Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon or own anything to do with the franchise, all rights belong to Naoko Takeuchi. I do own my story and my own OC characters.

I do not own image.

Hi Guys,

Thank you all so much for reading this story, it means a lot. And thank you to all those who have fav'd and followed this story :-)

Thank you to TropicalRemix, Flareup4Ratchet and Guest for your reviews :-)

I don't want to reveal too much on this story, it took a while to do it and the story is longer than what I usually do. There are a lot of surprises that will happen as I am toying with some ideas I have had and read up on. What happens to Usagi's parents will be explained as the story goes on but they appear fully in the epilogue. Mamoru is different in this story and well...I wouldn't leave him evil but he will be a little different towards the end of the story, this is a Mamoru/Usagi pairing and leads towards Crystal Tokyo :-)

The last paragraph is a little dark but I didn't think it hit M yet.

Chapter Two

They stood outside the place they had once known as the Crown Arcade. Motoki wasn't there, Setsuna had already informed them of what had happened to him, and he of course was part of the Negaverse now. They didn't know where his sister was. The place was still being used as a social meeting-point, so the girls risked going inside.

"It's so dull…." Haruka said as they looked about. Although there were bright colours, most of the paint, tables and chairs were worn out and faded. Even the arcade games looked dated, not that anyone was actually playing them. The human children looked too scared to go to where the games were as there were Youma standing by the machines looking fierce. Haruka wanted to punch them so hard but she knew now wasn't the time for action.

"Who owns this place?" Michiru asked aloud.

"Kino Makoto but nobody has seen her for years, she bought the place after Motoki joined the Nega-Kingdom" a young woman with short green hair said, sipping her coke. Michiru nodded and waited for the young girl to walk away. So, did that mean that the Negaverse still didn't know the Senshi's real identity? As they walked in, Haruka found a place for them to sit down. From what Hotaru could see, there were no Youma around them immediately aside from those by the arcade games, just normal people surrounded them.

"Would you like anything to eat or drink?" a young woman with short red hair asked.

"Erm, just five cokes" Haruka said saying the first thing that came to mind. As they sat down, Haruka and Michiru scanned the place with their eyes.

"So, Makoto still owns this place then, I wonder if there are any clues here about her life and where we could start looking for them?" Hotaru asked as the red-haired woman placed all five cokes in front of them.

"Excuse me, do you know Kino Makoto?" Usagi asked the woman innocently. The Outer Senshi sweat-dropped as Usagi stormed ahead, desperate to find her former friends and guardians.

"Well, I knew Furuhata Unazuki , Motoki's sister…I really shouldn't talk about this, you know they have ears everywhere right?" the red haired woman said nervously.

"Please, we need to know" Usagi begged.

"Are you part of the Nega-Resistance?" the woman asked abruptly. None of them knew what to say apart from Setsuna.

"In a manner of speaking, do you sympathise with the Queen?" Setsuna asked. The woman discreetly shook her head and then hushed her voice a little more.

"Well, Unazuki was the one who suggested to Makoto to buy the place. Makoto came into some money when she turned eighteen. Unazuki was devastated when Motoki joined the Negaverse. Reika was even more upset…. poor Reika" the red haired woman said before looking at Usagi again.

"Makoto bought the place discreetly. She had become very secretive of late. Once she bought the place, Makoto came in here; I was here when it happened. She told Reika and Unazuki that she had to leave immediately. Then there was this sort of silence and a look passed between them. All of a sudden, Unazuki and Reika left with Makoto and we haven't seen them since the last all out fight between the Senshi and the Negaverse generals" the woman said as quietly as she could. The Outer Senshi took all the information in, trying to pick out the pieces that were important.

"Thank you" Usagi said as the woman nodded and then left. She stopped and quickly turned around, bending next to Usagi.

"I think they are still in Tokyo or the outskirts. To be attacking as often as they do, they can't be far away…. I know Makoto is with them, I am sure of it but please say nothing, she still can come back to a life here" the woman said before retreating to serve another table.

"Well, at least our search isn't going to be a huge one, can you sense them at all?" Haruka asked Usagi. Usagi went a little misty eyed as she shook her head.

"They don't want to be found. I will have to take time out to myself and see if any of them are open to me finding them" Usagi said cryptically. It was Setsuna who raised an eyebrow.

"We can sense each other, all us Senshi if we keep the channels of communication open. They never found me so must believe I am not going to come, they might not have any hope in me" Usagi said sipping her coke in order to restrain herself from crying again.

"That makes sense I suppose, the five of us can sense each other's powers but since I have come here, I haven't even sensed Jupiter or Mars" Michiru said honestly. Haruka huffed and then folded her arms. This sucked on so many levels she didn't even know where to begin. They had gained some information but got no-where. A brown-haired girl came over and handed them a leaflet.

