Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon Sailor Stars: Chaos Theory

by Sora Kazeno1

Sequel to Rebirth. New Sailor Animates appear and search for the starseed which contains Chaos. Chaos awakens within one of the senshi. How will the senshi manage the aftermath of the battle? Nothing will ever be the same; the future they prepared for is gone. The bonds of destiny are shattered. Everyone must learn to adapt to whatever the new future has in store for them.

68. Dating an Idol is Complicated

Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon Sailor Stars: Chaos Theory

Act 68: Dating an Idol is Complicated

By: Sora Kazeno

---

Usagi runs down the street dodging the people in her way. If she runs into someone she'll miss her chance. As she approaches, she realizes the passenger side window is down. She pushes herself forward, just steps away from her goal. She's breathing heavily by the time she makes it to the window.

Peering inside, she finds a person with short blonde hair with sun glasses driving Mamoru's car. Her eyes focus on the person. She's seen them before.

The driver turns her head to the side. "Kitten?" Haruka lowers her glasses as she greets her Queen. "Where did you come from?"

"Haruka-san…?" Usagi exclaims, in shock. A part of her had expected Mamo-chan to be the one driving. She is relieved. No one stole his car either. "I… wasn't sure what was going on when I saw Mamo-chan's car…"

"He asked me to drive his car and bike a bit while he's gone." Haruka begins to explain. "You can't leave such great vehicles in a garage the entire time while he is gone."

"Oh…" Usagi responds slowly.

Haruka takes off her sunglasses to study Usagi's facial expression and smiles slightly. "I'm helping Mamoru-san out. Why, were you hoping it would be him?"

"….no…" Usagi finally responds. "I just wanted to make sure his car wasn't stolen. He didn't mention anything to me yesterday when I saw him."

"Oh? You saw him yesterday?" Haruka's full attention is on Usagi. Maybe there was hope for the two of them together in the future after all.

Usagi nods her head slowly. "He asked for my help trying to learn how to use the Golden Crystal."

"That's great the two of you are spending time together," Haruka winks at her trying to imply something.

"Haruka-san… it's not like that. I don't want you to get the wrong idea," Usagi corrects her, again. "I'm with Seiya."

Haruka places her sunglasses back on her eyes to prevent Usagi from seeing the glare. Her mood shifts to one of displeasure after hearing his name. "Michiru has some tickets for you to attend the art exhibit at the end of the week and see the concert. I'll swing by later tonight and drop them off."

"Thank you!" Usagi bows slightly. "But… I won't be home later this evening… I have plans…" She trails off, letting Haruka fill in the blanks.

"Hmph. Well they will be there when you get back. Don't stay out too late Kitten… especially with that one." She turns to look at the light. It's yellow in the other direction.

"Haruka-san, we should all be able to spend time together. Too much time has passed. Everyone should be able to get along." Usagi pleads with her.

"Yeah… we'll get along great when they return to where they belong," her voice lowers, almost threatening. The light changes to green. "I'll see you at the event."

Usagi takes a step back before the car zooms down the street. She sighs loudly as she watches the car disappear from sight. She needs the animosity to end. What will it take?

---

Minako waits until she has a moment alone with Yaten. "I really want to go to Kinmoku." She repeats herself. "I think I can get my parents to agree in a day or two. They were acting really strange this morning."

"They just need time to adjust to everything. I'm sure it took you a little while to get used to being a senshi." Yaten thinks back to when he first learned of his abilities. "I know it was a struggle for me and what it would mean." He stares down at his hands.

Minako leans over and places her hand on his forearm. "Whatever happened in the past can't be changed… it's something we are all learning to accept. All we have is the future and going forward." Minako smiles at him.

Yaten smiles slightly at his girlfriend's kind words. "So you're really serious about going to Kinmoku? You know we'll be gone for a few weeks." He looks away for a moment, "I thought you were sort of joking."

"Of course I want to go!" She pouts a little. "When we were there for Queen Kakyuu's coronation… we didn't stay very long. I know there is a lot to do and see."

"You told your parents it was a mission the other night. What was that mission?" Yaten teases her lightly.

"Umm… the mission is to learn about Kinmoku and help build an alliance? I mean I can't tell them I'm going to another planet with my boyfriend, right?" Minako laughs out loud when she realizes how funny it sounds.

Yaten nods his head. "Okay… I'll talk to Taiki and Seiya… and to Queen Kakyuu. She is expecting Usagi-chan but not you. I don't want you to show up without her knowing…" His voice trails off.

Minako nods her head in understanding. She can see the conflict in his eyes. He still sees Kinmoku as his home and the Queen, then Princess he spent years protecting. He traveled to Earth to find her only to later to be told to return to Earth to protect a different Princess; one that wasn't his that he hadn't sworn to protect. "I never really thought about how hard all of this must be for you."

"It was difficult but… there are some good things about Earth that aren't on Kinmoku," Yaten can feel his cheeks flush a little.

Minako looks at him wide eyed. She blinks a few times. "Yaten… are you saying you missed me when you back to Kinmoku after the first battle?"

Yaten won't look her in the eye. "Umm… something like that." Is the closest he is willing to admit.

Minako smiles widely. "I need to see Kazuki-san. There's a new song that was written and I need to take a look at the lyrics." She pauses as she thinks of a new problem that has not been resolved yet. "What am I going to tell our manager…. that I'm going with you?"

"Ahh… we'll think of something later… but given how that interview went yesterday I have a feeling things are going to get a little more chaotic for you." Yaten adds with shrug. He still hasn't figured out what he is going to say when he sits down for his own interview this evening.

---

Usagi arrives at Crown and immediately finds Motoki. She used to talk to him all the time before she became Sailor Moon. A little less when she started dating Mamoru. And significantly less when she and Mamoru broke up. She has missed chatting with him but it became awkward. She hates how so many of her friendships have changed since she is no longer with Mamoru. "Hi Motoki-onii-san!" Usagi greets him brightly.

"It's good to see you Usagi-chan. I don't think I've seen you since you graduated high school." Motoki tries to recall the last time she was in Crown. "How was the tour?" He finally asks. Mamoru went to America. Reika is still in Europe. It seems the people closest to him have left except for Usagi and her friends.

"It was a lot of fun," Usagi responds sitting down in the chair near the counter. "I'm really glad I went." She needs to address the uncertainty in the air. "I saw Mamo-chan too while I was in Boston."

"That's great. He mentioned it in one of his e-mails." Motoki feels a little relieved. He wasn't sure what to say to Usagi at first but she seems more willing to discuss the status of their relationship.

"We were able to talk for a while. I think it helped a bit…" Usagi purposely keeps her answers vague. It's no longer a secret that she is with Seiya.

Motoki nods his head. "I think it's great. I know you two were… close." He pauses before changing the subject a little bit. "Mamoru had mentioned he met his sister?" He wants to confirm he read the email correctly.

