Makaiju
The Promise of the Rose
Chapter 1
Hero Hearts

February 3

Hero Hearts
An Editorial by: Tsukino Kenji

From the moment Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Kamen first appeared on September 2 of last year, the public has been fascinated by them. In their first recorded sighting, by Osaka Naru, who endured a Youma attack at her mother's OSA-P Jewelry store, the two began working as a team. For a short time, through several dozen attacks in fact, the two work in conjunction with each other. It was several weeks before the next Senshi, Sailor Mercury appeared on scene.

There are multiple fan sites, including YouTube channels, sighting spotter channels, and speculative chat rooms regarding the two. In fact, in October of last year the Sailor Senshi Hour began. It runs every Sunday evening and gives news updates on current Senshi events, and in some cases have been contacted by the police, or even the Senshi themselves in order to distribute information.

While it seems everyone has a favorite Senshi, it is the romance between Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Kamen that has garnered the most attention. From photographs and videos to eyewitness accounts, this story has been told and retold many times. Many stories have been told about the couple, and there is even talk of a movie to be filmed here in Tokyo sometime in the next year. Why is this couple so fascinating to us?

Some love stories are timeless. We've all heard of Romeo and Juliet, Antony and Cleopatra, and Paris and Helen. But it seems most of the more famous love stories have tragic ends. Something prevents them from being together. Happier love stories, such as we see in Disney and other children's tales are more rare. Lady and the Tramp, or Carl and Ellie from the movie Up, Cinderella and her Prince Charming, give us examples of love that defeats those boundaries.

Thankfully it seems our favorite Japanese couple has defeated them as well. From video and photographic evidence it is clear that in the beginning none of the Senshi, except Sailor Moon trusted Tuxedo Kamen, or wanted him in their Midst. It could have been the end of the romance before it began. Perhaps because of determination and love, or more likely because of communication and the sheer number of times Tuxedo Kamen helped Sailor Moon she was not willing to give up on the one she cared so much for.

This was made even more clear when Tuxedo Kamen was taken. He was missing only a short time, but there are hundreds of eye witness reports of Sailor Moon searching the city for Youma during that time, day and night, for any hope of finding her love. Though none know how he was eventually rescued, we know the pair was much closer after that time apart.

When Sailor Moon was similarly taken some months later all witnessed the reaction of Tuxedo Kamen, who is linked to our planet. The rain, the wind, even the earth itself showed his grief. And not only here in Japan. Throughout the world storms rose in that moment of pain and grief. Our heroine was not a damsel in distress thankfully and was able to rescue herself, retuning late in the night after only fourteen hours of captivity.

Speculation on the nature of their relationship had been great for some time, and it is clear the young couple is probably married and have children on the way. Their story touches our hearts as the truest romance of our time. Tuxedo Kamen would brave anything to be with her, to protect her from harm. Sailor Moon seems able to reach him where no one else can. A true give and take of a relationship that I hope will last a very long time.

Usagi put the paper down, tears streaming down her face. Her father's editorial was one of the most beautiful things she'd ever heard. Mamoru heard her sniffling as he came in with breakfast. As he ate his food she made him read the article. His own eyes were filled with moisture.

"That was incredible," he said quietly.

Usagi nodded her head. "Wonderful," she added, wiping at a few stray tears.

Mamoru pulled her into his lap and hugged her tight. "I love you," he whispered, kissing her cheek.

"I love you too," she pressed her mouth to his. For a long time they sat there, the remains of their breakfast over the table, just held in each other's arms.

"We should do something nice for him, and for your mother," Mamoru said at length.

"We should. But for now, you have school, and Ami will be here soon." Usagi paused. "I miss school. I wish I could go for a little each day."

"Maybe you can." Mamoru frowned. "As long as the babies behave themselves that is. They don't seem to be making a spectacle of themselves as much now."

"I wouldn't be able to handle whole days though," Usagi sighed. "I don't think Doctor Mizuno would let me either.

There was a knock on the door. Mamoru checked the time and helped Usagi up. He opened the door for Ami and Zoicite and rushed to grab his school things.

"Come and see this Ami!" Usagi squealed and showed her the article. Zoicite read over her shoulders and the two grinned.

"He has a way with words doesn't he? Lady and the Tramp. I like that!" Zoicite said, laughing. "Hey, Tramp," he yelled to Mamoru, "hurry up!"

