Moon Soldier Revolution

A/N: Merry late Christmas everyone, and soon-to-be Happy New Year! I want to thank you all for the reviews and adds. I appreciate your support. :) Anyways, this is the next chapter. I worked hard on this, pulling a few all-nighters just to get it posted. Don't worry though, it's been my break for the last week so I have the time to sleep. So I hope you enjoy! Please review after reading, especially if you have any questions and/or comments! I'll post the next chapter ASAP (or as soon as I get it done atleast...)

Chapter 14 - Check and Acceptance, The Second Battle

Shittenou

(Days later...)

"GUYS, THE GUARDIAN of Time is calling!"

Zoisite and Kunzite stopped dead immediately, dropping whatever it was they were doing. They whipped their heads around.

"What did you just say?" Kunzite's response was the quickest.

Jadeite stood shirtless at the threshold of Kunzite and Zoisite's apartment, having flung open their unlocked, front door. He wore nothing but pajama bottoms and was even barefoot. His hair was a disheveled mess of curls and wavy strands, flattened on one whole side where he'd been laying. It was clear by his appearance that he'd basically just jumped out of bed and rushed on over without any regard to the way he looked. It was actually pretty gross if you thought about it. "The Guardian of Time! She-"

"Wants to speak with us." Nephrite finished, shuffling in from behind him with a sleepy yawn. As opposed to Jadeite, he had on PJ bottoms and an undershirt. His long hair was pulled back into a single ponytail and he had bothered to put on house slippers before leaving his own apartment. "For goodness sakes Jadeite, you didn't have to run out of the apartment like that. You could've put on a shirt or something over that growing beer gut on you."

Despite the moment, Jadeite scowled at him. "I don't have a gut! I'm all muscle!"

Zoisite frowned. "Come in and explain what's going on you guys."

"It's still morning, and a Saturday morning at that." Kunzite added, not very thrilled to have his morning coffee time interrupted. "Don't stand out in the hallway and wake the neighbors up." As soon as they'd shut the door behind them, he spoke in all-seriousness again. "All right, now tell us this business about the Time Guardian. This better not be another prank again."

"It's not." Nephrite assured, glancing at Jadeite. "Trust me, this is all true as it is serious. And we don't have long to explain before she summons us."

Zoisite acknowledged him with a nod of his head, closing the lid of his laptop. He'd been working on research for extra credit just now, but it could certainly wait. "Did you get the signal?"

"We did. " Jadeite nodded. "Her symbol appeared as clear as daylight in front of us."

"Definitely Pluto's sign." said Nephrite approvingly. "Get ready. We should brace ourselves before-"

A barrier of faint purple started to form around each of them. It grew into a thin bubble of some sort, followed by a spicy sensation throughout the exterior of their bodies.

"Too late." Kunzite said, his voice barely audible. Anything he said now would be muffled by Pluto's barrier around him. In less than a minute, they all began to fade into the air, and he only managed to mouth three words. "It's that time."

They became air once again, all too familiar with the repetitive experience. The feeling was half neutral, half electrifying. In a time unit so fast there was no name for it, their physical forms soon materialized again.

"Saluations." A smooth voice greeted them instantly. "It's a pleasure to see you four again, Shittenou."

"And you, Miss Time Guardian." Kunzite took the initiative to bow first, egging the others to do so as well. "Pluto."

They were no longer in the comfort of their apartment, being shrouded and surrounded in shadows and dim-lighting instead. Whenever she summoned them, it would always be this place. They tried not to question her, but they were never sure where exactly they were being summoned at. It'd always seem to be a mystery.

"I've been watching you guys." Pluto said, slowly emerging from the dark shadows. The dim light revealed her long, dark hair and lavender-like eyes. "It makes me proud to have found and revived you. You're living quite well and keeping up with your duties at the same time."

"To you we give our utmost gratitude." Nephrite said.

She smiled, barely giving Jadeite a second glance after noticing he was bare in the chest. Inappropriate, but oh well. "I'm glad that you've been taking care of the princess like you've been doing. It's quite important that you always do. She's the heart of the world."

"We will never stop looking out for her, not even after Endymion awakens. While he is still ignorant, we must guard his beloved." Jadeite replied dutifully. He crossed an arm over his chest out of honor.

"Don't forget that you've grown quite close to her, Lord Jadeite. Even if she weren't the princess, I'm sure you would risk your life for her anyway." She chuckled to herself when he blushed. "All of you would. She's become more to you than a duty, hasn't she?"

All four of them stiffened, affected by the question.

"Well I..." Zoisite found himself hesitating. He didn't know why he felt so embarrassed all of a sudden. Was it that he'd use to associate himself with narcissm? Feeling affection for another felt so unnatural the first time...in a long time. "I can see why Endymion loved her so."

Kunzite pictured a grinning Usagi. Her smile and her laughter reminded him of the little sister he never had. Being responsible for her gave him that older brother sense. He used to doubt the Moon, but seeing her made him entirely wrong. "She is a gateway to new and better things."

"Another dearly beloved to care about." said Nephrite. A smile came to his face. What more could he say? He loved her like family.

Jadeite said the first thing that came to his head thinking about her. After being at her side all this time, he didn't think any other words suited her better than this. "She's a one-of-a-kind."

Pluto's expression softened as she realized how much of an effect was on each of them. "And a one-of-a-kind she is. Endymion will be more than happy to know how well you've protected Serenity once he remembers."

"About that, it pains us to know he does not remember us, Pluto." Kunzite said, unconsciously changing the subject. A melancholic expression melted away the warm feelings he just had. "It's shocking to see how...unaware he is."

"And the other planetary princesses." added Jadeite.

