AN: So this took more time than I had hoped. For the record, I'm trying to update once a week. This won't always be possible, since real life has a tendency to get in the way, but I am trying. Also, I get the impression that some of you expect more purpose behind the inclusion of the R movie plot than there is. It's revealed this chapter, so that'll clear up the confusion.

Disclaimer: No changes, I own nothing. Not even fan stuff. =(

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Fighting, struggling. It's taking everything she has to hold the Ginzuishou steady. More to keep using its power. It shatters as they succeed, and she's gone.

Shattering, dead. Shatter. Shatterdeadshatterdeadshatter…

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Usagi managed to muffle her scream with her pillow this time, but it still woke Luna.

"Usagi-chan!" she meowed. "What's wrong?"

"That nightmare again," she answered as she lifted her face from the pillow. "Again and again and again. Every time I close my eyes."

"It's just stress," her guardian tried to assure her.

"Luna, it started before that Daimon attacked Rei-chan. There was no reason for me to be stressed. It means something. It has to."

The little cat sat up. "You can try telling me what it seems to focus on," she suggested.

"I already told you."

"I don't mean the entire thing, Usagi-chan. Is there a part that seems to be more important?"

"I don't think so."

Luna sighed. "I wasn't there, but I know something happened that you didn't tell me. Could that be what it's drawing your attention to?"

The blonde nodded slowly. "It… does seem to…" Her color drained. "Oh. Oh. The Ginzuishou. Luna, the Ginzuishou!"

"The Ginzuishou? What about it?"

"That's what we never told you," Usagi said feverishly as she grabbed her broach from next to her. "We beat Fiore and Kisenian, yes, but that didn't stop the asteroid. I had to use the Ginzuishou to alter its path so we would survive. Fiore had drained my energy, but I used it anyway."

She opened the top, revealing the dull gem. Luna looked at it, concerned. "Usagi, what happened?"

"About what you would expect. It was too much of a strain for it, and for me. I managed to stop the asteroid from hitting, but in the process I went too far and the Crystal shattered."

"If the Ginzuishou shattered, you should have died!"

"I did. Mamo-chan brought me back somehow. He hasn't said what happened, and I haven't asked. But it shattered, Luna. That Daimon must be the lowest class monster our new enemies have, but it was able to touch my broach and break my henshin. That shouldn't be possible."

"Unless the Ginzuishou was already too weak," Luna finished. "Oh, Selene. There is no way to make it recover from that, either. It has to do so in its own time."

Usagi nodded. "So what can I do? I don't think the Senshi will be enough to fight the Daimons. Sailor Moon has to be there too."

"I think it is highly unlikely that the Ginzuishou will be able to sustain a henshin after what has happened. I am sorry, Usagi-chan, but I doubt that you will be able to become Sailor Moon."

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"Mamo-chan…"

"Hm?"

They were sitting in the park, trying to make sense of what had happened. They had already realized that the mysterious figures Luna had told Usagi about were Uranus and Neptune, but they were at a loss as to why they had kept their distance. Now she was telling him about the problem with the Ginzuishou.

"Mamo-chan, I don't think I can henshin anymore."

He sat back against the bench and looked over at her. "Have you tried?"

"No. I don't think it's a good idea for me to use the Ginzuishou unless it's absolutely necessary. What if I can't, though? What happens if someone's attacked and I can't save them?"

"We've gone over this," he reminded gently. "If something happens, it's not your fault. You can't be held accountable for what others do, Usako. As long as you've done your best, no one can blame you."

"I'd blame me."

He pulled her close against him. "I know you would. I can't make it better. I wish I could, but I will say that I'll be there any way that I can. You're not alone in this. Even if you can't become Sailor Moon, the rest of us will keep fighting."

"How is Kunzite?"

"He says he's completely healed. Minako-chan says he's still very tender in the ribs and is slower than usual. She wants him to stay out of any warrior business for at least another week."

"Can we spare him if another Daimon attacks?"

"I don't know, but Fiore hurt him badly. I have to agree with Minako-chan."

She stared at the ground. "If we're in trouble, he'll come anyway. He must consider two weeks long enough."

Mamoru nodded. "Most likely. It's not in his nature to sit by idly when there is something he can do."

"He could be hurt again."

"He understands that."

"I know. I just…"

"You just can't stand it if someone is hurt," he finished. "No matter what."

"I have to be able to henshin," Usagi whispered. "If I can't, so many people will suffer. Uranus and Neptune gave back Rei-chan's heart crystal, or she would have died. What if the new enemy had gotten it?"

