Greetings from the Nexus! After a long period of research and experimentation, I'm proud to announce my return, and hopefully permanent resedency on the ML. In the meantime, I'd like to ask for some C&C on this fic. It's still going on my page (In construction), but I'd like some ideas on how it looks so far before I put it up. Thanx loads. Ja ne ^_^ - Kenji Murasaki ( who has his Malling List legs back!)

On My Honor: Tales of the Lunar Knight
A Salior Moon story by Kenji Murasaki(nexuslink@geocities.com)


" Will you come back?" She continued hugging him, clutching desperately to that which would soon be leaving her.

" Of course my sea nymph," He stroked her hair, and rubbed a tear from her cheek. " You have my word. I'll not be long." 

She gazed into his eyes, looking past the doubt, doubt they both felt. How could this happen? What had she done to be punished like this? 

" Good luck Akihiro; my prayers are with you. Please return safe."

He smiled, and pulled her into a kiss. She lost herself to it, basking in his strength, his warmth and compassion. 

He began to fade at that point; a specter that never existed. She hugged him closer, not wanting it to end, not wanting to be alone once more.
Finally, she broke away.

Elena, who had been standing by, walked up to her friend, and put a hand on her shoulder in an effort of comfort. " Don't worry Reimi, he'll be
back. He came back before, so there's nothing to worry about. He won't let us down."

Reimi nodded at her, and stared at the point her love had just been. No trace was left, save for a blue rose�

 

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

 

" There! Finally done with that monster!" I shouted in total triumph, resisting the urge to click my heels. I put the finished draft in my notebook,
and walked out the door. " Now I can die happy; at least until they ask for the next part".

The name's Murasaki Kenji. Fanfic writer, shameless plug user, and all around nice guy. I live in Japan, Juban district, and my shoe size is
13 1/2. I like reading, my favorite food is gaijin southern fried chicken, and my favorite color is blue. I'm also sixteen, and in my new semester
at a new school.

Until this time, my life consisted of anime, books, and writing. It's the little things that help you relax especially where I live. Several old
friends and I have dubbed it 'Mamano City'. That is because you can't get through a week in this town without something sucking your
energy, using you as a weapon, or getting something taken from your soul.

I still say it's somewhat fortunate that the senshi are here to stop them, least the people all look as burnt out as the living dead. Everybody
thought they were a joke all until two years (though it's three) ago, when Starlight Tower evaporated. Then came the other building
destruction, temporal disturbances on clear days, swarms of snow people; it was like a three-ring circus, with the citizens as the clowns and
spectators.

But I digress. Despite all of that, the senshi come out on top, saving an awestruck humanity once more. It's a routine, one that gets my
guardian paid well when it comes to reconstruction; though the Nerima contracts still pull in a bundle. 

I would probably not be talking about them if I hadn't been thrown into the thick of it. If your still wondering what's going on and what
happened, let me clarify for you. 

It began with what I left off with, leaving the house. Nothing could destroy me at that moment. I was invulnerable, untouchable, on top of the
world. I just finished my document and could now post it in the proofreader part of my web page. I looked around; content that all was right
with the world, or at least me.

The sun was shinning; rainbows were showing after the resent shower that had taken the town, it was truly one of those peaceful moments you
hope for in life. Signs of the living were abundant everywhere, even in the grouch next door, who had a smile on his face as he was waving at
me.

I waved back, and regretted it the moment afterward. I was looking in his direction, so I didn't see the blonde bullets until it was too late. The
first one had narrowly dodged me, leaving me spinning in her wake. The second bowled me right over, landing my notebook and me in the
puddle nearby. " GOMEN!" she said well down the block and around the corner.

I didn't notice the spots on my new uniform, particularly in the leg and arm area, only the notebook, drifting in the oily puddle. Then the laughter
began. It was the old grouch, over his banister, and in stitches over what had occurred. I wanted to shout at him for not warning me, but it
would have been pointless, and I had to get to school before I was late. I kept my mumbling to myself, picked up the drowned notebook, and
continued my way to school.