"Ah, yes. I know. I knew it'd be quite difficult for you four to cope with that." She sighed. Her tall figure began pacing back and forth in front of them, moving in graceful movements that made them feel more and more respectful of her. "Alas, I cannot do anything. Time must run its course, and I am forbidden to change it. You must find your own way. And may you be reminded at all times that you are the only ones to have your memories of your past lives." She paused. "In fact, you are not even reincarnated like the others are. I revived you as you are. So all of you are technically over a thousand years old."

The Shittenou exchanged glances, all thinking the same thing. They were never to speak of that fact to the planetary princesses.

"However, it's great to know you haven't done anything out of line since you've found Prince Endymion and the other Senshi. Like go mad and blurt out everything. Forgive me, but I actually expected at least one of you to take that road."

Jadeite slumped his shoulders guiltily. He'd actually thought about it a few times.

"But aside from that, the reason I called you here was to discuss the Dark Kingdom." She said. "And to check up on you. Though as a matter of fact, we've pretty much gone through the checking-up part. Now it's time to get to the more serious business." She stopped her pacing and turned so that she was facing them forwardly. In her hand, she gripped her long rod rather uneasily as she thought of the discussion to come. "You already know that Beryl has started the search for the Rainbow Crystals, correct?"

They nodded.

"And you know how important it is for the Dark Kingdom not to get a hold of the Rainbow Crystals?"

They nodded silently again.

"Alright then." She hesitated momentarily. "All that's left is to explain the clones. You haven't...seen them yet, have you?"

This time, all four of them shook their heads. But only Zoisite chose to say something more.

"Pluto, I didn't actually see him, but Usagi said she saw him. She saw...another me." He said. "And he was evil. He took the first Rainbow Crystal back to the Dark Kingdom."

"Yes, I know. That was your humanoid, Zoisite. He is a general fighting for the Dark Kingdom. He serves Queen Beryl." She explained, somewhat sadly. "Each of you have one, and they all fight on the enemy's side."

Nephrite frowned. "But how can this be? We are here as Shittenou. We've never set foot in the Dark Kingdom to serve that wicked queen. We'd never!"

"Right! That just doesn't make sense!" Jadeite agreed.

"...You don't remember. You don't know what Beryl did." said Pluto, her voice echoing pity.

Kunzite clenched a fist. Whenever her heard that woman's name, there was always trouble involved. It was never a good sign. "Tell us."

She hesitated again, but just briefly. "It was still the age of the Silver Millennium, but it was towards the final days before the Moon reached ultimate destruction. Beryl needed leaders, and she knew exactly who she wanted. With her scheming mind, she was probably already filled with insane power at that time. The four of you were her victims, after she lured you all together. Then she ripped out the darkness there was in you, and used that to create a set of clones, which she calls 'generals'. They look just like and sound the same as you, even if they are indeed, only humanoids. And in some complex way, they are still a small part of you."

Zoisite and Jadeite opened their mouths to comment, but she held a hand up to stop them.

"Listen. There's more." She said. "After she had done her little trick, Beryl trapped you into four different stones. She didn't want anyone interfering, so she made sure you were unable to intervene. The thing is though, General Jadeite and General Nephrite have already been eliminated. It seemes Queen Beryl does not hesitate to lose her temper. So now, only General Kunzite and Zoisite remain. And right now, I'm sure that it is General Zoisite in charge of collecting the Rainbow Crystals. You are going to have to fight against this other Zoisite."

Three pairs of eyes fell on the Zoisite standing with them. They imagined him taking on an evil personality, but just the thought of it was so wrong.

"That bitch!" Jadeite balled up his fists in anger. "That cold-hearted snake! She actually had the drive to clone us just to be her evil minions? Just how utterly insane is she?"

Nephrite shook his head. "I knew it. We should've known from day one, that obsessive look in her eyes... She should've never been admitted to work in the Golden Kingdom palace."

Pluto looked at them sympathetically. They had every right to be angry. "I'm only warning you now Shittenou, that it is both a good and bad thing you are identical to Beryl's generals."

"What's the good thing?" Kunzite tried not to snort. How could there be anything good out of having an evil clone? He folded his arms over his chest.

"The good thing is that it's beneficial. In encounters with the enemy, you could confuse them. Beryl doesn't know you are revived. She doesn't know that you walk the Earth again. She only knows her generals." She added, "Then again, it'd only work for Zoisite and Kunzite. And it'll only be for a short while. Eventually, she'll figure it out."

Zoisite nodded after a moment of thought. "Fine. I see the logic in that. And what's the bad exactly?"

"The bad is...well, unfortunately, it's several things." She sighed. "One would be that you'd have to explain to the other Senshi once they realize you are all identical to their enemy generals. You must give a reasonable explanation. Two, you 'll be mistaken for the enemy quite a few times. Three-"

"All right, we get it. Enough." Kunzite cut her off short, holding up a hand in irritation. "We don't want to hear all the downsides. We understand."

She looked sadly at them again, but tried not to show it this time. She knew how they felt about pity. "Just give it time, and hold strong. I not only sent you to Earth to give you a chance at life, but to make sure things fall into place. It is your duty to watch over everyone while they know nothing. All of them. The planetary princesses, Serenity, and Endymion."

Zoisite looked up at her with a somewhat melancholic feel. "You know Time Guardian, all the responsibilities you give us are starting to brim over the top."

She met his eyes for a brief moment. "I know. But one day, you'll look back and be proud that if it weren't for you, things would be different. I know you can do it."

"Of course we can." Nephrite rolled his eyes.

Pluto paused at his arrogance, raising a fine brow in question. "Oh? Anything I throw at you will be taken care of?"

"Count on it." Jadeite gave a sweeping bow.

Her current self began to change, her feeling and emotions shifting into a more daring mood. A small, clever smile curled up on her lips. She lifted her rod and waved it across the air in front of them like a wand. "Alright then. I want you to take care of this situation. Frankly, I'm not very pleased in the direction it's been heading."

