wrobis00: wow thank you so much. I enjoy writing all of this as much as you enjoy reading this.
damonika2009: your questions will be answered in due time. Also I had been looking for an excuse to get Ikuko to chase him around with it! And his information tap…it will be tough one to work on.
FyraBerkaan: LMAO! That was funny. Though the 'david bowie' reference was probably a 'shaydoe' bit cause I'm not familiar with that.
NeoPrincessRini: thanks!
mavebelikova (Guest): good! Here you go.
Guest (1): better believe it!
damonika2009 (Guest): losers tend to be sore about things. Sorry for the confusion with the ch/ep's though.
Setsuna-Chan22: the dinner is coming up I the next one I believe. I'm glad you liked my story so much! Both of them! I hope you stay hooked!
kera69love: that won't be till next week sorry. But in the meantime enjoy this one again since I had had it up for all of a 3 hours last week by mistake.
Anon (Guest): starting with the next one I'll lower down on the amount of Japanese used, hopefully it'll be a bit more readable for you.
mavebelikova (Guest): LOL! You're so sweet. I'm glad your hooked and as for that mix up for those few hours and the fact that I did get 35 reviews for that one ch/ep, the very first chance I get I will do a Wednesday update.
CaughtInAFantasy: I really make you question things huh? lol
pandoraskiss (Guest): her powers…keep reading…I mean at least she has powers to fight with now…
witchoftheforest (Guest): yes there will be more lemons.
mizzladyoflondon (Guest): Will do.
LoveInTheBattleField, alPhha, yamifangirl09 (Guest): here's your new ch/ep!
Wow 18 reviews, nice. Though I will warn you, to those that caught the goof up last week, this is ch/ep.7, not 8. Not everyone got to see it nor do I have 8 ready yet so I do apologize but this is for those that didn't get a chance to read it. I hope you're not upset with me. When I am caught up again I'll give you a Wednesday ch/ep! (Especially for those 35 reviews) so please no hating just understanding.
And scene…
Sailor Moon S 'Rise of the Messiah ch/ep.7
Usagi had woken up tucked securely into her own little bed at home. After she fell asleep at Mamoru's she realized he must have taken her home. She vaguely remembered the ride back into Minato in his red sports car. Him, cradling her in his arms before leaping up to her balcony and softly carrying her to her bed.
(He's so sweet to have done this for me…but still I kinda wish he let me stay over at his place, I sleep so much better with him. Then again that may have been what he was counting on. Getting me to fall asleep with him then bringing me back home here to keep me out of trouble with my parents. Plus even I knew that I needed to try and stay at home more often in my own bed. It would only take one morning where papa would come in to wake me up and find me gone. Then all hell would break loose and I don't need any more stress right now.
I can only imagine the excuses mama would have to come up with to get him to cool down and these days things just seem to get worse. She shouldn't have to make up excuses or lie for me, but he was just getting a bit much lately. It was almost like I flipped a switch in his mind's eye and he started to realize I'm not the goofy little girl I once was. I still can be goofy, but I've matured now.
Then again since being Sailor Moon I think I've matured a LOT. I don't cry for now reason, nearly as often as I used to. I haven't had a klutz attack in a LONG time, my grades are improving, and honestly I can't remember the last time I over indulged – wait a minute, never mind on that last part. I over did it with sweets the very day I hung out with the girls.
We ended up watching movies, going to the mall and taking a lovely trip to 'the candy factory' where they made more 'gourmet' style candies and sold some candies from when our parents were teenagers themselves. I even brought mama and papa home some treats that they recalled eating as teenagers.
Mama even got tears in her eyes remembering some fond moments with her own mother, as papa shared a tale with Shingo over a treat that he and his own father used to chew on when they worked on the family car they had. It brought a happy tear to my eye that I was able to bring up good memories for both my parents. Plus I felt good in knowing that I could in some small way make up for my absence.)
She lay there for a long time, listening to the birds chirping outside her windows. Basking in the soft morning sun warming her face, as she lay upon her pillow, reflecting on some of her family's happy memories since her time back.
Wondering briefly if she bought several of her papa's favorite chocolates and had Mamoru give them to him he'd be more accepting. But those thoughts fled fast as she noted that was more of a feminine gift rather than a manly gift to give. She inhaled as she was able to claim for a short time the quiet moment of tranquility. Though her wallowing and brief basking in memories lasted only for as long as Luna allowed. The dark cat's gentle footfalls along the mattress beside her announced her moment of silence was over.
To bad it would have been nice to have a few extra minutes of peace…I guess I should be grateful for the few that I got…
(I kept those thoughts from Mamo – chan, not wanting him to be disturbed. He was already being so sweet and trying to be understanding about the new developments lately. I probably wouldn't have gotten any sleep if it weren't for him. I don't think I'll ever be able to tell him how much he means to me or how much I truly love him. How I feel for him…it's like a two sided coin and when one is without the other its incomplete.
I feel incomplete without him. But in the end I know that no matter what he's never to far away from me. I just hope that when we take rule over earth we won't have to be separated for long then either.
Though for right now it just felt easier to wake up next to him, if felt right. Hearing his heartbeat as I wake, the soft skin of his chest as it would rise and fall in time to his heart beats. Oh and can't forget the way he always holds me…like he's afraid to let go. That I'll disappear again, or perhaps in a small portion of his mind, in fear that I was never there to begin with. That I'm still stuck with Diamond.
Though those thoughts are few and fleeting, I know deep down he knows I'm there, he just loves having me close by. Needs me as much as I need him…and I honestly….a part of me can't wait to live with him…forever. Yes I'll miss my parents, Shingo…but in the end a future with Mamo – chan is where I want to be.)
"Usagi-chan?" The calm, maternal voice called her from her thoughts.
Usagi sighed heavily, confronting the inquired gaze of her feline advisor. The sight of Luna's soulful brown eyes, drudging up all the uncertainty and fear she had endured yesterday.
The dark transformation still scaring her she wanted to hide for just a few more moments. Things weren't supposed to be like this after the Doom Phantom. "I don't want to deal with this right now." She groaned, rolling away from her cat. Knowing she never had a chance in keeping anything from her for long, she just couldn't handle Luna's disappointment and perhaps anger at what happened to the Silver Crystal.
