Seducing the Enemy

Chapter 1

Sailor Moon's body hit the ground with a hard thud. She rolled over slowly, letting out a pained groan. She used what felt like all of her strength to push herself into a sitting position. However, she froze in her struggle when she noticed a pair of black leather boots advancing toward her. Her eyes traveled up the body that resided in those boots, and came to rest on the hard stare of the evil Prince Endymion.

The Prince loomed over her ominously, a cold sneer on his lips. Sailor Moon's heart began to race. She needed to fight back, run even, but her strength was gone. She could barely move.

"Finish her, Endymion!" Beryl commanded from her throne. She smiled evilly, reveling in the demise of Sailor Moon. The demise of Serentity.

Endymion grabbed Sailor Moon forcefully by her arms, and yanked her to her feet. Sailor Moon let out a frightened cry, and Endymion softly touched her face.

"Shhh," he whispered, his eyes empty and unfeeling. "It will all be over soon."

"Endymion, please," she whimpered.

The Prince promptly released Sailor Moon's arms only to replace them with a firm grip on her neck. She began to struggle, scratching desperately at his forearms, but Endymion only squeezed harder.

"Please stop," she croaked, eyes bulging.

Queen Beryl cackled madly as she watched.

Endymion removed one hand from her neck, and pulled out the dagger from his belt. Light reflected off its metal blade, and Sailor Moon's eyes shot toward the weapon. Her face creased in pain and sadness. This was it—she was going to die. She was going to be killed by the only man she'd ever loved. Her eyes began to well up with panicked tears.

"Endymion…" she forced out. Slow, steady tears began to slide down her cheeks. "Mamoru," she cried, just above a whisper.

Prince Endymion raised the dagger in his hand…

Six weeks earlier…

Usagi Tsukino bounced happily down the street, enjoying the warmth of a spring day. The birds were chirping, the sun was shining, and, for once, she was not in detention. Now if she could only avoid a run in with a youma for the rest of the day, she'd be set! Usagi hummed to herself cheerily, swinging her book bag in front of her.

Usagi was looking forward to the weekend—hopefully one free of monsters, fighting and duty. Her stomach twisted thinking of last night's battle. She had come very close to being seriously, if not mortally injured. Usagi's cheeks became hot with anger. She was quite angry with herself. She was the leader of the Senshi, a protector of the Moon Princess. What good was she to the princess if she couldn't even protect herself? If it had not been for Tuxedo Kamen, she would probably be dead…

Her cheeks flushed again, but with something very different from anger. Tuxedo Kamen… Usagi sighed to herself thinking of his dark hair, smoky voice, and lean body. High school boys and crushes forgotten, HE was the one who consumed her thoughts at night. She wished desperately that she cold get to know him better…talk to him, kiss him…

"Heads up!" a voice called.

Usagi looked ahead to see a man on a bicycle speeding toward her. She jumped out of the way as the man sped by, her long, blonde hair blowing haphazardly in his wake. Usagi spun on her heel, her eyes chasing after the reckless rider.

"You jerk!" she screamed, throwing a fist in the air. "That creep almost ran me over," she muttered to herself as she staggered backwards down the sidewalk, still scowling at the cyclist's disappearing back.

However, her angry backward march was interrupted by a collision with a hard, warm body. Usagi stumbled forward, cheeks red with embarrassment.

Mamoru walked briskly down the street, his features firm and pensive. He shuffled the stamped envelopes in his hands, ready to be dropped at the local post office. He barely gave them a thought, though, as the mysterious princess and her Silver Crystal plagued his thoughts.

"How do I get a hold of that damn crystal?" he muttered to himself. His fists clenched in frustration, partially wrinkle his parcels.

His search was only complicated by the fact the Negaverse also wanted this crystal, and their efforts to find it were becoming more aggressive. Mamoru winced as he touched his wounded shoulder—a reminder of last night's battle and the Dark Kingdom's determination. And what about the Senshi? He'd always considered them allies, but they were also after the crystal. If it came to it, he would have to fight them for it—fight Sailor Moon. Sailor Moon…

Mamoru's thoughts shifted to the young heroine with long blonde hair, and even longer legs. She definitely…affected him. She was important to him, but was she more important than the princess? His past?

