damonika2009: Mimet annoys everyone. Lol
AimlesslyGera: well hopefully you like this one more. Though I'm a tad surprised, there was a lot of action in the last two…daimon wise that is. lol
kera69love: Mamo doesn't want her to leave but he also doesn't want her ties to her family to be gone due to something that was caused by him. he'll do something to try and mend it.
Setsuna-Chan22: Diamond and the others aren't gone. They will make an appearance, just not any time soon…not unless we can work it in.
Mavebelikova: yes there will be drama.
CaughtInAFantasy: You know it.
NeoPrincessRini: Thank you.
trish1573: Not anytime soon but it will progress.
Slow Burn: that's so cutie…cause believe me I LOVE writing smut but I also want to show the viewers (Such as yourself) that they have an intimacy that goes beyond love making. Though I am thinking of new ways and places for them to do things.
Guest (1): I'm working on 42 does that help.
silverfaerie91: not so much but there is light fluff. If that helps.
moonbella09022: exactly. But for her its more of a trying to get away with as much as possible without the fear of punishment.
Lunanekoanime: there will be more hot and steamy scenes just not right now. Promise.
13 reviews nice! Let me know what you think. Oh and while there is no smut there is potential progress between characters here. So please read and review!
Sailor Moon S 'Rise of Messiah' ch/ep.28
Chibi Usa kept a few steps ahead the whole walk back to the bus stop not bothering to comment how cozy Mamoru and Usagi were. Walking down the quiet avenue holding hands, they were lost in their own little world as well. The sky overhead was stained a faint crimson from the thousands of lights glowing within the Delta. Obscuring the low lying stars who's light was to faint to pierce through the smog of neon lights.
The moon hung in a waning crescent high over the towers in the distance, a winking eye that provided no comfort for the confused and tormented little girl who was dwelling somewhat bitterly over seeing Hotaru and her papa. He seemed so sweet and loving to her friends, welcoming her home and ushering inside like a proper dotting parent. It was making her yearn to see her own father. Just before she had left for the past he had wanted her and her new little brother to bond as siblings and had many group interactions with them both.
However she knew she was still being a little selfish with her time with him, only wanting to share her time with her father. She regretted her resentful thoughts now, her brother had just started to walk when she was sent back. An eager, excitable toddler who was just starting to explore the world. With a thick matt of black hair like her father and wide innocent crystal blue eyes like her mother.
He would be saying his first words soon, learning to run about and having his very first adventures around the palace grounds. She was missing out on all of that. She had been so stubborn, refusing to spend any real quality time with him. She regretted it now, but at the time she just wanted to be in her daddy's arms again. She missed them both terribly, but most of all she found herself thinking about her mother. It was strange how much Usagi had changed since her time on Nemesis.
Her stronger poise and self-assured attitude. Along with her sudden maturity was a bit alarming to the little girl, it was strange how she was beginning to resemble her mother now. In mannerisms, tone and how she carried herself more regally. Yet the adolescent face and body made it so unnerving for her. Before the teen version of her mother would act as immature as she was, at times even become more childish. Then hints of her coming maturity would surface in times of serious threat.
Then when the crisis was gone she would return to that older sister state of being. Easily riled over little things, arguing and generally acting annoyed in her presence. This new more grown up, more responsible Usagi...was hard to deal with.
She wondered oddly if when her mother's spirit had taken over her body back in the Dark Crystal, to aid her in defeating Wiseman, that perhaps she left a bit of herself behind. She now wondered if it had matured Usagi before her time. Or perhaps being a Senshi and having to face death and the destruction of the world just made one grow up fast. But in the end she saw this Usagi as a big sister not a mother...at least perhaps not yet.
She debated on telling Usagi about her little brother or about the one her mama was currently pregnant with. She knew her papa wanted a big family, the wing that they were in consisted now of her room, her brothers and a nursery for the new baby. But now she wanted a common ground with the older teen, who could understand what being an older sister was all about. Honestly she was getting quite sick of the silent tension between them, but in the end she always had to keep her secrets. She decided against it since it would be too much of a reveal for the future.
She loved being a big sister but in her mind's eye her parents forgot to tell her it meant she'd have to be stronger, act even more responsible than just a royal heir to the Crystal Kingdom. She had thought she'd have a little bit more time to be a kid.
Once again Usagi greeted her front door with conflicting emotions. A dull ache of homesickness mixed with foreboding. Chibi Usa noticed the mix of emotions crossing her face and lightly took her hand. Casting a brief look over her shoulder, noticing Mamoru had not even entered the front yard. He instead choose to lean against the brick pillar of the entry gate. He wasn't welcome on the Tsukino's property and would not impose himself.
Waiting somewhat nervously for Usagi to return to his side he kept his eyes averted politely towards the street, seeking to calm his anxiety that she might enter that house and never be able to return to him. He knew it was not happening but fear tended to do that on a person. Chibi Usa sighed heavily she might be just a kid, and overlooked a lot but she caught onto what was going on around the house. With her guardian's, Mamoru and Usagi in this time.
