Chapter 10
Attacks


January 23


"Rei," her grandfather called to her. He was sitting on one of the stone benches near the stairs that led to the street. Those long stairs had sculpted her calf and thigh muscles over time so that her legs were quite strong. They no longer bothered her, but she wondered if perhaps her grandpa needed help.

"Grandfather?" She asked, hoping he was feeling better.

"Rei, come and sit with me for a moment. Jadeite will be a few minutes late this morning I think." She obeyed instantly. Her grandfather was one of the most important people in the world as far as she was concerned, and her love and devotion for him knew no bounds, though they often teased and annoyed each other.

"How are you feeling this morning?" She asked, still a bit concerned, though his cheeks seemed more rosy this morning.

"I'm feeling much better this morning Rei. I just wanted to talk to you about something." He cleared his throat. "I know this isn't a topic grandfathers usually talk to their granddaughters about, but I've had a vision, and this needs to be said."

Rei clutched at the bench. She wasn't sure what this was about, but she had a feeling it had to do with her relationship with Jadeite and the decision she was struggling with.

"Rei. I know about you and the other girls. You talked to me about that a long time ago. Since then I have consulted the Great Fire daily, prayed for all of you, and tried to be there to help guide you. Luna has talked to me several times, and even Artemis, and I feel I am aware of most of the goings on. You are trying to make a decision about Jadeite and the Soul-Bond. I think part of your hesitation has to do with me. Perhaps you feel you would be letting me down by not choosing a priest. Hmm?"

Rei nodded, feeling uncertain.

"Rei, it is not a priest who will be in charge here when I'm gone. It will be you. And you cannot put off the Bond for much longer. A new responsibility is about to be placed on your shoulders. Something you and Jadeite will do together as a couple. I would like the two of you to be happily married of course, but without a good cause, for now you must just stay Bonded. However, I do feel he should move in with us."

Rei was feeling a little shocked. This was a lot for one girl to take so early in the morning. She was happy of course. Almost over the moon ecstatic that she wouldn't be letting her grandfather down. And it had been difficult to wait when she was so in love with Jadeite. But she wasn't sure about this new responsibility her grandfather spoke of. What was it? Was it something she could handle?

"Jadeite is here granddaughter. Think on my words please."

"I will grandfather." She stood, then stooped to give him a kiss.

"And Rei?" She looked into his eyes as she waited for him to continue. "Soon please."

She nodded. Her face heating in a blush. "Yes grandfather."


On Wednesday morning Mamoru decided to stay with Usagi until the very last moment before class. The high school started twenty minutes later than the Middle School, so he had the time. The two of them sat together at one of the picnic benches around the garden, just holding each other and talking silently. It was a great morning, to his mind anyways, and based on the feelings pulsing though their bond, she was enjoying herself as well.

::I love you Usako:: he kissed her gently and nuzzled his face into her neck.

::I love you too Mamo-chan, but I really don't want to get into trouble.:: A little mental giggle followed.

::Ah, but we're being watched.:: He didn't look up or move, and she followed his example. ::That new boy is staring at you, and I really don't like it that he isn't taking the hint. Is it just me or do the boys seem ultra attracted to you? And they aren't remotely subtle about it!::

::I know how you feel at least. Girls everywhere fawn all over you! Remember how Beryl kept trying to... entice you?:: Usagi shuddered and Mamoru rubbed his hand up and down her back gently.

::Yeah. Some of the girls are crazy. I was getting all these love letters in my locker right up until that day...:: He thought about the day he'd broken down. That day had made it clear to everyone that the two of them were a couple and absolutely no one and nothing would come between the two of them.

::The boys here have all stopped too, except Seijouru. I really thought after you came in that day he wouldn't try anymore, but Makoto has chased him away several times. And according to Naru, Natsume thinks she can steal you away from me. She was bragging about it in gym the other day.::

Mamoru looked up and met the eyes of the strange brother and sister who were staring at them. Sure enough, both seemed to show signs of a stalkerish lust. Something would have to be done about that. He lifted Usagi's chin and kissed her. Quickly it changed from gentle to passionate and Usagi had to pull away to remind him they couldn't do anything where they were.

