Disclaimer: Blah, blah, blah-blah-blah-blah
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Chapter 10: Is there a Doctor in the House?
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Ikuko was glad that tomorrow is Monday. Real glad. But how she and Kenji were going to deal with their daughter until then had her stumped. It never occurred to her that there was a possibility that any one of her children could one day go from a sane, stable person to a crazed neurotic one.
Life is endless with possibilities. Isn't it?
"Usagi," she intoned in a placating manner. "Why don't you sit down and try to relax?" Though her face didn't show it, she was doubtful that her daughter, at the brink of insanity, could get relaxed in the state of mind she was in.
Apparently, Usagi couldn't agree with her more.
She turned wild, incredulous eyes upon her mother. "Relax?" she stated quietly at first, then her voice rose higher as she repeated the same word, "RELAX! Does it look like I can relax right now?" The dog whimpered as the loony holding him squeezed harder--- he was sure his stomach was gathering the dust of his bones.
Kenji decided to join in with his wife to help Usagi calm down. "How about I get you a nice cup of hot cocoa? Would you like that?" he said lightly but there was no mistaking the nervous tremor that could be heard throughout his words.
"I DON'T WANT A FREAKIN' CUP OF HOT COCOA!" she thundered and in a fit of uncontrollable anger threw the object she had clutched in her arms.
Usagi's eyes widen in horror belatedly at her mistake. She stood stock still, her features stark with terror at what she had thrown across the room. Poor, black fluffy little. . .
"BON-BOOOOON!" wailed her grandmother as she watched him soar through the air and. . .
"AIIIIIIYEEEEEE!"
Bon-Bon had smacked into Kenji's face and held on for dear life, digging his claws into the back of his head.
"AAAHHHHHHHHHHH! I can't see!" He waved his hands frantically in the air. "Someone turn on the lights!"
Ikuko had to immediately move out of the way, afraid that she might get smacked by accident. Shingo included since he was grabbing onto her skirts, still fearing Usagi's wrath.
"Sometimes I wonder if the hospital hadn't given me the wrong baby," muttered Hitomi, referring to her son's lack of intellect. Then she raised her voice, "Baka! No one turned off the lights! If you were smart, you'd know its Bon-Bon who's on your face dummy!"
Kenji, however, didn't hear the insults his mother was throwing at him, so lost in the agony he was in from the dog's grip. He was running around in circles like a chicken without its head. "Get him off! Get him off!" He bumped into the couch, almost falling onto his mother.
"Will you stay still?" Hitomi snapped. "You're going to hurt poor Bon-Bon!" She gazed up at the ceiling. "Dear Kami-sama! How did I end up with such a brainless, moronic child?"
Kenji, at this point, was running in the other direction.
Ikuko felt her temper rise. "Is that all you ever think about Hitomi! Your precious poodle? Your son is hurt! Have you no heart?"
Hitomi gasped at her daughter-in-laws impudence. "How dare you speak that way to me?"
"I'll say anything I please," she growled, staring defiantly at the ruffled woman lying on the couch.
If anyone was paying attention to Kenji they would have heard the bumps and the "owws" and the "yips" as he smacked along the walls to and fro like a ping-ball with Bon-Bon taking the brunt of the hits as his back continually hit the wall.
Finally, the pooch had had enough of such abuse! He bit Kenji's head, making him scream. Taking advantage of the fact that Kenji was no longer running, he jumped off of him.
Kenji was in nothing but pain. He could feel the bruises forming practically from his head to his toes. His face screwed up as he endured sharp spears mercilessly striking his skull to the beat of a drum. He tentatively touched the top of his head and winced.
When he pulled his hand away, he noticed his fingers had blood smeared on them. Rage consumed him whole; blocking out every other emotion he was feeling.
Turning around, he saw the smug expression on that damned dog's face.
He didn't care if it was his mother's dog.
It was going to DIE.
You hear?
DIE! DIE! DIE!
Bon-Bon's self-satisfied expression fell away when he noticed Kenji's false smile and making a 'come here' motion with his finger.
Uh oh.
Bon-Bon trembled as the enraged man moved towards him eagerly with blood-thirsty eyes.
"Here boy! Why don't you be a good little doggy and come to me?" Toothy grin.
Gathering up his courage, Bon-Bon leaned forward and shot like a bullet between insane Tsukino #2's legs. When Kenji turned around, the dog was gone.
"Oh. . . he wants to play hide-and-go-seek now does he?" Maniacal laugh. "Okay! Ready or nooot here I coooome!" he sang and skipped away.
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Outside the Tsukino home. . .
