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'

24. Eudial's death & revelations

kera69love: yeah I did go more with manga, honestly cause I liked it better than the anime. The American version anyways. The Japanese was better.

damonika2009: yes Pluto is back but will she really be back for Chibi Usa?

trish1573: glad it was impactful for you. The Chibi Usa giving Usagi a break won't be for a minute, it'll take a while for her to give in.

Guest (1): thanks!

Mavebelikova: hopefully the nail biting will begin soon.

Setsuna-Chan22: yep and there's more glimpses to come.

TessBeth: me to. the goo scene was a laughable one made in my opinion better. As for Rei, fighting fire with fire isn't always the smartest option.

silverfaerie91: not sure but I know were getting close to the end.

moonbella09022: will do.

Witchoftheforest: steamy scenes aren't in this one. but emotional ones are along with some revelations.

LoveInTheBattleField: will do.

Only 11 reviews? They've been dwindling down lately. but I am happy that I am getting reviews. I guess with it being at the point of nearing the end I was expecting more and not less…oh well. please ready and review!

Sailor Moon S ' Rise of the messiah' ch/ep. 24

Moon could feel her breath straining against her dry throat, itching and partly seared from the heat. Her eyes were watering horribly, tears flowing down her flushed cheeks. Forcing her to narrow her eyes to keep the Chalice in focus as it floated close to the front doors of the Cathedral. Shimmering with an ethereal aura amid the crest of the consuming flames while the three Outer Senshi were trapped beyond the wall of fire.

Each still standing rigid, talisman's held before them in reverence before the Chalice. Eyes staring up blankly towards the Grail, their ultimate mission complete. They remained in a powerful trance awaiting the Messiah.

The intense heat surrounding her was flagging her endurance. Her chest burning from inhaling to much ash, yet she kept pushing her limits knowing what was at stake. Forcing her physical body to go beyond it's capabilities. She had promised, that even if her body may break. Eudial would never have the Holy Grail! She refused to break that promise even for a single second.

...Awaken...

The crackle and hiss of the consuming inferno a deadly white noise that taunted her through the glistening haze of flickering shadows. A world of red fire and white marble pillars, streaming past her. With the endless nave stretching out before her the column of fire near the entrance her final destination. The Holy Chalice calling to her, like the whispering wind, the deep echo of the ocean and the eternal round of time. A power that urged release, throbbing inside her body and making her light headed.

The time has come...

Moon grit her teeth, catching sight to Eudial racing right next to her. Ducking her head and pushing for more speed, Eudial was urging her own body to outpace her. Snarling and cursing Moon's unwavering resolve to best her. This was a pivotal moment in her career. If she failed, she might as well not return to Tomoe's side. The professor would fire her for sure, perhaps kill her in a fit of rage.

She kept glancing back to Moon, seeing such an unparalleled determination it finally smothered her arrogance. Casting her for the first time into real doubt. Her mind now contemplating what her next move might be if Moon reached the Chalice first.

...The three talisman's of the guiding light...

Moon swallowed hard the raging wall of flame was upon her, this was it. This was the moment of truth...was she worthy? Could she save the world? Was she truly strong enough to defeat this new enemy without sacrificing anyone?

The heat slammed into her like a physical blow, knocking all the oxygen from her small body, the world swam for only a second as she released a scream of pure need. She would not lose! She would never give up! She would triumph!

They leapt at the same time to secure the prize in the center. But Eudial's greedy full body grab was too much to try and pull with. Moon decidedly angled her body just so, as her left arm stretched out. Eudial screamed in desperation as she found her lunge wanting. Moon's fingertips were just that extra inch closer to the Immortal cup as she was able to secure the golden 'chalice' within her grasp.

Its power consumed her, in a flash of incredible white light. Connecting to her broach, which unfurled from her breast. Spinning it's lotus petals wide. Refracting the great power's contained within the chalice, bathing the cathedral in blinding prism lights. The concussion of the building power threw Eudial away, like a ball from a cannon. She flew screaming out of the round stained glass window above the processional doors.

...will start the dawn of destruction

The flames were instantly snuffed out as the power began to increase within the nave. The Outer Senshi were shaken from their trance, now standing stunned as Moon spun high above them. Her nude body pulsing in the blinding glow of the chalice that she held high over her head. Her eyes were closed in supplication, golden tails snapping in the growing energy wave. The indescribable power connection made the cathedral shake. Like tremor's of a coming earthquake. The floor trembled, walls cracking and pillar's groaning under the strain.

Everyone inside gasped in shock while trying to maintain their balance. The 'chalice' tipped over, opening in Moon's hands. Offering her all the power it held within. Yielding to it's mistress with the same affection and loyalty as the Silver Crystal. Butterflies of pure light fluttered from the opened cup. Flocking with the cascading energy descending upon Moon. Falling upon her spinning form like shimmering stardust as two elegant butterfly wings unfurled from her back with an angelic grace.

Her fuku skirt changing into lighter tones, her red bow fading away. Replaced with an elegant white bow, the ribbons hanging low to the back of her knees. Twin barrettes appears just above her fluttering bangs, each with three darts.

Tux was in shock himself, taking long shallow breaths as his beloved awakened to her new powers. He felt a small barely there portion through their link, a warm tingling that started deep within his heart then vibrated threw his body. It gave him an energy boost, the world sharpening around him. All of his own mental and physical exhaustion cleansed away. Leaving him with a clarity far superior to what he had claim to as Tux.

