WARNING: MATURE CONTENT! READ AT OWN RISK!

Thorny Roses

Chapter 9

Usagi cradled the hot anpan bun in her hands. She took small bites, savoring each taste of the sweet bean filling. The late November air was chilly, especially at night. However, Usagi didn't mind winter nights, especially like tonight: the sky was clear, revealing the stars and Mamoru was walking beside her, offering her his heat.

Mamoru watched the blonde beauty gracefully nibble on her anpan bun. He was mesmerized by her two pink lips, occasionally moistened by her cherry red tongue. Her cerulean eyes darted around rapidly, taking in the scene around her. Though Mamoru could still see the old Usagi in the current one, it was obvious to him that she had changed. She was no longer a child, a young girl—no, she was a woman, a fact that Mamoru could no longer ignore.

"So," Usagi said, chewing thoroughly before continuing. "What do you want to do next?"

A glint appeared in Mamoru's eyes. "I think I'm a little hungry…"

Usagi smiled at him. "I did want to try the mizuame and the kakigori seems absolutely delicious! I'm only worried that the kakigori will be too cold for tonight. I hope Rei doesn't give Chibiusa any—it's unbelievable how much that little girl can eat shaved ice…"

"You know what I'm hungry for?" He murmured, pulling her close to him.

Usagi gasped at the sudden proximity. "What?" She whispered.

"Dango," he whispered in her ear. She stopped walking, her face incredibly hot. He continued walking, only stopping a few feet away. He watched as his answer registered on her face.

Usagi recognized the term: before they had known each other, Mamoru had always called her "dango" because of her rice-ball shaped buns.

"Aren't you coming, Usagi?" Mamoru chuckled, barely hiding his amusement.

Usagi shook her head, lifting her nose. She continued walking, right past Mamoru. He laughed again, following behind her.

"Mamoru-san!"

Usagi and Mamoru turned around to face Miya. A grimace immediately fell upon Mamoru's face. Usagi, rather than feeling jealous, tried to hold in her laughter.

"Mamoru-san! What a coincidence!" Miya squealed, sauntering up to Mamoru. She latched on to his arm, something Usagi observed with hilarity and slight irritation.

"Ah, Hitori-san. Uh, how are you?" Mamoru awkwardly asked, glancing at Usagi. Miya, too, glanced at Usagi, trying to see if she was jealous. However, Usagi kept a smile on her face, turned away from them while she observed the stalls around them.

Miya huffed, looking back at Mamoru, whose eyes were still on Usagi, much to Miya's dismay.

"Mamoru-san, do you like my dress? My father shipped it straight from America," she bragged. Usagi laughed, looking over the dress. It was rather gaudy, a bright pink color that was unsuitable for a night festival, let alone a Japanese festival. But she supposed that Miya would want to stand out.

Miya turned to Usagi, glaring at her. "Do you have something to say?"

"Yes, actually. I find it amusing that you think you can win over Mamoru by showing off your clothes or how much money Daddy has. It makes you seem pathetic, and I honestly feel sorry for you." Usagi felt that what she was saying was slightly harsh, but she knew that Miya Hitori would never grow up into someone tolerable if she didn't get a wakeup call. If that wakeup call never comes, Miya will never find her own Mamoru.

"How dare you! Do you know who I am? I am—" Miya began, infuriated.

"Acting like a child," Usagi murmured so that only Miya would be able to hear. Usagi glanced over Miya's shoulder, seeing the group of guys that had confronted her, Rei, and Makoto earlier. Usagi, becoming wary when the one she had beat up made eye contact with her, straightened and offered her hand to Mamoru.

"Come on, we should get going," Usagi said, staring at the four guys now glaring at her. Mamoru readily took her hand and, with a polite nod to Miya, walked away.

Miya glowered after them and then followed Usagi's gaze to the four guys standing a few feet behind her. She smirked, a sudden thought popping into her head. She walked up to them, her arms crossed.

"How would you like to do me a favor?" She leered.

Rubeus materialized in the small circular room that belonged to the Ayakashi sisters. No one was there: only Koan sat in front of a mirror, studying her hands as she dazed.

Rubeus sighed, putting on a half-smile.

"Koan," he murmured.

