Chapter 12
After her discussion with Trunks, Usagi called Haruka and Michiru over to discuss a course of action.
"Okay we're all here. What's up?" Haruka asked.
"Well first of all Trunks and I went out and we ran into Mamoru," Usagi began.
"Did he do anything to you?" Haruka said dangerously.
"No, Trunks told him to back off and Mamoru didn't seem too happy about it."
"I think I'm starting to like him,"
"And I told Trunks how I really felt about him," she started.
"About time," Haruka inserted. Usagi blushed.
"And?" Michiru asked hitting Haruka.
"He feels the same way," Usagi said happily.
"Congratulations, Usa. I knew that you and Trunks would get together eventually." Michiru said.
"Thanks," she said trying to regain her coloring.
"So what have you come up with Usa?" Haruka asked.
"Well the other day I had a long talk with Trunks about what has been happening," she started.
"Did you tell him about…… you know," Michiru asked gesturing with her hand.
"Yes, I did," she answered.
"And?" Haruka asked. "What was his reaction?"
"After getting really angry and threatening Mamoru, he said he would help me. First we need to fire our attorney."
"I agree. He doesn't even try. But who will replace him? You know Mamoru is a very well of Doctor who can hire the best. No lawyer in their right mind will want to defend you and those who do won't try." Haruka said.
"Well… I was thinking that Setsuna would do it," she said looking at her. She nodded.
"Good. Now what else?" Michiru asked.
"Do you guys still have the name of the company that is holding the samples and the other documents?"
"I see where you're going and we are way ahead of you. I have the police report and Doctor's report at home. We will bring it for you later, Setsuna," Michiru said.
"And we will all help you to prepare for the trial. I know of a friend who is a judge. He is here on vacation but I'm sure that he wouldn't mind giving us some pointers." Haruka said.
Setsuna nodded. "Good. Now on to more pleasant things. We have to mingle more with the other more established companies. We got some invitations to the Capsule Corporations annual banquet. We're all invited to attend," Setsuna said.
"A banquet? Why did they invite us?" Haruka asked.
"We were featured in the last issue of The Newsweekly as 'A fast-growing successful business run by three mysterious females and one luck male … … … a real 'diamond in the rough'. Michiru quoted from the magazine she held.
Usagi laughed. "They really said that?" she asked.
"Yes and the other magazines gave high praises to us as well. We are a hot commodity. One magazine said that we are giving Capsule Corporation a 'run for their money.' Everyone wants to meet the 'three mysterious females'," Haruka said with a laugh.
"So are we going? I know Usa is dying to go to see her man and keep any lecherous females at bay," Haruka teased. Usagi blushed brightly and threw a cushion at her which she caught.
"Of course, we don't want to be rude now do we?" Setsuna asked.
*******************
Later that week, while Usagi was working, she received a phone call. "Hello?"
"Hi Usa."
"Oh hi Trunks. How are you?"
"Doing well. You?"
"Just great. So what's up?"
"Well I just wanted to know if you're going to the banquet on Saturday."
"Of course. It is only the biggest social event of the business world. We would be crazy not to attend."
"Good. Are you going to drive there with your friends or should I come pick you up?"
"We'll drive. We need to make an entrance."
"Really?"
"Yes. I only have on problem."
"What?"
"I need a babysitter for Chibi Usa and Hotaru. We can't bring them with us and we don't have anyone to take care of them."
"Well I could arrange for them to stay at Goku's house. They're not coming so they offered to baby-sit for all of us."
"Who else is coming?"
"Gohan, Videl, Juuachi, Krillen and Yamcha and some company representatives from countries around the world. In all about 36 companies."
"Really?"
"Yes. So how's Chibi Usa doing? I haven't seen her in a while and Annie misses her."
"Well she's been with Haruka and Michiru. They decided to watch her incase Mamoru tries something else."
"That's good. I'm looking forward to seeing you on Saturday."
"Me too Trunks. I loved hearing from you, goodbye Trunks," she said.
"Goodbye Usa," he said hanging up.
