Author's Note: In Japan, schools are mandatory attendance until one finishes middle school and enters tenth grade. Yes, middle school is 7th, 8th, and 9th. Also, most schools are attended 6 days per week, except the occasional private school.

Sanctuary
A Christmas Story
Chapter Seven

***Usagi's POV***

The alarm blared. Usagi, for once, was already up. They'd all been awake a bit early that morning. She and Mamoru had talked about the dream they'd shared the night before while she quickly showered.

She was downstairs now, preparing lunches for herself and her Mamo-chan. She gave a cheeky grin at the thought. Two bottles were warming in the pan on the stove, and she was trying to finish making their breakfast without burning it, or losing track of anything else.

How did her mother do it?

She knew Mamoru had just finished his shower and was getting dressed. They'd been feeling and sensing more and more of each other since the day before, and it was amanzing.

:: Usako? Where are you? :: Mamoru's voice echoed in her head.

:: Downstairs trying to get everything ready to go. Is Haruki up yet? ::

:: In the shower. ::

They had to leave the house as early as possible if Haruki was going to the command center. He needed to be there, just in case someone was found, or in case a Cardian attacked while she and Mamoru were both in school. Someone would have to watch the babies while he took care of it until they could arrive. Who better than a couple of guardian cats who could, if the need arose, become human for a short time.

The diaper bag was packed and ready, hidden under the stroller in a handy basket. So she turned off the stove and went back up the stairs. Mamoru was already changing Chibi-Mamo, and Chibi-Usa was waving her little hands, babbling to herself and holding what looked like a plastic set of keys.

Usagi scooped her up and held her close. She couldn't help loving the little ones. She made quick work of changing the diaper and putting her into a pair of tiny pink jeans and an adorable little pink sweater. Mamoru had dressed Chibi-Mamo in blue jeans and a blue sweater. She'd never been more thankful that her mother was impatient for grandchildren and had kept all their baby things.

Mamoru put Chibi-Mamo down for a moment and then took Chibi-Usa and laid her beside her brother before he took ahold of Usagi and kissed her thoroughly. She nearly swooned at the depth of the kiss. The way his tongue tangled with hers, the way he nipped at her lower lip, the way he groaned into her as he held her tight. Perfect.

When he finally released her both of them were panting from the lack of oxygen, and Usagi wondered if her brain had fallen out of her head. She grinned up at him, feeling more happy and content than she had ever been in her life. She only wished she could stay home from school and make love to him all day.

The feelings coming through the Soul-Bond told her he felt the same.

The world seemed bright again. It was hard to believe only two days ago she had been miserable and lonely. Hollering for Haruki to hurry up, she carried Chibi-Mamo down the stairs, Mamoru just behind her with Chibi-Usa. The pink haired twin was gurgling happily. She had everything ready for the three of them to eat while the twins guzzled their morning bottles.

"I feel like someone is missing," Haruki said, by way of greeting, as he came into the kitchen and hugged her. He slapped Mamoru gently on the back of his shoulder and picked up the cup of coffee Usagi sat in front of him. His looked much lighter than Mamoru's as he took extra cream and sugar. Mamoru drank his coffee black, with a few stolen teaspoons of Usagi's hot chocolate to add a touch of flavor.

"I know the feeling," Mamoru said, staring at Usagi. "We'll find Sets for you, don't worry."

"Sets?" Haruki wore a look of confusion and Usagi realized he didn't have his memories. She wanted to help him, but at the same time she was concerned that he would feel pressured if she did. Or sad. Or that he would fall in love with the memory of a woman long dead.

She sighed and shook her head. "Your soulmate, Setsuna, is out there too," she said. "You'll know her when you're ready," she added when he frowned. "Until then, I think its best to let you wonder."

"I want to know," he said, sounding for all the world like a petulant three year old.

Usagi sighed and swallowed a bite of miso soup. "Haruki, do you want to be liked or loved for who you were in your last life, or for who you are in this one?"

