“Seeing Past the Mask ”PG. By Sailor ClearMoon AN: okay, this is somewhat including ‘Artful Attack’ yet it’s not going to go with that type of timeline thing. We’ll just say that Serena already has claimed the star locket… and I’m warning you now not to be surprised if Mina actually shows up in here somewhere. WARNING: this likes to bash Rei somewhat. Surprising since she actually is one of my fav characters. Oh well, it’ll fit in with the story you’ll see! -Sailor ClearMoon <@> ***“Was it a dream?” ~ClearMoon~ Was it just a dream? All that happiness that I felt? Is it gone, or was it never… You’ve got me wondering, And you’ve got me falling- In love, with you. How can this be, I’ve locked my feelings away And yet you’ve broken through. So now I wonder, ‘Is it you? Is it you? Is it you?’ Are you the one, that’s meant for me? Are you my angel from above? So now I sit and stare at this place, My home, my apartment. And I’m wondering, was it just a dream? That moment of happiness, Was it real? Or am I imaging you? I can feel you here still… Yet when I turn, you are not there. So, my love, tell me …Was it a dream?** Whack! The crumpled up paper again managed to hit him. Shaking his head, the man undid the wad of paper to see the test score this time. 45% A sweat drop formed on Darien’s head as he looked up at the girl who was walking into the arcade. “That girl…” he muttered. “What’s up?” Andrew asked as he came up to the counter to greet Serena as she sat down. She sighed heavily. Just as she was about to answer another voice entered the group: “Failed another test… see!” Darien held the math test out at arm’s length. Andrew’s eyebrows furrowed and he gave Serena a curious look. “Serena, c’mon ya know that ya can do better than that!” The blond girl sneered at the black-haired man that was flapping her test in front of her, “Thanks a lot… Mr. Perfect!” She hissed between her teeth. “Of course, oh-great-failure of tests!” “Why you- you…. Conceited… messed-up… too-perfect… jerk!” Serena was furious and steam started out of her ears as they continued their daily bickering. Finally Andrew butted in saying, “Hey… you guys? Can you take this outside please?” “BUTT OUT!” Was the angry reply. “O…. K…..” Andrew shook his head, another classic battle of the tongues. “Ooo! You jerk! Leave me alone!” Serena stood up and stomped off out of the arcade. Darien laughed as he sat down. Serena muttered to herself as she walked down the sidewalk, past various shop windows. Suddenly a beautiful picture caught her eye. Looking at it, she realized that it was of a lovely woman… had to be a princess. Strange thing was that Serena looked like the woman in the picture! Serena stepped into the gallery and looked at the paintings. It was scarce and bare at the moment, most likely would be filled soon though. Of the paintings there, Serena favored the one titled ‘Ball’. The scene was complex with many couples in the room… seemingly chatting while the focus of the picture was of a young man and woman descending the grand staircase. Serena quickly looked for a name, “Excuse me… do you like the paintings?” Startled, Serena twirled around to face a woman with brown hair with circular-shaped glasses. “Sorry, you startled me! Yes, I like the paintings a lot… though I’ve never heard of Lonni Lani…” The woman blushed slightly as she looked down at her intertwining hands. She laughed uneasily, “Yeah well… that would be me… though my real name is Peggy Jones. I just wanted to sign my paintings under another name though…” Serena nodded as she smiled, “You have many more?” “Oh yeah! I have a lot at my house!” “Really?! Ooo! Could I go see ‘em?” “Well….” “PLEASE!” Serena was jumping up and down in excitement. “Sure, tomorrow though! How about three thirty? I might be working on something too so you can see how I work!” “Awesome, well see ya tomorrow Peggy, nice to meet you!” “Oh, what is your name? I didn’t get that earlier.” Serena laughed, “Am I forgetful! I’m Serena Tsukino!” “Nice to meet you, see you tomorrow then!” “Bye!” Serena waved and she kept her attention on Peggy as she left. A mistake, that one was… she immediately bumped into a soft wall as she was out the door. She fell over and started apologizing left and right as she moved her hair out of