@------
Forever More
Chapter 4 -
By: Bethany
Editor: Meara
Rated: PG
@------
We were sitting in the corner booth of the Fruit Parlor not
really doing anything interesting. For a week we had been searching
high and low for anything that might lead us to the enemy, but to no
avail. There was no trace of this enemy, or the Pegasus, since the
night I wrecked my car. Chibi-Usa had been down about it, and all of
the Senshi were frustrated. It was no different today.
I snatched my finger out of Keri's mouth before she could bit
down on it and reached for the wet wipe box. Keri was content enough
eating the pastries from my plate, except that she kept getting some
lodged in the roof of her mouth and would start whining about it.
Wiping my hands and then wiping her mouth, I tried to pay attention to
the conversation at the table.
"The eclipse is tomorrow," Ami was saying, idling stirring her
straw around in her glass and looking outside. "Around noon, I heard on
the news."
Chibi-Usa was falling asleep next to me, her legs curled up as
she lazily leaned against my side. She was fighting with all her might
to keep her eyes open, but every now and then I would look down and
catch her asleep. I nudged her gently to keep her from falling face
first onto the table and she jerked up, looking around with wide eyes.
"Papa!" she squealed. Suddenly all trace of sleep was gone as she seen
a dark haired man come through the automatic doors of the Parlor. I
looked up as well, since Mamo-chan was suppose to have joined us nearly
half an hour ago after getting off work.
Smiling sheepishly, my husband walked over to the table, bending
down to kiss me lightly. "Sorry I'm late," he said to everyone at the
table, waiting for me to get up so he could slide in the booth. "There
was an accident just up the block here..." his voice trailed off, his
eyes catching mine. I knew what he had done; stopped to make sure it
wasn't me. Biting my bottom lip, I sat back down and pulled Keri's
highchair closer again as Chibi-Usa climbed in her father's lap.
"So... have there been any new developments?" Rei asked for the
umpteenth time, as if someone's knowledge about the enemy had suddenly
changed while we were sitting together. Nearly everyone groaned causing
Rei to shake her head. "Ok, dumb question. But I'm out of conversation
topics."
"Me, too," Minako mumbled. "What did we talk about before evil
witches and flying horses?"
"Search me," Haruka replied, leaning back to stretch. On her left
Hotaru was doing much the same thing as Ami, stirring her drink with
her straw. To her right Michiru had her head propped her on her hand
and looked as if she'd fall asleep any moment.
"More!" Keri suddenly screamed loud enough that everyone's head
snapped over to stare at her. Not noticing all the attention she had
drawn (there were some people in the rest of the Parlor who had looked
over as well) Keri threw her hands forward, reaching for the dessert
plate. "Mama, Keri want more! More!"
I shook my finger at her sternly, trying my best to look
reprimanding. "You say please," I told her, pushing the plate away from
her straining fingers. For all the good this did, however. Her blue
eyes filled quickly with tears and before I could do more than throw my
hands up to cover my ears, she began crying. It was like listening to a
dying wild animal.
"Give her the cakes," Mamo-chan told me, grimacing as if in
mortal pain.
"I'll say please for her," Mako-chan said, also looking as though
her head would split open. I noticed there were a few people in the
restaurant shaking their heads, and a couple near us called for their
check.
Groaning, I tried to ignore the wails of my youngest and stick to
my guns. "Keri, you have to say please. You can't demand things and
expect to get them." All this said, of course, while being drowned out
by Keri's screaming and everyone else's moans of pain. Tears leaked
down her small face, her cubby hands still reaching for the plate while
she shook her head, sending blonde curls back and forth.
Motoki came over, a forced smile on his lips. In his hand he held
a tray of the pastries Keri had been eating and without knowing what
all the fuss was about (he was in the backroom when it started) gave
her one. "There you go sweetie," he cooed, smiling more broadly when
she instantly stopped crying.
I rolled my eyes, burying my face in my arms. "Thanks a lot
Motoki-kun," I mumbled. Mamo-chan patted my head and I could almost see
the grin on his face. "Shut up Mamo-chan," I grumbled at him before he
could say a word.
"I didn't say anything!" he claimed, his hands now raised in a
peace offering when I looked back up. Motoki stood beside the table,
looking utterly confused.
I glared at him out of the corner of my eye. "You were thinking
it loudly," I accused, catching Chibi-Usa's cup just as she nearly
knocked it over. I sat it upright and turned my attention to Motoki. "I
was trying to get Keri to say please for the cake instead of demand
it," I told him, smiling slightly.
"Oh," the blonde grinned slightly, ducking his head and watching
Keri take small bites off the cake. "Sorry bout' that Usagi-chan. I
figured you were out and that is why she was upset." He reached down,
plucking Keri from her highchair and holding her up. "You just wanted
some more cake, didn't you Keri-chan?" Keri grinned, looking from the
cake in her hand to Motoki with a look I would have recognized on my
daughter anywhere...
*Splat*
The crying, the screaming, the moans of pain; even having Motoki
give Keri what she wanted without saying please was well worth seeing
her shove that small icing covered pastry in Motoki's face and nearly
up his nose. Everyone at the table burst into laughter. Keri was
giggling madly, smashing her hand in the cake and then sticking her
finger in her mouth. "Moto have cake!" she grinned, looking to Mamo-
chan and I to see if she was in trouble. Luckily for her neither of us
could stop laughing to scold her.
Motoki stood with Keri in his arms, looking a bit on the border
of shock. He brought one hand up, wiping the cake off his mouth and
making a gagging noise. "Well," he mumbled, depositing Keri in my lap
and glaring at everyone at the table since most of us were still in
giggles. "I always said I liked Chibi-Usa better," he stated, walking
off.
Minako watched him go, shrugging nonchalantly and sighing. "He
never did have a good sense of humor. One of the reasons I dumped
him," she said matter of factly.
"I thought you both decided it was best to go your separate
ways?" Hotaru asked, her face contorted in confusion as she leaned
forward to see Minako better.
Said blonde blushed a bit, beginning to stir her milkshake again.
"Well, that too..." she admitted. "Naw, I'm kidding. Motoki is ok and
all, we just weren't meant to be, you know?"
"No Miss 'I'm the reincarnation of Aphrodite', we don't know,"
Rei retorted, rolling her eyes good naturedly. "Why don't you tell us?"
Minako's mature way of handling this was to stick her tongue out
at Rei, who, in turn, stuck hers out. "I was right about Usagi and
Mamoru, wasn't I? And Luna and Artemis?"
"That was a given, Mina, how many more talking cats are running
around Tokyo?" Haruka snickered.
"Five now that they decided to reproduce," Minako replied and
without even gasping for breath went on despite the laughs. "Rei and
Yuuichirou I'm right on, too."
"What about you?" the Senshi of Time asked quietly, setting her
glass down in front of her. "You're always getting others together,
maybe it's time you thought about your own happiness?" she suggested
lightly.
Minako faltered, sadness lurking in the corners of her bright
blue eyes before she caught it. "Naw! I can't concentrate on me while
doing my job as the Re--"
"Reincarnation of Aphrodite," nearly everyone at the table, save
Setsuna, Mamo-chan and the kids, said with her. I laughed out loud, my
chest lightening considerably. It seemed it had been way too long since
we had talked amongst ourselves without it involving enemies. It was
good to forget, just for one night, that we usually only all gathered
to fight anymore.
If only it hadn't been tonight. If only we had picked another
evening to sit, laughing and joking until both my children were asleep
in mine and Mamo-chan's laps. 'If onlys' and 'what ifs' never change
anything, it's the past and done with. But still I can't help but
wonder, what if we had searched for the enemy that night. Would it have
changed anything?
@--------
Sunday morning came bright and sunny with not a cloud in the
clear blue sky. It was warm, a little warmer than early fall usually
was, but it was beautiful. It was a typical Sunday morning in my house;
the girls were parked in front of the television while Mamo-chan and I
tried to gather the small truck load it seemed to take just to take the
kids somewhere.
"Mamo-chan! Grab the sun block from the bathroom closet, ne?" I
called from the kitchen as I made Chibi-Usa's peanut butter and jelly
sandwich (strawberry jelly, she hates grape) and Keri's jelly sandwich
(she hates peanut butter period), both with no crusts.
Mamo-chan came into the kitchen, carrying the large duffle bag I
packed things in when I took the kids anywhere for an extended amount
of time. He heaved it up on the counter, cocking his eyebrow at me.
"Sun block, Usako? It's not *that* warm outside..."
"You never know," I told him, throwing small packs of chips into
the basket. "And you know how badly Keri burns. It's just better to be
safe."
Mamo-chan nodded, knowing very well that if he still had an
argument, there was no use in voicing it. He began shuffling through
the bag, holding up two extra pairs of clothing for both girls, an
extra pair of shoes each, band aides, antiseptic ointment, children's
Tylenol, a blanket, bug spray, wet wipes, a couple of diapers and a
garbage bag. Each time he picked up something new, he looked at me
incredibly. "Usako," he finally breathed, having emptied the bag I had
packed just this morning out on the counter. "Do we really need all of
this just to take the girls to the park?"
"Yes," I said, sighing. "And more will be added before we leave,
I suspect. So make sure you pack it in as tight as I had it." I saw my
husband's face fall as he began stuffing everything back in the bag,
mumbling something under his breath about not needing more than a small
diaper bag. I dug in the refrigerator for juice, glaring at him over my
shoulder. "Do you remember the day you took them to the park, Mamo-
chan?"
Mamoru threw his hands up, backing away from the counter. "I
know! You told me ten times how I should have taken the bag you packed.
Keri had sunburned cheeks, Chibi-Usa fell and not only ruined the
clothing she had on but I had to come home to clean up her scuffed up
knee.... and if I had taken the bag, I wouldn't have had to leave
fifteen minutes into the trip." I had to smile; defeat was clear on his
face. "You're right. It just *seems* like a lot. Heaven forbid we ever
go anywhere longer than a couple of hours. We'll have to rent a moving
van."
Sitting the juice bottles down on the counter, I walked over to
my husband, wrapping my arms around his waist. "Only until Keri is
fully potty trained, and then we'll only need a pull along trailer."