The Senshi were standing in front of the door discussing---more like--- arguing about how they are going to get inside the house.
Mars blew her bangs. "Why are we making such a big deal over this?" She gave them all a pointed stare. "I say we break down the door and rush inside and help Usagi before she gets creamed by that youma in her room!"
Venus scratched her head. "Uhhh, I don't think that's a good idea. Shouldn't we knock?" She then gave a wicked grin. "What makes you think it's a youma? And where were you when we were conversing with Usagi on the communicator? It was a man's voice, didn't you hear?"
Mars gaped at her. "Knock? KNOCK! Are you nuts? Since when does the Senshi knock when a person is in danger! And besides. . ." A vein appeared on her forehead. "We've tried that already! No one is answering!" The tension clearly expressed on her face disappearedwhen she remembered the next question. She laughed. "A man in Usagi's room? Get real! For all we know that could have been the youma speaking!" Not that she wanted to admit it, she had the feeling that it wasn't a youma Usagi is dealing with. She couldn't help but feel a bit jealous.
'Why can't I find someone?' Mars wondered sadly. It was true that she was still young but she wanted to know what it's like to have someone adore you.
Jupiter looked around and shrugged, flicking her ponytail. "I don't see what all the fuss is about."
Mercury sighed. "Mars be reasonable. We may be the protectors of Tokyo but that doesn't mean we can get away without paying the damages. Or worse!" Here her eyes widened. "Sued!"
Mars scoffed. "For saving people's lives? We've caused damage before and not once have I heard anyone complain!"
Mercury held the bridge of her nose between her fingers, trying to calm herself down. "Alright, then we are going to have to find another alternative for getting inside the house."
For the first time in ten minutes, they were quiet. But that peace was disturbed when a man with wild eyes and hair sticking out in all directions poked his head out of the door. "Hello."
They all screamed and jumped back.
Grinning like a madman, he asked, "If you would be so kind, could you tell me if you have seen a tiny black doggy around here? Hmmmmm?" He tilted his head to the side playfully.
Freaked out, the Senshi looked at each other and shook their heads.
"Oh," he pouted, "that's too bad." His face then lighted up with glee. "That must mean he hasn't escaped the house yet," he cackled. "Perfect." He turned around and ran hollering, "Come out! Come out! Wherever you are! I won't hurt you! Come to papa!" Cackle.
The Senshi were gaping, horrified.
Venus shakily pointed at his back. "Was tha--- wa-wa-was thaaa---" Poor thing couldn't stop stuttering.
Mars gulped, suddenly finding it difficult to do that one simple action. "Uh huh. That was Mr. Tsukino alright."
Shouts then filled the air.
"I'll have my son divorce you! I won't stand to have such a mean, spiteful woman as my daughter-in-law!"
"HA! He wouldn't dare! And I won't allow you to try and take him away from me! You have other sons! Go bug them and their families!"
Indignant gasp. "A DISGRACE! That's what you are!"
"Ohhhhhh STUFF it!"
Mercury gave a weak smile as they glanced at each other nervously. "Shall we go in?"
Venus began to slowly back away. "Ahhh you know what?" She gave a fake laugh. "I have to go. I ahhh have to give Artemis ahhh a bath!" She nodded her head eagerly. "Yep! He smells like rotten tuna fish! He's stinking up the whole house." She got desperate as her fellow Senshi began to move towards her. "Make that the whole neighborhood? Hai! The neighborhood! Ha ha. Uh guys? What are you doing? NO!" She gave a patent Usagi wail. "Waaahhhhhh! I'm not going! Let me go!"
They proceeded to drag her in, kicking and screaming. It was obvious the whole Tsukino family was in trouble. It looked ugly.
But hey, they were the Senshi! Somebody had to do it!
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Mamoru was getting pretty tired of sitting in Usagi's closet with no clothes on. He squirmed. He doubted Usagi was going to be back anytime soon. Despite what she said about staying put, he didn't think he could stay this way much longer. What would happen if someone other than Usagi found him like this? They would jump to the wrong conclusions and he didn't want the situation to become worse than it already is!
Having decided on his next course of action, Mamoru stood up wincing. He stretched out the kinks in his legs before cautiously sliding back one of the closet doors. After a quick peak to make sure the coast was clear, he stepped out of his hiding place. He went straight toward Usagi's bedroom door to close it. Then he looked around the room, searching for something that could be of help to him.
His eyes landed on her bed. He snatched one of her bed sheets and wrapped it around his body (toga style). He took a good look at his reflection in the mirror on top of her dresser and scowled.
Of all the colors that she could have had it had to be pink!
If he's lucky, no one has to ever know about this.