 

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

 

Introductions are a hard thing to get used to, specifically when you're the subject. It was a safe bet that I had made some enemies when I stood
up. A good portion of the female populace was swooning, while the males were plotting my demise. I always blamed it on the way my slightly
unkempt bangs hung over my left eye. I've been told on more than one occasion that I was cute, and it was no surprise to me, just another
reason to keep a good distance away from girls, and even more from their boyfriends.

I gazed around the crowd to get a better look at who to avoid the most. There was this redhead in the first row that was looking rather glazed,
and by her were the biggest coke-bottle frames I've ever seen. He was nudging her on the shoulder and shooting me dirty looks. I suppressed a
snicker, and continued my scan.

The cheerleading squad was making faces and chatting among themselves, there were several volleyball team members that were making cat
calls, and even a few teachers were looking at me funny. 

The worst one was this sandy blonde guy. He couldn't stop starring. I was thankful when his girlfriend bowed him in the side. He started
looking sheepish, and apologizing; though he kept throwing glances at me. I put him at the top of the 'people to avoid' list.

I was about to sit down, when my eye caught her. She was starring at me like a piece of meat, and I could already see the marriage and
honeymoon in her eyes. Then I took closer note of those eyes. Those deep green eyes, they were beautiful, captivating; I wonder if she knew
that. Her friend turned to say something to her, looked at me, and�

It was her! One of the ones that mowed me down this morning! I cursed my luck, and received another heart attack. The other one was with her,
talking to a blue-hared girl. I took a closer look at her. She had crystal blue eyes, and her hair was done in two exceedingly long tails, with tennis
balls at the topsides of her head. Her posture practically screamed 'walking disaster', making me reconsider the distance between us at present,
by an estimate of twelve kilometers.

I sat down, and clutched my moist notebook, immediately making escape plans for when the introduction was concluded. The girl wasn't likely
to walk up to me afterward; not that I'd let her, but the other blonde was ogling at me as well, and that was not a trap I wanted to enter.

 

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** 

" Wow, the new guy is cute," Makoto said, " I wonder how he gets his hair to do that?" 

" Wow your right, but he looks familiar� " Minako added.

" Guys really, do you have to stare and rate at every guy around?" Usagi said, " Besides, he's still not as cute as Mamo-chan."

" How about we see if he needs help around? You know how even the teachers get lost here, and you two can get to know him as a person
rather than a piece of meat. " Ami put in.

Minako lit up, " Good idea Ami."

Makoto was too busy staring to notice, " You guys, he's starring at me," she said with a far off tone.

Usagi turned to look at her, " Mako-chan?" She waved her hand in front of her face, " Anyone home?" She turned to look at said male. They
locked eyes for about three seconds, then he suddenly turned and looked away, panic obvious on his face.

[ What's his problem?] Usagi thought, [ Minako's right though; he does look familiar�]

 

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

 

Not soon enough, the announcements were over, and everyone filed out. I began to head out my planned route, when said group intercepted
through said route. " Told you he would head this way!" the blonde with the bow chimed.

The brunette, the one with the eyes, approached first, earning a scowl from her friend. " Hi, welcome to our school," she greeted formally.

I returned the gesture. " Thank you," I said, and bowed in an attempt to hide the nervousness on my face. I stood up to find her blushing
slightly and fighting an inner battle by the look of her face.

" Well, my friends and I were wondering if you would like some help getting to class. This place is bigger than normal schools, and�"

I saved her and myself from further embarrassment. " That would be very nice of you miss�"

Her blush became deeper, and her eyes glazed. " Makoto. Kino Makoto."

" I'm Murasaki Kenji, nice to meet you." 

She was about to say something else, but received a vicious elbow from her friend with the bow. 

" Oh, uh, these are my friends," She pointed to each of them individually. " Mizuno Ami," she said, pointing at the blue-haired one, who bowed
slightly, " Tsukino Usagi, " she pointed to the insurance risk with legs, " And�" 

The next one glomped me before she could finish. " Aino Minako at your service!" she exclaimed.

" Charmed," I squeaked. " Um, could you get offa me? I can't breathe."

Mina-chan, get off of him, that's rude," Ami put in. 

