Chapter Seven
Together for Christmas
All was quiet in the snow covered streets of Juban, not a car, nor a pedestrian, not even a stray cat wandered the cold streets. A bright flash of light turned the dimly lit area from night to day in an instant, but it vanished as quickly as it'd appeared, leaving nothing but a lone bluenette in its place. "Did it work?" Ami quietly asked herself as she looked around. "I recognize this place, it's right where I was standing when the beam hit me. I'm home." Ami quietly said to herself with a smile. "I'm home! I'm home I'm home!" Ami cheered as she ran down the sidewalk towards her apartment. "I'm home! I can't believe it! Look girls, I'm..." Ami yelled with joy, until she remembered the puffs weren't there. "Home." Ami quietly finished as she looked around her at the empty streets and sidewalks. Ami let out a sad sigh before running to her apartment building and bolting up the steps. "Mom, dad, Mako! I'm home!" Ami yelled as she unlocked her apartment door and walked inside, only to find it empty and dark. "Where is everyone?" Ami wondered out loud as she wandered through her apartment. Ami walked into hers and Mako's room and sat down on the bed, feeling something crinkly under her butt as she did so. "What's this?" Ami asked herself as she pulled the item out from under her and looked at it. It was red envelope with her name on it. Ami quickly opened the envelope and pulled a letter from it. "Let's see. Dear Ami, if you're reading this it means you're finally home but the rest of us aren't. Depending on the time we're most likely at Rei's or on our way there. We've been helping Rei decorate, she looked into her sacred flame shortly after you disappeared and assured us you would be okay. I trust her judgment and eagerly await your return. Love always, Mako." Ami read the letter out loud. "Thanks Rei. Now to get going." Ami said to herself as she set the letter down, then left her apartment to head to Rei's. While Ami ran towards Rei's place, the rest of the inner guardians were sitting around the sacred flame, silently praying for Ami's safe return.
"Amen." Rei finished as she unclasped her hands and stared into the flames.
"I hope someone heard our prayers, I miss Ami so much." Mako cried as she watched the flames dance in front of her.
"I'm sure someone heard Mako, I believe that Ami will be home soon." Usagi quietly said as she hugged Mako.
"I hope you're right Usagi, I'm so worried about her. Who knows what kind of horrible place she ended up in, I hope she's safe." Mako cried as she leaned her head on Usagi's shoulder.
"You know what Mako, I know that Ami's safe. I can feel it, in my crystal and in my heart. She'll be home soon, I just know it." Usagi whispered as she rubbed Mako's back.
"Usagi's right Mako, Ami wouldn't miss your first Christmas together as a couple for anything. She'll be here come hell or high water, I know it." Minako said with a smile as she and Rei hugged Mako as well.
"I hope mama and papa Mizuno get back soon, I have no idea what they could be doing at six o'clock on Christmas Eve." Mako quietly said with a sniffle as she looked at the clock.
"I'm sure whatever it is is important." Usagi replied as she patted Mako's shoulder.
"Let's finish making the cookies, Ami's probably gonna be hungry when she comes home." Luna said with a smile as she looked towards the door.
"Good idea Luna. Come on Mako." Minako quietly said as she helped Mako to her feet. Mako lightly nodded and slowly walked with everyone to the kitchen.
"How about we start with chocolate chip cookies, those are always a classic for Santa." Usagi suggested as she grabbed a cookie sheet from Rei's cabinet.
"Sounds good Usagi." Mako quietly replied as she sat down on a chair.
"I'll preheat the oven while you guys..." Rei started saying, until she was distracted by a knock at the door. "Excuse me for a moment." Rei quietly said as she jogged out of the room to the front door. "Hey! It's about time you showed up, you get lost?" Rei asked with a smirk as she stared at the person in front of her.
"No, just had to be careful on the steps. They're a bit icy." A feminine voice replied with a grin.
"I just salted them two hours ago! Well whatever, come on in." Rei said as she gestured the person inside. "Guess who's here!" Rei yelled as she lead the person into the kitchen.
"Merry Christmas everyone!" Naru shouted as she ran up to Usagi.
"Naru!" Everybody cheered as they all hugged Naru.
"Naru mama!" Chibiusa yelled as she came running out of the living room.
"Where have you been Chibiusa?" Usagi asked as she patted Chibiusa's head.
"I was watching T.V." Chibiusa answered as she held her arms out to Naru.
"Is Shingo in there with you?" Usagi asked as Naru picked Chibiusa up.
"I sure was sis." Shingo answered as he walked into the kitchen.
"The gang's all here!" Naru said with a smile as she hugged Shingo.
"Not all of us Naru. Not all of us." Mako quietly said as she stared at the empty space next to her.
"Oh. I-I'm sorry Mako, that was an insensitive comment." Naru quietly apologized as she looked at Mako. Mako only looked down at the floor in sorrow.
"I'm sure she'll be here soon Mako, Ami would never miss your first Christmas together." Usagi quietly encouraged as she looked at Mako.
"I hope you're right Usagi, I'm so worried about her." Mako quietly cried.
"Oh Mako." Usagi quietly said as she and everyone else hugged Mako. "It's gonna be okay, I know it." Usagi whispered in Mako's ear. While everyone quietly held each other, hoping for Ami's safe return, a familiar car was driving down the road.
"Shift's almost over Emiko, you have any plans for the holidays?" Tenjin asked as he looked over at Emiko.
