"Wow..." They heard the students whisper, most looking at the recent test results. Usagi didn't bother to check, knowing she was at the bottom. Her life as Sailor Moon was having a nasty affect on her grades, not to mention the recurring nightmares. An arm snaked around her waist, pulling her to the side.

"We need to talk," Jedite whispered.

"We have class in five minutes," she protested, not wanting to get off to a bad start.

"Usagi..." Jedite glanced around, ensuring they were alone before he whispered in her ear. "If you don't agree, I don't give a damn who's watching; I'll toss you over my shoulder and haul your ass off campus."

"Ok... ok... It's bad enough everyone thinks that you're my boyfriend!"

"At lunch, in front of the library, and don't be late." The warning bell sounded, Usagi heading for class. He snatched her wrist, his hazel eyes blazing dangerously. "I mean it, Usagi!"

Jedite seemed really upset, entering class without greeting any of his classmates. Students glanced at Usagi, wondering if the couple had gotten into a fight. Jedite had always been rather protective of Usagi, glaring at any male that came to close.

"Usagi!" Smiling, Usagi moved to the back of the class, sitting beside her once best friend Naru. She missed the red head, but knew her life as Sailor Moon was necessary. If she ignored her responsibility, then people like Naru would suffer. "Did you hear?"

"Hear what?"

"About the new transfer student! She's the smartest ninth grader in Japan!"

"She can't be that good..." Usagi murmured, tired of feeling like a class failure. Perhaps Mamoru's offer wouldn't be so bad, wanting to prove to everyone that she wasn't the winner at being dead last, not only at Juuban High, but throughout Japan. 'How ironic... We have the smartest and the dumbest student attending the same school!'

Jedite turned his head, watching the different emotions play across her face. He sighed; yes he was a little angry with her, but that didn't mean he hated her. Jedite was simply worried about Usagi. Getting up, he moved to the back, claiming an empty seat to her left. Startled, Naru and Usagi looked at him, momentarily forgetting their conversation.

"Usagi, you're not stupid! It's a new school year and a fresh start. If you need help, then I'm more than happy to ensure that you study every night."

"I already have a study partner," she taunted, watching his smile slowly fade. 'Two can play this game, Jedite. You're a powerful psychic, but not a mind reader.'

"Who?"

"A friend... Oh come now Jedite," she teased, patting his cheek. "Don't you remember, we broke up. You did say I could see other people."

"But..."

Usagi loved his expression; 'Pay back time.'

Naru watched the change of words between them, wondering if the two had really broken up? Usagi kissed him on the cheek, turning her body around to face the teacher and a new student standing at the front of the classroom. 'This isn't over, Usagi!' Jedite didn't care so much that she was playing his game, but he did care that she was dating anyone other than Endymion.

'I'll just have to break them up.' Feeling pleased with himself, he settled back against his seat, his mind turning over the many tragedies he would inflict.

"Class, pay attention." The professor turned to the quiet girl, her eyes staring at the floor. "Go ahead, Miss Mizuno."

Still looking at her feet, she started to introduce herself, breaking Jedite from his thoughts of torture. "Hello; my name is Ami Mizuno and I'm fifteen. I moved to the Juuban district about a week ago. My hobbies are studying and reading."

Usagi heard a few of the students snicker, her hand accidentally smacking into the closest one. He turned to glare at her, but quickly returned his attention back to the front. Jedite glanced at her, seeing only an amused smirk on her face. 'Why was that kid suddenly so afraid of her?' He had missed the spark of pink fury in her silver gaze, a promise if the kid persisted on saying snide remarks.

She liked the shy girl, lifting her hand when the teacher asked if any would let her sit by them. Ami shyly thanked her, taking the only seat left open to her right. Usagi shifted her seat until they were side-by-side, offering to share her books until Ami received her own.

To be honest, Usagi did want to change her grades. Keeping quiet, she listened to the lectures, watching Ami take notes. It was new and unfamiliar territory for Usagi, but chose to do the same. Naru and Jedite gaped in pure disbelief, watching their friend take an active participation in learning.