"He misses you..." She called up softly, squeezing her hand to bring her focus back.
Usagi glanced down at her with a tolerant, yet warm smile.
"You think so?" She asked, attempting to sound nonchalant, but her weak voice betrayed her yearning to think her father missed her.
"They all do, even Shingo. Though he will never admit it." Chibi Usa shrugged, mounting the porch with a bright smile.
"Come home soon, okay?" She called, slipping inside the house discretely, not bringing attention to the fact Usagi had walked her home. It allowed the blonde to retreat back to Mamoru's side unnoticed by her family.
The kid could be a total brat, but she's proving herself as someone I can count on. She is sorta sweet too, I have to admit.
Mamoru listened into her inner dialogue and chuckled softly. It was nice to finally hear some praise from Usagi towards their future daughter. Wrapping an arm around her shoulder he led her away down the street back into Azabu.
The second story restaurant of Crown Fruits Parlor was lit up brilliantly like a star against the modest backdrop of the Azabu commercial district. That was mosaic of grey tower's and rose colored brick apartments. The arching sign out front blinking and glowing in beautiful neon whites, pinks and blues.
"Hungry?" Mamoru offered as they neared the refuge.
Usagi cast the familiar teenage haunt with a lingering glance, then sighed and shook her head in exhaustion. She was starving but she was just to tired to want to be in public. The people to want to talk to her, she just needed some down time with her man. Needed to relax. Then pass out. She didn't want to do that here.
"When am I not starving after a big battle?" She giggled, snuggling into his chest as he slowed down before the stone patio out front.
"But I am just to exhausted endure a public appearance." She cast him a rueful smile, pulling on his hand and walking backwards to get him moving again.
"I think I might end up falling asleep in my plate of fries Mamo - chan. I don't want to seem like a mood killer but can you just take me home...okay?" She pleaded, as he moved in beside her, pulling her against him again. Releasing a long easy breath he said, "Home...man I love the sound of that." He grinned fondly and lovingly down upon her, making her blush and giggle all over again.
I love the sound of it too.
Entering back into Mamoru's apartment, Usagi finally took notice that it wasn't as perfectly neat and organized as it used to be. Her homework lay scattered over the coffee table, a maelstrom of text books and loose leaf. His computer desk in the corner was a victim of her unconscious sprawl, as well. She saw that her lip gloss and a couple empty cans of pop sat beside his keyboard. The kitchen sink wasn't shiny and immaculate anymore, but dull from not being cleaned and sanitized every time it was used.
A couple dirty glasses with the remains of chocolate milk sat molding happily there in there as well. She blushed as she caught sight of one of her bras and a pearl white silk slip discarded during their last love session, now shoved between the cushions of the couch. The garments were just peeking out partially, mostly hidden but still very apparent.
Promising herself she would gather her things up and do a proper clean before she left tomorrow she seriously wondered how Mamoru had managed to keep his calm this week, she had really spread herself around.
Mamoru answered her internal questions playfully, by flipping a long golden tail over her shoulder as he passed her in the archway to the living room.
"Because I love your little messes, it reminds me that your here." He smirked, heading towards the island. Noticing that the voice message light was blinking.
Usagi blushed and giggled again. Proceeded across the living room, intent on getting out of her fuku and into a nice hot bath.
"Want company?" Mamoru shouted from the living room as she entered the back hall.
"Of course!" She called back laughing.
Mamoru's body was instantly coming alive at the thought of lounging in the tub with her and all the wonderful playtime they could engage in. Unless she fell asleep in his arms...which was a good possibility since she was so drained. But even just holding her would be enough. He was going to miss her so much when she left. With his heart suddenly falling, he turned on his heel catching sight of her white slip in the couch.
With a brooding lonely air enshrouding him he slumped onto the couch and pulled out the dainty undergarment. The silk shift was soft, flowing like liquid silver over his fingertips. So small, as she was, so fragile and sweetly alluring, as he saw her. Bringing the garment up under his nose he sniffed with longing, taking in her gentle floral scent of lilacs. Swallowing a lump of dread at how silent and empty this apartment was going to feel with her gone.
An odd thought crossed his mind, wondering if he could find himself a soft fluffy stuffed rabbit to put this silk slip onto. He could hold it at night as a temporary Usagi...it might help him adapt to not having her around all the time again.
Usagi's highly amused laughter echoed from the bedroom, bright and full of glee.
I have the most perfect stuffed animal for you.
Mamoru groaned and slapped a hand over his eyes in humiliation. Totally emasculating images of him snuggling with a white stuffed bunny in lingerie filtering uncensored through his thoughts.
Damn this link sometimes...
Usagi laughed long and loud from the bedroom. It was the most beautiful sound he had ever heard. Mamoru grinned with amusement himself. Dwelling in the happy content feelings passing through their link for a few more minutes before rising off the couch and stuffing her undergarment into a pants pocket, a grin on his face as he headed over to the phone to find out what the message was.
