Chapter 12
The days past one into another, into another with out thought or notice. With Mamoru working almost every night, and the little demon's running Usagi off her feet all day. Their love life had settled down from the raging fire it once was, to a pleasant and comfortable warmth. They engaged in many rounds of foreplay and passionate kisses when they found the energy and time, but making love again just didn't seem to happen between them. Usagi was not concerned about the lack of sex, knowing in her heart that true love was deeper then just carnal desires. Love meant quiet moments just snuggling on the couch. Long conversations about nothing and everything. Spending time with one another because there was no one else they wanted to be with more. The desire for him was as strong as ever, she just never seemed to have the opportunity or the confidence to seduce him as she would have liked.
Mamoru's intense passions towards her were relaxing as well. As she was becoming a constant source of cherished companionship. A loving comfort he could count on every day. He no longer had to fight for her, she was his now in every way. He still felt ashamed of himself when he was admiring Beryl, but he was now instituting fail safes to keep himself under control. Serenity meant more to him then some forbidden desire. He avoided Beryl and watching her act, at all costs. Opting to just leave the club to man the door outside during those times. He knew this immature tactic was not to last, sooner or later Beryl would get fed up with this avoidance and call him on it. She was silently getting quite pissed at him already, rumour's spreading through the club of how childish she thought he was being. But she was playing it close to the vest as well, avoiding him out of spite. Mamoru was fine with that, he would rather have her hate him then take the chance of doing something stupid by trying to be her friend. As she had wanted, the elusive coffee date soon forgotten.
Soon they fell into a routine of the domestic everyday, blissful and content to spend time together doing average things. Snuggling on the couch...until at least one of the demon's got into trouble. Then Usagi had to go to the rescue, falling into the role of protector and mother to the seven pieces of chaos. She had named them all, and knew each one instantly. Mamoru truly didn't care, never seeing them as anything but animated pieces of darkness, with instincts no better then that of a dogs. But she saw each as an individual, with feelings and a distinct personality. Treating them more like small children then the beastly little evils they were.
Bathing them, which she found out was a water sport unto itself. Escorting seven dirty little naked creatures happily into the tub room wearing only her little white sundress with the low v neck. As soon as the divider was closed all Mamoru could hear, was avid splashing, accented by her squeals and wails of alarm. Several minutes past while he waited nervously on the other side of the divider, wondering if she needed help. Then silently the divider opened, releasing seven naked shiny black creatures with little white towels wrapped around this waists. And a very drenched, very tired Usagi following a bit disgruntled behind. Looking like a wet t-shirt contest gone horribly, horribly wrong. Her white dress practically see through, as he could pick out her nipples poking through the wet fabric. Clinging awkwardly to her skin, the skirt ridding up one hip in folding bunches, her white silk panties now peeking out. Her hair was slightly pulled out of its odango's with wild strands plastered over her face, golden tails trailing a river of water behind her. Mamoru paid her an admiring smile, with a hint of alarmed awe. When she set her mind to something she got it done...
As his beautiful, yet utterly soaked angel, made her way past him with even precise steps not wanting to slip upon the forming puddles beneath her feet. Heading down the hall towards the bedroom for something dry,
Adjusting himself in his jeans a bit aroused by the disheveled sight, he followed behind her with a calculating gleam in his eye. Hoping to take advantage of her predicament and engage her in some much more interesting activities in the bed room.
Attempting to teach them manner's and how to get along peacefully. Which truly was an effort in futility since they were wild in nature through and through. Teaching them childish games and songs. Soon finding out painfully that they were incapable of speech or singing, their attempts a piercing cacophony of growls and yelps. That made her ear's ring painfully, making her clutch her head and squint while franticly calling to them to stop making sounds.
All and all Mamoru wasn't worried about her becoming bored, the demon's kept her busy and always guessing as to what trouble they were going to get into next.
Very quickly summer break came to an end, the heat ebbing away with the cool autumn breezes. The lush tree's began to wither into vibrant colours. Leaving Serenity completely enraptured by them. The Moon had no seasons, a serene, all most sterile place of perfection. For it was Heaven, nothing unexpected or chaotic like change ever occurred there.