For the rest of the day, Usagi sat smiling to herself. Setsuna and the others teased her about it mercilessly.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When Saturday rolled around they got ready very early. Haruka dropped Chibi Usa and Haruka of at Goku's house at around 1 p.m. to give the girls as much time together as possible. Setsuna provided the clothes so all the really had to do was go to a beauty salon (Haruka excluded after a huge argument) and the spa for an afternoon of pampering and relaxation.
Afterwards they went home to get ready.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"So which should I wear, the pearls or diamonds?" Usagi asked the others, holding a diamond and pearl set up.
"Um… How about the diamonds?" Haruka suggested.
"No, I think that I like the pearls better with that dress." Michiru said.
"What do you think Setsuna? You made the dress, which one would flatter it more?" Usagi asked.
"The Diamonds. They accentuate the colors of the dress and draw attention to your cleavage."
"Well diamonds it is."
"Usagi, I don't believe you!" Haruka said in a teasing voice.
"What?" she responded innocently.
"Where has our little Usa gone?" Michiru added.
"She grew up to become a very successful, stunning and sensuous woman," Setsuna said fondly.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
That night Trunks and Bulma were together in the entrance hall welcoming guests. It was already 9pm and Usagi and her friends still hadn't showed up. He was starting to get worried as there were only a few more guests remaining to arrive.
He looked at the door again, out of frustration.
"Worried?" Bulma asked.
"Yes, where are they? How could it take them this long to arrive?"
"Well their women. It always takes us long to get ready," Bulma said.
"………………………….."
"Come inside. We need to get things started anyway," she said turning to go.
"I'll stay here for a while longer," he said.
"Okay then, I'll send Chibi Trunks to stay with you," she said.
Trunks looked back at the entrance. "So still waiting for your girlfriend?" Chibi Trunks asked.
"Anticipation's a bitch, isn't it?"
"Don't you have something else to do?" Trunks asked annoyed.
"Nope, Goten couldn't be here……"
"Thank god," Trunks muttered.
"And there aren't many girls my age. Even so they're too immature for me."
"Or you're too much of a hentai," Trunks said
"Hey!"
"Just stating facts"
"Anyway, Trunks, Leanne is looking for you," Chibi Trunks said mischievously.
"Why?"
"Because she said she had a wonderful time with you at the last banquet and wanted to relive the night. Said you 'rocked her world'" Chibi Trunks said wickedly.
Trunks could have fainted. "What?! When?!" he almost yelled.
"Just now, to mom. Mom's finding it all very interesting." He said Trunks was about to go inside when a familiar car pulled up. The occupants exited with the driver tossing the keys at the valet. All thoughts of going inside flew out the window as Trunks gazed at the vision before him.The girls all looked stunning, although the word to describe Haruka would have adequately been handsome. Setsuna wore a black, off the shoulder dress. It was sleek and form fitting ending at her ankles. She wore a silver and ruby necklace and matching earrings.
Michiru had on a mother of pearl strapless dress. The bodice was tight and the skirt flared out at her hips. She wore an sapphire necklace and matching earrings. Haruka wore a black suit and white bow tie.
Usagi was wearing a variation of her Neo-Queen Serenity gown but instead of the gold circles around the top there was a solid silver band and the bodice was tight, showing off her figure perfectly. The dress flared slightly at the waist and had no wings. It also didn't cling as tightly to her legs.
All Trunks could do was stare until Chibi Trunks stepped on his foot. Hard. Trying to resist the urge to blast him, he stepped forward.
"Hello ladies and welcome," Trunks said politely.
"Thank you and sorry for the delay but we had a little car trouble," Setsuna said looking at Haruka sharply.
"One tire blew out and they want to kill me. How was I supposed to know that it would and bring some tools?" she said exasperated.
Usagi laughed slightly. Trunks turned to her. She blushed and looked at him.
"You look lovely tonight, Usa," he said smiling.
"Thank you, you look very handsome," she said sincerely.
"Hello," Chibi Trunks said brightly. He felt a little neglected but the smile that Usagi gave him made up for it.
"Hello Chibi Trunks, where's Goten tonight," she asked.
"He couldn't come because mom said that she just couldn't deal with the two of us tonight."
