To Remember The Truth
By Annabelle (hannah@pred.ml.org)
Chapter 2: Memories: Rejection (The Senshi Awakens)

    What if it was Usagi who wanted to protect Mamoru so much (when they
died in SM) that it was *her* who got her memories separated from herself?

*This is what my story is all about, the possibilities of the outcome of
events if Usagi never remembered anything in the beginning.

STORY:
*Ratings: This chapter (or rather, story) is rated PG, no swears, just
romance.
*Disclaimers: I don't own everything that you might read--they're Naoko
Takeuchi's, Kondansha's, DiC's, and all of those other companies w/ lotsa
money. The plot and some of the characters are mine, though. Please, nobody
sue me, I don't want to have men in EXPENSIVE Armani suits to come knocking
on my door w/ bunches of papers & with LOTSA words to say.

EXTRA STUFF:
*Comments: This is my first, serious attempt to write a fic, so go easy on
me. Anyway, I'm sorry if you'd see typo & grammar errors; I don't have
someone to edit them for me. If you're good in English or if you want to
volunteer yourself as my EDITOR, please e-mail me. I'd owe you BIG! Please,
I really need one! I also need at least two BETA READERS so that I'd be
able to improve this story... please e-mail me when you can. Comments,
suggestions, flames & all of those other stuff are welcome at
hannah@pred.ml.org

*Recommendations: I'd like to recommend these fics & authors that inspired
me to do my work:
Lianne Sentar (author of Usagi & Mamoru's Love), you're too good. Fushigi
Kismet (author of Past Loves), I like your stories. Crystal Heart, I always
wait for your awesome series. Ninx, I love your "Four Lovers" fic. Razzz
(First Love) cool eh? To MJ-thanks. To Jade: Thanks for the feedback and
the support!
*Dedications: This is all dedicated to my really annoying sister, whose
laugh would make you want to punch her. Thanks Abby. And of course, to the
BIG G. & to Marmee, who inspired me most of all.
    Thanks to all those who had sent me their feedback. They inspired me
and urged me to write more. T.Y. to Kathryn Molendyk, Diana Rueda, Auston,
Seafire118, Jade, Corina Borsuk and to all those who sent me mail. And
thanks to Luna & Artemis, for posting this up!

Okay, so I'll get on with... here's the story!

Let me clarify a few things first:
Two Aliens & their alter-identities:
Allan = Ginga Seijuurou
Ann  = Ginga Natsumi
Terminologies:
Odango Atama = Meatball head
Henshin yo! =Transform now!

'_______' symbolizes a thought.
*_______* symbolizes emphasis
   ~~~    symbolizes a change of scene, view or time gap.

Story:

    Confusion.

    'That is all that I feel now, now that I know about my past, OUR past.
I don't know what I am supposed to do, or how I should act.'

    Dejection.

    'She doesn't remember. She wouldn't. She won't have a single care for
me.'

    It was the day after the incident. And Mamoru felt tired, confused,
stressed and sad.
    'Why? Why can't she remember? Usako...I wish to hold you now. I want
you to know how much I love you. Yet I can't.'
    They were all living normal lives. They all don't remember a thing
about their past. Now, a new threat has arrived.
    Usagi won't remember.
    It was up to him to defend this place.
    It was also up to him whether he'd do something about his feelings for
*her* or not.
    This was difficult. Very difficult.
    He stared at the ceiling, "I don't know if I can last long enough
without feeling her beside me. Oh Lord, why does this have to be so hard?"
    He knew he couldn't last without her. She was his only hope, his light.
She showed him the truth. She was his life. Without her, everything was
dull, dark. He now knew why his life changed from the first moment he met
her. She was bright, vibrant, and so full of life...he felt warm whenever
he saw her. He never realized how in love he was with her until yesterday.
He'd have fallen for her even without remembering.
    But now, things will never be the same.
    His emotions and desire for her grew and grew with passion for every
passing second. He needed her now.
    But yet, he won't be able to hold her once more. He won't feel her love
anymore. And things must remain that way. She lived her life normally and
happily now. He didn't want to waste everything she has away. Loving her
would endanger her life, and it would bring her close to opening the door
of memories she had once wished she never had.
    And what if she suddenly remembers, while they were having a
relationship? She'd think he loved her just because he remembered that she
was Serenity. She'd think he loved Sailormoon and the Moon princess, not
Tsukino Usagi. But if that was what she would think, then she was wrong. He
loved her for everything about her, her eyes, her innocent spirit, bubbling
with joy and amiability, everything.

