Chapter 29

Author's note: It has been bugging for some time, were I got the magic box idea's and the idea's for Beryl's character. I got a review for Rhapsody that cleared it all up. I read a book in High School of all things, over a decade ago..yes I am that old! It was written by Terry Good kind, called Wizards First Rule. So paying homage here for where the pictures in my mind came from. The name The Keeper as well. If I think of anything else I might have used I will note it.

Mamoru's song: Modified lyrics from Bass Hunter:Angel in the Night

"Evening Princess." Michiru rolled down her window, casually draping her elbow out into the cold mist. Casting Usagi a warm smile as she passed through the iron gates.

"Michiru?" She questioned, her tone aloof. She felt very uncertain around these older women, they didn't promote a friendly atmosphere. Their relationship so far was a tolerant one, they had been forced to work with her against their better judgement.

"We need to talk." Haruka leaned forward, her somber expression catching Usagi's attention. The woman was usually a playful flirt, full of charming banter towards her. That would leave her nervous and breathless. This cold, almost stern attitude told her enough that something horrible had happened.

She nodded, opening the back door swiftly, sliding into the convertible with out further debate.

The car tore off down the damp street, the tires kicking up a fierce spray as they disappeared onto the busy avenues of Ropongii.

Usagi sat silently brooding in the back of the car, the conversation between them had been strained and awkward almost instantly. She had barely gotten settled and her seat belt on, before Michiru had pretty much plunged into what she knew was a practiced speech.

First lulling her with compliments, then slowly sliding the conversation towards the truth.

"Princess Serenity...something has happened." She began, her soft green eyes darting towards her from time to time gauging her emotions. Yet would never turn to face her, as if looking at her while she spoke her mind was something shameful.

"The Keeper has taken the Dark Realms. We might be all that is left, all that would stand before him and this Realm." She stated, her tone serious.

Usagi merely nodded, this wasn't anything new. Rei had already broke this tragic news to her earlier, she had been living with the added heart ache and worry over her Mamoru and sister's for the last forty-eight hours.

"We are running out of time!" Haruka countered, less then polite.

"It's only been my first day...I know were the Heart Snatcher's are I just don't know how to get to them. They are behind a seal in the back portion of the Mansion." Usagi confessed, her voice tight, feeling attacked by the two women already.

"We know that much as well." Michiru sighed heavily; "There are four overlapping seals around that wing of the house, we need to break each one in the right pattern or a void to the Abyss will open up and swallow this part of the city." She finished sadly.

"But no pressure, Princess." Haruka chuckled, watching Usagi's face turn several shades of white through the rear view mirror.

Usagi rubbed a hand down her face in frustration, horrible outcomes just kept piling up upon her. She was having an incredibly hard time dealing with it all.

"Then there is your mother." Michiru cut in again.

"What about her?" Usagi groaned, not wanting to hear anything more. Worried as to where her words were going.

"She was fighting the Keeper, Princess...did you not know?" Michiru was shocked, finally she turned to meet Usagi's now tearful eyes, full of regrets.

"I knew, I am the reason she is there. " Usagi began. "I am the reason that she felt she had to go to war in the first place. I am the reason for her fate against the Keeper." Usagi ranted, tears of empathy surging forth from her eyes.

"Princess..." Haruka breathed, as Usagi finally broke down in the back seat. All her worry, and self loathing coming to the surface once more.

Michiru held her tongue, knowing from her brief time inside Serenity's head that this was all true.

The time was not right to voice to the young princess what lore she found lurking within her soul.

"If...she di..." Haruka began, wanting to delve into what they would have to do to repair the Silver Millennium.

"NO!" Usagi screamed, her voice vibrating with power. "Do not give voice to the prophecy!" Her whole body was shivering with rage now, at how unjust her life had been. How unjust her mother's life had been, hating and resenting the Elder Gods just as she had done as a young girl when they had wiped her memories. Her mother,her and all the eldest born daughter's of the white moon had been nothing but cattle born to breed the pure soul of prophecy...her. And upon her birth, she had sealed her mother's death.

"Princess?" Haruka breathed, suddenly nervous and uncertain. This was the first time either of them had seen the power and righteous fury of a future queen in young Serenity.

"I don't want to hear it. I will keep my idealistic thoughts, and my hope that I will see them all alive once more. I don't want you to taint my mind with your logic, or your pessimistic what ifs!" She roared, slumping into the back leather cushions of the seat, crossing her arms stubbornly over her chest. Her lime pea coat riding up, pulling up her light sweater enough to let in a draft and give her a cold shiver. She hated all of this waiting...just hated it!