Ten minutes before class ended, the professor surprised them with a pop quiz, checking to see if everyone had been paying attention. Usagi started to panic, cracking her pencil in half. "Usagi?" Ami asked, watching the girl literally start to tremble. She offered her another pencil, surprised to see Usagi about to panic as the teacher placed a paper on their desks.

"Usagi..." she said again, gaining her attention. "It's only a test."

"But..." Usagi was close to tears, not wanting to start off the year with a failing grade. She had been trying so hard.

"Relax," she encouraged. "A test is only a piece of paper with words. Please, you have to calm down. It's probably over the notes we took today." Her soft voice was slowly working, Usagi releasing her death grip on the desk. "Take a deep breath and concentrate. Read the question, think about it and give it an answer. I saw you take the same notes as I did, Usagi."

Usagi gave her a weak smile, her face a shade of green. Jedite started to go to her, but Ami shook her head, finally having Usagi under control. 'She can do this,' she mouthed.

Turning over the test, Usagi closed her eyes, took a deep breath and re-opened them. To her surprise, it was everything they had just discussed, a slow smile forming on her lips as she threw herself into it.

Before lunch, the grades were posted, Ami and Usagi tied for first. Unaware of her grade, Jedite was the first to congratulate her, the shy girl no where to be found. She searched everywhere, finding Ami sitting outside with a book in her hands. "May I?" Usagi asked.

Ami blushed, but nodded. "Congratulations," she said.

"Thank you," Usagi said. "I wouldn't have..."

"Usagi, that grade was all you. I only gave you a step in the right direction."

"Can you... I mean... I need help with my homework and wondered if you could teach me how to study? I've never taken notes before and..."

"Sure." Ami wrote down an address, handing it to Usagi. "During the week I have cram school, but on Saturday and Sunday, feel free to stop by."

Usagi wrapped the girl in a hug before rushing off, remembering to meet Jedite who was tapping his foot impatiently. He started to say something, but seeing her eyes sparkling in pure joy, Jedite chose to let it go. "You're angry, aren't you?"

"No, just disappointed. Usagi, we've been friends a long time. I realize that things didn't go so well the last time I faced the Negaverse, but you're going to have to trust that I can hold my own. Not only are you placing us in danger by keeping us unaware, but Rei is a sailor senshi and has just as much right to fight the Negaverse as the rest of us."

"But..."

"Usagi, listen to me. I realize you still don't understand what's happening and why. If I could, I would gladly take this burden from you, but I've seen and know first hand how powerful and how quickly the Negaverse can become. This is not a war for one, but for everyone that is able and willing. Please, allow us to help you."

"Jedite, what if..." He gave her a cocky grin, Jedite back to his normal self. She giggled, knowing it was hopeless to argue. "You're insane. I hate fighting those guys, and you're begging to tag along. Are you sure this is what Rei wants?"

"Hai."

"Then we'll have a meeting Friday night at seven. Is Sendai Hill a good place?"

"Perfect."

"If only we could find the other senshi," she sighed.

Demons scattered, trembling in terror as their leader went on a killing frenzy. Fifty had vanished without so much as a scream, others were frozen for eternity in a tomb of ice, always awake and forever a live. "Fools! Not only has everyone failed to obtain the Silver Crystal, but they let two of Endymion's personal guards escape. Jedite was the weakest of the four!"

They had been so close to capturing Zoicite, Beryl having ordered to possess the General with more than one demon. His skill as Assassin would have gained her Earth in a matter of months. To make matters worse, Sailor Moon was showing signs of improvement as she continued to battle the negaverse alone. She should have been a guaranteed capture or kill, yet Sailor Moon continued to surprise them with her determination and will to survive.

Beryl gave an evil smirk. If she couldn't obtain the four generals, then perhaps the moon senshi would be a suitable alternative. She called forth a time and water demon, ordering them to bring her Sailor Moon. Beryl no longer cared if they were destroyed; as long as she gained the ultimate prize.