"Oh, well I'm sure you'll enjoy yourself still," she said kindly.
"Only if I get to dance with you," he said.
"Sure I'll save you one," she said laughing at the expression on Trunks' face.
"Shall we," Trunks asked, extending his arm to her.
"We shall," she said taking it.
Haruka did the same with Michiru and Chibi Trunks offer Setsuna politely as well.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When they walked into the room every quieted down. They all looked at them with interest. Most of the single women were already green with envy at the stunning blond haired beauty on Trunks' arm. The place slowly came alive when Bulma prompted the orchestra to play again.
Trunks led Usagi to the dance floor and they dance most of the night with the exception of a few dances with Chibi Trunks. Usagi got tired and needed some fresh air so Trunks took her outside for a walk. They stopped by a small pond and sat down with Usagi in Trunks' lap his arms wrapped comfortably around her. It was a new moon so it was alright to be outside for Usagi.
"So how have you been?" Trunks asked.
"Very well. No news from Mamoru and Setsuna is building a strong case against Mamoru."
"That's good to hear."
"So how are you and Annie?"
"Annie is still as hyper as ever. I dare say Chibi Usa is back to her old self."
"Indeed. She even woke me up today. She jumped on my bed and bounced on it until I got up," she said with a smile at the memory. Trunks laughed. They fell into a comfortable silence each enjoying the others presence. Usagi turned to him to tell him something when he captured her lips with his. She forgot what she was about to say and returned the gesture. He gently sucked on her bottom lip, drawing a soft moan from her lips. She parted them slightly allowing his tongue to slip into her mouth and moaned again when their tongues slowly caressed each other. His hand was slowly rubbing her back when he felt something soft and warm. Usagi instantly pulled away.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"Nothing just needed some air that's all. We've been out here for a long time, shouldn't we be going back now?" she said quickly changing the subject.
"Sure," he said reluctantly. He knew something was up but didn't want to question her about it as she obviously was uncomfortable about it. He helped her up and brought her inside.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Setsuna and the others were waiting for her when she returned. Michiru distracted Trunks while Setsuna took her aside.
"Usagi, what was that?"
"I don't know Setsuna. My magic began to falter. I must be drained."
"Well we'll go home. You have been really worrying about Mamoru and you need to sleep properly. Rest is important. Can't have you giving your secret away now can we?"
"No you're right. I'll go tell Trunks," she said. She found him talking to Gohan.
"Excuse me," she said interrupting them. "We have to go now." she said apologetically.
"Really?" he asked.
"Yes. I'll see you later then," she said.
"Um Usagi, why don't you and the other come over tomorrow? My mom wants to have a picnic and told me to invite you and your friends."
"We'll love to go. When?"
"1 pm. It's for the kids mostly."
"Should I bring something?"
"Sure, if you want."
"Okay, bye," she said giving Trunks a light kiss on the lips and walking away.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next day Usagi and the other girls went to the picnic. They brought a few pies and cakes with them, knowing the sayian appetite.
They were having a good time until a white car pulled up. Out came a middle aged man with glasses. Haruka went to talk to him and the two came back with Haruka frowning.
"What's wrong Haruka?" Usagi asked.
"I'm looking for a Tsukino Usagi, is she here by any chance?"
"I am." Usagi said wearily. Something was up and she knew it.
"Well Tsukino-san, I'm sorry to say this but you have just been served," he said handing her an official looking envelope. She took it and he left quickly.
"What was that all about," Gohan asked as Usagi opened the letter and read it. She went pale and almost dropped the letter. Setsuna took it from her and read it out loud.
"Dear Miss Tsukino,
This is to inform you that Mr. Mamoru Chiba has requested custody of the child, Catherine Usagi Tsukino. This request, after being reviewed by the Judge Anthony Cunningham, has been granted. This is to be brought into effect immediately seven days from being received. Please comply.
Yours sincerely
Donald Hynes
Attorney at Law
Setsuna looked at Usagi to see her standing there with her head down, arms wrapped around herself. She was rocking herself back and forth. Trunks embraced her pulling her close to him.