Watching the green fade was a marvel to her. Like a young child, she would drag Mamoru all through the small forest behind their home. Collecting leaves in her old school satchel, spending countless hours just investigating the leathery
textures or dry parchment contours. Crinkling the dry leaves up in her tiny hands, then casting the remains off the veranda into the wind, watching the fragments dance, and twirl away into the bushes. The purity of her fascination in the everyday making Mamoru wistful for the more innocent times of his own childhood. When he saw the world a wonderful, beautiful place full of promise. She truly was a wonder to him, he knew she would awe and inspire him for years to come.
Mamoru heading back to start a new semester at the Tokyo University, unfortunately having to keep his job at the bar for at least four nights a week. Just to afford the bills and his education. Usagi had offered all most ethusiasticly to quit school and get a job, being that High School wasn't mandatory in Japan. But he wouldn't hear of it, stating she needed an education. If she was going to make something of herself in the mortal realm. So with the debate killed right there and then, she was now preparing for school this morning. Standing in the front the long mirror in their bedroom, adjusting her navy bow bitterly. Staring mournfully upon the golden chain dangling from her neck, that held her star locket, and now also her wedding ring.
Mamoru had spent a whole evening convincing her to take her ring off during school hours, stating that women her age didn't usually get married. It wasn't illegal or anything, just not common and would cause quite a rumour mill. Denying her love like that had nearly killed her. She cried about it for days, but only when she was alone not wanting to concern Mamoru over her sensitive nature. Wearing jewelry wasn't allowed at school but she was willing to take that chance, she just found it difficult to bear. Unwilling to part from her tokens of love, even for only a few hours. She had been wearing and admiring her promise ring all summer. Her naked finger was still haunted by it slight weight. With a resigned sigh, she stuck her tongue out at her image in the mirror. Wearing that accursed high school fuku, stating her distain towards Juban high's rigid rules. She had always been kinda a rebel, never able to hold her tongue or not fight against authority even in some small way.
"Mamo-Chan have I told you how much I hate that your making me go back to school." She called through the open divider in a mocking anger. Before ducking into their small closet set to the side of the room, to track down her leather satchel.
"Yes, several times. Usako." Mamoru chuckled from the kitchen.
When she appeared in the entryway to the kitchen from the hall. Finally prepared for the day, her school fuku in place. Looking flawless and well kept, hair up in her Odango's and tails satchel clutched before her. A resigned, somber look on her face. Mamoru wearing jeans and a black button up short sleeve shirt, turned happily to greet her. Receiving a very pathetic puppy dog pout from his girl. She stuck out her lower lip, crystal blue eyes wide and moist pleading one last time for him to reconsider.
"That doesn't effect me..." He averted his eyes, chuckling with a groan. It so effected him!
As she then pranced up to him, ducking her sad face into his view once more.
He leaned down and pressed a tender kiss upon her lips, then bit her pouting lower lip softly for emphasis.
"That's all your going to get from me." Mamoru proclaimed with a stubborn glint in his eyes.
Usagi couldn't help but smile and pull back with a giggle. Then smacked his chest with her hands admitting defeat. She hated school, but she couldn't refute the fact that if she wanted a successful life here on Earth she needed a mortal education.
"I am still grumpy..." She stated with a growly voice, slumping down at the table finding it surprisingly clean.
"Were are the demon's having breakfast?" She asked, glancing around for them.
"I put them outside on the veranda with a tray of muffins. " Mamoru answered with a proud smile, bringing over a glass of orange juice and a muffin he had saved for her. Setting it down on the low table before her, before retreating back behind the island to get his mug of coffee.
"Smart..." She had to admit. They had no time to clean up a mess in the mornings, if it was outside they could leave it till they got home that afternoon.
Several minutes later, Usagi charged out of the house late for her bus. Stopping suddenly on the veranda confronted by the disaster of crumbs and shredded paper. Looking like a fine powder of snow ground into the wood. Staring sadly down at the mess, she found two of the demon's still on the deck, tumbling and fighting over the last muffin still in it's wrapper. One demon had the muffin half in its' maw, holding his brother off with a bracing leg. Its' opponent was chewing angrily on said leg, the winner ignored the pain, long enough to consume the pastry paper and all. Then leaped away
smug and content, leaving its' brother to pout and fume on the deck.
Mamoru ran up behind her, bumping her forward as he collided softly with her backside. He was late too and wasn't expecting her to suddenly stop.
"Note to self, take the wrapper's off first..." Mamoru commented, taking in the utter and complete disaster.
"I doubt that would even help..." Usagi retorted back sarcasticly, then yelped and dashed away as she saw the shine of metal that was her transit bus, slowing at the stop at the bottom of the hill.
