Destiny looked down upon the lower realm feeling content that all was procedding as planned. Serenity was proceeding to her throne and her dream of Crystal Tokyo would finally be fulfilled.
Their last enemy now defeated, Serenity would now develop into the queen that she was always meant to be. At her side her were loyal friends and her beloved Endymion. Resting back into her chair, Destiny closed her eyes and relaxed a bit.
"Destiny!" A commanding voice startled Destiny out of her reviere.
"Almighty!" Destiny said as a beam of light materialized before her.
"Fate has just pointed something out to me!" The Almighty's voice shook the very core of her being. "How could you manipulate the course of events to create a world of your own desire?"
"But Almighty! This is what humans are destined for... With Crystal Tokyo they will have peace, order and happiness. I don't understand why you are so angry!" Destiny reasoned with the Almighty.
"Destiny, everything in this universe has a balance. There can be no order without chaos, no happiness without sadness, and no peace without violence." The Almighty's voice said in a gentler tone. "Humans will drift to their destiny that they have created for themselves, whether it is self-destruction or peace and happiness, it is not for us to decide."
"Then why was I created?" Destiny asked "If people were to choose their own destiny, why was there such thing as destiny?" None of this made any sense, Her creator had just told her that her very existence was not necessary.
"You were created to provide people with a choice, not to manipulate them into a set path." The Almighty said. "I cannot change the past, however from now on you do not interfere with people, you will only embody their choices." The Almighty said as the light began to fade away.
"But nothing can be done about Crystal Tokyo, it will come into being, every possible path has guarenteed it! There is nothing left to do now, the necessary path has been set." Destiny told her mentor and creator.
"Destiny for as long as you have lived, you still do not understand humans and why they are so special." The Almighty's voice said gently as the light died out.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
The sun was shining brightly in the land of the Rising Sun. The leaves swayed to the delicate morning breeze as birds gently glided through the air. In the ward of Juuban a young couple strolled down the street. Hand in hand, the young girl chattered animatedly as her companion stayed silent, only smiling and watching his companion. As they walked by a ice cream shoppe, the girl had stopped and pointed to the store.
"Mamo-chan, let's go in! I'm just dying for a taste of their double fudge brownie sundae with whipped cream and a cherry on top!" Usagi exclaimed.
"Sure Usako, but you know you have to watch that girlish figure of yours." Mamouru chided as his hyperactive girlfriend dragged him into the store. At the counter, Usagi ordered her favorite sundae as Mamouru ordered a small cone of vanilla. Taking a seat, Usagi began to discuss their summer plans. After the defeat of Galaxia, everything had quietted down. Usagi and her friends just finished their second year of high school. Ami was currently working in the hospital with her mother. Mina had gone off to a volleyball camp for four weeks. Rei had gone off to to a conference in Kyoto with her grandfather. Lita also left to participate in a culinary school for a four weeks. The outer senshi left Japan to see America, hoping that the vacation would bring some peace their minds. Mamouru and Usagi were the only two remaining in Juuban from the old gang. Taking this time they tried to discuss the future of their relationship.
"Mamo-chan! Are you listening?"
Snapping to the voice of his girlfriend, Mamoru looked over to her pouty face. Smiling to himself, he turned his full attention to her."Yes, I'm listening."
"This break is going to nothing but peace and quiet for me!" Usagi exclaimed as she leaned back in her chair and stretched.
"Well maybe for a meatball head like yourself," he said as he poked at her unusual hair style. "but for people who work it's a busy summer."
With a smile on her face Usagi snuggled up next to her beloved. "Now now, haven't you ever heard the saying that all work and no fun makes Mamo-chan a dull boy?"
Patting her hair, Mamouru let his head rest upon the back of the booth. This summer was their summer, maybe they could even finally bring their relationship into the open with her parents. "Say Usako, do you think that maybe it's time that your parents know about me?"
Tensing slightly, her smile falling a bit, she thought about the reactions of her parents. "I'm not sure Mamo-chan. What if they disapprove? I don't want to upset my parents."
"We have to tell them sometime if we are to have an honest relationship. That is what you want isn't it?"
"Of course," frowning a bit, Usagi wrestled over her parent's reaction and her relationship with her Mamo-chan. "We will tell them. How about at dinner? We'll bring it out into the open."
