Hi, everyone! Well, has been down for like four days, but that gave me plenty of time to work on this long chapter! I hope you like it! I wrote it in just for ellsone of my dedicated reviewers! But it fit in nicely, and I loved writing it, as you will be able to see by the length! And for the record, I was done with this on the 24, but was messed up. -.-
WingsofaDream: Oh, no! Get the camera! Must have the picture in front of the Eiffel Tower! OMG! LOL! Man, gotta love your reviews.
omystars: Lots of people liked Minako's llama shaving excuse! Gotta love Minako! The cliffy on this chapter isn't so bad… so you get a little break. LOL! Thanks for reviewing!
JadesRose: No, no, update SOON!!!! I'll start writing horribly! Just update! LOL! Thanks for reviewing!!!!! Your reviews are ego-lifting and helpful! I like to know where my silly typos are!!!! So arigatou! LOL! And update soon!
ells: Actually, I think I'll keep them the way they are because I just realized that they won't need… well, never mind. You'll see! Next chapter or the next! But actually, after I'm done with the series, I might go back and edit all of the name issue—but right now, I'm on a roll! (And I'm almost done, so it will be soon!) So thanks for your help! Not much Shitennou in this chapter, but don't worry, next chapter will be different! I hope you enjoyed this episode because it was mostly for you! . But I'm not complaining! It was SO MUCH FUN TO WRITE!
karone-sakura: NOOO! NOT STUPID QUESTIONS!! NOOOOOOO!!! Haha! I hope you liked this chapter! It's long, and there's a lot of mush again, but I threw in two battle scenes and some other nice, action-esque things! Enjoy!
Neonlights: Hey, glad you liked it! There's not much of the Shitennou in this episode, because it focuses mostly on Usagi and Mamoru, but don't worry, the guys make their entrance next episode!
Mango-moo: I will have to go and check out your update! Thanks for reviewing!
Moosagi: Here's an update for you! Hope you enjoy!
Sailor Moon1996: I think you're a new face, but I might be wrong. I have no short-term memory! But if you are, hi! Glad to have you! Even more glad that you're enjoying the story!
Archangel Rhapsody: I take it that "wow" is a positive "wow"? bites lip anxiously LOL! Well, if so, I'm glad you like it!
insanechildfanfic: Hey! So are you! For reading and reviewing, that is!
sailor earth: I'm not sure when WingsofaDream is going to update. But I'm sure it will be soon, since she's usually good about it! elbows WingsofaDream And I know I keep saying this, but the generals will remember soon!!! SOOON! LOL! Thanks for reviewing! Oh, and btw, your review showed up twice, but I'm not complaining! ;-)
Senshi no Panku: YES! One person that is okay with the guys being memory-less for a little longer! YES! It won't be much longer, but still! Wow! Thanks for your flattering review! I tried very hard to make it romantic and exciting all at once! And about the names, I'm not going to change them right now, just because I'm in such a writing frenzy, but when I finish the story, I think I'll go back and give the Shitennou Japanese names. Confusing, I know, but if I stopped to do that now, updates would be slower! Oh no! And I hope your English HW wasn't too bad! Thanks for reviewing!
And by the way, minna. This chapter is over 7,000 words long! Wow! oO And I wrote it in a few hours! I'm on a ROLL!
So, enjoy!
-rosa
Chapter 17: The Calm Before the Storm
When Usagi woke up, the first thing she felt was pain shooting up and down her right leg.
Kuso…she thought bitterly, eyes shut against the tears. Beryl is dead but still she haunts me!
She opened her eyes. Zoisite was examining her leg. Other than him, she was alone. Zoisite saw she was awake and stood.
She locked eyes with him. He seemed deeply troubled but understanding was glowing in his face.
"Well, Usagi-san, you are very lucky. Your kneecap did not re-fracture because it was hit on the side instead of head on. But it is very tender right now, so the pain was magnified. That, your exhaustion, and the shock caused you to faint."
Ah. The Strategist suspects me.
"I did not tell your physician that you were back already," he continued, watching her face, "because most likely he would want to re-cast. But I'm sure that there is a reason you were the only one hurt in the youma attack that Mamoru chooses to keep to himself. Perhaps some reason that requires you to have use of your leg at all times."
Usagi smiled tiredly, giving him no answers in her eyes. "Where is Mamoru?" He knows who I am… now Zoisite… what am I doing wrong?
Zoisite grinned. "I told the guy he couldn't come in, so he paced for a while, then went back to the VR place for your cane."
Usagi laughed, endeared. "Sounds about right. If he didn't know you, he might have inflicted some bodily harm on you."
Zoisite smiled, but it slowly faded away. He sat down, and drew a deep breath, filled with questions.
"Usagi-san, you have known Mamoru for only a few weeks, but the two of you act as if you have always been together."