"Just let me take a shower and I'll explain." She didn't wait for Luna's reply. Luna for her part, cocked her head to the side in confusion. As her charge busied herself with striping out of her dirty outfit from yesterday, that she had slept in. Needing a long soothing shower she grabbed her bathrobe from the back of her door and left the room.
Luna made soft grumpy sounds, knowing that Usagi was avoiding her. Unwilling to share just yet what new development had happened to the crystal. She hopped down from the rumpled bed sheets to the wooden floor. Sniffing the dusty, slightly oil stained jean skirt and pink shirt piled on the floor. Nudging the once golden now deep bronzed broach from it's barely there concealment inside a side pocket of the skirt.
"Oh...dear." Luna moaned, opening the lid with her paws. Gazing down in horror at the obsidian crystal that lay within. It was completely corrupted by chaos. Coal black and gleaming with malcontent, as if the void itself had taken up residence inside the fragile bead of glass.
"It has become the Phantom Crystal." She hissed, tossing the broach down as if it had burned her paw, unbridled fear clear in her feline eyes. Then darted out of the open patio door, leaping from Usagi's cement balcony to a nearby tree. This situation with the crystal was going from bad to worse, to tragic and beyond! She needed to consult the Moon's archive to find if there was any hope to save the crystal or its mistress. Her only real hope so far was that Usagi had done nothing negative with it.
The crystal appeared corrupted but had not yet fully corrupted her charge and for that she was grateful. The crystal's natural need was to be for good and light, to banish evil, not to be consumed by it. As long as Usagi never used the crystal to its fullest potential to harm an innocent they would be safe from earth's destruction.
She knew her charge well enough to know that Usagi would rather suffer pain unto herself than to EVER let an innocent get harmed. She knew her charge became somewhat of a self-sacrificing young woman. She had become so proud of her, and yet had not shown her or told her how she felt from when she first met her. Luna knew she should tell her that she had matured, that she saw her decent grades, more focused training and with how she had handled the Doom Phantom, but it seemed the crystal's change was making her re-think her thoughts.
"Perhaps she made one mistake to many and this is the punishment. The crystal has turned on her." Luna mused, "No…not with the crystal, Usagi - chan would rather sacrifice herself than to let anything destroy what she was given to protect with her life. It's a fixable error." She told herself, wanting to give Usagi some room to fix mistakes made, knowing somehow her charge would heal the crystal.
Luna rolled her eyes at that thought, "A crystal that heels in need of healing…oh the irony." But as all things within a crisis, it was only a matter of time before the Princess's soul would turn as black as the crystal.
Usagi returned close to an hour later, her stomach still burning with the same acid that had taken up residence in her belly since last afternoon. The shower having done nothing but making her feel bodily refreshed. She needed to be distracted today. Just for a little while, deciding that the days ahead were going to be stressful enough.
She quickly dressed in a cute little mini sundress of plush pink. With slender long sleeves she bunched over her elbows, the short skirt barely covered her hips. It flared around her waist almost like flower pedals. With tight black spandex shorts underneath that just peeked out beneath the hemline. The sundress had a very alluring dropping neckline that showed off the tops of her growing breasts.
She couldn't help but shift them for a more mature allure. Something she only did for Mamoru, as with this subtle gesture she knew he'd be drawn to it. With others, not so much. It was a small thing that she did specifically for his eyes only. As long as he was close enough he'd get an eye full of her mounds hidden beneath.
Doing her hair up in it's Odango and tails she sent Mamoru a quick text that she was headed out for some shopping in Azabu. That she'd love if he could meet her there after his morning jog. She could really use his company and he still owed her a shopping trip.
Mamoru had just been showering when the text came in. He heard the buzz of his phone as he wandered down the hall to his bedroom. Curious he glanced over to the little black device sitting on his night stand beside the bed. Toweling off his hair, he quickly read the message now even more curious why Usagi just didn't use their link.
Usako?
I just want to pretend to be a normal girl today, Mamo-chan. Indulge me ok. I just need a break from it all...just for today.
Ok...?
He felt her need for it but also felt a tad worried about what she may be feeling. He didn't want to pry into her mind to feel what she was feeling as she held their connection off just enough to tell him 'not today'. He quickly texted her back that he would meet her at the Shopping District in Juuban. She acknowledged curtly. Leaving him to get ready, while he was preparing to give in to her every whim today. Checking his wallet to make sure he had enough funds to take care of her today.
She needed to forget the strain and worry, to have a really good day. So she would feel refreshed enough to face the struggles ahead. He understood that this was how his little princess dealt with being overwhelmed. He knew that she wasn't being truly immature or trying to avoid her responsibilities in the slightest but needing a recharge for herself so she could give this new crisis her all.
He had a feeling that this was the first of MANY shopping trips in the future. Not that there would be a lot of enemies but that with work as a King and Queen they'd need time together to act as a regular, normal, everyday couple. It would be something for the both of them to do to not let their duties over whelm them.
As her support, he was there to back her up in battle, to comfort her when she cried and spoil her when she needed a bit of indulgence to clear her head. Knowing it was going to be a long day of window shopping and treats, he dress accordingly. In a pair of baggy black cargo jeans with a white tank top tucked in nicely. His pants held secure with a wide black leather belt. Finishing his outfit off as he left the apartment, by shrugging on his black leather riding jacket.
Opting to travel on his midnight blue Suzuki Hayabusa sport bike. That area of the ward was usually quite clogged with traffic, the bike would be easier to maneuver. He loved that bike almost as much as Usagi, it was bliss to drive, not to mention it did give him a few erotic ideas when it came to Usagi being on the bike with him…ride him on it, the up and down motions with the bikes vibrations making them both - shaking his head he made himself focus.
The bike had more than enough power to take out most sports cars on the freeway. With smooth elegant lines that drew an admiring eye from the foot traffic along the boulevards. He wasn't a show off, he had worked hard and saved for this bike for many years. So hell, he was proud and took it out whenever he could. Perhaps he also had a need to remind his Usa-chan that he was quite the accomplished motorbike driver as well.