With a new look of understanding Haruki nodded. "I get your point. I need to decide for myself if I love her, not just be reminded of how I felt in another life."

"Exactly."

"So where are Artemis and Luna? Did they already leave?"

Usagi couldn't help the giggle. "They never came back last night. Artemis is ready to tear the world apart looking for Kunzite I bet. He wants Minako back as much as I do. I want my friends," she added, her voice now a whisper.

Mamoru put down his spoon and pulled her into his lap. "We'll get them back. Who knows, they might be getting flashes like I was."

"Then why didn't they want to talk to me anymore?" Usagi had to ask, unable to hide the small sob that caught in her throat.

"Maybe it was too much too soon," Mamoru said. "Remember, at first I was a bit cross with you too. I'm sure they'll come around."

They finished breakfast and Haruki rinsed the dishes while she and Mamoru secured the babies in the stroller and made sure they had everything they needed. She nearly forgot her school bag, and was thankful she hadn't had any homework.

"Crap, Usako, go back in and use the Luna pen," Mamoru said, just after she closed the door.

Usagi gasped. She'd forgotten to add the visible bruises and cuts back to her face, arms, and legs. She stood just inside the door. "Luna pen, make it look like my injuries from the other day have been healing for three days," she begged. She knew other people couldn't realize how quickly she healed or they would begin to ask questions.

She hurried back out the door and pushed the stroller while Mamoru and Haruki walked to either side of her. She knew they were subtly checking in every direction to make sure no one was coming after the children. She herself was aware of every sound and movement around all of them, but she had much to explain.

"So I want to tell you about Central Control," Usagi started.

This was a secret she had never shared with Tuxedo Kamen, or with Mamoru, as he had been taken before she could tell him much of anything. And then his memories had been gone. But now, as she pushed the stroller Motoki had brought over, she spoke to him and Haruki both.

"It is a complete command center. The computer system is linked to the Mercury computer, as well as the communicators for all of us girls. Unfortunately right now the Mercury computer and the other communicators are off, but Artemis said he would make sure you both had yours this morning."

Mamoru was nodding, but Haruki looked a little confused. Usagi sighed. She wasn't explaining it very well. Thankfully Artemis and Luna would be at Central and they could talk to him throughout the day, making sure he understood everything.

"Anyways, Central is a location where we can track Youma or Cardian activity, trace anything we need, and has the ability to link with any of the satellites around the world, which is a secret of course. It also has some incredibly ancient books in Lunarian, Martian, Venusian, and all sorts of other languages."

Usagi pressed her foot to the bar at the bottom of the stroller to help it lift over a curb. When it was up she checked on the babies, who were both sleeping again, lulled by the constant motion. She'd thrown a blanket over the stroller to block out the sun and the wind, keeping them warm, though she and Mamoru had put on their outer jackets before leaving.

"Motoki knows about it now, so he can come down and check on you if there is a break, but very few people can get inside. The entrance is through the Sailor V game. Once a person has access the glamour covers them so no one can remember they just saw someone disappear. So going in and out isn't a problem, though there is a back exit, in case of emergency."

Haruki and Mamoru were both nodding as she spoke. They all continued to watch their surroundings carefully, and then they were in front of the arcade and Mamoru was pulling the door open. She pushed the stroller inside and a moment later she was being hugged by a happy Motoki. She showed the three teenagers how to get into Central, and they were all welcomed by Artemis and Luna.

"Here," Artemis said, using one paw to push several items forward. "Usagi, you have an upgraded communicator as well as a new mini-computer that will help you assess enemy tactics and plan battle strategy. It also has several training programs."

Artemis turned to Mamoru next. "This is your communicator, which is upgraded, like Usagi's. As the leader of the Shitennou, you also have a mini-computer like hers, but yours also has full medical texts. Her extras are different than yours in that it is all psychology related."

Finally he turned to Haruki. "This is your computer. You are the leader of the Hogosha and have a listing of their capabilities as well as battle strategies and training material. Your computer will also begin to teach you the rights and customs of other planets and basic diplomacy. Your communicator is also upgraded."

