Stars began
to fill the sky, the promise of a beautiful night. Usagi didn't know just
where they were going, only that they had driven for about an hour.
Mamoru was really going out of his way for her. 
        The finally stopped in front of a large building with lots of
windows. After parking, Mamoru got out and opened the door for his love,
offering her his arm. Usagi giggled, "Why, Mamoru, you're so chivalrous."
        "Yeah, I'm a real prince..." He laughed at his own humor,
wondering why Usagi grew quiet. Then he realized what he had said.
<Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Why did I say that?> "Usako, I... I'm sorry. It
was a joke..."
        Usagi bit her lip, this was the last thing she wanted to think
about. Of course, they were both touchy on the subject. "It's alright,
Mamo-chan. Besides, you..."
        He kissed her, halting any words she would have said. When he
released her, he explained his motives. "Usako, look, I'm sorry, but I
don't want to ruin the evening by talking about this tonight. Let's just
forget it. No former lives, for now, let's just be ourselves."
        "You're right," she said, the smile coming back to her. "Though,
I was just going to say that I don't care. Past life or not, you are my
prince." She kissed him lightly on the neck, he was too tall to get his
face if he wasn't leaning into her. After a few moments of blushing on
both their parts, they headed into the building.
        "It looks like a hotel," Usagi remarked as they stood in the
ascending elevator. It was the kind with glass walls, and she could see
more and more of Tokyo as they rose.
        "It is, but it's also one of the best restaurants in Japan. It's
got everything, a great view, entertainment (usually a band or orchestra
of sorts), and great food," he informed her.
        "And you've heard this from..."
        "I know. I've been here."
        Usagi looked a bit shocked, "With who? I didn't know you had
another girlfriend..."
        Mamoru chuckled, "Usako, you are, and always have been, my only
girlfriend. I came here myself. You learn to treat your self once in a
while when you eat out all the time. I lived alone, remember?"
        "How could I forget..." She leaned into his body, arms around
his. It felt so good to be with him like this. She could feel that under
his sleeve he was sweating, and hot. All she could think about was how
she felt cold. She shivered, pushing up against him even more. It didn't
go unnoticed.
        "Are you all right? You're shivering, but it's not exactly
cold..." he asked, concern in his voice. 
        "I'm fine," she sighed, and continued to stare out over the city.
She wasn't fine, though. As darkness crept over the city, Usagi couldn't
held but feel a hint of dread, and something horrible chilled her to the
bone.
        She was quiet all the way up until they were seated, and only
began to talk over the menu. Mamoru was more than obviously concerned,
although he didn't act on it. He wanted to help, but if she was upset
over the whole past thing, him not being the prince... The wounds were to
raw, he didn't want to talk about it. He didn't ask, and she didn't talk.
They ate dinner in silence.
        <I ruined the whole night. I upset Usako, and now we aren't going
to be able to talk to each other all night. I pulled a lot of strings to
get these reservations, and we're not even gonna talk to each other.
Great. Me and my big mouth.>
        "It's not your fault. I'm not upset because of that."
        "Huh? Usako..."
        "You're projecting, Mamo-chan."
        "Well, so are you. What's up?"
        "Something isn't right."
        "What? Did I do something wrong? Are you uncomfortable here? We
could leave."
        "No, I like it here. It's just... I don't know. Maybe I'm just
nervous. I'm not used to being all dressed up..."
        "But it suits you so well."
        "Still..."
        "Maybe you just miss your hat."
        "Mamo-chan! You... you... that was MEAN!"
        "But you're so cute when you're mad!"
        By now people were staring as the couple 'argued,' not loudly,
though still enough to get some attention. Mamoru noticed and decided
since they were done eating, it was time for Usagi to cool off a bit. He
stood up and dragged her out onto the dance floor by the arm. The small
orchestra was playing a waltz, and Mamoru immediately began to dance
slowly, hoping to draw his girlfriend into a slow rythm, to no avail.
Usagi's toned down whining continued as she stumbled about on the hard
wood. 
        Mamoru could only laugh. "Relax."
        "I can't!" she retorted, tripping over Mamoru's foot. He caught
her by the small of her back, holding her tightly.
        "Why is that?"
        "Because I don't know how to dance!"
        "Sure you do," he assured her. He still hadn't stopped dancing,
and Usagi was still trying to keep up. <She has the beauty of a fox, and
the grace of a moose. Just how I like her. Though let's see if I can get
a bit of that princess to shine through...> "Relax."
        "I can't if you keep moving."
        "Yes, you can. Now close your eyes."
        "What good will that do?"
        "Trust me."
        Usagi closed her eyes Her first sensation was one of inertia and
dizziness. Then something wonderful happened, she remembered. Before she
knew it, her feet were moving in sync with those of her love, and she
moved in close to his warmth. She saw the palace, wonderfully large, with
white marble and shimmering crystals everywhere. Crowds of people danced
around them, all in their best wear. She twirled and spun, she was even
dipped a few times. It all happened before, and it was wonderful to
relive it. She was Serenity, dancing in the arms of her prince. Softly,
she called to him, "E$%&mi#n..."
        Suddenly, the movement came to an abrupt halt. She nearly fell
before her momentum stopped. Mamoru stood before her, stiff and cold, his
eyes hard, the darkness prominent within them. He looked like someone had
torn his heart out.
        "Mamo-chan..."
        He didn't answer, he couldn't. <She said... his name, not mine.
She'd rather dance... with him, not me. I must be so much like him, that
she can pretend...> Somewhere in the back of his mind, a familiar voice
screamed at him to not doubt her. He disreguarded it, unable to think of
anything but betrayal. He grew up raised on it. If he had any other
constant besides Usagi, his doubt in people was it.
        "Mamo-chan... are you alright?"
        <She doesn't even realize... it's so natural to her...> He was
glad to hear her concern, though it didn't change anything. Trying to
hide, his face contorted into a horrible looking smile, it didn't work.
        "What's wrong? Are you sick?"
        "Yeah," he managed to stutter. 
        He let go of Usagi and rushed to the men's room. He was relieved
to know he was the only one there. He broke down, slumping against the
wall, hands coming up to his face to catch hot tears as they fell. <I
can't do this. I can't doubt her. She is everything to me. And she loves
someone I can never be... NO! She loves me. I know it. I can feel it. She
just loves the prince more...> "Usako... I wanna be your prince. I didn't
know it would hurt this much to know the... truth. I wish I never met
you... it hurts to much to love you, and know you love someone else. I
wish I had never gotten tangled up in this mess. Wish I never found that
stupid crystal..."
        Burning pain against his thigh aknowledged the power. <Hurts
even... it's burning?!> "No!" he screamed as he realized what he had just
desired. <No! I don't want that! I like Usagi! Don't take her away!
DON'T!> For only a moment, he blacked out. As he awoke, he feared walking
out the door. If he didn't stop the crystal in time... Usagi wouldn't be
out there. She would be lost to him forever, and he wasn't ready for
that. Almost unwillingly, he reached for the door...
        "SLAM!" 
        The door slammed open, hitting Mamoru back into a wall. An older
couple were now on the floor of the room, cowering in fear. "What
the...?"
        "Th... there's two m... men out there. There k... killing..."
        "SMASH!"
        "Give it to us, now!"
        "I'm telling you, I don't have it!"
        "Usako?" he mumbled as he threw the door open. "Leave her alone!"
        Two new generals turned to face him, "So you're the one who
killed Nephrite and Jaedite. You expect us to leave their deaths
unavenged?" the silver haired man asked.
        "Prepare to die," the blonde one threatened.
(Duh dummmm... Prepare for trouble. Make it Double.... Tee Hee, I just
