"Christopher Angel" Shieldsman A Sailor Moon S Fanfic All Sailor Moon characters the property of the people who have rights to them. Don't sue me. *** Note: Yes, I know the Senshi don't speak English, but let it slide when it comes to the songs. (My work, my rules.) *** 4 - Harmonies *** "Wow, Mako-chan, you look beautiful," Usagi gushed. She was wearing a white sun dress, covered in yellow and green flowers that accented her hair nicely. Her long pig-tails were tied with green ribbons. Mamoru was looking decidedly uncomfortable at Usagi's side in a black dress shirt and grey slacks. *Thank Kami I got to them before we came out here. Those evening dresses would have been far too much.* As it was, the girls were only marginally overdressed. Mamoru had to admit they looked extremely attractive, although Makoto's and Minako's dresses were a touch racy for his comfort. Makoto wore a long black dress with a pink flower print. The blouse was of a partially see-though material, that showed off the way the skirt flowed up her body and showed just the slightest hint of cleavage. It wasn't inappropriate, in fact, Mamoru noticed at least two other girls wearing similar dresses. It was just a shock seeing Makoto in one. "Two words, Usagi-chan: College boys," Minako shot in, causing Makoto to blush furiously while the other girls gave her scandalous looks. "Mako-chan," Rei said, her voice doing her scolding for her. Rei was wearing an very pretty red one-piece. It was a bit severe, since there was no neckline, the front of the dress rising up to form a tight collar around her neck. It did show her shoulders and a good stretch of her legs, but with Rei's manner it made for a rather imposing sight. Ami piped in, "Shouldn't we find our seats?" Mamoru gave her a look of gratitude. She looked good too, in her white blouse and blue pants. A little adult for a girl her age, but it worked with her hairstyle. As they reached their seats in the small auditorium, Mamoru looked over Minako, and winced. The orange dress she was wearing would have been perfectly acceptable for a girl her age, if it wasn't for the huge amounts of cleavage it showed in a diamond at the front. *Women,* he muttered mentally. "Well, look who's here," a familiar voice said. Seated in the three seats next to theirs was none other than Haruka, Michiru, and Setsuna. While Michiru smiled her greeting and Setsuna nodded hers, Mamoru decided to take a buffer position between the Outer and Inner Senshi. The Inners sat down, chattering among themselves - mostly about the cute young men in the audience. "Say, aren't they a little overdressed?" Haruka whispered in Mamoru's ear. Mamoru rolled his eyes and sighed. "You should have seen what they wanted to come in," he replied, taking in the Outer Senshi's clothing. They were dressed in more or less their normal atirre, maybe a little dressier than usual. "Thank goodness they listened to me." "Hmph," Haruka snorted. "I'd watch Makoto, if I were you. I'm almost tempted to hit on her myself." She grunted as Michiru elbowed her in the gut. "Almost." Thankfully, their continued conversation was preempted by the announcer coming out and beginning the performance. Looking at the program, he noticed that Kaneda was the second last performer out of eight. *Must be a small class.* With very little fanfare and more than a few jokes, the first singer came out on stage. Mamoru let his mind and attention wander as the performance went on. The singers were rather good, but Mamoru was never one to be overly impressed with music. He glanced over at Usagi, who as hanging on his arm with a dreamy expression on her face, and smiled. *Well, she's having a great time.* Looking down at the rest of the girls, he noticed with no small amusement that their enjoyment was directly proportional to how cute the man or woman on stage was. He tuned his head and watched Haruka for a moment, and almost laughed out loud when he noticed her eyes were glazed with boredom. Michiru was listening intently, obviously enjoying herself. Setsuna was the essence of a polite observer, but it was quite clear she was growing impatient for Kaneda's set. Mamoru snapped his attention to the stage at Rei's "Finally!" Kaneda was walking out, his standard rakish smile on his face. He was wearing a brilliant long-sleeved red shirt and black pants, the ends of the sleeves tucked into his bracers. As he grabbed the microphone from the last singer, the golden moon symbol on the right bracer flashed in the light. "Evening, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for coming tonight," Kaneda began, then grinned roguishly. "I know it's a cliche, but I'm dedicating both of my songs tonight. My first is dedicated to a friend I can truly say is a prince among men." As he talked, he turned his gaze up to where Mamoru and the Senshi were sitting. "It's called 'Does Your Mother Know'." *** You're so hot - teasing me. So you're blue, But I can't take a chance on a girl like you. It's something I couldn't do. There's that look in your eyes. I can read in your face That your feelings are driving you wild. But girl you're only a child. Well I can dance with you honey, If you think it's funny. Does your mother know that you're out? And I could chat with you, baby, Flirt a little maybe. Does your mother know that you're out? *** Mamoru felt a flush come to his face as he realized that Kaneda was making fun of him and Usagi. He glanced down at his Usako and saw that she was blushing furiously as well. *I'm going to kill him.