AN: The next chapter is here peeps!!! I want to thank the people that reviewed and offered their encouragement. It helped me decide to finish this fic and the others I started and then I'd see what happened from there.
Thank yous to: Miko, A. Lee, Hikari and everybody else who helped in getting my lazy ass to stop being, well… a lazy ass!! Thanks!
Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon or Krispy Kreme but I love them both!
Back to work
'I can't believe I'm back here…', the stunned thought crossed Usagi's mind as she looked around. She knew they would feel that she teleported at the very least they'd know she was in the country. Sitting down on the chair next to the bed Usagi curled up and thought on the recent events that had brought her back to Tokyo.
Needless to say it had been one hell of a week…
Earlier in the week…
Usagi shot up in her bed. She didn't notice the tears that rolled down her cheeks. Her chest heaved as she tried to calm her racing heart. The sound of the 'Charles Angels' theme song rang from her cell phone and echoed in her ears. On autopilot she reached over to the night table right next to her bed rummaged through the top drawer before pulling out two items. Slipping a headset over her hair and into her ears she connected it to the phone before answering the, quickly becoming annoying, communications device.
"Hello?"
Her eyes widened at the sound of her own voice, it sounded like she had just spent a great deal of time crying. Which was probably true judging by how soaked her pillow was.
"Usagi."
"Egypt." Usagi greeted happily as a smile spread across her lips when she recognized the concerned melodious voice.
"The one and only and are you alright?!" the woman demanded anxiously.
"Yeah…" Usagi said after clearing her throat to at least try to sound convincing, "I'm fine."
"I don't buy that but I'll take that bullshit response anyway."
"Change of subject please." Usagi requested rolling her eyes at Egypt's reply.
"Okay," The woman conceded grudgingly, "how did your assignment go?"
Leaning back into her pillow Usagi relaxed as she answered, "Fine. I just got my next one last night."
"Have you looked at it yet?"
"Negative."
"Great, I've got to brief you on the details anyway. I'll be over in five." The frustrating woman said without so much as asking before--
Click.
Reclining further against the propped pillows of her bed Usagi's eyes drifted closed for a mere second and in that second the crack of her father's head, the blood spilling, the pain of that night resounded through her head.
Glowing eyes snapped open and Usagi sighed, resigned to her fate.
Instead she decided to lounge for a moment and just enjoy the extreme softness of her bed, made special for her, and the sight of the late morning sun spilling through the curtains of her bedroom balcony. The unique light in Usagi's eyes sparkled as she silently appreciated the sounds of the city.
New York was so different from Tokyo.
Both were busy and famous but the atmosphere of the Big Apple was just so refreshing and diverse compared to Tokyo. There were so many different types of people in the city from all over the world and Usagi relished the vibe of the American city.
It would seem that the metropolitan had somehow wormed its way into her heart.
Shaking her head to get out of her daze Usagi rolled out of bed and walked over to her bathroom and brushed her teeth with the quickness that years of waking up late for school gave her. Finishing that task the golden haired teen strolled over to her walk-in closet and pulled out a pair of snug fitting yoga pants with a body-hugging pink cami ending an inch above her belly button. Ready to face her visitor Usagi strode out of her bedroom and made a beeline for the kitchen. Going straight to the pantry box she beamed at the large box of Krispy Kreme™ donuts that resided in the square container. Making a mental note to thank housekeeping she grabbed the box and practically flew to the couch to devour her prize. Just as Usagi raised the round confection to her mouth her doorbell rung.
Usagi looked from the door to the box.
She was torn.
Open the door or eat.
Open.
Eat.
Open.
Eat.
Food would almost always come first but then again she always tried to be polite...
A bellow echoed through the hallway of her floor, "Usagi, you better unlock this door right now! I did not leave the company of a super sexy man to stand outside of a door all day. Put the food down, get off your lazy ass and open the damn door!!"
...guess that decision was made.