He strangely felt a bit of competition when it came to Haruka-san. Recalling how Usagi had screamed and cheered so enthusiastically for Haruka at the race tracks that day. He himself had watched the show but a certain part of him felt a tinge bit of jealousy that she was cheering her on so adamantly. He felt no real jealousy towards Haruka, but felt like she was a worthwhile competitor when it came to certain things.
Not to mention her flirting with his Usagi did make him a little green with jealousy. He wasn't used to having his girl get noticed and having men and women flirt with her. It seemed that now that they were openly dating she had a mature confidence about her that had more than the usual flocking to be surrounded by her. And with her ever gentle and sweet persona she accepted it yet backed away from it when it got to intense.
He met her at the central fountain of a nearby green space after finding parking nearby. It was a modern urn shaped structure casting a waterfall down it's smooth marble curves down towards the large basin. Usagi was sitting on the fountain's edge, absently playing with her cell phone, with her dainty white leather purse on her lap. Seeking anything to distract herself from her crushing worries. This was her day off, she was going to force herself to enjoy it. Dealing with it all would come soon enough.
He took a few moments to admire how angelic she looked, her skin glowing softly under the mid-morning sun. The light and shimmering reflection of the flowing water from the fountain behind her, making the golden sheen of her hair glow as if it was made of light itself. She looked so pure to him, it was hard to realize that a great darkness had now seeded itself within her powers.
"Morning, Usako." he announced himself quietly not wanting to startle her.
She raised her head up with a small smile that soon broadened under his loving gaze. Taking her hand in his, he pulled her close to him, kissing her sweetly before he led through the park and across the street. It was filled with modest shops of all kinds. Their awnings bold or subdued depending on the merchandize within, with elaborate etchings on their display windows that drew the eye.
Usagi was soon absorbed in the windows, checking out all the new wonder's held within, the displays an assortment of interesting items. Drawing the eyes of many passer bye as well.
Pulling Mamoru from one store to the next hunting for deals. Trying to stretch her allowance, never once reminding him that he promised to buy her new clothes. He remembered though he was just bidding his time for when she truly found something she loved. The surprising things that were purchased first, weren't clothing materials. They were home essentials. For the both of them to use and have between them.
Usagi was pleased, knowing that this was a step closer to her moving in full time. A subtle cue that he was preparing for her, these purchases held the most meaning for her. She couldn't help but smile in full on happiness.
As soon as he'd seen the essentials all he thought of was what they'd needed as a couple together, and before he knew it he had a nice big bag full of items. He nearly blushed wondering if the sudden purchases wasn't going to scare her off instead till he saw her smile and knew that he wasn't over doing it.
It was going past a new store called 'She' that had grabbed Mamoru's undivided attention, though. Usagi looked inside and saw the mixed bits of outdoor wear and definite indoor wear. He was grinning mischievously when he pulled her into the store. She was giggling foolishly, it was erotically exciting to be going inside such an intimate store with Mamoru. They truly were lovers now. Her whole body was tingling blissfully, as the stores dim lighting surround them. Silently moving through the aisles, they spoke softly to each other.
Months ago it would have been pulling teeth to get him to even look at a store like this, but at that time he felt he was trying to protect her. Now he knew better and he was now frankly tired of being so stony. He enjoyed shopping like this with her. Picking out little lingerie pieces for her to wear for him. It was something he dreamed about on occasion, not that he would let her know that.
She would blush for days on end if she knew of the really erotic thoughts he had of her. The desk bit they indulged in was one of many that he'd had over time. He was still thinking a bit on that rain coat idea. He had mingled fantasy idea plans to possibly purchase one for her, but with her tiny frame he'd need her to try it on. A small might even be to big on her. And she'd kill him if it came from the child's section.
Shutting off that thought process he focused on what was in front of him. The red velvet heels were stunning and there were quite a few that screamed 'come fuck me'. He'd already picked out two for her, showing them off with a foolish grin, even waggling his eye brows. She looked at him with both surprise and appreciation, enjoying the fact that he wasn't stammering about this like a shy boyfriend.
He had no care now to look around sheepishly or to feel embarrassed. He was in love, happy and proud of it. She couldn't have been more happy that he was embracing this and even picking things out for her. She looked briefly at a pair of heels that had spikes sticking out but thought better of it when she saw Mamoru debate over them. Not sure if the pain of being stuck with them in his back when he took her in whatever position they were in would be worth it.
She waved it off, as cutie as they were she didn't want him to be digging out hard plastic spikes from his back side. It might even be to painful for him to be in bed with her with them on. She could already see it, her on her back, him on top, her spike covered heels bouncing on his back side, and him stopping to rip the offending heels off and whip them into a forgotten corner.
She took one last look and for once was grateful that the price tag was to rich for her blood. It was the stunning pale white corset with matching thongs that caught her eye. She thumbed the silky almost silver material with a moan of longing, she would love to feel this against her skin.
"Mamo – chan…" she whispered softly. Then looked at the price. Shoving it away she pathetically growled in want over it. Already picturing herself wearing it under something else, going out with Mamoru, with some of the heels on and teasing him all night till he couldn't take it anymore. Images of him taking her against the elevator wall on the way up to his apartment as she knew they would be unable to wait came to mind.
Beware of the security cameras in the elevator Usako…his mind told her. Blushing as he had seen the incredibly erotic images in her mind frame. Frankly he wanted to do so as well but knew of the elevator's security cameras. He didn't need nor want 'horny', 'pervert' or anything else labelling him in the building. Though once she was living with him he'd have to explain that she was his live in girlfriend.
Something he was anxious to do yet wanted to wait patiently for her. As it was the guards knew she was his girlfriend and they liked her but nothing more was said about her. "Gomen…just thinking." She replied, subtly reminding him that she wanted to be normal today. She walked away not seeing that he grabbed her size as he replied within the link…go ahead. I want to ask the lady something about the pricing of the shoes at least.
