Title: Newborn Wings
Alicia Blade
Kammi22@sprintmail.com
Rated G
Dedicated to Amanda I, Amanda II, and my personal Chibiusa-chan.
I wanna thank BlackIris3 for the sweet contribution of the AMK
template, even though I couldn't use it. Arigatou for thinking of me!!
Thanks also to my editor, Ms. Stormlight, and Lady S, friend and
partner in crime. ^_~
Ms. Joy Sutherland, could you please read the note at the bottom?
Thankies much, girl!
Gomen nasai to those who have emailed me the last few weeks. Most of
you are sitting lonely in my inbox. Sigh… I'll get to work replying
soon, I promise!
Might I state before I begin that about half way through writing this I
actually researched Elios a bit and found out that his character is
actually a LOT like I'd imagined him being, even the fact that he… wait
a minute, that'll give away the story. Ugh, but either way, I just
wanted to say proudly that I was quite closely on track with the manga
story and am thrilled that Naoko and I must think alike. ^_^
WARNING! However, despite my psychedelic wavelengths with Takeuchi-
sama, there are many differences between this fic and the original
manga story line, including character and plot differences. Don't take
this for fact, if you want the original plot, read the manga. Always
keep in mind this is FANfiction. (Don't we love it? ^_~)
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept
the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and
not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."
II Timothy 4:7-8
Newborn Wings
Hard breathing sounded behind her. Her legs pumped harder. Up and
down along the hard sidewalk, she ran. Beads of sweat were already
forming on her brow. Her shoes, soft leather tennis shoes, skidded on
the pavement. Echoes, breathing… the enemy behind her approached.
Merciless, its breathing closed down on her ears. A whimper escaped.
Her arms swung faster, bent at the elbows. She ignored the pink hair
flying into her eyes. A tear of horror sunk across her cheek. Her lips,
dry, could not scream. With a sudden loss of strength, she fell to the
ground. A grunt, a moan, another helpless whimper. On hands and knees,
she bent down, lowering herself closer to the stone floor. "Sailormoon,
Tuxedo Kamen, where are you?"
Her lip began to bleed. Biting roughly upon it, ignoring pain,
she turned onto her side. Giant terror-filled eyes lifted to the
attacker. It loomed over her frail body. Two silver fangs gleaming from
red lips. A mane of straggled violet hair surrounded horrible green
skin and gloomy black eyes. The thing held up a hand. Each finger held
a razor at the tip. It hissed in satisfaction.
"No…" was her struggled response. "Somebody… help me…"
It was too quiet for anyone to hear. She slammed her eyes shut.
A fierce howl contradicted the winning grin of moments past.
Gurgling and trampling sounds replaced fearsome breathing. Not feeling
any hurt on her limbs, Chibi Usagi managed to raise her eyelids. The
ruby tints gleamed with fear and confusion.
The unicorn, no, the pegasus neighed in fury, thrusting its head
forward again. The horrid creature was already bent over on the ground,
grasping at its stomach. With another wound, it sprawled backward,
landing on its back in the middle of a dark street. The giant winged
horse followed, kicking at it unmercifully with its hind legs, stabbing
it with a gold horn jutting from its forehead.
The beast screamed in agony, before letting its claw fall into an
oil-stained puddle in the gutter. And it was dead.
Chibiusa looked on with wide eyes and trembling lips. Shaking,
she managed to pull herself to a sitting position, aimlessly backing
into a wall behind her. Neighing again, the pegasus turned toward her
slowly.
What a glorious animal it was. Powerful legs, a silky white
sheen, a flowing main of snowy hair, a proud golden cone on its
forehead, two graceful, strong wings upon its back, and shimmering
golden eyes with tints of silver echoing in their deep stare. Chibiusa
blinked many times, clutching her skirt with one tight fist.
The animal slowly began to trot toward her, cautious and shy.
Unwillingly, she tried to sink down into the background, but it
continued to come toward her.
"S…stop!" she commanded with false courage, holding up one hand.
It paused, tilting its head to the side. Instantly, a wave of white
hair flowed over its neck.
"Please don't be frightened, pretty maiden. I promise that I will
not hurt you."
Her eyes instantly widened, staring at the long snout of the
creature. "You… you just talked!"
"Of course… Princess Usagi Small Lady Selenity of Earth."
Chibiusa blinked rapidly, her jaw open. Whimpering, she shuffled
her feet to find she could move no further into the solid wall behind
her. The voice was soft and kind, obviously from a man, or boy at
least. The creature was male, but age was a completely different
question.
"How do… you know my name? How would you know all that?"
He blinked, lowering his head momentarily. "This… is your dream,
Chiba-san."
There, he knew her family name as well. "Dream?"
"Hai, of course."
"I don't understand…" In truth, she was only beginning to
comprehend. Of course this was a dream. In real life, Mamoru or Usagi
would be protecting her by now, not a giant talking unicorn.
"I cannot explain it. I am real, however I exist only in the
dreams of children who believe in me. I promise, fair maiden, I will
keep away your nightmares from now on."
"But who are you?"
"I am your protector. For now, you may call me Pegasus."
She wasn't quite sure whether to thank him, or pinch herself in
hopes of waking up in a nice warm bed, snug in Mamo-chan's apartment.
Her decision would have made no difference.
With the dying of his words, Pegasus disappeared into the air.
And Chibiusa woke up.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
"Hey, have you seen the new kid?"
"Yeah, he's kind of cute."
"You think? I thought he was a little strange looking."
"I agree! He's scrawny… and what boys have hair color that…
light?"
"But he does have pretty eyes."
"Yeah, I guess. Still… there's just…"
"…something about him…"
Breaking into giggles, the group of girls walking behind Chibiusa
in the large school hallway quickly changed the subject to the newest
movie star or teeny-bopper boy group. Frowning, Chibiusa stepped into a
side hallway, turning around as the large cluster of gossips
disappeared into the crowd. With a furrowed brow, she tilted her head
to the side.
"A new kid?" she mused to herself, brushing one cotton-candy
strand of hair away from her shoulder. Rolling her eyes at her own
curious amusement, she tied both arms around her books and turned once
again to head down the original hallway toward her locker.
