That Special Magic
-by: the Yarnspinner-
the_yarnspinner@yahoo.com
http://strands-of-moonlight.my3gb.com
-or-  http://strands-of-moonlight.6te.net
A Sekkushiaru Roman
featuring characters from the anime "Sailor Moon"

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NOTE: This yarn is essentially a first season story, and separate from my others. I've made a few alterations in certain elements of the original story, which will become apparent as the story progresses.
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> Chapter 1 - First Kisses <

        Usagi lay on her bed, staring out her window and dreaming of Tuxedo Kamen.
        "I wonder if he's thinking of me," she sighed.
        Luna jumped up on the bed. "Usagi! We have more important things to worry about."
        "This is important, Luna," Usagi protested. "I don't know who he is."
        "And we don't know if we can trust him," Luna pointed out.
        Usagi grabbed her pillow and swatted the cat. "Don't you dare say anything against him," she said, her voice trembling. "He's always coming to my aid, and he's just sooooo handsome..."
        "Oh, yes. That really tells us so much," Luna quipped, as Usagi sat there with a dreamy expression on her face.
        "Of course if does," Usagi insisted. "It has to mean that he loves me!"
        "Or that he's a glutton for punishment, who constantly finds himself stuck with bailing out a klutzy crybaby," Luna said.
        "Luna!" Usagi cried.
        Luna jumped off the bed as Usagi again swung the pillow in her direction and a piercing wail filled the room.
        "Usagi, if you'd use some of that energy for our mission, we'd already have found the princess by now," Luna said.
        "You are just so mean, Luna!" Usagi sobbed, grabbing her pillow back and burying her face in it.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

        The next day, Usagi walked through the park. She had slipped out of the house while Luna was taking a nap, and now looked forward to a few hours of peace and quiet.
        It was a warm, sunny day. Birds chirped overhead and the wind rustled softly in the trees. On the hillside, she saw several families enjoying picnics. A number of boats were out on the lake, and from somewhere up ahead she heard someone playing a saxophone.
        Just then, she caught site of Mamoru walking along a different path. 'Oh, no. Not him,' she thought. 'I am not going let him spoil my day.' She ducked behind a tree and waited until he was out of sight.
        With Mamoru out of the way, she walked on, sitting down on a bench along the edge of the lake. As she sat there, she imagined being out on the lake in a boat with Tuxedo Kamen. Her eyes closed and she pictured the two of them together, a happy smile spreading across her face.
        Her reverie was interrupted by a loud, discordant blast of a saxophone, and the sound of people screaming in fright. She spun around to see the musician's saxophone had transformed into a youma. It turned toward the lake and released another blast of sound, shattering a tree.
        Usagi screamed with fright and dove away. Behind the cover of more trees, she transformed into Sailor Moon. She jumped out, but before she could give her introduction, the youma blasted her, sending her crashing to the ground in pain.
        As she struggled back to her feet, the youma moved toward a family nearby. Sailor Moon rushed forward, striking the youma with a powerful kick. The youma recovered quickly, turning its attention back to Sailor Moon, unleashing another blast of sound. As Sailor Moon regained her feet, the youma was already moving back toward the family, who were frozen in place by fear. She dove toward the youma, which suddenly wheeled around and blasted her. Every bit of her body seemed to be in pain.
        A rose struck the youma, which spun around in surprise.
        "Music should be a language of the soul, not of evil!" Tuxedo Kamen declared.
        The youma turned and released a blast of sound, shattering the tree in which Tuxedo Kamen was standing. With the youma's attention still on Tuxedo Kamen, Sailor Moon reached for her tiara.
        "Moon tiara action!" she cried.
        The tiara struck the youma, which screamed as its magic was scattered away. The saxophone, now restored to normal, floated there for a moment, then fell to the ground.
        "Well done, Sailor Moon," Tuxedo Kamen said, as he stood back up.
