Chapter 11

Usagi lay groggy and barely lucid on the pink sheet covered couch. Her head resting comfortably against her dark cotton pillow from their bed. Mamoru was busy preparing her some tea, since she was shivering uncontrollably. Leaving her in the care of the seven dark creatures who had merely formed a silent circle around the couch. She lay prone on her pillow staring uncertainly up at them, while they stood meekly staring back creating an odd awkward standoff.

"Ok...Usako. Here you go." Mamoru moved swiftly into the living room, with a warm mug of camomile and honey tea.

Usagi sat up with a grateful smile, taking the proffered tea cup happily. Mamoru slipped between the coffee table and three of the small dark creatures to sit beside her. His face anxious, seeking answers as to what had happened to her.

"I don't remember..." She mumbled into her tea, not looking up at him. To much of a coward to face the worry now etched on his face. She could feel his emotions as if they were her own, through their bond.

"Usako...how?" He sighed, sagged back against the pink sheet on their couch's back. Feeling at a complete loss.

"I went out to get groceries...I was headed home...then nothing just a big blank spot." She sighed, sipping her tea. Her own stomach lurching with nervous worry of her own. She knew her mind had been tampered with, but why...whom. Then strange visions filtered to the surface of her mind, as if her subconscious was creating an after thought to sooth her worry.

"I think I fell...tripped even. Then someone must have found me and put me on the bench out of the way..." She mumbled. "I must have lost the Groceries...Sorry Mamo-chan." She grimaced, ducking her head down in shame. Figuring someone stole all the food she bought.

"Don't worry about that, I am just glad your ok." He gave her avoiding gaze an encouraging smile, then frowned as he noted the small splatter of blood on her tank top collar and front pocket of her overalls.

Griping her chin, he turned her to face him. She gave him a disgruntled frown at his rude man handling.

His dark brows knitting together in confusion when no scratches or bruises anointed her face. It was as flawless and beautiful as always.

With a tired sigh he let her go, rubbing his hands down his face in frustration. Usagi groaned feeling very nervous, her stomach complaining from the stress of her worry. With a frustrated sigh of her own, she set the cup down on the coffee table. Remembering her flute and needing some comfort, she retreated from his judging pressence. To her sanctuary out on the wicker bench, settling herself comfortably, tucking a leg beneath her bottom, allowing the other slender leg to dangle over the edge. She pulled out the silver metal shaft from her side pocket.

"Oh...no..." She whimpered, finding her treasure in a poor state. The end of the shaft was dented inward some of the fragile keys twisted so badly they didn't meet up with their plugs. It was ruined...

Sniffling with growing despair she set the mangled remains of her instrument beside her on the white cotton cushion.

Allowing the tears of disappointment to fall freely down her cheeks, she was so tired of loosing everything she loved.

Silently a couple shadow creatures emerged from the house, one grasped her hand in an act of comfort while the other picked up the flute and sought to understand it. Rolling it around in its small palms, looking at it strangely from every angle.

Usagi past the small creature holding her hand a weak, encouraging smile, brushing away her tears with her free hand.

(Usako?) Mamoru's voice floated through their link, full of concern. He had felt her shift into deep sadness.

(I broke my flute...) She responded, casting her face up to the warm dying sunlight.

(I'm sorry...But I lost my job a the hotel. So money will be tight for a bit until I can get another job. I should be able to buy you a new flute in little while.) He answered, his voice compassionate but needing her to understand the reality of their fiances.

(It's alright...I can get by without it for a while. I'm sorry you lost your job. ) She sighed, her voice despondent and weak.

(Do not even start blaming yourself!) Mamoru shouted into their link, ducking out of the outer divider his face set in a reproachful scowl. His long dark hair, now brushing into his deep blue eyes, and covering his ears. He was looking a bit scruffy, he really needed a hair cut.

Usagi gave him a knowing smirk, rolling her eyes at him.

(You mean more to me then some stupid job! I would go to hell and back just to keep you safe!) He added, with a loving smile. Brushing a hand down her wet cheek, before disappearing back inside the house.

(You already did?) She giggled, her spirit brightening.