Crash!
"Eek!"
Chibiusa gasped, watching her books clatter across the floor,
mixing with those of the clumsy teenager.
"Oh, I'm so sorry!" came the immediate apologies. Chibiusa froze,
watching on stunned as the head of pale blond hair stooped down to
begin collecting the books and papers. "It was a complete accident. I
simply wasn't watching where I was going. You see, I'm new here and I
was trying to find my classroom, but I… well, I'm just very sorry."
The voice… it seemed so strangely familiar. Chibiusa found
herself listening closely to the tone rather the words, trying
desperately to remember where she head heard that boy's voice before.
"Uh… here are your books, anyway." He stood up, thrusting a stack
of texts and binders in her direction, another bunch shoved carelessly
into a book bag still lying on the floor.
Their eyes widened.
The new boy let his jaw drop only momentarily before bringing his
lips together and gulping roughly. Clearing his throat, he nodded
shyly. After a pause of silence, he lowered his gaze to the books still
hanging in mid-air upon his palm. "Y…your books, miss."
Chibiusa blinked, losing contact with the calm, caressing lemon
gaze. "Arigatou…" she mumbled, gingerly taking them from his gasp. He
nodded again, refusing to meet her stare. Frozen in place, Chibiusa
stared at his lowered features, briefly noticing a pale, hardly visible
scar on his forehead. It was not her place to inquire, nor did she have
enough time.
Soon, the boy had stooped to pick up his backpack before walking
briskly past her, scurrying from her path like a beetle. He was soon
lost in the crowd of students, all bustling toward first period. The
pink-haired teenager watched on, her lips parted. "How… how could
anyone have such… vibrant eyes…?" she whispered, glad that no one
stayed near enough to hear her. Her mind conjured up the image of a
blazing white steed, before the bell rung and she caught her breath,
pivoting to jog quickly for her morning class.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
"So much homework, so little time…" she whimpered drowsily,
shifting the pile of books higher into her arms. They hurt already and
she was only two blocks away from the school. Sighing, Chibiusa looked
up at the sky, watching as a flock of small black birds clustered above
her head before soaring into a bush over by the park on the other side
of the street. A smile crept over her lips.
Blowing a strand of hair off of her forehead, she let her eyes
drift tiredly, then spark to life as she caught a glimpse of a small,
blond figure on the sidewalk across from her.
He was about forty feet ahead of her and she wondered why she had
not noticed him until now. His head bent, a bag undoubtedly filled with
books hung off of his left shoulder. Feathery bangs caressed his temple
and forehead, most likely covering that tiny scar by now. Furrowing her
brow, Chibiusa listed her head to the side in hopes to study him while
she had the chance. She felt sort of bad about staring at him so
closely, almost like he was some sort of mutant, but… Those girls in
the hall had been right. He was strange.
Elios was his name. He had been in three of her classes throughout
the daily eight. Sat in the back until the teacher would place him
elsewhere. Didn't talk to anyone, even those who would attempt to greet
him kindly. Only stare in a hint of fear and curiosity, his saffron
eyes widening in unspoken wonder. After a moment he might hint at a
smile and nod, before turning his stare back to the floor. Chibiusa
could tell that he was lonely and wondered how many friends he had… has
ever had.
Gulping, she began to chew a bit on her lip. Straightening her
back and throwing back her shoulders, she crossed the street at the
first crossing and quickened her pace through the park, shuffling her
feet quietly.
She kept a safe space of thirty feet between them after her mind
realized she was too shy to approach him after all. At one point he
froze and turned, his suspecting eyes scanning the park. His personal
stalker was already hidden within a patch of large bushes. Furrowing
his brow, Elios turned and continued through the lush green park.
And so they walked on, not quite hand in hand.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Elios made his way through the fields, past gardens and small
forests without taking the smallest moment to stop and admire the
beautiful environment. Chibiusa found this more difficult, but
continued on with little delay. She followed him down to the lake where
he paused and looked around for some time, until a couple who had been
sitting on a nearby bench stood to leave. Chibiusa held her breath,
ducking behind a great tree trunk. Finally, he neared the lake,
creeping around the shores to the large silver waterfall that fell
glimmering to the crystalline surface. The pink-haired princess nibbled
on her lip, staring in awe as he took one last look around before
clambering up a small cliff of rocks and sliding behind the waterfall
without making the slightest stir in the cascading wall.
The girl held still for sometime, debating whether or not to
continue with her journey. Curiosity was near killing her, her hands
gripping the branches of the large tree. Eventually, with an agitated
groan, she left her sanctuary, searching the surrounding area much as
the teenage boy had done, before stepping in his path and disappearing
behind the water.
Inside she froze, her ruby eyes opening drastically.
It was a cave; she had expected as much. But it was much larger
than she could have imagined. A good thirty feet in diameter, and
stretching into the cliff farther than she could see. Surprisingly
warm, it held almost a comfortable feel, albeit lonely. Gulping,
Chibiusa forced her legs forward, her eyes darting over the area with
every tiny sound she heard. The cave stretched farther back, and soon
she saw dimmed lights around a corner. Hesitating, she peaked around
the corner, and could hardly hold back a gasp.
Like a comfy cottage, the cave opened into a large room with
crystal wall sconces with burning flames and a fluffy cushioned chair
in the corner. There was a simple bed against one wall and a tiny
stove, evidently made of the strangest crystal material, alone by the
back.
But she could see no more doors branching off from the space, and
there was no sign of Elios. Her brow furrowing, she cautiously moved
into the room.
"What are you doing here?!" yelled an angry voice, a heavy hand
landing forcefully on her shoulder. Chibiusa screamed, whisking around
only to lose her balance and fall to the rock floor. Gasping for
terrified breaths, her eyes lifted to look into a crystal sheer gaze
lowered down on her. Her lip quivered, feeling scared tears attack
their ducts.
Elios, on the other hand, looked more surprised than any sort of
angry. In his left hand he held a sort of club looking object, which he
quickly dropped to the floor with a look into the girls eyes. His jaw
dropped, hearing her whimper echo into the silence of the cave.