The Shittenou frowned when nothing happened for the first few seconds. But then the air before them began to shift and change. Colors appeared and came together, eventually forming some sort of scene, almost like a projection. The picture was clear and easy to make out.

"I don't need you to ruin my day already! Why are you always in my way, jerk?"

"Your way? I think you mean my way. I was just on my way to work. If I end up late, it's your fault Odango-atama."

They watched as both Usagi and Mamoru's familiar faces showed up. The two looked to be having an argument again, taking place outside in one of Juban's shopping districts.

"I told you to stop calling me that!"

"Whatever you say, Odango-atama."

"Fine! Devil-spawn!"

"Could you be any louder by the way? I thing I'm on the verge of going deaf here, thanks to you."

"Good! Then maybe you'll stop talking altogether!"

"I just wish I could say the same for you."

The scene went on with them insulting each other. And when it finally ended with Usagi stomping past him, Pluto waved her rod to clear the projection-like screen. She turned back to them and crossed her arms.

"What exactly are you trying to say?" Kunzite asked with a frown.

"I want you to help those two out." She answered. "Quite ironic how in love they were before, isn't it?"

Nephrite agreed, "Shocker if you ask me."

"What do you mean by 'helping them out'?" asked Zoisite.

She shrugged her slender shoulders. "I want you to try to get them a little closer together. Whenever you get the chance to."

Jadeite made a face. "You said to let time run its course. Why are you telling us this now?"

She smirked. "Time will run its course all right, but that doesn't mean it won't need any help. Cause of things, and the effect of those things. What you do impacts what comes next. Think about that, Lord Jadeite. All of you."

"I see. You want us to put them in..." Kunzite paused. He searched for the right words to say. "Certain amatory situations."

Nephrite grimaced. "You've given us a near impossible task now. There is no sign of affection between them at all."

"Hm, well I'm afraid I'm going to have to leave you four to it. Our time's up." She lifted her rod, returning to her sincere, sedated mode. "You must return, and I am to resume my post guarding the Space-Time Door."

"But Pluto, we can't just-"

The purple barrier from before surfaced itself to the exterior of their bodies again. That same sensation returned, and anything they said would be once again unheard behind Pluto's bubble.

"Time has run out on us, but I promise to see you again soon." She summoned her power. "I'll be watching." She sent them back with a final wave of her Garnet Rod.

Barely a second had gone by when the Shittenou found themselves blinking to the light in Kunzite and Zoisite's apartment again. Pluto was gone. They were back in the reality of the 21st century.

"Damn." Jadeite cursed under his breath. He put a hand to his temple, his expression twisting into a grimace. "I always get a headache whenever she sends us back."

"Aspirin's in the bathroom." Kunzite pointed him in the right direction. He left, came back, and plopped himself down on their couch with a groan.

"Why can't she ever come here for a change? Is she too good for us?"

Nephrite sent him a warning look as he made his way into the kitchen for the coffee he hadn't had yet. "I wouldn't say anything if I were you Jadeite. She said herself she was watching us."

"And we are indebted to her." Zoisite added, hiding a harsh tone. As much as he secretly hated being indebted to another, this was a debt he couldn't refuse. It was his life. "She revived us."

"We're lucky she summoned us at all. The information and knowledge we've learned will be beneficial to us now." said Kunzite. "We should be worrying about more important things now. Like discussing what to do about our evil counterparts, the ones running out there wreaking havoc on behalf of Beryl and her Dark Kingdom."

"What's there to discuss? Apparently, Nephrite and I are dead. We're not the ones who have to kick our own asses." Jadeite said.

Zoisite nodded, meeting Kunzite's eyes. "He's right. It's only us."

"That may be, but I'm sure that the other Senshi will still want an explanation when they see Nephrite and Jadeite alive and well." He crossed his arms. "Since you two are both supposedly 'dead'."

From the kitchen, Nephrite replied, "So what are we supposed to do Kunzite? Haven't they already seen us? If we look so identical to our clones, why haven't they plotted to kill us yet?"

He frowned. "I don't quite understand that either. But I'm certain that sooner or later, they're all going to realize it."

"And then what do we say?" Zoisite asked. "What will convince them that we're not the same men who work under Beryl? What proof do we have? What explanation will we explicate on why there are two sets of us?"

Every one of them got quiet.

"Well, we'll just have to play it by ear." Kunzite finally answered after the silent moment. "We can't really expect anything. We'll just have to see how it goes."

Jadeite lifted his head from the couch, nearly smiling at a sudden fond memory. "Those girls are unpredictable all right."

"You can say that again." Nephrite shuffled in the living room with a steaming mug of coffee in his hand. He sipped at it casually. "When are we going to confront them then? Anytime soon?"

He thought for a moment. There was much to consider, many things to weigh. But in the end, he made a decision and snatched the keys to the rental car off the coffee table. "Get dressed, and someone call Usagi. We need to see her."

X-X-X-X-X

Usagi

IT WAS FINALLY the weekend.

All week, even with how busy she'd been with everything else, she hadn't once forgotten the shopping day she was promised. Makoto and Ami were the ones who had suggested it, and Minako was more than happy to come along. Even Rei and her cranky attitude agreed to join in. Having all her new friends together on a Saturday was the ideal, and she had looked forward to it so much it nearly killed her. There was nothing that could ruin her mood today!

Except...

"You bumped into Mamoru-san on your way here?" asked Makoto. Her eyebrows rose high.

"Unfortunately, yes!" Usagi was very much irritated, burning with an anger towards a certain man with dark hair and deep blue eyes. His image in her head made her bite back her tongue.