"Have a good day...Usako!" Mamoru called to her, as she ran in a panic down the path.
"Ms. Haruna hates me!" Usagi wailed, thumping her head in frustration against a lamp post just down from the High School. Naru stood behind her, rubbing her back. She hadn't seen her close friend for nearly three months. The report at school being she had undergone some fancy surgery to heal her voice and needed all that time to recuperate. Naru honestly, loved the sound of her voice it was sweet and had a soft melody to it's tones. She had never got a chance to hear it strong and clear before, it had always carried a pained raspy quality when she sought to make sounds.
"No she doesn't Usagi-chan?" Naru soothed, ducking over her shoulder and give the shorter blonde an encouraging smile.
"First day back, she is making me write a ten page paper on the economics of feudal Japan? " She whined,..."I got like twenty pages in my math subjects to complete. A test on three chapters for english, the list goes on and on." She wailed frustrated tears crawling out of the corner's of her eyes feeling so overwhelmed.
"You have to catch up on the school work you missed when you were in the hospital." Naru sighed, feeling for her but really having no way to help her out.
Naru draped a companionable arm over her shoulder, guiding her away from the lamp post.
"Com'on Usagi-chan I will treat you to games and a shake at the Arcade." She offered with an enthusiastic upward thrust of her first and a warm smile.
Usagi turned her head up from staring at her feet, giving Naru a beaming smile. Then thumped her head fondly against her red headed best friend.
"You are the best Naru-chan." She sighed, wrapping an arm around her curvy waist as they made their way deeper into the busy streets of Juban.
The happy chaos of the Crown Arcade greeted Usagi like an old friend, greatly missed and finally found. She couldn't help by giggle with glee, skipping over to the front counter. Were Motoki leaned casually over a book, absorbed as always. Wearing his white short sleeve t-shirt, beige kaki pants and white apron. Dusty blonde hair looking slightly disheveled from running his hands through it constantly while he read. One of his many nervous maneuvers when surrounded by the uncertainty of people.
"Toki, Toki!" She exclaimed, her voice bubbling with a bright cheerful aura. As she trotted over the counter, excited to see her adopted Big Brother again. Motoki glanced up from his book with a surprised yet joyful grin of his own.
"Your voice is beautiful, Usagi-chan." He ruffled her golden bangs, as she stood before the counter.
"Arigato." She giggled back, as he ducked behind the glass case to fill two cups with tokens.
She was thankful to have at least a half hour, unmolested on the various games. Before a certain boy, who she had truly forgotten about meandered his way over to her. She may have forgotten him, but she would never forget his beast of an ex-girlfriend.
Usagi was sitting upon her worn out red stool, content in her daily bit of escape on a video console. Playing her Female heroine, happily kicking some Nega-verse ass, in her favourite fighting game.
When she caught sight of his dark fringe and deep blue eyes staring intently at her from a somber boyish face. He was leaning patiently in his navy school uniform against the side of the box style screen in front of her.
At first she sought to ignore him, when he wasn't moving she grew irritated, he was dampening her enjoyment of her favourite game.
Rolling her cerulean blue eyes in irritation, she finally acknowledged him. "Go away, I want nothing to do with you." She spat, grabbing her cup of tokens and storming away.
He blinked a couple times, shocked by hear her speak. Then scrambled after her in a panic, "Look...Usagi-san. I just want to say I'm sorry for what happened to you. I never wanted that...I was just wanting to make Prisma jealous." He sighed in frustration, trailing behind her patheticly as she weaved around a set of young men in grey uniforms, from another school. Who were milling around a new racing game. Shouting and cursing as their friend was losing badly.
As she passed by the driver whom had just lapped his opponent, he paid her a lingering glance. A tall. wild dusty blonde young man with soft blue eyes, wearing washed out jeans, that had a slightly tapered leg. A black dress shirt with a white polyester jacket over top. He had heavy brown leather boots, similar to the ones Mamoru wore when riding his motor bike.
Usagi paid no attention to him as her focus was on the new, shiny, and very boisterous dancing game in the back corner. It took up most of the back wall of the arcade with a long rectangular platform, huge wall screen and tall speakers set on either end. Blasting out a catchy, techno trance remix. The brightly coloured silhouette avatar's hoping and spinning upon the screen. Their slender bodies twirling and swaying as they moved their slender arms and legs in fluid upbeat movements. Usagi as enchanted by the game instantly, scrutinizing the rainbow shadows dancing on the screen, with the strobing, scrolling arrows. Taking a tentative step up onto the plastic stage, still avidly ignoring Saphir.
