Author's Notes: I want to apologize for the long wait on updates to my stories. I feel like I am always saying that. Unfortunately, between my health and the occasional bout of writer's block, updates have been slow. I did update all my stories in January and I am working to edit all of them, which is taking longer than I thought it would. I have also been busy working on my novel and that takes a lot of my time. I'm hoping to have that finished and published by December of this year. Woot!.

Anyways, if you want you can always check out my blog on Tumblr for updates and sneak peeks. Search SailorSilverLadybug. I also include a bunch of information about writing fanfiction, including how to make a created character, common acronyms, and a bunch of other stuff you might find interesting. It's a relatively new blog, but I am really happy with it.

Happy Reading!
Sailor Silver Ladybug
Tori

On Their Own
On Her Own: Book Two
Chapter One
Missing

Minako and Kunzite

Minako watched in fascination as Rei, who had been rather quiet since she and Usagi had healed their friendship, suddenly turned on Jadeite, looking confused. "Wait. Hold it," Rei said, her hands on her hips as she glared at the other teen. "You talked to my grandfather about it instead of coming to me?" There was a mixture of anger and confusion on her face.

"Hai," Jadeite said, bowing his head. "I needed his permission to ask."

What in the name of Venus were they talking about? Minako watched the play of emotions over both their faces and wished she had heard the beginning of the conversation. She wanted to know what was happening.

Rei's face was a mix of white and pink, as though all the blood had drained from her face and then rushed right back. It took Minako a moment to realize Rei was blushing. What could make the priestess blush? The raven-haired miko bit her lip and peeked up at Jadeite from under her eyelashes.

"You want to?" she asked, so softly that Minako almost didn't hear her.

"Of course I do," Jadeite said, a hint of his smile returned. "I love you."

The words were spoken with such emotion that Minako almost took a step back. She could see the reddish cord of their Soul-Bond from their former life growing right in front of her eyes. Strands of silver and gold filtered through the bond and Minako sighed happily. Their love was healing them. They hadn't reforged the Bond yet, and that was okay. It was what was right for them.

In front of all of them, Jadeite knelt and pulled out a tiny grey box covered in a velvet-like material. He opened it, holding the ring up to Rei, who was blushing furiously now. "Please Rei, say yes. I will always be there for you. If you need a shoulder to cry on, you can cry on mine. If you need someone to scream at, I'm there. If you just want someone to hold you, that's me. I won't ever let anyone hurt you again Rei. Please say yes."

Rei was weeping openly. Tears streaked her cheeks, but her lilac eyes were bright and shimmering and there was a small smile on her face. She nodded her head once, then threw herself at Jadeite, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Of course," she said. "Of course I'll marry you!"

The rest of them watched in awe. Minako had thought it would be a much longer struggle for Rei to accept a proposal. After everything she had been through Minako and the other girls had been secretly watched the romance unfolding between Rei and Jadeite with awe. They were going to get married. How crazy was that?

She turned to Usagi to jump and squeal about the newest development, only to discover that both Usagi and Mamoru were missing. She thought she heard a shout for help and turned her head slightly. Her jaw dropped and Minako screamed at the sight of a massive hole in mid-air, swirling black lines surrounding it. Mamoru and Usagi were far too close to it. Alone.

"They need us!" she shouted. Without so much as thinking of waiting for the others she took off. She could feel Kunzite at her side, felt his worry and fear through the bond. Whatever that portal was, it was trying to suck Mamoru and Usagi up. They raced as fast as they could, but by the time they reached the bench where the couple had been clinging, they were gone.

As was the portal.

Usagi and Mamoru were missing. She turned, slowly, to the others, unsure what to say or do. Never had leadership weighed so heavily on her shoulders. "Ami?" she asked as the bluenette arrived, Mercury computer held up and her visor down over her eyes, though she wasn't transformed.

"This is quite strange," Ami said, her voice soft but full of worry. "It's as though all the normal energy for this one point in space has been drained to almost nothing. I think that vortex was gathering energy and took them accidentally."

