A/n

HELLO EVERYONE I AM BACK FROM THE DEAD!

In all seriousness, I started a new job that literally took all of my free time :( But now I am officially three months in and I have more time to write! Thank you soo sooo sooooo much for the new followers, favoriters, and those who stuck around! I love you guys, you're the reason why I will always come back to give you a proper ending.

I'm so excited for the direction i have planned for this, and it's not too much longer for a, dun dun dun, CONCLUSION! (A while away, but nothing too ridiculous, I promise!)

Enough of the babble, happy reading, and I hope you enjoy this chapter as much I did!

-Bitchii-usa

Act 14 Influence

"Now the tree is perfect!" Usagi stood in front of her and Mamoru's Christmas tree with her hands at her sides. She beamed with satisfaction at the long hours she had put in for the day, making sure it was perfect. "What do you think, Mamo-Chan?"

Mamoru bit his bottom lip at the tree, and tried to find the nicest adjectives he could find. "It's…erm….it's very decorative, Usako." Decorative was a bit of an understatement. The tree glittered and shined, with pink bows in random places, and pictures of each of the girls randomly thrown throughout. Large ornaments of cats held down the bottom half of the tree, and colorful popcorn strings wrapped itself around the majority of the tree. Mamoru himself was very simple when it came to decorating a Christmas tree: a few lights here, a few ornaments there, and his golden star at the top. Usagi had been so excited at her first Christmas officially living with Mamoru that she had gone overboard. And even though Mamoru wanted to protest to the lump of colors that adorned his living room, the radiant smile on Usagi's face was hard to deny. He knew that she was anxiously waiting for the next enemy to attack, so the downtime that they could share should not be spent arguing over irrelevant matters.

Usagi wrapped her arms around Mamoru's arm and giggled. "I know I probably went crazy Mamo-Chan!," she squealed, "but I just couldn't help myself! I wanted our place to be very inviting!"

"It definitely is inviting," Mamoru awkwardly smiled at her. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "Good job, Usako."

There was a knock at the door and Usagi excitingly raced to it. "Mamo-chan! Is the cake ready yet?" In addition to decorating the tree, Usagi had also been planning a birthday celebration for Makoto. She had gone the extra mile as a way to tell her how much she appreciated everything that she had done for her. She sat through hours of cooking channels to home make Makoto's birthday dinner, and of course had to ask Mamoru for help the majority of the way.

"Almost, Usako. It has to cool for the icing to be spread."

Usagi opened the door and smiled. "SURPRISE!" she yelled, and was met with silence. She opened her eyes and stared at five girls out of six girls in front of her. "Umm, hello everyone! Where's Makoto?" Usagi asked, poking her head out in the hallway.

All five girls looked at each other and then looked at Usagi. "Usagi-chan," Ami spoke up, "Did you call her this morning?"

Usagi's cheeks lit up and she dropped her head. She dwiddled her index fingers around each other, embarrassed. "Erm…well…the funny thing is," she put her arm behind her head and laughed, "I guess with all that I had to do today I must have forgotten to call the birthday girl! I'm so silly!"

The girls dropped their heads and sighed. "You never fail to amaze me at how much of an idiot you can be, Usagi," Rei retorted. "That was the most important job you had to do!"

"No it wasn't!" Usagi snapped back, "I had to cook, decorate the tree and the house and get ready! I didn't see you over here to help out with any of the festivities, Rei-chan!"

"I called you three times last week asking you if you needed help and each time you told me you could handle it!" Rei folded her arms across her chest. "We should have known better than to rely on you!"

"Don't talk to me like I'm stupid, Rei! For your information, I think I did an amzing job handling it by myself."

"How about we ask Mamoru how much you did by yourself!?"

"Rei, why do you have to be so me—"

"How about we move this conversation inside of the apartment?" Mamoru was now standing behind Usagi. "I think we're gaining an audience." Usagi and Rei had been arguing so ferociously that they hadn't noticed the neighbors peering out of their doorframes. The other girls stepped far back from the bickering two with their backs turned. "No matter how old they get, they still bring out the child in one another," Minako whispered to the girls.

Usagi laughed nervously and ushered everyone in the apartment. With the door shut, she sighed and talked calmly. "So how do we go about getting her here? Should we call her?"