    He'd never be able to have her, much less show her he cares. He was one
step away to everything he needed and yet, he wouldn't be able to take
them, her.

    A tear slid down his cheek, just as it had when he was controlled by
Beryl, just as it had been when he thought Usagi had left him alone when he
was remembering who he was. He hated this feeling of deja vu.

    But happiness isn't yet his to claim. Maybe someday, but not now.

    Not now.

    He lay down his bed and continually stared at the ceiling, the words,
"I love you...I love you..." repeating in his mind
   He knew he shouldn't intervene with her life and affairs. He wouldn't.
But he will always love her.
    "Even if I have to hide it."
~~~
    "MOM! WHY DIDN'T YOU WAKE ME UP?!"
    Tsukino Ikuko gave an exasperated sigh, "Sweetie, I did--you told me
you needed five more minutes. Then I woke you up again. Still you refused!
I just..."
    Usagi suddenly sped by, "HI! BYE!" Then she went took her lunch and ran
out of the house.
    "...gave up."
~~~
    "I'M GONNA BE LATE! MS HARUNA'D GIVE ME DETENTION AGAIN!"
    Usagi panted as she slowed down a bit and paused for breath.
    "(Pant)...Better...buy...a...(pant) new alarm...clock..."
    Then she continued running. Luna had woken her up by scratching her leg
("Ow! What'd you do that FOR?!"). She wondered if her cat was a living
genius. 'Well...I guess she's special."
    "WHAMM!!"
    Not again.
    "Hi Mamoru. And don't "Ey Odango Atama" me or else, I promise, I'm
gonna sock you in the head."
    No answer came.
    Usagi looked up and saw him staring at the floor. She wasn't sure butt
she thought she saw something red imprinted on his cheeks. WHAT? A BLUSH?
    'Well what do you know, I guess guys go red too...huh?'
    "Mamoru, are you OK?"
    He looked up, "Sure, yeah. I'm fine Odango..."
    He stopped in mid-sentence as she found herself admiring his eyes. They
stared at each other while lost in their own thoughts.
    Usagi came to her senses and did what she *thought* was right. She
dragged her eyes away from the midnight blue ones that gazed at her
with...something. Love? Dejection? She continually tore her eyes away, as
she had always had--and had hated doing.
    "Erm...I guess I better go now. Ms H's expecting me."
    He stood up with her, "Yes. You better get going," His voice had hints
of nervousness & uneasiness. This wasn't the Mamoru she knew.
    Usagi hesitantly looked at him; then she backed off a little and walked
away. She felt all forces of the earth call for her, telling her not to go
and face him. But why? Why was she feeling this way?
    But then she walked. But she stopped a little, for she had heard him
say something...
    "Usako."
    She turned around with her jaw agape to ask him what it meant, but he
was gone.
~~~
    'You nearly gave everything away, you...'
    Mamoru shook his fuming head as he hid in the shadows. He watched as
she turned to run away and bitterly thought, 'She's not supposed to
know...But what about me?'
    What about him? How he longed to take her in his arms, how had he
wanted to run his fingers through her golden blonde hair, how he had wanted
to kiss those rose-red lips. What about his feelings? What about his love?
    Who-knows-how-many times he had asked himself the same question
earlier.  And who-knows-how-many times he had debated over what he should
do. *What* should he do, anyway?
    He sighed as he stepped out of his hidden spot and continued in the
direction of the university. Yet, throughout his trip, the sad look on his
face won over him.
~~~
    "C'mon Usa-chan, come with me! I can't go there alone, I'm gonna die
out of nervousness even before arriving there!"
    "Naru-chan, you know I was not chosen for the audition! ('Although I
know they thought I was just too pretty to be chosen--maybe they'll choose
me to model for another "more special" magazine next time.') What will they
think?"
    Naru had been chosen to audition as a model for a certain magazine
along with Mizuno Amy, Kino Makoto, Aino Minako--a girl from another
school--and Hino Rei, from an exclusive school.
    Usagi had wondered why she wasn't chosen, and came up with a grueling
intuition that they had "put her aside for later" because of her "perfect"
looks.
    Now Naru had had her own "audition-phobia" and was requesting (begging
was more like it) Usagi to come along with her.
    "C'mon! Maybe, once they see you, they'd change their minds and ask you
to join us!"
    Usagi smiled, "Really? Them maybe I'd come with you," she gave a pose,
"...so that they'd realize how CUTE I am and accept the fact that I'm
enough to join you. Although they'd know how much cuter I am than you
guys..."
    Naru sweatdropped, 'This girl really needs an ego buster!'
    "So...you coming?"
    "Of course! Lead on!"
