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"
> Chapter 2 - The Fire Grows Brighter <
Returning home, Usagi stopped to pick up the mail, surprised to find a letter for her. She opened the envelope, which was covered with pink hearts, and pulled out a piece of paper with the same pattern.
'I love you more than anyone else. Please come to MS department store in Shinjuku tomorrow night. All my love, Tuxedo Kamen.'
A flush of excitement swept through her, but as she read it again something did not seem right. She rushed inside, leaving the rest of the mail on the table, then hurried up to her room.
"Luna. Look at this," she said.
Luna walked over and read the letter. "Why is he sending you a love note? You haven't told him who you are, have you?"
"No, I haven't. And he's never asked," Usagi replied. She sniffed the letter. "This is definitely not his cologne."
"That settles it, then," Luna said. "We have to assume this is part of the trap the dark forces are planning around Tuxedo Kamen. But this also raises an even more ominous question; just how did they figure out to send this message to you?"
"I don't know," Usagi said. "I guess we'll just have to find out."- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The next day, Luna caught up with Usagi and Ami at school during their lunch break.
"Well, Luna, it appears that just about every girl here received the same invitation," Ami said.
"Umino, who is 'information central' when it comes to gossip, says that only six girls did not receive the invitations, but they are all recent transfers who only arrived here in the last week or so," Usagi added.
"That is very useful information," Luna said. "The fact that the new girls were overlooked indicates that whoever sent these letters relied on the school directory."
"But why send it to everyone?" Usagi asked.
"Presumably the Dark Kingdom has determined approximately how old we are, and so are circulating their 'bait' to Junior High girls in this part of Tokyo," Ami said. "Most won't know Tuxedo Kamen and will likely dismiss it as a prank."
Luna nodded. "I have to agree with you, Ami. I think you've identified their reasoning perfectly."
"Now we just have to teach them not to use my Tuxedo Kamen as bait for a trap!" Usagi declared.
"Usagi!" Luna interrupted. "We are not going to go there tonight. They have obviously prepared a trap, and people will only get hurt. The best way to prevent them from trying this again is for them to see that it doesn't work."
Usagi looked at Luna for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, Luna. Whatever you say... Oh, but right now I have to go. I need to talk to Naru-chan. Bye."
As Usagi rushed after Naru, Luna glanced at Ami. "That was entirely too easy," Luna said.
"True," Ami admitted.
"The Dark Kingdom aren't the only ones up to something," Luna muttered.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"Naru-chan," Usagi called.
"Hi, Usagi-chan," Naru said. "How was your lunch?"
"Fine," Usagi said. "Have you heard anything more about these letters?"
"Oh... Not really," Naru said, her gaze dropping to the floor.
Usagi spotted this right away. "Come on, Naru-chan. Spill!"
"Well... It's silly really... But I was thinking it might be that Sanjouin Masato," Naru said, a dreamy expression forming on her face.
"Him?! But he's so much older than you, Naru-chan," Usagi protested.
"There's just something about him," Naru sighed, a faraway look in her eyes.
"Uhm, well... Naru-chan, look," Usagi stammered, trying to think of something to say. "Ah... what I mean is... Do you think he'd send the same letter to everyone if he was interested in you?"
"Are you saying he's not interested?" Naru challenged.
"Hunh? Oh... ah... no. Of course not," Usagi said. "I just want you to think if this sounds to you like how he would go about setting up a meeting with you."
"Well... I don't know," Naru said softly, considering.
"Well, I've heard something else about all this," Usagi added.
Naru looked at her. "What?"
"According to the papers, this Tuxedo Kamen is some sort of superhero, right?"
Naru nodded. "That's right."
"And he's been seen with the Sailor Senshi, who some say are fairly young, perhaps our age."
"Yes... I've seen that Sailor Moon... only briefly of course, but she couldn't be much older than we are," Naru said.