Often before he had secretly envisioned her in wings of some sort while making sweet love to her. Though a small part of him wondered how he could make love to her with the wings on. The physical science of it was kinda awkward, those wings would be constantly in his way. His imagination was starting to get the better of him with visuals of their love making before he put a stop to it. Clearing his throat he refocused himself upon her transformation.

His 'captured' or 'fallen' angel ready to right wrongs and triumph over evil. He couldn't have been more proud of her. His joy tempered by the understanding that any power she laid claim too always had a price.

Chibi Moon was shocked by her own change as well. Her pink battle fuku flared, as a peaceful heat penetrating through her small body. Her transformation mimicking that of Moon. Being Moon's descendant in this time granted her angel feathers attached to pearls in her hair, just like her future mother was now sporting.

Time was constantly realigning now that it had forked. Neo Queen Serenity's intervention during their final battle with Wiseman had given her past self a sense of guidance and power beyond her current state as merely Sailor Moon. It had perhaps inadvertently set into motion a greater future with a stronger ruler to one day claim Crystal Tokyo...or had set in motion a set of threats far more deadly than her current self could deal with. Either way the future had cast back a gauntlet of trails for the past Senshi and their future King and Queen to deal with.

"Must be a Moon thing." Venus supplied looking down to Chibi Moon. Who was lightly fingering her new barrettes in wonder and amazement, "Wow..." Mars was stunned at the sight of their beloved princess looking more confident, regal and more powerful than ever before.

Her Moon princess form had always been her most powerful state. This ascension of power was similar yet far superior. "Her energy readings are nearly off the charts." Mercury said scanning her with her visor, ignoring the light show before the front doors. Concentrating on the data streaming over her minicomputer, in her hand. Analyzing the transformation and quickly assessing it's power output versus it's strain upon it's host.

Mercury had a grim understanding like all the rest how Moon always put her life at risk every time she claimed more power. "Chibi Moon is a bit stronger to and Tuxedo Mask..." she looked to him meaningfully, "Your connection I can tell is amplified." she remarks. He smiles, "I feel it. It's quite different, something to get used to." lightly rubbing his chest with his fingers, just above his heart were the power originated.

The moment didn't last long, turning surreal as a column of flame exploded from the front doors of the Cathedral. Eudial fired her weapon one last time as the gas was running out of it. She looked haggard, her long red hair now frayed, somewhat singed and over full of static. Which stood up oddly around her enraged face. A trickle of blood trailed down the side of her temple as mild discoloration of bruises marred her bare arms and legs.

Her red halter top torn around the low squared neckline, her tight skirt now singed and somewhat shredded around the bottom hem. Marred with dirt and soot as she had crashed into the stairs out front. Her blast hit Moon dead on. The Outer's left diving for cover to get out of the way.

Moon slowly opened her eyes, staring impassively at Eudial as the flames hit her chest. With the great amount of power Moon now had at her disposal. She stopped the fire like it was nothing but a fly to swat, flicking her wrist sharply as the flames neared. Shoving the coming inferno back with twice the force to Eudial. The massive flames slammed into her, sending her flying out of the door, her distraught cry of failure fading upon the bridge.

For a moment Uranus wondered if it killed her and searched oddly out the open door. Her sharp eyesight finding the vile woman bent backward in a disturbing sight over a metal cross beam just below the bridge. Her body twisted at a vicious angle. Hanging lifeless like a bug trapped in a web of iron girder's, her head and arms dangling into the lapping waves. Her death obvious. The sight chilled Uranus, never would she have guessed her little koneko, the sweet faced, sugar addicted, warm hearted girl would have such an iron resolve.

She defended her loved ones without flinching, a judge, jury and executioner for all that was evil and bad. Looking towards Neptune, who was staring just as awe struck by the broken body of the evil witch. Never believing their princess would have it in her to take a life.

They stared at one another in a silent communion of disbelief. Then turned back to Moon. She looked so much more powerful than before. In her super transformation. Long ribbon's snapping along with her golden tails as the energy wave levelled off. Her stern blue eyes staring after Eudial with a silver fire burning in the depths. "All this time she was the 'messiah'?" Uranus remarked dryly while her gut was flipping in a twisting turmoil.

Feeling fate was laughing at her seeking to kick her in the ass for how flippantly she had been treating Sailor Moon. "Somehow it feels right." Neptune's stated lowly. They had no faith in their own princess's ability to overcome the odds. No concept of what true strength lay within her tiny, light hearted frame. All of it was thrust into their jaded faces. Finally giving them hope that the Silence could be defeated.

Then Moon's new transformation faded. The chalice shimmered into the Silver Crystal as it reverted back into Moon's broach. Leaving the 'would be Messiah' back in her original fuku as she was overcome by the amount of energy forced through her. She moaned finally succumbing to the exhaustion, crumbling to the floor as weak and frail as a new born babe. Before she could fall Tux was back behind her, catching her fallen form. The inner senshi all ran to her seeing how drained she looked from the surge of power.

Uranus narrowed her eyes in confusion, hiding her disappointment with an air of disinterest, not wanting to admit she had felt hope even a shred towards Moon's new powers. Crossing her arms over her breast and casting Neptune a meaningful look. Neptune was chewing on her bottom lip, her eyes impassive. While Pluto stood apart from the others merely observing the various emotions to Moon's obvious lack of control over this new power.