Looking mournfully at the circle of fried dough she carefully placed it on top of the box before walking to the apartment's entrance. Her face was fixed into a pout as she gazed back at the box, "Who is it?" she almost sang as she looked through the peephole.
A pair of gray eyes looked stared back at her blankly, "It's Santa Clause. Who do you think it is?!"
Opening the door Usagi watched as the gray eyes went from blank to annoyed. Usagi stared at the older woman and said bluntly, "Don't give me that look, Gyp. You didn't give me anytime to eat and you're the one disturbing my meal."
"I told you I'd be here in five minutes."
"You didn't give me anytime--" Usagi started to reiterate.
"Please…" the other woman, said dismissively waving her hand while taking a seat on the comfy couch, "I've seen you devour three steaks in thirty seconds. I gave you plenty of time!" Settling her purse next to her Egypt crossed her legs and swung her foot back and forth while reaching for a donut. While Egypt munched on the fattening dough, Usagi silently observed her friend, mentor and essentially the woman who was like an older sister to her. Egypt had taken care of her for the first six months that she was in this confusing yet exciting country and taught her how to curse in other languages.
It was odd how well she and this completely different woman had clicked, despite the fact that Egypt looked like she was in her mid twenties she was actually closer to her mid thirties. Large black spiral curls with magenta highlights fell past her caramel colored shoulders and to the middle of her back, with eyes that looked gray were actually a unique combination of hazel and gray. Full lips chomped on the confection almost angrily and Usagi's eyebrow rose.
"What's got your panties in a twist?" The blonde asked leaning back into the cushions grabbing a donut for herself.
Usagi watched as Egypt sighed tiredly before answering with more than a little bit of bitterness in her tone, "Aaron's mother's in town and that evil debutante of a bitch hates me."
"That can't be--"
"She hates me." Egypt said with a certainty that was sort of unnerving slouching into the softness that was Usagi 's couch.
"Why?!"
"I don't know why and I don't care." Rolling her eyes Egypt reached inside her purse rummaging through various items, "I didn't come here to vent."
After removing several items including a taser gun, handcuffs, 2 tranquilizer guns and one bloated makeup bag she finally pulled out an envelope, "The information needed for your next assignment.", Egypt said handing it to the blonde.
"Thanks, where am I going?", she asked accepting the packet and opening it.
Usagi skimmed through the words on the sheets contained in the envelope.
Frowning at a chipped nail Egypt extracted a file from her makeup bag and while performing an emergency manicure answered Usagi, "You're departing to Brazil, South America. Salvador to be exact."
"Why?" Bemused eyes shot up to Egypt's face. Since she'd been working on her own Usagi's assignment's had mainly been above the equator.
Meeting the blonde's gaze from over her nail Egypt said evenly, "According to Kei, this specific assignment is your area of expertise."
Usagi's eyes skimmed down the mission summary. Groaning when she saw the words 'extremely dangerous' printed in bold, she vaguely heard…
"Better brush up your Portuguese…"
Slowly lowering the sheet of information she stared at the woman across from her with a bland expression, "Are you enjoying yourself?"
"Very much so, thank you."
"When did you get so sadistic?"
"About three weeks ag-"
"Come again?"
"What's with all the questions?" Egypt asked irritably trying to divert away from her slip up. When she saw the determined expression on the younger girl's face she sighed tiredly, relenting, "I went for my annual check up and I got some news. It seems that I'm going to have to take some time off."
Concern instantly made it's known as Usagi fired question after question at the other female, "What is it? Are you okay? What can I do? Is there a cure? Is it permanent--"
Egypt smiled passively at Usagi before answering with a straight, no nonsense tone, "It's very permanent." However she couldn't help cracking a smile at the almost desperate visage of worry from her protégé.
"I'm pregnant."
Usagi back stiffened as she stared at Egypt in total shock.
"Oh my God", the words came out in a whisper yet Egypt still caught them.
