The Past, Present and Future

A/N: Hi guys! Sorry that it took a long time for me to update this chapter. I truly had no time to fit in my busy schedule especially since I have work crammed into my studies timetable. Anyway I hope this fic is to your liking.

To the other fics, don't worry some of them are on their way and nearly completed, just needed to be typed.

Ok then, here goes the ninth chapter of the fic.

*~*~*~*~*~Chapter Nine *~*~*~*~*

The gods in heaven must have loved her to bless her with an adorable child. The street urchin… No. The angel is such a joy to her life. Stranded alone, scared and hurt, Usagi had taken in the child and healed him. At first, the awkward relationship started off as friends but it slowly evolved into a mother and son relationship.

Usagi had been happy and honoured to be given the title of mother when Mikazuki had shyly asked her permission to call her such. With wide arms, she had accepted him even though she is a high school kid. But then, she is not an ordinary high school kid and her life had been everything but ordinary.

A soft smile played at her ruby lips when she heard the gales of laughter. Hotohori must have tickled him again. Suddenly a frown creased just above her delicate nose. Something is wrong. She can feel it. Something had happened between this world and hers. The energy is very strong. Closing her eyes, Usagi began concentrating on the vibes. Before she could decipher the source of it, the energy disappeared.

"Mommy! Mommy look at what I got for you!" Usagi opened her eyes and met the excited eyes of her adopted child.

"Kirei! They are very beautiful, Mikazuki. Arigatou," leaning down, she pecked a kiss on his soft cheeks. In return, the child gave her a bear hug.

Hotohori watched Mikazuki play a few feet from them. "Daijoubu ka, Usa-koi?"

Managing a smile, she reassured him.

Taking a deep breath, Hotohori looked deeply into the captivating azure eyes. Usagi only raised a questioning eyebrow.

"Usagi… I have been thinking a lot lately. You are my life, world and meant everything to me," Hotohori paused. Usagi thought he looked tensed, very tensed indeed.

"I… I want to marry you. Will you be my wife, my empress?"

Wide azure eyes stared back at him. It took a few seconds for the words to register in her hazed mind. Once it did, Usagi did the only thing that her brain permitted her to do.

She blinked. Again. On the third time, she fainted.

@~}~~~ Suzaku Seishi @~}~~~

As on, the strong wind that had been revolving around a certain purple haired seishi and purple aura around him began to dim out. His feet touching the ground, Nuriko opened his eyes.

Tamahome watched as his once floating friend opened his eyes, revealing a pair of glazed brown eyes. He saw Nuriko's lips moved and his hearing sharpened. Makoto? Who is that? Before he could walk up to his friend, Nuriko suddenly slumped to the ground, unconscious.

"Oi! Nuriko!"

Since he was the nearest, Chichiri got to him first. Doing a quick scan, he looked at his worry-written faces of his friends. "He is exhausted, that's all."

"Will he be ok?"

Looking at his concerned miko, he nodded. "I suggest we resume the search later than usual when day comes."

"Makoto…" the name escaped his lips once again. Checking his pulse, Mitsukake sighed at the condition of his unconscious friend. Nuriko had been sleeping like the dead for eight consecutive hours and mumbling a certain name every hour. By now, the rest of the seishi knew the name pretty well maybe even the spelling.

"Makoto…?" Nuriko repeat again. But unlike the others, consciousness slowly entered his drained body.

The healer didn't hesitate to help his friend sit upright. He watched as Nuriko rubbed his probably throbbing temples. "Welcome back. You nearly drove Chichiri to madness with your condition and muttering 'Makoto' again and again."

Massaging his aching shoulders, he asked, "Damn I felt like I've been through a battle. How long was I knocked down?"

Taking the medicine he had prepared from herbs found at the nearby plateau and stream, he answered, "Eight hours or so. Here drink this, it will revitalise your body and bring you back to shape in no time."

Downing the black liquid in a single swing, he nearly choked at the taste. "God this taste foul."

A soft smile played at his lips. "I'm glad it did. Since you are awake, we're moving in an hour's time. Till then, take a good rest while I inform the rest of your recovery."

Hazel eyes trailed after his friend's retreating form, silently thanking for his momentary solitude. Eyes that used to gleam with mischief, fun and life is now devoid of such things. Sorrowful eyes glazed as what used to be lost images flashed through his mind.