Zoicite didn't know what to do, having a rare moment of peace. Occasionally he would tense, listening as a car would race by the large mansion. He knew Frank and the others were dead now, but it didn't erase years of fear and constantly looking over his shoulder. Slowly, he counted to ten, wishing Jedite were home. His brother had school, but it was difficult to let go of the safety net suddenly sprung around him.

He shook the doubt from his mind, refusing to wallow in self pity. Saturn had said he was safe here, but Zoicite couldn't keep himself trapped inside the large mansion forever. Eight years of torture he had survived, and he wasn't about to cower now. He no longer had to kill for a living; what else was there? Grabbing a light jacket, Zoicite fully armed himself, a knife in each sock, wrist straps hiding a few beneath his sleeves, and one in his boxer shorts. He thought about the swords in the basement, but it would draw too much unwanted attention from the local authorities.

If he kept a low profile, Zoicite was positive he could explore most of Tokyo without being discovered by the Negaverse. He envied his brother, able to freely move about, go to school, and even make friends. Other than Arlene, and she wasn't even a real friend, he didn't have anyone. Was there anyone that could love a cold blooded killer, created by money, power and hate?

He was eighteen, the second oldest of Endymion's four personal guards, Kunzite being the oldest. Zoicite wondered how their leader fared. Jedite may have been adopted, but apparently his life hadn't been all that kind to him either. Mamoru was never adopted, Rei was abandoned to live at a shrine with an old man, and Usagi had chosen to take on more than she could handle. Where were the other senshi, Nephrite and Kunzite? Had the Negaverse found them? He shuddered at the thought.

Zoicite enjoyed the stroll through Tokyo, surprised at how much things had changed. The only bleak spot was the orphanage, the kids still dressed in the same dirty old rags. Setting his jaws, he moved through the iron gates, ignoring the lost souls that watched him pass. Zoicite remembered all too well the feeling of loneliness, of not being wanted. Unfortunately for him, the wrong people had wanted him all too much.

A nun greeted him at the door, slightly startled by the cold intensity of Zoicite's eyes. "Can I help you," she gasped.

"I'm looking for a Sister Sarah."

"She rarely sees visitors anymore. May I ask who's calling for her?"

"I'm not leaving until we've spoken. If she refuses, tell her it's Zoicite, returning to thank her for giving me to such a thoughtful home."

The nun relaxed, taking Zoicite's meaning far too innocently. He didn't care, as long as he can make that bitch suffer nearly as much as he had. Zoicite snorted in pure rage; 'It'll never be enough. Damn her for taking what childhood I could have had!'

She quickly returned, motioning for Zoicite to follow. The walls were yellowed with age, threatening to fall in around these innocent children. 'This place is a health hazard! I know Frank paid her ten million! Where's the proof? Why do these kids look half starved, dressed in rags and with no shoes?'

"Please, make yourself at home," she whispered. Zoicite didn't bother to answer, refusing to sit in the moth and rat eaten furniture. Something was seriously wrong. Where had all the money gone if not to the orphanage? Zoicite glanced at the door, ensuring that he was alone before moving to the large, oak desk. It was the only item that looked expensive in the run down building. He wasn't surprised when he found it locked, breaking it without remorse or care. On the top were a stack of papers, and to the normal eye, one would have thought they were bills. Zoicite, however, was a cut above the normal human and never took anything at face value.

The first sheet had $50,000 dollars on the front, and glancing through it, he paled. Sitting down, he continued to flip through the documents, a red fire beginning to burn in his veins. Zoicite needed to leave, before he did something that would land his ass in jail. The cops would never believe him; who could he turn to? Stuffing the papers in his jacket, he opened the other drawers, hissing in outrage and disgust. There were thousands of pictures, all paper clipped to specific clients or corporations. 'That stupid, stupid...' He took everything. Zoicite knew they wouldn't call anyone, not after he found the sale receipt from eight years ago.

He had meant only to torment the woman, to make her regret the decision she had made, but apparently the woman made Beryl look like a saint. Making everything appear undisturbed, Zoicite went to one of the broken chairs and sat, feeling it groan beneath his 195 lbs. He didn't have to wait much longer, the Sister Sarah approaching him with her lying smile. "My you've turned out nicely."

