Here we go again, only this is the last chapter to this story that I have been working on for three long years. Granted, I didn't get the response that I was looking for from the last two chapters I posted. I know now, that it isn't the fault of my readers out there, it is the fault of the site for posting it odd. Instead of having new chapters posted on the front page, the new stories are, and my readers have to search for the new chapters. Does that remind anyone of the system that they changed to prevent the readers from searching for the new chapters? I am just a little peeved by that, as I'm sure a lot of other authors are as well. Well here it is Chapter 7 of my little fic, I hope you enjoy. This is the last chapter, but there is an Epilogue.
Changes
Author: Fushigi Hime
E-Mail: Hoshisenshi98@yahoo.com
Rating: G
Chapter 7
Chibiusa wrapped her arms around Seiya giving him a big hug. Seiya wrapped his arms around the small girls in reflex, but the shock and confusion was clearly writing across his face.
"DADDY!!" Kenji bellowed standing up glaring at Seiya. He kept eyeing Seiya as he muttered something under his breath. Seiya's eyes widened unnaturally large as he heard a word that sounded awfully like the word "shotgun."
Ami glanced over to Usagi to see her standing in the living room threshold holding onto the wall for support. All color had drained from her features making her look deathly pale. "Usagi-chan, are you okay?" Ami's gentle voice asked. Everybody's attention was averted to Usagi as they watched her nod her head, then sink to the floor. Chibiusa moved away from Seiya and made her way toward Usagi.
"Are you okay Usagi-mama?" Chibiusa asked. Usagi winced when she heard Chibiusa say mama then looked at her father. He looked like he was going to explode, but Ikuko managed to calm him down a little.
"I am just shocked and surprised to see you here. Is everything okay in the future?"
"Everything is fine. Puu gave me permission to visit you on your graduation day, but I lost track of time and arrived late," Chibiusa explained. Her chin dropped a few inches, but snapped back up as she looked for Setsuna. Spotting her, Chibiusa put on her best begging face. "Can I at least stay until Usagi's birthday? Onegai Puu-chan?" Chibiusa pleaded, her hands in her pockets, one toe digging into the carpet. The cherry that topped the sundae was the big puppy dog eyes and the quivering bottom lip. Setsuna looked at the adorable image Chibiusa was making and cracked on the inside. Keeping a calm exterior, Setsuna stood and walked toward Chibiusa. Kneeling down to Chibiusa's level, she spoke.
"You want to stay here for the rest of the month?" Chibiusa nodded. "You understand that it's also your birthday. What if your parents want to be with you?"
"But they are with me. Plus I talked to mama and papa before I left, and said that it was okay."
"You can stay, but on one condition."
"What's it to be Puu?"
"Give me a hug!" Chibiusa's face lit up and dove into Setsuna's arms.
"Arigatou Puu-chan!"
"What is this all about, and why is this girl calling Seiya her daddy?" Yaten asked pointing at Chibiusa.
"Because he is my daddy Uncle Yaten," Chibiusa shot back, stopping Yaten in his tracks.
"B-b-but Mamoru is you father, not Seiya," Ami stammered shocked beyond belief.
"Mamo-chan was never my daddy, Ami-chan."
"Then why did you hang all over him making my life miserable?" Usagi asked joining the conversation. Everybody who didn't know about the future was on the edges of his or her's seat.
"I did it to make you jealous Usagi. I did it to break you two up. It worked for a while until you two got back together and was shown a slightly different version of the future. Everything that you saw was true, but the image of the King wasn't. That was Puu's doing. She gave you and image you wanted to see, thus making you and Mamoru grow closer and totally undoing all of my hard work.," Chibiusa finished sticking her tongue out at Setsuna. Setsuna just smiled then looked to the faces of Usagi's family. Shingo was loving every minute of it all.
"Ma my sister is Sailor Moon, a princess, and future Queen. Hey that must mean that I am a prince if Usagi's a princess!"
"Nice try Shingo, you're not a prince. So does anyone have any questions?" Usagi asked.
"What are the girl's role in the future?" Ikuko asked looking at the other eight girls. Setsuna took it as her cue to say something.
"We are all princesses from each planet. The four inner planet's princesses will serve the duty that has been bestowed upon them since their first birth over a thousand years ago. They will protect the royal family from any harm that may come their way. Haruka and Michiru will resume their post at the rings of the outer solar system protecting it from invaders that may cause harm to the future Queen. I will return to my post at the Time Gates, making sure that no abnormalities occur. Hotaru will join me at the gates instead of undergoing her usual sleep. Any more questions about the future shall be answered with time."
"My God, you are all royalty. Princesses from each planet in our solar system standing right here in my living room," Ikuko said looking at each girl.
"What are your powers as senshi?" Shingo asked still excited about everything he was hearing. Haruka was the first to answer.
"I create massive Earth quakes when I summon upon the power of Uranus."