        "Thank you, Tuxedo Kamen," she said, rushing to him. "Are you alright?"
        "Yes," he said. "But you look like you've got some bruises." He brushed his hand lightly over her face.
        She looked up into those beautiful blue-gray eyes, filled with concern for her. Her heart swelled with warmth and emotion, and her breath grew short. Slowly and hesitantly she placed a hand on his chest.
        "I'll be fine," she finally said, her voice soft and breathless.
        He nodded and smiled, continuing to trace his fingers along her cheek. Even marred by a bruise, her face was still the most beautiful he had ever seen. She had captivated his attention the very first time he had seen her, and he had come to recognize that, like him, she was caught up in something she didn't fully understand.
        "I'm glad," he said softly.
        His hand slid back under her ear, then down along the smooth creamy flesh of her neck. Her large blue eyes fluttered. His other hand settled on her waist and he drew her closer. His chest felt tight, and he could hear every beat of his heart in his ears. Her eyes were only half open, and her lips were pursed as she drew in her breath.
        This close to him, she felt like she could scarcely breathe, while she was no longer certain she could feel her feet. Everything had narrowed down to just the two of them. His lips brushed hers ever so softly, filling her with an intense warmth. His hand slid up around her back, holding her, and she clung to him with both arms, seeking security in his presence as a rush of emotion seemed to be sweeping her away.
        He surprised himself as the kiss became longer and longer. Finally drawing back, he found himself short of breath. Looking down at her, he saw a blissful smile on her face and a soft flush to her cheeks as her eyes slowly opened.
        "Oh, Tuxedo Kamen," she sighed happily.
        He smiled at her, thoroughly enjoying the feel of her in his arms. As he held her and looked down into those eyes, two enormous blue pools, which just seemed to capture him beyond all hope, he experienced a sensation of deja vu.
        "Sailor Moon," he whispered. "You make me feel things I've never felt before."
        Her smile grew still larger, and her eyes sparkled happily. Before she could say anything, he kissed her again. She relaxed in his embrace, enjoying the feel of his lips on her own.
        "Sailor Moon!" Sailor Mars cried.
        "I think I'd better be going," he whispered. "But I will see you again."
        She nodded. "I can hardly wait."
        He stepped back, then turned and disappeared into the trees.
        "Sailor Moon! What do you think you were doing?" Sailor Mars demanded.
        "What did it look like, Mars?" she countered, still staring off in the direction he had gone.
        "It looked like you were kissing him," Mars said.
        "It's nice to know you don't need glasses, Mars," Sailor Moon said. "Jealous?"
        "That has nothing to do with it," Luna said. "The important things are that you are still very young, and we know virtually nothing about him."
        "Maybe you don't, Luna," Sailor Moon declared. "But I know everything I need to know. He is the most wonderful man, and we each have strong feelings for the other."
        "He told you that?" Rei asked.
        Sailor Moon raised her hand. "Sorry, Mars. I will not gossip about this."
        "Sailor Moon!" Luna interrupted. "We have Sailor business here!"
        "The Sailor business is all taken care of here, Luna," she replied. "Tuxedo Kamen and I polished off the youma. No trouble. And I don't recall seeing any sign of you guys around."
        Sailor Mercury had her computer open and was scanning the area. "She's right, Luna. There is no sign of Dark Kingdom energy here."
        They looked around, seeing the still-groggy musician searching for his saxophone.
        "Very well then," said Luna. "I think we should all go back to the Temple and spend the rest of the afternoon in training."
        "More training?" Usagi moaned. "Well, Luna. Maybe you need to see if you can find out any more about just what they're up to."
        "For once, I have to agree with her," Rei said. "It would really help us if we knew more about what they're doing."
        "Very well," Luna agreed.
        "Great!" said Usagi. "That gives us the rest of the afternoon off! Bye!"