"You spoke to my friend Kiki, she told me to give you this, I am sure you'll know what to do with it…power to the Nega-Resistance" the brown-haired female said before scuttling off. Usagi looked at the leaflet. It was a shiny piece of paper with huge gold writing on it. A picture of a woman and a man in cartoon form was dancing on the front, the woman having red hair and the man having black hair. Usagi had felt she wanted to throw up so quickly passed the paper to Haruka.

"So, the Nega-trash are having a ball…perfect opportunity for the Inner's to launch an attack" Haruka said.

"Hmm…I am sure the Negaverse are aware of it" Michiru surmised.

"Then it seems we have a ball to prepare for" Setsuna said seriously, looking at Usagi from the corner of her eye. If there was a way to make Usagi stay in the flat she would, she would just have to keep an eye on her and make sure Prince Endymion didn't see her.

xxx

Getting into the Ball wouldn't be difficult. Setsuna had teleported them inside without being seen as Sailor Pluto. Once she de-transformed, she was in a long black gown that hugged her figure and had a halter neck and a slit to the top of her thigh. Haruka opted for a tuxedo and Michiru was in a light green figure hugging dress. Hotaru wore dark purple puffy dress with a black cardigan and Usagi wore a light pink dress that was more in the ball gown style. Before they had arrived in the evening, they had noted many Youma going inside dressed as normal people. It was clear they were all supporters of Queen Beryl and Prince Endymion. There were security guards posted everywhere, all beefed up.

"We do not go too far away from each other, keep communication lines open, Hotaru, stay near Usagi, Michiru and I will not be far behind" Haruka instructed.

"I am going to do as much research as I can and will report back, Hime, all you need to do is call me and I will take you out of here. Please stay away from Prince Endymion if you see him. He is not the man you fell in love with" Setsuna said earnestly. Usagi nodded as they approached the arched entrance to a grand hall lined in gold and crystals. There was an orchestra in the background as people did the waltz. There were large round tables filled with fine bone china, silver based cutlery, pure crystal glasses and vases filled with luxurious flowers. The floors were grey coloured and polished to perfection. There were various expensive looking paintings and a gloriously large chandelier in the middle of the hall.

It all looked so glamorous but Usagi knew this was all a farce for the dirt hidden underneath. This made her think about the kind of court she might have had in Crystal Tokyo, would they have worn fake smiles and offered their fake friendships to her? This was all a charade, one big show.

True to her responsibilities, Hotaru stood next to Usagi, glaring at anyone who got too close. For Usagi's part, she was looking for any trace of her friends. She didn't know anyone here but the darkness within this place was frightening. She had never felt such negative energy since she battled Sailor Galaxia. Again, Usagi felt downhearted. She placed herself against the wall and folded her hands in front of her. The place was packed with people, finding the Senshi would be difficult. This place was filled with fancy dressed Youma and loyal supporters of Beryl.

"Hime…." Hotaru stood next to Usagi worried.

"I'm sorry Hotaru-chan, it's just that, whenever I think about all we have been through, I am still unsure why we keep having to fight…is this our fate? Does it have to be?" Usagi asked more to herself. Hotaru was about to take Usagi's hand into her own when she was interrupted.

"A beautiful flower such as yourself shouldn't look so sad" Usagi looked up into the blue eyes of the man she had always known as a dear friend, Motoki. Usagi started shaking as Hotaru looked towards Haruka.

"If you do not have a partner, I would love to dance with you" Motoki said smoothly as he took her hand. When had his eyes look so, mischievous? Motoki was a man who was kind and caring; this person was more of the plotting type, what was his game? Where was the kind-hearted man she had once had a crush on only to later view him as a caring older brother?

"Erm…Ok" Usagi said looking back at Hotaru to reassure her as Motoki led her towards the dancefloor. The music became a little slower which prompted Motoki to press Usagi closer to his chest.

"Don't worry, I don't bite" Motoki said whilst wicked little thoughts were whirling in his mind. Usagi smiled a little but she was more than uncomfortable with the closeness. As far as Usagi knew, Motoki was Endymion's right-hand man. Did that mean Mamoru was here as well?

"I feel like I have met you before, but I am certain we haven't" Motoki said placing his face a little closer to Usagi's.

"Maybe I remind you of someone" Usagi suggested wishing the song to finish. Motoki chuckled darkly.

"Oh no, you don't remind me of anyone, I don't think I have ever seen or met anyone like you before" Motoki said with a little edge to his voice. He then brought his mouth close to her ears, Usagi could see Haruka clenching her fists but Michiru calmed her down.

"Now why is that out of all the women here, I find myself drawn to you? Isn't that an interesting question little one?" Motoki asked, his breath touching not just the tips of her ears but also that of her neck. Was he trying to seduce her? Motoki! The man she saw as more of a brother now? The Motoki she knew would never do such a thing.

