That Special Magic
-by: the Yarnspinner-
the_yarnspinner@yahoo.com
http://strands-of-moonlight.my3gb.com
-or- http://strands-of-moonlight.6te.net
A Sekkushiaru Roman
featuring characters from the anime "Sailor Moon"> Chapter 25 - Ongoing Loves <
Mamoru awoke in the early morning, enjoying the feel of his young fiancee's naked body draped across his own. He sighed happily, knowing he would be spending the rest of his life with this incredibly beautiful young woman and making a family with her. She was still very young, he knew, but she had matured so much since he first met her that he no longer had any real concerns about her age. She was everything to him, and within her womb their child was growing, marking her as his, and he as hers, in a way no one could ever challenge.
As he lay there, remaining still, he let their link slowly deepen, loving the sensation of this sharing with her. Usagi was dreaming that they were married. He smiled, enjoying the experience. Finally, he let his own feelings of love for her drift through the link. She shifted position slightly, and sighed with joy, snuggling still closer to him. He slid a hand along the soft, smooth flesh of her arm.
'I love you, Usako,' he whispered through their link.
"Mamo-chan," she sighed, still asleep.
There was no feeling like it, holding her sleeping body against his own. He slid his hand along her arm again, then through the soft, silky golden strands of her hair. The warmth in his heart grew stronger, and the rest of his body responded to her beauty.
She began to stir, her eyes flickering open. "Mamo-chan?" she asked, feeling his body and sensing him through their link
He ran his hand down along her back. "How's my beautiful princess?"
She looked up into his face and smiled. "Just fine, my prince, since I'm here with you."
He grinned, and pressed his fingers into the soft flesh of her bottom. She sighed happily and snuggled against him. His body responded, and his manhood swelled with arousal.
"Ooohhh, Mamo-chan... I see part of you is definitely awake," she giggled.
"You tend to have that effect on me, Usako," he said.
She slid up and kissed him, her crescent moon already beginning to glow. "I like that, Mamo-chan... And I just love being able to help you with this particular problem."
"After you've been the principal cause," he pointed out with a smile.
She looked up at him, her eyes open wide. "That's not my fault. I'm not doing anything," she said innocently, while rubbing herself across his hardness.
"Oh, really?" he asked. "No, you're not doing anything."
"Of course not, Mamo-chan," she said, starting to giggle. "I can't help it if you..."
"Find my fiancee incredibly sexy and desirable?" he asked, suddenly rolling her over.
Before she could respond, he pressed his mouth over hers in a deep, wet, passionate kiss. She sighed with delight, enfolding him in her arms, and thrilling to the feel of his warm body pressing down over her. Her insides boiled with raw, carnal hunger for the man she loved, and she let him feel the full power of her need through their link.
He continued to kiss her, his tongue dancing slowly and sensuously with hers. His arousal was swelling uncontrollably as he pressed himself over her exquisitely beautiful young body. He slid down, quickly bringing the swollen tip of his penis to her nether lips. With a gentle motion, he rubbed his tip across her opening, then eased forward just a bit.
She sighed with delight as his tip slid through her lips. He held still as their tongues continued to dance. She pushed up through her hips, trying to take him deeper into her where she so desperately wanted him.
"Oh, Mamo-chan," she groaned, when their mouths finally separated.
"I love you, Usako, more than anything," he whispered.
He pushed forward slowly, and she groaned with purest joy as his beautifully warm, swollen mass, crafted by the fates for her alone, spread her wide, sliding deeper into her, and filling her up to utter perfection. She squeezed him firmly with her inner muscles, determined never to let go of him.
He sighed happily at the feel of his member buried deep within her snug, loving embrace, joining their bodies together as one. This was something he knew he could never get tired of. The experience was still just as wonderful and magnificent as it had been their very first time. He kissed her again, holding himself still inside her.
"Oh, yes," she sighed. "Gods, I love you so much, Mamo-chan."
"I love you, Usako."
He slid back very slowly and deliberately, before pushing forward again. She gasped with joy as he sank slowly but powerfully back into her. He smiled down at her, his heart aglow with his overwhelming love for her, and continued his slow, powerful motions.
She groaned, raising her hips to meet his next thrust and feeling his bulging member sliding so beautifully deep within her. Looking up into his face, she was still struck by just how incredibly handsome he was, and how thrilled she was to be pregnant with their child. He filled her with an intense physical yearning, which only he could satisfy by making themselves one.
He gasped with joy, and brushed his lips over hers. His shaft plunged into her, and he felt the wonderful sensation of her inner muscles clamping down on him as she cried out softly in delight.
"Oh, yes!... Mamo-chan!... So good... Oh!... Oh, yes!"
"Usako," he sighed.
