SPIN THE BOTTLE By Princess Destiny [princessdestiny@hotmail.com] Chapter Sixteen Luna arrived at Mamoru's apartment exactly twenty three minutes and twenty seconds later, by the wall clock in the lounge. Usagi and Mamoru had spent the time, sitting close to each other, yet not speaking. He held her tightly about the waist, the other hand playing gently with a long lock of her glorious silver hair-which was spilling over both of their laps and a great deal of the couch. They were filled with apprehension and not a little fear, following Luna's bizarre warnings. The cat had clearly been very scared about something. Therefore, when she finally scratched on Mamoru's front door, the two were on their feet in seconds. Usagi stood before the couch, shaking slightly as Mamoru went down the front hall to the door. There was a short silence and then the sound of Luna and Mamoru having a low conversation. ["What are you talking about Mamoru?"] Usagi demanded silently to him, wondering nervously what they weren't telling her. ["She's just worried about you Usagi,"] Mamoru's reply came calmly. A moment later, he and Luna walked down the hall and into the lounge. As soon as Luna saw Usagi, she bounded across the room and threw herself into the girl's waiting arms. "Oh, Usagi!" Luna cried out, burying her nose in Usagi's neck, paws digging into the girl's shoulders. "I'm all right, Luna," Usagi said gently, frantically stroking the upset guardian along her back and ears in a soothing manner. "Tell me what's wrong." "I was so worried," the cat muttered against Usagi's warm skin, then finally pulled her face back to stare into Usagi's concerned blue eyes. "It's just a theory, mind you...but I think that the Rainbow Crystal you are carrying has a great deal to do with your transformation," she added slowly. ["I can't tell her too much-just why I was so worried and insisted the Crystal remain on her,"] she thought, eyes falling away from Usagi's. She wanted so much to tell her Princess who she really was-but it wasn't time. "How is that, Luna?" Mamoru asked curiously, passing Usagi and Luna to sit down again on the couch. He relaxed into the soft cushions, crossing his legs, one arm resting along the back of the couch. He looked perfectly at ease with the situation, now that he was in his own home. Even his dark blue eyes were faintly amused, as he watched the two girls reunite. Usagi's lashes narrowed at him resentfully. ["How can you be so calm, Mamoru?"] she demanded crossly, deliberately moving away from the couch and sitting in the chair across from him. She sat gracefully, then placed Luna upon her lap and gazed at him balefully. He half-smiled at her, a lazy curving of his lips. ["More experience, Odango Atama,"] he drawled, raising a hand to study the nails on his hand negligently. ["I'm always protecting you from Youma and Zoisite. I've come to expect the unexpected."] ["Yeah right,"] she said snidely, wrinkling her nose. ["It was another story at MY place."] ["It's a story everywhere with you, Usako,"] Mamoru laughed aloud in delight, startling Luna-who had no idea of the silent conversation going on under her eyes. ["We've now kissed in my place AND yours-"] He paused, eyes staring mockingly into her own. ["Where to next, angel?"] "Nowhere with YOU, you conceited jerk!" Usagi burst out, incensed. How DARE he suggest such things, given the circumstances? And right under Luna's nose too! She glared at him furiously. Luna looked from Mamoru to Usagi, utterly bewildered. And then, even as her mind tried to figure it out-the solution suddenly clicked into place as another memory surfaced. "You have a psychic mind-bond!" the cat screeched out, stunned. Usagi choked, coughing uncontrollably for a moment, hunched over Luna. "How *Cough* did you *Cough* KNOW that, Luna?" she spluttered out, gasping. She threw herself back into the chair until her head was level with the top and took deep breaths. A hand waved into her face, rapidly cooling her red skin. ["She figured it out! HOW did she do that, Mamo- Chan?"] she gaped across at Mamoru, who didn't look half as calm as he had a moment before. He too looked as if he were going to choke, but then burst out laughing again, thoroughly amused with the situation. "What's so funny, creep?" Usagi snapped at him, eyes burning resentfully. She didn't get the joke at all. "Just this whole entire evening, Usagi!" Mamoru gasped out, trying to stop the laughing that escaped his lips. He pounded at his chest, face going red with the strain. "In one night, we've gone from enemies to- er...more. I've kissed you more times than I can count. We have glowing foreheads, an uncontrollable bond that not only links our minds, but our bodies-and now, Luna thinks it has something to