Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon, it belongs to Naoko Takeuchi. I fully own my original character Lucy.

Key

"Speaking"

Thoughts/Memories/Premonition/Dream

"Speaking in Another Language"

Thoughts in Another Language

Lunarian

"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage."
Lao Tzu

"It is difficult to know at what moment love begins; it is less difficult to know that it has begun."
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

~Chapter 13~
~ Heaven's Brink~

Lucy hummed, sketching an image her mind couldn't quite comprehend. It was hazy, a memory yet to completely manifest itself. It was a child, maybe six or seven, sitting at a tea table, cup in hand. Her smile was wide, eyes big and trusting. It wasn't Serenity. Her hair straight as straw, falling to just brush her shoulders, dark like night. Her face was soft and round, going to be oval shaped one day in her matured years.

Her pencil moved quick, desperate to finish the sketch before the memory faded. She wanted to be able to look back at this image. She wanted to sit and will the memories back. She wanted to understand why this child made her so happy. Made her burst with the pride she saw in Ikuko's eyes when Shingo, Usagi or her did something amazing.

With a final flick, the wide, expressive eyes on the child's face was filled in. They gleamed with flat adoration. Lucy thought, if she saw the girl in person, the adoration would glow like a supernova. The idea stole Lucy's breath away.

"Lucy-chan?" Her head lifted, looking to Minako who watched her with curiosity. "Are you okay? You look a little sad."

"Oh?" She sat up from her desk, brushing back a few flyaway bits of hair. "I'm sorry. This memory hit me and I–" She held it to the Senshi of Love. "This is it. Just a flash of a moment, really, but it stuck. I couldn't let it go."

Minako gave the picture the same scrutiny as a critic. Though kinder at the edges, like a sister's critique. It warmed Lucy's heart to see her work viewed that way, herself too shy to ask for it. Everyone who saw the works said her art was excellent. The kind that was realistic and breathtaking, the beginnings of the next Di Vinci. Lucy didn't believe that– she'd never be that great. Still, the sentiment meant a great deal to her.

"I love it." Minako stated, passing it back. "For a split second memory, it's great. Do you know the girl?"

"I think so, I just don't– hey!" Makoto had snatched the sketch a millimeter from Lucy's fingers. The Lightening Senshi sat on the floor, looking over it in curiosity.

"This is pretty, Lu-chan! Who is this? An old friend?"

"May I see?" Ami asked, looking up from her math homework, already holding out a hand. "All her works are nice."

"I don't know who it is. She's a memory of the Silver Millennium." Lucy replied, moving to intercept the change off. She missed and stood there, staring at Ami who hummed, passing it to an eager Rei. "Can you please stop? I wasn't finished."

"She's lying." Kunzite mumbled from the floor. He was reading Lucy's history book in minor interest, by the door, legs crossed. "She'd be trying a lot harder."

"True!" Usagi nodded, now with the drawing, head tilted. "Hey! I recognize her, too. She was…" The memory ran away from her, gone like sand carried by the wind. She frowned a little. "I can't remember. I know, though."

Kunzite set aside the book, holding out a hand to the elder princess. "Hand it here. I may remember better."

Usagi handed it over, and when Kunzite saw the drawing, he blinked in surprise. "I don't know this child."

"Aww!" Usagi pouted. "I was hoping you'd have a few stories about her."

He returned it to Lucy who tucked it away with her other sketches, slipped into the slot tabbed SM, safe in the accordion filer. Lucy turned in her seat to face away, Luna settling in the space where the paper had been. Artemis rested by Minako's ankles.

"So, should we wait for Ryū, or go ahead?" She asked everyone. "He has just as much say, after all."

"I elect we wait. It would be better to have everyone here who is involved." Kunzite recommend, going back to the history book. Lucy noted she'd have to check out ones that were less biased and focused on just the country's part in things. He'd like more worldly books, seeing as the whole world used to be a single kingdom he helped protect. "It also brings about further trust to know his opinion valued high enough to wait."

To quote a famous saying, "Speak of the devil and he will appear." Ikuko came up the stairs, knocking on the open door.

"Girls, your friend Ryū is here."

"Thanks, Mama." Usagi grinned, getting up from her bed where she'd hunched over a pillow. She stretched. "We'll be down in a second!"

"Alright, don't keep him waiting too long." Ikuko reminded, nodding to Kunzite. "Sato-san, why not come down and have some tea? I'm sure being up here, reading all day, isn't fun for you."

"I would love to, Tsukino-san, but your daughters offered to show me around the Azabu-Juban District today." His smile was polite, if distant. "Kazeno-san is coming along to help."

"Oh!" She nodded. "Okay. I hope you have a nice time. Be careful, and Usagi, Lucy?"

"Yes?"