"When? I will be busy with work until next week."
"We'll tell them next weekend. just the two of us."
"Alright Usako, next week it is." Mamoru said as he kissed the top of her head.
As soon as he relaxed a bit the whispers and gossips started.
"Look at those two."
"Preposterous."
"He is so much older than she is."
"Young people these days." Wincing, Mamoru tried to block those voices out of his head. Looking around he saw three middle age women and an elderly woman sitting at a table not to far from their own.
"He must have money and she needs money for her family."
"What a sickening and perverted man."
"Taking advantage of such a young girl."
"Pedophilist." by now he felt his temperature rising. How dare they! They didn't know how many trials it had taken them to get to where they are.
"Mamo-chan? Is there something wrong?" Usagi asked as she felt him tense.
"No nothing at all. Let's get out of here."
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The next day a few blocks away, a young man streaked across the tops of buildings through the city. Dressed in a red chinese tunic and black draw string kung fu pants, the young man glided from rooftop to rooftop. From the streets people could see the whites of his teeth as he smiled brightly. It was a good day for the young Grandmaster of The Anything Goes School of Martial Arts. A lot had changed in five years. Graduating high school with support from his fiancee and his mother and entering Tokyo college was the best experience in the world. In his entire life he had only known the Art, however just following the physical and immediate benefits of the Art had been his failing.
His mother showed him the errors of his thinking. To be a true martial artist he had to not only excel in battle but intellectually. After many days and weeks of badgering, not to mention dozens of threats mallets and katanas, he finally focused upon his schooling. To his surprise by applying the same self-discipline that made him the warrior to his school work allowed his grades to improve greatly. Finding his interest in computers, he became very proficient in the ways of technology. Upon entering college he became well known on campus for his mastery of the Art as well as his expertise in the cutting edge field of computers.
Behind all of his sucess was Akane and his mother. Akane had joined him at college majoring in drama and dance. The two were inseperable, except recently. After all the cramming and hard work, Ranma was now graduating a year early. But today it would all pay off. His last test of his college career was over and graduation was ticking down. Today he had the entire day planned with Akane. Hopping down from a building he strolled into a florist.
At the counter a young girl tended to the flowers behind the counter. As she heard the bell of the door ring she looked up to see the young master of Anything Goes."M-may I help you?"
"I'd like a dozen of your freshest roses." Ranma said with a smile.
"Of course," scurrying along she picked a dozen roses from the bunch that she had just recieved this morning. " For a friend?"
"Fiancee."
"Oh." The girl looked downcast at that announcement. Of course a man as beautiful as him would be taken. She just didn't have much luck with men, they all seemed to be taken or attracted to her best friend Usagi.
Looking at the downcast girl Ranma decided to cheer her up. "Fear not fair maiden, were I not spoken for, I would court thee in an instant." After befriending Kuno while at college, he had picked up some of the swordsman's Shakespearian speech.
Blushing deeply, Naru put her hand to her cheeks to ensure that her face was not burning too much. Gathering up the dozen roses, she handed them to the man.
"How much do I owe you?" Ranma asked.
"The compliment you gave was payment enough." Naru said with as much courage as she could muster.
Smiling Ranma took out a business card. Slipping it to her across the counter he exited the store. "If I can ever return the favor."
As soon as he left, Naru looked down at the card.
Ranma Saotome
Senior Executive
Chairman of Saotome-Tendo Corporations
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Racing along the streets Ranma hurried to the dorm where Akane had lived for the past three years. Running right past some of the girls at the door, he ran up to the eighth floor. For the past two months he had barely seen Akane because of all the work of school and coordinating with Nabiki to setup their own corporation. Today was the beginning of a new day, it was the beginning of their future. Reaching her room, Ranma knocked upon her door.
"Be right there!" a voice called from inside. Patiently waiting at the door Ranma could barely hold back from bursting into the room. After what seem like a lifetime the door finally opened to reveal a much more mature Akane Tendo. The years had weeded out the baby fat on her body to reveal a tone slender body. For the past two years she had been growing her hair longer, it now hung to the small of her back.
"Ranma! Are you finally done with your finals?"
