Author's Note: Sometimes it takes a complete stranger to tell us when we are being rediculous. The one I'm talking about prefers to remain anonymous, but I just want to say this chapter is for you. It is dedicated to someone who reminded me to stand up for myself, to never quit, and to bend like a willow so I don't break.

How was I being rediculous? You ask…

You might have noticed, if you read my other stories, that I am dealing with what some would term a troll. I never publish their reviews, because they are not suitable for any audiences, but that isn't to say I don't see them, and read them. And often, internalize them.

I almost quit writing this story. Even though the ending is done. Even though it's among my absolute favorites. Even though I have several other books planned in the series. Even though I love it so very much. I almost quit.

Well, a lovely lady wrote to me and verbally kicked my butt for giving up on something I cared so deeply about and begged me to continue. Not just for my readers, but for myself. Because if I let that person chase me away from even one story, they've won. I have never been so grateful to be told I'm wrong in my life. In fact, I actually have a screenshot of the email as the background of my phone right now.

I spent most of yesterday reading the first book, and all that I have on this book so far, and going through my notes. So I want to tell you, I am going to finish this. It is going to be wonderful, and you are going to love it. I am going to try and get it out to you over the course of the next month, as there really are several chapters left.

And… while I am at it, I plan on going back and doing a rewrite of Let Her Fall In Love With Me to add to the back story and deal with some errors that I noticed while reading. I'll let you know as soon as it is finished so you can take a look. And I have some minor editing and a couple scenes I want to add to Pretty Guardians as well, because I was noticing something is missing.

Chapter 12
Love Song

Forever

"Luna, do you have any idea how much I love you?" Artemis asked, nudging her quietly. He smiled over at her. She looked so beautiful in the moonlight, her long black hair in the double buns, reminiscent of the Lunar Royals, that she had worn so long ago.

He had brought her out on the full moon, and it had been a trick to get time alone together then. He was grateful for the help he had recieved from Mamoru and the others, who were all in on the secret plan.

Luna smiled at him, grasping his hand. "I love you too Art, more than I can ever express." She nuzzled her head under his chin, almost the same way she would in feline form, and he smiled, wrapping his arms around her as they looked over the tower wall.

"I'm so glad you agreed to this date," he confessed. "I've been so busy lately we haven't seen as much of each other as I'd like." Resting his chin on top of her head, he thought back to everything that had happened and all the planning he was doing with Shingo and Setsuna, and now others had gotten involved, including Hermione, who was quite brilliant.

Luna nodded. "I know. Its difficult to find time when you have so much going on. Is Shingo doing better?"

Artemis wasn't sure how to answer. Luna loved Usagi just as much as her brother or Mamoru or the girls. He wanted to be careful not to upset her tonight. He had doubts about their attempts to stop something the twins clearly remembered happening.

"I think he feels much more confident now. We still have to hear back about the Trace, but we are all more hopeful." The boy had been having nightmares about his sister ever since he'd overheard the twins conversation, and was more determined to stop the vision from happening than ever.

"I'm glad," Luna smiled. "I have been so worried."

Changing the subject, Artemis pointed to the night sky. "You can see Mau from here," he told her. "The pink one," he added as she looked where he indicated. It was among the brighter stars in the sky, with a little halo appearing around it on some nights. He'd come up several times with the astronomy teacher to find it.

"It's so beautiful," she breathed. "I assumed it was gone," she added.

"No, the planet remains. There is always hope," he said and then he led her to the table and the picnic Makoto had prepared for them.

The setting was beautiful. One thick pillar candle with two wicks in a glass jar sat in the center of the table. The meal was simple, a stir-fry over rice, with several deserts on the side. They sat together and began to eat, a companionable silence falling over them.

"Luna," Artemis said, after a few minutes, "I want to renew our vows. My love for you has only grown stronger with time, and I never want to be parted from you again." He held out the ring he had purchased, a simple diamond on a silver band. "You are the light of my life. Brighter than the sun and moon and all the stars. Please marry me again," he continued.