(I would do it again too, you mean everything to me Usako, never forget that. The Abyss itself couldn't hold me if you were in trouble.) He declared powerfully, his voice ringing with truth. Then he kept on, moving to another subject smoothly.

(If you don't mind...Professor I have questions about what happened to us in the Dark Realms. Do you have it in you to explain a few things over dinner?) He asked softly, the sound of pots clanging announcing he was starting said dinner.

(Not a problem...Mamo-chan. My knowledge...at least what I can provide is all yours.I will hold nothing from you anymore. We will face the future together.) She responded confidently. Though silently she confided in herself that she needed more courage to face his reactions. His fierceness be them negative or otherwise, always unnerved her. The truths she knew, could bring out his rage as much as his despair. He needed to know, if he was going to prepare himself for the future. The worlds between were now a part of his life, she had no idea what complications they would face next.

Michiru and Haruka stood on the older slightly weakened part of the stone privacy fence. Several stones already littered the grass behind, the cement chipped and cracked from time. Scowling up at the vague outline of the house on the lush green hilltop. The sunset a back light upon their lithe forms,now scrutinizing the silent landscape. As the Sendai Hill began to darken into the brooding twilight.

"So this is were she lives then." Haruka crossed her arms over her athletic chest, covered in the white t-shirt and jean vest with frayed sleeves. Her breasts were not large, or robust. Small and perky she always thought. Easy to conceal beneath man's clothing, with her chosen hairstyle and aggressive personality she could easily come off as man. Which suited her just fine, she could become either gender when she needed to, she was the best of both worlds.

Michiru raised her mirror towards the hilltop, urging her powers of sight through the silver surface of the crystal glass. The mirror shone brightly for a moment as an image of the house's veranda swirled to life. As if the ripples of a great ocean were parting across the mirror's surface. The fabric of her light blue sleeveless blouse moving in subtle fluid motions over her graceful body, as a soft wind past.

Michiru gasped in both shock and alarm by the sight that greeted her. Finding two short dark creatures, standing beside their princess. Seeking in their own way to sooth the young golden blonde's sadness.

"Shadow Thrall! What the hell are they doing here, outside the Deep Dreaming!" Michiru spit out in disgust.

Haruka strode up beside her quickly, casting a concerned look into the mirror's surface. From her vantage point over Michiru's shoulder.

"Honestly...things just keep getting worse." Haruka grumbled, her sky blue eyes intent upon the image.

Michiru sighed, catching her lover's soft floral scent on the rising wind. Her heart suddenly beating faster.

"They seem tame for now...but I wouldn't trust them. Being the last remanence of a lost's soul final thought, before being consumed by the abyss. They are a single minded piece of Chaos that will only cause trouble for everyone." Michiru complained disdainfully.

"If they go wild?" Haruka questioned, fear rising in her gut.

"Then we will lose the city to chaos in a matter of hours." Michiru turned to her lover, her face grim.

Haruka swallowed as a gust of wind blew against her face. It was cold and rough, filled with a foreboding uncertainty.

Usagi was basking in the last few rays of the sun, the deeper colour's of twilight falling over the forest horizon surrounding their home. When Malice, holding her hand began to growl. His large rounded face turned over a tiny shoulder thin lips pulled back and vibrating menacingly against his dull grey gums. Showing his long sharp teeth in a threatening manner, his low growl sending the similar kind of nervous shivers through her body as Luna's own feral growls had. Usagi knew not to move or make any sudden loud sounds. When a creature of instinct, intelligent or not was

in an agitated state. She moved her hands stiffly to her lap, swallowing her fear.

"Sweetie...what's wrong?" She inquired gently, then Malice darted off the veranda. Exploding into the underbrush of bushes and shrubs as he raced down the hill. Havoc set the broken flute back down on the bench and dashed after his brother into the concealing landscape of vegetation that surrounded their yard.

Michiru caught sight of the two shadow creatures leaving the house in her mirror, as the rustling of their fast approaching steps announced their speedy approach.

"Looks like we over stayed our welcome. Ruka, dear. " Michiru tucked her mirror into a wide pocket of her flowing white skirt. Before leaping down from the decaying stone wall and dashing away down the sidewalk.