"Upgraded how?" Haruki asked. "I just got it."

Luna sighed. "Usagi started a new program of police and first responder communication because she was the only one on scene and had no real first aid skills. She brought a communicator to the police department so they can contact us or we can contact them. There are two officers and the police chief with access and we now have open communication about any and all battles so they know where and how to respond. They're learning quickly. Your communicators also have the ability to broadcast to the others, as you are the leaders of each group. Finally, you can use them to broadcast emergency alerts to television, radio, and billboards."

"Wow," Mamoru said, sounding stunned "you did all of that in just a few short weeks?"

Usagi couldn't help the blush that spread over her face. "I was having trouble. I couldn't stay on scene because the media was getting in my face, but I felt bad leaving if I didn't know people were being cared for. Now I send out an alert as soon as I know there is an attack, another to give them the location, and a final to tell them its clear for first responders."

"That's amazing Usagi," Haruki said, as Mamoru hugged her and grinned.

"We really are proud of her," Luna said and Artemis nodded. "But you do need to get to school," she added, checking the time.

"On our way. Thanks Luna," Usagi said, and gave the cat a quick hug. She kissed both the babies, noticing Mamoru did the same, and then she and Mamoru had to leave Haruki and the twins behind.

It was difficult to leave without the babies, and she knew when they eventually went home it would break her heart. Mamoru held her close for a long moment when they exited the Crown, rubbing her back gently as she rested her head on his shoulder, trying to hold back tears. He could feel her sadness, she knew, and she could feel his as well.

***Mamoru's POV***

Mamoru could still feel Usagi's distress. He held her hand as they walked to her school, and gave her an occassional brief squeeze of the fingers to remind her she wasn't alone. He hated the thought of separating from her even for a a few hours, but school was necessary, and mandatory unless there was a very good reason.

He didn't want to leave her for the day however, and wished his school wasn't an all boys school. He was thankful that Azabu held grades from seventh through twelfth. It hadn't been difficult to transition for him, but he knew next year Usagi would be going to a different school for highschool, and he wondered how she felt about it.

He didn't want to interrupt her thoughts however, as he could tell she was thinking about something serious. Her mind felt focused. He was reminded of the way the string of a bow felt when an arrow was nocked, ready to be loosed. It was as though she was completely focused, aimed on a specific goal.

:: We're going to find them. :: Her voice in his head was serious. :: I won't let the girls down. Or you. Or Artemis. ::

:: What about you? :: He could tell her heart was aching.

:: Making all of you happy and bringing you all back to me will make me happy. I don't want to be alone anymore. ::

She sounded so sad in his head that he pulled her to a stop and wrapped his arms around her. She was still thinking about letting the babies go back to the future, and about the time when she had been alone, and all the things she had missed out on when her own memories had been missing.

:: I love you Usako. We'll get through all of this together. ::

She looked up at him and smiled. :: I love you too Mamo-chan. ::

He bent and kissed her, wishing that he could rush her back to his apartment and do much more. But they were in front of her school now, and he had to let her go or she would be late. They embraced for another moment, and then he let her go, watching as she made her way inside the building.

He wanted to laugh, and wondered what her teacher's face would look like when she showed up early. He had just turned away, whistling, when Seijoru appeared in front of him and glared. His sister was a step behind, giving him longing glances that made Mamoru feel like he needed a shower.

"Why were you with Usagi?" Seijrou demanded.

Mamoru cocked his head, wondering how this boy had gotten so arrogant, and so rude. Society dictated manners, and that the needs of others were of high value. As much as he wanted to punch the boy, he refrained.

"Because she's my girlfriend and I was walking her to school," he answered, feeling rather possessive.

"Girlfriend?" Natsume said, and gave a harsh laugh. "That… thing… is your girlfriend?" She moved closer to him and tried to put a hand on his arm. He automatically stepped away from her. "How about you date me instead?"

Mamoru shuddered. "Don't insult her," he said, frustrated and angry.