"Yes! Ayumi-san is really nice," Usagi nods her head in agreement. Ayumi was a bit nicer now versus when they first met and learned Usagi is also Serenity. Ayumi is gradually starting to come around.

"I'm shocked he found his sister. I didn't know he had any family. I'm really happy for him," Motoki adds, knowing how difficult Mamoru's childhood was for him. "Family has always been really important to him."

Usagi nods. "I'm really glad he was able to find her."

Motoki's attention shifts as he sees an emerald hair woman standing nearby watching them closely. Her hair is tied up in a bun on top of her head. She is wearing a lilac colored dress that falls halfway to her knees. He blushes slightly. "Can I help you… Miss…?"

"I'm here to speak with Usagi-chan," Setsuna smiles politely at him. She can assume who he is based on his appearance. Mamoru had mentioned him a few times.

Usagi turns around at the sound of her voice, "Setsuna-san." Normally she would be happy to see her since it was rare they would see each other untransformed. But this meeting is different. She slowly stands up from her chair. "There is a café upstairs where we can… go over things."

Setsuna nods her head in agreement. "I'll meet you upstairs." She begins to move to the staircase.

"We'll catch up some more later," Usagi turns back to Motoki. "I'm sorry but I really need to go."

Motoki nods his head in understanding. "Take care Usagi-chan." He watches her as she leaves. The tension between her and this Setsuna person was easy to detect. He wonders what that is about.

It doesn't take long for Usagi to meet Setsuna at the top of staircase. They both enter the café without exchanging a word to each other. She had asked Setsuna to meet her here; somewhere in public, somewhere more neutral.

"Usagi-chan!" Unazuki happily greets the blonde haired girl. "I was hoping you would stop by. I've been dying to talk to you about those newspaper articles about you being on tour and…" Her voice trails off when she sees Usagi blushing.

"So it is true!" Unazuki shouts. "You have to tell me the story! When did this happen?"

"Umm… Unazuki-chan… can we talk a little later after I visit with my friend?" Usagi asks with a teardrop. She has no problem answering Unazuki's questions, she just prefers to not answer them in front of Setsuna given what they are about to discuss.

"Oh, of course! Go ahead and have a seat and I'll be over in a moment to get your orders," Unazuki tries to reel herself in. She was shocked when she saw the articles. She had thought it was Usagi in some of the papers in Japan based on the hairstyle but Usagi never said anything to her. Then the article from Brazil showed up and she has been dying to discuss it with her.

She takes a few moments to grab some menus. She can wait a little longer before interrogating Usagi. She walks over to the table to hand them menus. "Melon soda?" Unazuki asks Usagi.

Usagi responds by nodding her head.

"Hot black tea," Setsuna answers as she opens the menu.

"Sure, I'll be back for your food order after I grab your drinks," Unazuki responds before walking away. She asks herself what is going on. Something about this meeting seems forced.

Usagi and Setsuna stare at the menus in front of them unsure how to fill the awkward silence.

Setsuna recalled Mamoru's comments to her that Usagi seemed to be dreading this conversation and she didn't know what to say. She takes the lead. After all she is responsible for what happened. "I'm glad you called me so we could meet and discuss this a bit more."

Usagi slowly nods her head looking up from the table. She had asked Setsuna this question before but she needed to hear the entire answer. Was it only because she couldn't accept she wasn't with Mamoru? "Why?" She pauses. "What gave you the right to do that?" She keeps her voice low. She told herself she would not yell at Setsuna and she isn't going to draw attention to them.

"I thought… I was doing the right thing to protect the timeline." She pauses struggling to admit this. "I had only seen one timeline and I never considered an alternative one."

Usagi shakes her head side to side. "You didn't want to see anything different. You couldn't see that this one is fine. Everyone is safe. Why would you try to ruin it when everything was going so well for everyone?"

"This timeline… isn't perfect for everyone." Setsuna chooses her words carefully. She is advocating for Mamoru because it is her duty. But deep down she hopes the future she had seen with Mamoru will exist.

Usagi leans back in her seat to stare at Setsuna. "You have no idea the amount of pain you caused because of your actions. The problems you created." Her voice tightens. "The nightmares returned. New ones. I had to fight Chaos again."

Setsuna grasps her hands tightly together in front of her. "I'm sorry they have returned and you've been struggling for so long. It was never my intention. I thought I was helping…" Her voice wavers. She was trying to help Mamoru. To save Chibi Usa.

Usagi's eyes narrow in anger. "Your intention was to break up Seiya and me."

Setsuna lets out a deep sigh. That was her main goal. She can't deny it. "Yes… that was the only way to save Small Lady. She could only exist in the other timeline." There is a long pause before she continues. "But I was clearly mistaken. Your feelings for Seiya-kun run deeper than I anticipated." It is difficult for her to say the next words but she is going to have to get used to it. "You love him."

"With all my heart," Usagi responds without a moment's hesitation.

"I can see that now and I will not do anything to stand in your way… unless you ask me too." Setsuna vows. "However, I cannot say the same for Haruka-kun and Michiru-chan. They will need time to come around." She recalls how Haruka had reacted to the newspaper articles regarding Usagi and Seiya. "Hotaru as well. She is upset she will never see Small Lady again."

Unazuki interrupts them by returning with their drinks. "Is there anything else I can get you?"

Usagi pauses for a moment realizing that the food she usually orders here wouldn't work. She's craving something with a lot of sugar. "Umm… something sweet?"

"Sure! We have a special shortcake loaded with strawberries." Unazuki explains to the blonde.

"Sounds yummy!" Usagi answers with enthusiasm.

"I'll have the same," Setsuna adds, trying to keep it simple.

Unazuki nods her head. "Sure! I'll bring some out right away." Without another word she leaves the table wondering what they were talking about so intently.

Usagi stirs the ice in her drink with her straw. Setsuna mentioned the part she struggled with ever since she had seen Chibi Usa disappear in the Time Streams when Chaos was first defeated. "I wish there was a way… to not lose Chibi Usa." She closes her eyes tightly as tears threaten to fall. "But I've seen the future. You've seen the future. I cannot be Sailor Cosmos and Chibi Usa still exists." She leans back into the booth, her eyes shifting upward. "That is why I have to do everything I can to protect everyone… I can't lose anyone else."

"My Queen…" Setsuna's eyes soften, never fully understanding the pain the she has felt that she has hidden from everyone else.

"I told Mamo-chan…. I couldn't be with him knowing Chibi Usa would never exist. It was too painful." Usagi takes a sip of her soda to calm her nerves. "I've always had feelings for Seiya I just never dared to act on them. When Chaos took control of me… I realized I couldn't ignore how I felt any more. That battle was about so much more than Chaos. It was the battle that changed everything."