Mamoru's deliberation was interrupted by a petite body crashing into his. He looked down, surprised and embarrassed that he hadn't seen her coming. He raised an eyebrow when he spotted the unmistakable hairstyle of his assailant. It was her. Mamoru purposely replaced the smirk on his face with a look of annoyance and cleared his throat.

"Gomen nasai!" Usagi spun around, bowing to the latest victim of her clumsiness.

"Yeah, yeah. I've heard it all before, Odango Atama," his snide, husky voice replied.

Usagi's blood boiled as she slowly looked up to meet the eyes of the infuriating man before her. 'Of course it's him!' Usagi thought to herself bitterly, her heart speeding up just a bit.

It was indeed him—Mamoru Chiba. He was tall and unbelievably handsome, with jet-black hair and piercing blue eyes. He was also the world's biggest ass, in Usagi's opinion.

"Don't call me that, you baka! My name is Usagi!" she huffed.

Mamoru chuckled and rolled his eyes, enjoying how easy it was to get a rise out of her. Fights like this were part of the pair's daily routine. Rain or shine, they seemed to run into one another, and immediately engage in half-hearted bickering. It was familiar and comfortable for them both, though neither would ever admit it.

"Whatever," he drawled, "just watch where you're going."

"I could say the same to you!" she retorted, and Mamoru blushed slightly.

"Uh, um, well," he stammered, "I wasn't the one walking backward down a busy street!" he scolded her.

"Well, that I can explain!" she hollered, crossing her arms. "See there was this guy on a bike, and he almost ran me over, and—"

"Save it, Odango," Mamoru interrupted her, waving a hand at her excuses. "I don't have time to spend arguing with a child."

"Child? I'm seventeen!" she scowled. "What are you, like 18?" she asked as she rolled her eyes.

Mamoru straightened proudly. "I'm nineteen," he informed her, chin up.

"Wow," Usagi feigned, "your wisdom must be limitless."

"Shut up, Odango Atama!" he yelled angrily.

"DON'T call me that!" she screamed in response, standing on her tip-toes and poking an angry finger into his chest.

Mamoru snatch her hand in his own, and a spark shot through them both. Off balance, Usagi fell against his chest. She wrapped her free hand around his waist to steady herself, and the close contact with his body caused a strange sensation within her.

Mamoru held Usagi closely, temporarily frozen by the feeling of her pressed against him. He looked down and met her blue eyes, unable to decipher the emotion behind them.

Usagi felt her heart begin to race. Her breath became shallow, and her cheeks flushed. She licked her lips nervously, and Mamoru's eyes darkened, their gaze fixed upon her mouth. He began to lean in, and—BOOM!

A nearby car backfired, and the two jumped in response, startled by the loud noise. Coming back to reality, Usagi turned back to Mamoru and angrily pulled her hand from his. Discomfort began to spread through her, and Usagi shifted nervously from her left foot to her right.

"You know," she began, regaining her composure and narrowing her eyes at the man in front of her, "I've got better places to be than bickering on the street with a jerk like you!" she finished, pushing past him and marching down the sidewalk.

"Off to squander your allowance on milkshakes and video games at the arcade, no doubt!" he shouted at her retreating form.

Usagi continued her pace, but turn back briefly, only to stick out her tongue at Mamoru.

He watched her departing figure, long pigtails swaying in time with her hips. Suddenly, his eyes found themselves focused on her backside, and he smirked in admiration. Mamoru blinked several times, "What is wrong with me?" he questioned aloud, shaking his head. He sighed, and continued his journey to the post office.

Automatic doors parted, and Usagi glided into the arcade. The cool air conditioning touched her face in a swoosh, gently blowing the loose strands of hair out of her face. She sighed, happy to be free of the day's irritants—namely school and a certain baka, who shall remain nameless.

