Can't Fight The Moonlight
Author: Usagi_Carter
Rated: PG
Rating :
Welcome to my Halloween story!!! This is based off the song by LeAnn Rimes that is featured on the Coyote Ugly SDTK and her album I Need You, called 'Can't Fight The Moonlight'. I recommend getting both albums!!!
Thanks always go to all my friends, past present and future for the effect you each have had on my life. I don't know where I'd be without any of you!
I, DO NOT, own the song or the characters, only the story!!! Please don't sue me!
~~
"USAGI!" a very irritated Shinto Priestess screamed as the blonde Odango trudged up the steps of the old temple, late as usual.
"Gomen Raye-chan, for being late," the blonde said, her tone and attitude totally throwing the fiery priestess off guard.
"Usagi-chan, what's the matter?" Minako asked, seeing the look and hearing the tone of Usagi. Makoto and Amy also turned to look at their friend.
"I can't go to the Halloween Dance," Usagi said softly as the others blinked a few times.
"Demo, you're the Halloween Princess this year!" Makoto pointed out.
"I know. Between my grades, my parents going to a party at my father's work leaving me to baby-sit Shingo and not having a costume I just can't go," Usagi, whimpered as she sat on the steps of the temple.
"Did you mention you were the Halloween Princess?" Amy asked softly.
"Repeatedly, my parents' reply was 'there's always next time'. They didn't seem to grasp the concept that you only get elected to be the princess of this dance once the entire time you're in school."
"If you don't show up, doesn't that mean Kotona Suya is automatically the princess because she was runner up?" Makoto asked, flinching slightly when more tears coursed down Usagi's dace.
"Hai," Usagi whispered as she buried her face in her hands.
"Don't worry Usagi-chan, we'll think of something," Minako reassured her. Amy noted that Raye looked as though she was already coming up with a plan.
"Hey Usagi, is you're Mom going to be home tomorrow?" Raye asked as Usagi nodded.
"Hai. Why?"
"Don't worry, just wondering," Raye said as she smiled.
The Next Afternoon
"Konnichi wa Tsukino-san."
"Konnichi wa Raye-chan. What can I do for you?" Ikuko asked as she let Raye into the house and they went to sit down in the living room.
"I wanted to talk to you about the Halloween Dance. You see, Usagi is suppose to be the Princess for the dance and we'd really like her to come," Raye started as Ikuko nodded.
"Gomen demo she has other responsibilities that night. She has to watch her brother," Ikuko said, knowing that her daughter really wanted to go.
"What if I made you a deal? If I find someone who is trustworthy to watch Shingo-san, could Usagi-chan go to the dance?" Raye asked, her mind ready with her answer.
"Of course. I would want to meet this person first," Ikuko said softly as she watched Raye.
"You have. My grandfather has agreed to watch him, if you approve, so that Usagi may go to the dance," Raye said, smiling. Her grandfather was going to give Shingo-san a lesson in the ways of a Shinto Priest that he would never forget.
"Very well. If your grandfather doesn't mind, then Usagi may go," Ikuko said as
Raye smiled. She stood and bowed respectfully before Usagi's mother and then let herself out slowly, before she ran in a dead sprint to the arcade to meet with the girls.
Crown Arcade
Mamoru's POV
"Hey Motoki, what's with Odango? She seems extra depressed today?" I asked as I sat down at the counter.
"She's been elected Halloween Princess for the High School dance this year and unfortunately, her parents won't let her go because she has to baby-sit her brother. According to imouto-chan you only get elected to be Halloween Princess once the entire time you're in High School," Motoki said as I turned my attention back to my rabbit. She was leaning against Makoto-san, tears streaming down her face, her normally bright azure eyes dull. My heart hurt for her. 'And I'm suppose to be one of the chaperons at that dance with Motoki and Reika' I thought as I sighed.
Just as I looked at Usako, the doors to the arcade jingled madly and we all saw Raye-chan rush to the table.
"USAGI! You'll never guess what I just talked your mother into!" Raye cried as she slid to a stop in front of the booth.
"Nani?"