::I wish you could take a sick day.:: It was a mental groan that made Usagi giggle.

Suddenly there was the sound of singing. Her belly, which was pressed right up against Mamoru, was beginning to glow slightly, and he could hear faint words.

"Little bunny foo foo,
Hopping through the forest
Scooping up the field mice,
And bopping them on the head"

::OH NO!:: Usagi's voice sounded panicked, and she looked around wildly. Only Natsume and Seijouru were close, and they were looking at the pair strangely. ::No one can see this! Or hear this!::

::Calm down. Don't look panicked. If you too they'll get suspicious. For all they know it could be a music box. I hope this doesn't last.::

Mamoru reached down to her belly and jiggled the babies through the skin. "Stop that! You'll get mommy in trouble!"

"And down came the blue Fairy, and she said
Little bunny foo foo,"

"Stop it kiddo's," begged Usagi.

"I don't wanna see you
Scooping up the field mice,
And bopping them on the head."

"Children, listen now!" He jiggled her belly again, but the music continued. Seijouru was pointing at Usagi now, and whispering to Natsume. The two stepped forward. But the music and light continued.

"And now I'll give you 3 more chances,
And if you keep it up
I'll turn you into a..."

"PLEASE!" Usagi whispered hoarsely, as the two new students grew closer to them. The music finally stopped and the light disappeared.

"What was that," asked Natsume, walking up to them.

"Uh, um..." Usagi seemed unsure what to say.

"Music box," Mamoru said. It was the only explanation he could think of. The girl cocked her head to the side and looked at him as though she didn't understand the words. "Lights up and plays sounds. It stopped working is all." He pressed the call button on Usagi's communicator, sending a silent signal to the others to come to her location. It was the newest feature. The other communicators would show directions to get to her.

The other four girls were racing towards them.

"Usagi, I was wondering if maybe you would like to go to lunch with me." Seijouru held out a hand to the little blonde in Mamoru's arms. Red filled his vision and rage erupted in him so strongly he wasn't sure he could control himself.

"Stay the hell away from my wife! Can't you see you frighten her? What the hell is wrong with you?" He never noticed he was standing, and now screaming at the younger boy.

Usagi put a hand on his arm. ::MAMORU!:: She warned. ::Stay calm or they wont let you come here.::

The thought of being separated from her calmed him, but he still glared at Seijouru.

Natsume looked over at Mamoru. "You know, I could take you to lunch while she goes with my brother." She smiled and reached over to put a hand on Mamoru's arm.

Usagi stood and turned. The look in her eyes spoke of the worst kind of death. Violent and permanent death. "You leave my husband ALONE!" she screamed. Mamoru put his arms around her waist before her personal shield could erupt and give them away.

"You are a freak!" Natsume insisted. "You and your belly singing and your... your... You're a FREAK!"

Usagi was shaking in his arms. Fortunately the other girls had arrived, and surrounded the two of them, putting distance between them and the brother and sister.

"You want to talk about freak?" Usagi screamed. Mamoru was surprised at the venom in her voice. "Who goes around trying to date a married man? Or woman?" she turned her glare on Seijouru. "Something is seriously messed up with the two of you!"

"Messed up? Freak? I can show you freak little girl." Natsume looked as though she might attempt to hit Usagi and Mamoru pushed her behind him. The last thing they needed was the shield to go up and expose them.

The bell rang for classes to begin. Mamoru turned to Usagi. "Lets get you to class." He turned back. "Both of you stay the hell away from my wife or we'll report you!" He picked up Usagi, who was shaking so hard it was nearly impossible for her to walk, and moved away quickly while the girls blocked the other two from following. He brought her straight to her class and explained to Haruna-sensei as best he could.

Usagi started to drink her shake even before he left. Her energy already seemed to be depleted. He worried about leaving her at the school at all, but the girls promised to take care of her, and Haruna-sensei said she would watch her. He shuddered once as Natsume tried to grab his arm, and pulled away from the girl. Usagi looked as though she might cry.