"Your being rude, Usagi-san." Saphir commented quietly, before trudging away, his feelings hurt. He truly did feel horrible, but her silence towards him spoke louder then anything. A simple apology wasn't enough to fix his relationship with her. He needed to do more, to have her back in his life even as just as an acquaintance.
The dusty blonde though, waited just long enough for Saphir to leave before leaving his game. Rising from his seat smoothly, uncaring of the boys shouting after him about just leaving the race right in the middle. He proceeded over to the platform and stepped up smoothly, just behind the target of his affections. Usagi turned with a small smile, then fell almost instantly into contemplation, her gaze held firmly in his eyes.
"Do I know you?" She asked nervously, a hand up near her heart, finger's curled in trepidation. Her heart was suddenly beating very fast, and she couldn't break eyes contact with the inthralling sky blue eyes. They were bright and soulful, drawing you in and holding you tenderly in their intent stare.
"Sorta...we met about a month ago at a party." He waggled his elegant eye brows meaningfully. "Doing kinda the same thing we are about to do right now." He finished in a teasing manner, grasping her curled hand and spinning her around. Usagi gasped in surprise, as the man's hands latched onto her hips drawing her backward against his tall, slender body. The mysterious stranger's movements were so swift, so fluid it dominated her instantly. Then just as suddenly she felt him sway into her small body, rocking them both from foot to foot. It was slow, sensual and erotic all at the same time. Usagi held her breath, her cheeks glowing at the young mans obvious flirting.
"We were dancing something like this...Or perhaps?" The mysterious boy's voice was husky, and hot against her ear as he spoke. Usagi's breath hitched, as a slow burn began in her stomach, becoming a bit light headed. As the young man then side stepped around her just as fluidly, crossing his arms over the smaller girls neck. Drawing Usagi's now trembling body to his chest. Her face unconsciously burrowed into the soft cotton of his shirt, inhaling the very alluring, soft airy floral scent...like lilacs. A woman's scent? She could feel just a hint of soft breasts pressing into her forehead. This mysterious person...was a she?
Usagi trembling increased she could feel her knees growing weak as the fire burned brighter. All these similar feelings she had only felt for Mamoru, confusing and scaring her. But just below the surface, she also sensed a kindred spirit as if she was in the pressence of one of her Guardian's?
"Haruka...stop tormenting the girl." Michiru chided, having tracked down her wayward love, flirting way to aggressively with the little princess. She was in an aqua green sun dress, with a wide white belt. Her black leather violin case clutched in a hand near her hip. Staring up at the pair with distain. Haruka's continuous flirting was starting to really piss her off, it wasn't in fun anymore at least not when it came to Serenity.
Haruka chuckled, playfully. Pulling away from the golden blonde, who stood stunned, her mind gone numb. Staring blindly before her, suddenly missing the taller woman's warmth. Swallowing a few time to regain her mind, Usagi watched silently as the wild dusty blonde woman stepped off the platform. Wrapped an arm around Michiru, then they promptly turned around, giving Usagi their backs.
"Until next time, Odango Atama!" Haruka called back, giving her a curt wave over her shoulder.
Usagi watched with a bit of relief, as they left the arcade. That whole situation was as wonderful as it was unsettling.
Who were they, and why did that woman make her feel so loved in a matter of moments?
"Haruka your getting way to friendly with her." Michiru commented lightly, striding a little ahead. As they made their way down the sidewalk. She feinted disinterest, but Haruka saw right through it. Very tuned into her partner's body language and cues. She was upset with her, and hiding it. But her stiff back, and nonchalant attitude said it all.
"Relax, she's just a little kid. All cute and clueless. " Haruka chuckled, making light of what she had done, what she had felt while she held the lithe little body of Serenity next to hers.
Michiru smiled warmly over her shoulder, slowing down enough for Haruka to once again drape an arm over her shoulder. Pretending to forgive her, as Haruka was pretending not to have deep feelings for their innocent young princess.
That evening when Mamoru returned home from University. Usagi had been sitting on the bench out front deep in contemplations. Over her behaviour over the last few months and the indiscretions she had engaged in that fateful night of the party. As he dismounted the bike, in his jeans, boots and leather jacket.