"Stay away from Usagi," Seijoru said angrily. "She's mine!"

Mamoru felt rage overwhelm him. "No," he told the boy in a calm, deadly voice. "Usako is mine, and if you go near her again, you'll have to deal with me." A loud rumble sounded over them, and there was a flash as lightning struck a nearby tree. Both other teens flinched as it split with crackling sounds before splitting partially down the center.

They looked over at the tree and then back at him. He watched as Seijoru squared his shoulders. Then the school bell rang and both of them took off at a run, forgetting the argument. He wished the kid would have stayed to fight. He wouldn't have minded putting him in his place.

:: What happened? :: Usagi asked, and he could tell she knew he was murderously angry.

:: Those two weirdo's. :: He explained what had happened, and his reaction.

:: I'm only yours forever Mamo-chan. You have to control your temper. ::

Mamoru's anger cooled and he felt a brief moment of guilt for his strong reaction. He shrugged it away as he hurried to his own school. Usagi was his. Only his. He was hers. Only hers. He wouldn't allow a couple pesky teenagers to interfere.

***Haruki's POV***

Haruki put Chibi-Usa back in the stroller and handed her a bottle before grabbing her brother. Managing twins was difficult. He had changed her already and now had to change the purple-haired twin, who was staring up at him with one eyebrow arched. It looked like the baby was wondering what was taking him so long.

He couldn't help laughing.

Artemis and Luna were rushing back and forth over the different monitors, using several search programs to locate the missing men. Meanwhile Haruki was dealing with the twins, and trying to learn about his own position. He finished changing Chibi-Mamo and put him in the stroller next to his sister, with a bottle of his own before opening his computer again.

He hadn't been aware that he was supposed to take a leadership role. For now, the only other Hogosha was Shingo, but apparently he also had the responsibility of being a liason for any aliens who came to their solar system. It had to do with his being the guardian of the sun.

It was interesting to learn about not only the abilities, but the responsibilities of all the other guardians of the solar system. The Inner Senshi were the Princess' guard and responsible for protecting the Earth and the Moon, while the Outers were responsible for protecting the Solar System from outside attack. The Shitennou were the Prince's guard, but were also responsible for the four sections of the planet.

More than that though, there were different roles even within the other groups, and different tasks for all of them. For instance, Shingo, who was not yet fully awakened according to the readings on his mini-computer, was responsible for the Lists of Life and maintaining the records of the lives and deaths of people within the solar system.

Sailor Pluto, who was his soulmate, was responsible for guarding the Gates of Time, to make sure nothing too horrible was done. Time could in fact be altered, but there were limits, and each alteration could cause an alternate timeline if the impact was big enough.

Sailors Pluto, Neptune, and Uranus, were also responsible for the three parts of the Holy Grail, a magical item said to contain extraordinary power, and which had the ability to wake Sailor Saturn to her true purpose, which was destruction and rebirth.

There was so much more information on all of them. It was an amazing thing to learn some of the tasks they were responsible for. But none had more responsibility than his young cousin and her Soul-Bonded. Soon they would have to take up the mantle of King and Queen, and be the ultimate protectors of the people on Earth, the Moon, and any other planets that became inhabited again. Both the prince and princess had a group of four protectors, their own personal Gādo. And even more interesting that both Minako and Kunzite could, in very rare cases, even overrule Usagi and Mamoru.

"I think I've got something," Luna said excitedly.

Haruki was busy burping Chibi-Mamo, but he wanted to rush over and look. Chibi-Usa was already asleep again, having been worn down by fresh air and by playing while laying on a blanket for a short time. Now that her diaper was fresh and her little tummy full she was out like a light, and her brother was drooping and ready to join her in slumber,

"What is it?"

Artemis sounded hopeful and Haruki wished he would get his Christmas wish. He wanted his charge back, wanted to be in her life again. After seeing the affection between Luna and Usagi, he understood why.