Now to figure out a way of escaping this house unscathed. . .
'Suuuuuure Chiba! How many ways are there? It's either the window, the front door, or the back door. Take your pick!'
Mamoru grimaced as he exited Usagi's room. From the moment he found himself chained to Usagi's bed, he knew that he was headed for disaster.
He almost groaned out loud when he heard voices coming from downstairs which seemed to be getting louder by the minute. He hoped he wasn't the topic of discussion. It could only mean the end for him.
Coming upon the stairs, he halted. Fear coursed through him when he glimpsed someone at the foot of the stairs.
"Come out! Come out! Wherever you are! I won't hurt you! Come to papa!" Cackle.
Mamoru backed away nervously. Did he know? Did her father actually know that he's here? Did Usagi actually rat on him? No, he couldn't believe it. As crazy as she is, maybe she passed that on to the rest of the family. He had to admit it was easy to succumb to it when too much stress is involved. He knew since he could feel it starting to get to him. The past few hours have been hectic and so damned nerve wrecking!
Just like now. The thought of being caught by Usagi's temperamental father makes it possible. Oh he's heard stories alright… straight from the horses mouth.
Mamoru has always read the newspaper. He liked to keep up with what is going on in the world. There have been a few stories written by the well-known journalist Kenji Tsukino. His articles were usually on politics. However, he's only done three pieces concerning ways of protecting daddy's little girl from "hormonally-charged teenage boys". An odd way of phrasing it but that's what he likes to call them.
However, these articles had the effect on all teenage boys; the thought of dating Usagi has gone right out the window. Her father has made the impression of being a man with a loose screw in his head when his daughter is concerned.
Mamoru's eyes bulged when he heard the sound of footsteps making its way up the stairs.
He gazed around his surroundings desperately as beads of sweat trailed down from his forehead to his neck. He yanked open one of the doors and hurled himself inside. Luckily, this door had a lock.
After locking it, he slid against the door and sighed in relief. Though, the feeling of tranquility didn't last when a voice filtered from the other side of the door.
"I know you're in there. . ." Insane Tsukino #2 whispered. ". . . Did you think I wouldn't hear the sound of a door slamming?" He chuckled. "Dogs think they're so smart!"
Mamoru gulped and pushed himself away from the door. He didn't bother trying to figure out why Mr. Tsukino was addressing him as a dog. It was probably another one of those names he liked to call "hormonally-charged boys".
"Be a good boy and open the door," he said sweetly, "I promise I won't hurt you." '. . Much.' He thought inwardly, not planning on finishing his statement out loud. When a person starts thinking that dogs can understand a word they are saying. . . you know they've completely lost it!
Mamoru groaned softly. He was in serious $hit!
Now what should he do?
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When the Senshi had finally found Usagi, it was to see her sitting in the middle of the living room floor looking tired and a bit hysterical. She didn't seem to notice that her mother and grandmother were screaming at each other like a bunch of banshees.
"Kami-sama? What have I become?" She cocked her head to the side as if she were listening. "Ha-ha-ha! You're right! Insane! INSANE is what I'VE become!" She nodded grinning madly.
Mars was shocked. What has happened? "USAGI!"
Hearing her name being called she looked up to see her fellow Senshi gaping at her. Grinning, she waved at them. "Hi minna! Did you bring me any candy?" she giggled.
Mars started to get mad. "CANDY?" she roared so loud that she caught the attention of the two women who had been arguing. However, it was short lived and they went back to yelling at each other. Shingo's curiosity wasn't deterred. "We came all this way to help you and you ask US for CANDY?"
Usagi blinked. "Is that a no?"
Pulling the strands of her hair, she let out a scream of rage.
It was enough to get Usagi out of her stupor. Was there such a thing as temporary insanity? It happens all the time. . . right?
She didn't have time to delve any further when Mars yanked her up and dragged her out of the living room to the kitchen.
"OWWW! That hurts! Why are you always abusing me?" she whimpered. She grabbed Mars wrist and pulled in hopes she'd let go.
She didn't budge--- damn her!
She didn't even bothering letting go of her when she stopped to turn to face her--- double damn her!
'Two can play this game!' Usagi thought with a determined glint in her eye.
"Now can you please tell us why you're acting so odd--- OWW!" Mars stared at Usagi in astonishment. She's pulling her hair?
Glaring, she snarled, "Let go of my hair Odango!"
Usagi stuck out her tongue. "First you have to let go of my wrist!" She tugged her wrist.
Mars scowled. "I will when you let go!" She pulled back and winced when Usagi didn't release her hair. It felt as if someone had set fire searing across her scalp. Damn. She has a mighty grip.