* *** Take it easy - better slow down, girl. That's no way to go. Does your mother know? Take it easy - try to cool it, girl. Take it nice and slow. Does your mother know? I can see what you want. But you seem pretty young To be searching for that kind of fun. So maybe I'm not the one. *** Minako looked over at Usagi and Mamoru and saw the pair blushing. As realization hit her, she fought down her urge to giggle and whispered in Makoto's ear. Kaneda's message filtered down the line, and soon the four girls were visibly squirming as they fought the giggles. "That's awful," Ami declared to Rei, her whispered voice quavering with suppressed hilarity. "Picking on them like that." "It's perfect," Rei said back to her. "They need to be taken down a notch or two." *Bravo, Kaneda.* *** Now you're so cute, I like your style. And I know what you mean When you give me a flash of that smile. But girl you're only a child. Well I can dance with you honey, If you think it's funny. Does your mother know that you're out? And I could chat with you, baby, Flirt a little maybe. Does your mother know that you're out? *** "He's very good," Michiru commented to Haruka. Setsuna was silently shaking with laughter on her other side. "Heh," Haruka snorted. "I don't like him, but he's got a absolutely vicious sense of humor," she nodded over to the blushing pair. "I can respect that." *** Take it easy - better slow down, girl. That's no way to go. Does your mother know? Take it easy - try to cool it, girl. Take it nice and slow. Does your mother know? Well I can dance with you honey, If you think it's funny. Does your mother know that you're out? And I could chat with you, baby, Flirt a little maybe. Does your mother know that you're out? *** The music faded out, and the Inner and Outer Senshi exploded with cheers, applause and giggles. Mamoru and Usagi clapped lamely along. Kaneda bowed slightly at the applause. "'Hopes Go Astray' is my second song, and is dedicated to...Oneechan." Setsuna started a little at the announcement. Kaneda turned his face up to where they were sitting, and winked. *** Just write a letter and mail it to yourself. Read it out loud, but to no one else. Pick your pocket a measure of time, And never leave those memories behind. And you'll sing 'til tomorrow, And the days that will follow, But it's never the same When you feel you're insane. On the bed where you lay, There's a plan that was made, But it's never the same When your hopes go astray. Just write a memo and hang it on your wall. A small reminder of why you're here at all. So look around and groove to the sound. Let's see those feet rise up from the ground. *** Setsuna listened to the lyrics, with a hint of pain realizing how well they applied to her. *Kaneda, you were always the most observant.* Her eyes misted with the tears she had fought for millennia, and she smiled a little. *Thank you.* *** And you'll sing 'til tomorrow, And the days that will follow, But it's never the same When you feel you're insane. On the bed where you lay, There's a plan that was made, But it's never the same When your hopes go astray. Now the prince just hugs his princess. You've done so much in the name of good. You are the witness of hugs and kisses. The loneliness is never understood. *** Michiru looked over at Setsuna and noticed her smiling face and the tears in her eyes. She patted the woman's leg, and smiled at her. Setsuna smiled back and wiped the tears from her eyes. On the other side of the row, another girl was wiping tears from her eyes. *I can't love him, I CAN'T!* *** So paint a picture of things that are real. Remember pain when it's time to heal. And don't forget the things that you say, Could all come back to you some other day. And you'll sing 'til tomorrow, And the days that will follow, But it's never the same When you feel you're insane. On the bed where you lay, There's a plan that was made, But it's never the same When your hopes go astray. *** As the music died out, Setsuna began to clap loudly, standing. Her action was soon followed by Rei standing, and soon the rest of the Senshi did the same. Taking the cue, the rest of the audience stood as well, the applause filling the room. Kaneda bowed again, his face wide with a smile. He waited until the applause died out, and then turned and walked off the stage. A long moment passed, and the audience began to murmur. After a few more seconds, Kaneda came out again, looking flustered. "Well, it seems Hiroshi managed to strain his voice...again," he announced as several members of the audience chuckled. "So, would anyone be offended if I sang again?" He grinned as cheers came from one particular part of the room. "As you can see, I brought my fan club." A larger portion of the audience chuckled, but no one else cheered. "Alright then, silence implies consent." He walked forward and said a few words to the orchestra head. A short argument ensued. The girls caught words like "Again?!" "It's a good song!" "Every damn time!" "Just play it!" Kaneda walked back to the microphone. "This last song is called 'Heart of Glass'." He paused as another bunch of the audience cheered, and someone