Haruka cast a dark scowl at the now stampeding feet of the two demons, not liking to retreat ever! Then jumped out of sight behind the wall following Michiru away from the house. She would be keeping a close eye on their princess from now on. There was a deeper mystery surrounding the young royal, something that posed a greater threat then a few rebels that railed against the current Queen.

Several minutes later, Malice returned in a sour mood his quarry having gotten away. The essence of their souls fading away into the sea of people within the city. Havoc kept a great deal of space behind his brother, trailing far behind,knowing if he made any sudden moves. Malice would take out his frustrations on him. In the shape of a thorough beating. Serenity was gone from the bench, as they strode back onto the veranda. Malice grumbling as he retreated inside the open divider. Havoc returned meekly to the bench finding her busted flute, taking it up in his small hands. He jumped off the veranda and disappeared into the woods behind the house.

When Usagi entered the kitchen, she found him beating a large batter of pancakes in a glass bowl.

"Oh, Yum!" She cried in excitement, clapping her hands in anticipation.

"Well, I figure since you seemed to have such a bad afternoon. I would prepare one of your favourite's." Mamoru chuckled knowingly, admitting silently that this was about the only choice for supper too. Since they had barely nothing in the way of food stuffs in the house.

Usagi leaned against the side of the wooden island, bracing her chin on a raised palm. Smiling up at him full of good cheer once again. She fought hard with herself never to dwell on the negatives for very long, it did no good. She accepted the darkness that dwelled in her life, and appreciated the light that crept in from time to time. Even now as she watched her beloved prepare a simple, yet delicious meal of pancakes and bacon.

Always, when she thought she was truly happy. In the next instant, she was suddenly unsure. The simple times of happiness with Mamoru, was never to last. It was just another test, of her commitment to him. To their love. It was her destiny, she would succeed against all odds she was certain of it. They would be together forever.

When everything was prepared and set out on the table for their little brood of demons, they humbly moved out to the veranda to enjoy their plate of pancakes in peace. Sharing the cushion on the wicker bench, admiring the deepening shades of dusk as the slender slip of the moon. Rose as a crescent upon the darkening sky, the rest of the satellite a rounded shadow upon the dark of night. The few stars twinkling forth high upon the tree tops, valiant sentries to the weakened moon.

With her plate tucked in her lap, a small stack of pancakes slathered in honey. A few strips of crispy bacon, glistening nearby. She dug into the food eagerly, with her fork. Having a north american dish required north american cutlery. That just added to the foreign appeal of the supper. Speaking to each other through their link, able to devour their food quickly in the fading light. Each taking turns casting odd looks into the house, as they listened to the mad free for all over the food on the table.

(We are going to have quite a mess tonight.) Mamoru groaned, giving her a bitter smirk.

(I don't doubt it, those little guys are going get syrup over everything.) She smiled fondly into the house, those little demons were finding a fond place in her heart quickly.

(I never gave them any syrup...)Mamoru chuckled, smug about his forethought.

(meanie...pancakes need syrup. Or there just fluffy and tasteless...) Usagi frowned up at him, finishing off her last bite.

The sticky honey smeared over her lips, dripping lightly from a corner of her delicate mouth.

(I swear you do that of purpose.) Mamoru sighed in longing, leaning down and lapping up the honey on her lips with his tongue before taking her lips fully upon his own in a deep passionate kiss.

Usagi giggled happily against his lips,responding to his kiss with pressure of her own. Truthfully she was just a messy eater, but the reward for her less then graceful short coming was always eagerly received.

(Perhaps I do...) She thought to him slyly.

(Well Sensei...) Mamoru took her empty plate and his own, rising off the bench to lean against the wooden railing. The beautiful night sky a mysterious back drop behind his thoughtful stare towards her.

(Ask away.) She placed her hands in her lap, sitting stiffly, her back at attention. Waiting patently for his questions.

(All right first. Who is the Keeper?) He cut to the chase with his most important question.