"Not really. I might go to the Chinese restaurant by my apartment to grab some dinner, then I'll kick back in front of the T.V and watch some Christmas classics." Emiko answered as she stared at the road ahead of her.
"Sounds like a good night." Tenjin replied just as the radio went off.
"GOG patrol car, please respond." A woman ordered over the radio.
"This is GOG squad car, go ahead dispatch. Over." Tenjin replied into the radio.
"Civilian just called in, said they might've spotted your missing senshi halfway between the crown and the Hikawa Shrine. Recommend doing a drive by. Over." The woman informed in a flat tone.
"We're on it dispatch. Over and out." Tenjin replied as he hung up the radio and flipped the lights and siren on.
"Well they're in a hurry." A woman quietly said as she watched the police car fly past them.
"Eyes on the road Haruka, this vehicle isn't really made for the snow." Michiru instructed as she stared out the window.
"Sorry." Haruka apologized as she focused on the road. "So Hotaru, are you excited to see everyone for Christmas?" Haruka asked as she looked in her rear view mirror at Hotaru.
"I can't wait to see Chibiusa and the others again! It's been so long since we've seen everyone!" Hotaru cheered with excitement.
"What about you Setsuna, ready to see everyone for Christmas?" Haruka asked with a smile.
"I am, I even got some special presents for everyone." Setsuna answered as she held a bag up.
"Is it true that Kaede's coming home?" Hotaru asked as she looked at Michiru.
"Yep, Mizuno-San should be picking her up from the airport right now." Michiru answered with a smile.
"I can't wait to see everyone again." Hotaru said with a smile as they pulled up to the shrine. "Be careful on the steps Hotaru, your mommies and I will take care of the bags and boxes." Haruka informed as she turned the car off and got out.
"Yes papa." Hotaru replied as she got out of the car and started skipping up the steps.
"Hey, isn't that the police car that passed us?" Michiru asked when she noticed the faint glow of multi colored lights up the road.
"That's the GOG squad car." Haruka quietly said as she stared at the car.
"What are Tenjin and Emiko doing here?" Michiru quietly asked out loud as she stared at the car.
"Reuniting some good friends." Setsuna answered as she started walking up the steps. "Come on you two, don't wanna spoil the surprise." Setsuna said with a smile as she looked back at Haruka and Michiru.
"Coming." Michiru replied as she and Haruka followed Setsuna and Hotaru up the steps. "Knock knock! Merry Christmas everyone!" Michiru yelled with a smile as she and the rest of the outers walked in the door.
"Hey! How are you guys?!" Rei yelled as she watched everyone walk in the door.
"Pretty good! Are you ready for a fun Christmas Eve bash?!" Haruka yelled with a smile as she set the presents under Rei's tree.
"I guess." Mako quietly said with a sad smile.
"Buck up Mako, she'll be home in no time." Setsuna said with a smile as she patted Mako's shoulder.
"I hope you're right, I miss her so much Setsuna." Mako quietly cried as she hugged Setsuna.
"She'll be here soon Mako, give it some time." Setsuna said with a smile as she sat down next to Chibisua.
"Pu!" Chibisua cheered as she hugged Setsuna.
"Merry Christmas small lady." Setsuna said as she hugged Chibiusa.
"Merry Christmas Pu." Chibiusa replied as she hugged Setsuna back.
"Merry Christmas Chibiusa!" Hotaru yelled as she hugged Chibiusa.
"Merry Christmas Hotaru!" Chibiusa replied as she hugged Hotaru back. A few seconds later there was another knock on the door.
"Oh, I wonder if that's Mizuno-San finally." Usagi said with a smile as she went to answer the door.
"Hi Usagi." Saeko greeted as she hugged Usagi.
"Hi Mr. and Mrs. Mizuno. Merry Christmas." Usagi greeted as she hugged Ami's parents back.
"Merry Christmas Usagi." Hiroto replied as he patted Usagi's head.
"Is Ami here yet?" Saeko quietly asked as she looked at Usagi.
"No, she hasn't shown up yet." Usagi answered in a sad tone.
"I see. Well we brought two last guests." Saeko informed as she stepped aside.
"Where is she?" The young woman quietly asked with a smile.
"Kitchen." Usagi answered as she stepped aside. The woman nodded and walked into the house followed by everyone else.
"Well ain't you a sight fer sore eyes." One of the women said with a smile as she stared at Mako.
"I know that accent anywhere." Mako quietly said as she turned around. "Sis! Sarah! Oh my god, what are you doing here?!" Mako shouted as she ran over to Kaede and hugged her, then grabbed Sarah and hugged her as well.
"We wanted it to be a surprise! Merry Christmas sis!" Kaede yelled as she and Sarah hugged Mako.
"Oh my god, I've missed you so much Kaede, and you to Sarah!" Mako yelled as she clung to Kaede and Sarah.
"Y're crushing us Mako!" Sarah chuckled as she hugged Mako.
"Now we're only missing one person." Mako quietly cried as she looked at Saeko and Hiroto.
"I'm sure Ami's okay Mako, she'll be here eventually." Saeko quietly said with a small frown.
"Wait, Ami's not here already? Where is she?" Kaede asked as she stared at Mako.
"I don't know, we were walking together a few days ago to help set up the decorations around here, then this beam came out of the sky and poof! She was gone. None of us have seen or heard from her since." Mako cried as she clung to Kaede.
"Mako. I...I don't know what to say. I'm so sorry." Kaede quietly said as she hugged Mako tighter.