"Try not to stay out to late. You worry your father senseless doing that. With crime rates so high, we'd like you to get home earlier."

"We'll be more careful this time, Mama. Promise." Lucy also stood, grabbing her purse as the others moved to file out the bedroom. "We'll be home at eight."

"Seven-thirty." Haggled the mother, eyes anxious.

"Seven forty-five." Replied the youngest daughter, smile warm and hopeful.

Ikuko sighed. "Alright. Seven forty-five, and not a minute sooner. Got it?"

"Yes, Mama!" Usagi chirped, zooming past.

"Love you," Lucy hugged Ikuko, racing after her friends.

In the living room, everyone had gathered, ready to go. Minako and Kunzite were talking, voices low. The honey blonde was unsure still, though she looked open to talking with him. Lucy didn't intercept them.

"Hello." She smiled at Ryū, brushing back her hair. "Thank you for everything yesterday."

"It was nothing." He replied, glancing at the general from the corner of his eye. "I wanted to help."

"Seriously, though." Lucy stepped closer, earnest. "I got snappy and I shouldn't have."

"Anyone would have in that situation, Lucy." Ryū shook his head, gaze soft. He walked next to her as the group left the house, shoulders so close they brushed. They hung near the back, faces turned toward each other to keep their talking soft.

"But I should trust you more." Her hand reached out, taking his and lacing their fingers together. "You've trusted every choice I made, and I should return the favor."

Ryū lifted their hands, pressing his lips to her knuckles. Lucy shivered, watching him. "I've trusted every choice you made, because you've never hurt someone when you made a choice. You have always tried to save everyone unless you know for a fact they can't be." He tugged her along. "So, I trust you, even if you may not ever trust me."

"I trust you," she murmured, other hand grazing his cheek. "I think I have since the moment I met you, I just haven't… haven't been able to let go completely. With everything that's happened so quickly, I only wholly trust Usa without trouble."

"What's that, Lu?" Said blonde spoke, looking back to her sister. She and Ami had been going over several math problems together.

"Talking with Ryū." Lucy replied, grinning at the elder princess.

"What about?" Usagi fell back, waving Ami on. "I'll catch up in a second."

Internally, Lucy winced. "We were… uhm…"

Usagi blinked, watching her sister in brief confusion before shrugging, moving back up the group before Lucy could react. "I'll go talk with Luna, see if there's any new developments."

Lucy watched her sister go, smile falling, a little surprised she had noticed so quickly. Usagi had been maturing over the last few days, both from her role as leader and the memories, at least that's what Lucy thought. It made her heart ache in sadness and happiness to see her sister maturing, but at the cost of losing the familiarity that was her best friend.

Not losing, Hecate spoke up, to lose her would be to… let go. No, she is just changing, growing into who she is.

Of course, Lucy agreed as Ryū caught her attention. Silly me…

"Lucy, you were saying?" He reminded softly, and Lucy nodded, bringing up the conversation from a moment ago.

"Ryū," she stopped walking, turning to face him, voice sincere, "I do trust you. I'm having trouble doing it, though. I wish I could trust you easier. One day, soon, I hope I will."

The man smiled at her, brushing back stray hairs. Asteria sighed in awe, and Leto and Hecate shh'd her. Lucy cracked a smile, both at the stars and Ryū. He took her other hand, squeezing gently.

"You have such an unfailing loyalty." She murmured. "I've doubted you so much. I feel terrible."

A huff of a laugh came from Ryū. "I love you, Lucy. That's enough of a reason for me to believe in you and stay loyal to you." His eyes widened as Lucy's did, the pair staring at each other. "I… I hadn't meant to say that."

"You love me?" She whispered, more dazed than panicked. Her heart thumped in her chest, a sharp crescendo in her ears from its frantic beat. "But I… Ryū, I don't…"

"Hey, it's fine." His eyes were bright gray, like young storm clouds, making her think a hidden weight had lifted, freeing him of a heavy burden.

Can love weight that much? She wondered, leaning into his hands, eyes falling heavy. Lucy didn't notice when he cupped her face in his large hands, but she liked the warmth. The softness of his palms with calloused pads a nice contradiction.

Yes. She looked up into his eyes, heart pressing against her ribs, wanting out, wanting him. Yes, I think it can. I can feel my own, from back then. But that isn't me, not anymore, or maybe not completely. So that love can't be real, not yet.

Ryū let his head dip foreword, pressing their foreheads close. His smile was gentler. His breath soft against her cheeks and lips, sending a shiver down her spine. His eyes were hidden behind his eyelids, closed in a way that made Lucy think of a resting baby. Content and happy.

In that one moment, Lucy became terrified to speak and let the moment shatter. They were in a crystal ball, its edges smooth and round, and she didn't want out. Not yet. Not ever, if she had her way.

