Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon or the image used. I do own my OC characters in this story.

Chapter Twenty

A month later, Usagi had been brought back to them by Sailor Pluto, but it was clear she had greatly changed. The former spark within her was gone and she looked as if she had aged a little. She never spoke about what she had seen or what she had to deal with. Setsuna had told them not to ask Usagi, that it was best to leave it alone. Usagi would open up about it when the time was right. Usagi's parents noticed the change but said nothing of it. A few weeks later, Rei had called a meeting, asking Setsuna and Hotaru to distract their hime. Once the meeting had begun, Rei voiced her worries.

"I'm concerned about her guys, she hardly ever laughs and doesn't look like she enjoys anything" Rei stated, worry etched over her face.

"I know, she doesn't even eat like she used to, I tried to tease her with a cheesecake but she said she didn't want to deprieve me of it" Haruka admitted. They all blanched at that.

"You know, she had to deal with Meteria trying to go inside her body, trying to rip out her soul and she also threw herself into the darkness of Meteria's own soul. I think we owe her all the time in the world" Minako said although she was greatly worried to.

"Well, at least we don't have to worry about that bastard making things worse, I guess pain of death stopped him from trying to meet with her" Makoto said, tightening her hands over her knees.

"We just need to give it time guys, just give her all the time she needs" Michiru's calming voice of reason made them all realise, they couldn't expect Usagi to just bounce back, this battle had gone on for over a year, ripping them away from normality.

"Lets just be there for her, she'll come back to us one day" Ami said in a sweet voice.

Four years later

A now nineteen-year-old Usagi was studying History of Arts at university, enjoying her time there. She had dreams of becoming a Manga artist so took many opportunities to enter into competitions and network at big Anime and Manga events all over Japan. Coupled with her degree, she had high hopes of securing an internship. Luna had constantly stayed by Usagi's side, encouraging her, keeping her strong. Rei was taking Ancient History at university whilst preparing to become the Hikawa Shrine's Priestess. Makoto had gone into a culinary school which required her to learn and train at a prestigious restaurant. She wanted to be a pastry chef. Ami had taken the necessary scientific subjects to become a doctor. Minako had taken a journalism degree in case her singing career didn't take off. Haruka and Michiru were both already off on their careers they had been doing throughout their school lives. Hotaru was still at school and Setsuna was working at a Laboratory.

Usagi was so proud of her friends, they were doing so well, enjoying their lives. From time to time, she had heard news of the others. Katashi, Arata and Mamoru were all working now whilst Jun'ichi and Fumio were at university. Katashi worked for the police force in his first year, doing mainly admin rather than as a police officer, but he would steadily move up. Arata worked within a museum and had been asked to give talks at universities now. Mamoru had started training to become a doctor. He had a girlfriend now. From what Setsuna told her, the girlfriend had been the very woman who Prince Endymion was betrothed to. She had been brainwashed in the past and since regaining her memories, was remorseful. Her name was Ito Himari. She was beautiful with her long wavy blonde hair and bright green eyes. Usagi had felt a deep sadness take over but there was nothing she could do. She loved him with all her heart but she would not force him to be with her. if he had loved her so much, nothing would stop him from being with her. it was something in this life they would have to accept.

She had to remain vigilant, she knew who her true enemy was and he would return for her. They had four years of peace but that could all end.

"Usagi? Are you OK?" Usagi's eyes fluttered, realising she was in a new small café that had recently opened up. She was already missing being at the arcade. Looking at her with an unreadable expression was Nakamura Haruto. His dark blue eyes watched her intently as some papers were in front of him. He was a gorgeous man but lacked that something only Mamoru had. Haruto had light blonde hair held in a tight bun, accentuating his narrow face. He wore a loose white shirt and blue jeans.

"Erm, yes Haruto-san, I'm fine, what were you saying?" Usagi asked, taking a sip of her green tea. Haruto quirked an eyebrow but decided not to ask.

"I said, the university are allowing me to release my political newspaper, guess what I called it?" his eyes sparkled with mischief as Usagi looked like she was trying to guess.

"Eh….Tokyo Calls maybe?" Haruto snickered a little as Usagi pouted. She tried really hard with that one.

"No…I am sure that is in use. I decided to call it, The Wiseman" he announced. Usagi blinked a few times before Haruto sighed.

"I called it that because The Wiseman will represent the few people who challenge the status quo in the political system. Those who hold power should be accountable" he said smoothly. Usagi gave him a small smile.

"Wow, you really are doing big things Haruto, why do you waste time on me?" Usagi asked genuinely. Haruto was someone who was going places, big places but Usagi, she wasn't sure where her life was going. Haruto gave Usagi an indulgent smile.
"I spend time with you because you know the real me behind the façade, I give people. You're honest. If you had power, you wouldn't withhold it" Haruto said in such a simple way that Usagi couldn't help but giggle.

