Chapter 1: Soldier of the New Century, Sailor Moon

"Small Lady! Wake up! You'll be late!"

Neo Queen Serenity tapped lightly on her daughter's bedroom door. She listened for a moment and, hearing no response, knocked again.

"Come on, Small Lady!"

"Ah, Serenity..." her husband began.

"Not now, Endymion. I have to wake our daughter up or she'll be late for her first day. Small Lady!" Serenity pounded on the door rather unceremoniously.

"But-"

"Small Lady!" Serenity shouted, ignoring him. "I know you can hear me! Small Lady!"

Endymion took a deep breath, forcing his voice to remain even. "Serenity, she's already downstairs. She was up before we were."

"Eeeh?" Serenity squeaked, looking embarrassed. "Really?"

"Actually, we were waiting on you so we could start breakfast."

"Goodness, dear, you should've said something." Serenity cleared her throat and took the arm he offered her. "Well, then, shall we?"

She was startled when he suddenly pulled her into a tight embrace.

"E-endymion?"

"Usa," he murmured, "don't ever change."

She smiled warmly and wrapped her arms around his neck. He rarely used the old nickname anymore, only in those private moments when she reminded him (often accidentally) that beneath their royal garb, they were still the same couple who had fallen in love a millennium ago. "Mamo-chan," she whispered.

She smiled warmly and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Mamo-chan," she whispered.

"I'm getting kind of hungry down here!" an indignant voice called from the bottom of the stairs. Chibiusa was standing there tapping her foot impatiently.

Endymion smiled and clasped his wife's hand. "Want some breakfast?"

"Honestly, Endymion, what kind of a question is that?"

"Gochisousama deshita!" Chibiusa said cheerfully, setting down her bowl. She rose, slung her rabbit-shaped bag over her shoulder, and smoothed her pleated skirt before bowing to her parents. "Looks like I'd better get going."

Serenity gave her a gentle smile. "Small Lady, I just want you to know how happy we are that you've decided to enter the public schools rather than continue your private tutoring. As a princess, it's important for you to have contact with your future subjects and understand the current events." Even as she spoke, Serenity marveled at the change in her daughter. In the past ten years, Chibiusa had grown from a spindly child into a beautiful young woman. Now she was taller than her mother, and her cute charm had been replaced by genuine beauty. Serenity resisted the urge to straighten the bow on the red and white school uniform, knowing that it was unnecessary.

Chibiusa nodded solemnly. She paused for a moment, thinking, then spoke up hesitantly. "Mama?"

"Yes, Small Lady?"

"Um... that is..." She shuffled nervously. "I've been thinking. I've finally gotten bigger, so could you not call me Small Lady anymore?"

There was a long silence as that sank in. Finally, Serenity cleared her throat. "Well, then! What shall we call you?" she asked, sounding just a bit too cheerful. "Since you're not small, is it just 'Lady'?"

Chibiusa hesitated. After all the times I've longed for them to call me 'Lady'...

"Actually, I'm not much of a lady," she admitted.

"Of course you are," Endymion reassured her. "You're becoming more ladylike every day."

She smiled but shook her head. "Still, it doesn't feel right." Not yet, she thought. Not until I've fulfilled all of my dreams.

Serenity thought for a second. "Well then, how about calling you Usagi?"

"Usagi..." Chibiusa repeated, then sighed. "I can't be Usagi. Because that name will always mean that clutzy, air-headed Usagi of the past." She sniffed indignantly. "She was always late, and got bad grades, and she couldn't cook as well as Mama! I can't have such an ill-fated name!"

Serenity looked miffed, but Endymion chuckled knowingly. "You really miss her, don't you?"

There was a long pause as Chibiusa stood staring at her feet. "Yes," she muttered at last.

Serenity sighed wistfully. "It's true, Tsukino Usagi is one person you can't meet again." She took her daughter gently by the shoulders. "But you can't keep longing for the past. Sometimes growing up means leaving things behind. Do you understand? Usagi-chan?"

The young princess was lost in thought for a second. At length she ventured a nervous smile. "Well," she said cautiously, "I guess I can be called Usagi for now."