"Afternoon, Usagi!" Motoki smiled from behind the counter.

"Hello!" Usagi smiled wide as Motoki placed an automatic chocolate milkshake on the counter top. "Thanks! I famished," she sighed dramatically, grabbing the shake with animated fervor. Taking a long sip, Usagi scanned the arcade for some familiar faces. Spotting her closest friends and fellow Senshi, she made her way toward their booth.

"Hey guys," she sang as she plopped herself into the booth.

"It's about time, Usagi!" Rei complained. "I don't even need to ask what the hold up was. Detention?" she teased and stuck her tongue out.

Usagi responded with a raspberry, and Makoto rolled her eyes. "Don't start, you two!" she giggled. "Rei, you're nearly as bad as Mamoru," she scolded, waving her finger.

"Well, speak of the devil," Minako smirked as she spotted Mamoru entering the arcade.

"Huh?" Usagi dumbly questioned, and turned to look at the door behind her. Seeing Mamoru, she groaned dramatically and slumped down in her seat. "Can't I even go an hour without seeing that jerk?"

"I was just thinking the same thing about you, Odango Atama," his voice came form behind her, and she jumped in surprise.

"Don't sneak up on me creep!" she fumed. "And stop eaves dropping!"

"Oh come on, Odango," he smirked as he leaned forward over the back of her chair. "You know you can't get enough of me," he breathed in her ear, sending an unexpected tingle down her spine.

Usagi scowled and swatted at his nose. "Get out of my face!"

"Ow," Mamoru replied, frowning and rubbing his nose. "You know that could be considered assault, Odango. I'm going to report you to Motoki, and have you kicked out of here," he teased, making his way toward the counter.

Usagi yelped and trailed after him, protesting the whole way. The four girls left sitting in the booth watched the pair, taking in their daily show.

"Those two really hate each other," Makoto sighed.

"Oh, I don't know about that," Minako replied, thoughtfully, tilting her head to the left as she continued to watch the couple.

"What do you mean?" Rei asked, curious.

"Well, to be honest," Minako began, "I don't think they hate each other at all. In fact, I think they rather like one another."

"What?" Rei exclaimed. "You can't be serious. Look at them," she ordered, gesturing toward the two. Mamoru stood about four feet from the counter as he yelled at Motoki, waving his arms and complaining about the blonde. All the while Usagi had hold of one of Mamoru's legs, as she tried to pull him away from Motoki, screaming in objection.

The four girls watched in awe and embarrassment, eyebrows raised. Ami shook her head in disbelief, "Sorry, Minako, I just don't see it."

"Well," Minako continued, giggling, "maybe the 'like' part isn't so obvious, but they definitely want to jump each others' bones," she finished nodding, causing Ami to choke on her soda.

"Minako!" Ami scolded.

"What?" she asked, innocently looking at her three friends. "It's obvious. Look," she now ordered, gesturing toward the still arguing couple.

The girls again turned their attention to Usagi and Mamoru, and slow realization crept over their faces. Although the pair continued to bicker, barely a moment went by where one didn't touch the other. Whether it was a swat on the arm, a grasp of a wrist, or a finger in the chest, there was almost constant contact. At one point, Mamoru even grabbed Usagi by the waist, forcing her to face him and hear his argument. Not to mention the nearly electric tension between the two.

"I can't believe I never noticed it before," Makoto almost whispered, dumbfounded.

"See, I told you!" Minako declared, crossing her arms triumphantly.

"Well, I think Usagi and Mamoru are even less aware of this than we were," Ami concluded, resting her chin on the back if her hand, and the other girls nodded in agreement.

An evil giggle suddenly welled up from Rei, and Makoto eyed her nervously. "What are you plotting?" she questioned.

"An inquisition," she smirked. "I wanna see just how blind Usagi really is to their…attraction."

"What are you going to do?" Minako asked, giggling as well.

"Shh!" Ami hushed. "Here she comes!"

Usagi slid back into the booth, cheeks still red with anger. "I cannot STAND that guy!" she huffed.

"So you really dislike him, huh Usagi?" Rei began.