    Naru sighed, "Of course."
    Although Usagi was her "bestest" friend in the world, she still had her
own liabilities--like her pride. But that was why she loved her too much.
She was too innocent to realize them.
    Naru now smiled as she took her best friend's hand and walked her
toward the building.
~~~
    Usagi's mouth dropped as she saw the other girls chosen to audition.
    Not that they were familiar, but they looked at her as if they knew her.
    But of course, they don't know her. They've (sans Ami) never met her
before--as she never had.
    The raven-haired girl's eyes were wide open, "Why do I feel like I've
met you guys before?" she was staring intently at Usagi.
    The girl with a green ponytail shook her head, "I don't know why, but I
feel the same."
    Then the girl with the red ribbon sighed, "Have we?"
    Meanwhile, Ami wondered why she felt the same way when she first met
Usagi.
    Naru was perplexed, "What do you mean? I don't feel anything?"
    The girl with the brown hair and ponytail said, "Nah! It's probably
just one of those effects of nervousness."
The blonde girl with the red ribbon smiled, "Yes. Oh, I'm Aino Minako."
    "I'm Hino Rei," said the raven-haired girl.
    "Kino Makoto," the brown haired girl said, with a hand on her chest.
    "Osaka Naru."
    "Mizuno Ami."
    "..."
    All turned to Usagi. Rei asked, "Well, what's your name?"
    Usagi nudged the ground with her toe, "I didn't think you'd ask. I was
not chosen to audition like the rest of you. I'm just accompanying Naru.
You don't have to mind an "extra" like me."
    "I think that's silly, tell us your name," Makoto said, she already
felt a faint bond with the girl.
    "Yes, tell us!"
    Naru poked Usagi with an elbow, and Usagi looked up to see Ami's
smiling face. "Come on, tell them," her eyes said.
    "I'm Tsukino Usagi. Pleased to meet the five most beautiful girls of
Tokyo ("Next to me, of course!")!"
   All laughed and welcomed her into the club.
    Rei put her hand on Usagi's hair, "Hey Odango Atama, where'd you get
the weird hairstyle?"
    "Many people call me that! I hate it!" Usagi said, thinking of Mamoru,
"But anyway, I've had it forever."
    Makoto laughed, "Don't worry. It looks good on you."
    Usagi beamed, "Really?"
    "Yeah!"
    The girls laughed as they entered the building.
~~~
    "You know Allan, we should get some energy soon."
    "Yes, my love. I've got a new target for our soon-to-be-made Cardian."
    Ann smiled, interested, "Yes, where?"
    "There's this building I visited--filled with employees, clients and
businessmen ("Girls too..."). It's really tall, full."
    "Go on, I see what you mean."
    "Today, the building's gonna be truly busy. There's this audition
they're sponsoring. They'll have guest students, college interns and chosen
girls, more clients etc...it's perfect."
    Ann gave him a smug look, "Girls."
    Allan sweated, "Come on Ann. This is our big chance! A bright
opportunity! Things will go right in no time. There's only one problem,
that Cape Boy."
    Hearts suddenly popped in Ann's eyes, "I actually think he's cute."
    "And you say I give girls too much attention, we're even."
    "HEY! I JUST SAID HE WAS CUTE!"
    "Fine, fine...sorry."
    Ann showed him a smirk, "Now, let's summon a cardian."
    Allan took out his flute and began playing, a deck of cards appeared
before Ann and she furrowed her brow in concentration.
    "Let me see..." She took out a card and threw it off.
    Allan continued playing and as the card reached the floor, it was
surrounded by smoke. By the time the smoke cleared, a monster stood in its
place.
    The two smiled, "Cardian, go and get them!"
~~~
    Usagi was sitting on a bench outside the audition room. She was
obviously sulking.
    "Why, I wonder why the men didn't let me in. Why didn't that man  see
just how CUTE I am? I'm the prettiest girl here and they won't even notice
me! Maybe it's my hair, or my nose...WHAT'S WRONG WITH MY FACE??"
    She lay her head in her hands and began to console herself.

    Meanwhile, Luna watched a certain distance away, 'Serves that girl
right for not being chosen! She's too careless, she eats too much--she
doesn't have a care for the world! If she studied well and became more
appropriate-looking, I'd be proud of her!'
    Then she hung her head down, 'Oh, who am I kidding? I feel pity for the
young girl and yet I like her just the way she is. I can't help but wish
she wasn't that sad--"
    "Luna."
    She turned around and saw Artemis, "Hey Artemis, what's up?" she then
noticed the grim look on his face. "Or rather, what's wrong?"