"I know!!" The smile on Egypt's face looked like it was about to become painful but Usagi felt the excitement rolling off her friend and quickly joined her shouting an equally enthusiastic, "OH MY GOD!"
"Okay, now you sound like Aaron." The suddenly sobered woman said to Usagi not deterring the keen blonde an iota.
"How far along are you?"
"Four weeks."
"Do you know what it is?"
"It's too early to tell but I'm kind of impartial."
Usagi's eyebrows arched of it's own accord as she asked, "Why?", clearly bewildered at the nearly indifferent response.
"Cause God help me if I get a girl and she turns out like me." Egypt leaned back in her seat, "I can just see it now. Me trying to get my daughter down from playing with the monkeys at the zoo because 'they looked lonely'. I swear I don't how my mother put up with me as long as she did."
"And if it's a boy?"
"Heaven forbid he turns out like Aaron…I'll have to lock him in his room as soon as he hits puberty!"
"How did Aaron take it?" Usagi asked curious at the father's reaction to this amazing news.
"I'll tell you when he regains consciousness."
Sharing a look both females burst out in a combination of laughter and snickering, after a few moments they had collected themselves and Usagi couldn't help but feel a little bit of bafflement and amusement about Aaron's response, "That is so not the reaction I would have expected from the 'tough as nails' lawyer."
"Tell me about." Egypt said, rolling her eyes as she thought of her lover who's favorite past time was kick boxing, fainting at the mere thought of being a father.
"You're gonna be a mommy."
"I know."
"Scared?"
"Shitless."
"Why?"
"What if I suck at it?"
"Well…" Usagi said laying her head down in Egypt's lap, ear pressed against the woman's currently flat stomach, "Then the Boss will call you on it and whenever you need a babysitter I'm--"
"You? Babysitting?" Egypt exclaimed looking down at the teen in her lap incredulously.
"Are you kidding? I'm great with kids!"
Silently Usagi thought of all the times she had to take care of ChibiUsa and ChibiChibi…
"As long as they can't talk."
"Whatever." Suddenly Egypt gasped, her eyes widening as she turned stared at Usagi, "I almost forgot!" Grabbing the blonde's hand Egypt pulled her out the door and towards the elevator. The blonde barely had time to slip on some backless sneakers as the elder woman rushed Usagi out of her apartment. Stabbing at the button Egypt impatiently glared at the lit up dial while tapping her foot, "Come on!"
Usagi looked at the older woman confused as she tried to glare the elevator into obedience, "Where are we going?!"
"It's a surprise!" Egypt's head snapped to meet her protégé's gaze and she smiled happily as the machine finally submitted to her iron will before stepping into the elevator and staring expecting at the girl before she snapped, "Hurry your ass up."
One quiet elevator ride down and both females were standing outside Usagi's building.
Egypt beaming and Usagi staring in shock.
"What do you think?" the proud woman finally asked after more than a few moments of silence.
The sight before her was enough to leave the blonde almost speechless, "It's…it's a--"
"It's a PINK CADILLAC!!!" Usagi watched as one of the women she respected most in this world began to literally jump up and down with excitement while humming some song under her breath.
All the blonde could do was nod in agreement while saying, "Yes it is."
Still beaming with pride Egypt stopped herself to lovingly caress the vehicle while explaining in an adoring tone, "It's the same one Aretha had in her music video 'Freeway of Love'!!!"
Figuring it was just some old person thing; Usagi wisely kept her mouth shut and again nodded her head compliancy, "Okay."
Still stroking the machine in a manner that had more than one man on the street looking at it in envy, Egypt pouted as she turned her blonde companion, "I had to pay a fortune. Of course Aaron's not gonna be happy," she brought her hand up, rubbing her chin thoughtfully for a moment before shrugging her shoulder nonchalantly, "….but who gives a shit what he wants. I GOT MY CADI!!!!!"