He looked down into her face, aglow with her crescent moon, again feeling his breath taken away by such exquisite beauty. His heart swelled with joy and thankfulness that, after having been alone for so long, he had now been blessed with the love of this incredible young woman.
"You're so beautiful," he whispered.
She smiled up at him, gasping softly as he continued to move inside her, in and out, in and out, slowly, deeply, powerfully, maddeningly, in and out, in and out, sweeping her ever higher. Through their link, she could feel his love and happiness, overjoyed to know that she was able to make him as happy as he made her. Truly, they were two halves of a beautiful, magnificent whole, their two bodies fitting together so perfectly as one, even as their souls were already one. She loved him more than anything. Their lips came together softly, and she let thoughts of purest love radiate through their link. Her insides were on fire with overwhelming passion and ecstasy as his member throbbed and pulsed deep within her. There was no feeling like this, and she just loved being physically conjoined with him, giving such beautiful expression to their love.
He felt exactly the same as he continued to plunge himself into her warm, moist, snug, loving embrace. Moving with slow, powerful strokes, he thrilled to the feel of her beautiful young body beneath him. She swept her hands up over his back, sighing happily. He kissed her cheek, thrusting into her hard.
"Oh, yes!" she gasped, soaring still higher. "Oh!... Mamo-chan!... Oh, yes!... Oh!... OH, YES!!"
Her entire body locked up in a tremendous orgasm, wiping out all awareness in an overwhelming, white-hot flood of raw ecstasy. She clung to him tightly, gasping for breath, and never wanting to let him go.
"Usako," he whispered.
"Mamo-chan," she sighed. "I love you... so very much."
He smiled down at her and kissed her, holding his member still within her while his tongue softly brushed her lips. After a moment, he pulled back, nearly sliding completely out of her. She groaned and pulled on him. He thrust forward with a powerful motion, sinking deep into her once more.
"Oh, Mamo-chan! Yes!" she cried softly in delight.
"I love you... Usako," he said, falling back into his slow, steady, driving pace.
"Oh, yes!" she gasped, thrilling to the feel of his manhood plunging into her again and again.
He braced his hands on the bed alongside her. As he pushed into her, he completed his motion with an added thrust. She cried out breathlessly with delight, and he could feel her intense pleasure through their link. He repeated the move again and again, sweeping her toward another peak.
She gasped as he continued to plunge into her, filling her with such incredible ecstasy. His bulging mass was spreading her so wide, and its every motion stroked across her inner muscles. She clung to him fiercely, wanting to hold on to him like this forever.
"Oh, gods!... Mamo-chan!... Yes!... Oh!... OH, YES!!!" she cried, soaring to another climax.
He kissed her cheek, feeling the full power of her love even as he knew she could feel his. Continuing his driving rhythm, he rocked back and forth, again and again, thrusting himself inside her. He gasped for breath, letting his passionate desire for his exquisite young future wife drive him on as their beautifully conjoined bodies moved together.
She sensed him thinking of her as his future wife, and was filled with a tremendous happiness, longing for the day when she truly would be his wife. His throbbing member plunged into her over and over, so wonderfully deep and with such power, leaving her breathless and overwhelmed with ecstasy. The fire within her was growing still more powerful with their every move as they pushed on.
"Oh, Mamo-chan," she gasped, softly and breathlessly.
"Usako," he whispered.
Her head rolled back and she cried out wordlessly as he plunged into her yet again, sweeping her to still another glorious climax. She clamped down on his beautiful, warm, throbbing mass within her, flooded in raw ecstasy.
Rocking back, he then slid forward, pressing her down into the mattress as he moved, and bringing a sharp gasp of pleasure from her. He thrust forward and down again, feeling her tighten her embrace both within and without.
"Mamo-chan," she groaned.
His deep, powerful thrusts were driving her crazy, and she clung to her future husband desperately. His strong, warm body was her only anchor to reality and sanity as she lay there, awash in an irresistible tide of passion. She could feel his warmth over her, and his strength at work within her as their bodies moved together, carrying her rapidly toward yet another peak.
"So good, my love," he sighed.
"Oh, yes... So good... Mamo-chan!... Oh!... Oh!... Oh, yes!" she gasped as they continued to move as one. Her voice rose into a cry of uncontained ecstasy as she soared to climax again.
She gasped for breath, feeling him still driving on, his magnificent shaft plunging into her, filling her up just as the fates had intended. His strong motions pressed her small body down into the mattress, while setting her nerves on fire with intense pleasure.
He drove himself on, groaning softly as he moved. Through a tremendous effort, he was holding himself in check, wanting to extend their pleasure as long as possible. With long, powerful strokes, he continued to plunge into her again and again, in and out, in and out. She seemed more beautiful than ever as her crescent moon shone brightly and her body blazed with passion. He sighed with purest happiness, thoroughly enjoying their exquisite coupling.