Usagi took a deep breath, and began to sit up. Zoisite rushed over to help her, then sat back down in his chair.
"Well, Zoisite, when you met Ami, did you not feel you'd known her all your life?"
Zoisite's face softened. "Hai. I did." He frowned, and looked up at her. "But she left suddenly… to… help…. you." The thought terrified him.
He knows who I am, and now he's guessed Ami's identity. Usagi smiled to herself. Well, I didn't name him the Strategist for nothing.
Usagi smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry about Ami-chan, Zoi-san. And don't worry about me." She locked eyes with him again, imploring him to understand. "We've been doing this for a very long time. Today, I was careless. It will not happen again."
Zoisite understood what she was saying, but the fact that she'd been hurt in battle made his stomach churn with shame, for reasons he couldn't understand.
Such a young, carefree, happy-go-lucky girl… is a fierce warrior who fights for planet Earth. Kami-sama…
"And the first time you hurt your knee? What happened then?"
Usagi looked away and closed her eyes. "I was lucky to come out alive. The knee was nothing."
"But you won."
Usagi smiled. "I always win. I must."
There was a knock on the door. "I'll break down this door, Zoi-kun!" Mamoru bellowed, pounding on it.
Usagi smiled, and leaned forward to fasten her brace tighter. Then, she limped over to Zoisite and laid a hand on his shoulder. He jumped; a flash of images flashed across his eyes, just like when he'd shaken hands with Mamoru, too fast to catch.
"Everything will make sense to you, soon. Zoisite. You are the Strategist after all."
After saying this, Usagi made sure that he could ask no more questions by opening the door. Mamoru had been leaning on it, and when she opened it, he tumbled in, landing in a heap on the floor, but Usagi managed to snag her cane from his hand before he hit the ground. She giggled.
He scrambled to his feet. "Are you okay? How are you feeling?"
Usagi grinned. "I'm tired and sore. But are you okay?" she asked, laughing.
Mamoru rolled his eyes. "Yeah, Zoi, you fixed her."
Zoisite was still reeling from everything Usagi had told him, and only managed an absent nod. "She's free to go," he mumbled, distantly.
"Good," Mamoru breathed. "Because there are four crazy girls in the waiting room threatening my life, Usako." Usagi laughed, and Mamoru wrapped an arm around her waist to help her walk.
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Ann walked along a branch of the Makaiju, admiring its now-bright leaves and newly bloomed flowers. She knew its renewal was because of Sailor Moon's energy, even the little bit she'd been able to steal before Mamoru had knocked her down.
She didn't blame him; he was a kind man, and he didn't realize she was Natsumi. She couldn't blame him. He was doing what he thought was right. Sailor Moon was apparently a hero in their city, and he was protecting her. It wouldn't take much to convince him otherwise; she was sure of it.
Ann sat, letting her legs dangle off the branch. She frowned. Stealing Sailor Moon's energy and busting her knee had given her no pleasure at all. Even knowing her identity and weakness did not give her any satisfaction.
Instead, a picture of Usagi's smiling face haunted her eyes she closed her eyes and a new, unfamiliar sensation, cold and scaly, gnawed at her heart.
Guilt.
Another strange, warm sensation plagued her when she thought about how Ail had stepped in front of her when the man in white had threatened her. She found her heart pounded mercilessly as she watched him sleep, curled up in the Makaiju. She couldn't it, so she buried it deeply with the cold, gnawing sensation she'd never felt before.
Feeling better, Ann debated on what to do with Sailor Moon's identity now that she knew it. If she told Ail, he might stop his silly fascination with Tsukino Usagi.
She frowned.
Or he might become even more hesitant about the mission. Her frown deepened. That couldn't happen. It was imperative that they be strong and unified in order to survive. It was critical, and he'd been uncertain from the beginning. She couldn't risk it. If she kept the soldier's identity to herself, Ail would have no qualms about draining Sailor Moon whenever possible. And she could use it against the girl if necessary.
Greed lit her eyes. She could in fact use the Senshi's identity in order to get Mamoru from her. He was a prize worth any cost to Sailor Moon.
Ail could never know that his little crush was their hated enemy. Not yet. Not until Ann was sure of his loyalty. And now that Ann knew Sailor Moon's identity, she could concentrate on Mamoru and this little thing he had for Usagi.
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Mamoru found it was strange being around Usagi alone now that he knew who she was. She was aware, he knew, but seemed content not to mention it. She was bright and cheerful with her friends, and they scheduled a study session that afternoon. It was as if nothing had happened.
Finally, when Mamoru was driving her home, he could keep quiet no longer.
"Usako," he whispered haggardly at a red light. "I know who you are." He locked eyes with her.
"I know," she said simply.
Mamoru waited, but she said nothing more. The light turned green, and he drove on. "Well?!"