Walking into the room, Ranma held her hands in his."Today was the last one! When are you going to be done with your finals?"
"I still have an extra week. The play that I've been working on for the past three months will determine my final grade for a class." Akane said as she sat down on her bed. "You are coming aren't you?"
"With bells on."
"Huh?"
"An American saying," Ranma said as he took a seat next to her." anyways, I wanted to tell you something. Nabiki and I have finally-"
"Hey Akane, the bathrooms in Japan are definately going to be one of things I miss when I leave." said a tall dark hair American as he walked in. Looking at the scene, he quickly held up his hands. "Oops didn't know you had company."
Getting off the bed, Akane ushered the young man in. "Ranma, this is Brian Gibbs. Brian, this is Ranma, my fiance." She said as she introduced the two. "Brian is my partner in the play next week. We were going to rehearse right before you walked in."
Nodding, Ranma stood. "Of course, we all have a GPA to maintain don't we? I'll just wait until you are free of your finals, then I'll tell you."
"Are you sure?" Akane asked with a frown.
"Yes, I've got to get over to Nabiki's she's got some paper work for a new job that we've got to go over." he said with a gentle smile. "But walk with me to the door."
"Okay." Quickly, she turned around to grab her keys. "Bri, why don't you start warming up, I'll just be right back."
As the two walked down hallway, Akane fidgeted with her keys."Is there something wrong?" Ranma asked.
Looking surprised, Akane slowly nodded."Yes, Ranma there's something I need to tell you." Tucking her hair behind her ears, Akane took a deep breath. "In the play that I'm performing in with Brian, there is going to be a few ... rather intimate scenes."
"Meaning..."
"We have to... kiss each other a few times." Akane said with a heavy voice.
Ranma eyed his fiancee gently. Carressing her face with his right hand, Ranma savoured the feeling. Tilting her chin to his own, he lean in closely. "Akane I've told you three years ago, when we first came into college. I trust you completely and with all my heart. Acting sometimes calls for intimate scenes, and if these scenes make you a better actress, then I have no problem with them. So you have nothing to worry about."
"Ranma..."
"Shhh..."Leaning even closer, Ranma kissed her gently. It was like heaven for him, she just tasted so sweet that he could stay in that position for hours and be content. After a few minutes, Akane broke the kiss.
"Oh Ranma..."
Standing back upright again, Ranma hugged her. "I will see you in a week." Walking out the front door, he whisted a happy tune.
Looking whistfully at the fading form, Akane sighed heavily. "Ranma... I hope I am worthy of your trust."
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The stars glistened like diamonds in the night as Usagi and Mamouru walked down the street. Their summer had been filled with joy and passion, and tonight was no exception. After dinner at a beautiful French restaurant, they strolled through a garden. To Usagi it felt as if they were back on the moon, Princess Serenity and her prince Endymion side by side. Tonight they had been celebrating the anouncement that Mamouru was up for a promotion.
Leaning into her prince's arm, Usagi enjoyed the warmth of his body. "Mamo-chan? Have you been thinking of marriage? I know I am still young... but I was hoping that we would start thinking about the possibility."
"It is too soon to be thinking about such things," Mamoru replied in a tired voice. "I mean we haven't even announced to your parents that we are dating." Thinking back to all the attempts that had failed these past few weeks, Mamoru was beginning to think that they would never be able to talk to her parents.
"I know, we will soon... But seriously if we did get married after I graduated high school, where would we live? How many children would you want to have?"
"Well Usako, we would have to live in my apartment. Unless I get this promotion, then perhaps we can buy a house. As for children I think it is a little too early for that... besides we already know how many children we will have, one." Mamoru answered her questions with as much enthusiasm as he could muster. Deep inside, he knew that they couldn't get married now. It would probably happen when she assumed the title of Neo-Queen Serenity.
"Mmmm... I think that I would like to take a year off from school as soon as I finish high school... Maybe travel a bit." Usagi said in a dreamy voice. Her thoughts drifted off as she saw herself in France taking romantic walks along the beautiful streets of France. In Greece enjoying the sites of the ruins, basking under the beautiful Meditteranean weather.
Even in America, all the beautiful cities to visit. In new York City to see a Broadway Play, to shop in one of the most industrial cities in the world; it would be a dream come true.