She let go quite reluctantly, and made a more formal greeting. " It's very nice to meet you Kenji-kun." I could see her hands twitching toward my
direction.

Something kept ringing in my head that this one was worse than Usagi. It made me wonder how much more damage would have been if she'd
run into me instead. " It's nice to meet all of you." I said. 

" Can I see your schedule? We might be able to point you in the right direction." Makoto said, with a tone of nervousness.

" Um� sure, here." I handed the slip over, hiding the defeated look on my face. I truly was not prepared for what she said next.

" Cool, we've got the first two periods together! I can walk you to class!" she declared, not being able to mistake the excitement in her voice.

Then the kami decided to twist the knife some. " Hey Mina-chan, isn't this Sadamoto guy your third period coach?"

She snatched the paper from her, and her eyes grew the size of saucers. " Wow, you have third and fourth with Usagi and me!" 

Out of what I could tell was morbid curiosity; Ami took a look at the paper as well. " We have afternoon Literature and Calculus together," she
stated bluntly.

At that moment, I was sure to note that when I got to those pearly gates, I would monkey-stomp the first deity I saw, but then I remembered the
time. " Um, this is nice and everything, but shouldn't we be getting to class?"

Usagi acted as the statement was a natural stimulus.
"OhmygoshI'mgonnabelatecan'ttalknownicetomeetyouKenjiIgottagonowseeyoualllateratlunchbye!" At that she shot off in a blur, leaving
several students sprawled in her wake when the dust cleared. " GOMEN!" she shouted.

I looked around at the sudden burst of sweatdrops. " Does she always do that?" I asked.

" No," Makoto answered, " She usually takes down more than four." 

" She did have the right idea though," Ami added, " I'll see you guys later okay?" She then turned and left in another direction. 

That left Makoto and the other bouncing ball of energy, which had glomped onto me once more. " Hey Kenji, meet me at gym okay? I'll show ya
the ropes. Ja!" She bounced away, leaving behind a sheepish looking Makoto and me. I turned to look at her, doing my best not to stare into
her eyes. "Well, shall we get going?"

We began walking toward class, keeping the chat to a minimum. " Is she always like that?" I asked.

" Minako?" I nodded, and she chuckled; " Only to guys she likes."

I took it as an opening, " So I should be afraid?" 

She broke into a full laugh, " Well, she can be real hyper at times," she managed to say between her outburst.

" She seems nice, but I'd much rather survive a relationship."

" Don't worry, she's harmless, most of the time." She frowned a bit. Sadly, I took the bait. " What about you?"

She brightened a little as she answered. " I'm not that much outta control." 

" So what are you like?" I actually was eager for an answer, something I still can't figure out. Female contact with me was rare, and usually not
past a last name. To know I wanted to see what she would say puzzled me to no end.

" Well," she started, " for one thing, I like cooking and socializing. I don't glomp guys unless I go with them." 

That started off the conversation as we strolled to class. It was a bit weird though, she was acting timid, which just by looking I could tell that
was not one of her traits, and was drawn back when she asked something. One thing she did seem strong about was her name. She put me in a
headlock and insisted she not be called ' Makoto-san' and be called ' Mako-chan."

 

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

 

The first two periods went well. I completed all the assignments, and even managed to help Makoto with some of her work. She had also asked
me to join her for lunch, though I had to decline due to a previous engagement with a computer and a story that needed posting. The day was
starting to go even again, which should have alerted me to any upcoming trouble. Needless to say, the next class sent it well on its track to hell
in a handbasket.

It started with the walking disaster known as Tsukino Usagi. She managed to trip several students and myself on her way in the gym; maneuver
me into three projectiles shot from her; entangle me and two others in the volleyball net; which I consider a major accomplishment since I was
nowhere near the net, and single-handedly had me run into some vaults I was supposed to be dodging. I was thankful there were no contact
sports being played at the time, or I might be doing everything for the rest of my life through a straw and a remote.

Then there was Minako, the human shirt, who clung and glomped on to me more times than I could possibly count. She also proved to be of no
help when I was playing a time out game of dodgeball. Thanks to her catcalls and other attention getters, I was officially declared 'person most
likely to not avoid a massive molasses slide, an honor I take very seriously now.