"I control the oceans and seas with my powers from Neptune."
"I can control time, but it is taboo, and if I do I may lose my life. However I do have an attack that I use, it is a very deadly scream." There were a few snickers in the room after Setsuna spoke. Shingo raised his eyebrow, but ignored it.
"What about Hotaru?" Shingo asked.
"I am the senshi of destruction and rebirth. With a single swipe of my glaive, I can wipe out the entire existence of Earth. I do have a wall that I used to block off enemy blasts. That is usually why I am in a deep sleep, because of the powers I wield," Hotaru finished, her voice just above a whisper. Ikuko gasped, a hand covering her mouth in reflex as she looked at the frail girl. "I know what you must be thinking, a girl so small and weak looking such as myself, with powers so strong that I can wipe out all existence. It almost happened, but Chibiusa-chan begged me not to so I didn't," Hotaru said smiling over at Chibiusa.
"Oh my goodness look at the time, it's getting late. Chibiusa-chan, since you are to be staying with us for a while, you may have your old room. Just give me some time though to fix it up. Girls I hope to see you at the house soon, so if you'll excuse me I have a few tasks to attend to before I retire for the night," Ikuko said raising from her place on the couch. She then vanished up the stairs to prepare the attic room.
"Goodnight ladies, and gentlemen, I am off to bed too. Thanks for the story," Kenji said following his wife up the stairs.
"Wow to think that tonight I will be sleeping in the same house as Sailor Moon. That is too cool, goodnight everybody," Shingo said in awe, then was up the stairs.
"I agree, it is getting late. Hotaru needs to get to bed, it is past her bedtime," Michiru said standing up as well.
"Hey, I am not a little child anymore Michiru-mama," Hotaru exclaimed.
"You will always be a little child in our eyes Hotaru-chan, no matter how much you grow," Haruka commented patting Hotaru on the head.
"Just as long as you don't treat me like a little child, Haruka-papa. Goodnight everybody." Hotaru then went over to Usagi and gave her a hug. She then went to give each of the girls a hug, and a smile to the guys. "Congratulations again Ami and Usagi, all of you hard work paid off beautifully in the end."
"Ah, couldn't have said it better myself. Goodnight everyone, until we meet again," Michiru said.
"This has been one long and wild night. I can't wait to get home, jump into bed and fall asleep. Congrats to all of the graduates in this room, and we will have to get together soon," Haruka suggested. Setsuna stood up as well and walked toward Usagi giving her a hug.
"I told you everything would work out fine. I am proud of the way you handled everything, just believe in yourself, and in the end you shall be rewarded," Setsuna said looking Usagi in the eyes.
"Thank you Setsuna for the little words of wisdom, it means a lot to me."
"You are welcome Usagi, goodnight. Goodnight everyone."
"Goodnight," the group said in unison. The four outer soldiers then walked out of the Tsukino home and into Haruka's car, driving off to their home. Usagi then went back into the other room after seeing them off, walking into Seiya's open arms.
"Guys, tomorrow we won't have to get up early for school. There will be no more sitting in class together chatting over the latest gossip," Usagi said as reality sunk in a little more.
"Who says we need a classroom to talk about the latest gossip? I think that getting together at Crown with milkshakes in front of us chatting about the latest gossip is better than any classroom," Minako remarked.
"A very good point Minako-chan. That does sound a lot better than a classroom," Ami responded.
"And to think, that came out of the mouth of the girl who lived in a classroom," Makoto teased. Ami just smiled.
"I am so happy to have you guys, all of you guys. Get together, group hug!" Usagi said as she gathered up everybody, even Luna and Artemis. After the long hug, everybody parted heading off to he or she's home until it was only Usagi, Chibiusa, Luna and Artemis left in the room.
"Artemis, what are you still doing here? Shouldn't you go home with Minako-chan?" Chibiusa asked looking down at the white cat.
"Apparently Artemis has been here all day with Luna, you came just after we found that out," Usagi explained. "I'm really glad that you are here Chibiusa-chan, I missed you like crazy," Usagi said.
"I missed you too Usagi, but you have really changed from what I last remember."
"I've grown up, Chibiusa. It has been four years since we last saw each other."
"You know I still have that bunny knapsack you made me back then."
"The one you said looked like a puppy, or was that a cow? I don't remember."
"I thought it was Rei-chan who said it looked like a puppy."
"Maybe you're right, I can't remember. I do remember feeling like you were glad to see me go though."
"Well now you know that wasn't the case! We should head upstairs, I'm sure mama has your bed all made. You can borrow a shirt from me to sleep in if you want."
"Thanks Usagi," Chibiusa said as she followed Usagi upstairs. Usagi rummaged through her drawers before pulling out a shirt with pink bunnies on it. She took a look at it before tossing it to Chibiusa.
"This should be long enough for you. Go get changed, and I will meet you up there in a bit."