Mamoru chuckled, kissing me on the lips as he smiled. "I wouldn't
have it any other way," he whispered, wrapping his arms around me just
as the phone rang. He sighed. "Then again, I could do without the
phone..."
I laughed, grabbing the cordless of the counter. "Moshi Moshi."
"Hey Mom!" a familiar voice rang out of the line, his tone full
of excitement.
"Shingo! I haven't heard from you in over a week young man, why
haven't you called?" I demanded playfully, grinning from ear to ear. I
looked forward to his calls, each of them full of everything he was
doing at school, the friends he had made and things he wanted to do.
"Gomen, gomen," he chuckled. I could just picture his face
flushed as he spoke. His voice seemed deeper, somehow, different than
when I talked to him last. He sounded so happy every time I spoke with
him that I just knew it was a good idea to have him at the school,
especially with all that was going on around here. "I got busy with
dueling club. You wouldn't believe the cool uniforms we get for the
match. You and Dad are still coming, right?"
I bit my bottom lip, trying to think. I knew he had told me when
it was, but my mind had been so preoccupied, I couldn't remember. He
noticed my silence. "Mom?"
"You know we will," I said quickly, perhaps a little too quickly.
"I forgot to write it down when I talked to you last, though. When is
it again?"
"September 13th," Shingo replied, suddenly sounding less excited
than he had. "Is everything ok Mom? You sound... worried."
Mamo-chan noticed the look on my face and leaned over the
counter, a concerned look on his face. I shook my hand, trying to wave
him back. "Everything is fine, Shingo," I lied. I had decided not to
tell him about the car wreck, or anything going on. He was so happy and
the last thing I wanted to do was worry him about another enemy. "We're
taking the girls to the park today to see the eclipse and I've just
been trying to get everything ready."
"Oh," he mumbled. I could tell he didn't quite believe me. "Maaku
and I are going to watch it, too. I'm going to have to get off here in
a minute so we aren't late. Can I talk to Dad real quick?"
"Sure," I replied, my heart sinking some. "I love you Shingo."
"Love you too Mom," he said and I handed the phone off to Mamo-
chan who took it, still eyeing me strangely. It felt so odd to only
talk to him for a few minutes here and there, when I was used to his
constant babble. I sighed, going down the hall to Keri's room to get
her clothes out.
A few minutes later I heard Mamo-chan call Chibi-Usa to the phone
and he came down the hall to where I was shifting through the dresser.
I didn't look up as he came in the room, standing just behind me. "You
ok, Usako?"
"Hai," I mumbled as I closed the drawer and reached for a diaper.
Mamo-chan put his hand over mine, squeezing tightly. I turned around
and buried my face in his chest, feeling his strong arms come up around
me. "I miss him, Mamo-chan."
"I know," my husband replied soothingly. "But he's happy and safe
where he is. And," he said, tipping my chin up so he could press his
forehead to mine. "You're going to have to get better at lying to him,
he asked me what was wrong with you. You two are too close for him not
to notice, even over the phone."
I grinned. "I'll have to work on my deceiving skills, won't I?"
Mamo-chan didn't answer, just bent down to press his lips to mine
in what would be a very short lived kiss; which most of them were
anymore. There was a crash that broke us apart, followed by Chibi-Usa
yelling: "Mama! Keri has the ginzuishou again!"
I sighed, shaking my head. There was another crash and the sound
of small feet running. "We'd better go get that," Mamo-chan mumbled.
"Before she tries to flush it again. I don't feel like unclogging the
toilets at this time of the morning."
"Onee-chan slow!" Keri giggling, flying down the hallway at top
speed away from a close trailing Chibi-Usa.
Suddenly Keri squealed as she was lifted up. Minako held her at
arm's length, walking into the bedroom with her. "Yours?" she asked,
nodding towards the locket in my daughter's tight grasp.
I sighed, taking the Crystal and slapping Keri's hand. "No, no
Keri. This is not for you, this is Mama's," I told her firmly, which
immediately caused tears to well up in her eyes. Minako put her down
and my youngest scurried across the bedroom floor and on the other side
of the dresser, pouting. I sighed, walking out of the room.
"I thought you put that up where she couldn't reach it?" Minako
asked, shaking her head in amazement as we went back into the kitchen.
"So did I," I told her. "But she happens to be kin to Mamo-chan
and believes in the higher the better."
"Hey, don't put that off on me!" Mamo-chan retorted, walking into
the kitchen just in time to hear my last remark. "You were the one who
said she couldn't reach it on top of our dresser."
"And you are the one who makes speeches on street lamps -- I
wonder where she gets her affinity for high places?"
Mamo-chan said nothing, only grinned and proceeded to start
repacking the duffle bag again. Minako giggled, flopping down on a
stool next to me as I finished packing lunches. Just as I was starting
to carry things to the car, Luna came out of the utility room, looking
worn. "Luna, are you going with us to the park?" Minako asked, leaning
her head on the counter and looking down at the black cat.
"I don't think so, Minako-chan," Luna replied. "The kittens
really aren't old enough for us to take them out yet. They don't
understand not to talk loudly in public, and honestly I'm afraid of
loosing them in the crowd."
"Ah," Minako mumbled, nodding. "Understandable. Sure you don't
want to leave Artemis with them and--" Suddenly Minako blinked,
watching a black fur ball fly across the kitchen. Luna put her paw out
just in time to catch the male kitten's tail, keeping him from going
any further.
"No, not this time," Luna said, picking Ryuu up by the scuff of
the neck and going back towards the utility room. "Bbb baak m mmiute,"
her muffled voice came back to us.
"Poor Luna," Mamo-chan mumbled, watching her retreating back.
Keri suddenly came running down the hall, apparently over her mad spell
for the moment. "Could you imagine three of Keri?"
I shuddered, shaking my head. "Don't even *joke* about things
like that."
After fighting with Keri, who began pouting again as soon as I
tried to clothe her, I managed to get both my girls dressed and in the
car about five minutes before we were suppose to meet everyone at the
park. Mamo-chan shoved the stroller in the trunk, slamming it shut and
mumbling a prayer under his breath that the trunk wouldn't pop open.
Finally the three of us climbed in the car and started off to the park.
It was a beautiful day; the sky was clear blue and the sun was
shining down merrily on the city. The park was pretty full of people
wanting to do as we were; watch the eclipse. Luckily for us Makoto and
everyone else had gotten here before us and had saved us a place to
sit. I sat Keri and Chibi-Usa down on the large blanket with strict
instructions not to move while I helped Mamo-chan carry the rest of the
stuff from the car.
We returned to find Keri gone (as if I had expected anything
less) and Rei chasing her close by. I sighed, unfolding the stroller
and grabbing a squealing Keri as she was running past trying to get
away from Rei. After I firmly buckled her in the stroller, we sat down
to the huge lunch Makoto had made.
Minako laid back, resting her arm over her eyes to block out the
bright sun. "This is the life," she chirped happily, patting her
stomach. "A beautiful summer day and good food makes for a happy
MinaP!"
"Too true," Makoto added, leaning back on her hands to glance up
at the sky. "It's almost time, look!" she said, pointing towards the
sky. The moon was slowly moving towards the sun, but not enough to
block it's rays.
"Mako-chan, don't look directly at the sun!" Ami said firmly, her
finger wagging as if she were a lecturing teacher. "You can seriously
harm your eyes."
"Un!" Hotaru nodded, picking up her sunglasses and putting them
on her face. "That's why Haruka-papa bought me new glasses."
Minako sat up, whipping out a pair of sunglasses with pink rimmed
half moon glasses, tiny jewels sparkling on the sides. "I got a new
pair just for the occasion."
"Are those real sunglasses or just some of those cheap ones,
Mina?" Haruka asked incredibly, snatching the glasses from Minako and
looking through them. She looked up at the sun and instantly took them
from her face. "That didn't help block the sun's rays."
"But they're stylish!" Minako retorted, putting them back on.
"And that's what really counts, ne?"
Everyone only laughed slightly in response. Ami shook her head as
if trying to argue with the blonde Senshi were too much of a hassle for
the good it would do. "Look Mama!" Chibi-Usa said excitedly, putting
her own glasses on and pointing at the sky. "It's time!"
Everyone put their glasses on, I even bought a small pair for
Keri. Which did no good, since she was much more interested in the
butterfly she held in her hands than the eclipse anyways. I leaned
against Mamo-chan, enjoying the way his arm came around my shoulders
comfortably as the moon made it's way over the sun.
The rays slowly became less and less bright as the moon blocked
their path. The entire park seemed quiet, as if we were all holding a
collective breath as our eyes gazed at the sun shrinking behind the
Moon. And then it happened; the moon had completely hidden the sun
except for the dim rays that leaked from behind the shadow. Everything
seemed dark, like only being lit by a candle rather than a roaring
inferno. It was eerie, and I found myself holding my breath, wishing
the sun would come back out.
There was the sudden feeling that a cold hand had gripped my
heart, a shadow of doom seem to grasp my soul. My heart beat quickened
and my breathing became shallow. For a reason I couldn't explain I felt
evil seeping into my mind. In the short time the Moon covered the sun,
I could feel the hands of every enemy I had ever fought grabbing at my
soul.
"U--Usa..ko..." I blinked, pushing away my own feelings of dread
and moving my gaze to my husband. As the Moon pushed on, past the sun,
Mamo-chan slumped over into my arms.
"Mamo-chan!" I screamed, putting my hands over his face. His skin
was clammy and a cold sweat had broken out. "What's wrong? What's
happening?!" Someone screamed... me? My vision grew brighter as the sun
fully beamed down on us again. Mamo-chan was still in my lap, one hand
grasping his chest. I pushed his wet bangs from his face, trying to
look into his eyes. "Mamo-chan!!"
Ami came over quickly, Setsuna at her side. They gently moved him
from my lap, laying him on his back in the grass before me. Chibi-Usa
was sitting beside me crying, holding Keri as they both watched Ami and
Setsuna begin checking Mamo-chan's pulse. I couldn't think, it took all
I had to not faint. Vaguely I could see Minako on her cell phone,
watching worriedly as Ami worked on my husband.
