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 28 - Puzzles <

        Rei awoke early as usual. She slipped out of bed and pulled on a robe. Glancing out the window, she saw the Temple grounds covered in a thin layer of ice as freezing rain continued to fall. High winds whistled around the buildings, and she could vaguely make out that one of the trees had been knocked down. She was slightly surprised to find they still had electricity as she walked to the bathroom. Yuuichirou passed her in the hall, looking still sleepy as he carried a bag slung over his shoulder.
        "I wouldn't go out if you don't have to, Rei-chan," he said. "It's a real mess out there."
        "Where are you going?" she asked.
        "I'm going to spread some de-icing salt on the main path and the steps down to the street," Yuuichirou said. "And your grandfather gave me a caution sign to post at the bottom of the steps."
        She nodded in understanding. "Be careful... I've seen Grandfather tumble down those steps once... but he was a lot younger then."
        Yuuichirou laughed. "Young or not, I still think his bones must be made of rubber... I always thought I was in decent shape, but I can't bounce half as well as he does."
        As Yuuichirou walked away, Rei entered the bathroom and closed the door behind her. She emerged several minutes later, brushing her hair as she returned to her room. Retrieving her temple robes from her closet, she dressed. She sat on her bed and continued brushing her long, raven hair.
        Setting her brush down, she left her room and knelt in front of the sacred fire for her morning meditation. She took a slow, deep breath and cleared her mind, then performed the ritual, her fingers dancing through the motions with practiced skill. The fire flared and she saw a face, definitely that of a man. She'd never seen him before, but could sense a considerable power about him. Wondering if this might be a new Dark Kingdom commander, possibly the one behind this freak storm, she tried to focus her concentration, probing for more information. The face disappeared, and instead she found herself looking at a small island, apparently the one Ami had mentioned last night. She sensed powerful energies there, determining that this must be the power that was manipulating the storm. Probing still more, she became increasingly convinced that the Dark Kingdom was behind this.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

        Usagi lay still in bed, her young body draped comfortably over her future husband's. She enjoyed the feel of his warmth next to her, and loved waking up next to him. Mamoru's breathing was slow and steady, suggesting he was still asleep.
        She thought back over the past several months. Only a few months ago, she'd been just an ordinary young girl looking to survive her second year of junior high school, and her most serious concern had probably been trying to decide between buying a new skirt or the latest manga. The only thing she had known of Sailor Senshi was Sailor V. But since then, she'd learned she was Sailor Moon, and had met the incredibly hunky Tuxedo Kamen. In the very handsome formally-attired hero, she had found the man of her dreams. Those last few months now seemed like a lifetime to her. She was almost a completely different person now. She was still only fourteen, but now was deeply and passionately in love with the man she was going to marry, and happily carried their child inside her. At the beginning of the year, she would never have imagined any of this was possible, but now she could no longer imagine her life not being this way.
        A bright smile spread across her face as she lay there. She knew she was still very young, but when she was with him, she didn't feel that way. Laying next to him in what was definitely their bed, she knew this was just where she belonged. Despite her age, she knew she was no longer a young girl who still needed to be living with her parents, but was now a young woman who was ready to live with the man she loved. She knew with absolute certainty that she was now ready to be his wife and was eagerly looking forward to motherhood.
        She let their link drift deeper, sensing the peacefulness of his thoughts as he slept. Even asleep, his mind reached out to her, and she calmed her own thoughts to keep from waking him. She still thrilled to the intimacy they shared between them, their souls joined together forever as one. They were two halves of one magnificent whole. She knew she had to be his wife; neither could live without the other.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

        Mamoru smiled as he awoke, sensing that their link had deepened. He could feel her happiness, which matched his own from having her there with him.
        As he opened his eyes, he enfolded her in his arms, holding her close. He sighed happily, knowing he wanted to wake up to this every morning for the rest of his life.
        "Sleep well, my love?" he asked.
        She nodded. "Of course, Mamo-chan... How about you?"
        "Very well," he sighed, caressing her softly.
        "I'm glad." She stirred slightly, then frowned with disappointment. "But I'm afraid I have to get up."
        "I understand," he said.
        "I don't want to get up," she groaned. "I want to just cuddle here with you... but I have to."
        She moved off of him, then slipped out of bed and walked into the bathroom.
        He lay there for a moment, then sat up and got out of bed, reaching for his robe. Walking into the kitchen, he switched on the coffee maker, then turned on the television.
        She emerged from the bathroom and pulled on her own robe. "Is the weather still bad?" she asked.
        "Yes," he replied. "We've had freezing rain all night. The entire city is effectively shut down."
        "Well, at least there is one bit of good news in this mess," she said with a grin. "No school!... I get to spend the whole day with the man I love."
        He smiled, drawing her into his arms and kissing her. "I must say I do like that idea, Usako."
        They turned and headed back to the kitchen.
        "What do you want for breakfast?" he asked.
        She smiled and shook her head. "I'll make breakfast, Mamo-chan... A wife should be able to cook for her husband."
        He smiled at her enthusiasm, knowing how important this was to her. "OK," he said. "Surprise me, my love." He kissed her, then walked back to the bathroom.
        She made herself some hot chocolate, then retrieved the eggs from the refrigerator and began chopping up vegetables.
        He returned several minutes later to find her at work. "Omelettes?" he asked. "I didn't know you could make those."
        She grinned happily. "Mako-chan has been teaching me for the past several weeks," she said. "I've wanted to learn to be able to cook for you... and I remembered you saying you liked these."
        "Yes, I do like omelettes," he said, watching her work. "What other surprises do you have?"
        "You'll just have to find out," she said with a grin, giggling.
        She soon finished, serving up the omelettes. They were a bit messy in appearance, showing her lack of experience. As he sat down, she watched anxiously to see his reaction. He took a bite, then nodded and smiled.
        "It's very good, Usako," he said, then took another bite. "Very good indeed."
        She smiled happily, taking a bite herself. "Thank you, Mamo-chan. I'm glad you like it."
        He took another bite, and then a sip of his coffee. "What I really like is sharing breakfast with you like this, my love."
        "I like it too," she said. "I just love being with you."
        He leaned over and kissed her. "There's nothing I love more."
        She took a sip of her hot chocolate and they continued to eat.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