"Okay Usagi, thanks again," Chibiusa said then walked out of the room. Usagi then proceeded to get changed into her pajamas. After she took her hair down and brushed it out, she headed up to see Chibiusa. Reaching the top of the steps, Usagi saw Chibiusa sitting on the edge of her bed brushing out her long pink hair. Smiling, Usagi sat down on the bed next to her and continued brushing Chibiusa's hair. Chibiusa closed her eyes enjoying the feeling of her hair being brushed.
"Chibiusa if you feel alone up here, you always know where to go. There is plenty of room in my bed for you, if needed," Usagi offered, gliding the brush through Chibiusa's hair.
"I will keep that in mind. Just remember you said that. I don't want you waking up in the middle of the night freaking out that I am in your bed like you have so many times before," Chibiusa said with a light laugh. Usagi playfully tugged on Chibiusa's hair laughing along with her.
"I mean it Chibiusa, I don't want you to feel embarrassed," Usagi said placing the brush on the nightstand.
"Okay, goodnight Usagi."
"Goodnight Chibiusa," Usagi said giving the kid a hug.
"I love you mama," Chibiusa whispered in Usagi's ear.
"I love you too, Small Lady." Usagi then walked to the stairs, blew a kiss to Chibiusa and headed down to her room. Chibiusa watched as Usagi's head shrank down the steps before turning off the light and falling asleep.
The next morning Usagi woke up to the presence of Chibiusa sleeping next to her, Luna curled up in a ball on her chest. Artemis was sleeping at her feet. Usagi could smell breakfast wafting from downstairs so she decided to wake the slumbering kid. Grabbing either side of Chibiusa's waist, Usagi wiggled her fingers trying to wake her. At first nothing happened, but the more Usagi tickled Chibiusa, the more she started to squirm. Soon Chibiusa was awake and laughing uncontrollably. Luna was next to wake, falling off her warm bed, then Artemis who awoke from the laughter.
Chibiusa looked up to Usagi and threw a pillow in her face ending the tickling. "That was the most rudest wakeup call I have ever had, thanks a lot baka."
"You're welcome. Now get dressed, by the smell of it, I'm saying breakfast is almost ready. If you go in my closet, there are some boxes on the floor of your clothes."
"You kept all my clothes?" Chibiusa asked in awe.
"Sure did. Now hurry up and get dressed, I'm hungry!" Chibiusa went over to the closet and found the boxes. Looking at a few outfits, she chose one and left Usagi's room with the clothing in her hands. Usagi proceeded to get dressed, and instead of the usual hairstyle, opted for a ponytail. The two met in the hall then together headed toward the kitchen.
"Wonderful, you two are awake. I was just about to go get you. Take a seat, breakfast will be ready in a few minutes," Ikuko said noticing the two girls enter the room. Both Usagi and Chibiusa took a seat next to each other as Ikuko brought in a huge plate of pancakes. Upon seeing the large plate of pancakes, Chibiusa's eyes got as large as saucers.
"Shingo, Kenji, breakfast is ready," Ikuko called up the stairs. Heading back into the kitchen Ikuko returned with a pitcher of orange juice, then proceeded to pour Usagi and Chibiusa a glass. Shingo and Kenji made their way down the steps toward the kitchen table, stopping in their tracks upon seeing Usagi and Chibiusa already seated.
"Usagi, you don't have school today. You do know that right?" Shingo asked looking at his sister.
"Yes I know that Shingo, but the smell of breakfast was too tempting to pass up," Usagi replied. "Now come sit down and join us, you too papa," Usagi finished patting the spot on the table that Kenji usually sits. Smiling at his daughter, Kenji sat down at the table pouring himself a glass of orange juice. As he was drinking some of the sweet liquid, his eyes fell on Chibiusa. Spitting the contents in his mouth all over the table he stared at Chibiusa with wide eyes.
"Kenji dear, what's the matter?" Ikuko said startled from Kenji's sudden outburst.
"It wasn't all a dream last night? She's here, sitting two seats away from me. Chibiusa who claims to be Usagi's daughter from the future," Kenji sputtered still looking at Chibiusa.
"Usagi's future daughter, your future granddaughter," Chibiusa replied as a matter of fact.
"It wasn't a dream dad. Usagi is Sailor Moon, a reincarnated princess, and future Queen of this planet. Her friends are the sailor senshi, yada, yada, yada," Shingo said as if this was all old news.
"Oh okay then. Well I should be getting to work, I will see everybody later in the day," Kenji said pushing himself away from the table.
"But papa, you didn't even have anything to eat," Usagi called out.
"I'm not that hungry anyway, have a good day dear," Kenji said and walked out the door. Usagi just looked at Chibiusa then at Ikuko with a worried look on her face.
"Don't worry about him dear, it will sink in soon then he will be back to normal."