"I don't get it why power down now?" Mars asked in alarm. "The amount of crystal power she used before to keep Eudial at bay was near her limits. The new transformation drained her body completely. The new power up gave her the boost needed to end Eudial but her will wasn't strong enough to maintain it. Her body is in a state of shock, reeling from the amount of energy channeled through her." Mercury explained. Checking her pulse and lightly patting her flushed cheeks tenderly.

Tux held Moon securely in his arms, not willing to let her go as she slowly roused herself, her minor shifting against his lap announcing her coming around, "So she couldn't be the 'messiah'." The voice was husky, full of disappointment. The senshi looked to Uranus, "The 'messiah' should be able to handle the power without question. Moon obviously can't." Uranus scoffed, scratching her nose to hide her inner pain.

Moon rose out of Tux's arms, sitting on her own. Yet her world was spinning as she stared down at her gloved hands. She was back in her usual Senshi fuku. Her arms trembling with both weariness and emotional agony. Uranus's words hurt Moon but she wouldn't, she refused to show it. In the end perhaps she had failed this test...perhaps she wasn't strong enough to endure this coming crisis.

"Then who else could it be. We could work together to find her." Moon offered, humbled by the whole experience. Keeping her tear filled eyes averted to her curling finger's. Now turning into tight fists of frustration at her failure.

(While I wasn't thrilled with the extreme draining my body took from the power up, if it helped beat our enemies till the true 'messiah' came about then I'd be happy to fill in. I only hoped Tux here would to. I know how he is on me over exerting myself in battle. "We should go." I offered, allowing Tux to help me up. The others nodded in agreement before Tux pulled me into his side and guided me out.

The moon had risen, floating over the bay like a huge glowing disc. The soft light casting the waves in a silver sheen, as if the water was polished with ice. I shivered at how lonely and cold the world looked beyond the cathedral. Leaning into Tux a bit more, seeking his warmth to comfort my raging mind. I hated being seen as weak and unworthy of my title. My struggle always an uphill battle to prove myself all the time.

With a faint flash of light, Moon gave up on her Senshi form allowing the last of her energy to be pulled back into her crystal. Leaving a very despondent Usagi behind. Staring out over the sea as if all the answers to the future lay just out of sight.

"When we find the true 'messiah'. We'll be taking that 'chalice' back." Uranus warned. I looked back with the others, "Fine." I didn't feel like arguing, I was just to tired to deal with any of this anymore. My muscles protested against any movement.

Chibi-Moon watch silently as Pluto followed Uranus and Neptune into the heavy shadows of the nave, disappearing into the bowels of the Cathedral once more. Refusing to allow her pain to show, she kept her face frozen in a dull stare until she could no longer see her dear friend. A soft sniff was the only sound she made before turning her back upon the nave and following quickly behind the Inner Senshi as they left the Marine Cathedral.

"We should get you back to the city for rest." Rei stood in her grey school uniform, observing nervously how pale Usagi looked. Her skin looked almost paper thin and just as fragile. Her stubbornness alone keeping her standing beside Mamoru.

(Mamo - chan protested, "She can rest at our place." however they caught the wording, "So she's living there now?" Minako asked him then looked to me with a faint smile. Dressed in her own school fuku, she looked like she had just eaten a very tasty piece of chocolate.

Rei rolled her eyes the cat was out of bag now, before she had been the only one to know Usagi was shacked up with Mamoru. Being the designated alibi and all.

"You're living with him already?" Ami asked this time, a note of disapproval clear in her tone as she shook her head and sighing deeply, holding onto her Juban High school skirt with a hand. A cold gust of wind had caught it, seeking to blow it right up.

"It's just for the week." I defended. "But then we'll see about it being for longer." Mamo - chan added truthfully, looking down to me. His eyes bright full of hope. I only smiled wanly as the lack of energy was making me lethargic and uncaring. Less wanting to confront or fight with the drama. I just wanted to agree to everything until I was happily tucked into bed...anywhere. I'd sleep right here if I could. The steps of the cathedral looked cozy enough.

"Okay, let's go then." Rei agreed before leading the other girls away. Mamo - chan and I followed behind, walking more slowly with his arm around my shoulders.

Either she didn't catch onto the meaning of the conversation or she choose not to bring it back up. But Chibi Usa quickly caught up to us as we started to cross the bridge and spoke up, "Need some help Usagi - chan?" she asked mildly. I smiled back as strongly as I could, "Nope I'm fine, but thanks for the offer." I snuggled deeper into Mamo - Chan's hold.

Mamoru stiffened noticing Eudial's body hanging just out of sight beneath the dock's metal girder's. The shadow of her body swayed in the wind like a battle weathered pennant. I swallowed following his eyes to my collateral damage. My blood froze again, I had killed before several times in fact, all because when faced with a corrupted soul I honestly had no choice. I dealt with that on a daily basis.

Taking a life wasn't easy for me, it was a hazard of the job. I clung to my truths as shields to protect my heart. It sometimes had to be done, I had to protect my Senshi, my family, this planet from all who threaten it. I had a sacred duty set down from the time of the Silver Millennium and that is what kept me sane. But Chibi Usa did not need to confront the grim reality of being a Senshi just yet.

I will go get the boat. Mamoru offered, his voice a whisper in my mind.

Do you…I started, then smiled in understanding as he responded somewhat agitated that I would doubt him. I'm a fast learner and you're spent. Just rest here.

Arigato, Mamo-chan.

I sighed, settling myself down upon the edge of the bridge with a few grunts of pain.

"Stay with me Chibi-Usa?" I patted a spot on the bridge beside me, casting her a warm inviting smile. But she looked to Mamoru as he nodded to her. A silent command for her to sit. Chibi Usa nodded back and reluctantly sat beside me.

We sat in an awkward silence for a long time, staring up at the majestic orb of the full moon as it glided over the eternal star scape scattered like glittering sprinkles over the ocean.

"That was..." Chibi started.

"Intense." I offered with an amused smile.

"Yeah..." She laughed nervously, brushing down her blue skirt before staring down at her kicking feet.

"I changed just like you." Chibi Usa breathed out. Blinking away tears, feeling very over whelmed by it all.

"We're connected. We're a lot more alike than you think Chibi Usa. We share a common bond from the moon, the earth, by blood we are connected. You're just like me and when you get to be my age you're going to be so strong…stronger than me. Just like I will become stronger than my moon mama." I told her. Shrugging now, I then lightly brushed my finger's fondly down one of her short pink tails.

Running my finger's through the light pink strands, her hair was soft and silky just like mine. I could see her start to respond to my tender stroking of her hair. Her tiny body starting to lean towards me, seeking more comfort. A comfort from mother to daughter. Then as quickly as her vulnerability showed she walled it up again. Sitting even more stiffly beside me. I received a disgruntled look then she swatted my hand away fiercely.)

"Stop coddling me like some little kid! I'm not! I'm a senshi to!" She snarled, then moved a bit further away. Her thoughts falling morbidly upon Pluto who had been like a stranger to her back at the Cathedral. There had been no recollection of her in Pluto's eyes. She had been so aloof, almost cold towards her. A divided space now between them, since the pink haired child's allegiance was with the Inner Senshi and her future mother.

For her it was like losing Pluto all over again. Her heart ached and her belly was twisting with confusing feelings. She wanted to be mad at Usagi for not being able to unit all of her Senshi the way her mama was able to. Wanted to find fault in her leadership just like in the past, the way Rei had. But after her amazing effort of what she went through back in the Cathedral, all she held was admiration for her. She was growing up understanding that the world and relationships around her were complicated. She didn't like it to much.

("Gomen." I sighed, fiddling with my finger's in my lap. I did not know how to deal with Chibi Usa. She was a living contradiction at all times. Her eyes had looked so sad, so lost. I felt perhaps she needed a little comfort, some support after all that trauma. But the second I offer any kind of affection she's like a snapping bear. I just didn't understand her. My own daughter...and I can't even reach out to her.

Driving back to his place I passed out for a short breath of time in the passenger seat. Chibi Usa was brooding again, curled up in the back seat, lost in her thoughts. Leaving Mamoru driving in total silence along the dark coastal road. Back into the more developed area of the Tokyo harbor then into the bright lights of the city as he hit the Shiba Expressway. He cast both his girl's worried looks.

This balancing act he was expected to figure out was not going to be easy. He had left them alone for perhaps ten minutes, finding Chibi Usa's mood soured and Usagi looking depressed. He wondered what they had been talking about.

(As the car slowed I groggily came too. Finding Mamoru parking the car in his stall in the underground garage. The faint glow of emergency lights barely lit the cement pillar surrounding the car. The garage was a gloomy slate grey, like an abandoned crypt. Full of deep shadows and echoing whispers of the traffic just up on the street. Getting out, I paid Chibi Usa a small smile as I pushed the seat forward allowing her out.

It was when Mamo - chan pulled me back into his embrace from behind that nearly threw me off my balance. "The first few days and already we're tired from the day behind us." he remarked lightly. I laughed, "I'll be happy just snuggling up next to you on the couch...or in bed...which ever you prefer." I looked up to see his smiling face looking down at me. His grip on me tighter as we kept walking from the garage to the elevator.)

Chibi Usa was walking behind giving them both odd searching looks. Things were falling into place in her mind, a bitter resentment festering in her heart as she watched Usagi basking in Mamoru's affections.

("Chibi Usa can take the bed and we'll just bunk on the couch." he stated, tucking his keys into his dress pants. I accepted that as we got to the elevator. Pressing the right floor button we took it up to his place.

"You're looking pretty glum?" Mamoru placed a hand on Chibi Usa's head. She was standing just in front of us, as we leaned against the back wall. "Aren't you happy to see Pluto again?" He asked, feeling she should be jumping up and down in joy to find her friend reborn.

"Yes." She huffed, staring up at him. "Just tired." She stated, then her mood did a one eighty. I guessed she was just hiding how she truly felt, not wanting Mamoru to worry.

Growing excited about the new transformation I had now. She kept asking me how it felt and if she would inherit the 'chalice' one day to. I had no real answer for her. "By the way..." she pressed on once we were in his apartment, "Where did you learn how to drive a boat?" Slipping out of her dress shoes and skipping into the living room.

I smiled not even realizing I hadn't even explained it to Mamo - chan. "I used the Luna Pen one time to transform myself into a real sailor. I gained the knowledge of driving a boat via that." I smiled brightly. Glad that when the Luna Pen transformed me it didn't just give me the outfit but a basic knowledge of being a real Sailor. How to talk that talk and how to operate certain types of boats.