Usagi sighed. (He is one of the Elder Gods. The youngest of the Ancient Forces, he guards the Abyss. Tending to the trapped souls of the damned, so that they do not escape and consume the Realms in Darkness. The God of Life and Death, the eternal double sided coin.) She gave him a small smile, then waited for his next question.

(The spell we were under?) He raised his eye brows nervously.

(We were in our own personal Hell's, the Keeper's thrall. The Keeper has all the damned trapped in Crystal coffin's for all eternity. The weaker body slowly decay's under the spell and rots away leaving only the pure essence of the soul behind to glow beneath the crystal's facets.) She shivered in sudden cold at how close they had come to death.

Mamoru dark eyes went wide in horror, swallowing his more intense emotions over how dire their predicament had been. Quickly changing the subject, needing to reflect upon this dark information for a while.

(So as an Elysian, my powers come from the Dark God of Dreams...who is that?) He asked, stacking the plates on one hand.

(Morpheus. The true master of night, moulder of wishes, and king of the Dream Tribes. He watches over all the dreamers, allowing the most beautiful to come to life within the borders of the Dreaming. Sending the vile through the gates of ivory to wallow in the Deep Dreaming in anguish never to torment the Realms.) She responded, her eyes falling into the pure thoughtful state when she was calling forth the ancient lore.

Mamoru nodded, (My elemental powers are that of earth magic.) he cast his gaze out to stare meaningfully down at the small stones of the dirt path. Recalling his magic of summoning the Giant stone golems back at the spire.

(Yes, as a Guardian tied to Earth, you can summon the powers of the elemental Goddess Gia. She is a lower Goddess, just below the Elder Forces in the hierarchy. Below the elemental forces in power, would be the gods and goddess of the Celestial realms, and once Elysian.) Her voice was mournful, strange thoughts about the curse having something to do with them plaguing her.

Mamoru felt her sadness, sitting beside her, setting the plates on the wooden floor.

(Usako?) He called to her lovingly.

(I wonder what truly happened the day the curse shadowed Elysian?) She asked, as she felt his large gentle hand clasp hers.

(With out Mercury, to help tap our forgotten memories. We have to wait for our dreams of that time to surface.) He smiled encouragingly at her, draping an arm over her shoulder and pulling her in for a hug.

(Patience...Usako. Lets just enjoy our time together. I am not going to work myself up anymore over things I can't change) He stated, having had lots of time to rethink he approach concerning his past. And all the times he had hurt her by losing his calm control over his emotions.

Usagi sighed with a thankful smile, knowing from now on he was going to temper his reactions concerning what may come to light concerning their past or the complications awaiting them in the future.

"Lets go to the couch for a bit, I would love to snuggled with you for a while before I have to go to the bar." Mamoru bent down and retrieved the plates from the floor. Retaining his contact with her hand, entwining his fingers' with her more delicate ones, as he led her back into the warmth of their home. Finding with disappointment four little shadow's rough housing upon the cushions. Tackling and pinning each other like lion cubs. The pink sheet now bunched and twisted into a corner of the couch. Revealing the now very chewed up torn arm, with Luna's mauling rips along the front.

"Our poor couch..." Mamoru groaned casting Usagi a grimace, she hadn't told him about the newest bit of destruction, hiding it under the sheet instead.

Usagi gave him a wide nervous smile, knowing she was in a bit of trouble.

Mamoru merely shook his head with a heavy sigh.

"Well, that ends that idea. We do have a kitchen to clean." She giggled, hauling him through the divider into the new disaster of pancakes plastered all over the floor and walls. Seeking to avoid her coming lecture over the couch.

Mamoru groaned in bitterness, while Usagi immediately got to work on hands and knees picking up the crumbs on the floor under the table.

Mamoru took just a moment to smile approvingly at her wiggling bum, as she moved around on all fours. Then chuckled and withdrew to the broom closet, even when she was in the most innocent of activities she could insight his lust.

(Stupid, Human, Male!) He chided himself, hearing her soft approving laughter as she felt his arousal through their bond. Making him blush hotly...Damn this mental connection would betray him every time with her. No more poker face with her, when his thoughts derailed, she would sense everything. His thoughts and feelings were no longer his own, and vis versa. Only option left was pure honesty, with himself and her. With a sigh he resigned to work on that, but there were complications...