"So my big sister is the Champion of Love and Justice Sailor Moon. My favorite hero sitting right across the table from me," Shingo said in awe.
"Correction, there is two Sailor Moon's sitting at this table, I am Sailor Chibi Moon," Chibiusa said between bites.
"Shingo, you can't breathe a word of what you found out last night to anybody. Do you understand?" Usagi warned.
"Yeah I understand. I think it stinks, but I promise I will not say a word," Shingo said looking at the two girls across the table.
"Thank you Shingo, this means a lot to me."
"Yeah well, I still have school to attend to, so I will see you later," Shingo said rising from the table and heading in the kitchen with his plate. With a wave goodbye to everybody, Shingo was out the door.
"So what did you two have planned for the day?" Ikuko inquired looking at the two girls.
"I'm not really sure. Is there something that you wanted to do Chibiusa-chan?"
"I want to go see Uncle Taiki, and Yaten, of course I want to see daddy too!"
"Chibiusa, it would be wise to just call them Taiki, Yaten, and Seiya. I'm sure the last thing they need is the local tabloid going crazy over you announcing that you are Seiya's daughter. I'll give them a call to see what they are up to today," Usagi said as she headed in the other room. Finding the phone, Usagi dialed the number to the Three Light's apartment then waited for an answer.
"Moshi moshi, Kou residence."
"Hey Taiki, this is Usagi."
"Good morning Usagi-chan. What can I do for you?"
"Well Chibiusa and I were wondering what you three were up to today."
"I think Seiya and Yaten are still sleeping, but hold on and I will check."
"Thanks Taiki." Usagi heard Taiki place the phone down and walk away.
Taiki walked to Seiya's room then proceeded to knock on the door. "Hey Seiya, are you awake?" When he heard no response, he opened the door to see Seiya sitting on the edge of his bed with a small ring box in his hands. "Seiya, Usagi is on the phone." No answer from Seiya. Frustrated, Taiki walked in front of Seiya and noticed the intense look on his face as he held onto the ring. "Seiya!" Taiki said again hoping to get his attention. This time it worked as Seiya's head snapped up, his eyes meeting with Taiki's.
"What is it Taiki?" Seiya asked, obvious depressed tone in his voice.
"Usagi is on the phone."
"Tell her that I am still sleeping."
"Alright, but we are going to talk in a few minutes," Taiki said then walked away heading back to the phone. Picking the phone back up with slight hesitation Taiki prepared to give Usagi the news. "Usagi, he's still sleeping, and you know how hard it can be to wake him in the morning."
"Yeah I understand completely," Usagi said with a light laugh.
"I will let him know that you called," Taiki said relieved that Usagi was taking it well.
"Thank you Taiki, talk to you later."
"You're welcome Usagi, goodbye."
"Goodbye." Usagi and Taiki each ended the connection with the phone conversation. Back at the Kou apartment, Taiki made his way back to Seiya's room. Opening the door he found Seiya in the same spot as he left him a few minutes earlier.
"Seiya talk to me, what's bothering you."
"I was going to propose to Usa yesterday. I was going to ask for her hand in marriage until that snob Mamoru interrupted."
"You're acting like you are never going to get another chance. You have many more opportunities to propose to her."
"I wanted it to be on our graduation day. The day where we ended one part of our lives to start a new one. I wanted to enter that new part of my life knowing that Usagi and I were going to get married."
"What if she didn't say yes? What if she thought that this was too soon?"
"Are you trying to help me, or discourage me? You don't want me to marry Usagi do you?" Seiya said as his anger rose.
"No that isn't what I am saying. If I had any problems against you and Usagi, don't you think I would have said something two years ago? Don't you think I would have objected when you bought the ring, which is gorgeous by the way. I'm just saying, don't let one misfortune hold you back from doing what you feel is right."
"I just wanted it to be perfect. You have no idea how badly I wanted to hurt Mamoru last night."
"I'm sure the feeling was mutual, but you can thank Mako-chan for doing what we all wanted done."
"Thanks for the pep talk Taiki." Seiya said finally looking up from the ring.
"Dang Seiya, did you get any sleep last night?"
"No, why?"
"You look like crap."
"Thank you for being so honestly blunt."
"Anytime. Now try to get some sleep, you're lucky that we got the day off." Taiki said as he left the room. Seiya watched as he left before returning to his thoughts and the ring.
'I just don't know if I could muster up the courage to ask her anymore. I just don't see it happening.'
One Week Later
Five girls were gathered at the Crown parlor enjoying the summer, and each others company over milkshakes. Chibiusa decided to spend the day with Ikuko going shopping and baking goodies at the house. The Three Lights had a rehearsal and photo shoot keeping them booked all day. Shinozaki was visiting with his family, while Yuuichirou was doing chores at the temple.
"Wow to think it's been a week already since graduation," Makoto commented stirring her strawberry milkshake with her straw.