Usagi sighed, and took his free hand in both of hers. "I knew you would figure it out, Mamo-chan. I am not surprised. Nor worried, for that matter."
"Why not?! If I figured it out, couldn't the enemy?"
Usagi clenched her eyes shut, fighting against the massive weight burdening her shoulders. "She did figure it out. There's no other way she'd have known to hit me in the knee. Plus, I don't think you'll go announcing this to everyone you know." She managed a strained smile. "I'd trust you with my life, Mamo-chan."
Mamoru was shocked silent for a moment but tightened his grip on her hand. Finally, he managed a raspy, "Why? You've only known me for a few weeks."
She said nothing for a moment, and he glanced over at her, then sucked in a guilty gasp. She was crying. But… he hadn't said anything wrong… had he?
"That's where you're wrong, Mamoru…" she whispered, fighting the tears with everything she had. "I've known you much, much longer."
Mamoru stared, utterly baffled. "Nani?! How can that be?"
Usagi gave a dry smile. "Never ask me what is possible. I've seen all you can imagine and more."
"Answer my question, Usako," he grated through clenched teeth.
Usagi shut her eyes, feeling the tears returning. "I can't tell you."
Mamoru punched the steering wheel, frustrated. Usagi did not flinch. "Tell me!!" he bellowed. "Usako, this is ridiculous! How can I protect you like a man is meant to protect a woman when you are… who you are?! Why won't you tell me?!"
Usagi's eyes snapped open, eyes flashing.
"Because I LOVE YOU, Mamoru! Kuso! I can't tell you anything because I LOVE YOU, and if you know, YOU become a target! YOU become something my enemies can use against me! YOU become endangered, threatened, and by KAMI, I will NEVER put you in danger if I can help it! EVER!"
With this, she scrubbed her tears away, chin held high with dignity, and set her jaw, lips in a thin line.
Mamoru was shocked silent. He'd never heard Usagi raise her voice to anyone. And he'd never… never heard anyone say they loved him. Angry tears pooled in his eyes, but he fought them away, as he turned around a bend.
More amazing than anything, Usagi had not let go of his hand through her entire speech.
An instant after he made the turn, Usagi shrieked, "Stop the car!"
Instinctively, he slammed on breaks, and managed to pull out of the line of traffic. Into the driveway of a daycare.
He opened his eyes, and his mouth went dry. A youma was draining the children. The babies. And the parents and the teachers present in the facility.
Usagi was already running towards the gate, limping and talking into her watch. She'd dropped her cane along the way.
He blinked, and Sailor Moon had taken her place. And in her eyes, was a dark fury Mamoru had never seen there. Without a word, she summoned her scepter as she ran, and leapt into the air. Like a baseball player, she swung the weapon, sending the youma crashing down to the ground.
Mamoru's adrenaline soared, and, desperate to be useful, he allowed his medical instincts to take over. He ran to the children and the teachers and examined them, calling 911 as he ran. Heart in his throat, he came upon one mother who had shielded her child with her own body. The baby was unharmed, but the mother was motionless except for weak breathing.
Sailor Moon cursed as the youma teleported away. "Coward!" she yelled after it, outraged.
The Senshi ran up behind her, looking for the threat.
"It escaped," Sailor Moon fairly snarled, voice low. Even Sailor Mars caught the quiet, enraged undertone of her voice and did not scold her for allowing it to escape.
"Coward!" Sailor Moon hissed again, slamming her fist into a tree. They stared at her shocked.
"It was draining the children. The babies!" Sailor Moon hissed furiously. "That's how low our enemy has sunk!"
Mercury laid a hand on Sailor Moon's shoulder to calm her, and it seemed to work. Jupiter cursed loudly, and Sailor Mars whispered an angry prayer. Sailor Venus seemed the only one able to speak.
"Don't worry, Sailor Moon," Sailor Venus growled, eagerly pounding a fist into her palm. "When it appears again, we'll be ready. We will not let this evil happen again."
They prepared to leave when the paramedics arrived, but Sailor Moon stopped them, eyes sober. "Don't forget about the meeting. I have very important news to tell all of you."
They nodded, and left. Sailor Moon ducked into a shadow to detransform, and Tsukino Usagi reappeared, joining Mamoru, who was speaking with the owner of the daycare, who'd been inside during the attack.
"This little boy seemed the only child outside who was unharmed. His name is Manami. The hospital is much too busy with all these other children and adults to take him in, and his mother will not recover for three days. And his father is in a foreign country on business, and there are no relatives. And with all this chaos, I certainly couldn't care for him properly if I took him in."
After a moment of silence, Mamoru said, "I'll take care of little Manami."
Usagi felt tears threatening her eyes, but she fought them back, and slipped her hand into his own. "I will help as well," she said softly. He grinned, and pulled her close.