    "I sensed it, a cardian is on its way here."
~~~
Usagi was looking at herself on a small compact mirror she had brought
along. She frowned slightly.
    "What's wrong with my face? Hmmm... maybe if I fix my hair and put some
powder... yes! That's it! All I'd have to do is look for a bathroom!"
    She swung the compact shut and brought a brilliant smile, after taking
deep breaths; she swung herself from the chair and made her way to the
comfort room, whistling happy.
    "Stardom, here I come!"
~~~
    Within a couple of minutes, Usagi was finished and she began to stroll
down the audition room, "Once they see me, I'm gonna be a model, yes! Yes!"
    Suddenly, a furry hand tapped on her shoulder.
    She turned around and saw a monster behind her.
~~~
    Rei felt a strong tug at the back of her mind. It was like an unknown
voice crying for...for...
    Help?
    Makoto suddenly jerked from her seat, "Something's wrong."
    "Yes," Ami said quietly, "I can feel it in my bones."
    Minako gave Rei a clammy, sweaty hand, "I think it's out there."
    She pointed a finger in the direction of the door.
    Ami gave a gasp, "Usagi."
    "USAGI!!"
    A man with the eye glasses burst inside, "There's...something...
outside. It...h-has got...the...g-girl."
    Before the girls knew it, everyone was running outside. Then suddenly,
the room was empty.
    Makoto stuttered, "I...I...WE need to...protect her."
~~~
    Usagi gasped as the monster reached for her, it held her tightly by her
neck.
    She gave a deranged shout as she clawed on her opponent's face. Her
very consciousness depended on it--for her the time spans of her breath
were becoming shorter and shorter.
    Black spots began to embed itself on her vision as she felt pain on
every part of her body. The cardian's hands were digging in deeper into her
neck, and she felt her blood curdle. Then she saw blue energy flowing on
his arms--and suddenly realized that it was taking her energy, or worse her
life.
    She felt sleepy as her sentience slowly slipped away, but then she
found herself saying a few words she never thought she'd say...
    "Somebody... help...
    "Mamo...ru..."
~~~
    "WHAT??"
    Artemis looked at Mamoru with truthful eyes, "I'm serious, there's a
cardian down the third street, right to south main, what's that building?
Aerate Building, the one that publishes teen magazines."
    Mamoru jumped up and dropped his library books. He had been researching
something for his project-report when Artemis had barged into the library
telling him about the bad news.   "We better get there and stop it!" he
said frantically as he stood up and began running out.
    Artemis ran after him, "Yes...especially when Usagi and the senshi are
in the building!" he shouted.
    Mamoru nearly tripped, "No..."
    "Yes--we better hurry, y'know, maybe we should take..."
    Mamoru was gone.
    "...the roof."
~~~
    The cardian was getting much energy from Usagi, though it didn't know
why. The girl was seemingly strong, very strong. It wasn't through with her
yet, but there were so many people with the chances of escape. It dropped
Usagi for a second and used its power to lock all the doors telepathically
and to send out gas waves, which made the people unconscious.
    "I'll get all of your energies soon," it hissed as it stared at Usagi's
nearly unconscious form.
~~~
    The girls were hidden in the audition room. They closed the door
earlier, which stopped the gas from entering the room. Yet, they knew that
it would soon seep in and they'd lose awareness too. Naru, who had gone
outside, like the others, was unconscious.
    "What should we do?" Minako asked.
    Rei clenched her fists, "I feel so useless!"
    "Not anymore."
    They saw a black cat with a crescent moon sigil on its forehead staring
at them.
    "Y-you...talked!" a pale Ami said.
    "Yes, I did," the cat said, "but there's no time to explain. I have to
do something...LUNA MIND MELD!"
    The crescent moon sigil on her head glowed and four golden beams
emerged from it and connected to the girls' heads.
    The sign of Mercury, Mars, Jupiter and Venus illuminated from their
foreheads as they began to remember their past escapades and doings. Their
jobs and everything they were committed to, they remembered how they had
lost their lives for one person. They now knew who they *really* were and
what they're supposed to do.
    "I'm Sailor Mercury..." Ami softly whispered, her heart pounding with
the realization of what she was going to face.
    "Sailor Mars," Rei uttered. She felt like she'd lost her freedom to a
normal life.
    "Sailor Jupiter," Makoto said, she thought about the dangers they would
all have to face again.
    "And Sailor Venus," Mina said, waking up to the fact that the window of
opportunity for her to escape from her new responsibility has closed.
    "The Sailor Senshi--assigned to protect the princess."
