Between Light and Dark
-by: the Yarnspinner-
the_yarnspinner@yahoo.com
A Sekkushiaru Roman
featuring characters from the anime "Sailor Moon"> Part 4 - Rescue <
Usagi still lay on the bed. Once more the man with the blazing eyes, Demando of the Dark Moon, entered the room. She struggled to resist, but her mind drifted into a thick fog.
"Come to me, my beloved," Demando said.
Though she was only vaguely aware of it, her body began very slowly to move.
"Yes. You will come to me," he said to her.
She stood up, unable to think. He took hold of her hand.
"You will pledge your eternal love and loyalty to me," he instructed.
The words 'eternal love' rang in her mind. As he drew her closer, another image formed.
"Mamo-chan," she whispered.
"Damn you!" he snarled in a blind rage, slapping her hard across the face and sending her tumbling back onto the bed.
Before Demando could make another move, he felt something strike his back, inflicting a searing pain. He reached back to find a brightly glowing red rose.
"Sparkling... Wide... Pressure!" Jupiter yelled, hurling a lightning bolt.
The bolt struck Demando, who found his own abilities disrupted by the rose. He fell to the floor in pain. Looking up, he found himself staring into the eyes of Tuxedo Kamen, blazing with barely contained rage. Tuxedo Kamen held two roses in his hand. Demando fought back a flinch as they were thrown. The roses struck on either side of him, their magic further disrupting his own. Suddenly, Sailor Jupiter grabbed him, rolled him hard onto his chest, planted her knee in his back, and grabbed his arm, bending it up painfully.
"You can thank your brother that we're not out for your miserable head," she said, her voice low and threatening. "But just try that again and all bets are off."
"Safiel?" he wondered in surprise.
Tuxedo Kamen sat down beside Usagi, taking her in his arms. "Usako," he said softly, kissing her.
Her eyes flickered open, slowly focusing on him. "Mamo-chan," she whispered, her body trembling. Tears formed in her eyes as she clung to him, overcome with emotion.
"Usako. Thank the gods," he exclaimed, holding her close. His heart swelled with anger and concern for what had been done to her, and with relief to have her back.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Mars, Mercury, Venus, and Pluto moved down a hallway. Mercury continually checked her computer.
"According to Safiel's directions, she's probably right up here," Mercury said, pointing ahead.
"How about the dark crystal?" Venus asked.
"No change," Ami replied.
They reached a door.
"Wiseman is here," Pluto said.
Just then, they heard Chibi-Usa scream, while Ami's scanner beeped madly.
"Small Lady," Pluto gasped, concern obvious in her voice.
"That must be her energy discharge," Mars said. "We should get in there."
"Not yet!" Venus declared. "Stick to the plan."
Ami hurriedly reset her scanner to compensate for Chibi-Usa's energy release. It indicated a new energy spike from the dark crystal.
"That's it," Ami said. "Esmerodo and Safiel have destroyed the dark energy points."
"Go," Venus said.
Mars pushed open the door. Inside they found Chibi-Usa on the floor, rolled up in a fetal position, as energy poured out of her. Wiseman floated above, his form shimmering in and out of focus.
"Pluto. Can you deal with him?" Venus asked, as Mars rushed to Chibi-Usa.
"For the moment," Pluto answered.
Chibi-Usa's energy release faded and Mars took the girl in her arms. "Easy there. Everything's going to be alright," Mars told her.
Pluto held her staff at the ready as Wiseman appeared to be recovering. "Dead... Scream," she intoned softly, swinging the staff and releasing a large ball of energy. With a groan of pain, Wiseman's form shimmered once more, then he vanished.
"Did you destroy him?" Venus asked.
"No," Pluto answered. "He has merely staged a strategic withdrawal. I believe Prince Safiel is correct in his assessment."
"It will take the ginzuishou to finish him," Mars said.
Pluto nodded. "How is the Small Lady?" she asked.
"Tired, and probably very frightened, but I don't see any sign of physical harm," Mars answered.
"I agree," Ami said. "It looks like Wiseman was primarily trying to brainwash her."
Chibi-Usa began to stir. A smile formed on her face as her eyes focused on the Senshi. "Pu!" she exclaimed happily, recognizing Pluto.
"Hello, Small Lady."
"Can I go home now? Please?" Chibi-Usa asked.
"Not quite yet, I'm afraid, Small Lady. There is still more to be done before the danger is over."
"Yes," Venus agreed. "We need to get back to Mamoru and Makoto to see how Usagi is, and then get out of here. I doubt we're ready for another confrontation with Wiseman yet."