The purple-haired woman stood up in surprise. "Rubeus! I didn't hear you come in…"

"Koan, it's time."

She nodded, gulping. Rubeus smiled at her, hugging her close. "Don't worry. I believe in you. Do this for the both of us."

Koan pulled away and smiled. She slowly faded away, only glancing back to smile at Rubeus once more. Rubeus watched her disappear, feeling a hole in her heart. Originally, he had only played with her feelings to make her do his bidding. But as time went on, he couldn't help the feelings in his heart.

"Please, Koan," he whispered. "Come back alive."

Usagi had a wary expression on her face as she held onto Mamoru's hand.

"Usagi, are you okay?" He asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine," she half-smiled, dartingly looking around.

Mamoru pulled her to a stop, cupping her cheeks.

"What's wrong?" he whispered.

"I…I just have a bad feeling," she whispered back.

Mamoru broke at the sight of her worried face. He pulled her close, enveloping her in his warm embrace. "I'll protect you. I promise." When he felt tears on his shirt, he knew he had said the right thing.

"Come on, let's get you to the bathroom," Mamoru said, smiling at her comfortingly. Usagi nodded, cuddling into Mamoru's chest as he kept an arm around her shoulders.

They reached the bathroom when Usagi pulled them to a stop.

"Wait here, I can go alone."

Mamoru cocked an eyebrow. "Are you sure? I can stand a little closer, can't I?"

"No, no…it's alright. Actually, could you get me some water?" Usagi pleaded. Mamoru, eager to help her, nodded. She smiled, turning on her heel and walking into the bathroom.

She stared at her reflection in the mirror. Taking a wet paper towel, she dabbed at her face, helping the red blotches to disappear. She carefully wiped under her eyes, cleaning off the smeared makeup.

"Hmph, Usagi Tsukino! What is the matter with you? Why are you becoming so weak again?" Usagi criticized her reflection.

"You didn't spend 6 months training just to come back and be 'Crybaby Usagi' again. You can't rely on Tuxedo Mask to save you in your times of need," Usagi continued. "I have to be strong, too. So I can protect the ones I love."

Suddenly, Usagi heard a beeping. She looked down, seeing her Sailor Communicator beeping.

"What's wrong?" Usagi spoke into the communicator.

She heard Makato's voice coming from the speaker. "Usagi, everyone, you have to hurry. There are Yuma terrorizing the people. FIVE OF THEM! Everyone, hurry!" The line went dead. Usagi blanched before gritting her teeth determinedly.

"Mamoru," she spoke into the communicator. Usagi was glad when she had asked Luna and Artemis to provide the Shitennou and Mamoru with their own communicators. "Go on without me!"

She heard his voice buzz in return. "No, I'll wait for you!"

"No, you have to go protect Chibiusa! We can't let her be left alone for an instant now that we know she's the target!"

A few seconds passed in silence.

"Fine, but hurry, okay?" Mamoru's voice came out strained on the other end. Usagi smiled. "Of course."

She rushed out of the bathroom, seeing crowds of people fleeing from one general direction.
"Alright, at least I know where the Yuma are," she said.

Usagi headed into a dark alley to transform, double-checking that no one could see her.

"Moon Light Power—" she began before she felt intense pain on her back. She fell to the ground, quickly turning around to see what had hit her.

Usagi felt the blood drain from her body as she faced the four guys from before—particularly, the guy whom she had beat up before. He held some sort of wooden pole in his hands and had a menacing glare on his face. He raised the stick to hit her again.

Usagi, with a rush of adrenaline, swiped his feet, causing him to fall to the ground. She stood up quickly, not hesitating to punch one of them in the gut, following with a knee to the groin. Dodging a punch from another, she caught his fist, twisting his arm and knocking him the back of the knees at the same time. He fell to the ground quickly, as well.

Usagi continued like this, seemingly able to hold her own.

But she was just one girl against four, fully grown teenage boys. She was bound to get tired when she noticed that she had knocked down the same person twice already. Usagi dodged the stick again, only to get a punch in the stomach. She leaned over, hunched with pain.

I'm becoming sloppy, she thought. In the distance, she heard the battle with the Yuma. I have to get over there.