Having finished silently worshipping her car Egypt jumped into the driver's seat and looked at the blonde bunny, "Let's go shopping!"
"But I thought you said--"
"Just get in the damn car!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Forty-eight hours later a tall woman with wine colored hair walked into the lobby of the hotel. She glanced around the room indifferently before heading directly to the check-in counter. The young man behind the counter gazed at the woman as if she were a movie star, with her dark sunglasses and cool composure decked out in a skirt suit. The woman smiled warmly at the man, slowly his senses came back and he said in slightly broken English, "Can I help you?"
Clearing her voice, she toyed with the chain around her neck. Looking up at him with a warm and understanding expression she said to his surprise, "Eu gostaria de falar ao gerente, por favor."
(I would like to speak to the manager, please.)
He looked at her in shock for a moment. It wasn't often when an obvious foreigner came to the hotel actually speaking the native language. She watched in amusement as he almost stumbled over his chair getting up, before saying over his shoulder, "Prenda sobre, senhorita."
(Hold on, Miss.)
Looking once more she gazed at a family that was obviously on vacation. She smiled as she watched the two little boys tugging at their father's shirt and what was probably his wife hanging off of him with her arms wrapped around his neck, all of whom were collectively voicing what they wanted to do first.
Suddenly teary eyed and very happy for the sunglasses that shielded her eyes, she turned away from the sight only to see the man returning with another man. The new man was older and taller and looked rather upset at being torn away from whatever he had been doing.
Still he put on a polite smile, shaking her hand cordially. Releasing her hand, he said in a smooth tenor voice, "Você desejou falar-me, Senhorita."
(You wished to speak to me, Miss.)
Nodding her head in agreement, "Sim. Sr...."
(Yes. Mr...)
"Rivera."
Smiling in acknowlegment she continued, "Sr. Rivera, eu fui emitido de L.E. ao cuidado da tomada do distúrbio que ligeiro você teve reportedly." The man's eyes widened considerably as he processed what she said.
(Mr. Rivera, I was sent from L.E. to take care of the slight disturbance you reportedly had.)
Nodding to himself he looked to the young woman standing before him with realization, his facial expression relaxed into a less forced version, "Sim... Senhorita..."
(Yes...Miss...)
"Hikari." She offered with a sincere smile.
"A Senhorita Hikari, poderia você vem a meu escritório assim que nós poderíamos discutir esta matéria mais mais." Mr. Rivera said gesturing towards the back of the hotel away all the curious eyes and ears in the lobby.
(Miss. Hikari, could you come to my office so we could discuss this matter further.)
"Naturalmente", she replied expressing her understanding as she followed his arm. Afterall people hired L.E. for discretion and if she was going to do her job, she was going to do it right.
(Of course.)
After walking through two hallways they reached an office and he politely held the door for her. Stepping into the room she immediately took a seat on the chair closest to the desk. Ren waited for the man to be seated as well before asking, "Que é exatamente o problema, Sr. Rivera?"
(What exactly is the problem, Mr. Rivera?)
Mr. Rivera ran a hand through his graying hair, a sign of immense frustration, before looking up at her with an expression that was a mixture of gratitiude and dread, "A senhorita do problema. Hikari é que há um monster em nossa propriedade recentemente compra."
(The problem Miss. Hikari is that there is a monster on our newly purchased property.)
Not at all fazed by the information he had provided, she looked at him patiently. He looked so upset and stressed, like he wanted to say more but was afraid to. Either for herself or himself. Smiling passively at the man, she asked, "Pode você ser justo um bocado mais na profundidade?"
(Can you be just a bit more in depth?)
Sighing in what was either resignation or relief he sagged into his chair as he relayed the information, "Após meses das negociações nossa companhia tinha adquirido finalmente as ações as terras junto a este recurso. Duas semanas há era a terra que quebra e a construção foi suposta para começar alguns dias há." He paused for a moment as the fear once again made itself known in his eyes.