"You will?! Oh, thank you! I'm sure the two of you will make wonderful parents someday!" the woman gushed, and handed Manami to Usagi and his bag to Mamoru. Then, she left to talk with the paramedics.
Mamoru grinned boyishly, and looked down at Usagi who was blushing fiercely. Laughing, he maneuvered around the child to plant a quick kiss at the corner of her mouth, their previous fight temporarily forgotten.
The girls watched Usagi and Mamoru leave the daycare from the shadows. Mamoru slung the diaper bag over his arm, and then slipped an arm around Usagi's shoulders. Usagi cradled the baby close, cooing at it, leaning into Mamoru's touch.
The only flaw to the scene was Usagi's slight limp. Ami picked up Usagi's cane, and kept it with her for safekeeping.
"They look perfect," Minako whispered, tears in her eyes. Rei managed a whispered affirmative.
"I hope he gets his memories back soon, minna," Mako said, watching Usagi's limp. "For Usagi's sake."
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"This particular mission was very successful, Ail," Ann praised thoughtfully.
"But doesn't it bother you even a little bit that our victims were tiny, vulnerable, and incapable of defending themselves?" Ail asked, troubled.
"Ie," she said firmly. "Survival of the fittest. We need the Makaiju; the Makaiju needs energy."
This seemed to satisfy him, but his eyebrows were still knit worriedly together.
"Ann… did you see the anger in Sailor Moon's eyes?"
Ann shut her eyes. Of course she'd seen it. And it only made the gnawing, cold feeling return. She buried it again. "Of course she was angry. She was defeated."
Ail looked at her, startled. "I didn't think of it that way. I thought she was angry because we…"
Ann laughed derisively, cutting him off. "That girl is incapable of righteous anger. Don't give her that. She was only angry because she lost."
Ail seemed entirely satisfied now. "Well, my beloved, don't you think we should take advantage of this opportunity?"
Ann grinned. "But of course!"
--------------------------------
When the pair arrived at Mamoru's house, Manami immediately began to cry. Usagi plopped him down on Mamoru's couch, and knelt, then proceeded to make goofy faces at the baby. The baby stared, perplexed, then gurgled, clapping his hands eagerly.
Mamoru laughed at the sight, and longed for a camera. These would make great blackmail pictures one day. He gleefully joined in the face-making, and soon, Manami had forgotten he'd been crying at all. He crawled around on the floor, playing with the few toys that had been in the bag.
Mamoru pulled Usagi close. "Usako," he wondered. "Will you be able to level with me soon?"
Usagi looked into his eyes. "Hai," she whispered. "Soon. Don't worry. Everything will make sense to you very soon, Mamo-chan."
Of course, this didn't satisfy him, but he accepted it and said no more.
A moment later, Manami began crying again. "I bet he's hungry," Mamoru suggested, digging through the bag for a bottle and some formula.
"Oh, I'll do it, no problem!" Usagi insisted gleefully, snatching them from his hands. He laughed, and waved her into the kitchen.
Five minutes later when she returned, she had formula dust all over her, but the bottle was still intact. Mamoru stared, then turned away, fighting a burst of laughter. She held her head high, and shoulders back when she walked, just like a princess, even though she looked ridiculous.
"Something amuses you?" she asked innocently, handing Manami the bottle.
Mamoru couldn't answer, because he knew if he opened his mouth he would laugh.
Manami didn't want the bottle, they discovered. They both paled, and locked eyes.
"Diaper."
Usagi studied Mamoru's face. He looked petrified. "Ugh, men," she groaned, throwing up her hands. She changed Manami's diaper quickly and efficiently, then handed him the bottle, which he gladly accepted.
Mamoru finally just sank into the couch, content to watch Usagi with the infant. There was something undeniably sensual about being alone with her and a baby. Some deep, ancient instinct was aroused by the situation, and Mamoru breathed deeply to calm his rapidly beating heart.
When Manami had had all the milk he wanted, Usagi lifted him up, and set him on the floor, trying to teach him to walk, but he just plopped back down. Finally, Mamoru grinned, and said, "He's probably not old enough to walk yet, Usako."
She smiled, but ignored him. She lifted the baby from under his arms, and cradled him. She began to dance around the room, swaying gently, and humming a tune that struck a deep chord in Mamoru's memory but he simply couldn't place it. Watching her tenderly sing and touch the baby's cheek did something to Mamoru.
He closed his eyes and imagined what it would be like to be married to Usagi, and what it would be like for her to carry his children. Then, he realized the implications of that, and his eyes snapped open, his face flaming red.
"He's asleep, Mamoru," Usagi whispered, coming to lay the child into Mamoru's arms. Mamoru sucked in his breath and accepted the dozing child.
"He's had a long day." Usagi looked out the window, and noticed that it was already dark. "And it's already late. I wouldn't be surprised if he sleeps all through the night."
