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Chapter Text

Prologue

It wasn't an easy decision.

Hell, he'd been wracked with grief about it for weeks on end before he had come to a breaking point. At the time, they'd been hanging with her friends- the other four of the friend group- when something so innocent as Makoto handing him some tea and him smiling at her was what caused this latest bout of tears and accusations.

"He's mine!" Usagi had tearfully pouted, "I'll pour him some tea!"

"Uh... Okay?" Makoto had been rightfully confused, and a little hurt. "I'll just get the cookies."

It's not the first time nor the second or even third that Usagi had accused one of the girls of trying to steal his attention away from her. One would think after everything they had been through together- the deaths, the pain, the sacrifices they made because they believed in her and had thought she believed in them- that this wouldn't be an issue.

And yet...

The true last straw was a blow out fight between her and Rei, then Minako joined in, then Ami and Makoto trying somewhat to mediate it all. Once more, it was over something so insignificant that it sounded ridiculous for her to be jealous about. Rei had merely told him about an acquaintance she knew of in the US. That if he needed someone to talk to or help, that he could reach out to them and had given him their number.

Usagi had taken it wrong.

Then after that...

After that, she'd asked him to do the unthinkable.

"Why don't you just stay in Japan for your studies?" Her voice edged with hope and tears. "You don't need to go there to finish them, right?"

"I don't." He didn't. However, "But they have the best schools and it's only for a year at most. They were generous enough to allow my transfer for that time after missing out on registration."

Her eyes glistened with tears, "But you don't need it, do you, Mamo-chan? You can just stay here! Stay with me!" Where I can see you. She thought silently. "You don't need to be an ocean away-!"

"Usako, it's my dream." He told her evenly, "I've worked hard to get here. It wasn't easy. I ...Are you telling me I have to choose between my dream of being a doctor and staying with you?" The pit of his stomach dropped. A clawing of uncertainty, disbelief ate at him as he studied her face. Alone in his apartment, normally would've been the most comfortable thing in the world to him. Yet, with each passing second, he felt anything but that.

The words came before she had time to stop them.

"We already know the future." She said blithely, "Why are you trying so hard to be a doctor when we both know we'll become king and queen in the future?"

Silence descended between them. It encased the entire room. Quietening even the soft drip of the faucet in the kitchen. Nothing moved. Nothing stirred. Time stood still as everything seemed to hold its breath in that moment. A moment that felt like an eternity before either one of them dared to speak.

"...Usako...." He began, gaping at her. The person he knew as his beloved would've never have said that. She wouldn't have told anyone who'd worked so hard to achieve a goal to give it up. Not even for her sake.

Standing there felt so surreal as he said, "I.. I think you should go home." His throat tightened. "I have a lot of packing to do."

Usagi blinked then covered her mouth for a moment until she dropped her hand by her side. "Mamo-chan, you can't still be going, are you?" Her heart thudded loudly in her chest. " You can't be serious!"

"I am." He turned from her, trying to ignore the burning in his eyes. The tears that he willed to stay hidden for a while longer, " I think .. I ..." The words were failing to come. Dying in his throat before he had a chance to even form them in his mouth. "We...We should..rethink this."

"This?" Usagi stepped forward, "Mamo-chan, don't- don't be like this. Don't-!"

Finally, he looked at her. Steeling his resolve as he said the words he didn't want to say again. That should've never been spoken..and yet...

"I think we should break up."

Chapter Text

Four years Later

Her heart pounded loudly in her chest. It's hard to not fidget as she stood in the park. She'd just gotten off work early, Naru had let her have this day since it was something special she'd been talking about for weeks.

Usagi Tsukino dug in her red purse and pulled out a compact to check her make up for the fiftieth time in the ten minutes she'd been there. It'd been surprising how early she'd gotten to the park before he did. Even though she hadn't been too late to anything in well over four years. Rei still thinks it's a fluke every time she's able to meet them at a reasonable time.

She just doesn't understand that I'm a mature woman now. Usagi smiled at herself. I'm not always late anymore.

Especially since Mamoru came back into her life. Everything in her wanted to explode with joy at being able to meet him again. It felt like fate wasn't going to allow them to part ways in any shape or form.

The day he walked into the Fruits Parlor, looking for Motoki, she'd already been there finishing off her last milkshake and grumbling about an ex-boyfriend that hadn't lasted more than a week.

"Motoki, when will I find someone that'll love me?" She cried on her fifth milkshake.

The door rings, announcing another customer. Motoki only smiled at her then pointed, "I think the universe heard you."

"Huh?"

Turning her head, she swore her heart stopped beating. In fact, she thought that time had stopped. He was there, wearing his standard black turtleneck shirt. Long green raincoat as it'd just started raining again. His umbrella was put away in the rack as he shook off the excess rain from his coat. Long legs encased in blue jeans now. It used to be slacks. He didn't used to wear jeans often. His hair was cut mostly the same, if not a little shorter.

And those eyes. The same color as earth's oceans that she always dreamed of even since the Silver Millennium days when she was a princess. They were still the same. Fathomless blues.

Blues that stared in surprise at seeing her. Her heart jumped. As if jolted into action simply at him recognizing

her. She wondered if he felt it too. Did he feel the nervous joy that raced through his veins? Did he feel the pull that she felt to be by his side?

It had been awkward. The two of them sitting next to each other at the counter. Her, shyly asking about him and when he got back.

Him, reluctant to answer, but he always did. Even being a little more friendly than the times when he didn't remember her at all when Al and En were wreaking havoc in the world.

Slowly, but surely, they started to have coffee dates- meet ups- after work for an hour. She learned he was starting to work as a specialist that sets up operating rooms. He was still working towards being a doctor, however he needed the time.

"It has better hours." He said, "And paid well enough for what we need."

She hadn't caught that then. Maybe she should've. However, she was too happy that he was speaking casually to her. That over the months, she found herself dreaming of the time they would be together romantically. That they wouldn't have to wait- they knew they would be perfect together.

Especially, now that she's gotten her feelings under control. She still couldn't believe she had nearly ruined her friendships and future because she gave into the small distrust she had about people around him. Even now, she felt shame for asking him to do such a thing- how could she have done that?

Asked him to give up his dream because she felt so insecure? Yelling angrily at her friends when they were only lightly teasing or had just done something nice for him. They weren't interested in Mamoru like that. They knew how she felt about him. They wouldn't have hurt her like that.

So why did she believe they would?

It had taken years to rebuild some of those friendships and herself up to this point. She's not that person anymore.

Now, she hoped that maybe all her efforts would bear fruit. That this meeting was a prelude to them becoming engaged again. That maybe it'll be time for them to plan their future together once more.

"Or we're going to eat at a fabulous restaurant?" She giggled to herself. "I can't wait! When is he getting here?"

Ten more minutes went by and Usagi was seriously considering buying ice cream while she waited. It would do a lot to hold back her hunger pangs, when she saw his familiar figure walk down the sidewalk towards her.

Excitedly, she smoothed down her light green skirt with it's matching blazer and white shirt under it. She hoped her look was more mature and stylish than her old fashion tastes. She wanted to look and feel as if she had grown more. And at twenty, she felt like an adult.

She hoped he sees her that way too.

"Mamoru!" She wanted so badly to call him 'Mamo-chan' again. It's on the tip of her tongue, " I've been waiting!"

The way he smiled sheepishly made her heart flutter. "Sorry about that. I had.. um..some trouble."

It's then, she noticed the way he was shifting. Today, he's wore his usual black turtleneck shirt with jeans and white tennis shoes. However, he also was carrying a colorful small backpack as well. Strange. What did he need that for?

"What's the surprise about?" She asked, smiling a little, " Are we going somewhere fun?"

"In a manner of speaking." He answered distractedly before looking behind him. He then turned his head, his face becoming a journey of emotions before he said, " Usagi, I have something I need to tell you before anything else can happen between us."

Dread slowly began to creep into the pit of her stomach. He wasn't going to tell her that they couldn't see each other again, right? That she had done something to even make him reconsider being friends at the basic level? Her fingers twisted together as she tried to calm her anxious thoughts.

"What is it?" She felt she could barely breathe. "Is something wrong?"

"Not wrong..." He sighed before motioning something behind him.

At first, she didn't really know what was happening. Or rather, she's not sure what the problem actually was.

From behind him stepped out a small four year old girl. Dark skin as Elza Gray's had been if not a shade darker. Her dark blue hair was pulled up into a fluffy ponytail held by a black silky ribbon. She wore a simple dress that was white on top with frills at the shoulders and the bottom was a gradient of purple with a purple bow at her neck. Her little white socks also had frills with black shoes that shined a little in the sun light.

What really got Usagi was the girl's purple eyes that looked almost like amethyst gemstones. They were large, wide, and full of uncertainty.

She clung close to Mamoru's leg, hiding herself even more.

"Usagi...This is Nijiko." Mamoru placed a hand on the small girl's shoulder, "She's my daughter."

Instantly, Usagi felt the world shift beneath her.

A daughter?

Mamoru has a daughter?

Her eyes bounced from him to the girl and back. It didn't take a genius to know he had found someone almost immediately after they had broken up. After...after...

"Please," His voice broke her spiraling thoughts, "You know I didn't plan any of this. But I also don't regret it."

"What about her...mother?"

Taking a moment, Mamoru turned to Nijiko, putting on a big smile, " Why don't you go play for a bit?"

"But..." She was speaking in English. Usagi can understand it a little but not much of it. The little girl said something that was concerning then looking down at her clothes and back at him. She seemed to be trying hard not to look at Usagi.

"It'll be fine." He replied in Japanese, " Go play. I won't be upset at all if your clothes get dirty."

After another moment of hesitation, she runs off to the playground.

Mamoru stood up, watching her go, but he didn't look at Usagi just yet when he answered her question.

"Her mother died." His voice was soft. Echoes of grief still caught in his throat as he explained, "Cancer. The one thing our powers can't stop." He glanced over at her. "She died when Nijiko was two."