She cried out again, feeling herself soaring ever higher, and struggling for breath. His member sank deep into her once more, carrying her away to still another orgasm. "OOOHHH, YES!!"
He kissed her lips, while moving still faster and harder. The bed shook beneath them.
"Oh, gods!... Mamo-chan!... Oh, yes!!"
"Usako," he gasped.
He thrust into her, leaving her gasping for breath. She was on fire, her nerves completely overloaded by the tremendous passion they were sharing. Her hands ran over his back as she clung to him, feeling his mass driving so powerfully into her.
"Oh, yes!... Mamo... Oh!... Oh!... Oh, gods!" she cried.
He moved again, knowing he was at the brink. A powerful spasm grew within him, driving him into her. His penis quivered wildly, swelling against the constraint of her beautifully snug channel, before erupting in a tremendous surge, flooding his seed deep into her.
"MAMO-CHAAAANNNN!!" she cried in purest ecstasy, swept away by his climax to her most powerful orgasm yet.
"Usako," he groaned, filled with exquisite joy as he continued to empty himself into her.
They lay there, slowly going limp as their climactic spasms faded. She sighed blissfully at the feel of his warmth spreading within her.
"Oh, Mamo-chan... that was sooooo beautiful," she sighed.
He kissed her lips. "You're beautiful, my princess," he whispered. "The most beautiful woman ever."
She smiled. "I love you, my prince. More than anything."
"I love you, Usako."
They lay together quietly, neither making any effort to move.
"Oh, gods," she sighed. "You really tired me out, Mamo-chan. After that I think I'm going to be walking funny at school."
He grinned, then kissed her. "We still have about two hours before we have to get up."
She nodded. "That's good," she said softly.
He gently eased himself out of her, then rolled off to the side. She promptly snuggled closer, draping herself over him, resting her head on his chest, in her preferred sleeping position. His eyes drifted closed as her breathing was already slowing, indicating she was drifting off to sleep.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The alarm went off, and Mamoru reached over to silence it. Usagi, still draped across him, groaned softly. He stroked a hand along the bare flesh of her back.
"Usako," he whispered.
"Oooohhhh, Mamo-chan," she groaned, keeping her eyes tightly closed. "Let me sleep a little longer."
He smiled, remaining still and enjoying the feel of her body against his own. Waking up with her body intertwined with his own was such a wonderful experience, and one he wanted to enjoy every morning. He slid his hand along her back again, letting her lay there. His eyes drifted closed, and he could feel the soft motions of her breathing.
About ten minutes later, the alarm beeped again. Once more, he reached over to silence it.
"Ooohhh," she moaned softly. "Don't want to get up."
"We have to, my love," he said, gently caressing her.
She wrapped her arms around him. "Let's just stay in bed," she suggested, snuggling herself against him.
"We can't, Usako," he said. "Me letting you ditch school is one thing that would really make your mother angry, and you know we cannot afford that."
She nodded with a sigh as he began to ease her off of him. "Alright."
He slipped out of bed, then drew her up into a sitting position. "Come on, Usako... Let's get up."
She let him pull her to her feet and lead her to the bathroom. Her body protested the movement, still feeling the aftereffects of their early morning passion.
"You use the bathroom first," he said, slipping his robe on. "I'm going to put on some coffee. Do you want some?"
She crinkled up her nose. "No, thanks," she muttered, shaking her head. She then stepped slowly into the bathroom and closed the door behind her.
He went into the kitchen, filled the coffee-maker, then switched it on. The smell of brewing coffee soon filled the kitchen. Taking some milk from the refrigerator, he prepared some cocoa and put it in the microwave. He began preparing pancakes, knowing that she liked them.
Several minutes later, she entered the kitchen, wearing one of his shirts only partially buttoned. Her eyes were barely half open. "Do I smell pancakes?" she asked.
"Yes," he said. "I'll have the first batch ready shortly... Would you like some hot chocolate?"
"Please," she said.
He took the mug from the microwave and handed it to her. She held the cup in her hands, inhaling the aroma, then taking a sip.
"That's good," she sighed.
"Starting to wake up?"
"A little," she said. "For some reason, I'm just really tired... I'm sure I wouldn't know why."
He smiled, then shook his head. "I just can't imagine..."
She opened her bottle of prenatal vitamins and removed one of the pills. Looking at it, she cringed.
"These things are huge," she muttered, popping it in her mouth. She filled a cup with water and swallowed the pill. "It always feels like I'm going to choke on it."
With the first batch of pancakes finished, he placed several on a plate and handed it to her.
"Thank you," she said, taking the plate and sitting down.
He prepared more pancakes, while drinking some coffee. After a few minutes, he moved to the table with more pancakes, placing some on her plate, then sitting down to eat.