Princess Serenity needs you, my Lady.

Lucy did not twitch. She did not jerk, or tense, or grit her teeth. Lucy let out a breath. Let it fan over them, covering the moment in its brief glory. Then, at a pace a snail would envy, pulled away. The heat evaporated, the crystal ball shattering. They were left standing on a street.

Ryū's hands fell from her cheeks to his sides, Lucy taking one in brief selfishness. Her eyes had bled from grey-green to silver-green in their moment, she could feel it. Looking up at him, she didn't hide the color change, watching his reaction.

For his part, he didn't act surprised, even when he knew she could feel it. No, he seemed more mesmerized to see them so different. She felt that too.

Princess, your sister–

I know. I'm going.

"We have to go."

It wasn't her that spoke. Ryū did, a sorry tilt to the corner of his mouth. Lucy could understand the feeling well. It turned the illusion of a stolen moment into flecks of glittering glass around them. It also lit a fire in her to move, making her aware of her heart beating fast, lungs squeezed of breath and a pain in her she didn't know was possible.

Lucy turned, racing after their friends. Ryū was behind her, just a few steps away. They caught up in a few minutes, reaching the bus stop in time to board. The two couldn't fit in the back with the Senshi, so they took the pair of seats a few up, opposite Kunzite. He glanced at them out the corner of his eye and smirked, making Lucy blush and Ryū splutter before looking away. The general went back to his book.

"Luuuuuuucy!" Usagi moved up to take the seat by Kunzite, across to grab her sister's hands. "We're stopping by Rei-chan's to pick up the sword then going to Ami-chan's. She says she has things to tell us."

Lucy digested the information before nodding. "About when should we be at Rei-chan's, and from there to Ami-chan's? It's almost noon time and we have to be home by seven-thirty."

"Mama agreed to seven forty-five though." Usagi said in confusion. "Why would we need to be home by seven-thirty?"

"Because Mama is gonna expect us home early to save Papa from a heart attack." Lucy replied, looking back at the others. "How long until we get to your place, Ami-chan?"

Ami did the math in her head before speaking. "Well, I live in the upper side of town near Ryū's place, we have to stop by Rei's and wait for the next bus, so we'll be there by one-thirty to two o'clock."

Lucy added in the time to stop at the arcade like Usagi was bound to do, and nodded. If they did things right, Lucy could get Usagi and her home by seven-thirty. "That's good. We've got a curfew indefinitely, so I needed to know."

"Good luck." Makoto winced a little. "No parents means I don't have a curfew."

"Lucky." Usagi sighed. "I can't wait to stop Beryl. Then we don't have to worry about a curfew anymore."

"Yeah. I want to stay out and go see movies or hang at the arcade." Lucy sighed wistfully. "Usa, isn't Miyazaki coming out with another animation?"

"Yeah!" Usagi sat up straighter. "Mononoke-hime. It released last week, I think."

"After this is all over," Minako leaned forward in her seat, "and we help the Generals settle in, let's all go see it together. How does that sound?"

Everyone shared looks, Kunzite and Ryū outside parties to this decision until Usagi asked for the general's thoughts and Lucy asked for Ryū's. Each smiled, one hidden and one fond.

"I would like to see this animation."

"I'm okay with whatever you choose, Aurora."

The princesses grinned. "Then it's settled," Lucy began, Usagi finishing, "we'll all go to the movies after we defeat Metallia and Beryl."

"Y'know, I knew you were rich, but I never figured the place to be so big." Lucy commented, looking around the condo. "I've never been in one of these before."

Underneath her shoes, the floor was black marble speckled with gray and white. The walls of the main floor were glass with wood paneling between. The elevator gleamed from well kept use. It was scary how clean the place was. She couldn't recall the Moon Castle ever being this clean, there rooms full of dust and hallways dark and unused.

"I don't think any of us have," Makoto murmured, wincing when the Sword slipped from its bed sheet and scratched the ground. Usagi let out a strangled gasp, whispering, "Minako-chan chipped the marble!"

Minako let out a wail, jumping up and down as she pushed the sword back into the bed sheet. As she apologized, Ami giggled, waving a hand.

"It's fine! It's fine!" She laughed. "It happens. Honestly, mother and I have done that quite a bit since we moved in."

"But, but, but…" Minako's lower lip quivered.

"It's okay." Rei set a hand on Minako's shoulder. "Calm down."

Minako sighed, shoulders slumping. "Alright."

The group moved into the living room, taking seats on the couch, armchairs, and floor. Ami rummaged around in her pocket before pulling out a gold, diamond ring. "A diamond is said to be the strongest substance known to man. Minako-chan, try hitting the diamond against the sword."

