Chibi-Usa tossed and turned restlessly, the moonlight falling on her troubled face. Pegasus flew towards her, his liquid eyes sad and lustrous. ‘Time is of the essence, Chibi-Usa-chan. You must hurry. We have very little time left.’ Then he flew into the sky, becoming nothing more than a pinpoint of light.
‘No, Pegasus! Don’t go!’ Chibi-Usa cried. ‘I have a billion things to ask you, Pegasus…Pegasus!’
She sat up, and touched the salty tears upon her cheeks. “Pegasus,” she whispered.
~*~
Rain fell in a steady downpour. It was a chill rain, and Usagi shivered as she walked along the street. Another test was over, and she was glad of it. Her mother had invited her over for the afternoon, and she heaved a sigh of relief as she reached the front gate. The aroma of lemons greeted her as she stepped inside. “It’s me!” she called, as she kicked her shoes off and put her pink umbrella with the white rabbits on it -- with its white rabbit’s head for a handle -- into the umbrella stand.
“Mom’s been baking! I can smell lemon pie. Let me at it!” She ran eagerly into the kitchen, where Chibi-Usa sat munching away. There was half a lemon pie on the table, and Usagi’s eyes all but popped out of her head. “Is that for me?”
“No… This is.” Tsukino Ikuko presented her daughter with a freshly baked lemon pie, still hot from the oven. “I hear you got a good score on your test.”
“Stop it,” Usagi said, blushing as she sat down at the table.
Her mother set the pie before her daughter and cut it into four pieces. “There you go,” she said, smiling.
“Thanks, Mom,” Usagi grinned, and began munching happily.
“I did okay two,” Chibi-Usa said excitedly, proudly producing her test results. “I got a perfect 100.”
“I can’t argue with that,” Usagi said, grinning at her daughter. “Ninety eight is good enough for me.”
“That’s why I baked a pie for each of you,” Ikuko told her niece and daughter. “I’m very proud of the both of you, especially you, Usagi.” Usagi blushed once again.
Chibi-Usa watched them, feeling a sudden fierce longing for her own mother, far away in another place and time and sighed. “What’s wrong?” Usagi asked her, concerned at the wistful expression on Chibi-Usa’s face.
“I just miss everyone back home,” she said softly, careful not to say anything that would arouse Ikuko’s suspicions. In any case, she was too busy cleaning up after her baking.
“Hey mom, is it okay if I bring the girls and Mamo-chan over here for tea?”
“Why not…” Ikuko said, turning back to her daughter with a smile. “Your father won’t be there, though. He has a special business meeting tonight.”
Kenji was still somewhat opposed to Usagi’s relationship with Mamoru, even after countless assurances on the latter’s part that he was adequately suited to look after his daughter. Usagi’s moving out had not mended matters any. Kenji’s opposition to the relationship had intensified. He had tried to get her out of Juuban after learning Mamoru was studying there, but Ikuko had smoothed matters over, at least as far as Usagi’s choice of college was concerned. But Usagi’s relationship with Mamoru, in this, Kenji was adamant, believing her too young to commit herself to a serious relationship, especially with somebody like Chiba Mamoru.
Ikuko had shown more tolerance than had her husband, simply because her daughter had confessed the precise nature of her relationship with Mamoru to her in a heart-to-heart mother and daughter talk. Ikuko’s reaction had been more sympathetic than Usagi had expected. Ikuko confessed she’d suspected something of that nature between them, and was more than willing to act as buffer between Kenji and his daughter. He suspected a deeper commitment between Usagi and Mamoru. Neither his wife nor daughter planned to enlighten him, lest he try to force Usagi and Mamoru apart. The very thought of his 18-year-old daughter engaging in what he called ‘disgusting behavior’, was enough to make him see red whenever Mamoru’s name came up. Usagi was strongly tempted on more than one occasion to tell her father she was an adult, and perfectly capable of making her own decisions about how to live her life. Ikuko supported her daughter on this point, knowing how much she loved Mamoru and how deeply she desired to prove her love in the most meaningful way possible. Naturally of course, she knew there was more to the relationship than that and Ikuko was pleased her daughter had her priorities right regarding her relationship with Mamoru.
Ikuko informed Usagi of her father’s business engagement to put her daughter’s mind at ease about bringing the girls and Mamoru around to the house that evening.
“He’s been awfully busy lately,” Chibi-Usa said, playing with a strand of her hair.
“He has a new contract,” Ikuko replied, putting some cutlery away in a draw. “It takes a lot of work and dedication to get to where you want to be in life.”
“It sure does,” Usagi agreed, thinking of her upcoming entrance exams at the start of January. “I think this rain’s finally decided to ease off. Should I go buy the lemons?”
“I’ll go,” Ikuko told her daughter. “I need to go to the store anyway. You want to come, Chibi-Usa-chan.”