Usagi straightened when she noticed four pairs of eyes fixed on her. "What do you mean? Of course I do! He's absolutely obnoxious!"

"Mmm-hmm," Rei continued. "You must admit that his is quite handsome, though. Sexy, even."

"What?" Usagi squealed. "THAT is something I could never admit, because it is just not true!"

"Uh-huh," Rei nodded, and leaned in closer. "Would you say that you hate him?"

Usagi tilted her head at the direct question. What was Rei talking about? Did she 'hate him'? Wasn't it obvious? Usagi pursed her lips as she let the question roll around in her head for a moment, a series of images coming to mind: Mamoru's smirk, the raise of his haughty chin, his teasing gaze, his hand on her waist, his muscular chest, his lips earlier today as he nearly moved in to kiss h—'Wait a minute!' she thought to herself, shaking her head. 'Get your mind out of the gutter, Usagi!' she scolded herself again.

Finally turning her attention back to Rei's question, she shifted uncomfortably in her seat. "Well, I, I—" she stammered in response.

"Yes?" Rei prodded.

"It's just that 'hate' is such a strong word," Usagi replied, and her friends smirked in response. Maybe Usagi wasn't so clueless after all.

"What do you mean I'M causing a scene?" Mamoru's voice hollered from across the room, pulling the girls' attention away from their conversation. "SHE'S the one," Mamoru continued, pointing accusingly at Usagi, "who can't keep her hands to herself and wailing like a banshee!"

Usagi stood from her seat and slammed her hands on the table. "Who are you calling a 'banshee', you moron?" she growled.

"Alright, that's it!" Motoki yelled, throwing his hands up. "I'm going to have to ask you two to leave."

"Huh?" Usagi and Mamoru asked in unison, mouths agape.

"Your way too disruptive!" Motoki scolded. "It's affecting the other customers. Now, go cool off and come back when you can act your ages!" he finished wearing the scowl of a disapproving father.

Heads bowed, Usagi and Mamoru shuffled toward the exit. Once on the sidewalk, the automatic doors closed behind them, leaving the two to wallow in their shame.

Usagi sighed, and began to walk down the street. "I've never seen Motoki so upset," she mused aloud.

"I know," Mamoru replied, unaware that he was following her. "Well, maybe in the future you'll learn to control your temper better," he began to lecture.

Usagi stopped in her tracks, causing Mamoru to collide with her back. "You know," she fumed, whipping around to face him, "You have to be the biggest jerk I have EVER met!"

"Me?" Mamoru replied, bringing a hand to his chest. "YOU could be the most obnoxious person in all of Tokyo!"

Usagi, all red faced and clenched fists, spat back an insult, and Mamoru retaliated in kind. Within moments, the pair were engaged in a full-fledged verbal battle.

"So that's him?" Zoicite asked, one eyebrow raised.

"Apparently," Kunzite replied as he eyed the man curiously.

The two generals stood covertly in a dark alley, observing their target from a safe distance.

"He doesn't look like much of a threat," Zoicite snickered. "Or a prince, for that matter!"

Kunzite smirked at his partner. "Jealous, are we?"

Zoicite straightened, his face red. "No! I just don't understand why Queen Beryl is so interested in this guy," he finished crossing his arms. "I'd rather just get rid of him—he is Tuxedo Kamen, after all!"

Kunzite put a hand on Zoicite's shoulder. "I know. He has been a thorn in our side, but the Queen seems to think he will be useful. We have no choice but to follow her orders."

"I know," Zoicite sighed dramatically. "What about the girl?" he asked, eying the teenager with long blonde pigtails.

Kunzite shrugged casually. "Collateral damage," he stated. "We'll just get rid of her."

"Alright," Zoicite said, straightening his uniform, "let's get this over with."

Kunzite nodded, and the two made their way toward the couple across the street.

"My hair does NOT look ridiculous!" Usagi pouted at Mamoru, touching her hair defensively. "I'll have you know I've gotten many compliments on this style!"

