"I know what you mean, Rei," Usagi said as she stood up from the ground. "I mean, it's the same air as back home, the same water... the same algae... Yuck!" She plucked some slimy algae out of her long pigtails. "But... it feels different. You know... a different atmosphere. As if magic itself would hang in the air."

"I know," Rei nodded. "A magical world... I wonder if this is where the strange creatures came from."

The feeling of being watched made them both turn around.

Swimming behind them, in the shallow water, a human-sized creature with webbed hands and feet was smirking at them, its impish eyes looking at them from above a long beak that was situated in the middle of its face. On its forehead, a red gem was placed. It had the proportions of a human, but its features and movements made it seem more like an animal.

Usagi gasped and jumped back. "D-don't come any closer," she said. "W-we're not afraid of you."

"Why should you?" the creature smirked and crossed its arms. "I just saved your butts, after all!"

Rei and Usagi stared at the creature with wide eyes. "You... you're speaking our language?" Rei asked.

The creature shook its head. "No, you're speaking mine! But I guess that's not a big difference, is it?"

"Uh..." That was all Usagi could say. And after everything that happened, it was a very fitting exclamation.

Soft laughter came from behind them and made the turn around yet again.

"You don't have to take everything he says too serious," a gentle voice said. "He likes to tease strangers, you know?"

It was a nice-looking woman with pink hair, dressed in an elaborate robe with strange markings.

"Who... who are you?" After everything that happened, Rei decided to be on guard.

"Me? Oh, everyone calls me Joy... Lady Joy of the Island! It's a pleasure to meet you!" And she gave them a short bow.

'So we're on an island as well,' Rei mentally sighed. 'That's just great...'

"But why are you speaking our language, you and this... thing in the water?" Usagi asked.

"I'm not a thing!" the blue creature snapped.

"Please, be more careful what you say," Lady Joy smiled. "Golducks get offended pretty quickly. As for your question, well, it's simple: Everyone who comes into this world automatically understands our language... and we can understand you! It's very convenient, don't you agree?"

"And just... where are we?" Rei asked.

Joy shook her head. "I see, we have much to discuss. I will tell you everything you need to know... but later."

"Well, if I'm not needed anymore, I just might go," the Golduck nagged. "After all, it doesn't look like they are actually grateful that I saved them."

"Oh... sorry about that!" Usagi blushed. "But, you know... you're not very... um..."

The Golduck looked at her closely. "Yes?"

"Um, not very handsome."

"Thanks a lot!" the Golduck said sarcastically. "If you say that to everyone who saves your life, I might have to think again if I decide to save one of you humans." And with a swift motion, he dove under the water and was gone.

Rei bopped her friend on the head. "Smooth move, meatball head!"

Joy chuckled. "Well, I can see that you are both very confused... why don't you come with me? You're totally soaked, I see. In my tower, you can get dry clothes as well as a nice, warm meal."

Rei wanted to point out that they could just drop their Senshi magic to get back their casual clothes that should still be dry, but when Usagi heard the woman talk about food, she perked up and said: "Sure, we'd love to come!"

"It's always nice to have guests," Joy smiled. "You have to tell me everything about what happened to you. And later - if you like - I can show you the city."

As her hand gestured over the waters of the lake, the very same thing happened as two days ago: The waters cleared, and Rei and Usagi could look down at the bottom of the lake, where a big city was situated, and all kinds of underwater creatures were walking and swimming along the streets.

And then the image vanished, and the lake turned back to normal.

Lady Joy lead them through a lush forest, even more brimming with life than the forest around auntie's summer residence. The animals seemed to be very trusting, and a small squirrel even sniffed Usagi's fingers.

"Um, I don't want to be rude, but we haven't got much time," Rei spoke up. "We were just following someone, when we got through that waterfall..."

"Ah, so you came through the Hidden Gate?" Joy replied. "Don't worry, you have all the time you need. Here on my island, time has no meaning. You could stay here for months, and when you return to where you came from, it would still be the same time as before you set a foot on the island."

Time has no meaning... Rei was wondering whatever Sailor Pluto would say when they told her about this phenomenon.

If they would find a way to return...

"Well, here we are!" Joy said as they finally stepped out onto a big clearing.

In the middle of the clearing, a tall stone tower with artificially crafted stained glass windows and impressive spires was rising over the trees.

"This is my domicile," Joy told the two girls. "Please, come in and accept my hospitality!"