Serenity patted her shoulder. "I think it suits you."

Then Usagi caught a glimpse of the clock and blanched. "Kyaa! Now I'm late just like that clumsy Usagi!" She sprang into motion, grabbing her bag and jamming her toes into her shoes.

"See you later!" she called over her shoulder as she scrambled out the door.

Endymion squeezed his wife's hand as they watched their daughter disappear down the road. "Serenity, you said you wanted Small La-" He caught himself. "You said you wanted Usagi to have contact with her subjects. But I don't think that was your only reason."

The queen was silent for a moment, then nodded. "You're right. I also wanted her to have a normal life... even if it's just for now."

Usagi strode quickly down the hall, her books clutched tightly over her chest. A clamor of whistles and catcalls followed her. Honestly... the nerve of those guys! She glanced back briefly to shoot a glare at the rowdy group of boys who were the source of most of the teasing. Unfortunately, that only prompted even more jeers. She ducked her head, blushing furiously, and walked even faster.

"Ooh, is she mad at us?"

"Those big round eyes! She looks like the innocent type."

"Ha! I'm telling you, good girls are more fun..."

I think I liked it better when they called me a chibi... Usagi thought to herself. She sighed in relief as she reached the door to her music classroom. Maybe this would provide a relaxing end of the day. She quietly slipped inside and took a seat in the back.

She sat for a few minutes, playing with a strand of hair that had fallen out of her odango buns. Across the room, a group of girls was whispering together. She paid them little heed, until one of them pointed at her and she realized she was the subject of their conversation. She pretended to be fascinated by a poster on the wall, but her ears strained to hear what they said.

"The way the boys fawn over her! It makes me sick," one of the girls said bitterly.

"Honestly!" another chimed in. "And the instructors too."

The first girl sniffed indignantly. "Everyone knows they're all just sucking up to her because she's the princess."

The chair made a horrid scraping noise on the tile floor as Usagi turned her back on the group. Everyone in the room cringed, and the princess' head sunk even lower. She felt tears stinging in her eyes. No! she thought. I won't cry. I won't give them that satisfaction!

Luckily, at that moment the music teacher walked in, and everyone quickly straightened in their seats. Usagi wiped her eyes and sat up, forcing a smile.

"Good afternoon, Harukaze-sensei," the class chimed in unison.

The teacher smiled and beckoned them to take their seats. "Everyone, today I'm pleased to announce a very special guest!" she said in a very upbeat voice. She sounded too young to be a teacher, Usagi thought absent-mindedly.

"...Please welcome our guest instructor, Kaioh Michiru-san!"

Usagi jumped up in surprise. "Mi-Michiru-sama?" she exclaimed, wondering what could have prompted Neptune to leave her post—let alone show up at her school in civilian guise.

The aqua haired woman smiled gently. "Please take your seat, Tsukino-san," she said, her voice kind but firm.

Usagi flushed scarlet. "I'm very sorry!" she squeaked, dropping quickly back into her seat. The chair responded with another rusty screech, and Usagi felt every eye in the room fixed on her. She mentally kicked herself twice: once for making a scene, and once for nearly blowing Neptune's cover.

"See?" one of the girls whispered. "She wasn't even punished. If it was one of us she'd have been mad."

Michiru said nothing but calmly took her place in the director's chair. "Well then, let's begin," she announced. "As you might expect, I'm here to instruct you in the art of the violin." As she spoke, her delicate fingers opened the leather case in her lap and lifted out her beautifully polished instrument. Usagi stared, mesmerized by the fluid grace of her movements.

Michiru-sama is the ideal of what a lady should be, she thought. I want to be like her someday, but... Next to her, how can a clumsy person like me compare?

She listened intently as Michiru demonstrated the proper way to hold the violin, then explained the basics of tuning. Then, unexpectedly, she walked over and held out the instrument to Usagi, who eyed it as if it might bite her. Michiru chucked, noting her expression. "It's all right. This isn't my concert one. It's an old one I keep for students." She gave the younger girl a wink. "This is the violin Hotaru learned on, you know."