"Oh..." Usagi moved closer to him. She, too, hesitated before touching his arm, " I'm so sorry. I didn't know..."

He glanced down at her hand but made no move to do anything about it. Instead, he used his free one to run his hand through his hair, " Not many know. I made the ones that did promise to keep...my life there a secret. I didn't want you to be upset by it."

"Upset?" Her brows rose, " Mamoru, I.. I would've been." She admitted, " But I would've been happy that you found someone that cared for you like I did. That they made you happy." She looked out over the playground, "And she seems very sweet."

He smiled a little, "She is. She's a bit more like me than her mother in some ways."

She shouldn't ask, but she felt compelled to. Who was the woman that had captured his heart so easily? What was she like? Not that Usagi wanted to compare herself, but...

"Who was she? Your...wife?" The words felt foreign to her. Stiff and strange.

"Raina?" This time he looked at her and smiled gently, " You would've liked her. She was a kind person that accepted things the way you did. She didn't stand for rudeness or anyone taking advantage of people. She was very perspective. Weirdly so, I think. Sometimes, she made me wonder if she also possessed magic as well." He looked back over the playground, "I met her while at college. We had a class project together. She found out I wasn't going anywhere for the holidays and invited me to come with her to her family's home."

He paused there then sighed a little, "From there everything just fell into place. We hadn't planned on having a child but it happened and then the wedding was small. Her family- well most of them- accepted me from the beginning. She was able to make me feel whole again after...everything. I really didn't think I would love anyone but you but she proved me wrong."

He fell silent for a moment, and she let him sort out his thoughts.

When he spoke again, his voice rang with the loss. As if he was reliving it again.

"She got sick- really sick. I could only ease her pain. I could only watch her wither before me. I didn't have the power to stop it. And Nijiko didn't ..really understand. It was..difficult. But she made me promise I would take and raise our daughter here. She wanted Nijiko to know of all her roots." He took a breath and blinked away the tears that had formed. Laughing softly, he said, " She wanted to study anthropology. She was fascinated by cultures. By the stories people tell. She always wanted to come here and travel the world."

He sighed, " Now, I hope to instill that feeling in our daughter."

Usagi followed his gaze to Nijiko, who was playing on a swing. She seemed to be having fun, but seemed alone at the same time.

In a way, she wanted to meet this Raina. She did sound like a lovely person- the type of person that he would fall for. How could she be mad about that? It sounded like they were happy. Now, she wondered if she could do the same. Could she make him just as happy as this Raina woman?

"That's why," He drew her attention again, " I had to tell you this and for you two to meet before anything else happened between us. I really enjoy spending time with you, Usagi. I want to be...with you but.." He glanced at his daughter again, "It's not about me anymore. It's about her. I don't want to make her uncomfortable. So, I hope you don't mind if we take this slow? Or if you want to leave, I would understand that too."

Leave?

After all they've been through? After all she's done? How could she leave him? Not when they just got back on good terms. When she feels like maybe the world would grant her fondest wish. There was no leaving. Not now. Not when she had what she wanted most.

To start over. To redo this relationship.

If she were honest with herself, she would love and want to be with him even if he had several children. She loved him. He had risked everything for her, so why shouldn't she do the same? They had always been partners in such things and now, they could be on more equal footing together.

So, she took his hand, and looked out at the playground. A smile spread across her face.

"I don't mind." Usagi told him, " I'll win her over too!"

She looked up at him, " I just want to be with you again. To see you smile. Be happy. And if Nijiko is part of that, I'll gladly try and make her happy too."

There's an emotion there in his eyes that she could tell he wanted to say something but he couldn't find the words. So, he simply lightly squeezed her hand and she squeeze back.

After all, how hard was it to charm a kid?

Chapter Text

Usagi all but collapsed on her bed at home.  She never moved out of her parents' house mostly because it was cheaper to stay and her parents weepy eyes kept her at home. Not to mention, her mom's cooking was divine. Why would she give up something she was already going to come back for?  It didn't make any sense.  Especially on her salary.  

Staring up at her ceiling, she wondered about the day's events. It had all been going so well, so why did it end up that way?   She didn't know.  Thinking back on it, she wondered what she could've done better.

To celebrate the month they've been able to meet and have some fun, the trio had gone to an amusement park.  Everything was going well. She and Nijiko were actually having a nice time together too. She would go on all the rides that Mamoru seemed to be disinclined to get on- saying that amusement parks still aren't his thing. Cotton candy in hand, with some on her face, Nijiko was the image of an adorable joyful child.  Her eyes were lit with happiness when they finally convinced Mamoru to go on the tea-cup ride. 

"Not too fast." He warned them, " You'll get sick."

"No we won't!" Usagi grinned, sitting on the other side of the little girl. "We won't, right?" 

Shyly, Nijiko nodded with a smile. 

Skeptical, Mamoru eyed the pair, somewhat regretting everything. 

As predicted, though, the pair had gotten a little queasy after the ride.  Nijiko whined pitifully at her father to make it better.  Usagi, also, equally whined at Mamoru make the world stop spinning.  

"Too much spin." She grumbled, " Stomach not in body." 

He sighed at the both of them, " I told you not to go too fast."  Figuring a little time on solid ground would help, he helped them over to a bench where they could watch the park together.  Nijiko taking complete residence on his lap with Usagi leaning on his unoccupied shoulder.  The man couldn't help but feel how this was eerily familiar. Yet his memory was hazy on where he had felt this before.  It had been something, hadn't it?

Well, it was gone now. 

Instead, he simply basked in the moment between them. Nijiko seemingly fell into a light sleep.  The day was a lot for the small girl. It was, really, her nap time. It's still early enough that they could stay for another couple of hours before going home.  For now, he let his mind wander. 

Usagi stirred, finally feeling like she wasn't about to empty her stomach, to look up at him. Her heart skipped a beat gazing at him. He was here. He was happy. They were together.  That was all she wanted in the world was this.  Even as her eyes drifted lower to settle on Nijiko. The child she didn't foresee in her future with him. One she hadn't thought would exist in the first place. If only- 

She shook her head, sitting up. No! She will not think this way!  The kid was sweet and shy by nature. Everything is fine. All she had to do was concentrate on the present. She should be doing that.  This, not the future they glimpse, was their life now.  This is who they are now.  Crystal Tokyo may never...Chibiusa...

"Usagi?" 

She blinked. Plastering a smile on her face, she looked up at him, " I'll go get us some water! It'll sooth those tummy aches right up!"  

Before he could say anything, she was already gone.  Blinking owlishly at her retreating back, he shifted Nijiko to a more comfortable position so the girl could sleep a little more. 

Usagi stopped by the food cart, catching her breath a bit.    "What was I thinking? It's- it doesn't matter!  We just got back together and we're taking our time. Everything will be fine as long as we're together in this. It'll be alright.  Chibiusa will still exist...someday." 

She didn't feel too confident in that.  Smoothing out her white skirt and matching long sleeved top, making sure neither were wrinkled, she moved on to the cart, she bought some water, along with three hotdogs and chips.  Plus there was a really tasty looking buns that she's certain Nijiko would like too.  It'd been hard to be so patient, but the little girl seemed to be warming up to her a bit.  The fact that she smiled at her more easily today was worth it. 

"Heh, it used to be she would hide her face all the time." Usagi laughed softly as she walked back, " I guess she's finally relaxing around me." 

As she headed back, she felt something odd.  Like someone was watching her.  Frowning, Usagi searched the crowds, but it didn't seem like anyone was around.  Or that anyone was paying attention to her.  

"Weird."  She went over to the bench where Mamoru sat with Nijiko.  The small child was wearing a pink and cyan striped dress with little pink bows in  the front and two in her hair which had been done up into two puffs.  She looked like she had little clouds resting on her head. Plus her sleeping face was positively angelic. Especially curled up against Mamoru in his white shirt and plaid light jacket on over his blue jeans and sneakers. 

Like Chibiusa's was back then. She thought.  

"I'm back!" She announce then stopped when he hushed her, "Sorry!"  She sat down and set the food beside her, "Still sleeping?"

"It's been an exciting day for her." He eyed the offerings, "I see that didn't stop you from getting more snacks?"  He smiled.

Blushing, she just picked up one of the hot dogs, "They're for all of us!"   She said then took a bite out of it. "Ooh, they're good too!"

He laughed softly, "Thanks...Usako."

She nearly dropped her hotdog.  Did he just- ?!

A warm ball of feelings rose in her chest.  She turned back to her food and eats with gusto.  He called me Usako!   Maybe now, I can call him, Mamo-chan?

At that moment, Nijiko woke up.  "Papa...?"   She blearily looked up at him, blinking her eyes, "Is Mama coming home soon?"

Despite the loudness of the amusement park, where people screamed in the distances on a roller coaster, the sounds of laughter on a merry-go-round, it was dead silent between them.  Mamoru's eyes went to Usagi for a moment before he gave an easy smile to his daughter.  

"No, baby." He switched to English for the time being, comforting her, " She's very far away. Remember? "

She rubbed her eyes, frowning, " Gran'ma says she's in heaven.  But it can't be that far, is it?"

"Very far." He's not sure how else to say it without upsetting her.  "Hey, why not eat something first? You just woke up and you know you get a little cranky if you don't snack."

He was trying to distract her.  Hoping she'll take the bait.

Usagi frowned a little confused as to what was going on. She understood the girl had said something about her 'Mama' and the word 'Heaven' but nothing else.  Was she asking about her mother?  Where she was?   Usagi's stomach twisted in knots.   Her gaze dropped onto the bag of chips she had and silently nibbled on another one. 

"But I don't want a hot dog!" Nijiko made a face, " I want spaghetti!" 

Mamoru steeled himself.  It was rare, but his child could get upset very easily.  While he didn't prescribe to what her family's other family members had done with children, he knew people would be watching.  One thing he didn't like about being in Japan is the judgemental looks were far more prevalent than anywhere else. As if he failed some parenting measure that they set the standards to.  