"When you were in the other timeline…. Everything could have gone back to how it was. Small Lady could have existed, the same with Crystal Tokyo. You chose to be Sailor Cosmos." Setsuna responds gently.

"You were there. Tokyo was in danger from a tsunami. I couldn't let everyone be injured when I could save them. I had to save everyone," Usagi explains to Setsuna. "That timeline wasn't right. Too much had happen during the past year. That timeline …. It felt wrong to me. Five years had passed. Five years of memories everyone else had and I didn't it. I couldn't fit in. It was all so confusing. I felt out of place."

Setsuna nods before sipping her tea. "I understand." She realized her mistake. If there was a shorter gap in time, it might have been easier for Usagi to remain there. However that timeline was the closest match to the present one. They sit in comfortable silence for a few minutes. "Where do we go from here?" Setsuna asks; trying to figure what can be done to make things easier for her Queen.

Unazuki returns with the short cakes. "Let me know if you need anything else." She comments with a smile.

"This looks amazing!" Usagi exclaims as she digs in with her fork. She takes a few bites before she stops to answer Setsuna's question. "I don't want anyone to interfere with my relationship with Seiya." She frowns. "I saw Haruka-san on the way here driving Mamo-chan's car. I'm worried about the event at the end of the week. They have to be able to get along." Her voice hardens. "I need you to help keep Haruka-san and Michiru-san in line. And the Moon Senshi..."

Setsuna eats a few bites of her cake. "That will be difficult. Michiru-chan I could see coming around first but Haruka-kun will be rather difficult. I will need Michiru-chan's help."

"But they will listen to you. I can't have everyone fighting each other just because they don't like that I'm with Seiya." Her fork shakes as she speaks. "Why can't everyone just be happy for me?"

"Everyone should be allowed to be happy…" Setsuna agrees and picks up her tea, finishing the hot beverage. "I will talk to them but it will likely take some time. I can guarantee I will not interfere…. I will work on the others." She promises.

Usagi looks up at Setsuna, the pain clear in her eyes. "I've fought Chaos twice. I don't think I can handle a third time." Her left fist clenches tightly.

"Chaos was sealed." Setsuna comments while studying the body language of the young woman across the table from her. "Rei-chan was right. I can sense the anger since you've returned."

Usagi's head moves back sharply at Setsuna's comment. "When did you talk to Rei-chan?"

"Last week. She visited us one evening after a concert. Haruka-kun and Michiru-chan needed to hear it. They seemed… a little less resistant. But I know it is not something that will change overnight. She is worried about you Usagi-chan, and the nightmares you are having."

The blonde stares at her now empty plate. Why didn't she notice Rei went to visit them in Japan the previous week? They were together every night. Except that one night. A small smile forms in the corner of her lips. Seiya was in on it. There was only one night she didn't spend in the hotel room with Rei.

"Are you still having nightmares?" Setsuna asks, trying to figure out if there was anything else she can do to help.

"The number of the nightmares has decreased a little. They were really bad at first." She hesitates trying to determine how much she should share with the woman across from her. After weighting it in mind she decides it is better Setsuna is aware. "Some of the nightmares were an alternative event of what actually happened." She is not ready to discuss the premonitions she experienced. "The timeline that you sent me to… was the future everyone expected… is that how the timeline would have played out if I hadn't awakened as Sailor Cosmos?"

"For the most part. There would have been some minor changes but Crystal Tokyo would have come to be." Setsuna pauses as the image of the Golden Kingdom comes to mind. "Now we will look forward to the rule of Silver Millennium." She can't tell the others the future she witnessed. She won't make that mistake again.

Setsuna changes the subject. "Michiru-chan gave me these tickets right before I left to meet you. There are five tickets so all the girls can come."

"Thank you!" Usagi beams as she accepts the tickets. "When I ran into Haruka-san on the way over and she said she was going to drop them off this evening."

"I saved her a trip then," Setsuna pushes her plate to the side.

"I was surprised to hear they are performing together," Usagi admits, she is trying to appear positive and upbeat about the performance but she worries words will be exchanged.

"It was at Michiru-chan's request actually. Another reason why I believe she will be the first to be… more accepting of your relationship," Setsuna choose her words carefully. She hates having to tip toe around everything. She checks the time on her watch. "I'm sorry but I must be going. I need to check on Charon. She has been in the Time Streams monitoring everything for any signs of a change. She has been diligent and it appears to be seamless." She smiles slightly.

Usagi nods her head slowly. "I haven't seen anything different either. It's been a few weeks. I think if there was a significant change, we would have found it by now."

"I agree," Setsuna stands from the booth.

"Setsuna-san…" Usagi tone is firm. "I don't want to have another conversation about the other timeline again. Or have a conversation about the others trying to come between Seiya and me. There will be consequences next time. I want to move past this from this moment on."

"I understand," she bows her head slightly. "I am glad you are happy my Queen." Without another word Setsuna leaves the table and walks to the staircase to leave the café.

Usagi lets out a large sigh of relief. The conversation she dreaded is over. Now she can enjoy the next few days. The last difficult thing she has to accomplish is to tell Ami and Makoto about the other timeline at the onsen. She is not looking forward to it but the conversation with Setsuna was weighing heavily on her more. She closes her eyes tightly, relieved it is over.

"Usagi-chan!" Unazuki returns to the table and sits down. "So you've been dating Seiya-san the entire time?" She asks in disbelief. "Rei-chan never told me anything and we went to the same school!"

Usagi tears drops at her eagerness. "Umm… well… sorry it's just… it was complicated… and you're also good friends with Mamo-chan… and…" Her voice trails off. She was surprised by how positive Unazuki is reacting.

"Yeah… Motoki-onii-chan told me what happened. Though I'm surprised to hear you still refer to him as Mamo-chan," Unazuki looks at her in confusion.

"We are still really close… but we're just not a couple anymore," Usagi explains. "It wasn't easy but we're just… too different." She doesn't what to elaborate what was different. How she was different, how she changed.

"I'm glad that you are still really close. The two of you seemed to get along so well. I was really shocked when my brother first told me." Unazuki shifts in her seat. "But…" she lowers her voice. "As nice as Mamoru-san is… I, ah, always thought it was a little um… old for you, you know?"

Usagi tears drops. "Yeah…" She doesn't know how else to respond to the comment by the auburn haired woman.

Unazuki leans forward. "So tell me… what it is like to date a super popular celebrity?" She gave Usagi about one second to respond before peppering her with more questions. "How was the tour? Oh my God that interview on the radio last night, you guys are serious?" She keeps stringing questions together.

Usagi's eyes become smaller and teardrops keep forming around her head. She doesn't know where to start and she can't keep track of all of the additional questions.