"Ah yes, the memorable graduation day, talk about a wild day," Minako said.
"Hey Usagi, have you talked to Seiya since we were all at your house?" Rei asked. She noticed that her good friend wasn't in a very happy mood.
"No I haven't talked to him all week. I'm sure they've been pretty busy, but he usually calls me."
"Ami, now I don't mean to rub this in your face Usagi, but you've been talking to Taiki right? I know that I have talked to Yaten," Minako asked as gently as she could so not to upset Usagi.
"Yes I have talked to Taiki a few times this week. In fact we even got together yesterday for dinner."
"You don't think that he is thinking about breaking up with me do you?"
"He's crazy for you Usagi. There is no way he'd break up with you, not after knowing all the pain that you went through with Mamoru," Makoto reassured. That's when a light bulb went off over Minako's head.
"Usagi-chan."
"What?"
"What was Seiya planning on doing before Mamoru stomped in?" The rest of the girl's faces lit up as the knew where Minako was going with this.
"By the looks of it, he was going to pro…pose. Oh my god, Seiya was proposing to me when Mamoru walked in. He must have seen it all happening then found the right moment to step in. Seiya must be so embarrassed and discouraged. Mako-chan, you should have knocked him out cold." Usagi said as the pieces to the puzzle fit together.
"Usagi, I hit him pretty hard to begin with. You saw the cut on the side of his face from my ring."
"You should have hit him again, that makes me so mad," Usagi spat out. How she wished Mamoru was standing right in front of her.
"Usagi, calm down. He'll ask you soon," Ami said trying to give her friend hope.
"How can I be so sure about that when I haven't even talked to him all week?"
"It's just a feeling Usagi, have faith."
"So you have a eighteenth birthday in about three weeks. We need to throw you a huge party, using a combined theme of your birthday and you graduating high school," Rei said changing the topic. It seemed to work, Usagi's ears perked up giving Rei her full attention.
I'm listening Rei-chan," Usagi said enjoying her chocolate milkshake for the first time today.
"We'll invite everybody, well not everybody, just closest friends and family. It will be great, everybody will be there and we can celebrate yours and Chibiusa's birthday, and your graduation."
"Where is this party going to take place?"
"How about the lake? That way if it is a nice warm day we can all go swimming. Oh a barbecue on the beach surrounded by everyone that we love, playing games, and laughing. I can't wait for this to happen. The first thing I am going to do is talk to you mom Usagi and plan this all out."
"Well you sure have placed some thought into this haven't you Rei-chan?"
"Consider it part of my gift to you. That and I didn't get to graduate with you four, so I want to do this for you guys especially you Usagi."
"Okay then, mama is going to be thrilled knowing that she is going to have a part in setting up a large party," Usagi said giggling. Her mind was totally detoured away from the earlier topic.
"So who's up for some shopping?" Minako asked.
"As if you have to ask Minako-chan," Makoto said a smile lighting up her face. The rest of the girls laughed, placed some money on the table for the milkshakes then headed to the local mall.
Across town at a photo studio, the Three Lights were getting their photo taken for whatever magazine, and it wasn't going smoothly.
"Taiki and Yaten, I want you to look away from the camera, Seiya I want you looking dead on," the photographer said. Taiki and Yaten did as they were told, but Seiya refused to look at the camera. "Seiya did you hear me? I said look at the camera. Please focus, this shoot would go by so much faster if you would just focus."
"You have enough photos, you don't need this one I am going home," Seiya said as he started to walk away.
"Seiya you get back over here and finish off this shoot," the photographer shouted.
"Finish it without me, I'm done having my picture taken today," Seiya called back and was out the door.
"Well I guess we can get some one on one shots of you two, that is if you are up to it," he said to the two remaining Lights.
"You have to forgive Seiya, he's been under the weather lately and not getting a lot of sleep," Taiki tried to explain feeling bad for both Seiya and the photographer.
"That's understandable I guess. So let's get this done so you two can attend to the rest of your day," the photographer said as he started snapping away.
Seiya was walking down the street getting as far away as he could from that horrible photographer. His hands were in his pockets, and his head was hung low. Not really paying attention to where he was walking just letting his feet guide him, Seiya found himself at the park where he found Usagi crying the day she ran into he and his brothers. Finding a bench, Seiya sat down trying to free his mind from all the torment that was running loose. He started to feel at peace until a tall shadow loomed over him, and a deep voice spoke.
"Did I ruin the rock star's moment? You should have known better than to meddle in my affairs Seiya. Were you trying to be all romantic attempting to propose to my Usako? Stick to singing rock star, and leave Usako to me," Mamoru said to the back of Seiya's head. In reflex Seiya's hands balled up into fists, and judging from Mamoru's shadow, and the distance of his voice he knew exactly where Mamoru was standing. Deciding to give it a few more minutes, Seiya sat and waited.