"Oh Usa, I'm so sorry," he said softly.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After her discussion with Trunks, Usagi called Haruka and Michiru over to discuss a course of action.
"Okay we're all here. What's up?" Haruka asked.
"Well first of all Trunks and I went out and we ran into Mamoru," Usagi began.
"Did he do anything to you?" Haruka said dangerously.
"No, Trunks told him to back off and Mamoru didn't seem too happy about it."
"I think I'm starting to like him,"
"And I told Trunks how I really felt about him," she started.
"About time," Haruka inserted. Usagi blushed.
"And?" Michiru asked hitting Haruka.
"He feels the same way," Usagi said happily.
"Congratulations, Usa. I knew that you and Trunks would get together eventually." Michiru said.
"Thanks," she said trying to regain her coloring.
"So what have you come up with Usa?" Haruka asked.
"Well the other day I had a long talk with Trunks about what has been happening," she started.
"Did you tell him about…… you know," Michiru asked gesturing with her hand.
"Yes, I did," she answered.
"And?" Haruka asked. "What was his reaction?"
"After getting really angry and threatening Mamoru, he said he would help me. First we need to fire our attorney."
"I agree. He doesn't even try. But who will replace him? You know Mamoru is a very well of Doctor who can hire the best. No lawyer in their right mind will want to defend you and those who do won't try." Haruka said.
"Well… I was thinking that Setsuna would do it," she said looking at her. She nodded.
"Good. Now what else?" Michiru asked.
"Do you guys still have the name of the company that is holding the samples and the other documents?"
"I see where you're going and we are way ahead of you. I have the police report and Doctor's report at home. We will bring it for you later, Setsuna," Michiru said.
"And we will all help you to prepare for the trial. I know of a friend who is a judge. He is here on vacation but I'm sure that he wouldn't mind giving us some pointers." Haruka said.
Setsuna nodded. "Good. Now on to more pleasant things. We have to mingle more with the other more established companies. We got some invitations to the Capsule Corporations annual banquet. We're all invited to attend," Setsuna said.
"A banquet? Why did they invite us?" Haruka asked.
"We were featured in the last issue of The Newsweekly as 'A fast-growing successful business run by three mysterious females and one luck male … … … a real 'diamond in the rough'. Michiru quoted from the magazine she held.
Usagi laughed. "They really said that?" she asked.
"Yes and the other magazines gave high praises to us as well. We are a hot commodity. One magazine said that we are giving Capsule Corporation a 'run for their money.' Everyone wants to meet the 'three mysterious females'," Haruka said with a laugh.
"So are we going? I know Usa is dying to go to see her man and keep any lecherous females at bay," Haruka teased. Usagi blushed brightly and threw a cushion at her which she caught.
"Of course, we don't want to be rude now do we?" Setsuna asked.
*******************
Later that week, while Usagi was working, she received a phone call. "Hello?"
"Hi Usa."
"Oh hi Trunks. How are you?"
"Doing well. You?"
"Just great. So what's up?"
"Well I just wanted to know if you're going to the banquet on Saturday."
"Of course. It is only the biggest social event of the business world. We would be crazy not to attend."
"Good. Are you going to drive there with your friends or should I come pick you up?"
"We'll drive. We need to make an entrance."
"Really?"
"Yes. I only have on problem."
"What?"
"I need a babysitter for Chibi Usa and Hotaru. We can't bring them with us and we don't have anyone to take care of them."
"Well I could arrange for them to stay at Goku's house. They're not coming so they offered to baby-sit for all of us."
"Who else is coming?"
"Gohan, Videl, Juuachi, Krillen and Yamcha and some company representatives from countries around the world. In all about 36 companies."
"Really?"
"Yes. So how's Chibi Usa doing? I haven't seen her in a while and Annie misses her."
"Well she's been with Haruka and Michiru. They decided to watch her incase Mamoru tries something else."
"That's good. I'm looking forward to seeing you on Saturday."
"Me too Trunks. I loved hearing from you, goodbye Trunks," she said.
"Goodbye Usa," he said hanging up.