She went over to the impressive gate and slightly touched it with the palm of her hand. With a creaking sound, the portal opened, and the two Senshi followed their hostess into a big hall, whose walls and ceiling were completely made of marble. A long table was standing in the middle of the room, with porcelain dishes standing at every seat. A grand chandelier was hanging from the ceiling, and in the background, a long, spiral stairway was leading upstairs.

While Usagi and Rei were gaping at the gorgeous sight, Lady Joy clapped her hands twice.

A small, wooden door that looked like it was made for servants, opened at the other side of the hall, and two small shapes came out. "You called, my lady?"

"Meowth, Luna... please take our guests to their chambers and make sure they get dry clothes."

Upon hearing that, Usagi gasped and looked at the black-furred half of the feline duo that had just entered the room.

"Lu... Lu... Luna!"

The moon cat was at least as surprised as her friend. "U-Usagi?"

And then the two friends ran towards each other, the black cat leaping into the arms of her human friend, while Usagi hugged her and sobbed.

"LUNAAAA! I... I missed you so much!"

"Here, those are your quarters," Meowth explained after he lead the two Senshi upstairs. "Everything you need is in here, but if you need anything else, just ring the bell and I'll come."

As Usagi couldn't let go of Luna, Rei nodded. "Thanks, we'll be fine!"

"Good to hear!" The two-legged cat looked at the black-furred feline sitting on Usagi's lap. "You coming, Luna?"

"Um, I want to talk to them for a while," Luna explained. "I'll join you in a minute."

"Hum... okay, but don't take your time. The other guests will arrive shortly."

He then threw Rei and Usagi a suspicious glare. "You two don't have long noses, do you?"

Taken aback, Usagi looked at Rei. "Long noses?"

"Just askin'..." Meowth grumbled. "But I see, they're fine. Well, just barely." And he turned around and left the room.

Usagi reached for her face and grabbed her nose. A long nose? Well, compared with that cat with its non-existent nose...

Luna giggled. "Don't take him too seriously," she said. "Meowth is a nice guy, but he sometimes says strange stuff."

"Sooo... you seem to know him pretty well, huh?" Rei smirked. "I bet the two of you get along just fine..."

"Huh? WHAT? No, no, it's not like that, Rei..."

"Suuure it isn't," Usagi giggled "But be sure to get his phone number after the first date."

"Usagi!"

"What?"

Luna looked down at the ground. "You don't understand... he's my brother."

The two girls looked at Luna as if she had grown horns.

"SAY WHAT?"

"It's true," she sighed. "To be honest, I never knew much about my family." Her ears drooped down. "Back in the silver millennium, I only knew my mother... a resident from the planet Mau, in the queen's service. But, she never told me about my father... she just said that he left us when I was a very young kitten."

"But how can Meowth be your brother?" Rei wondered. "I mean, he's not a normal cat OR a Mau, you know that?"

"That's true," Luna admitted. "But... neither was my father." She took a deep breath. "You see... my father was a resident of this world."

"Oh, you can't be serious," Rei moaned. Usagi stared at her friend. "But how did that happen?"

"Well, from what I heard, this is a parallel dimension to the dimension where our planet Earth - as well as the moon - are situated. But, as it appears, the gateways between the worlds had existed even back then. And... the Moon Kingdom had diplomatic relations with the kingdoms of this world."

"And we never heard of this before... why?" Rei asked.

"W-well, you never asked... and besides, you know Artemis and I don't remember everything from before you awakened."

"So, your father was a resident of this world, huh? But how did he get to know your mother?"

"He was an ambassador in the service of one of the kings of Kanto."

"Kanto...?"

"Yes, the name of this world! And he met Mom when she was at the castle of Queen Serenity. And when the queen decided to stay in contact with this king, Daddy was a regular visitor in the Moon Kingdom. And, well... you can guess what happens next."

"They fell in love with each other," Usagi sighed. "Such a romantic story..."

"Heh, not too romantic, I'm afraid... you know, because of his status, Daddy wasn't allowed to have a lover... and so he got demoted. Meaning he could never see Mom again."

"Awww, that's not fair," Usagi whined. "And that's why you never met him?"

"Yes," Luna nodded. "But... Mom and Dad had another child. He was born at the same time as me... more or less. Which makes us twins."

"So Meowth is your..."

"Yes, my twin brother! Only that I turned out to be a Mau, just like Mom. And he... well, he became a Pokémon, like Daddy! A Meowth."

Rei raised an eyebrow. "Pokémon."