February 5

"All right ladies," Doctor Mizuno smiled, "come on in."

Usagi, Setsuna, and Rei all moved into their clinic area. Ami had set it up with the latest equipment and one room had been turned into a maternity area. Since there were now three who were pregnant in the group, Doctor Mizuno had decided to do their appointments twice a month on Wednesday evenings. This was the first time she was doing them in their own center, and Usagi was thrilled it's first real use was something positive.

"Are you going to go vampire on us like you did Usagi?" Rei asked with a grin.

Doctor Mizuno laughed. Her blue hair was only slightly longer than Ami's and as the two stood close together their resemblance was uncanny. "Ami will do it today actually," she said, and put an arm around her daughter.

"She's very good," Usagi said when Rei blanched. "it never hurts when she does my IV's."

"But, it's not even official yet," Rei whined. "I haven't even missed my period."

"It's official alright," Ami said, holding up the Mercury computer. "Your body is already starting to change."

Rei frowned at her, but kept quiet. Usagi moved forward to go first, since she was used to being poked and prodded already. Doctor Mizuno pointed her to the scale before anything else.

"Usagi, you've gained two pounds!" Ami said excitedly. She was almost bouncing in excitement.

Usagi grinned. She just hoped she could continue to gain weight. She did feel better since the Dark Moon Clan had been defeated, and though it had only been a few days, she thought the babies felt better too. She could sense them, like she could with Mamoru, though not quite the same way.

"This is awesome!" She said a moment later, and wanted to bounce herself.

"Alright, Setsuna, lets get your starting weight, then Rei."

Doctor Mizuno handed Usagi a plastic cup and she frowned as she went into the little bathroom. While she was getting used to the visits, they were never exactly easy. She'd had no idea so much went into pregnancy care. Ami seemed content to help. Usagi wondered if maybe her friend wasn't destined for a career as an OBGYN. It would suit her to help care for new life.

When everything was done, Usagi sat with Doctor Mizuno and Mamoru, who had come home towards the end of the appointment.

"Usagi really misses school," he told the doctor. "We thought perhaps a few hours a week she might attend, in the mornings, and then she could come home for the afternoon."

February 6

The coffee cup warmed his hands. The morning seemed colder than they'd had in a while. He smiled over at Motoki who was rushing around a bit wildly trying to get ready. It seemed to be one of those morning where one thing after another went wrong for his friend. He'd had many in the past, though thankfully, other than a few Cardian attacks the last few days had been mercifully quiet.

He checked his communicator, worried that the thought would be enough to spike some sort of new activity. That was the last thing they needed. Usagi finally seemed to be better, and was actually gaining weight, and not just in her belly, thankfully. There were no leftover droids. Rei and Jadeite had come back happy and closer than ever. It had just been a lovely few days.

They'd gotten Saphir and the sisters settled down to run a cosmetics shop. The idea had been sparked by one of the droid attacks apparently, and the sisters were all over the idea. It would take a bit of time for set up, but they were certainly up to the task. Even Saphir seemed excited about the project. Probably because Petz was happy with the idea.

"Sorry about that," Motoki muttered. "Unazuki and I are all over the place since our parents left. I completely forgot to put someone on the schedule!" He huffed and ran a finger through his golden locks.

"How long are they going to be gone this time?" Mamoru asked.

"They don't know. They've got two restaurants now, and the third will open soon. They're already talking about me getting this place and Unazuki getting the Fruit Parlor. I guess it's all set for the day we each turn twenty."

"Does this mean they're going to move there permanently?"

"Everything changes," Motoki said with a shrug.

They made their way toward the high school together, walking quicker than they normally would. He rarely got time with just himself and his best friend anymore, and he wanted to enjoy it. He hoped that with one set of their enemies gone there would be more time for the things he wanted to do.

The sound of running footsteps could be heard and then a younger teen girl with reddish-brown hair suddenly latched onto his arm. He turned to look down at her, shocked and pulled his arm away, only to have it grabbed again.

"Let go of me!" he growled. Instead the girl clung harder. She was around Usagi's age, he thought. It took a moment for him to place her. She was Seijouru's sister. The one who had been so rude to his Usako. "I said let go!" this time he yelled it and snatched his arm away.

Motoki turned on her. "That is highly improper!" he scolded.