Catching his breath, he immediately dropped to his knees before
her. "Oh, I'm so sorry! I didn't recognize you at first, please forgive
me, I didn't mean to startle you!"
"Huh?" Chibiusa let her eyes soften, the fear dissipating with a
look at the softness in his eyes. Slowly she managed to sit up, her
arms shaking beneath the weight of her body. "But… I… I should be
apologizing to you. I didn't mean… I thought… I just saw you come in
here and I… I'm very sorry, I didn't mean any harm." The shakiness in
her voice did not go unnoticed and with a long drawn out breath, Elios
smiled.
"Please don't apologize. I shouldn't have sneaked up on you like
that. Here, let me help you up." Pulling himself to his feet, Elios
held out a hand, gently taking hers and lifting her easily to her own
support. Shocked, Chibiusa followed his eyes, unsuspecting the strength
that she found in his small arms.
He was a bit taller than her, but not by much, possibly five or
six inches was all. Again she found herself hypnotized by the lively
shades of his eyes, slightly hidden by wisps of feather soft blond
bangs.
Gulping hesitantly, she took a step back, unsure of what to say.
"Wh…what are you doing here?" Elios finally managed, lowering his
eyes to the floor as she backed away from him.
"Oh… I… ahem…" She turned around, pacing into the center of the
room. Her hands fidgeted with her skirt, trying to find some piece of
interest to comment on the room. However, she soon found it was
completely accessory deprived. Sighing, she looked at the boy again. He
hadn't moved. "I saw you walking home from school. You looked lonely,
so I… I thought maybe I would come say hi, but… I got scared and just
followed you here instead."
Her gaze diverted, unconsciously folding her arms over her
stomach. She didn't see the tints of a smile on his lips.
"Thank you for your concern, Usagi."
Gasping, she looked up at him. His smile was of pure friendship.
"I learned your name in class. Oh, and I'm Elios."
After a moment of silent blinking, the pink-haired spore grinned
widely. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Elios-kun! By the way, all my
friends call me Chibiusa, okay?"
He chuckled, a small, near unnoticeable laugh. "Likewise,
Chibiusa-chan. Um… would you… like something to eat?"
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Chibiusa soon found a mild interest in the small oven. Not
because it was crystal or see-through or incredibly accurate for
cooking food, but because it was exactly like those used at home, in
Neo-Crystal Tokyo. Elios somehow managed to dissuade her incoming
questions by changing the subject. Maybe she should have found his
vague answers odd… but she didn't. Instead she enjoyed talking to him
about his new school and her close friends. She told him about her
'cousin' Usagi and her boyfriend Mamoru, whom she referred to as Mamo-
chan. A happy light entered the boy's eyes with this knowledge.
After dinner of cooked fish and salad (with tasty chocolate for
dessert, of course), the two sat down on the couch. It was comfortable
and soft, but Chibiusa found the lack of a television quite unusual.
"So… is this where you live, or do you just come here sometimes?"
she asked mildly after the end of a long conversation on odd-colored
hair.
Immediately, Elios was squirming in his seat, his eyes diverted.
"I… live here. At least, for now I do."
"Oh? Is your house being built?"
His throat cleared. "Iie… this is just temporary until I go home
again."
Chibiusa nodded, scooting a bit closer to him. "Elios-kun… where
are your parents?"
His head dropped. After a moment of silence, he shrugged
mindlessly. "I'm not… really sure… But it isn't important. I'm fine,
really. Living by myself isn't all that bad."
'Like Mamo-chan…' she dwelled momentarily, before inhaling a long
breath and letting her eyes roam around the quarters. "It… is a nice
place. Even if it's quite plain. The water outside was beautiful
though!"
Elios grinned, lifting his gaze to hers again. "I agree."
Laughing, he added, "Though I suppose it could use a lady's touch."
Chibiusa grinned along, delighting in the carefree twinkle in his soft
stare. She had noticed how handsome he was this morning, even looking
at a shy, lonely boy. Now… he was truly shocking. Oddly, he didn't seem
quite so lanky, and his hair was almost a darker blond. His eyes were
happier, albeit more mature, and his smile… white teeth and moist,
though masculine lips. She wondered how lips could be masculine… maybe
like Mamoru's, she imagined, but Elios… it was different. It was like
he had matured to a perfect… lover?… right before her eyes.
With these thoughts swimming in her head at an untimely moment
where their faces lay less than a foot apart, she felt the blood rush
to her cheeks. Her suddenly knotted throat sent her into a fit of
coughs as she immediately turned away from him, standing on her feet,
with her hand over her mouth.
Unsurprisingly, he was with her every step of the way. "Chibiusa-
chan, are you alright?" he whispered, placing one arm over her
shoulders. She nodded, embarrassment not helping the redness in her
cheeks. "I'll get you some water!" he cried, dashing to the short
cupboard on the opposite side of the oven to pull out a glass before
leaving down the dark hallway.
Before he could return, Chibiusa had calmed the choking, rubbing
at the tears in her eyes. Elios came back soon with the glass of cold,
clear water, his eyes full of worry. "Are you feeling better?"
She nodded.
"Here, you should drink some of this anyway. It'll take care of
the hoarseness in your throat."
She nodded again, taking the tall cup in both hands and sipping
lightly at the top. She closed her eyes, not wanting to see him
watching her intently. It was like he was always so afraid she would
disappear. When he wasn't shy or scared to look at her, he would be
watching her with the passion she saw in her parent's eyes. It
frightened her, yet also sent her heart fluttering against her ribcage.
Done, she handed him the glass, which he quickly set aside their
previous dinnerware. Returning, he stood quietly before her, his hands
clasped tightly behind his back. "Are you sure you are alright?"
"Yeah, yeah…" she muttered, turning on her heels to pace to the
other wall. "I'm fine, Elios-kun, arigatou…" Sighing, her eyes glued to
the ceiling, Chibiusa began to nervously twirl a lock of pink hair
between her fingertips. "Although… actually… I should probably be
getting home soon. I mean, I didn't call anyone after school and I'm
sure they're all very worried. Even Usagi…" She stuck her tongue out
sourly for a moment, before turning back to the boy with a large smile
plastered against her lips. "Thank you SO much for dinner, Elios-chan!