"There's no spaghetti here." He said gently, "They don't have any.  Miss Usagi was very nice in buying that hot dog. We need to be grateful for it."

"But..but I don't want hot dog." Her lower lip trembled. "I don't want hot dog..."

"Mamoru?" Usagi tilted her head a little, "What's wrong?"

Embarrassed, he shifted Nijiko a bit in his arms, "She doesn't want a hot dog." He explained back in their native tongue, " She wants spaghetti. It's her favorite thing lately. I had hoped she'd find a different one now but..."  He shrugged a little.

"Well, how about these buns?" She offered up another bag, "They're sweet, I'm sure she'll like them!" 

Skeptical, he nudged his child, "See? Miss Usagi got you some buns.  Do you want buns instead?"

She screwed up her face a little, inspecting the buns, "Red bean?"  She  at least new the word in Japanese. 

Usagi's brows rose, " Yes, at least one of them are. Do you like red-bean buns?"

Nijiko nodded before reaching in to get one. 

"What do we say?" Mamoru prompted. 

"Thank you." She said a little sulky, "Still want spaghetti..."

"We'll have it for dinner." He replied. To Usagi he said, "Thank you. I didn't want her to throw a tantrum here."

"She's so sweet, I can't imagine she would be like that." Usagi smiled brightly. 

"Ah.. you never had a four year old live with you.." Mamoru said dryly. 

"No, I had an annoying six year old from the future." She huffed, "Always stealing my snacks and being really mean to me for no reason!"

Nijiko sat looking at them oddly before she finished her bun and reached for a second one.  

"No, save those for later."

"But I want more now!" Nijiko pouted reaching for them, "Papa, please?"

"Not until after dinner." He said firmly. 

Huffing, she folded her arms a little, still pouting, "....Okay."  

In order to keep things friendly, Usagi pointed up at the Ferris wheel, "Why don't we go on that? It's not fast and you can see everything from above!"

"That sounds fine." Mamoru looked at Nijiko, " How about it?"

"Hm.."  She didn't agree or disagree.  Apparently, she was still mad at him.  

I'm going to pay for it later.  He thought with a mental sigh. 

"Then that settles it!" Usagi stuffed her mouth with chips and then kept the bag with the donuts inside and the buns.  "Letffs Goh!"

A not so little known secret was that Usagi loves the Ferris Wheel. It's one of her favorite rides at the amusement park. It's also one of the few romantic ones that she always wanted to share along with Mamoru.  She never could get much alone time with him back then with Chibiusa always hanging around. Or the other girls.  Or Luna.  In fact, it felt like she rarely got to see him on her own.

Even now, it's kind of the same.  She thought glancing over at him and Nijiko. 

Still, once on the Ferris Wheel, she sat across from Mamoru, watching the world fall away from them as the ride began.  It was quiet. The sight, at least, was beautiful. Outside, the faint sounds of the amusement park's announcements and music played still, but muffled by the cage they sat in.  It stopped every few minutes to allow people to see the view from above.  Giving them time to take it all in before the descent. 

At the very top, Nijiko moved to look out of the window, pressing her face almost against the glass to see how far she could see out of it.  She ignored the two behind her, when Usagi moved over to sit next to Mamoru. 

Shyly, Usagi covered his hand.  Her face felt hot as she looked down for a moment. It only got redder when he held it back.  That's when she looked up at him, meeting his ocean blue eyes with her own blue jeweled eyes, she could feel it. The connection between them. Without even thinking on it, she moved first.  Her eyes closed, lips touching his in a soft kiss.  Her heart thudded so loudly in her ears, she thought she would pass out when he responded in kind, kissing her back just as sweetly. 

When it was over, she noticed his face was also slightly pinked, but he had a small smile as well.   She smiles as well, leaning into him. snuggling against him. 

This, she thought, is just right.  All I ever needed was this.

The rest of the ride continued in what she believed as peaceful. Nijiko came away from the window and took over the seat that she abandoned.  She wasn't looking at them, Usagi thought then.  Though she did catch the girl's curious glance every now and then until the ride was over. 

Afterwards, Usagi smiled brightly, before asking, "Why don't we go on one more ride?  How about the carousel?" 

"Oh, you love the carousel, don't you, Niko?" Mamoru looked down at his daughter.  

She smiled brightly, " I wanna ride the kitty!" She beamed.  "Do they have one?"

Looking thoughtful, Usagi nodded, " I think they do! Why don't we go over there?"  She offered her hand to the girl.  

As she began to reach out to her, Nijiko stopped.  She turned to Mamoru, holding her arms up, "Papa....I don't feel good. I wanna go home."

Surprised, Mamoru bent down, placing a hand on her forehead, " Are you alright? You don't have a fever...Is it your tummy?"

She didn't answer, only hugging him tightly. "I wanna go home."

Picking her up, he gave Usagi an apologetic smile, "Sorry about that.  I think today's been enough for her."

"Oh..yeah. It probably has." Usagi lets her hand drop down to her side. "I guess I didn't realize she probably needs more rest."

They walked out of the amusement park with very few things aside from a balloon Usagi thought would cheer Nijiko up.  Nijiko did say 'thank you' but she hid her face against Mamoru's chest, in a concentrated effort to not look at her.  Usagi didn't know what she'd done to that girl to make her do that. 

Did I say something wrong?  She wondered now, lying in bed.  What was it?

"Usagi?" Luna jumped down from the open window in the room to her bed.  It hadn't changed too much from her high school days. Only another dresser and perhaps more band posters, but largely the room stayed the same.   Luna walked around to her head and poked her with her paw, " What are you thinking so hard about? You'll have smoke coming out of your ears if you keep that up."

Usagi swat at her paw, " Go away, I don't have time for you today."  She rolled over, " I have actual problems."

"And whatever are the problems you supposedly have that are more important than the future of this world or even your next meal?" Luna laughed softly. "After all, you're back with Mamoru, aren't you?  Isn't that what we all wanted?"

"It is." Usagi confirmed.  She sat up and began to undress, "I don't think you'll understand.  I don't think anyone will understand.  I'll just figure it out on my own."  

Frowning, Luna watched her, " Usagi, are you sure you're all right?  This isn't really like you to be brooding so much or at all. You know you can talk to any of us."

"I know, Luna." Usagi turned to look at her with a sad smile, "I just think it's something I need to figure out myself. When the time is right, I'll tell everyone."

"If.. you're sure...?"

"I am." Usagi got her things together for a bath. "Mom! I'm taking a bath!" She looked back at Luna, " Don't worry. I'll ask for help when I really need it." She winked at her, before heading to the bathroom. 

Luna's worry didn't go away. In fact, she leapt up on the window sill, " I need to talk to Artemis and the girls." She jumped out, " There's something truly wrong here."

Chapter Text

Elsewhere, a heart beats.  One.  Two.  Three.   Each a minute apart before they began coming in faster.  Four-Five. Six-Seven.  And faster yet still. EightNine. TenEleven.  A steady rhythm in the darkness, where light feebly could only illuminate a small part of this place.  This place unknown to others, but for one who's flashlight cuts through the darkness weaving through the debris gingerly as to not trip.  She's been called here.  By what? She didn't know. She only knew that something drew her away from the other cellmates that were hired to clean out a depleted building.  It had lured her away from the crew and down into the depths of what was once a laundry area for the building that used to be an apartment. 

The assignment was illegal, of course. 

No one is supposed to know that prisoners were being used for cheap labor of some statesman's property.  It wouldn't look good for him. Or any of them that took underhanded bribes for such work.  Not that anyone outside of the prison cared what happened to anyone inside of it. They'd think 'good riddance' or 'they deserve it.' Including the rotten meals they get that were barely good enough for dogs. Hell, maybe not even good enough to feed any animal. Or how the sheets were thin. There's mold in the showers. And the violence that ran through it all from all sides.  

People wouldn't have thought women's prisons were terrible.  They would be wrong. 

However, none of that mattered to her.  No, the thing that called her there promised her everything.  The hole it dwelt in the back of the room held whispers that leaked out. Snaking its way into her ears. Wrapping its darkness around her heart.  It promised her to find her missing child. That those that had taken that child would be punished.  It promised her power beyond imagination if only she could do a favor for it.  

Just one...tiny favor. 

"Give me their energy." It cooed. "Take this power and give me what I want."

"Who are you?" She weakly resists.  Her once brown eyes flickered to gold.  "What are you?"

"I'm your master." It announced, " Simply call me... Master Magnetis."

Darkness enveloped her completely, changing her appearance as it does so.   The energy crackled around her, drawing the attention of others- including the guards that were supposedly watching them all. 

"What's going on here?" He yelled, pushing his way through the orange suited women to shine a light into the dingy laundry room. "Get back to work, all of you! We have a time limit!" 

The women ignored him. Instead, there were gasps as their lights finally shone on something- someone- standing at the farthest end of the room.  Her back was towards them. They could only see the sheer red top that covered a portion of her back and arms but a deeper red corset covered her torso with a flowing red skirt beneath it.  She turned, her hair a white gradient to black, pulled back and braided down to her hips.  Golden eyes lit upon them, a dark red smile curved her lips. 

"What the devil?!" The officer yelped falling back, "Who are you?"

"Master Magnetis will be pleased!" the beige skinned woman exclaimed, "I, Carnelian, will be able to feed you this time!" 

"I'm getting out of here!" Someone cried out.  It started a stampede as they all tried to run away from the strange woman.  The guard fumbled, Trying to pull out his gun with his trembling hands. 

"St-Stay right there!" He shouted once he had it out, " I- I'm putting you under arrest!"

Carnelian laughed, raising her hand with the golden cuff on it, "How cute."   Because he became engulfed in darkness that began to spread out from her and into the halls. Filling the building up entirely. 

Yes... now, she'll have the power to get her daughter back from those thieving angels!

"I'll get you back, Colette.." She whispered.

Three months in, and Usagi wasn't sure if this was going to work out.  She'd done everything in her power to try and understand Nijiko, but it seemed the little girl was determined to close her off at every turn.  She had planned on going out with just the two of them one day, but Mamoru had said Nijiko was sick and even stayed home from daycare.  Which meant, he had to stay home too. 