couldn't resist!^_^! Oh, man, I just killed the mood...)
        "Prepare to die," the blonde one threatened.
        Immediately, Mamoru jumped out of the path of an energy bolt, and
into some kind of dark sphere. He managed to contain his screams as he
fell to his knees. His own weight became too much for his legs to
support. Something was pushing him down, along with his insides. He felt
like he was going to explode as his blood boiled in his veins. On top of
that, he couldn't breath, and his lungs were twisting inside out. <High
gravity vacuum...> he concluded, not that it would do him any good. If
that was wasn't enough, the dark chamber of energy was getting smaller as
well. His neck was streched as his head bent down towards his chest. He
couldn't think clearly enough to activate the crystal, and his remaining
thoughts turned to the worst, his death, but in the back of his mind...
<Maybe... won't be... tha... bad.....................>
        He heard laughing, seemed logical enough. The enemy was winning.
He heard Usagi's cries, and he realized he was doomed. Usagi's
transformation brooch was in his pocket, for she had none on her gown.
        "Let him go!" Usagi screamed. She received only laughs as she had
no power to back up her words.
        "Let him go? Kunzite, she wants us to let him go," the blonde one
mocked.
        "Indeed, Zoicite, it is rather funny, provided we're winning."  
        Zoicite turned to the blonde girl cowering like a rabbit in the
far side of the room. Usagi was trying so hard to look brave, but now
Mamoru was screaming, and she couldn't find strength knowing that her
love could be dying. He sounded like he was. She began to think it would
be better to just give them the crystal, rather than lose him. What was
the worst they could do with it? "Why do you want the crystal? Why is it
so important? Don't you know it only brings suffering and pain?"
        Kunzite laughed, "That's the point. We intend to destroy this
miserable planet, just as we destroyed the Moon Kingdom so long ago. We
owe you the favor, Sailor Moon. You won last time, this time around the
Dark Kingdom will not fail."
        Usagi was in shock. These were the same people who helped destroy
her home, her life, her love. She closed her eyes as tears came to them.
She had never felt the need for vengeance, but now, knowing what they did
to her, and knowing that they would do it again, were doing it again. "I
won't forgive you, not for what you've done. You're going to pay, not for
the past, but for the present. You were given a second chance, and you
still want to take away everything. I cannot forgive you!" In an instant,
she was the princess, and bright light filled the room. Her distress
activated the crystal, and in a flash, the generals fell. They laid on
the floor, unconscious, powerless. She could probably say she hated them,
but she would not kill. They could rot in prison, and know they could not
hurt her, or anyone again.
        Mamoru was in a daze as Serenity rushed to his side. He tried to
stand, only to fall into her arms. She wasn't strong enough to stop his
fall, but she did ease him to the floor. "Don't try to move yet. You're
healed, but you're still feeling the effects."
        "Thanks, princess."
        She smiled lightly. "Don't mention it. I worry about... you..."
        "What is it. You look like someone just kicked you in the gut?
Are you alright? Princess?"
        She couldn't believe it. He was wearing a general's uniform,
bright blue with white trim. It was the uniform of a general of Earth,
the same one that... 
        "Princess?"
        His voice, and the concern in his eyes, all were so familiar. she
held him tightly, and began to cry. "It's not fair..." she sobbed.
        He immediately knew what was wrong. He didn't recognize the
outfit, but he knew it was one from his past. He knew it bothered her as
well. "Serenity, know that I care for you, and I will help you find what
you're looking for. Even if it means losing you, losing Usako. Know that
I cannot stand seeing you cry, and for as long as you need me, I will
protect you. I... love you, Princess." 
        His words only brought more tears, and she took comfort in the
feel of his clothing, losing her tears within the soft material. "I...
love you, too, Mamoru, and I fear that I may not seek my prince if you
continue this behavior... I almost wish you would stop, for I am
beginning to envy Usagi."
        <She... loves me?! This is getting insane? Who the heck am I that
she would...? This is insane.> "I'm... glad, but, just the same. This
date... I would appreciate Usako..."
        "Of course."
        It would probably always seem odd to Mamoru to watch his love
transform. His life was so screwed up because of Usagi, yet he would give
everything for her, and never give her up for anything. It was all so
complicated, but one thing as clearly simple. He loved Usagi, and that
was all he needed to know for his life to be fulfilled. He realized how
important she was, he needed her to realize it, too. He laughed, he could
feel it as she wrapped her arms around him. <She already knows.>
        "Come on," he instructed, taking her hand.
        "Where?"
        "We still have two hours."
        It was a long drive back to Azabu, and they spent it in silence.
It wasn't an awkward silence, they just didn't have anything to say.
Eventually, Mamoru parked the car. They walked out into the park, to a
certain tree, which was now huge, and blooming with lovely pink flowers
the color of Usagi's dress. The grass was full of dew where they sat.
Neither cared.
        "This is where..." Usagi began in amazement. She had almost
forgotten, the park had changed so much. There was a fountain not too far
from where they stood, and all the flowers were in bloom. 
        "We first met. Hard to believe that years have passed. I missed
you, Usako."
        "Mamo-chan..."
        "What is it?"
        "What's gonna happen to us?"
        "What do you mean?"
        "I get these feelings, like I'm gonna lose you, and I don't know
why."
        "I've done some bad things, Usako. I can't say something won't
happen again. Everything's happening so fast, and I don't think the
crystal will protect us forever. If it happens too soon... I don't doubt
that we could die."
        "Mamo-chan, don't talk like that."
        "It's the truth, and you have to understand. I love you, Usako,
and I'm going to do everything I can to protect you. I'm willing to
sacrifice everything to make sure you have a bright future, and..."
        "STOP IT!"
        "Huh?"
        She pounded her fists against his shoulder, tears forming in her
eyes. "Stop talking like you're gonna die. I don't even want to think
about that. Mamo-chan, if I had to live without you... I... I don't think
I could..." She felt his warmth surround her, strong arms held her tight.
        "I'm sorry, you're right. I shouldn't talk like that, especially
not tonight. Everything was supposed to go so well. I don't think we'll
ever have a normal life."
        "Sure we will, some day."
        "Yeah, right, me normal? I'd hate to be the kids I raise."
        "I'm sure you'd make a great dad with my help..."
        "You're probably right... Uh, Usako?"
        "Hm?"
        "What you just said..."
        "I meant it."
        "I wanna marry you, too, Usako."
        "Why don't we?"
        "We're too young. Howzabout when you're out of school?"
        "Sounds great. Promise?"
        "Promise. I love you, Usako."
        "I love you, too, Mamo-chan."
        They kissed, long and hard, as if sealing a pact. Still, they
couldn't hide the fears that rampaged through their minds. They needed
distraction.
        "So..."
        "What?"
        "You still owe me a dance," Mamoru said with a grin.
        "I can't dance."
        "Sure you can, trust me..." He stood up, and started a slow pace
with her in tow. She was doing much better this time, and he chuckled
lightly every time she stumbled, and kissed her every time she tripped.
Eventually he started to hum something, his voice was low and slightly
off key. Usagi thought it was very nice. This went on for quite a while,
and both were finally beginning to relax.
        "Usagi-chan, Mamoru-san!! Come quick!" the small black cat yelled
as she raced towards the couple. The two stared in wonder, both more than
a little upset that their small moment in time was ruined, once again.
        "Can't it wait, Luna? Mamo-chan and I were just starting to
enjoy..."
        "There's no time! The enemy is starting to launch a major
offensive!"
        "But..."
        "Usagi-chan, this is it."


