Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction, written because the author feels an affinity to the pretty guardian of Love and Justice, Sailor Moon.

Prologue

"Are you ready, Pluto?"

"Yes, my queen, I'm ready to set our plan in motion."

"We must keep this between us - nobody else can know, even our past versions of ourselves. The door must remain closed, no matter what happens. Do you understand?"

"Yes, I do. This is going to be so hard on them."

"I know, said Neo Queen Serenity, 'But we have no choice. Our very existence depends on the success of our plans."

"I will not fail you, my queen."

Chapter 1

Usagi woke up in Mamoru's apartment again. She loved Friday nights. It was the only time of the week she could get away with sleeping over at Mamo's apartment since she could easily tell her mom that she was sleeping over with Rei or Minako. Her friends totally supported her and covered her back in case her mom called over there. She loved cuddling with her Mamo-Chan to sleep every Friday evening and slept in his embrace all night long. She woke this morning feeling cold and realized Mamo had already gotten out of bed. She covered herself in his silken grey bed sheets as she walked out to the living room.

Mamoru had his back turned. He was multi-tasking as usual, preparing an omelet while also chatting on the phone. His waist was entangled in the cord a few times over. Usagi couldn't help but smile as she listened in on his conversation.

"Yes, sir, I'll be over later this morning to fill out the necessary documentation. It will be so nice to be back at a university again. Thank you for the opportunity."

Usagi's heart sank. She had a feeling this day was coming. Ever since the last battle with the starlights against Galaxia she'd been wondering when Mamoru would return to his studies in the USA. It looked like that day had finally come. She had no intention of making Mamoru feel guilty about returning to his studies, though. She loved him dearly and knew it was his life's dream to become a doctor. She would be brave. As Mamoru hung up the phone and before he turned around to face her she made a loud yawning sound and rubbed her eyes trying to make it look believable that she'd just woken up and had not overheard his phone conversation. He turned towards her holding a plate remembering the phone cord too late and stumbling a little.

Usagi giggled.

Mamoru blushed. "Morning sleepyhead - Looks like my princess is finally awake. I've made you your favorite breakfast - Parisian omelets with fresh strawberries and cream on the side."

"That sounds wonderful, Mamo-chan. You are so good to me. I love our Saturday mornings together," said Usagi. Still, inside her stomach turned. Not too many of them left, I'm sure. I better cherish them…

And cherish they did. She tried her best to eat some of the delicious breakfast Mamoru had prepared but her stomach felt nauseous thinking about him leaving her again and the return of that empty feeling she'd endured all those months. She distracted Mamo by pretending to feed him a strawberry with whipped cream on top but instead dabbed his nose with whipped cream. When she did he would chase her around the living room and playfully grab her until they'd end up tumbling onto the soft couch cushions and covering each other with kisses. After breakfast they went back to bed for more cuddling time, among other things, and finally took a long, hot, steamy shower together. They lovingly chose outfits for one another. Usagi chose some black slacks and a sophisticated, form-fitting cashmere grey polo shirt for Mamoru. She preferred him this way instead of his usual Oliver blazer and lavender pants. He chose a puffy sleeved white lace top with a sunny yellow overall dress for her they belled out like a tulip on the bottom. Mamoru always loved giving her that innocent Lolita type look. Once they were both dressed, Usagi could sense it almost time for Mamoru to go.

"Usagi… I'm sorry I have to have to cut our beautiful morning short, but I have an appointment to keep," said Mamoru.

Usagi turned away from him then unable to hold back tears. "It's ok Mamo-chan, I understand. This was the most wonderful morning ever. Thank you."

Mamoru could sense her pain, and touched her hand. "Usako, what's wrong?"

She shuddered at his touch. "It's just I heard your phone call this morning. I know it's time for you to go back to to school in the USA. I'm so happy for you to continue your studies. I was trying to be brave, but I guess my emotions got the best of me."

"Usako," Mamoru sighed embracing her into a hug from behind. "You misunderstood."

"What do you mean?"

Mamoru smiled. "It's true I am going back to university… but I've been newly accepted at a prestigious one, Hikaru University, it specializes in pediatric medicine. It's only an hour north of Juban. I'll have to spend a lot of time up there, maybe even overnight for my residency, but I'll be close to home."

Usagi spun around quickly pulling him into kiss. They embraced for several minutes. "Mamo-chan, I'm so happy for you. I didn't know you wanted to specialize in pediatrics."

Mamoru blushed. "After spending all that time with Chibiusa, I've kind of developed a soft spot for the little ones."

Usagi smiled. "You have a gentle heart and loving spirit. Your patients will be so lucky to have a doctor like you."

"Thank you, Usako. Are you pleased I'll be staying close by?"

Usagi nodded. "Hai, my love. Couldn't be happier."