A few minutes later the sound of sirens filled the air, splitting
the silent afternoon with it's piercing squeal. I felt someone helping
me to my feet as Rei picked Keri up and Makoto grabbed Chibi-Usa. I
couldn't do anything, couldn't move without Haruka's prodding voice in
my ear. It never failed, when it came to Mamo-chan; I fell apart
completely.
We pulled up behind the ambulance and Haruka helped me out of the
car as Mamo-chan was being wheeled into the emergency entrance. I don't
remember going into the waiting room, it just seemed like suddenly we
were there. Michiru was pushing a cup of coffee in my hands, but I
couldn't drink. I couldn't move, only cry; watching the same scene in
my head over and over of Mamo-chan, calling my name and then falling
into my lap.
It seemed like hours passed before someone came to tell us news
on Mamo-chan. I was worn, staring dumbly ahead, my tears gone. My body
was stiff and aching, but I couldn't stop rocking back and forth, my
eyes unblinking. Michiru was sitting beside me, rubbing my back. But my
body was numb, and I only felt a small movement. The double swinging
doors opened slowly and an older man came out, looking up from his
clipboard. I recognized him immediately; he worked in Mamo-chan's
department.
"Usagi-san," he greeted, walking over as I suddenly shot up from
my chair, Haruka, Michiru and Ami following suit. Dr. Ureti was a short
man, barely taller than me, with a receding hairline and warm friendly
green eyes. He looked tired, but a small smile crept up on his lips as
he shook my limp hand. "Mamoru is in stable condition. We ran some
tests and took some x-rays, which the doctor in charge will want to
discuss with you first thing in the morning after Mamoru has rested."
"Can I see him?" I asked immediately, my voice croaking despite
my will to keep it clear.
Dr. Ureti smiled gently, tucking the clipboard close to his
chest. "He insists on it." He turned and walked back through the double
doors, leaving me to follow.
My heartbeat quickened as my sandals padded softly on the tile
floor. We passed room after room of ill people, some sleeping, some
watching the TV hanging from the corner of the room. Finally Dr. Ureti
stopped in front of a closed door on the right, knocking quickly and
then pushing it open for me to walk through. He smiled slightly as he
shut the door behind me and left me to stare at my husband's form
laying on the bed.
My heart seemed to come up to my throat, pounding painfully
there. I couldn't speak, could only stare. In all the years I had known
Mamo-chan, he'd never been in the hospital. He hardly even caught a
slight cold. I had come to think of him as my pillar of strength,
always there when I needed him. But I had never known him to need me,
to be the one who looked to me. I realized with sickening awareness
that I didn't know what to do, what to say. And I hated myself for it.
"Usako?"
I blinked, my hands clutching the material of my shirt as I tried
not to let loose the flood of tears that had been sitting behind my
eyes, waiting for the opportunity to spew forth. I didn't need to cry.
Mamo-chan never showed weakness when I needed him, I shouldn't. I
should be brave, for him. I took a step forward. Mamo-chan was staring
at me strangely, his blue eyes swimming in an emotion I couldn't quite
place. Was it disappointment?
"Usako... what is it?" Mamo-chan asked, trying to sit up.
When I saw him move I immediately jumped forward, shaking my
hands. "No! You might hurt yourself!" I squeaked, immensely aware of
how loud and panicked my voice sounded. Mamo-chan's eyes widened as he
obediently laid back. Like the flood gates had been opened tears fell
down my face and chin in waves. My husband again meet my eyes, this
time not confusion but understanding shining in their blue depts.
"Come here," he said softly, motioning for me to come sit on the
bed at his side. "Usako, I'm not going to break. Come on," he chuckled
and I seen his face tightened as he unconsciously reached for his
chest. I came forward slowly, sitting on the far edge of the bed and
continuing to cry, cursing every tear that felt it had to break free
from my eyes.
I felt Mamo-chan reach up and run his fingers through my hair and
then place his hand on my cheek. I opened my eyes, bringing both my
hands up to rest over his. "I'm sorry, Mamo-chan," I mumbled, cursed
tears still falling from my eyes. "You're always there for me and
now... now I don't know what to do. Oh Mamo-chan, I'm so scared!" I
cried, hiccupping.
"Hey now," he said soothingly, pulling me closer to lay gently on
his chest. "It's okay. You're here; I know you love me, and that's more
than I ever hoped for. That someone like you could love me as much as I
love you." I clutched his shirt in my hand, grinding the tears from my
eyes with my other hand. Mamo-chan kissed the top of my head, his hand
coming up to slide down the side of my face and neck.
I could hear his breathing deep in his chest, but it sounded
different somehow from what I was used to hearing when I laid my head
on him. I had never been so frightened in my life. For the longest time
we just held each other, squished together on the small hospital bed. I
could hear various machines in the room, all beeping in an arrhythmic
tune that was wearing on my nerves. "Where are the kids?" Mamo-chan
asked quietly.
"Minako, Makoto and Rei took them back to the house," I mumbled,
still grasping his shirt like it was my only lifeboat in a sea of
uncertainty. I sat up some, my face still close to Mamo-chan's. "What's
going on, Mamo-chan? You were so cold... and..." I swallowed, my heart
speeding up just thinking about what happened at the park.
"Shhh," Mamo-chan whispered, again kissing my forehead. I felt
terrible, laying here crying. "The doctor will be in tomorrow, ok? I
want you to do something for me. Will you?"
"Hai," I said, sitting up and wiping my eyes with the back of my
hand.
Mamo-chan smiled, his eyes soft. "Go home, kiss the kids good
night for me and get some sleep. In the morning the doctor will come in
and we'll face whatever this is together."
I shook my head, already the thoughts of leaving him here alone
gnawing at my heart. "I want to stay here with you!" I told him
feverishly, taking his hands in my own.
"Usako, I'm ok. The kids have got to be terrified and they need
to be with one of us. Go to them. They need you, too." I watched his
eyes, so deep and full of understanding, as they gazed at me. "Go on,
Usako," he urged. "I'll be fine until I see you again."
I nodded numbly, my heart hurting so badly I felt I might faint.
Mamo-chan took my face in his hands, bringing my face down so that he
could kiss me softly, his lips lingering on mine for several minutes. I
felt another tear slip down my face when we parted. How scared I had
been just a few short hours ago that I'd never feel those lips on mine
again. With a small cry I threw my arms around his neck, burring my
face in my husband's neck. His arms came up around my body, holding me
to him. "I love you Mamo-chan," I whispered in his ear. "I love you so
much."
"I love you Usako," he replied, the sincerity of his words
throbbing in his voice. I pulled away from him reluctantly, biting my
lip until it nearly bled. "Tell the kids I love them," he whispered,
our fingers still touching until I walked away too far. I couldn't
speak, my voice would fail, I knew. I nodded, finally turning to walk
out the door and close it before I promptly slid down the metal and
burst into silent tears.
"Ma'am?" I looked up through my tears at a nurse bending beside
me. Her face was concerned, but friendly as she put her hand on my
shoulder. "Are you ok?"
Taking a deep breath, I nodded and got up slowly. The world
threatened to spin, but I kept the feeling at bay and made my way
towards the waiting room. Haruka, Michiru and Ami all stood as soon as
they seen me come through the door. "How is Mamoru-san?" Ami asked
immediately, at my side before Haruka and Michiru could move.
"He's ok tonight," I mumbled. The voice that left my mouth didn't
sound like me, didn't sound right at all. Ami looked more worried as I
spoke. "Haruka-san, could you take me home? I want to see my girls."
The blonde nodded, opening the door and holding it as Michiru,
Ami and I passed through. We got in the car, all silent as we sped
through the streets of Tokyo and towards the neighborhood where I
lived. I stared at the house, but it seemed different, knowing that
Mamo-chan wasn't there. It didn't seem like a home at all, only a shell
that once held my happiness within it's grasp. The sun had barely set,
proving the rest of the world went on despite my fear and anxieties.
"Usagi-chan!" Makoto jumped up from the couch, running over to
the doorway as soon as she heard it open. "How is Mamoru-san? What's
happened?" I walked past her, my mind set on one thing. "Usagi-chan?"
Makoto repeated, looking at me strangely.
I walked down the hall numbly passing by all eight Senshi, not
looking into my bedroom, but passing it and going to Chibi-Usa's. I
pushed open the door slowly, expecting to see my oldest daughter laying
on her bed, perhaps asleep. Instead I gasped as I saw a brilliant white
winged horse laying in the floor, Chibi-Usa bent over it and crying.
Her bloodshot eyes looked up at me and she inhaled sharply, looking
from the unicorn to me again. "Mama, Pegasus is hurt. He hurts, like
Papa..."
"Oh my God, Chibi-Usa..." I breathed, closing the bedroom door
and going over to bend next to the horse. I didn't know much about this
sort of thing, but the creature defiantly looked ill. It's huge pitiful
eyes looked up at me, like it recognized me. "Mama, can Ami fix him?
Please?" The animal's head fell back against the floor as if the small
strain it took to lift it's head up took all it's energy. I nodded,
biting my bottom lip. Chibi-Usa got to her feet, running out of the
room.
I stared at the creature, feeling so bad for it. I couldn't put
my finger on what it was, but I knew that Pegasus was in pain. I
wondered if the genius Senshi would be able to help. The horn of this
creature caught my eye, it's golden aura glimmering in the moon light
shining through the window. I reached my hand out towards it, drawn in
by the glow it gave off.
"Usagi-chan.... my goodness," Ami gasped, coming through the
door, everyone else at her heels. I jerked my hand back, my skin still
tingling with warmth. "What's wrong with him?" Ami asked Chibi-Usa, who
was still crying as she stood at my side.
"He hurts, in his chest, like Papa," Chibi-Usa sniffled, falling
to her knees and bringing the unicorn's head to rest in her lap. "He
hurts badly."
"Can you talk to it?" Rei asked, amazed. "Can you hear it?"
Chibi-Usa nodded as it was the most common thing in the world to
talk to animals. I suppose growing up in a house with Luna and Artemis
had taught her that. Lovingly she ran her hand down the horse's thin
face, one of her glimmering tears falling on it's mane and sliding
down. I watched with baited breath as Ami numbly pulled out her mini
computer and began scanning the creature.