Part Eight:     The End of the World, or the End of Our World, You
Decide.

        "So, essentially, what your saying is that we have to use the
Crystal to seal away Beryl and the Dark Energies," Usagi asked, finally
getting it right. She was so depressed, sitting in her lovely pink gown,
which now had some grass stains, she could only think of the ruined
night. It went from shopping and dinner to fighting and now this.
        "Yes," Luna confirmed.
        "So what's the big deal?" Mamoru questioned. "We go up to the
D-point, trash the enemy, and come home. No sweat." He had an air of
confidence about him, probably because he wanted everyone to kindly leave
his apartment so he could be alone with Usagi. 
        "It's not that simple..." Ami mumbled, unsure of how to begin.
        Minako wasn't that gentle. She knew the next thing would be the
hardest to say, but there was no avoiding it. "To seal away the Darkness,
we have to use the full power of the Silver Imperium Crystal. Only Queen
Serenity ever did that, and... she... well... she......" Minako didn't
want to say it.
        "Died," finished Makoto, barely above a whisper. The enire room
grew silent, no one could look anyone in the eyes. Everyone knew that
only two people could do what was required, and they were sitting, hand
in hand, on the couch.
        A shudder came over Mamoru, and he swallowed, hard. <That's
right. Serenity died when she... but... I.........>
        "Mamo-chan..."
        Nothing.
        "Mamo-chan..." his love called out again. This time she reached
him.
        "Hmm?"
        "I think... it's about time you gave me back the crystal."
        "WHAT?!"
        She looked down at the floor, tears threatening to fall from her
eyes. "Well, it's just..." How could she tell him...
        "If you think I'm going to give you the crystal so you can throw
your life away...!"
        "But..."
        "No. Usako, what you're saying is insane, you've never even used
the crystal before! At least I have experience."
        "But..."
        "Usako..." he said her name sternly, he didn't want to hear it,
but he was going to. 
        "But, I don't want you to die!" she sobbed, clutching his shirt.
Mamoru quickly turned his gaze away, too late. The hard facts became
crystal clear. One of them would have to use the crystal, and one of them
would have to die.
        Usagi looked up at him, their eyes didn't meet. "Mamo-chan, just
give me the cystal..."
        "No."
        "Guys," she said, turning to her friends. "C'mon, tell him to
give me the crystal... It's my job to avenge the..." Usagi began to cry
again as she saw her friends expressions. Guilt spread across the room as
every girl became almost mournful. Mamoru would be the one to sacrifice
himself, because even though he was a good person and a strong ally, he
didn't mean as much to them as Usagi. She was the princess, and it was
their duty, as friends and guardians, to protect her. Not one spoke up in
Mamoru's behalf, and no one, besides Usagi, would.
        Slowly, the Senshi filed out of the room, leaving only Usagi,
Mamoru, and Luna, who was on her way out. She was only stopped for a
moment.
        "How much time do I have?" Mamoru asked, solemnly.
        "About forty eight hours." Luna left the duo in silence.
        It broke in about fifteen minutes.
        "You can't!" Usagi pleaded, latching onto his arm. They were
still sitting on the couch, and Mamoru still wasn't talking. "Mamo-chan,
I won't let you do this! We're finally together and... Mamo-chan!" she
cried. She wrapped her arms around his neck, kneeling on the couch to be
closer to the man so intent on ignoring her, or so it seemed. It wasn't
until she actually calmed down that she felt it, small warm droplets
against her arms. Mamoru was completely tense, and shivering. He was
crying, and trying his best not to show it.
        Usagi decided to let it slide as she straddled his legs, pulling
his head close to her chest. He began to sob lightly along with her, and
she tangled her fingers within his short black hair, not wanting to let
go of him. She was going to lose him...
        Mamoru held Usagi as best he could, he knew this was hurting her
as much as him. He had finally found her, his life was headed for the
better, and soon it would all be gone. Everything he worked for, all in
vain. The life he suffered without Usagi, and now he had her, only for
less than two weeks. It felt like it wasn't worth it, like he should have
died in the accident that claimed his parents, because this was not fair.
He was going to lose her...
        He stood up, carrying her, and walked into his bedroom. He laid
down on the bed, and laid Usagi out next to him, pulling the covers over
their heads. Simultaniously, they began to sob into each other, until
exhaustion took over, and sleep won the battle over tears.
        Dreams came, as they always did for Mamoru. This one, this time,
he welcomed it.

        Years from now, he seemed to know much more about life, even in
his dreams. He awoke to warmth surrounding him, his beautiful wife,
Usagi, and a young pink haired girl lying between them, no older than
four. On his other side, a young boy of about twelve(?), the one who
caused him to stir.
        "C'mon, Dad! You and Mom promised we'd go today," he stated,
grabbing his father's arm, nearly pulling the man off his bed. 
        <What is this? I'm... married? To Usako? A dream?> Yet, as he ran
his fingers through the long tresses of his beloved, it seemed more than
real. In the back of his mind, he realized this may be the only way he
would experience this aspect of his life, so he eagerly accepted such
thoughts as truth. "Go where?" he mumbled, voice thick from sleep.
        "The park, Daddy!" a little voice chirped. His daughter sounded
like a bird as she sprang up, latching her arms around her father's neck.
"You promised!"
        He couldn't help but smile. "Fine, go get ready. I'll wake your
mother." He felt energized as they left the room, and, laughing to
himself, rolled over to face the back of his wife's head. 
        "Usako..." he called, giving her a nudge. He received no answer,
so, naturally, he began to think of a more amusing method of waking his
wife. He wrapped his strong arms around her body, trying to concoct
something wicked in his mind, when he felt an unexpected buldge
disfiguring the curves of her body. Quickly, he flung the sheets off her,
to see his wife, sleeping in one of his shirts, the bottom half of the
buttons undone, and her huge stomach pertruding. <She's...>
        He gasped in delight, bringing a large hand to cover her stomach.
He felt movement. <She's pregnant! This is wonderful!> In a very odd
position of leaning over her, he managed to bring his head down upon her
body. Ever so slightly, he could hear little sounds of life within her,
fainter than a heartbeat. <Another child... I'm lucky.> He sat like that
for the longest time, taking in everything. Slowly, he began to forget
that it was a dream...
        "Do you always have to do that, E&%#mi$n?" a voice questioned
him. It was sweet as honey and he knew it could only be one person's.
"You're worse than the children!"
        "Usako! I didn't know you were up! Good morning," he said with a
kiss to his wife. She replied in kind.
        "Usako?" she repeated the name groggily. "You hardly ever call me
that anymore. Well, all's fair, Mamo-chan." The voice seemed distant to
him again, like it had been when it was first given to him, Mamoru.
Still, she said it with such warmth, it didn't matter. It actually made
him feel good to be called that... again?
        "Today we go by more nostalgic names?"
        She giggled, "Why not? Being as how you never seem to change.
Four kids and you still act like it's our first."
        "Four?! I counted two plus one coming!"
        "Depending on how you count. See, I have my little honey, my
little rabbit, one on the way, and the child that's always hanging all
over me."
        "Huh?"
        "You," she clarified with a smirk.
        "Very funny..."
        "My poor baby, did someone hurt your feelings..."
        "If I say 'yes,' do I get a kiss to make it better?"
        She replied in full.
        Eventually, they made it to the park, Mamoru receiving no pity
from his children as he clung to his wife. So early in the morning, and
already he had experienced quite the adventure. He had managed to carry
his youngest, with one arm around his wife, while trying to slow his boy
down, who was eagerly trying to run to the park. <The life of a parent.>
        After being dragged from his "sanctuary," (As his oldest said,
"Mom's pregnant, so we gotta leave her rest.") Mamoru was on his way for
a long walk around the park, his children retelling him information he
already knew, mostly things he had taught them. Insisting they go "the
long way," he ended up carrying his pink haired rabbit once again.
Needless to say, his children were tiring him out, but he enjoyed every
instant of it, and they seemed to as well. Coming full circle, they met
with an ice cream vendor, and his dark haired boy finally got to show his
speed as he rushed a cone of vanilla to his mom before it could melt.
        The day continued on as such until late afternoon, when the young
boy declared that, "Mom's starting to look really worn out. I think we
oughtta head home, Dad." His little girl asleep in his arms, there were
no objections. Mamoru couldn't help but wonder how his son became so
protective of his mother.
        The sun was low on the horizon, making the sky a canvas of rich
pinks, bright orange, and a deep, foreboding, purple. His wife hummed a
soft tune as they slowly made their way back home. His son took her hand,
now walking at her pace, leaning slightly into her, wearily. Mamoru
wrapped his arm around his wife, all the people dearest to him were so
close. He had his family, something he had wanted since childhood. A
large family, something to be thankful for. Involuntarily, tears escaped
his eyes. He never realized how good it would feel to...
        "Are you alright, honey?" his wife asked, worry evident on her
features.
        He smiled. "Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just kinda... happy, ya know?"
<It's like a ... a... oh... oh, God. Oh, God, NO! This is a...> With
that, Mamoru did the worst thing he possibly could have done to himself.
He remembered, before waking up. <This is a dream! It's not real!> He
collapsed, beginning to sob immediately. He wanting to wake up now,
before he decided that he liked...
        "Daddy?!" his little girl, jolted awake, cried in shock. "Daddy
what's wrong?!"
        "E&%$mi@n! What happened?!"
        "Dad...?!"
        All of them crowded him, his family, loved ones huddled close.
His wife held him in her lap as he laid against the sidewalk. <So close
to a child, my child. But I'll never see it born. This's a dream! It's
not fair! I'm never gonna have this again! This is my life long dream and
I can never have it!! I don't want to wake up!! I don't want to!!!> 
        In the background he heard distant voices, those of the people
who truly cared about him, unconditional love, the kind he always wanted.
        "Daddy, say something! Please!"
        "Someone get help! Come on, E&$%mi#n! Don't you dare leave us!
Hold on!"
        "C'mon, Dad! Don't do this to me! I can't lose you, too! Dad!!
You said you'd always stay! DAD!!"
        The last voice sounded so familiar. His boy was so much like him.
<I don't want to go...> His mind weakly stated, but he no longer had a
choice. Darkness surrounded him, and he was once again in Usagi's, his
girlfriend's, arms. "I don't want to go..."