“’Kay,” she replied, jumping to her feet and followed her aunt out of the kitchen. “Don’t you forget to lock up when you go,” Ikuko told her daughter.
“I won’t,” Usagi promised.
Shortly after Ikuko and Chibi-Usa had gone, the doorbell rang, and Usagi answered it.
It was Miranda. “Hi,” she said cheerfully, as she stepped inside. “Whatcha doing?”
“Chewing down on some lemon pie,” Usagi told her, as her daughter closed the door and put her black umbrella in the stand. “Wanna help me finish it off?”
“I thought you’d never ask,” Miranda said, following her mother into the kitchen. “I am starving.”
Usagi giggled as they sat down. “You’ve inherited my stomach,” she said, with a cheesy grin.
“It seems so,” she laughed and winked at her giggling mother.
“How’s the arm?” Usagi asked her.
“Better,” Miranda replied, as she took a slice of pie. “The scratches have healed, but they have this funny way of aching every now and then, especially in wet weather, which means that I’ve been in a bit of pain today, as you can imagine.”
Usagi was concerned. “That doesn’t sound good,” she said, frowning.
Miranda shook her head. “I don’t think it’s as bad as it sounds,” she assured her mother. “I think its Kantaro wanting to have some kind of claim on me, or something like that.”
Usagi was relieved. “All the same, I still don’t get why he swiped you one,” she said, looking at Miranda quizzically.
“He said it was an act of bonding,” Miranda told Usagi, who closed her eyes and thought about that for a moment and nodded. “I don’t exactly know what he meant by that, but I’m sure he has a good reason for doing what he did.”
“I guess so,” Usagi said, with a sigh.
“Don’t be so glum,” Miranda, told her. “I’m sure Kantaro means well.”
Usagi smiled at her daughter. “I never doubted it,” she replied squeezing her daughter’s hand.
Suddenly, the insistent beeping of Usagi’s communicator interrupted the moment of warmth between mother and daughter. “What is it?” she rapped.
“Come down to the park!” Chibi-Usa cried. “Mama Ikuko’s in trouble!”
“Let’s move!” Miranda was already running for the door, and Usagi followed her, not forgetting to lock up.
~*~
Chibi-Usa crouched low behind a bush, wide-eyed with terror. A man with long blue-black hair, dressed in a dark grey suit and crisp white shirt, had Ikuko cornered. The lemons lay scattered on the ground. “What do you want?” Ikuko cried.
“Just a little peek inside your dream mirror,” the man replied, with a strange look in his eyes. He snapped his fingers, and a gray aura enveloped him. Moments later, he stood in the familiar uniform of a dream raider -- the cloud-grey silk cloak and uniform with grey knee-high boots. “I am Akinari, the Grey Shadow, at your service,” he said, offering a mocking bow. “I desire a look at your beautiful dreams, fair lady.”
“Stay away from me!” Ikuko cried, backing away. But the Grey Shadow snapped his fingers, and Ikuko found herself trapped upon an opaque shield. Once again, a dream mirror materialized and hovered before his victim, and then expanded into a gateway into her dream realm. Akinari stood before it, marveling at the intricate carvings set into the golden sandstone arch. Without warning, he plunged one hand through the thin vale of energy separating the terrestrial world from the land of dreams and stepped through. The pain exploded within her being and she sobbed with the agony of her soul as it ruptured -- Ikuko passed out.
He scanned the terrain for Pegasus, but couldn’t find any trace, and cursing himself, prepared to plunge deeper as he sensed he might yet find his prey, but found himself pulled back with a jerk through the arch and fell in a crumpled heap on the ground. He jumped to his feet and shook his fists at the darkness.
“Curse you! I will have you thrown into a pit of ice daemons…no one, and I mean, no-one does that to me and gets away with it… face me!“ Akinari screamed in rage raising his staff before him. But without warning, a disc of golden light flew out of the shadows of the nearby trees and struck him in the side. He staggered and looked around, holding himself upright with his power staff. “Who’s there… what kind of adversaries are you?” he demanded angrily.
“Your worst nightmare!” three voices declared as shadowy silhouettes leapt out of the darkness, surrounding the Grey Shadow. “I am Sailor Moon!” She stepped into the moonlight. “The champion of love and justice!”
“Sailor Chibi-Moon!” The tiny warrior announced and stepped forward. “The protector of dreamers!”
“Sailor Dark Moon!” Darkness of a purer and luminescent sort than that of the Grey Shadow swirled around her body as she emerged from the foliage. “The guardian of night and protector of the innocent!” The Senshi concluded their banner cries and made ready for battle.