(After months of negotiations our company had finally acquired the deeds the lands adjacent to this resort. Two weeks ago was the ground breaking and construction was supposed to start a few days ago.)
"Então que, senhor?" Ren said regardfully not wanting to cause the man any discomfort or distress.
(Then what, sir?)
Taking a moment he continued slowly, as if still processing the events, "A criatura mostrou acima uma semana há e atacou os homens no local de construção. Recusam retornar até que nós possamos os assegurar isso que a criatura está destruída."
(The creature showed up a week ago and attacked the men on the construction site. They refuse to return until we can assure them that that creature is destroyed.)
The woman watched the older man tiredly rub the bridge of his nose. She could see in his eyes that that wasn't the entire truth and regardless of whether or not she wanted to help him get over his own issues she wasn't here as a therapist and she had to a job to do.
"Eu penso do eu compreendo o Sr. Rivera..."
(I think I understand Mr. Rivera…)
His head snapped up as she abruptly stood from her seat. Getting up to meet her at the door he shook her hand vigoriously. "Nossa equipe de funcionários inteira está em seu saque para qualquer coisa que você pôde necessitar, Senhorita. Hikari. Qualquer coisa começar livrado dessa criatura. Nós gastamos assim muito naquelas terras e para elas para remanescer não utilizados..." (Our entire staff is at your service for anything you might need, Ms. Hikari. Anything to get rid of that creature. We spent so much on those lands and for them to remain unused…)
Ren nodded her head in understanding, quickly catching his drift. "Eu farei que mim lata, senhor."
(I will do what I can, sir.)
Just as she was about to reach for the door knob, she turned to him and added, "Eu necessitarei também um mapa da área e de um veículo transportar-se ao lugar de avistar."
(I will need a map of the area and a vehicle to transport myself to the place of sighting.)
"Feito." He said without any hesitation before adding enthusiastically, "Eu poderia emitir um do meu emprego--"
(Done. I could send one of my employ--)
"Negativo." She said cutting him off before he could finish his statement, quickly explaining, "Eu não posso arriscar ter alguma outra pessoa na vizinhança encerro a criatura aconteço estar na área."
(Negative. I cannot risk having someone else in the vicinity incase the creature happens to be in the area.)
"Há qualquer outra coisa?" he asked as she opened the door and stepped outside the office.
(Is there anything else?)
Ren thought for a moment before repling, "Eu gostaria realmente de freshen acima de meu vôo."
(I would really like to freshen up from my flight.)
"Naturalmente, Senhorita. Hikari." Mr. Rivera said as they walked the way back to the main lobby he turned to the man, "Antonio, senhorita da elasticidade. Hikari um de nossos mais melhores quartos e manda alguém ajudar-lhe com sua bagagem."
(Of course, Miss. Hikari.) (Antonio, make sure Miss. Hikari has one of our best rooms and have someone help her with her luggage.)
"Sim senhor."
(Yes sir.)
Ren looked at both men and quickly said, "Isso não é necessário Sr. Rivera, obrigado."
(That is not necessary Mr. Rivera, thank you.)
"O que quer que você deseja…"
(Whatever you wish…)
Smiling gratefully at Mr. Rivera, she watched the older man leave. Turning around she jumped at the appearance of a bellhop standing directly behind her with her bags in hand. Shrugging her shoulders she followed him to the elevator.
The ride in the elevator with the bellhop was quiet as Ren really didn't have much to say, so taking the hint the bellhop quietly admired the glamorous woman beside him. Her hair the color of red wine, glistened in the sunlight, shining an unusual light and almost seeming to glow. Almost like her skin with that beautiful golden tan.
But the beauty herself seemed rather oblivious to the man's admiring gaze as a tiny frown marred her pretty face. Wanting to know why she frowned but too shy to ask he silently led her to the suite that manager had specfically wanted this guest to stay in.
