Sailor Moon S 'Rise of the Messiah'

by max333

Weeks after the Wiseman is defeated and the dark crystal destroyed, the lives of all that were there or involved have changed, and not all for the better. With the approach of a new enemy and two potential allies do the senshi have what it takes to come together once more? Why are the senshi now acting disorganized? And will Usa's dad ever accept Mamo? SEQUEL to 'Roses & Diamonds'

8. dinner disaster & Amber's silent promise

damonika2009: thank you for your review regardlessly.

AimlesslyGera: lol! Sorry bout that. It was actually 'Shaydoe' that pointed it out to me.

GotQuidditch: Thank you!

Setsuna-Chan22: I'm glad your on the edge of your seat. The dig up you'll find out VERY SOON!

CaughtInAFantasy: glad you are enjoying it! The dark crystal bit is thanks to 'Shaydoe'. She has a great imagination to!

LoveInTheBattleField: here's your new ch/ep!

Considering the mix up last week I understand the lack of reviews this week, but don't let that slow this one down. There's a LOT of drama coming up. Warning for this ch/ep though, even I cried a bit reading it back to myself. It may be a tear jerker to some of you out there.

Sailor Moon S 'Rise of the Messiah' ch.8

Kaolinite slipped her way down into a subbasement, stalking into a dark hallway. The white lab coat she wore, hiding the red dress she always sported. Trying to have some sort of sex appeal for when the professor actually looked to her. It showed confidence in hers mind's eye. At the moment though her face was cool and calm, nearly devoid of emotion. Even her eyes were dull, lifeless almost, focused inward on dark thoughts over recent events.

A dark Senshi...of the Moon no less. That was unexpected and very unfortunate. There were very few Senshi who's power's were pulled from the dark shadow of this dimension. It did not bode well for her plans, but filled her with a curiosity. She had to prove to the professor that she could handle anything so she would keep this new development to herself.

For now...

Only her inner thoughts betrayed her current state of emotion. Hating the senshi that seemed to pop up out of nowhere, ruining her plans and force her into a retreat on every encounter. Her heel's clipped smartly upon the smooth concrete. The unfinished floors in this scientific tomb only complementing the doom and gloom atmosphere. Creating a clipped irritating echo that only worsened her mood.

The annoying Senshi, had become a rather unfortunate common occurrence, one she was about to remedy…once she had her bosses permission of course. Her plan of attack, send out three daimon for multiple attacks. There would be no way for the senshi to cover them all. Now just to convince her boss to allow her three. It took a lot of energy to create one now to ask for triple the amount, she hoped she could convince him.

Finding him with his test tubes, surrounded by darkness looking every bit the mad scientist he was she watched humbly, as he poured the small seedling into the plastic container, "I see you have yet to find any of the talismans." He iterated.

Though his tone seemed bored, she knew he was seething. She refused to let it get her down, "Unfortunately…demo, I have a guaranteed plan of attack. I will require three daimon though. No matter nani, I will bring you back a pure heart crystal."

He barely looked at her over his shoulder, his glass lenses glowing in the half light of the room, his eyes trapped behind them, appearing to take her in but holding no care, only a need to accomplish their goal. She cracked a smile, as he viewed her. She knew he had to hold some type of caring feeling towards her or he'd never give her so many chances.

"Fine. But, use them wisely…" he warned.

She nodded before disappearing. Like a flash in the night she was gone, leaving behind her white lab coat, to flutter empty to the cement floor. "Foolish woman…" he muttered, knowing full well the fondness she held for him. He used it to his advantage every now and then.

The school day was blaring for Usagi as she and Ami got stuck in gym this semester. Dressed in white shirts and red gym shorts that looked more like the bottoms to a bathing suit than anything else. Her golden tail twisted up into hoops on either side of her head. Eyeing the dumb bells on the matt with a keen look. Ami groaned and followed her friend across the hard polished gym floor towards the red matt's.

The report cards having covered last semester and not just the quarter periods that were already sent home. Since her time training with Makoto it seemed Usagi even got a bit better, though not by a great deal at gym class. Lifting weights was easier, the ten pounders seemed just her maximum as she did her set. Usagi grinned and began to lift the weights in a butterfly press, while Ami fluttered around her like a butterfly herself. Just waiting for the blonde to have a klutz attack and drop the heavy metal right on her toes.

Gym came to an end and Usagi was as hungry as a bear. Her stomach rumbling, begging for food. Her mind conjuring up all the tastiest treats she could eat at that moment. Or something more filling, home-made meat buns. Once showered and dressed back into her uniform, she grabbed her bento from her locker. She was intent on heading down to the cafeteria for some lunch with Ami.

It was seeing Amber come down the hall near her locker's, that had her curious. The annoying brunette was carrying a stack of papers, with a determined expression not to acknowledge any of the junior's currently in the hall.

She saw a school secretary exiting the office but said nothing other than to give her a look as she ignored her as well. Entering the school office like she owned the place she disappeared inside the labeled door.

Usagi was now seriously curious as to who Amber was and why she was here. Circling herself around the girl's milling in the hall, she tried to make herself inconspicuous as possible. Ducking around the doorway to avoid the girl noticing someone spying on her. Their last confrontation had been rather unsettling. She wanted to avoid getting angry at the new bane of her existence at all costs. It had been so bad and scary all she needed was a full on exorcist twist of her head to complete the encounter.

After her near demonic rage at Amber she had been way to scared of herself to face Mamoru and had run off to think. But she was hoping to hear something to indicate what she was doing at the Junior high again.

However it seemed she was tight lipped this morning pertaining to anything useful. Merely asked the office to call her cousin Owen in to the office, as she handed the secretary behind the desk the small stack of papers.

Hearing the page, Usagi jogged back to her locker and opened the door pretending to be searching for something inside. As the young man walk behind her and into the office a sour look on his face. She was in pursuit again when the two made their way out of the front doors and back into the yard.

The afternoon sun was bright, glaring down on them as they wandered amid the trees. Usagi trailing behind them, staying out of view behind flanking trees or shrubbery.

Out in the relative privacy of the yard, she finally started talking, "That nerd Umino – chan refuses to give me any more information on Mamoru – san. I thought I was paying him good money to." She complained, Owen merely rolled his eyes and crossed his arms behind his head in disinterest.