Motoki pulled away and that was when she saw his eyes flash red. He was one of Beryl's minions and Usagi had to remember that. When the music stopped, Motoki placed a kiss on Usagi's hand.

"I will grab you for another dance soon I think, you are far too interesting to me" Motoki said darkly as he watched Usagi walk back towards Hotaru.

Setsuna had spotted Prince Endymion, dressed as Tuxedo Mask. He stood against a wall with Jadeite next to him. Setsuna could see from his posture that he wasn't too bothered with being there. His hair was slightly longer and wilder, but he still looked like Mamoru. What was different was the colour of his eyes which had remained a burgundy colour. He looked taller and broader, well, if Usagi was approaching twenty then Mamoru would be approaching twenty-three now. He was seriously handsome, Setsuna had to admit. She didn't think Usagi would stand a chance if he found her. She then saw Motoki approaching him with a devilish smile on his lips. This made Endymion smile a little before chuckling.

"Beautiful you say, come now, we have seen many beautiful women and had our fill of them, what makes this one different?" Prince Endymion asked closing his eyes as some of the Youma females vied for his attention.

"I don't know, she felt familiar to me…" Motoki said in an almost dreamlike state. This caught Endymion's attention a little.

"I am sure she doesn't compare to Reika still just like Jadeite's infatuation with that fire Senshi" Endymion said ignoring the glare Jadeite threw him. Motoki looked a little forlorn but then that look disappeared as soon as it appeared. Setsuna had taken note of those words and imprinted the moment in her mind. Motoki although brainwashed was saveable. She still hadn't seen Beryl yet and there had been no sign of the Inner Senshi.

"Who are you both?" Haruka and Michiru both spun around to see a woman with long black hair and violet coloured eyes, glaring at them suspiciously. It was Hino Rei dressed in a plain red gown and black heels.

"We're just normal citizens here" Michiru said softly, happy to have found one of the Inner Senshi. Rei wasn't buying it. She sensed no evil from them, but she felt something. Her friends were watching a woman with a pair of Odango's on her head closely. Before Rei had spotted them, she had wanted to go over to the pale blonde haired woman.

"I will warn you both to leave whilst you still can, it is about to get very dangerous in here for all concerned" Rei said in a serious tone.

"What do you mean by that?" Haruka asked already knowing the answer.

"I feel like I know you, have we met somewhere before?" Rei asked really looking at Haruka. She then looked towards Usagi's direction.

"You must know what is going on here. This is all wrong. We were once very happy here before Beryl came and destroyed all we knew" Rei said in a sad tone.

"You have been searching for someone" Setsuna said surprising Rei.

"How do you know that?" Rei asked, feeling the power emitting off Setsuna.

"We know, we know everything and we're here to help. You must trust us" Setsuna said before worry placed itself on her face. Prince Endymion had spotted Usagi without her knowing it. Thankfully, it seemed another male was taking Usagi's attention away. Rei caught on.

"You want to keep her away from Endymion, I agree with you. He is good at playing the Prince Charming but once he is done with you, he changes" Rei said in a hard tone. Setsuna understood those words. She had suspected them, but she also knew Endymion would not simply get bored with Usagi. No, he would want to consume her, take all of her for himself and use her.

"Leave here now, I will find you all again" Rei said before quickly disappearing amongst the crowd.

Suddenly a loud bang caused the whole building to shake, followed by electric bolts hitting Nephrite in the chest. There were screams, followed by various people turning into their Youma form and getting into battle formation. Sailor Jupiter appeared crashing in and hurling lightning bolts in various places.

"Damn it, they're here, attack them now!" Jadeite ordered. The Youma that had been standing in formation went after Jupiter, but Venus had blocked their path by sending her crescent beam attack right through them.

"They have become more brutal" Haruka commented as they ducked behind a table turned on its side.

"They have had to without their Princess to show them kindness and lead them" Setsuna said. Usagi had ducked behind another table with Hotaru hiding behind another one. A great mist covered the room which signalled the arrival of Mercury.

"Venus, it is always a pleasure to see you" Kunzite said as he grabbed Venus's arm and tossed her into a wall. Usagi muffled a cry as she saw Venus struggle to get up.

"It's never a pleasure to see you" Venus said as she slung her chain at him. He used his sword to block the attack. Zoisite had managed to clear Mercury's mists to allow them to see more clearly.

Usagi tried to see what was going on, that's when she saw him, his eyes burning red as Beryl now stood by his side, her own scowl clearly seen. He was gripping his cane intensely, itching to fight. Beryl held his hand but pulled away when he narrowed his eyes, his eyes burning more a blood red. Beryl shivered a little but smiled. She would have him soon; it was only a matter of time now. Prince Endymion then turned his eyes back to the battle. Everything had now been destroyed and a battle was in full flow. Usagi tried to get up and when she did she ran over to Hotaru. Prince Endymion had seen her and widened his eyes. So, this was the woman Motoki had danced with. A wicked little gleam played on his features. Haruka had managed to reach Usagi.