"Mamoru - san...as the Prince of Earth you have the right to know what is going on. The true danger that is poised to destroy your planet. If you care, meet us at Shinagawa Aquarium at midnight." Haruka's stern, serious voice echoed out of the phone cradle.
Mamoru turned from the island, sensing Usagi standing at the mouth of the hall. Finding her dressed in her white cotton robe, her golden hair falling freely around her shoulder's to near the back of her knees. She had been prepared to a nice relaxing bath. Now her face was drained of all blood, looking pale and creased with anxiety.
"Usako...you don't have to come." Mamoru soothed, she wasn't really invited anyway.
"They really don't trust me..." She moaned. "No faith in me at all." She bowed her head in sorrow. "Holding secret meetings...to include you." she ground her teeth. "I am just a pathetic nuisance to them aren't I?" she wailed, clenching her fists tight to the sides.
"Usako..." Mamoru felt her inner struggle, she was the rightful leader of all the Senshi. She fought and sacrificed for them trying to prove her worthiness. She had gained the Inner's loyalty and respect, but the Outer's it seemed a futile effort.
"Well to damn bad!" She screamed turning on her heel.
"Usako..." Mamoru made a move to go after her.
I'm getting dressed Mamo – chan and whether they like it or not, I am involved in this crisis! I am to be their queen and I have the right to know everything!"
A near hour later Usagi had herself hidden high up in the large cement bleachers that surrounded the aqua stadium of the dolphin habitat, in a massive horse shoe arena. Laying flat upon the cold pavement, between bleacher rows. Dressed in a pair of jean overalls and a tight white cardigan and pink hoody zipped up over top. Staring up at the stars above her in the night sky. They had arrived long before the meeting time, securing a perfect spot for her to eaves drop on the conversation.
Knowing the Outers would find Mamoru easily enough in this open marine coliseum he kept his eyes averted from her hiding spot, pacing before the giant pool just in front of the cement arena seats. Still dressed in his black button up shirt and jeans, with his hands shoved deep inside his pants pockets. The wind was cold this close the water, he could feel goose flesh forming on his bare arms.
Mentally preparing himself to greet Haruka, Michiru, and Setsuna. Not wanting to give anything away over his beloved's presence, knowing that the Outer's especially Michiru was a master at picking up the slightest facial cues.
He settled his face into a neutral expression, a stoney mask he had unfortunately perfected months ago with Usagi as his love for her had been so strong if she had perceived the slightest emotional weakness she would have seen the truth long ago. Glancing absently up at the pool used for water shows, taking in the equipment of massive foam rings hanging from a looming diving platform on one side. He could hear the laughing calls of dolphins from the deep water. It was musical and eerie at the same time, since it was the middle of the night.
Mamoru walked up to the edge of the cement bleachers waiting for the Outer senshi to show themselves. He felt grateful that his beloved was there though. Out of sight but nearby, she was right, she had every right to be here. He was extremely irritated that the Outers would treat her so disrespectfully.
Then there was the other possibility. Though he knew he could handle himself if they had set this up as a trap, to get him out of the way of their plans, if that was their intentions that is, it was a comfort to have her up there as backup. Especially since it was three stronger senshi against one of him, especially if it turned out that way. Hopefully not but he would be prepared. Plus he was not fair odds or within his flavor.
Plus he was hard pressed to harm them as they were senshi themselves. "We have been waiting for your arrival, Sir Endymion, gomen, in this time you go by Mamoru – san." Michiru's voice slipped through the air like velvet. It wasn't abrasive nor was it demure.
He searched for the source when he spotted them all walking purposefully from the other side of the arena. Crossing out of the shadows that concealed them from the barrier walls at the far side of the bleacher's. Through the huge cement archway the led down from the arena to the underground halls that wound around the many pools. Giving the customer's a sea bottom view of every habitat in the aquarium.
Haruka was in the lead of the three, dressed in skin tight black leather pants and black sports top with a white suit jacket draped over top. With only one button done up, giving the woman a sexy yet dangerous appeal. Michiru was dressed in a modest vintage aqua dress with a wide black leather belt. With Setsuna walking up behind them also dressed casually, in a deep purple pencil skirt and white long sleeve blouse tucked in smartly at the waist. They were not dressed for a fight, Mamoru noted. The built up tension instantly relaxing just a bit.
They stopped a few feet away from him. Unknowingly just meters below Usagi's position up in the bleachers, as she listened in on the meeting. "You're warriors from the Silver Millennium as well." He stated, "From the past reborn now." Setsuna answered. She smiled disarmingly before all three suddenly decidedly transform. The cold wind rushed over him, as the water in the pool nearby began to churn into raging waves.
The elements responding to their energy waves. Mamoru's whole body went tight like a cord, ducking slightly and raising an arm over his forehead to keep the women in view. The night became deathly still, as a deep cold set in around him. A timeless current humming around the aquarium as if the universe itself suddenly held it's breath. Usagi held her broach, attached to it thin silver chain around her neck a bit closer to her breast, hoping this didn't end with them making an aggressive move.
