Makaiju:
The Promise of the Rose
Chapter 9
Metamorphosis

February 19

Sun Knight was exhausted.

Hours had flown by as they battled one flower fall after another. They'd believed there were no more landing, until they had reached the European continent, and had found more floating to the ground. Artemis believed it was a last wave of flowers delayed somehow in space.

He didn't really care why it was delayed. He only hoped it was the last of them. All of them had been working from one in the morning. It was now well past noon, and he was ready to take a break. He missed his Soul-Bonded, missed Japan, and missed his family.

Currently he was in London with Blue Moon Knight, Sailor Mars, and West Knight. He and his youngest cousin were working on long distance attacks, but without Pluto and Saturn they both felt weaker.

The latest reports were that all of Asia was complete and his soulmate and Blue's would soon be joining them when they took their next break.

Thankfully Mercury and South Knight were in the Americas, where the prince and princess had just gone with Saphir and his family. The rest were roaming over the world in small groups, trying to locate problem areas.

All Sun knew was that he was tired, sore, and ready for a break.

His head came up when he heard a woman scream. He locked eyes with Blue and they both nodded. Someone was in immediate danger.

Together they rushed toward the sound. They found a couple inside their kitchen, with the doors to the garden broken and smashed. Two of the Youma flowers were in the house, attacking them.

The woman was trying to wrestle one of the flowers away from her husband. She was obviously of Japanese origin while the man was English. Speaking in rapid Japanese, she was yelling for the creature to let go of the man, who was being drained rapidly.

"Get out of the way!" Mars yelled, and the woman backed up at the command in Japanese.

Sun pulled her carefully out of harms way and sent an attack at the Youma that had captured the man, who had sunny blonde hair. "Solar Flare," he said, concentrating the attack carefully so no harm would come to the victim.

As soon as the man was free, Blue Moon Knight rushed in and pulled him out of harm's way. Quickly the heroes moved in and within moments both Youma were destroyed.

The woman started rocking back and forth and crying out a name. "Minako."

"Do you think?" Blue Moon asked.

"It is," Mars said. "I thought you had already realized that." She shook her head, wrapped her arms around the woman, and started murmuring comforting words.

He moved to the man and put a hand over his forehead. "Gentle Sunlight Healing," he whispered, filling the man with enough energy to wake and function.

A few minutes later, plans had been made, the house was secure, the couple moved to a safer location, and the four heroes had teleported to the mini command center to take their break and meet up with Pluto and Saturn.

"How much do you think is left?" North Knight asked.

Sailor Venus frowned, leaning her back against his chest. She had no idea. It was nearing three in the afternoon in Japan, and she was exhausted.

"I'm pretty sure we've gotten most of the populated areas," she said, looking over to Jupiter, who nodded.

"We have several areas in the jungles, and a known tribe that lives near a volcano. Not sure what else. I'm just following along where Artemis sends us at this point," Jupiter admitted. "I'm too tired to think straight anymore."

"How are the ground crews doing?" North asked, turning to East Knight.

"Most of the plains are done. There were several hundred deaths among the wildlife in and around the Sahara."

Venus frowned. She was worried about the elephants. Poaching and natural death as well as drought killed many of the wonderful creatures, and she worried about the ability of the species to survive.

North hugged her, picking up on her distress. "I love you," he whispered.

"I love you too, Kun," she said, looking up at him. She could feel the beginnings of a sunburn on her skin. "I don't know how much more we can do right now."

He nodded. "We need a break, and I want to call Ikuko-mama."

She smiled. They had discussed something important after the attempt to abduct Mercury, and now they wanted it to happen as quickly as possible. "I say we should go to the command center, take a break, make the call, and then come back and finish the rest."

He nodded and waved the others close. A moment later they were in the mini command center.

Ikuko hung up the phone. She did a little dance around the kitchen and hurried to find her phonebook. She had an old friend to call. Kenji was smiling at her indulgently. She knew he thought it was silly to get so excited, but this was an important event. She was thankful they had come to her.

As soon as she pulled her phonebook out of the purse she grabbed her cell again. She still didn't have all her numbers programed into it. She would have to get Ami or Zo to help her later. She smiled and dialed the number.

"Judge Saichirou speaking," came the calm voice on the other end of the line.

"It's Tsukino Ikuko," she explained.

"Ikuko! How's Kenji? The kids?"