Usagi nodded hesitantly and took the violin. She balanced it clumsily, trying to imitate what Michiru had done. Then she gingerly lifted the bow, careful to place her fingers correctly.

When Hotaru played, sometimes Pegasus would appear, Usagi recalled. She shook her head, inwardly laughing at herself. Of course that was silly. Helios would only come if the Earth was in danger, not just to hear someone's music practice. Even if that someone may or may not have been his maiden.

But still, the thought was there.

She took a deep breath and lifted the violin. Concentrate. Slowly, carefully, she drew the bow across the strings. For a moment, a single perfect note filled the air, and she dared to think she saw the wispy mirage of a pegasus hovering in the corner...

Then suddenly her wrist slipped, and the strings cried out with a horrible screech. Her classmates covered their ears, and she flinched, nearly dropping the violin. On the other end of the room, someone made a small sound of disgust. The pegasus in the corner was gone. Usagi felt suddenly queasy as she handed the violin back to Michiru.

"Tsukino," Michiru said quietly. "Please see me after class."

Usagi swallowed hard and nodded. Great... now Michiru-sama is angry at me!

Michiru said nothing more but briskly proceeded to the next student. "Next, please. Ibuki Aya."

"Hai," the girl replied, haughtily flipping a lock of luxuriant hair over her shoulder. Usagi recognized her as one of the girls who had been gossiping about her earlier. Aya picked up the violin with practiced ease and started to play a scale. A murmur of awe rippled through the room. Even Usagi had to admit that her pitch was near perfect. She finished the scale with a flourish and began the next. Everyone listened, entranced at even such a simple performance. When she had finished, the room broke into applause. Aya giggled, looking embarrassed at all the attention, but when no one was looking she cast a smug look in Usagi's direction.

"As expected from the school belle, Aya-sama!" someone whispered.

"I hear she takes private lessons, so it's no surprise..."

"I feel bad for Tsukino-san."

Michiru quieted them with a wave of her hand. "That was excellent, Ibuki-san. Next, please..."

Usagi sighed and commenced to staring at her feet as the class dragged on.

Finally, after two agonizing hours, Usagi heard Michiru say, "That's all for today." She stayed in her seat as the rest of the students filed out of the room.

"Chibiusa-chan," Michiru called after everyone had left.

"Ah... actually, from now on it's Usagi," she said nervously as she hurried over to face Michiru.

Michiru smiled. "Well then, Usagi-chan."

She was expecting to be scolded, so it was a surprise when Michiru touched her shoulder and asked gently, "Are you having a bad day?"

"Ah, I... I'm fine!" she stammered, then quickly added, "I'm sorry about earlier! The violin is more difficult than I thought! I'll practice extra to make up for it."

"I'm sure you'll find some good friends soon," Michiru reassured her. Usagi flinched, embarrassed that the older woman had seen through her so easily.

"Michiru-san... are you really just being nice to me because I'm the princess?"

"Absolutely not," Michiru replied evenly, without hesitation. "On the contrary, Usagi-chan. More is expected of someone in your position. As the princess, you should set the standard." She eyed Usagi sternly. "So don't expect any breaks."

Usagi was quiet for a moment, then managed a shaky smile. "Thank you, Michiru-san."

Michiru rose from her chair, and Usagi bowed respectfully, then picked up her bag and turned to go.

"Oh, yes. The real reason I asked you to stay after class. I believe there's someone waiting for you," Michiru said with a little smile.

Usagi glanced toward the door, and her face lit up. "Hotaru-chan!"

Her friend stood on tiptoes and waved. "Usagi-chan! Let's walk home together!"

Usagi fell in step beside her. "But why are you wearing a school uniform?" she queried.

Hotaru gave her a cheeky grin. "It's a special assignment from the queen. I'm undercover. If you're going to public school, then so am I!" As they stepped outside, she threw up her arms and stretched, breathing in the fresh air. "Besides, I missed high school the first time around, what with the end of the world and all."

"I'm glad," said Usagi. "I thought I was going to be alone."