He saw tears in her eyes and watched as her jaw dropped in astonishment. "Oh, Artie," she whispered. "Of course I will."

He pulled her into his lap and slipped the ring on her finger. They would have to find a small chain so she could wear it in cat form, but the ring looked beautiful on her finger. He thought of a dozen corny romantic things to say but he found himself silenced by her kiss. Finally she pulled back and looked at him.

"Our marriage still holds, but in this time it is a technicality. I want it legal and binding in this time." He pulled out a few pieces of paper. "Ami helper me create legal identities for our human forms, he explained.

Luna laughed. "Always practical," she teased.

"Not always," he reminded her, and spent the rest of the evening reminding her just how non-practical he could be.

Secrets

Helios and the Unicorns - Chibi-Usa's secret

Helios knew that having the other children around made things easier for Chibi-Usa over the next few days. She was dealing with extreme guilt for what she had done, and even with the words of Professor Snape, who she now rather liked, and with the forgiveness of her parents and brother, she struggled to overcome the remorse that was weighing her down.

Someone had been hurt because of her actions. And worse, for her, that someone was the woman who would someday soon give birth to her. The woman who had opened her arms, and her heart to her without qualm in an instant. She had done something she regretted, and worse, it wasn't the first time her disobediance had caused her soon to be mother harm.

Helios, who was rather in love with the pink-haired princess already, knew and understood what she was going though. He wanted to make things easier for his little friend and soulmate, but he struggled with how he was going to do that. He knew that things were going to happen, and that for the younger version of her parents, it had not yet begun. He could see the struggle in her to keep the secret.

Chibi-Usa was a kindhearted girl. She was brave and loving and sweet. But she struggled with that thing all young wild girls face. Possibilities. She wanted to see everything and do everything all at once. And in a place like Hogwarts there were endless possibilities. For a girl who had grown up in Crystal Tokyo, under the eye of the public, there was little that was more exciting than a world where very few knew who she was, and she could get into mischief.

Now however, that joy and happiness was tempered with guilt and shame. Helios couldn't bear to see her looking so down, so broken. He wanted his smiling and happy friend back. He wanted to see her laugh with delight.

His first stop was to the man who, in more than a thousand years, would one day become his father in law. Of course, he had the long sleep to endure first, but he was willing to wait to see her again. Once permission was granted he went looking for the game-keeper.

Hagrid was an interesting person. From what he could sense, the man had mixed parentage and was in fact half giant. He had never seen the like before, and found the man to be fascinating and fun, with no hostile tendencies to speak of. The bushy-bearded man stood more than twice his height, but Helios knew him to be a gentle soul, which was the very reason the animals of the forbidden forest were drawn to him.

"I would like permission to take Chibi-Usa to see the Unicorns," he said quietly. "I thought if all of us kids went together," he smiled and added, " with you to chaperone if you have a moment, then it would be safe."

It didn't take much for the man to agree when he realized permission had been granted from Mamoru, who had also spoken to Professor Dumbledore. From what he understood Hagrid himself was in need of a good distraction.

"I can' say they'll come, mind," Hagrid warned.

Helios grinned. "They'll come," he promised, and pointed to the horn on his forehead. The priests and priestess of Elysion had a bond with Unicorns, and many of the other creatures that had been relegated to myth and legend, but Unicorns were closely tied to their world of dreams.

"Where are we going?" asked Chibi-Usa cautiously. She stepped carefully over the branches on the forest floor, following after Helios and Hagrid. The other children were clustered behind them.

"I wanted to take you to see some friends of mine," Helios said cryptically.

Chibi-Usa nodded, thankful to be out of the castle. She felt a little nervous. She'd double checked with her father that the trip was allowed, and the presence of the gamekeeper comforted her. She'd heard stories from Harry and Ron about what could be found under these trees, and didn't want to meet up with any monsters.

They came to a clearing and Hagrid sat down on a large stone outcropping while the children sat on the grass around him.

"Now," the gamekeeper said in hushed tones. "I know lots of 'em come through here. They tend to trust girls more 'n boys, so you fellers stay sittin'."

