This story is set in the future after the Black Moon but I think before the final fight with Chaos. This is my first fanfic and I'm really happy with it. It could be better but I'm just not that good. Thanks! If you want to flame me that's okay. Makes my life more interesting.

            And now disclaimers: All characters and attacks are owned and copyrighted by Naoko Takeuchi.I do not claim to own the characters or attacks associated with them. However the villain is mine and I ask that nobody use her with out my permission.

***

I Missed You Forever! Sailor Scouts protect the Princess!

Chapter 1

            Usagi danced slowly around the room. She did not know the man she was dancing with, merely that he was a delegate from China. She was smooth in her movements. The clumsy girl she once was had faded to the powerful woman she is. As the dance ended, she smiled and thanked the man in his countries language. In her years she had mastered many dialects.

            As she walked to the edge of the dance floor, she waved off another dancing partner, saying her feet were to tired. Perhaps the next dance?

            She headed towards the door but she turned around to take a last glance. She saw her 4 scouts dancing with smiles on their faces; Ami, Mako, Minako, Rei. Yes, they were all spinning around with this month's handsome lovers. Usagi felt sad that the would never know the true, pure love she awoke to each day. Theirs was a life of many loves but none of them lingered for long. They still loved the Generals, who knew what devoting your life to protect someone was. But Mamoru was on his own and so were the scouts. Perhaps in another life time. But there was only the here and now.

            Now where was Darien? With a smart click of her white heels and a swish of her pearly dress, Usagi headed up the grand staircase to her room.

            The deep firm rug met her shoe and softened her powerful step. She walked with dignity and beauty. But as soon as she was sure no one was around, with a giggle she kicked off her shoes and grabbed them in her hand. With another movement she threw her dress over her arm and laughed, thinking of what the guests downstairs would think if they saw her. She ran to the end of the corridor and slowed down when she reached her room.

            She pushed the heavy wooden door of her room open a tiny bit and peeked inside. Mamoru sat on a chair, his feet up on the near by desk, engrossed in a book. A soft laugh startled Mamoru, and he looked up to see his wife's smiling face through the crack in the door. His surprised look broke into an easy smile at the sight. He closed his book and put it down on the antique wooden desk in one smooth motion.

            "So, you've snuck out, have you my beautiful rabbit?" said Mamoru with grin

            "You," said Usagi shooting him an annoyed look "should not be talking. You skip all these events. You are supposed to be there, King Endymion."

            "Nobody would notice if I showed up in a clown suit. Everybody only watches you, the most beautiful star, Queen Selenity. You take everyone's breath away."

            "Oh, I'm sure the scouts would give me a run for my money," Usagi said with a smile. She had been slowly moving toward the bed and now she fell down onto it. She let the warmth of the comforter take her in. She rolled over and gazed at the sheer white cover of their four poster bed.

            "I don't ever want to move again," Usagi moaned, throwing her hands back, behind her head.

            "You don't have to," said Mamoru as he moved towards the bed, "The scouts will make your excuses." Usagi propped herself up on her elbows.

            "You know I can't tonight. I'm presenting the world leaders with awards. You knowing that handing awards out keeps world peace." Mamoru said nothing and simply began to intertwine their fingers. He flicked a loose golden hair of Usagi face with his spare hand.

            "Why can't we just be in love? Why must your life take you away from me. We should be together, all the time."

            "You're so over dramatic. We are so lucky to just be in each other's lives. Look at the scouts, destined to forever drift."

            "I know," sighed Mamoru, flopping on the bed, "You go. I'll come later."

            Usagi rolled over and kissed Mamoru on nose.

            "See you later then." said Usagi as she pulled herself off the bed. She slipped on her shoes, adjusted her small tiara and left the room, closing the door behind her.

            Darien stared up his hands folded over his stomach. It was true, he and Usagi were lucky. He had been watching the scouts, more and more their smiles faded as they watched Chibiusa and Usagi together. And the lovely glow of love faded each time another lover paraded through their lives. If only the Generals, if only...

            Darien walked over to the fireplace where a clear glass case sat. In the case, on purple velvet 4 unassuming stones sat. You do miss them too, don't you, Darien thought. He turned his head down and sighed. There was nothing he could do. Nothing anyone could do. Not even the crystal could wake the sleeping stones.

            Putting on his jacket he headed towards the door, he took a final look back and shook his head. He followed his true love's footsteps down the hall.

            As Usagi walked into the room a new song began and she was flooded with dance partners. At the back of the crowd she spotted the man she had promised a dance to, frantically waving his hand. She smiled and waved back.

            "I think I've spotted my dance partner. Excuse me," said Usagi as she made her way to the man. They danced for a song and at the end Usagi waited for the swarm of would be dance partners. But everyone held back leaving her alone in the center of the ballroom. Why? Usagi wondered.

            The band struck up a flowing melody that sailed through the air and Usagi felt the memories wash over her in waves. It was the song from her locket. On the band stand, Minako sang sweetly and softly words to the song. Out of the crowd a man in a tuxedo stepped.

            "May I have this dance?"he asked.

            "Of course, my knight"said Usagi. Mamoru took her hand in his and placed his other hand on her hip. The two danced a waltz from long ago as they drifted through their memories. On the floor with them, they saw a young prince and princess dancing, also lost to the song. Around them swished four beautiful girls on the arms of four handsome boys. All of them innocent and smiling, thinking the peace would never end. And Usagi felt the salty tears drip down her face. And although she did not look up, she knew Mamoru was also crying. She knew because of the warm splashes she felt on her scalp. And still they floated. Hanging on to each other to keep from drowning in the sea of times long gone.

            As the song ended Mamoru looked up, across the room. In all the pastel gowns and summery colours, an older looking purple haired girl stood out. Her dress was black and tight fitting. Her light purple hair was pulled in 4 large, loose fitting pigtails that were long enough to touch her back. She wore a necklace of string with a simple purple triangle of rock as the pendant. When she saw Mamoru looking at her inquisitively, she smiled. But this smile was not happy. It was filled with malice and hatred.

            Usagi still dancing unawares,  felt Mamoru's body tense. She looked up and saw a anxious look on his face. She felt Mamoru's grip on her hip tighten and she turned around to see what he was looking at. The woman in black saw this and began to walk towards the couple. Usagi felt waves of fear slam against her. She grabbed Mamoru's arm with her arms. He stepped in front of her, his arms extended.

            All the music and people stopped. The scouts appeared beside Minako on the bandstand, on one side of the large ballroom.

            "Who are you?" Mamoru said in a strong clear voice.