To make it worse she had figure out what had made him so lustful, upon his return with the broom and dust pan. She was still on all fours, having gathered a small pile of pancake pieces near the island. Her cute little bum in jean overalls, jutting out the side of the island, as she gathered up pieces from behind. She giggled mischievously, her lithe torso hidden behind the cupboard. As he crossed into the kitchen, when she sensed he was staring at her yet again. She wiggled her bottom alluringly.

Mamoru groaned, blushed and chuckled then got a playful idea. He crossed over to her, and smacked her sweet wiggling bum hard with his hand.

She yelped in pain, casting him a questioning pout over her shoulder about his sudden assault .

"Tease!" He exclaimed, then ignored her focusing on sweeping up the crumbs on the floor.

Usagi just laughed more, her voice cheerful and incandescent like a thousand butterflies fluttering through out the house.

Mamoru's bike was a mellow thrum breaking the silence of the poorly lighted side streets of Ropongi. His head lamp casting a pillar of bright light before him. As he made his way deeper into the more seedy area of clustered, old tenant buildings. Rising tower's of low income apartments, made of beige brick filled the streets. Some were refurbished to hold small gambling establishments or bars, even strip clubs. Which was were Mamoru was headed, he was a bouncer at the Silver Shadow Strip club. A grey apartment complex, with a front attached garage, the lower level turned into a bar with topless dancers. The whole lower level had been retro fitted into the club. Offering all kinds of sexual acts for a price. It wasn't high end, nor was it low end entertainment a nice awkward uncomfortable middle actually. But it paid well, which was all that counted to him.

Mamoru swung his bike around to the dark alley, pulling up behind the apartment complex. Parking just beside a large white van in a small parking lot for tenants/employee's. Climbing off his bike, he adjusted his heavy leather jacket which had ridden up his waist as he drove. Placing his dark helmet on the gas tank, ruffling his wild dark hair out of his face. Striding through the darkness, the oily putrid stench of rot coming from the rusted out industrial garbage bin. Set at the end of the broken pavement in the lot making him gag.

"Kami, my life is so glamourous." Mamoru stated bitterly, keeping a watchful eye around him not trusting the shadows surrounding him. His leather riding boots tapping a crisp rhythm through the silent parking lot. As he moved to the metal, beat up back door of the building, rapping a series of three knocks. The sequence changed weekly, to keep unwanted employee's or other unworthy folk entry into the employee area of the club. If you were still hired then you were let in on the weekly change to the code, if not you knew you were fired.

Mamoru waited, it had only been about four days since he disappeared the knock might not have changed. A few moments later, he heard steps coming closer to the iron door. Then with a creak the door was pushed open. Mamoru smiled politely, with a fake warmth. Greeting a short, stout, bald man in jeans and a greasy white' t-shirt and stained apron.

"Boss needs all the help he can get tonight, glad you showed." He stated in a rumbling voice his thick black bushy eyebrows raised thankfully.

"Just glad to be working." Mamoru agreed, clapping the broad more rotund man on his shoulders. As he disappeared into the dimly lit hall beyond the door.

Mamoru never told Usagi what kind of bar it was he worked at, doubt she knew that striping even existed. For certain she would not approve, but they needed money so his hands felt kinda tied.

He kept himself away from the entertainer's, averting his gaze as much as he could. As he maned the front door, his face stoic and severe. His leather jacket now unzipped, showing off his black muscle shirt beneath. Boot cut jeans with a black belt, and his heavy leather boots tucked under the wide cuffs of his jeans. He tried not to get involved with the dancer's but once in while the patrons would get a little over zealous and he being a chivalrous man could not just turn a blind eye to it. Coming to the rescue many times over in the last few weeks.

Trying in vain to keep all of himself loyal to only Usagi. The club took up the whole lower garage area of the apartment complex, the private rooms set at the back in the lower level of the complex. A simple affair, with a large obsidian bar set up at the back, a kitchen just behind capable of only preparing appetizer's. A long series of steel columned black leather stools were bolted to the floor in front of the bar. With various black leather booths along the side walls, small quaint round table set around the horse shoe style stage. With twin cat walks, silver dancing poles set up on either side of the curve. Small matching black curtains accented the back walls where alcoves sat with only a lone leather couch, were one might receive a private dance.