---

The blue haired man looks at the picture of Yaten and Minako together in Brazil. He was waiting for this all day. Everyone is talking about his interviews yesterday. He received a few more calls for potential sponsors if he can keep upping the ratings. He plans to improve them some more today.

Yaten sits down at the table across from him with a bored expression at first, a sign he does not want to be here. He is waiting for them to go on the air, and then his demeanor is going to change. This guy wants a show, he will give him one. As the seconds tick by he slowly adjusts his posture. He sees the picture of him with Minako across the table. His eyes turn icy. By the time the interview begins he is glaring at the host.

The intense stare from the Three Lights member is making the interviewer extremely nervous. He adjusts the collar around his neck. The light changes that they are on the air. "Welcome back. Our guest today is Yaten-san from the Three Lights."

Before he has a chance to say anything, Yaten cuts him off, taking control of the interview. "You had no right ambush Mina like that."

The blue haired man jerks his head back slightly. "Mina? You mean… Aino-san?" He looks at him trying to piece together if it meant what he thought it did. The potential sponsors would love it.

"I don't like people bothering my girlfriend," Yaten challenged. He was to leave no room for a misunderstanding. He had thought about this a lot since he spoke with Minako this morning. Sooner or later people were going to find out. They couldn't deny it now only to announce their relationship after they come back from Kinmoku. He'll deal with the fall out, if there is any after he hears from the Council.

The interviewer's jaw drops. He was not expecting this kind of response from the silver haired band member across from him. "You're… so it's true!" he exclaims triumphantly.

"Leave her out of this or I'm going to end the interview now and walk out." Yaten threatens. He knows how bad it would look for the interviewer if ended in less than a minute.

The man shuffles the papers in front of him as he tries to get his barring. Having such a popular guest walk out would not sit well. "Um… so the reports are saying the tour was a huge success. Congratulations!" He adlibs some questions carefully. "What were the most memorable experiences for you?"

Yaten smirks. Everything is playing out how he wanted. "There were a lot." Yaten begins; the annoyance in his voice recedes a little. He begins to elaborate on a few of them. He is choosing what he will share about his relationship.

The interview continues, and the blue haired man is careful not to bring Minako up again without Yaten mentioning her first.

---

Usagi finishes another melon soda, she lost track of how many she had a long time ago. She stares at the clock above Unazuki's head. There is no way it is that late. She jumps up from the table apologizing. "I didn't realize what time it is! I have to get going if I'm going to meet Seiya!"

Unazuki laughs. Even after all this time, Usagi is still late for everything. "We can talk some more soon. Have fun!"

Usagi bolts out of Crown and runs down the street. She couldn't believe how long she talked to Unazuki. She had been looking forward to seeing Seiya all day and now she was going to be late. How is she always late to everything? She is glad Crown is not too far from the park, pretty much straight run down the street, with a few turns. She starts to slow down as she approaches a busy intersection. She would have to stand and wait for the light. Instead she turns down an alley to go to a different street; it might save a minute or two. That was her mistake.

"Usagi-chan!"

Usagi slows her pace when she hears someone shout her name. She comes to a halt trying to figure out who had called her. She doesn't recognize the voice but they said her first name, she must know them. She looks around and finds a short haired brunette running up to her in a forest green dress. Usagi watches her as she approaches trying to figure out where she is from. Is she a former classmate she doesn't recognize outside of her school uniform? The other girls are running closely behind her, a girl with orange hair and dark green haired girl.

As the trio approaches, Usagi tries her best to place them. But they are still not familiar. But they called her Usagi-chan as if they know her, and are acquainted with her.

The brunette girl approaches her first. "So it is you. I thought I recognized that hairstyle from the pictures." The girl no longer appears friendly. "So… you're Seiya-sama's girlfriend." She looks down at Usagi.

Usagi takes a few steps back. The tone of the girl's voice is no longer pleasant. All three of the girls are taller, likely a little older too.

The orange haired girl stares at Usagi, her hazel eyes flashing as she looks at her with disdain. "So you think you're worthy of Seiya-sama?"

Usagi lips move but she doesn't speak. She was confronted by the Three Lights fan club in school but nothing like this. The fan club had its limit on what they would and wouldn't do at school with teachers around. Seiya was there to protect her too.

The dark green haired girl moves past her two friends, she is inches away from Usagi. "You should break if off with him. He could do so much better." She looks Usagi up and down. "You're nothing special."

Usagi tries to open her mouth to respond but she is speechless. These girls don't even know her and they are saying such horrible things!

When Usagi is too shocked to answer, the brunette sees it as an opportunity to continue. "What makes you think you are good enough for him?"

Usagi bites her lip at the girl's word choice. She tries not to picture Seiya asking her if he is good enough on the school rooftop in the rain.

"How did you trick him?" The orange hair girl is moving closer to Usagi.

Usagi finally finds her voice. "I… I didn't…." She can't believe she found herself in this situation.

"We heard his interview the other day and there is no way he pursued you! What did you do to get his attention?" The girl demands as she closes the remaining gap between them.

Usagi is trapped. She takes a few steps back, trying to place as much distance as she can between herself and the other girls. Her actions anger the girls further.

They start to push Usagi, taking turns. The pushing becomes rougher.

Usagi panics. She doesn't know what to do. She's never been bullied like this before. If it was a youma she could transform and this would be over with quickly. But she can't transform and fight them. They can't learn her identity as a senshi.

One of the girls reaches for her necklace. "Is this from him?"

Usagi can feel the girl trying to grab the chain. The action forces her to focus. She can't lose her pendant. Not after everything she has gone through to get it back. She protects her pendant. "Stop it!" Usagi shouts back at them attracting attention from people nearby. She can feel her rings appear and they start to burn.

The commotion attracts an elder woman passing by. "What is all that racket?" She barks at them from the street.

The woman's voice startles Usagi's attackers. The three girls stop pushing Usagi to assess the situation. It would be difficult to continue with an audience.

The brunette haired girl glares at Usagi. "We'll find you again and next time we won't be so nice!" She grins at Usagi before she leaves with her two companions.

After the three girls are gone, the elder woman approaches Usagi. "Are you are okay dear?"

Usagi tries to keep her voice even. "Yeah… I'm fine…"

"Can you make it home?" The woman asks Usagi looking her over.

"Hmm," Usagi responds softly.

"Best be going before those girls come back. What did you do them?" The woman questions her trying to figure what happened.

Usagi can feel a few tears forming in her eyes. "They… they don't like who I'm dating."

"As long as he's good to you," the woman comments before walking off.

Usagi is frozen in place for a few moments in disbelief of what happened. They just announced they are a couple and this is how some of the fans are reacting to her as soon as she returns to Japan? She was angry how the girls on the tour tried to approach Seiya and hoped they would leave him alone once he knew he was seeing someone. But it had the opposite reaction. Now the girls are angry at her. They don't even know her.