        At the same time, Usagi began to stir from her own nightmare. In
her own despair, she reached for Mamoru, not realizing he was already
holding her.
        "Wake up, Usako. You're having a bad dream." His voice was even
and calm, the effects of depression. He just didn't want to deal with it. 
        "Mmmm... Mamo-chan? You're up?"
        "Yeah..."
        "I thought I heard you say something. Did you have a nightmare,
too?"
        He turned away, reluctant to answer. "No, Usako. I had a very
good dream."
        She grinned, knowing it had to be of her. She needed the pick me
up, and immediately began to grill him for the details. "About what? What
happened? Tell me!"
        "I..."
        "C'mon!"
        "Usako..."
        "Mamo-chan?"
        Cringing, he suffered to think of what to tell her. "Well, I...
we were... married. A long time." He perked up the more he thought about
it, and the idea excited Usagi, as well.
        "Did we have any..."
        "Kids? Yeah, a boy, a girl, and I couldn't tell the other..."
        "Couldn't make up your mind, huh?" she giggled.
        "Ha ha, no. The third wasn't born yet. By the way, you're very
beautiful when you're pregnant. I can't wait 'til we're married."
        "Neither can I..."
        "Usako..."
        Silence, and a kiss. He held her so tight, not wanting to let go.
He nudged up closer to her, just wanting to stay with her forever. Too
close, he soon realized.
        "Mamo-chan, you got a rock in your pocket?"
        "Hmm? No, just the crystal..." The world changed from something
good and safe to someplace horrible. Reality came crashing down on the
couple at the mention of the accursed little gem. Try as they might, they
couldn't ignore it.
        "Mamo-chan..."
        "Not a word."
        "But..."
        "It'll just upset us both."
        "I know..."
        "Good, so let's not talk about it."
        "................... So, what should we talk about?"
        "I don't know...."
        "This is a little awkward..."
        "Yeah, it is."
        ".................."
        "So.... what's your favorite school subject?"
        "What?!"
        "We know each other so well, yet we don't know any of the trivial
things. What's your favorite school subject?"
        "Dismissal."
        "That's a part of the day, not a class period."
        "Lunch."
        "Usaaako..."
        "Home Economics"
        "Home Economics?"
        She managed to cross her arms underneath him, putting her nose
into the air. "Knew you'd laugh. Just because I want to learn how to be a
good wife when I grow up..."
        "No! No! I think that's a great idea!" The charm came back into
his deep blue eyes. "I wouldn't mind it if you did..."
        "Mamo-chan..." Her tone was a cross between astonishment and
disappointment.
        "We keep on getting back to the topic of marriage, don't we?"
        "Mm hmm..."
        "Then let's do it."
        "WHAT!?!"
        "C'mon, Usako. There's gotta be a chapel or something open
somewhere. Let me die knowing we're man and wife. I... That'd mean a lot
to me..."
        "Oh, Mamo-chan... I would, but I'm not old enough yet."
        The fact made him a little more than upset. "Sorry, I forgot..."
        "Mamo-"
        "It's just... I don't wanna lose you, Usako! I don't want to die!
Everthing I tried to be, all my hopes and dreams, they'll all go
unfulfilled! It's not fair!"
        "I know... It's not fair, but that's how it's... going to be...
Oh, Mamo-chan, I'd give anything to keep you! I don't want you to die..."
        Tears. And an idea.
        His expression lightened a bit as he held her, still, his voice
was dead serious. "Anything, Usako?"
        "Hmmm?" she asked, pausing her sobs.
        "Anything is a big offer. Are you sure you'd give anything?"
        "Yes, I'd give my own life..."
        "That's not much. The one who gets to die doesn't have to live
with the consequences. I'm not asking for your life."
        "Then what?"
        "Your consent."
        "Come again?"
        "Usako, saving you and me is no problem. It's saving everyone
else that's trouble. If I save the world, I have to make an offensive on
the full power of the Dark Kingdom. If I'm to only protect us, that's
easy, one barrier. I could do that and hardly break a sweat."
        "You're saying, we'd live?"
        "Yes."
        "Really?! You could do that?! Then... we could be together..."
        "Forever."
        "We could get married!"
        "That's the least we could do."
        "Oh, Mamo-chan..."
        "Is that a yes?"
        "Of course!" She squeezed him tightly, cutting off his air, yet
he continued to laugh. They would be together. He didn't think she'd
agree, it was extremely selfish, after all. They deserved it. He deserved
it. With how much he suffered because of people, he could live with only
her. She seemed just as happy. "I'll wear the most beautiful dress..."
        "I'm sure you will."
        "And there will be flowers..."
        "Naturally."
        "It'll be a great wedding, with all our friends and family to see
it!"
        His heart broke. "Usako..."
        "Hmm?"
        "I don't think you understood what I was asking..."
        "What do you mean?"
        "ONLY you and me. I can ONLY save US. The more energy I use, the
more of a chance I'll die from it. I know I can save us without dying,
but that's it. No one else except for those who survive by luck alone.
Usako, I'm asking you what's more important to you, me, or everthing,
everyone else."
        "Mamo-chan..."
        "You don't have to decide right now. You have two... uhm... about
two days."
        She was in shock. "You can't... you can't ask me that! You can
make me choose between you and condemning everyone else! You can't! I
love you, it's not fair for you to make me choose! That's your decision,
not mine!"
        "It has to be your decision. I don't care. I love you, not anyone
else. Everyone else stuck me in a mental institution. Everyone else
shoved me in an orphanage. Everyone else left me, you're here, and I love
you, that's all I care about. I've made my part of the decision, but it's
up to you to consent."
        "I... I want you... but... Mama-san... Papa-san... Shingo and
Minako-chan and..." She began to sob uncontrolably, screaming and begging
into Mamoru's chest. This was a decision she couldn't make.
        <Man, she DOES love everyone. She can't decide, though. Wow, she
could choose me over the world. Now that's love. She really does love me,
and... and... I'm making her cry... C'mon, Usako! Just say me! Pick me
and I'll make sure you never cry again! I'll be your family. Your
family.......... Usako, forgive me... I forgot... She has a family,
people who love her. How could I be so blind. I'd give up everything to
have what we do. She must feel the same about her family. So that's what
it's like... I think I understand, Usako.> "Forget it."
        Through her sobs, she managed to hear him. "Wh... what?"
        "I'm sorry. It wasn't fair to ask that of you. I know you can't
make that kind of decision, it's beyond you. You love everyone, Usako,
and I don't doubt your love for me. I'll fight. Maybe I'll be lucky..."
        "Mamo-chan, no, I don't want you to..."
        "Yes you do. No, more like you want to, but I won't allow you to.
I care to much for you to..."
        "Mamo-chan... What would you do without me?"
        "What?"
        "Say we change places, I go to fight, and I die. What would you
do without me?"
        "I... I..."
        "Please answer."
        "I don't know... I wouldn't have anything left to live for. I...
I'd... stop..."
        "Living. You'd kill yourself?"
        "Yes. .....Wait, Usako, no! You can't!"
        "Mamo-chan..."
        "No! You have so much to live for, don't you see? You have a
family, friends, everything I've ever wanted, you have."
        "And it's nothing without you..."
        "Don't say that! You have a prince waiting for you, and..."
        "I don't care! I need you!"
        "Usako..."
        "We'll fight together. Give me the Silver Crystal. You can fight
with your Golden..."
        "Won't work."
        "Why?"
        "I think my life force is directly linked with my crystal. I
can't remove it like you did with yours. That won't work."
        "I'm coming with you."
        "Usako..."
        "Don't say no, you'd do the same."
        She was right, and he couldn't deny it. He didn't want to. <Maybe
it's better this way. Neither of us could survive without the other, but
I don't want her to die...> "You can, but first you have to promise me
something."
        "Anything."
        "No matter what the day brings, if you survive, you won't kill
yourself."
        "Mamo-chan..."
        "Promise me. If you don't die with me you won't die
intentionally. You'll live your life to the fullest, without me, and if
you find someone special..."
        "Don't. Don't say it. I promise, Mamo-chan. Though you have to
promise me something, too."
        "What's that?"
        "Never give up."
        "I won't."
        The remainder of the night was one of long promises and
unfulfilled dreams.