"Will it come back?" Minako asked. "Will they come back?"

"I honestly don't know," Ami said, biting her lower lip. "Zo? Any ideas?"

Zoicite was holding his own mini-computer. There was a small sensor in his hand and he was walking around the bench and the area with his head lowered, frustration obvious on his face. "There's nothing to tell us where the vortex came from," he said after several long minutes. "It's almost as though it never existed. But the readings indicate that the entire area has been drained. Look." He pointed to the trees surrounding them.

Minako turned. The trees were dead or dying. The leaves were brown and dropping rapidly. The trunks almost looked wilted. These were no longer healthy young trees. They were sick.

"Alright," Minako said, beginning to pace. She looked over at Kunzite.

::Rei could check the fire,:: her Soul-Bonded suggested through their mental link.

::Good idea,:: she answered. ::We should probably call Artemis,:: she added.

::And Luna,:: Kunzite reminded her.

Minako bit her lip. The last thing she wanted to do was tell the little black cat her charge was missing. Again.

"Right," she said. "Split up. Ami and Zo, I want the two of you researching what this thing could have been and where it might have come from. Rei and Jadeite, check the fire and talk to Grandfather. Nephrite and Makoto, call in the others. We need to patrol the city and find out if this portal thing hit anywhere else. Kunzite and I are going to go talk to Luna and Artemis. And Usagi's parents."

The others nodded to her. Before they left however, Ami raced over and gave Minako a hug. Moments later Rei and Makoto had joined her. The four girls stood, silently supporting one another as they worried about their best friend. Wherever she was, Minako prayed Usagi was alright.

Kunzite gripped Minako's hand in his, trying to send her comfort and strength through their bond as they entered the large dwelling that had become their home. He could feel her shaking fingers in his grip and wished, more than anything, that he could take the burden away from her. He didn't though. Minako was strong and knew what she was doing. As the leader of the Princess' guard, she had a deep understanding of the dangers Usagi could be facing.

He was the same with Mamoru. It was difficult, knowing his Prince was out of reach. He felt as though he had failed and he knew Minako felt the same way. Now they had to face Usagi's parents, and the cats.

Shaking his head, Kunzite squeezed her fingers gently as they entered the library. Ikuko and Kenji were sorting through some of the books Mamoru had purchased as well as the ones that had been appearing almost non-stop in the command center. Artemis was looking at the screen of a small computer that had been set on a desk in the corner. Luna was pouring through a book on ancient laws of the Venusians and the Soul-Bond.

Minako cleared her throat, catching everyone's attention. Kunzite automatically squeezed her hand in his again, giving her his support. He wanted to take the burden away from her, carry all of her problems for her, but he knew she needed to do this for herself. As her man it was his responsibility to stand at her side and support her, not take over. As much as it killed him, he would do just that.

Luna hopped down from the desk and moved closer to them. It was as if she sensed something was wrong. Artemis moved to flank her. Usagi's parents both dropped what they were doing and turned, looking concerned. Minako took a deep breath and looked at him once before she opened her mouth.

"Something happened at the park," she started. When no one said a word, she squared her shoulders and continued. "There was some sort of portal. Ami and Zo will look into it for us and I've got everyone already in action but..." she stopped and bit her lip, her fingernails digging into his hand as she raised her head and looked Usagi's mother in the eye. "Mamoru and Usagi were dragged into the portal. We don't know if it was after them in particular but, whatever the reason, it appeared right in front of them and they were pulled in. Kunzite and I are going to find a way to get them back. I promise you."

Kunzite couldn't stop thinking about the night when Rei had been taken by Zoicite. The way Usagi had gone silent and then disappeared. He wondered if she had felt as awful looking into Grandfather's face as he did in that moment meeting Kenji's eyes. That mixture of pain and hope swirling in the blue depths so like Usagi's tore at his heart.