She kept walking letting it slide, speaking over their link was second nature now. She wasn't going to nag him. She was tempted to stay but seeing the 'Cinnabon' bakery nearby made her stomach gurgle in need. She left the store, heading across the street to the small bakery outlet. Buying herself a large cream covered bun, she sat herself down on a nearby bench to nibble happily on the confection. Busy taking care of her stomach she didn't see the newly bought bag he hid within the others.
While watching her enjoy her sweets, he was slowly planning a romantic evening and blocking them from her thoughts in order for it to be kept a surprise. Neither one of them realizing Naru and Umino had spotted them, from just further across the street. Naru was dressed nicely in a conservative sundress of light blue with a black belt around her waist and a striped bodice with Elizabethan collar.
While Umino was happily dressed in a beige kaki's and a white dress shirt. His leather satchel braced against a hip since Naru had picked him up after cram school today. The somewhat socially inept young man, flipped out his notebook, Naru slammed it shut, "That is their private business Umino – chan." He let it go, not wanting his girlfriend's wrath. He'd much rather receive Amber's for not getting her, her information regarding the dark haired male. His girlfriend was much scarier when upset.
Naru blushed as they passed the lingerie store. She was still a bit shy to try and take Umino into that store so she instead pulled him ahead into a DVD outlet. Only in Azubu's eclectic shopping district would one find such a vast array of shops right next to one another.
"Hey I got these for you…" Mamoru showed her the red heels, making sure she still didn't see the corset, "You'll have to keep them at your place, even mama would kill me if she saw them." Usagi advised with a stunning smile of appreciation. He nodded, he had the mother on his side, he didn't need to screw that up by having 'come fuck me' heels in her bedroom.
Later on that night once kisses were done the couple said goodnight to one another as Usagi had to go home, her parent's home for the night. He had his studies for an upcoming exam and needed a few nights to cram. It was something she didn't mind as it prevented her family from thinking she was no longer around. To many nights away from home would start to raise questions about her true whereabouts.
Getting in that night she waved her mother off before bringing upstairs the one tiny little bag she bought for herself. She bought it while Mamoru was NOT looking. She felt a blush rise at just touching the pieces. Edible undies. She found them and on a whim bought them. To shy yet to wear them just yet. Hearing footsteps she jammed them into the drawer under her bed as her father came up the steps. She didn't need him to see them. Dressed in his grey gardening overalls, a tool box held tight in one hand.
He didn't bother knocking which made the blonde a bit concerned. It was the small tool set he had with him that confused her as he seemed to be taking apart her lock.
"Papa? Nani are you doing?" he turned to her, "Preventing this door from ever being locked." She looked flabbergasted at him, "Nani? Why?" she demanded. Feeling her father had finally lost it. He looked to her, "You're in the safety of your own home, why do you need one?" he asked, "So little annoying brothers don't come in and trash it…" She relented, completely appalled at what he was doing.
She looked around at her cluttered mess, "Any more than it already is." She added lamely. "Also, I like my privacy. Besides if that's the case then nani about Shingo's room, and yours and Mama's room?" she dared with an indignant glare. He looked up not impressed with her attitude. The angry stare had her seriously wondering what was going on, "Papa. This isn't necessary. Does mama know nani you're doing?" she asked. It seemed her father was going to far in ensuring his daughters virtue.
"No. I don't." the stone cold dead voice she had on her tongue froze Usagi's father to the spot, she appeared like an avenging ghost in her yellow sundress and apron tied securely around her waist. A long over used flat edged kitchen utensil gripped tight in folding arms.
"Ikuko…honey…I can explain…" Kenji paled then turned with a grimace, finding his wife's eyes literally aflame with wrath. It was a tried and true first in the Tsukino house hold. For once her father was being chased around the house with the spatula, trying to explain himself while Ikuko ran after him, very upset and on the war path that he would do such a thing. The message he was sending, though intentional or not was simple.
'I no longer trust my daughter'. After multiple swats, one jumped couch, and a stunned Shingo now cowering with his video game control in the corner of the living room. Dressing a pair of jean shorts and white t-shirt with the wide middle blue stripe. Looking concerned and darting his eyes to the hallway, waiting for a chance to escape.
The chase was done, with Kenji finally managed to gain far enough ahead of his beloved wife to stop her and try to explain through heaving breaths, "It's not…nani…you…think! Give….me a…chance to….explain!" he sputtered out. Long hours at a desk preventing him from being as in shape as he used to be. He cursed himself internally for that.
Ikuko now a bit out of steam herself from all the running around but still upset remarked, "Oh none needed. Cause whether or not you admit it to me or yourself, we both know it's because deep down something happened to that made you lose faith and trust in your only daughter." He saw the look in her eyes before showing her the picture he had been given. It was the shocked look on her face that he felt was convincing, "She needs to - " he tried, "That's nani this is about?!" she raged.
He was confused, "Yes?" he asked, "So she kissed him! Who cares? I saw them kissing once, it doesn't bother me, why do you have such an issue with her actually growing up and being with him? It's clear they care deeply for one another. Can you really NOT see it? Or is your need to keep her your little girl forever blinding you to the adult she's becoming? A beautiful, mature young woman." Kenji was still upset, but noted his wife's words.
As she walked up to him she remarked, "Kenji…honey…I love you…very much…demo, this, is to much. Let your daughter grow up. Let her love. Or in the end, these actions…will be what pushes her away." He sighed defeated, "Is it so wrong for wanting my daughter to remain innocent to boys and all that goes with it till she's 30?" Ikuko rubbed the pressure point of her nose in frustration.
Truly her husband was smarter than this. His brain just didn't want to be logical or rational when it came to his only daughter. Sometimes she wished they would have had a third child. Maybe his focus would be there and Usagi would be able to live more of her own life with Mamoru and NOT have to deal with him acting this way.
"It's completely illogical. I doubt she will stay innocent past 18 – 20." She corrected, though part of her had a small feeling that was also wrong.
It was Kenji walking forward and slumping onto their old beige couch in defeat that gave her the opening, "I told Usagi to invite Mamoru – san over for dinner tomorrow night. Her friends will also be showing up." He nodded. Coming around the couch she walked in front of her husband, sat down on the coffee table in front of him, "Kenji…honey…" he looked to her, "Don't you want to be a grandparent? At some point?" she asked.