Part Ten: My Absolute Destiny Apocalypse

Early Afternoon.

        They were all gathered in his apartment, himself, the princess,
the Senshi, and the two cats. All were preparing for the upcoming battle,
all, that is, except for Mamoru, who wanted nothing more than one more
moment with his love.
        "C'mon, Usako," he goaded her as she looked through his
refridgerator. "Let's go somewhere, anywhere."
        "We have to stay."
        "Why? You and I can't really do anything here."
        "Because it's important."
        "We only have a few more hours to live, isn't enjoying them more
important?"
        "...... I don't know. Still, if they find something, they need us
here." Then, in a complete change of subject, "Don't you have any food in
your apartment?"
        "I'm one person, I don't eat much. Wanna order something?"
        "MAKO-CHAN!!! WE NEED FOOD!"
        Kino Makoto was more than happy to here this. Immediately, she
jumped off the couch from an upside down position, and out the door. She,
like the two in the kitchen, had nothing to offer this meeting, until
now. Kino Makoto prided herself as one of the best cooks in Tokyo, and
tonight was the night to prove it.
        "The weather conditions aren't pretty, Luna. It'll be best to go
in the early evening, though, since we have to go tonight," the blue
haired girl commented from her vigil over the computer screen. She had
been studying weather maps for an hour, trying to predict when the best
time to fight should be. When Usagi announced she would stay and fight
alongside Mamoru, her guardians had no choice but to follow. Now Mizuno
Ami had her work cut out for her.
        Hino Rei could only pray for their success. She was deep in
meditation, searching for any signs that they might win the forth coming
battle. She had no luck so far.
        "It's getting really bad out there," Aino Minako told the couple
sitting at the kitchen table. "How are you two holding up?"
        "Surviving," Mamoru answered, a morbid undertone in his voice.
<She thinks it's bad out there? I have to come up with a way to make sure
Usako survives tonight! I still don't know what to do.>
        "No good news?" Usagi asked, hope in her voice.
        "None." Minako stated. 
        Fortunately, this conversation didn't get very far. As if on cue,
Makoto burst into the room, groceries in hand. "Anyone hungry? Get ready
for my special curry!"
        The distraction was needed, as it gave Usagi, Minako, and Makoto
something to do. Thinking was a dangerous thing at times like these.
Mamoru watched the three girls cook and chop vegetables while he
contemplated the events that would take place. <The girls teleport us
there, we get to the D-point, we fight, we have to win, but we will most
likely either be killed or die from the effort. Usako looks cute in that
apron. Somewhere along the way, I have to get Usako out of that picture,
but how? The girls would teleport her home, but they need her to
willingly help them. How do I get her to do that? She's gonna slice her
finger, I just know she's gonna slice her finger. I have to figure out
how to trick her into doing that. I don't want to lie to her, though. I
suppose I have no choice...>
        "OW!OW!OW!OW!OW!!!!"
        "Usagi-chan, what happened?!"
        Mamoru replied for her before he even confirmed it. "She sliced
her finger," he said in a calm tone. He stood up and closed the four foot
gap between them, taking her hand. <I'm right.>
        "Ithurtsithurtsithurtsithurtsithurts! Mamo-chan, IT HURTS!"
        "I can see that," he added, examining the wound. "Give it here."
        She complied, letting him draw her hand up to his face. There, he
kissed it, and a subtle glow surrounded them as he willed the cut to
heal. Usagi gasped as it did, then smiled warmly at him. The world was
someplace special as they kissed.
        "You shouldn't waste your energy like that!" Luna scolded him.
"You need every ounce of strength to defeat the Dark Kingdom!"
        Hatred grew within Mamoru's eyes. <That she would yell at me when
I am sacrificing myself for this miserable planet....> "I..."
        "Which is why you should eat something, Mamoru-san!" Makoto
interrupted, not wanting a scene. "Lunch is served!"
        The Senshi ate without a word, not sure of what to say at a time
like this. Mamoru simply played with his food, his stomach felt like an
unending pit, but he was not in the least hungry. <I'm running out of
time. I have to make sure she's safe. How? What to do? Whattodo? I'm a
straight A student! Why can't I come up with something?>
        "Mamo-chan, you're not eating." She said it with such kindness,
and her hand was warm when she placed it on his own. He wanted to lose
himself in those loving eyes. <Man, she'd do anything to make me happy...
Anything...>
        "I'm... not really hungry. Makoto-san, can I talk to you a
moment?" he asked as he walked out of the room. <I think I can trust
her...> He had to be able to if he was to save Usagi. She caught up with
him in his bedroom, and he closed the door behind them.
        "You wanted to see me?" she questioned.
        "Yes, I need your help."
        "With what?"
        "I want to make sure Usako is safe tonight."
        "Don't worry, we'll protect her."
        "That's not good enough. I have something in mind."
        "You know she won't stay here."
        "Right, so she'll come."
        "Then there's no turning back."
        "Trust me tonight."
        "What?"
        "I haven't figured out what I'm going to do, but trust me
tonight."
        "I'm not sure I understand..."
        "Don't. Just promise me you'll trust me tonight, for Usako. Don't
doubt me."
        "If it's for Usagi-chan, I promise."
        "Thank you. Oh, and if she asks, I was apologizing because I'm
allergic to the pepper you used."
        Makoto grinned as she walked out the door. "OH, SURE. I
understand. DON'T eat my food. And I worked so hard..." They began to
laugh.