During the entire session I prayed the lunch bell would ring and bring this horrid sample of Hades to an abrupt and peaceful conclusion. Some
agonizing hour later, the bell finally rang, ending my captivity. I wasted no time and dashed toward the gym lockers. Taking time enough to
change and grab my slightly moist notebook, I made a break for the library, shouting freedom all the way.

 

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

 

Usagi waved to Naru and Umino, and made her way to the main hall, cursing the fact that she forgot to put it in her gym locker again. Gym was
exceedingly worse today than any other class, and that left her mind focusing on one thing: that bento in box 233. It was full of all of her
goodies she had managed to pack that morning, since her mother wasn't around herself to do so. That little variable had almost cost her a day in
detention as well. If it weren't for Minako, she wouldn't have made it on time at all. During the entire scene, she'd forgotten a lot of things that
needed to be done, like her semester forms that were still sitting on her counter in the kitchen. There was also her communicator on her bed,
Luna's bowl that wasn't filled this morning, the picture she had drawn for her Mamo-chan; the list went on. She had barely snatched her brooch
on her way out the door, and still hadn't put it on.

All of that was put on the back burner as her main objective for proper homeostasis arose again: Get Lunch.

She slowed as she took notice of the empty hallway she had just walked into. She dismissed any further suspicion, her stomach was ordering
and she had to obey.

She had barely taken another step when an ebony blur shot past her vision, snapping her out of her digestive-enhanced reverie. The blur
stopped short of her locker, staring at her, its face a mask of blankness.

As took a look closer, trying to decide on what it was. Her thoughts began to process information slowly, increasing her anxiety ten levels
higher.

This creature is feline, missing whiskers, a tail, and its size is too large for a cat.

It has black eyes, though that is genetically unheard of.

It did not look like a creature of this world.

She was still hungry.

The creature was now growling at her, predator look evident.

A reverse black moon insignia with a silver outline had just appeared on its forehead.

It was extending six-inch claws.

She was alone in the hallway with said creature.

She didn't have her communicator.

Her brooch was in her locker behind the creature.

She wasn't running.

Usagi corrected that last bit of information as she took off down another hallway at an angle that would have been impossible for anyone else.
The feline monster roared once, at gave chase. It was soon at her heels and took a slash at her. 

Usagi yelped in pain, and fought it back just as quickly. This was not a time to stop and dwell on it, she had to get away from that� thing. She
turned the next corner sharply, avoided hitting the wall, and took off again at top speed. Her persuer was still behind her, and had slowed just a
moment. Its eyes flashed, and the ground in front of Usagi exploded, spraying shrapnel everywhere. 

Usagi shielded her face and tumbled into the wall to wall crater, screaming on impact, twisting her already wounded foot in the process. This
was definitely not good. She was effectively immobilized, and her foot was beating more pain sensations in her brain than she cared to receive.
She had to think fast, that thing was almost on her.

Once again she corrected her last thought as she saw the feral creature land in front of her. She backpedaled away from it as it came closer,
predatory look evident in its eyes. It stopped suddenly, and spoke.

"Serenity-hime, you will come with me."

Usagi let the utter shock overtake the pain in her face. She quickly recovered and tried to salvage the accusation. " What are you talking about?
Who's Serenity?"

The creature sneered. " So it's true, you really did lose your memory. Nevertheless, you will come with me, dead or alive."

Usagi palled a little more, but continued her feigned ignorance. " I don't know what you're talking about. My name is Usagi, I don't know a
Serenity!"

"Enough of you stalling. Memory or no, you carry the aura of the Moon Princess. You will come with me." At that, he began to stare hard in her
eyes. 

Usagi began to lose focus on everything around her. This thing was hypnotizing her, and she was too sore to move away from that look, that
hypnotic look that was beckoning her to let go. Yes, just let go, it will be okay. She will take care of everything; all she needed to do was just
rest�

The blanket of suppressing warmth was broken at the sudden howl of pain from the creature.