Then finally, the thing that really got her was the first time she experienced Nijiko's tantrums.   Mamoru had told her it was very rare that the girl had any as she was usually amendable and patient.  But the one time Usagi had volunteered to watch her for an afternoon while Mamoru  had to do an exam, was honestly more horrible than when she had to run after Chibiusa during the early days when the girl wouldn't even tell her what her problems were.   

It had started out fine enough. 

Until Nijiko wanted to eat a burger.  Which, there wasn't any.  Usagi tried to explain that Mamoru had given her a menu and there's food she could heat up, but the four year old wouldn't hear it.  In fact, the moment Usagi told her there wasn't even any beef to even make it with, the girl burst into tears.  Crying how she wanted burgers and something else in English because of course Usagi couldn't have an easier time with a child that could speak two languages.  Mostly.   The only words she understood of that was:

"Mama!"  And then Nijiko ran into her room to cry more. 

Usagi wasn't sure what to do.  Chibiusa had been, for the most part, an independent little girl that usually looked after herself.  She'd only had to comfort the girl a few times but also she wasn't alone in taking care of her.  She had her own family, Mamoru, and friends to help look after the wayward girl.  She didn't have that right now.  She hadn't wanted to reveal the existence of Nijiko to anyone yet. She wanted to show them that she could take care of something by herself.  

But at that moment, standing in the living room of Mamoru's apartment, hearing the child sobbing in the next room,  Usagi wanted to cry herself. She didn't know what to do or how to make anything better.  Instead, she slipped out of the apartment for a moment to try and calm her nerves down.  

Rei would know what to do.  She thought miserably to herself, Or Ami.  Makoto definitely know how to calm her down too. Minako would be able to get her mind off things...Or any of the others.  Am I really that bad at this?  Is it because...she's not Chibiusa?

She glanced at the door, "Is it because she's not my own child that I can't do anything?"  She wondered, "If.. If I was her actual mom, I would know what to do."

Taking another breath, she went back in.  Nijiko seemed to have stopped crying.  Worried, Usagi hurried over to the girl's room.  It was small, partitioned off from the rest of the apartment.  She peeked in, seeing her curled up on a small bed, holding a little doll that looked a little like her.  Tear tracks were still wet on her cheeks.   As Usagi gazed into the room, her eyes fell on the picture that was beside the bed on a little nightstand. It was framed similarly to the one that Mamoru had of his parents. The only photo he had of them with the scrape of memory of the day of his parents death but nothing more. 

In it was a woman who's skin was the color of a polished mahogany obsidian stone.  At least, that's what Usagi thought.  Her hair was a deep red that was fluffed out about her shoulders. Similar to Nijiko's own puffy cloud of hair, only hers was held back by a headband it seemed. Bright emerald eyes seem to sparkle even in the photo. Clearly, it was a picture from another time. The woman in it looked at least twenty maybe even nineteen.  She sported a team jersey in the photo with a little flag that said 'Roll Tide' on it. 

It didn't click until a moment later that the woman she was seeing was Raina.  

Mamoru's late wife and Nijiko's mother. 

The woman that Nijiko cried herself to sleep for.  The person that both of them missed terribly.  

She closed the 'door', slipping back into the kitchen to at least heat up the dinner Mamoru had already cooked.  She wondered if Raina would know what to do.

"If she were here," Usagi said as she waited on the microwave, "None of this would even be a problem."  She sighed deeply, "What am I doing?  I can't do this! Not by myself!" 

Running a hand through her hair, she wondered if she should give up.  Clearly, she wasn't cut out for this.  Chibiusa had made it seem so easy but...  Her lips thinned a little. 

"She also didn't think of me as her mom, either."  She dropped her head into her hands, " Am I really that bad at this?"

With little else to do, she set the table for the girl, picking out the drink she's fairly certain Nijiko would want.  Rubbing her own face to get herself focused, she headed back into Nijiko's room. 

"Nijiko?"  She called softly, " You still have to eat.  I'm sorry it's not hamburger.  I really am, but your Papa wants you to eat, okay?"

She didn't get a reply. 

"Nijiko?"  She peeked in again, but the bed was empty.  "What in the- Nijiko!" 

She was gone!   Usagi's eyes widen in fear.  Where was she?

"Oh, man!" She turned towards the door then noticed it was open. "Mamoru is going to kill me!" 

Chapter Text

She doesn't know how far she ran.  In fact, she has no idea where she is at all. 

With evening approaching, Nijiko slowed her pace as she found herself hopelessly lost in the maze that was Tokyo.  The neighborhood she ran out of, she was certain that the train was somewhere around here, but she had gotten turned around somehow.  Now, she walked alone.  The streetlights flickered on.  She hugged herself to keep from being scared. 

"I wish Mama was where.." She muttered to herself. Regretting running away in the first place. But all she wanted was to go back home- their real home where her Grandparents were. Where her aunt and uncle and cousin lived.  Where everything was familiar and not weird like this!  "Mama, what should I do?"

Unable to figure out where she was, Nijiko walked towards a nearby park and crawled to the center of a jungle gym, where she sat for now. A wind picked up, promising a future chill that'll soon come. Nijiko shivered. Thinking about how it got cold like this before.  That was how she knew it'll be Autumn soon.  Her birthday.  Her Mama's Birthday too. Last time, they went to a place with lots of stones in rows. There was a church in the distance.  Her Gran'ma said it was called a cemetery. 

"This is where everyone goes to rest and then they go on a journey to heaven." She'd said then, " Your Mama has gone to heaven.  But we can still come and visit her here too. So she can hear us."

"The rock is a phone?" Nijiko had asked confused.

"Yes, something like that." Her Gran'ma laughed softly. 

And then her Papa had made this thing called a shrine that was next to the balcony. It wasn't very big because their home wasn't very big. But, there's another picture of her Mama with his parents in it.   Papa had said that it's a way in his culture to respect and remember those that were gone.  

"It's a phone?" She'd asked once more. 

"Something like that." He'd confirmed. 

But, when you talk on the phone, people usually answer.  And no matter how many times she tried, she couldn't talk to her Mama.  She wondered if heaven was really that far of a place to travel to.  So, she tried to find it in the phone books but everything was really hard to read and she couldn't actually understand anything.  Her Papa said that once she's six, she'll be starting school and learning her letters there.  She'd already learned some but these were different.  And ultimately, very confusing. 

"I wanna go home..." She whimpered softly, pulling her knees up to her chest. "Papa...Miss Usagi, I'm sorry. I just wanna see Mama."   Pressing her forehead against them, she tried to will her eyes to stay dry.  If she doesn't cry, it'll be okay. She'll be okay.  Even though her lower lip quivered.  The burning sensation of tears still came. She couldn't help but cry. She didn't know what else to do or how to stop the tears. It was hard. 

"Zoo..zoom~!"

Something moved out of the corner of her eyes.  It was like a big kid almost but not quite. Something about the way it was shaped was...wrong. Not a kid. But wearing a racing uniform with an oversized white helmet and a racing stripe on it.  It had a steering wheel in hand but there's nothing attached to it. 

Again, the strange creature cried out "Zoooooom!"  

"Wh-what's that?" Nijiko's eyes widen as the creature came closer.  It's there she could see it having a red gemstone on its forehead.  "Is it a ...actor?"   

She knew what actors were because months ago, they'd gone to a different event- a festival- and there were people like him dressed on stage in different clothes and Miss Usagi told her they were actors. And that actors do a lot of things.  Like on tv. 

"But this isn't tv...or ..stage?" She frowned a little creeping towards the edge of the jungle gym. 

"Brrrrr!" The strange thing slid to a stop in front of her.  Then pushed up the visor, "Yo! Want a ride?" 

"Ride?" She repeated, bewildered. "What.. on what?"  How is he doing that? The speed was too fast for people running, wasn't it?

"Why my car!" He slapped the invisible car. "See? She's a beaut!"  

She shied away from him, " Papa told me not to get in cars with strangers!" 

The strange thing frowned- he had a human face but the eyes.. the eyes were too big. They didn't seem to fit his head. The mouth was very wide. Wider than normal humans with tiny little pointed teeth barely covered by thin blue lips-  then smiled even more.  The smile was deeply unsettling.  As if Nijiko should run now. 

Which she did. 

"That's a shame." The strange creature said pulling down the visor, " Now I must take your energy for our master!"

"Hm?" Mamoru looked up from finishing the last question on his exam. His brow furrowed as he felt a wrongness come over him. A sting in his chest felt almost similar to when he knew when Usagi transformed- but it's not that.  It's the feeling he got when something was wrong with Nijiko.

"Is she okay..?" He muttered, before glancing over his paper and getting up.  "I need to call home."

After turning it in, he ditched his last class to find a payphone. He hadn't bought either his communicator or a phone yet.  He hadn't thought he needed to since he only went home after school most days.  But now, he really desperately hoped that everything was okay and he was just imagining things. 

Finding a payphone, he used a phone card and called his apartment. 

It rings. 

It continues to ring until his answering machine picked up. 

"No."  Dread spread through him, " No. No...!  Calm down." He hung up and tried again, "They could be out. They could just be doing some late night shopping." 

But as the same thing happened again, he couldn't stop his panic.  Yanking the phone card out, he hurried away from the payphone.  Breaking any and every decorum he had to go to an alley, transform and then take to the rooftops. 

It's been so long since he's been Tuxedo Mask that he'd forgotten what it felt like. The euphoria of power that rushes through along with the small giddy feeling of being able to virtually fly through the air at a whim, knowing his footing would be sure when he landed. 

But none of that really mattered now. He had to find his daughter and Usagi.

Usagi was in full blown panic as she raced around trying to find Nijiko.  A tear slipped from her eye as she hurried towards another park, thinking maybe she'll be there. 

I'm so stupid!  She thought as she searched the playground area,  I should've paid more attention instead of feeling sorry for myself!  She's just a kid. She just misses her mom. That's all. 