Minako set the sword on the coffee table, uncovering the sharp tip. Hesitantly, she took the ring from Ami, being careful with the diamond. All she did was tap the ring again the sword and the diamond's princess cut shatters. Minako let out another wail, everyone but Ami giving a wince. Ryū and Kunzite shared looks at the blonde's reaction, though they sat up at what the sword had done.

"Ami-chan, your ring! I'm so sorry!" Minako se the ring on the table, looking like she'd just accidentally hurt a baby.

"Minako-chan, it's fine, really." Ami took the ring and covered the sword. "My mother has more diamond rings than she knows what to do with."

"As you saw, the world's strongest substance just broke at a tap against the sword. Meaning," she waited a moment to take a breath, look ecstatic be telling everyone this, "that is no ordinary sword. Upon analysis, I had Luna bring some rocks from the Moon on a hunch. Studying them, I found the rocks and sword are made of the same extremely strong elements yet to be found on Earth."

Ami took a moment to let everyone process this. Lucy had grabbed her sister's hand, feeling the subject getting deeper. Even the stars with their constant murmur went quiet. When Ami spoke again, her voice was softer.

"I would say that they hardened into what they are now." Ami had a faraway look now. "Also, there is a high toxicity to the sword and rocks."

Makoto narrowed her eyes, covering part of her mouth. The words to leave her mouth surprised Lucy, thinking Makoto had died by the time Usagi had committed suicide and Lucy, blinded by grief, followed. "When L- the younger princess stabbed herself with the sword, we were bathed in a white light for a moment. Is that when the sword hardened into that toxic stone?"

"The Moon, long ago, didn't appear so dark and lonely." Ryū added quietly. "The enemy changed it into a planet of death."

Lucy was distracted from further talk by Usagi leaning against her shoulder, eyes closed. She was drooling a little, looking at rest for the moment. It was the most peaceful she'd looked since Mamoru's abduction. That tugged a smile from Lucy's lips, a sad, bitter hint to the sweet.

"Guys, shh." She cut off the talking with a finger to her lips.

Rei sighed, a fond gleam to her eyes. "Just like her. When the talk gets serious, she falls asleep."

"That's our princess." Makoto murmured, standing with a stretch. "But, she has Tuxedo Mask's abduction to worry about. She met her mother from our previous life, the Queen. It's a lot to stomach. The stress probably exhausted her."

Kunzite stood as well, bending to pick up Usagi. She mumbled, turning to hide her face in his shirt and block out the light. Lucy giggled at the face he made, finding it adorable he was stunned to have Usagi so comfortable in his arms. After Kunzite had been freed of Beryl's hold, his dark aura had become lighter, easier, which furthered her ability to trust him, as well as Luna's.

"Gently, Gently." Minako whispered, hovering over his shoulder. He rolled his eyes, ignoring Makoto's mumbled, "Quiet."

Lucy pulled down the blankets, tucking in her sister. A memory, though brief, flashed in her minds eye. The child with dark hair was there, smiling sleepily at Lucy, lips forming the words Good night. The room was bare, colored an inky purple, with splashes of bright color here and there in the form of a rainbow nightlight, a silky pink nightgown, a pretty lilac pendant hanging from a silver necklace around the girl's neck.

She came out of the memory blinking back tears. Lucy smoothed the hair on her sister's head, leaning down to kiss her forehead. The wrinkle between Usagi's brow smoothed, frown tilting into a sleep smile. The Lunar sigil came to life, giving a brief golden glow before sinking away, the golden locks bleeding back into silver at the broken disguise.

"Sleep well, sister." Lucy left the room last, closing the door quietly.

Lucy proceeded to pick up her purse, pulling out a folded paper and pen. With a mumbled pardon, she slipped around Ami to sit at the table and begin to sketch the memory. Using pen was something Lucy hated doing, but she had left her pencils at the house.

Around her, everyone talked about the sword, how Minako didn't receive the information needed to use it properly for protecting Usagi. The only ones who didn't were Luna, brow creased with worry at the teen's distant, mournful look, and Ryū, who had a similar expression to Lucy's.

Lucy could feel the terror and heartbreak that was her sister's and it terrified her. Lucy couldn't always feel her sister's emotions and vice versa, because the feelings weren't always strong, and while these weren't especially strong, the emotions weren't common.

Without a moment's hesitation, she jumped up, racing to Ami's bedroom. The others followed, surprised at how fast and visibly horrified the younger sister had quickly become.

"Lucy-chan, what is it?" Minako asked, looking into the room as Lucy hurried toward the bathroom. "Where's Usagi-chan?"

"She's not here!" Lucy cried, exiting the bathroom at full speed. "She's not here and Usagi is not okay. I can feel it. She– she–"

"Whoa, calm down!" Makoto grabbed her, pulling her back from stuffing sketches into her purse. "Slow down, Lu-chan. Tell us what's going on."

