To Remember the Truth - Chapter 4 The Shooting Game - When One get's Lucky By: Annabelle Rating: PG Notes: Okay, people, here's the "Baka Episode," (you'll notice why, soon) I promised. Wow, two chapters this week! I'm trying to be good. Anyway, this chapter isn't very progressive, somewhat like Chapter three. Well, some things are revealed, and there is emphasis on the progress of the relationship of our lovable two. So, I hope you enjoy. Disclaimer: The said series is not mine, and nor will it ever be. This chapter is just made for pure entertainment and not to profit anyhow. Therefore, I do not claim the rights or ownership to Sailormoon or any other of its characters. It belongs to its respective companies (DiC, Kodansha, Toei, Naoko Takeuchi). In short: Not mine, no sew, no problem. TY's to Big G, and Mar. To Jan, for being a friend. I only wish you would open up and really listen. I didn't fail, I don't regret, I'm happy now. Visit my site: surf.to/storybox/ Story: Mamoru was walking down the path of the park. Having nothing to do, he had decided to take a walk and to check out the new amusement ride that was the hit of conversations that week. He had not seen Usagi during the said time, and was hoping to find her there. He finally arrived at the place and read the huge, colorful lights the center had. "Virtual Shootout," he said. Looking around, he turned to see if Usagi was around, but to his disappointment, his thoughts deemed wrong. 'Well, considering the events last week, I don't think she'd like to be near me somehow,' he thought, a mixture of mischief and amusement filling him. He had been hapless and extremely joyful all week, even his friends started asking him what happened. Motoki even started guessing about what had happened to him, asking him he won the lottery or something else. But all of them were nothing compared to what he really had. Yet, his mood had been destroyed. He hadn't had the chance to see her, even for once this week. Yes, he knew, that the girl avoided him... and that was the main reason why having your loved one stubborn and confused is bad, or rather, 'sucks.' Remembrance, how he wanted to see her again. He found himself clenching his fists and beginning to sweat. At least he had self-control, and was somehow alright. He was actually better last week. But after the kiss... After knowing what heaven was like, no one could expect him to just, 'let go and forget...' "Mamoru-san, are you alright?" He quickly tried to relax and turned toward the source of the voice. He found no one, but he looked down and saw Luna instead. "Hello, Luna," he greeted her. The cat nodded and gave him a motherly grin, "Hello, too, Mamoru- san. I was told that you were... quite exuberant all week," He nodded, grinning. "But why the sad face?" He froze, and the smile left his face "What do you mean?" "Ahem," Luna told him, indignant, "It's quite obvious by your expression... you're depressed about Usagi's avoiding you, aren't you? Or rather, if you count the others, about everything else..." He nodded silently, and a forlorn expression came into his face as he began to drift off, looking far in the distance. She smiled, "Don't worry Mamoru-san. It may seem peculiar, but I HAVE been noticing changes in Usagi all week. Or rather, in her 'dreamy' and sentimental side. In fact, I believe I'm hearing about you more often..." He stopped, distracted from his thoughts, and turned back to her, an unrecognizable, yet still familiar and mischievous look on his face, "What?" he asked. Luna pretended not to hear, "Well... forget about it." He frowned, and then suddenly smiled, "Oh really?" he mocked. He suddenly carried her; aware of the little joke she was playing. He then lifted her to face him, "What do you mean?" he asked slowly, more like a command, rather than a question. There was that amused tone in his voice, and his deep blue eyes sparkled with laughter, "Or else I'll have to tickle the kitty here." Luna's eyes widened, but she didn't seem scared, "Go ahead, Mamoru. All I can say is, I KNOW that YOU know about what's going on with my ward." He stopped as slight realization slowly entered his mind. Maybe she really DID ('Well, maybe a little...?) feel something for him. He then smiled. He began to frown though, as he was unsure and what he supposed didn't have enough proof. Anyway, was what he was thinking what Luna really meant? Luna sighed, exasperated. "MAMORU-BAKA, WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU DOING WITH MY CAT? THAT'S -- KITTY ABUSE!" He immediately smiled, all confusion evaporating, "Hey Odango