"Now, enough of this, lets get some cake!" Haruto stated before beckoning the waitress.

Pluto walked away from the Space-Time Door with an ill feeling. She couldn't see Crystal Tokyo still which in itself wasn't a bad thing. She saw an image of Mamoru and Usagi, together, so she knew in time things would work out between them, but where that led was not known. She was even certain the Generals and Inner Senshi would get together. But still, she felt uneasy. Something was coming and it surrounded around Usagi. She wasn't sure whether to tell the Outer Senshi yet.

Heading back to her apartment, she checked her voice messages. One was from Haruka asking if she and Hotaru wanted to come round for dinner. Usagi and the Inner Senshi would be there also. Michiru was a good cook in her own elegant way so Setsuna already booked that timeslot for them. She loved spending time with the Senshi, it was something she would never tire from. Slumping into her chair Setsuna thought about having a glass of wine. She didn't really have anything to do now which in itself was a little depressing. Almost as if answering her prayers, her mobile went off, it was Makoto.

"Hey, you ok?" Setsuna asked with a small smile.

"Yep, peachy….We wanted to know if you wanted to come out for some drinks with us, Minako said she found a nice park, in the Shibuya area but I doubt we'll see those jerks there. Ami has bought some champaign and Haruka says she will bring some beers, you up for a late night Senshi rendezvous?" Setsuna could see the cheeky smile on Makoto's face.

"Yes, sounds great, what about Hotaru?" Setsuna asked.

"She's too young and we might get a little tipsy, she'll come to that dinner at Haruka's next week" Makoto suggested.

"OK, what time? and where should I meet you?" Setsuna already started to get up, thinking about the plain blue pair of jeans she had.

"Meet us at Rei's shrine for 8:00pm, I told Usagi 7:00pm heheh" Makoto started to giggle. Usagi was still a little off with her timing but Setsuna swore she was getting better.

"Sounds great, see you guys in a bit" Setsuna said before coming off her mobile. Well, at least she had plans now.

To say Mamoru looked miserable was an understatement. Arata had no idea what to say to his Prince. Mamoru had been dating his former betrothed for a few months now. They seemed to share similar goals but, Mamoru wasn't in love with her at all. Mamoru never said anything but Fumio had been certain that Mamoru missed the spark Usagi had ignited within him. As they walked towards the park, it was 8:30PM and many people were still out and about. Arata spotted Katashi, Jun'ichi and Fumio waiting by the park entrance. Jun'ichi had suggested a late night walk. To be honest, they had all been going through their own problems. It had been four years since they had last spoken with the Senshi, it had been four years since Mamoru had seen his Princess, and it was clearly having a bad effect on him. Katashi had been sure Mamoru, as Tuxedo Kamen, had tried to see Usagi without her noticing. Four years since he last spoke to her, four years since he had broken her heart and his own. Jun'ichi waved a bottle of Whisky, winking at Arata and Mamoru.

"Let's make a night of it, we don't get to do this often" Jun'ichi said, inwardly pleased Mamoru didn't argue with him on it, Mamoru had become a bit of a spoil sport since the whole ordeal.

"How's work going Katashi?" Arata asked as the five men walked in step with each other, all dressed trendy in jeans and separate coloured jumpers and sweatshirts.

"I had a pile load of paperwork to deal with all day for the Inspector, but its done now, hopefully tomorrow I might get a chance to go on the field" Katashi revealed, a small smile on his face showing his excitement at the prospect.

"How about you Arata?" Katashi quiried.

"In three months time I'll give my first talk at a university, they're just working out some details" Arata also smiled, revelling in such an honour.

"That's great Arata-san" Jun'ichi said as he took out a shot glass from his bag and gave it to Fumio.

"How's Uni going?" Mamoru asked, trying to brighten his mood.

"Fine I guess, finished my coursework a few hours ago, just gotta edit it before submitting it online" Jun'ichi answered as he poured out some whisky for Katashi and Arata. Passing a shot glass to Mamoru, he smiled at his Prince.

"Enjoying your training?" Jun'ichi asked with an all-knowing look filled with mirth. Mamoru actually smiled at Jun'ichi.

"Yes, its about the only thing I do enjoy apart from hanging out with you guys" Mamoru said, not noticing the look of appreciation from his friends. Mamoru had always made sure his Generals knew how important they were to him, it was what kept their friendship strong.

Not far from the generals with their prince, the Senshi had already started on their drinks. Setsuna lounged back against a tree, sipping her glass of champaign Ami had brought from her mothers' collection. Haruka was finishing her first beer and Michiru was just now pouring herself a glass of red, having seen to the Inner Senshi. Michiru swore to herself to keep a keen eye on Usagi, who was known to not be too great with drinks.

"So that's how I baked those small Victoria sponges, they went down really well and my teacher was super happy" Makoto said, a look of glee on her face.
"So why didn't you bring them here with you? I mean you know…..just saying….." Usagi stated as she sipped her own glass of champaign.

"Oh….they went so fast Usa that I just couldn't. But, I did bring these mega delicious brownies!" Makoto announced, unleashing her chocolate treats to a very excited Usagi.

"Oh great, she's drooling on the floor again, at least the grass should soak it up" Rei said snidely, wincing when Usagi punched her arm.

"Just for that, no cake for you!" Usagi said indignantly as she took her brownie and dug into it.

"Hey, leave some for us!" Minako shouted as she dived in and grabbed a brownie. This was followed by the rest of them grabbing their brownies before Usagi grabbed the last one, her second one. She smiled brightly as she bit into it, savouring the taste.

They spent the next half hour drinking some more. Half hour turned into an hour and by this time, Usagi and Minako were officially drunk and desperate to go into the water fountain.

"I mean, it isn't against the law right?" Minako slurred out a little before shaking her head. Minako, slur….NEVER!

"Erm, I am sure it is Minako-chan?" Ami said, looking at her friend quizzically. Usagi got up first and, with a cheeky smile, she ran towards the fountain and jumped in. Everyone looked on in shock. Was this their sometimes timid princess?

"She is not having all the fun, as head of the Inner Senshi, it is my duty to go in there with her!" and with that, Minako found herself in the fountain. Both girls were giggling away, egging the others to join them.

"Such children….." Rei said, a small smile gracing her features as she looked at her friends. In the quiet of her mind, she felt truly happy to have found her true friends, her family.

Watching them from afar, the generals and Mamoru looked on. Their eyes widening as Minako followed Usagi into the fountain.

"Well…that was stupid" Katashi said, a small vein popping on the side of his head.

"I don't think Usagi is any good with drinks it seems" Mamoru mused. Jun'ichi didn't miss the touch of sadness in Mamoru's eyes as he looked at a giggling Usagi, who was now being pulled out by a rather annoyed Haruka. They heard Haruka call out for blankets to dry off the two silly girls, she called them. Jun'ichi knew what Mamoru was thinking. He was thinking on all the little things he had missed. He had never spent any real personal time with Usagi, otherwise he would know she was no good with her drinks.

"I wish I could have tried some of Makoto's treats, they look good" Arata said absentmindedly. Fumio's eyes never left Ami as she shook her head in a disapproving way, trying her hardest not to giggle.

Time away had not healed them. Not in any shape or form. Jun'ichi was honest with himself after the first year away from Sailor Mars that he missed her. No-one could compare to her. She was literally fire, a burning flame of passion that consumed him. She was an explosion of flames that he would gladly throw himself in over and over again, just to be in her warmth. He missed her but his duty to his Prince came first, much like Sailor Mars' duty was to her Princess. It was for that very reason that the Generals fell for the Inner Senshi, they individually had so much in common.

Mamoru sighed as he backed away from their hiding spot. Why was he kidding himself? He missed Usagi desperately. He missed their arguments and even though he knew he came across conceited at times, which he wasn't, he just couldn't help it around her. When he met Himari, he simply liked her and that was it. There was no fire, no passion, much the same feelings he may have had in the past. There was a reason he was willing to give up everything for Princess Serenity, he had loved her beyond his own life and Kingdom. How could he have been so defiant in going against his love for her? Being away from her physically was painful for him. So, backing away from his hiding spot, his Generals all looked at him expectantly.

"I have been very stupid lately, four years of stupid. I miss her" Mamoru stated. His generals looked at him, each one slowly nodding their heads and wondering, where was this going to go?

As they left their spot, Usagi looked over to where they had been standing. No-one was there but still, she was sure someone had been there? Setsuna had been looking at the same spot too but viewed it differently, she knew who had been standing there and was inwardly smiling. Maybe things would finally move in the right direction now, but to what destination was still a mystery.

Hi Everyone :-)

Thank you to TropicalRemix, Karseneau1, Jakeros, Bubble Princess and Guest for the reviews! So we're going into the final phase of this story. There won't be many chapters left, at least I don't think so but I am still doing chapters and it is no-where near finished so...we have a little while to go.

We will see Usagi and Minako get closer in their friendship which is what I hope came out early on in the story - I always felt these two would have a good friendship. Slipped in a future villain here too but the next real villain won't show up yet.

Working on editing the next chapter. I really need to try and update sooner it's just I have a few things going on in my personal life, the moment you think things are cool then the next something else happens...nevermind...

See you guys hopefully soon!