"Not for another 10 years." Her head practically fell in a lump.
"Honestly I was thinking Shingo would be the first to give us grand kids." Her head shot up and Shingo shot out a protest, "EEEWWW! PAPA! I don't want to have kids till I'm like MAYBE 30!" the young boy shouted from the middle of the stairs, having wondered why his mother was chasing his father around he made a hasty retreat. With the cat and mouse game over, he wandered back to the living room.
Leaning casually against the archway that led to the hall. Upon hearing the kids bit he was immediately on the defense. The last thing he was thinking about was having kids of his own anytime soon.
"Why can't Usagi be like that?!" Kenji pouted in a whine. "Kenji, she's not a little girl anymore." Shingo's next words killed off any progress Ikuko was making with him.
"If it helps any I learned in history today that girls Usagi's age were already married off to guys Mamoru- san's age or older. The parents were insistent on it. Also something about a dowry with it to…nani?" he saw the varying looks of distress in both of his parents eyes. His fathers was of disbelief, anger and a strong amount of 'NOT going to happen!' while his mother's was cringing 'oh Shingo this is NOT the best timing'.
"I'll just go now…" he chucked a thumb over his shoulder then ran back up the stairs. He had a small feeling his words did more harm than good.
"Just think about things. It's all I ask for." Ikuko pleaded earnestly, while leaving the room to tend to her baking. While Kenji just felt trapped. He wanted so much to protect his daughter's virtue but it seemed she could care less about it. Everyone seemed to be against him and now the man was coming over for dinner tomorrow night! He felt like crying out 'Why MY daughter?' to the world.
Standing himself up he decided, "If I can prove he's a no good man, Usagi will see the error that is him and drop him and the subject all together." Getting a maniacal gleam in his eyes he excitedly called up a contact of his on his cell.
"Yes Jerry – san, listen I need all the information you can dig up on a 'Chiba, Mamoru' I believe." He demanded, "Nani for?" Jerry asked. While he was a good friend of Kenji's, he also knew him while Kenji was not at work usually meant someone got on his bad side. "He's a scum bag. To close to my daughter." He revealed. While Jerry had some contacts with the police this could potentially get him into trouble.
"You sure he is and this isn't you going over protective on that sweet daughter you have." Jerry had seen the family photos and knew that his friend's daughter was a sweet looking girl, he also knew of the ridiculous protective bit her father had over her. "Something's wrong and I want to prove it tomorrow night. Can you get me nani I need?" Kenji demanded. "I'll see nani I can dig up. No guarantees." Jerry sure hoped this wouldn't put a dent in the relationship Kenji had with his daughter.
He had his own and yeah felt that instinct, but trusted both his daughters and their boyfriends, having met them both. Kenji was a bit much. "I'll take whatever I can get. He needs to be out of her life. She has better things to do." This made Jerry worry. "Are her grades suffering?" he asked. Now if they were due to her boyfriend, he would see about limiting ties together till the grades rose back up.
It seemed to him that Kenji was looking to find some way to end the relationship. "We will be seeing her report card tomorrow at some point. That will be my first bit of evidence. I kept the old one for proof that her grades are suffering due to him." He completely blew off the part of her earlier grade reports of her having done better due to Mamoru tutoring her. "If that is the case then you'd at least have something to base the discussion off on." Jerry sighed, while Kenji nodded in agreement.
"Oh by the way, Mila's boyfriend actually asked her to marry him." To this Kenji was stunned, "I can't believe that!" he remarked, "I know, they've been together since she was barely 15 I believe demo, he asked and she accepted." Kenji was surprised that his friend was so happy about it, "Why are you happy? Isn't she only like 18 right now?" he would still be upset, that's to young…for his daughter at least.
"Yes, demo, their both in love. Why would I stand in the way of that? Why would ANY father stand in the way of his daughter's happiness?"
Kenji pursed his lips, feeling a bit like he was being put to the verbal test. Biting his tongue on saying 'she's to young' and 'you should be trying to frighten the boy off' he simply remarked, "If your happy then so am I. I should get going, Ikuko is making late supper." Hanging up he was beginning to wonder if his need to protect wasn't ultimately ending up with ruining his relationship with Usagi.
Usagi was way to pissed to hang around the house now. She needed some time to cool off. She just couldn't believe how uncompromising her father had become.
Grabbing her pink hoody from her closet, she then dug into her dainty white purse. She had sitting on her top of her dresser, pulling out her darkened broach with a whimper. Stuffing it into the side pocket of the cotton coat. It was habit that she kept her Henshin on her at all times. She then bounded down the stairs, popping into the kitchen briefly to let her mom know she was going out for a while. That she would grab something to eat with her friends.
Ikuko had sighed disappointedly, but understood her daughter's need for space. Kenji was becoming a bit hard to handle lately, his overzealous nature to protect their only daughter and not allow her to mature was becoming very disconcerting. So she merely nodded, giving Usagi her blessing to go.
Usagi zipped up her hoody and quickly ducked out of the house, nearly jogging out of the front yard. Eager to be free of the constricting walls her father was erecting. She was fuming at the indignantly of taking her lock, her only means of privacy away. Strange thoughts that perhaps her mother had told him about Mamoru's sleep overs which had caused this whole sordid affair of mistrust.
Suddenly as she felt her anger rising towards the only source of support she had at home. It sickened her to feel that darkly towards her mother. She quickly shook her head, clearing those accusing thoughts. Her mother stated she wasn't going to tell her father. And she always kept her word, it was unfair of her to think ill of her. Everything was making her so mad lately, it seemed her moments of true happiness was so fleeting.
(It's just the darkness within me. It's just trying to slowly creep into me like a poison. But seriously papa is going way to far. If he keeps it up…I don't think I'll be wanting to go home for a while. While granted I love Mamo – chan and would love to live with him I want to try and finish out the year with my parents before actually moving in with him. Papa's making that very hard to want to accomplish.)
Does he really not trust me anymore?