Atama, hello!" Usagi came nearer, looking as adorable as usual (because she was angry) and was clad in her casual clothes. She gave him a smirk and took Luna away from him, "Don't call me that," she replied automatically, not looking at him and frowning. Luna smiled; she knew WHY Usagi was like that. Mamoru didn't notice, "Where have you been all week, Odango? I hadn't seen anyone tripping around the sidewalk recently." She gave him a smug look, "I was... busy." Luna shook her head, 'Yes, she was 'busy' avoiding you. If only each of you would see through each other...' He cocked an eyebrow, "Oh really, busy doing what? It must be something really hard. You see, the last time I saw you busy was during the play, and you still had time to--" At the realization of the subject he was talking about, both immediately blushed, remembering the kiss. Luna "meowed" resoundingly. "Uh... erm... I better go now. I'm going to the game, bye!" Usagi said quickly, turning to leave. "Good idea, Odango. I was on my way there too, you know. Maybe we can ho together," he suggested, trying to break the uneasy atmosphere. Usagi turned back, looking uncertain. Uh, oh, he quickly added "Or are you just trying to get away from my great witticism and banters? My, Odango, I didn't know you gave up that EASILY." Stubborn Usagi, "No way! I may be a klutz, but I NEVER give up on fights, or anything else. Teases, jokes, or none of them, I?ll show you. And you'll see, you conceited and insensitive..." "In that case, Odango, let's go," he asked motioning towards the game center. "Humph, my pleasure!" she responded angrily, her tone irritated. Her mind was thinking though, 'Well...' it seemed that Mamoru had outsmarted her with something again. And she began to walk ahead of him, humphing and wondering about what he did in annoyance. And then she smiled. Luna CAUGHT that one. She let Luna down and began to talk to the cat, "Now you go home, okay? You don't want kids picking on you again, do you? Now go - go and leave us alone... bye!" Luna rolled her eyes but shuddered at the remembrance of her first meeting with her ward. She quickly crouched and went away, but not before giving Mamoru an encouraging look. Their situation was interesting. Because they both seemed absolutely hopeless. ~~~ "Can't they hurry up?" Usagi wailed as they proceeded down the aisle. "I'm getting REALLY bored..." "Hold your horses, Odango," Mamoru replied, smiling. "We're getting near." She nodded and looked away, suddenly uncomfortable. He sighed to himself as he saw her, "Besides, are you good at shooting?" She immediately blushed, and he smiled. Then she saw the look in his eye, and her hands slowly turned into fists, "Mamoru-Baka, don't you dare start teasing me now or else..." "Mamoru-san, how nice to see you here too!" They both froze. Mamoru groaned inwardly. "W-why Natsumi," Usagi stammered, "are you here for the game, too?" Natsumi swayed to them, in a dress that made Usagi's skirt seem fit for an Eskimo in Alaska. She rolled her eyes and spoke sarcastically, "Why else would I be here, you baka!" Mamoru quickly held Usagi's hand and squeezed it. Usagi immediately forgot Natsumi's lashing words and blushed. Natsumi took notice of this and spoke. "So, Snow White and her prince are finally together?" she asked sweetly, her voice almost dripping with sarcasm. "IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK!" Usagi screeched in frustration, and Natsumi saw a flash of pain and hurt momentarily appear in Mamoru?s eyes. And she knew what that meant. That had to be handled *immediately. * "Shh, Odango, you don't want the rest of the world to hear you, do you?" he asked as Usagi turned away, trying to cool down. He spoke to Natsumi, "Are you here alone? I advise you to look someplace else because they group us in couples." Natsumi frowned; Mamoru didn't even give a glance toward her attire. But then she flipped her hair smoothly and said, "Seijuurou can manage alone." "He's here, TOO?" Usagi and Mamoru asked at the same time, and Mamoru felt himself unconsciously clutch Usagi nearer to him. Natsumi answered, "Well, yeah, of course. He's my brother, you know." Mamoru nodded, 'Your very close brother,' he thought, bristling. He immediately took Usagi's hand once more and began to walk her, "Well, I guess we'll just be meeting you. Good bye." "What do you mean?" They both turned and saw Natsumi glaring at them, "Where do you two think you're going?" she asked hotly. Usagi sunk slowly behind Mamoru. "Huh?" he asked. She suddenly gave them a smile that seemed wicked from Usagi's point of