Mamoru got to his feet. "Worrying about it won't solve anything. Let's go. I have something to show you."

"Show me?" she asked. An instant later, she tripped and wound up crumpled against his chest. "…Sorry."

"No problem," he assured her. A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "I don't mind catching you."

Usagi blushed faintly. "So what are you going to show me?"

"Just come on."

He led her to an abandoned house, ducking through a hole in the fence. She hesitated before following.

"What is this place?"

"A girl in the neighborhood comes here a lot. I saw her leaving once and asked, so she showed me." He held up a kitten. "See?"

"It's so cute!" she exclaimed. "Are there more?"

He nodded. "A lot of homeless cats stay here."

Glancing up, Usagi smiled. "Where are they?"

"Inside, but there's… more."

"More?"

"They're going to tear this house down."

"That's horrible!"

Mamoru sighed. "Yeah, it is. These cats will have no place to go again."

"Maybe we could find them homes?"

"Where?" he asked. "I can't have pets and you already have Luna. Doesn't Shingo hate cats?"

"The other girls could take them," Usagi suggested. "Maybe not Mina, since she has Artemis and her parents aren't really around, but Rei-chan has that big temple they could live at. Ami-chan loves cats."

"Don't make any decisions without consulting them," he warned.

"I know. We could call them? They can see for themselves."

"You get lectured every time you use the communicator so idly."

She shrugged. "It's just… I have to feel like I'm helping somehow if…"

"Hey. We're not thinking about that, remember? Everything will be fine."

"Still. I'll call them. It won't hurt anything, right?"

She flipped the device open and placed the call as Mamoru looked around.

"Something's wrong," he said.

"What?"

"I don't know. I hear someone running."

A little girl darted past, a few kittens following in her wake. She ran straight into the house crying.

"She's upset," Usagi murmured. "I should try talking to her."

They walked in as well, but jerked back as one when they heard the glass doors slam open. Peering around the corner, they saw the monster staring balefully as the child.

"Daimon!" she hissed.

"How long until the Senshi get here?"

"Not soon enough. I have to do something!"

He glanced at it again. "Usako, that thing is easily taller and stronger than you. What will you do if your henshin doesn't work?"

"It doesn't matter. I have to try."

Mamoru pivoted. "Don't!"

"I have to! MOON CRYSTAL POWER, MAKE-UP!"

Nothing. Unlike before, the henshin did not blossom only to crumple under attack. The Ginzuishou remained entirely unresponsive.

"No," she whispered. "Mamo-chan, that girl… I can't let her be hurt."

"I'll do my best until the others arrive," he assured her. "We'll protect her. Stay here, please. I don't want you to be hurt either."

He was Tuxedo Kamen an instant later and leapt into the Daimon's view. It was some sort of cat, but it seemed to be made of puzzle pieces. It hissed at him, but his Smoking Bomber barreled into it and threw it into the wall. Fortunately, the Senshi had made good time and arrived moments later.

"What's happening?" Minako demanded. "We heard Tuxedo Kamen-sama's attack. Why aren't you henshined?"

"It didn't work," Usagi whispered. "I can't henshin, Minako-chan. You have to do something!"

She nodded, taking charge. "Henshin!" she ordered. "There's a civilian in trouble and Tuxedo Kamen-sama is out there alone."

"JUPITER STAR POWER!"

"MARS STAR POWER!"

"MERCURY STAR POWER!"

"VENUS STAR POWER!"

"MAKE-UP!"

The Senshi ran to join the battle. Mars and Jupiter combined attacks, but the Daimon- Usagi decided its name was probably Nekonneru, since it kept repeating that- deflected it back against the warriors. The force of the electrified fire hurled them back against the wall. Tuxedo Kamen evaded the blast, but he was distracted trying to help the Senshi.

Nekonneru turned back to its original victim, now fainted on the ground. Baring a black star tattoo on its thigh, the beam struck the girl in the chest and succeeded in ripping free her Pure Heart Crystal.

Like before, the orbs of light smashed into it immediately after, jolting the crystal from its hold. The puzzle fell to pieces, and the two examined the extracted essence of a child's pure heart. Seemingly satisfied it wasn't what they sought, the taller figure tossed it back, and they turned to go.

"Wait!" Venus cried as the Daimon began to reform. "You're Senshi, too!"

"This is your battle, not ours. We didn't come to be part of your team."

"That doesn't mean you can't help!" Jupiter hissed as she attempted to shift her weight. One leg had taken the brunt of the assault, and it wobbled beneath her when she managed to stand. "People could be killed!"

"Destroying these things is a task for you. We're only interested in the Talismans."