Sunset.

        "This is it," Mars stated.
        "Do or die..." Venus added.
        "We'll beat 'em!" Jupiter exclaimed.
        "Do you have the coordinates, Ami-chan?" Luna asked as Mercury
fiddled with her visor.
        "Sure do! We're ready to go!" Mecury confirmed in an all too
optimistic voice.
        A few feet away from the group, lovers made peace with
themselves.
        "Know that I always love you."
        "I know, Mamo-chan, and I love you. I wouldn't be doing this if I
didn't."
        "Remember our promises."
        "I do. Why are you telling me all this? We're doing it together,
remember?"
        "Of course, together." <She's so brave. I wish I could be as
strong as her, I bet she doesn't even realize she's doing it. I remember
the promise, Usako. I won't give up.> He kissed her, passionately. It
would probably be their last time.
        "Are you ready?" Mercury asked.
        "Yes," the two said in unison.
        "Be strong," Luna encouraged them as they formed the link for
teleportation.
        "Good Luck," was all Artemis could say. (He has a line! Wow!)
        "And don't let Mamoru-san waste any power," Luna added. She knew
if he had the opportunity he would not only help them with teleportation,
but also make sure Usagi wasn't cold at the D-point.
        "Fine, Luna, we'll watch him," Venus smirked.
        "I'm not a two year old..." grumbled Tuxedo Kamen.
        "Yeah, but you're so cute!" Sailor Moon giggled.
        "Enough, you guys, we have to do this!" Mars chided.
        Add one unanimous "Right!"
        "Mercury Power!"
        "Mars Power!"
        "Jupiter Power!"
        "Venus Power!"
        "Moon Prism Power!"
        "Sailor Teleport!"

        "As expected, we're a little off," Mercury explained. "We have
some walking to do..."
        Usagi felt bad. Her friends were shivering in the cold, while she
had latched onto Mamoru, who wrapped his cape around her protectively.
she thought of how much better he had been taking this, now that they
we're going down together. He looked so strong.
        They had walked for about a mile when Mamoru stopped dead in his
tracks.
        "Mamo-chan, are you alright!?" Usagi yelled over the wind. He
collapsed onto the snow, crying and holding himself. Usagi immediately
fell to her knees, offering him comfort. "Mamo-chan what's wrong?!"
        "I can't do it..." he sobbed. "I'm sorry, I can't..."
        "Mamo-chan..."
        By now the others had come back for the two. They were a little
more than disappointed by what they heard.
        "I can't do it! I'm not ready to die! I want to go home!" He was
in a fetal position, shaking beyond belief. 
        "Then give me the crystal and..."
        "No! We'll go back to my old plan. I can save us. Usako, I can
save us..." He looked up at her with hope filled eyes, and she realized
she couldn't bare to lose him. Maybe it would be for the best...
        "You can't stop now!" Venus yelled.
        Mars was inflamed with rage. "You are acting like a two year
ol..."
        "STOP IT!" Usagi screamed. "If he doesn't want to do this, we
won't. We'll try again later, when he's ready."
        "We don't have any more time..." Ami said. She felt bad for
Mamoru; anyone would crack under such pressure.
        "Get up!" Venus yelled.
        Jupiter wasn't sure what to do. If this was Mamoru's way of
saving Usagi, she thought it sucked. Just the same, she made a promise,
and she would not break it. "Let him alone, guys. If his heart isn't into
it, we don't stand a chance. Let's just go home."
        Mamoru gazed up at her, and she could've swore she'd seen him
smile. As the others gathered in a circle, he mouthed a word of thanks to
her.
        He stood in the center of the girls again, knowing what he had to
do.
Each Senshi closed their eyes, focusing their power.
        "Mercury Power!" He quickly slid the visor off Mercury. She was
concentrating so hard she didn't even notice his touch. 
        "Mars Power!"
        "Jupiter Power!"
        "Venus Power!"
        "Moon Prism Power!"
        He whispered, "Forgive me, Usako." And with a small peck on her
lips, he quickly stepped under her arm, out of the circle. Her
concentration broke and she screamed out in horror, but it was too late.
        Her guardians had already spoken those dreadful words, "Sailor
Teleport!"
        Then he was alone.
        He walked on for what seemed like hours, his only guide a little
dial on the screen of Mercury's visor, and he could hardly make it out
with all the snow blowing around him. All at once, the the wind and snow
stopped, leaving an eerie silence in the area. The sky clear, he looked
up towards his destination. He began to regret sending the others home.
        The constant sheet of ice cracked open, revealing a sinister
looking dark castle. A thick black energy surrounded him, and at the
source stood one lone figure. <Beryl.> Without a word, she raised her
arms to the heavens, focusing on a large crystal orb. 
        Mamoru's prepared himself for the oncoming blast, the crystal
defended him, and with no foward effort, he continued to his destination.
<This is going to be easier than I thought.>
        When he was closer, Beryl lashed out again. With minimal effort
he shrugged off the effects of her energy. He had one thing in mind.
<Smash the orb.> The crystal complied to his thoughts. It was over. Beryl
screamed her last. The power struggle over, Mamoru became smug. He turned
to head back to where the Senshi first arrived. <All that trouble, and
for what? The crystal was too strong.> He smiled. <I'm coming home,
Usako.>
        Without warning, he was brutally cut down by sheer force, evil.
It stung at his senses, and the cold ice beneath him began to burn. He
quickly forced himself up, seeing what he initially feared he would see
on this mission, death, or just as well evil. Before him, gathered in a
swirl of darkness, was the form of Metallia. She smiled at him, and he
felt the blood drain from his face. The form was huge, though she had no
true feature. Mamoru swallowed hard. <This isn't going to be easy... I
promise, Usako, I won't give up!>
        He sent a powerful blast up towards the figure, hoping to deal
the first blow. He heard a laugh as the darkness surrounded him. <It had
no effect...> He sent pulses of energy in all directions around him,
hoping to find a weakness. He began to feel the thick, black air choking
him, growing thicker. He sent hordes of piercing white light towards the
droning laughter. It only gained volume. <She... she's absorbing...>
        "Give me more energy, give me it all. I will regain the form I
once had, and bring destruction to this world," Metallia bellowed in a
deafening voice. It was confident and greedy. The laughing continued,
pounding at Mamoru's head in sheer force. He cried out in pain, and the
darkness entered into his body, tainting him.
        "You want it, too, don't you? You want revenge for what they did
to you. They left you alone in this world. They deserve to die for what
they've done!"
        "Yes..."
        "You want them to die!"
        "Yes..."
        "All of them!"
        "Yes..."
        "Use the power of the crystal! Feed it into me...!"
        *DON'T GIVE UP!!!*
        Mamoru envisioned only one thing at that moment, Usagi. Her faced
burned into his mind's eye, and he remembered why he was doing this in
the first place. Not for the world, not to be the hero, not to prove
himself, or save humanity, he was doing it for her.

        "Don't. Don't say it. I promise, Mamo-chan. Though you have to
promise me something, too."
        "What's that?"
        "Never give up."
        "I won't."

        <I promised her, as she promised me. I lied to her to save her, I
won't break our promise as well.>
        "I WON'T GIVE UP!!!!" He screamed as white light poured from
every inch of his body. He drew on his love for Usagi, the most sacred
thing he possessed, confident that it could destroy any evil. The glow
seemed to purge the evil, but Mamoru kept pouring it on, drawing strength
from every corner of his being. <I won't give up.>
        Heat engulfed him, fire burning brightly, tearing at his very
soul. He became numb, and didn't feel his body collapse into the snow. He
fought on, the darkness engulfing him. He couldn't see the form of
Metallia growing larger, for, to him, all was already black.