Haruka drove them around in silence for a bit, with Michiru nervously picking at stray strings on the cuff of her dark cotton sleeve.

"Well, all this serious talk has made me thirsty. Michi, you want anything?" Haruka offered, the air in the car having become stale and suffocating with their stressful conversation and negative emotions.

Michiru unrolled her window, casting her hot face to the damp winds as they flew through the neon lights of Ropongii. Haruka cast her a worried look, Michi was hurting with dreadful thoughts over their future. While Serenity now hunched in the back seat, her face downcast, cheeks flushed with anger and hurt herself.

Haruka sighed, brushing a hand through her locks. Life was never easy...

She pulled the convertible into a small poorly lit parking lot, at the side of a small cafe.

"I'll be back..." She pulled out her keys and disappeared into the night.

"Princess, the time for such drama is over. You need to come to terms with your prophecy. Destiny waits for no one. " Michiru began softly a few awkward minutes later. Her voice sounding so strong and assured as if she had experience in the matter's.

"Even if my mother was to die, she banished me. There by striping me of my title and responsibilities to the Silver Millennium." Usagi sniffed, her chest was aching terribly now.

"It is up the Maboroshi no Ginzuishou, who is worthy enough to claim the Throne of the White Moon." Michiru instructed cooly.

Usagi could only take one breath after another, her whole body was tingling with the stress of this whole horrid conversation. She knew that the crystal would come to her upon her mother's death, with or with out her mother's approval. She would be a queen forever denied her throne, due her mother's fear of her, of her beloved and the choices they had made. In truth she never really wanted to rule the Celestial kingdom. Always running away from any kind of responsibilities, wanting to just enjoy her life one adventure at a time. Her priorities had slowly shifted since the Shadow Lord had stolen her. As her destiny began to unravel before her. Could she change her future or would it just continue to charge before her like some unstoppable force? Her mother had been fighting against her prophecy her whole life, trying to find ways around it, to change it even destroy it if possible.

"I am just saying, if you prepare yourself for all the worst possible outcomes. If they come true, it will be easier for you to handle." She sighed, giving a weak smile out her window to Haruka who was now headed back to the car with a tray of hot drinks.

"I would rather stay positive in my thinking, I'm an optimist. In my heart I know I will see my mother again. I will see them all again." She confessed, holding her tears at bay as Haruka ducked back into the car. Handing a heavy glazed styrofoam cup to Michiru, then twisted in her sit to hand one to Usagi.

Who smiled with appreciation for the kind gesture.

"Crack the top and let it cool for a while before you drink it." She instructed, in a caring tone.

"I will." Usagi answered back softly, pulling the tab on her lid.

"I need to start training you, I don't feel right sending you into that house with out some hand to hand combat techniques." Haruka set her cup down in the dark plastic holder, set in the center dash. Folding an elbow over the back of the seat to regard her sombrely.

" I also want to work on your stamina and speed, sword skills all that fun Senshi stuff you never got around to learning. " She finished with a smirk.

"Fine." Usagi nodded, accepting her help. The Guardian of the Dead Moon had put in perspective how much more powerful she could be with a little training.

"Good, then I will see you before dawn tomorrow for a jog. Then we will just go from there." Haruka nodded back, turning back around to start the car.

"I think I would rather walk home, if that's alright with you." Usagi quickly took her leave before Haruka could protest.

"Thank you for the drink." She added, as she left the car closing her door with a resolute click.

She walked briskly away into the soft glow of the small market street lamps, as night slowly fell around her. Heading away from the Outer Senshi with much relief. Her mind reeling once more with dark thoughts, and horrible outcomes yet to come to pass. Absently sipping on the hot chocolate beverage in her hand, the cup being the only source of warmth in the long walk back to Sendai Hill.

Mars crouched low over the roof top of a nearby bakery, watching cautiously as the two Dark Moon sister's left the warmth of their limo and proceeded on foot down the block. They had led her and Yuichiro into a small out of the way street full of strip malls, and small cafe's.

"Alright stay here. I'll come back for you in a little bit. " Mars stated, about to stand up and recall her powers, back to her civilian form. Opting to follow them discretely through the crowds.

"I'm charged to protect you." Yuichiro hissed, glaring threateningly down at the receding forms of the two trashy looking women.

"With what, you didn't bring any weapons? You going to protect me with stubbornness and wishful thinking!" She hissed snidely, then promptly leaped off the roof into the alley.

Yuichiro glowered down at her angry at himself more then her, for not being prepared. He watched her stride away into the moving crowds, once more dressed discretely in her red hoody and jeans.

"Aw, poor boy. Left all alone and defenceless." A fake pouting voice echoed out to him.

Yuichiro spun around, hands balled up into fists near his chest. Brown eyes darting about in alarm, trying to trace the voice on the empty roof top.

Beryl remained hidden, her long wavy brunette hair laying free over her shoulders. Standing just behind the large square red brick chimney to the Bakery. Dressed in her blood red armour, fingering the simple leather hilt of her baton. The Syphon hummed in her grip eager to feed upon the boy's soul. Smiling with anticipation, she laid in wait as Yuichiro moved forward to search out the sound of her voice.

Just as the boy drew close, she sprung her trap. Leaping out in front of him, as he suddenly went rigid his heart leaping into his throat. But his inaction was swift, as he moved into a defensive stance. His dull brown hair laying wet over his narrowed eyes, hanging low over his shoulder's dripping from the moisture and sweat that had collected there.

He made no move, merely taking her measure as Beryl laughed lightly. This little scuffle would be fun, the young man was barely fifteen! She promised to make their bout last a little bit, before she broke him.

Giving Yuichiro a smug nod, she varied her stance, releasing her grip upon her weapon feeling a bit of pity for the

weaponless young man. She would fight him, hand to hand for now...at least until she tired of the game.

Yuichiro lost his patience quickly, after only circling her twice. With a bellow of courage he raced towards her, fists swinging. Beryl ducked backward to avoid his first couple strikes, laughing, and enjoying the game. Then spun low with her leg, tripping him.

Yuichiro landed hard on his back, the frozen film on the roof top biting through his light white shirt burning his skin. He wasn't down for long, kicking himself back up with a flourish. Then charging forward once more, moving fluidly into a grappling kata to take her down to the ground. Using his arms to block her strikes, while sweeping his leg behind her. Hooking his leg behind her's locking his heel around her knees, as he then shoved her backward with his elbow into her chest. Swinging himself around back to a horse stance as she fell with a manic laugh onto her back.

"Well done!" She cried, crossing her arms over her face, then rolled away. As he sought to slam his foot downward on top of her head, then to her chest to smash her ribs. She had been watching his fighting style, having thousands of years to combat behind her she knew many techniques.

"You are from Mars...your moves are so aggressive and quick." She acknowledged with admiration. "Truly the red planet has the most passionate hand to hand technique."

She danced with him for a good period of time, like a cat slowly batting a mouse to death. He would think he had the advantage only to find himself gasping for breath as she landed several punches to his gut.

She was to fast for him, to experienced he had never stood a chance. Finally he was forced on the defensive, seeking a way to escape. When she noticed his eyes darting over the edge of the roof, to the crowds below, for a way to evade her and run and hide. She knew the game was over.

He was out of breath, panting with exhaustion. A look of fear and desperation clearly in his eyes.

"Well this has been fun, you might have made a real warrior of yourself one day." She shrugged, watching his fear with a sly smile. "But you are of better use to me." Then she moved with all her speed, crossing the distance between them in a blur. Yuichiro cried out in fright, as he instantly lost track of her. Raising his hands over his head to protect himself. Her arm swung around his throat, twisting him off the roof's edge. The tip of her Syphon now pressed securely to his temple with her other hand.

Yuichiro didn't know what to do, he was terrorfied she was just to powerful. With rising panic, he kicked his legs futility attempting to connect his heels with her knees.

Then the pain hit him full force, ripping through his soul as if his insides had been set on fire. Doubling him over and sending him to his knees. Beryl followed him down to the ground, never releasing her weapon's contact with his skin.

Beryl stood over him gloating, as she twisted her Syphon in her grip, grinding the tip into the side of his head, clenching her hold upon his soul.

Yuichiro screamed in agony, his voice straining to contain the amount of pain he now felt.

"You are mine." Beryl, declared. Finally tearing the weapon away and standing up. Her dark magic now firmly in place within his soul.

As Yuichiro writhed upon the roof top, clutching his stomach, shivering and convulsing. As his very soul was now shackled to Beryl's will. He tried to scream, tried to breath but the pain was over coming him. With a sad pathetic sounding moan he fell unconscious.

"You will now be my eyes, my ears, and my weapon. When Endymion returns, he will be mine. Then I shall kill the Guardian's of the White Moon one at a time. " She crouched before his head, petting down his wet hair affectionately.