"Were they in henshin?" Artemis asked.

The question surprised Kunzite. He'd expected the cats to berate them for losing the royals, but it looked as though Artemis was more focused on damage control and getting them back. There was no censure in his blue eyes and as Kunzite watched, Artemis came closer and wrapped himself around Minako's ankles in support.

"No."

"Were there any witnesses?" Luna asked.

"Maybe, but no one close," Minako answered, sounding calmer. In spite of being responsible for the Inner Senshi, she was worried and obviously needed support and comfort.

Kenji had one arm wrapped around Ikuko's waist, the other gripped the back of one of the chairs surrounding the long table where they had been sorting through the books. He was swaying slightly on his feet and for a moment Kunzite thought he might pass out, but he shook his head, stood straighter, and moved towards the computer, dragging Ikuko with him.

"Mamoru is with her," he said softly to his wife as they moved.

Kunzite wasn't surprised they were upset, but their inner strength always got to him. He wondered what his own parents would have done if they discovered he had powers. Would they have been as supportive as Usagi's? He shook his own head. Now wasn't the time to lose himself in memories. Usagi and Mamoru needed him.

"Alright," Artemis was saying. "We report them missing as Youma victims. There's a program for it now with all the teens who have missed school due to attacks. Ikuko, Kenji, can you handle it? There may be reporters because this is so different from any of the normal attacks."

Ami and Zoicite ran into the room before they could answer. "Three more of the portals appeared at the exact same time as the one that took Mamoru and Usagi," Ami said, panting slightly between words. "Two others are missing. A teenage girl and a middle aged man. Both taken from different portals. But that's not all..." she trailed off, seeing the upset on everyone's faces.

Zoicite took up the explanation. "It seems as though the vortex appeared where it could find the most energy. The first one took Mamoru and Usagi, which means the Silver Crystal and the Gold Crystal. They are the most potent energy source on the planet aside from maybe the Topaz Sun Crystal, but Haruki and Sets were in Elysion with Heliodor, Shingo and Hotaru. The other portals went for places where there was a high concentration of energy as well. They all hit within Tokyo, but at or near power stations except the one in the park. There is a lot of damage and dozens of people were injured."

"On it," Artemis said. "First, I need Minako and Kunzite as well as Ikuko and Kenji to call the police and report Mamoru and Usagi as missing. The story is you saw them taken, panicked and ran here to tell their parents before anything else. We can't let anyone connect them being missing to the lack of Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Kamen however. You two will have to make sure they are seen," he added, looking over Kunzite and Minako.

"Hai," Minako whispered. She pulled out the crescent compact. "The Luna Pen would have been in Usagi's pocket."

"I can make another," Luna assured her. "Lets get this done. You have to look as panicked and unsure as the families of the others who went missing. Come with me. Artemis, help Ami and Zo find out whatever you can. I don't care what you have to hack. We have to discover the other end of those things. Where are they going? Who is attacking us?"

Kunzite nodded his head and he and Minako followed the others out of the room. He didn't need much urging to feel panic. He had been swallowing it down since he'd seen his friends pulled into the vortex. Letting others see his fear was more difficult. He had always hidden his emotions and projected strength for the others, even if it was just him and the other Shitennou in the Dark Kingdom. He was their leader. They needed him to be strong.

He took a deep breath as Ikuko picked up her phone and dialed emergency services. It was time to peel off the mask for a few minutes. It would be more difficult than anything else he had done in a long time. He wondered if Rei and Jadeite were alright. They obviously hadn't expected their happy moment to be interrupted by an attack like that. He sighed.

The officers who came to the house an hour later were polite but not hopeful. Minako sat in a chair, Kunzite's arm wrapped around her as she described what she had seen in the sky. "It was massive," she said, letting her fear and anxiety show. "I didn't know what to do. They were just sucked into the air and disappeared and then it was gone."

"This is the third report we've had of people going missing," the officer said.