"Why are you so angry? What's so bad about him?" Minako asked, looking rapidly through the clothing racks. Apparently, she was on a hunt for a better wardrobe.

Rei looked over at her a little curiously. "What'd he say to you?"

"Oh, just the usual!" She tried not to roll her eyes. A store clerk at the counter warned her to lower her voice. The only problem was that she really wasn't paying attention. "Insults, Odango-Atama, making fun of me, Odango-Atama, Odango-Atama, Odango-Atama!"

Makoto and Rei snickered together. Not to be mean, but it was kind of funny.

"Don't laugh! It's not funny!" She folded her arms.

Minako paused and pulled a dress out from the rack. As she held it up over herself, she asked, "He's still calling you that? And does this dress make me look-"

"Are you kidding? He calls me that whenever we run into each other!" She threw her hands up in the air in exasperation. "I'm telling you, that guy's a spawn of the devil himself! He hasn't once welcomed here!"

"Usagi-chan, I think that's a little harsh though." Ami frowned.

The amusement off of Rei's face tuned down for the moment. Her mouth turned into a lour. "I don't know Ami. In all seriousness, that Mamoru is a little suspicious to me."

Usagi lit up, literally pouncing on her. She locked her arms around her, despite her struggling against it. "Oh finally! I knew I wasn't the only one thinking he was evil!"

"All right! Get off me Usagi!" She glared at her once she was released again, brushing herself off and smoothing out her outfit. "And anyways, I don't think he's really evil. That's a little too extreme of a word."

Making a face, the blonde disagreed. "Really? It sounds good enough to me."

"No. Rei would know if he was evil." Makoto said knowingly. She randomly picked up a pair of shutter-shade sunglasses off a rotating rack before going on. "She would do that 'akiko taisan' chant to chase him away if he was."

Rei frowned disapprovingly, offense crossing her facial expression. "It's Akuryo Taisan, Makoto."

"Close enough." She shrugged, putting on the glasses in front of a mirror. "I wouldn't know a lot about it. That's just not in my forte."

Minako turned around with a roll of her eyes, finally tearing away from the clothes rack she'd been looking through. "Forte, shmorte! I want to hear some more of this squabble action between Usagi and Mamoru!"

"Squabble action?" Usagi repeated, unaware of why she felt so embarassed all of a sudden. "What do you mean by that?"

"Oh come on! Don't tell me you've never seen in it the shoujo mangas before!"

She pursed her lip. "I've read your Sailor V manga."

"Well I mean other shoujo manga!" Minako exclaimed. If she had to be honest, there was more action in her manga series than there was romance. She'd have to talk to the mangaka about that sometime. "You know, the fluffy stuff."

She still looked clueless, which only frustrated her.

"Fine. Being the Goddess of Love, I have the patience to explain it to you." Minako decided with a sigh.

Ami, Makoto, and Rei exchanged looks and rolled their eyes.

"All right. What I'm sensing between you and Mamoru is the love-hate thing going on." She said. "As in, you hide your affectionate feelings with a facade. You trick yourselves into thinking you don't like each other. You mask yourselves with hate and under all those insults and anger, you're actually falling in-"

"Love?" Usagi could barely keep her mouth closed after saying it. She had it gaping in disbelief.

She grinned. "Exactly! Now, since we're friends and all, you should just tell us how you really feel about-"

"No way! You must be insane! I don't feel anything for that conceited jerk! There is no love-hate thing going on!"

"Don't lie to me Usagi! I'm the Goddess of Love after all!"

"I'm not lying!" She huffed, balling up her fists at her sides. Why were her cheeks burning at this nonsense?

Makoto finally intervened before either of them could speak another word. She placed herself between the two. Watching the Venus girl pester Usagi was actually more tiring than amusing. "Okay, enough already Minako. You don't want to run off our new leader back to America, do you?"

For a moment, Rei looked as if something had suddenly perked her interest. But if it was important, she didn't say a thing about it.

"Of course not! Not after we just got her!" said Minako, answering Makoto's question.

"Then why don't we just do what we came here to do?" Ami suggested, having kept quiet for most of the ruckus. Sheepishly, she held up a cute, blue clutch purse made of silk and put into ruffles. "Shopping together?"

Everyone agreed with her at an instant, dropping all the fuss and bickering. They returned to their shopping, and the day began to fall in place. Together, they went from store to store in the shopping district. It was fun, with plenty of laughs and bonding. They bought some things, but browsed around more. It wasn't like any of them were made of money. Supposedly Minako was, but no one was surprised to see her having purchased the most. And when they began to feel the exhaustion of walking around for hours, they finally chose to rest at a western-based cafe since it was the closest. It was pretty exotic for Makoto, Ami, and Rei, but even Ami, having studied more advanced western cultures and language, seemed to adjust to the environment more.

(A/N: The following dialogue in italics will represent the english being spoken since this story is actually in a Japan-based setting.)

"Excuse me, are you ready to order anything?"

"U-um, I..."

"I'm sorry? Is there a problem?"

Rei could feel herself shrinking in her chair, feeling a trickle of sweat run down her head from embarrassment and frustration. She looked up from her english-based menu, all of it in letters of the western 'alphabet'.

"Miss?" The young waitress at their table waited with a pen and notepad in hand. She gave her a questioning look.

She gulped, throat dry as she was about to answer. "Uh-"

"I'll have two burgers, an order of fries, and a large chocolate ice cream!" Usagi interuppted. A eager smile was on her face as the waitress turned to her.

"All right." She jotted it down quickly. "Anything else?"

Minako raised an elegant hand. "I'll have a grilled-chicken sandwich and creme brulee."

"Just a...Cobb Salad for me." said Ami, reading randomly from her menu. She wasn't even sure what kind of a salad a Cobb Salad was. Was there a difference?