        She sprinted away, with Ami and Rei rushing after her, leaving Luna just shaking her head.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

        Tuxedo Kamen sat atop a building, looking out across the night sky. It was too early yet for sleep, and he was sure that even if he could get to sleep, his dreams would be filled with beautiful young blonds. For years, long before he had first mysteriously transformed into the formally attired hero and been literally dragged out into the night by a force he did not understand, a young and very beautiful princess had haunted his dreams, calling to him, begging for his help. Once he had become Tuxedo Kamen, the pleas of this princess had become a bit more specific, but still left him with more questions than answers.
        At the same time, he had found himself somehow connected with Sailor Moon. Not only was he drawn into action whenever she was in danger, but he had found himself becoming increasingly attached to her. His heart still warmed at the memory of their kiss, and the feeling she obviously had for him. He didn't even know who she was, but each time he saw her, he was certain he had somehow known her for a long time. When he had held her in his arms, it had just felt so right.
        As he sat there, he felt a faint tingle of energy, suggesting Sailor Moon was doing something. While waiting for the psychic alert that would compel him to come to her, he pictured her face. His heart again swelled with his feelings for her. Her youth and innocence cried out for protection, but there was a tremendous power within her, more than she fully realized. Like himself, he was sure she was caught up in this fight with the dark forces without understanding why. The princess of his dreams might be able to tell them why, but he was becoming increasingly certain that his path to the princess had to be traveled with Sailor Moon.
        "Tuxedo Kamen?" It was her voice.
        He turned in surprise to see the beautiful Sailor Senshi standing there.
        "Sailor Moon," he said, rising to his feet.
        "I, uh, I thought I'd seen you moving across the city and, uhm... I wanted to see... if I could help with anything," she said softly.
        "Thank you," he said. "But I just needed some time to think."
        "Oh... I see," she replied, lowering her eyes from his gaze. "Then I guess you'd rather be alone."
        "No," he said, stepping closer to her. "I'm happy to see you again."
        "Really?" she asked, looking into his eyes with still a trace of uncertainty.
        "Really," he said.
        He produced a rose and presented it to her. She smiled as she took it in her hand.
        "It's beautiful," she said.
        He shook his head. "No. You are beautiful, Sailor Moon."
        She looked up at him, a questioning expression on her face.
        He nodded in reply. "The most beautiful thing I've ever seen."
        Stepping forward, he placed his hands on her arms and drew her closer, then enfolded her in his arms. As her warm body pressed against his own, he could feel her breath growing short.
        "I... I can't even describe how you make me feel," she whispered. "But I've felt this way since I first saw you."
        "Like we've somehow known each other before, forever," he suggested. "Even though we'd never met."
        She looked up at him in surprise. "Yes," she said. "Just one look, and I knew I could be safe in your arms... and that I could trust you with anything."
        "I know just what you mean," he said.
        He leaned down and kissed her. Her arms were already embracing him, and she sighed happily from the back of her throat. An exquisite warmth spread though him as he held her in his embrace and pressed his lips to hers.
        She clung to him, overjoyed to be in his arms once more, feeling so indescribably happy and secure. The kiss seemed to be endless, but she didn't care, completely swept away by the power of her feelings for him.
        "Oh, Tuxedo Kamen," she sighed blissfully.
        He brushed a finger along her cheek, then kissed her again.
        She embraced him fiercely, feeling still more powerful yearnings within herself.
        "You are so beautiful," he whispered.
        She smiled up at him. "You are the most handsome man I've ever laid eyes on."
        "Is that a voice of experience?" he asked with a grin.
        She looked down, then shook her head. "It's just what I think... And I think... I'm... in love with you."
        He held her in his gaze for a long moment, not saying a word. "I was thinking the same about you," he finally said.
        She smiled happily, leaning up and kissing him.
        "But tell me," he said. "Just how old are you?"
        "Uhm... fourteen," she said. "Are you going to say that makes a difference?"