        As Geoff stirred, he felt a warm presence next to him. His eyes burst open and he looked around, momentarily disoriented. He soon awoke sufficiently to remember what had happened, looking over to see Minako still asleep beside him. An involuntary shiver went through him as he realized just how bad this could appear, having a young girl of only fourteen asleep in his bed.
        He looked over at her, seeing again just how pretty she looked, sleeping there. He still found it hard to believe just how special he now considered her. They'd only known each other for a few days, and even though they had done little more than play volleyball, he'd still found themselves forming a much closer friendship than he would have expected.
        Minako shifted position and she muttered something under her breath. With a grin, he leaned over and brushed a strand of hair out of her face. She scowled, her eyes remaining closed.
        "Minako-chan... Do you want to wake up?" he asked softly.
        "Hmmm... Let me sleep a little longer, Artemis," she said sleepily, waving her hand in front of her face. "Now go away."
        Geoff looked down at her in surprise, and ran a hand gently along her arm. "Who is Artemis?" he asked.
        Her eyes blinked open and she looked up at him in surprise.
        He drew back slightly. "You're at my apartment, remember? The storm?"
        She glanced around, then nodded. "Yes... I remember... Thank you... I guess I was just a little disoriented at first."
        "That's OK," he said. "I had the same experience."
        "We spent the whole night... in the same bed?" she asked.
        He nodded. "You fell asleep watching the movie, and I didn't want to wake you... I hope you don't mind."
        "Of course not," she said, sitting up. "Actually... I really liked it."
        He smiled. "I have to admit... I liked it too."
        "Thanks... Oh!... But, ah, I've never really, uh, done anything like that," she stammered.
        "I understand," he said softly. "And as I said last night, I try to be a gentleman."
        "Thank you."
        "So... if you don't mind my asking... who is Artemis?" he asked.
        Her eyes went wide. "Artemis?"
        "Before you were completely awake, you seemed to think I was someone you called Artemis," he explained.
        "Oh... Ahm... Well, actually... Artemis is my cat," Minako said. "He, uh, usually jumps on my bed and swats me in the face if I oversleep... It's rather annoying."
        "I would think so," Geoff said.
        "So, uh, is it still storming out?" she asked.
        He glanced out the window. "It certainly looks that way." He picked up the remote and turned on the television, finding more reports about the storm.
        "What a mess," she muttered.
        "Definitely," he agreed. "Do you need to call your parents again?"
        She sighed. "I probably should... but first I need to use the bathroom."
        "OK. Help yourself," he said. "I'm going to start some coffee... Would you like some? Or maybe some hot chocolate?"
        "Hot chocolate would be nice, thanks," she said.
        One order of hot chocolate coming right up," he said with a grin. "And then we'll see what we can come up with for breakfast."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

        Usagi and Mamoru had finished breakfast and were sitting together on the couch watching the television. As they sat there, her eyes suddenly went wide and she gasped.
        "What is it, Usako?" he asked.
        "I just thought of something," she said softly. "I think I have a solution to the other girls' problem... about taking birth control for granted."
        He looked at her, slightly confused. "I, ah, I don't think I follow you."
        "I can't believe I didn't think of it sooner," she said, still staring blankly off into the distance. "I should be able to use the ginzuishou to recreate the spell that protected them all in the Silver Millennium... and then it won't matter if they don't think about it."
        He smiled as understanding dawned on him. "Usako, you are the most wonderful woman," he said, embracing her.
        She knelt on the floor. Energy swirled around her as the ginzuishou appeared just above her chest, washing away her robe and sweeping over her naked form, before covering her in the princess' gown. Her crescent moon shone brightly on her forehead.
        She focused her concentration and energy glowed around her. Four small globes formed in front of her, one blue, one red, one green, and one orange. The globes grew brighter, pulsing, as she added more energy to them, and a small necklace formed in each globe, carrying a small gemstone in the color of the globe.
        Sensing that the spell had properly been embedded in each necklace, Usagi let her energy flow out across the city, quickly locating the other girls, and determining that she would not be placing their secret at risk. Ami sat in her room with Ryo. Rei was alone in her bedroom. Makoto stood in the kitchen of her apartment. Minako sat on the sofa in Geoff's apartment, while Geoff was taking a shower. Usagi let her power flow into each of the girls, and her image appeared to each of them.
        "Usagi-chan!" Minako exclaimed in shock. "What are you doing?"
        "Yes," Rei agreed, surprised both to see Usagi and to hear Minako. "What is this?"
        "I have found a solution to the problem of you all taking birth control for granted," Usagi said. "I have a way to restore the protective spell our past selves used in the Silver Millennium."
        "Are you sure?" Ami asked.
        Usagi nodded. "I've used the ginzuishou to recreate the spell," she said. "Now I just need permission from each of you to apply it to you."
        Ami glanced over at Ryo, then nodded. "I certainly have no objection," she said. "I don't know how the rest of you feel, but from my own experience I think it is an absolute necessity."
        "Ahm... What would we have to do to make it work properly?" Makoto asked.
        "If you agree, I'll apply the spell to each of you with the ginzuishou, and it will take effect right away," Usagi said. "After that, you will each have a special necklace. You will need to wear it, or at least have it on you, for at least four hours each day to keep the spell going."
        "And if we leave it off?" Rei asked.
        "The spell will go dormant, and you will again be able to get pregnant," Usagi answered.
        "Is this going to cause any problems by interrupting our cycles?" Ami asked. "That could throw hormones out of balance."
        Usagi shook her head. "The spell is principally a barrier. The crystal has shown me how it works, and it looks like your cycle will continue as normal, but with a magical barrier preventing conception."
        Ami nodded. "That makes sense... So, then if I was to let the spell go dormant it would depend on where I was in my cycle for my chances of getting pregnant right away."
        "That's how I understand it," Usagi said. "But as I've said, I'll only apply it if you want me to."
        "Well, I certainly am agreeable," Ami said right away.
        "I guess so," Makoto said. "I haven't had a need for it so far, I'm afraid... but it does sound like a reasonable precaution."
        "I agree," Rei said. "It certainly couldn't hurt."
        Minako nodded, glancing back in the direction of Geoff's bathroom as she heard the water turned off. "Sure," she said.
        Usagi closed her eyes and energy swirled around each of the girls, applying the initial spell to them. In only moments the energy faded. The globes faded from in front of Usagi, reappearing in front of each girl according to her Senshi color. Each globe dissolved, leaving the necklace sitting in front of each girl.
        "The spell will remain with you even if you do decide to let it go dormant," Usagi explained. "But if any of you has any problems with it, just let me know and I can remove it."
        Ami picked her necklace up and clasped it around her neck. "Thank you, Usagi-chan," she said. "I really appreciate this."
        Usagi nodded. "I know I am just overjoyed with the way things have worked out for me, but I wanted each of you to be able to make that decision for yourselves... when you feel the time is right."
        "Thank you, Usagi-chan," Minako said, glancing back again. "But I think I need to go now."
        "I understand," Usagi said. "I'll talk with you all later."
        The glow of Usagi's crystal faded, ending her signal to each of the other girls.
        Mamoru crouched beside her and embraced her. "I am very proud of you, Usako. You are incredible."
        She smiled at him happily and kissed him. "They've done so much for me, Mamo-chan. They didn't ask for any of this. If I can offer them a means of protecting themselves, then I have to make it available."
        He kissed her in return. "Of course, my love... That's part of what makes you such a wonderful woman."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