"I'd give anything to have her here right now, I miss her so much." Mako quietly cried.
"Would you give her a piece of your famous fruit cake?" Ami asked with a smile as she walked through the door. Everyone slowly turned and looked at her, afraid to believe it was really her.
"Ami. Is it really you?" Mako cried as she took a step towards Ami.
"Who else would it be Mako?" Ami asked with a smile.
"Oh my god, Ami! You're okay! Oh thank god, I was so worried about you! What happened, where'd you go?!" Mako yelled as she and everyone else ran over to Ami and hugged her.
"Don't worry Mako, I ended up in a nice universe where I stayed with a very kind family. They treated me like one of their own, and I loved them all very much. I was well cared for Mako." Ami quietly explained with a few tears.
"I'm so glad that you're back Ami, and I'm just as happy that you were safe when you were gone. What happened?" Mako asked as she stared at Ami.
"He was still alive Mako, tormenting another universe. But he's dead for sure this time, and I have proof of that." Ami said with a grin as she pulled the frozen shard of Reaper out of her pocket.
"What is that thing?" Mako asked as she stared at the shard.
"It's surrounded by an evil aura." Rei pointed out as she stared at the shard.
"Of course it is, it's the last fragment of Reaper. Entombed in magical permafrost, I pulled this thing out of my side after my final confrontation with the bastard. I butchered him for what he did to my babies." Ami said with a grin as she put the shard away.
"Your babies?" Mako asked with a confused expression.
"Yeah, the family I stayed with had three very special little girls who kind of adopted me as a mother. I loved them like they were my own flesh and blood. I miss them so much already, Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup. The three most precious girls I've ever met. No offense Chibisua and Hotaru." Ami explained with a sniffle.
"Do you have a picture?" Saeko asked with a small frown.
"I don't think so, the only physical thing I have from that universe is this." Ami informed as she held up Mojo's present.
"What is it?" Hiroto asked as he stared at the box.
"I'm not sure, Mojo told me not to open it until Christmas." Ami answered as she set the box on the table. "I wish I could've introduced you all to them, you guys would've loved the girls. I would've loved to see you and Buttercup together Mako, she reminded me a lot of you. Bubbles had a personality similar to yours Minako, and Blossom I'll be honest, was a little more like me. All three of them were so special, in more ways than I can describe. What I'd give to see them all again." Ami cried as she sat down, bumping the box from the table as she did.
"Why don't you open your present Ami, I think it's close enough to Christmas that this Mojo character wouldn't mind." Kaede said with a smile as she picked the box up and dusted it off.
"Alright." Ami quietly said as she wiped her tears away, before tearing the wrapping paper off the box and opening it. "There's a letter." Ami said as she pulled the letter out and started reading it out loud. "Dear Sailor Mercury, if you are reading this that means it's Christmas or close to. Merry Christmas from Mojo Jojo and your little puffs. Please take note of the small wrist band in the box." Ami read until she stopped and pulled what looked like a small silver smartwatch from the box. "This is a weird looking watch." Ami said to herself as she held the watch up.
"Keep reading, maybe the letter will explain what it is." Saeko instructed as she stared at the letter.
"Oh yeah." Ami replied as she went back to reading the letter. "For this is a special wrist watch, it is a miniature universal transporter, meaning that it is smaller than the big universal transporter, but it operates the same! With this you may see the puffs whenever you wish, for Mojo Jojo was so touched by your love for each other that it made his evil heart ache with sorrow for all of you! Thus Mojo designed this so you can all be together whenever! You can see the puffs and the puffs can see you, for this device will allow you to see the puffs whenever you choose! I hope you like it. Sincerly, Mojo Jojo!" Ami finished reading with a smile. "Oh Mojo, you really are a good ape after all." Ami quietly cried as she held the watch against her heart.
"What does all that mean Ami?" Mako asked as she stared at Ami.
"I think it means you get to meet your daughters." Ami said with a grin as she put the watch on and hit a few buttons.
"My what?!" Mako shouted as a swirling black and white portal suddenly appeared in front of her.
"Girls! Can you hear me?!" Ami shouted into the vortex.
"Did you hear that?!" Blossom yelled as she quickly sat up in bed.
"Yeah, it was Ami mommy!" Buttercup yelled with joy as she looked around.
"Ami mommy!" Bubbles yelled as she looked around the room.
"Where is she though?" Buttercup asked as she looked around her empty room.
"I don't know." Blossom replied as she got out of bed.
"Girls! Come downstairs, and hurry!" The professor shouted from the bottom of the steps.
"We're coming!" Blossom yelled as she dashed down the steps, followed by Buttercup and Bubbles. "What is it professor?" Blossom asked as she looked at the professor.
"I think Mojo's invention works. Take a look." The professor said with a smile as he pointed at three small watches, which all had portals floating in front of them.
"What are you waiting for girls, grab those watches and let's go!" The professor yelled as he stared at the portal.
"Yay!" All three puffs cheered as they grabbed their watches and jumped through the portal.
"What's going on Ami? What is that thing?" Mako asked as she stared at the swirling portal.
"I don't know." Ami quietly answered as she stared into the vortex. Everyone silently stared at the portal for a moment before four figures started to materialize from it.
"Get back!" Mako ordered as she jumped back from the portal, followed by everyone else.
"Whoa! Where are we?" Buttercup asked as she and her family appeared in front of everyone.
"I don't know Buttercup, but be on your guard." Blossom instructed as she looked around the room.