view. "I'm going with you." ~~~ ?Well, kitty. This seems interesting,? Artemis said from a tree outside. Luna only nodded in remorse, a sweatdrop forming behind her head. ~~~ "Er, look Natsumi... I know you'd really like to enjoy the game. But it just won't work when the three of us would go together." Natsumi just smiled, "Of course, not, Mamoru-san. Things would be just fine, I'm pretty sure of it," she said, glancing at Usagi, "very sure." Usagi shuddered and clutched Mamoru's arm. Again, she realized their position and blushed as she immediately let go, only to see Mamoru red himself. "So sorry, thought it was... a pole," Usagi said quickly. A sweatdrop appeared behind Mamoru's head, and he remained red. It was the third time that happened... could it be? And then he found them in the same situation they were in during the play. Both became several shades darker as series of images began to flash in their minds. "Really? That's all right..." he said slowly, and once again, all his resolutions vanished. ?Really?? Usagi asked slowly. He felt dizzy with the delightful tension and couldn?t respond well. Usagi then suddenly twitched and returned back to reality. ?Oh! I mean? er, I? um,? she stuttered uncomfortably, clumsily moving away. She then turned around and began to remain silent - as if pretending he wasn?t there. He stood there, frozen as she moved away. ?Mamoru-no-baka!? he told himself, ?Darn it, I better get a hold of my feelings.? He added when Usagi left him and went inside. ~~~ ?The game had begun,? Artemis again commented as he stared at them. Luna just sighed, ?Yes, Artemis. Prepare for total mayhem.? ~~~ "How in this world or the next are we supposed to fit in there?" The instructor sighed as he heard Natsumi's words, "How ARE you supposed to fit when there's THREE of you?" Natsumi flipped her hair over her shoulder and said in a frustrated tone, "Fine, we keep Usagi out." "NO!" Mamoru and Usagi said at the same time. The first part of the game was riding in a semi-car like vehicle. >From there, they would play the game, up to a point somewhere where they'd have to walk. The structure seemed like a roller coaster ride. Unfortunately, the car was only fit for two. "We'll fit in, we'll just have to improvise," Mamoru said. Mamoru then sat down in the middle as he tried to think of ways to get the three of them fit. Natsumi was as stubborn as a mule, and he knew he couldn?t just leave her. He just knew what she could do. So he began to think (he already had ideas, but he doubted Natsumi, and especially USAGI wouldn?t approve - of course she would have if she had her memories - not that he was complaining). He suddenly felt sweat gather in his brows. Why did he have to have many (uh) admirers? And why was the only one... ?Sir, there are others waiting to be seated in their rides. And I suggest that you think - if you really are - quickly,? the instructor told him sardonically while tapping his foot. He felt like he could strangle the man. The man spoke cynically, ?Why don?t you just let one of *your ladies* sit on your lap, while the other one sits beside you?? No, please no... ?Might as well!? an enthusiastic voice replied jubilantly. Urk. And there was Natsumi, sitting on him triumphantly, and an irritated Usagi left standing outside. Why did Life seem so cruel to him today? He grew red as he watched the angry blonde stomp by and sit beside him, trying to put the farthest distance between them (if that was possible). Natsumi then began to snuggle closer. Yes, this was DEFINITELY not his day. ~~~ ?See, I told you,? Luna remarked knowingly to Artemis, ?as long as those two are together, something comes up.? Artemis nodded as he saw the other scouts joining the line. He gulped, ?Luna, I can?t agree with you more.? ~~~ ?So, Mamoru, how am I doing?? Natsumi asked, her lashes fluttering slowly as she lifted the computer gun she held. ?Huh?? Mamoru asked slowly, he snapped out of his reverie ?Oh, yes, good. Very good,? he told her as he watched her blast another hologram monster. He heard someone gag in disgust and turned. He saw Usagi blasting her gun violently into different directions, not managing to bring a scratch on any of the said targets. ?Uhn,? one angry sound from her. ?Amateur,? Natsumi taunted as she turned her victorious eyes to her. He began to feel very warm. Apparently, the heat came from the steam practically seeping out of his rabbit?s head. He groaned derisively. ?Oh well, that?s how life is. Some have it, while some just don?t,? she added. And he felt his own cherished life ebb away, ?Headlines: Watch Out