"Thanks for keeping her entertained for me. I'm glad that Usagi wasn't bored in my absence," Mamoru continued. That was enough for Seiya to snap. With lightning speed, Seiya was on his feet his fist connecting to the same spot on his face that Makoto hit a week earlier. With the same speed, Seiya had Mamoru's throat in his hand squeezing as hard as he could. Mamoru's eyes widened at the speed and strength that Seiya had inside of him.
"Oh what's the matter Tuxedo Kamen, was that too fast for you? Or were you not expecting to fight another Soldier? You were warned once about leaving here, obviously you didn't listen. As for Usagi, you and her are no longer together, never will be. Now for Chibiusa-chan, here's another news flash for you, I'm her father in the future, not you," Seiya finished letting go of Mamoru, who dropped like a sack of potatoes. He just sat there trying to catch his breath looking up to Seiya knowing he had been defeated. Seiya looked up and noticed the five girls running toward the two men to make sure that everything was okay.
"You just don't learn Mamoru, no matter how much you get pounded on," Makoto said looking down at the gasping man. Usagi rushed over to Seiya who's anger was calming down.
"Seiya are you alright?" Usagi asked looking in Seiya's eyes.
"Usa, don't worry about me I am fine," Seiya said with a genuine smile on his face. He grabbed Usagi in his arms giving her a big hug.
"Are you sure? I haven't seen or heard from you all week."
"I've had a lot on my mind, but everything is just fine. Don't worry, things will go back to normal, like nothing ever happened."
"Right, like nothing ever happened," Usagi said the tone in her voice dropping. The other four girls looked at Usagi with looks of pity each on their faces. Mamoru just stood there with a very smug look on his face. Usagi noticed the look on his face and marched herself right up to him.
"I thought you were told to leave and never come back, but yet here you are standing right in front of me."
"Usako I…" Mamoru began to say, but was quieted by the sharp pain that surged through his face.
"I've told you never to call me that again," Usagi shouted holding onto her hand that still stung from the force of the slap.
"Mamoru, I think it would be in your best interest if you just left. This time don't come back unless you want all five of us pounding on your face," Rei said crossing her arms across her chest to finalize her point. Mamoru looked at each girl, knowing that he was defeated again and for the last time.
"Goodbye Usagi, I only wish that it didn't end this way."
"It wouldn't have ended like this had you not broken everything you came in contact with. First my heart, then your promises, and the icing on the cake, a moment that was going to be very special. Please leave Mamoru. Go, live your life on your own without me in it. I want you to be happy like I am, but getting the snot beat out of you every time you isn't healthy. You have a promising future ahead of you if you go back to school in America."
"I'll remember that. Seiya take care of her," Mamoru said looking at Seiya. Seiya just returned the look as his nodded his head. Mamoru then turned around and walked away out of everybody's life for good.
"Feel better now Usagi-chan?" Makoto asked, facing Usagi.
"Yes I do, although I feel a tad guilty for hitting him," Usagi replied looking at the hand that connected with the side of Mamoru's face.
"Don't be guilty for doing something you felt was right," Rei said.
"Well girls I need to get going, I will talk to you later Usagi," Seiya said giving Usagi a quick peck on the cheek then turned and walked away.
"Just Usagi? No Usa, or Usagi-chan?" Minako said looking at the retreating form of Seiya then back at Usagi. "Something is up, I only wish we knew what was being said between those two before we showed up."
"He assured me that he was fine, and that things were going to be alright, so I will believe him," Usagi said trying to sound as convincing as possible.
"But Usagi, this must be bothering you somewhat," Ami said concerned for her best friend.
"No, not at all. You guys he's been very busy with the group. So I don't see him everyday, it's not the end of the world you know. These things happen, and as long as he loves me and I love him, we will be alright."
"Sounds like denial to me. Plus he didn't look all that busy sitting in a park beating up on Mamoru-san," Rei pointed out.
"Guys let's drop the subject. We can talk about this at a later time," Ami said coming to Usagi's rescue, somewhat.
"Thank you Ami-chan," Usagi said looking at the blue haired maiden.
"I just want to see you happy Usagi-chan, we all do."
"I know you do, but I want to get these bags put away before my arms fall off from carrying them." Everybody laughed and started to head to Usagi's house. It took the five girls about fifteen minutes to reach Usagi's place, and each girl was ready to drop. Entering the Tsukino house, the five girls dropped their bags and headed toward the kitchen where they knew they'd find Ikuko. Ikuko and Chibiusa were baking blueberry muffins when the girls walked in.
"Why hello girls, how was your day?" Ikuko asked offering each girl a blueberry muffin.
"It was nice, then we had a run in with Mamoru. Thank you for the muffin," Makoto said grateful to be eating something that wasn't made by her.
"You're welcome Makoto. So what's this about Mamoru?"