"I told my grandfather about your situation and he said if you're mom agreed, he'd watch your brother so you could go to the dance! You're mom agreed! You get to go!" Raye cried out in happiness as Usagi sat straight up and stared at her friend.
"NANI?"
"You're going to be the Halloween Princess after all!" Raye said as Usagi screeched in surprise. I shook my head and laughed as the girls began discussing their costumes.
"Well, I guess she gets to be a princess for the night after all," I said to Motoki who was laughing at my bad joke.
The night before the dance
"So what are we all wearing?" Minako asked as the girls finished their study session.
"If we tell each other now, it won't be a surprise!" Makoto laughed as Amy nodded her head in agreement and Minako rolled her eyes. Missing from the group were Usagi and Raye, who were outside.
"It'll be full tomorrow, on all Hollow's eve," Raye said softly as she sat next to Usagi.
"It will be at it's fullest strength tomorrow as well," Usagi said in reply, looking at the moon, transfixed by it.
"Usagi, what's wrong?" Raye asked, knowing her friend was irritated by something.
"Have you ever had the feeling like there was more to your life demo no one would tell you what, or that no body else knew what?" Usagi asked as she turned to Raye.
"All the time why?"
"Lately, I've been having dreams. I'm this Princess a long time ago from the moon and I'm engaged to the prince of this planet. All of you girls and a few I don't recognize are my guardians. There's a big battle and we're all killed. Demo then there is a bright white light and a soothing voice saying not to worry, that everything will be alright," Usagi said as she looked into Raye's eyes. "It's stupid..."
"Iie. I've had the same dream, except I'm one of the guardians. I'm dressed in what looks like a sailor's uniform, demo not quite. I'm going to check it out in the fire and see what I can come up with. Is there anything else?"
"Hai. I sometimes wear an outfit like the ones you girls are in and a masked man comes to be with me," Usagi said as Raye nodded.
"I've seen him before. I think he's the prince dressed up to match you. I'll let you know tomorrow, alright?" Raye asked as Usagi nodded.
"Tell minna sayonara for me. I need to get home to sleep for tomorrow," Usagi called as she scampered off the temple steps to go home.
As Raye turned to go inside, she felt a presence stronger than any before it.
"Can I help you?" Raye asked as she turned and came face to face with one of the guardians from the dream.
"Princess Mars, we have a lot to discuss," the older woman replied in a husky voice. Raye nodded, unsure of what to do and led the woman into the temple to meet the others.
An hour later
"So you're saying Usagi's dreams and Raye's dreams are real?" Minako asked as she stared at Sailor Pluto in shock.
"Hai. Tomorrow, the Moon will be at its highest power level. If we don't find the prince and he and Usagi don't remember their past, everything will be destroyed. They are the keys to our future. I've already seen what Usagi's outfit for tomorrow will look like. It's a mix of her dress as Princess Serenity and her future dress as Neo Queen Serenity," Pluto said as the girls nodded.
"She's going as the Moon Princess," Raye said, referring to the old legend, now a true story according to the Time Guardian, which she'd discovered after the dreams, had first come to her.
"Correct. These pens are for you; they hold the key to your planetary powers.
Go as you had originally planed to demo know that the Prince will also be at the dance."
"Pluto, is he our age or younger?" Amy asked carefully, analyzing the information given to them.
"I can't tell you," Pluto said as she turned to leave.
"He's older, by what I can tell from the dreams. He looks a lot like Mamoru- san," Raye said, thinking out loud and not really realizing the connection she'd just made. Makoto, Minako, and Amy stared in shock.
"Could he be Mamoru-san?" Minako asked, snapping Raye back to the conversation.
"You know, I never really thought about that," Raye said as she stared at Minako and then turned to speak to Pluto, who had disappeared.
"I guess we'll find out tomorrow night, won't we," Makoto said as the others sighed in defeat.
8 p.m.
Arrival at the dance
Mamoru's POV
Motoki, Reika, and I stood by the refreshment table, watching the stairs for the girls. We knew the five of them would come together. After almost a half hour, they hadn't shown up. "Let's just get the dance over with. Either they're here already or they aren't coming," I griped as we went to turn from the stairs. Just then, I noticed a young lady in a very intriguing outfit.