Everyone, an Explosion is On Your Way!? He closed his eyes as he waited for Usagi to respond. Huh? Usagi seemed to force a smile, despite the red hue that had spread on her cheeks because of suppressed anger. She began to speak in an aggressive, irritated, and even voice. ?Look,? she said, slamming her gun forward, ?Natsumi,? she followed, ?If you want me,? she paused angrily, loosing control as she blasted in a questionable direction, and then she added ?to leave, just say so. WOULD YOU?? she screeched, recklessly continuing her shooting. She managed to kill some holograms with her heedless style, ?I would... (blast) rather much prefer (blast) THAT,? she said evenly. ?Rather than INSULTING me (blast), you know.? She frowned, seething, ?So, if you want me to... (grunt) leave you two alone...? she growled, ?THEN I WILL!? a group of holographic monsters died in the distance. ?Now wait a minute!? he suddenly cut in, ?don?t you dare do that, Odango. You don?t need to-? Natsumi grinned, ?Well if you say so...? ?I ALREADY DID!? ?Oh, of course,? Natsumi uttered a sarcastic reply. ?Will you two just listen!? Mamoru's angry voice quipped in frustration. No one was going to ruin THIS day. They both stared at him, while at the same time glaring at each other. He sighed angrily, ?NO ONE leaves, understand? Natsumi, if you want to do something you had earlier intended, leave it for later and keep your mouth close for the moment. Odango, don?t get worked up over nothing, keep that temper of yours down. I?ll teach you how to shoot if you want to. Clear?? When the phrase ?big explosion? was used, he hadn?t meant the girls, he meant himself. They both nodded, Usagi turned away while Natsumi started shooting and seemed to be planning something. Mamoru didn?t see much, as he was beginning to cool down, himself. A few moments later, he took a deep breath and smiled, ?Now look, Odango, if you want to shoot,? he said, holding his own gun, ?Don?t close one eye like you keep doing.? ?Keep both eyes open for better vision, okay?? he asked her. She hopefully turned to him and slowly smiled, nodding, she said, ?Okay,? while imitating him. He grinned impishly, beginning to relax as what he had planned fell into place, ?Your arms are wrong,? he commented. ?Holding it that way would make you hit the wrong direction.? ?Now here,? he said coyly as he took her arms and showed her how to hold the metal pistol, ?is the correct way, why don?t you try it?? She was blushing, ?Uh, sure...? she then tried to shoot when suddenly... ?Oh look, such a big villain over there -- better get rid of him!? Natsumi screeched as she non-so-accidentally pushed Usagi away to kill the ?big? monster. Unfortunately, she didn?t know how strong her own arms were, as Usagi seemed to almost topple over the edge of the car. ?AII! WHAT IS--? she exclaimed in fear as she tried to regain her balance. ?USAGI!? Mamoru screamed as he tried to reach out for her. He had managed to grab a hold of one of her flailing hands just before she lost her balance. But still, the situation remained unstable, as she wasn?t safely seated yet. It was because of the space that Natsumi had recently occupied. And she stood; trying to fix her wobbly posture for she knew that one wrong move would make her fall Usagi gasped and tried to calm he nervous heart as she tried to seat herself ?Oh... this was awful!? she shrieked to herself as she tried to sooth her nerves. ?What the HECK is that?? he asked quite angrily as he desperately tried to hold Usagi as Natsumi -who seemed oblivious to what was happening- proceeded to hit another beast. Why was this happening? And why was Natsumi DOING this? She wasn?t helping them! ?This is all idiocy -no- lunacy. Why is this EVEN happening?? he asked himself as he held on to her slim wrist. This had to be stopped FAST. ?MAMORUU!? Usagi wailed as she stared at the following roller carts drifting far beneath their own car, ?This can?t be happening...? she said frantically as she shook her head. His eyes widened, as the mini-car turned swiftly around a curve, nearly swiveling Usagi off, ?Hold on, Odango! NATSUMI!? ?Huh? Oh!? Natsumi said, in a not so innocent manner. She turned around and accidentally swapped Usagi?s back. ?WHA?! EEK!? He stood frozen as Usagi fell over the edge. ?AIII!? Wait - she FELL? ?WHAT- USAGI! WAIT!? Mamoru gasped as he went to see Usagi, who, thankfully, held on safely to the rail. ?This REALLY can?t be happening. No, this is CRAZY.? He groaned; he should have known THIS would happen here. He prepared to jump off as well and then turn into Tuxedo Kamen... ?Oh my