"I tried that," Mamoru held his house phone in his hand. "While you two were fighting I called her about three times. She hasn't answered."

"This is your entire fault, Usagi the idiot. She probably made other plans!" Rei snapped.

Usagi folded her arms and turned her back to Rei. "I'm not stooping to your level, Rei-Chan. I'm going to put in the energy that I would waste on fighting with you into figuring out how to get Mako-chan here."

Ami smiled and put her hand on Usagi's shoulder. "That sounds like a good idea, Usagi-chan!"

Rei shook her head. "How very mature of you, Usagi," she said sarcastically. "So tell us, oh sweet, smart Usagi, how are we going to get the guest of honor here?"

Haruka put her hand up. "How about Michiru and I take care of that?" She turned and looked at the kitchen. "I see there is still food that needs finishing touches, so you girls could work on that."

Minako coyly slithered in front of Haruka with her hand covering her mouth. "So you and Michiru want to go alone, eh Haruka-chan? How long will you two be gone for?" She laughed deviously and elbowed Haruka in the arm. "Maybe we should cancel the party?"

Haruka sighed. "Minako-chan, I'm not sure why you think everyone wants to be dirty all of the time. Perhaps you should take some of that energy and put it into the guy Michiru and I saw you flirting with at the mall with last week." Minako stepped backwards and blushed. She said nothing further on the matter.

Michiru smiled sweetly. "I guess we'll be on our way. It shouldn't take us that long to figure out where she is."

Makoto sipped her hot cocoa as she sat on the park bench. On the side of her was a box of birthday cards from her mother before she died. Makoto deeply sighed as she read each one numerous times. 'Happy 9th birthday, my darling! You've gotten so tall this past year! Soon you'll be just as tall as your papa, and you'll be the one picking him up! Continue to make us proud! I hope you enjoy the earrings we've gotten you. I know how much you love roses. Lovely flowers for a lovely girl. I love you so much, my beautiful star! Love always, Mama."

Makoto held back the tears as took a deep breath. "I wish you could see me now, Mama. I'm only 21 and I think I'm doing okay!" She kissed the card and took in its scent. Makoto's mother would always place her birthday cards in a box with potpourri, and Makoto could still smell the faint smell of lilacs hidden in the paper. Makoto carefully placed the card back in its box and wrapped it with the ribbon. She silently complimented herself on how well she had maintained its upkeep throughout the years. Something wet dripped on her nose. She looked up and saw that a light snowfall was beginning to occur. She smiled as she remembered how excited her mother would be when it was snowing. She would wake up Makoto and her father and have them look out the window to watch it. She took the snowfall as her mother's way of telling her, 'I'm still here, my darling.'

"Excuse me, miss?"

Makoto put her head back down to see where the voice was coming from. In front of her stood a young woman, probably around her own age, with beautiful red curls. The young woman was stunning, and there was sadness in her eyes. Makoto was taken aback on how beautiful the woman was that it took her a second to fully respond.

"I-uh, I'm sorry. How can I help you?"

The woman smiled sweetly at Makoto. "Do you mind if I sit next to you? This looks like a perfect place to watch the snow fall."

Makoto moved her box to her lap. "Sure. Have a seat!" The woman smiled again and sat down.

"The snow fall is beautiful, isn't it?"

Makoto nodded. "Yes. It brings warm memories in my heart that makes me happy."

"Same here, I don't even mind the cold. By the way, my name is Xia," the woman put her hand out to Makoto.

"Makoto," she replied shaking her hand, "That's a lovely name. Are you from Japan?"

Xia shook her head. "No. But my mother is Japanese. She used to travel the world a lot as a photographer. I was born in China, but my mother died when I was born. The nurses named me Xia after the hospital I was born in. I learned Japanese from another Japanese girl in the orphanage."

Makoto looked sadly at her. "I'm sorry to hear that. So when did you come to Japan?"

"Don't be sad. You can't miss what you never knew, right? And like my mother, I came because I love photography." Xia pulled out her camera and began to snap some photos of the snow falling. "I left China when I was 15, and came back to Japan so I could know where I came from. I haven't left since then! I'm hoping that someone will notice my pictures and I can live out my dream. And carry out my mother's dream as well." Xia looked at Makoto. "Did you lose your mother too?"

Makoto blushed. "How did you know that?"

"Your vibe is sad. And plus I can't help but notice that box of birthday cards sitting next to you with 'Mama' on the envelopes. Sorry for being nosy, you just seemed nice to talk to." She smiled sweetly at Makoto again. Makoto returned the gesture.

"I lost my mother a long time ago," she said sadly. "But I try to dedicate days like today to her memory, so that I never really feel like she is gone!"

"Days like today?"

"Aaah, yes," Makoto half-smiled, "Today is my birthday. I turn 21 today."

Xia grabbed Makoto's free hand. "Happy Birthday!" she cheered. "But you know, no one should be alone on such a glorious day! Don't you have friends who could throw you a party?"

"Yes I have friends that are very dear to me. I probably will go see them later, but I'm sure they're pretty busy."

"On your birthday?" Xia crossed her legs and looked straight ahead into the distance. "I don't have many friends at all, but I'm sure if I did, they would come see about me on my own birthday."

Makoto looked at Xia for a second. 'They sure didn't call me or come see about me for my birthday. I would've loved to come talk to them about my mot—" Makoto shook her head at the thought. She knew for a fact that her friends would never let her down. Especially not Usagi.

"No, it's not like that at all. I'm sure they're just busy at the moment. I can't hold that against them."

"If you say so," Xia said matter-of-factly, shrugging her shoulders. "Hey, what pretty earrings!" She lightly grabbed Makoto's earrings and admired them. "Did your mother give these to you?"

Makoto looked questioningly at her. 'How does she know so much?' "Yes, she did, for my ninth birthday. How do you know so—"

"I always wished I would've gotten some nice things for my birthdays over the years. Especially something as lovely as these."

Makoto smiled at her again, letting go of any doubts she had about the girl. 'Poor thing. She must be incredibly lonely.'

"When is your birthday?"

"June 30th! I turned 19 this year!"

"Aah I see. You're younger than I am. That's pretty amazing, actually. One of my best friends has the same birthday."

"Is it one of the friends that forgot your birthday? You seem to not have forgotten hers. That doesn't seem like a fair friendship."

Makoto looked at the girl sternly. Xia stared at Makoto with wide, golden eyes. Makoto could have gotten lost in them, if she had let herself. She was beginning to wonder how anyone could not be Xia's friend. "I know it may seem hard to understand, but my friends are good to me. One day out of the year doesn't mean that they don't care about me."

"Yeah, but, here you are in the park feeling sad about your mother and your birthday. If I hadn't approached you, you would be all alone! That doesn't sound very caring to me." Xia waved her hand off. "But what do I know. I'm no expert on having close friends."

Makoto began to open her mouth to say something, but dismissed it. The more Xia talked, the more sense it began to make. If she hadn't come along, Makoto would be sitting on this bench for hours, sad and lonely.

"You know, when I'm feeling alone," Xia interrupted her thoughts, "I like to look at astronomy. If you think of it, on the grand scale of things, we're never alone. Not with a billion stars guiding our way."

"What a very cute way to think. Photography and astronomy, huh? You sure have some interesting hobbies."

"What can I say? I like what I like. You want to know what my favorite planet is?"

"What?"

Xia turned her head and stared directly into Makoto's eyes. "Jupiter."

Makoto could have sworn that time stood still in those moments. The way Xia said it, the way she looked into her eyes. Could she possibly know? Makoto decided to entertain the thought.

"Oh yeah? Why Jupiter?"

Xia stood up and faced Makoto. "Because it's such a big planet!" She exclaimed, using her arms to emphasize the size of Jupiter. "It could destroy any other of the planets if it wanted to, maybe except the sun of course. But none of the other planets stand a chance with Jupiter. If it truly wanted to, it could be the best planet in the entire galaxy!"

"That's a….very interesting concept. But don't you think that one of the reasons Jupiter is such a great planet is because its unique compared to the others? Each of the planets are beautiful and strong in their own way, and none of them could really exist without the other one." 'Are we still talking about planets, here?'

"Hmmmph. If you say so. I just think the other planets are a bit selfish. Mercury, Mars, Venus, Earth, even the Moon all are places that can or could have life on them. No one could live on Jupiter. I'm sure it must be pretty lonely and angry at the other planets."

"It's just a planet, Xia. It doesn't have feelings."

Xia looked sternly at Makoto. "All planets feel something, Makoto."

Makoto felt a chill go down her spine. 'What on Earth is this girl trying to tell me?'

"Hey, Makoto-chan!" Haruka called out from the entrance of the park. "We've finally found you!"

Makoto stood up. "Haruka-chan! Michiru-chan! What are you guys doing here?"

"These must be some of the friends you were telling me about," Xia stated, turning in the direction of Haruka and Michiru.

"Yes, they are."

Michiru and Haruka walked to Makoto and Xia. "We were wondering if you could come help us out with something?"

Makoto frowned. She was hoping that they were coming to spend her birthday with her. Going back over Xia's words in her head, she was wondering how much sense the girl made after all. "What do you need?" she said unenthusiastically.

Haruka and Michiru looked at each other, surprised by Makoto's bland reaction. "Well, it's Usagi. She's feeling pretty sick and we were wondering if you could help make some soup to help her feel better," Michiru said as sweetly as she could.

Xia scoffed. "Well this is just perfect," she said sarcastically.

"I'm sorry," Haruka said with an attitude, "Who are you?"

"I'm Xia, Makoto's friend," she said with an emphasis on the word friend, "nice to meet you." She stuck out her hand for Haruka to shake. Haruka looked down at it for a second before grabbing it.

She held on to Xia's hand past the polite courtesies, looking into her eyes. She then abruptly took it away and turned her attention to Makoto. "So what do you say, Makoto-chan? Will you please help us?"

Makoto looked at Xia before turning back to Haruka. "To be honest, I really want to say no. I had other plans today, if anyone cared enough," she sighed, "but I guess I'll help out. Xia, would you like to come along? If you're not too busy that is."

Xia smiled innocently at Makoto. "Of course I would! That sounds like fun!" She and Makoto began to exit the park towards Haruka's car.

Haruka turned to leave when Michiru grabbed her hand. "What was that, Haruka? Everything about that encounter left a bad taste in my mouth."

"I don't know, Michiru. Something about that girl isn't right. I'm not sure, but I don't like her. She seems to have some influence on Makoto."

"She claims she's a friend. When did such an encounter happen?"

"I was wondering the same. We'll have to keep an eye on her."

Chibi-usa laid across her bed, looking at all of the books that Neo-Queen Serenity had given her. Books regarding the history of the Silver Millennium, the ancestry of the White Moon Kingdom, and books regarding crystals sprawled about the bed. Chibi-usa was astounded at learning her heritage. "Wow!" Chibi-usa exclaimed at one of the pages.

"What is it, Chibi-usa?" Diana purred from her bed on the floor.

"I'm reading about the fall of the Silver Millennium. My mom never really talked about what it was like when she was the Princess on the moon. She said that I would learn when the time is right. It's so fascinating."

"What about it is fascinating to you, Chibi-usa?"

"Everything! How peaceful it was and how beautiful it was. But I bet Mama must have been lonely, other than her senshi. Then she saw Papa on Earth and fell in love." She closed the book and closed her eyes. "I always knew that something bad happened for them to be sprung into a completely different lifetime, but I never knew that Mama killed herself when Papa died. I have the most complicated family story ever."

"Well I'm with you, Chibi-usa!" Diana smiled. "My mom and dad got sent with them!"

"Yeah I know," Chibi-usa responded, reaching down to pet Diana on the head. "It's just crazy to read about it myself. Guess that explains why Usagi was so territorial over Mamo-chan." Chibi-usa giggled. "Man those were the days."

"You sure used to make her mad, Chibi-usa."

"I know. But we still cared about each other. Usagi was no walk in the park herself. I used to have a hard time believing that she was my mom. But I could relate to her in a lot of ways."

"I had to learn how to become a queen, just like you will have to," Neo-Queen Serenity interrupted.

Chibi-usa hopped up. "Mama," she said, laughing nervously. "I didn't know you were there."

"It's okay, Small Lady," she smiled, "I was only coming to gather you for the small council meeting. It's going to be starting soon. If you want to learn how to be the queen, you'll have to start sitting in on these things."