She nodded and turned back to Rei and Makoto. "And you two?"

They both grimaced, exchanging looks with each other.

"Oh, they'll just have the same thing as me!" said Usagi, waving a hand to get the waitress's attention once more.

"Th-the same?" An astonished expression struck the woman, staring at the clueless Makoto and Rei.

"Hai!" She paused and slapped a hand over her mouth, correcting herself. "Yes!"

Without questioning any further, the waitress nodded and left their table.

Rei lowered her head in shame as soon as their server was out of earshot. "I'm such an idiot!"

Makoto did the same, both of their faces tomato red. "That makes two."

"Don't think that way, Mako-chan! Rei-chan! You don't have to worry!" Usagi assured them happily. "I ordered you guys something extra yummy!"

Minako frowned. "Yeah, but that was a lot. Are you going to be able to eat all that Usagi-chan?"

Ami and Makoto suddenly glanced at each other. It seemed to hold true that they were the only ones so far to know of Usagi's stomach-bomb appetite.

"Of course I am!" She replied. "It's really good! I ordered the same for Rei and Mako-chan!"

"Thanks...I guess." Rei reluctantly replied and lifted her head again. She quickly turned to Ami. "I guess I'm going to have to have you tutor me on that english language Ami-chan."

Makoto smiled at Usagi and Minako. "I'm jealous of you guys. You just know how to speak another language off the bat. Maybe I'll just ask you two since you're both so fluent. You're used to the culture."

"If you want." Minako shrugged like it didn't matter. "Honestly, since I've been here, Japan's been more exciting for me. It was okay in London, but working solo isn't all what it's cracked up to be. The attention and credit is great, but standing out amoung four other girls just like me is a challenge I'd rather take any day."

"Like the insane daredevil you are." added Rei, implying her countless reckless actions.

"We aren't fighting for popularity Minako-chan." Ami frowned disapprovingly. "We're supposed to focus on defeating our enemies."

"Yeah, yeah. I know." She waved a hand at her, only making Ami frustrated at her lack of listening to her. She looked back at Usagi. "What about you Usagi-chan? How were you're experiences as a lone soldier in America?"

Usagi smiled. "I was never alone. The guys were with me. And even though I always got the most credit, I tried to give them the attention they deserved too."

Rei turned her eyes back to her. Suspicion forced her brows to furrow together. "Those Earth Defenders...about that Usagi. Who are those men in reality?"

At once, the others quickly leaned into the table for the private topic, as if they were all anxious to hear the answer; which was actually true. It seemed that they all had been wondering about it, and by the looks of it from their expressions, it's been on their minds for a while without her knowing.

"Yeah. If you say that they're good, we'll trust your judgement on that. They must be on our side." said Minako, her voice lowered. "But if they're going to be working alongside us as well, we have a right to know their real identities, right?"

Usagi made a face at how fast the subject had suddenly changed from something casual, to Senshi business. It made her somewhat uncomfortable all of a sudden. "Uh, well..."

"We just want to know who they really are. Whenever we have Senshi meetings, they should be involved too." Ami explained. "I mean, if they're with you, we can trust them more easily. Maybe you could bring us to meet them sometime?"

"I'd sure like to know too." Makoto blushed her thoughts to herself. This was probably due to their most recent enemy encounter, when Nephrite had pulled her into his arms and saved her from a youma.

Usagi looked at each of them, waiting for her answer. It was so sudden, and the matter of revealing the Earth Defenders's identities wasn't in her hands. She never considered herself their superior, their leader, but as partners instead. Revealing them wasn't her right, and she wasn't sure if they wanted to give their identities away to the other Senshi, even if they were her team now.

Thankfully however, her cellphone rang before she could give them an answer.

"Hello?" She answered, seconds after digging the device from her messenger bag purse. She turned away from her friends, hoping to avoid their awaiting eyes on her.

"It's me." Nephrite's voice replied on the other line. "Where are you Usagi?"

A frown came to her face. "Nephrite? I'm out with my friends."

"You mean you're with the other Senshi?"

"Yes, but we're just hanging out. Why ask?"

It sounded like he hesitated for a moment before answering. "We need to see you Usagi. There's something we need to talk about."

X-X-X-X-X

Rei

SHE STARED AT her, her back turned from them. Her phone call must be something private, Rei thought.

Before it had reached even five minutes, Usagi turned back around and slipped her cellphone back in her bag. For some reason, she suddenly looked bummed as she turned her big, crystal blue eyes on them again.

"Um, sorry everyone. Something just came up." She said, standing from her seat. "I have to go now."

"Who called?" Minako asked curiously. "Is it secretly Mamoru-san?"

She scowled at her. "Why would it be that guy? How would he have my number? It's definitely not him!"

"It must be important if you have to leave so suddenly then." said Ami, always the thoughtful and considerate one.

Reality seemed to return to her, and her scowl was replaced by a regular frown. "Right." She turned and hurried off towards the exit. "I'll see you guys later! Next time again!"

As soon as she had left, the four of them huddled their heads together towards the center of the table.

"I was really hoping she'd tell us about those Earth guys." Minako said first, disappointment marring her face. "Not that I don't trust her, I just really want to know. I don't like not knowing who I'm working with, or working alongside for that matter."

Ami agreed. "Yes, it'd certainly give me better knowledge about them. It'll be safer too."

"You can't be too trusting of men anyway." said Rei. "That Tuxedo Kamen has proven himself to be quite helpful in his own way, therefore, we've allowed his help even without confronting the mystery of his identity. But four more is subject to question."

"Do you have to be so strict though?" Makoto tried her part at defense. "I mean, that blondish one we saw with the wavy hair already said they didn't give out their names. Should we try to bother them any more?"

Minako raised an eyebrow. "You just said a while ago that you wanted to know about them too."