        After Usagi's image had faded, Ami reached for her Mercury computer
        "Do you feel any different?" Ryo asked.
        "Not really," Ami said.
        She opened her computer and ran a scan, examining the readings closely.
        "It's definitely working," she said. "Just as Usagi said, there's a magic barrier in place... Apparently it forms a buffer around the egg, preventing the sperm from ever getting to it."
        "That certainly should do it," Ryo agreed.
        She looked at him and grinned. "Should we test our theory, my love?"
        "Are you sure?" he asked. "You're not exactly at a good time in your cycle to risk being wrong."
        She slipped off her robe and edged toward him, naked except for her necklace. "I'm quite sure I'm not wrong," she said, beginning to untie his robe. "Do you see any indication that it won't work?"
        He struggled to focus his concentration even as she peeled off his robe and swept her hands over his chest. "I... I guess not," he said softly.
        Ami smiled, then pressed her lips to his, kissing him deeply and passionately while rubbing herself over his rapidly swelling member.
        "Oh, Ami," he groaned.
        She steered him back toward her bed, still pressing her body against his. He sat down on the bed and she crouched down to kiss the swollen tip of his manhood. She ran her tongue softly over his tip, then took him in her mouth while holding his shaft in her hand. His low groan told her of the pleasure he was experiencing. She rubbed her lips over the base of his tip, bringing a soft gasp from him. Her hand stroked the smooth, taut flesh of his shaft, and she could feel it throbbing at her touch.
        He lay back on the bed, feeling the soft, wet silkiness of her tongue and mouth sweeping over his member. She pulled back, then ran her tongue along his full length. Reaching the tip again, she took it back in her mouth, sucking at it passionately.
        "Oh, gods," he gasped.
        She grinned, then swept her tongue over his tip. His shaft throbbed in her hand, and she lowered her mouth over him. She could already taste some of his fluid on her tongue, licking and sucking him still more eagerly. He groaned and his entire body shook as a spasm swept through him. She clung to him excitedly, feeling him thrust up toward her in the full power of climax, pouring his fluid into her mouth.
        She gulped it down, then kissed his tip once more, before sliding up alongside him on the bed.
        "I love you," she whispered.
        "I love you, Ami," he sighed.
        As she lay her head back on the pillow, he rolled over and kissed her, while his hand caressed her breast. She sighed with delight as their tongues danced together and his finger brushed over her nipple. He slid down, pressing his lips over her nipple and suckling it passionately. His hand slid down over her abdomen and between her legs, his finger stroking her nether lips.
        She gasped softly, feeling his finger sliding over her opening, and his lips and tongue on her nipple. His finger slid through her nether lips and brushed her highly aroused jewel.
        "Oh, yes!" she cried, a passionate tremor sweeping through her.
        He stroked his finger very softly over her jewel, feeling her respond to his touch. His tongue swept over her nipple, before he seized it again in his mouth, suckling it determinedly. He rubbed her jewel once more, then plunged two fingers into her channel.
        She gasped as his fingers slid into her, stroking her insides with firm strokes. Waves of intense pleasure coursed through her, radiating outward from her breast and her channel. His fingers continued to probe into her, sweeping her higher and higher into realms of raw passion.
        "Oh, gods!" she gasped. "Oh!... Oh, yes!... Oh, yes!"
        He drew his fingers back to brush her jewel once more. As her body shook in response, he thrust his fingers back into her as deep as he could manage. She cried out as his fingers probed deep inside her, and her body locked up in the full power of orgasm.
        He slipped his fingers out of her, coated in her warm honey. Moving up, he brushed his lips over hers.
        "Oh, Ryo," she sighed, her voice thick with love and passion. "Please... make love to me."
        He kissed her again. "Are you sure about this, darling?" he asked. "We don't have to test that spell just yet, you know."
        "No," she said firmly. "I really want to do it this way... please!"
        With a nod, he moved over her, immediately feeling her arms enfold him as she pulled him closer. The tip of his manhood quickly found her nether lips. He gasped softly as he felt her lips rubbing over the bare flesh of his tip, and he slid slowly into her warm, moist embrace. Struggling to maintain his control, he steadily pushed into her, feeling her inner muscles grasping at him tightly.
        "Oh, gods," he gasped.
        "Oh yes, my love. Yes," she groaned with delight.
        She clung to him firmly, thrilled to hold him deep inside her yet again, but this time with nothing coming between her and her soul-mate. Sighing in purest joy, she kissed him softly. He was holding himself still, and she guessed the experience was sapping at his own control.
        Slowly, he began to move, pulling back very carefully, then pushing forward. Her inner muscles were stroking his shaft as he moved, flooding him with intense pleasure. He groaned softly, continuing his slow, deliberate motions.
        His pace was driving her crazy as he moved in and out, in and out, with such slow yet firm motions, sliding deep into her where she so desperately wanted him.
        "Oh, yes," she sighed. "So good."
        He nodded, then pressed his lips to hers. His body pushed forward and he began to feel sure enough to pick up his pace. She gasped with delight, and pulled up on him with her hands as he moved. Their lips came together again, and he pushed into her still harder.
        Her insides were on fire. She still could hardly believe that he could stir such overwhelmingly powerful feelings within just by being near her. His shaft plunged into her, filling her up so exquisitely.
        "Oh, yes!... YES!!" she cried, soaring to climax.
        He groaned as her inner muscles clamped down tightly on him with the power of her climax. Holding still, he waited for her to relax a bit, then resumed his motions.
        She swept her hands over his back, then sank her fingers into his bottom and pulled up on him as he moved, thrilling to the feel of his warm mass deep within her, flooding her with such intense ecstasy. Again and again he plunged into her, sweeping her rapidly toward still another peak.
        This time, he felt his own control fast slipping away as his member throbbed and quivered wildly within her.
        "Oh, gods," he groaned, feeling a powerful spasm swelling within him.
        She felt his penis bulging still larger against the constraint of her channel as he moved. One more thrust and she was again swept away to magnificent orgasm, crying out wordlessly in purest ecstasy, while his throbbing member poured his seed deep into her womanhood.
        "Oh, Ami," he sighed, trembling above her, still in the grips of his climactic spasm.
        She ran her hands over his back, feeling herself aglow in pure blissful euphoria as his warmth spread within her.
        He slowly went limp, draping his body over hers, and softly kissing her cheek.
        "That was so wonderful," she sighed. "Just incredible."
        "You are wonderful, my darling," he whispered.
        They lay still for several minutes, just holding each other close, before he finally began to ease himself out of her. She groaned softly as she felt him pulling away.
        She took a breath as he moved off to one side, then began to sit up. "Would you hand me my computer, please?" she asked him.
        He nodded, then picked up her computer from her desk and handed it to her. She flipped it open and ran a scan.
        "It's working perfectly!" she exclaimed happily. "The spell is working just the way it's supposed to."
        He kissed her softly. "I'm so happy that you don't have to worry about that," he said.
        She grinned. "And it's also wonderful that we don't have to stop for anything, my love."
        He kissed her again. "That's always a pleasant thought," he agreed with a smile.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