gosh!? ?A girl?? ?She?s going to fall!? ?Quick, ask for help-? ?WAAH!? Many people stood frozen as they saw her. And he started to jump when he heard them say, ?Oh thank goodness!? He looked beneath him and saw that another passenger had caught her by her arm before she came to any danger. May all compliments be given to the one who invented roller coaster styled rides. Both of them heaved relieved sighs as Mamoru turned to see who caught her. On second thought, may all gruesome luck fall on the certain inventor who made the said roller coaster rides. ?Usagi??? a smooth, deep voice asked. He heard Natsumi shriek. ?No, not him,? he muttered incredulously. ?THAT BAKA!? Natsumi said to no one in particular. ~~~ ?What were you doing, you could have had an accident!? Usagi shut her eyes as the voice reprimanded her. She held them like that tightly, and was shaking with suppressed fear. She gulped as the man pulled her up. ?That was very dangerous. You?re lucky I caught you! Weren?t you wearing your seatbelt?? he voiced as he turned her shaking body in. ?The game personnel would have to interview you later, and make amends for allowing such things,? the handsome voice continued. ?And lastly, that was unbelievable! WHAT were you doing there? And how did you get here?? Usagi couldn?t answer. ?Don?t worry, I understand. You can join me for the moment,? he assured. Usagi smiled and looked to see whom the friendly owner of the voice was. Despite the fact that she was terribly shocked and frightened, she wanted to thank him for what he had done. Mustering her remaining pride, she gazed up -- ?SEIJUUROU?? Usagi asked incredibly. ?Yes?? he asked at the same time. They both laughed. ?It was you...? she said, her eyes wide. He laughed softly, his deep green eyes flashing handsomely, ?Whom else? How are you?? She remembered seeing the ground while nearly falling and immediately froze, ?No, I can?t believe that just happened,? she thought wondrously. And in her stress, she didn?t notice as he slowly lay her head on his chest with his hands. ?Look, don?t worry, you?re safe now,? he soothed her. She slowly made a small smile, ?Yeah, thank you very, very much. I don?t know what would have happened if it weren?t for you,? she told him gratefully. ?Yeah girl, but you dang need an explanation for being with him in THAT way!? a voice interrupted. Usagi turned and saw Makoto and Minako, staring at her and glaring daggers at Seijuurou. That was when she noticed that she was also sitting ON his lap. ?Oh, er, I?m sorry,? she sweated, scrambling off him. ?Usagi-? he quickly said. ?Young lady, may I ask what you are doing?? She froze, realizing to WHOM that voice belonged. She then shuddered. ?Dad?? she managed to squeak out. And there he was, Mr. Tsukino, riding the cart before them. He was likewise staring at them while glaring at the same time. ?Look Papa, he must be Usagi?s boyfriend,? Shingo, her little brother, remarked sarcastically. She looked up and saw Mamoru glaring at Seijuurou, and Natsumi? well, you can?t just call THAT a glare. ?WHAT?? there were Rei and Ami, in another cart, staring at them with surprised expressions. ?Look, that was the girl who nearly fell!? All the previous fear left her as she faced them all. ?Would you care to enlighten me by telling me why these people seem to hate me despite how I saved your life?? Seijuurou asked her. She wanted to hide under her bed forever. ~~~ ?Man, Luna, when you say ?mayhem,? you mean it,? Artemis chided, his head shaking wondrously. Luna nodded, ?Poor people, such a big... tragedy.? ~~~ Usagi gulped as she sank lower in her seat, her father had just told her that, he ?trusted? her in a manner that DEFINITELY didn?t seem trusting. ?Don?t worry, Usagi. I?m here, and I don?t mind (not at ALL) what happened,? Seijuurou told her, smiling as he showed her his hand. She smiled thankfully and looked upward, desperately looking for a mini-car with a handsome black-haired man in it. She knew he was angry - though she didn?t know WHY - and she wanted to see him to check out how he was. Unfortunately, his car was nowhere in sight. She sighed. ?Is anything wrong? Are you scared?? Seijuurou asked her, interrupting her trail of thoughts. ?Um, not really, but thanks, anyway,? she responded while glancing at Makoto behind them, who seemed to be watching their every move. Seijuurou blasted without much of an effort as Usagi smiled, impressed, ?Aye, don?t worry. I?m here to protect you, princess,? he said encouragingly, a teasing smile on his lips. Despite how flattering his words were, they seemed nothing compared to