"No you let go!" Usagi tugged back hard, along with Mars's hair in her grasp.
"OWWW!" She growled and pulled back. "No you let go!"
"NO YOU!"
"NO YOU!"
The others who stood in the background watched as the two girls pulled back and forth. They were so focused on the sight before them they didn't notice a man who was walking right out of the kitchen with a hammer in his hand.
"I think we're going to be here for awhile," muttered Mercury and sweat dropped.
Venus and Jupiter nodded in agreement.
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Mamoru had no idea where Mr. Tsukino had gone. He hadn't heard a word from him for a few minutes now. The possibility that he must have given up and left kept popping up in his mind but each time it did he shrugged it off. He doubted that Usagi's father would give up so soon. He's just waiting for him to come out so he could catch him.
He started at the sound of knocking.
He swallowed the lump in his throat and clenched his fists in an attempt to keep them from shaking. It was only a matter of time before he was caught. He looked at his surroundings, in what must have been a boy's room.
"Are you still there?" the madman asked. He lovingly scraped the hammer against the door, making a wonderful scratchy sound. Ahhhhh. It was music to his ears. "Since you've been terribly rude to me, refusing to let me in and all, I've decided to come inside myself." He chortled. "Isn't that wonderful?"
Mamoru spotted a baseball bat leaning against a nightstand and snatched it, hugging it to his chest as if it would protect him from the evil he would be soon facing.
Moments later a fierce pounding struck the door. Mamoru's body shook as he watched the beginnings of the bedroom's door's demise. It was painful to watch it rattle and hear the strikes against its frame. Pretty soon he could hear the wood splinter as it began to make way into a hole until it got bigger and bigger. . . till all he could see was ragged looking man with a grin that even a shark could envy.
"HEREEEEEE'S JOHNNY!"
This was looking all too familiar for Mamoru; it reminded him of a horror movie he watched once. He had to admit he ended up with a better bargain. At least he had a hammer in his hand and not an axe.
When Kenji reached his hand through the opening and unlocked the door, the whole time he felt proud. 'I finally found you.' Just as he was to start doing a happy dance, he noticed one TINY itty bitty little thing.
He wasn't facing a dog.
He blinked. All vestiges of the insane man he was before disappeared.
"Who are you?"
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A commotion upstairs halted the two girl's fight, causing them to look up at the ceiling. They let go of each other and blinked and continued to stare upwards along with the others.
Jupiter frowned in befuddlement. "What is going on up there? It sounds like someone banging on the walls."
Venus freaked. "Mommy!" she wailed pitifully and jumped on Jupiter for protection.
Jupiter grimaced and tried to push the blonde off of her. "Get off of me! Don't be such a wimp!" Those words didn't have the effect she hoped it would. If anything, Venus tightened her grip on her. Desperate to get her off, she said weakly, "You're a Senshi. . . remember?"
Venus shrieked when a man's voice boomed cheerily: "HEREEEEEE'S JOHNNY!"
"ARRGGGGGHHHH! Don't leave me Jupiter!" She begged with a puppy face adorning her features, "Have mercy on me!"
Jupiter scowled. "Mercy on you? What about me! You're the one hanging onto my back." She moved side to side hoping to throw her off.
No such luck. She still latched onto her like a damned leach!
Marsturned away from the spectacle and gazed at Usagi who was twitching nervously. She'd have to remember to get her friend to go see a doctor. This wasn't normal. "What is up with your family Usagi? Has everyone in this house gone mad?" She threw her hands up in the air.
Usagi opened her mouth to answer when an enraged yell sliced through the air. Her eyes widened, fearing the worst. 'Oh no!' "Mamoru!" she squealed, scared for his well-being. She ran out of the kitchen.
Her friends glanced at each other. Mamoru? Without any further ado, they ran after Usagi. Charging up the stairs they were met with. . .
Their eyes went round in shock. Mamoru is wearing a pink toga?
Marssnickered and elbowed Jupiter who was smiling wickedly.
Kenji narrowed his eyes at the man before him. "Mamoru Chiba is it?" he snarled. "Why are you wearing my daughter's bed sheet!" His mouth tightened as his mind came to a conclusion. "Did you penetrate through my daughter's VIRGINITY?"
The Senshi gasped, glancing at their leader in shocked silence. To Jupiter's immense relief, Venus got off her back to get a closer look at the scene before them; her fear now turning into amusement.
