Chapter One – A New Dawn; Friendship & Forgiveness

It had been well over a year and then some since the final battle with Galaxia and they said goodbye to the Starlights. Life had returned to a peaceful rhythm, almost too quiet for Usagi Tsukino, who was now approaching her high school graduation. She'd never thought she'd find herself restless in an era of peace. The days of transforming into Sailor Moon and fighting alongside her fellow guardians seemed like a distant memory.

She didn't have time to waste today – a concept that wouldn't have minded in any other scenario. Today, Usagi had a special errand. With her wedding to Mamoru Chiba on the horizon, she wanted to personally invite her friends, starting with Rei Hino. The thought of seeing Rei again filled her with a mix of excitement and nervousness. They hadn't spoken much in the past few months, each busy with their own lives.

In fact, the simple notion that Mamoru made his intent clear and the extended time they've been sharing together to build a new life and her friends weren't present for it was mind boggling to her. Was it her fault? Did she get all caught up in it all? Everyone seemed busy these days. Was is truly so bad that she just wanted to focus on her own peace and happiness? Maybe it was really all the fighting that brought them together.

Usagi made her way through the familiar streets of Tokyo, the spring air fresh and invigorating. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom, their petals falling like pink snow. She clutched a small, elegantly designed invitation in her hand, the first of many she planned to deliver personally. Beside her, Luna trotted along, her sleek black fur catching the sunlight.

"Are you sure this is the best way to do it, Usagi?" Luna asked, her voice tinged with concern. "You could just call them, you know. Rather than stopping by – at least. It could seem to be rude after all this time,"

"I know, Luna, but I want to do this in person. It's important to me," Usagi replied, a determined look in her eyes. Luna knew she would never talk Usagi out of anything when she put her mind to it.

"Yes but, it's been quite a long time, and you know Rei doesn't like unexpected visitors," Luna said breathlessly, trying to keep up with Usagi's unusually fast pace.

As they walked, memories of the past year surfaced. Her life had changed dramatically since their last battle. She was no longer Sailor Moon, the fearless leader of the Sailor Guardians. Instead, she was just Usagi Tsukino, a soon-to-be graduate, and a bride-to-be. The transition had not been easy. There were days when she missed the thrill of battle and the camaraderie of her friends.

Usagi's thoughts drifted to her upcoming graduation. It felt surreal that she was finally finishing high school – not with any honors, of course. The past year had been a whirlwind of emotions and changes. She had poured herself into her studies or at least, tried to, determined to graduate and make her parents proud. The thought of walking across the stage to receive her diploma filled her with a sense of accomplishment and pride.

But alongside the excitement of graduation, there was the anticipation of her wedding to Mamoru. Planning a wedding had been more challenging than she had anticipated. There were so many details to consider: the dress, the venue, the guest list. She often found herself overwhelmed, but Mamoru's steady presence reassured her. He had been her rock through everything, and she couldn't wait to start their new life together.

As she passed by familiar landmarks—the Crown Arcade, the local park, and her favorite ice cream shop—she couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia. These places held countless memories of laughter, tears, and battles fought alongside her friends. But now, they were just part of her everyday life, devoid of the excitement and purpose they once held.

"This was all so meaningful once, wasn't it?" Usagi said, mostly to herself but loud enough that Luna could hear.

"Usagi…" Luna began but didn't know what to say. She seemed more troubled than she was letting on.

Reaching the steps of the Hikawa Shrine, Usagi paused. The ancient stone steps were as imposing as ever, but they held a comforting familiarity. She began to climb, each step bringing her closer to her old friend.

At the top, Rei was tending to the shrine, her movements graceful and precise. She looked much the same as Usagi remembered, but there were subtle changes. Rei's long, raven-black hair seemed glossier and better cared for, falling in soft waves down her back. Her eyes, always sharp and discerning, held a depth that spoke of the past year's experiences. Her face was slightly more mature, the angles a bit sharper, but she still carried that fiery determination that had always defined her.

The sight brought a smile to Usagi's face. "Rei-chan!" she called out, waving energetically.

Rei turned, her expression a mix of surprise and warmth. "Usagi, it's been a while," she replied, setting aside her broom. "What brings you here?"

Usagi approached, holding out the invitation. "I wanted to give you this in person. It's for my wedding! I know it's been a while since we've all hung out, and I really want you to be there."

Rei's eyed widened, opening her mouth to speak but failing to find the words. "You came up here just to give me this?"

"Why wouldn't it?" Usagi asked, perplexed by the question.

"I mean, I have heard you were getting married, of course. But – I don't know it's just been…awhile, old friend," Rei said this with a sad emphasis. Still Rei took the invitation, her eyes softening as she read it. "Of course, I'll be there. Have you decided on a venue yet?"

Usagi's face flushed with embarrassment. "Well, not exactly. I was kind of hoping you might have some ideas."

Rei sighed, though there was a hint of a smile on her lips. "Usagi, you really haven't changed, have you? How about the shrine? It's a beautiful and peaceful place, and I'd be honored to host your wedding here."