It was very sweet of you!" She giggled at the somewhat familiar
sounding nickname, sending a wink in his direction.
Elios, for his part, was flabbergasted. He stood and watched his
peer scoop up her books from the couch before whisking past him in a
breeze of blue, red, and pink. Pink much like the coloring in his
cheeks.
"Oh!" squealed Chibiusa, not three steps past him. Gulping with a
moment of hesitation, she turned back to the boy standing continually
shocked. "One more thing… um… welcome to Juuban!"
Leaning forward, she gave him a light peck on the cheek, before
fleeing the cave in an embarrassed rush.
Elios, catching his breath, turned to stare at the far wall she
had left behind. Closing his mouth long enough to gulp, he wet his lips
unconsciously. "Arigatou… Princess."
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Groaning in agitation, she flopped onto her stomach in the center
of Mamoru's guest bed, muffling her sighs into her thick feather
pillow. "Why me?"
"Chibiusako? Oh, there you are. I though I heard you come in. I
was just making some curry for dinner, would you like some?"
She shook her head, ducking her hands beneath the pillowcase for
warmth. "No thanks, Mamo-chan."
Mamoru could hardly hear her, but didn't need to as he saw the
form on top of her bed. Creasing his brow, he slowly took off his "Kiss
the Chef" apron, hanging it on the doorknob before entering quietly.
"Chibiusako?" he whispered, claiming a seat beside her. His right
hand stroked across her back momentarily. "Well you can start by
telling me where you've been all day, and then you can go right on
ahead and tell me what's bothering you."
She was silent at first, before heaving a loud sigh and pushing
herself to a sitting position. Crisscrossing her legs, she refused to
hide the small pout on her lips. "I went to a friend's house. He's new
at school."
'Oh no…' thought Mamoru instantly. 'A HE… must be boy problems.'
Clearing his breath, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
"And… what's wrong?"
She sighed, her red eyes drooping quietly. "Well… he's really
nice! I mean… he's sweet and charming… kind of the romantic,
gentlemanly type, you know?"
"Uh-huh…" he urged her to continue. "So what's the problem?"
She sniffled involuntarily. "I… I don't want to sound
stereotypical or choosy, but… the thing is… he's… strange."
A black eyebrow perked. "Strange?"
"Yeah, I mean, he lives in this cave thing with no appliances
except for a crystal stove. He doesn't have any family-not that that's
a bad thing, of course-he hardly talks to anyone, and… he's just…
strange! Sometimes when he looks at me, it feels almost like he thinks
he should be worshipping me or something! I know that sounds weird,
but… but… I don't know what to do! I like him a lot… but he really is
so very odd…"
"Hm…" said Mamoru as if in deep thought. "I see… Well, I want you
to think about something for me."
"What's that?"
"Who am I?"
"Nani?"
"Who am I?"
"You're… Mamo-chan…" she said in confusion, watching Mamoru
curiously. He smiled, leaning back with a small chuckle.
"Wrong. I, Chibiusako, am a man who dresses up in a cape and top
hat, runs around in the middle of the night throwing steel-tipped roses
at creatures from a black hole called the Negaverse who are constantly
trying to kill my girlfriend, who happens to be a princess who lived on
the moon a thousand years ago, will someday rule the Earth at my side,
but who is currently a fighter for love and justice who wears a short
sailor-like fuku and tosses tiaras like sharp-edged boomerangs. Oh,
yeah, and she has a talking cat." He paused, smiling at the stunned
girl. "Now… are you saying that I'm not odd?"
Letting it sink in, Mamoru stood up and walked calmly to the
kitchen in order to finish dinner.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
With her eyes closed, the tranquility of the splashing waves made
a soothing aura within her mind's eye. It was a small lake surrounded
on all sides by lush green grass and the occasional oasis of trees, in
full bloom; covered with pastel pink cherry blossoms. Letting a bit of
light seep through cracked eyelids, Chibiusa noticed the unending,
uninterrupted blue sky above. Clear and pale with a flock of birds
soaring past once in a long while. Even the scent of fresh air and
wildflowers seemed to seep through her very skin.
The soft thud of hooves and quiet neighing was the only
disturbance. Expecting reality, the future princess opened her eyes to
watch the Pegasus come closer. It stopped to smell a budding lilac
momentarily, before bending its knees beneath it and lying down next to
the girl.
"Am I dreaming again?" Chibiusa whispered near silently.
Pegasus returned the gaze, his amber eyes twinkling back at her
mysteriously. "Hai."
Her breath caught as she stared at him, noticing the familiarity
of the voice, yet too caught into the dream to remember where it came
from. She wet her lips, rolling onto her side to completely face the
large animal. It turned away from her, the long shimmering mane blowing
in a small breeze. The proud horn at the tip of its forehead sparkled
in the sunlight, almost glowing orange beneath the warm rays.
"Pegasus?"
"Yes, Maiden?"
"Do you only protect my dreams? Or can you be by my side always?"
"I will always be with you when I am needed, Princess."
"Even in real life?"
"Hai."
She yawned, folding her arms beneath her head. "It's funny. I
know that I'm sleeping, yet I still feel tired."
The horse chuckled. "You will feel very rested in the morning."
"Yeah…" her voice became light, beginning to doze off.
"Small Lady?"
"Hm?"
"I have a gift for you."
Her eyes immediately perked up, staring up at the horse. Beside
his head now lay a golden bell. She hadn't seen it before and soon
wondered when it had appeared. "What's that?"
"This is a magic bell. When you ring it and call my name, I
promise that I will be there for you. Now take it."
Slowly, her hand reached forward to curl around the bronze
handle. It jingled quietly when she lifted it up, the pendulum within
creating a full melody with the slightest movement.
"Arigatou…"
"Remember, Fair Maiden, I will always protect you."
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Walking up the steps to the school, Chibiusa kept her eyes alert,
scanning the quickly approaching main hallway. Children, peers, bustled
back and forth within, the doors opening and closing in seconds. She
had arrived early in hopes of finding and talking to Elios. Ever since
the dream, strange as it may sound, she had had an incredible desire to
see him. To look into the strangely comforting eyes and tell him… tell
him…
She didn't know. She just needed to tell him something. What she
was feeling? Impossible, given she didn't have a clue herself. But
something.