her face, “I really wasn’t… watching…. Where…” she trailed off and she gulped. Making ‘tsk-ing’ noises with his tongue, Darien shook his head, “Meatball head… you gotta learn to watch your steps! One of these days you’re going to run over a poor little kid!” Fury rose in Serena though she managed to keep her cool, “Well then… look who’s here…” she said ironically, “Mr. I-can-act-how-I-want-and-I’ll-make-anyone’s-day-misreible-so-mine’s-better.” Darien raised an eyebrow, “That’s interesting. Really long name though, sure you can remember it? Seems you don’t remember anything for your tests!” “Just SHUT UP!” She cried, exasperated. Darien shrugged but didn’t budge. Finally Serena let up and walked her way home. ** Luna strutted casually up the stairs and into her ward’s room. Serena sat on the floor while writing down answers and glancing at her algebra book from time to time. Luna rolled her eyes slightly as she went up to see what exactly Serena was doing. The black cat fell over after looking at Serena’s work. “Luna!” Serena called, worried, “What’s wrong…? Are you okay?” “Uh…” the black cat replied, staring again at the open math book. No manga was hidden between the pages. And as Luna looked at the notebook that Serena was writing in- Math problems. No silly poem… excerpts from songs… just math! “Um, Serena, how many problems for math did you have tonight?” “Twenty five. I’m finished too,” Serena replied. Luna had finally stood up, but she fell again. “You… you finished… in less than an hour?!” Serena pursed her lips together as she nodded in annoyance. “I don’t believe it!” As the cat continued on, Serena got frustrated and finally picked up her cat and tossed her out of the room. Serena shut the door and locked it. The blond checked to make sure that all of homework was done before dropping onto her bed. She sighed aloud, Suddenly she grimaced, One thing that Serena wished she could change was her clumsiness. But that was just because she was still not used to the gravity here. Serena picked her sketchbook out form under her bed and then brought out her colored pencils. Slowly she started to draw. She had finished almost five pictures when a familiar beeping started. Perking up, Serena pulled out her communicator, “Moon here! Where’s the attack?” Jupiter’s face appeared in the right-hand corner and she told her, “Ready for this attack? At the crown gaming center-“ Serena gasped, “Y’know if Andrew’s okay?” “I dunno, Rei was the one who called. Hurry up, I don’t think Mars will be helping us this time. She’s stuck with a group of people.” “I’m on my way!” And that she was, Serena was already running down the street. After ending the connection, she shouted, “MOON PRISM POWER!” Sailor Moon then took off at a faster pace than Serena had been. ** At the arcade, things weren’t going too hot. The youma attacking had surrounded the group of people in the arcade with an energy force field. Among them were Rei, Darien, and Andrew. Rei was cursing silently as she watched Mercury and Jupiter fight valiantly. “Curse it! Where’s Sailor Moon!” Rei was getting steamed now. Of all times to be late… “JUPITER THUNDER CRASH!” [AN; I don’t know how I managed it. But I lost my character info and I can’t remember Jupiter’s attack from the first season!] Suddenly Jupiter cried out in pain and anger as the monster shot her power right back at Jupiter, though the power of Jupiter had been increased tenfold. Rei pounded on the barrier, wishing to be free of the confounded force field. Anger was burning in her, where in the world was Sailor Moon?! Sailor Moon ran down the street at top speed. Finally she reached the arcade but only to find Zoicite waiting outside for her. The Negaverse general smiled, “Hello Miss Moon. We here to save our little friends? Well not until you deal with me first!” Zoicite powered up before Sailor Moon got a grip on herself. Searing pain started at her ankle and moved all the way up her thigh. Cursing silently, Sailor Moon readied her tiara and dodged the next attacks. She thought desperately. She had known that Mars, Jupiter, and Mercury wouldn’t be helping her… but still, where was her caped hero? Finally Zoicite was panting for breath and Sailor Moon jumped at the chance to attack, but decided against it as