(I kept the thoughts from Mamo – chan as I was just trying to figure things out on my own right now. When I was ready for him to know my thoughts I would let him in, till then I needed my me time…even in my own mind.)
She kept on walking, her shadow lengthening before her as the sun began to set. Moving through Minato and deep into Azabu. Her mind racing over her worries and an uncertain future filled with more struggles.
The evening sun was sinking into the surrounding towers of Azabu-Juban, as she began to mount the rolling hills of a small outer area known as MotoAzabu. The region of Minato was filled with large trees and narrow streets, one of the older parts of the ward. It's only claim was the Moto Azabu Private high school for boys. The very high school Mamoru had attended the year they met. The year everything changed...
As Usagi found herself standing before a three story, concrete condo complex she knew well. Built in a square modern style with rooms and balcony's that resembled building blocks. It had a front lane that receded up to a garage, with the main level foyer tucked in behind. An abstract American style duplex of white washed cement. With black metal railings of long balconies up front, the whole building was flanked by the lush trees that grew along the hills the complex and many others like it abutted against.
She glanced at the white brick privacy wall set beside the lane, gold elegant English lettering was bolted across it. Azabu Hillside Terrace, she had only been here once over a month back. When Prisma, Sapphire, Rubeus and her sister's had moved in. The girls had just opened their first spa and Sapphire was in University, but also working part time. So they had enough money to afford a nice condo to call home.
They really were starting their lives. She was so pleased to see how happy and optimistic they now were about their futures. It warmed her heart and soul. Plus with Prisma and Sapphire able to be together it seemed they were even contemplating having a family of their own. Something the rest of the sisters were encouraging time and time again.
Chuckling she knew she had come here for a reason, her mind unconsciously pulling her feet towards them. They had been way to busy for any kind of visit, when the crystal had become murky she had be content with only long phone calls. The hypothetical conversations she had gotten into with Sapphire only went in circles. Now things were far worse, she needed to see him, to discuss this with all of them before confronting her Senshi about it.
The remains of the Dark Moon clan were her only resource when it came to dark energy, not to mention she felt that they could give her an insight the girls could not. Squaring her shoulder's she prepared herself to intrude upon their lives once more.
She felt bad for not going to the senshi first but it seemed they were starting to obsess over certain things in their own lives. They truly had not been very interested or focused upon thier duties. Not to mention the fire reading they were supposed to do was being avoided indefinitely by Rei. It got really old really fast that she was avoiding doing something so important to them all. It also wasn't like her at all. Besides, this was where she last had contact with the darkness now within her and the crystal, best to start where the last clue remained.
Calaveras greeted her at the front door, dressed in a pair of tight boy cut orange shorts and a white button up shirt she had tied up under her large breasts. Her hair was tucked up into a towel with a green mud mask now hardening into a goopy, melting mess upon her face.
Usagi's eyes widened in shock at the sight of her. She merely hummed, unable to form words around her beauty treatment. The little blonde couldn't help but giggle as she meekly entered their home. Slipping out of her tennis shoes in the small entryway. Before following Calaveras through a wooden archway into the huge open kitchen. That was fogged with thick smoke that made her eyes water. A rancid burnt spice filled the air, making her gag and choke.
Calaveras merely nodded, clasping her hand and guiding her through the smoke. Usagi caught sight of two silhouettes dancing in panic around the stove with towels and the remains of the plastic cover for the smoke detector.
Cal ushered around the back cupboards, through a small dinning room that held a long wooden table and chairs. To a set of French doors that led back out into the fading evening light. Usagi took in a long cleansing breath, as Cal quickly shut the patio doors. Sealing the stink up with the two frantic housemates attempting to keep the house from burning down.
The outer roof balcony was a grand affair of cherry wood and black iron railings of bars, that faced the Azabu park. All one could see was hills of deep green, only the very peeks of the down town core could be seen. It was a tranquil, secluded deck that served as a refuge for three of the sister's right now. A warm wind blew through the tree branches that hung around the railings, filling the deck with the sweet scent of roses from the gardens that lay within the park nearby.
They had decorated the corner's of the deck with paper lanterns, that glowed softly in the deepening shade of dusk. It looked cheerful like a small festival. They had several white deck chairs and matching side tables set up around the outer edge of the deck. It was beautiful out here, set up to promote relaxation.
Katsy was sitting on a bamboo bench before a reclining wicker deck chair. On the far side of the deck beside the black metal railings. Dressed in a simple white sundress, her dark hair tied up under a navy handkerchief. A bottle of nail polish in her hands, she turned and gave Usagi a warm smile of greeting her dark eyes dancing with grateful feelings still.
Berthier was laying comfortably on the deck chair, in a pair of jean short style overalls and a white tight sleeveless shirt underneath. Her hair was wrapped up in a towel as well, her face covered in the same mud as Cal's. With two cucumber's over her eyes.
Katsy offered Usagi a reclining deck chair beside her sister. Usagi nodded and smiled happily, the atmosphere was so comfortable and peaceful she instantly felt welcomed.
"What happened?" She inquired several minutes later, now lounging in contentment. Her fingernails drying, as she leaned back in her chair, resting her arms on the white plastic chair rest, as Cal working diligently at painting her toe nails a matching jewel pink.
"We allowed Sapphire to cook, unattended..." Katsy commented, with a wiry grin.
"Mr. ex-Prince of Darkness could burn water." Berthier mumbled.
Calderas merely grunted, turning inquiringly to Katsy.
Katsy looked back to the glass side table beside her, that held their assortment of nail polish and mud mask jars. A small timer was set in the middle of the clutter ticking softly.
"You got two more minute's sis." She responded, before beginning to pull the cotton balls out from between Berthier's toes.
"I am guessing this visit is not for pleasure." Prisma's dry voice invaded them.
Usagi turned away from Katsy, to find the green haired elder sister leaning against the door frame of the glass doors. Her arms were folded, with a sternness in her features. The inner recesses of the condo was now clear of smoke, looking spotless once more. Dressed nicely in a pair of jeans and a tight low neck emerald green t-shirt. Her curly green hair tossed up in a messy bun on the top of her head.