        "NOOO!"
        "Usagi, calm down!"
        "I can't, he's dying, Mako-chan! He's dying!"
        "How can you be so sure?"
        "I love him! I know it! He's dying! We have to go back! We have
to help him!" 
        Ami's bedroom grew quiet at the suggestion, but it was already
too late. Nothing they did now would change the outcome of this battle,
nothing. All they could do was pray.
        Images flashed in Usagi's mind of her lover in pain. She wanted
to be there for him when he... "No..." More visions claimed her, ones of
her dream. The young man finally took on his features, and she shuddered
seeing the face. The dream, the death, all of it was happening, all over
again. Everything she feared was real, and she cried out to her love with
all her might. 
        "ENDYMION!!"

        The name hit him like a lightning bolt, and he recalled
everything, the past, his kingdom, his princess. A dream almost forgotten
reappeared in his mind. Looking at the man who was the Prince of Earth,
was himself, he knew. A sense of pride filled him, one he had never in
all his life known. <I will not let my people down, nor Queen Serenity,
nor my princess, nor Usako.> 
        Strength welled up inside him, and he managed to bring himself to
his feet. The crystal floated before him, still bright in the darkness
surrounding him. He brought up his hands to focus. His next sight stunned
him. The flesh was missing from him, bare bone remained in its place.
<I'm... dying. Everything I've done so far...> He weakly let his head
fall to gaze at himself. His clothes remained intact, but were loose on
him, the effects had spread thoughout his entire body. He looked at the
crystal, determination apparent in his eyes, although he could feel the
liquid skin dripping down his face.
        <If I fail, Usagi will die. I lied to her to save her life. I
will not have lied to my love for no reason! I sealed my fate in a
promise.> "I will not give up!"
        His inner reserves sent the crystal into a fit, energy flashing
everywhere in varying degrees that put the Northern Lights to shame. When
the spectacle was over, a completely healed figure stood in the place of
Mamoru. Dressed for battle, complete with armor, stood Endymion,
protector of Serenity, Prince of Earth. He released his strength,
empowered through the crystal, into the darkness surrounding him.
Metallia drew back as a power struggle began. Both sides pounding
relentlessly at the other's forces, dark versus light, night versus day,
hate versus love, the ultimate evil versus a never ending good.
        Endymion had just realized his potential, he was far too
inexperienced to reach it. He had to try. With his own, natural powers,
he drew in the atmosphere around him, studying it in the back of his mind
as the battle raged on. He was looking for a disturbance, which he found
to be in front of him, slightly over twenty yards away. He opened his
eyes and concentrated, his target before him. A diamond of blood red
appeared in the distance, the source of Metallia's power. 
        Mind still focused on the task of keeping himself alive, his
heart controled the crystal. His soul would take the responsibility of
destroying Metallia, and a bright, golden glow began to emit from his
body. His hand found the hilt of his sword, and his power reached its
peak. He began to drain it all into his sword, the rest into the crystal.
Metallia grew ever stronger as he gathered himself. <Only one chance.> 
        He lashed out at Metallia with everything he had, every fiber of
his being. When the crystal faltered, he fed his very soul into it.
Metallia was taken aback by the rush, and Endymion made the final strike.
He pooled everything into his sword, throwing it fiercly at the diamond
mark. As soon as he let go of the hilt, he experienced a great loss. He
heard a cry, and the darkness lifted, though he could only tell for but
an instant. 
        <It's done.>


Part Eleven: Decisions
        
        Darkness shrouded him, though it was not the black malice that
was around him before. It was actually... light, like a dream. It was
indescribable, rush of pure emotion overtook his form, than faded like a
dying flame. It was confusing, and he couldn't understand.
        *Thank you, Endymion.* A vision flickered before his eyes.
        *Queen Serenity?*
        *I'm sorry I doubted you. I owe you much. Thank you for
protecting my daughter.*
        *Where am I? What's going on?*
        *You don't know?*
        *No.*
        *I'll handle this.* The voice was gentle and loving, and it
stayed in Mamoru's mind like nothing he had heard before. He turned,
heart filled with a longing he had not felt since that day, August third.
He couldn't believe who he saw, a figure, dressed in that same outfit,
just as he knew her. Her short, light hair giving her a certain radience,
and he told himself he was dreaming.
        *M... Mom?* his voice cracked and he almost broke into sobs.
<This isn't real...>
        *Yes, it is, my darling boy.*
        *Mom?*
        *Yes, I am your mother.*
        *Mom!* He ran up to her, throwing his arms about her neck and
shoulders. Joy overflowed from every part of his being, a wide smile
erupted on his face. *Mom, I... I thought I'd never see you again! How...
how can this be happening?* <I don't care! Mom...>
        She held him with a passion that only one long separated from a
loved one could. *Every day was torture, not being able to be with you,
watching you alone and not being able to help. I'm so sorry. I couldn't
even save you when you needed me...*
        *It's alright, Mom. Don't cry.* He cupped her chin in his large
hand, making her face him. It felt odd, to do such a thing to his mother.
He realized just how grown he was. *I don't mind, I have Usako.... Why...
why did you have to leave?*
        *You know, don't you? I could've sworn you knew about the
accident.*
        *Of course I know about the accident. They told me you were gone,
but you're here now...*
        *I died.*
        *But that would mean that this is... this is...*
        *I'm sorry.*
        *NO!* he protested, not willing to accept. *I won. I destroyed
the Dark Kingdom and...*
        *You sacrificed yourself. Your own life was forfeit.*
        *NO! I don't believe you. This is a dream, this is one of my
nightmares! I'm going to wake up next to Usako and...*
        *I'm sorry. This isn't a dream.*
        *You're lying!*
        *I'm not*
        *LIAR!*