Opening the door for her she flashed him a brilliant smile as she walked past him into the suite. Slightly dazed from her dazzling smile he took great care as he lowered her bags to the floor.
He watched entranced as she walked over to the glass doors of the balcony, her body glowing with sunlight as she basked in the sun before she caught him gawking at her he quickly and quietly left.
Ren turned around with what she thought was a good tip in hand, to find the bellhop gone. Shrugging her shoulders she grabbed an envelope off one of the tables, placed the tip inside and in a neat cursive wrote the name of the bellhop.
Placing the envelope on the table Ren wandered around the suite, until she came to the bedroom. Dumping her luggage on the four post canopy bed she proceeded to deposit her suit on the floor quickly followed by the heels she had been wearing.
Ren rummaged through her bag before pulling a navy blue bikini, with a pair of white cropped jeans out. Putting them, she grabbed a pair of matching sunglasses, that were specially made for her, and a navy backpack.
Shoving the room's keys inside and a few other supplies into the backpack, she slipped into a pair of white running shoes and left the suite.
As soon she stepped out of the elevator a pair of keys and a map was handed to her and she walked out of the hotel, a black Jeep was waiting. Running around it she jumped into the driver's seat and putting the key in, drove away from the hotel.
Following the map, while driving was proving to be a little challenging but somehow Ren made it to the spot without being in or causing any massive amounts of personal or property damage.
Parking the car a safe distance away from where the creature was last spotted Ren got out and surveyed the area.
Cautious eyes took in every detail around her trying to find some hint of where the supposed 'monster' might be.
About forty-five minutes later, Ren had wandered quite a ways from her vehicle and still there wasn't a sign of any monster. It was an almost unnoticeable shift in the atmosphere but it was enough that instinct told her to duck. As soon as she hit the ground a wave of something passed overhead and Ren tucked and rolled away from it. When she stopped rolling she was facing the ocean more importantly what was coming out of the ocean.
She'd found the creature.
Ren threw herself away from the flying tentacle that was aiming for her head. The monster she was sent to 'dispose' eerily resembled a giant squid except it was about five times the size of a normal one and it had three heads instead of one plus instead of harmless but staining ink being shot at her, a bluish-green substance that bubbled suspiciously when it hit the surface of the beach.
If it was difficult to dodge on concrete than it was down right complex to do it on a movable land like sand.
And as if she had just jinxed herself with the thought her feet slipped after she performed a back flip. Landing awkwardly on her side she tired to get up as quickly as she could but she wasn't swift enough because three of the creatures thick tentacles shot out and wrapped itself harshly around her body.
Ren winced as the muscles of the tentacles holding her contracted crushing the breath out of her body and to make it even worst she found out what that substance was: acid. Drawing as much breath into her body as she could through the immense amount of pain she was feeling, she released her disguise and Usagi stared into the eyes of the beast she had been hesitant to fight from the beginning. Using their physical connection as a link Usagi let herself radiate her intentions.
'I'm not here to hurt you.'
Without words it could sense what she was saying the creature ceased its action but kept its hold on her. Realizing this wordless communication just might save her she continued, 'Where are you from? Why did you attack those people? Why did you attack me?'
Staring into it's tawny eyes, she tired to exude her true intents and the fact she sincerely meant it no harm. Usagi became worried when no reply nor reason came from the being that literally held her life in it's 'hands'. Suddenly without warning images of the squid-creature and a several smaller versions of it, flashed before her eyes.
Feeling of protectiveness, love, devotion flooded her senses. It's hold on her loosened.
Blinking to clear her vision and her head, immediately her natural empathy took over and Usagi's eyes widened in understanding.
It was a she.
And the smaller forms were her children.
'You were protecting your family?'
Another scene invaded her vision and again Usagi saw the figures as in the first one but in this one the creature holding her was protecting the little ones from a larger hidden form. Taking her children she fled away, following an almost invisible but tangible trail of light, hoping to find shelter for her children before they could continue to their journey. Then humans happened upon their haven…
'How long have you been here?'
