Sailor Moon: Matrix

Chapter 25

Rei and Minako walked together as they scooped out the Kindgom. Dark clouds were growing above them as a storm creeped towards them. A hot breeze blew trough their hair as they walked in sync with each other. They spoke to teach each other in low voices.

"We have to do it. Tonight."

"Rei, this seems a bit dramatic." Minako sighed as she listened to her friend. The last thing she needed was her friends ruining Kunzite's. Or even worse, them finding out that she is behind it.

Rei's eyes cut to the side at her. Her temper was flaring thinking about Mamoru putting hands on her best friend and forcing her to do sexual acts. "Do not try to downplay the seriousness in her situation. Mamoru abused her in every different way he could."

Minako rolled her eyes. "I'm not downplaying it. All I am saying is: why tonight? The Palace is packed full of friends. It is also Usagi and Chibiusa's birthday. Isn't it a bit morbid to kill their father and husband?"

"He would never expect it on a night like this for that exact reason."

"We need to play our cards right. It is too risky."

A white gloved hand reach out and grabbed Minako by her elbow. She looked back to see Rei's dark eyes narrowed at her. The Guardian of Love and Passion could see the anger and fire in her eyes. "Who's team are you on?"

Heat rushed up to her cheeks as her mind went back and forth. Her arm moved up to release Rei's grasp from her. Did she see a premonition of our plans tonight? "I am with Usagi, of course."

"Then act like it." Rei muttered as she went back to walking.

Venus put her hand on her elbow where her friend grabbed her. In the corner of her eye, she saw movement near the edge of the fence around the Palace. She could see a man with long silver hair greeting a dark haired man. It was Kunzite and Huro meeting before the rebellion. Probably to set the final plans and to make sure everything is going as should.

"Are you coming?"

Minako ran over to her friend to avoid any attention to her boyfriend. "Yeah, just got lost in my head I guess."

"Well we can do one more lap then go back inside. It looks like it will rain and I am not trying to ruin my hair before the party tonight."

"Same." Minako said light heartedly as her anxiety began to grow.

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Usagi walked through the hallway quietly. Her heels barely made a noise against the marble as she snuck past all the doorways. Like his previous visit, Usagi made sure to give him the guest suit room. Now that Sieya was accompanied with his friends, it gives them less of an opportunity to see each other alone.

I just need to see him for two minutes.

As she walked towards him room, she pushed on the large door slowly. "Seiya?"

"Neo Queen Serenity?"

Her heart sank as she recognized the voice. She pushed the door all the way open as she looked at Princess Kaykuu. She was sitting on a large ottoman. Her red dress was flowing in different directions. For the first time, Usagi saw the Princess with her hair completely down. Sailor Star Healer was standing behind her as she combed her long, black hair. A graceful smile came to her lips as she saw the Neo Queen at her door. "Happy Birthday, Your Highness."

She returned the smile. "Thank you, Princess Kaykuu. I hope you slept well after the long night you had."

"I did. Thank you for the keeping us comfortable here in the Palace. It is always a treat to come here and visit."

"I wouldn't have it any other way." Usagi admitted truthfully as a long pause of silence followed her. Her eyes darted around the room. "Have you seen Seiya by chance?"

"Sieya?" Princes Kaykuu asked. "Oh yes, Sailor Star Fighter. She may have snuck away for a few moments to play."

"She disappears a lot back home." Star Healer said in a light voice as she brushed another stroke in the Princess's hair. Her eyes darted up at Usagi and gave her a look. "We usually find her in her male identity playing guitar, especially recently."

The Queen nodded as she ignored Yutan's look. It was obvious that Seiya confided in them when he went back home. "I will be on the look out. Thank you!"

The large door closed behind her as Usagi turned to search for him. As she did, her face found Luna's large red eyes. Her hands were on her hips as she prepared to scold the Neo Queen. "I have been looking for you."

"Luna!" Usagi squeaked out. "You found me!"

"Yes, and we have a lot of work today for the party. You aren't even dressed!" Luna hooks her arm in Usagi's as she pulls her towards to elevator.

Her heels slide against the carpet as her advisor pulls her. "Why can't you plan it all?"

"Quit being a crybaby."

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"It has been nice having someone visit me." Pluto sighed as she rested her head on Mamoru's shoulder. The two had their backs rested against the Time Gate. For the past week, the two have taken advantage of their new freedom and see each other every day. No more check-ins with the Sailors. No more fussy Usagi. No more nonsense.

"I am glad you have enjoyed my time as much as I have enjoyed yours." Mamoru said as he kissed the top of her head. His attention went back to the book in his hands.

Setsuna sighed as she looked over her shoulder. "I am excited for the party tonight."

"You're going?"

"Why wouldn't I?"

"I figured it would be awkward around the Neo Queen and her friends since you and I are public now. Also, what about the Time Gate?" Mamoru asked as he continued to look at his book. His glasses were slid down his nose as he read.

She moved her mouth to the side as Setsuna thought about it. "Usually, the Neo Queen will let me come to special gatherings for a few hours. She likes for the entire group to make an appearance and enjoy the parties."

"You might as well throw that out the door."

"Why?" Setsuna sat up to look at him. "Did she say something?"

Mamoru let out a breath and closed his book. He took off his glasses before looking up at her. "I didn't want to say anything but... Usagi told Luna to not let you come this afternoon."

Pluto's face flattened. "They don't want me there?"

His arm reached around her as he brought her body closer to his. His hand rubbed her skin to console her. "You know how she is, Usagi is selfish and jealous. And you will be fine to miss you party. It's not like you are a stranger to being alone."

"I guess so." Setsuna whispered as she relaxed against the King. He took back his arm and opened his book again.