The room was lit with neon black lights mounted along the walls, smoke billowed over the full tables and empty stage. The whole atmosphere looked right out of a forties, black and white gum shoe movie. At least it reminded Mamoru of a more modernized version of it. The fat bald man stood behind the bar tending to a group of young men dressed in dark pants and dress shirts. All the booths were filled with rowdy groups of men, as well as most of the free standing tables. Fondling sets of two woman with long flowing hair trailing low near their butts. Dressed in sleeveless sweet sexy mini dresses, one white with twin black stripes along the top of the bodice and bottom of her skirt. Their partner in a black version with white stripes. The various women giving off an innocent young girl appeal. The women lap danced, and wriggled around the men pocketing as much yen as was offered. While the stereo system was blaring out heavy erotic beats. The women were of all ethic back grounds, even a few were african. Most of the men though were japanese.

Mamoru leaned against the iron front door, arms crossed glancing over the dancers manning the floor. Milking the drunk men and college students, while they waited for the next act to begin. The bar was now to capacity so he was instructed to not let anyone else in. So far the door to the club had been quiet, the out side corridor that ran the length of the garage's outer wall. Leading to a small black iron gate out front of the yard. At the unassuming drive way, empty of drunk, wandering men looking for a good time.

The music changed to the sharp Kabuki style drums beats and airy flute melodies. The crowds going silent, turning to the stage with anticipation. The dancer's on the floor retreated behind the large black curtain set just to the side of the stage. As the bright white spot light flashed to life, setting the middle of the back curve of the runway a glow. A tall elegant young woman, breezed through the thick dark theatre curtain dressed in a more skimpy erotic version of a Geisha's kimono. A maiko style, Furisode garment worn by young innocent maidens.

In dark wine purple of over lapping silk and satin, with a wide black obi sash across her small dainty waist. The skirt barely covering her ass, the creamy edge of her soft white buttocks peeking out just beneath the hem. The flowing sleeves accented in a moon and star's design, of fine silk, trailing wide to the floor like shimmering flowing ribbons. Her reddish brunette hair was done up in a single bun, with a few trailing strands of long curling hair to cascade over her left shoulder. A set of black chop sticks were stuck out of the bun, along with black accenting Kanzashi of dark felt cherry blossoms pined to the side of her head, with silver beads falling just behind her ear.

The woman's face was elegant almost elven with fine cheek bones and deep dark hazel eyes. She had a simple white fan in hand, that she hid her innocent smile behind. As she posed, kneeled and paraded back and forth over the back of the stage. Giving the eager crowds an essence of sensual mystery, and shy sex appeal. As the Geisha rhythm's slowly changed into more american lurid beats. She quickly pranced over to the closest silver pole, launching her self into a spin with one leg wrapped around the pole. One leg stretched out, giving the men a peek at what lay just underneath her barely there skirts.

Mamoru couldn't take his eyes off her, never could. In a strange way he looked forward to the nights he got to watch her dance. So entranced by her beauty, charisma and natural graceful movements. It was like she was casting a spell upon everyone in the room every time she took to the stage, her green eyes nearly glowing with an unspoken power. Mamoru swallowed hard as he admired her, his crotch becoming swollen as she began to shed her kimono one sexy layer at a

time. His mind screaming that his attentions to another woman were not right, he needed to reign himself in.

Mamoru both dreaded and looked forwards to this dark angel's performances. She was everything he didn't have, the unknown he had yet to explore.

"Beryl sure is a crowd pleaser, ain't she? Takeo." A deep almost gentle voice floated up beside him.

Mamoru tore his lust filled gaze away from the stage, to find his fellow guard. A young man a few years younger with long dark hair tied up in a trailing braid down his black loose pants that looked like part of karate Gi, and a black t-shirt with a heavy cotton black dusty over top. He kinda looked like the bi product of what would happen if a cowboy mated with a ninja! Mamoru never gave him flack on his strange fashion sense, to each their own he figured. He had a strong male asian face, with dark nearly black eyes. Dull and slightly cow eyed, the young man was easy to miss in a crowd.