::It'll be okay, Usako. I love you.::

::I love you too.:: Her voice was sad in his head and waves of disappointment and frustration came through the bond. He knew she just wanted to go home and call the day over.

Mamoru himself was worried. They couldn't take many more of these outbursts when she was un-henshined. The babies were going to give her away! He thought maybe he would have to have Mizuno-san sign for her to homeschool until they were born. Usagi would be miserable, but safe.


"Haruna-sensei?" Usagi whispered as her teacher passed her desk. "May I be excused to the bathroom? I'm not feeling very well." Her teacher nodded her head and Usagi slipped out of her chair and made her way into the hall. Her head hurt and her entire body seemed to ache, from her toes up. She'd been doing so much better before the run-in with Natsume and Seijouru. Now she was exhausted and felt weak. She walked down the hallway slowly, her hand against the lockers students put their normal footwear in before donning school slippers.

She wanted to go home and sleep. When she reached the bathroom she looked into the mirror and gasped. The dark circles were back, her cheeks seemed almost hollow, and her skin was so pale it was nearly translucent. She looked like death warmed over. Definitely she needed a nap. She was nauseous again, and even though she tried to hold it back she was sick. It made her worry about the babies. This longer illness and her weakness couldn't be good for them.

When she was finally feeling better and had brushed her teeth it was the lunch hour. She opened the bathroom door and stepped out only to find someone blocking her from moving down the hall. Usagi couldn't help but shrink away from Seijouru. "Stay away from me!" She begged her babies silently not to put the shield up, but wasn't sure if they would listen. If that shield went up she would never be able to hide her identity again, and she wouldn't be the only one exposed. He stepped closer to her and put a hand on her shoulder and she instinctively bent away from him and called out.

Instantly Naru was next to her, and shoved Seijouru away. "GET AWAY FROM USAGI!" her best friend screamed. Running feet could be heard and she was suddenly surrounded by very pissed off Senshi, though at least they stayed in their human forms. She was so thankful her shield hadn't come up she nearly cried.

Mamoru is not going to be happy with this, Usagi thought mournfully. Maybe it was time she stayed home until her pregnancy was over. Between dealing with the new students and her sickness, she just didn't think it was the best idea to stay there anymore.

The girls stayed between her and Seijouru and Naru pulled her away to go sit in the office for lunch. When she was safely there she sent out a message to Mamoru.

::Another incident with that STUPID BOY!:: She huffed mentally. ::I don't think I can take any more!::

::We'll handle it.:: He promised. ::I love you Usako. I'll be there to pick you up as soon as school lets out.::

::Love you Mamo-chan.::

Ami came into the office and asked to see the principal. She was led back into the office and stayed in there while the other girls sat in the hard plastic chairs around Usagi.

Makoto tried to hand Usagi something to eat, but she shook her head. "I wouldn't be able to hold it down right now. Sorry."

"You're drinking another shake then." Rei pulled one of the chocolate shakes out of her subspace pocket, careful not to let anyone see where it came from. "At least try."

Usagi nodded and drank several sips, pretending everything was fine and her mind wasn't going a million miles a minute.


Jadeite picked Rei up from school and brought her back to Hikawah Shrine. The Shinto temple was beautiful in the late afternoon light. He held her hand as they climbed the steps. His heart felt so much lighter when he was with her, though at times the memories of their past life became overwhelming, and his guilt ate at him, she constantly reminded him that he had been under Metallia's influence.

She pulled him up the last few steps with a grin. "Come on!" She urged, and pulled him towards the room with the Great Fire. It was close to the living quarters, but far enough from them to provide safety. Her grin was infectious and he couldn't help smiling when she broke into a run. "I just need to check something," she said, laughing.

She sat in front of the Great Fire for several minutes. Her demeanor changed and she became still and quiet, but the moment she stood she was all smiles again. "It's time," she announced. "And grandfather says you should move in with us."