        He thought for a moment. "Maybe I should... but I know nothing could possibly make a difference in how I feel."
        He continued to hold her close, looking deep into her eyes.
        "Let's spend some time going around the city," he suggested.
        "Really? I'd love to," she said, smiling even more brightly than before.
        He picked her up in his arms. As she slipped her arms around his neck, she kissed him again. He then carried them off the roof and across the city.
        She carefully studied every detail of his face, wanting to commit even the smallest feature to memory. Cradled in his arms, she felt so incredibly comfortable and secure, not wanting to be anywhere else. The lights of the city spread out around them. She was only vaguely aware of it all, but found everything to be more beautiful when she was in his arms.
        Lights were shining into the air from a waterfront pier, where a large party seemed to be underway. They stopped on the rooftop of a nearby warehouse.
        "It looks like quite a party," she said.
        "It certainly does," he agreed.
        Where they stood, they could clearly hear the music coming from the band at one end of the pier.
        "They're really pretty good," she said.
        He nodded, drawing her back into his arms. "May I have this dance?"
        She looked up at him. "Certainly. But I'm afraid I'm not very good."
        He smiled, then leaned down and kissed her. As they kissed, he began to sway in rhythm with the music, feeling her moving with him.
        "You're too modest," he whispered. "You're doing very well."
        "As long as I'm in your arms, I don't care in the slightest," she replied.
        In his arms she just seemed to float, her body effortlessly following his. She could feel his warmth against her, as an incredible happiness swelled within her, and once again she was certain she had danced with him before.
        For the two of them, the rest of the world had ceased to exist. They were only vaguely aware of the music from the party, as they swayed together wordlessly, without the slightest conception of time.
        Finally the music stopped as the band took a break. Tuxedo Kamen leaned down and kissed her once more. She looked up into his eyes and sighed happily.
        "This is so wonderful," she said softly.
        He nodded. "I wish it could just go on forever, but I have a suspicion that you need to get home."
        "What time is it?" she asked.
        He glanced at his watch. "Nearly eleven."
        Her eyes went wide. "Oh, no! You're right. I do have to go," she said. She kissed him again. "I hope I'll be able to see you again soon."
        "I'm certain of it," he said. "Destiny has brought us together."
        She smiled brightly. "Destiny? I do like the sound of that," she said. "And I love the feel of being with you, like it really is just meant to be."
        He nodded. "I'm certain it is."
        Before she could do anything he pulled her back into his powerful embrace, and pressed his lips to hers. As her body relaxed in his arms, his mouth eased open and his tongue stroked her lips.
        She felt the warm moistness of his tongue, her mouth opening with his instinctively, and his tongue sliding over her lip before she'd fully realized it. His tongue touched hers, and as he drew back, her tongue followed without any thought, tracing the contour of his lips before sliding deeper. She groaned softly, feeling like her entire body was on fire, while her hearted was pounding in her chest.
        When they finally separated, she looked up at him, gasping softly for breath. Their eyes met and she felt herself frozen in place, completely captivated by the powerful emotions running between them. Never before had she experienced feelings so intense, leaving her completely breathless. She clung to him, but felt herself being swept away by what she was feeling.
        He felt torn, wanting to hold her in his arms forever, but could see the expression on her face. With a tremendous effort of will, he eased back slightly.
        "Good night," he whispered. "I'll see you soon."
        "Good night," she replied softly, stepping back herself. She found herself unsteady on her feet.
        "Are you alright?" he asked, reaching out to steady her.
        She nodded. "Yes," she replied. "I'll be OK. But I really do need to get home."
        "I understand," he said.
        He released her hand and she stepped away, her eyes still lingering on him. Finally, she leapt away. He stood there for a moment, watching her leave. Only after she was out of sight did he head for home himself.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

        Several days later, Usagi, Ami, and Rei met at the café after school.
        "Any word from Luna?" Rei asked.