In a daze, Usagi forces her feet forward. The tears she had tried to hold back fall from her eyes. She thought she was making progress after the conversation with Setsuna but now she has to worry about fans too. People she never met that could turn violent because of her relationship with the person she loves.

---

Seiya looks at his watch noting Usagi is twenty minutes late. He's sitting on the same bench where they first kissed. He leans back on the bench enjoying the warm rays of the sun as it moves closer to the horizon. As the minutes tick by he comes more worried. Did something happen when she spoke to Setsuna earlier? Maybe he should have gone with her. He looks at his watch. He'll wait a little longer before he starts looking for her. He sighs. He didn't know where Usagi was meeting Setsuna. Other than it was earlier this afternoon and he images they would be done by now.

He glances over at the park entrance and spots the familiar Odango hairstyle. He is relieved when he sees her but the feeling is short lived. Seiya inhales sharply when he sees her posture. He can immediately tell something is wrong. He rushes over to her. "Odango?" Now that he is closer, he can see her eyes are red from crying.

Usagi sniffles and tries to talk but it doesn't make sense. She is too upset.

Seiya wraps his arms around her tightly for a moment before kissing her on the forehead. "What happened?" He asks softly.

Usagi hiccups as she tries to explain. "Some fans found me… and started…" she can't finish as she sobs controllably, her hands gripping the back of his grey shirt tightly.

Seiya's eyes widen as he can only guess why she is so upset. "Do you want me to take you home? Is there anywhere you want to go?" He rubs his hand on her upper back.

Usagi manages a small head nod before answering, "I don't want to go home yet."

Seiya is pretty sure Usagi doesn't want to be in public at the moment. "Umm… I can take you back to where I'm staying? I'm not sure where else to go."

Usagi nods her head yes as she wipes her eyes a few times.

"Come on," Seiya takes her hand and guides her to the nearby subway station. He holds her hand tightly making sure she isn't separated. She is too distraught to be paying attention. They hop on the green line, Namboku. Once they are seated he tries to push his hat down a little further to cover his face. The last thing he needed right now was for some fans to recognize him. He notices a glances from a few people but they do not approach him.

Usagi sits close to Seiya staring out the window wordlessly. She's afraid if she tries to talk she will start crying. She doesn't want to disturb the peaceful train. Seiya lightly touches her arm to signal to her they are getting off at the stop. As they exit the train and she sees the name of the station, Roppongi-Itchome Station. She hopes they don't have too much further to go.

Her body tenses as she comes to a halt looking up at the hotel building, sending shivers down her spine. She covers her mouth with her hands as she gasps.

"Odango, what's wrong?" He doesn't understand the reaction she is having.

"Is this where you are staying?" Usagi asks, pointing to the ANA InterContinental Hotel.

Seiya nods his head. "Yeah, is there a problem?"

Usagi slowly inhales a breath. "This is where you stayed in the other timeline. It's also where…. I took Maker and Healer's starseeds."

Seiya closes his eyes for a moment trying to come up with another plan. He didn't want her to think about the alternative timeline when she is upset. "I can take you somewhere else."

Usagi considers it for a moment but realizes she can't think of anywhere else to go. "No… I just want to take a hot bath."

"Sure and after that we can talk about what happened if you're up for it." Seiya adds as he leads them through a side entrance. He clicks the elevator button to take them to the thirtieth floor. They don't talk again until they reach his room.

Seiya heads to the bathroom to turn on the faucet to draw a bath for Usagi. Once the water is finally warm he starts to fill the tub. Walking out of the bathroom he finds Usagi staring out the window at the view of Tokyo Tower. The orange light illuminating the tower as the sun sets.

Usagi stares at the tower remembering the trap Kaolinite had set capturing Tuxedo Kamen to lure her out to steal her pure heart crystal. Everywhere she looks in Tokyo she is reminded of a battle; a time she lost someone or nearly lost someone. She sighs wishing her mind would let her focus on more of her happier memories in this city. Like when she met everyone.

Seiya lightly places a hand on her shoulder trying not to startle her.

His touch snaps her out of her thoughts. She turns her head slightly to face him.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. The bath should be ready in another minute or two."

Usagi nods her head in acknowledgment. "Thank you…" she responds slowly. She begins to explain a little of what happened earlier. She'll feel better if she talks about it, she hopes. "They said so many mean things… that I wasn't good enough for you… and then they started pushing me."

Seiya's eyes soften as he hears what happens. He lightly caresses her cheek. "Don't ever think you're anything but perfect Odango."

Usagi's eyes widen as she looks up at him. "No one has ever told me I'm perfect before."

"You are," Seiya reassures her. "You don't need to change for anymore." He smiles at her for a moment. "But you should go ahead and take that bath before the tub spills over."

"Right," Usagi smiles a little. The last thing she wants is to cause a mess. "Thank you."

"There are towels and a bathrobe in there when you need it."

Usagi nods her head in response heading to the bathroom and closing the door behind her.

Seiya walks back over to the bed and turns on the television with a heavy sigh. He was afraid some of the fans would have a negative reaction to his relationship with Usagi. He's frustrated while he tries to figure out a way to help her and deal with the fans. But he can't be with her every moment. It's impossible. His thoughts are interrupted by a knock on the door.

He hits the mute button on the television wondering who it could be. Opening the door he finds Taiki and Yaten on the other side.

Taiki doesn't even greet him; he gets straight to the point. "We need to talk about Kinmoku."

Seiya's eyes narrow. He knows this topic still needs to be discussed at length, but right now? Why couldn't they have had this conversation last night? "Could we talk about this somewhere else?"

Yaten looks at him skeptically. "What is wrong with your room?"

"Odango is in the bathroom talking a hot bath," Seiya begins to explain.

Taiki shakes his head in annoyance. "After everything we have discussed—"

Seiya cuts him off. "She was attacked by some fans a little while ago and she's still shaken up."

Taiki's demeanor quickly changes. "Is she all right?"

"She's wasn't physical hurt but she's pretty upset." Seiya explains a little of what happened.

Taiki looks at Yaten for a moment. "Okay. Come back to my room then. Its better the three of us talk in private without being disturbed."

Seiya nods his head in agreement. "I'll be there in a few minutes. I'm going to let Odango know I'm going to leave for a little while."

Taiki and Yaten leave Seiya's room heading down the hallway.

Seiya frowns for a moment. He has a feeling where the conversation is going to lead regarding Kinmoku. His Change Star. Breaking the rules. Whether he should go to Kinmoku or not. Odango insisting on going after a premonition. It was a lot to discuss. He knocks on the bathroom door. When he hears a response from Usagi, he opens the door slightly to make it easier for her to hear him. "Taiki and Yaten need to talk to me for a little bit. I'll be back soon."