"No thanks to you," he said evenly, ice dripping with each word. "You're aware of the people that bought me, of what they are?"

"I never asked," she said, trying to appear guilty.

"Of course not," he sneered. "They only paid you enough to rebuild this place three times or more."

Sister Sarah sat behind the desk, meeting Zoicite's cold gaze with one of indifference. Zoicite couldn't believe this woman. Whatever she was, Sarah was no nun! Standing to his full height, he headed for the door; "They were a network of Assassins," he whispered, watching in satisfaction as she paled. Zoicite revealed perfectly white teeth, his smile a promise of vengeance. "Don't think this visit will be my last, Sarah."

Zoicite wasn't sure what to do with the information he found, needing time to think of a plan. The police would need evidence that wasn't stolen, proof that would hold up in court and that no lawyer would be able to throw out. First things first, he had to figure out what Sarah was. Second, he needed to set up cameras and recorders. For the second time in his life, Zoicite found himself thanking the German Assassins for his unique training. Sarah had been the one to sale him, and now she would see what Frank had created.

"Owww!" Zoicite glanced around, finding himself near a cram school. Several students were leaving, one clutching at her head in pain. Setting aside his problems, he walked over, kneeling to gently touch her shoulder. She glanced up, her blue eyes shy and afraid. Zoicite couldn't look away, his expression filled with shock and rare pleasure.

"Are you hurt?"

"It's just a headache."

Seeing her books on the ground, he wordlessly picked them up, keeping a grip on her arm as she stood. Zoicite would know her anywhere, but why was she looking away? Firmly, he grasped her chin, giving her little choice but to meet his penetrating gaze. "Why do you tremble?" he whispered, hoping to calm her unnecessary fears.

"I'm not very good with people."

'That would make two of us,' he thought. "Need an escort home?" She blushed, but fell in beside him as they walked.

"Actually, I was heading towards the library. I needed to check out some school books before tomorrow."

"You're new?"

"Hai. I moved here a week ago."

"I'm Zoicite."

"Ami." She gradually relaxed, occasionally giving him a shy smile.

Not wanting to return home for awhile, Zoicite stayed close, remembering the last time he had seen her. The library was ancient, containing books that had him staring in awe. "How many floors are there?" He didn't mean to say anything, Ami laughing as she led him towards an elevator.

"According to the brochure I read, about ten."

"They have that many books!"

"Haven't you ever been in a library before?" she asked.

"Never had the chance."

"Even at school?"

Zoicite's smile was sad, wishing things had been different. "I haven't been in school since the fourth grade. More than anything, I would love to see the insides of a classroom, to read a book for knowledge and pleasure, not because I needed it to survive."

Ami couldn't stop the tears that fell down her cheeks, her hand reaching to grab his arm. "There is a way," she whispered.

He stared at her in disbelief, hope in his emerald gaze. Ami wanted to erase the shadows in his eyes, forgetting about her own loneliness as she led him through the library, throwing several books into his hands. "How bad do you want this?"

Zoicite's answer was a breath taking smile, carrying his arm load of books to the checkout counter. "All I need now is a study partner."

"I could help?" She muttered, not certain if he would want it.

"It's a deal. I'll meet you tomorrow after noon."

"Hai!"

Usagi smiled at the black cat, picking her up as she walked towards the arcades. "Is everything alright, Luna?"

"The Negaverse is quiet; perhaps a little too much lately."

"It has been a slow week. Any sign of the other senshi?"

Luna sighed, her ears drooping in frustration. "No." Her guardian frowned, watching Usagi enter the arcade instead of returning home to study. As if Usagi could read her mind, she sat down and opened her back pack, pulling out several books, papers and a pen. "Usagi?" Luna questioned, reaching up to touch her forehead. "You feel ok..."

Usagi laughed, wondering which book she should start with? A gentle breath on her neck alerted the young woman that she wasn't alone, her gaze looking up to find Mamoru hovering above her. "I usually tackle the harder subjects first."