"The name of the non-human, but intelligent inhabitants of this world," Luna explained. "They come in all shapes and types, but they're all called Pokémon."

Usagi shook her head. "Man... what a confusing and complicated story."

"But how did you get here?" Rei wondered. "We've been worried sick! Artemis is literally going up the walls with worry! Ami and the others are still searching back home. So what happened?"

"Well... if I knew what was going to happen, I would have informed you," Luna sheepishly said. "You know... Kanto and our world are seperated from each other by a dimensional barrier. And it was only recently that this barrier opened at various parts throughout Kanto. And Meowth... he was one of those Pokémon who slipped through, appearing back in our home world, in the middle of Juuban."

Usagi gasped. "So he was the one who kidnapped you?"

"Not kidnapped," Luna insisted. "You know, that evening was pretty hectical... for all of us. Including Meowth. He had just discovered the entrance to a world that was completely unknown to him. He... he didn't see the Youma, you know? He was climbing on top of some trashcans, searching for food, when Artemis and I came running, searching for cover from the Youma's attacks. And then I got clumsy and ran into those cans. Meowth was so surprised that he fell down. The trashcan lids as well. The lids fell down on Artemis, Meowth and me. Both of us were unconscious. Meowth didn't see Artemis, as he was covered by the trashcan lids. He only saw me and felt guilty that he knocked me out. So he took me with him, to take care of me, never knowing about Artemis or you guys. And when I awoke... I was here, in this world."

"But wait... that doesn't make any sense," Usagi spoke up. "If he didn't know who you are, why did he take you with him?"

"He... recognized my real identity after some time, when I was still unconscious. You know, Daddy gave him a picture of Mom as a birthday present... and Mom looked very much like me when she was young. So he..."

"He figured you would be his mother." Usagi understood.

"Yes. But he was still glad when we realized that I had to be his sister. And I... I was happy as well." Luna sighed. "You can't imagine what it's like... living for an eternity and knowing that no one of your family is still alive... and then realizing that your brother and father are still alive after all."

"But how could they still be alive after all that time?" Rei wondered. "Did someone put them into stasis capsules as well?"

"No, it's just... time flows differently in this dimension. They do have a time guardian, just like we have Pluto, but... his feeling of time is different from hers, so that means one year in our world doesn't necessarily equal one year in Kanto. It can vary, you know?"

Usagi scratched her head. She didn't really understand what Luna was trying to tell her, but she decided not to think about it anymore. This was already giving her headaches.

"That's why you didn't return, right?" Rei asked softly. "When did you come here? For how long did you stay in Kanto?"

"Only two days," Luna said. "I wanted to return yesterday, so you wouldn't be worried. But then... Meowth asked me to stay for at least one day, and I couldn't bring myself to say no." She looked sad. "He's my brother, you know? Who knows if I would see him again, would I return now."

"I see your dilemma," Rei nodded. "You wanted to see us again, but at the same time, were afraid to lose your brother again."

"And while you were only two days on this island, much more time has passed in Juuban," Usagi realized. "At least three weeks."

"I'm sorry!" Luna looked down at the ground. "I would have contacted you, but..."

"I know, Luna, it's all right! We understand!" And Usagi hugged her friend.

Rei smiled as she looked at her two friends. While they still hadn't solved the mystery of Ash and his companions, and what his plans were, they had at least found Luna again.

Now the question was, what would they do next? Go back home - if that was possible? Go and track down Ash in this world? Stay here for a while? Go and leave Luna behind?

It was a tricky situation indeed...

After changing back into their casual attire, Rei and Usagi's clothes were dry again.

Luna excused herself, for she had promised to help in the kitchen. Usagi was wondering how a four-legged animal like Luna would be able to be much of a help, but a sharp glare from her friend convinced her to shut up for now.

After some time, the two Senshi decided to tell their hostess that they had to return to their home dimension very soon, as they were both worried just how much time would have passed when they return back home.

Even before they entered the big main hall on the first floor of the tower, they could hear the voices of many people.

Humans and Pokémon of all kind were sitting at the table, talking to each other, laughing and drinking from their goblets. Lady Joy was sitting at the front side of the table and smiled when she saw the two girls coming down. She gestured at two seats that were situated directly next to her own chair.

While walking over to their seats, Usagi looked over the assembled guests. In addition to the humans, she could see oversized insects, colorful animals and even a strange, floating creature with a metallic hide, that seemed to be sucking on what looked like a battery with a straw.

"Welcome," Lady Joy addressed them, as they sat down. "As the two newest guests on this island, you are the guests of honor."