So yeah it was also where I discovered my want to be a kindergarten teacher, where I learned how to drive a boat, how to get into clubs that were for 18 and over, not that I ever used it for that...other than that once...senshi business only. It was a very useful little gadget that gave me the knowledgeable edge needed as well as the appearance needed to fit in. When I had to investigate or infiltrate enemy territory. "What happened?" Mamo - chan asked me.

I sat on an island stool, "Minako - chan's cop friend from England came into town during Beryl's plans, granted she was possessed by a youma but it revealed a bit more on Minako - Chan's past. I don't think I've ever even told the girls..." I try to recall a time where I did or might have. "Anyways in Youma form on the docks she attacked Venus. I could already tell she would be difficult to beat."

I have to admit my fear then of fighting those scary youma may have been what made Rei harp on me so often before, "I was too scared back then to try and take her on so I transformed into Moon only long enough to free Venus before transforming into a sailor to get her to safety while Luna and Artemis scratched the Youma's face up. We got on the boat and I just knew how to operate it. It was just like that." I snapped my fingers.

They both nodded, "Got to an abandon cruise liner and fought the Youma there before Minako – chan had me change her back to human again. I can kind of see now why she didn't just have me out right end that Youma...other than her being human." they looked stunned towards me. I sighed before explaining. "Her friend had stopped being her friend for a while, she'd..." I shifted uncomfortable with the remembrance of the event.

"Venus used to fight the Youma's in England. She met the cop and they were like sisters from that point on. Well she also had what she thought was her boyfriend at the time Allen. Sweet guy I guess but several years older. Never met him. He had Minako - chan's heart and didn't even know it." Mamo - chan shifted his head to the side, having been leaning against the back of one of his white leather arms chairs.

He was contemplating my story carefully, folding his arms over his chest. "Like an unrequited crush?" he asked, "Like he had no idea that she loved him like that. I think he saw her more like a little sister." I told him.

"But her cop friend was the same age and he felt a connection to her. They both saw Mina as a kid still. She figured them out when she was presumed killed in a warehouse bomb explosion. She went to find him looking and presumed it was for her. When she saw them kissing and embracing one another she became heart broken and left England." I finished sadly. Chibi Usa was near tears, sitting on the couch. Her eyes confused and hurt. "But she loved him! And she forgave her friend?"

I knew the feeling Chibi Usa was experiencing, "He didn't know though. Neither of them did. Minako - chan never revealed to him that she had fallen in love. They just didn't know of her feelings for him." I explained. "Back then I was agreeing with you Chibi Usa." she looked in confusion to me, "I was angered to. But now that I reflect on it, how can you be upset when people don't know your true feelings for them?" I explained in a soft understanding tone. Mamo - chan agreed with a nod.

"So much was lost and could still have been lost, but she gained back her friend." I finished, "What about Allen?" Chibi Usa asked me, her tone hopeful. "Minako has no contact with him. As far as I know her friend and Allen are still together." I told her, "That's sad." she remarked. "Alright why don't you get ready for bed? That fight today didn't just eat up energy it ate up time. It's already eight." I look at Mamo - chan's digital clock on his stove. Chibi Usa pouted, "Bed time!" She whined. "I hate school..." she frowned.

I smiled, "Fine we'll make it nine." I relented, hoping to gain a few points in her eyes. She still huffed but went to the kitchen for food. I bowed my head in resignation. "Can I eat in your room Mamo – chan?" She asked, hopefully. She wanted a bit of alone time to work through everything that had happened tonight. His room was peaceful, set far from the sounds of traffic that filtered in through the living room's patio window. With her arms loaded with two meat buns and a soda she gave Mamoru her award winning puppy dog look.

I saw the junk food instantly cringing she was going to have such a bellyache eating that before bed. I past Mamo - chan a concerned look that of course he never caught. "Don't spill or drop anything. And take a few napkins on your way back. Remember if you make a mess you'll be cleaning it up." he advised, pushing off the chair. I didn't know if he was just ignoring her poor choices to avoid further arguments tonight or if it was just his lack of spine around her that was the problem.

Either way I hadn't the energy to confront the unhealthy situation so I let it go. It's not like I hadn't binged on junk food at midnight before when feeling blue. I knew she was hiding her issues from us, perhaps that junk would comfort her. As it was she wished no comfort from either of us. Chibi Usa nodded absently before heading down the hall to his room.)

She moved inside the private confines of the bedroom as if in a trance. Closing the door lightly with her butt, before setting her plate and coke can on the bedside table. Unable to face the food, using it merely as a cover to retreat into the security of Mamoru's room. She just needed to be alone...as was her way when in pain. She handled things on her own, dealt with her feelings securely locked away from others.

Her pride, a gift from both parents, and will to remain strong in front of others, forcing her to hide away when over whelmed. Sniffing softly, she moved across the room and out the glass balcony door. Finding herself upon Mamoru's corner patio, that over looked the neon glow of Azabu. She took note of the blinking light of Tokyo tower in the distance, the crisp air that smelled of cars, mixed with the musty scent of fall leaves.

Casting her head up to the moon, she sighed deeply.

"I miss you Puu..." She pleaded, silent tears rolling down her cheeks. Mourning her beloved friend once again.

("Thank kami for the invention of condoms." I remarked.