the way a certain Baka called her ?Odango Atama,? she unconsciously thought. She gasped at this, thus looking away in depression and guilt. The cart suddenly stopped, and she realized that they had reached the center of the game. ?Let?s go,? she said, stepping out as Seijuurou lent his assisting hand. He was so sweet! If only he was... uhn, stop it Usagi. You know it! ?Finally, we were waiting for you two.? Usagi and Seijuurou stopped and saw Natsumi and Mamoru leaning on a wall a few meters away from them. And neither of them looked too happy. ?Enjoyed your trip?? Mamoru asked, still looking away as he indirectly asked Usagi. She then thought that he reminded her of the way he was during the play... it hurt her (or rather, him). ?Of course we did, what did you expect?? Seijuurou sneered back. ?How dare you!? Natsumi?s eyes told him, so Seijuurou kept quiet. ?Oh, well... that?s cool. So why don?t we continue?? Usagi attempted, trying to change the flow of the conversation. ?Yes, why don?t we?? Mamoru agreed as he began to walk off. Usagi followed him, ?Hey, wait!? She caught up with him and held his arm, despite the fact that she knew what her words would mean, she asked, ?Are you mad at me?? He looked away and sighed. It wasn?t her fault, he knew, ?No, not at all Odango. I was just upset over something. Let?s forget about it, alright?? She smiled, ?Sure, now watch me as I try to...? ?Beat me?? he asked, smiling his troubles away. She looked at him with those annoyingly cute eyes of hers, ?Uh, huh.? She said in a dangerous way. They both ran off in the distance. ~~~ In a hidden and secure place, two aliens stood, slightly levitating from the ground. The male alien was gently playing a soft melody with his exceptional flute, and the female one slowly drew a card... ~~~ ?Argh!? Usagi exclaimed in an exasperated tone. She barely managed to hit a monster with the technique Mamoru had taught her. Mamoru just laughed. She turned to him, flinging her gun in the air, ?This ?method? of yours won?t work!? she yelled. ?Hah, Odango. Nothing was wrong with what I taught you. It was you, you forgot to keep your arms straight,? he replied mockingly. Usagi blushed. ?Anyway, I?m still six monsters ahead of you. You better catch up,? he added winking. She gave a disgruntled sound and shot a monster with his advice easily, ?Five.? He fired two of them easily, ?Seven.? She answered with two difficult blasts, "Six, five." He gave a grin and used his gun, "Eight." Usagi gave a threat, ?Remember to watch your back, Mamoru-Baka.? He smiled ironically as he replied, ?I always remember, Odango.? Usagi stopped from her shooting at his words... they sounded much deeper than they seemed. ?What do you mean? What do you always remember?? He looked at her straight in the eye, the smug grin never leaving his face, ?The truth, Odango Atama, the truth.? She gasped, speechless. ?I-? ?Anyway, Odango,? he cut in. And Usagi felt him quickly changing the subject, as if it was such a delicate matter. There he was again, changing his colors. ?What?s up with the ?Mamoru-Baka? nickname anyway?? he asked as a smile escaped him. Usagi decided to let the issue go and easily complied with a, ?Why not? It?s because you always tease me and everything. You call ?Odango Atama.? And you confuse me a lot-? Mamoru froze, ?Confuse?? He watched as she babbled around, talking while striding in circles. She didn?t seem to notice his surprised eyes. Good. He confused her. It was finally proven. He always did, all because of his carelessness. But, Pain, he?d never give that carelessness up, even if the world asked for it. For it was one of the things that kept him sane. All led to a certain point. When she said ?confuse me a lot,? did it involve her feelings as well? ?-So what do you want me to call you after all of those, ?Mamoru- chan??? He gasped. She noticed, and began to look worried, ?Hey, are you alright?? ?Mamoru-chan,? so near... very near. Yet, it seemed... ?Oh, nothing Odango,? he assured her, ?I?m fine.? She looked at him worriedly, scanning his face for signs, ?Okay, sure. Well, anyway, let?s go -- *Mamoru-chan, *? she emphasized, laughing as she ran to the next level. He sighed as his eyes followed her, ?You can call me ?Mamo- chan.? Can I call you ?Usako??? he whispered sadly as he proceeded to come next. ~~~ ?How sad...? Luna said to herself as she stared at them. Artemis suddenly nudged her, looking worried, ?Luna.? She gave him a questioning gaze, ?Yes, why?? ?There?s *another thing* down there.? ~~~ ?No,? Mamoru thought as he felt a wave of dark energy pass him. ?Not again.? He