she saw the way into the arcade was open… and there were painful screams erupting from inside. Fearing the worst, Moon ran through the doors- leaving an angered Zoicite behind. “MERCURY… BUBBLES…” Mercury was faltering badly, dazed from her encounter with the wall, “BLAST!” Thick mist filled the room, though Sailor Moon saw easily through it. Jupiter was lying on the floor… unconscious with a small pool of blood at her side. Mercury finally sank to the floor too, she had lost all her strength now. It was up to Sailor Moon. Avoiding the crazy speech, Sailor Moon narrowed her eyes and shouted, “MOON TIARA MAGIC!” It trapped the monster just before the fog cleared. As Sailor Moon readied her scepter she said furiously, “How dare you harm my friends and innocent people! On behalf of the moon, you’re punished! MOON HEALING… POWER!” Just as she thought, another rainbow crystal carriers. This one was that of a common customer at the arcade- a guy named ‘Game Machine Jo’. Sailor Moon checked the man’s pulse before running over to Jupiter. A harsh and angry voice sounded behind her, “Sailor Moon… where the heck were you! Jupiter is badly hurt and so is Mercury!” Moon turned her head slightly to confirm it was Rei. “Shut up Rei,” she growled softly. “Oh! So now I should shut-up! Well look what almost happened here!” Sailor Moon turned her attention back to Jupiter and quickly tried to stop the blood that was forming on her friend’s shoulder. But there wasn’t anything she could use… Suddenly she felt someone kneeling next to her. Looking up she was somewhat surprised to see Andrew kneeling with a first aide kit at his side. He gave a slight grin to the leader of the Scouts before starting to work. Content that Jupiter would be fine, Moon got up and walked to Mercury. She was surprised when someone was already at her side… a certain someone with black hair, striking blue eyes, and a green jacket. Gulping, Moon focused herself to act normal… as if she didn’t know the jerk. “Hey Mercury, you okay?” Sailor Moon asked as she knelt by her friend. AT first an angry look passed through Mercury’s eyes, but then it calmed. “Where were you?” “Fighting Zoicite outside. She was trying to stall me, I can tell.” Sailor Moon broke off, “But try explaining to miss fire-head Rei!” Mercury looked slightly panicked and suddenly it struck Moon what she had said… in front of the black-haired man. “You know Rei?” “Well…” Mercury started. “We’ve seen her around some of the battles… met her then…heh, heh…” Sailor Moon kept slapping herself inside. Darien studied the scouts with interest. Sailor Moon was doing her best to avoid him. Now that was weird! But of course! She didn’t think that he was Tuxedo Mask, but still… why would she be avoiding him? A tapping foot turned Sailor Moon’s head around to find Rei standing there looking mad. Sailor Moon closed her eyes for a moment, “Rei… let me explain.” “What’s there to explain?! Mercury and Jupiter could have been killed!” Sailor Moon tried to tell herself that Rei didn’t know what she was saying. Yet the words stuck in her heart and she felt them stinging her inside. Misty tears were starting in her eyes as she looked at Mercury. “No… no, no, no! Sailor Moon don’t-!” Mercury tried to grab hold of her leader’s hand but failed. Sailor Moon, champion of love and justice ran from the arcade. She pushed past the group of people milling around the arcade, staring at the scouts. Soon attention turned to the raven-haired girl who still stood with an angry expression on her face. Jupiter limped over to Mercury, Darien, and Rei with the help of Andrew. “Rei…” the voice was dangerously low, “Why did you go and do that?!” Mercury’s face was stern, “She had been fighting Zoicite. She couldn’t get in.” “Ha! And you believe that! I’m so sure. You know that’s just another one of her excuses. She’s always late and the time that we need her there she was- LATE!” Jupiter’s hand swung up and slapped Rei hard. “Quit it.” Two simple words but with many meanings behind them, “We’re going somewhere to talk about this.” Gruffly she grabbed Rei’s wrist while Mercury stood up. The three of them headed out the door with a protesting Rei. In their wake stood a group of very confused people. Darien was mad a Rei, she had no right to