Mamoru said nothing. He stood, and laid Manami into a crib he'd borrowed from his neighbors in the apartment building whose child didn't need it anymore. Usagi bit her lip as Mamoru tenderly covered the child with a blanket, and planted a kiss in its hair.
Mamoru turned back to Usagi, and approached her. Usagi noticed the look in his eyes, and her heart began to race.
"Usako…" Mamoru breathed, and wrapped her in his arms, pulling her close, planting kisses between her odangos. Usagi's knees went weak and her cane fell soundlessly to the carpet.
Mamoru noticed this. He glared distastefully at the cane, and simply swept Usagi up into his arms, and then sat on the recliner, curling her into his lap. Usagi closed her eyes, and let her head rest on his shoulder. His strong, warm arms found their way around her waist, and he leaned his head against her own.
"I'm sorry I yelled at you, Usako," he whispered with difficulty.
Usagi smiled, contentedly. "And I'm sorry I yelled at you."
"I just want to protect you."
Usagi put her palm on his cheek, gazing into his eyes. "I know," she whispered. "But I want you to listen closely, and remember what I am going to tell you, even after everything changes."
He accepted the vagueness of her words, eyes imploring her to continue.
"The best way you can protect me is like this. Right here, right now."
Mamoru understood.
"Aishiteru, Usako…" he breathed, kissing her neck.
Usagi smiled. "Now you're getting the hang of it. I love you, too, Mamo-chan."
Mamoru adjusted her, so he could see her face. "I have wanted to do this for a very long time," he rasped. Then he wrapped his arms around her, and kissed her lips with passionate, wild, tender abandon. She responded desperately, as if his lips were the very things keeping her alive. She let a hand run through his hair, then down his cheek, then back around his neck.
When they pulled apart, Mamoru felt complete.
"I should go," Usagi whispered, out of breath.
"I know." Mamoru replied haggardly. Because if you stay a moment longer, there's no way I'll be able to stop myself.
"I'll be back in the morning," she said, touching his cheek. "Bright and early. Sweet dreams, End—Mamo-chan."
He smiled, and gave her a final kiss in the palm of her hand. "See you there."
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When the Senshi gathered at the temple that evening, Usagi was running a few minutes late.
"Figures," Rei muttered, fiddling with her robe.
"Now, Rei-chan," Ami reasoned. "Give Usagi some credit. She's helping to take care of a child."
"Let's not make Usagi a martyr," Mako said, grinning. "I mean, after all, she is alone with Mamoru in his apartment."
"ECCHI!" Minako declared. "There's a baby there! They wouldn't do anything. Besides. Mamoru would dare make a move after that talk he got from Tsukino Kenji."
The chatter continued until Rei stopped speaking, mid-sentence. "Quiet!" she hissed, freezing in her chair.
The sound of bare feet on carpet and the swishing of layers of fabric reached their ears. The door opened slowly, and Princess Serenity entered the room.
The four girls were shocked still for a moment until Ami hit her knees, holding a fist over her heart, head bowed. The others instantly followed suit.
"Don't be afraid," came the soothing, soft, melodic voice. She knelt before them, smoothing the white silk of her dress. "I've come in this form only to get your attention, and to make sure to keep it. Listen carefully."
The Senshi looked up, meeting her eyes.
"The enemy knows my identity," she whispered, simply. "There's no other way Ann could have known to hit me in the knee."
The Senshi sucked in a collective gasp.
"And Mamoru guessed who I was, too." She looked at Ami. "And the Strategist has figured it out as well. I can sense their memories will be returned very shortly."
Relief flashed across their faces, and she smiled, living up to her name. "I have to ask, not for my sake, but my family's sake, that one of you be on guard at my home during the night."
"It's not a problem, Serenity," Rei said, grinning, rising to her feet. "Really. Put yourself at ease, Princess! We will make sure no harm comes to you or your family."
Princess Serenity smiled, and in a flash of light, she was gone, and Usagi was in her place, leaning heavily on her cane.
"Good," she said with a grin.
Minako laughed, and, as if nothing unusual had taken place, proceeded to grill Usagi about her evening with Mamoru. Rei rolled her eyes as Mako and even Ami huddled close to hear the story.
When the girlish gossip was finished, Usagi stood with difficulty, and said she needed to head home. Makoto volunteered to take first watch since she had no one she had to answer to.
Usagi felt her family was more than safe with Sailor Jupiter, the Warrior Princess, sitting in the tree outside of her window, and she easily went to sleep.
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When Luna woke the next morning, Usagi was not in her room. However, Sailor Mars was in the tree, legs dangling, on alert. (She'd traded with Jupiter when the sun rose.)
"Sailor Mars?"
The Senshi turned towards the noise, and motioned Luna to the tree. Luna easily leapt to the closest branch, and sat back on her haunches.
"What are you doing here? And where is Usagi?"