Minako tried to look shocked. She wasn't sure how successful she was. She was worried about Usagi and Mamoru. Her only consolation was that they were together. They would protect each other and the Soul-Bond would make them stronger. They could communicate without words, which would help if they were being held by an enemy. She was also concerned about the others that had been taken. It was awful knowing they had been, and that they had no powers to protect themselves. She wasn't sure what to do.

"What do we do to find them," Kenji asked, sounding panicked. Minako knew what he was doing. Letting his real fear show. He was probably the strongest person she knew. He hadn't stumbled or freaked when he found out who his children were, merely held and supported them, even though he'd lost his house that same night. He wouldn't give in to panic, but he had to show it now, just as she and the others did.

"There is nothing you can do," the officer said kindly. "The Senshi are out in force. You can't go more than a few blocks without seeing one of the protectors standing on top of a building. They'll find them and bring them home if anyone can. In the meantime there is some paperwork we give to schools or employers to show that the person missing was involved in a Youma attack. Usually they are only passed out in the hospital, but this is different. I've added a note about the type of attack and that they are missing. Try and go about your lives as much as you can. They'll need your support when it's all over."

The other officer nodded. "We understand the boy Mamoru has a lawyer for a guardian?"

"Not anymore," Kenji said softly. "I took him under my guardianship. He and my daughter are getting married and it just seemed easier."

"At least they're together," the first officer said softly. "Wherever they are they can support each other."

"I will warn you," the second officer added. "The press is already all over this. You may be called and asked for interviews so screen your calls if you don't want to do any."

Minako's attention wavered. She and Kunzite still needed to get out there pretending to be Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Kamen. They had to be seen. People had to believe they were still in the city. Not only would it stop people from panicking, it would protect their identities. She wasn't sure exactly how they were going to do it. They had the disguise pens, but that wouldn't change their powers.

Snuggling closer to Kunzite, she put a worried frown on her face and considered her options.

It was midafternoon when the reporters began to arrive. Minako and Ikuko were busy on their phones, both speaking to reporters who had called. Kenji said the more they tried to hide, the more curious the reporters would get. They would have to give as much information as possible without telling anyone too much. The whole thing made Kunzite feel a bit exposed.

"Come with me Kunzite," Kenji said. "Remember to keep a level head. The story hasn't changed. Everything has to be just as it happened. Don't be nervous."

"I've never talked to reporters," Kunzite reminded him. He knew Kenji had spent years as a reporter, but it wasn't the same thing at all.

"I'll do most of the talking," Kenji promised. "Answer any direct questions with the truth. There is no reason for anyone to suspect you're anything more than a normal teenager." He sighed and peeked through the window beside the door. "Are you ready?"

"Hai," Kunzite said, though he didn't feel ready in the least.

Kenji pulled open the door and immediately the waiting crowd of reporters all started talking and calling out their questions at once. It was like a wave of noise had closed over them. Kunzite felt trapped and he didn't like it. Only Kenji's presence kept him calm.

"Tsukino-san! Over here!" one of the reporters screamed.

Kunzite growled under his breath as he closed the door behind him and followed Kenji out into the front yard. There were reporters everywhere around their property. He wondered if the others who had family missing were being hounded in the same way. Thankfully Kenji was an editor for a major paper in Tokyo. He wasn't upset and knew what to say and do. Kunzite was grateful because he had no clue how to handle it.

Kenji's hands went up and there was silence in the crowd until he spoke. "Yes, it's true my daughter and her fiancé were caught up in one of those black hole things," he said, his voice carrying. "Right now we don't know any more than you do. Kunzite here saw the attack happen. He said it was some sort of portal or vortex in the sky. They were pulled inside and at the moment we don't know where they are. I have to believe this city's Heroes will find them."

"What did the police say?" asked a young woman who held a recorder out in front of her. "Is this like the Youma-monsters?"

"They aren't really sure. We know the bad people have all been healed or destroyed. It could be one of their monsters that got loose, or a new enemy. The police didn't know."