A pair of forest green eyes gleamed at him as the ever so sweet lips curved into a smile. Her dark brown wavy hair framed her heart-shaped face while sweet blueberry smell would so once in a while fill his senses. Makoto. The light of his life, his most precious treasure and the keeper of his heart, oh how he so loved her.

His wife. She had always been and has. It was not a love at first sight like everyone thought it would be. Endless tongue war would always start and would not cease until either Usagi stepped in and knock their heads together or Tasuki giving them a true meaning of barbecued alive. Months of tongue war suddenly ended and blossomed into an eternal love that led to marriage. A happy marriage until someone appeared.

Pure hatred that is even bitter than bile itself erupted. HIM! If it weren't for that devil, he would have led a happy life. They would have led a happy life and their child would have survived. Chaos! Nuriko sorely blamed his misfortune on that corrupted devil. Because of him, his wife carrying their six months child had been sacrificed.

Sighing, Nuriko tries to relax his mind. Facing the clear sky, Nuriko pledge a vow. He is going to find his wife and kill that bastard.

"So where to know?" Tamahome asked, as he looked expectantly at the two wisest among them.

Eyebrows furrowed just above his nose as the youngest seishi pondered. All through the search, it had been him or Chichiri who led the way. Truthfully speaking, he had no idea of where they are heading. Defeated, Chiriko stared at his senior.

Not used being the centre of attraction, the blue haired monk frowned as if in thought. Suddenly he broke into a lopsided grin and scratched his head. "Sumanu minna. Demo, I don't have any clue."

Almost immediately, his friends nearly fell onto their faces except for a certain person. All of them had been putting their hopes on those two for a way only to have it backfired.

"We are lost aren't we?"

"I suppose you can put it that way," Chiriko smiled at his miko.

"Baka! I know we couldn't trust them!" Tasuki spat as he stared dangerously at Chichiri. Understanding his dangerous position, the blue haired monk edged away at the menacing looking fire seishi.

While the commotion was going on, a purple haired warrior stood beside a tree. An exasperated sigh escaped his lips. Why did he follow their directions while he cold just led them to the missing couple in the first place?

Not wanting to engage with his inner thoughts, Nuriko closed his eyes and began to mutter a spell that he had thought was long forgotten.

Guardian of Jupiter

Empress of living green

Yielder of blue light

Aid me in my quest

Shine me your light from my star

Second star of twelve universes

Star bolt crystal

UNLEASH!

As if on cue, the crescent studs and Suzaku emblem suddenly lit up. Different from last night's event, instead of glowing red, the Suzaku's emblem glowed a bright green light. Slowly, the emblem changed into a picture of a bolt of lightning with vines weaved around it. Following suit, eight pointed purple stars merged with the silver crescent studs. With the last flick of green light, the gloves moulded onto his hands and upper arm like a second skin. Opening his eyes, he let his senses loose.

So many scent, movements and noise. Focusing his hunting senses, he roamed the forest again. That's it! He could sense them. Sharpening his mind on his missing friends, he at last was able to pin point their location.

"They are about a mile south-west from us. Near a stream." On hearing Nuriko's clear voice, all commotion was brought to an end. Turning their attention to the seishi, they nearly fainted at the sight before them.

"What the hell happened to you Nuriko? You look like a forest elf!"

Nuriko just smiled at Tasuki. So what if his ordinary brown eyes changed into forest green and vines and weird flowers grew around him? That doesn't mean he looked like a forest elf.

"So are you guys just going to stand there and gawk at me all day or are we going to find Usagi and Hotohori?"

"But how do we know where to go?" Miaka asked.

"I have my ways, Miaka." The rest of the group followed Nuriko as he walked towards the direction his senses had detected. A slight puzzlement crossed his face. There is someone foreign to him with the couple, someone who hold something very special.

~*~*~*~*~* Moon Kingdom ~*~*~*~*~*

Dainty fingers glided against the rough surface of a huge tree. Silver eyes glazed as her fingers traced the cracks on the ancient bark. This tree was where her daughter had met the ruler of Konan universe for the first time. Being only nineteen at that time, Usagi has a keen for being mischievous and often played pranks on others; be it rulers from other universes or kingdoms or servants, she never cease her antics.

Perched on the tree and dressed as a warrior, Serena Usagi Selenity had jumped in front of Hotohori and challenged him in a duel of swords. Accepting the challenge, thinking of defeating the lad, Hotohori won the match. Having her pride being blown into, Usagi sets out to equal her status since she had never lost in sword fighting except to Haruka.