She wore a one-piece blue bathing suit with a see through body suit adorned with glitter and what looked like wings of gauze. She wore ballet shoes that tied at mid-calf and carried a blue harp in her hands. Her eyes were a dazzling blue and her hair, with glitter everywhere, shone a mystical blue in the light. From what I could tell, Amy-chan had come as a water sprite.
The next was a beauty in a red dress that was tight to her body like a second skin. Her back was adorned with a black cape that fell to the floor in a shimmery waterfall. On her head of raven tresses sparkled a crown of flames and in her hand was a golden pitchfork. As she came down the stairs, you could see a soft fabric tail swish in time with her walk. I smiled, knowing Raye fit the role of a she-devil like no other.
After Raye, we saw a tall girl walk in. She wore a tight black dress, one almost like that of the mother character of the Addams Family. Her feet were adorned with stiletto black heels and her wrists and neck were adorned with silver beaded bracelets and a necklace. Hanging from her back was a dark as night black cape with red lining. Her auburn hair, which was usually sported in a ponytail, hung down her back in waves and curls. She smiled at the group, showing off the pearly white fake fangs that were in her mouth. I shook my head, noting Makoto made a good vampire queen.
As I turned my head back to the stairs, my vision was filled with pure spun gold. The next member of the group wore a tight deep purple dress that hugged her body. Her golden hair swayed in the wind under her deep purple velvet hat. She wore black heels and sported an old-style broom. On her back swayed a short cape of black and from her ears hung silver stars. She flashed a smile at the group as she descended, telling me to be extra careful around Minako, who looked like she could cast a spell on anyone who spoke to her.
"Minna, you look outrageous," Reika said as she huddled with the four high school beauties.
"Arigato Reika-san!" the four chirped in unison.
"I don't mean to be nosy, but where's Usagi-chan, our ever beautiful Halloween Princess?" Motoki asked as the girls began giggling.
"Oh she's coming in a second. The student council wanted to introduce her first," Raye said as we turned to the stairs. At the top, a spotlight lit the entryway.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, you're Halloween Princess, Tsukino Usagi!" the student body president said as Usagi stepped into the light.
Her body was adorned in a dress of the purest white that hugged her body. The bodice had gold embroidered crescent moons. On her back were wings of light pink gauze and sparkles. Around her neck was a golden star locket and around her wrist was a circle of pearls. On her head, a crown of gold with ruby hearts rested against a waterfall of hair, which wasn't in her normal odango style. On her forehead was a painted golden crescent moon and white slippers with gold trim graced her delicate feet. She smiled her million-watt smile as she slowly made her way down the stairs to her group of friends who were waiting for her and the three of us who were standing there in shock.
Upon seeing us with her friends, she laughed. Reika was dressed in a colorful outfit of soft material. It had multiple colored pieces sewn together to make it look like a ballet dancer's outfit. Next to her, Motoki stood in a dance out fit, for a man, of the same colors. "What are you two suppose to be?" Usagi asked as she stood before them.
"Romeo and Juliet," Motoki grumbled as Reika winked at Usagi.
"Ballet Style," Reika supplied as Usagi nodded. It was then that Usagi turned her gaze on me. I was wearing a dark blue almost black shirt and pants outfit under black and silver armor. I wore a cape on my back, which was attached to my shoulders by shoulder armor. She smiled when she noticed that my hair rebelled, as usual, against combing and fell into my eyes.
"You make a dashing prince Mamoru-kun," Usagi said as she gave me a smile that made my knees weak.
"Arigato Usagi-chan. You make a lovely Princess," I replied as I gave her a dashing smile.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, now that our Halloween Princess is here, let's start dancing!" the student body vice president said as people began pairing off.
"Well, who are we going to dance with?" Makoto asked softly.
"I see Yuuichirou, Shinozaki, Ryo, and Minako's friend Tetsu," Raye said as the four guys came over and asked the girls to dance.
"Usagi-chan, what about you?" Amy asked as the girls stopped to stare. Usagi didn't have anyone to dance with.
I gulped. I knew she didn't have anyone to dance with and I wanted to dance with her so much.