"Now Usagi, we all have dreams, but not everyone is destined to be Queen of the World. You had better go to school and learn to become knowledgable. A Queen wouldn't be ignorant and uneducated. You would also have to train yourself to be less clumsy. I mean your ascension onto the throne is not too far off... There is a lot that you have to do before you become the Queen. I think that long term travelling is out of the question." Mamoru looked into the night sky. There was so much they had to do before she became Queen.
"Mamo-chan why are you so concerned about the ascension? It will come when it comes. It will be a natural process, why worry about it?" Usagi said unhappily. Here she was pouring her heart out about their future and her dreams, and he was dismissing all her comments.
"Usako, things aren't as easy as you make it out to be. We can do all those things after we settle into being King and Queen. By then we will have stability and can do anything we want. Right now we need stability. You'll understand when you get older."
Pushing away from her boyfriend, she frowned at him. "Mamo-chan you are acting like a strict parent. Why? "
Feeling his temper rise a bit, Mamoru fought down the urge to yell at her ingnorance. How could she understand his pain that he had to go through. When his parents died, he was left with nothing, everything was in chaos. Stability was the key to everything in order to suceed. "Look Usagi, you won't understand. Just forget it."
Frowning, she opened her mouth to say something, but decided against it. "I want to go home."
"Fine."
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Six months had passed since Ranma had graduated from Tokyo University. He was already causing a stir in the computer business. The Saotome-Tendo Corp was becoming a larger by the minute. The senior project that Ranma had turned in for his degree turned out to be a fantastic boost in the medical field. By incorporating his knowledge of the human body and ancient healing arts, he developed machine that could detect the chi flow of a body. By developing this technology, diseases that may not manifest itself until too late are revealed. Of course there are still quite a bit of skeptcism towards his machine. However, Ranma had full confidence that this machine would revolutionize the medical field. But not only was Ranma working on that project, but he had also developed a revolutionary computer processor. Based on the foundation of the human brain, he developed a processor that would imitate the fundamentals of a brain. His accomplishments were causing quite a bit of a stir in the entire world. Large corporations had already been trying to recruit him since his second year in college. Nonetheless, even with all these accomplishments, Ranma seemed to always have time for his fiancee.
"Akane! Over here!" Waving like a maniac in the middle of an airport terminal, Ranma motioned for his beloved. Akane smiled at him, and hurried over. Rushing to meet her, he swept her body into his arms and swung her around.
"Ranma!" Akane said breathlessly. "I missed you too!"
"Oh Akane! Our dreams are coming true right before our eyes." Ranma held her tight. It had been too long. After his trip to America, Akane had left to go to England to perform in a play with a company. Her term with the company had finally ended a few days ago, and she rushed home to Japan.
"Ranma, come on, let's go home." Akane said when her fiancee finally put her down. Walking to the baggae claim area, Ranma held her close to him, never letting go.
"So how was England?"
"It was fabulous, Brian and I had such a great time acting in England. The culture there is so rich and fast paced, yet there was so much history there. I went to visit some smaller villages around the country sides, and the castles were amazing. I honestly think that some of the things we saw were straight out of a fairy tale." Akane listed on. Her experience in England was once in a lifetime, but while there she had come to a conclusion. Nothing beat her home. She wanted to settle down.
"Fabulous, I saw you perform a month ago. I must say, you and Brian make a great pair on stage. I was almost crying a certain parts of the show." Ranma said sincerely. He had flown over there with Nabiki to speak to some bankers. However, as soon as the plane was over, they had to come back to Japan for a crisis.
"Really?! I think I got the flowers that you sent me. They were beautiful, thank you." Akane smiled beautifully at Ranma. The arrangement of wild orchids had decorated her dressing room for a few weeks. To her they were her good luck charms, by plucking one everytime she went into stage, she knew she would give a great performance.
"Your welcome, but Akane there is something i need to tell you..." Ranma said excitedly as he guided her out of the airport and into a limo waiting outside.
Holding her breath, Akane crossed her fingers hoping that Ranma wouldn't say what she wanted to hear. "What is it Ranma?"