do with the Rainbow Crystals we're carrying?" Luna stared at him in horror. "You've got one too?" she exclaimed, jumping to her feet on Usagi's lap. Her eyes closed, feeling utterly wretched. "Of course you do-Tuxedo Kamen. You have two, don't you?" "Yes. I do, as a matter of fact," Mamoru said thoughtfully, frowning. His eyes grew intent. "So, you seriously think that the Rainbow Crystals we're carrying have affected us in this way?" "I'm afraid so," Luna said grimly, staring at him. ["I should have realised earlier. Mamoru is carrying a Rainbow Crystal also! So-he must be bonded in a way to the Silver Crystal."] She frowned deeply, trying to recall. But nothing came to her. All that she knew was that Serenity and the Queen had been bonded. Mamoru and Usagi's bond was still a mystery. It was now clear though, that even though Usagi and Mamoru had no idea of their past selves emerging-they were closely linked never the less. ["This troubles me considerably."] "That's why you were so worried, Luna?" Usagi asked, arms wrapping gently abut the black cat in her lap. "The Rainbow Crystal could truly be that dangerous to us?" Luna nodded. "It's changing you, Sere-Usagi," she hastily corrected. ["It's so hard to remember that she is not yet my Princess."] She looked hesitantly at Usagi and then Mamoru. "Do you understand, that your changes have something to do with the Crystals? It may not be dangerous to take more from the Dark Kingdom's possession-but it COULD if they take it from yours." "Then we guard them," Mamoru said grimly, eyes shifting to Usagi's startled ones. "You're essentially human now, Usagi-to the Dark Kingdom at least. Without them knowing that you're Sailor Moon, you're safe." "But you are not," Usagi said slowly, a strange inflection to her voice. Luna stiffened looking up at the face above her. Usagi's face had softened, eyes clear and unwavering upon Mamoru's. ["Serenity,"] she whispered to herself triumphantly. This could be a very good sign. That whenever the situation demanded, the Princess would emerge from Usagi. "I will not have you in danger," Usagi went on sternly to Mamoru. "I am quite capable of looking after myself." Mamoru sighed, running a hand through his hair. He gave Usagi a tender smile. "Do not worry, my love. Nothing will happened to either of us. I swear it." "Don't forget the Senshi, Endymion," Luna said absently. The Prince was right, as Tuxedo Kamen, he could look after himself. However, since Usagi and he could not be separated, she would have to go repeatedly into battle with him. Mamoru and Usagi slumped simultaneously. "Yes, the Senshi," Usagi murmured, only half-aware of what she and Mamoru had just said. "What can we tell them? I can't be there for them anymore." "I will be," Mamoru cut in. ["I'll help the Senshi."] "But Mamoru, haven't you realised that Usagi HAS to go everywhere with you?" Luna said urgently. "You can't be separated!" "Oh my gosh! She's right!" Usagi said in horror, hands clenching together. "I won't let her be in any danger," he said shortly, getting to his feet. He paced backwards and forth before Usagi's chair, face thunderous. This was a no-win situation really. The Senshi were down one of their own AND a leader. "And if you don't help them, they'll be without Tuxedo Kamen, too," Usagi whispered fearfully. In the silence that followed, all three tried to figure out what to do if a battle should arise-and then, one did. Suddenly, Usagi's communicator began to beep frantically. She pulled it from her sub-space pocket swiftly, face paling. Before she pressed the glowing sign for Mars, she looked at Luna and then Mamoru, eyes shadowed. "Usagi here," she said hesitatingly. She cleared her throat loudly as Rei's face appeared in the screen. "I need help, Usagi! I was out meditating on the temple stairs when I saw a Youma creeping around! Grandpa is on the roof, I think it's after HIM!" the Priestess said frantically, eyes wild. "What do they want with him?" "Rei, Usagi can't become-" Luna began urgently, but Usagi cut her off, taking uncharacteristic command. "We will be there in a moment Rei. Call the others and try to stall the Youma until we get there!" she ordered. "Right," Rei replied, too concerned for her grandfather to be startled at Usagi's tone. Her image disappeared. "We must go now," Usagi said strongly, eyes glinting with determination. ["There must be a way to keep us tother,"] she thought, looking about the room. ["What about you? You can't go in those bunny pj's, Usako,"] Mamoru told her, eyes moving over her slight form lasciviously. "Not now, Mamoru! You can kiss me all you like later!" Usagi exclaimed, exasperated. Luna flushed at the sudden words, guessing that the two had been having a mental conversation