"Its fine," Usagi responds. Her voice is a little less tense than before. "If it's okay, I'll be in here for a while."

"Take all the time you need. I'll see you when I get back," he closes the door and heads out of the hotel room.

---

Seiya slowly approaches Taiki's room. He knows he will be on the defensive. He shouldn't have to be. Why does he have to keep defending his actions when it comes to Usagi? Why can't everyone just leave them alone?

As soon as he knocks on the door, Yaten opens it. Once Seiya is inside the door is closed. "We should be contacting Queen Kakyuu to let her know of our arrival. We don't want her to be surprised."

"I don't have my communicator with me, it's in my room," Seiya shrugs.

"We can use mine," Taiki offers as he pulls out a small device which contains a five pointed red star and golden wings on the side, nearly identical to their Change Stars in appearance.

Seiya decides to bring it up now before they contact the Queen. "Odango really wants to go and based on what she has seen, I think she should be there."

"I was against the idea before but given what happened on the airplane recently it might be helpful for her… as long as she can control her powers," Taiki cautions. "I would hate to think what could happen if she loses control of her abilities. Is she still having issues?"

"No," Seiya immediately responds. "It was just that one time."

"You're not keeping anything from us, right?" Yaten's eyes scan him carefully to evaluate the truthfulness of his statement.

"Good," Taiki interjects between anything else can be exchanged between the two cousins.

Yaten's stance relaxes a bit and it is his turn to bring something up. "Mina… really wants to come too."

Taiki raises an eyebrow. "I did not think that was a serious request."

Now it is Yaten's turn to be on the defensive for his budding relationship. "It might be a good idea since she is the second in command after Usagi-chan."

Taiki looks at Yaten questioningly after his statement.

"Yaten does have a point," Seiya chimes in. He knows if Minako is there it would make things easier for Usagi.

"Well…" Taiki looks back and forth at his two cousins before he continues. "We can ask Queen Kakyuu and then make a determination." He's unsure what will become of Seiya on Kinmoku due to his relationship with Usagi. What if the consequences spill onto Yaten as well with Minako there?

Taiki places the star on the table in front of them. Seiya and Yaten sit down on either side of him. Taiki rotates the star slightly and it creates a small projection. The image is dark as they wait for Queen Kakyuu to connect.

A few minutes later the image changes as it transforms to static. The picture starts to come into focus. There is a delay between transmissions due to the great distance. Queen Kakyuu smiles at them when she sees the three of them together. "Hello Starlights," she happily greets them. "I hope you are well."

"Everything is going great," Seiya assures her. "We wanted to follow up with you regarding our visit to Kinmoku next week."

"Of course. I am looking forward to seeing all of you."

Seiya chooses to be direct. "Odango wants to visit."

Queen Kakyuu nods her head yes. "I was expecting as much after speaking with Yuta. Sailor Galaxia will also be present. I understand there is something she needs to discuss with Sailor Cosmos."

Seiya inhales sharply. "It sounds like a premonition she had."

"Yes…. Yuta believes something will happen soon." Queen Kakyuu tries to hide the worry in her eyes. "And it is important the two senshi speak in person." After seeing the look of confusion on their faces she continues, "I understand it has something to do with her abilities, nothing dangerous." She assures Seiya.

Seiya exhales slowly. His mind was racing at the thought of somehow Usagi being punished for their relationship even though she has never served Kinmoku.

Yaten looks at his feet for a moment. He has to ask the Queen tonight while they are talking. "Um… Sailor Venus … also wants to visit…" His voice trails off; he doesn't know how to ask Queen Kakyuu.

The red head is surprised by his statement. "Yes… I remember her." She pauses trying to understand why she would wish to visit. "I'm surprised to hear this request."

Yaten tries to stop the blush from spreading across his face. "She…. And…um… we… ah…" He stumbles to string the words together. "We're…. um…"

Queen Kakyuu's eyes widen in surprise as she is being to comprehend what Yaten is trying to say. "You... and a senshi from Earth?" She asks for confirmation. She had never anticipated Yaten to show that kind of emotion towards anyone from another galaxy.

Yaten nods his head yes.

Queen Kakyuu's demeanor changes slightly. "I didn't realize… I see…" She looks over at Seiya for a moment. As if to question if the nature of Yaten's relationships is the same as Seiya's.

Yaten waves his hand in front of him. "No, it's not like that! It's umm… new and …" He doesn't want Queen Kakyuu to have the idea that their relationship was forbidden by Kinmokian standards.

Her posture relaxes a little bit. "I might be a good idea for some of the other senshi from Earth to learn about Kinmoku… I'm sure Usagi-san would love to have her there as well. I look forward to greeting her as well."

Yaten sighs lightly in relief. He didn't know what he would tell Minako if she wasn't given permission.

"If it is alright, I have a few issues I would like to request your assistance with," Queen Kakyuu asks, studying their faces.

"Of course," Taiki responds without hesitation. "You never have to ask us. We will always be there to help Kinmoku in any way… even if we don't live there presently." He chooses his words carefully. Unlike Seiya and Yaten, he has nothing or no one tying him to Earth other than his duty as a senshi to protect Sailor Cosmos.

"That is kind of you to say… but you do serve another Queen as well." Queen Kakyuu politely responds. "I shall speak with her when she first arrives, as is customarily for greeting any Head of State."

Seiya is confused by Queen Kakyuu's words. She has never treated Usagi as a Head of State before. He pauses. Usagi has been to Kinmoku once as Queen, when they were there for Queen Kakyuu's coronation. That was a special event. He spaces out missing part of the discussion.

"I look forward to seeing you in the afternoon then." Queen Kakyuu smiles, her eyes twinkling a little. She has missed these three Starlights a lot. They will always have a special place in her heart due to everything they experienced. "I'm sure we will have a lot to discuss." Her eyes sadden a little as they fall on Seiya.

Seiya recognizes that look. She is dreading something about their visit. A shiver shoots down his spine. She knows. How? He glances at his cousins. He reflects on how Yaten reacted, like he wanted to assure her his relationship was different. His lip twitches slightly in annoyance. They are trying to follow Kinmokian bylaws. He barely snaps out of his thoughts in time to say goodbye to the Queen.

He stands up and turns around to face Yaten and Taiki. "What did you tell her?"

"The truth," Taiki begins to explain.

"My relationship with Odango is no one else's business!" Seiya shouts out of anger. He was still trying to figure out what he would do. He had debated about never telling Queen Kakyuu the status of their relationship. He was also debating telling her in person. He was on the fence and now it was no longer his decision to make.

"We were trying to protect you," Taiki explains calmly. "We needed to figure out if you should come with us or stay behind if we thought you'd lose your Change Star. When we spoke to Queen Kakyuu, we did not receive any indication of what was or will be decided. Other than it will be addressed on Kinmoku."