"All good," she smiled as she spoke. They'd been friends since high school. "I'm calling because I have a young man and young lady who need a little help. The paperwork is already completed, signed, and ready to go. They're just moving things forward slightly."

"How soon?" he asked.

"Tomorrow," Ikuko said.

He was quiet for a moment, but she heard the rustling of paper. "I think we can manage it. Everything should be open by the morning. Get them there by 9:30."

"You are absolutely a hero tonight!" Ikuko exclaimed. "Now, how is your wife?"

"Being driven nearly crazy by two teenagers," he said with a laugh.

"Tell me about it," Ikuko said, happy to talk to her old friend.

Artemis turned up the volume on the news when an image of the Prime Minister and the Emperor appeared. It had been a long day, and most of his charges were still out, working as fast as they could to eradicate the strange Youma that had fallen to Earth. Luna was sleeping, her body curled with her tail tucked under her chin.

"In other news, today the Emperor and Prime Minister made a surprise visit to the nation's defense forces. This comes only hours after the Prime Minister personally spoke with Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Kamen. According to sources inside the palace, both the Emperor and Prime Minister had family members who were saved by the Senshi, Shitennou, or Hogosha during the first few hours of the Youma Flower attack on Japan."

The other anchor took over.

"The Japan Self-Defense Forces have given no statement regarding the visit and the media was not invited to the meeting, however, the Emperor did make a statement overnight stating that he condemned the actions of the military who were not acting in the "best interests of the people." The Prime Minister also stated that the military acted without orders."

Artemis still didn't trust anyone in the military, but he was happy that they hadn't been acting under orders. The last thing they needed was their own government turning against them. They had work to do, and after everything they had learned about the future, he knew they needed the goodwill of the people.

Saving the planet, again, was just another step toward that eventual future. They had many more battles to face before that day, he was sure.

It was nearing midnight when Artemis finally called them all back for the last time. Usagi leaned heavily against Mamoru's side and he wrapped his arm around her and held her close. They had all worked nearly twenty-four hours straight and he was worried about how it would affect her.

It was not completely finished, but with the ground crews working with a type of flame Rei and Jadeite had helped them design specifically for the flowers they could finally relax. All the populated areas they could find had been cleared. The nations of the world would have a bit of work protecting animals, especially the wild ones.

Mamoru was exhausted. They had been on three continents before they were called. Now he wrapped his arm even tighter around her and sat down, pulling her into his lap.

"You guys were amazing," he said to Koan, who was rubbing her eyes tiredly. "I honestly don't know if we would have made it through without all of you."

She nodded and looked over at Petz, who was held tightly in Saphir's arms, already sleeping. Tiny snores coming from his own lap told Mamoru Usagi had fallen asleep as well. Ami appeared to be on her last legs.

"It starts at nine tomorrow morning," he reminded the others, who nodded. They'd grown excited at Minako's call and the chattering between the girls hadn't stopped since.

February 20

Minako was shaking, her hands unsteady as she tried to pin her hair up. Usagi pushed her hands away and took over, parting the golden locks in three places, two small and one large. She began making small plaits of the two tinier pieces, weaving in the flowers Mamoru had provided as she made a crown of the two small braids and attached the veil.

"You look so beautiful," Ikuko whispered, adjusting the fabric.

The dress had belonged to Minako's mother, as well as the veil, since her father had wanted to get married in a church. Minako and Kunzite had decided against being so formal, however. They were going to be married in the courthouse, with a judge, instead. It was simple, and perfect for them. They didn't need a huge ceremony. They only needed the ones who loved them most.

All they really wanted was for the wedding to take place immediately.

There was a sound behind her and she peered into the mirror to see what was happening. "Are they here?" Usagi asked, and Minako turned to see her talking to Setsuna, who nodded.

"Haruki picked them up," she explained.

"Who?" Minako asked.

"Hmm?" Usagi turned back to her and readjusted the veil. "Oh, just a couple friends," she said, and added a pin to hold the thin material steady. "There," she said, "it's perfect."

Minako nodded and looked at the other girls. They'd all used the disguise pen to create dresses in their own colors. Their soulmates had suits with those colors for contrast. Minako however was all in white except the orange flowers tucked into her crown of braids. Most of her hair was free and flowing down her back, but those braids set off the look beautifully.