Aghast, Usagi screamed, "DADDY!" 'How embarrassing,' she wailed, her cheeks coloring. "We haven't done anything!" She stomped her foot, showing her indignation at her father's presumption that they've had. . . Images of kissing Mamoru, lying on top of him while he's still naked assaulted her senses. Usagi's face turned a darker shade of red. Eeep! She couldn't even say the word in her head without thinking dirty! Her eyes went side to side nervously. Had anyone noticed?
The looks on her friend's faces answered her unvoiced question.
She groaned inwardly, feeling a headache coming on. She didn't look forward to their badgering. They're going to keep bugging her until she spilled her guts out when this was over, that's for sure.
Mamoru almost dropped the baseball bat he held in front of him to ward off the older man. "No!" He pointed at Usagi. "What she said! Nothing! I swear to you! We haven't done anything!"
Kenji crossed his arms. "Why don't I believe you?" He gazed at him mockingly as he looked at his attire. "That's right. . . cause you're not wearing ANY CLOTHES!" He howled; his face clenched with tension.
Everyone present cringed. Except for Mamoru, he had to be calm. Looking the part was vital to his survival. If the predator before him can sense his fear--- it's all over for him.
Shaking a fist in the air, Kenji roared, "So what is it that you have done to my baby girl! HUH? And what have you touched? If you have so much as touched her pinky finger I'm going to---"
"That is enough Kenji!" Ikuko pushed through the crowd of spectators, along with Shingo and Hitomi Tsukino trailing behind her. "I'm sure there is good explanation to why he is in this--- she gestured a hand at him--- present state." She touched her husband's shoulder to calm him down and sighed in relief when his shoulders sagged a bit.
Hitomi shrieked in dismay when she recognized the raven-haired man. "YOU!" She pointed a wrinkled finger at him. "I saw you two together! Just what have you been doing to my granddaughter?" she boomed, her eyes burning holes at him. Glad to have her purse with her, she went over to Mamoru and thwacked him on the head with it.
"Oww," he muttered, gritting his teeth to stop himself from screaming. He rubbed his head. What does she carry in that thing? Rocks?
Kenji's eyes bulged, his entire frame tensing again. "WHAAAAAT!" His eyes turned red in fury. "You took her virginity! You're DEAD!" he announced with absolute conviction. Taking a step toward him, he growled menacingly, "Honey, go get my shotgun!"
Usagi's jaw dropped, not wanting to believe at this turn of events. This has got to be the worst thing that has happened to her so far. Okay. She had said the same thing about waking up with a hangover. But that was this morning and this is NOW. Now everyone is convinced that she's no longer a virgin? And Mamoru is going to be ripped to shreds for it? What next?
Not knowing how to stop the situation, she threw herself on her father and latched onto him. "Daddy!" she whined, gazing up at him pleadingly. "I'm only fifteen! I'm not ready to do that!" Sadly, he wasn't listening. He just kept on moving toward Mamoru—dragging Usagi with him as she tugged on his arm, desperate to get his attention—his arms stretched out before him--- ready to do him harm.
Mamoru swallowed hard, matching Kenji's steps by going backwards. "Sir," he began, "this is all just a misunderstanding! I wouldn't dream of touching her!" He tried to sound repulsed, though his heart wasn't really in it. He'd loved to touch her again given the chance.
Usagi nodded her head. Then stopped when it dawned on her what he was implying. "Hey!" she protested angrily, she let go of her father and stood in front of him. Her whole body was shaking. "What's the big idea! That's not what you said to me LAST NIGHT!" She gasped, realizing what she had done. She hadn't meant to say that! HONESTLY! It was her pride that had gotten hurt. 'And my heart,' she thought, her eyes watering.
It was true though! He did want her! He had tried anything to get her in his grasp! 'Until this morning,' she thought to herself, frowning. But then he kissed her and told that he loved her!
Now this! She wished he'd make up his mind!
Mamoru was torn between taking her in his arms to reassure her and shaking her by the shoulders for not seeing that he had been trying to get them out of trouble.
There was no hope for him now, he realized as he gazed into the eyes of one furious father.
Kenji zeroed in on his prey, his eyes flashed with malicious intent. Taking his daughter by surprise, he pushed her aside and made a jump towards the startled young man. "DIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!"
What Kenji hadn't expected was for the boy to have such quick reflexes.
Mamoru's alter ego kicked in, sensing the danger approaching he sidestepped out of the way. He just wished he knew ahead of time how badly it'd turn out.
"—IIIIIEEEEEEEEEE. . . . AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Being the strongest of all the Senshi, Jupiter caught him; however, he had descended down to her arms so quickly that she lost her balance, involuntarily falling backwards and throwing Kenji over her shoulders.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" screamed the flying squirrel as he hovered over the stairs for a millisecond before going down to meet the steps in greeting.