Gulping unsteadily, she reached the top of the courtyard steps.
Tossing her book bag's full support onto her left shoulder, she took a
deep breath and reached out her hand to open the door, but gasped as
another caught it first and pulled it open before her.
Somewhat startled, she turned her head to look at a shy smile
with golden eyes looking down on her. Performing a small, near
unnoticeable bow, Elios, gestured to the doorway. "Ladies first."
Blinking a few times, Chibiusa willed the incoming redness in her
cheeks away. Nodding her head, she walked inside of the building,
hearing him join her quickly.
"Um… how… how are you?" he asked quietly, his head bowed.
Chibiusa smiled, her heartbeat speeding up drastically. "I'm
fine, thank you. Yourself?"
"Wonderful!" Cruel snickering to their left instantly followed
his cheery attitude. The girl straightened, her eyes darting to a large
group of older student, watching the two of them like hawks. Within the
gang stood two of the most popular students in school-and three of the
most known gossips.
"Oh, no…" she mumbled.
"Gomen nasai," Elios was suddenly whispering. Instantly turning
her attention from her peers, Chibiusa looked up to see a sad and
lonely light filter into his stare.
"Huh? Elios-ku…"
"Gomen, Usagi-san. I understand…"
Then, in an almost superficial flash, Elios disappeared from the
crowded hall. Chibiusa stopped, her jaw gaping open. "Elios?" Quickly,
her gaze dropped from worry and guilt to anger. Her fire-filled gaze
turned to the students, permitting another combustion of laughter,
before she turned and stalked toward her classroom. In truth, she was
angrier at herself-for letting him think that she would choose those
brain-deads over his friendship. And guilt covered her heart.
Yesterday, she would have. How much had things changed?
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Dear Elios,
Gomen nasai for this morning. I didn't want to make you feel as
if I didn't want to be with you. The kids in the hallway mean nothing
to me and if you hadn't left so fast I would have told you that. I'm
afraid now that you won't want anything to do with me. Yesterday was
wonderful. I enjoyed spending time with you and believe that I have
found a friendship worth cherishing. In that short time I know that
I've come to care for you greatly. I was thinking about that all last
night, in fact. Please forgive me for letting stupid peer pressure get
to me. With another chance I would love to be your friend, regardless
of what all the other bakas in the school say.
Ai shite iru,
Chibiusa
She sighed rather loudly, folding the note carefully on the desk.
Her eyes raised to the teacher. Gotara-sensei was still lecturing about
the structure of the cell membrane. Chewing on her lip, her glossy eyes
shifted to the quiet form two desks ahead of her in the row to the
right. He was sitting abnormally proper, with his hand folded on the
desk, his feet firmly planted on the tile floor, and his hair combed
neatly to each side, no longer tossed gorgeously in mishap. From the
slight angle of his face she could see, he looked sad and lonely, most
stereotypical.
Gulping, she leaned forward, the note carefully locked between
two fingers. Shifting her eyes to the other classmates, most of whom
were either watching the teacher in muted attention or doodling on pads
of paper, she flicked her wrist forward, watching the note land only a
few inches from the back leg of his chair. Piercing her lips together,
she glanced up at the teacher once more, before leaning far forward.
"Elios!" she whispered sternly, watching his face. He
straightened silently. Chibiusa's eyes danced down to the note, before
feeling her entire body tense.
A quiet tennis shoe thudded against the paper, before pulling it
backwards. Her gaze traveled up the leg to see the all-too-proud grin
of Hanagata Shio, the snobbiest, most stuck-up and popular boy in the
eighth grade. He never turned his face towards her, but from the
crooked grin on his lips, Chibiusa knew he was laughing. Her brow
creased, a small growl lifting up from her throat.
"Tsukino Usagi!"
"Nani?" she squealed, turning focus to the teacher in front.
"What did I just say?"
"Oh, well, um… I… I… uh… wasn't… listening… Could you repeat
that?" she stuttered, her cheeks beginning to flame. From the corner of
her eye she could see Elios watching her with confusion and near-guilt.
The teacher frowned, her eyebrows curling together. "I want to
see you after class, young lady."
"H…hai, Gotara-sensei."
Shio snickered as the teacher turned back to her blackboard, and
Chibiusa could do nothing but glare as he picked up the note and stuck
it calmly in his pocket. Elios watched her peculiarly, solemnly for a
moment, before turning to face the teacher once more.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Mumbling, Chibiusa kicked at the dirt in the courtyard as she
walked out of the deserted school building. Whoever would have thought
a reprimanding on listening skills could last half an hour?!
"Yesterday was wonderful. I enjoyed spending time with you and
believe that I have found a friendship worth cherishing. In that short
time I know that I've come to care for you greatly. Bla, bla, bla… Ai
shite iru… Chibiusa…" The voice was covered in obvious mocking, and the
familiar words caused the girl to stop motionless in the courtyard. Her
brow furrowing, she whisked around to stare into the pale blue eyes of
Hanagata Shio himself. Her fists clenched.
"Give it back!" she commanded, stomping forward with her hand
thrust outward. Shio laughed, holding the note above his head.
"Why would I want to do that?"
"Because it's mine!"
"Hm…" he raised the free hand to his chin in faux consideration.
"Naw, I don't think so."
"Ugh!" she screamed, tossing her hands down. "This isn't funny,
Shio, give me my note!"
"What do you say?" he taunted, his voice chirping merrily.
Chibiusa stopped moving forward, pausing a moment to collect her
senses. "I SAY… give me my note now, you tiny-brained, turkey flipping
ragamuffin who smells like fish because someone slapped you with a
Coho, insignificant wuss of the human race, worm-infested, flee-ridden,
maggot-eating, stuck-up, big-mouthed, lousy son of a pig-headed
gerbil!" Her mouth twisted around the words, spitting them with more
venom in her tone than any of the spoken phrases, ending with false
praise. "Onegai?"