A flush stained her cheeks. "I know, but-"

"Makoto, just think." Rei cut her off. "It'd be much easier on all are nerves if we knew who they were. Perhaps even I could cooperate...if they're friends with of our 'new leader'."

Surprise flashed across the other three's faces.

"Yes. I'm aware of my trust issues, after all." She scoffed. "But I've been thinking, and my negative feelings towards leader replacement won't do any good. Trying to trust Sailor Moon is the best I can do, and as much as I hate to say so, that includes her team of sword men."

Minako sat back in her chair and acknowledged her with a nod of her head. "Impressive. You should think about trust some more. Maybe you might loosen up enough to get a boyfriend."

"Too troublesome. Besides, I don't need a man to feel love. I already have enough passion in my heart to make up for it."

"But that's not healthy for the soul-!"

"Here are your orders. I'm sorry for the wait..." The waitress from before had finally returned, balancing plates and their food orders. All the food she put down took up the whole table. And when she left, she bowed, the only Japanese custom they'd seen the whole time they'd been in the cafe'.

"Did Usagi-chan really order all that?" Ami frowned at all the food.

Makoto made a face as well. "Who's going to pay for her? She already left."

"Well I don't mind, as long as..."

Rei turned away, Minako's voice fading away from her attention. She stared out the window for a spare moment. How the topic at hand had suddenly gone from Senshi business to who was going to pay for Usagi, she didn't try to understand. The day had already made her tired enough as it is, and she didn't want to burn her brain out for the rest of her weekend.

However, to her annoyance, Minako's suggestion on the boyfriend relationship thing seemed to stitch itself into her mind. She still protested against it, remembering how she had stated, "The only reason why I'd want a boyfriend is so I can boss him around."

Saying just that, she never really concerned herself with men unless she had to. Yuuichirou was a good example of that, and though she disliked and didn't think much of him, he was rather useful to have around. He kept the other admirers away. And besides, ojii-chan wouldn't be happy with her if she threw him out.

She sighed. Even if she did open up to men more, would there be anyone who really suited her? Would there be anyone right for her? She took the doubt in her as an answer. They were not trustworthy enough anyway.

X-X-X-X-X

Usagi

IT WASN'T fair!

Usagi felt herself annoyed that the Shittenou had called her out for some kind of meeting. She'd left the cafe a while ago already, and was making her way home. Apparently, they'd been waiting at her house all day for her to come home. But it was getting late now, and they were losing patience, being the guys they were. Plus, her dad wasn't so thrilled about having them over for so long, and Jadeite was complaining about the evil eye he kept looking at them with. Aside from that however, having to leave her friends without even getting her food left her scowling all the way home.

But not before she ran into a certain blue-eyed devil midway. What a crazy coincidence.

"So we meet yet again, cow-tails." Mamoru looked down at her, both of them having stopped just outside some flashy, multistory building. He'd walked out of it and she had merely been passing by.

Anger towards him already began its build on the irritation she already had. She responded, "Two times in one day? What, are you everywhere now? I just saw you this morning!"

Her sharp reply made him take a step back. He didn't expect that. "What's with the steam? I haven't done anything to you yet."

"None of your business!" She folded her arms. It was like he was poking a bleeding wound with a stick. "And besides, I was just heading home. You're just in my way again." She added, "It doesn't surprise me though."

A taunting smile replaced his current facial expression, and he returned to his normal jerk attitude. "I recall the same happening to me this morning. Remember that, odango-atama?"

She glowered at the name, recalling this morning events. Apparently, she'd been holding him up from making it to work. Her thoughts soon made her notice his appearance. Usually, he'd be wearing something simple or casual. But today, he was dressed in designer blue jeans and a Vintage T-shirt. It was way off his usual style, but for some reason, she found herself drooling all over it.

"Why are you staring at me like that?" His voice broke the focus her gaze shortly. He looked both curious and annoyed at her.

She jumped back instantly, not even believing in herself. What had she been doing anyway? Checking out someone she disliked and thought was the spawn of the devil? Part of her mind thought this, but surprisingly, the majority of it thought he was cute and drop-dead gorgeous. Tired, she thought, trying to sort it out. That probably explained her outrageous thinking. And annoyed. "W-what are you talking about? Who would stare at you!"

He glanced down at his attire and shrugged. "People have been doing that all day. It's my job. My manager even said I could keep these clothes after the shoot, said it'd be a waste if I didn't keep them."

"Shoot? What kind of job do you have exactly?"

"Temporary modeling." He answered.

She gaped at him. "Really? You don't seem the like the type to do that kind of job." He was hunky enough, maybe, but his personality didn't really match up. It didn't seem right either. Then again, what did she know?

"I need the extra money for college. I want to study in a good university once I graduate from high school. That's why it's only temporary." He paused as a mocking expression crossed his face. "Why the sudden interest in my personal life odango-atama?"

The question made her freeze. She suddenly realized how she'd been caught off guard, not even knowing that her dislike of him and hard feelings towards him had been pushed aside for the briefest of moments. Usually by now, she'd be stomping away angrily. But for the first time since she'd met him, they'd actually had a normal, somewhat friendly chat. Even if it wasn't much, it was more than they'd had before; a couple seconds, perhaps. The thought made her wonder if he was capable of being nicer person.

"Hello? Cow-tails? Anyone in that hollow shell of yours?"

Usagi blinked back into reality, her mouth instantly forming a frown. Or maybe not, she added to her last thought. A hand was rapidly moving back and forth in front of her face, and she slapped it away.

"Ah. I thought you'd turned into a zombie or something." He told her. He smirked. "Actually, it'd probably suit you. Aren't you pretty slow and brain-dead?"