The others nodded. Pluto picked up Chibi-Usa and carried her, as they hurried out of the room.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"Chibi-Usa!" Usagi exclaimed as the other Senshi entered the room.
"Usagi! Mamo-chan!" she replied happily, squirming loose from Pluto's grasp and running to them. Mamoru lifted her up onto his lap.
"I'm so glad you're both safe," he said.
In a burst of energy, Safiel and Esmerodo appeared.
"Demando! Are you alright?" he asked, moving to his brother, who was still restrained by Jupiter.
"I am in pain, but I'll live," he said.
"What's going on?" Safiel asked Jupiter.
"He was getting physical with Usagi," she said. "So we returned the favor."
"Brother, forgive me speaking so frankly but this infatuation of yours with Neo-Queen Serenity will only lead to more ill."
Demando looked at his brother. "I was told I have you to thank that they didn't kill me right away. Why?"
"We've all been duped, brother. By Wiseman."
A portion of the room shimmered.
"Prince Demando! Look out!" Esmerodo cried, diving forward just as Wiseman appeared and hurled an energy blast toward Safiel. She took the blast herself.
Mamoru hastily flung a rose at Wiseman, which flared when entering his form.
"Dead... Scream." Pluto hurled another energy ball at the still weakened Wiseman, who once again vanished.
"Esmerodo," Demando called. "Sailor Jupiter! Release me! I must see to one of my people."
Usagi nodded, and Makoto let him go.
"She's alive, but these burns look serious," Ami said. "I'd say her own power blocked just enough of his blast."
"You are alive, your highness," Esmerodo whispered. "That is all that matters."
"No, Esmerodo. It most certainly is not," Demando replied. "Safiel. I would say that Wiseman's action just now seems to prove what you say. What is he up to?"
"Wiseman plans to use the dark crystal to awaken a demon he calls the Death Phantom, and then to destroy all life in the universe," Safiel said.
"And the Sailor Senshi of old Tokyo? How do they fit into this?"
"Petz sent Esmerodo and me to them, Demando," Safiel answered. "They helped us to destroy the dark energy points, thus preventing Wiseman from opening the Black Gate."
Demando fell silent, his gaze turning back to Usagi.
"The other Senshi would not have done this if it wasn't in the nature of their leader," he said softly. He shook his head.
"I think we all need to be going," Venus said. "Wiseman certainly isn't gone for good."
"No," Demando agreed. "Nor will he give up easily. I'm sure he is already planning a new way to open the Black Gate."
"We'll return to Tokyo," Usagi said. "There we can take care of Esmerodo's burns, and plan our next move." She paused for a moment. "Demando. I know this is your world, but you are welcome to come with us. And we would be happy to have your assistance."
He looked at her, seeing at that moment the full measure of a queen in her. Humbled, he bowed before the woman he would always love but now knew he could never possess. "I would be honored..., your majesty."
Usagi blushed in surprise.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Chibi-Usa slept in her bed with Luna alongside her. Mamoru and Usagi stood together at the top of the stairs watching her. He switched off the light, and they quietly slipped downstairs, sitting down together on Usagi's bed. He leaned over and kissed her.
"How are you feeling?" he asked.
"Like a used dishrag," she sighed. "I could do with a warm bath."
"Hmmm. I think we can arrange that," he said. "You stay here."
He walked down the hall and she could hear him running water in the bathtub.
"Mamo-chan? What are you up to?"
"I'm running you a bath, Usako," he said, returning to her room. "But I think you will need to remove some clothes."
She smiled at him, a sparkle in her eyes. "Perhaps you would like to help with that?"
"I would be happy to help, my love," he replied.
As she stood up, he began unbuttoning her shirt, sliding it back off her shoulders and tossing it aside. He next slipped her skirt down, letting it fall to the floor. She stepped out of it, and pulled off her socks. He took her in his arms, kissing her deeply, while his fingers found the clasp on her bra. After slipping off her bra, he reached for her panties, pulling away the small scrap of fabric and leaving her completely naked.
"Usako," he sighed, kissing her again.
She pulled off his shirt, then opened his pants. "I think you need to lose a few things too, Mamo-chan."
With his pants off, she slid his boxers down and helped him remove his socks. Straightening back up, she ran her fingers over his aroused penis.
"Oohhh, this I like," she said.
"Usako, the water is still running for your bath," he reminded her, struggling with his self-control.