"He is good friends with Usagi – chan. His girlfriend is one of her best friends. Amber – chan…" He looked fearful of her. Sensing her wrath was simmering near the surface. Her major hate on Usagi had grew in epic proportions and intensity since last weekend.

Today was the last day of the school week, Amber had been pleasantly absent from her life. She had hoped her loss of control had finally scared her off, this was proving otherwise though.

Amber looked to him in mild contemplation. "Nani?" her voice was curious yet warning filled, "I was wondering why if Mamoru – san refused your advances that you still pursue him?" he said with worry in his voice. To truly afraid to bring any of his cousin's wrath upon himself, "I told him I would be better and I will prove it. Once he sees that I'm the better girlfriend than Usagi – chan, he'll drop her like the yesterday's trash that she is." She stated confidently, if not somewhat beyond rational reasoning.

"But, he didn't look to happy with your first encounter and you said even your second and third ones didn't end grand." The cousin tried. "Somehow Usagi – chan has blinded the man from good taste. Once he sees the error he'll be in my bed. Besides I doubt the girl knows what to do past kissing the man. She's so green around the edges I bet even Umino – chan knows more!" she mocked aloud. Owen held his tongue, though his eyes betrayed him. He greatly doubted Usagi was as innocent or naive as Amber thought.

"Mark my words I'll find an in. The timing will just have to be flawless. Then I'll be in his arms like those ridiculous fairy tales. Then I'll show him what a real woman is like." She stated confidently. Owen merely rolled his eyes in disgust, knowing his words got him nowhere with Amber. He sighed in defeat as Usagi bowed her head, safely hidden behind a bush. Knowing the boy was probably tired of his cousin's obsession with another's boyfriend. "Besides, I've already made sure seeds of negativity have been spread."

To that Owen looked to her in wonder and curiosity, "What did you do, Amber – chan?" he asked, "I had my aunt visit the Tsukino's residence. She dropped off a nice little present for Usagi – chan's father." To this Usagi was worried about what it was, not knowing the plans he now had for the dinner tonight.

"Mamoru – san will be mine." Owen rolled his eyes at the girl's stupid stubbornness to let it go. Amber bid her cousin farewell and left the grounds.

Once Usagi left her hiding spot she found a small group of boys looking at her oddly for seemingly spying on other students. Slinking herself away trying to avoid them, or Owen spotting her. Though at this point Usagi wondered if Owen could potentially become an alley to her and her group of friends. Looking at the time she noticed Mamoru should be in the principal's office at the High School by now. She smirked hoping the meeting would go well this morning.

Mamo – chan you there yet?

Hai…waiting to be let into the off – got to go! She smiled, knowing he was now in. This whole Amber thing should be taken care of within a day or two. If her parents found out she was stalking an older man who was taken and not interested then it could prove that a serious filing be in order. Mamoru might even be able to push it to a restraining order. They could only hope on that round.

"Chiba, Mamoru…" the principal greeted, briefly remembering the conversation from last time, "I gather you've figured things out." The principal questioned. He nodded, "Hai, I have her full name. I request that you notify her parents so that she can be prevented from entering the premises of my building again. I had to have her escorted out just the other day. The girl simply refuses to accept 'no' as an answer." Mamoru responded. Nodding in agreement and hoping it wasn't the Amber he feared it was.

Mamoru gave the man the full name and watched him go pale in the face, "That might be difficult, you see the young lady in question happens to have generous benefactors to this high school. I'm sure you understand." The principal tried. Her parents had been using their donations as a way to keep her in school and out of trouble. Apparently her exploitations had gone to far and he wasn't sure how to handle it.

Mamoru went cold. The man was refusing to help so he could line his pockets and line the schools pockets. He wasn't about to degrade himself enough to line the man's pockets himself, this would be done with cold and calculating ways, "I do. So I'll just file a report with the board on your neglect to prevent a minor from trying to have relations with a man of 19 years. I'm sure they'll love to hear it." The dreaded board. The principal hated them. They were nearly as stuck up as the benefactors were.

"I will notify her parents, demo, don't expect quick results." He conceded reluctantly, a sour expression of entrapment clear on his rounded middle aged face.

Mamoru listened, "Fine, then let's set up a meeting with them so that I can explain everything to them." He got up, "I assume Monday at noon would be a good time." his prince demeanor coming out making him sound authoritative and in control. The principal agreed without thought as the dark haired man left, "I swear this year will put me in an early grave." He muttered, running a hand through his thinning plate of dark hair.

Picking up his phone he called the number to the girl's parents. Reaching the voicemail of the fathers he stated after swallowing the lump in his throat, "Sir, it's the principal from Juban High school…again…" he sighed, "Gomen a sai, demo, I need for you and your wife to meet with me and another individual Monday at noon. It concerns your daughter. Arigato." Thankful he got the voicemail he was now dreading the beginning of next week. "My brother was right…I should have taken that bar exam." His head fell into his hands.

Mamoru got out of the rest of his classes and spent the evening fretting a preparing for tomorrow night. His preparation for dinner over at his beloved's parents place, was a step by step plan. He was trying to keep his nerves in check, while his mind kept spinning over unwelcomed scenarios, knowing that this one of the most important meetings of his life. He needed to impress, to look confident and poised.

Choosing a nice white dress shirt, black pants and leather dress shoes, he made himself look every bit the mature, well put together man he was.

While he knew Usagi would make herself look every bit the graceful and maturing woman she had become since the day they had met, it still amazed him and made him smile that he for a small portion of time got the see and would continue to see his beloved grow up. Slowly becoming the confident, elegant and wise woman who would one day rule their world. Even as he grew as a better person right next to her. Slowly coming into his own strengths as her partner in the coming future.

He loved the idea, relished in growing old with her right by his side, though part of him was curious on how they would grow old with the eternal energy of the silver crystal and his own odd golden glow about him. He had a small feeling they never would and would remain at a certain age for the rest of the lives.

Usako…you ready for dinner? He asked through their link. He could feel her happiness, excitement and nervousness as if it were his own.

I can't wait!

Her inner voice squealed in delight. He chuckled deciding to take his sports car over there. He had a feeling that the motorcycle might be to much for her father to handle, no matter how much pride he felt in owning it. Having bought a nice bottle of wine over, something inexpensive, as he was trying to convey that he was not there to purchase her father's approval, but win it honestly. He grabbed the slender necked bottle from the island that divided his galley kitchen from the living room as he headed for the front door.

As long as her father didn't delve into personal questions into his sex life, though he doubted her father would ask such things. If anything he was trying to narrow down the field of what would be asked to try and seek answers to questions already. "Here goes nothing." He remarked with a long breath, setting his resolve, then promptly left his apartment.

The girls filed into the house themselves within the hour. Each dressed as nicely as they could in simple sundresses. Different gifts were also brought as a thanks for a welcome into the household, though it was also un needed it was also a way to make things smoother. Kenji smiled at all the girls, he minded none of them as he felt they had become to be like sisters to his little girl.

Finally the doorbell rang. He glared at it already knowing who was on the other side of it.

Usagi shouted, "Coming!" rushing to the door as she came down the stairs with more grace than he normally gave her credit for. Her father was pleased and yet a little upset, considering who was at the door. Dressed in a cute white dress with a sweet heart neckline and long modest skirts that trailed down near her knees. Greeting Mamoru at the door with a smile and a blush but going no further, wanting this to start and end peacefully for her father.

Accepting the invite inside, he slipped his own shoes off and insisted on helping Usagi and her mother within the kitchen. As her father was surrounded by her friends in the living room. He knew of the girls plans and hoped it worked out for them.

It was then that the girls seemed to talk absent mindedly, knowing her father was now listening in on every detail. 'Operation father's approval' is a go. "Man I wish I could find a guy like that. He's so sweet and caring with her…" Minako sighed dreamily, in partial truth as well. She wanted a man like Mamoru but NOT Mamoru. She could see it plain as day how intertwined his strings of destiny to Usagi were. If Kenji himself weren't so blinded by his need to keep his daughter a little girl he'd see it to.

But no, for Minako, no her man was out there, perhaps more of a brother in kin to Mamoru but NOT him himself. That very thought made her shiver uncomfortably. Sure he was cutie but she saw him as a near brotherly figure. A distant cousin. No the man she sought would be like him BUT would definitely be his own man.

"Yeah…I agree. He's so strong, brave and loyal…" Rei acted in a nearly overly dramatic swoon, trying to contain how idiotic she felt over the things she was saying. She knew them to be true but to voice it out in a 'gone with the wind' moment felt ridiculous. "He's so smart to, training to become a doctor…he'll be financially stable in the future." Ami added on, trying to keep the 'epp' from her voice as she was also gauging Kenji's responses.

"Usagi – chan is such a lucky girl to have him in her life." Makoto responded. It was the not so subtle coughing that alerted the girls to end the conversation from Kenji, "Then I'm sure you girls can find a way to find a woman for him and NOT my little girl." He stood up and went to find Shingo. The girls sighed, "Did we make that worse?" Minako asked, "I'm afraid we might have." Ami responded.

Half hour later dinner was set as everyone gathered around the large table. After a quick bowing of heads for thanks they all started to dig in. Everyone but her brooding father. He had been eyeing Mamoru like a hawk all evening. Finally giving into his stomachs need for food he started digging in. It was the subtle movement of the table cloth that bothered him. He couldn't figure it out so in pretending to look for a fallen fork, he saw what had made the slight shift in the fabric underneath the table.

His daughter's hand, firmly held in Mamoru's hand as he was slowly caressing the skin on her upper hand with his thumb. Both hands locked together and held on her sundress covered knee. Her legs crossed over one another, as her bare foot and his own sock covered foot simply lay touching one another. Still the gesture as innocent as it was, was still a bit to intimate for Kenji to deal with.

It spoke to him of far more intimate things having occurred between them. What else had the man done with his daughter if they were practically playing footsy under the table? Even though neither foot moved it was the connection that pulled at his nerve endings. He didn't like how calm it looked, that she didn't seem nervous about it. It hadn't been the first time he realized. He knew the man had corrupted her and refused to let it go any further.

He righted himself back up, then heard the topic of conversation, "So Mamoru – san, I remember you mentioned earlier you were going to medical school. How exciting." Ikuko encouraged with a warm smile.

Mamoru nodded meekly, "Yes, I am finishing up my early grad studies now. Usa – k – gi – chan has been wonderful in helping me study for them as I help her along with her homework." He remarked looking fondly at Usagi. It didn't help Kenji one bit, nor did the way he now caught the nickname cover up.

He gave the man a narrowing stare. As if he held the key to the man's death and was going over in his head how he had missed the subtle cues before-hand. He now wondered if there had been more to their entrance back when she'd come home from that assignment she'd been working on with her friends. He had to have missed something that afternoon, that much he was convinced of now. Well no more.

Fingering the photo in his pocket he pulled it out, determined to get to the bottom of it all. His contacts information had provided a bit of useful information though it wasn't great. Pulling the photo from his pocket he remarked, "Enough of this." He placed it in front of two shocked individuals, "If your just friends then explain this." Mamoru closed his eyes and sighed. Usagi widened her eyes in disbelief, "You…you've been following me?" she gasped, never having thought she would feel violated by her own father.

"No. Our kind neighbor, the one whose niece I thought Mamoru – san would be better suited for, came over and gave it to me." everyone stopped eating now, "That's why she was over here." Ikuko muttered in an angry tone. She cared very little for the neighbor, only having invited them over so they could be on common grounds. The woman herself always made mocking comments about her weak little flower garden while her professional gardener did it for her. Ikuko had had them over to try and build a bridge of understanding…yeah right.

It did nothing more than tell Ikuko this woman only sees what she could gain for herself and for her family. She's seen how she been eyeing Mamoru that day in the back yard and gave no thought to the uncomfortableness he was trying to hid. Now it seemed because Usagi had won the man's heart she held no care to get even for her niece.

"I don't want you two seeing one another. Usagi isn't ready to date. And I forbid her from dating till I see fit." His arms crossed over his chest in a no nonsense manner. Everyone looked defeated at that moment.

Rei had a look of confusion and irritation twisting her features. While Mako had a simmering rage of injustice clear in her frown as she stared at Kenji. He was the closest she'd come to see as a father figure and he was being unbelievable in her eyes. Ami merely sighed and glanced at the floor, reviewing how she could help defend her Prince and Princess. Mina was swallowing repeatedly, trying to force down the cruel unforgiving words she wished to direct towards Kenji for his rash behavior.