"As of today, you are looking at the man who has now broken through the market of computer software. Today, I signed the papers for the new division of software, and our profits will be expected to soar." Ranma clasped her hand in his own and looked her deeply in the eyes. "Soon, we will be able to start on our lives together. Nabiki has it all laid out, in a couple years we will be large enough to start threatening markets over in America."
"That's great Ranma!" Akane said with as much enthusiasm as she could muster. For some reason she couldn't feel as excited as she thought she should feel about it.
"I know Akane, in a few years we will be able to settle down! I can become a passive part of ST Corp, and we can have a house in the mountains. Just think, three years and we will have everything we want."
"Of course Ranma." I wonder what Brian is doing right now.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Two full years has passed, not as anyone had ever expected it to. Ranma had thrown himself into his training and work, only stopping when he spent time with Akane. ST Corp was now a major force to contend with. Owning dozens of smaller dot com companies, medical engineering firms, in addition to it's multi-billion dollar software producing firm, and most importantly it's new conceptual computers were taking over corporate systems in a storm. What was once a 2 person company now consisted of several hundred thousand employees. However that would all change, for without Destiny to stand in the way, things were bound to go astray.
It was a cool summer's night in San Francisco, ST Corp was holding a banquet for the newly appointed leader of China. Much had happened in the historic country of China in the past six years. The downfall of Communism and the uprising of several political leaders, for two years all was in chaos. China was threatening to break into provinces again. Until a firm leader stepped forward to take the reins of power. Along with a group of generals and advisors, the recently crowned leader of China, Herb the IX, gained the trust and respect of the people. As an old friend of his, Ranma decided to endorse Herb's newly appointed position by celebrating in festivities. Sitting in banquet hall, Ranma actively chatted with Herb.
"It is good to see that we have risen in the world so much." Herb said with a rare smile. "You are still the only man to best me in combat. We will have to have a rematch someday."
Smirking, Ranma leaned in close to Herb. "You're on. But surely your wife has bested you in some sort of combat." Motioning to the young wife of Herb, Plum. "I mean to have change you from the pompous young man you once were, it is truly her influence, is it not?"
"Aye it is," Herb sighed. "Is my feminine side showing that much?" With a smile in his eyes, he grinned. "But all jest aside, my dear wife has changed me as much as your humbling did. Causing me to realized that I am not the best and that there are other ways of thinking other than my own."
"Well look where it's gotten you. It does my heart well that you have also formed an alliance between the Amazons and the the regional monarchs from the provinces. I see that Kirin is among them." Ranma pointed to the aqua green hair monarch and his spit-fire orange hair wife, Lychee. "How did you get them to all agree?"
"Ah... that is a secret, but enough about myself. How goes your relationship with the fair Akane Tendo?" With a raised eyebrow, Herb looked behind Ranma. " She seems quite popular with the cameras does she not?"
Turning around, Ranma's heart melted at the sight of Akane dressed in a beautiful blue dress smiling and chatting with the reporters. "Our relationship is progressing, she is now starring in a set of movies due out by Christmas."
"Excellent, I always knew that you two were destined for each other. For why else would you have decimated Mt. Phoenix?"
"It was the only way for her to live, and for that I will do anything." Ranma said with determination.
"It was destiny that brought you two together, and destiny which will keep you two together." Herb stated ominously.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Sitting in the car, the night flowing by the minutes. The tall, dark and handsome reporter, Mamoru sped down the highway to the gala. He was already running late due to his girlfriend, and his composure ruined due to the cop that had pulled him over earlier. All in all today was a bad day. In the back seat, Usagi stared out the window catching glimpses of San Franciso. She was now 19 and exploring the world where ever her Mamo-chan traveled.
"Mamo-chan! Can we please go sightseeing tommorrow? There is so much to do here!" Usagi felt so full of life. For the past year, she had been living with Mamoru because her parents moved to America after her father was relocated by his company ST Corp. The year was full of its ups and downs. The sailors had become a tighter group, however with the graduation of high school, they had each gone their seperate ways. Each had come to America to study in colleges. Even little Hotaru had come to America with Haruka, Setsuna, and Michiru. It was her intent to see Rei, Ami and Mina since she was on the west coast of America.
"We'll see Usagi, i have a lot to do tomorrow, I need to write up what interviews I get at the gala tomorrow and send it to my boss back at the office." Mamoru seething inwardly on how nonchalant Usagi was about the pressure he was under.
