"Makoto-san, I need a number six and an extra bento lunch special
to go," calledYuui. Makoto called but in response to the oncoming orders. Over
the stove was a picture of her and her friends at the beach. Those days were
long gone. Usagi was long gone, away from this earth.
Every time Makoto would look at the picture she would feel a deep
sensation in her heart. She kept her mind open, and prayed that Usagi would
be strong enough to find a way back to them. She trusted her friend, and even
though it's been five years, she still believed that Usagi would return to them. The
only guilt she felt was that she couldn't rescue her, no matter how hard she tried.
"Makoto-san!" yelled the little 15 year old, Yuui.
"Ah, Gomen ne Yuui-chan. I wasn't paying attention." Mako said handing
her a plate of food. Makoto, 20 years old, had become the co-owner of a flourishing
restaurant in Tokyo. She had fulfilled one of her dreams and all the money she earn
was poured into a secret search fund, where hired mercenaries would look all over
the world for any trace of Usagi. For years Mako has had no luck at all.
She tossed some squares of fish in the heated pan. It sizzled and popped
coating itself in its natural oils. Mako sprinkled seasoning into the pan and scooped
rice into a sturdy aluminum bento box. Using wasabi and seaweed, she designed a
winking bunny in the rice. Octopus on a stick, and barbecued seaweed rolls were
added to the box. Makoto wrapped the box in a decorative napkin with 'Food for
Usagi's printed in the corner.
"Makoto-san." Yuui leaned on the counter.
"Hum? What is it Yuui-chan?"
"I've been wondering. Have you found your friend yet?" she asked. Yuui.
Yuui's brother was one of the mercenaries under Makoto.
"No, I'm afraid not. She's still out there... somewhere." Mako sighed and
gazed around the restaurant. It was getting late as the last customers left for the
night. Mako leaned against the counter, gazing into space. Sometimes she wondered,
how she got through each day. It was so hard, every night and trying to sleep. The
bell over the door rung, signaling another late costomer, and Yuui rushed to take the
order.
She played with her long brown hair, which had, grew considerably over the
years. She stood in a daze, gazing into space. Her strong hands slipped inside her
apron pocket, which contained her henshin pen. The little wings bit into her flesh as
she held it tightly. A small jolt of electricity calmed her nerves as her thoughts began
to drift.
Makoto moved to the side of the kitchen and looked out the window. It was
full moon tonight and visions came to her mind as though they just happened.
"Usagi!" Jupiter yelled and a large beam hit her friend, making her fade into
the wind. Makoto ran towards her and ran right into light. It was hard and solid, and
unmovable. Makoto pushed against the pillar of light. It no use as tears ran down both
of their faces. There was chaos all around them, and yet Makoto couldn't reach her,
or anyone else. It was as if she were floating in a sea of water with no land in sight.
"Makoto-san!" Yuui yelled. Mako jumped.
"Ah, gomen ne Yuui-chan. I did it again." she smiled helplessly. Yuui-chan
was like a little sister to her. She had such potential, and in many ways Yuui reminded
Mako of Usagi.
"You space out too much Makoto-san." She huffed and read off the order.
"All she wants in odangos." Mako stopped. Her whole body stopped as the clock struck
eleven thirty. For a while Makoto couldn't breath.
"Ondango atama...."
"Makoto-san... doshite?" Yuui leaned over the counter. "Makoto-san?" The
bell rung and Makoto bolted out of the kitchen. The lobby was empty; no one was in
sight. The large window in the front showed the lonely night beyond. Yuui came up
behind her.
"I guess she left.." Makoto rushed out the door, ignoring the calls of Yuui. A
strand of gold caught her eye and Makoto took a sharp right. Down the alley she
ran, following the glimpse of golden hair that seemed to float in the wind. Exiting the
alley was a series of stairway that led to the park.
Her heart was racing yet it felt as though it was outside of her body. Her legs
pounded with every step and her pen bumped against her leg every so often. Sweat
beaded her forehead and the cool night air chilled her face. Nothing could have stopped
her inside she was grateful the alleys were vacant. Usagi had to be real. Makoto felt
that she would just die if it were an illusion.
Exiting the alley she came face to face with a rail. Mako leaned over her eyes
scanning the area below. A figure in a flowing white dress and golden pig tails rushed
along the base of the stairs and moved towards the park. Makoto looked at the four sets
of winding stairs that lead to the bottom. If she went down the old fashioned way she
would loose her dear friend again. She backed up and ran at top speed, vaulting over the
railing, clearing all four sets of stairs. She landed right in front of the running figure. A soft
angelic face lifted and Makoto had to remember to breath.
For a long time all Mako could down was stair at the figure. She head was
bowed and only her forehead was visible. Mako had to catch her breath and regain her
wits. She hadn't had a good chase in years, and her body had somewhat become relaxed.
"Usagi... is it really you?" Usagi didn't say a word. Makoto took a few steps closer,
but Usagi didn't move. "I've been looking all over for you, I'm so glad your ok."
Usagi stayed silent. Her hands gave off a slight glow. Makoto came face to face with
Usagi, tears running down her cheek. As her fingers reached out to touch her Usagi lifted
her head. She held her had up to Makoto's chin.
Makoto felt herself being lifted into the air. She waved her feet, struggling against
an invisible hand that seemed to clamp her throat.
"Makoto-san!" Yuui yelled, leaning over the railing. Yuui had followed her dear
companion and had watched her confront the mysterious woman.
Makoto could barely breath and something hit her hard across the head several
times. Her vision became blurred with tears and lack of air. Usagi held up her hands and
the pen inside Makoto's apron pocket glowed green. Her henshin pen burned through her
pocket and a bubble of green light enveloped her lifeless body. The light of the moon
showered down on Usagi and Makoto and they faded into the night without a sound.
---AU----
I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. As the story goes on you'll begin to understand
it more, I love feed back (MichiDragoness@aol.com) and visit my web page: Untold Legends
of the Crystal Archive (http://www.geocities.com/hime_venus/Untold_Legends_Central.html)