A soft laugh escaped the queen when she remembered the things Usagi did to the poor emperor. From adding live spiders to his meal to setting his clothes on fire, anything she could think of. The two royals never ceased to indulge in a tongue war each time they meet until a certain day.

"Sumi masen, Selenity-sama." Gathering her thoughts back, Queen Selenity turned around to face the four gods.

On seeing her nod, the white haired god spoke. "They are recovering their memories day by day my queen. It even reached to the extent of them using their previous powers."

"Byakko is right, Selenity-sama. The guardian of war and guardian of gates and time are slowly recovering their memories of their previous life. The hunter, Ryuen or Nuriko, and his wife, Makoto, had recovered their memories and even their powers. Its only days till they meet each other again," a green haired god explained.

Silver eyes glanced at the other two gods. "Seiryuu, what is your report?"

"Chaos powers are increasing by the day and it is only until he fully recovers his power. Furthermore, I think my seishi are starting a plan to kill him. We have to stop this since they are not strong enough without the stars and Usagi-hime."

"He is right, Selenity-sama. The key had been found. Therefore it is only wise that we let the senshi join their princess."

The ageless queen gave the gods a long stare before she finally closed her eyes. "I see. I guess it can't be helped. Suzaku open the portal while the rest prepare the senshi."

With a curt bow, the four men disappeared.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Troubled eyes watched, as his mother lay unconscious. Holding limp hand to his cheek, Mikazuki prayed with all his might to the gods in heaven.

Kami-sama… onegai don't take my kasan. I had finally found a mother who loves me. Onegai…. Don't take her away. A crystalline tear dripped onto the grond. Quickly, the tear seeped into the hard ground. Please god! Don't take her away!

The small body suddenly jerked when a hand touched his shoulder. Whipping around, Mikazuki faced a pair of calm green eyes. "Otosan!"

Bringing his hand to Mikazuki's teared face, Hotohori knuckled the tears away. "Why are you crying little one?"

"Otosan… I… I don't want kasan to die!" sobbing, Mikazuki hugged into Hotohori's stomach.

Embracing the distraught child, Hotohori tried to hush him down with calm words. "Usagi is going to be alright. She just fainted, that's all. Your kasan is going to be fine."

Hotohori watched his beloved's unconscious state as he smoothen his son's hair. His face may look impassive but inside was the opposite. What could have caused her condition to be as such? Could it have been his proposal? Could his proposal shock her into such a way? He prayed not. He couldn't imagine what he would do without her in his bleak life…

Please god! Don't take my tenshi from me. Hotohori glanced down at the child in his arms.

From us.

Consciousness slowly seeped into her slacked body. Blinking away the blurry focus, Usagi looked around her. Dainty fingers shifted the blanket that had been covering her. What happened?

"Sai-chan? Mikazuki?" As immediately as the names left her, a mussed red haired boy kneeled beside her.

Wiping sleep off his drooping eyelids, Mikazuki eyed Usagi with eager eyes. "Okasan? Daijoubu ka?"

Seeing the faint smile on her cherry lips, the excited boy shouted over his shoulders. "Otosan! Otosan! Come quick! Kasan is awake!!!" within a short while, a shirtless man walked into the clearing. Water dripped from his green hair onto his bare chest, glistening the chiselled body.

Weak hands struggled to sit upright and were instantly helped by a pair of small hands. "Arigatou Mi-kun," Usagi smiled at the child as she pecked him on the forehead. The boy hugged in return, catching the petite blond off guard.

"He was very worried about you, Usa," Hotohori explained when he caught her confused look.

Having finally understood, Usagi hugged her son tightly as she reassured the already sobbing child. "Daijoubu. I'm fine now. Nobody is going to harm you now, love."

"I thought you are going to leave me, I was so scared," Mikazuki managed between hiccups. Swept by a motherly love, Usagi pulled away from the embrace to kiss away the heart-wrenching tears

Settling himself beside Usagi, Hotohori embraced the both of them in one big hug especially a blond rabbit. Up in the sky, the sun smiled at the small family while the birds rejoiced at the princess's recovery.

A slight tug on his arm brought his attention. Looking down, he met a pair of innocent maroon eyes. "Otosan… I'm hungry. When can we eat?"

Notching his head towards a hopping white rabbit nearby, he referred, "If you are fast and skilled enough, you may get dinner soon."

Excited red eyes stared as the child bubbled, "Hoto? I could catch it by myself this time?" Mikazuki jumped joyously as he hugged his father. Sliding off his bow that his father had made, he notched the arrow into place.