Sitting beside her, he glanced at the different titles, pulling out her math book. Usagi sighed, already wanting to quit. To her surprise, Mamoru was a patient tutor, showing her several ways to work through complicated problems. At times, she chose the simpler path, disregarding a lot of the nonsense teachers liked to add.

Three hours later, she finally finished the last of her homework, feeling somewhat proud of herself. Mamoru would leave her from time to time to check on the gamers, returning to check on her progress. Even Motoki seemed eager to help.

Luna had promised to meet her at home, content to see that Usagi was doing something responsible. If she only knew... After six, Mamoru took her to a quiet spot in the park, demonstrating how to stand and hold her hands.

Mamoru had expected a struggle at first, but Usagi had thrown everything into her studies and martial arts. She wasn't afraid to ask questions, and watched every move he made as they continued their lessons. As the days quickly passed, Mamoru worried about the Negaverse. They had been silent for a month, as if they were planning or waiting for something.

Throughout the week, she exercised in the morning, studied after school, and learned how to fight before returning home. She thought her father might object to her staying out so late every night, but that was the difference between her parent and most others. He trusted Usagi to make her own decisions, even if they were wrong at times. Saturn noticed the changes in her, the laughter that sparkled in her eyes, and the decrease in her nightmares.

Mamoru had discussed his training Usagi, Saturn agreeing that she needed it. His only stipulation was not to push her too hard too soon. Mamoru didn't know how she managed it, but Usagi kept their private sessions a secret. On the weekends, she would spend the mornings with Mamoru, the afternoons with Ami, and the evenings with Jedite and Rei. Usagi looked exhausted at times, but content.

Gradually, Mamoru lost the hard shell he had built around him for eighteen years, never having to wonder if Usagi would ridicule or taunt him. What others had feared and hated, Usagi naturally accepted. His healing abilities came in handy at times, Mamoru's gentle touch mending broken bones or torn ligaments.

Usagi was quite intelligent, and the more she studied, the better her scores became. Mrs. Haruna would have never recognized the girl that now walked the schools of Juuban High, her head held high and passing all her classes. It was amusing to see her scores rival Ami's, but the shy girl didn't seem to mind.

Art was her favorite subject, Usagi often drawing pictures that resembled the Silver Millennium. He didn't mention this to her, wanting to see it through her eyes. Mamoru loved how she can bring out the smallest details, even in something so simple as a lily. Her biggest hits were of the last two battles, bodies piled on top of each other. People would cry, smile or laugh, depending on what they were seeing.

Jedite was curious about the sudden turn around, but Usagi would only smile, never giving away her secret. Mamoru enjoyed his time with her, not wanting to share it with anyone. He couldn't explain it, but Mamoru found that helping others made him feel better, taking his mind off problems that didn't seem to be going anywhere.

Three months passed, Usagi already able to dodge several well aimed kicks and punches. Mamoru was still going easy on her, building Usagi's body gradually to the heavy work outs. It amazed him that she hadn't been killed before now, thankful that the Negaverse had still shown no signs of life. Every day, after their study sessions at the arcade, they moved to the park, showing her how to move with grace, speed and power.

Usagi no longer tripped on hidden cracks in the side walk, she was always laughing and simply enjoyed life around her. Mamoru found himself falling in love with Usagi all over again, their relationship having the time to mature and develop. They never had a lot of time in the Silver Millennium, and his heart ached every time she said good-bye.

Mamoru promised to beat Jedite to pulp if he didn't change his story soon; Usagi was his, even if he never came out and told everyone. The scars of the past, both from the Silver Millennium and his life as an orphan, began to fade. There were times when he wanted to pin her to the ground and kiss her senseless, to forget anything and everything about fighting and his last year of high school. Other times, he simply enjoyed being near her.

Usagi was his best friend, and they told each other almost anything. His only secret was knowing her from the past, wanting her to remember it on her own. Mamoru knew he had made the right choice. He still taunted her, but Usagi quickly learned that it was Mamoru's way of expressing his emotions and friendship.