Author's POV
"Go ahead. I'll be alright," Usagi said as she shooed the girls off to dance. Mamoru, she knew, was standing next to her. Her heart wished he'd ask her demo she knew it was a long shot and that it might not happen.
For his part, Mamoru was trying to work up the courage to ask her to dance. "Usagi-chan, would you care to dance?" he asked finally, getting a grip on his fear.
Dazzling him with a smile, Usagi replied to his gallant question. "Of course."
Taking her hand, Mamoru twirled her onto the dance floor. "You look absolutely incredible tonight, just like the princess you are," Mamoru whispered to Usagi, shocking her slightly.
"Well, I do believe that's the first time you've ever complimented me on anything," Usagi whispered as she looked up through her eyelashes at him.
"I mean it. I know I don't always say it, demo you are incredible," Mamoru said as Usagi blushed.
"Arigato," Usagi whispered as she laid her head on his shoulder. They danced continually for the next two hours until the student council was ready to celebrate the Halloween Princess.
"May we please see the Halloween Princess here on the stage?" the student body president asked as Usagi slipped out of Mamoru's arms and got onto the stage.
"As is tradition of the Halloween Princess and dance, we'd like to take some time out to get to know our ghoulish Princess a bit better," the vice president said as Usagi smiled nervously. She could see her friends in a circle near the back of the room with Motoki, Reika and Mamoru.
"The first question for you, is we want you to describe yourself in five words."
"Five words?" Usagi asked as she stood there thinking. "Fire, Water, Love,
Thunder, Light."
Looking confused, the student council president asked Usagi to clarify what she meant by that. "You see, from my four best friends I have learned and incorporated a quality into my own personality. Hino Raye taught me to always be passionate and fiery, Mizuno Amy taught me to be ever changing like a river and calm, Kino Makoto has taught me you can be fierce but friendly, and Aino Minako has taught me love beyond all measure - for everything and everyone. And as for the last, they've always told me I'm liquid sunshine and a bright light on cloudy days."
"Oh wow. That's nice. Next question, if you could date any college guy, who would it be?" Usagi actually had the grace to blush at that question.
"Last year it would have been Motoki-kun from Crown demo he's more like a Onii-san to me now. I guess, if I absolutely had to choose one guy, it would be Chiba Mamoru," Usagi said, hoping Mamoru didn't freak over her confession.
Mamoru, for his part, spit his drink out all over the floor when she answered that question with his name. The four girls giggled while Reika sighed and Motoki tried to hide his laughter. "Mamoru, you owe me a thousand yen for that one. Didn't I tell you she likes you?" Motoki asked as Mamoru wiped his chin with a napkin.
"Hai. I'll bring it tomorrow," Mamoru grumbled as he stared at Usagi.
"What was a childhood fantasy of yours?"
"That I was the long dead Moon Princess, Serenity, that is in a legend my grandmother told me when I was little. You see, Serenity had eight guards who were her best friends and the princesses of the other planets and she was engaged to the Prince of Earth, Endymion. Unfortunately they were killed in the battle that destroyed the moon kingdom. The reason I've always wanted to be Serenity is that I've always wondered what a love that strong was like. She and Endymion were soul mates, bound together since time began and are bound together till time ends, no matter what happens," Usagi said as the entire gym became silent. Many had tears in their eyes, especially Raye, Amy, Makoto, and Minako, who were the only ones other than the shadowed figure in the corner who knew the real truth about the last days of the Moon Kingdom and it's court.
"Well, let's give it up for this year's Halloween Princess. As per tradition, the Princess will now select a male member of the crowd to be her honorary prince for the night and for the royal dance," the president said as Usagi came off the stage and headed straight for the group near the back.
"Mamoru, will you dance with me? I just can't seem to imagine anyone else sharing this dance with me," Usagi said, her head bowed in fear of his rejection that she was sure to lash at her.
"I'd like nothing more," he replied as he took her hand and led her onto the dance floor. As the couple made their way, the shadowed figure in the corner smiled. Things would finally start happening and the night would get interesting.
Usagi and Mamoru danced closely, as everyone watched the princess enjoy a special dance with her prince. Most noted that the couple, though different in many aspects, belonged together for some odd reason. It was like they we're meant to be together, just the two of them, for all of eternity.