surmised the situation and where the cardian was. He then turned to Usagi, who was busy praising herself, as Mamoru was only one monster ahead of her. He put a hand on her shoulder. ?Look, Usagi, you better go now.? She looked dumbfounded, ?What?? ?Usagi, there?s another one.? Panic filled her eyes as she suddenly asked in a scared voice, ?A monster... a real one?? He nodded gravely as his eyes told her that he was willing to repeat what he did to her last time if ever she was to disobey him. She decided to do so immediately, for on her part, she was scared herself. She also nodded and tried to go to safety. But she stopped, and was rooted to the spot. And that was when he noticed that the cardian was there with them in the room. ?Don?t touch her,? he snarled as he went before Usagi. The cardian just laughed and sent a massive amount of energy discs at them. The both of them barely dodged past the blasts and landed down in an unstable way. ?Usagi, run!? he told her urgently. She took his advice and ran to the next level. As for him, he ran quickly back to the other level and transformed hidden while the cardian followed him. He then came out as Tuxedo Mask. ?This place was made to produce enjoyment and to cease the stress of others. Nothing should destroy such a game and remove all the relish these people had. I am Tuxedo Mask, and I will hereby punish you.? ?And we are the Sailor Scouts. In the name of our planets and of the forgotten moon, we will destroy you.? The cardian gave them a sinister hiss and started to blast them with the same attack he had used earlier. And they, being senshi, easily jumped out of the way. ?Fire Soul Bird!? Sailor Mars yelled out, summoning a fire phoenix and sending it to the monster. ?Jupiter Thunder Dragon!? The combined attacks contrived a large explosion. And when the smoke cleared, they checked for the cardian?s ashes. Only, there was no cardian. ?Huh?? Sailor Venus asked. A growling noise was heard far off. Oh, no you won?t. They all started into a run as they sped off in the direction of the voice. ~~~ Tuxedo Mask sighed in apprehension as he studied the path to his right. The group had split up into small groups while trying to look for the cardian. They were all nearby, but still, there was no sign of it. He felt it?s presence, but that was a very big place, if only he could pinpoint its exact location... it was probably reaching the people now, if they were unfortunate. Suddenly, he felt the cardian?s presence strengthen itself in his senses - it was near! He ran off to his left and quickly scanned the room for the beast. And indeed, he saw it. The monster?s side was facing him, and it seemed to have cornered a person. Tuxedo Mask edged nearer to see who the person was. If ever he knew the, he would have an idea what he or she would be like. Was the person a she or a he? Is the person the panicky type? He had to know, and from there, he would base the simplest plan to kill the cardian, as well as save the person. He squinted his eyes - a boy! He quietly moved nearer to see if he knew the person. He had brown hair, awfully familiar brown eyes as well. If only he could place where he remembered that boy... Oh, no... No time to think! He slowly raised his sword as the monster lifted its gleaming tentacles to hit the boy. Tuxedo Mask then ran. He needed to get there real fast - forget the plans. ?SHINGO, NO!? He froze, ?Not her.? He watched, horrified as Usagi appeared out of nowhere. She shielded her brother?s body with her own and squeezed her eyes shut, as if waiting for the pain. The words ?No, Usako,? flew unbidden from his mouth. And Usagi?s eyes quickly opened from recognition. The cardian stopped, confused. And he then took it as an opportunity to hit the cardian. He charged in its direction and delivered a kick on its body. He didn?t use the sword for he may harm Usagi and Shingo, as well. He crouched neatly and faced the cardian, preparing to finish the vile creature off. Only to realize that it had an ?arm? wrapped firmly around his foot. ?Argh!? he voiced as the cardian raised him high in the air and started taking his strength. He looked to his side and saw Sailor Mars in another branch. ?You too?? she asked incredulously as she tried to free herself from the deathly grip. He nodded as he looked at the remaining senshi on the ground, looking worried. Then, again, a crescent blade cleaved its way past the tentacle and freed him from the cardian?s grasp. There stood the Moonlight Lady, albeit in her white attire. She gave him an encouraging nod as she released another crescent scalpel