"Don't go too far Mi-kun!" Usagi reminded as she watched the red haired boy moving stealthily towards a rabbit.

"Daijoubu, he is going to be fine. He is a fast learner, Usa," Hotohori reassured when he saw the worried look in her face. Usagi managed a smile. The couple walked side-by-side following the trail their son had made.

"Mind telling me what made you faint last night?"

A small frown marred her brows as she remembered last night's event. "I sensed something. Something big had happened between my world and this," she paused.

Taking a deep breath, she continued. "I tried to concentrate on the energy but it disappeared before I could decipher it. Then, I remembered feeling very drained and tired and I fainted…" and you proposed to me, she added silently.

Hotohori hadn't remembered holding his breath. "It was something else that made you faint then."

"Hai. What else could have possibly caused it?" Usagi looked at Hotohori and stopped walking.

Suddenly realisation dawned on her. "You thought it was you who caused my distress? Kami-sama! Sai-chan!" Clasping his arm, stared lovingly into his eyes. Taking a step closer to him, she reached out and gingerly stroked his face.

"Sai-chan! You could never distress me in such a way unless something bad had happened to you, which I pray it doesn't happen. I love you Sai-chan and had always been. It would be a great pleasure for me to be your wife."

Hotohori gazed at her loving clear blue eyes. She loved him. She wanted to be his wife, his empress. His! Suddenly he felt like he had been running for miles. Grazing his lips on hers, he whispered, "Arigatou. Thank you for loving me, for accepting me."

A loud shriek of terror rang the air. It sends shivers down her spine and Usagi had a haunch to whom it belongs. Breaking apart, the couple hastily ran to where the alarming sound came, armed and ready.

"Mi-kun?" Usagi yelled. She could feel panic pumping in her blood.

A bustle of leaves turned their attention. "Otosan! Kasan! Help me!" Sprinting towards the bush, Hotohori sliced off the offensive tree. Instantly Usagi jumped over the cut off bush, ready to strike but thankfully she didn't.

A group of men had surrounded a brown haired girl. Usagi was about to acknowledge them when a familiar shout brought her attention. "Mi-kun!" relief soothed her wrecked nerves as she watched the red haired boy struggled free from a familiar flaming haired man.

"Kasan!" Mikazuki ran into his mother's protective arms and hugged her.

"They tried to hurt me!" he whispered as his eyes flitted nervously at the cursing fiery haired man.

"Minna!" Mikazuki heard his father addressed the group of people in front of him. Suddenly as one, the people ran towards them. Mikazuki hid behind his mother, thinking they would harm him. He was shocked to find his parents engaged in hugs and laughter. Are they mad? Did they just hugged the people that a second ago were about to slice his head off? Adults are very confusing.

Nuriko embraced the moon princess for the first time since they were separated. "I missed you little sister. Did everything went well?" he whispered.

Usagi stepped away and smiled. "You have changed, Nuriko. I take it you had remembered everything?"

A slow grin settled on his lips. "That I have Usagi. I just can't wait to see her again."

A twinkle played at her eyes as she giggled. "That I will assure you will, Ryuen. Makoto would be very pleased to see you after all this time."

"I hope she will," he smiled tenderly.

"At lest I know where the strange energy came from last night."

"Sumanu Usagi," a lopsided grin formed on his lips.

Tamahome stared at the child. He had been hiding behind Usagi ever since just now. Curious, he turned to his emperor friend. "Ne Hotohori, who is that kid?"

Immediately all eyes turned to the red haired child. Not being used to being the centre of attention, the child scooted closer to Usagi. Smiling warmly at the child, the green haired emperor hugged the child to his side.

"This child is called Mikazuki. He is our son."

Instantaneously, the Suzaku seishi had a stupid look on their faces. Walking towards Hotohori, Tasuki suddenly broke into a large grin as he elbowed Hotohori's side. "Suzaku seishi had a stupid look on their faces. Walking towards Hotohori, Tasuki suddenly broke into a large grin as he elbowed Hotohori's side. "You naughty emperor! We leave you two alone for a while and you guys created a child!"

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

END

A/N: hehehe… sorry for the slow update. To tell you the truth I started typing this thing three weeks ago and only now did I finish typing the entire chapter…lol.. very sorry… I have loads of exams last few weeks ago and since the exam is over for now, I can have loads of time to write!!! Yeah!!!

zackire