Usagi's eyes lit up. "Rei, that's perfect! Thank you so much!"

Luna leaped up onto a nearby railing, her eyes meeting Rei's. "Hello, Rei. It's good to see you again."

Rei reached out to scratch Luna behind the ears, a fond smile spreading across her face. "It's good to see you too, Luna. You've been keeping Usagi in line, I hope?"

Luna purred softly. "It's a full-time job, but someone has to do it."

As they settled into a comfortable silence, Rei's smile faded slightly. "It's been strange, not seeing everyone as much," she said, her voice tinged with a hint of melancholy. "Sometimes it feels like we've all drifted apart."

Usagi nodded, her own feelings of guilt surfacing. "I know what you mean. I've missed you, Rei. I've missed all of us being together."

Rei looked at her, her eyes softening. "We've all been busy, I guess. Life moves on, but that doesn't mean we've forgotten each other."

"Have you spoken to Minako or Mako or Ami?" Usagi asked.

"You haven't?" Rei asked, a tone of surprise leaving her lips. "I'm the first one you've come to see?" She said, again, feeling surprised.

"Of course I want to tell them. But, telling you, Rei – it makes it feel more real. And I feel like I've just been waiting to be more excited about it. And the only way I can do that is to make sure you guys know and that you're part of it."

Rei stifled back a tear and shook her heard, "Someone learned how to communicate during the final terms at school," she said sarcastically.

Usagi smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her. "I know our lives have kind of just grown apart, but we'll always have our bond, no matter what."

Just as the moment settled into a comfortable silence, Rei's expression shifted. Her eyes narrowed, and she looked around, sensing something that wasn't there a moment ago. "Do you feel that?" she asked, her voice tense.

"Yes, what could that be?!" Luna's ears perked up and she leapt to the ground, eyes peeled. "This energy it feels…strangely familiar.

Usagi frowned, her senses tingling. The air around them seemed to thicken, an ominous presence creeping in. "What is it?"

Before Rei could respond, a figure stepped out from the shadows of the trees surrounding the shrine. His eyes glinted with malice as he raised his hand, dark energy crackling around him. He was tall and lean, with a predatory grace that made him seem almost otherworldly. His hair was jet black, falling in sharp, angular lines around his face, and his eyes were a piercing, icy blue that seemed to see right through them. His uniform was similar to those worn by the Dark Kingdom's generals but darker and more elaborate, with intricate designs etched in silver that glowed faintly with dark energy.

"Usagi, transform!" Rei commanded, already pulling out her transformation pen.

"Moon Eternal, Make Up!" Usagi cried, her body enveloped in a radiant light. In an instant, she was Sailor Moon, her heart pounding with the rush of energy she hadn't felt in so long.

Usagi's transformation revealed subtle changes as well. Her hair, still styled in its iconic twin buns and flowing pigtails, seemed even more radiant, shimmering under the shrine's lanterns. Her eyes, wide with determination, had a hint of maturity, reflecting the growth she had undergone. Her Eternal Sailor Moon uniform sparkled with a renewed brilliance, symbolizing her readiness to protect the world once again. Finally, at long last, the missing feeling within her felt present.

"Mars Crystal Power, Make Up!" Rei's transformation was equally swift, her aura blazing with fiery determination.

The man sneered, dark energy swirling around him. "The Sailor Guardians... how quaint. I guess he was right about this one. Let's see if you've gone soft in your time of peace."

"He?" Luna asked, before stepping forward defiantly. "Who are you? You have no right to be here!"

"Pest, I should rid myself of you right now," he said, pointing a finger right at Luna.

Sailor Moon stepped forward, her eyes fierce. "Don't you dare attack my friend. In the name of the moon, we will punish you!" Her eyes met with Sailor Mars, a pang of nostalgia filling her. The normal fear that Usagi met with these moments was replaced with one of determination and vigor.

"Burning Mandala!" Sailor Mars shouted, launching a ring of fire towards the intruder. She extended her hands, fingers spread wide as she chanted the attack name. The flames materialized in a perfect ring and shot forward with blinding speed, but the intruder raised a shield of dark energy, dissipating the flames.

Sailor Moon grasped her Eternal Tiare, her eyes narrowing as she focused on their enemy. Beams of light shot from the scepter, but the enemy dodged with a smirk. "He's fast."

"You'll have to do better than that," he taunted, raising his hand to summon a wave of dark energy that surged towards the guardians.

Sailor Mars responded quickly. "Mars Flame Sniper!" she declared, conjuring a fiery bow and arrow. She drew the bowstring back, the arrow igniting with intense flames, and released it. The flaming arrow streaked through the air, colliding with the wave of dark energy and causing an explosion of light and heat that momentarily blinded their foe.

The shrine's tranquility was shattered by the echoes of their battle cries and the roar of energy blasts. The once serene grounds now bore the marks of their fierce struggle, the air thick with the scent of smoke and ozone.

