Chapter 13

Mamoru's P.O.V.

I went home to check on Chibi-Usa early the next morning, whistling as I walked. I couldn't wait to see the look on Usagi's face when she went to Rei's this afternoon. She was going to be so happy, and soon everything will be back to normal. I took my time as I talked with some college friends on the way, feeling like nothing could ruin this perfect day.

I finally arrived at my apartment, inserting my keys in the lock and opening the door. Inside was terror.

Usagi was curled into a ball on the floor with Kaliya in her arms, both girls sobbing. Hotaru was causing destruction all throughout my apartment; throwing bowls and glass at the walls and floor. Chibi-Usa was no where to be seen. I rushed over to my beloved and wrapped an arm around her. "What happened?" I said gently, my eyes searching frantically for Chibi-Usa Usagi looked up into my eyes, and I gasped at the dull color of her own.

She shot away from me, backing into a corner with Kaliya still in her arms. "W-what are you doing here? Get out! Take my money, just go!" she said, fear in her voice. I was puzzled by her words. Hotaru stopped throwing things and froze.

"Usagi, this isn't funny," I said. Her eyes widened.

"How do you know my name?! Get out!" she screamed. I held my hands up in surrender, slowly backing up as Serena grabbed a nearby vase. I looked at Hotaru for help, but she just stood there in shock.

"GO!" Usagi shouted, preparing to throw. I didn't hesitate to leave the room and shut the door behind me. I ran my fingers through my hair, wondering what in the world was going on.

A few minutes later, Hotaru came out of my apartment. Her face was stained with tears and her eyes were red and puffy. I placed my hands on her shoulders.

"What's going on?" I said. Hotaru bit her lip as more tears formed in her eyes.

"Chibi-Usa's gone," she said quietly. I blinked, unable to process what Hotaru was saying.

"What do you mean 'gone'?" I said, even though I already knew the answer.

"She...she faded..." Hotaru said. She burst into tears and I pulled her into my arms, letting her cry into my shirt. She was only a child, and frankly she was the closest thing I had now that Reni was gone. I let the tears fall as I mourned over my beautiful daughter. How could this have happened? I felt like someone took my heart and crushed it with two fingers.

"What's going on with Usagi?" I said, choking back my tears. "She's the reason Chibi-Usa's gone...she's...forgotten," Hotaru said.

"Forgotten what?"

Hotaru sighed and crossed her arms over her chest as she looked into my eyes sadly.

"She's forgotten you."

Usagi's P.O.V.

I was terrified of the intruder, shaking uncontrollably as Kaliya hugged my leg.

"Mommy, that was Mamoru. He's your friend," Kaliya said. I looked down at her, wondering what she was talking about. I had no idea who that man was, and I was pretty sure I had never seen him before. I sat on the couch and dried my eyes, wondering why they were wet in the first place. Everything seemed so strange.

The door to the apartment opened, and Hotaru walked in with that man behind her. I stood and pushed Kaliya behind me protectively.

"Usagi, he just wants to talk. He's a friend," Hotaru said calmly. My muscles relaxed a bit, but I still didn't let down my guard. The man smiled warmly at me, but the smile did not reach his somber eyes. Those eyes... He approached me and held out his hand.

"Mamoru," he said kindly. I hesitated, but after receiving a glare from Hotaru, took his hand and shook gingerly. His hand was warm...almost...comforting.

I pulled my hand back and wiped it on my dress awkwardly.

"The girls told me to tell you that there's a Scout meeting in a few minutes, so you'd better get over there," Mamoru said. I nodded, wondering how he knew I was a scout. I didn't bother to ask, just grabbed Kaliya's small hand and led her out of the apartment. Mamoru and Hotaru followed, much to my dismay.

The walk to Rei's temple was silent, other than the gentle hum of Kaliya as she skipped alongside me. We finally arrived at the long stone staircase, and I groaned at the thought of climbing it. Kaliya just happily made her way up the stairs, smiling broadly. We arrived at the top, and I felt weird when I realized how quiet it was. There wasn't a single sound being made. "Are you sure there's a meeting?" I said, turning on Mamoru. He nodded and pointed towards the temple. Everyone must be in Rei's room then. I sighed and walked up to Rei's door, sliding it open.

"SURPRISE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY SERENA!" everyone shouted. I gasped in surprise at the confetti and streamers that were falling around me, covering me. I giggled at the bunny balloons.

I was surrounded in a mess of hugs and echoes of "Happy Birthday!" and such. I smiled widely at the big pile of presents over in the corner. Everyone was here; Rei, Ami, Makoto, Minako, Haruka, Michiru, Hotaru, Kaliya, and I guess Mamoru, even though I don't know him very well yet. My face fell when I realized the one person I really wanted to see wasn't here...Seiya.

"Why the long face?" Makoto asked, wrapping an arm around me. I sighed and put on a fake smile.

"Oh, nothing. Thanks for all of this guys! It's really great!" I said happily. They all looked pretty proud of their accomplishment, even though the only thing I wanted wasn't here.

"Let's open presents!" Minako said, skipping over to the large pile. I giggled slightly and followed her, sitting down on a pillow. She began to hand me presents, and I was happy with each and every one.

Ami made me an amazing scrapbook, which I didn't have time to look at. The outside had a picture of me as Princess Serenity, and it was covered in pink fur. I loved it already. Rei got me a good luck charm, along with a new stack of comic books. Makoto made me amazing treats and some gorgeous sandals that I replaced my flip flops with. Minako gave me a huge stash of make-up and hair products, along with an MP3 player. Haruka and Michiru got me a beautiful new baby blue summer dress, along with a charm bracelet with all of the planet symbols on it. Hotaru made me a mini statue of myself in my Princess form, and last but not least was Luna and Artemis's gift.

I unwrapped the shiny silver box and opened the lid to find a gorgeous silver necklace with the silver crystal attatched to it. But...the silver crystal wasn't silver.

It was black.