"Right," Usagi agreed. "I heard someone suggest, and Ami thinks it makes sense, that these letters are an attempt to lure the Sailor Senshi into a trap. And if that's the case, then the police are the only ones who should go anywhere near that department store."
Naru thought for a moment. "Alright," she said. "Do you want to come over to my home tonight?"
"Sure," Usagi said. A frown then formed on her face.
"What is it?" Naru asked.
"I just remembered. My parents have something planned tonight," Usagi muttered, hoping Naru would buy it. "I'm afraid I can't."
"That's OK," Naru said. "Maybe some other time, Usagi-chan."- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Usagi slipped into the department store, having found a door left open. As she walked along the aisle, she saw the dresses hanging on the racks, imagining herself in some of them. Just then, she heard a noise ahead of her. She ducked behind a corner and transformed.
As Sailor Moon, she moved forward, peering around a corner to see a tuxedo-clad figure standing at the base of an escalator. She stepped forward, and the figure turned to face her.
"Hello, Sailor Moon," he said. "I'm so glad you came."
"I don't know who you are," she said. "But for impersonating Tuxedo Kamen, I shall punish you!"
The man seemed surprised that his disguise had failed. A slight wave of energy rippled over him, and he stood revealed in the gray uniform of the Dark Kingdom.
"Very well, Sailor Moon," he said, laughing. "I am Nephrite of the Dark Kingdom, and this will be your final performance. It is in the stars."
He waved his hand, and a starfield image formed around him. In front of Nephrite, a globe of energy appeared, which formed into a lion. The lion growled, then lunged toward Sailor Moon, who screamed in fright and dove away.
As Sailor Moon continued to scramble away, the lion was struck by a red rose.
"Tuxedo Kamen," she gasped.
"I am with you, Sailor Moon," Tuxedo Kamen declared, leaping to her side. "Let's deal with this imposter."
"Right!" she agreed. The lion was already recovering, and she reached for her tiara. "Moon tiara action!"
The tiara struck the lion, but failed to destroy it.
"It's too strong!" she gasped. "What do we do?"
"Into the elevator," he said softly, pulling her back.
The doors closed as the lion was again lunging forward. Before either of them could even reach for the control panel, the elevator started going up.
"What's happening?" she asked.
"I think we've stumbled into another part of the trap," he said.
He pressed several buttons, but to no avail. Raising his cane, he pushed open the escape door in the roof of the elevator car.
"Onto the roof," he instructed. "We'll have to jump off when we reach the top."
She nodded, and he lifted her up through the door, then followed.
As they approached the top, the elevator slowed.
"We're stopping," she sighed.
He grasped her hand. "Get ready to jump." He glanced at the door opening, but quickly changed his mind, moving her to the side. "We're going to step onto the brace on the side of the shaft. There's more room."
Just then, the elevator stopped, and they jumped for the ledge formed by the steel brace. He held her against the wall with one arm, while the elevator dropped away. A loud crash was heard from the bottom of the shaft.
"Are you alright?" he asked, feeling her trembling.
"I... I think so," she whispered. "I'm here with you, and that's certainly not all bad."
He smiled at her. "That's the spirit." Leaning over he kissed her cheek. "Now, we have to see about getting out of here."
"What are you going to do?"
"We need to get that door open," he said.
He glanced around, then turned himself on the beam. Raising his cane, he caused it to extend, pressing tightly against either wall.
"Use this as a rail," he told her. "We'll move to the corner."
She nodded and moved forward, feeling him right behind her.
At the corner, he retracted his cane, then turned it and extended it across the doorway.
"Can you make it to the door?" he asked.
"I don't know," she said, a trace of fear still showing in her eyes and her voice.
He pressed his lips to hers. "For luck," he said softly. "I love you, and I believe in you."
She smiled happily, then placed her hand on his cane and made her way slowly across toward the door.
"Now what?" she asked, hanging on to the door.
"You need to pry it open," he said.
"Me? I'm not strong enough for that," she protested.