talk to Sailor Moon in that way! Wait a sec, why was he protecting Sailor Moon so much? Yeah, that was it… reflex. But in the back of his mind he knew that wasn’t the only explanation. Darien shook his head before turning to Andrew, “That was too weird. I’m going back home. Bye!” “Er… Bye Dar,” Andrew still stared at where the scouts had departed. ** Sailor Moon sat on top of a roof by the Tokyo docks. It wasn’t even dinnertime yet and all her homework was done along with a battle. Rei’s words echoed in her head, ‘Jupiter and Mercury could have been killed! Could… killed… killed…’. Sobs shook Sailor Moon’s body, she couldn’t believe it- or maybe she could- but she knew that Rei was right. It was her fault that her friends had been hurt. “I’m sorry guys… but why can’t you see what I’m really like? I’m not trying to be late… or klutzy… or any of that! And you guys always think I’m so dumb, I’m not… I just know the stuff already and it’s boring!” Tears were streaming down her face as she brought her knees to her chest. “It’s not fair… no one understands.” Suddenly warmth was surrounding Sailor Moon, looking at her legs she saw that black material was surrounding her. She gulped as slowly her head raised to look in the masked face of her protector. He gasped as he saw her face. It wasn’t anything like how she normally looked… she had red and puffy eyes from crying. Fear, anger, sadness lurked in her eyes… revealing that she was confused and was trying to piece together a mystery. “Tuxedo Mask,” she finally started. His arms wrapped around her and she was brought close to him. Sailor Moon gulped before continuing, “Why weren’t you there? Why couldn’t you help my friends?” Tears were streaming down her face again, before she could stop them. The masked man swallowed a lump in his throat, “I wasn’t able to get there in time. I caught up to you right after you defeated the youma. I’m so sorry about what that Rei said…” “You know her too?” Was Sailor Moon’s surprised response. “Sorta, my friend knows her better.” “Yeah, same here,” Sailor Moon sighed, “She’s right though.” “No she’s not-“ She quieted him by placing her fingertips lightly over his lips, “Shush now. I don’t care what anybody else says. It is my fault. I know it and I’ll take the blame. Mars and I fight all the time, there’s nothing new about it.” Suddenly her eyes went wide, how could she keep slipping up like this? Tuxedo Mask didn’t really fully hear what Sailor Moon said as he thought back on what he had seen. How could he ask her all of these questions that he wanted to know? Well it was dinnertime… she really should be at home- with her family. “It’s getting later. You should head home.” “I’ll get in trouble anyway, it doesn’t really matter. Besides, all I have to go back to is an annoying cat and yelling family. Okay, okay… it’s not that bad.” She sighed in despair, “But no one understands!” She stood up suddenly, pulling away from the warm embrace. She turned her back on the ocean and hugged herself lightly as she stared unseeing into the distance. “They all think I’m stupid, a crybaby, a klutz… everything like that. But did they ever think that I might actually know all of the things that we’re learning in school, or that I just think it’s boring stuff? No-ooo! They have to assume everything. As for being klutzy I have an explanation for that too, but I don’t feel like telling anyone at the moment. And crybaby… oh well. Something that’s just there.” Soft and quiet tears fell down her face. “I just want to be accepted. Not a freak… not masking myself anymore, yet I’ve grown to love this mask and it’s hard to break from this habit…” “You’re not a freak,” Tuxedo Mask stood and slowly came up behind her. “I am. Going from a ditz to a heroine is definitely freak material.” “I disagree. You’re brave and strong, I’ve always known that. But I’ve always wondered about two things…” “Yes?” Moon stiffened, ready for anything- almost. “First off I’m always so amazed that when you duck out of danger… somehow you’re always tripping, yet you’re safe- but you’re also going nearer to the youma!” Sailor Moon snorted, that wasn’t too bad, “And then… why do you always joke around? It’s a fight… serious.” Sailor Moon hardened then, “You wouldn’t care. Who would anyway…” she