The boys, except Helios, nodded emphatically. Chibi-Usa rested her elbow on her knee and put her chin in her hand, staring at out at the woods around the clearing. She didn't know who or what they were waiting for, but suddenly Helios held up a small bell. A bell that seemed very familiar to her.

Several minutes passed before they arrived. Unicorns. She sucked in a breath and stared in wonder at the creatures. The oldest were silvery white, while the babies were golden. Her jaw hung open, she knew, but she didn't care. She was just so happy.

Helios pulled her to her feet and led her to the closest trio, which appeared to be a mother, a father, and a baby. There were several other clusters of them arround the clearing, and none backed away from the Protector of Dreams. She stayed close to his side and made no sudden movements.

The baby Unicorn came straight to her, nuzzling at her shoulder rambunctiously.

"Oh!," she breathed, "you're so beautiful."

Helios handed her and the others apples, and soon they were all busy feeding the Unicorns. Chibi-Usa was delighted. The little one she had first met followed her back and forth across the meadow, searching for pets and scratches, and more yummy apples.

For the first time in days Chibi-Usa found herself feeling happy and carefree again. She smiled over to Helios, thankful that he understood her so well. The other girls crowded around her and the golden baby, and they played with a hunk of rope supplied by Hagrid. A game of tug of war followed that had all of them laughing and happy.

When it was time to return to the castle, Chibi-Usa gave the baby Unicorn a hug and kissed him gently on his nose. "Goodbye, little friend," she called, then moved to join the others. She stared into the meadow, walking backwards for a time, until the last glimpse of the magnificent creatures was gone. Then she turned and ran to Helios, throwing her arms around him in thanks.

It was on the long walk back to the castle that Helios brought up the subject he knew was troubling Chibi-Usa.

"I know you are feeling really bad," he said quietly, so as not be heard by the others, who were all walking ahead, just behind Hagrid. "I know that you think everything is your fault," he continued, grabbing her hand and giving it a squeeze. "But you can't take blame for everything. You were six Chibi-Usa. At least mentally and emotionally. You couldn't have known what would happen."

She stared at him for a long moment. "Daddy says that we have a responsibility to the people," she explained. "That because they chose us to lead we have to act differently than other people. We don't have the luxury of making the same mistakes."

He knew she was quoting from one of the lessons all the children had recieved, and he frowned at the words. Royals they might be, but they were also children, and in spite of added abilities, they were also human.

"He didn't mean that you couldn't make mistakes, Chibi-Usa. Just that you have to learn from them and grow. I know you've learned your lesson right?"

She nodded, her pink pigtails bobbing. "I have, but that doesn't change what's about to happen. I wish…" she paused and looked at the other kids before continuing. "I wish I could just tell young mom not to be there on that day. I could just say she has to be somewhere else and then it wouldn't happen. And then, maybe, I could tell her what day I stole it in the future and she could, I don't know… ground me or something. Lock me in the dungeon."

Helios frowned. He hadn't realized she was considering altering the timeline. Certain things had to happen. If they changed too drastically it could cause an alternate timeline to form, but the original would remain the same. He began to explain this to her. "Pluto once told me that time can be changed only so much before an alternate timeline forms," he explained. "Sort of like a rubber band. You can stretch it a bit, or change the shape a little, but if you put too much pressure on it, then it breaks."

"You mean I could break time?" she asked incredulously.

"Not necessarily. I don't understand as well as Setsuna, mind you. Time works differently in Elysion. It works like a dream there, speeding up or slowing down as needed. That I understand. Here though…" he frowned. "An alternate timeline could be created by something as simple as taking a different path to work. Lets say on one path a person gets hurt or dies, but on the other, they don't. If that person is there when they weren't originally going to be, then time has to fracture to allow for it. But, the original timeline still remains. So you might save this version of your mother from what's about to happen to her, but another would still suffer through it. Do you understand?"

Chibi-Usa nodded. "I just… I wish it didn't have to happen."