"Oh my god!" Bubbles squealed in a high pitched tone.
"What Bubbles?!" Blossom yelled as she looked at Bubbles.
"It's Ami mommy!" Bubbles screamed as she dashed over to Ami and hugged her.
"Ami mommy!" Blossom and Buttercup yelled as they each did the same thing.
"Girls! My babies!" Ami shouted as she grabbed all three puffs and hugged them.
"What just happened?" Mako asked as she and everyone else stared at the girls.
"Ami, what are those things?" Naru asked as she stared at the puffs.
"They look like giant bobble heads." Minako chuckled as she stared at the girls.
"Hey! That's mean!" Blossom yelled as she glared at Minako.
"Yeah, we're people! Not bobble heads you big meanie!" Bubbles yelled with a grumpy expression.
"Sorry, you do look a little like bobble heads though." Minako chuckled as she stared at the puffs.
"Stop calling us bobble heads you basic Barbie!" Buttercup yelled as she glared at Minako.
"HA! Basic Barbie! I'm gonna have to remember that one!" Rei shouted with a laugh. "Oh I like you kiddo, what's your name?" Rei asked as she stared at Buttercup.
"Buttercup, Buttercup Utonium." Buttercup answered with a grin.
"I'm Rei, and that basic Barbie is Minako." Rei chuckled as she gestured to Minako.
"Hi, sorry I upset you guys." Minako apologized as she bowed to the puffs.
"That's okay. I'm Blossom, and these are my sisters, Buttercup and Bubbles." Blossom introduced herself and her sisters.
"Sup." Buttercup greeted with a wave.
"Hi." Bubbles giggled as she floated over to Rei.
"Wow, you three can fly?" Usagi asked as she watched the girls float over head.
"Yeah, we have super powers." Bubbles said with a smile as she landed in Rei's arms.
"Oh! You're pretty heavy for such a little girl. But you're so cute." Rei chuckled as she hugged Bubbles.
"Teehee." Bubbles giggled as she hugged Rei back.
"Mako, I'd like you to meet your adopted daughters." Ami said with a smile as she held her hand out to Mako.
"Come again?" Mako said in a shocked tone as she stared at Ami.
"The girls see me as a mother figure and I was happy to adopt that role. I told them all about you, and I think you're really gonna like them." Ami explained as she continued to hold her hand out to Mako.
"Okay." Mako replied as she took Ami's hand.
"Girls, come here for a second." Ami instructed as she looked at the puffs. Each puff nodded then floated over to Ami. "Girls, this is my girlfriend Mako. If you'd like, she'll be your Mako mommy." Ami said with a smile as she stared at the girls.
"Wow! You're Mako?! You're our Mako mommy?!" Buttercup yelled as she landed on Mako's shoulder.
"I guess so. It's nice to meet you girls, I can see why you made Ami so happy. You're all so cute and fun, oh I love them already! This is the best Christmas ever! Sis came home, Ami's here, and I have three adorable little girls with super powers?! This couldn't get any better!" Mako yelled as she grabbed all three puffs and hugged them.
"Yay! Mako mommy likes us!" The puffs yelled as they each hugged Mako.
"Ami, aren't you gonna introduce your father and I to our grand babies?" Saeko asked with a grin.
"Of course mom. Girls, this is my mom Saeko and my dad Hiroto. They're your grandma and grandpa from your Ami mommy's side." Ami explained with a smile.
"Yay! Grammy and grampy Mizuno!" The girls squealed as they dashed over to Saeko and Hiroto and hugged them.
"Wow, look at you three! You're so adorable, no wonder Ami was so attached to you girls." Saeko said with a smile as she spun Bubbles around, making her giggle.
"Aren't you two just precious! I'm so glad I was here for this moment, you girls are incredible!" Hiroto yelled as he hugged Blossom and Buttercup.
"You girls wanna meet Chibiusa, she's the same age as you?" Ami asked with a giggle.
"Yes!" The girls yelled as they zipped over to Ami.
"Chibiusa, Hotaru, could you come in here please?!" Ami yelled towards the living room.
"Yeah Ami?" Chibisua asked as she and Hotaru walked into the room.
"I wanna introduce you both to my girls. This is Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup. I think you all might have fun together." Ami said with a smile as she gestured to each of the puffs.
"Hi there!" Blossom yelled as she dashed up to Chibisua.
"Hello!" Bubbles greeted as she flew over by Hotaru.
"Sup!" Buttercup yelled as she flew between Bubbles and Blossom.
"Wow, you can all fly? That's awesome!" Chibiusa yelled with a big smile as she stared at the girls.
"Thanks." Blossom thanked as she landed next to Chibiusa.
"What's all the commotion about?" Luna asked as she, Artemis, and Diana walked into the room.
"Oh my god! A kitty!" Bubbles squealed as she flew over to Luna and hugged her.
"Who is this girl?" Luna asked as Bubbles hugged her.
"Ami's adopted daughter." Naru answered with a chuckle.
"Daughters?" Artemis asked as Blossom floated over to him and started petting him.
"Yeah, this is the family she stayed with when she was taken from our universe. They saw her as a mother figure I guess and she assimilated into that role." Kaede explained as she watched Buttercup pick Diana up.
"Awe, they're so cute and fluffy." Buttercup giggled as she hugged Diana.
"Hi, I'm Diana." Diana said with a smile as she rubbed her cheek against Buttercup's.