"We need to get out of here now, we can't reveal ourselves and Endymion has seen you" Haruka said taking Usagi's hand. As they left, Endymion cursed out inwardly. Now he would have to search for her. Getting tired of the battle now Prince Endymion stepped out and a dark aura engulfed his form. He then released his energy, suffocating everyone but Beryl and the Generals in the room. Usagi had gotten away but not before he had placed a little of his own dark energy onto her. She had felt it, this heavy feeling that weighed her down, making her feel weak. She had almost collapsed to her knees but Haruka had her safely in her arms. They had just managed to leave but not before seeing Sailor Mars looking at them. Haruka knew that Sailor Mars would find them.

xxx

They had managed to get back home unscathed and relatively unseen. Usagi had gone straight to bed, tired from the night's events. But the moment she had tried to sleep she had felt herself pulled into a horrid nightmare. She was in a dark space with old ruins about her. She noticed she was dressed in a thin white gown that clung to her figure. She felt almost naked in it.

"How intriguing…" a dark voice filled her mind. She knew that voice but, how could that be? She looked around but couldn't see anything at all. She could feel this slight chill, she knew someone was there, she just knew it.

"You are a fragile thing…so easy to break…." The voice said making Usagi feel more than a little frightened.

"Who are you? Why am I here?" Usagi asked. An eerie silence came over her before a figure began to form in the mists. Once solid, the form approached her. She could see the forms red eyes burning into her before finally revealing itself, Tuxedo Kamen.

'Mamo-chan….' Usagi said in her mind as he approached her slowly and deliberately, placing his left hand on his cheek as he studied her.

"You're peculiar" Endymion said sensually "And very interesting" he said as he got closer. Usagi tried to force herself to step back but she couldn't. He had her trapped. As he got closer, he placed a hand on her cheek.

"So beautiful…and otherworldly" he said as he placed an arm around her waist "you are captivating" he added before placing his lips near the tip of her ear.

"Would you like to stay here for a little while…with me little one" he said before tracing little kisses on her neck. Usagi shivered cursing her body for reacting in such a way. This was not her Mamo-chan, it couldn't be. His kisses were so delicious, too damn good. Oh, she missed her Mamo-chan so much and here he was just him and her. Kisses found themselves on her cheeks before he looked into her eyes. His eyes were not the clear blue she remembered, no, they were evil and filled with unbridled passion. Usagi had no doubt what he had in mind for her. He then placed what appeared to be a chaste kiss, that's all it was meant to be, but Endymion found her to be intoxicating. He deepened his kiss pressing Usagi's body against his own. He was like a man who had gone without water, thirsty for her. He was about to plunge his tongue into her mouth when Usagi woke up. She was sweating and looking about with a guilty look on her face. What the hell had happened? She placed a hand on her lips, they were slightly swollen, and she could still taste him on her own lips. Was that a dream she had just had?

Prince Endymion, who had been sat on his throne alone and in the dark, opened his eyes, gleaming red with mischief.

"I will see you again soon my little Odango, you can't escape me now" he said viciously as he chuckled darkly, his laughs echoing against the vast empty space surrounding him. He then got up stretching his toned lithe body. Beryl appeared, smirking at him, desire evident in her eyes. He knew she was to be his wife soon and the very thought repulsed him. He had kissed her and that was as far as he was willing to go. But soon she would be merged with Meteria, the real power behind the throne, now that was a time he couldn't wait for. So, he would continue to put up with her for now. He had his own powers and he was very aware of them. Beryl held nothing that attracted him, but that Odango girl, she was something. He had never felt such a need, such a primal need to have her in every way possible. Aside from that, she felt familiar to him; he had felt a connection; a deep one and something awoke inside him. He felt a strong urge to possess her, to take all of her for himself. He knew that was how the Generals felt about the Inner Senshi but they had their duty and their duty was to capture them. As Beryl approached Endymion, swaying her hips seductively, Endymion allowed his mind to wonder to the golden-haired beauty. Tomorrow night he would have her all to himself again.

What Endymion did not know was that the will of Time itself was realigning their paths. His need for her was deep rooted, something entrenched from the past. Their souls had touched one another and left its mark during the Silver Millennium. A love so pure and so true had bound them to each other. None of this Endymion knew. His thirsting for her, his heated passion was something more than surface level. He craved her soul, her very being. He needed her; he needed her to take away the loneliness he felt. He needed her to take away the darkness that had entrenched his life now. This want, this hankering would not simply leave, no, it would engulf him in its flames and he would be happy because he wanted her. Without even knowing it, he was deeply and unequivocally in love with her. A love that transcended time and went even beyond death had unavoidably attached them at the hip, together.