again. "Yes. Later," she said hastily, forgetting that she was supposed to NOT approve of Usagi and Mamoru together and kissing. But she was becoming accustomed to it, mixed with memories of their being engaged a thousand years ago. "What about your p.j's though? You WON'T go like that, young lady!" the cat seethed, sounding remarkable like Ikuko. Usagi blushed furiously. "It's not like I have a choice, you know! Who cares if Zoisite sees my bunny pj's anyhow?" she demanded, pouting. "You AREN'T going into public like that, Usagi!" Mamoru suddenly thundered. "I won't have all of Juuban ogling my girlfriend!" "Who exactly agreed to that?!" she shouted back at him, crossing her arms and glaring. "You asked Usagi out? When?" Luna asked eagerly, secretly delighted that her Princess and Prince were getting along so well. Romantically well. "NO!" Usagi shouted. At the same time as Mamoru shouted. "YES!" "You did NOT!" she yelled at him incredulously. "Can we talk about this later? Rei is waiting!" Luna bellowed at the couple. Inspiration struck. "Usagi, use the Luna pen and ask it to change you into Sailor Moon!" "Wonderful," Mamoru approved. ["Whatever it is"] he finished silently, looking expectantly from Luna to Usagi. "Will it work?!" Usagi said, eyes lightening with excitement. ["It's a disguise, Mamo-Chan!"] she told him absently. "You won't be able to fight, Usagi," Luna said regretfully, watching as Usagi's face fell in disappointment and grief. "It will just like any costume the Luna Pen gives you-for show only." "It'll do to confuse Zoisite, I suppose," Usagi sighed, then called forth the Luna Pen from her sub-space pocket. "Luna Pen?" Mamoru queried, eyes on the small pink pen clutched in his angel's hand. ["Disguise?"] "Usagi has used it on occasion, to confuse the Dark Kingdom Generals," Luna muttered, glowering at her charge. She still remembered at time when Usagi used the pen to try and get Yuuchiro and Rei together. ["The pen is for Senshi business only!"] Luna had STRESSED that point to the Senshi-but Usagi CONVENIENTLY forgot. "Luna Pen! Turn me into Sailor Moon!" Usagi called out, holding the pen above her head. Moment's later, Sailor Moon was standing there. But changed. Her tiara was gone, revealing the golden crescent moon that now permanently adorned her forehead. Sailor Moon reached up and tentatively felt her forehead, having immediately missed the weight of her tiara. ["It's gone!"] she exclaimed to Mamoru, bewildered. ["Yes. Strange"] he murmured back, eyes narrowed on her. He truly didn't know what to make of the strange changes Usagi was going through. Not even a magic disguise could hide the golden symbol on her forehead. "How do you feel?" Luna asked anxiously, having no idea how the Luna pen might effect the Princess. The only visible changes were the absence of the tiara and-her hair. Sailor Moon frowned, looking down at herself. She tentatively felt at the blue skirt, then grimaced at her long silver hair. "My hair isn't gold. Even Zoisite is going to notice that. And my tiara is missing." Luna shook her head, as bewildered as Sailor Moon. It looked as if the Princess' hair was not going to change, no matter what the disguise. And as for the tiara...well, they'd just have to work around it. It was only for looks anyway. "It will have to do. Let's go!" she ordered, heading for the balcony. Mamoru quickly reached for a rose And transformed back into Tuxedo Kamen. HE felt no different. "This way, Angel." He gestured gallantly towards the open balcony doors. Sailor Moon nodded at him regally, stifled a giggle and swept out the door. She was REALLY surprised when she didn't trip and fall flat on her face. ["Is it me, or am I not clumsy anymore?"] she asked him, confused and delighted. "No, you're definitely more graceful, Odango Atama. Even I'VE noticed that," he said aloud, for Luna's ears. He turned and closed the doors, then twirled back around to face Sailor Moon, eyes glinting wickedly. "Okay-Sailor Moon. You carry Luna and I'll carry you." "I can manage." Sailor Moon flushed, then looked down eight floors and shuddered. "I keep forgetting that this is only a disguise and I can't jump high anymore," she said slowly, lashes hiding her eyes from them. She quickly bent and gathered Luna into her arms, then Tuxedo Kamen's arms came under her knees and around her back. They were both swept carefully into his arms and cradled protectively against his chest. ["Are you ready?"] he asked her gently, mind brushing hers. "Lets go," she sighed into Luna's fur. Luna relaxed in Sailor Moon's arms, knowing that the blond wouldn't let her drop. Usagi was already gaining Serenity's grace-as well as her features. ["I wonder how long it will be before Mamoru and Usagi start to remember their past? The sooner that all the Rainbow Crystals are found and the Silver Crystal formed-the better. And it would be a great advantage if the Princess could wield it..."] As they reached the Temple, Sailor Moon's skin suddenly crawled. She looked down at the cat cradled in her arms, feeling danger acutely. "Luna, you have to go home" she exclaimed, as Tuxedo Kamen set her on her feet. Luna looked startled, eyes wide. "What? I can't leave you!" "You have to-something is VERY wrong here" Sailor Moon said urgently, setting her guardian down. The black cat hesitated, staring upwards in her charges concerned eyes. "You have to go! Do as I say!" Sailor Moon suddenly burst out, commanding the cat. "Go Luna. Do as she commands of you" Tuxedo Kamen said coolly, eyes on the cat. Luna gaped up at them both, realising that the orders had NOT just come from the Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Kamen-but her Prince and Princess. "I- all right, Serenity" she said, resigned. She gave them one last look, then turned and rushed towards home-praying that she was doing the right thing. They watched her leave, expressionlessly-then simultaneously blinked and stared at each other in a daze. "Umm-lets go" sailor Moon said, blinking again. The last few moments had seemed like a dream. Not quite focused. "Yes" he murmured to her, frowning. ["I feel strange"] ["So do I"] she admitted, turning. She sprinted up the many stairs to the Cherry Hill Temple, Tuxedo Kamen close behind-making sure that their bond stayed intact. Sailor Moon stopped at the top and he almost crashed into her back. Tuxedo Kamen rested his gloved hands on her shoulders as they both looked around for the others. At the same time, they both heard the sounds of battle and their heads swung simultaneously to the left. "They must be at the back of the temple, in the trees" she said urgently, grabbing his gloved hand. His fingers curled tightly around hers as they swiftly ran together, feet barely touching the ground. A few minutes later, they broke through the trees in a small area with a pond. There was no sign of Grandpa or Yuuchiro-but Zoisite was there, floating over Sailor Mars and laughing maniacally. Sailor Mercury and Jupiter spotted Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Kamen and the four came together a few meters from the two battling it out. Dark fire and red fire clashed together, preventing the others from getting any closer. "Usagi!" Mercury exclaimed, staring at the golden symbol on Sailor Moon's forehead. "Your forehead is glowing! And-where is the tiara?!" "AND Tuxedo Kamen too!" Jupiter said, staring at the bright blue symbol visible under Tuxedo Kamen's dark hair. "Never mind that! We'll discuss it later. We have to help Sailor Mars" Tuxedo Kamen said curtly. He threw a strange look at Sailor Moon, then reached out and pulled her in close. ["Do you have a handkerchief or something?"] he asked her mentally, looking her fuku over. ["What?"] she looked at him, confused. "Umm-maybe..." she muttered, gesturing. A thick pink ribbon fell into her hands. She cast a look upwards curiously. "Will this do?" "It'll do" he said, quickly tying one end about his wrist above the white gloves. Sailor Mercury gave him an approving look and quickly tied Sailor Moon to the other end, binding them close. "Good idea, Tuxedo Kamen" she looked at a still-bewildered Sailor Moon. "So that you can't separate" "OH!" Sailor Moon said, realising what they were doing. "Yes, a great idea, Tuxedo Kamen" she breathed at him, smiling. He stared at her for a long moment, feeling an irrational urge to sweep her into his arms then and there-and kiss her till she passed out from delight. ["Later"] he purred at her mentally. ["Right"] she uttered, startled. "Where is your tiara?" Sailor Mars shouted, leaping back from the fight. She panted, the ends of her white gloves looking singed. "What? Giving up so soon?" Zoisite cooed, giggling. "Not bloody likely!" Jupiter growled. "Jupiter-" "Uh uh!" the Dark Kingdom General laughed. Her eyes swung over Jupiter's head, to where Sailor Moon was standing with Tuxedo Kamen and Mercury. "I'd rather play with the little moon brat" she frowned slightly at Sailor Moon. "Who did your hair?" "What?" Sailor Moon gaped at the General-and wasted precious seconds. "And no tiara either-pity" Zoisite murmured, flicking her hand negligently in Sailor Moon's direction. A great burst of dark energy spewed forth at Sailor moon. Sailor Mercury jumped out of the way, at the same time as Tuxedo Kamen swiftly turned and scooped sailor moon into his arms. The Senshi made it free of the blast-but Tuxedo Kamen had lost more precious time to rescue his angle. His eyes raised just in time to see the deadly energy bearing down upon him and Sailor Moon- barely hidden razor sharp crystals in it's swirling depths. And he knew that he was looking into death. "No! Sailor Moon! Watch out!" Sailor Mars called out frantically. With a burst of adrenelin, she threw herself past the dark energy and barrelled into Sailor Moon-just as it hit them. Sailor Mars screamed in agony as the energy hit her, dark crystals ripping her back to shreds. She felt a tremendous pain, then the light faded from her eyes-and she knew no more. "Mars!" Sailor Moon cried, trying to struggle out from under the girl's dead-weight. There was no response. "Rei?" she whispered, looking down at the girl. Mars' fuku was in shreds mostly, dark blood spilling freely down her mangled skin. Sailor Moon shut her eyes, then looked instead at her friend's face. It was deathly pale-purple eyes wide and blank. "Rei?" she whispered again, numb. "NO! Jupiter Thunderclap Zap!" Sailor Jupiter screamed, throwing the ball of lightning swiftly at the smirking General. Zoisite floated backwards quickly, but the lightning singed her hair. She glared, then laughed in delight. "I won't even bother to respond to that brat. Queen Beryl will be SO pleased with me!" she smirked widely, then faded away. "I killed one of the Sailor Senshi!" "It can't be" Tuxedo Kamen said under his breath. He realized that he was feeling pain in the wrist and saw that his hand was twisted at a strange angel where Sailor Moon was frantically hugging Sailor Mars. He pulled out a rose and cut through the pink ribbon with the sharp end- leaving his angel with her friend...who was obviously dead. His eyes closed. ["Rei"] ["She isn't dead! She's just-unconscious!"] Sailor Moon shrieked at him mentally, lightly shaking Mars. She felt for a pulse in the girl's neck, but there was nothing. She wasn't even breathing. Mercury quickly took out her computer and scanned Mars' body. Slowly, her eyes filled with warm tears. She looked at their leader and shook her head. "She's gone, Usagi" she said, voice wobbling. "No!" Usagi wailed in grief, holding the Senshi's body tightly against her heart. Her arms were frantically wrapped about Sailor Mars' body-as if willing life back into the rave-haired girl's body. "You can't leave me!" she sobbed, burying her face into the still-warm dark hair. "She's gone, Sailor Moon" Mercury said, voice full of helpless tears. Everyone's eyes shimmered luminously in the moonlight, filled with grief. She closed the cover on the Mercury computer slowly. "There's no life in her body" "NO! I won't believe that!" Sailor Jupiter suddenly shouted at them all. Her fists clenched with impotent rage at her side. "When I find Zoisite, I'm going to KILL her!" the brunette lowered her green eyes to the grass, grief surging again. "Even if it means my death" "Don't say that, Jupiter" Tuxedo Kamen murmured, sitting close-by Sailor Moon. Even though the material binding their wrists was undone, they still could not separate. ["Usako"] he murmured soothingly to her, eyes tender. ["There's nothing we can do to bring her back"] "She's dead" Jupiter repeated coldly, eyes raising to look at Mars' lifeless face in grim determination. ["Don't SAY that!"] Sailor Moon cried out mentally to Tuxedo Kamen. She pulled Mars' body closer into her arms, cradling her like a baby. ["My dearest friend..."] Everyone watched silently, tears running down their faces, as Sailor Moon cried heart-brokenly over her friend's lifeless body. Mars' head rolled limply back, purple eyes wide and staring. The blood had stopped running and was in great damp patches over the back of her fuku. Sailor Moon's gloves were soaked through, as well as the white body-suit she wore-and Mars'. Tuxedo Kamen didn't cry, though his eyes were full of tears. He had to be strong-for his Usako. He hesitatingly moved closer, arms coming around her trembling body-and Mars' still one. ["My Usako"] he murmured comfortingly, resting his head in her silky hair, even as she did the same to Mars'. ["I'm here-"] ["I know"] Sailor Moon said quietly, shaking stopping abruptly. She stiffened in his embrace and his arms fell away. She pulled back from Mars also, gazing down at the still face. Tuxedo Kamen barely noticed her withdrawal-KNOWING with certainty that all of her bring was focused on one point-Mars. It was as if she knew he was there, but accepted his presence as one of protection and...love? Sailor Moon's deep blue eyes on the suddenly glowing golden crescent moon on her forehead. It was glowing like a small sun, stark against her pale skin. Her blue eyes blazed down at Mars' face. "I WON'T allow you to leave me, Sailor Mars!" Sailor Moon suddenly commanded, hands gripping Mars' shoulder tightly. She shook the life- less body, angered. "COME BACK TO