C.Shakespere and Dudley, thank you for your kind words. Pheobesaphira, hope you continue liking them. winks Yes, feedback is always loved and welcomed and squeed upon (oh, yeah!), and I enjoy reading as many opinions about my work as I can, but it's even better to know that someone is reading - and hopefully enjoying – them. Yes, I do adore the hit count at lol!

And yep, you got it right, Dudley.

DISCLAIMER: Not mine.

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013. FUTURE

Mamoru let go of the transformation, relieved that the battle was over. For tonight, at least. Tomorrow….

He sighed.

Was this everything life offered? Wondering who and what he was, why he fought? Endless nights rescuing the Senshi just to steal the Rainbow Crystals?

And if he found his Princess, what then? Too many enigmas around his future and – "Oomph!"

It was the Odango. Of course it'd be her.

"Will you ever watch where you're going?!" But his voice wasn't biting. He'd just realised that, whatever the future brought, it was good to know that some things would never change.

12/03/07

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014. CLOSET

Usagi glanced disconcertedly between the two outfits in her closet. What to wear? The blue sundress fit her beautifully; but jeans and a turtleneck sweater were more adequate for today's weather.

Comfort? Or good looks?

Weeks ago the choice would have come easily: the blue dress would impress Motoki-kun. But now that he had a girlfriend, the only other guy who paid her attention was that Mamoru. Ugh. How could Motoki be friends with that odious guy?!

As she kept thinking of possible scenarios to avoid the big jerk, Usagi thoughtlessly changed into the sundress and marched towards the arcade.

13/03/07

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015. MISTAKE

Finally, an afternoon to himself. No upcoming tests, no deadlines at work, not one Senshi to rescue from imminent death. Life rarely got any better -

- until a ball bounced off his head and then rolled innocently to his feet.

Mamoru narrowed his eyes and bent to grab the offensive piece of plastic. He snapped up, turned and waved the ball in the direction it'd come from. "Why can't I get a free day from you?!"

Two boys blanched.

Mamoru sighed to himself as he tossed the toy back to them.

He was thinking too much about that girl.

13/03/07

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016. BEHIND THE BLUE CURTAIN (Explanation: In 'The Wizard of Oz', the wizard hid behind a blue curtain. Sometimes ordinary people can hide behind great works.)

He already had convinced himself that this girl wasn't only a dream, that she went beyond his imagination. That she was a Princess.

His princess.

Sometimes she felt so close he knew he'd touch her. One step, one second. He only needed another second in this dreamscape and he'd finally know….

"Mamoru? Hello-o!!!!!!!!"

Mamoru opened his eyes. Slowly, the vision of the princess dissolved into another blonde's concerned features. "Odango," he said, not an insult as much as an acknowledgement.

Concern fled and her brows knitted in displeasure.

Mamoru braced himself. She obviously didn't feel the same about her nickname.

13/03/07