Stars in a New Sky

Chapter 14: Second Attack

"Again." Nyx's authoritative voice echoed across the training floor.

Mamoru panted, close to collapse. Sweat poured down his face and gathered at the small of his back. His legs burned, a stitch screaming in his side. He'd skipped school to start his training early with Nyx. Since Selene would have her hands full training Usagi, Nyx volunteered to train him. It was easier said than done. While his transformation was relatively simple, learning to harness his power was no mean feat. 

"This is no time for breaks. Your reaction time needs to be much faster than this." Nyx paced around the training circle, her dark eyes regarding him objectively. 

"I know." He panted, straightening. He winced at the bruises forming underneath the formal tuxedo he wore. Nyx was right. He needed to be much faster on his feet. Her training wasn't unlike dodgeball. In the beginning, dodging black orbs had sounded like child's play. It would have been if the orbs didn't have a mind of their own and chased him around the training circle. They administered a small shock every time they connected with a part of his body. He was sure he was going to be covered in welts by the end of this training session. Sighing, he prepared for the next attack.

"It would be easier if you didn't have that cape. Though, I suppose you can't help that." Nyx remarked with a twist of her lips.

Mamoru narrowed his eyes at her. The tuxedo, cape, and top hat weren't exactly what he'd been expecting when he transformed the first time. It just felt familiar. Adjusting the hang of the cape, he flourished his walking stick. It extended to the length of a sword.

Nyx smirked. "I'm just teasing. There's a purpose to your transformation. Once you have your memories back, it will change."

"Change?" He asked, watching her circle the training floor. Nyx had a habit of attacking mid-sentence to catch him off guard.

"Well, yes Tuxedo Mask. You are the incarnation of Prince Endymion. Do you think he went into battle dressed for a ball?" 

A black orb arcing with electricity flickered in the corner of his eye. Mamoru ducked just in time. He rolled across the floor, rising into a crouch. 

"Better." 

"Do we really have a chance to stop Metalia?" He asked, eyes searching the room for any sign of the orb. 

When Nyx didn't immediately reply, he looked in her direction. An impassive expression settled over her features. "I don't know. Much depends on you and the guardians. Especially, your princess."

"Usagi will be fine. She just lacks confidence." He shocked himself with the defensiveness in his voice.

"Really? You think that sweet girl can go up against pure evil and win?"

"Yes." He replied with conviction. This time he could sense the orb's presence just before it collided with his shoulder. He slid to the side and knocked the orb to the ground. He met Nyx's shuttered gaze. "I do."

A smile stretched her lips. "Good. Have faith her. I doubt she has much faith in herself right now."

He nodded and wiped sweat from his brow. The overwhelming fear in Usagi's eyes still haunted him. It almost physically hurt to see her in so much pain. It was as if he could see the past reflected in her eyes. While his memories from his previous life had not completely returned to him, Mamoru was able to piece together fragments from his dreams. How traumatizing was it for a young woman to watch everything she knew burn to the ground...to lose everyone you cared for in this world? It was no wonder Usagi was still afraid even now.

"I think you've earned a break, Mr. Chiba."

Mamoru sighed with relief and lay flat on his back. He stared up into the cavernous ceiling. No one would ever suspect Nyx's training base was located beneath a nondescript laundry mat. He certainly hadn't. The enormous underground space comprised a large training circle - of which he'd become quite familiar - an elaborate obstacle course, and an ominous set of dummies leaning in a darkened corner of the room. Near the elevator they had taken down to the space was a complex computer station.