She told him about the meetings at Sendai Hill, Rei and Usagi becoming fast friends. The two would talk about comics and boys, but mostly about the dreams they never seemed to understand. It was through these meetings that they came up with a way to torment Jedite, Usagi's version of pay back. In this aspect, Mamoru chose to play along.

Mamoru was never one to play a practical joke on someone, but in this case, he made an exception. It was perfect. Usagi pretended to set Rei up on a date, dressing her up in a dress that had males turning their heads. Jedite was furious, constantly asking who the guy was. He forgot that he was suppose to be dating Usagi, accidentally blurting out in front of the entire ninth grade class that Rei was his.

They continued the charade by ordering a limo, Mamoru offering to split the tab. The outcome was well worth the money. Even Zoicite seemed curious, watching his normally easy going brother come unraveled at the seams. Jedite had yet to tell anyone that Zoicite was in town, giving his brother time to heal and rest.

Usagi and Rei entered a high dollar restaurant, sitting at a table as they pretended to wait for their dates. After an hour of eating and chatting, they left, moving on to a local dance club. Jedite was seething with fury, having followed them around Tokyo, wanting to kill the man that would dare lay a hand on her.

Dressed in a pair of jeans and silky blue shirt, Mamoru made it a point to keep his back turned, sweeping Rei into several slow and fast songs. She enjoyed every minute of it, knowing Jedite was constantly watching every move she made. Usagi had managed to slip him a note in between sessions, telling him to make it look like he was about to kiss her.

Jedite exploded, throwing people out of his way as he grabbed the man and started to swing. As his fist flew towards the tall man's face, he suddenly realized who it was that Rei had been dancing with. Mamoru easily caught his wrist, shoving the young man flat against his back. "I think there's something you wanted to tell everyone," he said, several of Jedite's and Usagi's classmates crowding around.

Rei and Usagi were unsuccessfully trying not to laugh, clutching their stomaches in pain as tears rolled down their cheeks. Usagi had told Rei about Jedite's little practical joke, unable to turn the tables on him. He glared at the silver haired tenshi, but a pressure on his arm quickly reminded him that Mamoru had the upper hand.

"It was only a joke," Jedite grumbled. Everyone strained to hear, loving to see Jedite beaten at his own game. All of them had been a victim at some time or another.

"A joke you're going to regret if you don't say other wise, right here and right now."

To make his point, keeping his foot on his shoulder and Jedite's wrist twisted, he snatched Rei and pulled her close. Usagi had to run off, hiding behind a counter as she burst out laughing. Jedite's hazel eyes clouded in renewed rage. "You wouldn't!"

"Do what?" Mamoru asked innocently, curving his fingers around her neck. It had the desired affect, Jedite swinging his feet until Mamoru was thrown off of him. Rei was stunned, watching him literally come unglued. He was nothing like the gentle and loving teenager that visited her shrine.

Jedite pulled Rei behind him, watching Mamoru easily roll back to his feet. "For someone that already has a girl friend..."

"I told you that was a joke!" Jedite roared.

On cue, Usagi came walking up, some how producing real tears. Jedite was starting to panic, watching the mood shift throughout the crowd. In the past several weeks, a lot of them had become friends with the happy girl. He heard a few knuckles crack. "Usagi! I thought..."

"I was being a good girl friend, honest! Even my grades have improved!" Her shoulders began to tremble; even Mamoru and Rei started to believe her act.

"I'm taking my date," Mamoru stated, reaching for Rei, but Jedite slapped his hand away and snarled.

"Let's make this quite clear, Usagi has not and never will be my girl friend! It started out as a joke, but I'll be damned if I allow you to have Rei!"

"Shouldn't she have a choice?" Mamoru asked.

Jedite paused, knowing he was on dangerous waters. He knew it would probably get him in trouble with her later, but Jedite didn't care, tears threatening to fall. "You don't understand; I love her..."