The door to the room opened suddenly and two people came inside. Minako's jaw dropped. She hadn't expected to see them. Tears filled her eyes. She wanted to weep in gratitude. Obviously someone had made sure they would appear.

"Mama? Papa?"

Both of them rushed forward.

"You look wonderful," her mother said, wiping tears from her own eyes.

"Beautiful," her father murmured.

Minako found herself in the embrace of her parents. It felt right. For the first time in what seemed forever there was no strange feeling around them. Something had changed, and she wished she knew what it was. Her parents both clung to her, and Minako clung back, just as hard.

Kunzite paced back and forth in the judge's office. He couldn't wait for his bride to appear. His suit felt a bit uncomfortable and tight around the collar. He didn't care. He would be a bit uncomfortable for a few minutes if it meant he could have his love forever. He continued to pace.

Mamoru cleared his throat and Jadeite put a hand on Kunzite's shoulder to stop him. He stared at them. Both had recently been through a marriage ceremony and he knew they had done well, but he was still extremely nervous.

"You don't think she's mad, do you?" he asked.

He knew Haruki and Setsuna had just gone to get Minako's parents. He'd only found out an hour before and had been told to keep it a secret.

Mamoru shook his head. "I think she will be thrilled when she sees them. Things have changed. After the attack yesterday, all either of them could think about was Minako."

Kunzite nodded. He had heard what happened when Haruki saved the couple from one of the Youma flowers, and he was thrilled, but he hadn't warned his bride they were coming.

Kenji-San hurried into the chambers. "The girls are on their way," he said quietly.

For a moment Kunzite felt panic. What if he said the words wrong, or tripped and fell, or the ring got lost? Then he felt Minako's presence in his mind and her words calmed him.

:: If we make mistakes, we'll make them together, :: she said simply. His shoulders relaxed, and Kunzite felt a grin form on his face. Together. That was all that really mattered. They would be together forever.

The door opened, and the girls came in, one at a time. Next was Minako with her parents holding onto either arm. She was, without a doubt, the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. The simple, creamy white gown flowed over her curves. The veil only highlighted her natural beauty. The crown of braid covered in flowers made her face seem slightly softer.

Simply beautiful.

Judge Saichirou smiled and urged Kunzite to take Minako's hand. Her father placed it in his and he smiled down at her. She was perfect. Her hand felt warm in his, and the moment they touched he felt whole.

"Kunzite," the judge said, smiling. "Please repeat after me."

Kunzite looked into Minako's eyes as he repeated the words. He felt an amazing sense of calm as he stared into the beautiful face, the azure eyes meeting his.

"Watakushi wa kono josei to kekkonshi
(This woman, I marry)
Fufu to narou to shite imasu
Watakushi wa kenkouna tokimo
Soudenai tokimo
(No matter what the health situation is)
Kono hito o aishi
(I will love this person)
Kono hito o uyamai
(Respect this person)
Kono hito o nagusame
(Console this person)
Kono hito o tasuke
(Help this person)
Watakushi no inochi no kagiri
(Until death)
Kataku sessou o mamoru koto o
(Protecting fidelity)
Chikai masu.
(I swear.)"

Kunzite didn't stutter or stumble over the words. They were easy promises to make to one he loved so completely. She was the other half of him. She was more than just his lover. She was friend and counselor, light and hope.

"Minako, please repeat after me," Judge Saichirou continued.

"Watakushi wa kono dansei to kekkonshi…
(This man, I marry)
Fufu to narou to shite imasu
Watakushi wa kenkouna tokimo
Soudenai tokimo
(No matter what the health situation is)
Kono hito o aishi
(I will love this person)
Kono hito o uyamai
(Respect this person)
Kono hito o nagusame
(Console this person)
Kono hito o tasuke
(Help this person)
Watakushi no inochi no kagiri
(Until death)
Kataku sessou o mamoru koto o
(Protecting fidelity)
Chikai masu.
(I swear.)"

Kunzite sighed in relief. It was done. Minako smiled as he lifted her veil and lowered his lips to hers. It took all of his self-control not to devour her whole right there. He kissed her several times, gently, and once deeply, slipping his tongue into her mouth to taste her, wrapping his arms around her waist.

Laughter and clapping filled the room, bringing him back to reality. They were moved gently forward a moment later and he and Minako signed their names on the document. He smiled. They were married.