Her stomach was lurching with nerves, as the wind howled over her. Her head spun dizzily, as the stars above seemed to swim in her vision, forcing her to squeeze her eyes shut as the transformation effects of the Outer's bathed over the cement arena. The Senshi power waves cresting over her hiding spot, sending every nerve in her body on fire. The tie she had to all Senshi coming alive inside of her, the urge to transform as well, pulling at her very soul her essence as a senshi.
Mamoru kept his calm and watched momentarily as the last of their elemental energy bathed them. Before glancing towards the bleacher's making sure Usagi was still in a secured hiding place. He didn't want them catching sight of her, till she wanted to be seen. As they finished powering up he used his upgraded power that he reserved from Usagi's second transformations earlier to power up within seconds.
His body was bathed in starlight, mixed with swirling rose petals. His Tuxedo Mask transformation was swift only taking the length of time for a rush of fall leaves to pass him by. It was not a grandiose display of power, but more reserved and subtle as was the personality of Earth's Senshi. He stood impassively as Uranus finished with a flourish, declaring herself "Star of wind." Neptune followed her partner with a similar flare, introducing herself as "star of the ocean", With Pluto spinning her staff with a statement of "star of the afterlife".
"We are the warriors of the outer solar system." Uranus announced. He furrowed his brows as the girls and he had already figured that out, sometimes they could be a bit much. But on further reflection he realized all the sailor senshi were a bit much with the self-declarations and self-promotions. He couldn't help but chuckle as Sailor Moon's transformation ending phrase entered his mind.
However he promptly received a mental slap to the head in retaliation from his beloved, over his less then flattering idea's about her being an inglorious self-promoter. Tux instantly cringed at the spiritual assault, but still remained grinning smugly. That is until Usagi wiped that smug grin off his face with thought casts of her own over his own shameless spouting whenever he entered onto battlefield himself.
"Touché.'" He muttered, then refocused on the Outers.
"Tell me something I don't know. It's obvious you're from the outer planets as well as stronger with your powers." He told them. His prince demeanor coming out. "True…all true. We were given the stronger powers to protect the Silver Millennium from enemies outside the solar system. Even in the past we did this as a safe guard for the late Queen Serenity." Pluto explained calmly and effectively.
"The only problem we had was when we woke up in this age…" Uranus began, "The enemy had already settled comfortably in this world."
That response had Pluto looking shamefully at her feet, being the first to awaken it had been her responsibility and hers alone that the enemy had gotten past her. Seeding itself without any opposition deeply into this world.
"It took us years to track them down." Neptune finished for her. "We did not foresee their ability to adapt so effortlessly and for that we apologize deeply. We understand that this is your home planet. You are the technical 'senshi' of it. Prince Endymion." Neptune continued on.
"So these new enemies slipped by…but you couldn't have known that they would have been able to integrate themselves so well." he tried to assuage their guilt.
"Which is why it is our duty to destroy them!" Uranus growled out.
"Our responsibility, our mess, our fight." Neptune added.
Tux grunted in distain, already needing to swallow his coming retort at their arrogance. Their undeserved confidence that they could take this enemy on alone and win. As he saw it Moon and the Inner's had already faced and conquered three sets of intruder's that sought to destroy his planet. These three acted like the Senior Senshi, who since they were more powerful could face everything alone. When in reality his girls as he saw it, were all ready battle tested. These three could learn a lot from the Inner's in different respects.
"Their called the Death Busters and their not to be trifled with." Pluto stated.
"Something lured them here, attracted their attention." Pluto mused, "Their coming to this planet wasn't by chance."
Everyone was silent for a moment taking in the full magnitude of that statement.
Usagi's breath caught, her finger's curling around her broach a bit tighter after hearing Pluto's dire statement.
"Nearly a year ago, strange half formed monster's started hatching out of the bodies of local animals around Tokyo Bay. Primitive malformed daimon's who had been feeding off their small life force. Then the daimon's took a sudden leap forward starting to feed off of larger prey, Mugen Academy students." Neptune began explaining.
"The Genius School?" Tux commented thoughtfully.
"We tracked the source of the Daimon activity to the Delta and have since then set up shop to investigate. A certain Professor Soichi Tomoe." Uranus added.
Usagi bit down hard on her lower lip...her stomach churning with acid. The puzzle pieces were starting to fall into place. The sudden appearance of Kaolinite who they thought to have been dead, now making sense. Leading to another suspect, whom may not be as innocent she first thought.
Hotaru - chan...
"Who was the co-founder of the Academy located on Mugenzu the reclamation ground." Pluto finished, her face grim.
Usagi held her breath, it explained why Haruka and Michiru lived in those apartment towers out on the Delta. It brought new meaning to Sleeping with the Enemy.
"We are trying to stop the awakening of the Messiah of Silence. To do that we need to find the true Messiah." Pluto explained after a moment.
"Otherwise this world will fall into the deadly silence and become swallowed by darkness. Becoming a cold dead world and we cannot let that happen!" Uranus shouted, her blood boiling with fury at the prospect of defeat.
