A/N: This story has no connection to Once Upon a Dream or Nightmares, which are within their own universe mainly because in those stories the senshi retain their memories. And because I've done the characterizations a little differently in this story.

Chapter 1 – Just Another Day

The alarm clock blazed through the chill morning air.

The thing might as well been going off in a vacuum for all the attention the sleeping blond girl tangled in heavy rose pink blankets gave the blaring siren.

A black cat with sat stiffly at the end of the bed, her tail swishing animatedly back and forth as she watched her unmoving charge. A distinctive crescent white marking that sat on the crest of her head had earned her the fitting name of Luna.

Rhythmic steps resounded through the floor as someone came up the stairs.

"Usagi! It's time to get up!" the girl's mother called as she poked her wavy blue haired head into the room.

"I'm up," the girl assured, lifting her head a few inches.

Luna had her doubts.

Sure enough, the second the door slid closed again the blond teenager let her head fall back to the fluffy pillow. It took less than a minute before soft snores drifted from underneath the covers.

The feline sighed, leaping to the head of the bed. She began licking the girl's pale face with her rough tongue.

The girl's nose scrunched up in annoyance even as a hand absently batted her assailant away.

"Luna," the girl whined. "Just five more minutes."

Luna did not cease her ministrations until the blonde sighed, sat up, and glanced at the clock.

"Oh my god! Why didn't you wake me sooner?" Usagi demanded of no one as she leapt to her feet to begin the whirlwind routine, that was unfortunately entirely too normal for the teenager.

Luna sighed. No one would ever suspect after watching her frantically dart from her room to the bathroom and back again collecting scattered homework and hair ties alike, that the blond sixteen year old was none other than Tokyo's vigilante superhero, Sailor Moon, that protected citizens from supernatural villains.

Not even the girl herself.

She swept back into the room and affectionately rubbed the side of the feline's face as she lifted her schoolbag off the floor. Luna allowed herself to lean into the caress.

"Good-bye Luna! You're so lucky that you don't have to go to school!"

And she was gone, down the stairs, and out the door.

Luna couldn't help but preen a little at the fact that Usagi, no matter how late she was running, never failed to bid her black pet farewell even though her charge had no idea that she was anything more than an ordinary black cat.

Luna made her way leisurely down the stairs into the kitchen, where Usagi's mother, Ikuko was humming along with a song that played from the radio as she cleared away the breakfast dishes. Luna rubbed herself against the woman's legs purring.

Ikuko glanced down with a bright smile.

"Good morning Luna! How about some fish?" the woman asked as she pulled the cat food out of the refrigerator.

Luna sat patiently on the ground acting pathetically catlike as Ikuko placed a small bowl on the floor in the usual place near the counter. Luna dove in eagerly.

The radio's song cut off mid note, interrupted by an unpleasant pulsing static.

"We interrupt your regular program to bring you this special alert. This morning, a woman was found dead in an alleyway in the Azuban district. She died of unexplainable causes and the incident seems reminiscent of attacks that have not been witnessed in Tokyo in over a year. Citizens are cautioned to not travel alone after dark and to be within doors by ten pm. Thank you and enjoy the rest of your day."

The bowl of tuna, only half finished, sat alone and undisturbed, abandoned.

…

A raven haired man that could not have been older than eighteen or nineteen walked, holding a folded newspaper in at eye level so he could read this morning's breaking news article.

The victim, a young woman 21 years of age, appeared to have been walking home last night when she must have had suffered some kind of assault. The rigor mortis suggests she died at approximately 10:51 pm in the evening. She was…"

Chiba Mamoru absently sipped from a paper cup of steaming black coffee before turning his attention back to the story. Something about it bothered him – nagged at his mind as if he should know something about it, but he couldn't pinpoint what exactly.

An unexpected hard impact made him stumble. He instinctively caught his blond assailant before she could send them both sprawling to the sidewalk.