Seiya crosses his arms against his chest. He is annoyed they did this without talking to him.

"We did this to try to protect you. If they take away your Change Star…" Taiki warns.

"I know." Seiya sighs. "It's always something." Something or someone always stood in the way of him being happy. "I know I would have to address this with Queen Kakyuu at some point, I was just hoping to do so on my own terms."

"It's better this way. If the Council is angry, if gives them time cool down," Yaten interjects. He snickers for a moment. "Or make them angrier since they had extra time to think it over."

Seiya glares at the white haired band member. "Now you sound like Minako-chan."

Yaten's eyes widen.

Taiki speaks up to prevent more banter between the two of them. "Is Usagi-chan aware of what may happen?"

"Yeah," Seiya responds solemnly. His eyebrows rise as he remembers she is still in his room. "Speaking of which… I should be heading back unless there is something else we need to discuss."

Taiki and Yaten are silent, signaling there was none.

"Okay. I'll see you tomorrow," Seiya adds as he walks over to the door, eager to check on Usagi to make sure she is okay.

"We have a photo shoot in the morning for the single release and then more work in the studio," Yaten reminds Seiya, well aware of his track record of barely being on time when he spends the night with Usagi.

"I know," Seiya brushes off Yaten's concern. He walks out of the hotel room and down the hallway to his room. He pushes aside his worries regarding Kinmoku. He needs to focus on the girl in his room that is struggling because of him and the status he has on this planet.

Seiya places the keycard in the door lock and it clicks as it unlocks. He opens the door and enters. The bathroom door is open and the light is off. "Odango?" He calls her name softly, not wanting to startle her by his sudden appearance. He finds her sitting on the bed in a bathrobe looking out the window at Tokyo Tower lit up in the night sky.

Usagi doesn't hear Seiya when he enters. Her thoughts are preoccupied by the last time she was at Tokyo Tower. She was there with Seiya on a date, their second date. It was their first kiss in such a public place and it ended up in the newspaper the next day.

"Are you feeling any better?" Seiya asks softly, taking a seat beside her.

Usagi slowly nods her head. "Everything seems so peaceful from here."

Before another word is exchanged, the telephone rings. Seiya groans in frustration. "Now what?" He grumbles as he walks over to the phone to pick it up. "Hello?" He responds weary.

"Seiya-kun, I'm glad I caught you!" Minako exclaims. "I wanted to talk about your gift for Usagi-chan."

"That would be great," Seiya responds, trying to be vague with his answer.

"Eh? I thought you'd be more enthusiastic," Minako shoots back.

"We can always talk more about it tomorrow," Seiya tries to get Minako off the phone. He wants the jewelry to be a surprise for Usagi.

"Is something wrong? You seemed really excited by the idea the other day. Did something happen?" Minako starts asking Seiya questions without giving him a chance to respond.

"Now is just not the best time to talk about that topic," Seiya emphasizes that topic, hoping Minako would pick up what he was trying to tell her.

"…." She gasps. "Is Usagi-chan with you right now?"

"Yes," Seiya responds immediately, thankful Minako was able to figure it out.

"Okay," Minako responds quickly. "I'll keep it simple. They can meet us at 8pm after the store closes so no one will see us there to pick out something for Usagi-chan. Does that work for you?"

"That would be fine," Seiya responds, keeping his answers as short as possible.

"Great! I have some paperwork to sign tomorrow and I'll be at the studio. I can give you the details then," Minako quickly sums everything up. She giggles. "Have a good night!"

"Thank you," Seiya responds, trying to keep his voice even and hangs up. As he places the phone down, he lets out a small sigh of relief.

"You weren't kidding when you said they keep you busy."

"Hmm," Seiya adds as he turns around to face her. "They are trying to do a lot in this one week between the tour and Kinmoku." He moves back over to the bed to sit down next to her, hoping the phone won't ring again. "Queen Kakyuu is looking forward to seeing you."

"Oh? You talked to her?" Usagi asks, now giving her full attention to their conversation.

"Yes, when I was in Taiki's room." He pauses. He doesn't want her to worry any more then she already has. "I know I'm going to have to talk to her about what happened… between us."

Usagi grabs his hands. "Let me speak to Queen Kakyuu."

Seiya rubs her hand with his thumb. "It's okay Odango; it is something I need to do as a senshi that served the Crown." He tries his best to show confidence. "I'm sure it will be fine."

Usagi pouts a little. "You don't have to pretend everything is fine." She moves her shoulder slightly and feels a sharp pain, causing her to wince. She must have hurt it when the other girls were pushing her.

"Here," Seiya said as he moves to sit behind her. He starts rubbing her shoulders. "You're really tense," He comments at can how tight the muscles are.

Usagi sighs a little as she leans back. She closes her eyes not saying anything for a few minutes. She breaks the silence knowing there is something else she needed to speak with Seiya about, the main reason she really wanted to see him today. "I met with Setsuna-san earlier."

Seiya's grip on her shoulders tightens for a moment before he removes his hands. "How did it go?" He asks with worry in his voice.

"It went okay. She told me she will not interfere again," Usagi recounts her conversation with Setsuna as she turns slightly to face him. "I've also asked her to help with Haruka-san and Michiru-san."

"Help?" Seiya looks at her questioningly.

"I'm hoping she will bring them around." She looks down at the white cotton robe she is wearing. "I don't like to give orders. It doesn't seem right. I want everyone to get along without forcing them to."

Seiya smiles slightly. Usagi is always such an optimist. She believes in the good inside of everyone. He remembers how she was able to reach Galaxia while she was under Chaos' control.

Usagi leans back into Seiya, resting the back of her head against his chest.

Seiya wraps his arms around her waist. "It is getting late," he comments. "I should take you back."

Usagi nods her head. She should be going home. She sits back up and looks at the clock to see it is already half past nine. She gasps as she pulls herself away from Seiya. "Let me call my mom really quick. She worries about me a lot more now."

Seiya nods his head in understanding. He is glad she has such compassionate family. His family was supportive of him, the best they could be. His parents were terrified when they learned he could be a senshi, knowing what it would mean. His fingers clench tightly together. He has always regretted not being able to save them. Something he could never fix.

Usagi waits for her parents to pick up the telephone. "Hi Mom, I-"

"Minako-chan's parents are here. They can't believe she is a senshi and are asking us all kinds of questions," Ikkuko whispers into the phone. "Stay out as long as you want tonight! I know if they see you they will only ask more questions and they will never leave." Ikkuko pauses for a moment. "I'm coming!" The phone disconnects.

Usagi hears a dial tone in her ear. She pulls the phone away from her staring at it for a few moments in disbelief. "Whaaa?"

"Everything okay?" Seiya asks, noticing Usagi's puzzled expression as she places the phone back into the cradle.

