Author's Note: Astraearose-silvermoon… the song is for you…
I hope I caught all the errors, but since I typed this entire chapter in about three hours... I might have missed some. I promise I will check it over later. I'm going to be doing a full edit of all three books in this series when I add the prequel.
Makaiju:
The Promise of the Rose
Chapter 8
Recriminations
February 19
Fiore was struggling. He had harmed his childhood friend. He couldn't remember why he had felt so betrayed, but he had. His entire body was clenched in frustration and confusion. Nothing made sense anymore.
His friend had been right, and that made him itch. He never would have harmed children, or animals. Why had he thought it was necessary? He wasn't evil. He knew he wasn't evil. Why was he so sure he had to hurt the people of earth.
"He's confusing you," Xenian hissed. The Kisenian blossom looked angry. "Don't let him into your head."
"He's not," Fiore lied.
He wasn't sure of much, but he was sure that Xenian was saying things to him that didn't make sense. Why had he felt it was necessary to kill Mamoru's mate? Why had he thought he had to kill Mamoru, the one person who had ever shown him kindness? He would have protected his own mate if he had one. Would have died to protect her, or any of his kind.
That thought saddened him. He was so lonely.
He was confused, but he knew, instinctively, that he couldn't let Xenian know just how confused he was. She had tricks, he thought. Tricks that would make him change his mind, even when he didn't want to.
Usagi and Mamoru smiled as they looked around. Elysion was full of flowers and butterflies and tons of bright sunlight. Almost the moment they arrived they were met by a toddler who ran to Usagi screaming, "mine Usa, mine Usa!" He had short, curly blonde hair and a golden horn on his head. Bright blue eyes blinked up at Usagi as he patted her belly. "Usa dream," he whispered.
"You know Chibi-Usa?" Usagi asked.
He nodded frantically and took her hand, swinging it back and forth before handing her a bright purple flower.
"Helios!" she heard a woman calling and looked up to see a blonde woman with a silver horn on her head running across the field.
"Oh goodness, it's the prince and princess," she whispered as she reached them. "Helios gave me a bit of a fright." She bowed to Usagi and Mamoru and then took the little one, swinging him around in a circle before settling him on her hip. "Welcome," she continued. "I am the Priestess Maboroshi. This little rascal is Helios. My husband, Yume should be here in a moment. I assume you've come on your quest." She talked rapidly and Usagi couldn't help grinning at her.
"We have. Our advisors tell us it's time to collect our birthright."
"Ah, such problems they are having in the world of men right now," she said quietly. "You look tired, and hungry. Come, we will find my husband, who is probably making flower crowns with my daughters, and he will tell you about the quest."
Usagi smiled and she and Mamoru followed the priestess.
"Yume!" Maboroshi called, as they approached a man with two little girls at his sides. All had blonde hair. The priest had a golden horn, like his son, while the girls bore silver like their mother. "These are my girls, Wala and Áine," the woman continued quietly.
"Where are the rest of your people?" Mamoru asked, sounding concerned.
"Gone in the troubles," Yuma answered, reaching them. "Something has been plaguing the world of dreams for months now," he continued, a small frown on his face. "Our people have moved to the Earth for safety, though I suppose it doesn't seem very safe at the moment," he added. "I fear they shall not return and our children will be the last of our line until they and their soulmates are of age."
"Their soulmates? Do you know who they are?" Usagi asked brightly.
"One is a child you now carry. She dreams of Helios and he of her." Yume frowned. "But time moves differently here, and he may have to enter the Long Sleep until they are of age."
"Then what will happen to the land of dreams?" Mamoru asked.
Yume rested one hand on each of his daughter's heads. "My girls will protect it and grant dreams, and while their brother sleeps they will protect him. Soon their soulmates will come and this place will see life once more, even though our son stays not."
"They are here on quest," Maboroshi said quietly. "They need rest and food first."
"A meal is prepared and there is a place for you to sleep."
"And your friends should be here soon" Maboroshi added. "I'm afraid you will not be happy to learn what has happened."