Shio's brow creased with snickering behind him. Instantly,
Chibiusa knew that he was not the only other person on this school
ground.
"What did you just call me?"
Inhaling a deep breath, Chibiusa stepped forward, her fist
clenched in front of her chest. "I said… give me my note now you tiny-
brained, turkey flipping ragamuffin who smells like…"
SMACK!
Chibiusa gasped, her hand flying to her cheek.
"You know, I don't believe in hitting girls, but true ladies
don't talk like that, now do they?" Shio hissed. Stepping forward so
that their toes touched, Shio glared down on her with vengeance. "Let
me make sure you understand something, Tsukino. No one talks to me like
that, got it?"
"Oh, I'm shaking…" Chibiusa taunted back.
With darkening eyes, her attacker raised his hands and pushed at
her shoulders, sending her hurling backward. Stunned, Chibiusa could
only brace her knees to keep from falling. "Where's your pretty boy to
save you now?" He teased before pushing at her again, this time sending
her falling to the hard dirt ground. She gritted her teeth as a fury of
pain cried out from her left leg. She sniffled a few times in attempt
to keep from crying, before glaring up at him once more. His friends-
five of them-were now gathered around them in amusement, laughing at
her new predicament.
"Oh, yeah, yak it up!" she yelled in annoyance. "It's so
hilarious how this brain dead creep can take on a girl half his size!
Wow, I'm SO impressed!"
Shio's joking glare turned to sizzling embers. "You listen up,
cotton-candy haired wuss! No one insults me and gets away with it, not
even a baby priss with pinecones and bananas for hair! You have NO idea
what you just talked yourself into!" He kicked her sharply in the side,
creating an instant squeal from her lips.
Chibiusa flinched, flailing onto the ground. "Elios…" she
whimpered, closing her eyes as tears began to crawl up through her
ducts. Inside, she cursed herself. Years of being SaliorChibiMoon, and
she couldn't even stand up to a school bully.
"Hey, come on, Shio!" yelled one of his buds. "That's enough,
don't push it!"
"No way, she got herself into this and I swear that from now on,
I'm gonna make her life in Juuban Middle School a living hell!"
Curling slightly, Chibiusa heard a small ring off to the side.
Her eyes opening, she looked up to see a bronze bell lying at her side.
A lightness entering her gaze, she shot her hand out, struggling to
reach it.
"Not to mention that walking stick dweeb she picked up," Shio
continued, lying one foot lightly on her wrist to keep her from picking
up the bell. An eyebrow perking, he stooped to pull it into his fist.
"What have we here? Oh, how pretty. Was it a gift from your scrawny
little boyfriend?"
Anger sizzling inside of her blood stream, Chibiusa looked up at
him as he examined the bell.
"Looks kinda like something you would buy at a dollar store,
isn't it boys?" His group snickered uncomfortably, and he looked down
on her again, his eyes seething. "Worthless." With a sickened gesture,
he dropped it from his hands to the dirt below. Chibiusa ignored his
words, watching the instrument gleam in the sun as if in slow motion.
Inaudibly, she whispered the name that immediately came to mind.
"Pegasus…"
"Huh? What did she just…"
"AH!" A scream impounded with fury echoed through the courtyard,
just in time for the boys to turn before a clenched fist smashed full
speed against Shio's jaw. He growled in pain, falling to the ground,
his balance quickly dissolved.
Shocked, Chibiusa and her five attackers turned to see the
newcomer, chest heaving in pent up anger. Elios' eyes gleamed angrily
like two coals shimmering in his sockets. His hair blew in an imagined
wind, shuffling against his forehead. Two hands clenched tightly at his
side, one white knuckle covered with a drop of blood from Shio's lips.
On the ground, a single tooth lay with a tiny stream of bloody beside
it.
The bully raised his hand to his lip, tasting warm blood on his
tongue, before glaring at Elios in fury. "So you decided to show up
after all, freak!" He stood up, his knees shaking momentarily from the
blow. "This day just keeps getting more and more interesting."
"How dare you touch her…" Elios' voice was quiet, deadly quiet
and strained as if he was forcing himself to keep from screaming at the
top of his lungs.
A thin eyebrow shot upward, and it was blindingly obvious to
Chibiusa that he was attempting to keep his cool.
"Gee, I'm terrified. I think the new boy is kinda mad, guess I
should start running," he taunted, shaking his head to toss his bangs
from his eyes. "That was a lucky swing, scar-boy. Won't happen again."
As soon as the words left his mouth, he lunged forward, throwing one
fist toward Elios' stomach. However, before he could make contact, two
hands had grasped hard onto his upper arm, flipping him over to throw
him hastily on his back.
Chibiusa stared with stunned eyes, the bell forgotten at her
fingertips. "Elios… can fight?"
Moaning in the pain of lost breath, Shio lay there motionless,
his eyes closed tight. Elios continued to stand over him, his fists
pulled tight to his sides. His lips remained in a straight line, his
haunting stare lowered on his fallen enemy.
"Come on, let's get him!"
With the battle cry, Elios turned to see the first boy step up
from the crowd, his fists flying madly. Without hesitation, Elios
stepped forward, sideswiping the air with his right foot, before
jumping into a roundhouse with the other. The boy took one hit to the
face, the other to his stomach, before falling to the floor.
But as soon as he landed, Elios felt an elbow collide full force
with his own shoulder, forcing him to fall to the ground. At the same
time, a low kick jolted him in the side, tossing him onto his back.
With only a moment of shock, Elios jumped up to his feet, his heart
racing.
WHACK! A hard blow on the back, followed by a punch to the
stomach. Elios collapsed to his knees yet again, a tint of blood beginning
to crawl up between his lips.
"Ha, what a wuss!" joked one who hadn't yet been touched. Slowly,
Shio stood up, turning to the boy now breathless on his knees. His eyes
frowned as he slowly walked towards him.
"What were you thinking? Did ya honestly believe you could take
on all of us?"
"Protect…" Elios whispered to himself, his eyes closed. THWACK!
He was lucky the hard kick didn't break his neck as the force to his
chin sent him flying directly into the brick wall of the school. Blood
choked his throat, his head falling limp to his chest.