"You're a lot stronger than you realize," he told her.
She looked at him dubiously, then grasped the doors firmly and began pushing them apart. To her surprise, it gradually began to open.
"It's working!" she gasped.
As she pushed it open a little more, he moved toward her, taking hold of one door and pulling on it. She slid around him and into the hall. He reached back for his cane, then followed her.
"Tuxedo Kamen," she sighed. "Thank you so much."
He smiled. "You certainly had a part in it."
"We make a nice team," she said, smiling.
"That we do," he agreed softly, drawing her into his arms.
She smiled up at him as he leaned toward her. Their lips met, and she melted in his embrace, sighing happily. His tongue brushed across her lips, then slid into her mouth. He felt passion blazing within both of them as they clung together. His heart swelled with the intense love he felt for her. As their tongues danced together, slowly and sensuously, he felt a different yearning rising powerfully within him.
She felt a warm moistness spreading inside her, and once again found herself utterly swept away by the power of her feelings for him. His lips on hers, and his probing tongue, were driving her crazy with such overwhelming feelings, while his strong arms and warm, firm body were her only anchor.
They both gasped softly for breath when they finally separated. He continued to hold her in his arms, thoroughly enjoying the feel of her in his embrace.
"You are just so beautiful," he whispered.
A soft blush covered her cheeks and she smiled at him, gazing lovingly up at him with her large blue eyes. He felt himself drowning in those eyes, as he held her close and breathed in her soft, gentle scent.
"It's just incredible," he sighed. "We hardly know each other, but I know with certainty that I love you more than anything."
A bright smile covered her face, and her eyes sparkled brightly. She pressed herself against him and sighed happily. "You've made me happier than I ever thought possible. And I love you so much."
He leaned down and kissed her again. This time, her tongue slid into his mouth, and he held her snugly as passion boiled between them once more. Finally, knowing he was on the brink of losing all control, he pulled back.
She gasped softly for breath, feeling her heart pounding in her chest.
"We should get out of here," he suggested softly.
She merely nodded.
He took her hand, leading her to the stairs and up to the roof. Despite the glare of the city, they could see the moon hanging low in the sky.
"Such a lovely evening," she sighed.
"Just perfect for spending with a most beautiful young woman," he said.
She smiled at him, and pressed herself into his arms once more. "I would go anywhere with you."
He gasped for breath as his body continued to yearn powerfully for her. Her eyes looked up at him, so large and sparkling in the moonlight, and all aglow with the innocence and purity of young love, in complete contradiction to what she was doing to his insides.
She felt the warmth growing still more intense within her as well, moving and spreading as they touched. Leaning still closer, she pressed her head against his chest, hearing the strong beat of his heart.
"Let's find someplace better than this rooftop," he suggested.
"Wherever you would like," she said.
An idea occurred to him, and he scooped her in his arms and carried her off across the city. Minutes later, they were moving along the waterfront. They approached a small park.
"Let's take a walk," she said.
"There are people around," he pointed out. "A man in a tuxedo doesn't attract that much attention, but your sailor uniform is a bit conspicuous."
"Oh, I can fix that," she said. "Put me down, please."
"Alright." He set her down, curious to see just what she had in mind.
She raised her hand, in which suddenly appeared an ornate pen with a pink jewel on the cap. "Moon power!" she said. "Dress me just like my Tuxedo Kamen."
Energy swirled around her. His eyes went wide and his breath caught as her fuku melted away, giving him just the briefest glimpse of her in the nude. Energy formed all over, and in an instant, she stood there attired just like him, her hat askew to accommodate her hair.
"What do you think?" she asked, with a bright grin.
He took a long, slow breath. "That's really amazing... I'm sure you find that a useful talent."
"I don't use it all that much, actually," she said. "Somebody complains almost every time I do."
He looked at her quizzically.
"I'll explain later," she said. "Right now, how about that walk?"
"OK," he agreed.