Usagi and Rei blushed a little bit as she stood up and raised her goblet. "A toast to Usagi and Rei, our two newest guests, and after Luna the two first guests coming from the Earth Dimension after 100 years."

Everyone else raised his goblet as well, and Usagi bashfully looked down at her lap. She wasn't used to be the center of attention... at least not from that many people.

"And now, I hope you all enjoy yourselves," Joy spoke up.

Usagi wanted to reach for her goblet as well, but realized that it was empty. Lady Joy seemed to notice as well, as she clapped her hands.

"Meowth! Shame on you, leaving our guest without a drink! Now hurry up!"

Meowth came out of the kitchen door, balancing an enorm mug on his shoulder. "Meowth do this, Meowth do that, I can't do everything at once, you know?" he grumbled.

He walked up to Usagi and poured some of the red liquid into her goblet. Usagi took it and sniffed the drink slightly. "Is that... wine?" she asked.

"Yup, the best one we can get on this island," Meowth nodded. "Why d'you ask?"

Usagi was blushing once again. "Um, you know... I normally don't drink alcohol..."

Meowth gaped at her. "What? No alcohol?" He then got angry. "I knew it! A long nose, and an abstainer as well! Oh, what's the world coming to?"

Just to calm the upset cat Pokémon down, Usagi quickly took a sip from her goblet, and she even managed to form the hint of a smile. "Absolutely delicious," she stated. "Really, the best I ever drank."

Meowth stopped his ranting and looked at her closely. "And you really mean it?"

"Of course," Usagi said while crossing two fingers behind her back.

Still grumpy, but satisfied for now, Meowth took the mug and carried it back into the kitchen.

After he was gone, Usagi groaned. "I don't know if I like Luna's brother very much..."

Rei couldn't help but giggle.

"I'm sorry for Meowth's behavior," Joy spoke up. "But there are two things he absolutely detests: Abstainers..."

"And people with long noses," Usagi sighed. "I know, I know..."

Just then, the kitchen door opened once again, and several pink creatures that Lady Joy called 'Chanseys' were coming in, carrying a big amount of trays with food.

Well, while the beverages weren't exactly what the two girls would have preferred, the food was exceptionally delicious.

"It's really good," Rei spoke up after having swallowed a few potatoes.

"I'm glad to hear that," Lady Joy smiled. "After all, if you're staying here for a while, it simply wouldn't do if you weren't satisfied with our chef's creations."

Rei put down her fork in confusion. "Uh... I'm sorry to say this, Lady Joy, but... we can't stay for long. Our friend Luna has told us that time is flowing differently in your world that in ours. We won't know for how long we are already missing... and our friends and families will want to know where we are."

"Oh, I see," Joy nodded. "I understand your worries... but that shouldn't be a problem at all. As I told you, time has no meaning on my island. While Celebi controls time all over Kanto, my island is protected by what you could call a 'time pocket'. No time will be lost, regardless of how long you are planning to stay here."

"Celebi?" Usagi asked curiously.

"The guardian of time," Lady Joy explained.

"Well, that's good to hear," Rei spoke up, but still... we would like to return very soon, if that is possible."

Lady Joy suddenly seemed very confused. "Um, I apologize... Wasn't I a good hostess? Weren't you satisfied with tonight's dinner? And you still haven't seen all of my island. I was looking forward to lead you around a bit, tomorrow."

"That's really nice of you, but seriously: We have to leave tomorrow. There's something we have to take care of, back in our dimension."

"Oh dear..." Joy sighed. "And here I was hoping you would want to stay a little longer."

"We would love to," Usagi said. "But really, we can't. I hope you understand..."

"Oh, I do understand," Joy assured them. "But... you see, there's a little problem with the Hidden Gate. It... only opens once every month."

"What?" Usagi whined. "That means we're stuck here for now?"

"I'm afraid so," Joy sighed. "I'm sorry I had to inform you about it like this, but I DID hope you would want to stay for a while by yourself."

Rei groaned. "Oh well... at least we don't have anything to lose, if time really doesn't go on while we're here..."

"You will like the island, I'm sure," Joy smiled at them reassuringly. "And some of my permanent guests are about your age... maybe you can become friends."

Usagi giggled. "It would be like having a cross-dimensional pen-pal."

And after that, they decided not to think about their worries anymore and to enjoy the meal and the companionship of the other guests, which were much nicer than the Pokémon they had seen in Ash's companionship.