"She's not here.."  Her heart sank as fear grew the longer she didn't see the blue haired child, "Where could she be?"

"Help!"  

Usagi turned. It's faint, but she could hear it, "Nijiko?"  

She ran in the direction of the cry.  It got louder, but the voice was getting softer at the same time. As if the person- child- couldn't keep screaming for long.  

As she got closer, she realized it was Nijiko.  And she was in trouble!

"Oh! Whoever it is, I'm going to beat within an inch of their life!" Usagi growled. 

Bursting on to the scene, she saw Nijiko had climbed up to a high branch in a tree- she'll question how the small child did this later- with a strange monster racing around the trunk. Taunting her.

"Leave me alone!" Nijiko screamed at it then threw her shoe at it. "Go away!" 

"As if something like that can hit me!" the Monster cackled, dodging it, " Good try! Now be a good kid and just stay still!"   It pointed to its' forehead, "Give me your energy!"

"No!" Nijiko yelled and then threw her other shoe at it.  This time it conked the monster on the head. 

"Ow! You little brat!" It snarled before an energy beam shot out from the gemstone. "That does it!  I'll be taking that energy now!" 

"Leave me alone!"  Nijiko screamed again. Though this time, something else felt different. Like, it was bubbling inside of her.  A strange energy that she felt she had to keep.  Hugging herself, she tried to resist whatever that light was, "STOP IT!" 

Her forehead felt really hot. She felt sick all over. "St-op!" 

"Hm.. what is this energy?" The Monster cocked its head to the side, " Lady Carnelian will know."

"A monster!?" Usagi gasped seeing the creature, "What- I thought?  Nevermind!"  She summoned her brooch to her hand, "I need to save her before Mamoru gets home!   Moon Eternal Power, Make up!"

It felt like homecoming in a way. The refreshing feeling of power dancing through her body as her transformation into Eternal Sailor Moon was complete. She felt alive, somehow. More than before. As much as she longed for her quiet normal girl days, she also missed being Sailor Moon.  She missed the nights of sneaking out with her friends fighting monsters and hearing how everyone loved them for protecting the city.   Now, these days, they sometimes wonder whatever happened to the Sailor Soldiers that guarded their city but nothing more. 

It had been a relief. 

But she had missed this. 

"Stop right there!"  Eternal Sailor Moon cried out, " Leave that kid alone!"

The racer monster turned to see her, " Eh? What's this? You're not on my team!" 

Eternal Sailor Moon's eyes widen seeing Nijiko go limp, "What did you do to her!   You know what? It doesn't matter!" She summoned her scepter, "I'm going to turn you into moon dust!" 

"As if you-" The Monster began before a rose struck him in the throat. "Wha-!"  It pulled it out, with great difficulty and looked up, "Who's there?"

Uh-oh.  Eternal Sailor Moon looked up at a very pissed off Tuxedo Mask, " Oh...he's mad."

Mad was an understatement.  Tuxedo Mask didn't even bother with a speech as he right out flung several roses, pinning the monster to the tree.  He then hurried over and picked up the unconscious child then looked over at Eternal Sailor Moon. 

"Do I need to say it?" He asked. 

Oh boy. This.. is going to be a long night.  Eternal Sailor Moon thought before raising her wand, "No, I got it!"  She said before chanting, "Silver Moon Crystal Therapy Kiss!" 

"Nooo!"  The Monster cried as its body turned into glittering white dust before vanishing. 

Eternal Moon allowed her scepter to vanish as she hurried over to him, " Is she okay?"

"She's fine." He said stiffly, though the tightness around his mouth relaxed slightly as he held Nijiko close, " I think they took some of her energy, but that's all. A little sleep and she'll recover."  

"Thank goodness..." Eternal Sailor Moon sighed, "I was so worried after-..."

"How did she get out here by herself?" He looked over at her, "Nijiko never leaves home alone. She's never been anywhere alone!"

Eternal Sailor Moon winced slightly, "I'm sorry.  It's just, she was really upset because we weren't having her favorite meal and..she said she wanted her Mom..and .." She looked down at her hands, "I'm sorry, Mamo-chan. I'm really not good at this.  I didn't know what to do. I just made her dinner and when I turned around, she was gone."  Turning her gaze up, she found she couldn't stop the tears, "I'm really sorry! I'll try harder. I- I didn't know.. I mean.. "

He exhaled softly, shifting the girl in his arms. He's not sure what to think but it's over with.  "...I think I'll take some time off from work and take some day classes. That way I can handle dinner for a while."

"You...aren't mad at me?" Eternal Sailor Moon asked with a thread of hope in her voice. 

"I am but I understand." Tuxedo Mask answered, " It's hard. It's going to be like this sometimes, Usako. So, you have to figure out how to do this on your own sometimes." He glances over at her, "I trust you, but you're going to have to find a way to get her to listen to you.  I can tell her to, but it doesn't mean she will. If it's too much, I'll understand if you just want to be friends."

"No! I'm-I'm just new at this, that's all." Eternal Sailor Moon laughed a little nervously. Good. We're not breaking up again.  "I'll figure out how to win her over in no time!"

He only nodded but he looked towards the spot where the monster had been, "What's more worrying is where did that come from?"  He turned to her, "Have there been attacks like that lately?"

She shook her head, "No. That's the weird thing!  There hasn't been anything in this area for years after Galaxia's was freed from Chaos. And you've been here for the last two years and there still weren't any attacks then either."

"So where is it coming from?" He wondered. 

"I don't know...I'll see if Luna or the others picked up on something." Eternal Sailor Moon said.

"That'd be for the best." He agreed.

"Hm..." Nijiko stirred in her sleep. Her eyes opened slightly seeing blurry visions of people over her. "Papa..? Mama?"   She felt so sleepy that her eyes began to droop again, "We home now?"  Before dozing off again. 

"I better get her home." Tuxedo Mask told her.  "Before she wakes up."

"Yeah." Eternal Sailor Moon nodded, "How about we meet up tomorrow for coffee?"

"Sounds great." He replied before leaping away. 

"Bye." Eternal Sailor Moon watched him go.  Her transformation dissolving, leaving on Usagi to stand in the night air. 

Deep in the Remnants of what used to be the Dark Kingdom, Lady Carnelian walked the empty caverns alone. The sound of water dripping steadily in the back as she approached the place where Master Magnetis resided.  She knelt before him, the massive swirling darkness covered the core of his body. A fog began rising from the ground, blanketing the cavern floor. 

"The offering is barely satisfying." His gravely distorted voice strangely didn't echo in the chamber that was well suited for it. "Why is it so small? Did you not want power to find your daughter, Carnelian?"

"I'm sorry, master!" Carnelian said, with her head bowed, "I didn't know how weak the creature I made would be! I didn't know there would be resistance to this!"

"Resistance...ah.. yes.. I recall them." Master Magnetis growled a little, "The Sailor Soldiers of the Moon Kingdom.  I see that my predecesor didn't vanquish them at all or even weakened them!  Well, now it is more urgent than ever to collect more energy for my revival, Carnelian! Go! Or you will never see your precious daughter again!"

Carnelian snapped her head, "I will, my lord! I'll get you all the energy you need!"

"Best that you do."

Carnelian stood, vanishing from cave and reappearing above Tokyo. 

She bit her thumbnail lightly as she stared down at the glittering city.  Master Magnetis told her that her Colette was somewhere in this city.  But where?  She didn't know where to even start! 

"And that glowing monster wants energy too." She sighed softly.  "How can I find her and give him what he wants?"   

Then, an idea came to her.  Her smile widens, "I know... Everyone loves free things, don't they? Families would give more energy if they're able to have a safe place for the kids to play while the adults relax." 

She vanished again. 

Somewhere, an empty building glowed dimly in the night.  A sign appeared where there hadn't been one before that said:

Rosy's Play Palace!

Chapter Text

Usagi sighed loudly as she  flopped over on the couch. Today was her day off and she was at a loss for what she should do.  Grabbing a note book, she tried to brainstorm ideas on how to get Nijiko to like her more. Or at least try to get along with her. 

"I don't want to be cast as an evil stepmother." She thought out-loud, thinking back to when they did the Snow White play and she was cast as the Evil Queen. "Still should've been Snow White then." She pouted a little. 

After another ten minutes of her brainstorming, Luna entered the room.  Her cat eyes widen slightly seeing Usagi thinking quite hard at something.  "How unusual."  She jumped up on the arm of the couch and walked along the back, "What on earth are you thinking about so hard, Usagi?"

Usagi blinked then closed the notebook. "N-nothing!"  She laughed nervously, "I'm just thinking about my next date with Mamo-chan!"

Luna looked skeptical for a moment longer before sighing, "Ah, typical Usagi.  Though, I supposed that's fine. There hasn't been any enemies around lately."

Usagi sat up a bit, "Really? You haven't sensed anything at all?"

"No." Luna frowned at that, " Have you?"

"Ah.. well.. not exactly." Usagi didn't want to lie but she fidgeted a little, " You know what? It's probably a bad dream because I ate something before I took a nap!" 

"If you say so..." Luna eyed her a bit longer, "Don't forget, you and the girls are supposed to meet today at four."

"I know, I know!" Usagi clicked on the tv, "I'll be there."

"A Grand opening for a new play center has just opened!" the Commercial blared, " Rosy's Play Palace!"

"Ah! That's it!" Usagi stood with a grin, "We'll go there!" 

"What?" Luna watched her leave in a flurry of excitement, " Aren't you a little too old for that?"   But it seemed to be on deaf ears as Usagi picked up the phone to call Mamoru. "What is that girl thinking?  At her age!"  Luna grumbled turning to leave.   

But her ear swerved back as she caught the words, "It'll be perfect for her, Mamo-chan!" 

Perfect for whom?  Luna wondered as she slipped out of the door.  Who is she talking about?

"She's late!"  Rei scowled a little as she sipped her drink, " Why is she always late? I thought she'd gotten better at this?"