"Why not join forces with Sailor Moon's group? Strength in numbers will ultimately help win this war. Besides she has with her the ultimate power source out there." He told them. Pluto looked to him, "It's not the only ultimate power source but one of many." Her serious look had him wondering, as he felt a rising warmth in his chest. It ebbed away a quickly as it came, a fleeting surge of energy as mysterious and surreal as a waking dream. Leaving him with a sense of loss he couldn't quite understand.
Uranus's arrogance however kept her from seeing his point of view, "Either way…they'd only get in the way." Neptune's remark of, "For Sailor Moon…this battle will be too much for her…I would say for the safety of the future world as our future Queen she should stay out of the battles when it comes to this enemy." it sounded condescending to him even if she was trying to be protective of the small blonde.
"When she has been able to master the full power of the silver crystal without passing out then perhaps she will be able to join us. She still needs to train her mind and strengthen her endurance on handling its power to the fullest. Her level of competency with handling the Ginziushou even the grail is greatly lacking. How can we trust her with our lives, when her grip on that greater power is not dependable?" Neptune explained, her voice held no malice just honest logic.
Tux's mouth tightened in rage at needing to defend his beloved from their remarks. "I think you severely misjudge her and her abilities. I've been fighting alongside her for a LOT longer than any of you have, I know her abilities better than you do." He barely managed to keep the ice from his voice.
"To put it simply, to defeat these daimon, these new enemies is our job, and our job alone. We won't be stepping aside or taking help from your little princess and her band of flame throwing, lighting smashing, bubble hurling, golden whipped senshi." Uranus intoned sarcastically.
Tux saw her reasoning right there with her words. She felt her pride had been wounded. Feeling as if they let the enemy pass them by without any opposition, wanting to regain it back by refusing outside help.
He sighed, "You're wrong. They would do anything for this planet. Would fight till their last breath to eliminate the enemy…" he struggled with the last words as he had felt on occasion Usagi's death as if it were his own. When Beryl killed him, his bond that allowed him to sense when Usagi transformed, it gave him the power to send her his last bit of power before the last, final blast happened. Her death killed the last piece of him that was struggling to live. Thankfully the Silver Crystal was able to fulfill her last wish and give each of them a second chance.
But he digressed, "Even die as they have before in the past." Pluto knew the meaning of this as she had seen the deaths before as well, "This is different." The Senshi of Time tried to defend, before a small lithe figure popped out of the shadows high up on the bleachers. They all turned in mild surprise, as the silver energy of Moon bathed the young woman's body. It was the gentle aura of purity that shone through the fabric of the universe.
It was a light like no other that seemed to penetrate through the thickest darkness, creating a refuge of comfort and security that allowed life to flourish and breathe without worry or fear of darkness to come.
Her transformation finished with a flurry of colors. Leaving Moon's silhouette like an ethereal figure in the pale light of the moon. Her slender out line glowing with silver halo, as if an angel had fallen to earth. Pluto could easily see how her presence always took Tuxedo Mask's breath away. She smiled as even now a thousand years later his princess held his eyes to herself alone, no other woman could compare.
"You're wrong. I am strong enough, we all are. Yeah we don't have powers as you have. But like you we are a great team. We've defeated every enemy that came our way. We will continue to do so no matter what." She stated, striding powerfully down the stairs, walking next to her beloved. "It'll be a cold, frozen day in hell when we simply say 'here you go' and just give this planet away to the enemy." Moon was pissed that she and her team were being told, not asked told to take a step away.
(Uranus took a step towards Moon, only to encounter Tux taking a step forward as he guarded his beloved. "Figures...you are always showing up were your not wanted." Uranus crossed her arms, her tone snide and hurtful. Silently taking note of Serenity's ever loyal prince ready to defend her, "Its fine." Moon held her hand in front of his chest. Halting his progress. Uranus snickered, "It seems the prince of earth has become the moon princess's ever loyal lap dog." A sneer on her face.
"Then again considering how your relationship was then and how it is now…it's not that shocking." it was a dig at Mamoru's sub-servant attitude, and my inability to defend myself. We all knew it. Even Pluto looked to Uranus with alarm, before ignoring it, "What she meant to say was -" Pluto tried to smooth things out.
("NO she meant what she said and we all know it. But loving and protecting someone is not a weakness. He defends me not because I can't handle myself but because he never wants me to fight alone. But hold no doubts cause my guess is when it comes to Michiru - san you're the same damned way. You'd do anything for one another. You both know it. Hell I think we all know it." I countered.
Uranus lifted her head up and raised an eyebrow, a silent counter to my honesty. Before turning her face away from me, backing down. Evidence alone that I was right and we both knew it. I had witnessed it first hand back at the Marine Cathedral. All that pompous spouting about being able stand aside and allow innocent lives to be sacrificed innocent lives, a total lie. When it came to having to give up each other.
"You always were getting a good lickin' from the princess." Uranus's near snorted yet blatant response had everyone here blushing. A final dig to keep face, her pride always at the forefront of her reason.
"I don't see how THAT'S relevant but anyways..." I stated, shifting from one foot to the other, "The point today was for us to come to some sort of agreement, a census perhaps." I tried reasoning. Uranus was against it. "The agreement would be for us to continue on our duty and for you and your senshi to stay out of it." We sighed, "Not happening. Tell you what..." they all three looked to me.
"When you want to let your bruised egos deflate so we can work together as a team, and beat this enemy, give us a call. We'll be there as we always have been and always will be. But were not stepping aside. That's just NOT an option - and before you go getting angry Uranus, Tuxedo Mask didn't tell me where you'd be. I overheard the message you left him." I told her, in Tux's defense of me being there.
"Seeking to divide his loyalty through secret information was beneath you guys. I will one day become your Queen, you need to get used to that. I deserve to know everything, and I am not going anywhere. Get used to it and get over it." I noticed how Neptune once again became aloof, crossing her arms and avoiding my eyes and how Uranus narrowed her eyes in conflict, while Pluto stood stoically behind them both.)
Uranus huffed and walked off. The girls followed behind her, "You think it did anything?" I asked him, "Not sure...only time will tell." he answered diplomatically.
It was a long drive back up the freeway out of Shinagawa and back into familiar territory of Azabu- Juuban. Mamoru kept glancing over to Usagi, who sat dejectedly in the passenger seat of the car. She stared out of her window, lost in thought. He wanted to say something profound, anything really to draw her out of that brooding funk she was wallowing in, but the words would just not come.
Usagi had a boundless hope, and equally strong belief in all her friends. She had counted the Outers among that number, even though they didn't see eye to eye. Just recently she had thought they were friends.
But by inviting him into their private circle, showing him a level of respect they had never shown her. It was a blatant show of disapproval of her as their proposed leader. A form of shunning her, then mocking her in front of him...behind her back. Trying to convince him that she was weak and unworthy to fight alongside them.
It hurt...
It had finally broken the last of her idealistic thoughts that they could be, would be friends...that they still had chance to fight alongside one another. She was coming to terms with all of it, that they were the enemy as much as these Death Buster's were.
"Usako?" He questioned, as he watched her begin to draw on the window with her fingers, smudging the moisture created by the heat inside the cab and cold glass.
She was tracing all the Senshi symbols one by one, watching as the icon's fogged over. Creating a pattern of eight over and over again.
"I won't give up on them...I can't." She muttered, repeating her sequence of symbols as she spoke to him.
"We were meant to fight together...I will make them see that. I just cannot believe that they are to be my enemy. Senshi are not enemies to other senshi only to evil." Her voice wavered in misery, falling silent.
"I believe in you, Serenity. You are the strongest of them all, I know you will find a way to unite them all. I will be by your side the whole time, supporting you, encouraging you in anything you need." He smirked.
"Anything?" She giggled arching her delicate eyebrows in an amused innuendo.
"Anything." He responded, giving her thigh a quick squeeze. His mind racing with arousing thoughts of whisking up to the apartment for another round of love play.
"Great, then you can run me a bath and order us an extra-large deluxe pizza! With extra cheese and extra meat and...extra everything." She responded excitedly. Mamoru couldn't help but laugh and nod.
Usagi lounged on the couch, in one of his white t-shirts. Her golden hair pulled free from her signature hairstyle to waterfall down her back. Her legs curled up on the cushions with her head on a throw pillow. One arm tucked beneath the pillow the other folding on top. With her hand slipped under her cheek as she stared unseeing out of the wide patio window, while Mamoru ran the bath and ordered a very, late, late supper. Seeing as it was nearly one in the morning.
Alternating throwing crumpled up pieces of paper he found discarded on the coffee table from her homework at her. Bouncing them off her face every time he caught sight of her eyes drooping in sadness.
"Food...Bath...then Sleep. In that order." He commanded with a laughing sternness.
"Hai...Captain..." Usagi mumbled weakly, trying to sound sarcastic but the statement had no effort in it.
Only coming alive when the steaming pie was presented to her on the coffee table. Realizing happily that Mamoru had cleaned up the apartment while he waited. All her books and papers were now neatly piled up on the island leaving the coffee table once more clear to eat on.
Mamoru watched with fond humor as his girl inhaled about four pieces of pizza in record time before he'd even eaten one fully.
"Perfect..." she sighed, patting her full belly as he gathered up the left overs and packed them in the fridge. With a grunt of effort she rose from the couch leaving the living room to head down the hall to the tub. She needed her bath.
"Whoa...there. You are not going into the tub by yourself." Mamoru scrambled after her.
"Hentai!" Usagi called back in good humor.
"Yeah...yeah..." Mamoru chuckled. "Only with you." He muttered out loud, smiling in her direction. "If anything I am more concerned that you're so tired you are going to fall asleep and drown yourself!" He retorted. Dashing into the side door by his back bedroom and closing it behind him.