Mamo - chan looked to me with a raised brow, "I'm not ready to be a mom just yet. In fact..." I smile and laugh, "If there was no such thing as protection, babysitting her would be a great form of birth control!" he rolled his eyes, "You didn't seem to mind when we were taking care of Jordan that one time." I smiled in fond memories of that little boy. "He was so sweet and adorable though." I mused.

"Maybe we could have a boy sometime in the future..." he suggested. I smiled at recalling the image of my future self slightly heavy and round with child, "I have a feeling that might happen regardless…might that is." I regarded him with an amused grin. He looked to me in question, "When Neo Queen Serenity came around to tell us about Pluto on the rooftops I saw that she was with child again, when she touched her belly while looking at you with such love. It was a beautiful sight."

I mused happily, glancing down at my own flat stomach in a dreamy fashion. Though I was tempted to rise my stomach up and give a goofy view of a prego me but I didn't want to even move to much right now. His eyes widened in surprise at first then slowly spread into a very fond smile.

"So were having more than one child in the future...good...because I want a couple." I looked to him with a raised brow this time, "How many kids were you planning on having with me? If I may ask." I asked him pointedly. With his arm slung around me now as he guided me off my stool. From the counter to the couch, we settled in between the throw pillows. He looked to be in deep thought, "I was thinking three...to five." He advised his deep blue eyes dancing in merriment at the thought. My eyes widened in horror at his number.

"Nani?" he asked innocently, "You do realize I'll be the one pushing them out not you?" I advised, my eyes stern but still amused. "Yeah but I'll happily fill you up with them." his eyes were bright with laughter, as a slow grin spread over his face. That of a horny man always in need of his woman. "Oh kami!" I was torn between swatting his arm in retribution and kissing him senseless.

He looked so beautiful just then, with his dark hair falling over his dark blue eyes. That were gleaming with a playfulness towards me. That charming lop sided grin that gave only me. One side of his mouth always stretching a bit more then the other. My actions decided instantly, I opted for both. Hitting his arm with a sharp smack, earning me a pouting cry of pain from his delicious mouth before I straddled his lap fluidly and took his lips with my own.

"We'll talk about the number of kids to have later on but for now...I want to enjoy my man." I whispered passionately into his ear as his arms enveloped me as our kissing grew more heated. I slowly began grinding against him, his member rising to the occasion within seconds flat. It was just one more thing I loved about him. His eagerness to be with me no matter what. It always made him rise to the occasion.

An insatiable love or lust or both if you will. Disengaging our lips he took to my throat with his eager mouth, teeth and tongue tracing the smooth skin before leaving a visible hicky there for all eyes to see. It was a sign of him relinquishing his beloved control, allowing his passions sway of his mind.

I about protested the assault when Mamo - chan countered, "Gomen…"He started then rethought his apology, "Allow me to retract that. You'll be here all this week. No need to hide it from your parents. Sides, I enjoy seeing them on you. After all you are mine." He grinned proudly. I nodded as I felt him leave several more small marks all over every visible part of my neck and upper chest. Just to solidify his claim to me that I was his and in no way would anyone be able to say anything against it.

I smiled in resignation, this was just his way to deal with my absence while I was upon Nemesis with Diamond. I hoped in time he would relax, but right now he needed this so I didn't mind. We all still had some mental baggage to deal with from our last crisis. Then we heard the soft footfalls of our future daughter.

Disengaging we saw Chibi Usa coming out with the remains of her dinner. "I'm gonna go over to Rei - Chan's temple." She stated, her face expressionless as if made of stone. I was about to protest her just taking off by herself. Feeling somewhat like she was seeking to avoid my company. I had no idea why I felt she was angry with me. But those feelings of constant irritation between us was always palpable recently.

"Okay, let me tell Rei - chan you're coming then." I hopped off Mamo - chan's lap, dashing for the cordless phone on the island.

"I already called her on my communicator. She is on her way here." She stated, side lining my parental control once again. I nodded, keeping my face as impassive as I could.

"Well I should call Momma and Poppa then tell them were you're staying." I offered.

"All ready asked, they are fine with it." She stated pointedly, slipping on her shoes in the entryway. "By the way I'll keep your secret." She noted, kicking her toes against the entry wall to get her dress shoes more comfortable.

"What secret?" I blanched.

"Your little sleep overs here with Mamo - chan." She never smiled, merely answered with a blank expression I couldn't read. Pulling down her little fall coat from a hanger, the days may have been warm but the nights were still quite cold. A navy pea coat similar to my own with large antique gold buttons.

"That's good..." I breathed not knowing how to respond.

Then the bell rang announcing Rei had arrived.

Mamoru slipped past me in the archway, opening the door to invite Rei inside. The miko was in her shrine robes, with a heavy brown wool coat draped over top. Her hair tied back with the white ribbon given to her by boyfriend Yuurichirou. She paid me a serious look that I responded to in kind. She knew something was up with Chibi Usa. I grimaced silently answering her question. The little girl was not opening up to me or Mamoru. Rei was her next closest friend, so she had decided to retreat into her care.

"Be safe on your walk." I called, as Rei guided Chibi Usa out of the apartment. She merely nodded, acknowledging my concern vaguely.

Mamoru closed the door quietly, casting me a concerned look. I sighed deeply heading across the living room and out the patio doors. To watch my daughter walk away up the sidewalk. Walking away from me with Rei at her side. Mamoru came up behind me, placing his strong hands comfortingly upon my shoulder's.