"No...the crystal's turned dark now. My transformation as well as my powers are now twisted towards the darkness." She went straight to the point.
"Oh...Kami." Prisma's hands flew to her mouth, as she stared in horror at Usagi.
"That doesn't mean a damn thing!" Sapphire exclaimed, moving up behind Primsa with an angry tone in his voice.
Prisma turned in alarm, as he moved past her to stand upon the deck. Dressed in a pair of beige kaki's and a tucked in white dress shirt. He looked like a perfect University student. He stood tall, glowering at all the terrified faces of the sister's whose reactions were only placing more fear in Usagi's heart. Bringing tears to her wide blue eyes, as she pulled the changed broach out of its hiding place in her pocket.
"Look at it!" Usagi cried, thrusting out the bronzed broach for them. Flipping the lid, and passing it before every horrified face but one.
"It's turned into the Phantom Crystal." Sapphire took the broach from her hands, his face reflective, his tone sounding extremely passive. As if what he was looking at wasn't anything to be alarmed about.
"What is wrong with you?!" Usagi's rage that had been simmering since his arrival exploded. As she leaped from her deck chair, confronting the infuriatingly calm Sapphire as he scrutinized the crystal.
"Seriously my crystal is NOT supposed to look like this! It's supposed to be pure! It looks like it got dropped in a sheen of black paint and dried up to this color. When you're a person of the light your power source shouldn't look like it came from the darkness you fight and defeat on a day to day basis." She raged momentarily.
(Although you could use the dark powers to make you look like a bad guy to get to the bad guys layer…it worked before…sorta…
I squashed that thought before it could come up with a plan to make that happen. I've have enough of pretending to be the enemy and being in their layers. The effects are costly and frankly if I start to get ridiculous angry feelings towards Mamo – chan then I know its getting way worse. It's already bad as it is.)
"So I am guessing your transformation draws upon the darkness as well." He sighed, eyeing her cautiously.
"Yes, and I'm throwing balls of dark energy like I used to! When Diamond tainted my soul!" She screamed, hands curling into fists. Releasing a frustrated wail she spun away from him to pace like a caged cat around the periphery of the large balcony. If she had any cat in her she knew she would have been tempted to walk the balcony rails like a cat and try to calm herself with the focus it would take to do that.
"Sapphire?" Prisma approached him nervously.
"I am sorry I wasn't there for you earlier." Sapphire commented, touching the obsidian bead of glass now residing her broach.
"The black poison crystal was a totally different breed of crystal then this. It was the living embodiment of a tainted planet, not a pure crystal as is this." He mused.
"Luna expressed to me long ago, not to be corrupted by evil lest the Silver Crystal become tainted by that same evil darkness!" She ranted, then she stopped glaring death back at Sapphire, her rage taking on him as her target.
"This is all your fault!" She seethed, "If you hadn't dragged me down to that reactor...If you hadn't given me that stupid shard of dark stone!"
"I don't even remember giving that to you!" Sapphire shouted back, not liking that she was placing all the blame on him. True he still shouldered a-lot of guilt about what happened. He had hoped that it was all over with, after Death Phantom had been destroyed. Having that vile man's plot come back and bite poor Usagi yet again was burning him up inside. He felt horrible still especially since she was like a younger sister to him.
She had placed her trust in him and he needed to show her that it wasn't falsely placed nor an ill move to trust in him.
Usagi finally lost her cool, raising her head upward. She let loose a scream of fury to the deepening sky. As the dull grey faded light of dusk was falling upon the city. Her screams of frustration and rage echoed throught the somber light like a banshee's wail.
"Onee-san...Prisma-chan…" A familiar meek voice called out fearfully from just inside the balcony doors.
Usagi was taken off guard by the childishness in the tone, coming from such a familiar masculine voice. Her cries fell silent instantly, lowering her gaze in shame to find a very frightened Rubeus. Holding the door frame of the glass French doors in white knuckled strain, his other hand clutching a fluffy teddy bear to his chest. His dark brown eyes were staring at her uncertainty bordering on childish fear.
Dressed in a pair of grey sweats and a light blue t-shirt. His red hair still a mess of wild red spikes. He looked so innocent now, so harmless and fragile.
(Wow…he so does NOT look like the same Rubeus that I fought against and with on many occasion. He looked almost like a shell of the evil man he once was. Note to self, let's NOT piss off Makoto when transformed. She can really mess with your mind. Though it is a bit of poetic justice. Now he's a harmless baby almost. Well a harmless child. I think my vocals might have scared him though.)
Prisma turned from soothing Sapphire, to darting back to the door to comfort a very frightened Rubeus. She rubbed his shoulder's, even though he stood a good head taller then her. Usagi had forgotten about poor Rubeus, he was starting over now. Thanks to Jupiter, his mind had been so badly damaged he had been thrust back into infancy. Now with the four sister's and Sapphires love and attention, he could now speak and understand his world at a very rudimentary level. Perhaps that of young child, if not even younger.
Her screaming had scared him half to death. She felt so ashamed of losing her emotional control.
"Rubie...honey let's get you settled again with another cartoon. Ok. The grown-ups need to talk ok." Prisma began to usher the man out of the doorway.
"Onii-san, Sapphire-kun burned supper huh?" He asked innocently. "Can we order pizza?" He offered cheerfully.
Making Sapphire groan in humiliation. Rubeus not only acted but was so much like a little kid, he could not retaliate like he used to. It was a total smart ass remark, but the man never meant it hurtfully at all.
"Am I evil...now?" Usagi turned to Sapphire. Her voice breaking in fear.
"Do you feel evil?" Rubeus intoned curiously, turning his head sideways.
Usagi jaw dropped, along with the rest of them.
"No..." She breathed.
"Well, Onee-san Katsy-chan told me not to fear the darkness when I go to sleep at night, that it is not bad or scary but just a part of life. It helps me in it's own ways. To sleep and dream, it allows me to gaze up at the beautiful moon at night and all the stars. That without darkness there can be no light. So I like the darkness as much as I like the light. They each have a very important role to play in our lives." He professed, before allowing Prisma to guide him away.
They stood stunned, never expecting anything so profound from him.