"Hi Diana, I'm Buttercup." Buttercup replied as she rubbed her cheek on Diana's.
"They're not phased by the talking cats?" Ikuko asked with a surprised expression as she looked at the professor.
"Oh no, we had a talking dog stay with us for a while once. Very little phases them." The professor chuckled as he watched the girls play with the cats.
"Professor! Professor, can we go get dinner?" Blossom asked as she flew over to the professor.
"Unfortunately everything's gonna be closed girls since it's Christmas Eve here, luckily for us though your Mako mommy helped make a big dinner! She's the best cook in the whole shrine!" Usagi informed with a smile.
"Really?!" The puffs asked with big smiles.
"Really really. She made potatoes, meat, veggies, dessert, and some kind of drink; she cooked enough for an army! So let's go get some extra chairs and get some food in those little bellies of yours." Naru added with a smile as she lead the girls into the kitchen.
"Holly cow sis, they weren't kidding about the meal for an army. Did you leave any food in the grocery store?" Kaede asked as she stared at the dozens of different things that Mako had made.
"I cook when I'm sad or stressed okay! Give me a break, my girlfriend vanished into thin air, I had to do something to distract me from the sorrow." Mako replied as she handed a plate to each of the puffs.
"This isn't something Mako, this is everything. We're gonna be eating Christmas dinner for the next week." Naru chuckled as she put some potatoes on her plate.
"I'm good with that." Usagi said with a smile as she grabbed some ham.
"What's this thingy?" Bubbles asked as she stared at a cake with various colors in it.
"That's fruitcake Bubbles, it's a classic Christmas dessert." The professor answered with a smile.
"Yummy." Bubbles giggled as she cut a small piece from the cake.
"Ham! I love ham!" Buttercup cheered as she put a slice of ham on her plate.
"Look, Jello with whipped cream and marshmallows!" Blossom yelled as she took a scoop of jello.
"Don't forget your veggies and protein girls." The professor instructed as he grabbed some green beans.
"Yes professor." The puffs replied as they each grabbed a few green beans.
"Oh my gosh Ami, those girls are adorable." Saeko said with a smile as she watched the puffs grab food before floating over to the table.
"Thanks mom." Ami replied with a smile.
"Looks like we have some spoiling to do when the stores open again." Hiroto said with a smirk.
"Yes, I believe we do dear." Saeko chuckled as she hugged Hiroto.
"The perfect Christmas. I have both of my parents, my friends and girlfriend, and my three little girls. Nothing could make me happier right now." Ami quietly said as she hugged her parents.
"Nothing?" Mako asked with a smirk.
"Nope. I have everything I need right here." Ami giggled as she hugged Mako.
"I think I have one more thing that might make this perfect day even more perfect." Mako said with a grin as she picked a glass up in one hand and a spoon in the other. "Everyone, can I have your attention please?" Mako asked as she lightly tapped the glass with the spoon.
"What's up sis?" Kaede asked as she and everyone else stared at Mako.
"These past six months or so have been trying for us, and it made me realize something. Life is fragile and it's better to say what you have to say right away, otherwise if you wait too long you might never get the chance. So I'm gonna do something rash and put Ami on the spot here." Mako said with a smile as she pulled a small box out of her pocket. "Ami, ever since you confessed your feelings to me I've been over joyed. I know we've all had our ups and downs these past few months with all the craziness. But I feel like it was all worth it to get to this point. Now that we're here, I wanna immortalize this perfect moment for the rest of eternity." Mako said with a smile as she got down on one knee and held the box out to Ami. "Ami Mizuno, will you do me the honor of making me the happiest woman in the multiverse, and marry me?" Mako asked with a smile as she opened the box, revealing a small gold ring. The room went silent as everyone stared at Ami, waiting anxiously for her answer.
"Mako." Ami cried as she stared at the ring. "YES! Oh my god, yes! Yes, a million times yes! Oh my god Mako, I can't believe this is happening! I'm so happy!" Ami cried as she grabbed Mako and hugged her.
"Yay! Ami mommy and Mako mommy are getting married!" Bubbles squealed with joy.
"We get to be flower girls!" Blossom cheered as she leapt into the air and did a flying backflip.
"We have two super awesome mommies and an awesome daddy!" Buttercup shouted with glee.
"I never thought Ami and Mako would be the first of us to tie the knot. Congratulations you two!" Minako yelled as she hugged them both.
"It's a Christmas miracle, our baby's are getting married and we have three grandchildren! AAAH!" Saeko yelled as she hugged Hiroto.
"This is wonderful, congratulations girls!" Hiroto yelled as he hugged Ami and Mako.
"We have to celebrate! Bachelorette party in Texas!" Rei shouted with excitement.
"Now y're talking!" Sarah yelled as she high-fived Rei.
"Settle down everyone, let's give them time to process and plan the wedding before we start planning wild bachelorette parties." Ikuko giggled as she looked at Ami and Mako. "Congratulations you two, you really are perfect for each other." Ikuko complimented with a smile.
"Plus with the addition of three adorable children, you're gonna be the couple of the century." Kenji chuckled as he looked at the puffs.
"More like the couple of the millennium." Minako whispered in Rei's ear.
"Okay, that was a good one Mina." Rei giggled as she gave Minako a pat on her shoulder.
"Um, hello. We're sitting right here." Naru said with a grouchy expression.
"Yeah, don't you think your queens should be the couple of the millennium?" Usagi asked with a grin.
"We'll talk about that when you have three flying children." Rei replied with a smile as she looked at the puffs.
"I may not be able to fly, but I'm the best looking nine-hundred year old you'll ever meet." Chibiusa said with a smirk.
"Well she's got us there Rei. She is pretty cute for such an old lady." Minako giggled.
"Old lady!" Chibiusa shouted with a horrified expression.
"We're just teasing, Chibiusa. You don't look old at all." Minako giggled as she patted Chibiusa's head.
"I certainly don't." Chibiusa grumbled as she took a bite of her meal.
"This is so good Mako mommy! Ami mommy was right, you really are an amazing cook!" Buttercup complimented as she shoveled some ham into her mouth.
"You even make vegetables taste good!" Blossom yelled as she ate three big green beans.
"The jello is so jiggly and yummy, and I love the marshmallows and whipped cream! Thank you Mako mommy!" Bubbles squealed with delight as she took another huge bite of jello.
"You're welcome girls, I'm so glad that you enjoy it." Mako replied with a smile.
"So, what kinds of fun things did you all do together when Ami was staying with you girls?" Usagi asked as she stared at the puffs.
"Lots of fun things. She came to school with us, she took care of us when the professor wasn't around, she beat up bad guys to keep us safe. She's the best!" Buttercup yelled with joy as she took a bite of her green beans.
"Speaking of beating up bad guys, what ever happened to Sedusa? We never heard about her arrest on the news or anything." Blossom asked with a straight face.
"Yeah, that is a little weird now that you mention it." Buttercup replied with a thoughtful expression.
"Um, perhaps it would be best if you girls didn't worry about that too much." The professor suggested with a nervous smile.
"Why professor?" Blossom asked with a confused expression.
"Let's just say that your Ami mommy kicked her out of Townsville." The professor said with a small smile.
"Will she ever come back?" Bubbles asked with a worried expression.
"No, she's too afraid of your Ami mommy to ever come back and mess with you girls again." The professor answered with a smile as he looked at Ami, who just shrugged in response.
"Ami, what actually happened?" Saeko whispered in Ami's ear.
"She poisoned the girls with a cloud of anti chemical x, so I kind of lost it. I put her down for a dirt nap." Ami whispered back with a small frown.
"You mean you..." Saeko whispered back in a shocked tone until Ami interrupted her.
"She poisoned my babies with a gas bomb, they almost died. She was also working with Reaper, I lost it a bit after she hurt the girls." Ami explained in the same whispered tone.
"Note to self, don't let the girls get hurt." Saeko quietly said with a sigh.
"So sis, how was your time in Texas? Did you enjoy your time at the new school?" Mako asked with a smile as she took a bite of mashed potatoes.
"Oh my god Mako, it was amazing! The people were really nice, I joined the trap shooting team to help me get past all the memories of violence, I learned how to drive a four wheeler, and Sarah's pretty upset about this last one, but I think I'm Buttercup's favorite care taker now." Kaede explained, finishing with a smug expression as she looked at Sarah.
"You've never taken care of me before." Buttercup said with a straight face as she ate some corn.
"Sorry Buttercup, I was talking about one of Sarah's horses." Kaede clarified with a smile.
"You named a horse after Buttercup?" Blossom asked with a surprised expression.
"Nah, the fact that they share a name is just a coincidence." Sarah replied with a chuckle.
"There's no such thing though." Usagi said with a smirk.
"I think Mr. Gibbs would classify this as a rule fifty-one scenario." Ami informed with a giggle.
"Sometimes you're wrong." Mako chuckled as she gently nudged Ami.
"Who's Mr. Gibbs?" Blossom asked with a confused expression.
"A friend of ours we met in Texas, he was an investigator." Rei answered with a smile as she took a sip of ice cream punch.
"What was he investigating?" The professor asked with an intrigued expression.
"That's uh...classified." Kaede answered with a small smile.
"Woah! Spy stuff, that's so cool!" Buttercup yelled with excitement.
"This was so yummy Mako mommy, I'm so full that I might pop like a real bubble." Bubbles giggled as she poked her stomach.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it. There're plenty of leftovers if you girls wanna bring any home whenever you go." Mako informed with a smile as she stood up to start clearing the table.
"Let's clean up real quick, then we can go in by the sacred flame and open presents. I know we're technically supposed to wait until Christmas Day to open gifts, but I don't think Santa will mind if we do things a little early." Minako said with a smile as she started helping Mako clear the table.
"Santa came already? But I thought we had to be asleep for him to come?" Shingo asked with a confused expression.
'Damn it Minako, shut up.' Usagi thought to herself as she stared at Minako.
"Well, normally you would have to be. But with all the um uh, commotion when Ami came back he slipped in the back door. I saw him round the corner when I woke up." Luna quickly said with a smile.
"Wow, Santa's really good! Who knew such a big guy could have such a swift and light step." Hotaru said with a smile.
"Yep, he has a lighter step than your Setsuna mama." Haruka chuckled.
"Do you think Santa brought us anything professor?" Blossom asked with a hopeful expression.
"I don't know girls, he might not have since it's not technically Christmas for you three." The professor answered with a small frown.
"I wouldn't be so sure professor, Santa knows a lot more than you think he does." Setsuna said with a grin.
"I knew she knew more than she was letting on." Rei whispered in Usagi's ear.
"We're gonna have to have a chat with our guardian of space time after the holidays." Usagi grumbled as she stared at Setsuna.