"Fire Soul Bird!" Sailor Mars summoned a fiery phoenix that soared towards the enemy, its wings ablaze. She traced intricate symbols in the air with her fingers, summoning the majestic bird with a burst of flame. The phoenix screeched as it dove towards the man, engulfing him in flames. He staggered back, momentarily stunned by the intensity of the attack.

Sailor Moon focused her energy, channeling it into her Eternal Tiare. Beams of light burst forth, aiming at the enemy, pushing him back but not quite overwhelming him. Her determination was palpable, the air around her shimmering with the energy she commanded.

The man gritted his teeth, his eyes burning with anger. "You... you will regret this!" he spat, summoning more dark energy. He formed a massive, pulsating sphere of darkness above his head and hurled it towards the guardians.

"Burning Mandala!" Sailor Mars shouted again, her voice unwavering. She summoned another ring of fire, her hands moving in swift, practiced motions. The flames erupted with even greater intensity, colliding with the dark sphere and causing a massive explosion that rocked the shrine.

The force of the explosion sent both guardians flying backward, but they quickly regained their footing, their eyes locked on their foe. Despite the ferocity of the battle, their bond and determination remained unbroken.

The man's eyes glinted with a cold fury as he raised his hands high. "Dark Vortex Barrage!" he roared. A swirling mass of dark energy appeared above him, shooting out multiple tendrils of black energy that lashed towards the guardians with devastating force.

Sailor Moon and Sailor Mars dodged and countered, but the relentless attack pushed them to their limits. Sailor Moon felt a surge of power within her, a reminder of all they had fought for and all they had to protect. She raised her tiare once more, her voice resolute. "Starlight Honeymoon Therapy Kiss!" The beam of light shot forth, brighter and more intense than before. The enemy was caught in the full force of the attack, his screams echoing through the shrine as the light consumed him.

The man staggered back, the dark energy dissipating around him. His eyes glinted with a mix of anger and amusement. "You may have won this battle, but the Rose of Earth will show her thorns," he hissed, his form starting to blur at the edges.

Sailor Mars stepped forward, flames still flickering around her hands. "Who are you? What do you want?"

The man's lips curled into a sinister smile. "My name is Onyxite. Remember it, for it will be your undoing." With that, he vanished into the shadows, leaving behind a lingering sense of dread.

Breathing heavily, Sailor Moon turned to Sailor Mars, a smile of relief and gratitude on her face. "Rei, we did it."

Sailor Mars nodded, her expression serious. "This was just the beginning, Usagi. We need to be prepared. There's more to this than meets the eye."

Usagi nodded, the weight of her responsibilities settling on her shoulders once more. "The Rose of Earth will show her thorns..."

The two guardians stood side by side, the glow of the shrine's lanterns casting a warm light around them. In the aftermath of the battle, the shrine grounds were eerily quiet. The air was heavy with the scent of burnt wood and ozone, and the once pristine courtyard bore the scars of their fierce struggle. Usagi and Rei allowed their guardian forms to power down, now back in their civilian clothes, now sitting on the shrine steps, catching their breath. Luna curled up beside Usagi, her golden eyes filled with worry.

"We need to inform the others," Usagi said, her voice still shaky from the adrenaline.

"This can't be an isolated incident. If the Dark Kingdom is making a comeback, we need to be ready," Luna said.

"The Dark Kingdom?" Rei asked, startled by Luna's statement.

"Yes, the uniform. The way he manipulated the energy…" Luna explained.

"But we defeated the Dark Kingdom years ago," Rei asserted.

"Perhaps not all of them," Luna said, not revealing everything she was thinking at the moment.

Rei nodded, her expression grim. "Yeah, we need to let the other know. And oh, but... Usagi, what about your wedding? This timing... it's terrible."

"Well the wedding wasn't next week, and…this is happening, regardless of how any of us feel about it." Usagi's eyes welled up with tears. The reality of the situation crashed down on her. "I don't know, Rei. This was supposed to be a happy time. I think I jinxed this, because I was feeling complacent. Nostalgic about the Sailor Guardian days, in the face of the monotony of school and Graduation, then the excitement for the wedding... now it feels like…"

"Don't do that," Rei said, her voice stern, "Nothing is falling apart. Hey – we have each other. Everything happens for a reason. We were brought back together for a reason. And the sooner we all come together, the sooner we can figure this out and get back on with life."

Luna nuzzled Usagi's leg comfortingly. "We've faced worse before, Usagi. We'll get through this too. But we need to stay strong."

Rei put a comforting hand on Usagi's shoulder. "Luna's right. We'll handle this, just like we always have. But we need to stay vigilant."

Usagi wiped her tears, trying to regain her composure. "You're right. I just... I didn't expect this. Not now."

Rei looked out over the shrine grounds, her expression resolute. "None of us did. But we have to be ready for whatever comes next."

Usagi took a deep breath, the weight of her responsibilities settling heavily on her shoulders. "We'll face it together, Rei. No matter what."

The two friends sat in silence, the bond between them stronger than ever. Despite the uncertainty and fear, they knew they could rely on each other. The future was unknown, but with their friendship and determination, they were prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead.