"What do you mean by 'talk' to Mamoru-san? He doesn't even have time to -, " squawked Minako in protest after her initial shock at the amazon's inquiry. Her brows knitted together in a scowl.

Ami, already predicting her friend's reaction to the request, placed her hand upon her shoulder and cut off her protests mid-sentence, "Maker is right, Minako-chan. It is very reasonable for him to explain his role on Usagi-chan's life, especially in regards to her decision to marry Fighter-sama."

The crease on the blonde's face deepened. "But he was busy with you guys' shack. I doubt that he has time to talk about Usagi-chan, especially about how he played with her feels that inconsiderate jerk!"

The blue-haired doctor shook her head and said, "I'm sure that he'll spare some free time to sit and discuss with us about Usagi-chan. He is as much of her friend as we are. He only wants what's best for her." She paused to give the seamstress a stern look.

"And you're allowing your anger cloud your judgment right now. You know that it is best that Mamoru-san were to join us here to tell us his influence on Usagi-chan's decision to marry Fighter."

"I'm quite sorry that I just can't bring myself to forgive that man for leading our best friend on for so long. It's just not happening anytime soon, " huffed Minako, turning her nose up in the air.

"Yet, apparently, you were able to find it within yourself to forgive me, Minako-san."

All eyes turned towards the new arrival inside the room. Cherry red eyes returned their bewildered gazes evenly.

Seconds passed before the aforementioned blonde shook herself out of her stupor.

"Setsuna-san!" she squawked, eyes wide at the sudden appearance of the woman who had stolen the heart of Usagi's dream lover, "What are you doing here?!"

"Mother and I summoned her to aid in piecing together what could potentially aid in mending Fighter's marriage with Usagi-san, " said Kakyuu, entering the room with her mother.

"Your Highness! Princess!" exclaimed the two Starlights, rushing off their spots to kneel before their queen and princess.

"Healer, Maker, stand, please. We're all friends, remember?" reminded the crimson princess. A gentle smile was upon her face as she placed her hands atop their heads in a friendly gesture.

The two warriors stood up and peered at her with curiosity.

"How did you know that we were trying to figure out the reason behind Tsukino-san marrying Fighter?" Maker prodded, brow furrowed.

"Because of how you two have been quite distracted with your duties as of late since those two left for their trip. It wasn't too hard to guess, " the queen gave a graceful shrug before narrowing her eyes. "But after Meioh-san and her husband give their side of the story in regards to Usagi-san's decision, you must resume your search for the mysterious bursts of power that we've been feeling as of late. No ifs, ands, or buts."

Maker and Healer gave each other a brief glance, then looked back at their queen. Bowing their head, they said in unison, "Yes, Your Highness."

The orange-eyed royal nodded her head, "Good, now it's time for me to go back to my duties while my daughter resumes planning her wedding."

And with those parting words, she left with an elegant swish of her skirts.

Kakyuu offered them all a warm smile and a nod. "I wish you all the best. I hope that Meioh-san and her husband could provide some insight into everything for you all, " she said and looked over at Minako and Ami. "You two as well as your friends are welcome to join us for dinner anytime. Friends of Usagi-san are friends of ours."

Minako's mouth opened and closed several times as she tried to form words at that. Ami's eyes were bulging from her head to the point that Setsuna nearly let out a giggle at the two's priceless reaction to the princess' invitation.

The brunette Starlight took some pity on the two girls and spoke on their behalf with a nod, "I'm sure that they'll take your gracious offer, princess."

"I sure hope so. Now, I must be going. I wish you all well. Jin sends his love as well, " were her parting words as she gave all of them one last smile. Her olive flower scent leaving a sense of tranquility inside the room in her absence.

Setsuna turned her attention onto the remaining occupants of the room. "So, shall we speak here or at my house with my husband?"

With blinking, Maker answered before anyone else could.

"At your house. I think it's about time that Healer and I meet your husband."

Usagi awakened with a groan. Her left hand came up to block the glaring light streaming in from the window at her bedside.

Where are we?

Her eyes scanned the pale green room with its intricate floral designs and eloquent furnishing before landing on a familiar tuft of indigo hair. Widening to the size of ostrich eggs, she reached over to her spouse with a frantic whisper.

"Fighter!"

No answer from the dark-haired youth as her chest rose up and down in a steady rhythm.

"Usagi-san, I must say that you must be quiet. Your lover suffered from dehydration as well as sustained some injuries, " said a deep voice from the other side of the room.

The young blonde almost leapt from her place. Her heart basically missed a few beats at the sudden intrusion. It soon settled after she realized who had spoken to her when her eyes met slate grey eyes. Her shoulders dropped from their tensed posture.

"I'm sorry for frightening you. Nishi sent me in here to check on you two and to see if you wanted any food or drink. You know, since you two had been stuck in my trap for however long and … yeah, shutting up now, " Reiji rambled on with a sheepish grin splattered across his face. His fingers ruffled his maroon locks as a show of his nervousness at the current situation.

Usagi, sensing his nervousness, offered him a smile. "That'd be nice, Rei-san?" she blinked, trying to remember his name.

The maroon-haired male chuckled, "Nah, my name is Reiji – Ono Reiji." He reached out a hand to shake hers.

Shaking his head, she giggled with a radiant smile on her face. "Why, hello, Ono-san. It's nice to meet you. I'm Tsukino Usagi, even though I'm now Seiya Usagi since I married her, " she rambled and nodded over at Seiya's unconscious form.

Grey eyes flicked over to the sleeping warrior, unreadable emotions dancing within them for a split second before he turned his attention back on the young bride. A smile back on his face to disguise his brief moment of skepticism in regards to Seiya.

"Ah! I see!" he exclaimed. "But would you like to join us for breakfast? You must be famished from your journey!"

"Well, I'm -."

GGGRRRRRRRRRR!

Pink tinged the blonde's puffy cheeks as her stomach answered for her. A sheepish grin planted itself across her face.

Reiji couldn't resist the flutter of compassion his felt for the child-like woman before him. He felt as if he needed to cradle her inside his arms and protect from the world and those who'd want to take advantage of her.

There's just a warmth to her that makes you want to protect her innocence.

Eyeing Seiya from the corner of his eye, he made a silent oath to do exactly that based on the vibes he felt earlier from the couple's interaction.

He smiled at Usagi and got up. "Looks like you're hungry. Let's go get some grub before Tsu's fat ass eats it all!"

Usagi giggled and took his proffered hand. "I doubt that he's that bad."

"Oh, but he is. He could probably eat a whole gorilla-pus if Nishi allowed him to."

"What's a 'gorilla-pus'?" asked the golden blonde, blinking up at him.

"Well, it's a big animal that lives in the ocean. It's known for its …" his voice trailed off as they disappeared from the room. The door shut behind them, but they were unaware of the midnight blue eyes staring at that that soon slid closed after their departure.