"She is always running away from me." I stated, my voice trembling struggling to keep my emotions in check. I wasn't ready to be a mom right now, but I still wanted that little girl to need me at least in some ways.

"Usako...she just needs some time. The last few hours have been rather crazy for her." He reasoned. "We will get to the bottom of it. When she feels stronger, less shaken, she'll tell us what's going on."

"She'll tell you..." I shrug his hands off my shoulder's his words not comforting. Sounding like hallow platitudes in my ears. I resented him somewhat in that moment. I had no delusions that she would come around and see me as a worthy substitute for her real mother. She didn't need or want me around at all...)

Friday...

It was back at the Tsukino house hold that morning that Kenji had decided to try and make some amends for his actions and words recently. Quite literally to try and fix the error of his ways when it came to Usagi. Finding out that Usagi was at Rei's temple for the week had him not to worried about her not being at home. Deciding to try and make amends he climbed the ancient steps after getting off work early.

His heart felt lighter having come to the conclusion that he needed to allow her some space to grow up. He was ready to let go just a bit, mounting the steps dressed in grey dress pants and a white collared shirt. His jacket gripped in a hand, slung lazily over a shoulder. A smile of understand gracing his face.

A first for him really, in concerns to his daughter. But his co - workers understood as well as his boss. He needed some personal time. The drama with Mamoru had distracted him a little from his job and in an effort to help out. His boss had told him or rather near forced him since he was a dedicated man, to take the last few hours of the day off. So he was walking up the temple steps, slowly enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of Sendai Hill.

The gorgeous fall colors anointing the trees, whispering in the wind as the cool breeze infiltrated the shrine grounds. Walking under the warm shadow of the Torri. Fully expected to be greeting his eldest in shrine robes helping out around the temple or at least her school uniform he was instead greeted by her friend Rei.

Or rather her back as she was now in her miko robes, sweeping before the main compound of the shrine. He didn't get to much further when Chibi Usa came out of the small room where they normally studied. Still dressed in her navy school fuku with the yellow and red striped bow, "Arigato, Rei - chan." she said as she came bounding up to the raven haired miko with a grateful smile. "No problem, I was more than happy to ask the Ancestor's about Pluto for you." Rei smiled at her.

"Not just that." Chibi Usa cast her eyes downward in humble acknowledgment of what Rei had done for her. She put her heart and mind at ease with regards to Pluto and welcomed her into her own room last night. Giving her a sanctuary away from her troubles.

"Plus, I don't have to worry about any weird sounds coming from Mamo - chan's bedroom again." She stated with a nervous, joking sound in her voice. It was when Rei's face went pale, that her eyes widened as large as saucer's. And Kenji unnoticed a few paces behind going red in an instant, his face flushed with an angered heat.

"I don't understand them. It was a weird pounding sound, just I entered the apartment yesterday afternoon. Kind of like mama and papa's room sounds sometimes." she looked obviously bewildered but her description was clear enough for Rei to understand.

Kenji understood the first statement in another less appealing way. Mamoru was cheating on his daughter. He was about to rage out when he had heard the last parting bit from Chibi Usa, as it made him freeze in his place.

Rei was left floundering for a moment unable to respond, then quickly just changed the subject.

"Go the kitchen, Ojichan will get you a snack." She lightly pushed the little girl forward.

"Arigato Rei - chan." Chibi-Usa called happily, heading back to the Main Shrine Building, unaware of how the actions were being taken. Rei watched the little girl go back to the open divider of her bedroom, grinding two fingers into her forehead just between her eyes, trying to quell the sharp pain of an oncoming headache. Feeling that the two Usagi's tumultuous relationship with one another was making her old before her time.

Once again she felt trapped in the middle of their personal struggle. Chibi should be going to Usagi with these problems not her. But she felt like an older sister to the little pink trouble maker, so she couldn't turn her away when she was needed. She just hoped they worked out their issues this time around.

"At least she doesn't know what they're doing in there. The last thing she needs to know about right now is love making. She's too young to know about the 'birds and the bees' just yet." She sighed, hanging her head and walking away. So worn and tired from last night's battle and her late night in front of the fire answering Chibi Usa's questions about Pluto, she never noticed Kenji hovering nearby.

He was fuming but as Rei disappeared into her room, pulling her outside divider closed once more he sought to know more. Silently he toed along the outer veranda to press his ear against the thin rice paper screen. What was his daughter hiding from him?

"So how's Usagi - chan's stay over at Mamoru - san's place going?" Rei asked Minako, being the love goddess she could feel it all. Who was seated at her low table, still dressed in her school fuku. Thumbing through a magazine her text books discarded beside her. Unable to focus on studying, she sought to distract herself with mindless fluff about her favorite idol's.

"Their happy. I think this is good for her. For them both actually. I just worry over Kenji - san in all of this." Mina flipped her magazine closed, giving up on enjoying her reading. Rei nodded, "He doesn't seem to be accepting of Mamoru - san at all." both lowered their heads for the poor young man. "If only Kenji - san could see the love they have for one another. Mamoru – san would die for her and has. Granted he came back with a memory issue..." Minako reasoned, tapping her chin thoughtfully.