ME!" she ordered desperately. Her voice seemed to echo around the area, the trees trembling with the force of her words. The crescent moon on Sailor Moon's head gave off a brilliant burst off light. ["Come back to me...come back to me...come back to me..."] it seemed to echo around inside all of the Senshi's and Tuxedo Kamen's head. Repeating over and over. Abruptly, the body in Sailor Moon's frantic grip shuddered. Then Mars' body gave a great gasping breath and she sat straight up, eyes staring and blank. Sailor Moon still cradled her, as the dark-haired girl gasped for breath, panting. Before Sailor Moon could say a word, her eyes fell upon Mars' forehead, which began to glow faintly. Then more steadily with a red light. In moments, a glowing red symbol had appeared on her pale skin, stark against her long dark hair. Tuxedo Kamen sensed her question before she even uttered it. ["It's the symbol for Mars"] he told her mentally, eyes startled behind his half- mask. ["How did she come back to life?"] he wondered, flabbergasted. NO ONE ever came back from death! But sailor Mars had-right before their eyes. And she had seemed to do it at the bidding of Sailor Moon, who had ordered her...to come back. He got to his feet, staring at the two girls. Sailor Moon's eyes were startled as she stared at him, having heard his thoughts. ["Yes-she did"] she whispered to him. But-that wasn't possible. Dead...was dead-right? She looked down at Mars, who was leaning against her weakly, eyes flittering around in bewilderment-then realization and pain. ["Ouchhhh! That hurt! Oh my head!"] Mars moaned loudly. Unknowingly, she spoke mentally in her pain. Rubbing at her head gingerly. She looked up at Sailor Moon, who was still cradling her-looking stunned. "Did I faint? Are you okay? Where's Zoisite and Grandpa?" she demanded anxiously. The silver-haired girl just gaped at her, blue eye wide with shock and horror. Even her fingers trembled on Mars' back, where they held her. Mars felt her skin crawl weirdly and looked swiftly at Tuxedo Kamen, then Mercury and Jupiter-ALL of them were gaping at her with the same expressions as Usagi. "They're-safe. And Zoisite is gone" Jupiter said, in a strangled tone. "Oh no!" Tuxedo Kamen groaned, turning away from the group in disbelief. He threw his gloved hands up to the sky and shouted. "Why me? Really? What did I DO?!" he demanded of the morning sky. Of course, the sun seldom spoke and he got no answers. He DID, however, get bewildered looks from Mercury and Jupiter. Sailor Moon merely looked resigned and a little excited. She absently looked at Mars' fuku, then her own, eyes gong wide again. All the blood was gone! Every bit. Their fuku's were as clean and white as if they had just transformed. "What?" Jupiter said, looking at Tuxedo Kamen as if he'd gone mad. "What did I miss?" Her eyes filled again as she looked at Mars. But HOW was she alive? She tensed, ready to throw herself at her friend-who seemed to have no idea of her demise. ["She's all right! Oh thank Jupiter!"] she didn't want to frighten Mars, but she was having a HARD time not throwing herself at the priestess and sobbing out her happiness. "She's ALIVE!" Mercury suddenly shrieked, loosing all decorum. She threw herself at Sailor Mars. Sailor Moon was pushed backwards unceremoniously as the blue-haired girl caught up Sailor Mars in a strangle-hold about her neck. "Oh Rei!" "I'm all right," Mars said, embarrassed by Mercury's sobbing wildly into her ear. She threw the others a strange look. "Why is everyone so emotional?" She frowned at Sailor Moon, who looked happy to be sprawled gracefully on the grass at Tuxedo Kamen's feet, where Mercury had shoved her. And misty-eyed too. ["What happened?"] ["You died, Mars. For a whole minute-and then you came back,"] Sailor Moon said faintly, eyes resting on her best friend with fascination and awe. The red symbol for Mars was glowing bright upon her forehead. ["My dearest friend"] she murmured to Mars, eyes shimmering with happy tears. "I DIED?! Are you serious?" Mars thundered, throwing Mercury off of her and leaping to her feet. She ignored the teary-eyed looks they were all giving her and glared about-not believing them in the slightest. "Who told you that? HOW did you find out?" Jupiter demanded back, frowning suspiciously. ["How did she find out? No one said a thing?!"] Mars glared around. "Sailor Moon just TOLD me! Weren't any of you listening?" they were all silent, merely staring-and it frightened Sailor Mars considerably. ["Is it-possible?"] "Sailor Moon didn't say a thing," Mercury replied, staring hard at Mars. ["Well, she DID hit her head rather hard,"] she mused, wondering if Mars had a concussion. And if that was the only thing she had escaped with-but...how had she come back at all? ["They couldn't hear me, Rei,"] Sailor Moon thought, giggling slightly. She covered her mouth to keep the mirth back at looked at her friend's uncomprehending face. She was just so happy! A smile curved her pink lips, delighted giggles threatening to escape her. ["We're speaking mentally, Sailor Mars,"] Tuxedo Kamen added patiently, waiting for the coin to drop. He eyed her expectantly-knowing why Sailor Mars was having such a hard time comprehending that she had died and come back to life-mysteriously. Suddenly, Mars' face filled with comprehension, shock and disbelief. ["WHAT?!"