Lucy looked up into her friend's eyes. Hesitantly, she touched where her heart rested, the beat frantic, full of ache and terror and worry and just– Ryū shook her lightly, snapping Lucy from the daze. Her voice was hoarse, just above a whisper. "Usa's in trouble. My heart, it's reacting to her emotions, and I– she needs us."

"Hey, calm down." Makoto soothed, "We'll go find her, but don't freak out. Okay?"

Minako froze, a chili running down her spine. "Someone is clearing the Sailor V game at an alarming rate," she told the room at large, turning for the door.

"I'll drive us. It'll be faster than waiting for the bus or running." Ryū pulled a set of keys from his pocket, following after Minako. "I had my mother bring the car by earlier for after the meeting."

"Do you think we'll all fit?" Ami asked, the last on the elevator. "Unless you have a van, we couldn't possibly…"

"Trust me. You'll fit." He assured as Rei pressed the button for the lobby and began to pace the elevator doors. "Break a rule or two, but you'll fit."

The meter the car was parked by had another thirty minutes left. Ryū slipped into the driver's seat, unlocking the car to let the others in. Lucy took the front seat without question. The cats took place in her lap. Kunzite, Makoto and Rei sat, Minako a flustered mess in Kunzite's lap while Ami hid her face as she settled into Makoto's, muttering, "So many laws."

"I said you'd fit." He told Rei, car releasing a long purr when Ryū started it. He checked his mirrors then pulled out. Lucy was glad to have buckled up, terrified for her friends in the back who couldn't.

The terror and broken feeling eased into a vague dread, unease making her feel sick. He took a gasping breath, hand clutching over her heart still. Rei settled a hand on Lucy's shoulder.

"She'll be okay. She may be ditsy, but Usagi-chan knows how to protect herself if we're not there." Rei assured.

"I'll believe that when I see her safe." Was the sharp reply, counting the seconds and forcing breath into her lungs as Leto ordered her too. You have to keep breathing, my Lady. Otherwise, you may fall unconscious. And that certainly isn't a good thing. No, it is not, Princess. Try to take better care of yourself when these things happen because we and the Senshi cannot always. I'll try.

Rei and Lucy were out of the car first, darting across the street before Ryū had fully stopped to back into the space. Rei entered first, through the parlor and into the game room. She froze in the doorway, Lucy shifting past. Her eyes widened, throat tightening as she stared at the man playing the game, Usagi hanging over one shoulder, her hair golden again, with Motoki hanging from the other. A chill ran down her spine at the dead evil in his eyes, swallowing as three soft voices chorused, Oh, no.

Who is he? What is he? She demanded, unable to believe this man was Mamoru. The stars stayed silent. Though they had no bodies, their discomfort was clear. It put her on the defensive.

"What is he doing here?" Minako nearly snarled, pushing past Rei and Lucy. Shock, fear, and anger all covered her look, shoulders tensed for a fight. She took a calming breath at Ami's hand on her shoulder. "I mean, he's supposed to have been taken prisoner by the Dark Kingdom, right?"

"Yes." Kunzite stood just behind Makoto, own look troubled. "He is s prisoner. I highly doubt that is him. Beryl may love him, but she would never make him into a monster just to keep him."

"I agree," Luna took perch on Lucy's shoulder. "Look at his eyes. They are inhuman."

"Yes, he isn't quite what he seems." Rei agreed, hugging herself. "I feel a bad premonition. It's best to keep Usagi-chan away from him and here."

"I'll…" Lucy swallowed. "I'll get her. We'll go home after this." She looked at her watch. "It's seven already."

"I'll drive you home." Ryū offered. "It'll be fast."

Lucy didn't acknowledge him, heading over. "Usa, it's seven."

The blonde looked up, look slightly dazed. "Huh?"

"C'mon." She jerked her head toward the door, refusing to look the imposter in the eye. "We have to be home by seven-thirty and Ryū offered to drive us home."

"Oh, okay." Lucy held out her hand, Usagi taking it. She was sluggish, glancing back at the man. "This is Motoki-onii's friend, Endô-san. Endô-san, this is my sister, Lucy."

He rose, cutting an imposing figure, shadow long, holding out a hand. She clenched her jaw, looking just to the side of his eyes as she took his hand. The shake was firm, his smirk a spell all its own that Lucy didn't fall for. It was too nasty, like himself. It was like looking at the Devil.

"Nice to meet you, Lucy-chan." For a man who was clearly a liar, he hid his contempt poorly.

The smile he received was wane, false. She hid her dislike a lot better. "And I, you, Endô-san."