She nodded, rising to her feet. They walked into the bathroom.
"Mamo-chan! A bubble bath!" she exclaimed.
He turned off the faucet as she stepped into the tub and lowered herself into the bubble-filled water.
"Oh, this feels soooo nice," she sighed.
He crouched beside the tub, reaching in and running his hand along the soft curves of her body.
"How does this feel?" he asked, rubbing her nipple with his fingertip.
Her only response was a soft sigh of pleasure.
He reached for a wash cloth and began running it across her chest with slow circular motions. Moving over her abdomen, he slid the cloth between her legs, rubbing her nether lips. As she moaned happily, he leaned down and kissed her.
"Are you feeling better?" he asked.
She nodded. "This feels wonderful, Mamo-chan."
"That wasn't quite what I meant," he said, running the cloth down along her legs.
"What?... Oh, you mean what Demando did."
He nodded, kissing her cheek.
"Well, it seems like a really intense, bad dream," she said. "Probably because I was hypnotized, it didn't seem as real."
"But it was."
"I know."
"I have to say, I was amazed at how readily you offered to let Demando come with us," he said, falling silent but clearly struggling with his thoughts. "I don't think I... could have been that forgiving... but... I'm very proud of you, my love."
She lifted herself up and kissed him. "I love you, Mamo-chan," she said softly. "It wasn't entirely Demando's fault. He was tricked by Wiseman, remember. And clearly, he is a decent ruler who really does care about his people. That means he can't be all bad."
"But what he did to you had nothing to do with Wiseman," he reminded her. "It was because he was obsessed with your future self."
She grinned at him. "Well, not all men can be as much a gentleman as you are, Mamo-chan."
Her fingers lightly brushed over his chest, sending drops of warm water trickling over his flesh. He pressed his lips to hers once more, their tongues dancing together slowly and passionately. When they finally separated, he drew her up into a sitting position and swept the cloth over her back.
"There you are," he said, setting the cloth down and opening the tub drain.
She stood up and stepped out of the tub. He picked up a towel, slowly and lovingly sweeping it over her body. Finally, he put the towel aside and took down her hair, then led her back to her bedroom.
She sat down on her bed. Sitting next to her, he took her in his arms and pulled her down into a reclining position. He kissed her deeply, sliding a hand down her body.
"Mamo-chan!" she protested. "Chibi-Usa is asleep, just upstairs."
"Then we will have to be quiet, won't we?"
"You are terrible," she said with a grin.
He reached for her brooch, lying on her desk. Opening it, he placed it on the pillow beside her. She giggled and shook her head.
"I'm not thinking just of carnal desire, Usako," he said. "I thought you could do with some of the crystal's healing."
"Yes. And then you'll get to the carnal desire, right?"
"Would you object?"
"Of course not, Mamo-chan."
She kissed him passionately while the crystal began to glow beside her. Its energy flooded into her, slowly revitalizing her and healing her aches and pains.
"You make me so happy," she whispered.
"And you make me happy, my love," he replied. "I'm so glad to have you back."
She embraced him tightly as her lips met his and her tongue plunged into his mouth. They clung to each other desperately, as the emotions of what might have been again welled up within them. He answered her kiss with one of his own. Their bodies pressed together as passion and arousal, fueled by undying love, blazed still hotter.
He shifted position above her, the flesh of his hardness tingling as it brushed across her body. As they kissed yet again, he could feel her desire matching his own.
"Mamo-chan!" she sighed. "Please!"
Moving between her legs, her heard her moan with anticipation. A silver-pink glow washed over them, stirring something in his mind. Suddenly, he remembered the significance of it, moving off of her.
"Mamo-chan? What is it?"
In confusion, she saw him fumbling for his pants, pulling out his wallet. He turned back to her, sliding on a condom.
"The crystal," he said. "Its protection doesn't work at the same time its being used to heal."
She smiled at him with joy, love shining in her heart and her eyes, as he moved back over her. In an instant he was once more between her legs and his tip slid through her nether lips, spreading her open.
"Oh, yes," she sighed.
He pushed himself deep into her, feeling her warmth enveloping his throbbing member.
"Usako," he whispered, pressing his lips to hers.
Her hands slid up over his back, as they fell into a slow, timeless rhythm, their conjoined bodies moving together as one. Their minds opened as they shared a love beyond words, with joy singing in their hearts.
They kissed softly. He pulled back slowly, then pushed into her once more. She groaned with delight as his shaft slid deep inside her, flooding her with intense waves of pleasure. Each motion swept her still higher.