        Usagi shook her head. "She's been out every night. She's indicated the Dark Kingdom is planning something new, but she's still trying to find out just what."
        "I've been running a number of scans, but I haven't been able to find anything definite," Ami said.
        "Well, Luna will tell us when she finds something," Usagi said, as she turned her attention to a super-size milkshake.
        Rei shook her head impatiently. "I hate to just sit around and do nothing."
        "What would you rather do?" Ami asked.
        Rei thought for a moment. "I want to see if the fire can tell us anything. We shouldn't leave it all on Luna."
        Ami nodded her agreement. "Are you coming, Usagi?"
        Usagi looked up at the clock. "I can't just yet. I promised to meet Naru here after her dance class is finished, and I've already had to ditch on her twice because of Sailor business. I'll be there later."
        "Alright," Ami agreed, silencing Rei's protest with a nudge. "We'll see you later."
        Ami and Rei rose and headed for the door.
        Usagi moved into the arcade, and sat down to play the Sailor V game.
        "Hello, odango atama," Mamoru's voice said. "What a surprise to find you here."
        Usagi rolled her eyes. "It's a public place. And obviously there's only just so much Motoki can do to keep out the riff-raff."
        "Hmmm, is somebody trying to develop a sense of humor?" he asked with a grin.
        "No," she replied. "Someone is just stuck with a royal pain in the butt."
        He leaned closer. "I don't think you're a pain in the butt, odango atama."
        "I wasn't referring to me!" she cried. "And the name is Usagi, not..." Just then, the video console beeped as the game ended. "Now look what you did!"
        She jumped to her feet and spun on him in anger. As she turned, her foot caught on the stool while her skirt snagged the edge of the console. She went down in a crash, accompanied by a tearing sound as her skirt tore away.
        "Usagi-chan, are you..." Mamoru's voice trailed off as he saw her lying there in the torn remnants of her skirt.
        "Madder than hell?! You better believe it!" she cried. Suddenly realizing the full extent of her predicament, she gasped, reaching down and struggling to cover herself with what was left of her skirt, even as a deep red blush covered her cheeks.
        "I'm very sorry," Mamoru said softly. He hurriedly slipped off his jacket and draped it over her. "Here, Usagi-chan. Take this to cover yourself."
        "Mamoru. What happened?" Motoki called, hurrying over.
        "Usagi-chan had an accident," Mamoru said. "It was mostly my fault, I'm afraid. She's torn her skirt. Would you happen to have an apron, or a large-sized towel for her to borrow?"
        Motoki blinked in surprise. "Uhm... Yeah... Yes, I think I have something that will work just fine." He rushed into the back room.
        "I'm very sorry, Usagi-chan," Mamoru repeated. "I certainly didn't mean for this to happen."
        "I wouldn't put it past you," Usagi grumbled.
        Motoki returned with a large waist-apron and several safety pins. "Here, Usagi-chan. You can use this."
        "Thank you, Motoki," she replied. "It's nice to know there is still at least one gentleman left in the world."
        "Hey!" Mamoru protested. "And just who was it who gave you the jacket to cover yourself?"
        "And who was it that caused this whole mess in the first place?" she countered.
        Motoki and Mamoru stood up and turned away from her to give her some privacy as she wrapped the apron around herself. She struggled back to her feet, determining that the apron overlapped more than enough to fully cover herself.
        "I will be right back," she said softly, heading for the bathroom.
        Motoki turned to Mamoru. "What did she tear her skirt on?"
        "Hunh? Oh, ah, I'd guess it was on the console. She was playing that Sailor V game," Mamoru replied.
        Motoki crouched down and ran his hands along the surfaces of the console.
        "What are you looking for?" Mamoru asked.
        "I have to find just what she snagged her skirt on," Motoki answered. "I can't let anyone else use this console if there's a sharp edge here... Ahhh, here it is."
