Last night.
Neo Queen Serenity, Her August Highness, sneaks stealthily into the bedroom, silk night gown trailing behind her, bare feet a whisper on the marble floors. As she closes the door, darkness swallows the room. She walks blindly forward, knowing the way by heart. Her hand reaches out to grasp the heavily velvet draping a step before the bed and she stops, staring blankly into space.
"Mama," a voice sleepily mutters, "Can I wear the black dress tomorrow? It's so pretty!"
"Darling, everything will be as you wish." In the darkness, no one can see the bitter twist of Serenity's lips.
"Good, 'cause Rei-chan was saying black was too serious for little kids to wear, but I'll be nine tomorrow and that's not little at all!"
"It wouldn't be so bad, would it, to be little for a while longer?"
"No one takes little kids seriously. I want to be a serious person..." the little princess trails off, asleep again.
Serenity sits at the side of the bed and listens to her breathe.
Shortly afterwards.
Usagi isn't surprised to find Mamoru there when she opens the door, "Are you here to ...?"
"No," he says abruptly.
"You're leaving then," she states, trailing her fingers on his cheeks.
"I'm sorry Usako," he whispers turning away.
Her finger tighten, leaving red marks against his skin, as she forcibly turns his head to face her.
"Why," she whispers scathingly, "do I always have to be the strong one?"
"I'm sorry," he whispers closing his eyes, "But I can't stay here."
"Not even for your daughter?"
"I can't pretend."
She sags against him then, letting her tears soak his shoulder, as he continues to look away.
Nine years and nine months ago.
Serenity startles awake at a soft knock on her door. Lifting her head from a pile of paperwork, she surreptitiously wipes the drool from her mouth.
"Setsuna!" she exclaims, as the woman pushes her way inside, "What's wrong? Why are you crying?"
An age ago.
A dying girl stops time.