at the branch holding Sailor Mars. She leapt down and went to help them. Tuxedo Mask freed himself of the remaining arm and went to finish the cardian off. As he cut his sword past the monster, a thought occurred to him. With the monster dead, he turned around. And he saw the Moonlight Lady standing near Usagi, and they were staring at each other. ?I know you...? Usagi whispered as she held a whimpering Shingo tighter. The Lady only smiled, ?Yes, I do, too.? He only stared as the two of them spoke to each other. They were identical mirrors of both selves, and they knew each other. Which only concludes that Usagi and the Moonlight Lady weren?t one. Yet what was their relationship with each other? They seemed to know much more than they thought. ?You are very brave,? the other told her, ?I marvel you. Never change,? she bowed regally before Usagi, which seemed to confuse her more. Then she faced the scouts, ?Good job. I hope you people know that. I?m quite sure you won?t be needing my help soon enough,? she remarked. Then she leapt off once more and quickly appeared near an opening on the roof. She gave her last words. ?Usagi, I won?t break my promise to you, remember that.? Usagi gasped. She saw the senshi, all of them giving her asking looks. Especially Tuxedo Mask. But how could she answer them, when she herself didn?t have the answer? All she knew was that the Lady was right. And that she should trust her. Whatever the person promised her, it would be fulfilled. She gently lifted Shingo to his feet and led him away. ~~~ ?Well THAT was interesting!? Mamoru had to smile at Usagi?s comment as he thought of the day?s events, slip-ups and 'controversies.' He laughed as she skipped ahead of him, ?I know.? ?Well then, Mamoru-chan,? she said breathlessly as she stopped skipping, and he just had to smile more ?Did you have fun?? ?Yes, quite a lot, actually,? he replied while catching up with her. ?Good!? she exclaimed, laughing as she pulled him with her. ?How sweet, just like the lovers they were,? Luna remarked aimlessly. ?Are, Luna. Are,? Artemis added as he followed her. ?They just don?t realize it, do they?? Luna smiled, ?You?re right, *Arty,*? she laughed at his smug look, ?But anyway, I think it won?t take long before they DO realize it. Namely her,? she concluded. ?I know.? ?Yes, but I still won!? she urged stubbornly. ?No, Odango - it was a tie, remember? I managed to kill another one before the game ended,? he argued gently, grinning impishly. ?Well, so I?m a girl. And women go first, right? So I win. Besides, I just learned how to shoot.? He gave a thoughtful look, ?I don?t seem to remember that phrase ?ladies first? applying to contests and winning.? She slapped him on his shoulder, ?You?re de- (um?) despicable, *Mamoru-Baka.* You won?t even consider my... situation!? They were walking down the street to Usagi?s house, and it was utter enjoyment for the both of them. Usagi was actually glad she agreed to have him walk her home. ?Well, okay. You just got lucky today,? he finally gave in. ?Oh that?s just COOL! Wait till I tell Shingo!? she squealed, unconsciously giving him a tight hug. He grew red as placed his arms around her. He looked up for thanks, and got lost in her presence, her... innocence. It was a simple fact, he loved her, and he loved her very much. And maybe she did, too. He felt Usagi grow uncomfortable and released his hold on her as she hastily drew away, ?Sorry,? she said, coughing nervously. ?No need to apologize, Usagi,? he said sadly. She laughed, ?Yeah right!? she punched him on his arm. And then he held her hand. She blushed and looked down, but when she faced him, she saw him gazing at her with such intensity. And she couldn?t pull her eyes away... Then he was lowering his face down to hers. Closer, only a little more closer... ?Usagi!? They jumped away from each other and Usagi was quite unsure, but she thought she heard Mamoru sigh. She saw Shingo coming down a block away from them. ?Uh, goodbye,? Mamoru said, a blank expression on his face. ?Oh, yes, goodbye, too. See you tomorrow,? she replied. He smiled, and she did too as she watched him stroll away. She turned back to Shingo, who just neared her. ?Who was that?? he asked her as he brought Luna up to show that he had found her in the park. ?A friend,? she mused, smiling as they went inside. ~~~ Mamoru stared at her from a distance and laughed, ?Mamoru, you ARE such a baka...? End of Chapter Four. Author's Additionals: That's all for Chapter four. I hope you like it. Not much happening, though. 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