Chibi-usa moaned and leaned back on the bed. "But you and Papa don't even like to go to those things. I wanted to finish reading this book!" She sat up again and looked at her mother. "That reminds me, Mama. I didn't know you took your life when the Silver Millennium fell."

Neo-Queen Serenity's eyes opened wider, startled by Chibi-Usa's comment. "Oh you got to that part rather quickly, I see. Well, I knew that I couldn't live without your Father. And nothing else in that moment seemed to matter much to me. So I did what I thought I had to do to ease my pain of losing him."

"Would you do it again, if you had to?"

"Yes," Neo-Queen Serenity responded with no hesitation. "Because he is my one and only love. And without him, I wouldn't have you. And if I didn't have you two, then I might not be as strong as I like to think I am. My family and friends give me strength to do what I do. I'm sure you understand, Small Lady."

Chibi-usa thought it over in her head. "I do, Mama. I would risk my life to save you all in a heartbeat."

"I know you would, darling. You have already numerous times. But we really do have to go, Small Lady." Chibi-usa rolled out of bed and reluctantly joined her mother's side. "Okay, okay. Let's go," she said, before turning at her mother with a coy smile, "Odango."

Neo-Queen Serenity looked in amusement at her daughter before breaking out into laughter. "Well, aren't you the sly little one, today? I don't remember the last time anyone called me that. Because you are my Princess, I'll let it slide. But don't ever call me that again, Odango." She chuckled at Chibi-usa. Chibi-usa smiled back and took her mother's hand. It was in moments like these that Chibi-usa could see that the Usagi she knew was still inside queen.

Chibi-usa looked around at the bored faces as the council presented its problems and concerns before the senshi, the King and Queen and herself. No one wanted to be there, but duty did call at the moment. Standing at the door guarding it was Helios, and once in a while the two would exhange loving looks at each other for periods of time.

"And it has come to the council's attention that the door of time had a remarkable usage a few months prior, and now it is barely used. For the comfort of the people of Crystal Tokyo, they would like to make sure that they, and their rulers, are safe."

"You have nothing to fear, Councilman Taiko," King Endymion spoke to the older gentleman who was speaking. "We were sending the Princess and her court to do some obligatory duties, but at the moment there has been no call to action. Please inform the good people that all is safe in our Kingdom."

"I will do that, your Majesty. There has been some talk that we have invaders from different eras in our presence, but I will put an end to those ill rumors. In lighter news, the Princess has an inauguration ceremony that will take place this coming spring. Is everything being prepared for her induction?"

"Yes, in fact the Princess was studying everything that she had to when I went to grab her for this meeting," Neo-Queen Serenity stated. "She is doing an excellent job, and will make a marvelous queen."

"As I am sure of it, my lady queen. She has the best advisors in her court. One last bit of information, before I conclude? I see on the memo sent to my office that there is to be a ball for Lady Venus? And only," he grabbed his glasses and looked over the paper in his hand, "and I quote, the finest of men in the royal kingdom are to arrive. All must be single and looking for a wife. I was wondering, when and how do you want me to proceed with that?" There was a collection of sighs around the room, and Neo-Queen Serenity cut her eye at Venus, who was blushing and giggling.

"I have heard of no such ball, but we will look into the matter and get back with you," she said, still eyeing Venus. "Thank you Taiko, if all of the affairs are handled, then we can concl-"

"Your majesty!" Pluto burst through the doors of the chambers, nearly knocking Helios over. "I'm sorry for interrupting, but there is an urgent matter that requires everyone's attention."

"Yes, Pluto, what is it?"

"Something has just happened in the time warp. And I do believe that whatever it is will significantly affect the present here. I think we should send Small Lady and her senshi back immediately."

"It's that bad, Pluto?" King Endymion asked concerned. "They have to fight at this very moment?"

"Not to fight, King. To observe and protect." Pluto turned to Chibi-usa. "If the time comes for you to fight, Small Lady, then you will. But other than that, you all will have to be in disguise and see what is going on with everyone. Something isn't right, but there is a shadow blocking me from being able to see exactly what it is."

Chibi-usa felt grim at this news. What in the past was happening that was so awful that it meant that she had to spend a chunk of time there to prevent its destruction? "Of course I'll do it, Puu." She turned to her parents. "Mama, Papa, I promise that I'm not asking this selfishly, but can Helios come with us? It would help with keeping the disguise up!" Chibi-usa could see Helios widen his eyes at her suggestion. She anxiously waited for an answer as the King and Queen looked back and forth from one another.