Mamoru sat completely stunned, mouth hanging open unable to even formulate words to defend himself at the moment. Usagi beat them all, leaping to her feet and slamming her palms upon the table in indignation.

It was Usagi's surprising words that caught her father off guard, "Gomen a sai you feel that way papa. But, Mamo – chan and I are deeply in love, have been for a long time now. Our differences have made one another better and stronger. Our hardships making us more committed to one another. I have always done as you and mama both have asked, but, this I can't." she stood up and looked her father firmly in the eyes, "If you can't accept that this is my future, that he will always be my future - " she was cut off.

"Go to your room Usagi. I will deal with you later." Her father barked, never imagining his gentle, quiet and obedient daughter to defy him like this.

But she stayed, feet firmly planted as she glared down petulantly at him. "Kenji!" Ikuko snapped.

He looked over to her, "Have you heard nothing of your daughter? Or do you not care about her feelings?" she demanded, truly stunned and upset with her husband's current actions. Kenji went on, "The man isn't worthy of her. He's an abandoned orphan. No one wanted him! What kind of a man isn't wanted even as a child? He has no family, honor or wealth. Barely scraping by on odd jobs. He's a dreamer, how in the world is he going to afford medical school?" Kenji ranted, pointing a finger at Mamoru.

"I will not be paying your way young man...if this is some kind of ploy to get your hands on our family's money." he growled.

That was a low blow and went to far, and it seemed only one person in the room wasn't stunned by the news. The one who was supposed to be the most stunned.

"I asked nothing of no one, sir. I am my own man I make my own way." Mamoru commented in a low tone, struggling with his emotions. His jaw clenching and unclenching as the bottom went out of his stomach. Usagi's father saw him as unworthy, poor and with no prospects just because he had no parents to help support him.

"Usagi?" her father asked quietly, she looked up to him with tears in her eyes, and for the first time that evening felt a tinge of guilt and regret, "How dare you use your reporting contacts to dig into Mamo – chan's past. That was a hard time for him." She knew of her loves struggle and felt the need to back him up, "Usako…" Mamoru cautioned, this was his fight. He had to prove to this man that he was honorable, and able to take care of her. Worthy of his daughter, and able to give her a comfortable life. He motioned for her to sit as he confronted her father.

"Yes I was orphaned. I had no memory of who I was, no living relatives to take me in, my parents dead from a car crash that I was the sole survivor of when I was eight years old." He stated in a cool, calm and collective voice.

"It wasn't till I turned 16 that I was able to get out of the orphanage, get a job and finally find out who I was, and that my parents had left me a trust fund. I get a small check to live off of once a month so I use it all towards college. I get enough to pay for my schooling so I will graduate without debt while I work the rest of the time support myself and make time to spend with Usako." But he wasn't done there.

"I am a driven person Mr. Tsukino. I know what I want out of life, I have plans for the future. I am very intelligent, logical and resourceful. I will take good care of her in the future. I shall prove myself to you. As for Usako, she's the light of my life, she means everything to me. Gomen a sai, sir, but only because I refuse to stop seeing your daughter." Mamoru's voice was calculated and totally calm. While Kenji's face moved through a range of emotions.

Anger, slight pity, regret, before rage took over at his final words. "You are never allowed to see her again. Never allowed back in this house again." the vein in his forehead was throbbing. "Fine, I will not be back in your house, but, I cannot promise you that I won't see your daughter. I am truly sorry that you can't accept us together…but…I'm NOT going away." Authority was clear in his voice as he rose from the table and began walking towards the door.

Usagi followed closely behind. While her girls all stood up from their chair's backing her up subtly as they towered over the seated Kenji. Ikuko was seething in the chair at his right hand, fingering the hem of her dress looking close to exploding.

Shingo who had been witness to all of this heartbreak sat silently, digging absently into his bowl of white rice with his chop sticks. His mind whirling over ways to help his father see the error of his ways and aid his sister in her journey towards adulthood. Things were getting out of hand around their household. He had a ball of acid churning in his stomach worry over how far their stubborn father would take this and if it would ruin the future happiness of their family.

Mamoru was torn now, as was she. On his part he wanted her to come, but to do that she might never be let back inside her childhood home. On the other hand if she stayed he feared her father making things incredibly difficult in seeing her again. For her, she wanted to go with him, but felt his fears as if they were her own. She to didn't want to further upset her father but it seemed he was beyond reasoning when it came to accepting a man in his her life. He was unable to see her as a growing woman.

Mama's on our side, so are the girls…we will be able to see one another, mark my words, demo, if I leave now, I could lose that precious shred of father daughter bond he and I have left right now. We will be together, that will NOT EVER END! Come to me tonight at midnight, I think we need to come up with a new system. At least till my early graduation.

He nodded in understanding as he bent down for a lingering kiss. No longer caring about being spotted. It was a timeless kiss full of promise, and a way of telling her this wasn't the end…just the hitch that they would overcome. Finally letting her breath he left out of the house. As the door closed softly, Kenji stated, "I know how you must feel, but, believe me it's for the best. He's not the man for you and you're certainly not old enough for him." Usagi grit her teeth but could no longer hold her tongue from her father.

"Papa…" eyes cold and fierce, feeling the princess in her coming out. Along with that boiling fury that consumed her with Amber. She controlled it this time but barely. Gripping her rage she forced it down deep, still feeling her skin humming with dark energy. At having heard everything and being unable to truly fight for Mamoru as she had wanted to, "Kenji – san…" the tone and words shocked everyone.

Rei gulped then whispered, "That's not Usagi – chan…" to the girls. Her eyes proud, it was the princess finally having had enough. She had to take a moment as the princess rarely came out when not in a serious fight. However it soon faded into confusion as the Princess's soul was over lapped with a dark energy source. It shrouded over the pure light like a shadow, a familiar aura that she had sensed many times over in her recurring nightmares.

"While I appreciate the need you have to protect me, though it is above and beyond the call of fatherly duty, if you say one more word pertaining to the issue that isn't a positive then kicked out or not I will pack my bags and move in with him." She thrust her chin up defiantly, confronting him with an air of authority that made him take a step back.