Chibi-Usa looked up, watching Ami intensely. "A bad rose," my
daughter whispered, her eyes glassy. I swung my eyes from the horse up
to my daughter, aware that Chibi-Usa's voice was somehow different than
the normal girlish chirp she usually had. Her eyes were dark and her
hand automatically petted back and forth on the horse. "A beautiful
garden, but one bad rose. It infected Ellison, it infected Pegasus...
it infected Papa..." The words were no more out of her mouth than
suddenly Chibi-Usa's eyes faded closed and she slumped to the side.
"Chibi-Usa!" I cried, jumping up. The brilliant white unicorn
still had it's head on her lap, a tear falling down it's face. I just
knew that if I could hear it, it would also be calling her name. I
picked my daughter up, laying her out on the bed. Ami stopped in mid-
scan of the creature and quickly came over to the bed where Setsuna was
already checking her pulse.
Both women sat back, apparently having come to the same
conclusion. It was Setsuna who finally spoke: "She's sleeping," she
said quietly, her magenta eyes staring at Chibi-Usa. "I'd say
exhaustion, from the shock of everything that has happened today. And,
of course, she spent most of the afternoon crying." The Senshi of Time
stood, pulling a blanket up over Chibi-Usa. "She'll be ok." Ami nodded
her conformation.
I looked back down at the creature, but it's eyes were closed as
if it, too, were exhausted. Soundlessly it got to it's feet, looking
like it would collapse. It's large amber eyes turned to me, but if it
was speaking, I couldn't hear. In fascination I watched as it leapt up,
it's front feet coming off the ground and it jumped onto the bed. I
screamed, thinking it was harming Chibi-Usa. But the second it's hooves
came towards her, it disappeared, like it was being sucked into her
chest. I just stared. "What the hell just happened?"
Ami, eyes wide, seemed to be trying to figure it out. In the end
she shook her head, biting her bottom lip. "It's strange, Usagi-chan. I
don't know how to explain it, but that creature seems to be *in* Chibi-
Usa. Not hurting her, just... *there*."
"But she's ok?" I whispered, placing my hand on her forehead. Her
skin was cool to touch, her breathing regular. To look at her no one
would know a unicorn was within her. The perfect hiding place.... "He's
hiding," I mumbled, my eye brows knitted together. "From that woman
Chibi-Usa said was hurting him. He's hiding, in her." Which meant the
new enemy, whoever it was, was also looking for my daughter. I felt a
shiver of apprehension go up my spine.
Putting one arm under her legs and the other under her back, I
lifted Chibi-Usa up from the bed and went into my bedroom with her.
Trying to block out the images of Mamo-chan in my head as I laid her
down, pulling the comforter up over her body. "Where's Keri?"
"Asleep," Hotaru said, coming into the bedroom and leaning
against the door frame. "I can watch her, she'll be fine Usagi-san. If
you want to just get some rest."
I smiled at the petite Senshi of Saturn, nodding. To sleep would
be the best thing, I reasoned. Then the morning could come and I could
go to Mamo-chan. Everyone bid me good night, all saying they were going
to crash in the living room. Michiru shut the door, leaving me alone
with Chibi-Usa and my memories. Rubbing my hands on my arms I went into
the adjoining bathroom to change. As I came back, I stared numbly at
the bed I had never slept in without Mamo-chan. The thought nearly
scared me.
I climbed into the queen size bed, shutting the light off. For
hours it seemed, I laid there staring out the window and into the night
sky. The sheets smelt of him, his pillow under my head giving off the
faint smell of aftershave. I tried to block it out, to stop the tears
that threatened to fall, but couldn't. Chibi-Usa was laying on the side
of the bed I normally laid on, sound asleep. But I couldn't sleep, not
without Mamo-chan's arms to hold me. It was a need I never knew I had,
until it was gone. Now I could only toss and turn, trying to ignore the
feeling of emptiness in my heart.
For hours I laid there, my arms wrapped tightly around Mamo-
chan's pillow as I tried to go to sleep. It was nearly one a.m. when I
gave up completely. Rising soundlessly, I pulled on some sweatpants and
a t-shirt, sandals and a jacket. I kissed Chibi-Usa's forehead and
scribbled a small note that I left on the nightstand to let the Senshi
know where I was. Quiet as a mouse I went down the hall, checking on
Keri, only to find her sound asleep. I tiptoed over and past sleeping
Senshi that were sprawled out all of my living room and out the kitchen
door to the garage. I almost had the door shut when a I heard a voice
hiss my name.
"Luna?" I whispered, looking back in the kitchen. "What are you
doing up?"
"I could ask you the same," my guardian feline replied, sitting
on the counter and looking at me indignantly. "Sneaking out at one in
the morning, not telling anyone where you are going...."
I grinned, running my hand down Luna's back. "I'm going to Mamo-
chan, Luna. And I left minna a note."
Luna stared at me a moment, making me feel like she was searching
my soul for something. I couldn't really tell in the semi-darkness of
the kitchen, but I thought her features relaxed some. "Be careful,
Usagi-chan."
I hugged Luna as best as one can hug a cat and stepped back to
the door. "Thank you Luna," I whispered and shut the door behind me.
Determination ran through my veins as I flipped the light on in the
garage, my only thought was getting to Mamo-chan as fast as I could.
Which, it turned out, would be harder than I expected. Haruka, Makoto
and Ami's cars were parked behind Mamo-chan's, blocking my escape
there. For a moment I was stumped; I knew that the bus didn't work this
late and I never did like the subway.
And then it dawned on me. Duh! I told myself gruffly, nearly
giggling. I'm not Sailor Moon for nothing! With a nearly triumphant
throw of my arm upwards, I summoned the ginzuishou and closed my eyes.
"Moon Crystal Power!"
Within minutes I was jumping from roof top to roof top, easily
making my way towards the hospital. I couldn't wait to see Mamo-chan,
to have him hold me. So imagine my surprise, if you will, when I
detransformed, went into the hospital and to his room; only to found
him sitting up, trying to remove all the machines hooked to him. "Mamo-
chan?"
"Usako!" My husband had been so preoccupied with the tubes that
he hadn't seen me come in. His blue eyes looked up at me like I was
surely a figment of his imagination. He blinked, still staring at me.
"What's wrong?"
Raising one eyebrow, I smiled sheepishly. "I... I couldn't sleep
without you.." I admitted.
The relief on his face was instantaneous. He stopped messing with
the tube and took a deep breath. "Mo*, Usako, you scared me to death. I
felt you transform and I started thinking it was an enemy..."
"No, I... wait, you *felt* me transform?" I asked, coming to sit
on the side of his bed now that he thought he would lay back down.
He nodded, surprise lighting up his features. "Hai, I thought you
knew? I.. I can feel you, inside me. It's hard to explain, but I just
know how you feel when you are experiencing a strong emotion. I can
feel when you are really happy, sad, scared and... well, I feel
*everything* you feel when we are together." I felt a blush heat up my
face and I brought my hands to my face, nearly hiding behind them. His
strong hand reached up, pulling on my own. "Don't hide, there's nothing
to be ashamed of."
"But--why? Why can you feel what I do and I can't you? It's not
fair," I mumbled, biting my bottom lip. "It's not fair that you have to
go through everything I do. Why don't I have that connection with you?"
Mamo-chan chuckled, reaching to bring me towards him. Kicking my
sandals off I lay beside him, nearly on top of him, and allowed him to
put his strong arms around me. Relief flooded through me, finally being
in his arms, where I belonged.
"After my parents died, I relied on the link between you and I a
lot. I didn't know what it was then, but it helped me live through the
orphanages, through being alone. I just knew that one day I would find
who it was I had that connection with, and I wouldn't be alone anymore.
You helped me through so much, without knowing it.
"And then one day I felt emotions so strong that it was like a
wave crashing. It was the day I first saw you, and I knew. I passed you
going into the arcade the night you arrived from the States. I watched
you and Shingo eating and talking to Motoki, then Haruka and Michiru. I
watched as you left, and saw the man pulling a gun on you. I knew how
scared you were... you were even scared of me..."
I felt his arms tightened around me and I answered the call
happily, snaking my own arms around his midsection carefully. For a
long moment we just held each other, saying nothing. But questions were
still burning in my mind. "Mamo-chan, why don't I have that? Why can't
I feel you?"
"You do," he said simply, his lips grazing my forehead. "You just
don't realize it yet. You are so understanding of everyone's emotions
that you don't think much about it. You share bonds with all of the
Senshi, and me, and the kids... That's how everyone knew you had
wrecked the car that night; we all felt the same strong surge of fear
from you. It's how you know how they are feeling, without them telling
you."
I nodded, too sleepy to discuss it anymore. Now that I was in his
arms, the sleep that had been evading me all night crept slowly into my
body and mind. I yawned, grasping Mamo-chan's shirt in my hand. "I love
you, so very, very, very much," I whispered, feeling his lips on my
head again.
"I love you," he replied. Those words: we had exchanged them so
many hundreds of times throughout our life together. Yet they still
throbbed with the same sincerity; still brought a smile to my lips. It
was hard to say how I felt for Mamo-chan, hard to explain how deep my
emotions ran for him. But those words, however clumsy Mamo-chan once
said them to be, still summoned it up nicely to me. I love you didn't
just mean that I held love for my husband. They meant he held my heart,
my life, my happiness, my past, my future and I, his. It meant that for
all eternity I would have this happiness in my heart.
I drifted off to sleep, my heart still thumping steadily to the
feeling in my veins. To the peacefulness that always settled over me
when Mamo-chan had his arms, his love, wrapped securely around me.
--End Chapter 4.
This chapter is... mushy and pointless. Ok, so less pointless, but
still mushy. I couldn't help it, I needed a break from tension and what
better way to do that than to remind everyone yet *again* why Usagi and
Mamoru are together ^_^ Even if I have them producing spores like Keri.
The action heats up in the next chapter, infact, a lot of things are
explained, some fights break out amoung the senshi, there are some more
questions to take place of those answered, and someone dies. :} So, in
light of everything I've just said, I hope everyone sticks around for
chapter five!
