Journey to the Past - Chapter 1

Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon or any of the characters; however the idea of the story is completely original and not based upon any of the plot ideas from Sailor Moon.

One year ago…

"Sailor Moon…" A mysterious voice called over the valley that she had become trapped in, trees surrounding her like a cage as the fresh, blue sky became angry and haunting. Lightening shot down at the ground as the sound of crashing thunder boomed for what seemed eternity.

The voice continued "I can help you, I can save you. Trust me and I will reward you with your own life, which right now is non-existent. Trust me Sailor Moon."

She looked around trying to find the source of the voice as a look of terror filtered across her tear stained face, her normally cheerful eyes became dark and afraid, "N-non-existent? What do you mean non-existent, how can this be? I'm here, I'm alive!"

"There's no need to dwell in the past Sailor Moon, I have everything you need to live on in the future, just trust me, that's all it takes, trust. You may feel alive, but believe me you are not. I hate to have to tell you this. Just trust me." The almost familiar voice echoed around her as she clenched her fists in anger, an emotion she was not used to.

"But I have no idea who you are or why I'm in this awful place, why should I trust you, you even claim that I no longer exist!" A tinge of wisdom accompanied her worried voice as the immature fourteen year old demolished from within her, now was not the time to be weak. She had to be strong. She was a grown woman now, she was Sailor Moon. Nothing could hurt her, so she thought.

"Very well then, don't trust me, I will enlighten you with my gift anyway. You did not survive the last battle Sailor Moon, you died protecting everything you had ever cared for, everyone you had ever cared about. You did an amazing, precious thing which is why I now reward you with the gift of life, much like your mother Queen Serenity did all those years ago. You have enabled the world to live in peace, just like you always wanted. Your loved ones will lead normal lives, just like you always dreamed they would. I know how much they all mean to you Sailor Moon and unfortunately this is the only way you will ever see them again…"

A blinding, bright light filled the entire valley as Sailor Moon looked up in confusion, her torn and bloodstained fuku danced in the wind, her everlasting golden hair was swept above her as the light enveloped her. Blossom from the trees danced around her, hope absorbing into her pale blue eyes as she wondered what in Earths name could be happening to her. In a flash she was gone and the dark valley returned to its previous, peaceful state.

"Good luck Sailor Moon, I'm sorry that this was the only way…"

Present time…

"Will it ever get any easier Rei?" Mamoru looked up at the priestess; her long black hair almost trembled in the wind as she held back tears. Her deep, purple eyes seemed haunting and her skin gaunt.

A sob escaped from the back of her throat, "I don't know. I'm sorry b-but I really don't know. None of us ever imagined that this would happen. We had seen the future and she was in it. I guess we just took her life for granted because of that…"

Tears fell from his hard, navy eyes as he held their locket in his hands, the soft melody now becoming a distant memory as it became weaker; a sign that she was no longer there to share it with him.

'Usako,' He thought as he remembered, her beaming smile still radiated light despite the fact that no one would ever see it again. 'This is all my fault, I failed to protect you, and now you're gone forever. My princess. My soul mate. My Usako.'

Rei placed a hand on his shoulder as they looked at the gravestone before them, which was covered with roses of all colours. Roses were always her favourite. The single red rose that Mamoru had placed shone above all the rest, showing his grief and passion towards the young woman that he had always loved and would for eternity, no matter where he was or who he was. It had already been a year. A year since they all lost such a significant part of their lives. A year since the world had lost its most loving and sacred protector. The downfall of Sailor Moon had caused the world to become a more peaceful, although in the eyes of the senshi and everyone that knew her, lesser place.

Suddenly a bright light shone from the distance, Mamoru and Rei covered their eyes, protecting themselves from whatever was approaching. But nothing came, the light died down as the blossom from the trees danced around them and towards the source of the light. Intrigued they followed the blossom, wondering what could have caused such a blinding light. After all, since that awful day one year ago nothing evil had dared approach the Earth. The graveyard was silent and still, only the rustling of leaves in the trees and the soft whisper of the wind could be heard.

"Mamoru look here!" Cried Rei as she found the source of the light. Before her was a small child. She couldn't have been more than a year old. Rei looked down in awe as the child slept; her golden blonde hair curled around her face, framing her small, delicate features and highlighting her precious, porcelain skin. A crescent moon appeared on her tiny forehead but disappeared within a split second. Rei couldn't believe her eyes and assumed she had just been imagining it; she hadn't had much sleep lately, well for the past year, and could never really trust her judgement anymore. What a great Senshi she would be if it ever came back down to it! Rei frowned at herself as she yawned, 'Gees I'm becoming just like Usa…' She stopped as a painful expression came across her face. She shook her head and focused on the child in front of her. Thinking of her brought back too many memories, which despite being happy were ruined by that final sight as her best friend had given her life. In Rei's eyes her soul had died with her friend, leaving merely a lifeless mortal who had no purpose but to sweep the steps of a temple. But this child changed that slightly. She felt her life had a purpose once more. Mamoru came up behind her, slightly out of breath.

"I feel something towards this child." Sighed Rei as she picked the baby up, careful not to awaken her from her peaceful slumber. "I feel a longing to look after her and protect her."

Mamoru looked over Rei's shoulder and gasped. He immediately understood how she felt. There was something enchanting about the child, something that made his heart melt. He felt nothing but love as soon as he took in the delicate, precious features and her golden spun hair. She had cast a spell upon him which he knew would never die, and he wanted nothing but to protect her with his life.

"Come on lets go and find the others, I feel that this child will need our help." He exclaimed as he signalled for Rei to follow him.

As she followed she looked down at the golden bundle in her arms, 'why do I feel such a connection with you little one?' She wondered as she held her close, protecting her from the hustle and bustle of the city streets as they hurried to meet their friends.

They failed to hear the soft whisper of the wind from behind them, 'Good luck Sailor Moon…'

Well, that's the first chapter done! I don't know how this story will turn out, I just had the idea randomly and started writing so if it takes me a while to update I'm sorry!

Thank you for reading, please review it really means a lot! :-)

Sam xx