'Almost ten years…' Usagi was shocked by both the almost verbal response and the answer. They had been here long before she had become Sailor Moon or found out about her destiny.
'Why have you waited so long to leave?' Again she did not answer. Instead the creature gestured to the water, releasing Usagi so she could see. Taking slow steps Usagi approached the waterfront, again she gestured to the water, taking the hint Usagi, deciding against turning back into Ren, removed her boots before diving into the blue water. Underwater Usagi waited for her to lead and she didn't have to wait for a large splash to signal the creature entered.
Swimming longer than she would've thought she'd have been able to the she-creature and Usagi, who was re-emerging from the depths to take deep breaths to continue their long trek since she wasn't completely sure whether or not she needed air to breathe, finally came to their destination.
Breaking through the surface once more Usagi flicked a wet lock of hair out her face and looked around, her golden hair floating almost serenely in the water, around her.
It was a huge cavern, obviously hidden from view by the large waterfall that was blocking her view of the outside world, the ceilings were far above the ground and the walls seemed to be miles apart but her attention was drawn to the feeling of a very familiar aura.
Unfortunately.
Usagi walked over to the forms lying prone on the floor of the cave and placed a gentle hand on one of their tentacles. They didn't move and she allowed her senses to reach out and touch them. Usagi's eyes abruptly opened and through her mind's eye she saw the sorrow the she-creature felt and sent her sympathy.
'They are dying.'
'Yes, I thought the energy of this planet would be able to help them heal quicker but it hasn't worked and they keep getting worse…'
'I can help.'
'What can you do?'
'This…', the ginzuishou shone from the chain as she mentally called on the power that was hers by birthright and mutual claim. Using her heart she made a request of the crystal and the purity of the power caused her glow. Every pore of her body glowed with a radiant light, her free hair billowing around her body as she walked, almost floated, to the small beings and laid her hands on one. Willing the energy to spread she watched through half-closed lids as white energy bounced from one sickly creature to another before finally landing on the mother.
When the energy vanished Usagi crumpled to her knees in exhaustion, leaning forward on her arms while taking large gulps of air as if she was suffocating. Looking up she once again using her empathy to feel that their respective auras had brightened and the she watched in elation as the tiny tentacles began to move slightly.
She could feel her joy mirrored in the mother and she took the time to smile at her before she collapsed face first on the stone floor of the cavern and sleep claiming her fatigued form.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Two days later, Usagi was lounging on the beach near the cavern watching the babies swim slowly around their mother. The treatments of positive energy were having an evident reaction on Xeif's offspring. As they splashed around in the water playing and becoming stronger.
'They are almost ready.'
'What will you do now?' Usagi inquired curious as to what Xeif would do now that her children were becoming well, 'You have no real reason to stay here anymore.'
'No I suppose we don't.'
'Than what will you do?'
'I want to take them home but I cannot…'
'Why not?'
'It has been a long time. I am not sure I know the way.'
'I think I can help you with that.' The wheels in the blonde's head were turning but she needed time to completely sort through them. 'All you really need is a guide. I'm almost sure I can provide you with one…I'll test it out tonight. I'll try to get you on your way home by tomorrow night.'
'Why do you help us?' Her middle head turned towards the one she couldn't think of as human as she asked this question.
'Why wouldn't I?' Usagi tilted her head to the side, genuinely confused as to why she would ask that question. Xeif had noble intentions even her actions were questionable but then again what mother wouldn't do anything to save her children. 'I'm just doing my job. The guidelines of my contract are to 'take care of' and eliminate problems for my client.' Smiling to herself she also sent, 'Technically by helping you, you are 'taken care of' and out of the way. As far as I'm concerned it's a win-win situation.' That being 'said' the blonde leaned back on the beach soaking up sun.
'From what I've seen of this planet, humans only destroy.' 'But then again, you're not exactly human.'