He looked around the room. Doctor Mizuno and Grandfather Hino were just standing up. The doctor had gone back to the hospital for another shift after Ami's return and looked exhausted. The Sisters and Saphir looked tired as well. In fact, everyone did. But they had all come to be with himself and Minako. It meant more than he could say.

Naru was carefully removing the veil from Minako's hair so that she had more freedom of movement. They were going straight to their secret honeymoon spot, and he was excited to have a little time alone with his wife.

His wife. How wonderful that sounded.

:: I love you, wife, :: he said, grinning at her.

:: I love you, husband, :: she responded, blushing lightly.

When he arrived on the planet, Xenian sneered up at Fiore. "Why are you coming back here? Let the flowers do their work," she said, hissing angrily.

"I don't think the flowers are going to succeed. The protectors here are powerful and relentless," he explained.

"They are worthless," Xenian argued.

The Kisenian blossom had been more hostile and angrier as the night turned to day on the planet below, ordering him again and again to release her seedlings. He hadn't wanted to risk it until he knew how much damage had been done. Secretly, he was hoping the planet's protectors had wiped them away.

Looking around now at the streets of Tokyo, Fiore saw people. Many people. They were going about their normal activities as though nothing had happened at all. He didn't see any students in school uniforms, but as he passed a private school he saw a cultural festival.

"I don't think it worked Xenian," he said, his voice quiet.

"What!?" The blossom peeked above the edge of his pocket and gasped. "How? How is this possible?"

"I told you," he said, his voice quiet.

Suddenly he felt a presence nearby. A presence that felt strangely familiar to him. Like something remembered from a dream. He didn't understand it. Somehow he felt like he had come home. Even Mamoru didn't give him those feelings.

Natsume growled as the girl pulled her and Ail forward onto the stage. It was ridiculous. This was the third set of outfits they had been pressed to show off. She was tired and needed energy. The people smiled and clapped for them, which was nice, but she was too tired to enjoy herself.

She looked over at Seijoru, who nodded. The next time they went backstage they were going to release a Cardian. She waved to the people, though she couldn't lift her arm completely and turned away.

Usagi moved carefully into the dining room, balancing her plate on top of her mug of hot chocolate. It had been a long morning after Kunzite and Minako left. They'd helped Minako's parents get settled into their house, bringing supplies from England, and then she and the others had a meeting with Artemis and a teleconference with the Prime Minister who was coordinating efforts around the world with the United Nations.

They had all taken care of a few hotspots, mostly in areas that weren't well known, like jungles and islands no one really thought much about. More than a thousand people had died from the attacks across the globe, and it upset her greatly.

Mamoru sat down across from her, another plate in his hands. Simple toast was all she could handle at the moment in spite of all the energy she had used. Usagi was worried Doctor Mizuno would try to put her on bed rest, but she just couldn't handle it at the moment. She felt keyed up, as though the battle wasn't over.

Taking a bite of toast, Usagi gave her husband a smile. "It really was beautiful," she said with a sigh.

Mamoru grinned at her. "I've never seen Kunzite so nervous," he admitted.

"I know," Usagi giggled. "Minako said he was panicking about losing the rings. He wasn't even the one holding them."

"Motoki had it under control," Mamoru said, smiling. "I swear before it's done, he'll be a professional at it."

Usagi couldn't stop the giggle that followed. "You know he's thinking of asking Reika right?"

Mamoru nodded. "I saw it too. He was tearing up when Minako and Kunzite were saying their vows and staring at her like a lovesick puppy. I give him a month at most."

She nodded.

A strange feeling of greasy sliminess startled Usagi and she knew instantly another Cardian had been released. Frustrated, she put her toast back on the plate and pressed the call button on her communicator. "Everyone except Minako and Kunzite, there is a Cardian. Henshin yo!"

Usagi and Mamoru both transformed and a moment later they had transported across the district. They found themselves in front of the girl's academy where Rei had attended before switching schools.

Immediately she heard a scream coming from inside the auditorium and they made their way forward. Mars and West Knight appeared next to them as they ran. She could hear the footsteps of the others as well. Before they could reach the building a strange Cardian with pink hair and a tail exploded from the building and raced toward Sailor Moon.

There was a strange sound and she found herself staring at Fiore's back as he stepped between her and the Cardian. He held up his arm and a burst of light came from him, knocking the creature back.

The Cardian screamed "Seiren," and threw a burst of powder at him. He fell to his knees. Sailor Mars threw her Fire Soul attack at the creature and Sailor Moon lifted up the Moon Wand and struck out at the creature. As she sent out her "Moon Princess Halation," she heard "Solar Flare," from Sun Knight and the attacks met and combined, throwing a halo of flames around the monster.

When the circle covered her, it shrunk in on itself until the creature disappeared into dust, a single tarot card falling to the ground. Sailor Moon rushed to where Fiore had fallen. She knelt beside him and whispered, "Moon Healing Escalation," focusing it entirely on him, holding the power away from the creature in his pocket, who was sleeping as well.

Fiore's eyes blinked open and he stared up at her. "You helped me," he said, surprise filling his voice.

"You needed it. I've only bought you a little time. I don't know how long the blossom will remain asleep," she continued. "I get the feeling that she's controlling you somehow, though I don't fully understand it."

Fiore nodded. His eyes blinked, and he looked down at his pocket. The blossom was stirring already.

"Come to us, and we can help you," Sailor Moon urged.

The blossom woke and tried to bite Sailor Moon.

Ail stared at what appeared to be another of his kind. Why had he put himself between Sailor Moon and the Cardian? It made no sense. He was lying on the ground now, Sailor Moon kneeling at his side, having healed him. Again he got a sense that she was familiar, but his eyes were drawn to the only other of his kind that he had seen since early in his childhood.

The other alien was speaking, and then a small creature in his pocket attempted to attack Sailor Moon and he suddenly disappeared. Ail turned to look at An.

"Did you see that?" he asked.

She nodded. "Fiore," she murmured. "Do you remember him?"

Ail thought back. They had been hardly more than infants when the Makai tree had left their home planet. Shortly after they left she had begun landing on different planets, trying to find a permanent home. There had been nearly three hundred of them then. Now it was only the two of them.

Fiore had been a couple years their senior, he thought, and if he remembered right, on one of the planets where they'd landed a mob had formed and the tree, and the children, had been attacked. Fiore had raced out into the mob and they'd followed the young one. He had screamed for the tree to save the other children as he led the mob away.

"He saved all of us."

An nodded. "I think he might be the reason I've felt so peaceful lately," she said.

"Peaceful?" Ail asked, confused.

"More complete."

Ail frowned. It made sense. A girl like An needed more than just one other of her kind to be whole and happy. He stared at the place where Fiore had been. Maybe they could work together. He took An's hand and together they disappeared. They had enough energy to last a few days.

"It's a good thing we're doing these checkups early," Usagi said to the other girls as they entered the medical bay. "I want to see the special. It's fitting that they are running it today," she added with a giggle.

"It's perfect," Petz said, rubbing the small of her back.

"Back pain?" Ami asked, pointing toward the table. Petz climbed up and sat on the crinkly paper.

"A little. We did have a long day yesterday," she explained.

"It could be an early warning sign of back labor," Doctor Mizuno said, "so if it continues, let me know."

Petz was urged to lay back and Doctor Mizuno walked Ami through using the ultrasound machine.

"Do you want Saphir in here for that part?" Usagi asked. When the young woman nodded, Usagi called out mentally to Mamoru who arrived a moment later. They'd been in talking to Artemis, but this seemed more important at the moment.

Ami been doing more and more of the visits as they progressed and Usagi thought it was a smart idea. If her mother was in surgery when one of the girls went into labor, Ami could be the one delivering a baby.

A few minutes passed while Ami moved the sensor forward and back over Petz' stomach. "The baby looks to be around thirteen weeks," she said. Then she put down the wand and wiped the gel off Petz' belly. "Do you want to know the gender? I can't do that with this yet, but the Mercury computer can tell you."

"I'm pretty sure it's a boy," Petz said. "I've been having dreams," she added. "But yes, please."

"It's definitely a boy," Saphir added.

"You're right," Ami said, smiling at both of them. "And completely healthy. You aren't too far behind Usagi so I'm going to warn you now, the baby may already be trying to communicate with you mentally. You may notice some interesting symptoms those without powers don't have."

"Like hiccoughing bubbles," Usagi said wryly, making the others laugh.

Haruki hurried in with Jadeite. "Sorry we're late," he panted. "Did we miss anything?"

"We're having a boy," Saphir said, his voice filled with wonder as he held onto Petz. "A son." She was smiling up at him in delight and Usagi's heart melted.

"Now, Usagi, it's time for you to step on the scale."