"She has." Ami reassured her, "This is the first time she's been late all year."  She glanced down at her thick notebook, making another note to read  a different textbook for a final exam review that wasn't really due until next month or so.  "It's only been five minutes, after all."

"Yeah, and in terms of Usagi, that's actually pretty early." Minako grinned, elbowing Rei a little, "Maybe her and Mamoru getting back together inspired her?"

"Speaking of," Makoto stirred her tea, "You notice she's been really frugal about spending money lately?"

Rei frowned, " I mean, she's an airhead.  Maybe she's saving up for a new game? You do know they came out with a new console this year."

"Maybe, but I don't get that feeling from her." Makoto looked down at her drink. She'd picked a soft pink blouse today with princess caps. Her skirt was white frilly and flared around her thighs.   Her lips pursed a bit as she tried to put her feelings into words,  "Like she's planning something."

"Usagi? Planning? When has she ever done that?" Rei mocked, but it was weak at best. 

"Come to think of it," Minako leaned against the table. Her purple crop top over a white tank moved with her. She crossed her legs, her capris rides up slightly when she does so. "She hasn't exactly been gushing about her dates with Mamoru either.  Usually she can't wait to share details about it. But lately she has been vague. Like they went to the Amusement park.  And she said it was fun. That's it."

"Maybe she's just learning to keep some things to herself?" Ami ventured.  It's the one time she's not wearing her usual uniform. This time she'd opted for a white short dress with a light blue sweater over it. "And..Um... She wants to keep it private?"

Rei blew bubbles in her drink in thought.  Wearing a navy blue suit with a white blouse, she looked like any other office lady- only it was for the temple.  Her grandfather was retiring soon and she needed to attend some seminar that morning about running a temple.  But her mind wasn't on that.  It was on what Usagi could be doing to make her change in such a way.  

"Likely story." Rei finally sat up, "I'm sure it's something silly."  She hoped. 

"Everyone!" Usagi came in.  Her dark magenta frilled shirt was a little wrinkled, but the dark skirt she wore was still wrinkle-free at least.  Her white purse hung at her side as she made her way over to them, "Sorry I'm late!  I had to go to Mamo-chan's for a bit."

"The lovebirds still at it?" Minako wagged her brows. 

Usagi blushed but only laughed at her, "It's not like that!  We're still taking our time."  She scooted over next to Minako in the booth. "It's just he needed help with something and since my Mama had experience with it, I was able to help, that's all!"

"Oh, and what is that something?" Rei raised a brow, "Sure you didn't destroy his apartment?"

"Of course not." Usagi held the air of success as she picked up the menu, "Everything worked out fine! We'll be going out tomorrow, though. So I won't be here for lunch. Sorry."

"That's great!" Makoto smiled at her then sighed, "My boyfriend is helping me with my latest creations for the bakery we're going to eventually open soon."  Her eyes glazed over in a dreamy expression, "He's so cool! He even knows how to decorate and understands the language of flowers!"

The others laughed softly, happy for her.   "Mako, you better stop looking like that or you'll float away!" Minako teased, "Man, it must be nice. The last guy I dated was a total sleaze! Ugh! Last time I'm dating a background dancer!" 

Their talk descended into the usual catching up as they snacked together.  Ever since high school, things had been peaceful enough for them all to pursue their passions and find some peace with in their lives.  All the while wondering if that future they've seen would ever happen.  None of them thought too deeply about it.  Or at least they tried not to.  Though Rei's eyes drifted over to Usagi.  Happily chatting about something in the store or a new trendy book that was making the rounds now.   She hated to admit it, but the others were right about one thing:

Usagi Tsukino was hiding something from them.  She just couldn't put her finger on what it was. 

There's a difference in her and the energy around her had shifted ever so slightly. It wasn't negative, that was for certain, but it was there.   

I just haven't had any premonitions.  She thought, sipping her drink.  Are we truly at peace? Is this it?  Or is something else happening?

She'll have to consult the fire tonight when she got home.   Maybe then she might have some clarity on something. 

"Ta-Dah!" Usagi said in a sing-song voice as she, Mamoru and Nijiko stood in front of Rosy's Play Palace.   

The building was filled with laughing children, adults reclining on the sidelines while watching them casually from a lounge. Music blared from unseen speakers a happy tune sung by some idol. There was a princess mascot that roamed the place with 'animal' friends following her and also entertain the children. there were indoor jungle gyms, bouncy places, ball pit, and many arcade games for kids to play with.  There was even a small skating rink where children could race around the ring to their hearts content.  The smell of food wafted in the air, making Usagi's stomach growl.

Nijiko and Mamoru glanced over at her as she laughed softly, " I guess I'm still hungry." 

Mamoru smiled at that, "Still the same." He said before taking Nijiko over to get her registered.  

"Hi!" An employee smiled brightly at them. Her bright yellow hair was the most noticeable thing about her aside from the pink uniform she wore with a name tag that said 'Kasumi'.  "Welcome to Rosy's Play Palace! Were everyone is in for a royal treat!  Is it two adult and one child?" 

"It is." Mamoru answered. "Where do we pay?"

"Oh! We charge by the hour! So there's no upfront cost!" Kasumi told them cheerfully, "Here at Rosy's Play Palace, the smiling faces of families are our first priority! Food is also included in the charge."

"Really?" Usagi's brows rose in surprise.  "Well then.."

Mamoru already feared for his wallet even more now.

"We just need to slap these bracelets on you as a safety measure!" Kasumi said as she secured three green bracelets to them. "That way everyone knows who they belong to!  Now have fun at Rosy's Play Palace!"

"Huh, that's really useful." Usagi said to Mamoru with a smile, then turned to Nijiko, " Why don't we play some of the games they have at the arcade?"

Nijiko shifted a little, toying with the edge of her rainbow striped shirt a bit before she nodded. It's as if she wanted to be excited for this but something was holding her back. Usagi glanced at Mamoru, who could only shrug slightly. 

"I'll go find us a spot." He told them, "I'm not much for games." 

"I guess it's you an me, then!" Usagi put more cheer in her voice and offered her hand to Nijiko.    

Again, the girl was indecisive before taking it.  Usagi's heart eased at this. A small thrill of joy that maybe she was gaining Nijiko's trust even more now.  Not wanting to blow it by making a big deal about it, she took her over to the arcade games. 

"Lets see who can win the most prizes!" She grinned at Nijiko. 

For the next two hours, they played and won prized.  Nijiko even began to laugh even more freely than she had before. It's as if whatever had been holding her back was gone now as she ran with the other children.   Eventually, Usagi had to sit down next to Mamoru in the lounge. She was thoroughly winded. 

"She really does have a lot of energy, doesn't she?" She laughed, "Even more than Shingo as a kid!"

"She does." He smiled watching her stand with the others in front of 'Princess Rosy'. "It seems she's relaxed a lot more since...then."

"Yeah. I think she's warming up to me." Usagi reached over and picked up a drink, " Maybe we'll be good friends by the end of this."

"I hope so."  He sighed a bit looking down at his hands, "It'll be nice if she had someone else around besides me. She hadn't really seemed to connect to anyone at the daycare."

Usagi blinked, "Really?"  She couldn't imagine why Nijiko would have much trouble there. The girl's Japanese had improved remarkably well and she was so sweet. Who wouldn't want to be her friend?  "Did her teachers say anything?"

He shook his head slowly, " They seem to think she needs a little more time. But I don't know.  It's been a few months. She's still not talking about having friends or anything. She just comes home, and plays with her toys until its' time to eat."

"Hm..maybe she's just really shy still?" Usagi wondered then thoughtfully sipped her drink.  "I know, she might need an ice breaker!"

"Ice breaker?" His brow rose, "For pre-schoolers?"

"Yeah! Why not? Someone there has got to have the same interests as she does!" Usagi nodded, "We'll just have to help her a bit, that's all!"

Mamoru considered it a bit before agreeing, "Well, it wouldn't hurt."

"Right?" Usagi stretched, "This place is great, isn't it?"  Her eyes traveled the room, "If only I was a little kid, I would totally have loved this place!"

"I think I would have too." His voice sounded slightly wistful.  There was something there, on the edge of his mind. A person. The shape of one he should know but he can't quite see her face...But he used to play with her all the time.  That's the feeling he got.   He thinks she'd also would've loved this place. Probably.

"Hey, Mamo-chan?" Usagi's voice broke his thoughts, "Where are the kids Nijiko's with?"

Suddenly alert, Mamoru scanned the room too. Nijiko had been with some children that were listening to the Princess Rosy mascot.  Yet, now they're gone!  He stood, concern coming over him. 

"Nijiko?" He called, looking around, " Niko, where are you?"

"My my!"  the Princess Rosy mascot appeared. Her princess curls bouncing as she smiled widely at them. She had the long puffed sleeves that were bright pink with a long flowing white cape. Bows decorated her gown as she sways over to them.  "What seems to be the matter with my Playful subjects?"

"My daughter," Mamoru looked at her.  However something seemed off about her.  Something he didn't like.  "Where is she? She's not here!" 

Behind him, some parents were starting to notice as well. They slowly began to get up.  Calling for their children.   

Princess Rosy covered her mouth in 'surprise'. "Oh dear! That won't do at all!"    A smile twisted on her face, "We can't have you disrupting our master's plan.  It would simply not do! "

"Master?" Usagi tensed, " Who are you!"

"I think it's time for all of Rosy's wonderful subjects to take a nap until it's their turn."  She raised her hand.  A wave of energy washed over the building.  People began dropping as if they were puppets with their strings cut.  

Mamoru and Usagi fell to their knees.  Trying to resist the urge to give into sleep. Usagi felt her eyelids grow heavy.  She turned her head and saw Mamoru glaring up at the monster princess with one eye closed. 

"Mamo..chan!"  She reached for him. Hoping that maybe their connection could help them defeat this creature.  Only for her hand to fall halfway to is.  It's no use.. she thought, sadly, I can't stay awake!