"Have a good evening, Usagi-chan." Endô took her head, lifting it. Lucy grabbed her sister's elbow, pulling her back fast. Their hands disconnected and Lucy rushed Usagi for the door.

"So sorry, we have a curfew to uphold!" She exited, Senshi at her back. "Ryū, if you would?"

Ryū retrieved his car. The group bid each other goodbye, Senshi sure the princess was in good hands. Then Ryū drove the General and princesses back to their home. Halfway there, Usagi fell asleep again, Lucy joining her. They leaned against each other, heads close as if conspiring, healing each other of their exhaustion in sleep.

"Look at 'em." Ryū chuckled quietly, looking at them through his mirror. "Fell asleep and the drive isn't even twenty minutes."

"I will carry them to bed." Kunzite replied, look troubled as he stared out the window. He had a terrible feeling, one he couldn't shake. "They share a room, so it will be easy to get them into bed."

"I'll help. You're strong, but not that strong." Ryū grinned for a moment, then it fell. "What is it?"

"The man, Endô-san, looked too much like the prince. I cannot shake the feeling that… that it was Endymion-sama, the princess's Mamoru-san, the Tuxedo Mask."

"I think it was." Ryū admitted, nose scrunching. "He smelled just like Mamoru-kun, only sicker. A dying sick."

"Dragon senses coming in?" Kunzite looked to him, watching the surprise on his face morph into calmness. "I recall the complete past. Do not be surprised that I remember your heritage, Drakon-san."

"Please, my name is now Ryū. And we are friends. Pay me that respect, Kunzite."

"Very well." He smirked. "Extend it to me, Ryū."

"To answer your question, yes. They have for some time." He pulled over, cutting the engine. "It's how I've recognized everyone, and knew Lucy to be herself when we met."

"Hm. I am glad you told Lucy-san about me." Kunzite exited the car, opening the back to lift Usagi out. She didn't hide against him this time, the night darker compared to Ami's condo. Ryū had Lucy in his arms, her arms resting loosely around his neck, face pressed against him. "Otherwise, I would not be here to help."

"My pleasure." The lord grinned, heading up the walkway, careful not to jostle the sleeping young woman. "Though you should thank Lucy herself. It was all her choice. She could have denied me and her stars, leaving you to death."

"Tsukino-san?" Ryū called softly when he opened the door.

"Kazeno-san?" Kenji exited the kitchen. "What– oh." He lowered his voice when he saw his two daughters, fast asleep, be carried in. He smiled quietly. "Thank you, Kazeno-san, Sato-san. Did they cause any trouble?"

The father led the men upstairs, showing them to the shared bedroom. "Just lay them down on Usagi's bed."

"They were perfect, Tsukino-san." Kunzite set Usagi down, exiting the room. Ryū followed suit, laying the blanket over them. He was tempted to kiss her brow, but decided not to be maimed, instead brushing back some of Lucy's hair. "The area is very interesting, and I hope to try exploring on my own in a few days."

"Of course. Almost everything is a good walking distance unless you're going from one side of the district from the other, or have a business job." Kenji agreed. "I myself have a job at the local newspaper, so I'm all over the district every day."

"Really? Can you tell me what it's like?" Kunzite went on, leading Kenji from the room.

Ryū stood in the doorway, staring at the two without seeing, recalling a memory he'd thought was lost to time.

"Drakon, dear, what are you– oh, isn't that a precious sight. We should send them home, though. They're parents must be worried."

"Yes. They seem so at peace, and after that moment Lady Serena had I can't bring myself to awaken them. The guard had been frightfully harsh."

"Well, then we'll let them sleep a bit longer before sending them on home for the night. You can ride with them, if it will make it any easier."

"Thank you, Mother."

Ryū withdrew from the memory, closing the door behind him, leaving a small crack for hall light. Through both drew strength from the Moon, he knew that even the smallest of false light would bring them comfort from the dark of their nightmares. The terror in their scents told him all he needed to know about how their night would go.

"I'm sorry." Lucy rubbed at her eye, sitting down across from Ryū in the Order's Milkshop. It was a week later, the Senshi and company no closer to finding anything on the seemingly silent Dark Kingdom. Their only clue was the odd man Endô who they tried to keep Usagi from. "I'm kind of tired."

Ryū reached across, taking her hand to stop her from rubbing her eye raw. "Don't do that. It'll hurt. And don't worry, it seems everyone has been."

"Yeah!" Kohaku sat down by Lucy, leaning his head on his shoulder. She laughed, pushing his head away lightly, letting it thunk back down. He let out a long, drawn out yawn. "Mitsu-chan, what do you do when sleepy?"

"Well, I move to wake up. But if I'm going to sleep, I relax." She explained, running a hand through his hair. For her efforts, she got a happy hum. "And you can call me Lucy-chan now, y'know."

