He sighed and simply said, "I was just watching you sleep, Ami. You looked so exquisite and peaceful."

I blinked a couple times in response to the comment. Why is he trying to flatter me? Either he's really sweet, or he thinks up the weakest excuses. My mind settled with the latter; as a result, I became very suspicious of my captor. But at the moment, I thought it best not to voice my distrust. I can act just as well as you, Sapphire, you just wait and see.

Blushing slightly and giving a slight smile, I said, "Well…thank you, Sapphire." His shoulders relaxed for a moment. "However, that doesn't excuse your intrusion. Maybe it would be best to just forget about this whole thing, and get some sleep. I'm sure we're all tired, and I really don't want to cause any more discomfort or embarrassed feelings. What's done is done."

Sapphire nodded in agreement and said, "I bid you good night, Ami. Usagi. I'll come here to meet you at 9 o'clock sharp." Then he teleported away.

Usagi looked in surprise at me and said, "What was that all about? You just let him go?"

My gaze hardened as I looked around the room. "I'd tell you, Usagi, but I'm afraid these walls have ears. Let's just get some sleep."

~*~

Later that morning, breakfast was unusually quiet between Sapphire and I. Breakfast was also quiet between Usagi and Diamond, but that was normal. He tried to make simple conversation with her, but she wanted to interact with him as little as possible.

Halfway through breakfast, I noticed that Sapphire had been sneaking side glances of me. Within five minutes, he had peeked at me through the corner of his eye 44 times. What's his deal?

Rubeus, who sat on the other side of me, leaned over and said, "Heard you had quite a time last night, Sapphire!" He chuckled and continued. "Emerald tells me that Miss Mizuno caught you red-handed in her room!"

Sapphire turned his flushed gaze to the lime-haired Emerald, sitting across from me. She let loose one of her trademark ear-splitting cackles and said, "It's the best gossip around here, Sapphire!" Snapping her fan open, she added, "Too bad you're not as sneaky as you may think you are!"

Sapphire glared at his two comrades and sarcastically said, "Thanks for your concern, guys. But I think this involves Ami and I, so butt out!" At that moment, all three Black Moon members looked at me expectantly, as if waiting for me to comment on everything. I simply blushed and took a bite of my blueberry pancake.

Sapphire sighed and said, "I guess there's no going around it now. I had hoped to do this in a private place," he shot a glare at Rubeus and Emerald. "Ami, I apologize for my actions last night. I truly hope I can regain your trust."

To tell the truth, most of my trust for him had gone out the window. But I didn't want to outright admit it to him; it seemed too harsh to do, and it was against my nature to be blunt.

I looked into his deep azure pools, and my insides quivered at their intensity and sincerity. "I accept your apology. But please don't do that again; I admit it scared the life out of me."

He nodded and said, "You have my word. I won't invade your privacy again."

I smiled and began to finish my meal.

At the end of the meal, Diamond called everyone to attention, as usual. He held his hands in the air, and every member of the Black Moon Clan stopped their chitchat and snapped their heads into attention.

"I hope that the meal was to everyone's satisfaction," he began. A chorus of giggles and a belch answered him. He chuckled and said, "I'll take that as a yes. And Rubeus, please excuse yourself. You're in the presence of ladies."

Among a chorus of laughter, the redheaded man sitting next to me blushed and softly said, "Excuse me, please."

Diamond cleared his throat and everyone looked back to him. "Anyway, I hope you all have a nice morning, and we will have a meeting at 12 noon SHARP, right here in the dining hall. This meeting will be for the Black Moon Clan members only, so Miss Tsukino and Miss Mizuno will stay in their rooms at that time. Understood?"

Everyone nodded, and I rolled my eyes slightly. Thanks for the choice, Diamond.

He smiled and said, "You are all dismissed then, with the exceptions of Miss Tsukino and Miss Mizuno. Please come see me." Various members of the Black Moon teleported out, and Sapphire gave me a slight smile before exiting through the double doors. Soon the three of us were sitting at the head of the table.

Diamond cleared his throat and said, "I expect you two to uphold the rules I have just laid out. Whenever we of the Black Moon have meetings, you will stay in your bedrooms. Not to alienate you, but we need to take care of business amongst ourselves. Understood?"

Usagi nodded, and I said, "Yes, Diamond. I understand perfectly." That you are hiding something from us.

He smiled and replied, "Very good. You two are free until noon. Miss Mizuno, have a nice day. Usagi, I will see you soon," he gave a seductive smile, which turned my insides. Usagi looked down and nodded again. I stood and walked out the doors. To my surprise, Rubeus was standing there.

I gave him a surprised look and he said, "Miss Mizuno! I've been waiting for you!" I raised my eyebrows at the former enemy. "Yes, Rubeus?"

He replied, "Sapphire forgot to tell you this, so he gave me this," he extended a small golden key, "to give to you. If you go down the hall and take the first left, you'll find a regulation-sized swimming pool. This key opens locker number 44, and it is already stocked with everything you need to swim."

I took the small key and smiled. "This is so nice of him. And thank you Rubeus; I think I'll go swim some laps right now," I smiled and turned to walk down the corridor.

He called after me, "Emerald is already down there. Don't be afraid to ask her any questions!"

~*~

I got out of the pool feeling energized. I had just done 20 laps, and my muscles were tingling. Nothing like a good swim. I had also taken the time to think about the previous events. There must be something he desperately wants to keep from us, and I have a feeling that the "meeting" and Sapphire's appearance last night have something to do with it.

I quickly dried myself off and headed for the showers. I used some lilac shampoo and conditioner that I found in the locker. After cleaning the pool's chlorine off of myself, I went over to the hair dryers. But before I could get there, I heard Emerald's annoying laugh. I started using a hair dryer, while listening to what she had to say. She didn't even know that I was there, she was so absorbed in her conversation.

"…Yes, I'm really looking forward to today's meeting," she said. She was talking to a youma with fins and blue scales. Must be one of her minions. She continued, "I can't wait to gaze into Diamond's gorgeous eyes as he tells us of the attacks." Attacks? "We really worked all the bugs out of our system this time. Now that we're back, and more powerful than ever, those senshi don't stand a chance!" She then let loose one of her screeching cackles. I heard the door squeak open, then slam closed.

My heart began to pound in my chest. Attacks against the senshi? I've got to go tell Usagi!

~*~

AN: Whew, that was a long chapter. I had lots of inspirational juices flowing there! Well, hoped you liked it, and if all goes well, there should be another chapter here soon.

Thank you to everyone who gave me such nice and inspiring reviews! *sniff sniff* You guys are great! I got 32 reviews instead of 25; 7 more than I asked for! You guys rock!