Jadeite didn't understand at first until she began to drag him to her bedroom. Then he grinned. The Soul-Bond. She pulled him into her room and giggled as she pushed him back on the bed. She was in such a bright and happy mood this afternoon, and he couldn't understand why when by all accounts the school day had been awful. He wasn't going to complain though.

She started tugging at her blouse and he sat up and brushed her hands away. He wanted to do it himself. "Mine!" he whispered playfully, and nearly ripped the shirt off in his haste to see and feel his soulmate. When her silky smooth skin was revealed to him he pressed his head against her belly to give her tiny tickling kisses. She tugged at his shirt, pulling it up and over his head and he laughed. She was nearly as imapatient as he was.

THe two of them wrestled on the bed, ripping clothing, bruising each other in their need as they kissed and touched every inch of each other. Finally Jadeite pushed Rei down onto her back and held her still so he could press her breasts together and take her nipples into his mouth. She moaned as he suckled and bit and laved at her. He pulled her underwear down, still not releasing the peaks, and pressed a finger into her.

She was hot and wet and so very ready for him, moaning and calling out for him to fill her. But he wanted more. He kissed his way down her body and pressed his mouth to the core of her pleasure, supping from her and enjoying the tangy sweet taste of her. She was his, always and forever. He added a second finger to her and pressed harder, wiggling his fingers to drive her insane.

"Jadeite," she moaned. He chuckled, sending shockwaves through her clit. She screamed and bit her hand to silence herself. "Please!" She begged, "Please, I need you. Please!"

Jadeite had to oblige. He moved up her and spread her legs further as he hid his face in her neck. "It will hurt," he warned.

"I'm ready," she whimpered.

Using one hand he guided himself to her, his cock throbbing almost painfully with need. He slicked the head back and forth over her slit and then when he reached the opening again, pressed inside, hardly going in. She hissed as her body was forced to spread around him. He wasn't a small man and he wished for just a moment he was. He didn't want to hurt her, and the first time was always uncomfortable.

He moved so that he could take her nipples again and waited until she was thrashing before pushing further, until he reached the thin membrane. He held still and moved one hand between them so he could rub her nub. He wanted her thrashing in ecstasy when he broke through. She moaned under him as he rubbed his fingers up and down around the sensitive flesh.

"Oh god Jadeite!" She screamed and bit her hand again. As she withed in pleasure he took her. He slammed home with one hard thrust and she moaned again, her orgasm still overwhelming her. The sound of music filled the air, and golden light filled with hints of red and silver overwhelmed them in bright beauty. He rode her through it and kept driving, now sitting up for a better angle. He wanted to watch her face as he plunged into her.

He groaned with every thrust, holding himself back. He was giving her his virginity as much as she gave hers to him, and he didn't know just how long he could hold out. "Rei!" he trashed into her again and again. The lights and music swelling around them. A gentle breeze played over their skin, dancing in the air around them, and as she threw her head back in the throes of passion he released himself inside her.


Chibi-Mamo and Chibi-Usa held hands and skipped ahead of Mamoru and Usagi. They were on their way into the grocery store. School was finally over for the day for all of them. Mamoru was worried about broaching the subject of Usagi being home schooled for the duration of the pregnancy. Five months was a long time, and he knew she wouldn't want to be alone all day. But he'd had to send her so much energy after picking her up, and she still didn't seem like her normal self.

She'd been doing so much better the night before, had seemed like her old self, but after this morning's argument with those two... he couldn't think of a word bad enough to describe the brother and sister who seemed hell bent on trying to push their way into a relationship when they were not wanted. He couldn't stand them and wanted them away from his Usako.

If she did stay home, the other girls wouldn't be there either, which meant he would also have to take time off and homeschool. He just wasn't sure what he should do. Maybe there was an alternative, but he couldn't think of one. She seemed so tired and drained again, and he wondered if it was even safe for her to be out doing normal activities like shopping.

::Jadeite and Rei are performing the Bonding.:: Usagi said, and Mamoru noticed she was right. He could feel the swirls of light and hear the faint music even from a distance. Even the children seemed aware that something was happening, though not what was going on.