When Usagi returned home later that night, the house was strangely empty. She barely noticed, her mind still spinning over her conversation with Uranus and Neptune. The outer Senshi hadn't given her any news she didn't already know, thanks to Rei. But Neptune's harsh words still echoed inside her, chilling her through and through. The woman was so jaded, and perhaps bitter that she felt she was doing her a service by thrusting her own negative views upon her. It only made things worse, Serenity did not deal well with strife or harsh realities. She had cried the whole way home, finally settling down over the brutal encounter at the front gates. Her thoughts falling on the fact that they were going to start training her as a proper Senshi, which was encouraging. Her sister's had trained for many years before earning the title of Senshi for their planets. She had to confess there was only so far she could go on her own, she was excited to finally have some guidance. She had mentioned the Dead Moon Guardian to them at the very beginning, wondering if they had

ever met. The two women had taken the news of a new player on the field with cautious looks to each other.

Tomorrow started a new week of school, and a new routine of training with Haruka just before dawn. With a tired sigh she was headed for her room and the peace and security it provided. Not bothering taking off her lime green jacket, shuffling her white socks on the flooring, her jeans so utterly drenched from the mist, the hems were dripping water. Leaving a trail of tiny puddles as she disappeared down the hall.

Grumbling at how clammy and disgusting she felt with her damp clothes on. Usagi quickly disrobed, dropping her wet clothes around the disaster of a room. When she was pleasantly in nothing but her white cotton bikini style panties and silk bra, she crouched down before the crumpled mass that was her jacket. Pulling out a simple white envelope that had been tucked in the front pocket by either Sapphir-san or Wisman-san that contained her pay.

Tearing the envelope open she took out her yen bills happily. She then divided them up, setting half on her dresser for Seiya. The other half she had to keep safe somewhere...

With a knowing chuckle, she ducked into the dark closet pulling out Mamoru's guitar case once more. She had it unlatched in no time, the secret pocket pulled open, with the wrinkled piece of parchment taunting her once again. With a groan of frustration with herself, she pursed her lips , averting her gaze from the paper as she shoved her money into the pocket. Then slammed the leather case closed, hoping to stop herself from looking at the mystery paper. Finding herself unable to budge from her position, sitting cross legged before the case. Her hands now poised on top, a curious finger tapping away as she fought with herself. She so wanted to read what was on the paper...it could be anything, from any time in Mamoru's life. Teasing her like a diary, yearning to be read.

Usagi squeezed her eyes shut tight, forcing her intense compulsions deep down.

"Not...gonna do it..." She muttered, then before she knew it, the case was open and the worn piece of paper was clutched tight in her hand.

"I am weak...so very weak..." She muttered, opening the folded paper in her lap. As her sweet blue eyes began to read, slow painful tears of loss began to fall once more. She sat shivering as a fog of loneliness began to enshroud her once more. Watching bleakly as the paper shook in her hands that were braced in her lap.

"Oh Mamoru...I miss you so much...please come home. I can't take many more days without you." She whispered, her eyes so full of tears the loving words on the paper had blurred them away.

You are my light in the dark, you are the beating in my heart.

But that is not enough, will I ever be by your side.

Your hair is dancing in the wind.

Your eyes are burning my skin.

And I'm so happy when I see

That you are smiling back at me.

You leave footprints on the ground.

I will follow them till you are found.

I don't know how, just let me hold you now.

I don't know why,

But you are my angel in the night.

Just like the days I saw you cry.

I try my best to satisfy.

But all you do is wave to me good-bye.

I don't know what I'm gonna do.

But I'll go crazy without you.

Even if I don't know where to start.

Even if my love is tearing me apart.

I just know that you and me.

We were always meant to be.

"Why are you back in the Dark Realms?" Selene inquired, brushing away the last image upon the crystal ground.

"I've come to find the Box of Darkness, and seal the Keeper back within the Abyss." Mamoru answered, the grip on the hilt of his sword tightening as it lay before him. His rage surging at the very thought of that devil.

Selene began to laugh, her voice ringing through this timeless void of mists like beautiful bells.

Mamoru scowled at her sudden humour. Reigning in his anger as it begun to twist towards her.

"My son, you are as weak as a new born babe right now. Barely, have you scratched the surface of your true powers and potential. You don't stand a chance against him as you are now." She confessed, giving him a look of tired patience. Her elegantly youthful face, carrying a very motherly expression all of a sudden. "You will go back to earth, were you are safe. If and when you are strong enough, wise enough to face him. Only then shall I allow it." She finished sternly.