Usagi gritted her teeth and moved toward her most hated piece of medical equipment, praying she hadn't lost too much weight. She watched as the numbers rose and her jaw dropped.

"You've gained three pounds," Ami said excitedly. "That's wonderful!"

To Usagi it was beyond wonderful. She had been so worried. Now she had hope.

Yuna: Welcome to the Sailor Senshi Hour! This week we have an extended program for you. After our normal broadcast we will air the first of our specials. This week it is North Knight and Sailor Venus. We will air one episode every other week, showcasing each of the couples, and culminating in a special on Tuxedo Kamen and Sailor Moon.

Aoto: But first we want to focus on the aftermath of the military's attempt to abduct Sailor Mercury, the attack of Youma Flowers, and the asteroid that is headed toward Earth.

Yuna: We have plenty of video coverage, and a special interview we recorded early this morning. We also have the information on the latest Cardian attack, and questions about the additions to the heroes who have defended us for so long.

Miyu: We want to remind everyone about the upcoming fundraiser. More information is available on the date, time, and cost of tickets. You can see that along the bottom of our screen, along with the website where you can purchase tickets and place your bids on auctioned items.

Yuna: And now for the interview we had this morning! I'm very excited about this.

(The screen changed to a set of five chairs, three on one side, two on the other.)

Aoto: We are so happy to have you with us this morning. I know you must be exhausted.

Sailor Moon: We really are. We didn't finish until nearly midnight last night and I'm sure there will be more calls for us today.

Yuna: That makes us even more grateful you came to speak with us.

Tuxedo Kamen: How could we not after your broadcast? We've never felt so connected to the people of this city. We unfortunately didn't get to see much of it live, but we watched quite a bit of it as we rested and took breaks. All those people you interviewed and the letters from the kids…

Miyu: How could we do any less? You all have done so much for this city. And you're so young!

Sailor Moon: This is our home. We love it here. Not just Tokyo, and not just Japan, but the planet.

Tuxedo Kamen: It's more than just a job or a duty. We have friends and family we care about all over this city, and believe it or not, the planet.

Aoto: Can you tell us anything about the new group of fighters who helped you? We had an idea they might be the ones you saved a short while ago.

Sailor Moon: They are. And like us, they need to stay anonymous. I can tell you they were being controlled by a very powerful being. They were prisoners for a long time, much like the Shitennou were held by Metallia.

Miyu: We've been wondering about that. You have all faced some incredibly fierce enemies. How do you do it? How do you go into a battle like that, not knowing the outcome?

Tuxedo Kamen: It isn't easy. Sometimes we are very afraid. And maybe more so because we all love each other so much. We are all connected.

Sailor Moon: Actually, more connected than you might think. You might have noticed that more than half our number now has been saved from the clutches of evil, and most of those were forced into horrible acts where they hurt others. In order to prevent something like that from happening to any of us again, not only did we heal them, we connected them to ourselves.

Miyu: I'm not sure I understand.

Sailor Moon: Have you heard the word soulmates?

Yuna: Of course.

Tuxedo Kamen: With our abilities, and a bit of magic, those of us who are couples are Soul-Bonded. Basically, Sailor Moon is in possession of half of my soul, and I have half of hers. This gives us added protection and strengthens our bond. We took that concept a bit further and used our powers to link every one of us together. We call it the Soul-Link.

Aoto: Soul-Link. Does that mean each of you has part of the other's souls, or is it more of a connection of the souls?

Sailor Moon: A connection. The long and short of it is, none of us can be turned evil, and no one can hypnotize us into harming each other. As we rescue others we can add them to this Link. It takes a lot of time and energy, but we decided it was worth it to make sure none of us would ever be forced into hurting people.

Miyu: So, why are you telling us? Don't get me wrong, I'm curious and want to know, but this seems like important information.

Tuxedo Kamen: We all talked about it and thought it was best the people knew that no matter what happens, we will always be on their side. Enemies can come, and they can try to turn us, but it won't work. We take our vow to the people quite seriously.

Aoto: And we are so thankful you do. Switching gears now, I was wondering if you could answer a personal question for us.

Tuxedo Kamen: So long as it doesn't give away our identities.

Aoto: I promise, it won't. I was just wondering about the babies. We've seen some of the things they do, and my partner asked me the other day how the two of you get any sleep at all.

Sailor Moon: It's actually gotten a lot better.