Sailor Mars grinned. "Usagi is over at Mamoru's taking care of the baby, remember?"
Luna smacked a paw against her forehead. "Oh, that's right. But what are you doing in the tree next to her window?"
The Princess of Anger's grin only broadened. "Usagi asked us to keep watch over her home because she believes the enemy has discovered her identity. She used an… impressive method to request it, too."
Luna opened a mouth, then thought better of it. She only smiled; better to leave it to her imagination.
"How would the enemy have guessed it? Has she been careless?"
"Not at all, Luna." Mars ominously explained about Ann's blow to Usagi's knee during their duel.
"Well, the family is out for the day. Shingo and his parents took an outing, and Usagi begged off. For the baby, I suppose."
Sailor Mars grinned. "I can see why she would." The priestess easily dropped from the tree, bending her knees at impact. She backed into the shadows, and Rei appeared in her place.
"Well, I'm outta here. The girls and I are going to spy on Usagi and Mamoru since it's Sunday!"
Rei walked merrily off, a bounce in her steps, her back to Luna's rolling eyes.
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With a smile, Usagi watched her regal prince play peek-a-boo with Manami on the floor. Each time the young man opened his hands, he had a different, funny face. Manami was absolutely delighted.
"Manami-chan!" Mamoru cooed. "Can you say Usako? Can Manami-chan say Mamoru?"
The baby was enchanted and answered with a string of incomprehensible gurgles. Usagi and Mamoru laughed. Usagi came up from behind Mamoru, and put her elbows on his shoulders.
"He's probably not old enough to talk yet, Mamo-chan!" she said in a deep voice, mimicking Mamoru's previous words to her, a huge grin lighting her face.
"You dare to mock me?" Mamoru declared, rising to his feet. "The punishment for such is severe!"
He tickled her mercilessly.
"Surrender!" he demanded dramatically. Manami watched them curiously.
"Neve—ha ha ha ha!" Usagi shrieked, laughing, and squirming on the floor beneath him.
The picture aroused him, and he threw up his hands, giving up, and backed several steps. He turned to Manami, feeling Usagi's amused gaze on his back. She laughed softly to herself, and dusted herself off.
When, Manami went to sleep for his evening nap, Usagi discovered her four friends (Even Ami!) hovering outside of the door, eavesdropping. She rolled her eyes, and dragged them to the temple for their short meeting.
Rei conducted a fire reading on the cardian and said it came from a tarot card, but that told them nothing. The only thing she contrived from the reading was that the cardian would attack again soon. They discussed everything: Usagi's identity, Mamoru, the Shitennou, the cardian, Ail and Ann… for an hour, then dispersed.
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Mamoru was watching TV, trying to unwind a bit while Manami slept. But he was startled from his vegging by a knock at the door. Thinking it was Usagi, he leapt to answer it.
And found Natsumi there instead. He tried to keep his face from falling as he greeted her.
"Natsumi-san? Konnichi wa. What brings you here?" he asked politely, trying not to convey his distaste for the gaunt, pale girl with the suspicious eyes.
"I've come to help you with the baby, Mamoru," she said, as if he were a small child. She leaned past him to peer into his apartment. "Good thing, too. Apparently, baka Usagi," she said the name as if it was bitter on her tongue, "has deserted.you."
Mamoru sucked in a breath and mentally counted to ten. "She had physical therapy," he lied. It was no business of Natsumi's where Usagi was. "And Manami is sleeping right now."
Natsumi didn't believe him and rudely pushed by him into the apartment. The instant she crossed the doorframe, the baby woke and began to cry.
Mamoru rushed to him and swept the infant into his arms, whispering soothing words softly into the baby's ear. But Manami kept crying. Suddenly, a diabolical plan surfaced in Mamoru's mind.
"Could you entertain him while I make a bottle? He may even need his diaper changed. I'd really appreciate it."
The girl got starry eyed, oblivious to the screaming baby Mamoru handed her.
When he was gone, she snapped out of it. "Diaper. What's a diaper?" she asked herself. "Oh, well."
She set Manami on the floor, and he immediately (still sniffling) began to play with a box of tissues by vacating the box of the tissues one at a time.
"No, no, Manami, no messing up Mamoru's nice apartment!" she chided, taking the box. But he immediately began to cry again.
"Ugh, fine, you little brat."
She gave the box back to him and he gleefully resumed his playing.
"You know, Mamoru," Natsumi called to him from the living room. "A guy as smart as you shouldn't be dating a flake like Usagi. She fails everything in school and sleeps through class almost every day."
In the kitchen, Mamoru's face flushed with anger. Of course she slept through class! She was always exhausted from fighting youmas! And she had no time to study, what with battles and Senshi meetings!
Natsumi's words had the opposite of her desired effect. They only made him love Usagi more.