The figure, who was stepping into the light of the dance hall, smiled. They were meant to be, and it was about time they learned that. Serenity and Endymion had been apart for far too long now.
"Sailors beware, they go from my protection to yours this night, when the moon, at it's fullest light contains it's strongest might," the figure whispered on the wind, catching the attention of four spell bound girls. A she-devil, a water sprite, a vampire queen, and a velvet witch all looked to each other and then to where the figure had been standing.
"Pluto was here," Raye whispered as the others nodded. They knew what had happened.
"Mamoru-san is Endymion-sama," Amy whispered as they turned to watch Usagi and Mamoru dance in the circle made by the crowd.
While the girls were realizing that Pluto had been in the building, Mamoru and Usagi were coming to a moment in time when their relationship would change drastically. Usagi, knowing her heart was right about Mamoru leaned forward intending to kiss him. Unfortunately for her, he pulled back before she had a chance to claim his lips with her own. Sighing in defeat for the moment, Usagi continued to dance with him and formulate another plan.
As the song created an irresistible atmosphere, Usagi and Mamoru began to stare into each other's eyes. Before either of them could do anything, their lips met in a passionate kiss. Their bodies stopped all movement as their brains registered that they were kissing each other.
"Look," Amy whispered as the four girls stood watching the couple. It seemed no one else saw what they saw. Usagi and Mamoru were glowing silver and gold.
"It's their auras, as Princess Serenity, Usagi's aura is silver and as Endymion, Mamoru's would be gold," Raye replied as she and the others looked at the couples surrounding their Princess and her Prince. No one else could see the light show.
"What was it Pluto said before she left?" Makoto asked as the others continued to stare.
"I think it was 'Sailors beware, they go from my protection to yours this night, when the moon, at it's fullest light contains it's strongest might'. Why?" Minako asked as she repeated what they'd been told.
"Because. Makoto has a point. We protect them from here on out until Pluto tells us otherwise," Amy said softly as the four of them sighed.
While the girls were talking, Usagi and Mamoru were pulling back from each other, new information swirling in their heads. "Endy," Usagi whispered to Mamoru as she looked at him through tear filled eyes.
"Sere. It's been so long," he whispered back as he kissed her eyelids, cheeks, forehead, and then her lips softly.
"My dreams, they were true," Usagi whispered as she laid her head on his chest.
"Iie. They were memories, not dreams. I've had them too," he said as he kissed the top of her head. "Odango, look." Usagi looked at him sharply before turning to look at what he was staring at. When she turned, she saw Minako lit in yellow-orange light, Raye in red, Amy in pale blue, and Makoto in dark green.
"The senshi," Usagi whispered as she took a breath and relaxed. "Venus, Mars,
Mercury, and Jupiter."
"Usagi, we're glowing too demo no one else seems to notice," Mamoru said as they looked at each other.
"So what happens now?" Usagi asked as they resumed dancing so as not to arouse suspicion.
"I don't know," Mamoru said before a voice flew in softly on the wind.
"You didn't fight the moonlight, that in itself is an accomplishment. For now, enjoy each other and know that we're always watching," the voice said in a hint of amusement.
"Pluto," Usagi said, smiling when she head a soft chuckle.
"Take care you two," the voice said before it disappeared. When it did, the dance ended and the main lights in the building came on. Usagi and Mamoru stared at each other a full thirty seconds before Usagi was hugged by the girls.
"Welcome back," Raye whispered as she hugged Usagi fiercely.
"Raye-chan?"
"We're your protection for now, until it is time for you to ascend the throne,"
Raye said in a choked up voice. Usagi nodded and the girls laughed, seeing the dreamy look on her face.
"Happy Halloween everyone!" the student body president said as the group began to leave.
"Hey Usagi-chan, now you have a new saying," Makoto said as everyone in their group looked at her.
"What?" Usagi asked as Mamoru took hold of her hand.
"You can't fight the moonlight!" Makoto joked as the girls and Mamoru just rolled their eyes.
"And here I though Minako-chan was the one with the corny sayings," Amy said, exasperation in her voice.