        He found a corner where a piece of rounded plastic trim had broken away, exposing a sharp and rough metal joint. Reaching into his apron pocket, he pulled out a roll of tape and began covering the rough section.
        "That should do it for now, until we can have that piece of trim replaced," he said.
        Usagi returned, having removed her torn skirt and now carrying it over her arm.
        "Thank you, Motoki," she said again.
        "You're quite welcome, Usagi-chan," Motoki said. "You can return that apron whenever you get a chance."
        She nodded. "I think I should head home. I was expecting to meet Naru-chan here in a little while. Will you please give her my apologies?"
        "Certainly," Motoki said.
        "Usagi-chan. Please let me give you a ride home," Mamoru said, retrieving his jacket. "I don't think you want to be walking all the way in that apron."
        She turned to protest, but then saw something in his eyes. 'I can't believe it! But just now he really does look exactly like Tuxedo Kamen,' she thought. With the memory of her mystery man, and seeing the obvious concern in his face, she gave in. "Very well," she said.
        "Thank you," he said.
        He led her outside and down the street to the parking garage, then up one level to a red sports car.
        "This is yours?" she asked as he opened the door for her and she got in. "Or is this Daddy's car and you're just borrowing it?"
        "My parents are both dead," he said softly, closing the door.
        'Way to go, Usagi. Once again, you've got your foot in your mouth,' she chastised herself. He opened the other door and climbed in behind the wheel. "I'm sorry, Mamoru-san. I didn't mean to be rude."
        "You didn't know," he replied.
        She nodded. He started the engine and pulled the car out of the space.
        "When did they die?" she asked.
        "Hmm? Oh, about ten years ago," he said. "There was a car accident."
        "I'm very sorry," she said. "Do you have any other family?"
        "No. I was sent to an orphanage," he said. "I lived there until just over a year ago. My parents left me a trust fund and when I was in my final year of high school, I was given enough access to it to get an apartment and move out on my own."
        "A trust fund? And that's how you can afford this car?" she asked.
        "That's right," he said.
        "So, tell me... why were you so mean to me?"
        "Well, let's see, if I don't count repeatedly being hit by various flying projectiles or having my eardrums ruptured when you start wailing... I don't suppose there's much reason at all," he said. "You do recall that the first time we met, you hit me in the head with a wad of paper, don't you?"
        "Yes, I do remember that," she said. "But I also recall that you were quite rude about the whole thing."
        "A score that low was hardly something to be proud of," he reminded her.
        "I am well aware of that, thank you," she said. "But is that the whole reason?"
        He was silent for a moment. "No," he finally said. "I guess not. But it's rather a long story. I've never cared much for young schoolgirls, and you initially came across as just another airhead, and it was just easier to engage in verbal jabs."
        "You think I'm an airhead?" she asked.
        "Well... to start with I did," he said. "But you seem to have changed lately."
        "I have a boyfriend now," she said. "We don't get to see each other very much, but he's really wonderful."
        He nodded in understanding. "I've met this girl, and as you say, we hardly have any real time together," he said. "But I'm glad to hear you've found someone special. Everyone needs that."
        "They certainly do," she agreed.
        Just then, he turned onto her street.
        "Oh! That's my house, halfway down, on the right," she said.
        "OK," he said.
        He pulled to a stop in front of her house and she opened the door. She hesitated for a moment.
        "Thank you for the ride home, Mamoru-san," she said.
        "You're quite welcome," he replied. "I hope things work out with your boyfriend."
        "Thanks," she said. "Likewise for you and your girl. Bye."
        "Good bye, Usagi-chan."
        She closed the door and ran toward her house. As she went inside, he found a part of himself regretting having made fun of her in the past. Shaking his head, he slipped his car back into gear and pulled away.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

        "Usagi, what happened?" her mother asked.
        "Oh... ah... I had a bit of an accident at the arcade," Usagi replied. "My skirt got torn."
        "Are you alright?"