trailed off as she felt guilt, she sighed, “I know that I have really good friends. I mean I have Mars, Mercury, and Jupiter. But I want more…” “You still didn’t say anything about the joking,” Tuxedo Mask said quietly. “That’s something I’d rather keep to myself. Now if you don’t mind I’m going home.” Sailor Moon walked forward and prepared to jump to the next rooftop. Tuxedo Mask reached out and grabbed her wrist she let out a small cry of pain, “What?!” He asked worriedly. Eyes wide, Sailor Moon turned to glance at him in fear. Slowly he was taking her glove off to see what had happened. No blood… no tear… but then… “My god!” Tuxedo Mask muttered softly. Her hand looked burned, black-smeared. “How did this happen?!” He asked, ready to kill. “It… it just happens ‘cuz of the… the… attack I do…” He looked down at her hand again and then up to her frightened eyes. Slowly she built up her strength and pulled away, jumping to the next roof in the process. She had pulled away in such strength that Tuxedo Mask had to work to catch his balance again. “Wait! No! Sailor Moon!” He called, but she was already gone. Wow! Could she move fast when she wanted to! He picked up the dropped glove and ran his fingers over the surface. It was so soft, the softest type of silk it seemed. Again the masked eyes looked up and then back to the sunset. Shaking his head, Tuxedo Mask jumped down from the roof. He de-transformed and walked slowly back to the arcade- the white glove in his jacket pocket.** After a Friday day of school, Serena strolled down the street. Thoughts flooded through her mind, of how she had almost slipped up yesterday and revealed Mars to be Rei, that she had almost let her friends get killed, about the strange-yet comforting- conversation with Tuxedo Mask. She sighed, out of the three tests that day she had failed two of them. The other… she actually had a 100%, obviously her teacher had almost fainted when she graded it. Ami had gone white and had her mouth hung open as she gave Serena thumbs-up for getting a great score on the test. Serena had to smile at that, good old Ami. She was so great… suddenly she was pulled violently from her thoughts as she collided with a warm wall. She closed her eyes as she fell back, almost positive she knew who she had bumped into. “Good day to you too Mr. Perfect,” was Serena’s calm statement. She looked up into the intense blue eyes and slowly she brushed herself off and stood. “Er… hello meatball head,” he had been surprised when she already knew that it was him that she bumped into. As she started off he decided to follow her, “Where ya off to?” “If you follow me, I guess you’ll see,” was the dark reply. “Fine, be that way meatball brains!” “Whatever. Shut up and be quiet.” For some reason, he actually listened to her. He was curious at why she was acting this way. Finally she (er… they) reached her destination, Crown Gaming Center. “Figures,” Darien muttered. They walked in and Serena slid up onto a stool as she looked around, noting that the youma hadn’t done that much damage- thank goodness! “Hey Serena, Darien!” Andrew called as he walked over. “Not much business today, Andrew,” Darien commented. “Nope,” the blond man shook his head, “I think word of the youma spread around and now people are worried.” Serena suddenly felt bad for her friend: “I think they’ll be coming soon though. I don’t think everyone will stay away forever!” “I would hope not!” Was Andrew’s reply. Serena smiled grimly before turning to look at the corner where Rei had yelled at her: ‘Jupiter and Mercury could have been killed… killed…’ “All my fault…” Serena whispered softly as tears threatened. “Serena…?” “Earth to meatball head!” Darien cupped his hands around his mouth and leaned closer to the girl. She snapped back to attention as a mask fell in place. “What’s happened Serena? You’re not acting yourself today,” Andrew commented. “Nothing… actually, ‘life’ happened,” Serena sighed and moved her bangs out of her eyes. “So meatball head, ya hear about the attack yesterday?” “yeah, I got all the details. I can’t believe I’m friends with someone who yells at… at…” Serena cut herself off, “Forget it.” “Oh, you mean Rei. She was harsh yesterday, I have no idea what was with her. Hey Andrew, can ya get me a