"That was a tough time for Usagi - chan to. Then they became closer and finally the connection was made." Rei stated wistfully. "Yeah...I'll tell you one thing though..." Minako smiled in that savoring sort of way, "Huh?" Rei asked, "There's always gonna be sexual tension between them. It's so thick even with their 'red strings' of destiny I couldn't cut it." She stated, then braced her chin sadly in a palm. "They belong together and it makes me sad and upset when Kenji - san can't see that." Rei agreed with Minako.

"I think we should just be grateful that he doesn't know about their sex lives, I think that might give him a heart attack. His innocent Usagi, his innocent little bunny hasn't been innocent in months." Both girls laughed softly, as if sharing a dirty little secret. But something snapped inside Kenji. His daughter hadn't been innocent in months?! His precious baby girl had been taken advantage of? Whatever progress had been made was shattered. His heart was a thundering roar in his ears, his face a flame with rage.

"And she's been sleeping over at his place all this time…" he seethed, his eyes burning with betrayal. She had lied to him countless times over the last few months. Sneaking around acting so reckless, dishonoring him and their family with her behavior. He was an old school father, who believed in keeping his daughter pure till marriage. Mamoru had ruined her, turned her into an immoral, impure harlot!

No man would want her after he left her now. She was tainted and it was his fault. Partially he blamed himself for not restricting her more but he felt the real blame laid with Mamoru. His vision was red, thoughts of beating Mamoru bloody, finding his gun and hunting the bastard down like the dog he was. What kind of man was Mr. Chiba to prey upon such an impressionable young girl? He couldn't breathe right, panting and hissing through his teeth. His chest felt tight like he was having a panic attack.

He wanted to throw her out, to disown her from the family. But alas in his heart he knew he couldn't do that to her. However…he was far to angry to let it go. What nailed him more was that his wife may have known and NOT have said anything. With a low growl he rose from the veranda and left the Shrine intent on getting to the bottom of all this. Going home that day he found her in the kitchen. Dressed in a heavy cotton beige skirt and a soft pink, frilly long sleeve blouse. Her favorite white apron tied around her waist, busy preparing supper.

"Ikuko…" he said slowly, she looked up from the stove, the wooden spoon clattering to the rim of the large iron soup pot. "Hai?" She asked, completely unprepared for the storm her husband was about to unleash upon her. "Did you know that your only daughter is staying at Mamoru – san's place this past week?" His voice was low, calm and deadly. A look of shock passed over her features before falling into an unmistakable expression of understanding.

"I had a feeling that's what it was." She surmised softly. He was angry, "I cannot believe you're okay with this. Their doing things my baby girl shouldn't even know about and that bastard is just going to use her and throw her away. I know the type..." He protested, his face resembling a red hot volcano ready to explode!

Ikuko wasn't as blind to things as her husband was. "Kenji I think that if Mamoru – san was in fact 'using' her…" she interjected into his coming tirade with a dead panned expression. Not believing that for one second, that Mamoru was as shallow and self-serving as Kenji made him out to be. "If that was the case. He'd have been done with her long before now." She reasoned to him, her calm expression doing little to ease his raging mind.

It was a fact that Kenji could not dispute. True if Mamoru was just using her he could have and would have left her months ago." He could have felt guilty." He tried, "By what?" she demanded, hands now firmly on her hips.

"Maybe she's…" it was almost as if a light bulb clicked, "She's pregnant! He feels guilty for it and is now having her stay with him now!" he raged, his thought spinning down very nasty avenues. Concerning the various methods of castration he was going to apply upon that dishonorable man. His chest constricting as breathing became rapid and shallow as new more powerful panic attack came upon him.

"Oh...kami…she's pregnant..." Kenji swallowed hard, "She going to be a teen mom?" He cringed. "Her life is over!" He bellowed, his panic rising to new overwhelming levels. "And it's all his fault!" still in panic he settled into partial rage over it.

Ikuko sweat dropped, "She's not pregnant." She stated bluntly, moving to his side she placed a hand on his shoulder as his face fell. "Face it she's in an adult relationship and is happy with it." She began a knowing smile spreading upon her face.

"She only fifteen!" Kenji whined.

"So?" She stated point blank, blinking patiently at him. Her eyes subtly darting to the spatula laying nearby, in case it was needed to knock some sense into him. Seeing that he wasn't going off the deep end this time. She smiled peacefully up at him as he searched her eyes. His own heart and mind tumbling over the fact that his little girl was a woman now.

"So was I, if you remember." She calmly continued, a dreamy smile passing over her face as she remembered their own first time together as teens.

"It was during the summer...after the fireworks festival in Kyoto." He sighed, smiling back towards her fondly.

Ikuko nodded, cupping his cheek lovingly. "We were both young, at the very start of this adventure. Please don't ruin her own beginning, the adventure is just starting for her. She needs our support and love not our judgment." She moved away from him then, back behind the front counter to the stove.

"Now quit trying to find new reasons to hate the poor man. He's done nothing but be respectable to you even when you were nothing but disrespectful to him." Her spatula now waving around threateningly towards him.

He gulped and sighed, "I need to be in my study for a while. Get my head to try and wrap around this." He left seconds later as Ikuko muttered, "I hope this is a step in the right direction. Though I will admit one thing…" she went back to the dishes. "You could have waited till you were older or even married to him, Usagi. The road you have started to walk down may be a bit more adult then you are ready to handle just now." her mother admitted.

She had already lived through and survived the coming drama her daughter would just be entering. Not fond of it but also knowing what was done was done and she loved her daughter regardless of her recent decisions.