*Mo means "geez" in japanese
Read? Like? Hate? Review! Because I suck at mind reading ;)
3 Bethany
12-30-02
Forever More
Chapter 4 -
By: Bethany
Editor: Meara
Rated: PG
@------
We were sitting in the corner booth of the Fruit Parlor not
really doing anything interesting. For a week we had been searching
high and low for anything that might lead us to the enemy, but to no
avail. There was no trace of this enemy, or the Pegasus, since the
night I wrecked my car. Chibi-Usa had been down about it, and all of
the Senshi were frustrated. It was no different today.
I snatched my finger out of Keri's mouth before she could bit
down on it and reached for the wet wipe box. Keri was content enough
eating the pastries from my plate, except that she kept getting some
lodged in the roof of her mouth and would start whining about it.
Wiping my hands and then wiping her mouth, I tried to pay attention to
the conversation at the table.
"The eclipse is tomorrow," Ami was saying, idling stirring her
straw around in her glass and looking outside. "Around noon, I heard on
the news."
Chibi-Usa was falling asleep next to me, her legs curled up as
she lazily leaned against my side. She was fighting with all her might
to keep her eyes open, but every now and then I would look down and
catch her asleep. I nudged her gently to keep her from falling face
first onto the table and she jerked up, looking around with wide eyes.
"Papa!" she squealed. Suddenly all trace of sleep was gone as she seen
a dark haired man come through the automatic doors of the Parlor. I
looked up as well, since Mamo-chan was suppose to have joined us nearly
half an hour ago after getting off work.
Smiling sheepishly, my husband walked over to the table, bending
down to kiss me lightly. "Sorry I'm late," he said to everyone at the
table, waiting for me to get up so he could slide in the booth. "There
was an accident just up the block here..." his voice trailed off, his
eyes catching mine. I knew what he had done; stopped to make sure it
wasn't me. Biting my bottom lip, I sat back down and pulled Keri's
highchair closer again as Chibi-Usa climbed in her father's lap.
"So... have there been any new developments?" Rei asked for the
umpteenth time, as if someone's knowledge about the enemy had suddenly
changed while we were sitting together. Nearly everyone groaned causing
Rei to shake her head. "Ok, dumb question. But I'm out of conversation
topics."
"Me, too," Minako mumbled. "What did we talk about before evil
witches and flying horses?"
"Search me," Haruka replied, leaning back to stretch. On her left
Hotaru was doing much the same thing as Ami, stirring her drink with
her straw. To her right Michiru had her head propped her on her hand
and looked as if she'd fall asleep any moment.
"More!" Keri suddenly screamed loud enough that everyone's head
snapped over to stare at her. Not noticing all the attention she had
drawn (there were some people in the rest of the Parlor who had looked
over as well) Keri threw her hands forward, reaching for the dessert
plate. "Mama, Keri want more! More!"
I shook my finger at her sternly, trying my best to look
reprimanding. "You say please," I told her, pushing the plate away from
her straining fingers. For all the good this did, however. Her blue
eyes filled quickly with tears and before I could do more than throw my
hands up to cover my ears, she began crying. It was like listening to a
dying wild animal.
"Give her the cakes," Mamo-chan told me, grimacing as if in
mortal pain.
"I'll say please for her," Mako-chan said, also looking as though
her head would split open. I noticed there were a few people in the
restaurant shaking their heads, and a couple near us called for their
check.
Groaning, I tried to ignore the wails of my youngest and stick to
my guns. "Keri, you have to say please. You can't demand things and
expect to get them." All this said, of course, while being drowned out
by Keri's screaming and everyone else's moans of pain. Tears leaked
down her small face, her cubby hands still reaching for the plate while
she shook her head, sending blonde curls back and forth.
Motoki came over, a forced smile on his lips. In his hand he held
a tray of the pastries Keri had been eating and without knowing what
all the fuss was about (he was in the backroom when it started) gave
her one. "There you go sweetie," he cooed, smiling more broadly when
she instantly stopped crying.
I rolled my eyes, burying my face in my arms. "Thanks a lot
Motoki-kun," I mumbled. Mamo-chan patted my head and I could almost see
the grin on his face. "Shut up Mamo-chan," I grumbled at him before he
could say a word.
"I didn't say anything!" he claimed, his hands now raised in a
peace offering when I looked back up. Motoki stood beside the table,
looking utterly confused.
I glared at him out of the corner of my eye. "You were thinking
it loudly," I accused, catching Chibi-Usa's cup just as she nearly
knocked it over. I sat it upright and turned my attention to Motoki. "I
was trying to get Keri to say please for the cake instead of demand
it," I told him, smiling slightly.
"Oh," the blonde grinned slightly, ducking his head and watching
Keri take small bites off the cake. "Sorry bout' that Usagi-chan. I
figured you were out and that is why she was upset." He reached down,
plucking Keri from her highchair and holding her up. "You just wanted
some more cake, didn't you Keri-chan?" Keri grinned, looking from the
cake in her hand to Motoki with a look I would have recognized on my
daughter anywhere...
*Splat*
The crying, the screaming, the moans of pain; even having Motoki
give Keri what she wanted without saying please was well worth seeing
her shove that small icing covered pastry in Motoki's face and nearly
up his nose. Everyone at the table burst into laughter. Keri was
giggling madly, smashing her hand in the cake and then sticking her
finger in her mouth. "Moto have cake!" she grinned, looking to Mamo-
chan and I to see if she was in trouble. Luckily for her neither of us
could stop laughing to scold her.
Motoki stood with Keri in his arms, looking a bit on the border
of shock. He brought one hand up, wiping the cake off his mouth and
making a gagging noise. "Well," he mumbled, depositing Keri in my lap
and glaring at everyone at the table since most of us were still in
giggles. "I always said I liked Chibi-Usa better," he stated, walking
off.
Minako watched him go, shrugging nonchalantly and sighing. "He
never did have a good sense of humor. One of the reasons I dumped
him," she said matter of factly.
"I thought you both decided it was best to go your separate
ways?" Hotaru asked, her face contorted in confusion as she leaned
forward to see Minako better.
Said blonde blushed a bit, beginning to stir her milkshake again.
"Well, that too..." she admitted. "Naw, I'm kidding. Motoki is ok and
all, we just weren't meant to be, you know?"
"No Miss 'I'm the reincarnation of Aphrodite', we don't know,"
Rei retorted, rolling her eyes good naturedly. "Why don't you tell us?"
Minako's mature way of handling this was to stick her tongue out
at Rei, who, in turn, stuck hers out. "I was right about Usagi and
Mamoru, wasn't I? And Luna and Artemis?"
"That was a given, Mina, how many more talking cats are running
around Tokyo?" Haruka snickered.
"Five now that they decided to reproduce," Minako replied and
without even gasping for breath went on despite the laughs. "Rei and
Yuuichirou I'm right on, too."
"What about you?" the Senshi of Time asked quietly, setting her
glass down in front of her. "You're always getting others together,
maybe it's time you thought about your own happiness?" she suggested
lightly.
Minako faltered, sadness lurking in the corners of her bright
blue eyes before she caught it. "Naw! I can't concentrate on me while
doing my job as the Re--"
"Reincarnation of Aphrodite," nearly everyone at the table, save
Setsuna, Mamo-chan and the kids, said with her. I laughed out loud, my
chest lightening considerably. It seemed it had been way too long since
we had talked amongst ourselves without it involving enemies. It was
good to forget, just for one night, that we usually only all gathered
to fight anymore.
If only it hadn't been tonight. If only we had picked another
evening to sit, laughing and joking until both my children were asleep
in mine and Mamo-chan's laps. 'If onlys' and 'what ifs' never change
anything, it's the past and done with. But still I can't help but
wonder, what if we had searched for the enemy that night. Would it have
changed anything?
@--------
Sunday morning came bright and sunny with not a cloud in the
clear blue sky. It was warm, a little warmer than early fall usually
was, but it was beautiful. It was a typical Sunday morning in my house;
the girls were parked in front of the television while Mamo-chan and I
tried to gather the small truck load it seemed to take just to take the
kids somewhere.
"Mamo-chan! Grab the sun block from the bathroom closet, ne?" I
called from the kitchen as I made Chibi-Usa's peanut butter and jelly
sandwich (strawberry jelly, she hates grape) and Keri's jelly sandwich
(she hates peanut butter period), both with no crusts.
Mamo-chan came into the kitchen, carrying the large duffle bag I
packed things in when I took the kids anywhere for an extended amount
of time. He heaved it up on the counter, cocking his eyebrow at me.
"Sun block, Usako? It's not *that* warm outside..."
"You never know," I told him, throwing small packs of chips into
the basket. "And you know how badly Keri burns. It's just better to be
safe."
Mamo-chan nodded, knowing very well that if he still had an
argument, there was no use in voicing it. He began shuffling through
the bag, holding up two extra pairs of clothing for both girls, an
extra pair of shoes each, band aides, antiseptic ointment, children's
Tylenol, a blanket, bug spray, wet wipes, a couple of diapers and a
garbage bag. Each time he picked up something new, he looked at me
incredibly. "Usako," he finally breathed, having emptied the bag I had
packed just this morning out on the counter. "Do we really need all of
this just to take the girls to the park?"
"Yes," I said, sighing. "And more will be added before we leave,
I suspect. So make sure you pack it in as tight as I had it." I saw my
husband's face fall as he began stuffing everything back in the bag,
mumbling something under his breath about not needing more than a small
diaper bag. I dug in the refrigerator for juice, glaring at him over my
shoulder. "Do you remember the day you took them to the park, Mamo-
chan?"
Mamoru threw his hands up, backing away from the counter. "I
know! You told me ten times how I should have taken the bag you packed.
Keri had sunburned cheeks, Chibi-Usa fell and not only ruined the
clothing she had on but I had to come home to clean up her scuffed up
knee.... and if I had taken the bag, I wouldn't have had to leave
fifteen minutes into the trip." I had to smile; defeat was clear on his
face. "You're right. It just *seems* like a lot. Heaven forbid we ever
go anywhere longer than a couple of hours. We'll have to rent a moving
van."
Sitting the juice bottles down on the counter, I walked over to
my husband, wrapping my arms around his waist. "Only until Keri is
fully potty trained, and then we'll only need a pull along trailer."