glass of water?” “No prob!” Darien turned back to Serena, “So meatball head, what do you think was up?” “Who knows… who wants to get caught up in that type of stuff anyway?” Darien didn’t think that was like the Serena he knew at all. “Okay, spill it. What’s going on? Fail another test today, that it?” Serena hardened as she remembered his teasing, “Actually I did fail one (er… two) but for your info, buddy, I got a perfect score on my other test!” Now that blew Darien away, scratching his ear he asked, “Can you repeat that? I though you said that you had a perfect score today. Must be hearing things, huh?” The girl was furious to say the least, she couldn’t stand this teasing. She had gotten much of the same treatment from the other students. Only Lita, Ami, and Molly hadn’t bugged her, just told her ‘good job’ and about how happy they were for her. “It seems you want proof. WELL HERE YOU GO!” She pulled out her test and held it up, “Happy now?” she hissed, stuffing the paper again in her bag. As Andrew came back she was already up and halfway to the door, “I’m leaving!” “Hey, wait up meatball head!” “I’ve things to do so LEAVE ME ALONE!” She ran out of the arcade with Darien on her heels. She glanced down at her watch while clutching her school bag tightly, "Oh NO! I'm gonna be LATE!" She ran faster to the address that Peggy- er, Lonni- had given her yesterday. She didn't even realize that Darien was still following her. ** Serena rang the doorbell and immediately Peggy appeared and pushed Serena in, "Hey! Come on in and make yourself at home, K?" "Okay!" Neither of them noticed that outside Darien stood at the door, pondering if he should knock. And if so, then what would he say? he reasoned. He raised his hand and pushed in on the button for the doorbell. "Now who could that be?" Peggy asked with a frown on her face. As she opened the door, though, her expression turned to surprise and suddenly she smiled, "You're just the model I need!" She cried. Serena turned to face the person at the door and her mouth dropped... *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* so how is it? Okay, bad, good... lame..? Lemme know, I need some honest replies from peoples. Now, as always, I probably won't be finishing this right away. ::sighs:: Y'know me, but school is building up so I'm gonna get busy. Okay, here's major thank-you's! ~Shalom a.k.a. Sailor Aurora- hey girl! You've been a great friend, I hope you're life gets a little easier but I just wanna letcha know that I've had so much fun talking to you through e-mail. Glad we met! ~Elisabeth a.k.a. Althena (sp?)- She is such a kewl writer! I've been lucky enough to read some works that she's not yet posted like 'the bet' and 'love and tragedy'. But you can find: 'unknown feelings' and her other works at different places. She's a great first-season fic writer! Go read her stuff! She's inspired me on a lot of things! ~Will- a friend from my old school. Finally I'm talking with him again after two years. It's been great, but Will... if you're reading this: STOP READING AND E-MAIL ME! ;-.- He's helped me out through some of my stories too. ~friends from school: Kristina, Megan, Rachel- this is my thanx, even though these three aren't SM fans! Ack! What am I doing associating with the likes of them?! ::grins;: thanks guys, you put up a lot with me, I know. Oh, actually I’ve converted Megan and Kristina into SM manga fans. YAY!!!! ~Taylor, Myla, Claire- this is the thank-you for my moonie friends. Myla is just the best to chat about SM. I've been working hard to convert Claire and Elyse to becoming moonies. It's working somewhat. Kewl! Then Taylor and her sister Emma are getting into it too. Yeah! So let's hear it for some moonie faithful fans! ~Sindhu- I own her a separate thank you. She's read my first two stories and is really a great friend. We've had a lot of fun together and I’m sooo upset that I’m not in her class this year! ::gets ready hacking gear to go change the classes on the computer:: :) Oh well, girl, you've been a great friend. BBF, right? Okay, that's it. Sorry for the long AN. But hey, I gotta say thank you right? Well remember: e- mail e-mail e-mail e-mail e-mail e-mail e-mail at: senshisis@juno.com No more e-mailing whyfam, ya hear me? Okay. later!