"Thanks, Mamo-chan," she said.
"You're welcome, my love," he replied with a loving smile.
She seemed to perk up as she ate. Looking up at him, she smiled happily, enjoying being able to share breakfast with him like this, as if they were already married.
"I love you, Mamo-chan," she sighed.
"I love you," he said.
"I just like reminding you of that, my prince."
"I don't think I could ever forget, my beautiful princess," he said with a grin. "But I never get tired of hearing it."
"Can you live with waking up to this for the rest of your life?" she asked.
He nodded. "Most definitely, Usako... and our little one, when she comes."
" 'She'? Do you know something I don't, Mamo-chan?"
"No... But from what I remember of the Silver Millennium, it seems the first child for a Sailor Senshi was always a girl... If that still holds true, it does seem to make it more likely that we'll have a girl."
She smiled. "A girl would be nice...," she said thoughtfully.
"With your eyes and smile," he said, his eyes going slowly over the exquisitely beautiful young woman he loved so very much.
"But I also like the thought of a boy who looks like you," she said, smiling dreamily.
He chuckled softly.
"What?" she asked.
"Maybe we'll get one of each."
"Twins?" A happy grin formed on her face, then faded, her eyes going wide. "Oh, gods. Can you imagine how big I'd get if it is twins?"
"You'll still be the most beautiful woman in the world to me, Usako," he said. "Nothing could ever change that."
She smiled at him. "Mamo-chan, you're so sweet," she sighed.
"I love you more than anything," he said softly. "I consider myself incredibly blessed to have your love, and to be starting a family with you."
Her cheeks flushed slightly. "I'm the one who's been blessed, Mamo-chan. You're the best thing that has ever happened to me... I am soooo looking forward to being your wife."
He leaned over and kissed her. "I'm really looking forward to that too, my love."
She grinned, then turned back to her food with her usual relish. "Hmmm. A husband who is sweet, romantic, very handsome, incredibly sexy, pure magic in bed... and he can cook... am I lucky or what?"
He laughed. "As long as my beautiful princess is pleased..."
"Oh, yes," she said. "Very pleased... I just hope I can make my prince as happy."
"You do, my love. You most certainly do."
"I'm glad, Mamo-chan... I'm very glad."
They continued eating. She looked at him and grinned. A wave of giggles swelled up within her, growing into outright laughter.
"What is it?" he asked.
"I was just thinking," she said, trying to control her laughter. "If it is a girl... what it will be like when she gets older and brings her first boyfriend home to meet us..."
His eyes widened slightly as she continued to laugh.
"I can just see the poor boy being met at the door by the great Tuxedo Kamen... like he was the worst youma ever conjured up by the Dark Kingdom," she said, shaking with laughter.
He smiled, laughing softly with her. "If that's the case... then while the boy is cowering in fright before me, it will be the beautiful Sailor Moon who delivers the final blow that turns him into so much moondust... That's the way it always works, my love."
She grinned, then nodded. "We make a good team, Mamo-chan."
"That we do," he said, taking hold of her hand. "And I'm sure you'll restrain me if I become that overly protective."
"And you'll restrain me?" she asked.
"If necessary, my love," he said. "But remember, our daughter will probably be the future Sailor Moon... so she should be just as capable of taking care of herself as you are."
She nodded in understanding. "She could get powers from both of us..." She burst out laughing again. "If the boy got fresh... he might not live long enough... to face the wrath of Tuxedo Kamen!"
"Or of Sailor Moon," he added.
They sat there laughing, and wiping tears from their eyes.
"Well... we won't have to face that for a while yet," he finally said.
She nodded.
They finished eating, and cleared away their dishes. He kissed her softly, before they walked together into the bathroom. After turning on the water, he unbuttoned her shirt and slipped it back off her shoulders, letting it drop to the floor. His eyes swept admiringly over her naked form.
"You are so beautiful, Usako," he said softly.
She untied his robe and slipped it off, running a hand gently over his chest. "And you are incredibly handsome, my prince."
They stepped into the shower and began slowly and lovingly washing each other. He turned her around, carefully wetting the long, flowing streams of her hair. She gathered it up, and he applied some shampoo, working the lather through it. Released, her hair tumbled back down over her back with a flow of suds. Running his hands down through the full length, he rinsed it clean.
"You're so sweet, Mamo-chan," she sighed. "This is so much easier with you helping me."
"It's always my pleasure," he replied.
They finished washing themselves and stepped out of the shower. He handed her a towel and kissed her, then helped her sweep a towel along her hair.
She wrapped herself in her towel, and plugged in the hair dryer. As she turned it on, he picked up brush and swept it gently through her hair. She smiled at him in the mirror. He smiled back lovingly, continuing to help with her hair.