yelled a question at him. "Who's it for? Hmm..." he pondered that for a moment then smiled sadly. "Me." *** Welcome, welcome to my world. Welcome to the place where all my dreams come true. Welcome, welcome to my paradise. Welcome to my tears, my joys and my memories. This is the place where my love for you Echoes into my soul. This is the place where the sound of your laughter Brings a thousand tears! My love for you, will never die. There is always a piece of you in my heart. My missing you, will never stay. The seeds of joy you sowed in my heart. *** "Mamo-chan," Usagi whispered. "You don't think he still loves her, do you?" Mamoru watched the singing man, and how he made a point of not looking in their direction. "You can count on it," he whispered back. Usagi sighed, and held his arm tighter. "Poor Kaneda." *** Welcome, welcome to my fantasy. Welcome to the place where all the wrongs are right. Welcome, welcome to my happiness. Welcome to the joys that you have sung for me. This is place where my love for you Has it's hold on my heart. This is the place where the sound of your laughter Shatters all of my fears! My love for you, will never die. There is always a piece of you in my heart. My missing you, will never stay. The seeds of joy you sowed in my heart. *** Setsuna smirked to herself, and looked down the line at Rei, noting the tears in the girls eyes. *About damned time. Now if Mimete will only come through...* *** My love for you, will never die. There is always a piece of you in my heart. My missing you, will never stay. The seeds of joy you sowed in my heart. Welcome, welcome my love.... *** As the audience roared their applause, a short blonde girl smiled as she applauded. *A pure heart of love. I was right, I did find a perfect candidate.* *** "Whew," Kaneda sighed backstage, his voice a little hoarse. "Why is it Hiroshi always conveniently strains his voice when we have a performance night?" "Worst case of stage fright I've ever seen," a girl in his class commented. "Hey, we're heading to the bar for a celebration, wanna come?" Kaneda shook his head. "Nah, I've got to stay and get killed by Mamoru." The girl gave him a look of amazement. "You're friends with that dreamboat Mamoru Chiba?" She grabbed on his arm. "You've GOT to introduce me!" "Sorry," he apologised, shaking her off gently. "He's taken. Remember my first song? I was picking on him and his girlfriend." *They're practically husband and wife, who am I kidding?* "Robbing the cradle?" A stage hand piped in. "Pretty scummy." "Watch it," Kaneda warned. "He's also a perfect gentleman. Not one word out of you guys about them, they were made for each other." *In more ways than one.* The girl sighed. "One of those types of relationships? Absolutely, sickeningly perfect?" Kaneda nodded. "Ewwwww." She laughed. "Man, are you in trouble." Kaneda grinned ruefully. "It was worth it though." He shared a laugh with his classmates and went to get his stuff out of the dressing room. A few moments later he walked out the back of the auditorium, almost running into a small woman. He looked down at her and caught himself before gasping her name. Mimete. "Hello, Kaneda Akasei, you have exactly what I want." She smiled at him, and a chill went down his spine. The last thing he felt before the pain began was an iron grip on his shoulder. *** Usagi fumed at Mamoru's side while the other Inner Senshi laughed at her. "I'm going to kill him!" "It was a little mean," Ami conceded between giggles, "but it was awfully funny." "And appropriate," Makoto seconded. Usagi started to sniffle. "You're all so mean!" Her tears were cut short by a loud cry from behind the auditorium. The Senshi recognized that scream, it was the cry of someone having their heart crystal taken. "KANEDA!" Rei cried, running toward the source of the sound. *** Mimete stared at the heart crystal in her hands in puzzlement. "It's so dim," she said to herself. "How could someone sing with such feeling and have such a black heart?" The crystal in her hands didn't shine at all. Looking closely, Mimete could only see the barest glimmer of a spark at it's center. Her daimon shrugged and let Kaneda fall to the ground. It was sweating in the heat, and it's translucent body was surrounded by a cold mist. "Can we go? I'm broiling!" "Hold it!" Mimete looked up to see Sailor Mars standing at the end of the alley. "Ice is a thing of beauty and nature, and not to be used to steal a good man's pure heart of love! In the name of Mars, I will punish you!" Mimete looked over at the daimon, and handed it the heart crystal, which it swallowed. "Glacia! Get her!" The daimon nodded grimly and shot a flurry of ice cubes at Sailor Mars, screaming a battle cry. Sailor Mars jumped out of the way, the ice turning the cement where she had stood into a skating rink. "FIRE SOUL!" The flaming attack streaked through the air and impacted Glacia high on the shoulder, and the daimon was concealed in a cloud of steam. The steam cleared, revealing Glacia minus her right arm. The daimon's eyes narrowed in concentration, and like flowing water, the arm reformed out of her body. "Is that the best you can do? DIE!" The daimon flung out more ice at Mars, and the Senshi sidestepped just in time. Behind her, a pole was instantly flash frozen and shattered. "Not Kaneda. Not EVER!" Mars