 

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

 

Crystis let a smug smile cross her face. This child was, despite her heritage, easy to put under. The brat shouldn't have tried to run though, and
now she would have to explain the wounds to the lord later. No matter, he gave the order that Serenity's daughter was to be taken, he didn't
specify any condition. He would forgive her later, [ And if he doesn't, I can always make it up to him in my own way,] she thought. 

Those thought were cut off as she heard, and felt, the breaking of glass at her feet. She pulled her paw back and howled at the burning feeling
that had just overcome it.

 

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

 

" Stupid ID policies," I grumbled on the way out of the library, upset at the world once more. Turns out you need ID to get on a web capable
computer; ID I left in my backpack in my locker. I turned the corner, and didn�t even notice her on my way by. 

" Kenji-san!" 

The way it was said put me out of my skin, making me do my best impression of an old Tom and Jerry cartoon. I turned around to face her,
attempting to find the best way to say hello to her.

" Mako-chan, do you really want to scare the last ten years out of my life like that?" I frowned at her giggling.

"Sorry," she managed to say through one of her chuckles, " I didn't mean to scare you. I was just surprised to see you." The laughing finally
stopped, " Anyway, what are you doing here, I thought you were going to the library?"

" I couldn't, they won't let me pass without an ID, and I left that at my locker, which I was heading to now." I frowned at that, and silently cursed
the librarian once more. 

" Want some company?" she asked.

I considered the offer briefly. It was probably just another chance for her to flirt, but I needed something to cool me down, and it was good to
see a familiar face in a school full of strange ones. " Sure, why not? Come on, it's in the main hall."

"Say Kenji," she asked on our way, " are you sure you won't have lunch with me? I made plenty, and it's real good."

" Unless I miss my guess, you were already on your way to pick up said food right?" She nodded. "Why not? I'm too much in a bad mood as is,
so it won't do to make a bad impression on anyone else in the library."

" What happened?" she asked me.

" Well, it seems some entity has it out for me today." She arched her eyebrow. " First I get run over by two of your friends this morning."

She chuckled a little, " That doesn't sound all that bad."

I nodded my agreement, " True, but they soaked my notebook in the process. Then gym comes around, and either Minako is pretending to be
the best case of static cling she can be on me, or Usagi is using me as target practice for everything she does. Then this ID thing comes up; I'm
really on a roll today aren't I?"

Mako-chan frowned slightly, then looked at me with an "oh well" expression. " Well, don't blame Usagi too much. She can be a major klutz at
times, but she really does have it where it counts. Mina-chan� is just Mina-chan."

I sighed, " I realize. Hate isn't much in my vocabulary, so it's not that. Guess I'd better get used to it huh?"

She nodded, and I frowned. This was not something I would look forward to in the future; survival was bad enough without it. Still, Makoto
was right in saying what innocence they were; Minako seemed to take the "oops, sorry about that; I'm high off of life" posture to things, while
Usagi� well, I really don't know much to judge yet, now do I?

Mako-chan and I continued on our merry little path, still engaging in the arts of idle chat and small talk. The first thing we noticed when entering
the building was its lack of populace.

" Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't there supposed to be people on this hall?" I asked as we approached her locker.

" Not really, the main hall is basically one period classes and after-school activities. This is pretty much the norm for lunch period anyway."

She gathered her overstuffed bag and closed the now-relieved locker.

" You know," I joked, looking at the bag's mass, " I could have sworn I heard a sigh from the locker just then."

She shot me a dirty look. " If you have to comment about it like that, then you don't have to eat."

I sniffed the air around the bag. " Perish the thought master gourmet! I merely jest about yon bag's load of godly delights. Surely, the lady will
forgive my display of ignorance and take said comment in better heart? I certainly could not have it any other way, and am willing to do untold
deeds for milady's forgiveness. It would cost mine and my owns physical soul much torment if it were decided to punish me by denying me thou
tender word of glory."

She chuckled. " You can stop the bad acting now Kenji, drama class was over two periods ago."

I shrugged and continued on the next target, my ID card. We turned the corner and ran straight in front of it, a thing. It was feline, the size of a
Shepherd, and had Usagi locked in place from fear; though the look in her eyes suggested otherwise.