"I think all four of them resumed the identities they had before being taken. They were all in the same orphanage as Mamoru." Luna paced as she continued to explain. "Several years ago, they all went missing. Then one afternoon, a few months ago, they were all found in the dormitory, sleeping. None of them were able to say where they had been, or who had taken them."

Haruki settled a now snoozing Chibi-Mamo next to his sister. And walked over. Luna was rapidly scanning through notes from the orphanage, as well as an updated police report.

"They thought the boys were all runaways. But according to one of the nuns, none of them ever showed any inclination that they wanted to run away. They now think perhaps something horrible happened to them and they blocked the painful memory. I guess you could say something horrible did happen to them." Luna sounded sad.

"Where are they now?" Artemis asked.

"They've left the orphanage and are under guardianship. They live together in a four bedroom apartment close to the Crown!" Luna's eyes were wide. "They're all in a public high school just a block from the school Usagi attends."

"Oh my goodness!" Artemis almost shouted.

Haruki glanced at the babies, worried the excited felines would wake them. Then looked back to the screen and saw a detail Luna had failed to mention.

"I didn't know they were Mamoru's cousins."

The cat laughed. "They aren't. I just changed that. I want a good reason for Mamoru to approach them. If only Ami were here. She could have this done so much faster. I wish I could type like that girl."

"If you want, I can help," Haruki said, looking over her shoulder. She was rather slow, having only paws to work with. But the words seemed to flow rapidly on the screen.

"I'm just about done," Luna said. "I'm linking their finances to what we have for Usagi and Mamoru."

"Wait. What about Usagi and Mamoru?" Haruki asked curiously.

"Technically they have the wealth of the Moon and Terran kingdoms," Artemis explained. "Mamoru has wealth from when his parents passed away, and Usagi a small inheritance from her father's mother. You, Usagi, and Shingo also have an inheritance from your maternal family."

"I didn't know that," Haruki said, feeling a little stunned.

"Well, we found out last night, and now we have some things set up for all of you. We also found the Outers, including your soulmate, but that was much easier since Usagi unlocked our memories a long time ago." Luna finished her task and sat down to look at Haruki.

"You found Setsuna?" he asked quietly, feeling a bit nervous.

Luna nodded. "Just don't push her too quickly. Like the others her memory is suppressed. It's available to her now. To all of them except Shingo and Hotaru, who are only in the beginning stages of puberty. But usually there has to be a trigger for the memories. Sometimes it's as simple as meeting each other, though it wasn't that easy for our girls or Mamoru."

"So, where is she?" Haruki asked.

***Usagi's POV***

Usagi sat quietly in her seat, her mind unable to focus on the English text she was supposed to be translating. English was not her best subject. Thankfully it was no longer her worst. That honor went to math. But with English so many of the words sounded the same but meant different things.

She looked down at her paper, thinking about it. One of the examples was to, too, and two. She knew two was a number. That one was easy, and she wrote the answer quickly. If she remembered right, too meant also. And to, she thought, meant getting somewhere, a point or a place.

She wrote the answers in and moved to the next problem. Before she could even finish reading however, she was shoved, hard, from behind. Her face hit the desk hard, causing her to cry out involuntarily.

"Ow!" She nearly fell out of her chair as she scrambled out of the desk. "What did you do that for?" she asked, glaring at Natsume.

"Do what for?" The brown haired girl put on an innocent look that didn't fool Usagi one bit.

"Why did you push me?" she asked, her voice rising in anger. "What have I ever done to you?" She couldn't hide the edge of tears in her voice.

This girl had been horrible to her from the moment they'd met, and it was only getting worse. She didn't know what to do to make it stop. But no one ever stepped in and helped her. No one stopped the bullying. And Usagi couldn't fight back. Not because she was weak or incapable, but because if she used her strength she could seriously hurt someone. Or be discovered.

"You breathed," Natsume said, viciously. "You stole them from me!"

"Stole what? I don't have anything," Usagi asked, confused. "Just leave me alone!"

"What's going on?" Haruna-sensei asked. "Why did you push Usagi?" She hadn't realized her teacher saw what had happened.