"I will not leave my friends to die, by his hands. Even if I don't stand a chance, I could never forgive myself if I just left them behind to cower in the Mortal Realms. " Mamoru stood, trying to maintain a level of outrage upon his mother. Whom he knew only meant to protect him, a feeling he always wished to feel from her. Yet now as a grown man, he no longer wished for her to intrude upon his decisions. Right or wrong he had earned the right to make them.

"Then you go to your death." She stated, giving him a grave expression, as she followed him up. Her immaculately nude body, beginning to glow brighter.

"Then I shall go to my death then." He hissed bitterly, he couldn't believe how little faith she had in him.

"You know nothing about your sword or your beloveds, nothing about the boxes that could save or destroy everything. Nothing about the Keeper himself or his eon's of silent plots, that right now are fulfilling themselves. Yet you feel confident in facing him!" She shouted incredulously. Her face contorting into fury. Slowly losing control of her emotions and powers alike, her hair began to flutter about as if caught in a fierce wind. Her eyes glowing like twin stars.

Mamoru felt her rise in power, calling upon his own as well, seeking to shield himself from her spell of rapture. This was her way of forcing her will upon him, to have him do as she pleased with out question or debate.

"Mother, you need to calm down. I'm sorry, but I need you to send me back. I just feel that is were I must be. " He shouted to be heard over the raging winds of her fury. "Please, Mother...you have got to understand, you must belie..."

Mamoru's words were cut off instantly as a white light enveloped him. It surged through him, consumed him, obliterating all that he was at that moment.

Suddenly Usagi's dream's were shattered, as her air was cut. Struggling back into consciousness, she could feel strong finger's pinching her nose closed. In a panic she gripped the accosting wrist and kicked her feet, tossing her blankets and comforter off her body. Her blue eyes flying wide in shock, finding an older dusty blonde woman, with wild short hair hovering over her in a sky blue track suit.

Finally as her throat began to burn, her assailant let go.

"What are you doing here!" Usagi wheezed, promptly sitting up.

Haruka grinned placing a finger over her lips, as she looked up from the floor to observe a softly snoring Rei. Her ebony hair tossed over the wool blanket, sleeping soundly on her tummy, with an arm flung over the side of the bed. Dangling limply against the flooring, lost to her dreams.

"I waited outside for a while, but when you didn't show. I let myself in." Haruka smirked, crouching before her on the bed roll.

"Honestly, Princess. It is rude to make someone wait." Haruka, lightly brushed her fingertips down her cheek. Her sky

blue eyes sparkling with mischief as she admired the very little her Moon Princess was wearing.

Usagi instantly blushed, lunging for her blankets and tucking the comforter closer around herself. Wearing only her panties and bra from last night's grieving ordeal. She just had not had the energy or initiative to throw on P.J's after all her bouts of sobbing yet again. She had skipped her nightly serenade to the moon as well, she had just felt so hopeless. Merely crawled under her blankets and sought the peace of sleep instead.

Haruka leaned over her, pushing her down to the pillow's with her looming body. Usagi swallowed suddenly uncertain about her intentions and were this now erotic encounter was going. Her body instantly began to shiver, as the woman leaned over her. Her hot breath tickling her cheek and ear as she drew ever closer to her neck.

"We could always do something much more fun then training, Princess." She whispered playfully in her ear, drawing away with a knowing half smile. As Usagi's breath hitched, clutching her fluffy blanket just a little closer to her chin. Staring as if a deer in headlights, up at the warm shadow hovering over her that was Haruka. As her empty tummy began to flip, her whole body tingling from the woman's subtle words, yet perhaps not so subtle seductions once again. Haruka chuckled rising back to her feet, shaking her head at the clutter as she carefully navigated through the room.

"I will wait five minutes more, then I'm leaving. " She waved curtly before sliding the divider closed, her lightly tapping feet fading away down the hall.

Usagi took a deep breath, trying to settle her now thundering heart before scrambling around the room to find some sweats, a white t-shirt and her pink hoody. Dashing down the hall, snatching her leather boots from the front door before launching herself outside onto the veranda. It took her a bit longer to find clothes and get dressed, Haruka was no were to be found. True to her word she hadn't waited.

Usagi cursed herself, scanning the hillside briefly finding the young woman jogging away through the weathered stone gateway at the bottom of the hill.