Her head fell to the ground. Her eyes closing slowly.  "ah...he..help.." She mumbled before sleep claimed her. 

Lady Carnelian appeared in the backroom where all the children had been gathered.  Their energy slowly being absorbed into a giant ball there.  

She felt nothing for them. For they were not her Colette.  They would be fine.  After all, children had an enormous amount of energy.  She was doing their parents a favor. Once they were drained of their energy, they would be more pliant.  They should be thanking her. 

"Barahime?" She said and the monster princess appeared behind her, " How are things proceeding?"

"My lady, we're almost done.  We had a few that resisted but we've managed to put them to sleep as well. Soon, we will clear them out and continue gathering the energy our master needs."

"Excellent." Lady Carnelian turned, "Continue doing so and.." Her voice trailed off as she saw something.  Something familiar.  "Oh? What's this?"

It can't be.  Her heart sped up. Thumping hard against her chest as she walked over to the prone form.  It can't be that she's here!   With trembling hands, Lady Carnelian bent down and brushed the dark blue curls from her face. 

"It's .. you.." She whispered, joy radiating for every fiber of her being. "My baby.. my darling.. Colette!" 

Usagi dreamed of her and Mamoru's wedding. Everything was wonderful. Even Nijiko was wishing them well as they walk down the aisle together. Happily laughing as a giant  pink donut hung in the sky. Showering the newlyweds with sprinkles.  

"This is the happiest moment of my life." She said to her new husband.  "If only it could last forever!"

He smiled back at her and opened his mouth to say-

"Usagi, wake up! People need you!" Luna swiped at her hand with her claws. "Wake up!"

"W-ha?  Luna?" Usagi blinked sleepily at her then winced, " Ow! My hand!  Did you have to do that? Don't you know a girl's hands are delicate!"

"I'll do more than that if you don't defeat that creature!" Luna hissed before moving over to Mamoru, " I'll wake him, but you and I are going to have to talk later!"

"Right."  Usagi raised her hand, "Moon Eternal Power- Make up!" 

"Oh, Colette!"  Carnelian kept petting her hair, "My darling, daughter!  This is where you've been?  No wonder I couldn't find you!"   

Now, she could leave all this behind. She could run away with her beautiful child and-!

"Ahh!"  Dark electric energy shocked her entire body.  It was so strong, that she collapsed beside the sleeping child, "What-is-happening?"  She cried out again as the power became sharper.  It felt like thousands of hot needles piercing her skin. Ruthlessly  continuing even as her body convulse, eyes rolling back into her skull. Tears began to leak out of the corner of her eyes until it finally stopped.  She panted.  Her body twitching every so often.

"You still owe me." Master Magnetis's dark voice filled her mind. "You will not be free until I've regain my strength.  Until then, you will not have that child. If you try to leave, I will kill her."

"No!" Lady Carnelian gasped, " No! I'll get you more energy!  I swear, Master Magnetis!" 

"See that you do. Remember, you only found her because of me. You'll only remain free due to my benevolence!  Return, Lady Carnelian. We have much work to do." 

"Yes..master..." Lady Carnelian slowly pushed herself up, wincing in pain. She looked up at Barahime with dark eyes, "Do not let any harm come to that child." She pointed to Nijiko.  "I will destroy you myself if there's even a scratch on her!"

Barahime shifted into a darker version of her princess form. The black and dark cyan colors almost blended into the darkness, but her eyes - despite being bright red with dark irises- held fear in them.  She swallowed visibly, "Of course, my lady! I shall protect her with my life!" 

"See that you do!"  Lady Carnelian cast one more look at Nijiko, "Soon, my darling, we'll be free."   Then she vanished into the darkness. 

Barahime sighed deeply, "That was scary."  She looked down at Nijiko. The girl's purple overalls with a dark pink shirt stood out in the midst of the others.  She couldn't really understand what was so special about her.  "Well, it's not for me to know anyway."

Suddenly, light filled the room as a silhouette appeared in the doorway, "Stop right there!"

"Who's there?" Barahime cried. 

"I'm the pretty guardian, Sailor Moon!  And in the name of the moon, I'll punish you!"  Eternal Sailor Moon shouted, "Get away from those children!" 

"Hmph! We'll see to that! Come my friends of the forest!"  Barahime raised her hand as the costume mascots appeared, "Get her!" 

"What?" Eternal Sailor Moon backed away seeing the suits rise around her, "I don't like this!"    Then ran when they came after her.  "Hey! Stop it!" 

She turned a corner fast, then tried to kick one of them in the head.  The mascot's head fell off.  Revealing-

"Eh?  EH?!  It's Empty!"  Eternal Sailor Moon cried.

The Mascot put its head back on.  "That was rude." It growled.

"It can talk!?"  Eternal Sailor Moon backed away, "I'm too old for this!" 

Then suddenly, roses struck all four mascots.  Freezing them in place.    Then she heard, "Tuxedo- La Smoking Bomber!"  

The power soard to the masoct animals. Burning them to ash. 

"Tuxedo Mask!" Eternal Sailor Moon turned to him, " Mamo-chan! " 

"Quick, we have to get to Nijiko!"  He told her with Luna on his shoulder.  Rushing by her, he kept his focus in front of him. He can't believe he moved back her only to expose his child to this! He hadn't wanted it for Chibiusa when she was there and now-! 

I'm sorry, Raina. He thought, I'm failing to protect our child!

Once more bursting into the back storage room, he spotted Barahime and immediately attacked her with his cane, "Get away from her!" 

"Ah!" Barahime held her hands up, her cape's fabric flew up to tie the cane. "You won't be getting me that easily!" 

"I don't have to!' Tuxedo Mask then suddenly jumped back, " Now, Sailor Moon!" 

"What?" Barahime had failed to noticed the sailor suited soldier with giant white wings appear behind  him.  "No!" 

"Starlight Honeymoon Therapy Kiss!" Eternal Sailor Moon pointed her staff at it. 

Barahime didn't stand a chance at even defending itself against the attack.  Her form turned into sparkling gray dust that piled up and faded away. 

Tuxedo Mask wasted no time in gathering up Nijiko in his arms.  He checked her.  Worried she might've been hurt but breathed a sigh of relief that she was unharmed. He looked back at Eternal Sailor Moon with a smile. 

"She's fine. Just sleeping." 

"That's good." Eternal Sailor Moon breathed a sigh of relief herself. " I was so worried..."

"Well, now that that's taken care of," Luna stepped into the storage room, " If someone would kindly tell me who that child is and why I sense something from her?"

"Ah.. Luna..." Eternal Sailor Moon glanced between her and Tuxedo Mask, "Er.. you see.. um.."

Tuxedo Mask stood up, holding the child close, " Luna, this is my daughter.  Nijiko." 

Chapter Text

"What do you mean that's his daughter?" Luna repeated dumbfound when they were back at Mamoru's apartment.  Nijiko had slept through it all, thankfully, and Mamoru was with her for the time being.  Honestly, it was a good thing too, because Luna wasn't exactly in the mind space of being quiet right now.  "What about- I.. How?"

Usagi looked over at Luna then sighed. She knew this would happen.  Honestly, she kind of feared it would be like this.  It's why she didn't tell anyone that didn't already know about it. She didn't want to talk about all the implications that it meant or whether the future they could still remember would ever be a thing.  Instead, she stirred her hot chocolate in silence, waiting for Luna to finish her little freak out moment. 

"Usagi, what... What about the future? About Chibiusa?" She stared up at her still confused, "I mean, if this girl is here, then-!"

"It doesn't mean anything." Usagi said firmly, blowing on her mug, "She's here. She's been here for four years. Nothing anyone does or says can or will undo that."

"I know, however-."  Luna shook her head, "What about your destiny? Mamoru married another before you! What if that changes everything?"

"Then I suppose it's changed." Usagi sipped her drink, "Ah, hot!" She blew on it again. Hoping it would cool faster. 

Luna started pacing, "And what about the others?  Or even you!  Can you really take on this responsibility to help raise a child?  Especially one.. like her?" 

"What's that supposed to mean?" Usagi cut her eyes towards Luna. "One like what? She's just a kid! What on earth are you trying to say here Luna?" 

"I'm not trying to say anything!" Luna said defensively, "I'm your friend and advisor.  I'm simply raising points you need to consider!  You're more than just an ordinary woman, Usagi, you're the current queen of the moon! You've been destined to become Queen of the future Silver Millennium that will be on this planet with your marriage to Mamoru. That girl and her mother- there could be consequences to their existence for you! More problems arise from succession to the throne!  Chibiusa might not even exist in this timeline because of it!" 

Usagi breathed out slowly, then set her mug down on the counter, "And what would you have me do?"   Her voice had taken on an air of authority that Luna's never heard before- or rather not outside of a serious battle.  "Make Mamo-chan send her away?  Have her life ended?  What would you have me do, Luna?"  She turned to look at her, "All this time, you've all told me I should be myself! That being the Moon Princess wasn't everything! That I am a normal person too!  That my happiness should also be considered while I save people from monsters and the world at large!"

Usagi shook her head, the golden pigtails moved with her.  Her shoulders slumped, "This isn't something I can wave a magic crystal at, Luna.  That's a person- that's a human being in there! A child that lost her Mom young and you want me to do what about it?  Reject her? Reject the unknown future that'll come?"  Tears welled up a little as she looked at Luna, "What would you have me do?  Don't you think I know? That I haven't considered everything too?  I don't know if Chibiusa's going to exist or not!"

She rubbed her eyes, " I miss her, Luna. I do. I loved Chibiusa too.  Sure she was a brat and could really get on my nerves a lot, but she was sweet sometimes and lonely." Again, she looked at the black feline, "It'll hurt if she doesn't exist in our future.  However, I can't just ignore Nijiko! She's here too! She's also sweet and she's lonely!  How do you expect me not to reach out to her? To want to comfort her too?"

"Usagi..." Luna's blue eyes widen a little as her ears turned then dropped slightly, "I.. I don't have any answers for this.  However, I must think about the future.  All our futures. If this girl is a sign of changes to come, then it could mean more dangers like today!  There's a strange power in her.  I don't know what it is but it could mean more attacks on the people of this city. We need to tell the others!"