He thoroughly enjoyed the feel of her hair, even wet. There was something tremendously pleasurable in such a simple act as brushing her hair.
She finally turned off the hair dryer and set it down. Sighing happily, she stood there as he continued to softly brush her hair. She loved having him do this, enjoying the feel of being pampered that it gave.
"This is nice," she said.
"I'm glad you like it," he told her.
"I don't know how I managed this alone, Mamo-chan."
He smiled. "You've obviously done quite well, my love, because you always look absolutely beautiful."
"Thank you," she replied. "But it's so much nicer having you help me with it."
"And I love doing it, Usako."
They turned their attention to putting her hair up in its usual odangos. When they finished, he retrieved his razor and shaved. She slid her hand softly over her face, then kissed his cheek.
"It meets with my approval, Mamo-chan," she said, giggling.
"That's what I wanted to know, my love."
They then returned to the bedroom to get dressed.
"Are you picking me up after school today?" she asked.
"I'm afraid I can't," he said. "I have an afternoon study group today, and then I want to spend some time working out... Can't have the great Tuxedo Kamen getting flabby, now can we?"
"Absolutely not," she said. "And I do my best to keep you well exercised, my prince."
He grinned. "You certainly do, my love. But sometimes it takes more than just that."
She nodded. "I understand... I'll miss you this afternoon."
"I always miss you when we're not together, Usako."
He took her in his arms and kissed her.
"Are you ready to go?" he asked.
"I think so. Just need to pick up my books and my backpack," she said.
They walked back into the living room.
"Don't forget your vitamins," he said, spotting the bottle on the kitchen counter.
"Thanks," she said, taking the bottle from him and putting it in her backpack.
He picked up his own briefcase and they moved to the door. They each slipped on their shoes, kissed again, then walked outside.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Usagi and Ami sat together after eating lunch.
"I take it you had a very good night, Ami-chan," Usagi said with a smile. "You've looked incredibly happy all morning."
Ami blushed, a bright smile forming on her face. She glanced around nervously, then nodded. "It was the most wonderful thing," Ami sighed.
"I'm so happy for you," Usagi said, not wanting Ami to feel pressed to offer details.
"I did learn something which you and the other Senshi should know," Ami said. "Ryo and I were lovers in the past, in the Silver Millennium."
Usagi's eyebrows went up in surprise. "Really? You're sure?"
Ami nodded. "I was experiencing memories of the past, and kept seeing him. At first, I thought my feelings were playing tricks on my memories, but I cleared my mind and focused on it, and the images only became clearer. He was definitely there."
"So, you and he were meant to find each other again," Usagi said.
Ami nodded. "And I feel so much more complete now that we're really together."
"I know just the feeling," Usagi said. She rubbed her chin thoughtfully. "I wonder if the other girls have soul-mates waiting for them as well..."
Ami leaned closer. "One of my memories of being with Ryo was of a grand ball. You and Mamoru were there, of course, and I'm pretty sure each of the other girls had dates... but I have no idea who they were."
Usagi nodded her understanding. "I'm afraid that doesn't prove much. I doubt a royal princess would go to such a ball stag."
"No, she definitely would not," Ami agreed. "Should we ask Luna about this?"
Usagi hesitated. "No," she finally said. "I'm afraid Luna might think finding boyfriends for each of the Senshi to be a distraction..."
"But it's not," Ami insisted. "The support Ryo offers me just by his presence in my life..."
"I understand completely," Usagi said, holding up her hand. "And I fully agree with you... If the other girls do have soul-mates waiting for them, then finding them can only help the girls... but all I'm saying is I don't think Luna will look at it that way."
"So, what do we do?" Ami asked. "I don't have enough information to put together a search program for my computer."
Usagi thought for a moment. "Let's ask Artemis. He might be more receptive than Luna," Usagi said. "Also, Rei might be able to learn something from the sacred fire."
"Of course," Ami said. "I'm surprised that didn't occur to me... And in particular, Rei should be able to find her own soul-mate that way."
"That's just what I was thinking," Usagi said. Just then, a thought occurred to her. She leaned closer and lowered her voice to a whisper. "Uhm, Ami-chan... I don't mean to intrude... but... ah... did you and Ryo... remember to... uh... to use... protection?"
Ami's eyes widened in shock. "Of course," she said, keeping her voice low. "But... now that you mention it..." Her gaze dropped to the ground, and she looked embarrassed.
"What?" Usagi asked, concerned.
"Well... I'm afraid... the thought of protection... didn't occur to me at the time," Ami said quietly. "Ryo remembered it at the last moment... If he hadn't... we would have..."
"I understand," Usagi said.