"Oh go away!" the girl muttered. "I just want to spend time with Mamoru-sempai."

"Stay away from me. I recognize you and I don't want to be anywhere near you. You upset my Usagi and your brother wouldn't leave her alone. Go away!"

The girl frowned, but took a step closer to him. "I just want to be near you. I'm better than that stupid Usagi-baka!" She huffed. "I'm smarter and I didn't go and get myself knocked up like some moron!"

Mamoru had to fight not to lose control at her words. He gave Motoki a look and took off, leaving his friend holding onto the girl as tightly as he could to give him time to get away before he severely hurt the stupid girl.

::Mamo-chan? What's wrong? Are you okay?:: Usagi's voice came into his mind.

::Usako, I'm not going to school today. I need you.::

::Do you want me to meet you somewhere?:: she asked, concern evident in her voice.

::No, I'm coming home. I'm not fit to be around people right now.::

::Do you want me to send Ami-chan to school?::

::She's not people, she's family.:: Mamoru insisted, feeling guilty.

There was a brief pause, and he entered an ally nearby, double checking to make sure no one was close before he teleported into their living room. Instantly Usagi's arms came around him and he knelt at her feet, shaking in a mixture of rage and pain. The memories were too clear, the hurt too fresh.

His little Usako hadn't gone and gotten herself knocked up. He'd been forced to hurt her in the worst way, and she was still suffering from it. She had nightmares and panic attacks, and had a hard time being alone. He clung to her tightly, just needing her presence. He felt a little kick against his face where he had it pressed against her stomach.

"What happened Mamo-chan?" she asked.

His voice broke as he told her what had happened. He felt her shiver in response to the hurtful words. As much as he wanted to spare her, if she did intend to go back to school, she had to be prepared. Part of him wished she wouldn't. He didn't want her exposed to someone like that girl.

"Natsume can be vicious," she said after a while. "But Mamo-chan, you have to know, pretty much everyone in our little area knows our story and would back either of us up. I mean, yeah, Tokyo's a big place, and even the Minato ward is large, but in the Azabu-Juuban area, everyone knows us. They care about us."

Mamoru nodded his head, but he was still worried. She moved then, and knelt in front of him. "It's okay," she whispered and kissed him. His knees were beginning to hurt, and he knew hers wouldn't do well either, so he stood and lifted her into his arms before sitting on the couch.

"I'm sorry I lost it. She just grabbed me like she had the right to do it, and then what she said..." Mamoru frowned. "I knew there was no way I could control myself. Not today."

"It's okay. We're both here. Both safe." Usagi soothed.

He kissed her again, then remembered Ami's presence and pulled back, resting his head on the back of the couch. Usagi held him tightly for a long minute, then straddled his lap.

"Ami went to school Mamo-chan," she whispered. His eyes opened wide and he stared at her for a long minute before capturing her mouth in a gentle kiss. Today he needed gentle and sweet with her.

"Come to bed with me?" he asked. She nodded and climbed off his lap, offering her hand.

He stood and picked her up. He'd always enjoyed carrying her. It felt intimate somehow. Even back in the days when it had been only a way to save her life it had always made him feel as though part of her was his, and part of him was hers. He kissed her and carried her to their bedroom with her nuzzling into his neck, peppering him with sweet little kisses.

He sat her on the edge of the bed. She was wearing a simple dress and he lifted it over her head in a single sweep and bent to kiss her again as his hands went around her and with a flick he unsnapped her bra. He grinned and licked her bottom lip. When she opened for him he explored, tasted, and savored her. He quickly removed his own clothing and pressed her back into the bed.

"I want to touch you," he whispered, and let his hands roam over her. As the pregnancy progressed her body was changing. She had a noticeable bulge now and he ran his hands over it and then up to touch her breasts. They had grown as well. Her nipples were more responsive than ever and a single touch made them harden and pebble, and caused her to moan for him. He closed his mouth over one, his hand going to the other.

"Mamo-chan," she whimpered.

He knew what she wanted, but he intended to make her wait just a little longer. He moved down her body and gently removed her underwear, tossing them to the side and pressing his nose into the little blonde curls on her mound. He loved the smell of her, but he enjoyed her sweet taste more. He spread her open with his fingers and ran his tongue up through her slit, lapping at her juices before flicking her hardened pearl with his tongue.