For the rest of the day, Usagi sat smiling to herself. Setsuna and the others teased her about it mercilessly.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When Saturday rolled around they got ready very early. Haruka dropped Chibi Usa and Haruka of at Goku's house at around 1 p.m. to give the girls as much time together as possible. Setsuna provided the clothes so all the really had to do was go to a beauty salon (Haruka excluded after a huge argument) and the spa for an afternoon of pampering and relaxation.
Afterwards they went home to get ready.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"So which should I wear, the pearls or diamonds?" Usagi asked the others, holding a diamond and pearl set up.
"Um… How about the diamonds?" Haruka suggested.
"No, I think that I like the pearls better with that dress." Michiru said.
"What do you think Setsuna? You made the dress, which one would flatter it more?" Usagi asked.
"The Diamonds. They accentuate the colors of the dress and draw attention to your cleavage."
"Well diamonds it is."
"Usagi, I don't believe you!" Haruka said in a teasing voice.
"What?" she responded innocently.
"Where has our little Usa gone?" Michiru added.
"She grew up to become a very successful, stunning and sensuous woman," Setsuna said fondly.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
That night Trunks and Bulma were together in the entrance hall welcoming guests. It was already 9pm and Usagi and her friends still hadn't showed up. He was starting to get worried as there were only a few more guests remaining to arrive.
He looked at the door again, out of frustration.
"Worried?" Bulma asked.
"Yes, where are they? How could it take them this long to arrive?"
"Well their women. It always takes us long to get ready," Bulma said.
"………………………….."
"Come inside. We need to get things started anyway," she said turning to go.
"I'll stay here for a while longer," he said.
"Okay then, I'll send Chibi Trunks to stay with you," she said.
Trunks looked back at the entrance. "So still waiting for your girlfriend?" Chibi Trunks asked.
"Anticipation's a bitch, isn't it?"
"Don't you have something else to do?" Trunks asked annoyed.
"Nope, Goten couldn't be here……"
"Thank god," Trunks muttered.
"And there aren't many girls my age. Even so they're too immature for me."
"Or you're too much of a hentai," Trunks said
"Hey!"
"Just stating facts"
"Anyway, Trunks, Leanne is looking for you," Chibi Trunks said mischievously.
"Why?"
"Because she said she had a wonderful time with you at the last banquet and wanted to relive the night. Said you 'rocked her world'" Chibi Trunks said wickedly.
Trunks could have fainted. "What?! When?!" he almost yelled.
"Just now, to mom. Mom's finding it all very interesting." He said Trunks was about to go inside when a familiar car pulled up. The occupants exited with the driver tossing the keys at the valet. All thoughts of going inside flew out the window as Trunks gazed at the vision before him.The girls all looked stunning, although the word to describe Haruka would have adequately been handsome. Setsuna wore a black, off the shoulder dress. It was sleek and form fitting ending at her ankles. She wore a silver and ruby necklace and matching earrings.
Michiru had on a mother of pearl strapless dress. The bodice was tight and the skirt flared out at her hips. She wore an sapphire necklace and matching earrings. Haruka wore a black suit and white bow tie.
Usagi was wearing a variation of her Neo-Queen Serenity gown but instead of the gold circles around the top there was a solid silver band and the bodice was tight, showing off her figure perfectly. The dress flared slightly at the waist and had no wings. It also didn't cling as tightly to her legs.
All Trunks could do was stare until Chibi Trunks stepped on his foot. Hard. Trying to resist the urge to blast him, he stepped forward.
"Hello ladies and welcome," Trunks said politely.
"Thank you and sorry for the delay but we had a little car trouble," Setsuna said looking at Haruka sharply.
"One tire blew out and they want to kill me. How was I supposed to know that it would and bring some tools?" she said exasperated.
Usagi laughed slightly. Trunks turned to her. She blushed and looked at him.
"You look lovely tonight, Usa," he said smiling.
"Thank you, you look very handsome," she said sincerely.
"Hello," Chibi Trunks said brightly. He felt a little neglected but the smile that Usagi gave him made up for it.
"Hello Chibi Trunks, where's Goten tonight," she asked.
"He couldn't come because mom said that she just couldn't deal with the two of us tonight."