        Geoff and Minako were just finishing lunch when his phone rang.
        He picked up the phone. "Moshi, moshi... Hey, Hideki-san. Are you surviving this miserable weather? I told you you shouldn't have passed on that trip to Tahiti... What?... What happened?... Oh my God. Was anybody hurt?"
        Minako stepped out of the kitchen, concern growing.
        "Well, that's good," Geoff said into the phone. "What do you need?... Right... I understand." He glanced out the window and cringed. "I think I can make it back. It just may take me a little while... Yeah, I'll be there as soon as I can... No problem, Hideki-san. Of course I'll help... Right... Bye." He hung up the phone.
        "What happened?" Minako asked.
        "A pipe burst in the basement lounge of the Student Union," Geoff said. "No one was seriously hurt, but they need extra hands to help with clean up. They called me because I live nearby."
        Minako nodded. "Do you want me to come along and help?"
        "Probably you'd better not," he said. "I don't mean to sound like some sort of chauvinist... I only mean that it's still really nasty out there, and you don't have a heavy jacket or any sort of work clothes here... and we both know my stuff would be much too big on you."
        "I understand," she said softly, disappointed. "Just be careful."
        "I will," he said, heading back to the bedroom.
        She turned up the volume on the television, seeing a report that the storm was growing worse.
        He soon returned wearing a heavy shirt and jeans. Stopping at the door, he put on a pair of rain pants over his jeans, then stepped into a pair of heavy boots. Lastly he pulled a winter weight rain coat from his closet and put on gloves.
        "Be careful, Geoff," Minako said again. "They're saying the storm is getting worse."
        "I will. Don't worry," he answered. He opened the door. "I'll be back as soon as I can, but this may take a while."
        "I understand," she said.
        He stepped out into the hall and pulled the door closed behind him.
        Minako returned to the kitchen and began cleaning up after their lunch. When she finished, she returned to the living room, sat down on the sofa, and began searching for something on the television other than reports about the storm. As she sat there, she suddenly heard a beeping noise, realizing it was coming from her communicator. She rushed to find her briefcase by the door and retrieve her communicator, pressing the button.
        "The Dark Kingdom is making a move," Rei announced. "If we don't stop them soon, this storm will freeze over the entire city."
        "Do we know where they are?" Usagi asked.
        "There is a small island just off the coast," Rei said. "That's where the energy influencing the storm is coming from."
        "Sounds like a trap," Minako said.
        "I have to agree," Makoto said.
        "It probably is a trap," Ami said. "But Rei is right. The storm is getting worse, and in just a few days, it will freeze the city over."
        "Where is this island?" Usagi asked.
        "It's here," Ami answered, and a map appeared on the communicator screen.
        "How do we get there?" Makoto asked. "With this storm, we can hardly move a few blocks... to say nothing of nearly a hundred kilometers."
        "I think I can handle that," Usagi said. "Everyone transform. I'll use the crystal's power to teleport us all to the island."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