"Because she's horrible," Natsume said in a harsh voice.

:: Usako? Are you alright? ::

Usagi almost spoke out loud without thinking. :: I'm okay. Natsume is being mean again. ::

:: Is that why your head hurts all of a sudden? :: Mamoru sounded angry.

:: Yeah. But I think my teacher can handle it. ::

Haruna-sensei was busy talking to Natsume, and telling her physical violence was never the answer. It was obvious the girl wasn't listening though. She had her arms crossed over her chest and her head turned away with both eyes closed haughtily.

"Detention Natsume," Haruna-sensei said in a quiet, but firm voice. "Usagi, move your things and come sit up front near me," she added.

Thankful for the intervention, she grabbed her papers and moved forward to the empty chair in the front row. She was tired of all the abuse from Natsume. The girl was a bully. She was so used to getting her own way that when she didn't she turned on anyone she thought stopped her. And lately, that was always Usagi.

Haruna-sensei stopped next to her new desk. "I saw her the other day," she said. "When she tripped you. You should have come to me."

"Gomen sensei," Usagi said quietly. It honestly hadn't occurred to her to ask for help.

"In the future, come to me, and I will report it," Haruna-sensei said, and Usagi nodded, tears springing to her eyes in gratitude.

When school was over for the day, Mamoru was waiting for her at the gate. Usagi hurried to him, and he wrapped his arms tightly around her.

"What happened in there?" he asked. Usagi explained and he nodded sympathetically. "Well I'm glad your teacher can help you," he said after a long pause.

They made the short walk to the Crown, where Haruki was sitting at a booth with the twins in their stroller beside him. Usagi rushed to them, very excited to see them again. Already she knew she would miss them terribly when they left.

She picked up Chibi-Mamo and cuddled and kissed him before handing him over to Mamoru so she could pick up Chibi-Usa. The little pink-haired baby grinned up at her, waving her hands excitedly.

She picked the infant up and cuddled her close, running one hand over her silky hair. It was still very short, just a cap of pink hair, slightly curled at the ends. The baby gurgled happily as Usagi held her, and she couldn't help but smile down at the little one.

She was standing, rocking slightly from side to side with Chibi-Usa against her chest when Usagi felt her arm being grabbed roughly. Chibi-Usa screamed as whoever had her by the arm scratched the little one in the same movement.

Usagi's entire body went hot in her rage. But before she could react Chibi-Usa let out another scream and Usagi blanched as she saw the golden crescent moon appear on her forehead. Frantically she tried to decide how to hide the child's obvious marking from all the people who were now staring at them.

Author's Notes: I wanted to let you in on some of my choices for this and my other stories. I chose, often, to go with traditional Japanese names, and often the words as well, because I am trying to learn more about the culture as I write. I have found so many interesting things, and it is exciting to add them to my stories.

First, let me explain that Usagi is the leader of the Senshi, but Minako is the leader of the Inner Senshi, and can, in some cases, overrule Usagi if an order puts her in danger. Mamoru is the leader of the Shitennou, who are all generals in their own right, and are each responsible for one quarter of the planet. However Kunzite is the leader of of the guard, and in certain cases overrule the prince for his own protection. I've made Haruki the defacto liaison and diplomat of the Solar System for those who enter because of his role as the guardian of the Sun.

Senshi means soldier, warrior, guardian, or fighter.
I consider the Shitennou (and the Inner Senshi) the Gādo. This means guardian, sentry, or sentinel.
Hogosha means guardian, patron, or protector.

Mamoru means to guard, or to protect (Which is why I used a shield for Chibi-Mamo).
Usagi means Rabbit (Which is why I used a bunny for Chibi-Usa).

The Shitennou, or Four Heavenly Kings, come from an old Japanese (and other cultures) legend. You can look it up for some interesting reading. I have incorporated some of their historic battles into my stories.

Also, Usagi's name is taken from an old Japanese fable, which, if you read it, tells you exactly what she is supposed to represent. Tsuki no Usagi. Go ahead and read the tale. It's wonderful.