Usagi went for the foreign foods section. Mamoru couldn't help but chuckle as the kids followed her excitedly. They too seemed partial to the fattier foods of the American and European cultures.

"Mamoru, could we do Italian for dinner? I can cook spaghetti!" Usagi grinned. He smiled at her and nodded. "Wait," she hissed. "Something's here." They started moving to the back of the store where they could transform quickly.

A loud screech filled the air and people began falling in the isles. Mamoru shoved Usagi and the children behind him. He pressed the emergency signal on his communicator. There was a bright flash and he pushed them further back until they were all hidden in an alcove in the produce department.

"Transform," he hissed, pulling a rose from thin air to begin his own transformation. Usagi's transformation happened rapidly, but by the time she was done she was panting. Her shield came up and she pulled the twins tightly against her.

"Sailor Moon, get out of here. You can't be seen with them. Go!"

She sobbed as she reached within herself to teleport away from him. "Please be careful!" He gave her a hard kiss and the three of them disappeared.

The Shitennou arrived almost the moment she left, their Senshi soulmates with them. The droid, which appeared to be a female dressed in fruits and vegetables screamed out "Avocado," and proceeded to attack them.

A furious battle ensued. The droid made the food around them appear to rot, and sent waves of fruits and vegetables at them, along with other attacks. Tuxedo Kame lifted his hand and screamed "Tuxedo la Smoking Bomber," sending waves of smoke and energy at the thing.

Mars screamed "Burning Mandala," and Jadeite focused her attack so there would be no damage to the store around them. It was several minutes before they were able to take the droid down, and it changed forms rapidly before becoming dust. A moment later Sailor Moon returned, this time without the children, and she used her Moon Wand to send healing energy throughout the store. The rotten food restored, and the people began to wake.

"Kunzite," Tuxedo Kamen muttered, "we were here with the kids when it started. Can you erase the surveillance footage?"

The leader of his Shitennou nodded his head and sent out a wave of energy. "It is done Prince," he said a moment later. "As well as any other footage which might have been recorded here." He nodded to a woman who was passed out, whose phone was still held up towards them. "Take the Princess home. We will do your shopping."

Tuxedo Kamen grabbed Usagi. "Will someone bring the children home?"

Mercury stepped forward. "Yes, I wanted to talk to you as well. Zo and I will be there shortly."


Haruki heard the call, but he was not able to run to the aid of his cousin or her husband. Instead he found himself in a tiny village. He wasn't sure where he was, but someone had called to him, their need urgent, their attitude fearful. When he arrived he found a Youma, this one appearing to be male, with a lion's made in bright red and yellow. A young boy was standing between the Youma and the village, screaming for the rest of the people to run.

He was wearing a golden tunic, cut to mid-thigh, and sky-blue pants. His shoes were something Haruki had never seen before, almost like a wrap around the feet. As the Youma came closer to the boy plate armor seemed to leak from two thin strips on his shoulder blades, also golden. He held a sword in his hands but was not attacking with it, simply holding it in front of him, tip of the blade pointed near the eye of the Youma.

Without thought, Haruki strode up beside the boy and transformed. His own garb was similar to that of the boy. His tunic was also yellow, but the armor was a part of the skin-tight material, and moved with him. It shone in shades of red, orange, yellow, and white. He held out his own sword and released a blast of energy at the Youma, with a yell. "Star Burst!"

The boy looked over to him, and then appeared to remember something. "Moon and Sun Shine!" he screamed, and his blast also hit the Youma, both hits directly in the center of the forehead where a red jewel sat on the monster's brow. The Youma disintegrated into a pile of dust. The boy turned to Haruki and bowed low.

"I am Kaneko Takeo," he said, his voice filled with awe.

"Kazuo Haruki," he told the boy with a low bow of his own. "You were very brave to face the Youma on your own, young one."

"Iie Haruki-San. I didn't know what else to do. I heal faster than the others." He frowned. "I didn't know I could fight it with words."