        The Sailor Senshi found a deep cave on the island, making their way carefully down. Tuxedo Kamen stood protectively beside Princess Serenity. As they moved deeper, they found a strange luminescence in the rock, making it seem almost like they were seeing the stars overhead.
        They emerged into a large open cavern, with a series of torches lit along the wall. Sailor Mercury opened her computer and ran a scan.
        "I'm not reading much of anything," Mercury said, shaking her head.
        Just then, a shadowy figure flew toward them.
        "Get down!" Sailor Jupiter yelled.
        Tuxedo Kamen immediately sheltered Princess Serenity.
        Sailor Venus rolled to her feet and raised her arm. "Crescent beam!" Her energy beam struck the racing shadow figure, which screamed, then dissolved.
        "Well, that was pretty easy," Jupiter said.
        "I doubt that's all there is," Serenity said quietly.
        Sailor Mars nodded. "There is much here... and it's evil."
        Two more large figures appeared ahead of them, moving toward them. These two did not fly. Mars and Jupiter stepped forward.
        "I'll take the one on the right," Jupiter said softly.
        "And I'll take the left," Mars agreed.
        "Supreme thunder!" Jupiter cried, unleashing a powerful blast of lighting.
        "Fire soul!" cried Mars, hurling her fire blast.
        Both figures staggered, but kept advancing, showing no sign of serious injury.
        "Uh oh," Jupiter said. "This is not good."
        Mercury quickly put away her computer, and raised her arms. "Shabon spray!" Her freezing fog clouded the air and coated the floor with a thin layer of ice.
        "Crescent beam!" Venus struck one of the figures with her beam, sending it sprawling on the frozen floor.
        "Supreme thunder!" Jupiter hit the second figure, likewise knocking it off its feet.
        Both figures struggled back to their feet, moving slowly forward again.
        Princess Serenity produced her moon stick. The ginzuishou glowed brightly as she swung the stick in an arc, before unleashing its power against the two figures. Both screamed, then collapsed into dust.
        Suddenly, a bright light flooded the room and razor-sharp shards flew at them, sending the Senshi diving to the floor.
        "Welcome to my trap," a voice declared, ringing with malice.
        Jupiter looked up. "It's Kunzite!"
        Serenity and Tuxedo Kamen looked to see the Dark Kingdom commander, immediately being struck by recognition.
        "Kunzite," Tuxedo Kamen whispered softly.
        "He was one of Endymion's commanders," Serenity whispered.
        Tuxedo Kamen nodded. "And a very good friend," he said, powerful emotions surfacing with the memories of the past.
        Jupiter jumped to her feet and moved forward. Kunzite reacted with blinding speed, hurling a large crescent-shaped ebony blade. Jupiter had only just begun to dive aside when it struck her leg, slicing her badly. She fell to the ground in pain. Serenity rushed to Jupiter's side and applied some of the crystal's healing energy while the other girls moved forward to shield her.
        "Shabon spray!" Mercury cried, her freezing fog obscuring Kunzite's vision.
        "Fire soul!"
        "Crescent beam!"
        Mars and Venus struck Kunzite together, but their attacks were harmlessly deflected by his shield. Kunzite waved his hand, sweeping away Mercury's fog, then unleashed a powerful wave of raw energy, battering the Senshi painfully to the ground. Two more ebony blades appeared in his hands, and he hurled these at Serenity. She raised her moon stick in a smooth, fast motion, while the ginzuishou flared, deflecting the blades away harmlessly. Tuxedo Kamen hurled a rose at Kunzite and jumped forward, only to be painfully thrown to the floor. Serenity rushed toward him, her heart filled with anguish.
        "And now princess, the Dark Kingdom shall triumph," Kunzite declared, stepping forward.
        Serenity raised her moon stick again. Suddenly, a field of dark energy swirled around her. The ginzuishou flared, holding the dark energy at bay, but keeping her on the defensive. Kunzite laughed triumphantly, moving toward her.
        Tuxedo Kamen struggled back to his feet, ignoring the pain in his body. Energy swelled within him, and suddenly he stood there in the form of Prince Endymion. He drew his sword and jumped forward. Kunzite turned, but too late. Endymion's sword tore almost effortlessly through Kunzite's shield of dark energy. Kunzite swung his arm, but found Endymion an immoveable object, gasping in pain as his arm felt like he had just struck solid rock. Glaring in outrage at the figure before him, Endymion swung his sword with an angry cry, taking Kunzite's head clean off. There was no blood. Kunzite's body collapsed to the ground like a puppet with its strings cut, then dissolved in a burst of energy. With Kunzite's death, the energy field swirling around Serenity also vanished.
        Jupiter remained on the floor, her leg injured. The other Senshi rushed toward Serenity and Endymion.
        "You killed him!" Venus exclaimed.
        Endymion nodded.
        "He had been Endymion's top commander... in the past," Serenity said quietly.
        "No," Endymion said, shaking his head. "That Kunzite died a thousand years ago... trying to stop Beryl... As did Jadeite, and Nephrite, and Zoisite."
        "Then who... or what... was that?" Mercury asked.
        "A youma of some sort," Mars suggested.
        "That's right," Endymion said. "After each died, his body was possessed by one of Beryl's shadow demons. It was the ultimate perversion of their memories... And if I... my past self... had had the opportunity... Endymion would have killed those demons himself... So, it's only fitting that I be the one to finish off Kunzite."
        Serenity slipped her arm around him and kissed his cheek. "I'm very proud of you, my prince... And I'm sure your former commanders would be too if they could have known... You did what you had to do."
        "Thank you, my love," he said. "It doesn't make it any easier."
        "I know," she said softly, kissing him again.
        Mercury crouched beside Jupiter and scanned with her computer. "Serenity stopped the bleeding, Mako-chan," she said softly. "But it's going to hurt for a while... There's still a lot of damage."
        Jupiter nodded, gritting her teeth. "No kidding... It hurts like crazy."
        The others moved closer, and Serenity knelt alongside Jupiter. Serenity took the ginzuishou in her hand, and it glowed as she passed it over her leg. Mercury watched with amazement as her scanner showed damaged tissue being repaired in just moments. Jupiter took a breath and gingerly stretched her leg.
        "That does feel better," Jupiter said. "Thanks, Usagi-chan."
        Serenity nodded, and the crystal's glow faded. "You probably should take it easy for a few days."
        Mercury checked her scanner again and nodded. "Yes. There is still some bruising left, but that should heal pretty soon."
        Mars helped Jupiter to her feet. Jupiter took a step on her own, but limped as she felt a twinge of pain.
        "Are you OK?" Mars asked, again offering a supportive arm.
        "Just sore," Jupiter said.
        "We'll take you home, Mako-chan," Serenity said, motioning for the others to gather around.
        "Thanks," Jupiter said.
        The ginzuishou's glow enveloped them all and they vanished.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