He carried her down to the street, and they walked into park, holding hands. After a few minutes, they stopped, looking out across the water. She removed her hat and leaned back against him, sighing happily. His arms enfolded her.
"Do you like boats?" he asked.
"I guess so," she replied. "Why?"
"Well... I have access to a yacht in the marina over there," he said. "You could say I know the owner. It's a nice place for a little privacy."
She thought for a moment. "OK. Sounds like fun," she said. "Let's go."
He grinned at her enthusiasm, walking with her along the path. Soon, they walked out to the end of a long pier, where a large luxury yacht was tied up.
"Wow!" she exclaimed. "This is really something."
He led her aboard. "Thank you. I hope you like it."
He took her below, to a spacious common room, with a table along one side, and a sofa and several chairs on the other side. A hallway led forward. She looked around in amazement, while he turned on the stereo and began playing some music.
"So, is this where my Tuxedo Kamen hangs up his cape when he's not fighting evil?" she asked.
"Not quite," he said. "But it is a good place to bring a very pretty young woman."
She smiled.
"Would you like to dance?" he asked.
"Let me switch to something more appropriate," she said.
She raised her transformation pen, this time directing it to give her an evening gown.
The energy faded, and his eyes swept appreciatively over her, as a pale pink gown hugged the curves of her young body in a very flattering way. He set aside his hat, gloves, and cape, then took her in her arms.
"Do you like it?" she asked.
"Of course I do," he said softly. "You are a vision of loveliness."
Her cheeks again took on that soft rosy hue that seemed to make her even more beautiful yet. He drew her close, feeling her body melding against his own as they swayed gently to the music.
She looked up at him, seeing his incredible blue-gray eyes behind his mask, which gazed down at her with such tremendous love and caring. As they moved together, she lifted herself up, drawing her lips closer to his. He leaned down to meet her, and their lips joined. In an instant, mouths opened and tongues began to dance, probing deeply and passionately.
Their mouths separated and he ran his hands lovingly over her back. Suddenly, he thought he saw something out of the corner of his eye, something glistening on her forehead. He glanced down at her, but found nothing unusual.
"Is something wrong?" she asked.
"No. Of course not, my love," he whispered. "As long as I have you, nothing could possibly be wrong."
As she smiled up at him, he leaned down and again took her mouth in a deep, wet, oxygen-draining kiss. The fires of passion blazed still hotter, stealing his breath even faster than the kiss, and battering at his self-control with an intense physical longing for her.
That piece of music came to an end, and he steered her back to the sofa, where she sat down. He slipped off his jacket, then sat beside her. She leaned over and rested her head on his shoulder.
"This is so nice," she sighed.
"Most definitely," he agreed, slipping his arm around her.
They sat together quietly for several minutes, just enjoying the music and the warmth of each other's company.
"I have a question," she said. "I hope I'm not intruding too much."
"What is it?"
"What brought you to help me in the first place?" she asked.
"I'm not really sure," he said. "That first time, I was sitting in my apartment, when suddenly it felt like I'd received an electric shock. I got very dizzy for a moment, and then found myself dressed in this tuxedo and cape. An instant later, I was bodily pulled out into the night, ending up at that jewelry store where you were. Ever since then, I've somehow been able to sense when you're in trouble."
"Just me?" she asked. "Not the other Senshi?"
"That's right. Just you," he confirmed. "That's part of what convinced me that my destiny is tied to yours, that we are meant to be together. And of course, you are the most beautiful and the most incredible woman I've ever known."
She smiled at him. "You take my breath away every time I see you," she whispered.
He leaned over and kissed her again, trying to suppress thoughts of the large and comfortable bed just up the hall.
"Are you looking for the princess too?" she asked.
"Hunh? Oh... Yes," he said. "Why are you looking for her?"
"The Senshi are supposed to be her guardians," she explained. "With the Dark Kingdom on the move, we have to find her and protect her until she can stop them for good."