"We were walking by the park and we saw Mamoru with Seiya. It looked like Seiya was beating the snot out of him before we walked in," Rei casually replied taking a muffin.
"That's when Usagi-chan here hauled off and connected with his face!" Minako boasted, taking two muffins.
"Usagi!" Ikuko scolded.
"Oh no, Ikuko-mama Mamoru brought it upon himself. These muffins are very good, thank you," Ami explained, then bit into the muffin.
"Wait a minute, you mean to tell me that daddy, um I mean Seiya was in a fight with Mamo-chan?" Chibiusa said wiping her hands off on her little apron.
"Okay, okay enough about Mamoru, we have a party that needs to be planned," Ikuko said changing the topic. "We have two birthdays and graduation to celebrate, so this needs to be a great party!"
"Hey do you know that if you look closely, you can see the ideas just forming in her head," Minako whispered to Makoto. Both girls just looked at Ikuko and started giggling.
"Oh I am one hundred percent with you Ikuko-mama. I think that we should have the party at the beach, inviting all our friends and family," Rei said loving the idea of planning a party.
"The beach! What a wonderful idea Rei, we could have beach balls."
"And little sandcastle sculptures on the tables!"
"Rei, you and I should talk," Ikuko said ushering Rei into the other room.
"Get ready Chibiusa-chan, this is going to be one big party," Minako warned.
"If there's going to be a party with me as one of the guests of honor, bring it on!"
"I agree totally. I'm sure those two will cook up a really good party. You remember when Rei put together that talent show and how great that turned out to be!" Usagi said excited about the upcoming party.
"What are you and I going to do though Usagi-mama?" Chibiusa asked looking up at the older girl.
"You and I will spend the day together, we'll go shopping, get lunch, maybe catch a movie."
"I would love that Usagi."
"Great, then it's settled. You and I will spend an entire day together doing all sorts of fun things."
"Boy Chibiusa-chan you are one lucky girl to have someone like Usagi as your mother," Makoto said from her spot next to Minako.
"You don't need to tell me that Mako-chan, I already know how great Usagi is."
"Aww isn't this such a sweet moment," Ami said. Everybody just looked at Ami and started to laugh.
About two weeks had passed and Usagi and Chibiusa did go out on their little outing. Ikuko and Rei had worked out every little detail for the party that was only a few days away. The Three Lights were busy as always, but still managed to spend time with the girls. Seiya and Usagi's relationship was better as Usagi put the idea of the proposal out of her head. Mamoru went back to America after saying his good-bye's to the friends he had.
Knowing that Mamoru was once and for all out of the lives of Usagi and her friends, Seiya was more at ease. He also put the idea of proposing to Usagi out of his mind, figuring that it wouldn't be wise with his busy schedule. He was happy with the way his life was looking, and he was happy that there was no stress in his life.
2 Days Later, At the Beach
The beach was loaded with friends and family members, half on the sandy beach, the other half splashing in the water. Usagi was sitting in the sun enjoying the warmth of the sun, and the company of those closest to her when a wet Seiya came up to her.
"Are you enjoying the party Usa?"
"Are you enjoying the beach?"
"Of course I am!"
"Well my answer is the same!"
"Come here and give me a hug?"
"But you're all wet Seiya."
"Usagi, you're in a bathing suit. So come here and give me a hug." Usagi giggled and stood up to give Seiya a hug. He then swooped Usagi up in his arms and gave her a kiss full on the mouth.
"Oh Seiya, I love you."
"I love you too, Usa-chan."
"Okay, put me down now Seiya," Usagi said trying to pull away.
"But I want to hold my princess the way a princess should be held. Besides it makes me look more manly with a beautiful woman in my arms."
"Fine, just as long as you don't try to dunk me in the water."
"Usagi! I would never think of doing something like that. This is your special day."
"Good I am glad that you think that way, now can you put me down."
"Sure, I will put you down, but first there is something that I need to do."
"And what might that be?"
"This," Seiya said before breaking out into a full run to the water.
"NO SEIYA! PUT ME DOWN!" Usagi screamed as she was getting closer and closer to her doom.
"I will put you down, just not yet. Don't worry dear, the water is just ahead."
"Seiya please don't, pretty please with sugar and a cherry on top!" Usagi pleaded as Seiya splashed in the water. Seiya stopped in the water with Usagi still in his arms looking lovingly at Usagi who was looking back with big puppy dog eyes.
"Well let me think about this. Here I am in the water very tempted to toss you in, but then you go and give me those puppy dog eyes, totally melting me. So how can I say no to that pretty face?"
"So you're not going to drop me in the water?"
"Are you kidding? Of course I am," Seiya said and dropped Usagi. She went into the water with a big splash before coming up to the surface sputtering.
"I…am…going…to…kill…you," Usagi growled fire blazing in her eyes. Everybody who was on the shore and in the water that witnessed what took place was in an uproar of laughter.