Horrified, everyone winced as they heard the screams of blatant agony from the poor man. They didn't want to watch his decent down the stairs--- it was too painful to watch.
THUMP. "AAAYEEEEEE! OOOF!"
They winced again in sympathy. He must have kissed wood.
THUMP. THUMP. THUMP. CRRRRRACK. "WHAAAAAHHHYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!"
Ooooooooooh. They cringed. He broke a bone. Ouch!
THWACK. CRRRRRACK. ". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ."
They all moaned. To not hear another scream wasn't a good sign.
"Kenji?" Ikuko whispered brokenly; her eyes wide with tears. She ran downstairs and struggled to breathe when she saw he wasn't moving. He was lying on his back, his glasses were gone but what scared her most of all was the fact that his face was so pale.
He looked like death himself.
"Daddy," Usagi cried out in panic. She sat next to her mother, who was carefully laying his head on her lap.
As everyone gathered around, Ikuko said in a quiet but firm voice, "Could someone please call an ambulance?"
Mercury volunteered. "I will," she turned around and went to the living room.
"Is he-is he dead?" asked Shingo. He didn't want to say it but it was weighing on his mind and wanted to be reassured.
Ikuko's face looked pained. "I don't know," she said. She was scared to check his pulse. What if his heart had stopped beating? She didn't think she could take it!
Swallowing, she nervously watched her fingers made a reach for the side of her husband's neck and felt like she was watching a movie. 'This isn't real,' she thought, 'I'm having a nightmare that's all.' Though, the furious beating of her heart said otherwise.
Just as her fingers were to make contact, Kenji's eyes shot open scaring the heck out of everyone. Ironically, he was staring at the same spot Mamoru was standing. "I'll get you pretty boy and that little poof ball too." The energy seemed to have zapped right of him and his eyes were closed once more.
"YAY!" Shingo punched the air with his fist. Then he started jumping up and down. "Dad's alive!"
Mamoru was doing all that he could to keep his anger in check. The guy was injured after all and no one in the room would appreciate his attitude. "Pretty boy?" he muttered sourly under his breath. He was anything BUT pretty. There was nothing girly about him. He puffed out his chest like an arrogant rooster. He was ALL muscle!
Mercury came back just then. "They said the ambulance should be here in a few minutes."
They all nodded.
Shingo stopped jumping when he had heard Mercury's voice. "Wait a second!" he exclaimed. "Why are you here? And how do you know my sister?" He asked incredulously, peering up at them with suspicion in his eyes.
Mercury decided to jump in before Shingo could put two and two together. "See this compact computer?" She held it up in her hand so he could see it. When he nodded, she continued on with her explanation, "Well it tells me when someone is in danger and there is a map set into the program to help up us to locate the person."
The suspicion in the young boy's eyes ebbed away, only to be replaced with fascination lighting up in his light brown eyes. "Cool!"
A few minutes later, the doorbell rang. Shingo went to go open it. Seeing the medics he immediately let them in and showed them where his father was. The medics came inside carrying a stretcher.
Though, the medics seemed to be a bit on the goofy side. One of them was taller than Mamoru but lanky and scrawny. He had black, medium-length hair. Every now and then he'd blow the hair out of his eyes since it kept getting in the way.
The other one was his polar opposite. He was extremely short with fiery red hair, cropped short, military-style.
Without needing to be told, everyone steered clear from Kenji. Giving the medics the room they needed to lift Kenji unto the stretcher.
Gazing down at the injured man, he signaled the lanky young man to set up the stretcher. He then went to where Kenji's feet was and hunkered down to grab his ankles. When the stretcher was unfolded, the other went on the opposite side and held him under Kenji's armpits.
Shorty yelled in a high but hoarse pitched voice, "Ready?"
Everyone groaned. His voice was like listening to someone scratch across the surface of a blackboard. In other words. . . it was torture.
The affirmative nod was all the answer he needed.
"On the count of three," he screamed, not noticing the shudders passing through the people in the room.
Marswinced, covering her ears with her hands along with everyone else. "Jeez! What's this guy's problem? Is he deaf or what!"
"ONE. . . TWO. . . THREE!" They lifted Kenji up. Quickly and gently as possible they deposited him onto the stretcher.
Shorty and Lanky who were on both ends of the stretcher, proceeded to move Kenji. Ikuko went with them, demanding that she'd go with them; Hitomi included. When they agreed, she faced Usagi. "I want you to stay here," she said firmly.
Usagi's face turned pink in anger. She wanted to go to! "But," she protested heatedly; however, she was cut off by the look on her mother's face.