She dropped her boots, needing to catch up and she could move so much faster on bare feet. The ground was going to be cold, hard and unforgiving this time of year. Usagi ignored her better sense, her mau instincts would keep her feet save as she plunged down the hillside at top speed. Her dainty little feet churning up the loose stones as she tore away from the house.

Haruka just rounded the block at a quick jog, heading toward the large decline that was Sendai Hill. When the rapid sounds of small feet came thundering into her ears just to the right. She turned her head finding her Princess bolting down the sidewalk after her. Her golden hair flying in a loose wave behind her, as her tiny feet slapped the pavement at a great speed. When encountering a scattering of broken glass and other trash discarded over the sidewalk. She leaped up onto the stone fence, keeping up the same intense speed as she dashed down the uneven top of stone and mortar.

Haruka stopped instantly, blinking in astonishment at how fast and agile her little princess was. She was like a cat! Usagi leaped down off the fence in front of her, panting and gasping for breath.

Haruka grinned, placing her hands on her hips as she shook her head ruefully down at her impetuous little princess.

"What are you doing?" She inquired with a laugh.

"Running?" Usagi breathed, sucking in one gulp of air after another.

"Running?" Haruka reiterated dryly.

"Yes..." Usagi responded now perplexed.

"No, you my dear are an accident waiting to happen. Where are your sneakers?" Haruka commented sternly.

"I don't..." Usagi began, yelping in fright as Haruka grasped her around her waist and hauled her up onto the stone fence.

Placing her butt up on the flat stones, while she then knelt, inspecting her pink slightly frozen feet.

"have any..." she finished with a forced breath. She had a nice collection of cute dress shoes, a couple pairs of high heels, some sandels and boots. But no sneakers.

Haruka's gentle yet firm hands began to rub and massage one foot then the other. Focused on her task, the older woman took no note of what her touch was doing to her young princess. Usagi swallowed over and over, watching Haruka intently. As the woman's sensual finger's upon her feet, intentional or not. Began to send alluring shiver's through out her body, her hands began to warm and sooth her cold feet. Relaxing her, lulling her senses into a comforting haze. Suddenly she wanted to be in Haruka's arms, to have the woman hold her close, to bask in her sweet floral scent. She had always felt save with Haruka, she was a strong and passionate soul. And Usagi was so lonely...feeling so lost in

this sweet moment. She knew if Haruka had wanted more from her she could have had it. If she stood up and took her up into a passionate kiss. Usagi wouldn't have complained, she might even have encouraged her.

Haruka finished her inspection finding her feet unmarked, she leaned in beside her on the fence. Usagi had been having such erotic thoughts about the woman just a few moments prior. Her faint blush was now a raging inferno upon her cheeks.

Haruka chuckled softly, noticing the reaction she was getting from her princess by being so close.

"Honestly, Were you planning on running with me in bare feet then?" She raised a thin eyebrow, seeking answers.

"No...I have boots." Usagi shrugged, casting her face down and to the side in shame. Seeking the cold morning air to cool her flaring cheeks, and dry her moist eyes.

"Well, that won't do." Haruka folded her arms over her breasts, scowling at her feet.

"I will pick you up after school, and we will get you some proper footwear and maybe a track suit like mine. It will help if it's ever raining when we head out." She finished, then with a smirk her turned back to Usagi.

"Your cute and fast like a Koneko(kitten), you know that?" She chuckled.

"I was raised by a Mau." Usagi confessed, staring at the ground as she kicked her feet sweetly. Masking her embarrassment, and confusion at feeling compelled towards Haruka yet again.

"That explains it." Haruka, pulled off the stone wall. Brushing her hands over her thighs to clean them, then swiftly plucked Usagi off the fence.

She cried out in alarm as the taller women unceremoniously flung her small body over her shoulder.

"Haruka, what are you doing!" Usagi yelled indignantly, as she hung over the woman's shoulder.

"Carrying you back to to your boots, Your Majesty." Haruka responded, a playful humour thick in her voice.

"I can walk, dammit!" Usagi shouted back, so not wanting to be in this embarrassing, yet sexual situation. With her butt in the air, pressed up against Haruka's cheek. As she was rudely bounced like a sack of sweet potato's over her shoulder.

"No, you can't silly Koneko. Your feet are soft, anything will cut them. Even the cold cement. " Haruka chuckled, then slapped her ass hard.

Usagi's eyes flew wide once more, startled by the action as much, as the arousing charge now coursing through her body. She blushed a bright red, hanging silent and limp over Haruka's shoulder. Willing her heart to stop it's skipping pace in her chest.

The rest of October disappeared in a blur of school, training and investigating. She had yet to manage to get into Wisman-san's rooms. The door was locked and she had tried ever sort of key she had managed to find laying around mansion and none of them worked. She was strangely left alone while she was cleaning, even if the sister's were in the house. She was thankful not to have to put up with their intimidation. But giving Michiru and Haruka pointless reports about the normal activities in the house was getting annoying. She wanted them to show their hand, she was growing impatient with the status quo. She visited with Misery, finding the poor soul in all kinds of strange predicaments in the little girls's room. She now knew was called Hotaru. The girl was extremely shy, but Usagi had begun to cultivate a friendship through Misery.

Seiya had been very excited by the turn in his life, busy recording his first single with his cousins. He was extremely busy, having no time for College anymore he had quit. But he kept his promise, always having a delicious bento ready for her every morning. Setting aside one day on the weekend to do something fun with her, knowing she was really worried about Mamoru but never pressing as to why. Just wanting to perk up her mood at the end of week, to see her smile.

He was a true and dear friend , Usagi couldn't help but love him now. Rei always intervened when their playful banter got a bit to intimate looking. Casting her reproachful looks, like some sour tempered nurse maid.

She had gotten a job at the Cafe on Campus, wanting to help out with the bills. Usagi didn't know her ulterior motive was to provide for her princess in all the ways Seiya was. So she could kick him out very soon. Rei also joined in on her training with Haruka, instructing her as patiently as she could in the ways of Soul tracking.

Yuichiro had merely faded into the woodwork of the day to day activities of the house. He took on the responsibilities of cleaning the house. Beside that he trained by himself for long periods of time out in the woods. Never really engaging with the others, always off doing his own thing. He was slowly becoming a phantom, like Usagi's little shadows. She had shown Rei and Yuichiro the stone effigies of her two lost friends. Rei had explained to her what they were, she was startled at first never expecting that they were truly creatures from the Abyss and not the Deep Dreaming. Rei admired the statues with caution, alert now to their little soul fragments hiding in the woods nearby. They never came to the house anymore, once Rei came home. Usagi was missing them, but she was just to busy with everything to go hunting them down.

November came and went with a blast of winter, the freezing rain coming down almost daily. The last of the sun's faint warmth faded away into a blanket of grey. It was bleak, cold and utterly exhausting. Usagi kept her spirits up by listening to Seiya's first top ten hit on the radio. Keeping busy, with her studies, training and thanks to Haruka, drinking gallon's of her new favourite hot drink...Hot Chocolate!

The first sensation to replace the white nothingness, was the comforting warmth of the sun. Then the soft sounds of birds entered his hearing. Lastly was the smell of her hair, the soft lavender scent that sent his body humming with need. The feel of her small frame pressed up against him, her head tucked under his chin, resting upon his bare chest. Slender arms draped lazily over his stomach, as she slept deeply in his embrace.

Mamoru moaned with longing, his heart a light once more. He never opened his eyes, basking in her subtle weight against him. Brushing his hand down her hair, over and over again asserting to himself that she was truly there. After all these weeks apart, she was once more in his arms.

"Oh...Usako. I've missed you." He muttered his voice breaking, as he slowly opened his eyes.

Sucking in a cold breath of surprise as he was greeted by a strange room. The bright morning light streamed in through a large picture window on one wall. The walls themselves papered in a frilly shimmering pearl wallpaper, accented with small deep red rose buds. The bottom half of the walls was wood paneling. The far wall with the window had sheer white drapes, billowing in the warm, sweet scents of spring breezes. A white armchair sat in the corner by the window with a simple silver floor lamp set behind. A squat wood table sat beside the chair with a thick book and a pair of reading glasses on top. He was currently sprawled out on a soft queen sized bed, with a deep crimson leather back board and cherry wood box spring, with their mattress nestled on top. He was wearing nothing by a pair of boxers, currently twisted around his legs. His body covered in silk sheets and a heavy homemade quilt woven together in deep green and maroon patterns. The room, the bed, the atmosphere was utterly perfect. His mind filed it as strange but welcomed after the weeks of endless killing and silent witness to so many tragedies.

Turning his head, he found his beloved nuzzling against him just waking from her sleep with the soft sounds he cherished. She rose her adorable face to greet him with a small smile, she wide cerulean eyes sparkling with love. Golden hair cascading around her sweet features and delicate shoulder's in a wild mass of sexy tangles.

"Morning." She whispered, not getting the chance to rise off his chest fully before her had wrapped her up in his arms swinging her beneath him.