~~~
    The girls watched as Usagi gave a moan and as the cardian began to take
hold of her again. They knew that the cardian was thinking of draining the
life out of her, she was just too strong.
    "Stop! We are the Sailor Senshi and for doing evil, in the name of..."
    "Mercury,"
    "Mars,"
    "Jupiter,"
    "And Venus..."
    "...WE WILL PUNISH YOU!!"
    The cardian sent laser beams at them--which immediately knocked them
off their feet.
    "Funny speeches, Sailors. But whatever you say won't stop me..."
    The cardian began to walk toward Usagi when Sailor Mars shouted,
    "FIRE SOUL!"
    This sent the cardian flying a few feet away. Sailor Mars took it as
her limited opportunity to save her friend. She crawled in Usagi's
direction and began to pull her up.
    Usagi looked up weakly, "Thank you...miss...?"
    Rei looked at her as tears began to well up in her eyes. She became
aware about the fact that Usagi didn't remember anything, "Mars, Sailor
Mars."
    Usagi gave her a bleak & weak, yet happy smile, "Thank you very much
Sailor Mars, I guess from now on, you'll be my hero--"
    An energy ball hit the two of them and they were both thrown off from
their disorientated states.
    The cardian then strolled to them, took Sailor Mars by her neck and
mercilessly threw her off. And with glowing eyes, it then continued toward
Usagi.
    Usagi choked a sob as she felt her dear life begin to ebb away...
    A red rose passed between the two of them.
    A figure rose from above.
    Usagi fell unconscious from fear and shock.
~~~
    "For taking the energy of helpless lives that can't even defend
themselves. I'll punish you!"
    Tuxedo Mask watched as the cardian dropped his love down, and felt
anger pump through every single cell in his body. He jumped down from his
position by the window and faced the cruel demon. 'HE DARES TOUCH HER!' He
felt like he could kill the demon with one blow.
    With anger ruling his self-control, he kicked the cardian on its belly
and hurled it on a nearby wall.
    Then, he ran to its distorted state and with several fluid movements,
he knocked it off into what he thought was unconsciousness.
    Concern filled his face as he suddenly turned toward the weak body that
lay a few feet way from him. And with love etched on every feature of his
face, he made his way toward her.
    Suddenly, something made contact with his head--which resulted in total
pain, spreading itself like fire. His head snapped sideways and he fell to
his feet.
    The cardian's triumphant figure lay overhead. He realized that he was
almost at its mercy. Horrid laugh filled the room as its shadow completely
covered the earlier-unassuming warrior.
    Tuxedo Mask held his neck in pain as he watched the cardian choose ways
on how to banish him from this world. A mask of terror replaced the pained
expression that was earlier imprinted on his face as the cardian showed his
weapon: an axe.
    It wasn't just an ordinary axe. It was a broad one, which seemed to be
consumed in fire. Yet, it wasn't even being burned, it still gleamed in the
light--showing nothing but the sign and presence of evil. Yes, it wasn't
just and ordinary weapon, a deadly, ruthless weapon. Crafted from the fires
of hell and from the hands of evil. And much worse, it was to be used on
him.
    Tuxedo Mask couldn't think. He slowly backed off, trying his best to
ignore the biting pain on his neck. Yet, he knew there was no escape. He
briefly asked himself if this was how things were going to end. But then,
he did this to save his love. That was enough to make him happy. But dying
again without having to kiss her--
    Something gold gleamed past through him. And before he knew it, the
cardian had been shouting in pain. He wondered about the sudden distraction
and the golden thing that...
    He looked up and saw something on the cardian's head. It was a blade, a
razor-sharp, flesh-tearing blade. It was golden, about the size of his
palm, and it appeared to have mauled it's way through the cardian's head.
But that didn't take his attention much. What really distracted him--or
rather, interested him-- was the shape of the blade.
    The shape of a crescent moon.
~~~
    The figure from above
    Interferes the silent war
    Waging with feelings unknown, determination compelling
    She, who illuminated the virtues of a dove
    Purity, innocence, wise knowledge, goodness
    All hers these are
    She uses them to harbor his pain
    And knows that it was her true right
    It was her right to wield a bridge of hope
    For the one below

    On her head, the tassel, the soft veil of white
    She removes
    Revealing her the river of gold
    Flowing in continuous rhythm
    In her hand, a golden flask
    A symbol
    Throwing it ever so gracefully, skillfully
    Her hand, like an eagle's wings
    Tearing through the night air
    The symbol cleaves the surroundings
    Ripping through time
    Her goal reached
    Courage and love she proved.
    Her job now done.
    Leave, she must
    "He hast to fight, thou use thy love."