        They all appeared in Makoto's apartment. Makoto transformed back to normal and sat down on her sofa. The others also transformed.
        "Would someone hand me a pillow to put under my leg?" Makoto asked.
        "Sure thing," Minako said, grabbing a pillow off a chair and putting it under Makoto's bad leg.
        "Thanks," Makoto said.
        Just then, there was a knock at the door. "Mako-chan," a male voice called.
        "That's my friend, Shinozaki," Makoto said. "Would someone please let him in?"
        "What do we tell him?" Rei asked. "He's going to want to know how you got hurt."
        "Uhm... He knows I'm Sailor Jupiter," Makoto said quietly. "I... I've never been able to keep secrets from him... He figured it out pretty quickly, and I knew there was no point in trying to deny it... but he can be trusted."
        Rei stepped to the door and opened it, finding a boy about her own age standing there. He was taller than Rei, with brown hair.
        "Oh... uh... Hello... I'm Asagiri Shinozaki," he said. "I'm a friend of Makoto-chan, and just came by to see how she's surviving the storm."
        "I'm Hino Rei," Rei said. "Please come in."
        Shinozaki nodded, and stepped inside, removing his shoes. He saw Makoto sitting propped up on the sofa.
        "Mako-chan! Are you alright?" he asked, his concern for her evident in both his face and his voice.
        "I'm OK," she said. "I just got my leg a little banged up... That's all."
        "Did you get the bad guy?" he asked, crouching alongside her.
        "We got him," Usagi said softly.
        "She'll be fine, Shinozaki-san," Ami said. "She just has a little residual bruising. And it's a bit painful for her to walk."
        "Yeah, I'll be fine," Makoto agreed. "But these are my friends. Tsukino Usagi, and her fiance, Chiba Mamoru. You met Rei at the door. Mizuno Ami. And Aino Minako."
        "It's nice to meet you all," Shinozaki said.
        "So, how long have you and Makoto known each other?" Minako asked with a grin.
        "Since we were kids," Shinozaki replied. "We've been best friends from the beginning."
        "Just... friends?" Minako asked pointedly, leaning closer to him.
        Makoto leaned over, grabbed another pillow, and smacked Minako with it. "Chill out, miss matchmaker... We're just friends."
        "OK, OK," Minako muttered, shaking her head. "I was just asking."
        "Ignore her, Shinozaki," Makoto said. "She's just nosey."
        Minako scowled.
        "We should get going," Usagi said. "Will you be OK, Mako-chan?"
        Makoto nodded.
        "She'll be fine," Shinozaki said. "I'll stick around to see if she needs any help."
        "I'll be OK," Makoto agreed. "As long as I keep Shinozaki out of my kitchen... He's even more clueless in the kitchen than Minako-chan, if that's possible."
    "I am not clueless," Minako sputtered. "The instructions just weren't clear."
        "I guess not," Makoto said, laughing. "Cook for five minutes at a rolling boil. I guess that is pretty complicated."
        Rei giggled softly, while Minako blushed.
        "Let's go," Usagi said. "Just take it easy, Mako-chan... It was nice to meet you, Shinozaki-san."
        "Thanks, Usagi-chan," Makoto said.
        "Nice to meet you all," Shinozaki said.
        Usagi, Mamoru and the others stepped into Makoto's spare room, where the ginzuishou's glow again enveloped them all, teleporting them away.
        "So, what happened?" Shinozaki asked.
        "The Dark Kingdom commander sliced up my leg pretty badly," Makoto said.
        "Sliced it up? I don't see any sign of a cut or gash," he said.
        She shook her head. "Usagi used her crystal to heal it, but there's still a little bruising left over. It'll be fine in a day or two."
        "OK," he said. "And I'll stick around to make sure you're OK."
        "You're sticking around? What do your parents say about that?"
        "What do you think? They don't mind in the slightest," he said. "They've never minded us having sleepovers."
        "Yeah... but we're not ten anymore," she pointed out.
        He shrugged, then leaned closer and grinned. "Don't trust yourself around me, Mako-chan?"
        She picked up the small pillow again and slapped him with it. "I can control myself just fine, thank you."
        "Then there's nothing to worry about," he said. "So... what's the story with that new necklace? The other girls, except for Usagi, had similar ones."
        "It's kind of a long story," Makoto said. "But you remember what I told you about my having had a past life...?
        He nodded. "You were the queen of Jupiter," he said with a mischievous grin.
        "Princess, you goof," she said, shaking her head in exasperation. "Anyway, back then they used magic for birth control, which meant people didn't have to even think about it. A husband and wife only had to turn the spell off when they wanted to have a baby... But when we all became Sailor Senshi in this life, we somehow regained that conviction that we don't have to worry about it."
        Shinozaki raised his eyebrows and whistled softly. "So... in the heat of passion..."
        She nodded. "Apparently not the slightest thought... Ami's been through it, but fortunately her boyfriend remembered."
        "If somebody did that to you, I'd beat his face in!" he declared firmly.
        She looked up at him in surprise. "Since when did you become a fighter?"
        "I handled myself pretty well in karate class, thank you," he said. "I took down that clown who dumped you, remember... I still say he was a waste of time for you."
        She smiled, remembering that he had always been quite protective toward her. "Well, anyway... Usagi gave us each these necklaces as part of restoring the old birth control spell. She wanted to make sure we were fully protected until we were ready for that to happen."
        "That's a good friend you have," he said.
        "A very good friend," she agreed.
        He stood up. "Can I get you something for your leg? Maybe some liniment, or aspirin, or an ice pack?"
        "Liniment would be nice," she said. "I have some cream in my medicine cabinet."
        He nodded, walking into her bathroom. Returning moments later, he crouched beside her, opened the tube, and squeezed out some cream. She shivered slightly as he applied it to her leg. His hands swept gently along her leg, working in the lotion while still taking care as she was in pain.
        "You know, I had a strange dream the other night," he said. "I think you've been telling me too many stories about your past life."
        "What do you mean?"
        "I had this dream. You and I were at some big costumed ball... and we were dancing together," he said. "It was really strange."
        She looked at him, her eyes going wide. "You're kidding," she said, struggling for breath.
        He shook his head. "No. Not at all," he said. "As I remember, you were wearing this green gown, and you really looked gorgeous."
        She gulped, feeling her heart pounding in her chest. "I, uh, I had the same dream," she said softly. "Only I couldn't see your face."
        He looked up at her. "The same dream... That's really weird."
        "Yes," she said, her voice little more than a whisper. "Really weird."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