Mamoru chuckled, kissing me on the lips as he smiled. "I wouldn't
have it any other way," he whispered, wrapping his arms around me just
as the phone rang. He sighed. "Then again, I could do without the
phone..."
I laughed, grabbing the cordless of the counter. "Moshi Moshi."
"Hey Mom!" a familiar voice rang out of the line, his tone full
of excitement.
"Shingo! I haven't heard from you in over a week young man, why
haven't you called?" I demanded playfully, grinning from ear to ear. I
looked forward to his calls, each of them full of everything he was
doing at school, the friends he had made and things he wanted to do.
"Gomen, gomen," he chuckled. I could just picture his face
flushed as he spoke. His voice seemed deeper, somehow, different than
when I talked to him last. He sounded so happy every time I spoke with
him that I just knew it was a good idea to have him at the school,
especially with all that was going on around here. "I got busy with
dueling club. You wouldn't believe the cool uniforms we get for the
match. You and Dad are still coming, right?"
I bit my bottom lip, trying to think. I knew he had told me when
it was, but my mind had been so preoccupied, I couldn't remember. He
noticed my silence. "Mom?"
"You know we will," I said quickly, perhaps a little too quickly.
"I forgot to write it down when I talked to you last, though. When is
it again?"
"September 13th," Shingo replied, suddenly sounding less excited
than he had. "Is everything ok Mom? You sound... worried."
Mamo-chan noticed the look on my face and leaned over the
counter, a concerned look on his face. I shook my hand, trying to wave
him back. "Everything is fine, Shingo," I lied. I had decided not to
tell him about the car wreck, or anything going on. He was so happy and
the last thing I wanted to do was worry him about another enemy. "We're
taking the girls to the park today to see the eclipse and I've just
been trying to get everything ready."
"Oh," he mumbled. I could tell he didn't quite believe me. "Maaku
and I are going to watch it, too. I'm going to have to get off here in
a minute so we aren't late. Can I talk to Dad real quick?"
"Sure," I replied, my heart sinking some. "I love you Shingo."
"Love you too Mom," he said and I handed the phone off to Mamo-
chan who took it, still eyeing me strangely. It felt so odd to only
talk to him for a few minutes here and there, when I was used to his
constant babble. I sighed, going down the hall to Keri's room to get
her clothes out.
A few minutes later I heard Mamo-chan call Chibi-Usa to the phone
and he came down the hall to where I was shifting through the dresser.
I didn't look up as he came in the room, standing just behind me. "You
ok, Usako?"
"Hai," I mumbled as I closed the drawer and reached for a diaper.
Mamo-chan put his hand over mine, squeezing tightly. I turned around
and buried my face in his chest, feeling his strong arms come up around
me. "I miss him, Mamo-chan."
"I know," my husband replied soothingly. "But he's happy and safe
where he is. And," he said, tipping my chin up so he could press his
forehead to mine. "You're going to have to get better at lying to him,
he asked me what was wrong with you. You two are too close for him not
to notice, even over the phone."
I grinned. "I'll have to work on my deceiving skills, won't I?"
Mamo-chan didn't answer, just bent down to press his lips to mine
in what would be a very short lived kiss; which most of them were
anymore. There was a crash that broke us apart, followed by Chibi-Usa
yelling: "Mama! Keri has the ginzuishou again!"
I sighed, shaking my head. There was another crash and the sound
of small feet running. "We'd better go get that," Mamo-chan mumbled.
"Before she tries to flush it again. I don't feel like unclogging the
toilets at this time of the morning."
"Onee-chan slow!" Keri giggling, flying down the hallway at top
speed away from a close trailing Chibi-Usa.
Suddenly Keri squealed as she was lifted up. Minako held her at
arm's length, walking into the bedroom with her. "Yours?" she asked,
nodding towards the locket in my daughter's tight grasp.
I sighed, taking the Crystal and slapping Keri's hand. "No, no
Keri. This is not for you, this is Mama's," I told her firmly, which
immediately caused tears to well up in her eyes. Minako put her down
and my youngest scurried across the bedroom floor and on the other side
of the dresser, pouting. I sighed, walking out of the room.
"I thought you put that up where she couldn't reach it?" Minako
asked, shaking her head in amazement as we went back into the kitchen.
"So did I," I told her. "But she happens to be kin to Mamo-chan
and believes in the higher the better."
"Hey, don't put that off on me!" Mamo-chan retorted, walking into
the kitchen just in time to hear my last remark. "You were the one who
said she couldn't reach it on top of our dresser."
"And you are the one who makes speeches on street lamps -- I
wonder where she gets her affinity for high places?"
Mamo-chan said nothing, only grinned and proceeded to start
repacking the duffle bag again. Minako giggled, flopping down on a
stool next to me as I finished packing lunches. Just as I was starting
to carry things to the car, Luna came out of the utility room, looking
worn. "Luna, are you going with us to the park?" Minako asked, leaning
her head on the counter and looking down at the black cat.
"I don't think so, Minako-chan," Luna replied. "The kittens
really aren't old enough for us to take them out yet. They don't
understand not to talk loudly in public, and honestly I'm afraid of
loosing them in the crowd."
"Ah," Minako mumbled, nodding. "Understandable. Sure you don't
want to leave Artemis with them and--" Suddenly Minako blinked,
watching a black fur ball fly across the kitchen. Luna put her paw out
just in time to catch the male kitten's tail, keeping him from going
any further.
"No, not this time," Luna said, picking Ryuu up by the scuff of
the neck and going back towards the utility room. "Bbb baak m mmiute,"
her muffled voice came back to us.
"Poor Luna," Mamo-chan mumbled, watching her retreating back.
Keri suddenly came running down the hall, apparently over her mad spell
for the moment. "Could you imagine three of Keri?"
I shuddered, shaking my head. "Don't even *joke* about things
like that."
After fighting with Keri, who began pouting again as soon as I
tried to clothe her, I managed to get both my girls dressed and in the
car about five minutes before we were suppose to meet everyone at the
park. Mamo-chan shoved the stroller in the trunk, slamming it shut and
mumbling a prayer under his breath that the trunk wouldn't pop open.
Finally the three of us climbed in the car and started off to the park.
It was a beautiful day; the sky was clear blue and the sun was
shining down merrily on the city. The park was pretty full of people
wanting to do as we were; watch the eclipse. Luckily for us Makoto and
everyone else had gotten here before us and had saved us a place to
sit. I sat Keri and Chibi-Usa down on the large blanket with strict
instructions not to move while I helped Mamo-chan carry the rest of the
stuff from the car.
We returned to find Keri gone (as if I had expected anything
less) and Rei chasing her close by. I sighed, unfolding the stroller
and grabbing a squealing Keri as she was running past trying to get
away from Rei. After I firmly buckled her in the stroller, we sat down
to the huge lunch Makoto had made.
Minako laid back, resting her arm over her eyes to block out the
bright sun. "This is the life," she chirped happily, patting her
stomach. "A beautiful summer day and good food makes for a happy
MinaP!"
"Too true," Makoto added, leaning back on her hands to glance up
at the sky. "It's almost time, look!" she said, pointing towards the
sky. The moon was slowly moving towards the sun, but not enough to
block it's rays.
"Mako-chan, don't look directly at the sun!" Ami said firmly, her
finger wagging as if she were a lecturing teacher. "You can seriously
harm your eyes."
"Un!" Hotaru nodded, picking up her sunglasses and putting them
on her face. "That's why Haruka-papa bought me new glasses."
Minako sat up, whipping out a pair of sunglasses with pink rimmed
half moon glasses, tiny jewels sparkling on the sides. "I got a new
pair just for the occasion."
"Are those real sunglasses or just some of those cheap ones,
Mina?" Haruka asked incredibly, snatching the glasses from Minako and
looking through them. She looked up at the sun and instantly took them
from her face. "That didn't help block the sun's rays."
"But they're stylish!" Minako retorted, putting them back on.
"And that's what really counts, ne?"
Everyone only laughed slightly in response. Ami shook her head as
if trying to argue with the blonde Senshi were too much of a hassle for
the good it would do. "Look Mama!" Chibi-Usa said excitedly, putting
her own glasses on and pointing at the sky. "It's time!"
Everyone put their glasses on, I even bought a small pair for
Keri. Which did no good, since she was much more interested in the
butterfly she held in her hands than the eclipse anyways. I leaned
against Mamo-chan, enjoying the way his arm came around my shoulders
comfortably as the moon made it's way over the sun.
The rays slowly became less and less bright as the moon blocked
their path. The entire park seemed quiet, as if we were all holding a
collective breath as our eyes gazed at the sun shrinking behind the
Moon. And then it happened; the moon had completely hidden the sun
except for the dim rays that leaked from behind the shadow. Everything
seemed dark, like only being lit by a candle rather than a roaring
inferno. It was eerie, and I found myself holding my breath, wishing
the sun would come back out.
There was the sudden feeling that a cold hand had gripped my
heart, a shadow of doom seem to grasp my soul. My heart beat quickened
and my breathing became shallow. For a reason I couldn't explain I felt
evil seeping into my mind. In the short time the Moon covered the sun,
I could feel the hands of every enemy I had ever fought grabbing at my
soul.
"U--Usa..ko..." I blinked, pushing away my own feelings of dread
and moving my gaze to my husband. As the Moon pushed on, past the sun,
Mamo-chan slumped over into my arms.
"Mamo-chan!" I screamed, putting my hands over his face. His skin
was clammy and a cold sweat had broken out. "What's wrong? What's
happening?!" Someone screamed... me? My vision grew brighter as the sun
fully beamed down on us again. Mamo-chan was still in my lap, one hand
grasping his chest. I pushed his wet bangs from his face, trying to
look into his eyes. "Mamo-chan!!"
Ami came over quickly, Setsuna at her side. They gently moved him
from my lap, laying him on his back in the grass before me. Chibi-Usa
was sitting beside me crying, holding Keri as they both watched Ami and
Setsuna begin checking Mamo-chan's pulse. I couldn't think, it took all
I had to not faint. Vaguely I could see Minako on her cell phone,
watching worriedly as Ami worked on my husband.