"Small Lady, that is your decision to make," King Endymion informed her. "Keep in mind that you have to make sure that your decision is one that will not put anyone else at risk. You have to keep the people that you love safe."

Chibi-usa nodded and looked at her mother. "I know, Papa. I would do anything to keep the ones that I love around. I would like Helios by my side, just like you have always been by Mama's side."

The King looked at Neo-Queen Serenity, who grabbed his hand. "She learned about our past today, Endymion. I believe that has influence over the matter. If she chooses to fight these battles with the man that she loves, who are we to stop her?"

King Endymion nodded to his wife. "Do as you feel necessary, Small Lady. But remember that the protection of the past and the future is your priority."

"I won't forget, Papa, me and Mam-"

"Jupiter!" Chibi-usa was cut off by Mercury's sudden outburst. Everyone turned their heads in Jupiter's direction. She was hunched over on the floor, breathing heavily. She was clutching her forehead and groaning. "Something isn't right with me! There's a darkness in me," she was grunting. She was becoming transparent, like she was going to disappear. "Pluto!" Mercury exclaimed, "is this the affect you were talking about!?"

"Oh no!" Pluto hung her rod over Jupiter, trying to hold off on the time effects. "This is much more serious than I wanted to believe. Small Lady! You must get your senshi immediately! We have to get you back to the past, and fast!"

"You would think that they would be back by now," Usagi groaned, playing around with a streamer. "Her cake looks so good! And I'm starving."

"I'm sure they're on their way," Minako looked at the clock. "Makoto must have been a hard person to track down. I really wish you would have called her this morning, Usagi-chan."

"I know, I know. I should have and I wish I could have. Then I could be stuffing my face with strawberry shortcake." Usagi wiped her eyes at the taste of Makoto's homemade cake. The others sighed at her dramatics.

Finally the door buzzer rang, and Mamoru hurried to open it so the girls could get into their hiding spots. Once everyone was in place, he opened the door. "Michiru-chan, Haruka-Chan, Makoto-chan, so glad you could drop by."

"I heard that Usagi is sick. She better not be dramatic about it either, I'm not in the mood for shenanigans today," Makoto answered with her arms folded.

Mamoru eyed her questioningly. "Uh, I don't think you'll run into that problem today. She seems serious. By the way, who is your friend?"

Makoto's face beamed. "Oh, this is Xia. I met her at the park. She's a sweet girl, and I thought she could help me make soup for Usagi. Is that fine?"

"Sure, sure. The more the merrier. Nice to meet you, Xia. Please come inside."

The four girls made their way into the apartment. Mamoru was still confused at Makoto's attitude, but chalked it up to Usagi's forgetfulness. After all, he knew a thing or two about women's feelings concering forgotten birthdays.

"SURPRISE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAKO-CHAN!" The girls emerged from their hiding spots and ran to hug Makoto.

"Everyone! I thought you all forgot! You see Xia, they do care about me."

"I believe you, Makoto! I just didn't want to see you upset."

Usagi handed a box over to Makoto. "Mako-chan! Me and Mamo-chan got this for you! I really hope you like it!" Makoto opened the small, rectangular box. Inside was a charm bracelet with charms of a rose, the planet Jupiter and a bunny. "You can add charms on it for whenever you'd like to! I added the bunny so that you would never forget it was from me!"

Makoto looked at the bracelet in awe. "It's so pretty, Usagi-chan! I love it! Thank you! Look at this Xia-oh where are my manners? Everyone, this is my new friend Xia!"

Xia courtsied in front of the girls. "How do you do? It's nice to meet you all! I heard that you're very close to Makoto!"

Each of the girls introduced themselves, while Haruka and Michiru watched quietly from the corner. No matter how well presented this girl appeared, they still did not trust her.

"Usagi is the one I told you that you share a birthday with," Makoto beamed.

"You share my birthday!?" Usagi squealed. "I've never met someone who has the same birthday as me! That's so neat!"

"Yes, I suppose it is, Usagi. I knew I would really like you when Makoto told me that fact. You also did such a good job on her gift. It's sweet to get her something similar that her mother gave her."