He nodded with understanding.
"And why are you searching for her?" she asked.
"Well... I've had these dreams since I was young," he said. "This princess keeps calling to me, pleading for me to help her. I think that's why I've become Tuxedo Kamen in the first place, but I have to think the princess is the only one who can tell me just how and why I have these powers."
She looked up at his face, running her hand softly along his chin. Leaning closer, she kissed his cheek. "My Tuxedo Kamen," she sighed. "I love you so much."
"I love you," he whispered. "More than words could ever express."
He took her in his arms and lay her back on the sofa, moving over her and kissing her deeply. Her hands ran up over his back as their lips pressed together and their tongues danced. She sighed into the kiss as he draped his body over hers, covering her with his warmth, while she kicked off her shoes.
Once more, he found himself thinking of the bed only a few steps away, just waiting for him to slip her out of her gown and carry her there, laying her exquisite young body on the sheets before he shed his own clothes and slid gently into her to so beautifully consummate their love for all time. He groaned at the thought, knowing he was on the verge of losing control.
She felt like her entire body was on fire, and with his every kiss, she found herself hungering for still more. Never before had she experienced anything like this, but in the arms of her Tuxedo Kamen she felt so comfortable and secure, that she was willing to share anything with him.
Just then, a soft but insistent beeping filled the room. He looked down at her curiously, while her passion fogged brain struggled to identify the noise.
"Oh, no," she groaned.
She held her hand out, and her communicator appeared, signaling a call from Luna.
"Is something wrong?" he asked.
"Just a nosey cat wanting to know where I am," she sighed.
"Do you need to go?"
"I'm afraid so," she said.
He stood up, then helped her to her feet. "I understand."
He took her in his arms and kissed her once more.
"Good night, my love," he said.
She stepped back and raised her pen, reverting to her Sailor Moon fuku. "Good night," she said. "I love you."
He followed her up on deck and watched as she hurried away.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"What?" Sailor Moon growled into her communicator.
"Usagi! Where have you been?" Luna demanded. "I've been calling you for nearly ten minutes."
"I was... busy," she said.
"Busy? Really, Usagi. You are so irresponsible," Luna said.
"If I was so irresponsible, I don't think I'd be home tonight, Luna," Usagi countered.
"What does that mean?" Luna asked, a stern tone in her voice.
"You'll just have to figure that out for yourself," Usagi said, switching off her communicator before Luna could say anything else.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"What were you thinking, Usagi? Being out so late with him?" Luna demanded.
"Calm down, Luna. There was nothing wrong with it," Usagi said, sitting on her bed.
"Nothing wrong? You are still very young, Usagi," Luna insisted. "Too young to be out late with someone like him."
"How do you know what he's like?" Usagi challenged.
"That's not the point," Luna said. "What matters is that he's too old for you."
Usagi laughed. "Now you're starting to sound like my father. Sometimes he seems to think I'm still just a little girl, but you're both wrong."
"I find that highly doubtful," Luna said. "But now, I must insist..."
"No, Luna!" Usagi declared, a surprising firmness in her voice. "If you're thinking of saying anything negative about him, you can just forget it, right now! You will treat that subject as off limits, or you'll have to see about staying with Ami or Rei! Understood?"
Luna sat there in stunned silence, then nodded. "What about our Sailor business? There is still this trap the Dark Kingdom was trying to mount tonight."
"Oh, that's all taken care of," Usagi said. "Tuxedo Kamen and I dealt with it. It was a trap, but we were able to escape it readily enough."
"Well, I'm glad everything worked out, but you should keep me and the other Senshi informed. You might have needed their assistance," Luna said. "We're only going to find the princess through a team effort."
Usagi switched off the light and slipped into bed. "I know that," she said. "Good night, Luna."
She closed her eyes, once more thinking of her Tuxedo Kamen, a happy smile forming on her face.< To be continued >
* * * * * * * * * * * *
NOTE: Still more to come.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