The coffee fell to the pavement instead, releasing the hot liquid from its confines. She twisted away from the splash too late – its burning contents striking her ankles.

"Hot! Hot!" she exclaimed jumping from one foot to the other.

"I'm sorry! Are you okay?" he asked urgently.

"You're sorry?" she repeated with astonishment. "I'm pretty sure that was completely my fault," she murmured as she looked up at him.

"Because I was definitely watching where I was going," he commented dryly. He looked down and met her crystal blue eyes. His vision swam and his mind seemed to stretch out expansively around him in tumbling spinning wheels, grasping at something he could not hold onto – there was no emotions or flashes. He just felt connected to something… something so much more massive and powerful than himself.

He had never felt so small.

"Thank you for catching me," she said softly, her cheeks turned a delightful shade of pink and her azure orbs turned down, breaking his reverie.

"Umm…" she said fidgeting from side to side against his chest. Only in that instant did he realize he was still holding her.

He dropped his arms to his sides self-consciously and took a step back.

"I'm sorry about your coffee," she said gesturing to the cup.

"Don't worry about it Odango Atama! I am suddenly very awake," he said, a rare grin lighting his features.

"Glad to be of service!" she said with a laugh.

"Where are you going in such a hurry anyway?" he asked.

Her eyes widened in fear. "I'm late for school!" she screeched. "I have to go! Catch you later!"

He watched as she faded into the normal pedestrian traffic with a slight frown. He hadn't caught her name.

…

Usagi arrived a solid six minutes late to school. She sighed even as she dashed through the empty hallways filled with rows upon rows of navy blue lockers, knowing there was no way she could possibly entertain any hopes of getting out of detention that afternoon. But an image of midnight blue eyes under dark hair flashed through her mind and she grinned. She didn't regret the morning's delay at all.

She slid into the all too familiar classroom filled with rows of nondescript brown wooden desks in front of a white board. The fluorescent light above supplemented the light streaming from the wall of windows on her left. She moved silently across the back of the room as her teacher faced the board writing verb conjugations, praying she would make it to her seat before Haruna-sensei turned around.

She froze three desks away, realizing that her normal position, the seat in front of her best friend, Osaka Naru, was not nearly as vacant as it should have been. She fidgeted from one step to another awkwardly, uncertain as to what to do.

"Since you weren't here Tsukino-san, I gave away your seat," her auburn haired teacher explained not even bothering to turn around as she continued the notes for the lesson. "For the rest of term you will be sitting next to Mizuno-san. Hopefully, some of her good habits will rub off on you."

Naru shot her a sympathetic glance.

"You will also have detention with me this afternoon," Haruna-sensei added.

Usagi sighed in resignation at this pronouncement and took the empty seat next to Mizuno Ami, the resident school genius who already had her nose in the textbook.

Usagi offered the other girl a smile, but the girl with short cropped startlingly blue hair with misty eyes that matched, didn't so much as look up from her reading or otherwise acknowledge the blonde's presence.

Usagi stared at Naru's back longingly. Her best friend was too far away to even consider passing notes. Today was going to be a really long day.

…

The black feline sat atop the discarded newspaper next to her pure white counterpart.

"What do you think?" she asked, praying that he disagreed.

"I think that we need more information."

Luna sighed. She had been afraid he would say that.

…

The day continued to trudge by. If Usagi hadn't known better, she would have sworn that the teachers had bewitched the clocks to run backwards. Her seat partner had said a total of nine words to her the entire day, just after Haruna-sensei had passed back their tests from last Friday.

"You really should study more Tsukino-san. It might help," the girl had relayed in a soft-spoken voice. Her eyes still remained trained on her own notebook and text.

"Thanks Mizuno-san," Usagi bit back sarcastically. "I never would have thought of that." She crumpled the offensive paper with the bright red fifty-two enshrined at the top right hand corner, into a tight ball before tossing the evidence of her incompetence into her school bag where she could ignore it until she got home.