Mamoru merely turned to him with a scornful glare. Not wanting to engage at all with the lonely young man seeking a shallow type of friendship with him. He had neither the time or the patience for some kind of work related friendship. Takeo, was the name the dancers had given Mamoru, since he had told no one on staff his real name. It meant Valiant Male, or violent/ warrior male. He was the girls protector, and one they could depend on. Having never lost a fight with a patron no matter how out sized he might have been. Unable to draw his attention away for long, his midnight blue eyes crept back up to the stage. Admiring Beryl's nude beauty. Her fluid curves and ample breasts, all glowing in the spot lights. She was dark and mysterious with a voluptuous body that was fully matured in every way. Long wavy auburn hair that swung around her shoulders in a deliciously sexy manner. Nothing at all, like his sweet innocent teen lover at home. He craved this woman on an almost primal level, the sight of her in her wild out of control dance sending torrents of blood coursing downward towards his member in a painful way.

Beryl's set finished with a very financial flourish, as the patrons all rose up and stuffed much yen bills into her glass jar set at the bar. The Dancer's on stage were there to entertain not to get felt up,by drunks. So the manager had opted for a tip jar set on the bar for the men to pay homage. With a bright smile, she gathered up her clothes and accessories disappearing back behind the curtain. Once she was out of sight, her spell was broken instantly. Mamoru adjusted himself bitterly, shaking out his crotch then ducking out the front door for some air to clear his head. After Beryl's erotic dance the shame and sense of betrayal to his beloved would come, he would end up showering his Usagi with gifts and affection until he felt redeemed once more with his loyalty to only her.

Thumping his head angrily against the door, sending resounding clangs through the now warming darkness. As the first signs of daybreak broke upon the neighbourhood. The quiet morning began to sound. The birds coming to life, the dull sounds of traffic moving stronger upon the many Dori's(streets) of Ropongi. Mamoru groaned in regret at his unintentional transgression yet again. Staring out blandly, to the empty corridor stretching out before him. On the one side he could see the other apartment cement stoops, filled with potted plants fading out of view down the street. On the other the grey shadowed stucco of the garage the Club was built in.

He hoped like hell now, that he was enough out of their bonds range. That she had felt nothing about is lewd feelings towards Beryl. This was a conversation he wished never to have with this sweet Usako.

He had been outside brooding for a long time. Settling himself down enough to go back in and finish his shift, when the door creaked open behind him. Thinking maybe a patron was leaving he moved aside, finding to his disappointment.

A slightly short brunette, with long wild wavy hair ducked out of the door. Standing before him in nothing by a white cotton robe, her graceful face still full of silver sparkles from her performance. Green eyes piercing his own with a thoughtful stare.

"Takeo? I noticed you bolting outside after my show." She cast her face downward in a mocking pout.

"Gomen...I just needed some air." Mamoru responded, his heart stampeding in his chest. Breaking out in a nervous sweat. He felt like some clueless teen boy, next to the striking unearthly beauty that was Beryl.

"You hurt my feelings." She breathed, raising her head up. Her lips partly open, inviting him to kiss her as she drew against his chest.

Mamoru swallowed, finding himself rising up once again in his pants. Knowing full well his arousal did not go unnoticed by Beryl, who smiled coyly. The neckline of her robe loosening just enough to reveal a small portion of her breasts beneath as she pressed herself eroticly against him. Trapping him up against the door. She was nearly the same height as him, just a few inches shorter. The smell of roses thick in her full luscious hair. She was completely intoxicating on every level for him. With a force of will he kept his hands from gripping her waist, leaving them straining against his sides. His face mere inches from hers, as she teased him with her mouth. Brushing her lips near his lower chin, her minty breath mixing with his nervous pants.

She was so confident, so aggressive and self assured in her seductions. Like a cat playing with a mouse.