—-

After Mamoru left, Usagi wasn't sure what to do with herself. She didn't want to go home yet, and yet she wasn't expected for a Senshi meeting for a few more hours. If she headed over early, Rei would just put her to work, and that was something she definitely wasn't interested in doing on a Saturday. In the end, she decided to go for a walk in the park.

"So many memories here," she said aloud. "This is where I met Seiya, and where Chibiusa fell out of the sky on me. It's been so peaceful and lovely here since the battle with Galaxia. I'm happy — but I miss having everyone together."

The racetrack where'd she'd met Haruka and Michiru was nearby as well. As she walked by she could still make out the sound of Haruka's car as it sped around the track. When the sound wouldn't go away she rubbed her eyes.

"Huh?! Wait how can this be? Haruka and Michiru… are really here? This isn't just a memory?"

Michiru stood off to the side of the track, looking sophisticated as usual in a maroon cap sleeve dress that accentuated her teal, wavy locks. She waved a checkered flag as Haruka sped around the track in her red sports car. Haruka made eye contact with Usagi on her next pass and as she came around again she put on the brakes and came to a halt.

Haruka hopped out of her car, "Hi there, kitten. Been awhile, hasn't it?"

Usagi ran to both girls pulling them into a hug, sobbing. "I'm so happy to see you both, I've missed you both so, so much."

Haruka patted her head. "Our princess is always such a crybaby… and as always it is one of your most endearing qualities."

Michiru smiled and gently spoke. "What Haruka meant to say is that we've missed you too. We are still close by sometimes… to keep an eye on you and the other senshi. But Hotaru still has a lot of learning to do before she comes of age, so we can't be here in the city all the time. Besides - living on the outer edges of society has always been our way."

Haruka blushed. "Michiru, my sweet, you are so much more eloquent than I. Needless to say, it's wonderful to see you, Kitten."

Usagi smiled. "Thanks - it's wonderful to see you too. I won't get in your way Haruka … I'll just watch you drive if that's what you want to do."

"How about some sandwiches instead? I'm famished," said Haruka.

Usagi's tummy grumbled as she remembered how she'd only nibbled on that one strawberry this morning. Was it really that close to lunch time? Had she been walking that long? "Well it sounds like my tummy agrees. Can we get milkshakes too?"

Michiru nodded, bowing slightly. "Anything for our princess."

Suddenly they felt a tremor in the ground.

"Earthquake?" Asked Haruka.

"That's odd," said Usagi.

A large pink dome began to form around the park as a Youma emerged from the ground in front of them.

"A youma?" Said Michiru. "We haven't seen one of these since…"

All three girls stared wide eyed at one another.

"Usagi, we've got to transform," said Haruka,

"Hai. Moon Eternal, makeup!"

"Uranus, Crystal Power, makeup"

"Neptune, Crystal Power makeup."

"I am Morga, servant of Queen Bellona, I'm here destroy all life from this planet so my queen can rebuild the world as her own dark kingdom. We will start with this park."

What?! NO! Usagi thought. This place full of so many precious memories and innocent people.

"I, Sailor Moon, protector of love and justice, will not allow you to destroy even a single butterfly in this park. This world, this beautiful world I love so much, I will not allow you to damage it."

"Stay back, Sailor Moon," said Sailor Uranus as she and Sailor Neptune jumped in front of her. "We will take care of this invader."

"World Shaking!" The tornado attack hit the Youma head on. Morga just laughed it off.

This youma, it looks so familiar, thought Usagi.

Sailor Uranus's eyes widened. "My attack - It didn't phase her one bit. How is that possible?"

"Deep Submerge! A wall of water came barreling forth towards the youma. Once again it came out unscathed.

"I don't understand. What is the dark magic?" Asked Sailor Neptune.

Sailor Moon stepped forward. "Let me try."

"Silver Moon, Crystal Power Kiss."

A warm ray of light shown from her moon rod and enveloped the youma.

"What's this feeling?" Said Morga. "This love… get it off of me. NOOO!"

Morga disintegrated right before their eyes, and just as soon as it had come, the pink dome came down and the park looked peaceful once again.

The three girls de-transformed.

"That was so strange," said Usagi. "There haven't been youma attacks in ages. And that youma… it seemed so familiar."

"An enemy is afoot," said Michiru.

"Hai-," said Haruka, "A new mission. We must learn more about this enemy, princess, and learn how best to keep you safe."

"Right," Usagi said suddenly wobbly.

Haruka jumped forward encircling her wrist and gently wrapping her other arm around Usagi's waist. "Whoa there, Kitten, are you ok?"

Usagi's tummy rumbled. She found her footing and stood up on her own. "Oh, I… yes. I'm ok. I didn't eat much this morning. Can we still go for milkshakes?"

Haruka ruffled her buns, smiling again losing the serious expression she'd carried only moments ago. "Sure - Odango."

But was I really just hungry? thought Usagi. I've felt that way after fights before, like my energy was draining. But something feels different this time, almost like I've lost something that I won't get back.