"But... I don't know why I didn't think about it," Ami said, shaking her head. "I mean, I've known about reproduction for years... and I'm about two weeks into my cycle, which is the most likely time for conception... but none of that even occurred to me at the time."
Usagi placed her hand on Ami's. "I know what happened," Usagi said. "I should have told you and the others about it right away."
"What do you mean? What is it?"
"Queen Serenity explained it to me... During the Silver Millennium, it was standard for both women and men to use a form of magical protection that prevented both disease and conception," Usagi said quietly. "It was completely passive."
"Passive?" Ami asked.
Usagi nodded. "That's what Queen Serenity said. Today's birth control requires you to use a condom or for the woman to take a pill every day, if I understand that part correctly..."
"That's right," Ami said, nodding.
"It's something you have to think about, to make sure you do it correctly," Usagi said. "But in the Silver Millennium, we didn't have to think about it; the birth control spell was always there. When a man and woman were ready to have children, they had to... turn it off, I guess you'd say... Back then, we were able to take it for granted..."
Ami nodded in understanding. "And because this assumption was so deeply ingrained, it has remained with us in this life."
"That's right," Usagi said. "Using birth control never occurred to Mamoru and me."
"And that would explain what you meant when you said that Serenity and Endymion unknowingly thwarted the prophecy," Ami said. "If they thought it only meant sexual intimacy, they would never have bothered to remove their birth control spells."
"Exactly," Usagi agreed. "But it also means that all of us have inherited, without being aware of it, the conviction that we can take it for granted."
"But... why did Ryo think of it?" Ami asked, as much of herself as of Usagi.
"I'm not sure," Usagi said. "Wait a minute... Do you remember when you first became Sailor Mercury?... in this life, I mean..."
"Of course," Ami said. "But what does that have to do with it?"
"In those first battles, Luna didn't have to tell you everything you needed to do, did she?"
"No, she didn't," Ami admitted. "You think we regained enough of our memory right away to know how to use our powers?"
"And with that would probably come something as primal as taking birth control for granted," Usagi said, nodding.
"But Ryo wouldn't have any such memory yet," Ami completed. "So he did think of birth control."
"That sounds right," Usagi said. "But it also means you and the others will be particularly dependent on your young men to take that precaution... since neither you nor I thought of it in the heat of the moment."
Ami nodded slowly, seeing that Usagi was correct.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Classes had finished for the day, and Usagi changed out of her school uniform, now wearing the skirt and blouse she had worn to the movie with Mamoru the day before. She walked outside, finding it still chilly. A bus pulled up soon after she reached the street, and she climbed aboard.
"Usagi-chan!"
Usagi turned to see Minako sitting at the rear of the bus. "Hi, Minako-chan," she said, as she sat down next to her.
"Where are you heading?" Minako asked.
"The university," Usagi said.
"Ahhh, going to visit the husband, are you?" Minako asked, grinning.
Usagi glared at Minako briefly. "Yes," she said. "I am."
Minako grinned happily. "I just love to see people in love," she sighed. "That comes from being the senshi of love, you know."
"Where are you going?" Usagi asked. "This bus doesn't take you home."
"I know," Minako said. "Actually, I'm trying to waste some time... I don't really want to head home yet... Are you interested in heading to the mall?"
"I don't think so," Usagi said. "I want to see Mamoru, and then Mom said I have to be home for dinner. After she let me stay out last night, I can't afford to upset her."
"I understand," Minako said. "My mom's been in a foul mood the last few days, and since we've clashed a lot of the past few years, I've been doing my best to stay out of her way."
Usagi nodded. "Did you see Ami and Ryo leave together yesterday?" she asked.
"Yes," Minako answered, her grin returning. "I had a feeling about those two."
"Well, I have a special task for the senshi of love," Usagi said, keeping her voice low.
"Really? What do you need?" Minako asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Ami discovered that Ryo is her soul-mate from the Silver Millennium," Usagi explained.
"That's so wonderful," Minako said with a smile.
"That leads me to wonder if you, Rei, and Makoto each have your own soul-mate waiting for you," Usagi said.
Minako's eyes went wide. "That's entirely possible," she said.
"I don't want to bring this up with Luna," Usagi said. "I'm afraid she'd see this as only a distraction... but I thought Artemis might remember something about the past that could be helpful."
Minako nodded. "I can ask him."
"Rei might be able to find something with the sacred fire," Usagi continued. "And if you have any insights to offer..."
"OK. I'll keep alert," Minako said. "If I get any vibes concerning any of us, I'll let you know."
"Ami said she realized it when she started seeing Ryo in memories of the Silver Millennium," Usagi said. "You might want to see if you can remember yourself being with someone in particular back then."
"Alright," Minako said.
"Oh... there's one more thing," Usagi said, pulling out a note pad and scribbling.