"Insightful for him in his present state." Usagi remarked, blinking lamely and offering the departing Rubeus a faint smile.
Sapphire stared at her with a guarded expression. "I need to consult with my brother about this." He confessed, knowing that Usagi would have to be on board with bringing Diamond back into the fold.
There was an awkward moment between them.
"Fine." She huffed, accepting that Diamond would be in the loop.
"I'll get a hold of you as soon as we've talked. Hopefully we will have some answers for you then." He rubbed the back of his neck.
"There are different kinds of darkness, just like there is all kinds of different types of light." Calaveras finally spoke up, having wiped off her mask with her towel.
Both Usagi and Sapphire turned to regard her.
"Well, every power on the light side had a corresponding power on the dark side." She shrugged.
"I was Rei's dark side." Katsy nodded.
"As I was Mina's" Cal intoned.
"So this darkness I am calling upon may have nothing to do with Nemesis or the Black Poison Crystal at all?" Usagi was confused.
"Exactly...that shard was an artifact left in the catacombs. It's source of power could be anything from the Dark side." Sapphire crossed his arms in contemplation.
"Without our power's we can't sense what kind of darkness you are drawing from." Berthier sighed.
Usagi groaned, "Perhaps Rei can help..." She bowed her head and thanked them for their time before letting herself out.
Walking the streets of Azabu-Juban she soon found herself in front of Mamoru's spartan looking apartment complex, of white washed stone and cement balconies.
"Perhaps you can give me some clarity, Mamo-chan." She sighed, heading towards the glass foyer doors. She stopped before the glass, her hand gripping the handle in a stranglingly tight hold. Staring at her reflection in a grim, almost fatalistic fashion. She had viewed this darkness that had taken over her power's as something evil. Since it was given by a clearly evil entity. But from what the sister's and Sapphire had gone on about tonight. Darkness was not so cut and dry.
There were layer's to it, varying types and degree's. She never knew that the Senshi power's were mirrored in the darkness, that they could be so closely linked. As she looked at herself, with her same golden blonde tails and pearl white skin. Her same innocent blue eyes and rosy round cheeks. She saw nothing evil or dark in her appearance. But it was still unsettling to have a dark power growing within her. With a tired sigh she pulled the door open and headed into the apartment building.
Amber stood poised before the door to Mamoru's apartment. Dressed in a very skimpy black skirt and revealing white sleeveless wrap style shirt. Her reddish brunette hair hanging alluringly around her shoulder's with a more subdued innocent application of makeup on her face. Settling her nerves and courage as she raised her hand to knock. She had returned as she said she would.
She was intent on having a good long and seductive chat with her current obsession. Yet, she remained stalled at his doorstep to scared to even knock. Hearing the ding of the elevator reaching this floor, she turned curiously to confront the bane of her existence thus far.
Usagi strolled out of the elevator and down the hall, as comfortable and easy as if she owned the place. It infuriated Amber to no end, her jealousy rearing up she was soon in full bitch mode.
Narrowing her eyes she came up with a brilliant plan, "Bye Mamo-kun." She called cheerfully to the closed door, faking she had just left his place. Pretending to be shocked to find Usagi now standing before her glaring. Her penetrating gaze so full of fury and hatred it could have dented steel if Amber was made of such fragile material.
She was certainly made of many things, piss and wind being the primary ingredient.
"Oh...Konbanwa Usagi-san." She bowed mockingly. Intending on leaving it there, a silent jab of uncertainty. With her sounding so familiar with Mamoru, Usagi's mind was spinning with frustrations, anxiety, betrayl and most of all jealousy. Coming from a stressful conversation with Sapphire wasn't helping her naturally calm state of mind either.
What the hell was she doing over at Mamoru's!
The thought kept from Mamoru's mind as she had had enough of this girl invading her life with her love.
But Usagi grabbed her fury and buried it deep. Swallowing hard she calmed herself enough to speak.
"Amber-san, I swear to Kami if you do not leave him alone…" She began.
"We had a nice talk, Usagi-san. Relax. He is very funny you know, and charming and oh, he makes the sweetest hot chocolate. But I get it, we are just friends now. But that's a start right?" She giggled, patting Usagi's cheek in a patronizing manner. Driving Usagi right up crazy possessive girlfriend lane. Her bags were packed and the car had gas and there was no turning back now!
She did not just hang out with him and sip hot chocolate like his girlfriend!
Deep down Usagi knew she was lying through her teeth, but her words infuriated her to no end, "Don't...Don't even go there. Don't think it, don't contemplate and least of all do not fantasize about ever being his girlfriend!" She snarled back, getting right up into her face. Even though she was a good head shorter then Amber, she now resembled a raging chiwawa against a Shiba Inu. It wasn't the size of the dog in the fight but the fight in the dog...right?
Amber was shaken, the mild, even toned Tsukino, Usagi was literally losing her cool. But Amber unfortunately wasn't one to back down from a fight either. Staring Usagi straight in the eye she confront her smoothly.
"We have a-lot in common, it was a very interesting talk to say the least. I think I'll come back other time and continue to 'pump' him for more wonderful conversation." she added, her voice dripping in innuendo's.
Usagi snapped, like a cord pulled way to tight. A dark aura glowed around her small frame as her hand shot out like a claw and clamped around Amber's neck. Lifting her up off her feet and slamming her into the wall.
"Listen up...You are unwanted, unneeded and most certainly unloved by him! If value your health and your life you will stop harassing him!" She snarled in her face. Her voice had dropped several octaves, vibrating in a sinister way. As spit sprayed from her mouth over Amber's nose as Usagi was now mere inches away.
Amber gagged then made gurgling sounds as Usagi' finger's gripped more tightly. As quickly as her rage erupted it merely faded away. With it came a level of horror and clear senses that rocked her to the core.
"Oh...my...Amber..." She breathed, letting go and backing up in alarm at what she had done.
Amber rubbed her throat and cringed in pain. Before bolting away from her, exploding onto the stairwell and away.
"What have I done?" Usagi moaned, she had never been that full of rage and violence before. Now she was rethinking the kind of darkness the lurked inside of her.