She glared daggers at him, growling in anger. Her jaw nearly fell at how much of a jerk he could be. But before she could make snappy a comeback, distant screams grabbed her attention, followed by a gut feeling. And this time, it seemed she wasn't the only one who heard the screams.

"Doesn't sound too far from here." Mamoru muttered. He had gone still all of a sudden, unmoving from his place.

"Where do you think it's coming from?" She asked.

"...A little ways northwest I think, judging by the way the screams carried. It might be somewhere ahead of here." He paused and looked back down at her. "You probably shouldn't worry about it odango-atama. The police will handle it...whatever it is."

She opened her mouth to protest that she could take on whatever youma was out there, and there was one for sure if her gut feeling was right, but stopped herself. She couldn't just say all that to a civillian. Instead, she said what she thought was her natural response towards him. "It's not odango-atama, baka! And besides, I was thinking about taking a different way home."

He nodded and instead of replying with something teasing or witty, he said, "All right. You should go, and I'm going to try and hurry too. I don't want to get caught up in the streets when there's trouble nearby."

Without another word, she watched as he walked away in the opposite direction of where the screams had come from. It was kind of weird, the way he started to act different just now. But in all sense, it was actually a good thing. She didn't want him to see her heading towards the threat.

She felt a sigh coming, probably because of the weariness of her Sailor Moon duty, but repressed it. She'd already vowed to stay as true to her responsibility as much as possible, especially with everyone pressuring her lately. She didn't have to say any names, but they were there, and that was all she needed, despite how much she wanted to complain and cry about how life was never fair.

Usagi heard the distant screams again. This time, she jumped into action and made haste, moving speedily ahead.

X-X-X-X-X

It wasn't long before a beeping in her bag let her know she was going the right way. Somewhere along her path, the Moon Stick's sensory started going crazy. And at first, she ignored it. No one could really blame her since it was her first time really using such a device, but it turned out to be useful once she gave in and used it like a compass.

Until it lead her to a cemetery.

"Are you serious?" She gulped, staring at the gates of the dead. The whole street was practically deserted now, which explained why everyone had run past her while she had hurried forward. From where she stood, she couldn't really see much of the threat. But she knew it was there, just farther into the cemetery.

Beep, beep, beep...

She looked down at the Moon Stick, gripped tightly in her hand, and frowned. It was definitely telling her to go on. She couldn't stop here just because it was a cemetery and she had a morbid fear of ghosts.

There was another scream, but much louder than before since she was so close. Without another thought, she transformed and charged into the cemetery, but not before leaving the Shittenou a message. She couldn't forget back-up after all.

She went deeper into the graveyard before coming to an abrupt halt, having spotted the action scene. There was a priest, a girl who looked about her age, and the Zoisite clone again. Tension drifted all around the air.

"You sure like to scream, little girl. See what you've done? You've scared everyone away." said Zoisite, talking in that annoying and taunting way as he had done just a couple of days before. There was something sinister behind his tone, making her shiver.

The girl on the ground looked up at him, her eyes wide with fear. For a moment, Sailor Moon noticed her appearance. Like a coincidence, the girl resembled her friend Molly from America. Maybe it was just the hair?

"Stop this. I still don't know who you are, but you're obviously not here to respect the spirits." The priest standing by the girl stood both kindly and humble.

Zoisite laughed, lifting a hand and producing a black crystal. "I'm surprised my patience has held me out this long. Too bad I don't feel like playing anymore games. It's time for your true calling Boxy. "

She acted before he could make a move, having felt a pang inside that warned her something bad was about to happen. "Stop right there!" She pushed herself off the ground and jumped into the air, landing on top of a tombstone. But her voice alone got his attention.

"Who's there? Who are you?"

Her expression didn't falter. He hadn't seen her the time Joe was being attacked. "You don't know me, but I know you're not on the side of justice. My name is Sailor Moon! I right wrongs and triumph over evil! And on behalf of the moon, I will punish you evil Zoisite! Whatever you're planning with those crystals!"

He narrowed his eyes at her. "What is this? A new Sailor warrior? I don't have time for this!" He hissed and turned back to the priest, holding the black crystal out towards him. "Zoi!"

She watched wide-eyed as the crystal was activated. It shot a beam of dark power at the innocent man, soon enveloping him in a shield of negative energy.

"No!" Zoisite cried when an orange crystal shot out from the shield of energy, high up and landing somewhere unseen. He immediately plunged into the mist of the cemetery to find it.

She herself would've gone after him too, if it weren't for the sudden war cry that tore her attention away. Her anxiety shot up when she spotted a youma had taken the place of the priest from before. It was a little more human-like this time, dressed like a professional boxer with angel wings. Talk about tacky.

"I am a champion!" The monster announced, slamming his boxing gloves together.

Out of nowhere, Zoisite came back to the scene with crossed arms as he stayed airborne. "Boxy, I want you to knock out this Sailor Moon."

She gulped the instant the youma's red eyes turned on her. It was definitely hungry for a challenge. "N-no fair! I'm not a boxer!"

A whimpering sound suddenly caught her attention. It was the girl that looked like Molly, unaware of what exactly was happening. She watched in far greater fear than hers.

"G-get out of here!" Sailor Moon urged, shooing her away with a frantic hand gesture. "Now! It's not safe!"

The girl scrambled away without another warning, just as Boxy gave another war cry. It brought Sailor Moon's attention back on him. He'd brought his gloved hand back, releasing it as soon as her eyes fell on him. It shot towards her at incredible speed.

"W-wait! I told you I'm not a boxer!" She cringed as the flying fist came her way, expecting to be thrown back in pain.

But it didn't happen.

Strong arms had lifted her from the ground, the surprise forcing her eyes open. She gasped when she looked down and found herself sailing overhead. In the arms of another, she looked back up and expected to see one of the Shittenou. Sure enough, it was masked man in dark clothing. But as they hit ground and he set her back on her feet, she realized he wasn't one of the Shittenou at all.