Uranus and Neptune vanished, leaving the injured Senshi with a now revitalized Nekonneru.

It attacked them again, leaving the girls in a heap on the ground.

Usagi shook her head. "I have to do something!"

She leapt at it, but she too was thrown to the side like so much garbage. When it turned on her, she was only spared injury by Tuxedo Kamen taking the blow in her stead.

"Tuxedo Kamen-sama!"

"Run away," he murmured, one hand pressed against his badly bruised ribs. "Get out of here, Usako!"

"I can't leave all of you here. You'll die!"

"Usako-"

"No! I won't let you be hurt for me any more!"

A flash of brilliant light pulsed around them, blinding the Daimon as it twisted around the lovers.

You have proven your bravery again, my sweet daughter.

"Mother?"

"Queen Serenity…" Tuxedo Kamen whispered.

This scepter was created by your love for each other when you were officially betrothed. I kept it, knowing a time would come when you might have need of it. That time has come. It will give you power in the Ginzuishou's stead, until such time that the Crystal has been restored to its former glory.

A long pink rod, topped with a golden crown and a flawlessly red heart, spun into being before them.

It is the Spiral Heart Moon Rod. Take it, my precious girl. Defend your friends, your love, and your world.

"What do I do, Mother?"

Just take it. You will know the rest.

Usagi's fingers curled slowly along its handle. As they did, her broach flared and changed, turning to a red heart similar to the one topping this new weapon.

"MOON COSMIC POWER, MAKE-UP!"

Her henshin wasn't the same. It felt different, brighter. She knew the instant the Ginzuishou withdrew into the depths of her, leaving the power of the new scepter to sustain her. It was all right, though- the Spiral Heart Moon Rod was alive with old, powerful magic. It wasn't like the Ginzuishou was gone entirely, either. It would be there when she needed it.

And she was Sailor Moon! She hated being a warrior, to the depths of her soul hated it, but she hated risking the ones she loved more. The weapon in her hand blazed to life.

"MOON SPIRAL HEART ATTACK!"

A swirl of red hearts poured from the rod as she spun around, coalescing into a large one that struck the Daimon and shattered. As it did, Nekonneru shouted "Lovely!" and was gone. A simple puzzle with an image of a brown and white calico cat was all that remained. The Daimon egg emerged from it and broke.

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The little girl, Miharu, was playing with the cats as the various heroes looked on. Ami was wrapping a bandage around Makoto's injured leg, and Usagi gently did the same for Mamoru's ribs. The others were tidying up various minor scrapes and bruises, injuries that wouldn't last more than a day with their healing.

"So what about all the cats?" Minako asked.

"Well," Usagi began, "I thought each of you could take some of them."

"WHAT?" the others said together.

"I'm joking. I contacted the nearest no-kill shelter and asked for them to be taken in as soon as possible. They'll be put up for adoption once they've been checked by the shelter's vets."

"Usagi…" Rei growled. "Don't scare us again."

She sighed. "Are you referring to the battle or the cats?"

"Both."

The blonde stared hard at the bandages for several moments before speaking again. "I've made some important decisions we need to discuss."

"So tell us," Ami said mildly.

"It has to be all of us. Kunzite, too. This will affect everyone."

"You're making me worried, Usagi," Rei commented.

"It's not bad. I think it isn't, anyway."

Minako sighed. "We should go to his house, then. He said he wasn't working today, so he'll be there."

They walked in companionable silence to the house of businessman Takeda Keiji. Fortunately, it wasn't far. Minako pulled Usagi and Mamoru to the side as they reached the entrance.

"Give me a few minutes first."

Mamoru raised one brow. "Doing something we wouldn't approve of?"

"No…"

"Minako-chan…" Usagi frowned. "What's wrong?"

"He has nightmares," the other blonde admitted flatly. "Bad ones, all the time. Especially since he's still weak from his wounds. I know he doesn't want anyone else to see him that way."

"He's having nightmares too?"

"Too? Usagi-chan, has Rei-chan seen something she isn't telling us?"

"She's seen something, but she doesn't understand it. I've had nightmares a lot these past few weeks myself."

"Then you understand," Mina said, relieved. "Just give me a few minutes, okay? He can be… difficult… as he wakes up."

"He hasn't hurt you?" Mamoru asked.

"No, though it's been close a few times. He recognizes my presence enough that even asleep he'll try not to harm me." She turned and let herself into the house before they could argue, all but running through the halls to reach his room.

He was in the half-state between his human self and his Shitennou self, wearing the appearance of Kunzite but not his power. He wasn't moving, so she hoped he might be sleeping peacefully for once.

