Title: Protect The Princess
Author: Umi Kane
E-mail: ecchimichiru@yahoo.com
Rating: Pg-13


--Chapter Three--

"You guys made it!"

Usagi exlaimed, as bright as the sun. Haruka rolled her eyes and patted one of Usagi's odangos.

"We told you we would be here."

Michiru laughed softly. Her and Hotaru bowed to Usagi. Usagi shook her head and threw her arms around the three of them, hugging them tight. They returned her hug and entered the house. Mamoru bowed to the three ladies.

"Evening."

Haruka smirked and waved. Michiru bowed. Hotaru smiled bright, running over and handing Mamoru their gift to the two of them. In the back of their minds, the three could not shake the feelings from the dream. The hid their worry behind happiness for the young couple. They wanted to cherish their last moments with them. Mamoru took the gift and patted Hotaru on the head. Hotaru returned to her mother's side. The three joined the other girls and celebrated. The girls all wanted to feel Setsuna's stomach for baby kicks. Hotaru asked when Usagi and Mamoru would have a baby, causing quite the embarassing and awkward moment. Toward the end of the night, Haruka, Hotaru, and Michriu stood. Michiru smiled at the young couple to be married the next day.

"The three of us have one more gift. We wrote this piece for the two of you."

With that the three of them walked around the sofa. Haruka took her place at the electric keyboard that Usagi had. Michiru pulled her violin from its case. Hotaru got her harp from the car. The three closed their eyes and concentrated. Michiru started the piece off, joined by Hotaru, then Haruka. As the piece progressed, the three put more and more of their hearts into their instruments. At the climax, the symbols for Uranus, Neptune, and Saturn appeared on the young ladies' foreheads. Whisps of gold, aqua, and lavendar swirled around the three of them. The whisps then whipped over to Usagi and Mamoru, swirling around the couple. On the last note, the whisps absorbed themselves into Usagi and Mamoru. It was a protective barrier from Haruka, Michiru, and Hotaru. The planetary symbols dissapeared and the three of them opened their eyes, smiling softly. Usagi wiped tears from her eyes, extremely grateful for the gift, but not knowing the hidden protection. She got up and hugged each of them, thanking them. Usagi wished everyone a good night and sent everyone home. Haruka drove with Michiru in the front and Hotaru in the back. When the they got home, they went inside. As they walked to the sofa, Hotaru spoke up.

"Mama... Papa... Even though the three of us will die... I have no regrets... I want to let the two of you know, I love you both... You have given me the happiest times of my life... And if I must die protecting the princess, with you two... Then I will die fighting."

Haruka and Michiru walked to opposite sides of Hotaru, placing a hand on both her shoulders. Michiru smiled softly.

"We love you more than anything, Hotaru. When we are reborn, we will find you."

Haruka nodded and smirked.

"Nothing could keep us from you. We love you too much."

Hotaru held back tears and hugged them both. They held her close. Michiru looked down at her.

"Let's go to bed."

Hotaru nodded and went to her room. Haruka wrapped an arm around Michiru's shoulders. The two went to their room. They made love for what was to be the last time. In the end, Michiru rested with her head on Haruka's breast. They heard a knock on the door. Hotaru's voice called from the other side.

"Mama... Papa... Can I sleep with you two, tonight?"

Haruka nodded and got up.

"Sure thing, Hotaru. Just give us a minute."

"Alright."

Haruka and Michiru dressed, while Hotaru waited. She had purposely waited until they were finished, wanting to give them the privacy of making love one last time. The door opened and Hotaru entered. The three of them slept in that bed, soundly for the last time.