"You need to be trained," Haruki admitted. "You seem to have a power similar to my own, and I could help. Where are your parents?"

The boy ducked his head. "I don't know. The Shinto temple, the maidens have been raising me," he admitted.

A moment later several teenage girls came running down the street towards them. "Takeo!" one of them shouted. "We heard you were fighting and someone appeared to help you!"

They approached Haruki cautiously. The oldest of the group bowed low and the others followed her example. "I hesitate to ask Sensei," said the oldest, with a small frown. "But, if you could help Takeo, we would be most grateful. We..." she swiped at a tear. "The temple will be closing and he will have no place to go. We are all moving to separate temples since our priest passed, and none have agreed to let him stay."

Haruki looked down at Takeo. "I believe I know of a place in Tokyo. The Hikawah Shine. Do you know it?"

The oldest nodded emphatically. "Hino Rei is the shrine maiden there. She's special too."

"I believe she would make the best guardian for the child, and she can help me teach him. Her and her mate will care for him." He could tell based on the connection to his cousin that the battle in Tokyo was done. "I must warn you the city is far more dangerous than this village."

"Hino Rei would never let harm come to him," the girl said with confidence. "She cleansed the village once when she was only eleven. You are right, she is the best guardian. Though we will miss him terribly." She opened her arms for a now sobbing Takeo.

Haruki followed them back to the small shrine. The place was run down and dirty. It seemed as though no one cared for it except these young girls, and he wondered how long it had been neglected.

"When did your priest pass?" He asked quietly.

"Almost a year ago. We've waited for another, but none was sent and they decided to close it. No one wanted to come." She stifled a sob. Poor girl. It was obvious she loved this place.

"Perhaps it will reopen one day," he murmured, trying to comfort her. He thought of Rei and how she would feel if the family shrine were ever to appear so. She would not stand for it. She'd probably call everyone together and ask for their help. And she had Jadeite now.

After gathering his possessions, the boy came back to Haruki and the others. He was hugged several times by each of the shrine maidens, whose faces were covered in tears. "We will miss you Takeo-chan!"

The boy cried as well, and then held tightly to Haruki's hand as he led him away. He transported to the two of them directly to the Shinto temple in Tokyo, appearing in the room that held the Great Fire.

Rei turned around and leaped to her feet. "It's him!" she suddenly cried out. She raced forward and hugged the boy. "Do you remember me little one?" Takeo nodded his head emphatically.

Haruki smiled. It would be even easier than he had imagined. Jadeite was leaning against one doorframe, and Grandfather Hino was sitting cross-legged on the floor. "This is Kaneko Takeo," Haruki said to them. "He has abilities similar to my own."

"I am glad we spoke this morning Rei, and that your Soul-Bond is complete. Now that your oldest son has arrived, the two of you will need to work together more than ever." The elderly priest smiled, taking in the faces of Jadeite and his grandfather.

"Oldest son," grinned Jadeite. "I like it." He stepped forward and placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. "If he will accept us, that is."

Takeo nodded emphatically. Haruki knew he could sense it as much as himself and the others. This was where the boy belonged. He fell into Rei's arms as into the embrace of a mother, and she smoothed his blonde hair back from his eyes. Tears rolled down her cheeks.

"My son," she whispered, and hugged the boy tighter. All could feel the bond forming between the new family. It was what was right. "Oh Grandfather, thank you for pushing me!"

Haruki told them of everything that had happened. Eventually the boy grew tired and she took him away to put him to bed. Her grandfather had seen the arrival of the boy and had prepared a place for him in the bedroom next to hers. When she returned several minutes later they discussed putting him into school and helping him adjust to his new life.

"So many things have happened in one day," she whispered. "Some bad, but the good far outweighs them." She gave a happy smile, her features softened by love. This day had been overwhelming for her, Haruki knew, but she was just the person for the challenge. Jadeite stood behind her, supporting her tired frame.

"Tell me about the fight?" Haruki asked.