Makoto, still in henshin as Sailor Jupiter, gathered Ikuko-mama and Kenji-papa close to her and Nephrite and teleported to the mini command center in their apartment building. She had them on the couch within moments, sitting with Luna, who was stalking back and forth across a small table ranting and raving as the television ran images of the attack on Sailor Mercury.
"Backstabbing, ungrateful…" most of her words were nearly unintelligible.
"I've got to go get Doctor Mizuno," she said quietly.
"She's in her office. Go not in henshin directly into her office and come straight back," Artemis ordered.
She nodded. Nephrite took her hand. None of them were willing to be separated from their mates at the moment. She released her transformation with a brief light, thankful she'd thrown on shorts and a t-shirt before transforming in the middle of the night. They both stepped forward and disappeared.
They appeared in Doctor Mizuno's office and instantly grabbed her before teleporting back to the others. The doctor was in hysterics. "Where is Ami?" she asked the moment they arrived.
"She hasn't returned yet," Artemis said. "My guess is that Zo took her to the safest place he could think of."
"Where is that?" she asked, looking frantic.
"Wherever his prince and princess are, which right now, happens to be Elysion, which is one place the military will never find."
"What if she's hurt?"
"Mamoru can heal," Nephrite said quietly, helping the doctor to the couch. "Would you like some tea? Setsuna is making some."
"Yes please," she whispered. "Where are all the others?"
"Most of the group is in China right now. It was hit hard. Shingo and Haruki seem to have the closest abilities to Usagi and Mamoru and they are doing their best out there. Setsuna and Rei are here taking a break with Petz while the rest of her family is in India, which was also hard hit and has many people." Artemis explained.
"So you are still out there helping, even after what you said?" she asked.
"I'm rather certain that the moment Mamoru and Usagi get back they will clear Japan whether the military agrees to our terms or not," he said sheepishly. "I only said that to get the military to back off."
"I want my daughter," Doctor Mizuno moaned. Ikuko wrapped her in a tight hug.
"She'll be back. I saw it on the television, she's okay. And Zo would never let her be otherwise."
The doctor nodded, looking more hopeful. "Why would they do this? Why do they hate our children?"
Zoicite couldn't think of anything but Ami's safety. He had only one thought. Get her to the prince and princess. He also had to warn them of the danger. There was no doubt in his mind that they would face a similar attempt, if they had not already.
When he opened his eyes to see Elysion he was amazed. He hadn't remembered it until that moment. It was filled with sunshine and butterflies and fluffy white clouds in the blue skies above.
He couldn't seem to let go of Ami. His mind was in a state of panic still, even through his shock and wonder, and all he could concern himself with was the possibility that she had been harmed. He looked her over carefully, moving her fuku to the side to check where the dart had gone into her shoulder. There was a strange metal piece under her skin.
"I think they've put a tracker in you," he said, anger coating his voice.
"Cut it out, now," she demanded. "We can't lead them to Usagi. It's her they're after."
"I know," he growled angrily. "This place is safe from that. Let's go find Mamoru and Usagi. Perhaps the priest will have a sharp blade."
He looked up at a sharp cry and saw Usagi running across the field toward them, Mamoru one step behind her.
"Ami! Ami!" Usagi raced forward and began twisting her friend around, checking every inch of her, nearly as desperate as Zoicite felt. "They tried to take you? Where did they hit you? Where is that tracker? It's poisoning her! Show me!"
Zoicite, more afraid than ever, turned Ami so Usagi could see the tracker. "Poisoning her how?" he asked.
"It's making her weak. The longer it's in there, the harder it will be for her to transform or get away. Those bastards." Usagi was visibly incensed.
Usagi put her hand over the skin that was bowed out and closed her eyes. She muttered something under her breath and Ami gasped as the piece popped out and unto Usagi's palm. She handed it to Mamoru, who put it onto a tall flat rock, picked up another from the ground and smashed it again and again.
"We will no longer work with the military," Mamoru said, in a voice that could break iron. He was making a pronouncement. There would be no further contact with them. The prince had spoken. He put a hand on Zoicite's shoulder and met his eyes.