He was stunned, to stunned to respond as she walked calmly upstairs. Nothing like the young little girl that used to scream and cry out for him to see reason. An act that would only further prove to him how young and rash she could still be. This new Usagi was growing up and he wondered briefly when that had happened and where the hell he'd been.

Her friends quietly following her up. Knowing their princess needed them and their comfort. It was the deadly silence that his wife was emitting that made him rethink how he had acted and what he had said, "Ikuko…honey….I know you may not agre - " the frozen look shocked him. She wasn't simply upset she was pissed.

He wasn't sure what to fear now Usagi's reaction or his wife rage. "Consider the couch your new best friend till you accept the changes being made. Usagi isn't a small child or a little girl anymore. Get over it!" Her voice was soft like a viper and just as full of venom.

She walked away as Kenji was now wondering if he'd gone to far. An hour passed by when Ikuko threw him Usagi's report card, "We were going to show you how improved she's gotten since Mamoru – san's been around. She actually has a chance to go to college now. Beforehand that wasn't possible. She couldn't focus and now look at her grades. Her teachers even called to tell me whatever Usagi was doing to improve her grades to keep at it." Kenji was at a loss. He had been wrong but not completely he felt when it came to her.

"If he were just her tutor I don't think I would mind but, she's not ready - " she smacked the back of his head, "For kami's sake, she's 15 years old. Old enough to make a conscious decision on her own. I see the love they hold for one another, and I truly believe that if given the choice, she would happily live with Mamoru – san, and they would be happy for the rest of their lives." Seeing his mildly defeated look she lost a bit of the edge in her voice.

"Kenji…honey…our daughter has found her soul mate. I truly believe she has. They both know it, yet Mamoru – san still tried to gain your approval. If you ask me that shows a deep sign if respect. Yet you showed none for him. Only bashed him verbally and even stooped so low as to bring up a painful part of the man's past. That is NOT the man I married. That's NOT the man I fell in love with." He hid his pout with an angry expression.

"Get your act together before your daughter IS gone. Before she decides to choose living with him instead of staying in her childhood home with her parents till she's 18. Before you ruin your relationship with her. Your bond as father and daughter." She stepped away giving him time to think. Ten minutes later she threw him a pillow and blankets. "You've chosen your bed, now you make it." She remarked, to angry that she was shoving him from their bed, knowing she had never truly done it before.

She hoped that he would know, that he would figure it out and get himself together before he tore a hole through the foundation of their relationship as he did with his daughter. His inability to let go may have made him a fantastic reporter and have given him a stable career to support his family with. But when it came to not letting go of things that will proceed with evolving even if you don't want them to, he was horrendous at it.

He took another long and sad look at the photo that lay on top if the abandoned supper table in the kitchen, wondering if he would be able to let it go. It dawned on him that if he didn't, and give in he might just loose his daughter and possibly might have a great strain on his relationship with his wife. It was the sound of four sets of footsteps coming down the stairs that brought him out of his conflicting thoughts.

The girls looked on determined, circling before him in the hall. Even as Ami cast calm eyes towards him. "Arigato for the evening Mr. Tsukino – san." Their demeanor alone spoke volumes of where they sided as they left the house. He received not even a glance from the other three, as if they were all to ashamed to look at him.

That night Mamoru snuck in through her window. Dressed in a white t-shirt and black sweats. To find his princess crying lightly into her pillow, still in her white sundress. To distraught to even change into sleep clothes. "Oh Usako…" he took her in his arms as she snuggled in his embrace. He softly stroked her cheek and wiped away her tears with his thumbs, cradling her crumbling emotional state with his quiet word of comfort.

"I need to be gone from here for a few days. I'll tell mama that I'll be at Rei – chan's temple, but, I need to get out. All of this feels stifling right now. Like my very soul is being suffocated." Her voice croaked out several minutes later, broken and weak. Her room that once reminded her of her generous father whom loved to shower his precious baby girl with gifts, now resembled a cell that seemed to look like he was trying to keep her as that...a little girl.

His precious baby to remain as a young girl forever. To always come home to her, and have her happy on some small stuffed and fluffy trinket or toy he would give her. Most of them had dwindled to more teen items over time but many remained as fond memories not to be discarded from the room, "When papa goes to work tomorrow, I'll pack a small bag, enough to carry me through a weekend, just in case mama can't talk some sense into papa. Plus, if I don't take with me some belongings mama will wonder what I'm wearing."

She smiled coyly at her words, trying to find something to simple to seek happiness in.

He nodded, listening to his beloved. She need not ask him to hold her, to lay with her in bed, he felt her need as clear as day. Laying with her on the moon and stare comforter, she fell asleep to the rhythm of his heart as he to fell asleep. Ikuko found them once again in the morning but saw the way he was holding her daughter. Still in their clothes from last night, it was that of a comforting embrace that stopped her rant of getting caught again.

Her daughter had needed the emotional support that only her beloved could give her. Walking forward she shook both parties awake, "You two better wake up, school will start in an hour." Both nodded as she left. "I'll grab my duffle bag and then tell mama when I go downstairs. I think papa's already at work." Usagi surmised. She briefly moved enough, kneeling on her mattress to look out her side window and find the drive way empty.

The morning sun was just cresting the trees across the street. The leaves starting to turn from the tender green to the dying colors of gold and rust red. Fall had seemed to arrive without notice, Usagi grimaced she hated the cold. The subtle reminder of the rainy season to come falling like a chilled blanket upon her. The coming season a mirror of grim, colorless grey that mirrored her emotions of the moment.

"He's gone. Come on, go downstairs, I have a shower to take." She instructed wearily. He seemed skeptical at first till he heard no signs of Kenji downstairs.

For a second he thought about joining her, brief thoughts of washing her body came to mind before he banished them, as he felt the timing to be horrible. Ikuko liked him, but knew nothing of their sex life. He wanted to keep that to themselves. Oddly wondering if his lewd thoughts over his beloved was getting out of hand. It was like he was losing some semblance of control, he hated that prospect. He prided himself on always being in control of himself. But it seemed those kind of thoughts always seemed to plague him of late, as if he was obsessing.

Avoiding the temptation even as he heard clothes dropping to the floor. The sound alone testing his will power. He instead headed through the hallway then downstairs where he saw Shingo at the table eating breakfast.