She felt another blow coming and tried to dodge before the pole hit her in the head. This was followed by a punch to the face, pushing her to the ground. Repeated kicks and the pole were beginning to do severe damage. Finally, when she coughed up blood, the blows came to a stop.

"Enough," one of them said. "She only said until the girl bleeds."

Usagi's head was swimming from the amount of pain. She could barely register that the four guys had left. She sat up, feeling her injuries. A fractured ankle, a broken rib bone, and multiple bruises. Usagi also tasted and smelled blood, indicating that both her mouth and nose was bleeding. Her right eye was swollen and she knew it would be black the next day.

I have to get to the Yuma, she thought. They need my help.

She stood up, barely shouting, "Moon Light Power, Make Up!"

Her pain disappeared as well as the injuries when she transformed. But Usagi knew that this was only temporary. She ran towards the battle, relishing in the lack of pain.

When Usagi arrived, she knew a lot of damage had been done.

Rei and Minako were battling it out with one Yuma while Ami and Makoto were taking care of another one. They were suffering many injuries: Minako and Ami both had torn their uniforms and Makoto had blood running down her leg from a gash in her thigh.

The generals were not faring so well, either. Zoicite and Kunzite were fighting one Yuma while Jadeite and Nephrite were fighting the fourth. They were all bruised and bloodied. Usagi could also see that they were exhausted.

Mamoru was taking on a Yuma all on his own. He had abandoned his cape, fighting with only his cane. Usagi's grip on her staff tightened as he was knocked backwards into a tree.

Usagi gritted her teeth, analyzing the battle scene. She immediately noticed the problem: they were all fighting separately. They needed to fight together as one entity.

"Everyone! Start rounding them up! Push them towards the center!" Usagi yelled as she ran towards the Senshi.

"Sailor Moon! Where were you?" Mars asked.

"No time! Just do as I say!" Sailor Moon countered. "Shitennou, aid the Senshi! All of you, altogether now!"

The Senshi nodded at their leader.

"Venus Beautiful Love!"

"Mars Wildfire!"

"Jupiter Lightning Storm!"

"Mercury Tsunami Wave!"

The Senshi attacked from four corners, pushing the Yuma into one group.

The Generals also helped, shooting blasts of colored energy.

"Tuxedo Mask! Protect Chibiusa!" Sailor Moon yelled over her shoulder. Tuxedo Mask nodded, picking up Chibiusa and jumping into a nearby tree.

"Are they going to be okay?" Chibiusa whimpered.

"Of course they are. They're being led by Sailor Moon," Tuxedo Mask smiled, proud of Sailor Moon.

"Mercury, now!" Sailor Moon directed.

"Shine Aqua Illusion!" Immediately, the Yuma were surrounded by a misty fog. Their shrieks of confusion and anger were reverberating around the university.

"Sailor Venus!"

"Venus Love Me Chain!" Sailor Venus' gold heart chain wrapped around the Yuma, holding them together.

"Mars and Jupiter, go!"

"Mars Wildfire!"

"Jupiter Lightning Storm!"

In a downstream of fire and lightning, Usagi gathered energy within herself.

"Silver Moon Kiss!" She yelled, the Silver Crystal on top of her staff glowing. The Yuma screamed before disintegrating into dust. Usagi leaned against her staff, glad that the battle was over.

"Princess, are you alright?" Kunzite rushed over to her.

"I'm fine, I'm fine. Heal the Senshi and yourselves, first," Sailor Moon said. If they have any energy left for me, then I will be healed.

She watched as Kunzite tended to Sailor Venus, a gentle hand placed on her shoulder to heal the cut there. Zoicite healed the bruise marks around Mercury's neck as well as the cuts on her cheeks. Mars wouldn't give in too easily, but she quit being stubborn when Jadeite finally barked at her to stand still. He healed the bruise under her eye and then the bruises on her back. Nephrite healed the gash on Jupiter's leg before healing her ankle.

Finally, the Generals healed themselves. They collapsed from the draining of energy, falling into the care of their respective Senshi. Mamoru jumped down from the tree, holding Chibiusa.

"Sailor Moon, are you alright?" he asked, his uniform faded. He noticed that she was rather pale and slightly wheezing.

