A/N - I know guys I have been a very bad author. Thank you so much for the reviews. I know this chapter isn't nearly long enough to make up for such a long delay. I will try to do better. I'm still having a hard time writing the remaining chapters. I know where I want to go... just having a hard time getting there. But this will hold you over for a little while. Love you all.

Chapter 7

"I miss you Mamo-chan. It has been so long." Usagi pouted into the phone. "I'm lonely without you here and I have heard nothing of Chibiusa since she left before Chaos."

"I know Usagi. I know but this is something I have to do… for both of us." Mamoru sighed laying his head onto his hand. It broke his heart every time he called to listen to her plead for him to come home. If she would just understand that it was just as hard on him. She made it so painful to call that he started spreading out his phone calls.

"You do this for yourself. I want you here. It is you that wants to be there." She gasped at her own words. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean that."

"I know you don't Usa-ko." He tried to soothe her. "I'm sorry to leave you there alone. We are half way there. Only ten or so more months to go and I will be home for good. Perhaps you can come visit me, but I need you to be strong."

She perked up a little at the thought of visiting America. Even though she knew it wouldn't happen. It was still a sweet thought. "I wish I could, but with school you know that wouldn't be possible." She was silent for a few breaths choosing her curious words carefully. "What are American girls like?"

He blushed at the question. "Um… well..." He laughed nervously. 'Why would she ask me that?' "I don't really know. I've seen a few girls on campus, but for the most part I stay clear of them. I don't have time for such things. I spend all my time on my studies. That's what I'm here for… not for fraternizing with the native girls. I have the only girl for me waiting at home and I need to study hard so I can get back to her as soon as possible. I miss you Usa-ko."

She giggled. "I knew that. My Mamo-chan is working hard to come home to me."

He smiled at how naive she sounded. "Usa-ko I have to go. My next class is starting. You should get some rest… it's late there."

She had forgotten about the time difference in America. With a sad voice she told him goodnight and listened to him hang up the phone. She felt a choking in her chest. At times it seemed they were an entire world apart.

A noise outside caught her attention. She looked out of her window and felt her heart begin to race. She saw the figure standing in the street next to a motorcycle. Trying to calm herself she stopped the thoughts of Seiya before they began. 'It can't be him.' She assured herself. 'But who then?' She stepped onto her balcony into the cool night air with her heart still throbbing in her ears. The cyclist removed their helmet and Usagi's heart sunk as she realized her visitor was not from beyond the solar system.

"Haruka, what are you doing there? Is everything okay?" She turned to hurry, "I'll be right down."

"No, that won't be necessary." She stopped the young girl. "I was in the neighborhood on a ride and thought I would check on you." Haruka found herself eyeing Usagi up and down. Noticing how her pink pajamas draped over her small-framed body. She shook her head as if snapping herself out of a trance. She blushed slightly. "I'll take my leave. Sorry for the intrusion, Buns-head." She went to put back on her helmet.

"Wait Haruka!" Usagi called out. 'This feels so familiar.' She thought back to the time she found Seiya outside her window in the street. "Are you sure everything is okay?" Usagi, oblivious of Haruka's impure action spoke with concern. 'Why would she be here?' she thought to herself.

"Everything is fine." Haruka assured her. "Sleep well Princess. I will see you later." She fixed her helmet onto her head and cranked the cycle bringing it to life. She blew a kiss and with a wave sped away.

Usagi watched the woman ride off into the night. Her mind once again wandered back to the time Seiya stood outside in the street in front of her house. He seemed so close she could smell his scent surrounding her. "Oh Seiya. I wish you were here. I was never lonely with you around." She spoke to the sky wishing he could hear her. The wind picked up a breeze around her and she shut her eyes. She swore she could hear his voice whispering on the wind. "Odango…"

Her eyes shot open. She was no longer on her balcony. Standing in an empty space with a purple haze all around her. Standing in silence and fear she clenched her broach close to her chest and prepared for transformation. "Moon… Eternal…"

"Odango…" The voice was soft but close. She couldn't breathe. The beating of her heart smothered her lungs. He emerged from the haze looking just as she remembered. "Seiya…" She whispered. "Is it really you?"

His smile was genuine as he mirrored not only her question, but also her disbelief. "Is it really you?" He walked closer to her and reached for her hand. "Give me your hand I want to touch you. I have to know if this is real." As their hands touched the reality of the moment kicked in.

Her eyes brightened as he swept her off her feet and swung her around in his arms. She laughed as he twirled her. "Seiya how is this possible?"

He placed his hands on her shoulders as if to prevent her from fading away, he looked into her beautiful eyes. "I don't know and I don't care. I have missed you so much. Now that Kinmoku has been rebuilt all I can think about is you. I know that I'm still in a one-sided love, but nonetheless… I love you Odango." His eyes held the slightest hint of tears. "I'm sorry I have put you in danger."

"Danger? What do you mean?" She laid a hand against his face. Enjoying every moment of touching him for fear that if they released each other the connection would falter.

He couldn't tell her everything. He feared her reaction. " I just need you to know that I love you and I will not allow any harm to come to you, but you need to be alert. No matter what I will never let you go, not again. I love you Odango…"

Her eyes widened as his words hit her heart. "I…" Her words stumbled, "Seiya I…" She felt tears forming in her eyes. "I'm scared."

He took her hands and kissed them. "Don't be… it will be okay. I promise I will protect you."

"But how? You aren't here." She cried out to him as he allowed his hands to release her.

"I will be, my love. Soon…" He was fading back into the purple haze.

"Seiya…" She called out his names as tears rolled down her cheek. "Don't go…"

"Usagi… what are you doing?" Luna stood at the door to her mistress's balcony staring at the girl who stood barefoot looking at the moon.

Usagi turned, as her eyes seemed to slowly focus on the little black cat, but said nothing. She just held a sad look on her face with tears in her eyes. Luna felt fear run through her body. "Are you okay?" Usagi shook her head and walked inside ignoring the cat's questions. Luna watched her crawl into bed and turn off the light. Looking back at the moon she tried to understand what just happened to Usagi. Sensing an aura and the scent of lilac she recognized the essence of Seiya. She was immediately troubled. 'The energy is getting stronger.'