A few minutes later the sound of sirens filled the air, splitting
the silent afternoon with it's piercing squeal. I felt someone helping
me to my feet as Rei picked Keri up and Makoto grabbed Chibi-Usa. I
couldn't do anything, couldn't move without Haruka's prodding voice in
my ear. It never failed, when it came to Mamo-chan; I fell apart
completely.
We pulled up behind the ambulance and Haruka helped me out of the
car as Mamo-chan was being wheeled into the emergency entrance. I don't
remember going into the waiting room, it just seemed like suddenly we
were there. Michiru was pushing a cup of coffee in my hands, but I
couldn't drink. I couldn't move, only cry; watching the same scene in
my head over and over of Mamo-chan, calling my name and then falling
into my lap.
It seemed like hours passed before someone came to tell us news
on Mamo-chan. I was worn, staring dumbly ahead, my tears gone. My body
was stiff and aching, but I couldn't stop rocking back and forth, my
eyes unblinking. Michiru was sitting beside me, rubbing my back. But my
body was numb, and I only felt a small movement. The double swinging
doors opened slowly and an older man came out, looking up from his
clipboard. I recognized him immediately; he worked in Mamo-chan's
department.
"Usagi-san," he greeted, walking over as I suddenly shot up from
my chair, Haruka, Michiru and Ami following suit. Dr. Ureti was a short
man, barely taller than me, with a receding hairline and warm friendly
green eyes. He looked tired, but a small smile crept up on his lips as
he shook my limp hand. "Mamoru is in stable condition. We ran some
tests and took some x-rays, which the doctor in charge will want to
discuss with you first thing in the morning after Mamoru has rested."
"Can I see him?" I asked immediately, my voice croaking despite
my will to keep it clear.
Dr. Ureti smiled gently, tucking the clipboard close to his
chest. "He insists on it." He turned and walked back through the double
doors, leaving me to follow.
My heartbeat quickened as my sandals padded softly on the tile
floor. We passed room after room of ill people, some sleeping, some
watching the TV hanging from the corner of the room. Finally Dr. Ureti
stopped in front of a closed door on the right, knocking quickly and
then pushing it open for me to walk through. He smiled slightly as he
shut the door behind me and left me to stare at my husband's form
laying on the bed.
My heart seemed to come up to my throat, pounding painfully
there. I couldn't speak, could only stare. In all the years I had known
Mamo-chan, he'd never been in the hospital. He hardly even caught a
slight cold. I had come to think of him as my pillar of strength,
always there when I needed him. But I had never known him to need me,
to be the one who looked to me. I realized with sickening awareness
that I didn't know what to do, what to say. And I hated myself for it.
"Usako?"
I blinked, my hands clutching the material of my shirt as I tried
not to let loose the flood of tears that had been sitting behind my
eyes, waiting for the opportunity to spew forth. I didn't need to cry.
Mamo-chan never showed weakness when I needed him, I shouldn't. I
should be brave, for him. I took a step forward. Mamo-chan was staring
at me strangely, his blue eyes swimming in an emotion I couldn't quite
place. Was it disappointment?
"Usako... what is it?" Mamo-chan asked, trying to sit up.
When I saw him move I immediately jumped forward, shaking my
hands. "No! You might hurt yourself!" I squeaked, immensely aware of
how loud and panicked my voice sounded. Mamo-chan's eyes widened as he
obediently laid back. Like the flood gates had been opened tears fell
down my face and chin in waves. My husband again meet my eyes, this
time not confusion but understanding shining in their blue depts.
"Come here," he said softly, motioning for me to come sit on the
bed at his side. "Usako, I'm not going to break. Come on," he chuckled
and I seen his face tightened as he unconsciously reached for his
chest. I came forward slowly, sitting on the far edge of the bed and
continuing to cry, cursing every tear that felt it had to break free
from my eyes.
I felt Mamo-chan reach up and run his fingers through my hair and
then place his hand on my cheek. I opened my eyes, bringing both my
hands up to rest over his. "I'm sorry, Mamo-chan," I mumbled, cursed
tears still falling from my eyes. "You're always there for me and
now... now I don't know what to do. Oh Mamo-chan, I'm so scared!" I
cried, hiccupping.
"Hey now," he said soothingly, pulling me closer to lay gently on
his chest. "It's okay. You're here; I know you love me, and that's more
than I ever hoped for. That someone like you could love me as much as I
love you." I clutched his shirt in my hand, grinding the tears from my
eyes with my other hand. Mamo-chan kissed the top of my head, his hand
coming up to slide down the side of my face and neck.
I could hear his breathing deep in his chest, but it sounded
different somehow from what I was used to hearing when I laid my head
on him. I had never been so frightened in my life. For the longest time
we just held each other, squished together on the small hospital bed. I
could hear various machines in the room, all beeping in an arrhythmic
tune that was wearing on my nerves. "Where are the kids?" Mamo-chan
asked quietly.
"Minako, Makoto and Rei took them back to the house," I mumbled,
still grasping his shirt like it was my only lifeboat in a sea of
uncertainty. I sat up some, my face still close to Mamo-chan's. "What's
going on, Mamo-chan? You were so cold... and..." I swallowed, my heart
speeding up just thinking about what happened at the park.
"Shhh," Mamo-chan whispered, again kissing my forehead. I felt
terrible, laying here crying. "The doctor will be in tomorrow, ok? I
want you to do something for me. Will you?"
"Hai," I said, sitting up and wiping my eyes with the back of my
hand.
Mamo-chan smiled, his eyes soft. "Go home, kiss the kids good
night for me and get some sleep. In the morning the doctor will come in
and we'll face whatever this is together."
I shook my head, already the thoughts of leaving him here alone
gnawing at my heart. "I want to stay here with you!" I told him
feverishly, taking his hands in my own.
"Usako, I'm ok. The kids have got to be terrified and they need
to be with one of us. Go to them. They need you, too." I watched his
eyes, so deep and full of understanding, as they gazed at me. "Go on,
Usako," he urged. "I'll be fine until I see you again."
I nodded numbly, my heart hurting so badly I felt I might faint.
Mamo-chan took my face in his hands, bringing my face down so that he
could kiss me softly, his lips lingering on mine for several minutes. I
felt another tear slip down my face when we parted. How scared I had
been just a few short hours ago that I'd never feel those lips on mine
again. With a small cry I threw my arms around his neck, burring my
face in my husband's neck. His arms came up around my body, holding me
to him. "I love you Mamo-chan," I whispered in his ear. "I love you so
much."
"I love you Usako," he replied, the sincerity of his words
throbbing in his voice. I pulled away from him reluctantly, biting my
lip until it nearly bled. "Tell the kids I love them," he whispered,
our fingers still touching until I walked away too far. I couldn't
speak, my voice would fail, I knew. I nodded, finally turning to walk
out the door and close it before I promptly slid down the metal and
burst into silent tears.
"Ma'am?" I looked up through my tears at a nurse bending beside
me. Her face was concerned, but friendly as she put her hand on my
shoulder. "Are you ok?"
Taking a deep breath, I nodded and got up slowly. The world
threatened to spin, but I kept the feeling at bay and made my way
towards the waiting room. Haruka, Michiru and Ami all stood as soon as
they seen me come through the door. "How is Mamoru-san?" Ami asked
immediately, at my side before Haruka and Michiru could move.
"He's ok tonight," I mumbled. The voice that left my mouth didn't
sound like me, didn't sound right at all. Ami looked more worried as I
spoke. "Haruka-san, could you take me home? I want to see my girls."
The blonde nodded, opening the door and holding it as Michiru,
Ami and I passed through. We got in the car, all silent as we sped
through the streets of Tokyo and towards the neighborhood where I
lived. I stared at the house, but it seemed different, knowing that
Mamo-chan wasn't there. It didn't seem like a home at all, only a shell
that once held my happiness within it's grasp. The sun had barely set,
proving the rest of the world went on despite my fear and anxieties.
"Usagi-chan!" Makoto jumped up from the couch, running over to
the doorway as soon as she heard it open. "How is Mamoru-san? What's
happened?" I walked past her, my mind set on one thing. "Usagi-chan?"
Makoto repeated, looking at me strangely.
I walked down the hall numbly passing by all eight Senshi, not
looking into my bedroom, but passing it and going to Chibi-Usa's. I
pushed open the door slowly, expecting to see my oldest daughter laying
on her bed, perhaps asleep. Instead I gasped as I saw a brilliant white
winged horse laying in the floor, Chibi-Usa bent over it and crying.
Her bloodshot eyes looked up at me and she inhaled sharply, looking
from the unicorn to me again. "Mama, Pegasus is hurt. He hurts, like
Papa..."
"Oh my God, Chibi-Usa..." I breathed, closing the bedroom door
and going over to bend next to the horse. I didn't know much about this
sort of thing, but the creature defiantly looked ill. It's huge pitiful
eyes looked up at me, like it recognized me. "Mama, can Ami fix him?
Please?" The animal's head fell back against the floor as if the small
strain it took to lift it's head up took all it's energy. I nodded,
biting my bottom lip. Chibi-Usa got to her feet, running out of the
room.
I stared at the creature, feeling so bad for it. I couldn't put
my finger on what it was, but I knew that Pegasus was in pain. I
wondered if the genius Senshi would be able to help. The horn of this
creature caught my eye, it's golden aura glimmering in the moon light
shining through the window. I reached my hand out towards it, drawn in
by the glow it gave off.
"Usagi-chan.... my goodness," Ami gasped, coming through the
door, everyone else at her heels. I jerked my hand back, my skin still
tingling with warmth. "What's wrong with him?" Ami asked Chibi-Usa, who
was still crying as she stood at my side.
"He hurts, in his chest, like Papa," Chibi-Usa sniffled, falling
to her knees and bringing the unicorn's head to rest in her lap. "He
hurts badly."
"Can you talk to it?" Rei asked, amazed. "Can you hear it?"
Chibi-Usa nodded as it was the most common thing in the world to
talk to animals. I suppose growing up in a house with Luna and Artemis
had taught her that. Lovingly she ran her hand down the horse's thin
face, one of her glimmering tears falling on it's mane and sliding
down. I watched with baited breath as Ami numbly pulled out her mini
computer and began scanning the creature.