"How is your family taking this? Your daughter is quite young isn't she?"

"She's a teenager, as is Mamoru. I will say I think they are both extremely strong willed and smart. I am praying the kami guide them home."

"What about school?" another reporter asked. He looked young and nervous.

"The police are treating this like a normal Youma attack, so the same things apply here. We received paperwork to turn in to their schools. They will have to make up the work, but the missing time wont be held against them."

After about a dozen more questions, Kenji held up his hands again. "I promise to share any information we get," he told them. "But I do ask that you come to me for answers rather than the kids."

"I don't have any questions," a middle aged female said, stepping forward. "As you are probably already aware, one of my coworkers was also taken. I just wanted to give you my support and tell you he will help them if they're together."

Kenji nodded in thanks and then they were moving back inside. "Is that the end of it?" Kunzite asked.

"No." Kenji shook his head. "Any time there is a development they'll be back at our door asking more questions. You and Minako both need to be aware of who is around you when you talk for a little while. After Mamoru and Usagi come back there will probably be something a bit like what we just saw, but eventually things will die down. They'll have to give some version of their story, but it will be okay."

"You sound so sure," Kunzite said without thinking.

Kenji turned and looked at Kunzite, reaching out to put a hand on his shoulder. "I am sure. I've seen what they can do. I've also seen how determined you and Minako are to keep them safe and protected. I have absolutely no doubt they'll find a way home or you two will find a way to get them. I know you always try to be strong for the others, but if you need someone to talk to, come and see me. I know you're only a teenager and that can't be easy with all the responsibility you have on your shoulders. I won't judge," he added.

"Arigato," Kunzite said, feeling stripped bare. The older man nodded and turned to continue walking.

"What else needs to be done?" Kenji asked. "I want to make sure we have everything together that you might need."

"For that we need Artemis," Kunzite explained. "He does a lot of the research, makes most of our devices, and can figure out just about anything with regards to computers. He's teaching Ami and Zo though."

"Alright, then lets go find out what we need to do next and then you and Minako both need to get some rest. It's been a long afternoon."

Kunzite nodded and followed him into the library, where all the others had been gathered to avoid notice from the reporters surrounding the building. The last thing they needed was for people to realize just how many people were living here and how they might be connected to the Senshi. As soon as they walked in, Shingo raced forward and hugged his father, apparently needing reassurance.

::Do we have a plan yet?:: he asked Minako silently through their Soul-Bond.

::No. At this point we can only watch and wait. Ami is freaking out about areas that have been drained of energy. She said something about other areas like that showing up over time, but doesn't really know more about it yet.:: Minako sounded worried about the bluenette and Kunzite could understand. Ami tended to get pulled into her work on a normal day. When it involved Usagi and Mamoru she would need to be forced to take breaks to eat and sleep. Zoicite wasn't any better. They would have to stay on them.

There was a lot that could be done even with no clues though. He moved to Minako's side and took one of the pads of paper. "I think we need to put people in teams," he said softly. "No one should be alone on patrol. And I think we should have more patrols than we have since we fought Metalia."

"I was thinking the same thing. Groups of at least three, if not more." Minako whispered, as Kunzite began writing names out.

"You and I will obviously be on a team," he said softly. "I'm thinking we should have Bane with us. And one of our tasks should be to heal the areas that were affected. He's getting control of his abilities. I think he can do it."

"He can," Minako agreed. "I was thinking Ronnie could go with Makoto and Nephrite. She trusts them to keep her safe and she and Mako have gotten pretty close."

"Haruki and Sets can take Heliodor," Kunzite added. It was the most obvious solution.

"Ami and Zo will be here more often than not," Minako continued. "It would be best to leave them out of the rotation so they can do what they're best at. And I was thinking maybe Agate could go with Shingo and Hotaru. He's a little older and can help them."

"That's a good idea," Kunzite said. Silently, to her alone, he added, ::and it will finally make him see we trust him, I hope.::

::That too.:: Minako agreed.