And now, she sat in the same corner of the room long after her classmates had departed, watching the be-spelled minute hand of the clock. Currently it sat quaking just before 3:57 pm. She sighed, blowing her bangs up with pure dejection and boredom. She was trapped for another forty-three minutes.

Her only companion was the tall green-eyed brunette, Kino Makoto, a girl who had transferred in a year previously. Usagi knew her by reputation only – the girl tended to keep to herself, but the two of them shared detentions together quite often. Usagi found herself wishing they were allowed to talk. She suspected the time would go by far more quickly because despite what the rumors implied, she had never witnessed any violent behavior her pony-tailed companion. She just looked strong.

She glanced at the clock again, knowing she was better off not doing so. 3:59 pm! Could time go by any slower? She let her head fall into her arms – maybe she would be able to fall asleep and Haruna-sensei wouldn't notice. The awful unsympathetic woman wouldn't even let her work on her homework during this time!

"This is 'behavioral-punishment' Tsukino-san. Not academic. The time has to be so monotonous and boring that it will be avoided at all costs," her teacher had explained to her on another occasion when she had attempted to make more productive use of her time.

Unfortunately, the motivation never worked in the morning when Usagi was wrapped in a blissful heaven made of warm pink puffy blankets. Why was her bed never that comfortable when she was trying to fall asleep?

The blond girl's attempt at rest was disturbed by the soft impact of a small paper ball. Her head poked up noticing the scrap of paper that had landed on her desk. Makoto winked at her and Usagi offered a smile in return.

She spared a quick glance at her "supervising" teacher. The woman had her head buried in a novel – a slight smile on her painted lips. At least she was enjoying this wasted hour.

Usagi carefully unfolded the paper flat to reveal its contents.

Whatcha in for?

Usagi scrawled back a quick reply.

Tardiness. You?

Then with another furtive glance at her teacher she tossed the note back. Makoto didn't open in immediately trying to remain inconspicuous, but she was soon scribbling back a reply.

I apparently 'shoved' some kid in the lunch line. Which is ridiculous because I bring my own lunch everyday.

How unfair! Did you explain this?

Of course! But the teachers are almost as afraid of me as the students are.

That's awful Kino-san! You're welcome to eat lunch with my friends and I tomorrow. We'll vouch for you if any untrue accusations come your way. Then maybe ONE of us won't end up in here every other afternoon!

Why thank you Tsukino-san! I may take you up on that! You don't have to be here so often either. Why are you late everyday?

Usagi had to suppress a laugh that wanted to bubble forth as she read the next line. Haruna looked up sharply at her, but Usagi had the note covered with her arm and pretended to be gazing listlessly out the window.

Unlike you, I'm actually guilty as charged. I just like sleep more than I like school!

Makoto did not get a chance to read this last message, as the door had swung open. Though she did manage to use her twisting "to see who had come through the door", to stealthily slide the note off the desk and into her pocket.

An older man dressed in a crisply pressed grey suit that Usagi recognized as the Dean of Students made his way to Haruna's desk.

"Haruna-san! I knew you'd have a few students still at your mercy. Would you mind if I nabbed them for the rest of the afternoon?" he asked brightly.

Usagi found herself perking up! Anything to get out of this room even ten minutes earlier!

"What for?" she asked with a scowl, clearly not approving of a school official arriving to remove the girls from detention.

"We had two transfer students arrive late this afternoon. And I would love it if they could receive a student led tour before they came back tomorrow for the first day of class."

"These are not exactly model students Takahashi-san! Are you sure you want them representing the school?"

"Nonsense Haruna-san! Tsukino-san is known for her friendly out-going nature, which makes her perfect for this task despite her inability to show up to school on time."

"Or pass a test," Haruna commented.

Usagi felt herself wilt at the assessment, though she couldn't exactly argue with it after the exam she had received back that morning and wailing about how mean her teacher was would only ensure that Haruna-sensei wouldn't let her leave early.