She yelped in pleasant alarm, as he then crushed his lips to her's. He needed her right now more then he needed breath. She hummed into his kiss, molding herself in his arms. As he held her tight beneath him.

"Oh...Mamo-chan." She giggled in delight, as his hand slipped under the soft white cotton sleep shirt.

Arching into his hand, as his fingertips rolled over a stiffing nipple arousing her fully in seconds.

Loving the sounds she made, as he began to mouth her neck, anointing her collar bone with a slow sensual lick. He could feel the hot puffs of her breath against his cheek, as it grew more shallow and passionate.

"Oh, god. It's been so long..." He breathed, his hand now caressing up and down her flank.

She giggled."Your insatiable...we just made love last night?"

That caught his attention, blinking uncertainly a strange fog falling over his mind. He rose up from her neck to regard her seriously.

"I'm not complaining..." She replied, eyes bright and pleading for more. Hands gripping his shoulder's to affirm to him that she was more then willing to continue their love play to it's fruition once more.

"But...I've been gone for weeks?" He stated, his face twisted in confusion.

"You must have had one strange dream." she cupped his face, a warm smile of compassion spreading on her face. Her beautiful blue eyes shinning with such purity he could easily become lost to them.

"Momma! Poppa! Good Morning." A sweet little voice shouted out to them.

Mamoru turned in shock, finding a little girl of barely four standing in the cherry wood doorway to their bedroom. With a sweet round face so much like Usagi's. Wide soft brown eyes bright and innocent, staring at them in confusion at finding him navigating his hands upon Usagi's willing body, just out of view beneath the blankets. Her strawberry blonde hair falling around her shoulder's, wearing a cute little powder blue nighty with lace trim along the round collar and hems of her short sleeves and bottom hemline.

Mamoru swallowed, his heart beating fast at the sudden intrusion. Pulling himself off Usagi, he sat beside her on the bed. Staring in a haze of confusion towards the little girl who had just called him Poppa. His mind reeling, yet slowly being lulled by how his most cherished dreams were becoming a reality. Doubt crept into his mind, perhaps all the hardships and strife he had been living was just that a bad dream. This was all he wished for and more...casting his eyes back to his Usako. He found her sitting up in bed as well, beaming at the little girl. The fathomless love her eyes had shone with for just him, was now mirrored towards the little girl. He noticed for the first time, she wore his diamond heart shaped promise ring, with smaller diamonds clustered all around it. Another silver band was nestled beside the elaborate ring. A wedding band...it shone in the morning light like a star upon her finger. He instantly shot his glaze towards his own left hand, finding a matching ring made of twisting vines that he recognized but could not place right now.

"Com'on Serenity, hop on." Usagi encouraged her daughter, by patting a clear spot on the red and green bed spread between them.

The little girl squealed in delight, dashing for the bed and leaping on with all the exuberance and joy of a small cherub.

Mamoru blinked his mind trying to find the logic in this sudden twist of fate. Usagi looked barely older then seventeen, how could they be married and have a four year old child? As soon as those doubts crossed his mind, they fluttered away into nothingness. As Usagi lunged for the little preschooler, holding her down as she tickled her ferociously. The girl began to kick and wail, in the very same way her mother had when under similar assault by Mamoru.

A blissful smile spread over Mamoru's face, his questions falling silent and fading away as he now basked in the perfection of everything he ever wished for now so easily in his grasp. This moment right now, was the happiest most fulfilling of his life. The world was bright and full of promise, the battles were over. He was were he wanted to be most, a perfect life with out worries, dread or confusions.

In time he was pulled into the tickle fight, as little Serenity and him took Usagi down to the mattress. She wailed and writhed under their digging finger's, tears of frantic laughter slipping down her face.

"Oh...stop...stop..." she pleaded, curling up into a ball, her night shirt barely covering her well form butt.

Mamoru was laughing in the most carefree way he had ever heard. As he rose off his wife, placing a sweet kiss to her temple as he moved from the bed.

"Com'on Rini. Lets go make our lazy Momma some pancakes." He cast the panting and out of breath Usagi a fond grin.

As Rini leaped upon his back, just as he crossed past the corner of the bed. He caught her easily, as if this was routine.

Her small arms wrapped around his neck, as she cried.

"Let's go Poppa, Getty-up!" She giggled, as he bounced her on his back out of the door.

The uncertain world beyond this perfect life faded away, there was only him, his Usako and his happy family. He could want for nothing more.