"Oh... well, I'll see if I can find Rei, Ami and Mina then." Looking out the window she saw the immense palace that the gala was being held in. Eyes wide open, she quickly smoothed her dress out and got ready to exit the car. As Mamoru pulled up to the valet, he quicky showed his invitation. Stepping out of the car as the valet opened the door for her, she was smiling from ear to ear. This was heavenly. Taking Mamoru's arm, they quickly hurried inside.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Inside, Akane chatted animately with the reporters from around the globe. They were all asking about her relationship with Ranma and asking when they were getting married. She was in her element right now, being an up coming and rising star, she was used to all the reporters and their question. She was glad to be among her old friends from China again. It almost felt like a reunion. Kirin, Lychee, Toma, and Herb were here celebrating their rise to power. Even the Amazon tribe was here. Shampoo, Mousse and his new wife, even Cologne was here, for some reason she felt guilty on the inside. Tonight she would tell Ranma. It has been going on for long enough. After the gala, she would tell him.
A gentle tap on her shoulder shook her out of her thoughts. Behind her Ranma stood in a black tuxedo and a mischevious smile on his face. "Excuse me gentlemen, I'm afraid I must steal my fiancee away from you now." Guiding her away from the reporters, Ranma held Akane close to his body. "Are you having fun Akane?"
"Of course, I'm so glad that everyone could be here. We haven't seen them in such a long time." Akane said sincerely.
"Even Shampoo?"
"Even Shampoo. I never really hated her that much. It was just a simple rivalry."
"Good because her and ther friends are staying at the house..." Ranma said fearing the worst. Even though Akane had calmed down a great deal since the incident with Saffron, she still had outbursts of violence at times. Shampoo was usually a sore subject for her due to their rivalry and the fact that Shampoo always belittled her at every chance available.
"The house? No, I don't mind. But we need to talk tonight, there's something I need to tell you. Something very important we need to discuss." She said in a serious tone. There were only a few times when she would get like this. One time was when they had a scare their freshman year and the other times where when they had a serious discussion about their relationship.
"Okay, we'll talk later on tonight." As they took a seat together next to Herb, Ranma leaned over to his fiancee and cupped her cheek. Turning Akane her face to his, he looked deep into her eyes and whispered. "I love you." Drawing her into a deep embrace, Ranma pour all his love into her.
"Oh Ranma... I'm so sorry." Akane thought as she systematically returned his kiss but not returning the love he had given her.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
From the distance, a pair of ancient wizened eyes looked at the 'loving couple' embrace. So long had she hoped that her own Shampoo would be in that picture, but all of that hope had died when Ranma finally took responsibility for his actions and cancelled all of the engagements and proposed to Akane almost six years ago. Since then, he had prospered greatly and became a leader in the world. She was not surprised when this happened, when she had met him, she had never met somebody who's aura of confidence was so strong. He was born to lead. What amazed her was that even though he had risen in the modern world, he did not forget his martial training. In fact, his skills seem undeterminable, but they were far greater that his younger days. She wouldn't be surprised if he could carve off Mt. Phoenix again and not think twice about it. The boy.. no man would lead this world into it's next ascension. She could feel it. But there was one thing that could stop him. The once bright red line of love that burned between himself and the woman he was embracing has faded. His end glowed brighter than ever, however her end has dimished to barely anything and another red line had formed leading away from the gala.
"That poor boy, I just hope this doesn't destroy him. It's a good thing we are staying at his house tonight. Perhaps we can cushion the blow..." Cologne thought to herself. She was currently in her younger form.
"Great-Grandma... what is wrong?" a sensuous voice asked her. Turning around, Cologne face her grand daughter Shampoo. The years had also changed her, she was now a apprentice to become the next leader of the tribe. With her connection to Herb, they would now be able to look forward to a prosperous future.
"Nothing child, the night is young, why are you not socializing with the men? You do understand that you do not yet have a husband." Cologne admonished.
Flipping her hair back, Shampoo turned her nose up towards the crowd of men leering at her. "All of these males are weak. None of them will ever compare to Ranma."
"Child, no one compares to Ranma."