"No! Elios!" Chibiusa screamed, struggling to stand, but the pain
in her ankle kept her from fleeing to his rescue.
His golden eyes opened slightly to stare down at the dirt stains
on his white tunic. From the corner of his eye he could see her lying
there helpless with tears beginning to stream across her fair skin.
Blinking at his own distress, he leaned against the wall for support as
he pushed himself to his feet. Once he could feel that his legs were
sturdy, he lifted his stare to five smirking boys. Reminding his body
to relax, he deserted the wall to take three small steps toward the
boys. They seemed unshaken.
Pausing, he inhaled a sharp breath, smelling the strong scent of
warm blood. Gulping, he let his arms rest at his sides, his fingertips
tingling with desire to hit something… hard. Then he let his eyes drift
close.
First the boys were confused at his lack of intelligence, to so
willingly drop all defenses to them. But then… their jaws dropped as he
began to glow with a pale blue aura around him. The very wind seemed to
be surrounding him, creating a soft whirlwind in relation to his body.
Hesitantly, they sunk back, unconsciously gathering closer together.
Then, in the midst of the power surrounding him, two small lumps
began to form on his shoulder blades, expanding quietly. In the blink
of an eye, two large, glistening wings erupted from his back, expanding
far out from his slim body, before folding back against him. His eyes
still closed, a tiny jewel formed at the top of his forehead, before
growing and growing, until a gold spike jutted out from his soft bangs.
The glowing stopped, leaving everyone still and motionless.
Chibiusa watched the transformation, tears in her eyes. "So… it was
you… after all…" she whispered to herself.
His eyes opened with a sense of peace and sadness behind them.
Power to their legs rejuvenated, Shio and his gang wasted no time
before turning and running toward the open gates.
Jumping to the air, Elios soared into their path, falling down to
face them before sweeping his leg into the air to knock one straight to
the ground. His arm came back instantly to make contact with another's
lower back. The other three were standing in front of him now, their
hands held up nervously. His eyes lowered on one in particular, Shio
with the ice blue eyes now filled with terror.
Stepping over the shaking body of a peer, he moved forward,
watching Shio flinch with every step.
"P…please don't… don't…"
His hand shot forward, grasping onto his shirt collar.
"Listen closely," he whispered.
From what she could hear, Chibiusa knew that his voice had
somehow gotten deeper with the transformation, and realized that
Pegasus' voice was, indeed, much more masculine than Elios' had ever
been.
Shio whimpered, his gaze locked with the amber stare. "I never
want to see you near her again. You will leave Usagi alone from this
moment forth and if ever you come in harmful contact with her, I will
personally track you down and make you pay. Do we have an
understanding?"
His jaw quivering, Shio nodded.
"Good. Now leave." The second Elios let go of his shirt, Shio
scrambled to his feet, ignoring the putty in his knees, before running
full speed out of the courtyard, four frightened boys behind him.
Exhaling a long sigh, Elios stood there quietly for a moment, his
gaze lowered to the floor. With hesitation, he gulped, before slowly
moving toward the injured girl. She didn't move, only continued to
stare up at him with shock evident in her gaze. Elios refused to meet
eye contact as he stooped down beside her to begin examining her ankle.
She said nothing, only flinched once as his fingers worked into the
sensitive tissue.
"There goes being normal," Elios finally muttered. "For both of
us." The girl only squirmed lightly beneath his touch. Again, he looked
away. "I'm sorry, Chibiusa-chan. I'm so sorry…"
Blinking back tears, the girl pushed herself onto her elbows
before taking one hand and turning his face toward her. He watched as a
cascade of tears began to flow from her glistening eyes.
"I never wanted to be normal in the first place," she whispered,
the hints of a smile pushing against her lips. Slowly, she watched as
his face softened, before he glanced down at her ankle.
"It's not broken, but it does need attention."
She nodded, watching in slight adoration at the shy boy she
remembered from yesterday. But before she knew it, he had swept his
arms beneath her and lifted her into a strong embrace. Squealing,
Chibiusa stared into his chuckling eyes. They said nothing as Elios
took to the air on his newborn wings.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
They were lucky that the park was virtually empty as Elios
climbed gracefully into the cave behind the waterfall, slipping into
the dimly lit cave with Chibiusa tucked neatly in the folds of his
arms. She had been quiet and still the way to his home, her arms tied
loosely about his neck with her eyes watching the ground down over his
shoulder, awed. Now as they disappeared into the large den, her arms
tightened momentarily with a small sigh escaping her closed lips.
"Chibiusa-chan?" Elios whispered once standing in his living room
and she still had made no motion to move from his hold.
Her eyes closed. "I can't believe you're Pegasus."
He blinked a few times, looking down on her serene frown, before
placing her gently on the couch. Willingly she released her hold,
sinking into the cushions as he ran to find medical supplies.
Returning, he proceeded to wrap her leg with gauze and bandages, taking
extreme caution before gently replacing her sock and small black
sandal.
Finally sitting back on his heels, he gulped in hesitation before
raising his gaze to hers. She was staring at him openly, like analyzing
his every feature. They both remained still in open admiration, before
Chibiusa found herself blinking rapidly to oncoming tears. Elios
furrowed his brow, pushing himself up to sit on the couch beside her.
"What's wrong? Why are you crying?" he whispered quietly,
grasping onto her hand. Almost immediately, she broke into laughter,
her head craning back to lie on the arm of the couch. Elios only stared
in quiet confusion. "Nani?"
"Nothing, nothing…" she whispered, her eyes closed sleepily. "I
just find it amusing that you're so incredibly overprotective. Like
yesterday with the water… and… it's just… funny…"
Not bothering to mask the confusion on his face, Elios only
tilted his head to the side. "I have to be overprotective. It's my
job."
A small eyebrow perked and Chibiusa gradually opened her eyes to
look up at him. "Oh? What do you mean by that?"
His breath caught in his throat and Elios turned away from
Chibiusa, knotting his hands together in his lap. "It's not important…"
he whispered. Chibiusa watched quietly as his wings slowly began to
retract into non-existence along with the gold spike atop his head. She
gulped, pushing herself to a sitting position once he was yet again the
scared little boy.