"What? You again!" Zoisite growled at the sight of the man who saved her. "Boxy! I want you to get Tuxedo Kamen too!"

Tuxedo Kamen? She watched as he launched himself into the air again, battling out the youma as it attacked with more of its flying fists. He used a cane to deflect them all.

Who is this guy? She studied his appearance momentarily. He wore a mask over his eyes like the Shittenou, but instead of the dark tailcoat suits they wore, he was wearing a tuxedo. Not to mention a red and black cape fastened at his broad shoulders and a tophat atop his dark hair.

He's amazing, she thought to herself dreamily. She walked forward to get a better view, only to stop when she stepped on something bulky. "Huh?" She stooped down to pick up a star-shaped locket, feeling a faint shock when it contacted her skin. Ignoring it, the object felt oddly warm, like someone had just dropped it. She looked back up at Tuxedo Mask. Could it be his?

"Sailor Moon!" A new voice ripped her away from her thoughts, but a voice that she recognized.

She turned and found the actual Earth warriors running towards her. "Guys!"

"What's going on?" asked Kunzite, scanning the action scene. All four of them found sight of Tuxedo Kamen first.

"That man..." Nephrite muttered observingly.

She shook her head, trying not to be distracted by Tuxedo Kamen's visual aspect. "I don't know who he is either, but he saved me just before you guys got here. His name is Tuxedo Kamen."

Zoisite, the good one, paused for a brief silence. "Looks like he's fighting a youma. Probably one of the Great Youma. That must mean my counterpart is here."

Jadeite pointed across the other side of the cemetery. "I think I see him... Huh, he does look like you Zoi."

"Thank you for the statement captain obvious." He tried not to roll his eyes, even though you couldn't see it from behind his mask. "I think we can all see that."

"All right. Enough jokes." Kunzite said seriously. "Come on, let's go help that Tuxedo Kamen out."

They unsheathed their swords. But as soon as they did that, Sailor Moon ran in front of them and stretched her arms out.

"No! You can't actually kill the youma, remember?"

Jadeite clenched his teeth, dying for action. "Then what do you want us to do?"

"I-I...I don't know, but you can't-!"

He widened his eyes. "Sailor Moon watch out!" He dropped his sword and tackled her to the ground, a boxer's glove zooming past his ear.

She sat up in time to see it slam into a tombstone and shatter to pieces. Her heart beat hysterically. "Wah! I almost could've-!"

"Supreme Thunder!" Another familiar voice cut her off, causing her to look back at the action scene.

"It's Jupiter!" She saw all four of the Senshi soldiers there all of a sudden. When? She didn't even notice their arrival. "The other Senshi!"

The lightning attack from Sailor Jupiter hit Boxy with a strong surge. It shattered his boxing glove, his main source of power.

"Sailor Moon!" Venus called out to her. "It's all up to you!"

She quickly pulled herself up and nodded. "All right. It's my turn!" She gathered her energy and help up the Moon Stick. "Moon Healing Escalation!"

It was the same process as before. In no time, the youma became a normal priest again. "Refresh!"

The evil Zoisite looked dumbstruck at the event, only to become agitated when Tuxedo Kamen laughed triumphantly.

"The rainbow crystal is mine!" He held it in his hand for him to see, then took off as fast as he could. He disappeared beyond the mist of the cemetery, but not before he caught a final glance at her. It left her blushing red, wondering who in the world was that man.

"I will get that crystal back one day!" Zoisite called after him. He threw dirty looks at everybody else, barely pausing at Sailor Moon. But when he spotted the Earth Defenders behind her, he made a face. "And who are you? More obstacles daring to get in my way?"

The good Zoisite, not to anyone's surprise, stepped up to answer. But the mask over his eyes still sealed his identity, so his counterpart made no reaction. "We are warriors of Earth! It's a crime to stray on the path of evil, especially to see your face serving the Dark Kingdom! We as the Earth Defenders will defeat you!"

This seemed to piss him off. "What are you saying? What's wrong with my face? How dare you! I'd like to see you try to defeat the Dark Kingdom! You wouldn't stand a chance!"

"Would we? Zoisite?" Kunzite spoke in a dark tone.

He widened his eyes, staring at him. "You...you sound like...No!" He shook his head. "I-I'm leaving!"

Everyone watched as he dematerialized, finally leaving the cemetery at peace. It got quiet quick, except for the priest rambling on about religion and faith. He didn't seem to be aware of what was happening around him anymore anyway.

Nephrite was the first to break the ice. "You did excellent Sailor Senshi."

Every head turned to him.

"Especially you, Sailor Moon, Sailor Jupiter. That was a admirable performance."

The lightning soldier blushed where she stood, not even attempting to hide it.

"The battle is over," said Jadeite, taking a bow. "So we must now part ways and-"

Sailor Mars made her way over to them in a flash. Her eyes stared calculatingly at the Earth Defenders, somewhat cold and hesitant, but fierce as well. "You're not going anywhere, Earth men. Not until you show us who you are."

Sailor Moon bit her lip worriedly. Rei...

The defenders stopped and shared glances, but said nothing.

In fleeting seconds, Sailor Venus showed up by Mars's side to support her. "We demand to know who works alongside us in the name of justice. And by that speech you gave," She acknowledged Zoisite. "You plan to overcome the Dark Kingdom. That's part of our mission as well."

Kunzite stared at her, through his mask and to her own dutiful blue eyes. He was quiet for a while, only staring. Not even Sailor Moon had the will to say anything in the midst of the tension, despite how much she felt like she needed to. He looked back at the other three before saying, "Fine. Let's take this somewhere more private."