Usagi had already tossed the t-shirt to the floor along with her undergarments, when he strode in behind her. He caught sight of her supple body slipping into the water of his large soaker tub through the haze of steam. Her sweet voice moaning in pleasure as the water soothed all the aches in her over taxed body. It had been a very long, very stressful, very disappointing night to say the least.
Quickly disrobing himself he slipped into the warm water behind her. Once settled she snuggled against him. Sighing softly as he lightly wrapped his arms around her. Gliding them both into a slightly reclining position against the back of the tub. She seemed to melt against him, rolling onto her side to rest her cheek against his chest. Her finger's tapping idling upon his damp chest, while her other arm was wrapped tight around her middle as if she was soothing a tummy ache or something equally stressing.
With her nude body pressed up so intimately against his own, he felt his pulse racing, his skin starting to flush as she felt incredibly warm against him. Every muscle was aching, his mind a blur of erotic images of taking her in the tub again. The woman had gotten under his skin, like a drug and he craved her affections almost all the time. Instead he forced himself to focus on more mundane matter's, as of right now she was physically and mentally exhausted by the day's events and needed some down time.
Taking up the sponge from it's position against the wide back shelf of the tub he poured on some fruity smelling soap on top, and began to massage the foam into a gentle lather. Gliding the sponge up and down her arm he sought to keep his mind on a somewhat platonic track. Though with her nude form on top of him that in and of itself was a hard task.
Usagi was needing his support right now, she going through some major issues. Her endless reserves of self-confidence was starting to waver. The Outer's comments and stubborn refusal to see her as someone useful had started to crack at her self-worth. The crisis ahead seemed to daunting and all-encompassing. She didn't know any of their weaknesses, or even how to start an assault against them. Or if she even could, Hortaru was Chibi Usa's friend she couldn't be the enemy? She had no idea what to do...
Her link to her new power's were not strong or reliable, just yet, the power to much for her body to handle just yet. She was starting to think she was just the fill in for this true Messiah the Outer's spoke of. She was starting to believe their disparaging words. At first she had fantasied that she might be that savior of this world...Mamoru's world. But as things stood right now, she was nothing but a failure. True to form, she felt tears fall silently down her cheeks. She had managed to beat herself up to the point of crying.
Baka...crybaby...Usagi...
She felt Mamoru stiffen beneath her instantly at her mental self-doubts and nasty comments about herself.
The sponge that had been gently rubbing up and down her side instantly stopped, dropping into the water behind her bum with a light splash.
"Usako...please stop thinking that way." He kissed the top of her head sweetly. "You can't dwell on all that negative bullshit they keep piling up on you." He growled, brushing away a few tears with his thumb.
"Listen to me. You are strong, resilient and have the most stubborn, hard headed personality I have ever had the pleasure to encounter." He added.
"I am not stubborn..." She mumbled back in slight defense.
Mamoru rolled his eyes, "I was a total jerk to you all of last year and hell most of this past one. You never gave up on me when every other person in their right mind would have left me to my own bitter end." He cracked a smile, guiding her chin up to face him.
"You're loyal, can be incredibly hardworking if you find the outcome appealing." He smirked, receiving a sharp smack on the chest from his now disgruntled girlfriend at his implied comment over being lazy about most things. "And feisty!" He added, snatching her hand and holding against his chest. "You never put up with me when I crossed the line and I don't believe you should just sit back and let them dictate how worthy you are."
She wanted to look away but he wouldn't let her, "As a Senshi, as the future Queen over earth...you have never just given up and rolled over for anyone. We make our own future, every day with every decision we make." He kissed her then, long and slow. His lips brushing softly against hers again and again. Until her tears stopped and the waver to her breath became heavy and passionate.
"Make love to me..." She whispered, settling back down upon his chest. Her voice was full of lust and yearning yet her mental and physical exhaustion was dragging her down. He could feel it through their link.
Mamoru sighed with a knowing smile..."I would love to my sweet Usako."
Tenderly ignoring her plea and picking up the sponge again to finish cleaning her body. Soaping up every inch of her he could reach in gentle, easy strokes. The sponge and his finger's massaging her into a heavenly lull of near sleep. He smiled fondly down at her as her breath deepened, falling asleep against his chest, safe and sound in his arms.
When the water had cooled to a chilled temperature. He carried her out of the tub and wrapped her up in a huge white cotton towel. She snuggled contentedly against him as he carried her into their bedroom. Setting her down upon the rumpled bedsheets her breathing remained slow, heavy and utterly relaxed as the mattress depressed. Announcing he had slid under the cover's next to her. She moaned happily as she felt the familiar weight of his arm resting over her hip as he drew her against him and fell asleep himself.
Understanding that home wasn't a place you returned to, but a person. That true heaven wasn't some mythical place you got to when you died, but right here, right now sleeping next the person you loved. Vowing that tomorrow he was going to make special for her, figure out a way in which he would never have to be without her again.
Hours earlier just after Hotaru was returned home...