"Welcome home." Usagi called, before leaping off the deck, throwing herself into his surprised arms. Struggling to maintain her composure, when every part of her just wanted to curl up and cry. She had betrayed him with Seiya, the memory hazy but still solid enough to realize what she had done. She had been so drunk and so wound up. About the weeks of trauma she had endured by first the bandits and then the Lord of Shadows she hadn't been thinking straight. Now she felt she had cheated on him again with the woman at the arcade who had flirted with her so aggressively yet charmingly.
"Usako..." Mamoru held her tight, puzzled as to what had caused her to be so upset.
"I'm sorry..." She mumbled into the musty leather of his coat.
Mamoru drew her away, grasping her shoulder's firmly. His eyes softening as he took in the pain shimmering beneath her wide innocent eyes. He then grasped her hand leading her back over to the bench so they could talk.
Once they were sitting down, Usagi swallowed several times, her mouth having gone dry. Her courage to always tell him the truth now trembling like a coward in the back of her mind.
Mamoru rubbed her back soothingly, as she averted her gaze to the wooden deck unable to meet his eyes as she revealed her cheating.
"Thinking about the girls, Tuxy and Luna?" Mamoru offered compassionately. He had caught her many times over the last few weeks sitting alone, lost in her thoughts with tears in her eyes. Missing them all so very much.
"No..." She whispered her voice cracking.
"Usako...whatever it is. We can work it out together...ok." He smiled, grasping her chin in his fingers and drawing her up to meet his tender gaze.
Usagi took one big gulp, then a strengthening breath.
"I kissed Seiya!" She shouted, jumping to her feet feeling the need to gather distance before he exploded into the anger she knew she deserved.
"When..." Mamoru jaw clenched, sitting a bit more rigid then before as he surveyed the nervous fluttering state of her hands, as she now began to pace the deck.
"At the party...a while ago...I was so drunk, and scared..." She began, wringing her hands. Her eyes flooding with tears. "He cornered me in the grove of tree's out back, then before I knew what was going on his lips were on mine!" She shouted in exasperation.
"Did you kiss him back?" Mamoru brows raised, a small humour pulling at his lips.
"I really don't know...I really doubt I would." She mumbled, her forehead wrinkling up in anxiety. The memory really wasn't that clear. Then she raised her face from the wood, her eyes wide and pleading.
"I only love you!" She shouted, her voice strong and filled with confidence.
Mamoru leaped to his feet, seeing the torture she was putting herself through over a misjudgment that may have not
even been consensual. He wrapped her up tight in his arms, pressing a soft kiss to the crown of her head.
"Hush..." He whispered, as she broke down into painful tears. Clutching her slender arms around his waist, and hiding her face in his jacket.
"Usako...It's alright. I love you and you did nothing wrong. It was a mistake and that's all. It's only cheating if you do it on purpose. So please, don't cry. " He chuckled, his own mind directing that statement towards himself. Needing to convince himself that he wasn't cheating on her, by the lewd thoughts he harboured over Beryl.
Usagi took a shuttering breath as she calmed down, so thankful he wasn't hurt by what she had done. Now wondering if having feelings for another was ok, as long as one didn't act upon them. Was this what Mina had been talking about, that one was allowed to admire the paintings...just not to touch them?
After supper Mamoru disappeared once more into their room to start on his assignments. Leaving Usagi to start the overwhelming task of her own pile of homework at the low kitchen table. Within the hour, she had her text books spread out, loose paper full of half done work scattered about. Lost in the unfocused confusion of her algebra equations, she chewed absently on her pencil eraser. Hunching over the table, staring morbidly down at the scribbles on her page. A hand bracing her forehead, fingers splayed through her golden fringe. Looking stressed and overwhelmed. Her elbow grinding into the table top, distracting her with a dull ache. She hated math the most! She would rather be deciphering the Elder Scrolls back on the Moon, or cleaning the royal stables then this.