The golden eyed teen mumbled against her shoulder, turning to hide his face. It sounded an awful lot like, "I dun wanna."

With a roll of her eyes, Lucy leaned her head against his. He giggled. "Alright. But I get to call you Ko-kun, then."

"I'm fine with that!" He sat up fast, startling her. He grinned widely at her. "I like the sound of that! Ko-kun. Light-kun!"

She rolled her eyes. "I kinda hoped it would aggravate you."

"Naw. Masashi used to call me a stupid monkey all the time." Kohaku shrugged. "My last name makes room for a lot of jokes, so being called Light isn't very annoying."

The door to the shop opened, a young woman with gray-blue eyes and white-blonde hair walking in. She was tall, and like most biracial people, her European features were accented with an Asian touch. She startled for a moment at the sight before her, giving a small, fingered wave. "Hi," her voice was extremely airy, adding to her odd aura. It was a good aura, just odd. The blonde walked over, sitting next to Ryū. "Hello, Ryū, Kohaku. Who is your friend?"

"Tomo-chan, this is Mitsu-chan!" Kohaku chirped, cutting off Ryū before he had a chance to speak. The woman winced.

"I'm Tsukino Lucy," Lucy held out a hand. "My middle name is Mitsuko, which is where the nickname comes from."

"I'm Wakahisa Tomoko." She shook Lucy's hand firmly. "Pleasure to meet you, Tsukino-san."

"Please, a friend of my friends is a friend to me. Call me Lucy."

Tomoko's smile was very shy. "Alright, then you must call me Tomoko, Lucy-chan."

A little grin touched the brunette's mouth, turning the corners. "You've got yourself a deal, Tomoko-chan." She leaned forward on her elbows. "So, how do you know Ryū and Ko-kun?"

"Ryū and Kohaku go to school with me. Kohaku and I share the same grade, a year below Ryū. Last year, Ryū tutored us because we were failing in math." Kohaku made a disgusted sound. "It was challenging, but we came out friends."

"How old are are you two, if you don't mind my asking?" Lucy asked, trying to make sense of the grade years. "You're about, hm, sixteen?"

"Yep! You guessed it!" Kohaku glanced at his watch, standing. "Ugh, I've gotta go. I promised to meet with Daisuke and Masashi. Masashi wants us to meet his new girlfriend."

Tomoko's eyes lit up, smile growing. "Tell them I said hello. I've been too busy to see them lately."

"Will do!" The amber eyed teen gave the blonde a salute, running for the door. "Tell Hisao to get off his butt for me since he doesn't wanna come with, by the way. I can't run the place for him all day, every day!"

Tomoko laughed, the sound soft and breathless. She didn't reply, standing to head into the back room. A few soft Ross and sounds were made, followed by a chair crashing to the ground and another of Tomoko's laughs. There were loud grumblings with the striking of a match.

"I can't believe that stupid monkey just up and left. No word, he just–" The owner, a tall man with a cigarette hanging from his lips, froze in the doorway to the back room. His eyes were wide with something Lucy dared to guess was shock.

How many blondes are in this district? Lucy wondered, ignoring the stars cackling at her question. More than you would like to know! Oh, my, that is a funny question. Stars, please, we are supposed to set examples for Lady Phoibe… but, really, there are quite a few blondes here. Why bother asking? You are all terrible.

"What's she doing here? I thought I told him we were closed for the day." Hisao demanded, looking at Tomoko who had slid past him into the room. She was ignoring him. "Tomoko!"

"She's Ryū's girlfriend and a friend of Kohaku and I, so she's allowed in." Tomoko replied calmly, smiling a little bigger at Lucy. Her eyes shone with mischief. "If you have a problem, why not be a little social and go catch up with Kohaku? The park is probably nice this time of day."

Hisao rolled his eyes. "You are such a weird woman." He grabbed a chair, dragging it over to sit at the end. He pulled the ashtray in the middle of the table closer to him, tapping his ash into the dish. "I'm Hisao, I own the place," he told Lucy. "You the "Mitsu-chan" Kohaku talks about a lot?"

"Ah," she nodded, furrowing her brow. She'd seen him somewhere, but she wasn't sure where. "Yes. My name's Tsukino Lucy. Nice to meet you, Hisao-san."

He didn't shake her hand when she held it out, so she set it back on the table edge. Some of the cigarette smoke wafted in her face and she wrinkled her nose, biting back a cough. Tomoko gave a quiet clear of her throat, holding up a pack of playing cards. "Do any of you know how to play Black Jack?"

Lucy perked up at this. "I love Black Jack. I used to play it at school a lot, but everyone eventually grew out of it."