Inside the manor house the lighting was always somewhat subdued, since bright light caused Hotaru pain. The halls were long and vacant with very little decorations, since to much clutter would only become dangerous if Hotaru had an attack. Creating a very empty, lonely atmosphere for the little girl now moving slowly down a long shadowed corridor towards her room. Leaning against the barren walls as she focused on taking one step after another, stubbornly attempting to conceal the pain coursing through her frail body.
It was like being bathed in ice, her skin as on cold fire, while she struggled to take the smallest of breathes. Her chest constricting in rising agony, as felt like she was slowly drowning. Unable to breath, her arms trembling under the strain of forcing herself onwards. Her throat dry and tight, wheezing out what ever oxygen was left in her lungs. As spots began to form before her, blocking out her vision of the dark hall. As the floor suddenly came crashing up towards her.
"Hotaru - chan!" Kaori's panicked voice echoed out to her.
Making the struggling girl growl greatly irritated under her breath as she crawled stubbornly forward. Not wanting any help from the intruder into her family.
Then the woman's hands were on her shoulder, helping her up to her feet unwillingly.
"Get off me!" Hotaru screamed, elbowing the woman brutally in the gut. "I can do it myself."
Kaori attempted to hold onto her, not wanting her to hurt herself.
"Let me help you...you need to rest." Her tone seemed genuinely caring, but Hotaru knew it was fake. A rouse of motherly concern to incite a fondness for her from her father.
"What is going on here?" Soichi had heard the commotion from just down a side hall. He had been headed back to his lab when the situation arouse. He had quickly rounded back to make sure everything was alright.
"I am sorry, Professor I was a bit to forward. I though Hotaru - chan was in need of assistance." Kaori meekly pulled back from handling Hotaru. Demurely falling back near the professor, seeking his forgiveness.
Soichi passed Kaori an understanding glance, then turned to regard his glowering daughter.
"Hotaru...ever since your mother died we have come to rely on Kaolinite for many things. You should be more grateful." He chastised.
"Grateful for what...the only reason she is remotely nice to me is a means to kiss up to you. I don't know if you are my father's secretary or his assistant or what, but stop trying to wedge yourself into our family. You are not wanted!" Hotaru shouted back, rounding on her heel and dashing away for the security of her bedroom. Her temper like a boiling volcano, the pressure to lash out and hurt Kaori a living thing within her.
"I have indulged to much since my wife's death." Professor Tomoe sighed, rubbing a finger between his eyes. Feeling a headache coming on, he had important research to finish and no time to deal with his temperamental daughter.
"It doesn't bother me professor." Kaori replied, her narrowed gaze going unnoticed from her position behind the professor.
Hotaru collapsed in the comforting dusk light of her bedroom, upon her bed curling up in a ball in complete agony.
"Oh...it hurts..." She hugged, pressing a fist into her mouth to stop from crying out. It felt like her body was completely frozen and on fire at the same time. Every nerve screaming for release from the unending trauma of this attack.
A soft knocking echoed through the half-light in her room.
"Hotaru?" Professor Tomoe's voice called to her gently.
"What's wrong...is the attack not going away?" He sat beside her on the bed, petting a hand down her hair to rest against her cheek. Feeling how clammy her skin was, how her whole body shivered under his touch.
"Papa..." she moaned.
"Have you taken you medicine today?" He asked, his tone clinical and not caring in the least.
"Yes...but it's not working anymore." She explained, squeezing her eyes shut and clenching her teeth as another wave of nausea and pain rocked her fragile body.
"It will be alright." He began, pulling something out of the side pocket of his dress pants.
"Hotaru I want you to have this, it was you mother's and I think it might help." He offered her a strange bronze amulet that looked like an acorn with several firefly wings attached to the end. She weakly took the token, clutching it lightly in her palm and holding it close as her father rose up and left the room acting as if his business was conclude and there was nothing left to do or say to her.
"I will come check on you later." he promised closing the door behind him.
Hotaru instantly felt the pain start to subside, as if the amulet was soothing balm that dulled the burning aches the once penetrated like knives throughout her body. Leaving her staring in odd confusion into the lamplight of her room.
Was poppa's hands always so cold? The attack faded, almost instantly as soon as I held this amulet? How strange...
Settling herself more comfortably on her stomach, tucking her pillow beneath her cheek, she cradled her new gift close.
My body has been so odd lately, I have to admit I's getting a bit scared. I never used to have these attacks or feel so out of sorts. I am so emotionally disturbed at times, my own thoughts are becoming so violent...I wonder how long I have left...how long my body will hold out?
Soichi left his daughter to sleep, heading deeper into the maze of halls beneath his large home. Slipping on his lab coat, and opening the door to a special room hidden away. It revealed the massive secret lab of the professor as his laugh over the day's events had his vocals loud and manic as usual. Snatching up a metal ornate eyepiece from a side table, he slipped it in behind his glasses. He briefly thanked the evil's that were in him for producing the giant laboratory under the large house. It provided the perfect cover for a normal single father.
Smug in his idea's that no one suspected him, that his plans so far have been going according to schedule. That soon the Messiah of Silence would awaken and he would rule this world at her side. Her ever loyal soldier and subject.