"Urgh!" She groaned, tossing her pencil on the table in frustration. She felt his little pressence at her side a moment later, turning she found Havoc standing patiently at her elbow. The creature cocked his head in confusion at all her marks on the papers and the various reading material surrounding her. Then acknowledged her with a curt nod, pulling out a long piece of wood from behind his back, placing it meekly before her. Usagi stared down at in awe, the wood had been meticulously carved into a straight narrow, hollowed out cylinder. With several holes of exactly the same size dug out along the length. The head of the homemade instrument had a narrowed mouth piece just like her old Moon Stone flute. It was beautiful and elegant in it's simple nature. Tears of pride, and joy beaded in the corners of her eyes as she picked up the thoughtful gift. Casting Havoc who wore no expression at all, a bright glowing smile before pressing the mouth piece to her lips. She sealed the holes with her fingers, blowing softly into the long slender piece of wood. Her finger's dancing slowly as she tried out a few notes, finding the sounds it produced mournful and airy. It had a sound and a soul all to itself, she loved it with all her heart. As she loved the little demon who had put in so much hard work to bring back to life something she cherished.
Mamoru heard the beautiful melody, drawing him from his room. He leaned against the hall divider's wooden frame, arms crossed over his chest admiring her inspired song. It was a bright cheerful sound, that floated about the small house reminding him of sunny day's in spring. When everything was coming back to life after a long sleep, the world full of colour and warmth.
The six other demon's migrated into the kitchen to listen, cocking their heads from side to side in confusion. Usagi was lost to her music, eyes closed as she bounced and swayed softly on her bum, keeping time with her bodies subtle rocking. The song came to a slow meandering end, as if she was reluctant to stop the happy tune. Pulling the wooden flute away from her now swelled pink lips, giggling happily as she noticed her adoring crowd of listeners.
"Thank you, Havoc." She turned and drew the small dark creature into a hug. He stood rigid as she embraced him, arms at his sides, accepting the affection but not reciprocating. She had tried for weeks to get the demon's to warm to affections from her, to perhaps even start providing affections to each other or her. But it just wasn't in their emotional make up. Their palate was limited to basic concepts, hunger, sleep, curiosity, pain, and anger. Some times it looked like they may smile, but the toothy cackling grin was more scary then comforting. They did not cry, or speak, as alien in their emotions as they were in appearance. The only one that seemed capable of concern was Malice, and only towards her...that one brief time he held her hand. He was the most emotional of all of them, his passions volatile towards violence and easy to incite.
She had been wondering what Havoc had been doing these last few weeks, he was always the curious one, wanting to know what and how things worked. Recreating her flute had become an obsession to him. He would only show up at the house for meal time, bath time or bed time. As she pulled away from his tiny shoulders. She noticed his fingertips were red, cut and swollen. His little belt dagger in his loin cloth splattered with dark inky blood.
"Oh...Havoc..." She crooned, pulling his tiny hands up to her lips. Realizing how tirelessly he had fought to whittle her flute. As she pursed her lips to kiss them better, he growled low in his throat warning her to back off.
Usagi instantly let go of his hands, noticing how his lips had curled back showing his sharp teeth.
Mamoru took a step forward, muscles coiling to attack the little creature it he attacked her.
Havoc ducked his head in shame, rubbed his hands nervously on the front of his spindly legs then dashed away. The six other demons silently took their leave, fading away to where every had been hiding out.
Usagi blinking uncertainly, casting Mamoru an alarmed yet sad look.
"They are not pets or children...Usako." Mamoru sighed, understanding she was upset. But she had to realize the reality that they did not react like any creature she had ever known. He hadn't seen any harm in her efforts to mother or civilize the creatures. They did require some care, and what she did do for them, they seemed to appreciate in a reserved way. They had never been threatening in the least, forever patience, silent little shadows that just hung around the yard or house.
This encounter placed a cold sense of reality about them, much more then he let on...
"That was so pretty, what you played. What was it called?" Mamoru asked, moving into the kitchen to prepare some hot chocolate for her. Drawing her away from thinking to much on the awkward ending to her sweet gift.
"Oh, I just made it up off the top of my head." Usagi smiled proudly, rising from the table. Moving behind the island, to dig into the upper cupboard for a box of cookies.
Mamoru merely chuckled and nodded. "You are truly a talented young woman..." He commented , the words holding many more meanings.
Usagi giggled, as she climbed up with a small grunt, to stand on the counter just before the sink. To short to reach the upper cupboard and to lazy to go find the stepping stool.
Mamoru groaned shaking his head ruefully as he stopped preparing the kettle on the stove. Having no choice but to dash behind her, bracing her delicate hips with his hands. Incase she lost her footing and fell off.
"I work tonight, so no waiting up for me. You got school tomorrow." Mamoru ordered sternly, getting a scowl from Usagi over her shoulder. At that point he conceded the battle, she was too stubborn about certain things. Waiting up for him was part of her routine as much as greeting him when he got home.