They reached the school gate and turned up the road torward the Crystal Palace. The sun was just setting, and it cast a rosy glow over the glistening city. They walked for a while in comfortable silence, their shadows stretching long behind them.

"You sure have gotten tall, Usagi-chan," Hotaru remarked at length. "I didn't realize it, but you're taller than the queen already."

Usagi blinked, wondering what had brought that comment on. "Um, yeah, I guess so."

"Someday you're going to rule this planet, no, the entire solar system..." Hotaru said softly. "It's strange to think about."

Usagi looked over at her and saw uneasiness in her violet eyes. She smiled as brightly as she could. "Don't worry! Even when I become a queen I'll still be your best friend!"

Hotaru said nothing, but seemed to relax a bit. Usagi reached out and took hold of her hand. Hotaru seemed surprised, but didn't pull away.

"It's just like old times."

"Yeah..."

The moment was broken by the low moan of a warning siren, and Hotaru froze in her tracks. The sound quickly grew into a piercing wail, accompanied by a bright red flare that lit up on the highest tower of the Crystal Palace. Hotaru's eyes widened, and without another word she broke into a run. A surprised Usagi followed anxiously.

"What happened?" she panted as they ran.

"A red beacon means a Level 4 Security Alert!" Hotaru replied tersely. "That means the most critical area! The ginzuishou chamber!"

Usagi gasped, then clenched Hotaru's hand tighter and sprinted ahead as fast as she could. Without another word, the two friends hurried down the street torward the ominous red beacon in the sky.

"Serenity-sama!" Hotaru called as they burst into the inner chamber, at the same time as Usagi shouted "Mama!"

The queen jumped to her feet as they entered. Worry clouded her azure eyes. "I'm glad you two returned safely," she breathed, embracing her daughter. After a moment she pulled away and placed her hands firmly on Usagi's shoulders. "Small Lady, please go up to your room now. I need to talk to Saturn."

"But Mama-"

"Not now, Small Lady." Serenity turned away, motioning to Venus, who was standing in the corner. The blond-haired senshi immediately took hold of Usagi's arm and forcibly led her from the room.

"Aww, come on, Venus! Let me go!"

Venus shook her head and kept walking. "I'm sorry, Princess. Serenity-sama wishes to keep you out of danger."

Usagi sniffed indignantly. "How can you say that? I'm a sailor senshi, aren't I?"

Venus turned, giving her one long, stern look, and Usagi found she couldn't meet the older girl's eyes. "You shouldn't have to be."

With that she set off again, leading Usagi in silence back to her room.

Meanwhile, Sailor Saturn was walking briskly at Serenity's side, headed for the crystal chamber. The queen looked more than a little frazzled.

"I can't explain it," Serenity was saying. "The crystal suddenly separated into the Silver Crystal and the Holy Moon Sword."

Saturn nodded. "And this was the weapon the senshi once used to fight the Dark Kingdom, am I correct? The sword that slew Queen Beryl?"

Serenity nodded, and Saturn saw her shudder at the memory. "After that battle the sword merged with the ginzuishou and they became complete. It's remained that way since that time. But now..." She frowned, thourougly puzzled. "And that's not all," she went on. "This is the part that really worries me. Mercury reports that someone tried to hack into our computer and shut off the shield generators, particularly the ones protecting the silver crystal chamber."

Saturn tightened her grip on the Silence Glaive. "Then someone's after the crystal?"

"It would seem that way. We're still trying to trace the hackers. Until then, I'm going to stand guard over the crystal myself."

They had reached the end of the hall, and Serenity placed her hand against a scanner on the wall. The machine emitted a high-pitched beep, and the door slid open with a soft hiss. The room beyond was all white marble, and seemed to overflow with light. In the center was an ornately carved alabaster pedestal. On top hovered a crystal flower that shone with the strongest light of all. Saturn saw a gleaming crystal sword resting at the base of the pillar.

"So that's the Moon Sword," she mused. "I wonder if this is an omen."

Serenity sighed heavily. "I don't want to think that our era of peace is ending." A wistful look came over her face. "For Usagi-chan's sake..."