Mamoru laughed, "I doubt any of them have been from the opposite sex!" He eyed the girl after he made the comment, and realized his statement was probably false. Even he had to admit she was quite pretty.

Usagi tried not to let the insult hurt her, but it was difficult when it was coming from such an attractive man. "Mamoru Chiba! You are pompous, and arrogant, and cruel, and…" Usagi suddenly trailed off as a familiar figure appeared nearby. She squinted her eyes, thinking she was see things or possibly hallucinating.

"And what, Odango?" Mamoru rolled his eyes. "What? Did you…" he too trailed off as an unexpected person made his way into view. Mamoru's heart instantly sped up, ready for a fight.

Usagi's eyes were focused on the sidewalk behind Mamoru as Kunzite made his way toward them, a hard and determined look on his face. 'This is bad', Usagi thought to herself. "Uh, Mamoru, I think you should get out of here. Now," she told her sparring partner, urgency in her voice.

Mamoru barely heard her as he watched Zoicite make his way toward them. He was wearing a cocky scowl as he came up behind Usagi.

"Usagi," Mamoru began, touching her gently on the arm, "you need to run."

"Huh?" she replied, looking at Mamoru with a furrowed brow. It was then that she noticed his gaze was fixed behind her. Usagi turned around slowly, and she was stunned to be met with the cold eyes of Zoicite.

"Don't even think about running," Kunzite commanded.

Mamoru spun toward Kunzite, and he quickly realized they were surrounded.

"What do you want?" Mamoru demanded.

"Simply to talk," Zoicite replied, a permanent smirk on his lips.

Mamoru narrowed his eyes, "I find that hard to believe."

"Well, I'm sure some talking will take place," Zoicite laughed evilly.

"Come with us," Kunzite commanded, grabbing Mamoru by the arm. Mamoru immediately began to struggle, and Kunzite tightened his grip. "Come with us or we will kill the girl along with every other person on this street."

Mamoru stiffened, realizing the general was probably not bluffing. "Fine," he replied, allowing Kunzite to lead him down the street.

Usagi stood frozen, and utterly confused. 'What is going on here?' she asked herself. 'What does the Negaverse want with Mamoru?'

Usagi let out a surprised gasp as Zoicite forcefully took hold of her arm. "You too, blondie."

"Now wait a minute!" Mamoru yelled, stopping in his tracks. "That wasn't part of the deal! Let her go!" Mamoru locked eyes with Usagi, trying to assure her with his gaze that he would protect her. Usagi stared back at him, too confused to decipher the message he was sending her.

Zoicite rolled his eyes. "I don't think so. It's always nice to have some leverage when making negotiations."

"Negotiations?" Mamoru asked.

"Enough chit-chat!" Kunzite growled in annoyance. "Let's go!"

The two generals led Usagi and Mamoru to an abandoned parking lot, conveniently shielded by several large buildings.

Zoicite threw Usagi forward, releasing her as she fell to the pavement. Her knees scraped along the ground, causing immediate injury. Mamoru ran to her side and helped her up. He looked at the blood running down her legs, and he prepared himself for Usagi's inevitable wailing. Surprised when he heard nothing, Mamoru looked at Usagi's face and was met with a hard, angry look. He furrowed his brow and wondered when she had become so brave…

"Now," Kunzite began, "let's get down to business. We have a proposition for you, Mamoru."

Mamoru crossed his arms and positioned himself in front of Usagi. "Proposition?" he asked, somewhat intrigued.

"We have a common goal, Mamoru," Zoicite continued. "You want the Silver Crystal, we want the Silver Crystal. Our chances of obtaining it become much greater if we work together."

Mamoru laughed and rolled his eyes. "Work with YOU? With the Negaverse? Please," he waved a dismissive hand. "Even if I did entertain the thought of joining your side, I am certain you would take the crystal for yourselves once we found it. I need that crystal for my own purposes."

Usagi fought the urge to gasp. 'Mamoru is looking for the silver crystal? Just WHO is he?'