"I..." Jedite was torn, wanting to tell them everything, but had no choice but to remain silent. How did he tell Rei that she had died in his arms, her leg torn off trying to protect him? "Don't ask me to give her up, because I can't!" A pin could have been heard hitting the floor, the dance club deathly silent.

Jedite sighed, meeting Usagi's silver gaze, her tears having magically disappeared, "Usagi, I'm sorry about telling everyone you were my girl friend. I meant it only as a practical joke, but you're expression that day was priceless."

"I'm not dating Rei, Jedite." The look of relief on Jedite's face made Rei smile, still dealing with his sudden confession. Boys had always shunned her, hating her psychic abilities, but he had been faithfully appearing at her shrine, helping her with simple chores and keeping her grandfather from harassing the girls that visited.

Mamoru was still laughing, blocking a near strike to his jaw. Usagi, if he didn't watch out, was going to beat him. Luna was confused, trying to figure out how Usagi was changing so radically. A month had passed since the charade with Rei and Jedite. Usagi acted more regal, determined and focused on her mission. What had everyone so worried was the inactivity of the Negaverse?

Mamoru warned Usagi not to let down her guard, fearing the next attack. A third degree black belt, he easily kept up with Usagi, loving the challenge she presented. He quickly discovered that Usagi possessed a photographic memory, filing away only the information she deemed necessary and important. Six months passed before Usagi decided to try something different, not having called upon the power of Sailor Moon since she began her training.

He prepared himself, knowing she was up to something. "How good are you?" she asked, her expression holding a thousand secrets. Mamoru smirked, his stance a challenge of its own. Raising her hand high into the air, she called forth a power that filled her body with a blazing light. It was much different than before; "MOON PRISM POWER!"

Mamoru stood and watched, awed by the power she displayed. He had a power of his own, but chose not to use it. Fighting Sailor Moon as himself would be a true test of his strength and talent. He could see the differences immediately, but he still hated how short her outfit was. Sailor Moon displayed an aura of deadly confidence.

They met with a sound of fists and legs hitting against each other, moving faster than he thought possible. Usagi was no longer the girl from the jewelry store, cowering in a corner. She countered his every move, forcing him to adjust.

'You're good,' he wanted to say.

Hours later, they were lying on the grass, spent and happy. "Usagi, you've come a long way."

"I'm hungry," was her only answer.

Rolling over to his stomach, he looked down at her, so tempted to kiss her inviting lips. "My treat today."

"Really? Even if it's four large pizzas?"

"If pizza's what you want, then pizza's what you'll have."

He helped her up, but she held on to his hand for a few moments, her expression thoughtful. "What's wrong?" He asked.

Suddenly she smiled, hugging him for no real reason. Mamoru was breathless, fighting the urge to pull her close. 'I need a shower; a cold one.' He hadn't told her much about his personal life, but it was easier on both of them this way. Mamoru was almost certain Usagi knew this was not the first life she had lived, but had refused to recall it. 'What happened after I left you, Usagi?' He had stopped himself from asking a thousand times, hating how alone she must have felt.

"Thank you. Not just for me, but for both of us."

He knew what she meant and nodded in return. Mamoru valued her friendship, thankful that she was present in his life. "We should go before our Pizza runs off."

Usagi laughed, quickly catching up with him. People would often wonder if the two were a couple, but they never held hands, hugged or kissed. Motoki would shake his head as the two would study together in the Arcade, or Mamoru would guide her through the Sailor V game and show her the hidden traps. He was glad to see Mamoru's dark personality slowly vanish.

Mamoru was quickly becoming popular with the girls, but he never gave them a second glance as he divided all his attention on work, school and his friends. Mamoru had finally decided to confide in Motoki a little more, respecting the man's ability to listen and not jump to conclusions.

Both men had a lot in common, wanting to become doctors and to study in the same elite schools. Motoki was slowly integrated into their study sessions, needing all the help he could get to pass the high school entrance exams into college. Usagi was ranked second in Japan, competing head-to-head with Ami Mizuno. He was truly proud of her, and one day hoped to reclaim her as his wife.