Minako glanced over at what she was writing, her curiosity increasing then turning to amazement.
Usagi wrote: 'Learned from Queen Serenity that magic was used for birth control back then. Men and women didn't have to think about it. Took it for granted. In the present, Ami and I both did that. Fortunately for Ami, Ryo did think of it, and was prepared. All the Senshi need to be aware of this, since you will probably react the same way.' She tore the sheet from her pad and handed it to Minako.
Minako read it again, her eyes going wide as the full meaning of it sank in. "So... that's how you and Mamoru..."
Usagi nodded. "And why Endymion and Serenity didn't."
"That's why that prophecy you mentioned didn't come true back then," Minako realized.
"That's right," Usagi said. "But you will all have to be very careful."
"Of course," Minako agreed.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Usagi and Minako walked into the athletics building of the university.
"Where are we going?" Minako asked.
"Mamo-chan said he'd be working out," Usagi said.
They entered a lobby area. Several bulletin boards hung along the walls, covered with schedules and notices. Ahead of them, a tall sandy-haired young man with clearly Western features stood with a young man and a young woman, both Japanese. The sandy-haired man looked at them.
"Hello," he said. "May I help you with anything?"
"Yes," Usagi replied. "I'm looking for Chiba Mamoru. I'm his girlfriend."
"Oh, so you're the one we have to thank," he said, a large grin forming on his face.
"Excuse me?" Usagi asked, confused.
"Mamoru-san used to be really reserved and standoffish," he explained. "Most people here thought he was just a spoiled rich kid, until his friend Motoki-san explained that Mamoru had lost his family when he was young. In the last few months, however, he's become much more sociable and open. We figured he had to be in love."
Usagi smiled happily. "Thank you. We've been very happy together. My name is Tsukino Usagi."
"A pleasure to meet you, Tsukino-san," he said. "I'm Geoff Kelley. This is Fujimori Tetsuro." He indicated the other man. "And this is Abe Keiko." Geoff nodded toward the woman.
"It is an honor to meet you all," Usagi said with a bow. "This is my friend, Aino Minako."
"It is a pleasure," Minako said. "Fujimoro-san. Abe-san. Mister Kelley." She addressed Geoff in English.
"You speak English?" Geoff asked in English.
Minako nodded. "I spent about two years in England," she said, still in English. She then reverted to Japanese. "My family came back to Japan several months ago."
"It is a pleasure to meet you both," Tetsuro said. "I believe Mamoru-san is down the hall in the weight room... But Geoff-san, weren't we supposed to play volleyball this afternoon. Where's Asako-san?"
"I haven't seen her at all today," Geoff said. "So I guess we'll have to cancel."
Minako perked up, grinning. "I play. If you wouldn't mind, I'd be happy to be your fourth," she said.
Geoff looked at her. "If you're sure you wouldn't mind?"
"Not at all," Minako said. "I just need to change."
"Thank you, Aino-san," Keiko said. "The women's locker room is right over there." She gestured down the hall.
"Thank you. I'll be right back," Minako said. "And please... you may call me Minako."
As the three university students nodded, Minako hurried away to change.
Keiko turned to Usagi. "Excuse me, Tsukino-san, but I couldn't help noticing your ring. I take it congratulations are in order for you and Mamoru-san."
Usagi blushed and smiled. "Thank you... We've been, uhm, trying to keep it quiet... I'm sure you can imagine the fuss the gossip columns would make... The heir to the Chiba fortune and all."
"Of course," Tetsuro said, nodding.
Geoff laughed softly. "I have to tell you, Tsukino-san... there are a few women around here who would split a gut if they found out you've taken Mamoru-san off the market..."
"Oh, he is most definitely off the market," Usagi said.
"Several have been fooling themselves with hopes that they could be the one to break through his reserve," Geoff said. "But congratulations on your engagement."
"Thank you," Usagi said, nodding.
Just then, Minako returned wearing a pair of blue shorts and a t-shirt with 'Sailor V' emblazoned on it.
Keiko smiled, trying to suppress a giggle. "I should have known," she said softly. "It didn't occur to me that you're cultivating the Sailor V look."
Usagi laughed. "Actually, you could almost say that Minako originated the Sailor V look."
The others looked at her in surprise.
"Uhm, that's right," Minako said. "The, uh, the real Sailor V never really let herself be seen up close... so when they wanted to do a manga, and then an anime, and then a doll, I was chosen to model her. So... the face on the Sailor V doll is basically mine, not hers."
"And the promotional tour they did for the Sailor V movie a few months ago?" Tetsuro asked.
"That was me," Minako confirmed. "It was my last appearance as Sailor V. With Sailor Senshi appearing here in Japan my father and I both thought it was becoming too dangerous... since some maniac might think I was the real Sailor V... But, I still get all the Sailor V merchandise for free, and I get a payment every time they use one of the images I modeled."