} she shrieked mentally. ["Are you kidding me?"] her purple eyes were wide and stunned, seeking out all their faces one by one for confirmation. Both Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Kamen winced loudly, slapping their hands over their ears. ["STOP thinking so loud, you pyro!"] Usagi screeched back. ["Are you trying to send me deaf?!"] she glared at Mars, falling automatically back into their usual routine. ["Are you BOTH trying to send ME deaf?"] Tuxedo Kamen demanded cuttingly. ["You Odango Atama! What did you do to me?"] Sailor Mars yelled, stalking towards Usagi in determination. Sailor Moon stared up at her, blinking. "I didn't do a thing, Mars. You got hit by Zoisite's dark energy and died-then, you came back...with that." She pointed at Mars' forehead, fingers shaking slightly. "What?" Mars tried to look up, but could see nothing. "Your forehead is glowing like Usagi's and Mamoru's, Mars," Mercury informed her. She peered closer. "It appears to be the symbol for Mars." "What's it DOING there?" Mars yelled, rubbing at her forehead hard, as if to get rid of the unseen mark. ["We already tried that,"] Tuxedo Kamen told her, resigned. ["Usagi just ended up hurting her skin. It's there to stay."] Mars stared at him in shock. ["To stay? And I...died? For real? And then came back and this was there?"] She pointed vaguely at her symbol, not seeing the weird looks that Mercury and Jupiter were giving them all. Mars' mouth opened as if to say something, then she glanced at the two oblivious Senshi and decided to make her rage mental. ["Did YOU die? What is GOING ON?!"] she bellowed at them both. ["STOP YELLING!"] Usagi shouted back. "Both of you quit it, or I'll throw you in the pond," Tuxedo Kamen groaned at them, rolling his eyes in agony. "You've er-completely lost us, you guys," Jupiter noted, studying all three with extreme interest. SOMETHING was going on-though she didn't have a clue as to WHAT. Mercury suddenly seemed to guess-at least part of it. "Oh no!" she gasped out, eyes going wide. She help up her Mercury computer and quickly scanned Sailor Mars. "You're now pure Martian, Rei. You've been transformed like Usagi and Mamoru-and..." She hesitated, staring at the raven-haired priestess. "Can you walk over to that tree over there, Mars?" she instructed blandly. Mars gave her an incredulous look. "Why-Oh never mind." She changed her mind and began stalking away, muttering under her breath. Abruptly, pain hit her suffocatingly. She fell to her knees, gasping. Behind her, there was a commotion and she forced herself to look. Usagi and Tuxedo Kamen were laying on the ground, groaning with pain. Sailor Jupiter hastily ran over to Mars, scooped her up into her arms and dashed back to where Usagi and Tuxedo Kamen were laying. As soon as they were close, all three felt the pain leave them. ["Oh my god! Is this what you and Mamoru were feeling?"] Mars gasped mentally at them both, wincing in remembered pain. ["Exactly,"] Tuxedo Kamen said tightly, holding a hand to his chest. ["It's not so bad, as long as we stay close together,"] Usagi soothed, reaching out to take Mars' gloved hand into her own. She squeezed it reassuringly. "You're ALL three linked together now," Mercury announced, as if nothing out of the usual had happened. "I'm not really sure what happened with Usagi and Mamoru-but when Rei did and came back, it appears that she may have come back fully as a Senshi Her blood has completely altered. Only Makoto and I remain untouched." She frowned at the screen. "Hmm-this is strange...Mars' link isn't as strong as Usagi and Mamoru's seem to be. In fact, she got a lot further away from them than Mamoru had from Usagi, when they first had an attack at her house earlier" "What a relief" Mars said dryly. Jupiter whistled low under her breath, green eyes wide with disbelief. "You mean that WE might bond to Usagi and Mamoru ALSO, Mercury?" she queried. "It's entirely probable." Mercury paused, looking seriously at Jupiter, eyes shadowed with shock. "Of course, to do so...we have to die as well." "Die?!" Jupiter gasped, stunned. Her green eyes flickered over the Senshi, then Tuxedo Kamen, reflecting the horror that she was feeling. "It's just a hypothesis" Mercury offered tentatively, stunned herself. ["However,"] she mused silently, blue eyes dropping to the mini- computer in her gloved hands. ["The Mercury computer is rarely wrong- and I DID enter all available data from tonight's events"] she turned inquiringly towards Sailor Moon, who was standing forlornly a few feet away from everyone else, eyes fixed on the rising sun. "Usagi, I need exact details on everything that happened between you and Mamoru last night" her gaze moved towards Mars. 