"We haven't," Ryū shrugged. "Be careful though. Tomoko plays dirty."

"Typically we add drinking to the mix, but you're underage." Tomoko added cheerfully, pulling out the cards and passing them to Hisao so he could shuffle. "If the others were here, it'd be real fun."

"I be–" Princess, your sister!

Her communicator went off, Lucy jerking up out of her seat. "I'm sorry, I have to go right now."

Tomoko blinked, Hisao's eyebrows shooting to his hairline. "Did I say something?" The blonde woman asked, visage clouding with worry. "I'm sorry if I did."

"No, no, it's not you. I just," the communicator on Ryū's wrist began to screech and Ryū grabbed her arm, hauling her for the door. "We have to go."

"We'll catch up later!" Ryū called over his shoulder, breaking into a run when they'd passed the door, leaving the two blondes on their own. "Lucy, come on."

Lucy answered her communicator. Luna's voice crackled over. "Lucy-chan, your sister has gone to the Crown Arcade again. She won't stop going to see that Endô-san."

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Lucy demanded. "She was going to the shopping district with Naru-chan, she swore to me."

"She left Naru-chan and Umino-kun thirty minutes after you left. I thought I could stop her, but she wouldn't listen to me."

Lucy sighed, itching to grab her sister's shoulders and shake her. If Lucy had made Usagi do the pinky promise, she knows for a fact Usagi would have stayed with Naru and Umino.

"Dammit. I shouldn't have left!"

"Just hurry. She just left. You might be able to cut her off at the pass."

"Thank you for telling me."

Why didn't you tell me what she was doing? Lucy demanded of the stars. She could be in danger! I am sorry. We did not mean to look over this. Keep running, don't slow down, and you'll be able to stop her in time. I better. You will.

They did catch her, just as she grabbed the door. Lucy opened her mouth, screaming her sister's name. "Usagi!"

Usagi whipped around, eyes widened at seeing Lucy and Ryū, equally out of breath, slow to a stop. Lucy threw her arms around Usagi, yanking her close in a tight. "Please, Usa," she whispered into golden hair, "don't go in there. I know you're sad, but that man isn't him. That man is an imposter, his aura is dark and nasty."

"Motoki-onii likes him," Usagi murmured back, not fighting her sister but obviously eager to go inside. "If he does, doesn't that mean Endô-san might be good?"

Lucy bit her lip, pressing her face deeper into her sister's hair. "Oh, Usa…"

"If you really want to go in, we'll go with you." Ryū stepped closer, both sister's looking to him. "I don't trust him, no matter who likes him. Furuhata-kun has been acting different since Endô-san showed up."

Usagi hesitated, unsure. Lucy's heart fluttered like a bird's, and she knew it was Usagi's heart she felt moving so erratically. She grabbed one of her sister's hands, gripping tight. "I'm here for you, no matter your choice. I won't judge you. I will never judge you."

"Promise?" Usagi's voice was quiet, much more than Tomoko's when first introduced.

Lucy turned her hand, fingers lacing together, clenching her pinky around Usagi's. "I swear it. I promise to never judge you, to never doubt you, because you are my sister, and I am your sister, and that comes before anything, even advising you."

A few moments passed with the sisters watching each other. Usagi leaned forward, putting their foreheads together. Her smile was warm, tinged with sadness. "And I promise to always take your words into consideration, even if I end up not using them."

They grinned at each other, it a brief flash. Usagi's next words chilled Lucy, but she held her tongue, "Can we go i-" Usagi stopped, for just a moment, seeming to correct herself, "home? Can we go home?"

Lucy let out the breath she'd sucked in when Usagi began to speak, smile painfully wide. "Yes." Tears stung her eyes, and Lucy's let them fall. "We can always go home. It's, y'know," she sniffles, "home."

"Yeah," Usagi led the way, the sisters walking hand-in-hand. Ryū followed behind them, glancing back at the Crown Arcade every once in a while.

"Hey, hold up!" Makoto called, stepping out the shadows to face Endô and Motoki. Her green eyes were harsh, the taste of electricity thick in the air.

She and Ami had just spoken with Reika, a close friend of Motoki's. Apparently, Endô wasn't who he said he was, and the original, a glasses-and-book type guy, had gone missing. Ami and Makoto were far from stupid, but no one ever said Makoto wasn't protective or hardheaded.

"You two are in cahoots." She went on, walking closer. Her whole body was tensed, ready to strike. These men, regardless of who they looked like, were a danger to Usagi, Lucy, and the others. Makoto refused to let that stand. "What are you trying to do to Usagi-chan? What," she stood right in front of them, gaze narrowed, "are you plotting?"

Makoto looked up, meeting Endô dead blue eyes, and that was the last thing she remembered.

Words w/o Additional Script: 7,210