growled, and leapt to the attack again. *** Above the combat, on the roof of the auditorium, Sailor Neptune, Uranus, and Pluto watched the battle. "We'd better go save them," Uranus grumbled, but Pluto placed her hand on the woman's shoulder and shook her head. "No," she said, "this is something Sailor Mars has to do herself." Uranus locked eyes with Pluto, and something passed between them. Uranus nodded slowly, and unconsciously reached for Neptune's hand. "Win, Mars," she whispered, and squeezed Neptune's hand. *** At the entrance to the alley, the Inner Senshi and Tuxedo Kamen watched the combat in amazement. "Rei-chan?" Sailor Moon whispered. "What's come over her?" "Who cares? We need to help her," Venus declared. "You will do no such thing, Venus." The Inner Senshi whirled to see the Outer Senshi standing behind them. "What's happening out there has waited ten millennia," Pluto said. "It must run its course. Merely watch." "But Sailor Mars...and Kaneda," Mercury protested. Pluto shook her head. "This must occur, Sailor Mercury." She paused for a moment. "Please, trust me, it's for the best." Her facade slipped, and for a moment they saw the turmoil she was hiding. "I love Kaneda like my brother. This is even harder for me." *** Mimete winced as Glacia screamed after being stuck by another of Sailor Mars' attacks. *This is bad. I'm getting out of here!* Sailor Mars shook her left arm as she tried to work the feeling back into it. "That's it," she growled. "BURNING MANDALA!!" A multitude of burning bolts flew from her towards the icy daimon. First her arms were blasted apart by the bolts, followed by her legs disappearing into a cloud of steam. The daimon screamed as the final bolt flew into her heart and shattered her body into a thousand pieces. Sailor Mars slowly walked over to where Kaneda's heart crystal floated in the air. She cupped the precious item in her hands and quickly walked over to Kaneda's body. She brought the crystal down to his chest, and stared in dismay as the crystal refused to merge with his body. "Go back in," she begged it. "Please, go back in." She tried to force the crystal down into his body, but it stubbornly refused. "PLEASE!" she cried, and tears began to fall from her face. She fell forward and hugged his chest. "Please don't die, Kaneda." "Why should he live?" a hard voice asked her. Mars looked up into Sailor Pluto's cold face. "What reason does he have?" From a few steps off, Sailor Jupiter growled and began to step forward, but Mercury's hand on her arm stopped her. "Don't," Mercury whispered. "I believe I know what's going on now." Sailor Mars stammered, at a loss for words. "Be-because we need him," she finally answered. "But you never wanted his help. You only think he's a nuisance, remember?" Pluto countered. "He promised Chibi-Usa!" Beside her, the small spark of light in the heart crystal pulsed for a moment. "He promised he'd be there for her!" Pluto locked eyes with Mars, and the girl could see the fire in the woman's eyes. "Is that his only reason to live? Because a child who doesn't even belong in this time needs him? Then perhaps he is better off dead." "NO!" Mars cried, and turned back to look at Kaneda's body. "Live Kaneda, please. Chibi-Usa needs you. _I_ need you." More tears fell from her eyes onto his shirt, and she whispered the truth she had been fighting for so long. "I love you too much to lose you." Like a switch had been thrown, the heart crystal exploded with a brilliant, blinding light. Sailor Mars cried and covered her eyes from the light. "What is it?" Sailor Moon yelled, as Tuxedo Kamen shielded them from the brilliant glow. "That is the light of true love returned," Sailor Neptune said as she turned away from the beautiful, blinding light. "Never have I seen a glow so strong." "But you said Mars hated Crimson," Sailor Moon accused Tuxedo Kamen. Tuxedo Kamen voice reflected his confusion as he tried to voice his reply. "I-I guess we were all wrong," he answered lamely. Almost anti-climatically, the crystal slowly merged with Kaneda, the shining light slowly fading and eventually disappearing into his chest. After a moment, Kaneda gasped and stiffened, opening his eyes. Sailor Mars hugged his chest tightly and cried her relief. Kaneda looked in wonder at the young woman who held him. Slowly, reverently, he brought his hands up to her face, and stroked it gently. Sailor Mars looked up into his eyes, tears of joy streaming down her face. Kaneda smiled at her, and whispered the words he had been wanting to say for ages. "I love you too, Rei. I have loved you all my life." Sailor Mars gasped, and buried her face in his chest again. "I know," she whispered, "I know. That's what makes it so hard." She turned her face up to his and kissed him softly, her entire being put into that simple act. Kaneda's soul cheered as the two kissed. Somewhere, in the back of his mind, his mind managed one last coherent thought before he lost himself in the moment. *Ten thousand years I've waited for this. It was worth it.* **** Notes: Does Your Mother Know - (C) 1979 Polar Music International AB. Hopes Go Astray - (C) 1988 Black 'N' Round Songs Heart of Glass - (C) 1993 Christopher Angel (yes, I wrote it) By the way, there IS more to come. ^_^ -- Christopher "God-boy" Angel cja124@mail.usask.ca http://www.engr.usask.ca/~cja124