        Mamoru held Usagi close, taking down her hair. He leaned down and kissed her.
        "Have I told you lately that I love you, Usako?" he asked.
        She smiled, then kissed him in return. "Yes, my wonderful prince... but you know I never tire of hearing it."
        He embraced her tightly and their lips came together yet again, tongues probing deeply and passionately. Their link deepened, letting each feel the full power of their love.
        She sighed happily as she looked up into his face and those incredibly beautiful blue-gray eyes. Her heart swelled with her love for him, and she was overjoyed to be at home with him, where she truly belonged.
        He looked down into the eyes of this young woman he loved more than anything. For the first time in so many years, he again knew the joy of family. She was now his only real family; she and their child growing in her womb. He held her close, savoring the feel of his future wife in his arms.
        "I love you so much," he sighed. "I don't know what I did to deserve the love of such an incredible young woman, but I am so glad I have you."
        She smiled. "I'm so glad I have you, Mamo-chan... You make me so happy."
        He nodded. "And I intend to keep making you happy, my love, for ever."
        She kissed him again, sighing happily. "I just love that thought."
        He continued to hold her close. "I, uhm, I hate to spoil your mood, Usako... but the storm is already breaking up... so we'll probably have classes tomorrow."
        "I know," she groaned.
        "We really should do some studying, my love."
        She pressed herself against him for a moment, then slid her hands down to the waist of his pants. "We can study later... Right now, I want to make love to my future husband." She opened his pants and started sliding them down.
        "Usako!" He briefly considered resisting, then gave in. As she straightened up, he took hold of her shirt and began lifting it off of her.
        They quickly shed their clothes and he scooped her up in his arms, carrying her into the bedroom. Setting her down, he turned down the bed, then pulled her down into bed with him, kissing her deeply and passionately.
        "Is this what you had in mind, my princess?" he asked.
        "It's certainly getting there," she said, her voice thick with passion.
        She rubbed herself over his swollen hardness, feeling him shake with passionate arousal beneath her. Her lips pressed down over his again, and their tongues danced together.
        He rolled her over, then slid down, spreading her legs open and moving between them. Seeing her nether lips, already dripping wet with her moistness, he moved closer, pressing his lips to her opening.
        "Oh, yes!" she gasped, feeling his tongue sliding into her.
        He could taste her exquisite sweetness as he probed into her with his tongue. Drawing back, he swept his tongue softly along the inside of her lips, then lightly brushed her jewel.
        "Mamo-chan! Yes!" she cried, her body shaking wildly as her swollen, hyper-sensitive pleasure point continued to receive his loving attentions. "Oh!... Oh, gods!... Oh, yes!"
        He ran his tongue down, then slipped it into her channel, drawing more of her sweetness into his mouth. She gasped as he brushed her there. He then returned to her jewel, bringing a soft cry of passionate delight from her. Again and again, with a soft, loving caress, he licked at her jewel, sweeping her ever higher, until her beautiful young body locked up in climax. She cried out with raw ecstasy, as a flood of her sweetness poured out of her.
        "Oh, Mamo-chan," she sighed, as he gently licked her clean.
        He slid up, softly kissing her bare flesh as he went. She sighed and her arms enfolded him. Reaching her breasts, he lovingly kissed each one, still awestruck by their pure perfection, then took one nipple in his mouth, suckling it passionately. She groaned with delight, her hands sweeping over his back.
        "Oh, please," she gasped.
        He brushed his tongue over her nipple, then moved up to passionately kiss her lips. As he pulled back for a breath, he could see her crescent moon shining brightly on her forehead.
        "Usako, you're so beautiful," he sighed.
        She smiled happily, feeling the tip of his manhood rubbing over her nether lips. They kissed again, and he edged forward, his tip beginning to slide into her. She groaned softly at the incomparable sensation of his warm, bulging mass moving into her, spreading her so wide. Embracing him tightly, she pushed up with her hips, trying to take him still deeper. He held position, holding his tip just inside her for a moment, then thrust forward. She gasped as his swollen member, crafted by the fates for her alone, sank deep into her womanhood, just where she so desperately wanted him.
        "Oh, yes... That's sooooo good," she sighed.
        He nodded. "Yes, it is," he whispered.
        Their bodies, so perfectly melded together as one, fell into a gentle, easy rhythm, driving his shaft deep inside her, and completing each motion with an added thrust, leaving her gasping with joy as her body was flooded with intense pleasure.
        "Oh, yes," she gasped. "Mamo-chan... Oh!... Oh, yes!"
        He pressed his lips softly to hers as they continued to move together. With each motion, he felt both energy and passion swelling within both of them. There was no sensation like being physically conjoined with this incredibly beautiful and sexy young woman he was going to marry.
        She sighed with purest delight, sensing his happiness through their link as it added to her own. She shared his joy at being made physically one this way, and in the knowledge that they were going to be married. With each thrust, she gripped his throbbing member with her inner muscles, holding him tightly.
        He groaned softly as she clamped down on him. Their lips brushed together, and he pushed forward still harder.
        "Usako," he groaned.
        "Mamo-chan... Oh!... Oh, yes!... Oh!... Yes!... Oh!... MAMO-CHAAANNN!!!" she cried, being swept away in the overwhelming power of orgasm.
        "My princess," he sighed, feeling her pleasure and joy through their link.
        He kissed her again, then their conjoined bodies fell back into their firm, driving motions, plunging his shaft deep into her, and filling them both with intense carnal joy.
        On and on they thrust, driving forward again and again. Her hips rose to meet his powerful thrusts, and she gasped with delight. They lost all track of time as they continued to move as one. His member throbbed inside her warm, moist, snug embrace, and she clung to him tightly, longing to hold him there forever. Again and again, she soared to intense climax, setting her entire body on fire with raw, uncontained passion. Her hands swept wildly over his back, and pulled up on his bottom as he moved. He thrust still deeper into her, thrilled to be with her. They were struggling for breath as she peaked yet again.
        "Oh, gods!... Mamo-chan!... So good!"
        "Beautiful... my love," he groaned.
        He pushed forward harder and faster. Her hips thrust up, meeting his every motion perfectly. His member swelled within her tight embrace and extended deeper, bringing a sharp gasp from her as her passion-fogged brain realized what was happening. He plunged into her, driven on by the intense force of climactic spasm. His penis still swelled wider and reached deeper, before finally exploding into her, pouring out his seed in powerful streams.
        "MAMO-CHAAAANNNN!!" she cried, her head rolling back as he swept her away to orgasm.
        "Usako," he gasped, his body still locked up in spasm and continuing to empty himself into her.
        She sighed happily as they slowly began to relax and he lowered himself over her.
        "My beautiful prince," she whispered. "I love you so much."
        "I love you," he sighed.
        They lay there, both feeling utterly spent in the wake of their passion. Their link grew deeper, allowing their thoughts and feelings of love and happiness to flow freely between them. As they remained intimately connected, neither had the slightest desire to move. Finally, both could feel that he was growing heavy against her, and reluctantly he lifted himself up and began to slide back. Her inner muscles still clung to his partially receded member tightly.
        "Someone doesn't want to let go," he said with a grin.
        She giggled softly. "I can't help it, Mamo-chan. It just feels so good having it there."
        "It feels wonderful for me too," he said.
        He finally slipped himself out of her, then pulled up the covers and lay beside her. She immediately rolled over and snuggled against him.
        "So nice," she sighed, again thrilling to the feel of cuddling up against his naked body after making wild, passionate love. Even just snuggling with him was such a wonderful joy that she knew that was how she wanted to spend every night.
        He smiled, loving the feel of this beautiful young woman laying next to him, her small body intertwined with his own.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