"Elios…" she whimpered quietly, reaching out to place a warm palm
against his clasped hands. "Please tell me what's going on. Who are
you? Why are you here? Onegai…"
His sunshine stare turned to the ceiling before he inhaled a
sharp breath and moved to his feet to begin pacing the floor beside the
sofa. "Alright… Princess…"
She gasped, a hand covering her lips. "Nani?!"
He sighed loudly, a half chuckle tilting the corners of his lips.
"I am from the same time and place as you; Crystal Tokyo, the late 30th
Century." Clearing his throat and gulping, he took in a deep breath. "I
was a servant in your castle, a proud attendant to King Endymion and
Queen Selenity. When you were sent back into the past to train for your
powers as a sailor senshi, their Majesties along with Sailorpluto
decided that you might need a protector in addition to those already in
the past. Pluto nominated myself and therefore gave me the Golden
Crystal. With this crystal I can change into Pegasus in order to
protect you better than I could as Elios. It is also what gave me the
power to enter your dreams in order to ward off your nightmares."
Chewing his lip, he turned to look down on her to see her reaction.
Chibiusa hadn't taken her eyes from him as he spoke about his
circumstance, only lay there watching his face carefully. Now as their
eyes met, she licked her lips in confusion, furrowing her brow
slightly. "Why did Puu choose you?"
Instantly, his eyes darted away to stare off at some corner in
the room. He faced her directly with his gaze diverted, his hands
latched behind his back. His jaw shaking, he carefully formed the
statement in his mind. "Why do you think Tuxedo Kamen protects
Sailormoon better than any of the senshi?"
"Huh?" Chibiusa stuttered quietly, dumbfounded by the question.
"Because… he… loves her," she managed to reply.
Gulping, Elios slowly let his gaze drift down to meet hers again.
"Hai. He loves her."
Chibiusa's eyes widened slightly, looking deep into the soul
bared through his amber gaze. Her lips parting, she managed to prop
herself up on weakening arms. Elios held her gaze with fearsome worry
evident in his own. A thick silence settled upon them, only disturbed
by the pounding in Chibiusa's heart… the shaking in Elios'.
"Ai… ai shite… iru…" he stuttered, his throat dry. Chibiusa
blinked, her eyes dampening. With a shaky breath, Elios separated their
trapped gazes, looking down at the floor. "Gomen nasai… Perhaps I
should not have told you…" Rejected, he turned to go gather dinner.
"Ay!" he yelped suddenly as two thin but strong arms tied
themselves over his stomach; a tiny, feminine form suddenly pressed
against his back.
"Me too, Elios…" she whispered, feeling the first tear slip into
the folds of his school outfit.
Surprised, Elios turned to face her. She refused to loosen her
grip, now burying herself into his chest until his arms could tie
around her. Noticing that she was balancing on her one good foot, he
strengthened his hold to support her gently.
"I don't remember you at the palace… And my dreams from the past
nights are kind of hazy, but… but I think… Elios, I don't want to live
without you!" she cried, her hands grasping onto the thin material of
his shirt. He held his breath, staring down upon the pretty pink hair
smothered against his shirt. Bringing a shaky hand up to rest against
the base of her neck, he craned his back to kiss her head gently.
"I'm not leaving you, Chibiusa-chan. I only want to see you
happy. After all, you are the princess…"
She sniffled briefly, turning her head to look up at him, so
close that she could feel his breath against her skin. "Elios… do you
really love me?" she whispered, her eyes wide.
He blinked in confusion before his gaze slowly became softly
caressing. "Hai… always…" he choked out, his body shaking gently. She
smiled carefully, her eyelids lowering.
"I love you too… Elios-chan."
His eyes blurred, Elios managed a tiny smile, looking upon her
serene face, turned up toward him. Curling some of the small tendrils
at the nape of her neck between his fingers, he touched his lips
tenderly against her forehead. "Yatta…" he whispered, promoting a
simple giggle from the girl wrapped between his arms. With the charming
sound echoing in the back of his mind, Elios remembered the many dreams
he had had while living in the palace. Dreams of being with his
princess… this close, this romantic, this intimate… Locked in the arms
of his bubblegum-haired royalty, the single girl who had not left his
thoughts since the moment he had laid eyes on her.
Licking his lips, he craned his neck down, catching the sweet
smile and puckered lips in a tender kiss. It was brief, tempting with
gentleness, and the second he pulled away he glanced down to see her
surprised, enchanted gaze caught in his own. Her lips were parted as he
had left them but as they stared lovingly into the other's bared soul,
they inched into a dazed smile.
With another cherished peck against her smile, he rested his head
on top of hers, wrapping his arms tighter about the slim waste. She
shifted momentarily to lock her arms around his shoulder blades, before
the world and surrounding time drifted to eternity.
The End. ^_^
Comments always welcome: Kammi22@sprintmail.com
This was my "secret project" so mentioned in AMK-7.
And YES this means I'll get to work on the Elevator sequel.
Then, after NTTTE, I'm gonna write a series on the love lives of the
inner senshi.
QUESTION: Which would you rather see? Romances between:
Raye and Chad
Raye and Jadeite
Lita and Ken
Lita and Nephlyte
Amy and Greg
Amy and Zoicite
Mina and Adonis [Action Ace (manga)]
Mina and Malachite
Mina and made up character (Josh? ^_~)
OTHER
Tell me!! I'll write what gets the most responses!!!
God bless!
<3 Alicia
http://www.geocities.com/tokyo/spa/4410
Hiya Joy!! (You're not in trouble, I swear! ^_~ lol) Anyway… for some
reason I can't reply to your email addy nor did your mailing address
work when I sent you the information. Sigh… I tried! Maybe… you could
sign up for yahoo or hotmail just so I can get the info to you… if
you're still interested, of course. Thanks much, girl, and I am so
sorry about any inconvenience! Oh, yes, and thanks much for the
birthday greeting as well! Arigatou guzaimasu!
(
geocities.com/tokyo/spa/Spa) (
geocities.com/tokyo/spa) (
geocities.com/tokyo)