The Senshi and Shitennou also let their uniforms fade. Usagi felt her physical injuries returning to her as her staff and uniform disappeared. The Senshi, Generals, and Mamoru watched in shock as Usagi fell to the ground.

Minako let out a scream.

Usagi was covered in blood and bruises, her kimono bloodied and torn. Mamoru immediately scooped her up, tears coming to his eyes to see her so hurt. Ami bent down, scanning her compact computer.

"Someone did this to her," she gravely said.

"Who! I'll kill them!" Makoto seethed, though tears leaked from her eyes. Usagi's body looked nearly gruesome and it hurt each of the people there to see her like this.

"You have to heal her!" Mamoru desperately said to the Generals.

"We don't have enough—" Zoicite began gently.

"I don't care, damn it!" Mamoru exploded, tears streaming from his eyes. "Please! You have to help her! Please…" He cradled Usagi's body to him.

"We'll try," Kunzite said. He bent down to her body as did the other Shitennou. They each placed a hand on her and closed their eyes in concentration. Light shone from under their hands, though it was weak.

When the light faded, the Generals fell to the ground, pale and sweating. The Senshi held their respective Generals, silently thanking them for all that they'd done.

"That's all we could do," Nephrite whispered.

"Her internal injuries are healed completely," Ami smiled. "However, her external injuries are another story."

On closer inspection, Mamoru could tell that her cuts and bruises had barely healed. Blood still seeped from her lips and nose and her eyes remained closed.

Mamoru had never felt more useless in all his life.

"She'll be okay, right?" Rei anxiously asked.

"Yes, but she'll need to time to heal," Ami replied. "In fact, the generals will need at least two or three days to heal completely."

The Shitennou nodded in acceptance.

"Damn it, Usagi!" Makoto cried in exasperation. "Why didn't you let the Generals heal you first!"

Minako quietly sobbed. Each of the girls was greatly impacted by the sight of their closest friend and beloved leader bruised and battered. But they were immensely grateful that she would be okay.

"I'll take her home," Mamoru said. He gently picked Usagi up, not overlooking the way her eyes winced in pain.

"Minako, Kunzite, please take Chibiusa to Usagi's parents' home." Kunzite and Minako nodded, walking towards Chibiusa.

"No! I want to go with you!" Chibiusa cried, tears streaming from her ruby eyes.

"Princess, if you want to help Usagi, you're going to have to go home and take care of yourself. If we make Usagi worry, she won't get any better," Mamoru gently explained. But he couldn't bring himself to smile. Who am I to talk about helping Usagi? I can barely help her now…I'm so useless, he thought with a grimace.

Drops of rain began to pitter-patter on the pavement, hitting the cement like bullets. Thunder rolled and rumbled in the distance as lightning lit up the night sky.

Mamoru transformed back into Tuxedo Mask, covering Usagi with his cape. With a nod to the Senshi and Shitennou, he jumped into the nearest tree, before flying towards Usagi's apartment.

"Poor Mamoru," Minako sighed. "He must be feeling really distraught."

Kunzite looked towards her, registering her apparent sorrow and worry. "Come on, he gave us an important mission," he smiled. He picked up Chibiusa, whose tears were still dripping down her nose.

Minako nodded, smiling half-heartedly. They walked towards the Tsukino household while the rest of the Senshi and Shitennou dispersed, as well.

Mamoru laid Usagi gently on her bed, still clothed in the ruined kimono. For a moment, he didn't know what to do: should he change her clothes or just leave her like this? But how will he clean her wounds? Should he call one of the Senshi to do so instead?

He growled in frustration, curling his fingers into a fist.

He stormed out of the room, punching a wall. Leaning against the opposite wall, he slid down, putting his face in his hands. He looked sideways into the bedroom, staring at Usagi's still form.

"Why am I so useless?" Mamoru asked himself. "Why can't I do anything for the one I love?"

Maybe you can.

Mamoru froze. Who is this? Is this my conscience? He thought.

He heard a laugh before Usagi's mother materialized before him—well, Princess Serenity's mother.

"Believe me, child," Queen Serenity smiled, "you are not useless."

"Your Highness," Mamoru bowed his head awkwardly.

"Call me 'mother', Mamoru," Queen Serenity laughed. "And you needn't bow—I am aware that it is not the custom of this time and age."

