Disclaimer: Do I really have to put these in here every time? You should know the drill by now.

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Once Upon a Dream

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Usagi didn't notice it, but unconsciously, her hand had grabbed Mamoru's and squeezed hard. He was wincing, but it suddenly didn't matter as he caught the smell. He knew that smell. It floated high above the many perfumes and flowers scenting the room. The crowd parted, and he caught sight of them. The hobgoblins.

Queen Ana stood up and told the nearest servant to close the curtain between the ballroom and the thrones. She turned to Usagi and Mamoru.

"Leave and get help," she muttered, and then she stepped between the curtains to face the enemy. "What do you want?" her commanding voice boomed. Usagi could imagine the ugly, smug face of the lead hobgoblin, his horrid lips contorted into the semblance of a smile. However, before she could hear his answer, Mamoru was pulling her hand, tugging her from the throne and to her feet. They ran to the nearest balcony, and Mamoru took off. Usagi was anguished.

"Hold on, Mamoru," she said as she looked down and her dress. Steeling herself, she ripped most of it off, and stepped out of the metal hoop holding it up. She then joined Mamoru in the sky. He flashed a quick smile, before they flew quickly away from the palace, so that they could figure out whom to get help from. Once again, they went to Befana's hut.

Mamoru pounded urgently on the door, and Befana came to the door with a big smile.

"What is it, Mamoru? Why here so late?" she asked.

"Hobgoblins attacked the ball!" he wasted no time. Befana's eyes got large, and she ushered them in right away.

"What now?" Befana murmured in low tones, as if afraid somebody would here.

"We were at the ball. Usagi was in her throne and I was sitting next to her. All of a sudden, the people gasped and we could smell the stench. Queen Ana told us to go and find help, and we left," Mamoru said in the same low tones.

"Oh dear, oh dear. I knew it would come to this some day," Befana started pacing the small space of the dining room. "The hobgoblins are not content to live peacefully while their enemies live. We must get some help!" She said, ringing her hands.

"We could go to King Alberich. He would lend his dwarves to help. He helped the first time," Usagi said thoughtfully.

"And the elves! I know the elves would help us!" Mamoru said excitedly.

"And the gnomes, and the brownies, and the leprechauns, and the pixies!"

"Yes, they probably would, but before you go recruiting troops, please stay here a night. It was an awful fright you two had. I only have one extra bed, but I'm sure you two have no problem sharing it," Befana said with a sly wink to Mamoru; always the match maker, even now. "I'll go prepare some supper for us. I had only planned on me, but it will be no problem to whip something up for you two." Befana left in the direction of the kitchen, and Usagi had the dignity to blush slightly.

"You may take the bed, Mamoru," she said, staring at her slippered feet. "I will find somewhere else to sleep."

"No, my dear princess, you may take the bed. I am much more resilient than you are,"

"What is that supposed to mean?" Usagi glared.

"I only meant that-," Mamoru was interrupted as Befana came back into the room with a wonderful smelling soup and fresh bread. After gorging themselves on soup, bread, and milk, Usagi realized that she was very tired. She stood up, excused herself, and entered the room where the extra bed was. It was very large, and she just flopped down on it. As soon as she lay down, she was asleep.

Usagi awoke sometime in the middle of the night. She was right way on the bed and had a blanket draped over her. She looked at the couch at the other side of the room and saw Mamoru laying there asleep.

"Mamoru?" she whispered. He grunted and turned over in his sleep. "Mamoru?" she said a bit louder. He awoke and leaned up on his elbows.

"Usagi? Did you call me?" he asked.

"Yes,"

"What is it?"

"I'm scared. I don't like that we left my mother," she said, her voice wavering. Mamoru rose up from the couch and came and sat next to her on the bed.

"It will be alright, my princess," he said, collecting her into his arms. Her head fell into the nook between his shoulder and neck, and she began to sob quietly. Mamoru stroked her hair and felt her tears collecting on his shoulder. On impulse, he kissed her forehead. Usagi looked up at him and wiped her eyes. She leaned forward and kissed his cheek.

"Lay with me?" she asked innocently. Mamoru nodded. Usagi moved over and lay back down. Mamoru lay down beside her and held her close to him. She nuzzled closely to his chest, and Mamoru was surprised to feel his heart start beating faster.

"It will all be alright, my princess," he whispered to her.

"Mm hmm," she breathed. Soon, her breathing had slowed down, and Mamoru laid in wonder at how he got so lucky.

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A/N: So? What do you think? Whose gonna help them?