His entire body relaxed under Mamoru's stare. He felt calm and at peace. This is what he had sought, why he had come. Mamoru and Usagi were strong. They'd had several power ups, and especially since Usagi had gotten pregnant they had both been tested and showed such an inner strength that Zoicite couldn't help but look to them in times of trouble.
Usagi was hugging Ami tightly. "I'll never let them take you," she whispered.
Together the four of them moved toward the temple in the distance. Mamoru informed him that there was food waiting for them and beds to sleep in. He and Usagi had been asked to come and collect their birthright. He didn't know much about that. Neither did they. It was something that only happened once for each new ruler.
"I am a little concerned with what happened to me," Zoicite said, looking at Mamoru. "I got hot all over, but mostly in my chest and then… something exploded out of me and brought Ami back awake, but it also took down the chopper. People could have been hurt, but for a moment I didn't even care."
"What you felt was your first power up," Usagi explained. "It does feel a bit like that. Haven't you noticed the changes?"
Zoicite looked down at himself. He couldn't see any differences. His uniform looked the same, a light grey, almost white, with ice blue trim to match Ami's fuku. His pins were still in place, as was his sword. He looked back up at Usagi and shrugged.
"Zo, not only do you now have a cape, but your pins have changed and you are wearing a different sword."
"I have a cape?" he asked. He didn't feel it. He swiped his hand backward and sure enough there was material swaying gently behind him. Even Kunzite didn't have a cape since they'd been saved. He wondered why he had one now.
"You can also see the symbol for South on your forehead right now. It will fade when you release your transformation I'm sure," Mamoru added.
Zoicite pulled his sword out and looked at the scabbard and hilt. The symbols of Mercury and South were intertwined inside the circle of a snowflake. He smiled. He didn't mind the change at all.
"Your pins are the same," Ami said quietly.
He put his sword back to his side and wrapped both arms around her. He had come far too close to losing her. He didn't think he could have survived it if he had.
"Go into that little cottage and get some rest," Usagi ordered. "Mamoru and I still have to eat and rest and we have a task to complete."
He and Ami nodded and he led her to one of the small cabins to the side of the temple. Inside there was bread and fruit and a pitcher of what he thought might be mulled cider. He didn't pay much attention. Instead he pulled Ami into his arms again and put his face into her neck.
"I can't ever lose you," he whispered, almost choking on the words. "Not ever," he added, holding tight.
"My Zo," she said, and rested a chilled hand on his cheek.
They both released their henshin. She was wearing a short nightgown with snowflakes over it. He was only in boxers. They'd been asleep when the call came through from Usagi. Now he led her to the bed and laid her gently down, kissing her.
"My Ami," he whispered and bent to kiss her neck, her shoulders and her chest. He drew the nightdress off of her and continued kissing every inch of her. He delighted in the way she panted and moaned as he suckled her breasts. He nipped and bit at her before moving down her body again.
Over her ribs and stomach he trailed his mouth as his hands slipped further down. When he reached the little blue boy cut panties, he drew them off her and spread her thighs, kissing her belly before moving lower. He needed to touch her more than he needed to breathe.
His hands parted her lower lips and he supped on her. He loved the sight, the smell, and the taste of her inner flesh. He found the little nub he knew would drive her to completion and closed his mouth over it as he entered her with a single finger. She whimpered and moaned.
"Together," she begged. "This time, together."
He pulled back and slipped his boxers off before moving up her body. In a single motion he had found her entrance and slid partially inside. Very slowly they moved together. It wasn't their normal wild and passionate mating. This was slow and sweet as they reaffirmed the other was safe and they would not be parted.
He kissed her gently as he slid in and out. Their bodies slicked with sweat as they moved in a rhythm as old as time. He cupped her breasts, pressing them together so he could suckle her and nip at the tender flesh. He moved up and bit her neck and then kissed her, pressing his tongue into her mouth to taste her.