    Smiling, with a determined grin,
    the child of the moon disappeared.
~~~
    Tuxedo Mask had no time to think about the blade. He looked up and
looked for its source, his helper--but there was no one. He gave himself a
mental shake and found his opportunity to destroy the cardian. He stood up
and prepared to fling his sword (it was his rod, transformed) toward his
enemy.
    Help was on the way, Sailor Mars's fireball along with Sailor Jupiter's
thunder blast burst through the silent, debilitated milieu and hit the
cardian squarely on his back. Tuxedo Mask gave the two a thumbs-up sign as
he flung his sword on the now-weak cardian. The sword viscously made it's
way inside the cardian as Tuxedo Mask cut toward him with a slant movement.
    Light emerged from the defeated cardian as it exploded and a card took
its place--which soon dissolved.
    "Mission Complete."
~~~
    Artemis called the girls to one room with Luna as they have some
"sailor business to discuss." And now, it left Tuxedo Mask alone after many
compliments and greetings.
    He turned around. And in a fast motion, a rose appeared in his hands.
And he made his was to her. *Her,* his only one...
    He kneeled down beside her and brushed a few strands of her bangs that
were left astray because of the incident.
    "Usako...Odango."
    Usagi gave out a small groan as she turned slightly from her
uncomfortable position, however, she was still unconscious. Pain and
exhaustion marred her delicate features-- a sight that broke Tuxedo Mask's
heart.
    He opened her soft hands and gently enclosed the rose within them. A
delightful shiver ran down his spine as he felt her hands for the first
time since their revival, they were so soft and smooth!
    He ran a finger through her cheek, not wanting to wake her up. Then he
traced her lips, how he wished to lower his own onto hers... But then, he
abruptly stopped what he was doing.

    'She doesn't remember. She mustn't! And I have no right to...no matter
how much I desire to tell her everything and show my love for her...oh...'

    An inner war waged between him as he got up on his feet. It took all of
his will power to do so. Briefly, he wondered if he'd ever done something
like that before. 'Of course not.' Usagi was different, she was special.
She was his heart, he cannot live without her. His love for her grew with
passion at all times. A tear slid down his cheek as he bethought how
helpless he was against her, and how far he was from winning his love.
    He gave her a loving look, and tore his eyes away. And with one fast
motion, he jumped up and disappeared.
~~~
    "SHE DOESN'T--I mean--SHE CAN'T REMEMBER??" Ami's voice rose from the
discussion (now THIS is a surprising sight).
    "Now, he," Makoto muttered under her breath as she pointed to Artemis,
"tells us."
    Rei suddenly stood up, "What should we do now? She could be in danger
anytime, look at what had just happened earlier? How can we protect her?
Should we start seeing her often? I mean, I *do* miss our Odango Atama."
    Everyone faced her with sweatdrops on their heads.
    Rei gave them a mad, ugly look, "C'mon, it's not like I didn't care for
her. Who wouldn't?"
    "You're absolutely right!" Minako chimed in, "And I believe that her
plan is the best for us to do in our current sticky situation."
    Her remark brought "aye's" from the group, Mina slapped her hands with
Makoto's, "Well, I guess Mina's our leader for the moment."
    "Well..." Rei said thoughtfully, her hand in her chin, Minako became
nervous. Ami gave Rei a look.
    "Alright, I guess it can't hurt," Rei finally said.
    "Really guys?" Minako glowed, "You believe in me?"
    Ami smiled, "Of course!"
    Luna spoke, her tone suddenly serious, "So I guess, we're back to the
Senshi Business. What do you girls say?"
    "...."
    Luna gave out a sigh, "Look, girls, I'm really sorry for having awaken
you up. But I had no choice. I know you want normal lives but, under
certain circumstances, we can't let Mamoru do all the work. Please
understand."
    Makoto gave Luna a bright smile, "Of course, we forgive you Luna!
Anyway, we needed some action in our lives, right girls?" she asked the
whole group blithely, the girls simply nodded. They were all grinning from
ear to ear. Despite all the difficulties and responsibilities they'd have
to face...
    Ami spoke up, "We do have our doubts, about our safety, time and
everything else. But other than that, everything's fine with us."
    Luna seemed near tears, "You girls are so kind."
    "Oh come on, Luna!" Mina said in cheerful manner, "That's just the way
we are. We're one group, and we'll fight for this world and for each other
no matter what the cost is!"
    Luna nodded, "You're...(sob) starting...(sniff) to sound like..."
    "Usagi." the whole group cried in rejuvenated happiness and friendship.
Makoto sank down deeper in her seat, her brows furrowed in quiet
concentration.