Across town Ami paced the living room while the hired nurse attempted to find a vein in Usagi's arm. After the fourth attempt, Usagi was in tears, the children were screaming at the nurse to get away from their mother, Mamoru was clenching his fists and his jaw, Zoicite couldn't even look anymore, and Ami had just had enough. She moved forward and took the needle and IV away from the nurse.

"You're done." She said in a quiet voice. "It isn't that difficult. You shouldn't say you can do something if you can't."

The woman threw her long shiny black hair over her shoulder and let out a humph of anger before storming out of the apartment.

Ami looked at Usagi. Both elbows had been prodded with the needle, and there was blood pooling from one of the needle marks. She knelt beside her friend and cleaned the small wound before grabbing Usagi's hand and inserting the needle in one of the prominent veins.

Usagi sighed in relief when the task was done. A minute later she was sipping at a chocolate shake while she waited for Mamoru to finish cooking. Ami was irritated that she'd had to suffer so much due to incompetence.

"Look Mamoru, I know you didn't want to put me out or anything, but Zo can bring me any time." She looked over at her Soul-Bonded and smiled. He was sitting, face hidden in his hands at the computer desk, and nodded emphatically the moment he lifted his head.

Mamoru began dishing out the plates of spaghetti while the children put silverware on the table. Mamoru lifted Usagi from the couch while Ami and Zo brought the food to the table. He set her down gently and kissed her forehead, propping her IV drip on a bar he had connected to the back of her chair.

"Honestly Ami, I wasn't thrilled with hiring a nurse in the first place. It's just too much risk what with the babies going crazy to protect Usagi. I've been terrified they might raise the shield." He let out a small hoarse laugh as he sat next to his wife.

"That's actually a big part of the reason I wanted to talk to you tonight." Zo reached for her hand under the table. They had discussed this at length, and Ami really felt it was the best course of action. "I think Usagi should stay home when she isn't henshined from now on." She bit her lip waiting for their reactions.

After a few moments of silence she rushed to continue. "She would still be in class... technically. She would be watching class via a computer monitor, and Haruna-sensei would have another monitor so she could see Usagi if she needs to ask questions. They do this all the time for people in other countries, and I ordered all the equipment already. It arrived this morning. I spoke to the principal, and Haruna-sensei and they both said it was alright."

She let out a breath, hoping neither of them would be angry. She stared at her plate, not able to take a bite because of her nerves. She felt Zo squeeze her hand again.

Usagi let out a breath. "Thank God!" she whispered. Ami looked up in surprise. Mamoru was nodding his head and smiling. "I haven't been sure how much more I could take. After the argument this morning, and Seijouru at lunch, I was so drained I thought I might pass out!"

"I've been worried about her health and the babies doing something else a bit wild. You know, singing songs or magically popping a giant bunny into her arms." He let out a short laugh. "Everyone has seen how ill she is. If your mother would sign off on it..."

Ami pulled the slip out of her pocket. "She signed it before I left for school this morning."

"Wow!" Usagi sounded both shocked and happy.

"I've also asked Haruna-sensei to let me stay with you in the mornings, and then Rei or one of the others can be with you in the afternoons. That includes Naru so you can have time with her. The others have to take turns, but because of my grades and the class schedule it was easy for them to agree I could be with you every day. That way Mamoru doesn't lose his scholarship." Ami smiled at Usagi hopefully. "I really don't want you left alone all day."

Usagi was nodding happily. "It's perfect."

"Good," Mamoru agreed. "This takes away so much worry."

"Zo and I will set up the monitors tonight. We already set up the camera and monitor in the classroom. The whole thing is interactive, so you can press on certain questions, or even let the teacher know you're going to the bathroom. It's awesome." Ami knew she was gushing, but she was just so happy they weren't annoyed with her.

"You are the best of friends Ami," Usagi said and opened her arms. Ami ran to her and hugged her tight. "And this way maybe my mom and I can see more of each other too!" She was smiling and happy, though Ami still thought she looked too pale and thin.

"Finish eating Usako. I want to take you to the roof for a bit. You need another dose of moonlight." Mamoru smiled at his tiny little wife, and kissed her cheek.