"That must have been fun," Geoff said, his eyes going over her admiringly.
"Well," Usagi said, noticing Geoff's reaction to Minako with a smile. "I don't wish to be rude, but I also don't want to keep you from your game, and I want to go see Mamoru."
"Of course," Keiko said with a nod. "It was a pleasure meeting you."
Usagi nodded, turning and heading down the hall.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Minako followed Geoff, Tetsuro, and Keiko into a small indoor volleyball court. Tetsuro picked up a ball, and he and Keiko took their place on one side of the net. Minako joined Geoff on the other side.
"We'll take it easy on you today, Geoff-san," Tetsuro said. "Out of consideration for your new partner."
Geoff scowled at the other two, then turned to Minako. "Don't let them bother you."
She grinned and leaned closer. "Don't worry. I can take care of myself," she said softly, in English. "I was a top player at my school in England, and we were league champions."
He smiled. "Would you object to me placing a little wager on this game?"
"Not at all."
Geoff turned back to the others. "I think you're just bluffing, Tetsuro-san," he said in Japanese. "How about putting your money where your mouth is. Say, 500 yen?"
"You're on, Mister Kelley," Tetsuro replied with a grin.
Minako giggled softly.
Keiko served. Minako watched closely as the ball came over the net, crouching at the ready. She vaulted into the air, hitting the ball hard for a crushing spike. Tetsuro dove for it, but Minako had carefully aimed her shot to be just out of his reach.
"Uh oh," Keiko said softly.
Tetsuro nodded as he climbed back to his feet. "I think we've just been had," he muttered.
Geoff exchanged a high-five with Minako. "That was outstanding," he told her. "Hey, Tetsuro-san. Still think my new partner is a pushover?"
"She's good..." Tetsuro said. "But that was just a lucky shot."
Minako just smiled, then raised her hand in the V-for-victory sign.
Geoff laughed. "You know, I'd be willing to let you out of the wager for half."
"No way," Tetsuro said. "Let's play. Your serve."
Minako picked up the ball and stepped back. She saw Tetsuro and Keiko both dropping back, expecting her to deliver a hard, powerful serve. Instead, she arced it in a high lob. Keiko rushed forward, getting under the ball to keep it alive. Tetsuro sent it back across the net, only to have Geoff return the volley. Keiko hit the ball back. The volley continued. Geoff hit it hard, only to have Tetsuro return it immediately. Minako jumped up to deliver another powerful spike, sending the ball crashing between her two opponents.
"Our point!" Minako declared.
"Great shot!" Geoff exclaimed happily.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Usagi entered the weight room, finding Mamoru at the bench press machine. He was wearing a pair of dark shorts and a t-shirt that clung to his chest. She smiled, admiring the contours of his body.
He glanced over. "Usako!" he exclaimed. "I wasn't expecting you here."
"I wanted to surprise you, Mamo-chan," she said.
She knelt down beside him and kissed his lips.
"Did you miss me?" she asked with a grin.
"Of course, my love," he said. "I always miss my beautiful princess."
She kissed him again. "You are the sweetest man," she said softly. "To say nothing of being just incredibly sexy."
"I like knowing I can drive my princess crazy," he said.
"Oh, yes. You certainly can do that," she sighed.
"How was your day?" he asked.
"It was OK," she said. "I have learned a few things. Ryo was Ami's soul-mate in the past, and I now think the other girls may have soul-mates waiting for them too."
"That's very interesting," he said, considering it.
"But I also learned Ami experienced the same thing we did, giving no thought to... protection," she said.
Mamoru's eyes widened. "Do you know if they...?"
She shook her head. "Ami said Ryo remembered it at the last moment, and took precautions... But I need to alert the other girls to this."
He nodded. "Yes... I don't think any of them need to get pregnant so soon."
"I agree," she said. "Although if they find someone they really love, I wouldn't begrudge any of them the type of happiness I'm experiencing, Mamo-chan... but I am concerned about it happening when they don't intend it to."
He smiled up at her, seeing clearly how much she cared for her friends. "You're such a wonderful young woman, Usako," he sighed.
"And all yours, Mamo-chan," she added happily.
"That's the part I like the most," he said. "I'm just sorry we can't be together this evening."
"So am I," she said softly. "But maybe we can spend some time together tomorrow afternoon."
"I think we can work something out," he said with a smile. "May I drive you to school in the morning?"
"Of course you may," she said. "I always like that."
He nodded, and they kissed again.< To be continued >
* * * * * * * * * * * *
NOTE: I've used the character Geoff Kelley in other stories, but this one is in a separate reality from those ones, so not all the background I've laid out for him in other stories will apply here. More to come.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.
-12.21.2001