'And you also, Rei" she added thoughtfully. "None of us have died before" mars murmured faintly. "I don't FEEL very different though" she added as an after-thought. She peered doubtfully down at herself, as if seeking physical evidence of her change. ["Only the symbol of Mars on my forehead"] she corrected herself wryly, throwing a curious gaze over Sailor Moon, then Tuxedo Kamen. ["You get used to it"] Tuxedo Kamen said dryly, crossing his arms. ["Believe me, Mars. All too soon, having other people living in your head becomes common-place"] ["Mmm"] Mars thought back non-commitally. She looked again a the silent Sailor Moon, who had barely given one glance to anyone who had spoken to her. The silver-haired girl's eyes were firmly fixed upon the morning sky, as if seeking something there. "Are you okay, Usagi?" She said hesitantly. The fact that Usagi could no longer become Sailor Moon would be the hardest on her. "Telepathy" Sailor Moon suddenly said, voice clear. "What was that?" Mercury gasped, not quite sure if she'd heard aright. Sailor Moon turned her head slowly, the sunlight streaking through her long hair and haloing her like an angel. "I said telepathy, Mercury" she took a deep breath, blue eyes flickering over to Tuxedo Kamen briefly in apology. ["What are you doing?"] he asked her sharply. Sailor Moon ignored him, smiling instead at Mercury. "You wanted to know about tonight? About my bond with Mamoru-and to Rei? Well, all three of us are bonded mentally" "You mean that all three of you can hear every single thought that one of you has?" Jupiter exclaimed disbelievingly. "Yeah. It looks that way" Mars muttered resentfully. Above all, she valued her privacy-and now, two others would always know what she was thinking. And not only THAT-she couldn't leave their presence or die! She scowled. "So-" Jupiter began mischievously. "Tell us how Mamoru and Usagi REALLY feel about each other!" she said eagerly. Sailor Moon promptly flushed, eyes skittering nervously around. Tuxedo Kamen's eyes began to glitter strangely behind his white half- mask. ["Should we tell them?"] he threw at Sailor Moon's mind, devilishly. ["Tell WHAT?"] Mars demanded. ["Shut up, jerk!"] Sailor Mon yelled mentally. She crossed her arms, glaring mulishly at Tuxedo Kamen. Tuxedo Kamen's grin widened in response. He stared at Sailor Moon mockingly. ["Why should I hide that we're-"] ["SHUT UP CREEP!"] she shrieked at him, eyes blazing wrath. "Or I'll punch you again" she threatened aloud, voice haughty. "You punched Mamoru? When?" Mercury said curiously. "Twice" Tuxedo Kamen touched his chin lightly, eyes narrowing on sailor Moon. "She's lucky I'm a gentleman" "You're lucky I didn't knock you into next Sunday, hentai!" she seethed back, completely forgetting the presence of the others. Immediately, three sets of insanely curious eyes were glued to Sailor Moon. "HENTAI?!" Mercury, Jupiter and Mars echoed simultaneously, eyes wide. ["Good one, Odango"] Mamoru drawled. ["Shut up you!"] she growled at him, whirling. She stomped away from everyone, glowering at nothing in particular. Jupiter stared after the slowly retreating form of their leader, who was heading out of the trees and in the direction of the front of the temple-then she was promptly bowled over by Sailor Mars and Tuxedo Kamen, who thundered past in hot pursuit, groaning in pain and holding their heads. "Where is she going? Hey, wait up!" Jupiter shouted after them. She and Mercury hastily followed the retreating trio, not wanting to be left out of anything exciting. "Sailor Moon, you idiot!" Mars screeched as she reached the girl. "Are you trying to kill me-and Tuxedo Kamen too?" "I forgot" came the sheepish reply. Sailor Mon slowed and turned, letting them all catch up. Then she glared at Tuxedo Kamen. 'This is all YOUR fault!" she pointed one imperious finger at him face. "MINE? How do you figure that, Odango Atama?" he drawled insultingly, passing her. Of course, Mars and Moon had to follow hastily, trying to keep up with his longer strides. Mercury and Jupiter trailed behind curiously. "So-Usagi" Jupiter said gleefully from behind. "It looks like you're going to need a larger house!"