Both of them began to moan with each movement as they drew closer and closer to the peak. When they climaxed it was together, arms wrapped tightly around each other, crying each other's names. His seed filled her as his hips bucked wildly in the release. Her body sucked and clenched, drawing him in.
Zoicite rolled over, pulling Ami with him so she lay over his chest. It might not have been their normal wildness, but it was no less passionate, and far more intimate for that. He held her close, kissing her forehead.
"I love you Ami. I… I might have lost you, and I don't think I could handle that."
"I love you too Zo. And we both know you wouldn't have given up if they had taken me. You would have searched the world. Lets not forget the link the Soul-Bond gives us."
"It didn't work when Usagi was taken," he whispered quietly.
"Zo, that was to a different time. The military doesn't have that technology."
He nodded, but his anger and fear still simmered under the surface. "I'm not sure I'll be able to let you out of my sight for a while," he admitted.
"Well... " Ami frowned. "I don't really want you to, but when those flowers are gone, it will be back to school. We can't let our identities slip."
Zoicite nodded, but he wasn't happy about it. He wanted to keep her here, in Elysion, where she would always be safe. He knew she was right however. If they ever wanted to have a normal life, they would have to return.
He felt her breathing change as she slipped into sleep, but his own eyes refused to close. He just stared at her in wonder, and prayed to the kami, and anyone else who was listening that he could keep her safe, and happy, and with him forever.
Miyu: We come to you this morning, at 5:02 AM, with breaking news. This report played less than fifteen minutes ago, please listen.
News Anchor: This just in. The Sailor Senshi are refusing to protect the city so long as there are any helicopters in the sky, and until the military promises not to attempt another kidnapping or attack them again. This comes from Artemis Knight, who has been one of the protectors involved in discussions with the military on the threat from space. I repeat. The Senshi will not return until there are no helicopters in the sky and the military assures them there will be no more attempted kidnappings or any attacks of any kind.
Aoto: We were called in to help the people understand what is happening, and because, like you, our fellow citizens, we owe our lives and our thanks to the Sailor Senshi, who have time and again gone above and beyond the call of duty for our city, and our people.
Yuna: I am outraged. I was up all night. We were putting the finishing touches on Wednesday's special when the flowers began to fall, and what was the first thing we saw? A skycam report of Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Kamen on top of Tokyo Tower. More reports followed as the Senshi spread out all over Japan. Sailor Mercury and South Knight were working here all night long, from just after one in the morning.
Aoto: And I just want to remind everyone, the Senshi check in with the police and the first responders before and after every attack. They've been doing so for months.
Miyu: Not only that… They've sponsored charity events, helped people with other things, including healing a few children who were injured during an earthquake, where Sailor Jupiter personally pulled a piece of playground equipment off of them. These heroes are more than protectors to our city. They are our family.
Aoto: We are asking the public to call your local politicians, call the Emperor if you have to. Just help us tell the military, NO, YOU CAN'T HAVE THEM!
Miyu: Oh Kami… it seems there was a couple watching the Senshi in the park. They have cell phone footage of the attempted kidnapping from much closer than our eye in the sky cam. We're loading it now. This is a first time for us seeing this as well, so you may want to make sure the kids are out of the room.
Yuna: Okay, I see Mercury and South separate. It seems like he's searching for something and she must be watching to make sure one of those flowers doesn't get him from behind.
Aoto: OH! Did you see that? Look at her shoulder.
Miyu: Oh Kami! Oh my… They just took her.
Aoto: Watch South… watch this… (long pause) … oh. I've never seen him so upset, not even when Sailor Moon went missing. Remember what happened then?
Miyu: I do. Why didn't they expect something like this. That helicopter is trapped in those trees.
Yuna: Wait! The Senshi are there… they got everyone out, and it looks like… yes, there are paramedics on scene.
Aoto: Did you notice? Even after what they did, Sun Knight just healed the pilot. And the police are there now… and here come military men with guns.
Yuna: Oh thank goodness… they all disappeared.
Miyu: He was crying.
Aoto: Who?