        "I'm fine, Mom," she said. "I just need to run upstairs and change. I'm supposed to be meeting Ami and Rei over at Rei's temple, and this has made me late."
        "Well, have fun with your friends, dear," Ikuko said.
        Usagi rushed upstairs and into her room, closing the door. She unwrapped the apron and tossed it over the back of her chair, then pulled off her blouse. Lastly, she pulled off her socks. She quickly found a pair of shorts and a shirt, pulling them on. She unfastened her brooch from her school blouse and slipped it into a small handbag, which she put over her shoulder. After one more look around the room, she stepped out into the hall and closed the door behind her, then rushed downstairs.
        "Bye, Mom. Be back later. I love you," Usagi called, as she slipped on a pair of shoes, then ducked out the door.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

        "You went home to change?" Rei asked, dumbfounded, after Usagi had reached the Temple.
        "I had to," Usagi said. "I had a problem at the arcade, and tore my skirt."
        "How badly?" Ami asked, concerned.
        "It was a complete loss," Usagi replied.
        "What happened?" Ami asked.
        "Mamoru and I got into another argument," Usagi replied. "As I stood up to tell him off, I tripped over a stool, and my skirt somehow got caught on the game console."
        Rei burst out laughing. "So, you gave him a bit of a show! That's classic!"
        "Neither of us was particularly amused," Usagi growled. She then smiled at Rei. "But I did learn that you can give up on your crush on him. He has a girlfriend."
        "What?! How did you learn that?" Rei asked, a scowl on her face.
        "He told me," Usagi said. "He drove me home and we had a chance to talk. While we were talking, we each mentioned having found someone special."
        Rei shook her head. "I don't believe you."
        "Suit yourself," Usagi said.
        Luna entered the room. "If I might interrupt, I am glad to find you all here," she said.
        "Did you find anything, Luna?" Ami asked.
        "I have a few things, but nothing as definite as we might have hoped," Luna said.
        "I tried doing a fire reading," Rei said. "All I found was a brief image of Tuxedo Kamen, and a strange, very bright silver object. I couldn't determine anything about that one."
        Luna thought for a moment, then nodded. "Both images seem to connect with what I've found."
        "You're not still trying to suggest that Tuxedo Kamen is in any way a threat, are you?" Usagi protested.
        Luna scowled at Usagi. "I'm not getting into that now, Usagi. But in this case, the indications are that the Dark Kingdom may be planning some sort of a trap centered around him."
        "We have to warn him!" Usagi declared.
        "No!" Luna said. "We don't know yet if he's the target, or if they're trying to get you three. We need more information."
        "What about this silver object?" Rei asked.
        "That must be the mysterious ginzuishou," Luna replied.
        "Ginzuishou?" Ami asked.
        Luna nodded. "Based on what information I have available, it appears to be a mystic gem of unbelievable power."
        "And if the Dark Kingdom is trying to obtain energy, then they would of course be after something like that," Rei said.
        "Precisely," Luna agreed.
        "Do you know what the ginzuishou is for, and how it is supposed to be found?" Ami asked.
        "Not with certainty," Luna said. "Although I hope to have that information soon. I do know the crystal is said to be one of the most powerful sources of energy in existence, and that it is supposed to belong to the princess of the Moon, but we can't afford to assume the princess is the only one who can retrieve it or use it."
        "So, what do we need to do?" Usagi asked, beginning to fidget a bit with impatience.
        "Well, for the moment, I think we must be on our guard," Luna said. "And we must watch for any further signs of what they are planning."

< To be continued >

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NOTE: None of the steamy stuff in this chapter; that will come later.

Always remember, good gentles, that a yarnspinner works from and within existing legends and stories. The characters of "Sailor Moon" belong to others. In spinning my yarns, I do not seek to infringe on their rights of ownership, but merely to join with other fans to spread the legend still further. "The moonlight carries a message of love." Enjoy.

-06.22.2001