"Come on y'all, let's go see what Santa brought fer everyone!" Sarah yelled with a smile.
"Yay!" All the younger kids cheered as they ran or flew into the sacred flame room.
"You're gonna have your work cut out for you with those little girls." Rei's grandfather chuckled as he looked at Ami and Mako.
"We wouldn't want it any other way Hino-Sama." Ami replied with a smile as she gently took Mako's hand and interlaced their fingers.
"Look professor! Santa really did know we would be here!" Blossom yelled as she held up a box covered in red wrapping paper with her name on it.
"I got one to!" Bubbles cheered as she held up a blue box.
"So did I!" Buttercup shouted as she pointed at a tall and wide square box covered in green wrapping paper.
"Wow! Santa got you a big gift Buttercup!" Blossom yelled as she stared at the box.
"It's twice your height, I wonder what it is?" Bubbles pointed out as she stared at the box.
"Why don't you open it and find out." Setsuna suggested with a smile.
"Okay!" Buttercup yelled as she started tearing the wrapping paper off. "WOHA! I can't believe it! Santa got me my punching bag! Thank you Santa!" Buttercup yelled as she hugged the box.
"Santa knows how tough you are to, so it's extra durable. It's designed with tough fighters like you in mind." Haruka informed with a grin.
"Really?!" Buttercup asked with a sparkle in her eyes.
"Yep. That punching bag was originally designed to help train Jovians, if they can't break it then no one can." Setsuna informed with a smile.
"It was made to train those people who go house to house talking about God?" Blossom asked with a confused expression.
"You're thinking of Jehovah witnesses Blossom, I think what Setsuna means is that this punching bag was made to train people from Jupiter. People like your Mako mommy. See how strong your Mako mommy looks, this bag was designed to stand up to people who are strong like her." The professor explained with a smile.
"Oh! That's cool, because Buttercup's broken every punching bag she's ever had." Blossom said with a smile.
"It's not my fault they make those bags so weak, designed for professional MMA fighters my butt." Buttercup grumbled as she stared at her new punching bag.
"Most pros would rather forfeit their entire career than get in the ring with you Buttercup." Bubbles chuckled as she looked at her present.
"What'd Santa bring you Blossom?" Bubbles asked with a smile.
"Let's see." Blossom replied as she tore the wrapping paper off. "WOW! I've always wanted this game! Mine sweeper, the big genius addition. It uses a more complex algorithm to place the mines, it makes the game more challenging and forces you to focus and think more! Thank you Santa!" Blossom cheered as she held the game up.
"My turn! My turn!" Bubbles squealed as she ripped the paper off of her gift. "EEEEE! I love it! I love it!" Bubbles cheered as she pulled an outfit out of her box.
"What's that Bubs?" Buttercup asked as she stared at the outfit.
"It's a fuzzy wuzzy unicorn pajama set! They're footy pajamas with built in mittens and a fluffy hood that looks like a unicorn head, it even has a gold horn on it; and look! It comes with an ultra super fluffy rainbow unicorn plushy! Thank you Santa!" Bubbles screamed as she hugged her pajamas.
"You gonna try 'em on?" Minako asked with a smile.
"YES!" Bubbles squealed as she dashed out of the room, returning a few seconds later in her new pajamas. "They're so fluffy! I love them, thank you Santa!" Bubbles yelled as she jumped with joy.
"Don't forget your new friend." Usagi giggled as she handed Bubbles her stuffed unicorn.
"Thank you Usagi." Bubbles thanked as she took the toy and cuddled it.
"Looks like some little girls are getting kind of sleepy." Mako giggled as she watched the puffs start to yawn.
"No way Mako mommy, I'm not tired at all." Buttercup quietly said as her eyes started to close.
"Mhm. It's the old, I'm not tired just resting my eyes bit." Mako replied with a smirk.
"Exactly." Buttercup mumbled as she fell face down on the floor, completely asleep.
"How pathetic, I could stay up all night." Blossom mumbled as she laid down next to Buttercup and fell asleep. Bubbles didn't say anything, she was out like a light the second Usagi handed her the stuffed unicorn.
"They're so precious Ami, thank you for introducing us to them; and thank you for taking care of Ami for us professor, I'm glad that she was safe." Mako whispered as she bowed to the professor.
"It was our pleasure to have her in our home. I might be overstepping here by asking this, but would you mind if we stayed the night? I don't wanna disturb the girls if I don't have to." The professor asked with a small smile.
"Mr. Utonium, we'd be insulted if you didn't stay. Welcome to our wacky family professor, I hope you can handle the ride." Rei replied with a smile as she hugged the professor.
"I've been on the ride a few times with the girls, I'm sure it won't be too different with a few more passengers." The professor replied as he hugged Rei back.
"Maybe not with normal passengers, but we've got quite an odd manifest for this ride." Usagi said with a grin as she gestured to everyone.
"It wouldn't be a ride if you didn't." The professor replied as he held his arm out to Usagi. Everyone quietly walked over to the professor and hugged him.
"Merry Christmas everyone." Ami quietly said as she basked in the joy of her now larger family.
"Merry Christmas Ami. We're glad to have you back." Mako whispered as she gave Ami a kiss.
"Glad to be back Mako. Now let's all get to bed, we've had a big day." Ami quietly said as she let go of everyone.
"We sure have, my lovely fiancé." Mako chuckled as she put a hand on Ami's shoulder.
"Nothing in the multiverse could ever ruin this moment." Ami quietly said as everyone started either finding places to lay down or started packing things up.