"And Kino-san…" he trailed off eying the girl as if trying to find something positive to say about her classmate. Usagi's indignation soared to new levels on behalf of the girl beside her.

Haruna raised an eyebrow when he hesitated in his attempt at justification.

"…well, she could use every opportunity for positive social interactions," he finished lamely.

Usagi watched her new friend from the corner of her eyes. But the taller girl just rolled her eyes in irritation.

"Very well Takahashi-san," Haruna conceded. "But don't make a habit of this."

"And ladies," she said, projecting her voice. "I don't want you to feel you're getting off easy this afternoon. No doubt you'll actually have to stay even later this afternoon."

"Yes sensei," both girls chimed dully in unison, though neither wasted any time in gathering their things before Haruna-sensei could change her mind. And of course, the second they exited the stifling classroom all self-control disappeared and unrestricted grins bloomed on both girls' faces.

"Ladies, thank you for being willing to stay a little later this afternoon. The new students are waiting at the library for us."

"Certainly Takahashi-sensei! Glad to be of help!" Usagi said brightly. Makoto nodded in agreement, though she did not smile. Usagi couldn't blame her at all.

"Here we are! Ladies this is Ginga Seijuro and Natsumi," he introduced.
"They are siblings that just…"

The dean kept talking, but Usagi's brain suddenly could not process his words as she took in the new pair.

Natsumi moved forward with a warm smile and grace that Usagi found herself wishing she could emulate. Even her luscious brown curls bounced perfectly with each step and her deep dark eyes sparkled with mystery that the blond found herself wanting to unwrap.

And Seijuro… Seijuro's magnetic pull was even worse. He had caught her in his gaze – she froze like a doe trapped in a hunter's gaze, unable to bolt. Her head spun as she forgot how to breathe.

"Nice to meet you Tsukino-san," he said with a disarming smile that lit up his wintry blue grey eyes as he took her hand.

Her pulse raced as she met his piercing gaze. He stepped forward, his arms slipping naturally around her waist. His hot breath whispered across the crook of her neck evoking shivers down her back all the way to her toes. She shuddered in delight as one of his hands slipped under her blouse, caressing the creamy pale skin of her abdomen. His attentions drifted slowly upward and she could not bring herself to object as his touch evoked pleasant tingles and a craving desire for more that she did not understand.

"You as well Ginga-san," she managed to reply, feeling the heat rising to her cheeks, grateful that he could not read her thoughts to understand the cause of her blush. What was wrong with her anyway? What was she thinking?

"Please, call me Seijuro," he insisted, kissing the back of the petite hand he had never relinquished.

She could feel the blood roaring in her ears as if it all surged toward the warm lips on her hand.

Feeling slightly dizzy and out of sorts, she snatched her hand back. She felt instantly more in control, but her mind remained enveloped in mental fog. She shook her head to clear it.

She watched with a combination of relief and jealousy as he turned his attention to Makoto. Usagi felt slightly better seeing Makoto equally as susceptible to the boy's charms.

Seeing her new friend fidget uncomfortably under the attention, Usagi launched into an explanation of library hours and student usage privileges, using the common routine knowledge to distract her from Seijuro's continued brilliant smiles. She and Makoto settled into an easy banter as they led the new students around campus. Usagi described the typical student experience while Makoto filled in some gaps, drawing from her own experience as a transfer student.

"Thank you both for showing us around," Natsumi said formally with a slight bow. "I hope we will become better acquainted in the coming weeks."

"Of course," Makoto agreed with a smile of her own.

"I hope we have some classes together," Seijuro said with a wink. Usagi's cheeks bloomed hotter if that was even more possible.

Makoto stayed with her as the siblings departed. Usagi let out a sigh feeling sad at their departure, but relieved that her unexpected passion had diminished making her feel more like herself.

"Wow! He is out of this world," she commented dreamily. "Reminds me of my old sempai…"

Usagi laughed. "Mako-chan! You always say that!"

The tall brunette flashed puzzled green eyes in her direction.