It was near dawn when Mamoru rolled up outside the house, soft light was just creeping over the tree tops. It had been a tediously long shift at the Silver Shadow, oh how, he was beginning to despise that job. He had started looking at the employment board at the University, but there wasn't much there yet. He entered the house, finding with a fond smile his precious goddess in one of his old white t-shirts, sitting curled up in a corner of the couch near sleep. The shirt dwarfed her tiny body, hanging over a slender shoulder alluringly.
"You are going to have a tuff day today, Usako." He whispered softly into her ear, as he adjusted her up to a sitting position, then picked her up in his arms.
She moaned plaintively as she leaned into him, his arms bracing her under her bum. Flopping her arms over his shoulder's as her head nodded forward, nuzzling into his neck.
"I just can't rest peacefully without you..." She breathed, sleep finally claiming her as his strong arms held her close disappearing into their room.
Light footsteps landed upon the roof of the house, as a woman crouched low just above the outer divider to the living room. Her long reddish brunette hair was pulled back into a long elaborate braid, that trailed down her back like a whip. Her eyes were closed, focusing inward upon some internal power, sifting through the threads of soul energies within the house seeking her trace her target. Sheathed in blood red leather armour from neck to toe, cut to fit like a second skin. At her hip was sheathed a plain black leather hilt to a small un assuming baton.
She had been sifting through the souls of the mortal realms for over a decade, gifted with immortality by her master. She had never aged since she left Elysian's cursed shores. Sent to find the lost heir to the dead Elysian throne, the vessel of the golden crystal, and key to the Keeper's Lore.
The bastard son, of a bastard's son...The Elysian Thorne.
"A Lunarian...and that strange human man." She mused. She had been hanging around the university months ago, figuring Thorne would be old enough to attend. Tuning her soul magic to sift through the masses, finally tracking a strange aura linked to Dream magic. Upon the Summer break she managed to find work at the same bar, wanting to get closer to him. So she could delve deeper into his energies and figure out if he was who she was searching for. Or merely an Elysian refugee who had found safety from the curse in the mortal realms. She had been slowly weaving her
magic into his soul, sifting through his aura one layer at a time trying to find his true self. Finding it locked behind a seal, which only intensified the mystery to her. She knew he was growing an attraction to her, which was a common effect when a human encountered a person touched by eternity. His will was incredibly strong though, fighting his urges at every turn. Now she knew why...he had found himself an angel...a Lunarian?
Usagi groaned with discomfort, nudging herself tenderly away from Mamoru's embrace. Flipping the blanket aside. She should have never drank a whole pot of tea last night. She had been drinking an earl grey with caffeine attempting to stay awake. Fighting with her homework, till the wee hours of the morning, it had been a total waste of time. Blearily, she rubbed at her eyes with tight fists shuffling out of the bedroom and into the gentle morning shadows of the hall.
She had no time to react, as six very agitated, very feral demon's charged out of the other bedroom. Literally bursting through the rice paper in their rooms divider. Growling and snarling, hissing and spitting in a protective fury. Charging away down the hall, en mass.
Usagi yelped in alarm, her heart jumping into her throat as the black herd exploded out beside her.
"What...wait!"' She shouted, as she scrambling after them in a panic. If she wasn't still half asleep she would have never charged after them, knowing how animal's with fierce instincts think. Six of the demon's charged out of the rice divider at the end of the hall making another hole, while the last was suddenly startled, refocused on her following footsteps. His senses confused in a state of rage,the frantic rhythm of her sudden footsteps, inciting his flight or fight reflex. He instantly saw her as a threat, turning upon her in a fit of snarling fury.
Usagi screamed in terror, as a maw of sharp teeth lunged for her neck. She raised a protective arm over her breast. Wailing in great pain, as the massive teeth bit down deep into her flesh. The little demon growled and shook his powerful jaw, that was clamped tight around her fore arm. Jerking her whole body back and forth briefly by his raw power. Ripping and tearing into the soft flesh, biting through muscle and arteries with ease. A snarling thrum of satisfaction echoed from deep down in his throat, as he enjoyed the taste of her blood, the feel of her flesh yielding under his teeth. The bliss of the kill, a blinding haze in his dark eyes.
Her legs trembled then weakened, falling to her knees, the severe trauma overwhelming her. Stunned by the sight of her beloved little demon tearing up her arm, as a wild beast on a freshly killed carcass. Her blood oozed around his pearl white teeth, staining them with her own gore. She could see her muscles being ripped into mercilessly. The white bone of her arm peeking through great gouges filled with pooling blood.