He then looked up in mild surprise to see him, "Mamoru – san." He nodded around a mouthful of pancakes. Orange juice sitting next to his plate. Mamoru nodded back then looked to Ikuko as she looked to him. A tender smile gracing her feminine features, "Mrs. Tsukino – san, I wanted to apol - " she waved him off before telling him in a stern manner, "Don't you dare apologize for anything. Kenji needs to do that to you."

He looked to Shingo, "Best to agree when Mama's in a mood." He supplied. Though Mamoru didn't see any mood if the kid said she was in a mood then take the offering.

The dark haired man nodded as for the first time in his life a kind woman with motherly eyes graced him with a plate full of pancakes. Being in an orphanage he was accustomed to being filed into an assembly line to get his food throughout the day. This was a welcomed first and he offered Ikuko a beaming smile of gratitude. She always made him feel wanted, loved and a part of this family. He needed that feeling, more the ever since last night.

The lunch ladies, with hairnets more monotone and robotic not really caring, came to mind. A sad memory of to many years feeling like a little nobody, clustered like faceless sheep with the other kids in the orphanage. Their caretaker's only happy that their paychecks were being filled. None ever going out of their way to offer even a kind word to him or even a fond smile.

He'd never truly had a set of parents and felt that it was probably why early on, before he realized he wanted a family that he was utterly afraid to have one. Fearing that he would never be able to hold up to the image of a father since he had no clue how one operated. It was his blind need to make a family with Usagi someday that diminished that fear. He had seen his own little girl as proof in the promise of a bright purposeful future.

Usagi's mother sent him a friendly smile as she handed him the pancake syrup and went back to cooking more, "Nani?" she asked. His dumb founded stare turned into a blush of embarrassment, "Gomen, I've never actually…gomen…" to embarrassed to tell her that was the first time in his life he'd ever truly had motherly affection in his life. "Relax Mamoru – san, it's just pancakes." She smiled sweetly, understanding. Patting his cheek a couple times to break the tension before departing for the kitchen.

It warmed his heart in a way only a mother could. "Arigato." He stated in genuine 'son – in – law' affection. Digging into the pancakes with an uncharacteristic gusto. Resembling Usagi more in how eagerly he forked into the fluffy goodness. He looked up a few minutes later to see Shingo giving him a curious look, "Nani?" he asked.

"So an orphanage?" he muttered to Mamoru. He nodded, "Must have taught you a lot." He smiled, "It did…but there are something's only parents can teach you. Remember that." Shingo looked to his mother, "Yeah…but, we can't let them know that, though." Shingo responded in a low conspiratorial tone. Both boys laughed, a small brotherly relationship growing.

Once Ikuko was done Usagi came down the stairs, dressed in her uniform and satchel, prepared for the day ahead. "Hi." She gave Mamoru an affectionate kiss on the cheek as she sat down next to him, "Pancakes, my favorite." She stated, digging into the plate her mother prepped for her.

Ikuko watched the two and couldn't help herself, "I'm so happy that my daughter found her love so early on in life." Both blushed before smiling meekly, "Me to." Usagi commented. It was the clock that caught Mamoru's attention.

"I have classes to get to." He got up, then went to put his dish away. Ikuko grabbed it, "Go, you'll both be late!" she ushered them both out of the house. Being late was the last of their worries.

Makoto ran into Haruka, or rather the other way around as the blonde had been on her motorcycle. The brunette was lost in her troubled thoughts over this new crisis, brooding darkly as she crossed the walkway across a very busy boulevard. Dressed in her old school uniform yet to receive the proper size from Juban Junior High. Her hand clutching her black leather school bag and cute cloth wrapped bento before her.

Her morning had been uneventful and quiet, making it quiet easy to get lost in her brooding. Her leader had gone dark, she had seen her new Fuku it wasn't a dream. She been playing it cool for the last few days of last week, waiting for Usagi to tell the other's what had happened but she hadn't said a word.

Makoto felt that they were all falling apart as friends and comrades. They needed to reconnect, to fix their flagging friendships. They needed to have a serious meeting or a major fight to get all this tension out in open. If Usagi didn't fess up about what happened to her soon then she was going to spill, already she felt ready to explode.

Haruka was late...beyond any and all reason. Her mind lost to the coming earful she was going to receive from Michiru upon arriving at Mugen Academy late!

She had been weaving through traffic trying to gain a few extra minutes by speeding. Her white dress shirt and plaid green tie snapping in the wind. The visor of her white helmet mirroring the clogged traffic surrounding her in the morning rush. Taking a chance upon the red light overhead, she gunned her ride only to slam on the breaks. Twisting the bike sideways as Mako turned in time to cry out in shock. White lights filled the young teen's vision as the steel and fiber glass machine collided with her. Slamming her backward to the pavement mercilessly.

Haruka shouted before impact, the girls terrified green eyes burning her vision. Her quick reaction time kicking in, as she cranked her handlebars. Skidding her bike on its side and twisting the machine away from hitting the Makoto head on. Ending up only clipping her side, sending them both reeling in opposite directions. The blonde ripped off her helmet casting it away in alarm, as she dashed like the wind itself to Mako's side.

The brunette girl was sprawled on the pavement staring up at the warming sky in complete disbelief that she had just been struck by a motorcycle on a walk sign.

"Gomen...oh, christ...oh, Allah...oh…holy mother of...Oh, kami...oh, kami..." Haruka stuttered in at a complete loss. Wrapping a pink handkerchief she had stashed in the pocket of the plaid dress pants, around her scrapped up hand. Her hands gentle, face twisted in worry. A subtle gesture of 'sorry' for nearly running you over. The sacrifice of her favorite handkerchief, penance for not paying attention.

"I think you forgot to call on the Buddha..." Mako grimaced sardonically up at the frantic and greatly apologetic woman. Haruka laughed bitterly... "Well, I'd pray to whatever deity out there that would forgive my stupidity here." She stated.

"And got you off the hook for dangerous driving too..." Mako added dryly, grasping her spinning head with a hand. As Haruka helped her up to a seated position. Rewarding Mako's bitter laugh with a worried, nervous chuckle of her own.

"Honestly...yeah." She agreed. Her driving record was not stellar, the police had her mug shot on several warrants from minor speeding, to ramping all over Tokyo and Osaka. Haruka lived a dangerous life hunting Heart Snatcher's most police would not respect the excuse of Demon hunting as a reason to drive as recklessly as she did.