Helios nodded. "So do I. But I think certain points in time are fixed. Some things have to happen a certain way every time, and even if you didn't take the Crystal, and didn't come back to the past, something else would have happened to make the same events occur. Because even though it hurt your mom, it also made her so much stronger."

Chibi-Usa nodded again, but still looked sad. "Okay, I won't tell her." She sighed. "But can you help me? It's really hard sometimes. I just want to run to her and say it all and beg for her to forgive me."

Helios put an arm around her. "Of course I'll help. But Chibi-Usa, she never blamed you for it. She put the blame squarely where it belonged. With Dimande and the Black Moon Clan."

Chibi-Usa nodded and they continued their trek in near silence. He knew she would still deal with guilt, and would probably struggle not to tell, but he would be there, helping her though it.

Diana and Manno

It was not unusual to see a cat in Hogwarts. Mrs. Norris, the caretaker's cat, was rather famous with the students for sniffing out rule breaking. She was not the prettiest cat, and she didn't talk like Luna, Artemis, and the twins. But her notoriety was well deserved.

As soon as the students from Japan arrived, the cat, who was incredibly intelligent in spite of her inability to articulate, turned her attentions on the animals who arrived with them. Specifically Phobos and Deimos. She loved to watch the birds, and could often be found in the Great Hall at meal times.

However, the ones she should have kept a more careful eye on were the young kittens who, like human children, had a knack for finding trouble. They roamed the castle at will when they were not following the young versions of their parents. Interesting things were discovered, such as a small passageway into Professor Flitwick's store cupboard, or the strange teas and salts of Professor Trelawney.

But for two kittens, the greatest discovery was the kitchens, where they were doted on by the house elves. Those small creatures did not like Mrs. Norris, and spent several long hours telling stories about the cat as they cooked and cleaned. Manno and Diana ate it up like the milk and tuna they were often given, listening to some of the strange things she did.

"She really bit your ear?" Diana asked one elf, who nodded and pointed to one of the large protuberances on her head. "What did you do?"

"We is not doing anything miss," the house elf squeaked. "Fitch doesn't like house elves and we is not getting into trouble."

"But surely one of the Professors would help," Manno argued. "Professor Dumbledore is very kind. He always gives us scratches when we go see him," he explained.

The house elf shook her head wildly. "Minnie is not talking to Professor Dumbledore," she said. "Minnie is a good house elf."

Neither kitten could really understand, but they didn't push the issue. They had learned the hard way that if the small creatures considered themselves as having broken a rule they would do horrible things like bash their heads against oven doors or slam their fingers under heavy cauldrons. They did not want to see something like that again.

Instead, the two kittens came up with a plan. It would take daring and cunning, and most of all stealth. They began talking over different options as they crept through one of the many strange tunnels they had found. There were secret passageways all over the castle. Hidden rooms, and rooms that only appeared on a Tuesday, or rooms that only appeared at great need, like when a certain pair of twins needed to hide the fish bones they had dragged from the dining hall.

But their greatest discovery came soon after that aborted conversation. A small tunnel, just barely big enough for a cat to crawl through, led straight into Filch's office. It was, obviously, how Mrs. Norris patrolled the castle. The twins decided to get a little help from their newest friends.

Fred and George Weasley were Gryffindor's. Their common room was at the top of a tower, and Manno and Diana had been there several times. They liked the attention the students gave them, and loved to be scratched and cuddled. Finding the twins was as easy as entering. They ran to them and hopped up into their laps.

For well over an hour a whispered conversation followed, and Diana and Manno were thrilled when the other pair of twins easily agreed to their plan, and even supplied them with what they needed to make it a success. They conspired to meet just after one in the morning, and the Weasley's promised to bring the supplies.

Diana and Manno made their appearance back in their own common room to allay suspicions and to receive cuddles from Chibi-Usa and Chibi-Mamo. After all the trouble they had recently been in the kittens had decided to leave them out of their plot, but they considered asked Jed and Zo, because those two loved a prank. However, the Weasley's had convinced them that no more trouble should befall their group, so they waited until the others were asleep and crept back out alone.