"Thanks for having us tonight, it was a lot of fun. It was a real pleasure to meet your girls Ami." Haruka said with a smile as she gave Ami a hug goodbye.
"It was good to see all of you as well, and thank you for doing what you did for the girls. I was worried they'd feel left out when everyone started opening presents." Ami thanked as she looked at Setsuna.
"Not with the guardian of space time on duty. Merry Christmas Ami." Michiru said with a smile as she hugged Ami.
"Merry Christmas Michiru." Ami replied as she hugged Michiru back.
"Goodnight Ami, have a merry Christmas." Setsuna said with a smile as she hugged Ami.
"You to Setsuna." Ami replied as she hugged Setsuna back.
"Ami, there's something I should tell you. I just don't know how to say it." Setsuna quietly said with a small frown.
"The anomaly." Ami quietly said with a sad expression.
"You know already?" Setsuna asked with a surprised expression.
"Yes. Back in the girl's universe I saw a list of multiverses on Mojo's computer screen, one of them was a universe labeled SJ dot one dash five. There was something odd going on there, but I'm not exactly sure what it was. Do you have an idea?" Ami asked with a straight face.
"I do, someone or something tore a hole in time. I don't know who or why, but I do know that it could have devastating repercussions, and not just in that universe." Setsuna explained with a stern expression.
"I was afraid of that, and I'm also worried that SJ dot one dash five isn't the only universe that could have a devastating impact on the multiverse. I have an aching suspicion that we may be seeing Mikasa and the others in the not so distant future." Ami replied with a thoughtful expression.
"I don't know what's happening, but someone or something has created a great imbalance in the multiverse, and I fear that what you've all been through has been little more than an appetizer to what's actually going on." Setsuna said with a frown as she stared at Ami.
"I fear you might be right Setsuna, but all we can do is try and prepare for whatever might happen. If I have any strange visions or feelings about this I'll let you and the others know right away. For now though, I think we should enjoy what little peace we have, god only knows how long it'll last." Ami said with a sad smile as she looked back at the girls.
"I agree. I'll keep an eye on the doors and let know what I find, be safe Ami." Setsuna quietly said as she hugged Ami.
"You to Setsuna." Ami replied as she hugged Setsuna back. With that, Setsuna left without another word. "Goodnight Hotaru, merry Christmas." Ami said with a smile as she hugged Hotaru.
"Merry Christmas Ami, I'm so glad we got to meet your daughters. They're really fun." Hotaru replied as she hugged Ami back.
"Take care everyone, have a good rest of your Christmas." Usagi said as she and everyone else waved goodbye to the outers.
"Goodbye, Merry Christmas!" The outers all yelled back as they got in their car and left.
"Well Ami, I think your dad and I are gonna head home to have some alone time for the rest of the night." Saeko informed as she and Hiroto walked over to Ami.
"Alright mom. Merry Christmas guys, thanks for making my wish come true." Ami thanked as she hugged her parents.
"You did this Ami, you and Mako are the genies that granted this wish. Thank you." Saeko quietly thanked as she and Hiroto hugged Ami back.
"Come on dear, I'm sure Ami wants to get to bed. She has a fiancé and children to care for now." Hiroto giggled as he opened the door for Saeko.
"Take care girls, see you tomorrow." Saeko said with a smile as she and Hiroto left.
"We'll leave you girls alone as well. Merry Christmas Usagi, and merry Christmas to you to Naru." Ikuko said with a smile as she hugged Usagi and Naru.
"Merry Christmas mom and dad. Merry Christmas to you to Shingo." Usagi replied as she hugged her parents, then grabbed Shingo and hugged him as well.
"Merry Christmas sis." Shingo replied as he hugged Usagi back.
"Goodnight, see you all tomorrow." Naru said with a smile as she hugged Usagi's parents, then hugged Shingo.
"Goodnight Naru, you and Usagi sleep good tonight." Ikuko instructed as she let go of Naru.
"We'll try not to be up too late." Naru said with a grin as she nudged Usagi.
"Let's go before this gets gross." Shingo mumbled as he grabbed his parent's hands and dragged them out the door.
"Ready for bed?" Usagi asked as she held her hand out to Naru.
"Thought you'd never ask." Naru replied as she took Usagi's hand and walked with her into the sacred flame room.
"Goodnight everyone. Merry Christmas." Usagi whispered as she and Naru laid down to go to sleep.
"Merry Christmas Usagi, see you in the morning." Rei replied as she and Minako fell asleep.
"Night darling, see ya tomorrw." Sarah whispered as she gave Kaede a kiss on her cheek.
"Goodnight Sarah." Kaede whispered as she wrapped her arms around Sarah and fell asleep.
"Goodnight girls." Ami whispered as she gave each puff a kiss on the head before cuddling up with Mako.
"Ami, this is gonna be one heck of an adventure, and there's no one I'd rather go on it with than you. Merry Christmas Ami." Mako whispered as she gave Ami a kiss before rolling over to go to sleep.
"Merry Christmas Mako." Ami whispered back as she fell asleep next to Mako. From there on everyone slept peacefully, dreaming of the wonderful Christmas they'd all have together tomorrow.
(Author's Note: I hope you all enjoyed this story as much as I enjoyed writing it. Keep an eye out for what will most likely be the final installment to the Misfortunate Event Series. Multiversal Madness! I hope you all enjoyed the story and have a good holiday.)