"What is it, Mina?"

"You're awake," she realized. "Have you slept at all?"

"Some." He sat up, brushing back his tousled hair.

"Nightmares again?"

"No. I did not sleep long enough for that."

The girl frowned. "You need to sleep more, or those wounds will never finish healing."

"They are healed. I do not know why you insist I maintain my distance; you could have used my help today."

"Maybe," she admitted. "We just want to be sure you've made a full recovery."

"I am well, Mina," he assured her. "There is no need to fret so. Now, what brings you here? I thought you and the others would be studying again."

"Usagi-chan said she needs to talk to all of us, so after the battle we came here. We're not intruding, are we?"

"Not at all. If you will allow me a minute's privacy, I will dress and join everyone in the sitting room."

"Sure," Mina agreed, heading out.

It really only took a minute's time for Kunzite to change to black slacks and a buttoned white shirt, and a few moments more to set his hair to order. Since they were staying within the privacy of his house, he did not bother to alter his appearance.

"So what is this important announcement, Usagi-hime?" he asked as he reached the room.

She stood up. "Can I talk to you first?"

Kunzite inclined his head. "Certainly. We may speak on the patio."

He led her out a sliding glass door to his backyard. The large wooden deck was polished to the gleam, and the surrounding lawn was pristine and healthy.

"Your work obviously pays well."

"It does, but I do not think that you wish to discuss my employment. Something is troubling you?"

Usagi sighed. "Mina told Mamo-chan and I about your nightmares. Are you really all right?"

He studied her. "I see. Mina is that afraid, then."

"Are you surprised?"

"That she was frightened? No. When we are alone, she does nothing to conceal her emotions. I am surprised that she has told you so soon, however."

"You must have known she would say something eventually."

"Yes, I suppose I did. What do you need to know?"

"Are you all right?" Usagi asked. "I mean really. I don't need to hear the automatic yes. If you're not, someone could be hurt."

Kunzite did not reply immediately. "A part of me feels I should be insulted that you would ask. Regardless of the difficulties I might face privately, I would not allow a team member to be injured for it. The rest of me understands your concern. I do not think I will become careless."

"You still haven't answered the question."

He sighed. "No, I am not 'all right'. I am sure Mina told you that the nightmares are escalating. They are bearable, but it becomes tiring. However, should I believe that I am a liability, I will withdraw at once."

"What would that help?" she demanded. "Your powers are absolutely needed, Kunzite. I don't think you'll be a liability, no matter how bad it gets. I think that when it really matters, you'll be able to pull through, because you always do."

"What could I accomplish if I am too weak to battle?" One hand curled around the patio's railing, tightening until his knuckles turned white. "We do not know the extent to which our enemies will go. If they were to capture me, I am alone. I would be an easy target."

"You were never an easy target. You're not alone, Kunzite. You have Minako-chan and Mamo-chan. The Shitennou might not be with you in body, but their spirits aren't trapped anymore. Can't that be enough?"

"I am… trying."

"That's all I'm asking. Just try, okay? For your sake as much as anyone's."

"If that is your wish," he replied. "Is there anything else?"

Usagi shook her head. "That's it. We should go back to the others."

Kunzite nodded. "Very well. I am told you have an urgent announcement."

"It's more an idea?"

His lips twitched. "Do you fear our disapproval?"

"Maybe a little. I think it's important, but the rest of you might not agree with me."

He opened the door, stepping aside to pass through. "I am sure we will all endeavor to listen with open minds."

"Thanks."

The others had ranged in a loose circle around the room. Kunzite slid onto the couch beside Mina, who immediately took his hand and held it tightly. Usagi went to stand by Mamoru, seated in an armchair nearby.

"So what's this big secret?" Makoto asked with a smile.

"I-"

"Come on, it can't be that bad," Rei chided. "Spit it out."

"Everyone, please," Ami said with a quelling look. "Let her talk."

"Thanks, Ami-chan." Usagi looked around at everyone. "First, I just want to say that I'm not making a decision, really. It's a suggestion. If we do it, it'll be because you choose to agree with me."

"I'm worried again," Rei murmured to Mamoru. He nodded in response.

Minako frowned. "What's so important that it requires all of us to decide?"

"I-" She took a deep breath and started again. "I want us to go public."

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AN: Hehe, cliffhanger already. It's not really a massive one (or is it?) but hopefully it'll prompt more reviews. I know a lot of the readers for this series might not have seen this is being posted yet, but I was hoping for more feedback than 2 reviews on the intro to the story. So, review please. Till next time!