Mamoru was touched by the Queen of the moon. He had never really known his own mother, barely remembering his parents from before their deaths.

"Well, M-mother," Mamoru began. "It's just…I don't know how to help Usagi—um, Serenity. I am of no use to her, even in her greatest time of need."

"Tut tut, you forget who you used to be—who remains dormant within you!"

"What do you mean?"

Queen Serenity smiled. "You were Endymion, Prince of the Earth. The Earth's natural powers reside within you, though they are hidden and very difficult to access. However, if you manage, you may be able to help my daughter. Are you up for this challenge?"

"Absolutely," Mamoru nodded, determined.

"It may take a few hours, a few days, maybe even years. It all depends on how hard you are willing to work," Queen Serenity advised.

"Because we are so short on time, I am willing to do whatever it takes to access these powers before dawn."

The Queen smiled. "Let us begin."

For the next few hours, the Queen instructed Mamoru on how to reach into his hidden energy reserve. She informed him that it was hidden near the same place where his Tuxedo Mask energy came from. Mamoru tried over and over again, attempting to tap into this energy that could save his beloved.

Finally, Mamoru was able to reach into this power. He felt the ancient power of the Earth surge through him, resulting in a golden glow surrounding him. His eyes, changing from their normal deep blue, had become bright golden with energy. He nodded gratefully to Queen Serenity before she faded away.

He walked towards the bedroom, the golden light dimmed but his eyes still golden. He silently crouched beside Usagi's sleeping form, pressing a gentle hand to her forehead.

Mamoru closed his eyes, reaching into the Earth's energy again. Patient like the gentle waves on the beach but powerful like an erupting volcano; impacting like the rolling clouds in the sky and vast like lush forests—the golden light appeared again, traveling down his arm into Usagi's forehead. He watched as her cuts slowly healed and her bruises faded.

After Usagi was healed, Mamoru barely felt weakened. He glanced over Usagi's previous injuries, proud that he was able to heal her. But he knew that she would still be weak: he may have healed her, but she still had lost a lot of blood and energy.

Usagi's eyes flickered open and she moaned from her sudden awareness of pain. She looked into Mamoru's waiting eyes.

"Mamo-chan?" She rasped. Mamoru's eyes twinkled before cupping her cheek.

Usagi moved to sit up and Mamoru aided her. She glanced over her body, amazed to see her injuries gone. She was dismayed that she still felt weak.

"What…how…?" She questioned.

"I healed you," Mamoru explained, a hint of pride in his voice.

"Thank you," Usagi whispered. She moved away, trying to get out of bed.

Mamoru, alarmed, tried to restrain her. "What are you trying to do?"

"I need to take a bath. My injuries may have healed, but I'm still covered in blood and grime. I need a bath."

Mamoru pursed his lips, thinking. Finally, he nodded. "Fine," he said. "But let me help you."

Usagi blushed at the implication but Mamoru was already off. He walked into the master bathroom, turning on the faucet for the Jacuzzi. He poured in some of the soap that he saw on the counter. Bubbles began foaming as the tub filled up.

Mamoru walked back into the bedroom. When he stopped before Usagi, he realized what he had forced himself into doing. He blushed a bright red, looking down sheepishly.

"It's okay," Usagi smiled. "I can do it alone."

She stood up from the bed, immediately swaying and falling towards the ground. Mamoru caught her, his feelings for helping her instantly renewed.

"No, I'll help you," he insisted.

She bit her lip. "But—"

"Don't worry, I won't look."

Usagi was silent, finally nodding. Mamoru smiled slightly, walking her towards the bathroom. She stopped before the tub and he let her go. He turned away, facing the door. Usagi kept an eye on him as she shed her clothing. Only when Mamoru heard a slight splashing did he turn around.

Usagi was hidden behind a mass of bubbles, concealing her virtue and dignity from him, as well. Mamoru fought the urge to blush again, especially when he saw her wincing in pain. He reached over, carefully undoing her hair. It fell into waves, quickly soaking up the water. Usagi closed her eyes, not moving.

"Um…Usagi, you're going to have to scrub yourself," Mamoru murmured.

She blushed. "I-I know…it's just…it still hurts a little."

Mamoru nodded, coming up with a quick idea. He pulled a body towel from a hook behind the door.