Ami, decided to get in some laps into the pool at the Sports center before classes began. The water had a sharp, chilled quality that woke her mind and focused her thoughts like nothing else could. She cut through the water like a knife moving swiftly from one side the other, lost to the meditative rhythm.

The early morning sun glinting in through the walls of windows, glowing with a gentle warmth upon the turbulent surface of the pool. As she had been trying to connect more so with her water power lately. Feeling this new enemy was only going to get stronger. She felt she needed to find a deeper connection to fight harder. The need to excel was a high motivator for her.

Rei herself was trying to connect deeper with the shrine's sacred fire to see when the next enemy would come. She hoped she may also be able to accelerate her power, or at least make herself stronger. Yet she was avoiding Usagi's need to seek her guidance. Ami wondered now if Rei was mad at their leader for something. She had been getting very snappy at not only her but at all of them as of late.

It seemed that only, Uranus and Neptune had the power to actually conquer the new enemies. Their powers did little damage, and Usagi was unable to even tap into her's. Mostly they just got the daimon's to waste time and expend energy till Uranus or Neptune used their greater powers. That wouldn't bode well for the miko, perhaps she angry about that? Ami's mind kept circling trying to pin point the unrest she felt in the friends.

Rei herself was absorbed in the sacred fire back at the shrine. Her fire crackling against her skin, as she sat in her robes before it. The far side of the prayer's room rice divider was pulled open to vent out some of the smoke. The dawning sun cresting over the ancient trees just outside. The fire room was shrouded in the flickering shadows, somber and reflective. Mirroring the mood of the priestess within.

Her head bowed, finger's pacing through her prayer, voice lost in a methodical chant. As a senshi of fire and war, her instincts burned within her to know the enemy. To at least make a calculating move against them, but it seemed this enemy almost had a way of channeling away from her, to hide from her.

It confused her. Sometimes she felt extremely close to finding them, others she felt repelled by the odd connection. If she hadn't known any better she would think the link felt almost senshi like. But a long buried soul, with a trapped, dormant feeling to it. A soul that her ancestors whispered to her needed to be kept buried. She refused to listen to them, feeling that their past knowledge while very helpful didn't have the knowledge of the current events. That they held a prejudice against the soul.

She felt that if she could free this lost soul she could potentially help fight off this new enemy better. She was fighting hard to ignore them, and more importantly the catastrophic images they bombarded her with when she delved to deeply into the psychic connection. They were impossible to forget and becoming difficult to ignore.

But she did, feeling they were sending her their personal fears of what might happen. As far as she saw it whatever evil it was, the senshi could conquer it. They always have and always would, when push came to shove they were a force to be reckoned with. It was what made them great, their enemies always saw them as weak, saw their views as weak and by the time they figured it out, they were dusted.

She didn't want to discuss her haunting visions, or delve into Usagi's problems with her crystal till she figured everything out. She had been trying to find answers as to why the crystal was now dulled but the fire only showed her the end of times and nothing more. Like a spiritual broken record that was driving her nuts!

Now she felt that waiting had been a poor choice. Their was something up with their leader her energies were now way off! Rei was even more worried, if she didn't manage to find some clarity during this session then she would have no choice but to have a meeting and let everyone know what she was seeing. Then grill Usagi till she spilled what had changed with her. She had already came to many horrible conclusions on her own though she just needed proof.

She once more pushed the fire to tell her something new. It crackled in near annoyance that she was refusing to listen to the warning it was given to send while she did her fire readings. "Gomen a sai for ignoring the images but, we're not in the past, this is the future, let me see our enemies." She commanded. Chanting now she made her connection deeper, so deep in thoughts she did not notice the manly figure of Yurichio outside her door.

Having heard everything the young man wished the woman he loved would be safe. He had figured out her secret life when the red haired man attacked. Un known to her he had been watching the fight, and had watched as when she thought no one was looked de transformed. He had been stunned at first but it all made sense to him now. He was now waiting for the time when she would tell him, when she would trust him enough to tell him.

Her grandfather knew nothing and true to his own promise to himself he had said nothing to no one. He knew that if anyone was to find out the truth it could put not only her in danger but her grandfather to. He had come to see the old man as not only his sensai but as a family elder of sorts. He loved Rei more than anything and now that they had started to see one another, though not often, he felt like he was finally becoming whole. For the first time, Yurichio knew without a doubt he had chosen the right path to his future, and it was with her.

Mamoru arrived at the Juban High school for his fated confrontation with Amber's parents, hoping that they could see reason where she could not. Pushing down the hall full of students, 15 minutes early to ensure he was to be taken seriously.

He then saw a couple, definitely from the higher classy side of town. Pristine clothes, and a cell phone attached to the man's ear as he was going over some business. The woman, while pristine looked very upset that she had to even be there. As if discussing anything related to her child was a nuisance. She had a sour face, with sharp angles and the same reddish brunette hair tied up in a tight bun. Her husband a dower, blonde haired man sporting a goatee. Trying in vain to look younger then he truly was.

He was beginning to wonder if Amber's actions towards him were a cry out to her parents for attention and not really aimed at gaining his affections. If that was the case he'd have to confront the girl when she came around next…but hopefully after this encounter she wouldn't.

The principal let them all in as the man ended the call, "Now what is this about Amber – chan?" he spoke, voice deep and annoyed. "I am a very busy man so let's wrap this up." He stated. The principal looked nervous in Mamoru's eyes, "Hai, it seems Amber – chan has been disrupting this young man's life." He gestured towards Mamoru.

Finally feeling like he might be able to stop Amber's incessant issue with him he spoke up, "Gomen a sai that you had to come down here, but, I have become quite frustrated with your daughters actions towards me." He sighed wearily.

Both parents looked now, "Like what?" her mother asked.

"She keeps pestering me to leave my girlfriend for her, she has been seen following me around, and even lied to my security at the front desk to gain access to my floor." Mamoru kept on, his eyes boring into the woman with a serious air not to be argued with.

The parents looked to be in disbelief over it.

"I've been very clear that I am NOT interested in her, that I have a girlfriend, but, she refuses to heed my words and still tried to gain access to anything pertaining to me. She cornered me at my apartment door and made me late for classes one day." So it was more or less made him late to meet his professor early for his TA position, same difference. "I don't see Amber – chan as doing anything like that." Her mother balked.