Usagi was, at that moment, sulking in her bedchamber. The curtains of her canopy bed were drawn tightly shut, and she sat nestled in the plush pile of blankets, slowly squeezing the life out of a down pillow.

Across the room, Venus sighed, staring at the wall of pink brocade. "Princess, surely you must see that it's for the best. The sailor soldiers exist to protect you and the queen. So if you'll just stay here quietly..."

Usagi silently rolled her eyes at the lecture. Nearby under the covers, something squirmed. In a few moments a small furry head emerged.

The princess grinned. "Diana!" she whispered excitedly. "You've got to help me get out of here."

Diana frowned worriedly. "But Venus said-"

"I know what Venus said," Usagi cut her off impatiently. "But don't you want to find out what's going on? I'm a sailor soldier too! If there's trouble I want to help everyone!"

Diana thought for a moment. "Well, if you say so..."

"...And furthermore, you've got a responsibility to your kingdom, so-" Venus broke off, noting that her charge had grown suspiciously quiet. "Hey, are you even listening to me?"

"Hai," Usagi said obediently, popping out from the curtains. "I've decided to stay here and behave, so you don't have to worry."

Venus blinked, surprised at her sudden about-face. "Really?"

Usagi smiled innocently. Venus gave her a long, scrutinizing look, then shrugged. "Well, that's good."

They sat quietly for a bit before Diana piped up, "Nee, Venus-sama."

"Yes?"

"Can I ask your advice on something?"

Venus nodded. "What is it?"

"Well..." Diana's tail flicked nervously. "It's about a boy..."

"Oho!" Venus chuckled, her blue eyes brightening with interest. "Could it be that our Diana-chan has fallen in love?" A mischievous grin crept over her face. "Tell me everything! No secrets now, I want details!"

Diana hesitated, then pointed to the closet. "Um, could we go in there? I don't want anyone else to hear us."

"Hmm? Well, okay..." Venus stepped inside and crouched down to look Diana in the eye. "Now about this boy..."

Diana shook her head. "Go back a little further! It's really embarrassing so I want to make sure it's a secret!"

Venus pushed her way further into the closet. "All right, I'm sure nobody will hear us now." She grinned. "So, Diana-chan-"

Before she could react Usagi had slammed the door in her face and turned the key in the lock. Venus leapt up and tugged at the door handle, but it was too late.

"Thanks, Diana!" Usagi chirruped. She took a small scroll from her pocket and stuck it on the door. "Venus-sama!" she called in a singsong voice. "I'm sticking one of Mars-sama's scrolls on the door, so don't bother trying to use your powers to escape!"

"What?" Venus screeched. "How did you get that?" Her eyes widened as she realized she'd been duped. "You mean you had this planned out from the start? When I get out of here you're in big trouble, young lady..."

"Are you sure this is okay?" Diana asked worriedly.

"Don't worry, everything will be fine!" Usagi reassured her. She grabbed her brooch and dashed off down the hall.

"This is not okay!" Venus shouted. "Get back here! Princess!" She pounded furiously on the door, but Usagi was already gone.

"Forgive me, Venus-sama..." Diana said quietly, then hurried to follow Usagi.

Venus shook her head and tried her best to get comfortable among the mess of clothes and boxes. "No matter what era I'm in, I'm always dealing with an unruly princess..."

An uneasy silence had settled over the palace. Serenity hovered over the crystal, Saturn pretended to inspect her glaive, Mars and Jupiter stood anxiously in the corner, and Mercury periodically took out her computer, scanned the area for life-signs, and put it back. Luna sat silently at the queen's side, her twitching tail the only sign of her uneasiness.

"Finding anything?" Jupiter asked her companion. The blue-haired senshi shook her head. She polished a non-existent speck of dust from her visor and went back to scanning.

After several minutes, Serenity sighed heavily and shook her head. "Maybe it's nothing after all."

The words were scarcely out of her mouth before an explosion shook the palace. The queen cried out as the walls shuddered and flecks of plaster fell from the ceiling. The four senshi immediately rushed to shield her. In the distance were the sounds of panicked screams and shattering glass.

Mars' communicator rang, and she snapped it open. Venus' face appeared through a haze of static, looking haggard.