    Artemis recognized Makoto deep in thought, "What's wrong, Mako?"
    All attention turned to Makoto as she spoke out, "Poor Mamoru, this
must be hard for him, considering how they used to argue when we were
fighting Beryl... I bet they still fight today. Everything would be very
difficult and complicated for him.
    "I just know they love each other deep within their hearts. I saw it in
him whenever I watch them argue, he just didn't realize it, I guess. I
never told Usagi-chan because I knew she wouldn't listen."
    All were stunned by her short speech. They shared their sympathy for
him in silence, a quiet stupor filled the room like light.
    "Yes, I guess it would be very hard for the young man," Artemis said.
    Luna broke the numbness between the group as she gently said, "Hush!
The people are waking up, power down and prepare some good reasons for
*still* being conscious."
~~~
    Usagi's eyes popped open as she stared into nothingness. Her vision
soon cleared and the cloud of darkness faded away, to be replaced by four
familiar faces looking down at her.
    "Wh-What happened?"
    Rei gave her a tender grin, "You're fine now. You were attacked by a
cardian, and you must rest now."
    "Cardian? Where are we?"
    Ami nodded, "We are in a clinic. The paramedics brought you here, You
seemed to be in the worse of all states. But it's good you finally awoke."
    Usagi smiled weakly and asked with a languor-filled and frantic voice,
"What happened to the Sailor Scouts? To Sailor Mars?"
    Mina assured her, "They are fine, they saved the day and left with
Tuxedo Mask."
    "Tuxedo who?"
    Lita smiled sadly as she shook her head, "Never mind."
    Naru came and asked a doctor nearby, "How is she?"
    The doctor checked the clipboard in his hands and ushered the girls
outside the room. After a few questions and tests, he walked out with an
exhausted Usagi.
    "I guess it would be fine for her to go home, she recovers at record
speed. I think I'll go test her records now. Oh, please be careful with her
and assist her home, she seems to be in a fragile condition for the moment.
If you girls will excuse me,"  the doctor then, with an impersonal wave,
left.
    Rei asked, "Usagi, you all right?" her face was filled with concern.
She quickly assisted her by holding her arm, "We'll walk you home! If you
feel anything, you can tell me--"
    The girls stifled a few giggles, they were unfamiliar with Rei's
expression of worry, especially for Usagi.
    Usagi lifted a fist into the air, "I feel good! Much, much better from
how I felt in that building. You don't have to worry THAT much."
    And with that, she started to walk to the door, "See? I'm--"
    She tripped.
    "WAAAH!"
    "Lemme help ya!" Lita exclaimed.
    Everyone laughed, and they made their way to Usagi's house. Usagi soon
asked them why they seemed to know where she lives. After the loony excuses
they made, Usagi let the subject pass. There was this certain feeling
of...'hmm'... content in her. But she didn't know why.
~~~
    The group of six was making their way home when they heard a familiar
phrase.
    "Hey Odango A-tama!" a masculine voice said in a singsong way.
    All heads turned. Usagi's face suddenly became red (with anger?). Then
she stalked to the recently-arrived Mamoru's position and remarked with all
ice in her voice, "I told you NOT TO CALL ME THAT! Can't you UNDERSTAND? If
I were you, I'd take of all conceit and foolhardiness in you and make
yourself a better person in this world. Someone who won't call me ODANGO
ATAMA. And  better yet, SOMEONE WHO WOULD NOT TEASE ME ABOUT MY GRADES--"
    "And how are you supposed to do that?" Mamoru cut in with mischief
evident in his teasing voice. He gave a smirk. Which soon turned into a
smile full of satisfaction. He thought it would be hard for him to do this,
but he felt good doing it, yes, he felt VERY good. Seeing the face of Usagi
burning with anger was a very good prize for him, enough to brighten up his
day. With such a sight to see, what's difficult?
    "WHY YOU!!!" Usagi bellowed. It seemed so surreal, smoke was seeping
from her ears and her face was as red as a tomato. Not realizing how her
counterpart was enjoying every single moment of her fury. Nor how is eyes
feasted on the sight of her furious face.
    "Odango Atama's mad. Oh, what have I done?" Mamoru exclaimed in a fake
scaredy voice. "Oh my gosh, she's gonna punch me! Mommy, help! Let me give
you a tip, Odango: Cool yourself down before you make ME a better person.
It'd make YOU a better person yourself!"
    "ACK! Mamoru, you...are...hopeless! HOPELESS! You'd never find a
girlfriend with that kind of attitude ('I hope you won't! Oh, darn! Stop
it')! You should be kinder..."