I immediately felt Makoto tense around my arm, which I had just noticed she was holding. She was going to do something brash, and that
would not do for either her or the insurance risk. I tightened my grip on her, catching her attention, and earning a glare that reminded me never
to make an enemy of her.

" What are you doing?" she hissed, displeasure evident in her voice.

" Saving us the one advantage we have. Look at it." I gave her a minute to try and comprehend what was happening. She turned back to me
with a look of confusion and fear on her face. " What's it doing to her?"

" I don't know, but its not taking notice of us, and that could help us rescue her." I racked my head for a plan, and attempted to hide the fear
creeping its way up my spine. This was not a good day. I finally cleared enough of my thoughts to look at the local science classroom. I
motioned Makoto inside, and began scanning for something to use against that� thing. I heard a loud snap, and whirled around immediately.
Makoto was snapping the bristle part off of a broom, rigging it into a makeshift spear with a good portion of jagged edges.

I continued my search until I came across a concealed vile of pH 2 liquid solution, a bag of grained sodium and a spray bottle. Doing some quick
thinking, I filled the spray bottle at the nearest tap in the room, being careful with the powder. I then turned to Makoto. " I'll create the diversion
so you can grab Usagi and get out of here."

She looked ready to burst for a moment, but then just nodded. We snuck swiftly out the door and back to Usagi, who looked more subdued
than before. Praying that those baseball lessons did me some credit, I flung the contained vile of acidic liquid at the creature.

 

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

 

Usagi shook her head clear of the cobwebs and starred at the scene before her. Kenji and Makoto were standing behind the now howling
cat-creature, armed with a bottle, a bag, and a stick. " Get her and go," Kenji said, " I'll hold it off!" 

Makoto came and checked her over, " Are you okay?"

Usagi nodded groggily, " Good, come on, I gotta get you out of here."

She stood with some help from Makoto, then, holding the splintered stick at ready, made their way out a side door further down the hall. 

 

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

 

I tensed for the creature's inevitable recovery, which came shortly after the girls' departure. It looked around for another minute, which I took
advantage of to get some more space. It finally locked its cool black eyes with my own and spoke before it attacked. 

" You will suffer for you unfortunate interference, human."

Crystis was not pleased. This human had intervened with the plan, and had the nerve to attempt to scar her. She roared in anger as she leaped,
only catching his shoulder as she slashed. The human flinched wildly and gritted his teeth. [Good,] she thought, [ He will provide sufficient fun
before I line my quarters with his remains.]

She leaped again, and received a bag full of dust for her troubles. She snarled and attempted to bat the dust chunks out of her eyes. Her mistake
was capitalized on as he sprayed the water at her, turning the upper half of her body into a living fireball. After a moment of flailing around, the
creature disappeared.

 

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

 

A considerably large crowd had shown up by the time I came out of the main hall. Swallowing the pain in my shoulder, I made my way through
it, where I had assumed Usagi and the others were. I guessed correctly; there were surrounded by nurses and faculty, grilling them with
question after question. When I became visible, they attempted to switch victims, but the nurses shooed them away, tending to my wound. 

" Are you guys okay? " I stammered."

Usagi nodded, and Makoto followed, though her expression suggested otherwise. " Yeah, the nurse says that she won't be able to walk for a
day or two though. How about you; are you allright?"

Now before I continue, let me draw your attention to something for a minute. I am not anything close to a fearless hero. I'm far from a coward,
but I don't do the leap through the ragging inferno for the kitty thing. I guess you could follow the nurse's later explanation of loss of a lot of
blood, but I keep in shape, and that wouldn't affect much. But here I am, a semi-bookworm, and I just dispatched a very lethal creature that
could have shredded me like paper. My mind and body did the next logical thing for someone not used to such a close-up on action of that
level.

I nodded weakly, and passed out.

 

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

 

Makoto looked frantically at the limp body that fell in her lap. " Kenji?!" 

The nurse made a quick check of him, and chuckled. " He just lost a little blood and it made him light-headed. That and the excitement; he'll be
okay."

" Oh my hero," Makoto deadpanned

_______________________________________________________________
Get Free Email and Do More On The Web. Visit http://www.msn.com