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Entering the gala, Usagi's eyes grew wider by the second. She had never been to anything this formal, unless she included her past life. Everything look like something out of a fantasy book. Holding onto Mamoru's arm, Usagi smiled brightly. Everything reminded her of the parties that were held back on the moon. She would walk down the cascade of stairs, and at the bottom of the stairs her prince was waiting her. Closing her eyes, Usagi imagined she was back on the moon and everyone stopped for her entrance.
"Usagi! Snap out of it!"
A sharp voice commanded her. Opening her eyes, she quickly looked up to her beloved. "Mamo-chan, doesn't this remind you of the Moon-kingdom? When we would enter the ball together-"
"Usagi, now I have a lot of work to do, if you could just wait after the gala to tell me, then that would be great." Mamoru said, brushing her comment off.
"But Mamo-chan I want to dance and have fun. That is why we are here isn't it?" Usagi pouted. Her beloved had been like this for the past year, always working, almost never having time for just the two of them.
Rolling his eyes, Mamoru sighed. It was times like these that his princess could be so very annoying. "Usagi, you know I would love to dance the night away, but I need this next promotion, otherwise we may have to adjust the budget around the house."
"But-"
Cutting her off, Mamoru guided her to her seat and sat her down. "No, I need to get an interview, now please behave and sit here. There's plenty of food and champagne, practice what you learned in etiquette school."
"Okay." Usagi said quietly. It seemed that recently most of their conversations proceeded this way. Sometimes she would speak up and argue with him, but it would just end with the both of them not speaking to each other for a few days. Looking as her beloved left her sitting at a table by herself, she wondered if they would ever be able to return to how they were before.
"Excuse me?" A gentle voice prodded from behind her.
Startled, Usagi turned to see a middle-age woamn wearing a kimono holding a long wrapped bundle. "Yes?"
"I couldn't but over hear the argument between your boyfriend and yourself."
Embarassed, Usagi looked down to compose herself. "I'm sorry I've disturbed your evening with our arguement." looking at the woman, she could help but feel drawn into her eyes. They felt so calm and made her feel so warm, as if her mother was around.
The woman took a seat next to Usagi and patted Usagi's hands. "Oh don't worry, I just wanted to know if you were okay."
"I'm fine. Mamo-chan is just a bit stressed from being passed up on a promotion last year." Usagi explained.
"Really? Why was he passed over?"
Wincing, Usagi looked down. "Because the executives thought that because he was ten years my elder, our relationship would give the company a bad image."
"I see. But even though he stayed with you, things changed didn't it?" The woman's words seemed so measured and full of love.
"Yes, he's been so distant this past year. Sometimes we can barely stand each other. Everything I do is not good enough." Just then, her words came rushing out. "I'm too clumsy, I can't cook. I'm too stupid. And I'm too immature." Looking down, Usagi tried to refrain from the tears that threatened to burst forth as she poured her heart to a stranger. This past year had been very trying for her. Everything she tried didn't quite work out for her and Mamoru.
"Oh you poor child. You should not be with someone who treats you like this." The motherly woman drew Usagi into a hug. "Why don't you find someone else?"
"Because we are destined for each other. He was supposed to be my prince." Usagi said as she held onto the woman. It had been so long when someone gave her a hug and listened to her problems.
"My dear, your prince would not treat you so. I say that you leave him and find a man who doesn't treat you so."
"But you don't understand, we are destined for each other." However the more she said it the worse she felt. Was this what she had to look forward too? year after year of hate and silent looks?
Gently stroking the younger woman's long blond hair, the elder prayed she could give her some advice. "It is a trap that many women delude themselves into thinking, but you must open your eyes and see what is in front of you. He is no longer the one. He may have been but he is different. Besides if you two were meant to be together, then seperation would not keep you two apart. Maybe you just need some time apart to grow."
Processing what the woman was saying, she began to wonder if what she was saying was right. Could some time apart be what they needed. Maybe later on in life they would be suited for each other, but right now, she simply could not understand what Mamoru was going through at work and all this talk of responsibility. Maybe she needed to develop that on her own. Maybe they weren't ready yet.
"Thank you." Usagi said gratefully to the woman. "What was your name?"
"My name is not important. Just remember me."
"I will, always."
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End Prologue