"Mars! This is bad!"

"You're telling us!" Mars shouted over the din.

"And where the hell are you!" Jupiter cut in.

Venus grimaced. "I am currently locked in the princess' closet," she replied, looking less than amused.

For a moment the senshi could only stare at their hapless leader. "Why am I not surprised?" Mars muttered.

"In this situation I think it would be understandable to break the door down," Mercury suggested, looking rueful at the prospect.

"You think I haven't tried that?" Venus snapped irritably.. "She's stuck one of Mars' omamori on the door. Even my power can't budge it."

"Then break it down the old-fasioned way!" Jupiter growled as if the solution were obvious.

"I've been trying for the past ten minutes," Venus moaned, rubbing her shoulder. "If only I had a screwdriver..." Then she turned serious. "Mars, take over for me," she instructed. "Protect the queen at all costs."

"Venus!" Serenity said urgently. "My daughter..."

"Yes, and someone go look for the princess."

Saturn stepped forward immediately. "Please leave that to me." The queen nodded, and Saturn hurried off down the hall.

Another loud crash rang out through the palace. The senshi braced themselves as the whole room trembled.

"I've got it on my scanner!" Mercury announced. "I'm sending it over to the main monitor..." As she spoke a screen on the back wall of the room sprang into life with a shrill beep. An image of the main ballroom came into focus. Most of the lights had gone out, and the hall was beginning to fill with smoke. Chairs and tables were overturned, a large crystal chandelier had been ripped from the ceiling, and a series of small fires had sprung up. Standing in the middle of the wreckage was a sinewy figure with blue skin. Its body was mostly obscured by the pair of brilliant silver wings that sprouted from its back, but they could see the glint of long, needle-like claws.

Serenity frowned in determination and picked up the crystal. "Brace yourselves!" she commanded. "I'm going to purify this palace!"

"But Serenity-sama-" Venus protested.

The queen just looked over at her and smiled. "I won't die, Venus. I promise." She raised the shining stone in outstretched palms. "Silver Moon Crystal..."

"Stooooop!" a small voice cried out from the monitor.

Serenity hesitated, recognizing her daughter's voice. She turned around and saw Usagi's face on the screen.

"Usagi-chan!" she cried out in alarm. "Where are you? Why didn't you stay in your room as I told you to?"

Usagi ignored her. "Don't use up all your power! Stay there and guard the crystal, and let me handle this monster! This might just be a distraction!"

"It's true," Mercury observed. "This monster has attacked out in the open, and remained in one place for a long period of time. It could be that whoever's behind this wants us to rush out to fight it."

"Distraction or not," the queen argued, "it's still just as dangerous!"

"I can handle it!" Usagi reassured her.

"Please believe in us this time!" Diana chimed in.

"Serenity-sama," Luna spoke up for the first time. "Perhaps Usagi-sama is right. Since you can't become SailorMoon anymore, it's difficult for you to fight. And besides, with the crystal divided like this, you won't be nearly as strong."

Serenity said nothing but continued to watch the monitor nervously.

"Let's go, Diana!" Usagi said, throwing the doors of the ballroom open with a bang. She clenched a fist, willing her energy to focus. "Pink Moon Crystal Power! Make Up!"

Nothing happened.

The monster turned to face the newcomer, a low growl rumbling in its throat. Usagi backed up slowly as its shadow fell over her.

"Pink Moon Crystal Power, Make Up!" she shouted again, but her power wouldn't activate. "I can't transform! Why isn't it working?"

"Don't ask me!" Diana squeaked.

The creature lunged at them, and Usagi and Diana dove to the side. Its claws plunged deep into the crystal floor, sending a wave of spidery cracks across the smooth surface.

"Usagi!" the queen cried. "Run away!"

"You don't have a chance if you can't transform!" Jupiter agreed.

"This battle isn't worth risking the princess!" Mars pleaded. "Just get back to a secure area and one of us will take care of it!"

"No," Usagi said defiantly. "I won't run away!" She picked up a broken-off table leg that had fallen nearby and brandished it at her opponent. "Stay with Mama!" she told the others.