        Rei was kneeling before the sacred fire. The strange face again appeared, but her efforts to probe for more information about this man proved fruitless. Nevertheless, a vague sense of recognition rose within her, almost as if she should know this person.
        Just then, she heard screams from outside. In the two hours since she had returned home, the storm had largely come to an end, and even though the streets were still closed, a few people had come to the Temple on foot. She rushed to the door, seeing a small dark figure rush into the trees at the rear of the grounds.
        "Oh, no," she groaned. "Not twice in one day."
        She rushed outside and found cover in the bushes.
        "Mars power, make up!" she cried, beginning her transformation.
        As she completed her transformation, Rei heard a gasp from nearby and noticed a bush trembling. She moved closer, finding a young girl crouching on the ground, staring at her, wide-eyed. 'Oh, no. She must have seen me transform,' Rei thought. "Hi, there. Who are you?" Rei asked. "I'm Sailor Mars... I'm a friend."
        The girl wore a heavy jacket and had a scarf wrapped around her head. As she looked up at her, Rei realized the girl couldn't be more than three or four. The girl had large dark eyes and strands of dark hair peaked out from under her scarf. She looked up at Rei in amazement, but didn't say a word. Rei quickly glanced around, looking for any sign of the youma.
        "Where are your parents?" Rei asked the girl. "Can I help you find them?"
        The girl looked up at her, uncomprehendingly. Rei noticed the girl's skin tone, a bit darker than normal for most Japanese, and that her eyes were definitely not Asian. The girl moved slightly, and Rei spotted a small American flag on her jacket. Rei groaned inwardly, wishing Minako was here, as she at least was more or less fluent in English.
        "You... speak... Eigo... uh... English?" Rei asked.
        The girl blinked, then nodded.
        "Uhm... Where be... ah..." Rei struggled to find the word, then pointed to the girl. "Mommy?"
        The girl looked at her for a moment, then shrugged. She pointed in the direction the youma had gone. "My Daddy went over there," she said in English. "He said I should stay here."
        Rei hesitated, struggling to translate what the girl had said. Finally, she nodded. "You stay here," Rei said. "I... find him."
        The girl suddenly rushed forward and clung to Rei's leg, tears forming in her eyes.
        "I have to go...," Rei said, stopping herself when she realized she was speaking Japanese.
        The girl looked up at her. "Please, don't go," she said in English.
        Rei understood the anguish in her voice. "Come... with... me," she said in English. "Care... uh... careful."
        The girl nodded, a slight smile forming briefly across her mouth.
        Rei took the girl's hand and led back into the trees, staying close to the cover of the bushes. Ahead, she heard a loud growl, almost like some sort of animal, then a sudden burst of energy. Rei's senses told her there was magic at work here. She looked down at the little girl again, suddenly realizing the girl had a powerful magic about her as well, but a very different magic from that of the Dark Kingdom.
        Ahead of them, Rei saw the youma facing off with a tall man wearing a jacket and hood. The girl started to lunge forward, but Rei tightened her grasp on her hand. Rei crouched down and pulled the girl back.
        "That's my Daddy," the girl protested in English.
        "Shh," Rei said, placing her free hand gently to the girl's mouth. "He want... uh, you... be careful."
        The girl looked at Rei, then nodded.
        Rei looked back to see the man raise his hand and unleash a powerful blast of energy. His energy, like the girl's, was very different from that of the Dark Kingdom. The youma staggered back, then suddenly vaulted forward, striking the man hard. Rei immediately grabbed hold of the little girl.
        "Daddy!" the girl cried frantically.
        "Stay here," Rei told the girl, praying she was making herself understood. "I help... uh... you... daddy."
        As the girl nodded, Rei jumped to her feet and stepped forward. "Fire soul!" she cried, hurling her fire blast at the youma. The youma screamed as the flames swirled around it, then fell to the ground and dissolved into dust.
        Rei turned back to find the little girl again staring at her in wide-eyed astonishment. She took the girl's hand again. "You OK?" Rei asked.
        The girl nodded.
        Rei pointed toward the girl's father, still lying unconscious, and motion toward him, leading the girl closer. Just then, they heard noises.
        "Rei-chan!" Yuuichirou called. "Are you back here?"
        Rei hurriedly transformed to normal, then crouched in front of the girl, holding a finger to her lips. "This a secret," Rei said. "Shhhh."
        The girl grinned and giggled, then nodded. "Our secret," she agreed.
        "I'm back here, Yuuichirou," Rei called, in Japanese.
        Yuuichirou came running toward her, moving carefully over the still slippery ground. "What happened?"
        "I found this girl in the bushes," Rei said. "I think her father was attacked, but I don't see any sign of the attacker."
        "Are you alright, little girl?" Yuuichirou asked.
        "She doesn't seem to speak Japanese," Rei said. "I think she's American... We should get her father inside."
        Yuuichirou crouched next to the man. "He's still breathing... but he's too big for us to carry... I'll be right back."
        As Yuuichirou raced back to the building, Rei turned back to the girl.
        "What... your... uh, name?" Rei asked.
        The girl smiled shyly, but didn't answer.
        Rei guessed the girl still considered her too much of a stranger to give her name. "OK," she said, still struggling with her English, but gratified that the girl seemed to be understanding her. "My name Rei. We help... you... daddy." Rei silently cursed herself for not paying closer attention in her English classes.
        The girl smiled, and nodded.
        Yuuichirou returned with a heavy blanket and a cart, quickly wrapping the blanket around the man, and pulling him into the cart. "That should do it," he said.
        Rei nodded. The girl took hold of her father's hand, walking next to the cart as Yuuichirou pulled it back to the building. They took the man inside and set him down in a spare room.
        "I'll get some warm blankets," Yuuichirou said.
        "Good," Rei acknowledged.
        She began to open the man's jacket and pulled back his hood, getting her first good look at his face. Her breath caught in her throat and she stared at him in shock. "He's the one," she gasped. "The face in the fire."

< To be continued >

* * * * * * * * * * * *
NOTE: The anime offers no family name for Shinozaki (Ken for those who only know the North American version), but as in my other yarns, I am borrowing the name "Asagiri" originated by author Mark Berger. 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.

-01.03.2002
 

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