Chibi-Usa looked up, watching Ami intensely. "A bad rose," my
daughter whispered, her eyes glassy. I swung my eyes from the horse up
to my daughter, aware that Chibi-Usa's voice was somehow different than
the normal girlish chirp she usually had. Her eyes were dark and her
hand automatically petted back and forth on the horse. "A beautiful
garden, but one bad rose. It infected Ellison, it infected Pegasus...
it infected Papa..." The words were no more out of her mouth than
suddenly Chibi-Usa's eyes faded closed and she slumped to the side.
"Chibi-Usa!" I cried, jumping up. The brilliant white unicorn
still had it's head on her lap, a tear falling down it's face. I just
knew that if I could hear it, it would also be calling her name. I
picked my daughter up, laying her out on the bed. Ami stopped in mid-
scan of the creature and quickly came over to the bed where Setsuna was
already checking her pulse.
Both women sat back, apparently having come to the same
conclusion. It was Setsuna who finally spoke: "She's sleeping," she
said quietly, her magenta eyes staring at Chibi-Usa. "I'd say
exhaustion, from the shock of everything that has happened today. And,
of course, she spent most of the afternoon crying." The Senshi of Time
stood, pulling a blanket up over Chibi-Usa. "She'll be ok." Ami nodded
her conformation.
I looked back down at the creature, but it's eyes were closed as
if it, too, were exhausted. Soundlessly it got to it's feet, looking
like it would collapse. It's large amber eyes turned to me, but if it
was speaking, I couldn't hear. In fascination I watched as it leapt up,
it's front feet coming off the ground and it jumped onto the bed. I
screamed, thinking it was harming Chibi-Usa. But the second it's hooves
came towards her, it disappeared, like it was being sucked into her
chest. I just stared. "What the hell just happened?"
Ami, eyes wide, seemed to be trying to figure it out. In the end
she shook her head, biting her bottom lip. "It's strange, Usagi-chan. I
don't know how to explain it, but that creature seems to be *in* Chibi-
Usa. Not hurting her, just... *there*."
"But she's ok?" I whispered, placing my hand on her forehead. Her
skin was cool to touch, her breathing regular. To look at her no one
would know a unicorn was within her. The perfect hiding place.... "He's
hiding," I mumbled, my eye brows knitted together. "From that woman
Chibi-Usa said was hurting him. He's hiding, in her." Which meant the
new enemy, whoever it was, was also looking for my daughter. I felt a
shiver of apprehension go up my spine.
Putting one arm under her legs and the other under her back, I
lifted Chibi-Usa up from the bed and went into my bedroom with her.
Trying to block out the images of Mamo-chan in my head as I laid her
down, pulling the comforter up over her body. "Where's Keri?"
"Asleep," Hotaru said, coming into the bedroom and leaning
against the door frame. "I can watch her, she'll be fine Usagi-san. If
you want to just get some rest."
I smiled at the petite Senshi of Saturn, nodding. To sleep would
be the best thing, I reasoned. Then the morning could come and I could
go to Mamo-chan. Everyone bid me good night, all saying they were going
to crash in the living room. Michiru shut the door, leaving me alone
with Chibi-Usa and my memories. Rubbing my hands on my arms I went into
the adjoining bathroom to change. As I came back, I stared numbly at
the bed I had never slept in without Mamo-chan. The thought nearly
scared me.
I climbed into the queen size bed, shutting the light off. For
hours it seemed, I laid there staring out the window and into the night
sky. The sheets smelt of him, his pillow under my head giving off the
faint smell of aftershave. I tried to block it out, to stop the tears
that threatened to fall, but couldn't. Chibi-Usa was laying on the side
of the bed I normally laid on, sound asleep. But I couldn't sleep, not
without Mamo-chan's arms to hold me. It was a need I never knew I had,
until it was gone. Now I could only toss and turn, trying to ignore the
feeling of emptiness in my heart.
For hours I laid there, my arms wrapped tightly around Mamo-
chan's pillow as I tried to go to sleep. It was nearly one a.m. when I
gave up completely. Rising soundlessly, I pulled on some sweatpants and
a t-shirt, sandals and a jacket. I kissed Chibi-Usa's forehead and
scribbled a small note that I left on the nightstand to let the Senshi
know where I was. Quiet as a mouse I went down the hall, checking on
Keri, only to find her sound asleep. I tiptoed over and past sleeping
Senshi that were sprawled out all of my living room and out the kitchen
door to the garage. I almost had the door shut when a I heard a voice
hiss my name.
"Luna?" I whispered, looking back in the kitchen. "What are you
doing up?"
"I could ask you the same," my guardian feline replied, sitting
on the counter and looking at me indignantly. "Sneaking out at one in
the morning, not telling anyone where you are going...."
I grinned, running my hand down Luna's back. "I'm going to Mamo-
chan, Luna. And I left minna a note."
Luna stared at me a moment, making me feel like she was searching
my soul for something. I couldn't really tell in the semi-darkness of
the kitchen, but I thought her features relaxed some. "Be careful,
Usagi-chan."
I hugged Luna as best as one can hug a cat and stepped back to
the door. "Thank you Luna," I whispered and shut the door behind me.
Determination ran through my veins as I flipped the light on in the
garage, my only thought was getting to Mamo-chan as fast as I could.
Which, it turned out, would be harder than I expected. Haruka, Makoto
and Ami's cars were parked behind Mamo-chan's, blocking my escape
there. For a moment I was stumped; I knew that the bus didn't work this
late and I never did like the subway.
And then it dawned on me. Duh! I told myself gruffly, nearly
giggling. I'm not Sailor Moon for nothing! With a nearly triumphant
throw of my arm upwards, I summoned the ginzuishou and closed my eyes.
"Moon Crystal Power!"
Within minutes I was jumping from roof top to roof top, easily
making my way towards the hospital. I couldn't wait to see Mamo-chan,
to have him hold me. So imagine my surprise, if you will, when I
detransformed, went into the hospital and to his room; only to found
him sitting up, trying to remove all the machines hooked to him. "Mamo-
chan?"
"Usako!" My husband had been so preoccupied with the tubes that
he hadn't seen me come in. His blue eyes looked up at me like I was
surely a figment of his imagination. He blinked, still staring at me.
"What's wrong?"
Raising one eyebrow, I smiled sheepishly. "I... I couldn't sleep
without you.." I admitted.
The relief on his face was instantaneous. He stopped messing with
the tube and took a deep breath. "Mo*, Usako, you scared me to death. I
felt you transform and I started thinking it was an enemy..."
"No, I... wait, you *felt* me transform?" I asked, coming to sit
on the side of his bed now that he thought he would lay back down.
He nodded, surprise lighting up his features. "Hai, I thought you
knew? I.. I can feel you, inside me. It's hard to explain, but I just
know how you feel when you are experiencing a strong emotion. I can
feel when you are really happy, sad, scared and... well, I feel
*everything* you feel when we are together." I felt a blush heat up my
face and I brought my hands to my face, nearly hiding behind them. His
strong hand reached up, pulling on my own. "Don't hide, there's nothing
to be ashamed of."
"But--why? Why can you feel what I do and I can't you? It's not
fair," I mumbled, biting my bottom lip. "It's not fair that you have to
go through everything I do. Why don't I have that connection with you?"
Mamo-chan chuckled, reaching to bring me towards him. Kicking my
sandals off I lay beside him, nearly on top of him, and allowed him to
put his strong arms around me. Relief flooded through me, finally being
in his arms, where I belonged.
"After my parents died, I relied on the link between you and I a
lot. I didn't know what it was then, but it helped me live through the
orphanages, through being alone. I just knew that one day I would find
who it was I had that connection with, and I wouldn't be alone anymore.
You helped me through so much, without knowing it.
"And then one day I felt emotions so strong that it was like a
wave crashing. It was the day I first saw you, and I knew. I passed you
going into the arcade the night you arrived from the States. I watched
you and Shingo eating and talking to Motoki, then Haruka and Michiru. I
watched as you left, and saw the man pulling a gun on you. I knew how
scared you were... you were even scared of me..."
I felt his arms tightened around me and I answered the call
happily, snaking my own arms around his midsection carefully. For a
long moment we just held each other, saying nothing. But questions were
still burning in my mind. "Mamo-chan, why don't I have that? Why can't
I feel you?"
"You do," he said simply, his lips grazing my forehead. "You just
don't realize it yet. You are so understanding of everyone's emotions
that you don't think much about it. You share bonds with all of the
Senshi, and me, and the kids... That's how everyone knew you had
wrecked the car that night; we all felt the same strong surge of fear
from you. It's how you know how they are feeling, without them telling
you."
I nodded, too sleepy to discuss it anymore. Now that I was in his
arms, the sleep that had been evading me all night crept slowly into my
body and mind. I yawned, grasping Mamo-chan's shirt in my hand. "I love
you, so very, very, very much," I whispered, feeling his lips on my
head again.
"I love you," he replied. Those words: we had exchanged them so
many hundreds of times throughout our life together. Yet they still
throbbed with the same sincerity; still brought a smile to my lips. It
was hard to say how I felt for Mamo-chan, hard to explain how deep my
emotions ran for him. But those words, however clumsy Mamo-chan once
said them to be, still summoned it up nicely to me. I love you didn't
just mean that I held love for my husband. They meant he held my heart,
my life, my happiness, my past, my future and I, his. It meant that for
all eternity I would have this happiness in my heart.
I drifted off to sleep, my heart still thumping steadily to the
feeling in my veins. To the peacefulness that always settled over me
when Mamo-chan had his arms, his love, wrapped securely around me.
--End Chapter 4.
This chapter is... mushy and pointless. Ok, so less pointless, but
still mushy. I couldn't help it, I needed a break from tension and what
better way to do that than to remind everyone yet *again* why Usagi and
Mamoru are together ^_^ Even if I have them producing spores like Keri.
The action heats up in the next chapter, infact, a lot of things are
explained, some fights break out amoung the senshi, there are some more
questions to take place of those answered, and someone dies. :} So, in
light of everything I've just said, I hope everyone sticks around for
chapter five!
*Mo means "geez" in japanese
Read? Like? Hate? Review! Because I suck at mind reading ;)
3 Bethany
12-30-02