"Wrap this around you," he said, looking away. Usagi did as he asked. When she was done, he turned around, rolling up his sleeves. She sat on the edge of the Jacuzzi, looking away from him. Mamoru gulped, trying not to trace the tracks of the water droplets as they disappeared under her short towel. Her legs were more revealed to him now than when she is wearing her Sailor Moon outfit. He knelt beside her, wetting a small hand towel in the tub. Gently an ever so slowly, he rubbed her skin, removing the dirt and blood. Usagi still didn't look at him.

When she was clean, he scooped her up, despite her protests. He laid her on the bed, turning to drain the tub water. Usagi gripped his sleeve, keeping a tight hand on her towel to keep it from coming loose. Mamoru tentatively turned around to face Usagi.

"Thank you," she whispered.

Suddenly, Mamoru couldn't restrain himself. He leaned forward, staring into her eyes. She looked back at him with equal fervor. He let her move forward, touching their lips together. They were both swept up into a heated kiss, though Mamoru was gentle with Usagi's weak body.

Mamoru's hand grazed up Usagi's thigh, coming to a stop on her hip. Usagi's own hands fisted around his collar. She pulled him farther on to the bed, landing him on top of her.

"U-Usagi!" Mamoru pulled away, blushing. "We can't—"

"Why? Are you afraid?" Usagi teased. Mamoru's eyes darkened before he kissed her again. Her fingers began to pull at his shirt. He deftly slipped it off, leaving him bare-chested. Usagi's hands roamed his broad chest as he nibbled on her neck.

Usagi turned her head slightly to suck on his ear lobe, ending her attentions with a soft blow. Mamoru shuddered, pulling her closer. With barely any space between them, Usagi could feel how much she affected Mamoru. She let her hands rest on his belt buckle. Mamoru cocked an eyebrow at her, causing her to confidently nod.

Mamoru's jeans slid off, as well.

Usagi finally felt equal with Mamoru: her only in a towel while he was only in his boxers. She was deeply touched by the fact that Mamoru hadn't tried to remove her towel once. With a deep breath of affection, she pulled the towel loose, throwing it onto the floor.

Mamoru took a while to roam her body, taking delight in her voluptuous and sensual curves. He placed a hand on her stomach, gently caressing the soft skin. Usagi shuddered, pulling him into a deeper kiss. Mamoru's hand rubbed her stomach, progressively traveling down.

When Mamoru's hand touched her hot center, she pulled his boxers off.

However, Mamoru felt like teasing her just a bit. Smiling against her mouth, he touched two fingers to her center, feeling her throbbing. She moaned, adding to his delight. She grabbed his hand, guiding the two fingers into her. Mamoru was surprised and then amazed with her boldness. She taught him how to move his fingers within her, earning him more moans.

Mamoru kissed her, licking and nibbling on her lower lip. He once again attended to her neck before moving to her breasts. He sucked and pulled on the nipples, his hand constantly pumping her. Usagi moaned louder, her hands fisting in his hair.

Mamoru chuckled, finally moving his lips to her opening. He looked into her eyes before making once, viciously slow lick. Usagi arched her back, gripping the sheets. Mamoru continued to lick, eventually delving into her. He took a good amount of time sucking on her little bead. Usagi had to cry out loud at that.

Usagi breathed heavily, hoping that Mamoru would finish the job when he pulled away. However, he only went back to kissing her. She narrowed her eyes, aware that he was teasing her. Using her strength, she flipped them over and pulled them to a sitting position. She held onto his shoulders, slowly sliding herself onto his length. He gasped, his hands tight on her hips. She slowly moved her hips back and forth, causing friction.

Mamoru moaned against her neck, holding her closer. They both came together, crying out in ecstasy. They fell back on the pillows, Usagi still on top of Mamoru while he was still inside of her.

"I love you, Usako," he murmured against her skin, kissing her sweetly.

Usagi felt a tear escape her eyes. She smiled, "I love you, too."

I hope no one was surprised by the sudden M scene. I DID WARN YOU! But I hope you guys still enjoyed this chapter (yes, them having sex is actually crucial to the plot but I won't tell you how so ha!). Please review and let me know if this was too much!

Pegasus'Horn