Miyu: South Knight. He was crying. I mean we've all seen how much these couples love each other. They've taken blows for one another, helped one another, been there for one another. But I don't know… seeing a man cry… it's just hard. When my grandmother passed my grandfather cried. It was the only time I'd ever seen it.
Yume led them up the temple steps and pointed toward the entrance. "Your task is to collect the items you need. You must act together," he said, before he disappeared around the outer edge. "Together," they heard him call.
Inside they found themselves in a large rectangle room with huge columns. Bright sunlight shone beyond, but they couldn't really see past them. Mamoru was holding Usagi's hand as they moved deeper inside. They walked close together, taking comfort in each other's presence.
On a dais at the center of the room, each held by stone hands, were two swords. One was wide and thick, with a blue hilt and scabbard. The other was thinner, the hilt and scabbard a silvery color with hints of pink.
They stopped in front of the dais and Mamoru turned to Usagi, and smiled. The words Yume had spoken echoed in both their minds and they turned to each other. They clasped hands and both spoke.
"Together."
With one hand in Usagi's, his fingers threaded through hers, and the other held out they reached together, and their hands clasped over the hilts of their own swords. Their minds connected completely. His thoughts and hers unified in that moment, and together they lifted the swords out of their holders.
The instant the swords left the dais, Mamoru felt a wash of power through him. It rushed into every molecule of his body. He felt himself changing as the power swelled.
When he opened his eyes he was met with the sight of a glowing crescent moon on Usagi's forehead. Where she had been wearing and ordinary outfit, now she was in a long white dress with golden embroidery along the bodice. There were partial sleeves over her arms, and feather clips in her hair. She had a low breastplate over the dress, curved around her swollen belly, and wings had sprouted from her back, huge and white. The sword was belted around her waist, hanging low over her hips. Her hair had turned silver, with a hint of pink at the tips, and there was a new wisdom in her eyes.
He knew his own sword was already on his own hip. He could feel the weight of it. He could feel Usagi's shock as the power swept through her. He saw her every thought, felt every feeling with her. They were more connected at that moment than during the height of their Soul-Bonding.
She gasped at the sight of him and he watched and heard inside her mind.
Mamoru looked the same, and yet different. He was wider at the shoulders, and around his thighs and arms new muscle had formed. His eyes were full of knowledge and wisdom. His hair had grown thicker, and at the tips of the black there was the tiniest hint of a deep purple. He was wearing a dark blue uniform with armor over it, the sword belted at his hip.
She realized her own sword was at her hip as well. She stared at him, and he stared at her. Their minds connected and she knew he found her beautiful and ethereal without his having to speak. She could read his every thought, and he hers. They moved forward as one, their hands reaching for one another, and she found herself wrapped tightly in his arms.
For several long moments they stayed like that floating several inches above their air, though her wings were folded still. Then she stepped back.
"Wow," he breathed, a moment later. He pulled back slightly from her mind and watched her blink up at him. "You are so beautiful," he whispered.
"You are incredibly handsome," she responded, and raised herself on tiptoe to kiss him. "This breastplate feels weird, but in a good way. It sways and moves with the babies and my body."
"Good. Now, we need to get to Ami and Zo and get them home before her mother goes completely insane with worry."
"Oh Kami, I didn't think of that. Maybe we should have woken them up after our nap…"
"They're probably awake by now," Mamoru said quietly. "Come on, we have to get home."
They released their transformation and Mamoru was thankful to see the wings disappeared, though her hair remained silver and pink. He was sure his still had a purple tinge to it.
"We may need to use the disguise pen," she whispered.
Luna sighed and shut off the television. "The girls will tell us if anything else shows up. I just wanted you to see that people really do care about your kids. Not just me and Artemis. The whole city cares."
Rei hurried into the room. "My father said he talked to someone who might help. He didn't give any details, but he will call as soon as he knows anything."
"When was this?" Ikuko asked.
"Does it matter?" Doctor Mizuno stood and paced the room. "What I want to know is… where is my daughter?"