Zoicite was in the library, sitting close as Ami helped him study for his exams. He wouldn't be able to attend high school, but if he managed to pass everything that was required for his age level, Zoicite would be able to attend his first year of college in the spring.

Ami couldn't believe how quick he was, breezing through subjects in a matter of days. She found it refreshing, even scary how hard she had to work to keep up with him. Zoicite loved to learn, grabbing anything and everything he could find in the library.

His biggest pleasure was the search engines on the internet, quickly learning how to manipulate the contraption. In a few weeks, he could hack into any site, no matter how high the security level. He smirked, using the time while Ami was in school to search for the missing children at the orphanage. In six months, he had enough evidence to close down the place for good, but he needed to catch them in the act first.

He was sitting on the stairs, waiting for Ami, his mind a million miles away. Zoicite would need help, knowing it was time to reveal his presence to the senshi and Mamoru. Everything depended on him being successful. During his investigations, he found things that made his life with Frank seem perfect. Boys were sold into sweat shops, never seeing another day of sunlight, while young girls, starting at the age of fourteen, were forced into prostitution.

If they became pregnant, they were never seen again. A few girls were sold as sex slaves to multi-billion corporations. He had dug further, finding how deep this slave trade went. Most of the nuns were unaware of Sarah's activities, making it easier for him to decide his next course of actions. All the children that had gone missing, were reported as adopted into loving families.

"Zoicite?" Startled from his thoughts, he noticed Ami a few feet away, concern in her blue eyes. He smiled, not wanting her to worry. "You look so alone sometimes."

"Old habits," he said, wanting to leave the library for awhile. "Let's do something different today."

"But..."

Grabbing her by the arm, he led her to an amusement park, buying wrist bands that allowed them to ride until the park closed. Sitting on the Ferris Wheel, Ami couldn't help but feel that something was wrong. He would squeeze her hand, trying to reassure her that everything was fine, but she knew him better than anyone.

"Ami..." Zoicite knew he needed to tell her, but how did he start? "Do you remember that project I was working on?"

"About the missing children?"

He nodded, his expression haunted. "When I was ten, a woman sold me to a network of Assassins." Ami paled, but a hand on her lips kept her quiet until he finished. "I won't tell you how bad it was; only that they were the worst eight years of my life. As I was searching, I discovered that I wasn't the first, nor the last to be dealt this kind of fate."

Zoicite brushed his fingers against her cheek, loving the feel of something so simple and pure. "The woman who sold me was no nun, but one of the main operators of a major slave organization. Most of the nuns are living beneath poverty levels, unaware of the income she's pulling in."

"What happens to the kids?"

"Most are never heard from again. I managed to hack into Sarah's email accounts and discovered that she's suppose to be handing over a fourteen year old girl tonight."

Ami was truly frightened, not wanting to see Zoicite hurt. "You're going to try and stop it."

"I can't watch an innocent's life destroyed like mine. No girl deserves that kind of fate." He remembered all to well the pain they suffered, seeing the many bruises and cuts on Arlene. Zoicite was a fighter and could take care of himself, but what about those that couldn't fight back?

"Please don't do this alone," she begged, tears swimming in her beautiful eyes. She leaned her head against his shoulder, afraid he would disappear at any moment. Ami was able to communicate with him on so many levels, that the idea of him dying or being hurt was breaking her heart.

"Shhh..." Tilting back her chin, he gave her a reassuring smile, his mouth brushing softly against her mouth. She gasped, shyly parting her lips. They were sitting on top of the world, the ride stopped to let on more people. He moved towards her neck, nibbling slightly before he pulled back and tucked her against his side.

Zoicite wanted this girl, but not before he had made peace with his present demons. "Actually, I was hoping you'd help."

"How?"

"I need you to tell Usagi and her father what's going on. He'll know how to contact the right people." He knew the two were close friends, Ami often telling him about their study sessions on the weekends.

As their ride came to an end, Ami turned to him, feeling his arms wrap around her slim waist. "Promise to be careful."

"I won't be alone, Ami."