She swung the table leg at the monster. The blow connected with its knee, but the piece of wood shattered into splinters without leaving a scratch. The fiend slashed at her, and again Usagi barely managed to dodge. It unfurled its bat-like wings and rose into the air, stirring up a cloud of debris.

"Usagi!" Serenity screamed. "Usagi, listen to me!" She winced as the monster slammed its fist into the ground, making the whole palace shake. When the dust cleared, her daughter was struggling to stand. Usagi picked up a chunk of rubble and flung it at the monster. It glanced off harmlessly, and the beast closed in on her...

"Small Lady!"

Usagi, who was about to throw another rock, hesitated. "Small...?" she repeated. Even though she said she wouldn't call me that anymore... Even now, Mama still doesn't believe in me!"

She was so distracted that she didn't notice the monster's spiked tail hurtling toward her.

"Usagi-sama, look out!" Diana shouted, leaping and using all her strength to shove Usagi out of the way. They went sprawling across the floor as the monster's tail smashed into the ground, right where Usagi had been standing. It flapped its wings again, rising into the air in preparation for another strike.

"Diana..." Usagi gasped as she sat up. The little cat was laying on the ground, exhausted and bruised from her effort.

Diana looked up and smiled weakly. "Believe in yourself," she told Usagi.

"I understand what Usagi-sama is feeling right now," she continued, addressing Serenity and the senshi. "We can't just stand by when the people we love are in danger! We can't always be children who are protected!" She looked at her friend with an encouraging smile. "So Usagi-sama, believe that there is something you can do!"

"Yeah..." Usagi agreed, rising to her feet.

Luna stepped forward. "You're right. I believe in you, Diana," she said. She gave Serenity a meaningful glance, waiting to see if she would follow suit.

Serenity hesitated. Memories of the past nine hundred years flashed before her eyes. The day of Chibiusa's birth. Her first steps. Her first birthday. Her first day of school. The smile on her face that Christmas when she'd first met Diana. Her awakening as a senshi. The first innocent kiss she'd given Helios.

This morning, when she'd asked her mother not to call her "Small Lady" anymore.

It was not until Serenity opened her eyes that she realized they had been closed. A single tear ran down her cheek, sparkling brighter than any crystal. It fell silently and disappeared. She held up her staff.

"I believe in you, Usagi-chan."

A brilliant light poured forth from the staff, bathing the whole room in silver radiance. The crystal and the sword reacted with a strong glow. In a moment the same light surrounded Usagi. It wrapped around her, and she rose slightly off the ground. Her long hair fluttered in a gust of magical wind as the light gathered into a ball at her chest. It slowly solidified into a pink and gold brooch engraved with a star.

"Thank you, Mama," Usagi whispered. She clutched the new brooch. "I can't become Chibimoon anymore," she realized, "because this is my era! Moon Crystal Power, Make Up!"

The compact opened, and the crystal inside gleamed. Ribbons burst from the center and wrapped around Usagi. With a flash of light, a pink sailor fuku materialized. A few more bright flashes formed her boots, gloves, and tiara. The powered-up senshi flashed a brief salute.

She looked straight into the monster's eyes and pointed an accusing finger at it. "Hey you! Don't think you can just do as you please to our kingdom! I am Sailor Moon! In the name of the moon, I'll punish you!"

Her opponent did not appear impressed.

Sailor Moon held out her hands, and with a glimmer of pink her familiar heart-shaped wand appeared. She held it above her head, charging up her magic. "Pink Sugar Heart Attack!" she shouted. A stream of energy and pink hearts pelted the monster... and glanced right off its tough metallic hide. The monster retaliated with a diving slash. Sailor Moon screamed as she was sent hurtling across the room. The wand dropped to the floor, sliced cleanly in half.

Usagi sat up, gritting her teeth. The skin on her knee was torn open and blood ran down her leg, but she ignored it. I won't cry! she thought. If it was Mama she wouldn't!

Serenity smiled proudly in spite of the situation. If it was me, I'd probably have cried...