"Oh, well I'm sure you'll enjoy yourself still," she said kindly.
"Only if I get to dance with you," he said.
"Sure I'll save you one," she said laughing at the expression on Trunks' face.
"Shall we," Trunks asked, extending his arm to her.
"We shall," she said taking it.
Haruka did the same with Michiru and Chibi Trunks offer Setsuna politely as well.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When they walked into the room every quieted down. They all looked at them with interest. Most of the single women were already green with envy at the stunning blond haired beauty on Trunks' arm. The place slowly came alive when Bulma prompted the orchestra to play again.
Trunks led Usagi to the dance floor and they dance most of the night with the exception of a few dances with Chibi Trunks. Usagi got tired and needed some fresh air so Trunks took her outside for a walk. They stopped by a small pond and sat down with Usagi in Trunks' lap his arms wrapped comfortably around her. It was a new moon so it was alright to be outside for Usagi.
"So how have you been?" Trunks asked.
"Very well. No news from Mamoru and Setsuna is building a strong case against Mamoru."
"That's good to hear."
"So how are you and Annie?"
"Annie is still as hyper as ever. I dare say Chibi Usa is back to her old self."
"Indeed. She even woke me up today. She jumped on my bed and bounced on it until I got up," she said with a smile at the memory. Trunks laughed. They fell into a comfortable silence each enjoying the others presence. Usagi turned to him to tell him something when he captured her lips with his. She forgot what she was about to say and returned the gesture. He gently sucked on her bottom lip, drawing a soft moan from her lips. She parted them slightly allowing his tongue to slip into her mouth and moaned again when their tongues slowly caressed each other. His hand was slowly rubbing her back when he felt something soft and warm. Usagi instantly pulled away.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"Nothing just needed some air that's all. We've been out here for a long time, shouldn't we be going back now?" she said quickly changing the subject.
"Sure," he said reluctantly. He knew something was up but didn't want to question her about it as she obviously was uncomfortable about it. He helped her up and brought her inside.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Setsuna and the others were waiting for her when she returned. Michiru distracted Trunks while Setsuna took her aside.
"Usagi, what was that?"
"I don't know Setsuna. My magic began to falter. I must be drained."
"Well we'll go home. You have been really worrying about Mamoru and you need to sleep properly. Rest is important. Can't have you giving your secret away now can we?"
"No you're right. I'll go tell Trunks," she said. She found him talking to Gohan.
"Excuse me," she said interrupting them. "We have to go now." she said apologetically.
"Really?" he asked.
"Yes. I'll see you later then," she said.
"Um Usagi, why don't you and the other come over tomorrow? My mom wants to have a picnic and told me to invite you and your friends."
"We'll love to go. When?"
"1 pm. It's for the kids mostly."
"Should I bring something?"
"Sure, if you want."
"Okay, bye," she said giving Trunks a light kiss on the lips and walking away.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next day Usagi and the other girls went to the picnic. They brought a few pies and cakes with them, knowing the sayian appetite.
They were having a good time until a white car pulled up. Out came a middle aged man with glasses. Haruka went to talk to him and the two came back with Haruka frowning.
"What's wrong Haruka?" Usagi asked.
"I'm looking for a Tsukino Usagi, is she here by any chance?"
"I am." Usagi said wearily. Something was up and she knew it.
"Well Tsukino-san, I'm sorry to say this but you have just been served," he said handing her an official looking envelope. She took it and he left quickly.
"What was that all about," Gohan asked as Usagi opened the letter and read it. She went pale and almost dropped the letter. Setsuna took it from her and read it out loud.
"Dear Miss Tsukino,
This is to inform you that Mr. Mamoru Chiba has requested custody of the child, Catherine Usagi Tsukino. This request, after being reviewed by the Judge Anthony Cunningham, has been granted. This is to be brought into effect immediately seven days from being received. Please comply.
Yours sincerely
Donald Hynes
Attorney at Law
Setsuna looked at Usagi to see her standing there with her head down, arms wrapped around herself. She was rocking herself back and forth. Trunks embraced her pulling her close to him.
"Oh Usa, I'm so sorry," he said softly.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~