Author's notes: The story takes place during the final part of volume 15, arc Dream: Yume 9 – Earth and Moon Dream.
It is set after Nehellenia's final defeat, when Mamoru's power awakens and before Helios returns to Elysion.
CHAPTER 1
--Return--
"Seems like everything is back to normal on Earth, we as well have returned to our usual selves", said Michiru while analyzing their surroundings since they landed in what appeared to be a heavily wooded land, though it was full of trees and bushes it looked unbelievably beautiful under the moonlight.
"Does anybody know where we are? This area doesn't look familiar to me… "-Asked Chibiusa in a somewhat concerned tone.
"Maiden, do not worry. We are…"
"…In the woods behind TV Ashita!"-Minako abruptly interrupted Helios as he was about to explain their whereabouts.
"Exactly" Added Helios with a slight gesture of surprise as he gently smiled towards her. "How did you know, Princess Venus?"
"Princess? Oh, what's with all the formality…? Minako-chan will do just fine! And of course I know where we are! I usually come here on my spare time and see if I can spot any of my favorite idols passing by on their way to work!"
"Of course you do…"-Said Ami-chan giggling a little and feeling relieved to hear the reason why Minako was so familiarized with the place, especially since it had been Minako and not her to be the first to spot their location.
"It's getting late; I would have thought it'd be morning already. But I see time does differ between Earth and Elysion"
"That is correct, my Prince. After all, the Earth is affected by conditions in outer space, the Sun and the Moon; light and darkness… they all have very different meanings out here. So beautiful…"
"Must you return to Elysion immediately?" -Inquired Usagi hoping he would be able to stay at least one day on Earth to enjoy all those things like the stars that he couldn't see in Elysion.
"Princess, I must return as soon as possible and make sure the order of things has once more returned to normal"
"Please stay! Just for tonight, please… just stay tonight and enjoy the sight of the beautiful and starry sky. After everything that's happened can't you just stay this one night?"-Pleaded Chibiusa with teary eyes.
"Stay"-Added Mamoru.
"Prince! a…are you sure you want me to stay?"
"A lot has happened; I assume you two have a lot to talk about. Plus, the sun will rise in just a few hours; I don't think any disgrace will occur in Elysion from this moment till dawn. We will all see you off in the morning Helios." Stated Mamoru with kindness in the words spoken as he glanced at Helios with a thankful gaze and gently placed his hand over Helios' shoulder.
"Fine then, let's all go home and get some sleep"-Proceeded Rei in order to get everybody moving so Chibiusa could have a few moments alone with Helios.
"Ami-chan you'll stay with me, Minako-chan will you take Luna, Artemis and Diana tonight?"
"Sure! Let's go Artemis, Luna, Diana!"-Said Minako imperatively to get the feline kind going.
"Very well then, let's hurry and sleep a little; we better get going. We will meet you all tomorrow in the park before school"- Stated Haruka just as she started walking towards the street closest to the TV Station. Michiru walked gracefully by her side as Setsuna and Hotaru walked steadily a few feet behind them.
"Now, Mako-chan you don't live far from here, do you?" -Suspiciously inquired Rei.
"No, not far at all; just a few blocks away Rei-chan"
"Then I guess Chibiusa-chan can stay with you tonight; she will get to your place as soon as she finishes her business here. Mamoru-san, I don't think it is necessary to ask if Usagi will stay at your place tonight. After all, you two have a lot to talk about as well"
"Y…Yes, Rei-chan" Replied Mamoru feeling a little shaken by Rei's implications, he knew tonight was the night; tonight he had to confess.
"Let's go then, Mamo-chan". Usagi seemed calm... at ease with how things were now with Nehellenia gone for good; she even acted playful and sweet as her usual self. However, she did appear to be different in an almost intangible way… she'd become stronger, somehow she had matured in a way she hadn't even realized yet.
a/n: This is the first chapter! It's my first fanfic, so please comment!... be polite but truthful ˄.˄ Thanx for reading!
*I must say that to fully understand this and the upcoming chapters, it'd be better if you are familiar with the Manga, because it is based on it, and most of the story was altered in the Anime.
To avoid confusion I've decided to make a "glossary":
-Mamoru= Prince "of Earth) and is called "Mamo-chan" by Usagi (in this and further chapters)
-Usako= Usagi/Princess/Queen (in this and further chapters)
-TV Ashita= TV station where Mamoru works in ch 007 of the Anime.
**Disclaimer: I do not own nor take credit for any of the characters or places in the story, they are property of Takeuchi Naoko, Kodansha and Toei Animation.