"I don't date her for her grades, Natsumi-san," he called back cheerily, but a reproach lurked in his voice.
Natsumi grimaced. Usagi has spelled him! she decided. Suddenly, a putrid odor reached her and her nose crinkled up in disgust.
"Ugh!" Then, the light bulb went off. "Ah. That's a diaper."
Natsumi began to change Manami's diaper, her face contorted with revulsion. But Manami sensed the evil in her and apparently desired to win his own little battle with her. So, when the chance came, he made his distaste known.
"AAAAH!!! The kid peed on my shirt!"
Manami giggled, gleefully clapping his chubby hands. Mamoru snorted back a laugh from the kitchen. He came into the living room with a bottle and some paper towels.
"Gomen nasai, Natsumi-san!" he apologized vehemently. "Manami-chan is just a baby. He doesn't know any better."
Natsumi dried her shirt, shooting a fiery glare at the child as Mamoru finished the diaper and handed the baby the milk. But the baby only grinned a baby grin and giggled.
Natsumi declared that she had somewhere to be, and left the apartment with her head held high in attempt to salvage some shred of dignity.
As she exited, Usagi rounded the bend, deep in thought. When she saw Natsumi, she smiled a greeting. "Hello, Natsumi! Where are you coming from?"
"Mamoru's apartment!" she said in a huff.
Usagi frowned, then pasted the smile back on. "Oh! How nice of you to fill in for me!"
"Humph. Have all the fun you want with that brat!"
It was then that Usagi noticed the smell. She instantly guessed what had happened, and tried to hide a smile.
Natsumi saw, and stalked away in a huff.
Usagi shook her head, chuckling, and let herself in. "Mamoru?" she called, hesitantly.
Mamoru entered, cradling Manami who was contentedly chugging a bottle. "You're back!" he cried, delighted, and kissed her on the cheek. But he noticed she didn't use his nickname and guessed why she seemed uncomfortable.
"You must have seen Natsumi on your way in." His voice was low with annoyance. Then, a sly smile lit it up. "However, she got hers."
She laughed, recalling the smell. Then, she stopped laughing and fought for a straight face. "Now, really, Mamoru, how immature to laugh at her!" she scolded, wagging her finger. Manami tried to grab it, and she giggled, and stole him from Mamoru, and again, set his feet on the floor. However, to their delight, he maintained his balance and took two steps before falling.
The day passed quickly, much like the previous day, with Usagi running home to escape both their raging hormones. But on her way, she stopped suddenly in an alley.
She stood still for a moment, then resigned herself. "I know you're here, Ann. Show yourself so we can talk! I know you know who I am!"
She held her hands up as a gesture of peace.
The pink alien appeared in front of her.
"Tsukino Usagi! Or should I say, Sailor Moon?"
"You should." She transformed in a flash. "What do you want from me?"
"Learning your identity was very convenient for me, Usagi. Makes my job much easier. You do realize, of course, that I have you at my mercy?"
White energy crackled in Sailor Moon's tightly clenched fists. "How do you figure that?"
"If you do something I don't like, I have the resources to reveal your identity to the masses!"
Sailor Moon winced as if struck, then opened her fiery eyes again. "There are more important things than the mission, Ann."
Ann was startled by utter absurdity of that statement. "Nani?"
Sailor Moon stared for a moment then gave a maternal smile. "I said, there are more important things that my mission."
Ann laughed bitterly. "You are a fool. What could be more important than your mission?!"
"Simple. My family, my friends, the man I love."
Ann stared mutely for an instant, before crossing her arms and laughing again. "You are a sentimental fool. I happen to know who each and everyone one of them is! You are mine, Sailor Moon!"
Undaunted, Sailor Moon crossed her arms, and slowly circled Ann. Ann noticed the obvious limp in her steps, fighting down that cold, gnawing feeling threatening a lump in her throat.
"Where is your partner? Ail?"
Ann's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Certainly none of your concern."
Sailor Moon saw the jealousy flick through the girl's eyes. She recognized it—she'd often seen the same expression in the mirror.
"I would guess that Ail is more important to you than your mission."
Sailor Moon watched carefully. Her comment had hit the mark. Ann's whole face relaxed and for a moment, she was not a hostile alien.
She was a lonely, vulnerable, confused young girl in love.
Just like me.
I can't hurt these two, Sailor Moon thought to herself desperately. They aren't evil! They're just misled!
But she worried needlessly. Ann was so troubled by the remark she disappeared.
"She probably has no idea what love is," Usagi murmured, powering down, a tear making a trail down her cheek. A tear for the enemy.
--------------
The next morning was an in-service day at Juuban Junior High. Which meant the students had the day off. But Luna was astounded to find that—again!—Usagi had gotten up early when she didn't have to in order to assist Mamoru with Manami.
"Perhaps there's hope for Usagi after all!" Luna said to herself in wonder.