“But this time you have met your match.” He raised his staff and a dull light burst forth, and a spine-chilling howl preceded the huge storm-grey wolf that leapt through the night air. Its long fangs shone in the surreal light of the moon. Its eyes burned coal-red and filled with menacing hate. It was twice the size of the other youma; its bristling fur was razor sharp. Evil emanated from this creature like an ominous exploding thunderhead. Akinari smiled as the youma padded to his side. “My friend here is quite a frisky beast, it is feeding time…and oh my… I have no food… guess you’ll have to do, eh?” he said with vicious delight, so saying, with a wave of the staff, the wolf youma lunged forward and snarled. The Senshi jumped out of the way, and Chibi-Moon whipped her wand out. “Pink Sugar Heart Attack!” she cried, and in a puff of pink smoke, a leash and collar appeared, with which she tried to capture the youma. But it easily eluded her brave efforts, and then with a low growl, it seized the collar between its razor-sharp fangs and bit down on it. There was a flash of pink light, and the wand fell to the ground, lifeless. “No!” Chibi-Moon cried, running to her power wand, grabbing it.
Both Moon and Dark Moon tried a double Moon Spiral Heart Ache, but the Grey Shadow blocked the attack with ease. “This guy is quite powerful,” Dark Moon shouted, unable to keep the anxiety out of her voice. “I don’t know what else we can do.”
“Nothing at all,” Akinari sneered. “You’re outmatched, Senshi. I suggest you give up now and spare yourselves a lot of unnecessary pain.”
“We never give up,” Chibi-Moon cried angrily.
“Protectors of the earth and its people never give up,” Moon added, her blue eyes glinting with a steely light.
“I will leave my little friend to dine and make my departure… ladies,“ he said, sardonically and lifted his power staff into the air once more as a swirl of ravenous darkness consumed his laughing outline. The shield holding Ikuko vanished, and she slid to the ground. The youma leapt towards her.
“No!” Moon and Chibi-Moon cried. “Get away from her!” Dark Moon yelled, starting forward, driven by a rage so powerful she could have torn twenty Youmas like this one to shreds. “Kantaro! We really need you!”
“Help us, Pegasus!” Chibi-Moon cried at the same time.
There was an explosion of golden fire in the night sky, accompanied by a high-pitched whinny. Then a roar so overwhelming, the youma checked its movements immediately as the ground shook with the power of the sound, announcing the bounding massive black shadow as it rushed from the trees and gave the wolf youma a solid thump. The crap knocked out of it, the youma lost consciousness and Kantaro paced to Pegasus’ side, facing the three Senshi. Pegasus addressed Sailor Moon and her daughters who stood within his mental range.
“You have called on us,” he said, his voice resonating throughout their minds. “And we have come. Your desire to protect the earth and its people is most honorable, your desire to protect your loved ones, greater still. You have our special blessing.”
A triad of light burst forth from their brooches, and a change occurred. A golden crown and crescent moon appeared upon their magical weapons. Wings like those of a falcon materialized. Faceted jewels encrusted the faces of each brooch – deep pink for Moon, pale-pink for Chibi-Moon, and a deep violet for Dark Moon, all with crescent moon insignia.
“Your brooches have been infused with our unique power,” Pegasus told the three astounded Senshi. “They will give you the power you need to fight this new evil. New charms go with these brooches; these will activate this power. Simply say, Moon Crisis Power, Make-Up… and Dark Moon, Cosmic Crystal Charm, to activate them.”
“Oh well… Here goes nothing,” Dark Moon said, bravely. “Dark Moon Cosmic Crystal Charm!”
The magical weapons threw off rings of shimmering metallic-gold light. “Take your new instruments of power,” Pegasus instructed. “The Crystal Chime, the kaleidoscopic Moon rod, and the Crystal Eclipse Scythe. My name will activate the first two.”
“And mine shall activate the third,” Kantaro added. A rumble that might have been laughter sounded deep within his throat. But he was grave as he faced Dark Moon. “Now we go into battle together.”
Dark Moon’s eyes glowed as she took the scythe and leapt onto Kantaro’s back with fluid grace. He sprang at the wolf, which had by now climbed groggily to its feet, and Dark Moon lifted her scythe. The jewel at the base of the blade glowing, and dark light flowed rapidly into its tip, giving it a commanding radiance. Then Kantaro roared, a deafening sound, and leapt.
“Dark Moon Crystal Eclipse!” Dark Moon cried, as she thrust the scythe forward. A powerful charge of dark light, laced with threads of sparkling multicolored fire burst from the blades edge. The wolf howled as the shimmering webs of luminescence engulfed the wolf youma, and it fell to the ground, writhing in agony.
“Your turn!” Dark Moon shouted.
Chibi-Moon lifted her arms skyward. “Please…Pegasus….” she entreated, “Protect people’s dreams.” She went down on one knee. And as she did so, bowed and closed her eyes. Then took her bell and stood. “Crystal Twinkle Bell!” she cried, spinning once and lifting the bell talisman. The jewel set within the handle came to life, a musical chime throwing off waves of amazing sound.