She moaned, her hips lifting in ecstasy. He nipped at her gently, then suckled her while he pressed a finger inside. Another side effect of the pregnancy was her libido, which over the past few weeks had gone haywire, so that he only had to enter the room for her to want him. Right now it meant that she was ready almost instantly.

"I want it to be together Mamo-chan," she murmured.

He kissed his way up over her body, stopping to torture her nipples just a bit before he kissed her and guided himself home. They both moaned as he slipped inside, her tight channel clinging to him, squeezing him as he pressed deeper. When he was fully sheathed inside her he broke the kiss to nuzzle at her neck and give little gentle love bites, which always seemed to heighten her pleasure. She bucked her hips under him and he groaned, wanting to hold on and make the moment special for them both.

"I love you Usako," he said as he pulled back.

"I love you too Mamo-chan," she whispered, then moaned again as he slid deep.

Their bodies moved together in perfect harmony. Through the Soul-Bond he could feel her every need, her passion, her love for him. His own transferred back to her, heightening both their pleasure. He stayed slow and gentle, being careful to hit all the right places inside her. She moaned and thrashed as her orgasm drew near and he smiled and kissed her as her mouth began to open in a scream for him. Her pulsating walls clenching over him drew out his own orgasm until they were both groaning together.

He rolled to the side, careful not to collapse on her. Then he sighed and helped her turn so he could hold her. That was important to them both. Always remembering that what they had was a connection. It was far more than sex. It was sharing themselves with each other. His eyes drifted closed, one hand over her belly, and he slipped into a dreamless sleep.

February 8

"I think you can handle it Usako." Mamoru said. "But I also worry that the babies will give you away. Especially with that..." he couldn't remember the girl's actually name, but several unpleasant ones came to mind.

"I worry too, but... " she paused. He wondered what was on her mind. "You know after the babies are born I'm going to be trapped in the apartment a lot. At least for the first month or two. I just want to have a chance to be a normal teenager, even if it's only for school."

Mamoru smiled. "Usako, you are anything but normal, but I see your point. Just don't get annoyed with me if I'm always checking up on you."

"Mamo-chan," she smiled. "If you didn't check on me, I'd be annoyed. But I can't be annoyed that you love me and the babies and want to keep us safe and happy and protected." She giggled as he nuzzled her neck.

"If this is what you want, you have my complete support." Mamoru said.

Behind them on the couch came a huffing sound. "Well I for one, think it's safer if she stays home," Luna said. "Besides," she blushed as both of them stared at her, "I'll miss you."

Usagi rushed over and picked up the little black cat. "Luna-chan!" she hugged her, "I'll miss you too. But it will only be a few hours at a time. I'll come home at lunch."

Luna purred a bit and snuggled closer. She'd been much more affectionate recently, and it was slightly worrying to Mamoru.

"Luna, have you gained weight?" Usagi asked.

There was a huff of annoyance, and then he could tell Usagi was feeling around on her.

"LUNA!" Usagi's tone was slightly shocked, but also happy and Mamoru guessed what she was about to say.

"What?" Luna asked, staring up at Usagi. "What is it."

"You're going to have kittens!" Usagi said pressing one hand to the cat's belly.

Seijouru sat quietly as the teacher stood for her announcement.

"Next week, Chiba Usagi will be rejoining us, only for the mornings, for a few days each week. She is feeling better and her doctor assures me that as long as people don't crowd her she should be okay. But, I want all of you to give her some distance and let her approach you."

Haruna-sensei paused and looked over to him and Natsume. He gave her a brief nod. He fully intended to give Usagi some space, for at least an hour or so. Maybe. He could just picture himself holding her hand. Anything to be near her. She was the best person he'd ever met. And considering he'd been to several dozen planets with human or humanoid life-forms, he was a good one to judge.

"Usagi-chan does not need a lot of stress or things upsetting her. I expect all of you to behave accordingly. Do I make myself clear?"

The class chorused a yes, but Seijouru was looking over at Natsume. She not only didn't say yes, she was muttering evil things about Usagi. He gave her a look and she bit her lip. He could play it off later as concern for their identities, but if only to himself, he could admit he was angry with her. He cared about Usagi. Wanted to be with her. Natsume seemed to want the same with Mamoru.

If he was expected to behave and allow her to hang all over him, than she should be expected to do the same.