-------------
Usagi was on her way to Mamoru's house when she sensed the trouble. Not an instant later, her communicator went off. "Usagi!" Rei said breathlessly. "The cardian is back! It's trying attack at the Sendai Hill Childcare Center, but we're holding it off! Hurry!"
Then, static.
"Shimatta!" Usagi cried, annoyed, and began running in the opposite direction of Mamoru's apartment. She transformed as she ran through a dark alley, and Sailor Moon came out of it, sprinting inhumanly fast towards the daycare center. She drew lots of attention, but the residents were smart enough not to follow or distract her.
When she could see her Senshi, she was impressed with their fighting. Even Sailor Mercury lashed out with her attacks, enraged.
"Shabon Spray Freezing!"
"Sparkling Wide Pressure!"
"Venus Love-Me Chain!"
"Burning Mandala!"
The youma was thoroughly battered when she arrived, and she eagerly destroyed it.
"Moon Princess Halation!"
This time, there was no appearance of Ail and Ann. But Tsukikage no Knight had watched the fight with carefully contained rage. But they hadn't needed him.
"Tsukikage no Knight-sama!" she cried, and leapt to the tree branch he was standing on.
He bowed from the waist, perfectly balanced. "Sailor Moon. Are you okay? I failed you yesterday."
"Ie, sir. I failed myself. I was careless."
He opened his mouth to protest, but she held up a gloved hand, an amused smile on her face.
"There's no question about it."
Again, the smile so painfully Mamoru's lit his eyes. "As you say, milady."
"Tsukikage no Knight…" she whispered, trailing off. "Endymion. How much longer will you elude me?"
His bright blue eyes were comforting, and he touched her face tenderly. "Serenity… often I compared love with a rose. But even roses have thorns."
Sailor Moon closed her eyes against the stinging tears.
"Tell this also to your Senshi. But don't forget, my Princess. The thorns on a rose don't make it any less beautiful." His blue eyes burned into hers. "Or any less worth waiting for."
With this, the Arab clad man disappeared into the shadows.
-------------------
That afternoon, Usagi and Mamoru met Manami's mother at the hospital. Mamoru's arm was tight around Usagi's shoulders; he could feel them tremble on occasion.
"Arigatou, oh domo arigatou, Tsukino-san and Chiba-san! I can't thank the two of you enough! Tell me, is there anything I can do to show my gratitude?"
"Of course," Usagi answered grinning. "Allow us to come and visit Manami every now and then!"
Manami's mother laughed heartily. "Consider it done. Don't forget to bring your children over to play when you have them!"
Mamoru laughed heartily, and pulled Usagi closer. A flaming blush lit Usagi's cheeks adorably. Flustered, she knelt by Manami's stroller and stroked his head affectionately. Mamoru knelt on the other side.
"Bai bai, Manami-chan!" they said together.
The little boy opened his mouth, his face lit cheerily, and waved a chubby hand, gurgling, "Mamo-chan, Usako, bai bai!"
Usagi giggled, kissed the baby's cheek, and stood. "That's what we call each other," she admitted sheepishly. "He must have picked it up."
Manami's mother laughed. "Don't worry about it. I hope the two of you stop by soon!"
With that, Manami and his mother strolled towards home, with Manami waving his chubby hand until they were out of sight.
---
The rest of the day was calm, quiet, and uneventful. Ami was able to meet up with Zoisite at the library because he had the day off as well. Makoto and Nephrite had yet another very close sparring match in the gym. Minako was no less than crushed by Kunzite's superior gaming skills, but that didn't bother her one bit. The two of them share a milkshake when Minako flirtatiously stuck a straw in Kunzite's beverage and he didn't protest. Jadeite appeared at the temple to buy a love charm and was embarrassed when Rei was the one to process his request, but that opened up a whole different type of conversation between the two. Mamoru and Usagi spent the rest of the day in the park, quietly basking in the other's presence.
The calm before the storm.
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Well, how was it?! This chapter was 20 full pages!! And that's NOT counting review replies! I really enjoyed writing it. But the next one will be even more fun! See you there!
Ja!
-rosa lunae
PS: I'd like to throw in a plug for my other SM stories! I have three one-shots that are pretty good! (Shadows is my personal favorite.) And I have In Happy Hiding, which is the prequel to this story, and it's not too bad. And my other epic The Unexpected, is (titled by a bad pun) about the adventures of a pregnant Serena! Always a fun topic! So if you finished this chapter and you have nothing else to read, feel free to drop by!
BTW, speaking of In Happy Hiding… If you haven't read it yet, you might want to, because there are some scenes coming up in this story that you wouldn't be able to fully appreciate if you didn't read the prequel. It's short, really. This story so far is, like, five times as long. If you do, don't hesitate to review!
Arigatou!
-rosa