"Not if you can't catch me Usa," Seiya said, touching Usagi's nose before running like mad. Usagi tore after him splashing water everywhere until she got on the sand. Kicking up sand left and right Usagi was stopped by the calling of Ikuko.
"Usagi, time for cake! Chibiusa-chan, Usagi come on." Usagi stopped in her tracks and headed toward the tent where two cakes sat. One with 18 candles, and another with 13 candles. Seiya stopped running and turned around heading back to where everybody else was. Seiya came up behind Usagi who was wrapped in a towel, and put his arms around her. Lending his warmth to her Seiya rubbed his hands up and down her arms. Usagi melted from the warmth, and all was forgiven without anything being said. Taiki and Yaten walked toward Seiya grouping together as the candles on both cakes were lit. That's when the three broke out in song.
"Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, dear Usagi, and Chibiusa, happy birthday to you," the Three finished in perfect harmony.
"Make a wish you two," Seiya said and watched as Usagi thought for a second before blowing out her candles. Chibiusa did the same and after the cloud of smoke cleared both cakes were cut into.
"Thank you for the most beautiful happy birthday song I have ever had."
"Hey it was worth it to sing to two beautiful ladies," Seiya said giving Usagi a hug, then pulling Chibiusa over giving her a hug too. "My two ladies."
"Is he always a sweet talker?" Usagi asked Chibiusa.
"You already know that answer to that Usagi," Chibiusa answered giggling. A few hours later after all the gifts where opened, everybody sat around talking to each other. Rei noticed Usagi sitting alone, so she decided to make her way toward her.
"Are you having a good time Usagi-chan?"
"Of course I am Rei-chan, and I have you and my mom to thank for all of this."
"Well this party was also for Chibiusa, and of course the girls, and the other guys except for Yuuichirou."
"I'm sure that they are all enjoying this party as well, but I really want to thank you for all the effort you put into this."
"You're very welcome Usagi-chan. Oh look at that sunset Usagi, how gorgeous," Rei said pointing out to the ocean. The sunset was indeed gorgeous. Brilliant hues of red, orange and purple streaked across the sky. The water reflected the sky spilling orange diamonds along the ocean. What little clouds that floated in the sky added pink to the canvas. The big ball of orange fire began its decent into the horizon when Usagi was tapped on the shoulder. Looking up, Usagi looked up to Seiya who was holding his hand out to her. Placing her hand in his, Seiya helped Usagi to her feet.
"Come with me Usa," Seiya said leading Usagi closer to the beach. Seiya draped his arm around Usagi pulling her closer to his embrace.
"Isn't this gorgeous?" Usagi asked looking out at the sunset.
"Not as gorgeous as you are Usa."
"Always the sweet talker aren't you?"
"Would you want anything else?"
"Not in a million years." A few minutes had passed and the sun was now half set. The top half of the sun rested on the edge of the ocean slowly slipping away.
"Usagi, you know I love you right?"
"There was never a doubt in my mind, Seiya."
"Well I never gave you my gift to you for your birthday."
"You sang to me, that was the best birthday gift I could get."
"Usagi, I love you with all of my heart, and I want to apologize with the way I was acting this month."
"Seiya it's alright, you don't need to apologize to me."
"Usagi, please let me finish. I love you with all my heart and," Seiya started again getting down on one knee. Producing the box again and taking a deep breath Seiya opened the box and continued. "Will you please do me the honor of becoming my wife? I love you so much Usagi that to get the chance to spend the rest of my years with you is the most precious thing I could ask for. Please say that you'll marry me," Seiya finished looking up at Usagi with the ring presented to her. Usagi had tears streaming down her face as she looked at the huge ring, then at Seiya.
"Yes I will marry you," Usagi managed to say. She was on cloud nine when Seiya slipped the ring on her finger then swooped her up in his arms. They shared a long kiss just as the last of the sun's rays slipped away into the ocean. Everybody was cheering for the newly engaged couple, as Kenji was holding onto a sobbing Ikuko. He also had a few stray tears, but he would only say that the wind kicked sand into his eye.
Usagi looked at Seiya after they embraced and lightly swatted him on the shoulder.
"What was that for?" Seiya asked.
"For taking so long to ask me. I thought for sure that you were never going to ask me."
"I had to think about it for a while, but thanks to the pep talk Taiki gave me, and how much you mean to me, I had to. Do you like your ring?"
"Are you kidding? Just make sure I don't go swimming with this thing on, I'd sink for sure!" Seiya looked at his fiancée and laughed. On the shore four happy girls looked at the two thinking of the day when they would be proposed to by the ones they loved. Ikuko finished sobbing and looked at her daughter with a big smile on her face.
"Looks like there will be another party to plan."
Disclaimer: Sailor Moon and company does not belong to me. The wonderful and most talented Naoko Takeuchi-sama and Kodansha own all rights.