"De'Shaun with Rei and Jadeite?" Kunzite asked. When she nodded he wrote their names into another one of the squares. "That leaves Haruka and Michiru with Paden."

"Done. All we need to do is fill in the times then," Minako added.

Kunzite looked up when Luna leapt onto the table and looked down at their notes. "Would you be willing to take me with you while Artemis helps Zo and Ami," she asked.

"Hai," Minako and Kunzite said at the same time.

"We wouldn't dream of leaving you behind," Minako added.

"Here," Artemis said, appearing at the table. He did a backflip and a round disk appeared. "This will work like the disguise pen," he explained as Kunzite picked it up. "You have to get out there and be seen as Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Kamen."

"On it," Minako said, standing. "We can finish this later. In the meantime, we can take the first watch," she added.

Kunzite nodded and stood up beside her. It would be nice to be by themselves for a few minutes, even if they weren't themselves at the time. He took Minako's hand and transformed, then held up the disguise disk. "Make me look like Tuxedo Kamen," he said softly.

There was a brief flash of light and Minako gasped. "Wow, it's so weird," she said softly. "You really do look just like him."

Kunzite nodded his head and watched as she transformed and then used the crescent compact to look like Sailor Moon. She was right. There was no way to tell it wasn't actually Sailor Moon. They were identical.

"Let's go," he said softly.

"Something is happening!" Artemis shouted. He was staring at one of the large screens in the command center.

Minako looked up as soon as she heard his voice. "What is it? More portals?"

"No," Artemis said. He leapt up and moved to the end of the bank of the computers. "This is no portal. Whatever it is, it's moving very fast, coming from space. It could be a meteorite, but I doubt it."

"Why?" Minako asked, moving to stand behind him.

"Because it changed trajectory. It would have landed in the middle of the ocean, but now it will land here in Tokyo."

"When?"

"Hold on," Artemis said. He started tapping keys with one of his paws. "Stupid government satellites," he complained under his breath. "This one is better. Let me see..." he was quiet for a few minutes, then looked up in shock. "It will be here in under a minute. The American's saw it coming yesterday but thought it would land in the ocean. They've just sent a warning to the Public Defense Force."

"Where?" Kunzite asked, coming into the room. He must have sensed her worry.

"Right here in Tokyo. Looks like it isn't far from where we are right now. That large grocery store near OSA-P. I think it might hit the building."

"Henshin," Minako said. She reached for her communicator and sent out a signal to the others. Whatever was coming they might need back-up. She had a bad feeling that it wasn't just a piece of space rock and whatever was in it was not going to care about anyone who was hurt. She couldn't understand why she felt so strongly about it, but she did and had long ago learned not to ignore her feelings.

Within a minute she had transformed into Sailor Venus and North Knight had wrapped his arms around her and teleported to OSA-P. Then they were running over the rooftops. One by one their friends joined them, henshined and ready for battle. They could hear flames crackling as they moved closer. There was a red glow. And then they reached the building across from the store and all of them stopped and stared in shock.

The parking lot was a crater.

"Come on," Sailor Mercury said, her blue visor down over her eyes. She had the Mercury computer in her hands and was already taking readings.

Minako leapt down to the ground and ran lightly over the blocks of asphalt that had been torn up and flung away from the crash site. All of them moved, keeping an eye on their surroundings, but when they got to the edge of the hole in the ground they could see nothing in the bottom of the crater. Something had obviously hit and caused the damage, but whatever it was, it was already gone. There was nothing they could do now except try to find it.

And find a way to bring Mamoru and Usagi home.

Minako had never felt so powerless and out of control. They had no idea what it was that had hit the ground, but to her mind it was probably some sort of ship with other creatures that wanted something from the planet or the people on it. And with Mamoru and Usagi gone she and Kunzite were responsible for turning away the danger, and for bringing them home. She only prayed they were up to the challenge. The alternative was unthinkable.