"No!" Usagi shook her head, "I don't need- I don't want to bother them! They're living their peaceful lives, finally, after everything!"   She also didn't want to talk about this again either.   "Look, Luna, just keep it to yourself, will you?  Don't even tell Artemis about this!" 

"I can't do that!" Luna turns to leave, "This is more than you can handle on your own.  All of this... Usagi, you need to tell the others!"

"No! I can do this on my own, Luna." Usagi told her, her posture becoming stiff, "Mamo-chan and I can do this. Like we did in the beginning when it was just us. Please, don't tell anyone."

Luna looked at her once more before she left.    I'm sorry, Usagi.  She thought as she sprinted away, But this is for your own good!

"Luna, slow down!" Artemis's green eyes showed confusion when Luna arrived to Minako's tiny apartment.  Minako had gone out for the moment to get something at the convenience store.  Saying she would be back soon.  In the meantime, he'd taken up lounging on the equally tiny balcony where she hung her clothes to wait for her return.  Luna bounding up into the balcony and landing on him had been a somewhat painful surprise.   He was about to complain when he saw the desperate look on her face as words seemed to tumble out of her mouth but none of it made any sense to him.  "What do you mean Mamoru has a kid and Usagi is in over her head?"

"That's just it, Artemis!" Luna panted then caught her breath, "Usagi's strangeness over the last few months! She's been hiding the fact that when Mamoru returned, he'd gotten married and had a daughter! Now, she's trying to parent a child that isn't even hers and what's more there's a new enemy lurking about! "

"A new enemy?" Artemis's ears perked up, "When?  Why haven't we sensed anything?"

"I don't know!" Luna all but collapsed next to him, "And I fear it's not even the first time!  How could we be so lax in our duties, Artemis?  We allowed ourselves to believe comfortably that the future would still happen and now it may truly not!" 

Artemis got up, moving over to her and rubbed his head against hers. Trying to comfort her.  "You don't know that for certain, Luna."

"It feels like it!" Luna sighed, "And she doesn't want to involve the girls in any of this! Artemis, she's in way over her head here!  She's trying to mother a child and carry on with a relationship that's still fragile! Then this thing with these monsters.. I don't believe she can do it alone."  She looked up at him, "We have to tell the others. I know she's going to be angry with me, but I feel she needs more support and more perspective on things.  Especially now."  Her voice lowers, "We're only a year or two away from when it's supposed to happen. Crystal Tokyo..." 

"Ah..yes.. that." Artemis closed his eyes then looked towards the sky. It was growing cloudy. He hoped Minako would be alright.  "Are we even sure we want it to happen?"

"Of course!" Luna exclaimed, "It's the future we're all looking forward to! The era of peace that'll come for so many years. What destiny was denied during the Silver Millennium! Usagi has grown so much and she'll make a wonderful queen now.  This...thing with Mamoru, however...it'll put a question about the succession for the throne."

"Will it?" Artemis licked his paw, sitting next to her, beginning to lightly groom himself, " From how it seems, if Usagi and Mamoru marry and if they do have a child together, wouldn't that child be heir instead?"

Luna shook her head, "That's the problem. The Moon Kingdom has always been Martriarchal and the Earth Kingdom has been mixed depending whomever was in power."  She sighed even deeply, "What makes it worse is that because Mamoru had been married before and had the child in, what I assume, wedlock, that girl is the first princess born since the era of the Silver Millennium.  It makes things complicated."

"Moreso since it would mean splitting the kingdoms again, wouldn't it?" Artemis asked," If, of course, Chibiusa will exist."

"She must!" Luna looks at him, "She's the future Moon Princess! We've seen the future with our eyes!  Maybe-!" 

"Perhaps we should consult Setsuna on this matter?" Artemis suggested, "It would help, wouldn't it?" 

"It could." Luna's voice was hopeful. "We're so close to such peace and prosperity again, Artemis. Don't you wish for it to exist too?"

Artemis glanced at the door.  Hearing Minako's footsteps coming down the hallway of the apartment complex. "I do.  But I also want them to be happy, too, Luna.  Will this actually make them happy to have Crystal Tokyo exist?"

"They can still pursue their passions." Luna stood, "It's their destiny, after all."

"If you say so." Artemis pondered this.  It's true. It is their destiny.   But destiny could change, couldn't it?   The door opens, Minako came in all noise and laughing about something she read in one of the magazines at the convenience store.   Artemis couldn't help but think that this, too, was a well wished for kind of peace for them. 

Couldn't that be enough?

The Outer Soldiers still lived together in a lovely little home in the suburbs of Tokyo.  Well, what's considered so. They had a little front yard and backyard. The house had been repainted lately to reflect the different era for them.  Luna had always liked their garden.  It's fully of flowers and even had a small water feature she quite enjoyed lounging by sometimes. Especially when it's a little warm. 

However, today was not one for leisure.  Against her best judgement, she decided to delay in telling the others just yet about Usagi's situation. Preferring to at least get some clarity from Setsuna herself.   

With Artemis by her side, they hurried over to the open window and jumped in.  Inside were all sorts of lamps with unique shapes and romantic whimsy about them.  She realized this was Hotaru's room, but the girl wasn't present.  

She must be at school, Luna thought heading towards the door and into the hallway, it's only been a few years but she's already in middle school now.  

"I think Setsuna is in her room." Artemis said sniffing the air, "I smell fresh green tea."

"Then lets go." Luna headed towards the room to find Setsuna sitting at her desk, with several magazines stacked in an orderly fashion by her bed.  Her computer was off. There were more stacks of books on astronomy among other scientific papers.   Setsuna was wearing a loose gown for now. Her long legs stretched out before her as she seemed to be enjoying a light snack.  Soft music drifted from a radio on her dresser. 

"Setsuna?" Luna greeted, "I'm sorry to bother you."

"Oh, Luna and Artemis?" Setsuna smiled faintly at them, " What a surprise. What brings you here? Would you like some snacks as well?"

"No, that's fine. It's kind of you to offer." Artemis smiled back at her. 

"We have an urgent question for you." Luna jumped up on her bed to look at her better, "It's about the future."

Setsuna's smile faded.  She sighed softly as she picked up her teacup, "I see. You wish to know something we all shouldn't really know about."

Luna made a little bit of a face, however, she continued, " I know, but we need to know if you can at least still see it. The future we all saw when we went to help Chibiusa?"

"Ah, you still remember her." Setsuna hummed softly, then closed her eyes, "I wonder for how long."

"What do you mean?" Artemis asked, "Diana..Chibiusa.. Of course we remember them! Why wouldn't we?"

Setsuna tilted her head back then sat up a little more. Carefully balancing her tea as she took a sip then set it back down, " Because the future is no longer clear for me.  It's changed and has become hazy.  For a short time, a few years ago, it was completely blocked from my view."

"Is...will it not come true?" Luna's eyes widen, "Will the future not come to pass?" 

"I do not know." Setsuna admitted crossing her legs, "Time is not a stone. It is an ocean that is deep and unknowable. It shifts whenever a decision is being made. It creates more timelines, more decisions, more moments that something may live and something may die."  She sighed softly, "It's quite a headache, honestly.  I would suggest you not think about it. Whatever timeline we're destined for, it will come."

"How can we make it more likely for the one we want?" Artemis wondered if it was even possible. "If we could even do that."

Setsuna eyed them for a long time before she shook her head, " You can't. Not truly. It'll always be different. The future we saw is one that happens to a different group of people that is both us and not. We can achieve a similar future but it'll never be the exact same. Not without compromising who we've become."

"Are you certain?" Luna frowned. "Surely, there's a way to at least get close to what we've seen?"

"There is." Setsuna shrugged, "But it would require you to do what could hurt your relationship with the princess. I'm not willing to do such a thing. And I expect, neither are you."

"I see.." Luna turned to leave, "Thank you for your advice, Setsuna. It is greatly appreciated."

"Any time." Setsuna said then turned to turn on her computer, "And if this is about Mamoru's daughter? I would suggest you leave it up to her. After all, it is her wish to be with him that will determine what future we will all live in."

It would be another two days before Luna came to a decision about what she would do.   Even though she wished to tell the others, she hesitated still.  Setsuna was right about one thing:  

Usagi's choice would ultimately decide all their fates. 

"I just want her to choose one she won't regret." She said to the air and sighed deeply.   "Maybe if I further investigate the girl, it would calm my doubts."   Something I should've done when Chibiusa appeared, however...Chibiusa being Usagi and Mamoru's child relieved any concerns I had about her.  This girl isn't Usagi's child. 

But did that truly matter?  Luna wasn't certain. 

However, she finally made her mind up and called the girls.  Even if  it's Usagi's decision to not tell them about Mamoru's daughter, they needed to know about the new enemy targeting people. 

"It's only right." She said to herself heading to the Hikawa Shrine.  "They're sailor guardians too! We all need to be on alert."

It didn't take a long time for all the guardians to arrive at the shrine.  It was evening, the only time any of them had real free time outside of their day jobs.  Artemis was there, watching her worriedly as she entered. 

"Is Usagi here?" She asked. 

He nodded, "She's just in side with the others."  He paused, " I haven't told anyone.  Are you?"

Luna shook her head slowly, " No. If Usagi wants to reveal this in her own time, then I'll abide by her decision for now. Besides," She walked onward into the room where the nine women sat around Rei's room. Each having tea or something to eat.   She made eye contact with Usagi before she and Artemis began the meeting. 

"I'm sorry that you had to come at a time like this." Artemis started, "But we have news."

"There's a new Enemy attacking people and collecting energy!" Luna reported, "We don't know what their aim is, but we know it isn't good. Unfortunately, it seems our time of peace is at an end. We need to be on alert to contain this new evil."

When Luna met Usagi's eyes again, there was relief in them. Usagi mouthed 'Thank you'. 

Luna just hoped she was doing the right thing.