She had fooled around with her advances towards him for weeks, growing more bold each time. Mamoru had managed each time to sneak away, or duck out on her and keep his cool control. But the fight to keep her at bay was waining, his stubbornness and true feelings toward Serenity his only shield against her. Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes seeking to gain control of himself and this situation. Placing restraining hands on her small shoulders, he pulled her off his chest. Were she had been fondling his neck seductively with her fingers just moments before.

"Look...Beryl. I can't do this...we've been over this again and again. I am just not interested in you that way." Mamoru groaned, craning his neck away from her now hurt and rejected expression.

Beryl huffed, never losing her confidence. Pulling off of him, with a smirk. Knowing full well what kind of reaction she got from him. His body always betrayed him, he wanted her. She just had to figure out a way to either wear him down or play on his good nature.

"You saved me from a very bad situation and still you will not let me repay you? " Beryl commented with a dry chuckle. "You really are some kind of Knight in Shinning Armour. Aren't you." She shook her head. "Coffee, then. I just want to get to know you better. Never in my life have I ever met a man like you. You baffle me, but in a good way." She finished with a curt pat on his chest, pulling the door open and heading back inside.

"Let know ok?" She called in a cheerful voice, as the dark club swallowed her up.

Mamoru bowed his head, reentering the club after her.

(I love you, Usagi...you are everything I need...Usako...I belong to only you, heart, mind and body, Serenity...) He pleaded in his mind, a mantra to keep him strong against Beryl's relentless seduction games.

Dawn was cresting the horizon when Mamoru parked his bike once more safely at home. Dismounting and exhausted, he moved softly yet slowly into the house. Pulling the outer divider aside finding his precious Usako wedged into a corner of the couch, delicate head nodding off against the back. Her long golden hair flowing down her shoulders. Dressed in one of her more mature night gowns, a blush pink silk baby doll top with boy shorts. One of the shadows overly rounded head resting in her lap, as it curled up beside her. Her own dainty hand resting upon the little creatures crown, as her eyes dropped, head now dipping against her chest. Another shadow was curled up into the other corner of the couch, the rest were absent. He wondered where they might be?

With a fond sigh, he slipped off his jacket and hung it up. Approaching the couch in only his black muscle shirt that revealed his strong arms, and hugged his broad chest. He lightly adjusted the little creature off Usagi's lap, letting it curl up next to it's companion on the other side of the couch. Then as always, gripped her around her butt and hauled her up into his arms.

"Time for bed, My sweet Usako." He nuzzled the top of her golden head briefly, asserting to himself that he had remained loyal to only her once again. Though the guilt at being attracted to another still festering in his heart. He had always been in control when it came to women? Able to keep his head, his focus on what truly mattered to him. As soon as Serenity had entered his life, the magic she cast upon his heart had melted that ice he had sealed his passions inside of. Now he was finding it hard to repress them. Wondering if it was something to do with his Demonic heritage, if demons were just little more out of control in the carnal urges department? What ever the case, he was proud of himself to have resisted Beryl's wiles yet again.

Usagi flopped her head down on his shoulder, content and happy. She lithe body molding against his, arms crossed behind his neck, straddling his waist, her legs dangling near the back of his knees. Her soft lavender scent filling him, as he walked down the short hall to their room.

Glancing into her Guardian's room, he found the remaining Demon's doubled up on the girls old sleeping mats tucked under their various coloured heavy blankets. Usagi had put them to bed last night, like a mother tucking in her children. Mamoru, moved an arm up from her bottom and crossed it over her back pressing her against him lovingly. She moaned softly in her sleep, her lips brushing against his neck. He sighed, taking her into their room and closing the divider softly.

In moments he had settled her down on the mat under the blankets, then quickly undressed, climbing in behind her. Pulling her up against him, holding her tight as he pressed a kiss to her temple. A strange foreboding coming upon him, that she would just disappear one day if he didn't hold onto her with everything he had.

"I'm fighting for us...please don't leave me." He pleaded under his breath, as he fell into a restless sleep behind her. She moaned softly in her sleep, adjusting herself with slight wiggles, fondly crossing her slender arms over his. Which were embracing her around the middle ever so tightly.