"No "buts" Usagi!" she snapped. Her face softened, realizing how hard she was being on her daughter. Too much has happened. And there were still so many unanswered questions. 'Mamoru being one of them,' she thought as she looked straight at him. Next she turned an inquisitive stare at the Senshi, who squirmed uneasily. She didn't buy Mercury's story. She didn't think they had been in any danger. So what if Usagi had temporarily gone insane and the whole family seemed to be falling apart? It's nothing they can't handle!
Something fishy is going on and she intended to find out! But first, she had to make sure her husband was going to be alright.
In a softer tone of voice, she said, "Please? I need you to stay here with Shingo." When Usagi had sighed in defeat, she gave the Senshi and Mamoru a look that would have given them a run for their money. "Don't even think about leaving! You are to stay right where you are! But if you do. . ." She narrowed her eyes. "I will hunt you all down!"
Mamoru and the Senshi gaped. Shock was an understatement to describe what they were feeling. They never thought that Usagi's mother was one to make threats!
The Senshi glanced at each other, having no idea how they were going to get out of this mess. For the time being, it was best they stay put. They couldn't risk an angry mother trying to find out the identities of the Senshi.
It could be dangerous not only to them but to Usagi's mother as well.
"Alright," Mercury agreed, speaking for the entire group. It's not like they have much of a choice anyway. Though. . . Mercury couldn't help but worry. What will they do if Usagi's mother wants to find out who they are? What then? Mercury gazed around the room with a pensive look on her face.
And where is Luna when you need her?
A Jungle Interlude---
Luna had gone through great lengths to escape the loony panther who thought she was one of her young.
But you know what she got instead? Hmm!
Freedom is far from it!
Come on! Give ONE good guess!
"I demand you release me at once!" Luna growled glaring up at his mean green face, all the while wiggling in her captor's hold.
She looked worse for the wear. Two days in a jungle without food or rest can do that to a person. Or in this case: an intelligent, talking feline. Well, it hasn't exactly been two days, more like one. But give a cat a break! Surviving in a jungle is no easy feat! Panthers, monkeys (She shivered.) . . . you name it! And now she's stuck with this. . . this. . .
"OUCH!" She reached her paw, the only part of her body that was free from his hold, and swiped her claws at his face. "Watch IT! Have you forgotten how sharp and pointy your teeth ARE" She noticed then that his lips pulled back.
He's smiling?
Luna sweat dropped. This wasn't a good sign; however, being caught inside an alligator's mouth isn't one either.
YES. You heard right. She's in an alligator's mouth. Hardy har har!
Suddenly, Luna stiffened as a thought struck her. Is there a reason why he's clenching his teeth on her? She doesn't like the conclusion she sees looming before her.
Gulping, she stuttered, "Y-y-you aren't g-g-going t-to eat me are you?"
Those black eyes of his that seemed so dark and foreboding a second ago twinkled just then.
Was that a yes or a no?
Ah ha ha ha. A no, right? That has to be it! Life wouldn't be this cruel to her.
"OWW. OWW. OWW." Oh that hurt! Never mind! Since when is life fair anyway? 'Don't tell me my brain is going caput!' Luna thought worriedly. It just wouldn't do. This creature is planning to eat her! Now was not the time for her brain to die out on her. She's been doing pretty well so far. She has escaped all life threatening situations.
Surely this wasn't any different.
Surely she can think of a way to prevent from becoming mincemeat.
Ohhhhh boy. Is it just her? Or is the alligator getting closer to the river?
"Excuse me? You realize I don't like getting wet." Her eyes narrowed angrily as she heard his throat rumble. What is HE laughing for? Her life is on the line HERE! "It's not funny!" To her annoyance, the rumbling got louder. "I can't swim! I'll die! You'll get charged with murder!" She could feel his jaws trembling, as he tried to keep from laughing any harder.
She could have smacked herself when her latest words floated backed to her. 'Animals don't get charged with murder baka!' What's happening to her? Ever since she's been stuck here, her intelligence level seems to have dropped to the equivalent of Artemis's brain. Sad but true.
She was starting to feel more desperate when she saw how close they were to the river's shore line. "You don't want to eat me!" she wailed. "I don't have any meat on my bones! That's how skinny I am! And the fur! You can't digest that! I'm so dirty and yucky!" It was starting to laugh again. It then occurred to her the more it laughed the more chances she'll have to escape him. Encouraged with this new revelation, she rushed on. "Cats don't taste good! Don't you rather have fish or a nice tasty human in one of the villages around here? MMMM. Yum? Yum?"