"Right here mom," said Ami as she followed Rei into the room. Zoicite's hand was on her shoulder and he didn't appear willing to let her go anytime in the next millennia. A second later Usagi and Mamoru hurried in and the little blonde raced to her own mother just as Ami reached hers.
Hugs and tears filled the next several minutes. Then Usagi turned to Luna, who bowed automatically.
"None of that!" Usagi said, annoyed. "And no sama talk yet either. I'm fourteen… wait until I'm at least… maybe an adult?" she trailed off, obviously unsure what she could say.
Luna snorted.
"Luna, Mamoru and I can't stop protecting the city just because the military is acting up. I want to take Setsuna, Rei, and Petz with myself and Mamoru. We can cleanse Japan and then move on. We will stay in a group. Everyone else can work in other places… but only after you and Artemis get clearance from local authorities. I don't want anyone being arrested for trespassing or something like that."
"Consider it done. The others are already out in groups of four."
"Okay, I'm taking the girls with me then. Ami, are you going to stay and help Artemis?"
Ami looked at her mother for a long minute, and then to Zoicite. "I'd like to go to America. We don't have anyone there yet, and those the Airman First Class was talking about growing up in New York. There are a lot of people there… they'll need help too."
"Just be careful. Watch each other's backs, and call if you need us," Mamoru said, clapping Zo on the shoulder.
A moment later Usagi and the others had gone back to the other apartment.
"Turn the news back on Artemis," Luna said excitedly. "I really want to see her wings!"
Petz considered herself a pragmatic sort. While she had magic, since she had come to the past, she preferred going without in her normal life. But using that magic again felt wonderful when she got the chance. And being included in the group of women Usagi trusted even more so.
She transformed, looking a bit different than she had in the days when she had been under Wiseman's spell. Instead of a black moon inverted on her forehead, there was a yellow moon, glowing slightly even in the early morning light. Her dark green hair was now in a single braid when she transformed, and there were white flowers in her hair.
Her outfit was still a dark green, but it was trimmed with a silver bodice and silver lining around the edges. Her long pants were silver, and on her belly was a silver crescent cradle. It was healing to her, to know she wasn't really Black Moon Clan. That her parents had loved her and her sisters very much, and that she was loved, respected, and welcomed by the Senshi.
They all transported together to a large tower and stood on a platform near the very top. She could see a military helicopter in the distance and pointed it out. The others nodded. She felt her shield come up automatically and saw the others were the same. Tuxedo Kamen was standing so close to Sailor Moon that he was within the circle of her shield, though it was slightly larger as if her babies had realized their father could be in danger as well.
She couldn't stop staring at Sailor Moon. Her hair was almost completely silver, except at the very tips, which were pink. Large wings sprouted from her back, though she was in a dress now, along one, with a sword at her side and a breastplate. The silver crescent cradle was still visible even through the material. Tuxedo Kamen was in his king form. His armor a dark blue with gold trim and a sword on his own hip.
"We want to try and do this in one shot so we aren't in danger any longer than necessary. We haven't tested the shields against gas or anything, so if you see anyone approaching converge on us and the three of you teleport us out." Tuxedo Kamen spoke quietly.
The rest of them nodded and spread enough for the two of them to draw their swords. Sailor Moon lifted hers and put it against Tuxedo Kamen's. The two swords connected, hers meeting his and a strange silvery vine flowed from her blade while a golden one seeped out from his hilt, locking the two together.
As she watched he moved behind sailor moon and together they held the blades up, straight into the air. They cried out together, "Moonlit Earth Healing!"
The light was nearly blinding, shining brighter than a noonday sun. It spread as far over the horizon as she could see, covering not just the city, but the mountains and ocean. She didn't know how far it went, but she could feel the pure healing energy of it. It felt similar to when her mind had been cleansed of Wiseman's evil and brought up feelings of love and hope.
The strange feeling that had been in her chest since the flowers had started falling eased, and she knew the healing had gone a long way toward getting those strange youma's off their planet. It wasn't done, but she knew it wouldn't be nearly as long with the Prince and Princess. There was a reason these two would one day become the King and Queen. Even after a betrayal they still chose to protect the people.