Zoicite raised an eyebrow. "You really are naïve, Mamoru. Do you even realize the power this crystal holds? It is limitless. There is enough power to fulfill your needs as well as ours."

Mamoru shifted uncomfortably. Was the crystal really that powerful? He wanted the crystal to free his princess, to find out about his past. He didn't realize it was so…dangerous.

Usagi stood back, quietly absorbing every word, every detail that was being passed between the two parties.

"Regardless," Mamoru replied, "I work alone. Besides, I don't like to share," he finished with a smirk.

Kunzite growled, his patience wearing thin, and Zoicite put his hand up to silence his partner. A slow sneer formed on Zoicite's lips, and he decided to take a new angle. "Is this about your princess?"

Both Mamoru and Usagi became wide-eyed. They knew about the princess?

Mamoru was taken aback. "How…how—" he stammered.

"Oh please," Zoicite rolled his eyes. "We are not stupid. We know a lot more than you realize, Mamoru. Or should I say, Endymion?"

Mamoru furrowed his brow, "Huh?" Who or what was Endymion? He had no idea.

Usagi on the other hand staggered a bit, a light, dizzy feeling overtaking her. Endymion. That name stirred something within her, but why?

Zoicite straightened, eyebrows raised. "Don't tell me you don't know," Zoicite laughed. "This is too rich!" he giggled.

"Know what?" Mamoru demanded, his curiosity getting the better of him.

"Zoicite," Kunzite bellowed, giving him a stern look. "Now is not the time."

Zoicite pouted, "But—"

"No," Kunzite cut him off. "Leave the revelation of that information to the queen."

Zoicite huffed as he turned back toward Mamoru. "We've attempted to do this civilly, but you are coming with us whether you like it or not."

Mamoru took on a fighting stance. "Like hell I am!" he shouted angrily.

"There's no use in fighting, Mamoru," Kunzite told him. He then turned to Zoicite. "I'll grab Mamoru, you kill the girl," he ordered.

"Got it," Zoicite replied.

"No!" Mamoru cried as Kunzite moved to grab him. Mamoru tried to jump away, but Kunzite easily took hold of his arms, pinning Mamoru to the ground.

Mamoru wriggled and thrashed as he watched Zoicite make a bee-line for Usagi. "Usagi!" he called, eyes wide with panic.

"Mamoru!" she called back, tears filling her eyes as Kunzite crushed his body against the ground. For a moment, Usagi's gaze connected with Mamoru's and she saw genuine fear and worry in his eyes. Did he care for her so much?

Zoicite grabbed Usagi by an arm. "Sorry sweetheart, but this is the end of the line for you."

Mamoru screamed as he struggled against Kunzite, to no avail. "Usagi! No!"

Usagi's heart began to race. She knew what had to be done, secret identity be damned! She took a deep breath, her mind made up. Usagi pushed Zoicite forcefully, knocking him to the ground.

The general looked up at the young girl in shock. "What the…"

"I've had enough of this!" Usagi yelled, deciding she had been quiet long enough. All eyes went to her, and Usagi took in a shaky breath, preparing to reveal her biggest secret.

"Moon Prism Power, Make-up!" she yelled, and in an instant, flashes of light and color surrounded her. When the dust settled, Sailor Moon was standing before them, her hair blowing in the slight breeze. She was fierce and angelic-looking at the same time.

Mamoru stared at the transformed super hero. His brow furrowed as he studied her every detail—the short fuku, the red boots, the glowing tiara, the long flowing hair, the shining blue eyes…Her shining blue eyes.

"Usagi?" Mamoru questioned with a shaky voice.

Usagi locked eyes with Mamoru, but said nothing.

"Oh great," Zoicite sighed sarcastically. "We should've known," he continued, turning to Kunzite. "It's no surprise that Tuxedo Kamen would associate with Sailor Moon off the battlefield as well."

Sailor Moon's head whipped toward Zoicite. Had she heard him right? Tuxedo Kamen? Sailor Moon's eyebrows raised in slow realization as she looked back toward Mamoru. "Tuxedo Kamen?" she whispered.