"I know she's head strong but, that seems extreme, even for her." The father wondered, then looked to Mamoru in question, "How did she know where you lived?" he asked.

"Honestly, my best guess is she paid someone to find out. Otherwise I have no clue. The first time I even met her was at the Hikawa Temple where her pestering first started. I told her very straight forward that I was with someone and that I would never be with her." he stated bluntly, his truth ringing through the rising tension.

"Let's bring her in." her father stated. The principal sent for Amber.

Finally, this Amber business ends. He thought hopefully yet that wistful thought was wrong.

She came in seeing Mamoru first and gave him a near sultry smile before seeing her parents. She swallowed her smile and put on a performance that made even Mamoru's eyes widen. "Mama, papa…?" she asked in a sickly sweet tone. Her parents were wrapped in seconds around her metaphorical finger. Mamoru nearly threw his hand on his face in submission to the coming tirade towards him.

Now he was seeing how the mothers face twisted into disapproval towards him. Even before all facts had been put forth. Looking at him as if he was some kind of predator out to take her daughter's innocence.

"Amber – chan it has been brought to our attention that you have been seeking the attentions of a male that is not only older than yourself but, is in a relationship already." She looked to everyone, an innocent clueless look that spoke volumes about how conniving and manipulative she was. Mamoru was the last to see the glint in her eyes. It was cold, calculating, she had a plan and he felt utterly fucked for a few brief moments.

"I am humbly gomen for my intrusion but, I thought that since we had gone out for dinner that we were together." His eyes widened at the complete lie.

"And when exactly did we go out? I'm a busy man. I have college, a part time job and an ACTUAL girlfriend, not you, that I see." He stated coldly to her. Not giving away the feeling that he felt she would try and trap him. "Last Sunday night. At the Marriott hotel." She replied. Her father looked ready to kill, the implications of being at a hotel with his daughter sparking his fatherly instincts.

Mamoru looked cold as ever. "See last Sunday I was working my part time job. I got called in for a double shift as a waiter at the Tokyo Sanuki club. And if your parents don't believe me they can call the restaurant themselves."

He only felt a huge relief that he had been called in that day. Working the double shift had not been fun but it had been worth the pay he received. Amber pursed her lips, "I never said it was during the day. Or the evening." Her father looked from her to Mamoru, "You do know what a double shift entails right?" he asked, smirk on his face. He looked to her parents, "It was from noon that day to nearly midnight. Someone called in sick and I needed the funds for college. If you'd like I can get a copy of the time cards for further proof." He replied smoothly.

She looked red with rage now, "Amber – chan…" her mother spoke up. No longer under her daughter's sweet little spell. Amber looked over, "Hai?' she asked, "Clearly this man is not interested nor was there any date, I think this meeting is over, gomen a sai that she has been such trouble for you." Mamoru nodded to the lady as she stood up and left. Her father as well. Amber was left steaming as she stalked down the halls to her next class, but not before she muttered, "I will find a way Mamoru – san."

How'd it go Mamo – chan?!

Came his beloved's voice. Good. Her parents weren't to thrilled nor impressed by her lies. I think the threat is done with. He beamed. Good…now get to class. I may want to quiz you on giving a good physical when I get to your place after school today. Her playful tone had him smiling in thought. As long as it's you I don't care.

Without thinking about it he imaged brushing a few strands of her bangs from her gorgeous crystal blue eyes, mentally wanting to see them.

His thoughts carried to action as while she was in class her bangs without any need at all moved to the stroking of his fingers. It shot Usagi's eyes to the source as she watched them move without anything touching them. She looked around to see if anyone else noticed and spotted Umino looking at her. Pencil falling from his mouth in shock and curiosity as well as mild horror. A small part of him now wondering if she was being haunted. But his logical mind refused to believe that.

It was her going back to studying in class that had him wondering if he'd seen things. He looked around, seeing no windows open so no air could breeze in. He wracked his brain for the next five minutes trying to come up with a logical solution that didn't involve a haunted Usagi. It bothered him all day, nagging at him during every lull in classes.

Once school was over with he went to talk to Naru just outside school grounds, when Amber cornered him against the stone privacy wall. He nearly yelped in fright having deftly avoided her lately. He felt like a mouse trapped in the hungry gaze of a hunter.

"Haven't seen you around in a while nerd. You hiding your pathetic little self from me?" she taunted. He didn't know if it was her words, the fact that she had been purposely using him to end his friends relationship with her boyfriend whom even he could tell were madly in love with one another as he was with Naru or that he'd hit a boiling point. Whenever the reason he found a spine, and was finally able to speak his mind.

"Admittedly yeah, but, not anymore." He spoke, his voice strong and full of conviction. He craned his neck up, being slightly shorter than his aggressor. Being shorter than most women never filled him with much self-esteem. But Naru...his love, had been giving him all the confidence and courage he could ever wish for. He had begun to feel stronger and more assertive with her in his life. She made him feel like a worthwhile man and not some invisible geek, easily manipulated or frightened by the more popular students.

She was upset he could tell but so was he. He didn't like being used to hurt his friends and she was doing just that. She was mildly shocked and before she could talk he spoke up once again, "I have good friends and I don't need you breathing down my neck just cause you can't land yourself a man. There are plenty of guys here to hook up with. Unless you've already gone through the available ones." He smirked, his investigative reporting having delved deep into Amber's less then innocent past.

"Leave Usagi – chan and her boyfriend Mamoru – san alone or the school gets the populated list of men that you've welcomed alone." His heart was thundering against his ribs, a dull roar in his ears as he felt a hot sweat beading over his face. As she turned red with anger and part of him wondered if he'd gone to far but he needed to protect his friends, balling his hands into fists at his side, he glared up at her through his thick glasses taking a stand.

"So go ahead try something. I'm sure your parents would love to find out about your so called secret wild life. So leave them ALONE!" He iterated, before walking away, telling himself he wasn't walking fast that he was walking average even as she fumed in rage behind him. Her acidic glare burning into his retreating back, as he moved back through the protective gates noticing Naru wasn't on the sidewalk anyway. Knowing that the woman couldn't try anything to physically hurt him while on campus.