"We've got company," Sailor Pluto said, pointing towards two helicopters converging on their location.
Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Kamen were still in the midst of healing the city.
"Let's move to another location but let them keep working. I think they can heal all of Japan within an hour at this rate," Sailor Mars said.
The three of them moved together and surrounded the royal couple. She closed her eyes and linked hands with the other two, sharing power before they disappeared from Tokyo.
Hours had passed. They had healed all of Japan, though it had taken nearly two hours even with their increased powers. The others were still working in groups all over the planet, but Usagi and Mamoru were sitting inside the conference room of the police station. Neither was thrilled to be talking to the military, but Usagi knew it had to be done.
She had not let go of her transformation. Her wings were folded behind her. She was forced to use a backless chair, but she needed to feel the power running through her. Her senses were heightened in this form. She could feel everyone inside the police station.
She was waiting for the three representatives of the Japanese Defense Force she had met the first night. There was also a politician who would be arriving, though she had not been told whom.
Mamoru, also still in henshin, was sitting extremely close to her, while Luna and Artemis stood just behind her, in human form, disguised with the Luna Pen as Sailor Luna and Artemis Knight.
Usagi was so incredibly stressed she wasn't remotely surprised when she heard the familiar sounds of the twins favorite nursery song.
"Little bunny Foo Foo…
Hoppin' through the forest
Catchin' up the field mice
And boppin' 'em on the head.
:: Children, this is not the time :: she said apologetically. She grinned though. They were trying to cheer her up.
:: Mommy sad? ::
:: A little sad, a little angry, :: she explained. :: The people who are coming did something mean and tried to take Auntie Ami. They hurt her and scared Uncle Zo. ::
:: Ami is okay now, :: Mamoru added. :: She's safe with Zo. ::
:: Okay. :: Both twins chorused the words, and then without prompting their shield went up and surrounded the group of four.
:: We don't need that yet, :: Usagi scolded. :: And besides, Officers Takahashi and Sato are good and we trust them. ::
The two officers were sitting to either side of the couple. The shield expanded to include them both and Mamoru laughed. "Kids," he said with a shrug.
They waited silently after that. There was no point in arguing with the twins, and honestly, Usagi felt safer with the shield up. She wouldn't put it past the military to try and tranquilize all of them through a window.
Four men entered the room. All of them quiet and dressed to play down their appearance. They were quite obviously a protective detail for someone important. Each of them looked carefully over the group in the large silver bubble.
"The military will not be coming," one of the men stated in a very deep voice. He had a soothing presence and he smiled gently at Usagi. "Please, be at ease. They will not attack again."
:: Did you kids hear that? :: Usagi asked.
:: What if he's wrong? ::
:: He isn't. I trust him. :: Usagi wasn't sure why she did, but it was absolutely certain within her that the man was not lying and there was no more danger.
:: Okay mommy, :: the twins chorused.
The shield went down and Usagi sighed in relief. Sometimes the twins could be very pushy. She was glad this wasn't one of those times.
A fifth man entered the room and Usagi recognized him instantly. She stood and bowed in respect. It was the Prime Minister of Japan! He had come personally. She had no idea how Rei's father had reached him, but she was thankful he had.
The Prime Minister sat close to them and began talking. It was the most ordinary and calm conversation, feeling nothing like a negotiation at all. After apologizing for the behavior of the generals, he assured them no one would attack them again, and that he was working personally as a liaison with other countries to make sure the Senshi, Shitennou, and Hogosha could get to as many places as possible.
"Thank you for what you have been doing here in Tokyo," he said. "I think sometimes we forget that you must have normal lives, and that you are very young to hold such responsibility. And in spite of that you have not given up or abandoned us, even after what was done. In fact, one of you, Sailor Jupiter, I believe, saved my niece last night. One of those flowers was on her windowsill and she would have been hurt if you all were not out there."
Usagi felt tears in her eyes and was more thankful than she could say for the kind words and the recognition that underneath it all, they were just normal teenagers, trying to live their lives.