"What are you talking about?" Usagi asked.

"Her rose earrings! I think it's sweet that you tried to give her a replica so that she doesn't have to think about her mom all of the time."

"Mako-chan, you never told us that your mom gave you those earrings!" Minako exclaimed. "How does Xia know?"

Makoto blushed and touched her earring. "Well you guys never asked, I guess. Xia caught me at a time when I was thinking about it."

"Yeah," Xia interjected, "she was looking pretty sad in the park so I went to cheer her up. No one should be alone on their birthday!"

"That's my fault, Mako-chan," Usagi said with a sad face. "I was supposed to call you earlier so that you could be here earlier."

"Oh my," Xia said, covering her mouth, "just think, if you would have come earlier I wouldn't have found you looking so sad, Makoto." Xia turned to look at Makoto in her face. "Isn't it funny how these things work out?"

Makoto looked at Xia and found herself lost in thought. She then turned to Usagi with a grim expression. "How could you forget something like that, Usagi? Because of you, I spent the majority of the day thinking no one cared about me!" The other girls froze at her sudden change in tone.

"Mako-chan," Rei eased, "Usagi is forgetful, but you know that she would never want to make you feel unloved. She worked hard at trying to make this party perfect for you. She even made some of your favorite foods!"

Makoto looked around at the various food items. "I don't even like pork! Why are there pork dumplings if you made my favorite foods? And strawberry shortcake? Did you make that to prove that you're better than me? Like you could make a better cake than I can?"

"Mako-chan," Usagi said in a gloomy voice, "I would never think that I'm better than you. I did this to make you happy! I wanted you to have a good birthday, and I wanted you to know how thankful I am for all that you've done for me!"

"You mean planning your wedding? That you haven't even begun to pay me for? My shop doesn't run on love, Usagi! And I've been turning away customers to help you out!"

"I would never ask you to do that, Mako-chan! If it's money you need, surely Mamo-chan and I can work something out! I'm sorry I'm hurting your business! Can't we just enjoy your party?"

"Everything's always about you, Usagi. Usagi needs saving, Usagi needs soup, Usagi can't fight for herself. Wah, wah wah. I'm really sick of feeling like a baby sitter, you know!"

"Mako-chan!" Ami said in Usagi's defense. "That's not fair and you know it! We help Usagi-chan in any way we can! She's precious to us, don't tell me you've forgotten!"

"You all keep defending this crybaby, and I'm sick of it. She can't fight, she can't graduate, all she does is depend on everyone else to help her. I don't see how Mamoru puts up with it!"

"Makoto-chan," Haruka said, stepping forward. "You're being unreasonable. I'm not sure where this anger and harsh words are coming from."

"I agree," Michiru added, "Usagi has done nothing wrong to you. She went out of the way to make this party for you, and she got you a thoughtful gift."

Makoto looked down at the bracelet that she had admired earlier. Now all she felt was anger when she looked at it. "She got me a gift to match the earrings that she never asked about. It's almost as if she's trying to one up my own mother." She threw the bracelet at Usagi's feet. "I can't stand being friends with someone who is so careless with my own feelings. I have other dreams in my life that I want to accomplish, and following around a selfish baby isn't one of them. I'm done! Here! Have this!" She reached in her pocket and put an object inside of Usagi's hand. "Let's leave, Xia. Have a nice life, everyone!"

Xia looked around the room apologetically. "I'm sorry our first meeting had to go so sour like this. I'll try to calm her down and see if she can come back later." She bowed and rushed after Makoto. On her way out the door, Haruka stepped to her side. "What did you do to her?" she demanded.

Xia looked at her with her innocent golden eyes. "I didn't do anything to her. I wanted her to have a good birthday! She seems like a caring person. I promise you I'll try to talk to her."

"You don't fool me, Xia. I will figure you out." Haruka gave her a menacing glare before Xia walked out of the apartment.

Usagi stood in the middle of the room with tears running down her cheeks. She looked at the object in her hand in disbelief. Makoto couldn't have meant that, could she?

"Usako," Mamoru tenderly said. "What did she give you?"

Usagi looked at him with wet eyes and sniffled. "Her transformation pen, Mamo-chan. She doesn't want to be my senshi anymore."