'That's not true.' Usagi sent denying both the first and second statements even if the second denial was slightly halfhearted. Ignoring where those thoughts might take her she tried to focus on the first statement. 'There are many wonderful people and creatures on this planet that live to protect and help make the world a better place.'
The senshi, the people she'd met working for L.E., all the people in her life that mattered to her flashed through her mind and shot into Xeif's. The blonde only realized what she was doing when she heard, 'Maybe…', 'whispered' hesitantly from Xeif.
The next day, the group had gathered on the beach where Usagi and Xeif had met to leave.
'I think this will work but just to be on the safe side, think about something at the cave that you want that I don't know about.' As the she-creature thought Usagi watched as something seemed to be heading straight for them from underneath the water. Whatever it was propelled itself out of the water and landed in one Xeif's tentacles. The tiny blonde could feel Xeif's surprise as she mentally murmured that it worked.
'It's supposed to work as something of a magnet to whatever you're thinking about. I don't really remember a lot from Chemistry but I remember enough about magnets so that I think it will 'pull' you home.'
'Thank you.'
'My pleasure.' 'It has a fail-safe if it doesn't work. You just think of me or this planet and you'll come back here and we can think of something else.'
'Now to make sure no one sees you.' Closing her eyes the air around Usagi chilled slightly and beneath her lids a light began to blaze, suddenly the chill around the blonde intensified. The creatures watched confused as Usagi's breath became visible and the cold energy pooled itself and collected into the bunny's open palms, forming a swirling mass of icy blue energy contained in the form of a ball. Softly glowing eyes opened and a single finger raised to poke at the ball. As soon as the finger pierced the membrane the energy exploded, spreading around the area and covering it with a thick fog.
After calling a fog forth for cover for the fleeing family, Usagi felt the wind whisper around, blowing her hair upward, as she cleared a path for the kin.
Slowly the younger ones hovered above the ground waiting for their mother. Xeif turned to Usagi and without even projecting her thoughts Usagi understood. Nodding her head the blonde watched the small group of lights of Earth stranded creatures rise into the night sky to join the waiting stars she silently sent a burst of encouragement and farewell to the hopeful travelers.
'Goodbye and thank you.'
Smiling at the speedily disappearing family Usagi instinctively clenched her hands around the ginzuishou as a huge wave of exhaustion and homesickness raged through her body. Crystal tears fell from her shimmering blue eyes, her chin quivering as the tears trailed down her cheeks.
Drawing deep breaths, the blonde promptly calmed herself.
Taking one last moment to stare at the stars turning Usagi gasped in shock as a pair of hands lunged for her neck, pushing her body into the ocean and dunking her head under the water. Throwing her arms out randomly she eventually landed a punch on whoever had ambushed her and frantically swam to the surface. When she reached the top she hastily gasped for air taking in as much oxygen as she could manage. Looking around for who or what had attacked her she tried to swim for the shore only to have her foot yanked and to be once again submerged in the ocean's cool embrace.
Holding her breath, Usagi desperately tried to see through the ocean, shadows surrounded her tiny form and all she could make out in the darkness were glowing eyes.
To Be Continued…
AN: Am I a bitch or what?
Love me?
Hate me?
I don't care! But REVIEW!!!!
P.S. the monster theme sort of came from an episode of 'Courage; the Cowardly Dog' that I had watched some time ago.
P.S.S. I'm thinking of doing a series of side stories. Probably titled something like 'The Adventures of Ren Hikari' of 'The Hikari Chronicles'. If I do, do it, it will most likely be a telling of what Usagi did during the year she was gone. If anyone's interested and even if they're not it will probably be coming out after I finish this fic.
P.S.S.S. Yes, I know. This is getting annoying I'd just like to add before anyone reviews that this chapter was more than 6,000 words long. So if I here any bitching about how short this chapter is. There will be hell to pay!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you.
^_~