Mrs. Norris was out about the castle searching for troublemakers when the two sets of mischievous twins began their work. One after another the pieces were set and they ran back to their common rooms before anyone was the wiser.

Two days. Two long days had passed, and there was no sign of their plan working. Diana and Manno paced back and forth, wondering if they should go and check, but the red-haired trouble makers explained that sometimes their own plans didn't come to pass for days or weeks. So they decided to wait, just a little longer.

They were all in the great hall, dinner having been set, when Mrs. Norris decided she wanted to take another look at the strange birds who were not owls. She took the hidden tunnel from her human's office and made her way through to the entrance outside the dining hall.

She didn't notice the piece of hair across the middle of the tunnel, or if she did, she paid it no mind. But a moment later a loud bang echoed behind her and she found herself running as fast as her paws could carry her, trying to outdistance a firework made to look like a bumblebee. It buzzed and whizzed and continued to follow as she ran.

Unfortunately, more and more fireworks had been set throughout the tunnel until, by the time she escaped, a swarm of the strange magical fireworks was following her. With a loud yowl she escaped the tunnel and ran into the dining hall with the magical bees on her heels. She launched herself straight into Filch's arms, hoping for protection, but the swarm simply surrounded cat and man both and spun and swirled around them, driving the cat to distraction.

Diana and Manno clasped eyes with the Weasley twins and they all laughed. The other students were laughing as well. Mrs. Norris narrowed her eyes at the red-haired twins, but didn't suspect the kittens in the slightest. Though how she expected the large youths to fit in her tunnels, no one could guess.

Bonding Song

Zoicite fingered the ring in his pocket nervously as he nodded to Michiru. "Ami?" he called, and the little bluenette looked up from her book. He moved closer to her. "I have a surprise for you," he explained.

Michiru played the opening strains of the song and he gulped and tried to remember the words he had written to accompany it. They had worked many hours to get it as close as they could to what he remembered.

"Zo," Ami breathed. "This is the melody of our soulbonding. How…?" She couldn't finish as tears sprang to her eyes. Apparently the surprise wasn't over because he knelt in front of her and began to sing.

My heart beats for you my love
And I'll never have enough

Moments of joy, laughter and smiles
Give me the word and I'll make you mine.

You are the light of my life,
The smile through the tears
The joy that I feel
My hope through the years

And I love you more
Than I ever could before

For you are the dream shining inside
The heart in my chest that fills me with pride

You are the light of my life,
The smile through the tears
The joy that I feel
My hope through the years

The words faded as the violin played a long straining note. Tears poured down Ami's face as Zoicite held up a ring with a shimmering blue stone surrounded by tiny white diamonds. Unable to speak, she launched herself into his arms, smiling and weeping all at once. Her lips met his and she clung tight to her soulmate, her Soul-Bonded. The one who understood her most in the world.

"Will you marry me Ami? Will you make me the happiest man in the cosmos?" Zoicite asked, his fingers under her chin so he could stare into her eyes.

She nodded, then with what seemed herculean effort, she opened her mouth and said the word that had never sounded so good before. "Yes." It was hardly more than a whisper, but so full of love and joy that he held her even closer as he slipped the ring onto her finger.

Every female in the room, including Haruka who had sworn she was above such things, was weeping. The males were smiling and laughing, clapping each other on the back for a job well done. Even Michiru, who had not known he planned to use the song to propose, seemed to swell with pride. She had been so patient with him as he had given her the notes, and he was very thankful for her help.

Ami held up her hand suddenly, looking to Usagi with a strange, almost wild look in her eyes, and said, "Oh Kami! I'm engaged!"

Her words seemed to break the spell that held the group and in moments his new fiance was pulled from his arms as the other girls clustered around her, staring at the ring, giving her wild hugs, and promising elaborate dresses and a wild bachelorette party.

He turned helplessly to Mamoru, who simply shrugged. "Let them enjoy it," he said, putting an arm around him. "They don't get nearly enough moments to just be girls."