    The girls saw the streak of pain that crossed Mamoru's face as Usagi
continued babbling. His barrier of disguise was shattered into pieces. His
eyes flashed with love and care, with a desire for someone that he can
never have. Usagi still continued on with her little lecture--never
recognizing a thing since her eyes were closed.
    Mamoru suddenly spoke, "What is your say about love? Tell me, Usagi...
what would you need to win someone's love?
    Usagi abruptly stopped, his voice was serious. And he called her Usagi,
not "Odango Atama."
    ""Well... um... Its quite... complicated?" she wondered why she had
difficulty in trying to find an answer for that question.
    His face zoomed closer, and in a deep, troubled voice with an anxious
hint, he asked, "What do you think would I need to win your... someone's
love?"
    She looked into his eyes and found an answer, which she quickly
dismissed. But then she found herself drowning into his seas of dark blue.
There was something... STOP!
    "W-Why do you ask?" Usagi asked nervously, suddenly aware of their
captive audience (the girls).
    Mamoru suddenly seemed to snap out of the stupor and seriousness he was
in, then after composing himself quickly, he answered, "I was just asking.
Such a simple question like THAT, you can't even answer, Odango?"
    Usagi, relieved by the sudden change of atmosphere, and somewhat
disappointed, answered, "Ooh, I'll get you next time, Chiba!"
    Then she walked off. Thinking that his question was *not* "very
simple," the reason why she found difficulty in answering it.
    The girls, sort of shocked, followed her with an amazed sphere
enveloped around them.
~~~
    Mamoru stared after the girls' retreating figures and gave an intent
gaze on the girl with two golden odangos on her head. He heaved a sigh.
Trying his best to tease her without showing any expression or feeling was
better than hot seeing her at all. It took all his strength not to act
different whenever he encountered Usagi. He nearly gave himself away--again.
    'But anyway, I enjoyed it,' he thought with a sly grin, thinking about
Usagi's red-hot ('yet beautiful') face.
    "Excuse me, Chiba."
    He turned around and saw Seijuurou with a determined grin on his face.
He had his hands crossed firmly against his chest and his eyes glinted with
some sort of silver light--one that can make someone shudder at the sight
of it.
    Mamoru asked him in a cold tone, "What do you want?"
    Seijuurou gave a small laugh, "Don't pretend you don't know what's
going on, Mamoru. I know how you feel about her. And I'm here to warn you,
don't even think of attempting to sweep her off. She's mine."
    Mamoru gave him a smirk, "And what makes you think so?"
    "Just lay off, leave her alone. You wouldn't want to know the 'or
else.' I'm warning you, Chiba. I can do almost about anything to take care
of you."
    "Ha! And who are you to forbid me to do what I want? Everything is in
her hands. I have every right to go after someone I feel for." 'I know I
sound unreasonable since I know I can't earn her love, but I can't help it!
This man's making me mad!!!'
    "Fine, let us see who catches the fine fish!"
    "..." 'This is hard...'
    "?"
    "You're on."
    And in a flash of light, (which, our hero, by the way, didn't notice)
Seijuurou was gone, leaving Mamoru seething inwardly. 'No way am I going to
leave MY UsaKO with him!'
~~~
Days later...

    "Hey look Mako-chan, ain't I cute in this picture?"
    Makoto smiled at Minako, "Yeah, of course girl! With a snapshot like
this, you won't have trouble finding a boyfriend!"
    Usagi smiled, "Hey Ami-chan, look at this pic we had with Naru-chan!
The three of us look sooo attractive!"
    Ami grinned contentedly under the tree she was in, "May I have a look
at that?"
    Rei smiled, "Sure," she said, handing the new issue of "Psychedelic
Fashion Pics" to Ami.
    Makoto smiled inwardly, thinking of the beautiful day they had at the
park. But then, she was truly happy because her friends were slowly
regaining the past bond of friendship they had cherished from the past. And
better, they had their old friend and princess back.
    "Welcome, Usagi..." she whispered silently to her un-remembering friend.


End of Chapter 2 Memories: Rejection (The Senshi Awakens)
Story by Annabelle (hannah@pred.ml.org)
Next Part: Chapter 3 The Play: The Kiss of Hidden Love
Mamoru's group breaks up and leaves him alone in charge of a play. He needs
a new cast! And guess who joins him? Yes, our ever-cool Senshi. With a BIG
bonus (well, to Mamoru, it is), USAGI!... and Natsumi. Guess the
"masterpiece" will be a "disasterpiece" instead, especially when a cardian
plans to destroy the production...
Note: To all "eligible" (he-he) editors and beta readers... please, I need
you guys!