She tried to scream again, but her whole body was now an inferno of searing pain. Her mouth opened but only air escaped. The world was spinning away from her, mind going numb, as a wave of nauseousness took over.
"WHAT THE HELL! GET OFF HER!" Mamoru voice boomed over the hall, charging towards them. The true rage of a demon's wraith clear in the fury on his face.
The demon instantly released her, Mamoru's raging voice jarring him back from the blood lust. Jumping away in utter sorrow and terror. Whimpering and bowing, he meekly moved to the side of the hall. As his chosen majesty barrelled down upon them, powering up to his Guardian persona. Dark blue armour, shining like the night sea in moonlight. Dark cape, with the blood red underlay cracking in the wind caused by his rapid approach.
The demon cowered, fiddling his fingertips together. His beady black eyes taking in the sight of one of his most precious treasures. Bleeding out like a fast forming river from her arm. Laying prone on her side, bathed in a cold sweat. Chest quivering as she sought to breathe. The once pristine white shirt she was wearing upon her small frame soaked red from the growing puddle of her life's essence. Her free flowing blonde hair cascaded over her shoulder's, and across her breasts, wisps of stray strands falling over her sweet face. Her features twisted in rising agony. The very tips of the blonde strands taking on that same crimson tint, as they were bathed in her blood.
The woman in red leather leaped to her feet, as her soul sense sparked upon the rage of the demon's now seeking to rip her apart. She stood her ground for but moment, just long enough to get a glimpse of the threat. When she saw the six little black beasts, leaping from the ground unto the tiled roof. She cursed her luck. Then dashed off the far side of the roof retreating for now. The encounter with Shadow Thrall confirmed her suspicions. This human was Endymion! Only a Dark God linked to the Keeper's powers could tame those wretched pieces of chaos. She would be back to claim her prize...very, very soon.
Mamoru was stunned by the massive amount of blood leaving her. Ignoring the demon completely, he focused on saving her life. Usagi began to shiver terribly from the blood loss, her good arm reaching with trembling fingers for the whimpering, mewling demon standing timidly on the other side of hall. Her great love and compassion for others in pain a never ending well within her heart.
"It's ok...Malice. Mamoru will make it all ok again. Stop crying." She moaned, voice wavering with fading strength. Her eyes then rolling back into her head as a convulsion claimed her.
"Oh, Kami! Don't go...Serenity..." Mamoru cried his voice cracking with grief, kneeling in the pool of her blood. Laying his hands gently upon her nearly severed arm. Summoning his healing, sending the golden aura into her massive wound. Like a wave crashing upon the shore, her arm was instantly bathed in the light of his love. Glowing as if the sun itself was being cast from his palms. As he repaired the traumatic wounds, he could feel a vile magic coursing through her body. A dark vibration that was slowly syncing with her soul.
A few minutes later the blood had faded, her arm now fresh, pink, and flawless. Whole once more, as if the brutal mauling had never happened. Still avidly ignoring the humble, and pathetic demon. Mamoru cradled her tenderly to his chest, rising up off the floor and carrying her back to their room. Her body was still shivering and quaking from the dark magic he couldn't purge. Her hands clutching at the nape of his neck weakly, as she began to moan plaintively entering the threshold of an intense fever.
The demon sought to follow him, when Mamoru sensed him at his heels. He growled in unrestrained rage, thrusting his boot back fiercely, nailing the demon in the snout hard with his heel. Never paying the tiny beast even a glance, as he left him behind retreating into the bedroom. The demon grunted in pain, as the heavy boot connected. Freezing on the spot. Dark blood oozing from it's massive beak like nose. Beady eyes blinking rapidly, tiny chest heaving with pent up emotions it didn't understand.
When Mamoru had disappeared behind the divider, the little demon heard several low snarls coming from behind him. He bowed his head in surrender turning to face his six brothers. They stood at the shredded hole in the hall divider, staring with distain towards him. They knew what he had done, it didn't matter how sorry or shamed he felt. Punishment had to be met, he had just poisoned the soul of his king's mate. Malice took one defeated step after another, trudging under their proud judgment. As they flanked him on either side of the hall. He slipped outside through the hole resigned to meet his fate. The six demon's followed him out, prepared to exact revenge and final resolution upon him for his crimes.