Golden light exploded afresh, and Pegasus whinnied as his horn started glowing with the same brilliance.
Moon took the rod and held it before her. Wings materialized either side of its handle -- then she launched her attack. “Moon Gorgeous Meditation!” she cried, thrusting the rod forward. Shards of pure white light shot from the rod, lifting the youma, who wailed as shards of light pierced its body, as it collapsed upon itself, and evaporated.
Pegasus whinnied, Kantaro growled softly, and the Senshi turned to them. “Your new treasures will give you the power you need to defeat your foes,” Pegasus told them. “Whenever you need our help, hold up your new talisman and call our names. We will be there.” Then, with these words, Kantaro and Pegasus were gone.
“So, Chibi-Moon,” Moon said to her daughter. “It looks like you have yourself a new friend.”
“Aha,” Chibi-Moon agreed, looking happily at her bell.
Dark Moon smiled at her sister, then looked at her scythe and her smile faded. The power they had wielded this night had faded. It had been so much more powerful than their previous abilities. More so than the time, she and Moon used the chalice. It almost frightened her to think of the scope of power they held in their hands now -- Chibi-Moon, the only one who could summon Pegasus, who then lent his power to her mother to allow her to use her rod. And as for herself, Dark Moon, she had her own guardian in Kantaro. She wondered, not for the first time, why that was so. Then she dismissed the thought from her mind as Moon spoke. “We’d better detransform and help Mama. And then we can get those lemon pies on the go, eh?”
Dark Moon grinned at her mother. “Let’s,” she said, slipping her arm around Usagi’s waist.
~*~
Usagi’s lemon pies were a huge hit that night, and even Ikuko said that her daughter was much better at making pies than she could, and that was high praise indeed.
“You can thank me,” Makoto said. “I taught her everything I know.”
Usagi blushed. “Stop it, Mako-chan,” she giggled, as the others laughed at her embarrassment.
“Don’t be so modest,” Rei, told her. “You’re a whiz at making lemon pie, and you know it.”
~*~
“I am not happy, I can tell you… We’ve gone out there three times, and we’ve failed three times.”
“Give it a chance, Akinari… they are formidable, but not unbeatable I am sure…we can gain the upper hand… you shall see!” Osan said, shaking her head of long black hair loose as she unfolded herself from the sofa and moved reluctantly away from the open fire, padding softly on bare feet – her hair spilling over her bare shoulders and nightie.
“Well… we will talk in the morning, Akinari… We need our sleep,“ she said, taking Kenji’s hand and moved towards the chamber entrance.
“Good night, Osan, Kenji.”
~*~
Usagi leaned on the balcony, looking up at the sky. The rain had cleared, and the stars were shining brightly in a black velvet sky. But it was very cold, and she turned and went back inside after a few minutes.
“Cold enough for you?” Makoto teased, as she came out of the kitchen.
“Freezing,” Usagi, said, with a shiver. “But I’m glad there’s not been much snow,” she added, smiling.
“I hope we get snow for Christmas,” Makoto said, thinking of all that would mean for her this year. “I loved last year’s Christmas. It was so beautiful and white. It was like a picture-perfect card.”
“I know,” Usagi agreed, with a smile. The phone rang at that moment, and Makoto answered it. Usagi yawned and collapsed on the sofa, closing her eyes for a moment. “Who was it?” she asked, as Makoto came back into the living room.
“Whom else?” the taller girl laughed.
Usagi giggled as she hauled herself off the sofa and went into her room to collect her coat. “I’d better obey the summons,” she said, yawning again as she put on her shoes and coat.
Makoto chuckled as her blonde friend left, stifling yawns all the way down the stairs. “I should get Mamoru-san to pick her up,” the tall girl murmured, as she went to the phone and dialed.
Soon Mamoru answered, “Hello?” he said into the receiver.
“Usagi-chan’s half dead on her feet,” Makoto told him.
“I’ll go meet her,” he said, guessing why his lover would be so tired. They had stayed late at the Tsukino household until Kenji was due home, and then left, going their separate ways. Mamoru had told Usagi he would call later and had consequently caught her at the edge of exhaustion. “Thanks for letting me know, Mako-chan,” he added.
“Any time, Mamoru-san,” she said, brushing a strand of hair from her eyes. “Bye.” She hung up and began to whistle to herself, and went to the window. Usagi was a little wobbly on her feet, but she was managing okay. However, Makoto had only just left the window when a red car pulled up beside the pavement, and Usagi was safely inside. Then the tall girl turned, shaking her hair from her shoulders, still smiling and humming a popular Japanese rock band’s tune as she began turning the lights out in preparation for bed.