He carefully maintained their slow pace, feeling her inner muscles grasping him tightly. As he kissed her once more, he reveled in the feel of their bodies so beautifully joined together.
The warmth of her love for him exceeded the warmth of passion within her. Gasping with joy, she held him firmly with her arms, while raising her hips to meet his next thrust.
"Oh, yes," she groaned.
With his next motion he pushed forward still harder, bringing another gasp from her. Her inner muscles clamped on his member while her fingers pressed into his back. He pulled back, then thrust forward again.
An intense burst of pleasure followed his movement, leaving her to fight back a cry of raw ecstasy. His lips brushed over hers, and she heard his low, passionate groan. He pushed forward once more, his warm, beautiful, throbbing member stroking past her tightly grasping inner muscles and setting her nerves on fire. As he lowered his head again, their lips came together. Her tongue brushed across his lip and into her mouth.
He smiled down at her, pulling back for their next motion. In her gasps and the response of her body, he recognized she was on the brink. He pushed into her again, feeling her muscles clamp down on him once more, while she struggled to hold back a cry.
"Oh, yes," she gasped. "Mamo-chan!... Oh, gods!"
With his next thrust, her entire body locked up in climax. As purest ecstasy flooded her body, she clenched her teeth to suppress a cry. Within her, her muscles squeezed tightly on his bulging mass.
He groaned as she clamped down on him. After pausing for a moment, he pulled back, moving slowly. He kissed her, then pushed forward. Almost immediately, he felt the heat passion swelling still more intensely within him. His pace increased as he continued his forceful rhythm, in and out, in and out, driving his quivering member into the woman he loved more than anything.
"Usako," he gasped.
"Mamo-chan," she sighed.
Feelings of deepest love flowed between them as their bodies burned with passion. Still faster he moved, pushing into her again and again. She groaned with delight.
With his next thrust, his throbbing member swelled within her. She gasped with delight. He pulled back, then drove himself back into her, his entire body spasming at the height of his thrust. As he groaned in climax, she soared to a magnificent orgasm, clinging to him in passionate euphoria.
Gradually, they relaxed, their bodies going limp as they lay together. He lightly kissed her cheek.
"Usako. I love you so much," he sighed.
"I love you, Mamo-chan."
After several minutes, he carefully slipped himself out of her, feeling her inner muscles still clinging tightly to his slowly receding penis. As he rolled off to the side, they noticed the ginzuishou had stopped glowing. He moved her brooch back to the desk, and slipped off his condom. She moved over on her bed, making room for him to lay down beside her.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
They were dozing together when he awoke with a sense of something being not quite right.
"Did you hear something?" he asked.
"Hmm?" she responded sleepily.
They both heard a faint noise upstairs.
"Chibi-Usa," she said.
They hurriedly stood up, each pulling on a robe, and rushed upstairs, hearing the little girl crying.
"Chibi-Usa? Are you alright?" Usagi asked as she came closer.
"Mommy," the girl cried, her head buried in the pillow, with Luna trying to comfort her.
Usagi sat on the edge of the bed and embraced Chibi-Usa. "It's alright," Usagi said. "Did you have a bad dream?"
The girl turned over, looking up to see Usagi and Mamoru, her eyes red with tears. She simply nodded in response to the question.
"It's alright," Usagi repeated.
Mamoru handed her a tissue, which she used to wipe Chibi-Usa's eyes.
"What did you dream about?" Mamoru asked softly.
"The ghost man was after me again," she said, her voice trembling. "And everyone else said this was all my fault. And that no one loved me."
"Well, that is certainly not true," Usagi said. "You know your mother and father in the future love you. That's why they sent you here where you'd be safe. And you know that Mamoru and I care about you. Very much."
He squeezed Usagi's hand and smiled at her. "That's absolutely right," he told Chibi-Usa. "And we'll make sure the ghost man doesn't bother you. OK?"
She nodded hesitantly, then hugged both of them.< To be continued >
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NOTE: More to come in the next installment. As always, special thanks to Hopeless Romantic, my other half, who helps in more ways than I can mention.You can now find all my yarns at http://strands-of-moonlight.my3gb.com and http://strands-of-moonlight.6te.net.
Always remember, good gentles, that a yarnspinner works from and within existing legends and stories. The characters of "Sailor Moon" belong to others. In spinning my yarns, I do not seek to infringe on their rights of ownership, but merely to join with other fans to spread the legend still further. "The moonlight carries a message of love." Enjoy.
-06.09.2000