        "NO! He can't... Be alright! Please be alright!" He heard the
long strides as she headed towards him, his Odango Atama. The scenery
changed back to the Arctic, though instead of snow, he was standing in a
very remote area, covered in a field of roses. He was looking at her from
behind as he approached her. She had dropped to her knees, cradling
someone. The other Senshi gathered around her, trying to look away from
the central figure, but unable to do so. "Please!"
        "Usagi-chan... it's too late..." Venus managed to choke out.
        "NO! He's alright! He has to be!" She couldn't remove her eyes
from that person as she begged, "Please! WAKE UP!" Usagi burst into
tears, and it ripped Mamoru's heart into shreds to see her like that. 
        He reached out to her, close enough to touch. *Please, Usako,
don't cry. I hate to see you cry...*
        She didn't answer, and he leaned over her shoulder, about to
kneel down beside her, when he saw whom she was crying over. His eyes
locked upon his own face, relaxed and colorless. His eyes were open, and
the blue grey of them that would have allowed him to see were rolled up
into the back of his head. He immediately felt a chill.
        "Mamo-chan... no... you can't... you can't die... not again..."
        *Usako, I'm right here! Usako!* It was then he realized she could
not hear him, and he fell to her side and went to wrap his arms around
her, to no avail. They passed right through her, and he screamed. 
        *Usako!* He tried to grab hold of her, and her sobs grew louder.
He knew she could feel the distance. *Usako, I'm right here! Turn around!
I'm behind you! Turn around! Stop crying!*
        *She can't hear you. I'm sorry. You're... removed from that
existance.*
        He snapped back towards her, eyes filled with hatred. *This is
hell, isn't it?! I'm in hell, aren't I!? I've sacrificed everything I am
for her, but that was selfish, wasn't it?! Because I wanted to be with
her?! Because I didn't die for the right reasons?! Isn't everything I've
done enough to make up for my past!? Is my life that worthless?! I love
her! I'll never stop loving her and I won't let you take her away from
me! I won't allow anyone to take her away!* He stood in front of her
quivering body protectively, determined to stay with her. 
        The woman in front of him shook her head, a look of regret coming
over her face. *I'm sorry, it's not for you to decide. This is the way it
has to be.* 
        *NO!* Mamoru backed up defensively, with every intention of
keeping the one he loved. The bed of roses began to fade, and with it,
Usagi. He broke down in tears as she was purged from his existance. There
was nothing he could do but watch. *Hell...*
        His mother approached him, a gentleness in her eyes. *No, my
darling, this is not hell, merely the realization of death. Soon you will
accept, and then the despair will be lost to you, as will the loneliness.
It is something like eternal euphoria, with just a bit of longing for
what you had. The hurting will pass.*
        *How can it pass?! I love her! I never want to be without her.
Never!*
        *Time will move quickly, and you will be united when her time is
come. The years will seem like minutes, and you will be with your
precious Usagi once again.*
        Somehow, even in death, the thought caused Mamoru to convulse, as
if his soul couldn't take being away from her. It couldn't. His spirit
form began to pulse and rack. He died a thousand deaths in no time at
all, each more painful because the separation was longer. His mother had
never seen such a thing, though she had heard of it. Half his soul
remained with her, for he could never truly leave her unless he wished to
accept. Mamoru did not, and the resistance would leave him no rest until
he was whole, so long as he thought of her.
        She finally spoke to her son, and he momentarily stopped. *You
have a decision to make.*
        He stared up at her, eyes broken and dark from his lacking. He
did not have the strength to reply.
        *You have to decide which is more important to you now,* she
continued. *Your life, your self, your entire being as you know you, or
being with Tsukino Usagi, if only for a moment.*
        At this, life sparked within Mamoru's eyes, and he burst into
laughter. He held his stomach as he laughed, finding the situation
hysterical.
        His mother immediately scolded him. *This is not a joke! This is
a very serious question!*
        Mamoru stopped himself, and he looked at his mother, all energy
apparent as one lone tear rolled down his face. He had been laughing
rather hard. *Sorry,* he said with a newfound vibrance. *But that
question's so funny.*
        *What on Earth so you mean?*
        He explained with a smirk. *Well, it's just that... I always
thought they were the same thing.*


Finale (Part Twelve): Promises

        She walked through downtown Azabu, holding her son, in her arms.
He was only six years old, and yet he was constantly in fights. There was
something about him that other kids just didn't seem to like. She sighed,
a trip to the arcade had cheered her boy up, but it would start all over
again tomorrow, and if not then, the next day. It was a bit more than she
could take. She would remain strong, though, for this was the life of
Chiba Usagi.
        Chiba wasn't really her family name, it was the name of her long
deceased boyfriend. She still loved him to this day, and still wished
that they had been married, so long ago. Her life had been hell since the
day he died. She couldn't handle it, and she wanted to quit. Everthing.
She quit school and being a Senshi. Little did she know at the time it
was a good decision. She wouldn't have been able to continue fighting
since she was pregnant. She gave up on finding another love, and
desperately wanted to give up living. She wanted to, desired to, but she
wouldn't. She had promised not to, and she would keep that promise.
        She looked at the young boy in her arms. With black hair and blue
grey eyes, he looked just like his father. She smiled, naming him Mamoru
was so appropriate, but they were too similar. She blamed herself for the
sadness in her little boy's eyes. He would never have a father, because
Usagi would only hold one man in her heart. One man she would never see
again.
        "Are you alright, Mom?"
        She looked down at her son, such worry in his voice. He was her
happiness, her every reason for existance. They were alone in this world,
and so they were very protective of each other. "Of course, Honey, I'm
fine. You just relax."
        Suddenly a gust of wind swept through the streets, taking an old,
blue baseball cap off of the young boy's head. Usagi turned as it was
carried down the sidewalk. Any other thing lost, and she would have
continued walking on. However, this hat was special. She made a deal,
ages ago, with a young boy, promising they would find each other once
again. She received a hat in exchange for a crystal. A wonderful
beginning of a relationship that concluded with an untimely end.
        "Mom, my hat!" 
        Usagi placed her boy on his feet. "Wait right here. I'll get it
back."
        She took off like a lightning bolt after the tattered old thing.
She followed it for three blocks before it began to slow. She pushed
herself faster as it came down to her level, watching it float just above
her as she ran when
        BAM!!!!!
        Usagi found herself on top of a man, sprawled out on the
sidewalk. The hat was crushed between the two people.
"I'msorryI'msorryI'msorry. I didn't mean to run into you!" she cried as
she lifted herself off the man.
        "S'okay," he groaned as he lifted himself to a sitting position.
"But you really ought to watch where your going."
        Usagi studied the man she had just mowed down. He was tall,
nicely built, wearing navy slacks and a short sleeved dress shirt with a
tie. He was thin, and had thick violet hair, in a style she more than
recognized. She almost fainted when the man looked up. "Your face..." she
gasped.
        "Am I bleeding?" the man asked, confused.
        "You have... his... face... eyes..." Sure enough, the man had
deep blue eyes, crystal clear without a trace of worry, except concern
for the woman in front of him. His eyes weren't exactly the same, but
they were so close. "M... Mamo-chan?!" she stuttered, the pitch of her
voice rising with anticipation, with hope.
        The man stared at her a moment, not sure what she said. The woman
in front of him seemed so familiar. Did he know her? "Come again?"
        "M.. Mamo-chan?! Is it really you?!"
        "I... I'm sorry. I don't know who your talking about."
        Usagi's heart shattered. He looked and sounded just like her
love. How could he not be...
        "Mom, you found it!" Mamoru exclaimed as she picked up the hat.
He then turned his attention to the two on the ground. His mother was
crying. "Hey!" he yelled, turning to the man. "If you hurt my mother
I'll...... Dad?!"
        The man was shocked to be called such a thing by someone he had
never met in his life. Still, he could have sworn he knew the boy that
rushed into his arms. He embraced the boy with equal enthusiasm, paternal
instict overiding relevant thought.
        Usagi stared in awe. The two in front of her looked so alike. It
seemed impossible that that weren't related. Then her Mamoru put the
baseball cap on the man's head. Usagi's insides screamed. This had to be
her Mamoru, the man she loved, and yet...
        Usagi studied him, he was well over thirty, too old to be him.
Painfully, she called to her son, "Mamo-chan, we'd better leave this nice
man alone." She drew her boy up out of the man's arms, who looked hurt
that she would take him away.
        "Mom, don't!"
        She cut her boy off, "Honey, he's not... he's just not." As she
turned to leave a strong hand stopped her by the shoulder. Her heart
raced at the familiar warmth.
        "Hold on a minute. I was wondering if you could help me. I'm
looking for someone."
        Hesitantly, she faced him, not wanting to meet with those blue
eyes again. "Wh... who is that?"
        "A woman named Serenity."
        Usagi's eyes lit up like wildfire. "It is you! It is!" she
screamed in delight, wrapping her free arm around the man. "Oh, god, I
can't believe it!"
        The man held her tightly, now knowing that this was the one he'd
been searching for. "I've missed you," he whispered softly to her.
        Tears of joy streamed from her eyes, as all her dreams came back
into focus with that one man. Her life was fulfilled, her family
complete. "Endymion...."



End Power in the Hands of Loneliness.


Did you like it? EMAIL ME!!! (mangetsu@email.com) And check out my
illustrations for this story at
http://www.Geocities.com/Tokyo/Bridge/3542 alright?

Thank you to everyone who encouraged me through all of this. Especially
Miaka, Tif, Nicole Monique, Psychostar, Jackie, and Iris. There are
others, but these are the ones who stuck by me for the long haul (even
though some came in late). All are very good writers and I recommend
their stuff.

Finally, thanks to everyone who deemed this story good enough to post,
and to my readers. Thank you all.


Until the next time we cross paths
I remain
Michelle Prestileo