Only then did Usagi realize what she had said and she gasped, putting a hand over her mouth in embarrassment.

"I'm sorry!" she insisted. "I don't know why I said that. It just came out without thinking. I didn't mean to imply anything about your tastes in boys and I certainly didn't mean to presume to be so familiar."

"It's okay," Makoto instantly assured with a wide grin. "I like the nick-name! It fits! And somehow feels… right."

"Did your friends at your old school call you that?"

Makoto shook her head slowly, her eyes confused. "No actually. I've never heard it before. How did you know about my tendency to ramble about my ex?"

Usagi bit her lower lip as she thought. She finally shrugged. "I don't know… I must have overheard you talking to someone else."

Makoto nodded, accepting this explanation, though Usagi still wasn't sure if it was true. She couldn't remember ever overhearing Makoto talking about boys at all.

"Well, it was definitely a pleasure Tsukino-san," Makoto said, interrupting her thoughts. "Perhaps we might eat lunch together tomorrow?" she asked, offering her hand toward the other girl.

Usagi pulled her into a hug instead. "Please Mako-chan, call me Usagi. And anything involving food always sounds amazing to me!"

Makoto laughed.

"Ja-ne, Usagi-chan!" Makoto said with a wave.

…

An ordinary schoolgirl in her newly acquired navy blue and white Jubaan School uniform over the balcony's railing, with one leg crossed over the other. Red brown curls fell over her shoulders as she leaned forward to take in the twinkling lights of the city below her.

Cool hands wrapped around her from behind pulling her back. She leaned into her lover's embrace and let her disguise dissolve. Her pale peach skin faded into the marble smooth soft green that she was accustomed to. Her hair lengthened to fall below her waist turning the vibrant pink of blooming spring flowers.

Hands threaded through the blushing silk and she closed her eyes and allowed her head to fall to his shoulder, truly relaxed for the first time since they had arrived on this strange blue and green world.

'Your idea to target adolescents was an inspired one En.' he told her mentally.

She mentally purred at the compliment.

'You found some promising targets?' her mind whispered back.

'Both of those girls were radiating out energy readings off the chart and both were unattached and susceptible to my charms. Just from the small probe I assessed each of them with, I think I will have resources for about a week.'

"That's wonderful Ali!" she said out loud. "Do you think we may have finally found a place we can settle?"

'En!' he mentally chastised. 'You must not call me Ali verbally!'

"I'm sorry," she said contritely. "I simply am exhausted and not thinking clearly."

'I didn't have any tastes of resources as you did today,' she mentally added.

'I am certain that the school will present many suitable targets once we are their during the day. In the meantime, take some of mine,' he offered, touching his lips gently to her own. A spark of energy jumped between them electrically and she giggled delightfully against him. He shivered.

'That feels wonderful Ali! This place is truly a paradise!'

"Perhaps we should find you a more filling meal?" he suggested.

Her lips curled upward in eager anticipation.

…

A/N: So when I finished Once Upon a Dream and Nightmares my husband immediately asked if I was going to do the Ann and Alan arc next. This was his favorite story arc when he watched the show. I instantly said no, explaining that I had absolutely no idea of what I would do with it to make it my own. Fast forward another six months and he was again asking how many fics there were in this area. I said that there were quite a few and many were quite well written, developed, and compelling, but I never found what I was looking for, not that I even knew what that was.

Then he asked me what I would do with it. And ideas just started coming. He must have listened to me spouting interpretations of characters and beginnings of scenes for a good twenty minutes. And then the next morning I only wanted to write! Wrote something like six thousand words in that first sitting. He really is my muse!

Anyway, I'm going to try to keep the chapters on the shorter side so I am able to update more often. This chapter still ended up being 4k so... we'll see what happens.

Rating is T for now, but I suspect that it will be M before long. Some of these flashes are becoming rapidly more sexual than I had originally anticipated.

Please let me know what you think! Reviews are incredibly motivating!