Its jaw was then low enough for her to escape. She was so happy to be free again! Sure she has teeth marks imprinted on her body and she's covered in saliva, but at least she has made it out alive!
Who knew alligators had such a wonderful sense of humor?
End of Interlude---
They were all in the living room. The Senshi were sitting on the couch, Usagi and Shingo were sitting on the floor, and Mamoru was standing over by the window, watching the sun begin to set.
Tick, tock.
Usagi gritted her teeth in annoyance. For more than thirty minutes they've been sitting here waiting for the phone to ring so they can find out how her father was doing.
Tick, tock.
The silence is unnerving. She can even hear the noise her watch is making it was that silent! She was itching to rip it from her wrist, throw it on the floor and crush the damn thing with her feet! Grrrrrrrrr.
Tick, tock.
She wanted someone to talk so badly. It would help to drown out the awful noise. She opened her mouth to do so since no one else was going to make the first move. Then closed it with a decisive click when she remembered what could happen if she did. They wouldn't want to make small talk. She can easily see that by the way their eyes were staring directly at her, burning with curiosity; waiting for the opportunity to ask her the questions that wanted to be released from their lips once she starts talking.
Tick, tock.
She squirmed and swallowed down the nervous laughter that was bubbling up her throat. If there was a time she wished for a youma to show up. . . now's the time!
Tick, tock.
Usagi's left eye twitched. That's it! She can't take it anymore!
"Uh Usagi?" Venus asked out of the blue.
The girl in question gazed up at her, blinking innocently. "Hai?"
"Why. . ." she paused to clear her throat, finding the situation odd. "Why are you stuffing your watch down your bra?"
Over by the window, Mamoru's eyes darkened, the word "ewww" coming from Shingo sounded far away. He could feel the heat surging through his veins as he pictured Usagi doing the aforementioned act. Involuntarily, he wondered what sort of bra she was wearing. Was it lacy or satin? Was it white, blending in with her smooth, creamy skin? Mamoru gulped and dug his fingernails into the palm of his hands, feeling a tweak of pain.
He needed to get a hold of himself! He squeezed his eyes painfully shut, took a deep breath before opening his eyes again. He tried to concentrate on the colors blending together as the sky was gradually turning into night.
The key word here is "tried". All he could see was Usagi lying on a huge bed, black silken sheets covering her naked form, giving him a view of one long, slim leg protruding from the covers.
His breathing quickened out of fear and desire all rolled into one. It scared him really. How she can bring out emotions so strong that he practically had to force his feet to stay rooted to the floor. However, he could feel his will slipping away. It was if his self-control was leaving him---only to be replaced by a desire to make her his.
'What's happening to me?' was his last thought as his vision went dark and fell to an unconscious heap on the floor.
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Usagi's head snapped up at the sound of a body hitting the ground. She turned around and took an intake of breath as she saw that Mamoru had fainted.
In an instant, she was by his side, shaking his shoulders. "Wake up Mamoru!" She gave a sigh of relief when he groaned and his eyes fluttered open.
Though, she couldn't help but wonder if Mamoru should have stayed unconscious by the way his eyes were drinking her in with an intensity that was all too familiar and a seductive smirk that indicated he was thinking naughty.
'Uh oh. . .' Usagi thought shivering. 'Don't tell me Mamoru has. . .'
In a lightening quick move, Mamoru wrapped his arms around her waist and flipped her onto her back, grinning in satisfaction.
'. . . reverted back to his perverted ways. . .'
The Senshi's mouths were agape as they stood staring down at the couple before them. What the HECK is Mamoru DOING!
Shingo, most of all, was disgusted. "OH! EWWW! Don't do that here!" he pleaded, slapping a hand over his eyes. He's going to have nightmares about this moment for the rest of his natural born life!
Usagi didn't know what to do. In a weird, twisted way, she was thrilled that Mamoru was gazing at her as if she were the most desirable woman on Earth again. Nevertheless, he couldn't have picked the worst time to do this. Her friends and her little brother were here! HELLO?
Mamoru's dark blue eyes churned with want. "I have you now Usako," he whispered huskily then traced her lips with his tongue.
Usagi's mouth went dry. Now that Mamoru isn't chained up anymore. . . nothing is holding him back from doing what he wanted to do to her last night.
What's troubling Usagi the most is the fact that she didn't mind the tiniest bit.
Should she be worried?
Ohhhh yeah.
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Phew! This is one long chapter. But you guys deserve it after waiting so long for an update! I'll try to get the next one out soon but I doubt it since finals are coming up. The last few weeks of the semester are always hectic. Ugh. Stupid finals.
See ya!