Sailor Moon got to her feet and charged at her opponent with a flying kick. The monster easily evaded her, rising to the ceiling with a few powerful wing-beats. Sailor Moon skidded to a stop and turned around, but the beast was already rushing toward her. She could only brace herself for impact...

In a flash of purple, someone tackled the monster from the side. It crashed into the ground with, slid across the floor with an awful scraping sound, and slammed into the wall. One of its wings lay severed on the floor, still twitching.

"Saturn!" Sailor Moon said with a broad smile as she recognized her friend.

The monster roared and slashed at Saturn, but she deflected the blow with her glaive and pinned its arm to the floor. In the same motion she vaulted herself forward and delivered a powerful kick to its jaw, knocking it back. Seizing the opportunity, she leapt into the air, twirling her weapon, and drove the blade deep into the monster's chest. It cried out weakly and was still.

Sailor Saturn pulled her bloody glaive from the monster's torso and stood up, looking a bit queasy at the gruesome sight. She turned around and returned her friend's smile. "Sorry I'm late."

Sailor Moon was about to reply when she saw the monster's arm rise up. "Saturn, it's still moving!"

But it was too late. Saturn cried out as the cruel claws dug into her back. Cloth and flesh tore as the monster flung her aside.

Sailor Moon ran to her friend's side. "Saturn! Are you all right?"

Saturn coughed and winced as she sat up. "I'm fine. Finish it!" she said urgently, pointing toward the monster. Sailor Moon nodded and angrily faced her enemy.

"I won't forgive you for hurting Saturn..."

"Try throwing your tiara!" Diana suggested.

Sailor Moon nodded. She grasped the slender band and plucked it off her forehead. It began to spin rapidly and morphed into a circular blade. "Take this!" she shouted. "Moon Tiara Boomerang!" She flung it at the monster with all her strength.

The blade flew true, and the creature let out another ear-wrenching scream as it was sliced in half. It collapsed and dissolved into dust.

At that moment, in an abandoned building on the other side of the city, a young woman was also watching the battle on a crude monitor setup. She frowned with displeasure as the monster was destroyed.

"And I worked so hard on that one, too..."

Her ice-blue eyes fell on the young senshi. "Sailor Moon, huh?" She frowned, leaning closer. Her nose wrinkled as she brushed the dust from the screen. "Hmm. Come to think of it, she kind of looks like..."

As the monster disappeared, the view flickered and static filled the screen. The young woman sighed shook her head. Nah, it's just my imagination. A mischievous smile spread over her face as she switched the monitor off. "At any rate, things sure have gotten interesting."

Sailor Moon carefully helped Saturn to her feet. "We better get you to the infirmary..." she said worriedly.

"I'll be all right," Saturn reassured her. Artemis' voice came in over the communicator. "Well done, Diana! You picked a great strategy!" Diana beamed with pride.

"Hey, give us a little credit too..." Sailor Moon muttered.

"Good job, Lady," said a man's voice from the window above. The two soldiers looked up in surprise, but all they saw was a the edge of a white cape fluttering against the night sky. In a moment it was gone.

"Who...?" Moon wondered out loud.

"I don't know," Saturn said, mystified.

"Artemis, where have you been?" Luna was asking irritably.

Artemis sighed. "I'm trying to get my clumsy partner out of Usagi-sama's closet."

"A little to the left," Venus was saying in the background. "No, my left! Push that rotor..."

"This is a bit difficult when I don't have opposable thumbs..." Artemis mumbled around the hairpin in his mouth.

Mars rolled her eyes. "Good luck."

Moon chuckled. "Well anyway... Thanks for helping me back there."

"Any time!" Saturn replied with a smile. They both de-transformed.

Diana purred and jumped onto Usagi's shoulder. "Good job back there, you guys!" she chirruped. "Now, let's go report to the queen, and get Hotaru-chan fixed up."

Usagi smiled sheepishly. "I'm gonna catch it from Venus..."

"I can't say I'd blame her," Diana muttered.

Usagi shot her feline companion a sideways glance. "Gee, thanks."

Hotaru leaned against her shoulder, and the three of them made their way down the corridor toward the Crystal Chamber.