"Minako-chan's parents are at my parent's house. They know she is a senshi and are asking my parents a lot of questions. My mom told me stay out as long as I want. They don't want Minako-chan's parents to see me because they will just ask more questions and never leave." Usagi shrugs her shoulders.

Seiya starts laughing.

"Yeah…." Usagi grins. "Do you think… I can get another shoulder rub?" She looks a sheepish. "It was pretty relaxing."

"Sure. Anything you want," Seiya winks at her.

Usagi blushes a little. "It's not like that." She sits back down on the bed, her back facing him.

Seiya resumes rubbing her shoulders. Neither one of them talk for a minute.

"Seiya…. will everything be okay on Kinmoku?" Usagi hesitantly asks. "I mean… I'm looking forward to going there but what if something happens?"

"It will be fine Odango," he tries to reassure her again.

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because I'm with you, so nothing bad will happen," he leans in and kisses her briefly on the temple.

Usagi smiles. "I'm really lucky."

"Of course, you have the best boyfriend ever," Seiya teases her.

Usagi shakes her head. "You mean the most full of himself boyfriend ever," she shoots back.

Seiya laughs a little. "Yeah but it was that charm that got your attention."

Usagi wants to turn around and glare at him but he is still rubbing her shoulders. "Hmph. You were pretty annoying at first… even if you were cute."

"And you couldn't stay away," he whispers in her ear.

"You're too much!" Usagi fires back.

---

Usagi rubs her eyes. She hears low talking and realizes the television is still on. She is confused for a moment. When did she fall asleep watching television with Seiya? She frees herself from Seiya's arms. She had changed out of the robe shortly after the last shoulder rub and but on the clothes she was wearing earlier.

Seiya grumbles, not an advocate of being woken up at such an odd hour.

"I need to head home," she speaks softly as her eyes fall on the clock displaying three in the morning. She smiles slightly, she didn't have a nightmare or premonition during the time she fell asleep. Maybe, she is finally moving past all of it.

"Odango, you shouldn't be out at this hour by yourself. I'll walk you back," Seiya sits up with a yawn.

"Don't be silly. I'm not walking home. I'll just teleport." Usagi grins at him. "I'm used to sneaking back after a battle or…" She stops not finishing the other reason. It was all in the past but Seiya didn't need to be reminded of it. She pauses to look at him. "I don't want my parents to get the wrong idea about us either."

Seiya raises his right eyebrow, "what would that be?"

Usagi laughs nervously. "Yeah… well…"Her cheeks redden. "My dad can still be over protective. He is always going to see me at his little girl."

Seiya pouts a little. "It's not like I'm going to do anything you're not okay with." He stands up from the bed to face Usagi. He changes the subject a little. "I'm going to be busy the next day or two but I'll be free to see you on Friday."

"Friday won't work. I'm leaving to go to the onsen with the other girls and we won't be back until late Saturday." Usagi explains recalling the rest of her week. "I'm going to tell Ami-chan and Mako-chan everything."

Seiya nods his head, knowing this will also be difficult of her. "Umm... what's an onsen again?"

Usagi looks at him strangely for a moment before she remembers there is still a lot about the culture here he is unfamiliar with, just like how she doesn't know a lot of his culture. "The onsen we are going to is in the mountains. We get to eat lots of great food and relax in the hot springs. Kind of like a giant hot tub… but um… no one is wearing clothes." Usagi adds at the end.

Seiya nods his head. "That sounds like it could be fun."

Usagi shakes her back forth to say no. "It's a girl's only trip."

Seiya grins at her mischievously. "… well… you know…I could…"

Usagi's jaw drops as her eyes turn wide. "Don't you dare!"

Seiya bursts out into laughter at Usagi's response. When the laughter dies down he adds, "Maybe we could go there at some point."

"Eventually…" Usagi considers the idea. "But they have separate baths for girls and boys." She explains. She pauses. They only briefly talked about how Seiya can switch genders the first time she was on Kinmoku. It wasn't something they really talked about, especially when their relationship was so new. It is something they still need to address. "You know we never really talked about…." her voice trails off. How does she bring this up?

"Talk about what?" Seiya asks.

"Nothing. I need to be going. I'll see you on Sunday." Usagi leans in to kiss him on the lips before moving closer to the curtains blocking the windows. "Cosmos Crystal Power, Make Up!" In flurry of feathers and light, Tsukino Usagi becomes the Guardian. She turns to look at Seiya one more time and finds him admiring her.

Sailor Cosmos approaches Seiya, her cape dragging behind her on the carpet. "I'll see you soon." She leans to kiss him one final time before she turns around and disappears in a flash of white light.

Seiya sits silently on the bed for a moment. He rubs his forehead. He hopes everything will be fine but he can't ignore the expression he seen on Queen Kakyuu's face when they spoke earlier this evening. What was in store for him when he arrives on Kinmoku?

---

Sailor Cosmos returns to her room. Luna bolts upright when the room is bathed in white light.

"Usagi-chan?" Luna sits on the bed looking at Sailor Cosmos, alarmed by the senshi's appearance.

Cosmos taps on her crystal brooch and reverts back to Usagi. "Everything is fine Luna. It's late and easier to teleport home instead of walking." She reassures her overly protective cat.

"You missed Minako-chan's parents," Luna eyes her suspiciously.

"Yeah. Mom told me they were here and to say out late," Usagi winks at Luna. She grabs her shoes and quickly opens the door. She tip toes downstairs to place her shoes by the front door. Everyone is asleep and when her family wakes up they will see her shoes downstairs to know she's back home.

Once she is back upstairs she changes into her pajamas.

"Where were you Usagi-chan?" Luna sits patiently waiting for an answer.

"I was out Luna," Usagi smiles. She stands at her dresser pulling out the remaining clips in her hair, undoing her already very messy odangos for the evening. Her eyes linger on the acrylic figure of Three Lights. She can't help but smile as she looks at Seiya's face. She grabs her bush really quick to run through her hair to make it easier in the morning. She would have missed all of this if she had remained in the other timeline.

Usagi turns to see Luna looking at her skeptically. "Just be careful Usagi-chan."

She gives her a cat a frustrated look. She told her most of what happened on the tour regarding the other timeline. She wanted Luna to hear it from her first. She was sure Minako would tell Artemis and then Artemis would tell Luna. She left out a few things about the tour. "Everything is going great; there isn't anything to worry about." She tries to brush off her mentor's reservations.

The blonde starts to walk over to the bed to go sleep and stops when she sees the newspaper article opened on the table. It has a picture of her and Seiya sitting on the bench together happily, when they announced they are together. That is what she needs to focus on. There will always be a fan out there that will be angry at her but they are not going to stop her from being with Seiya. No one is going to stop her from being with Seiya ever again.

"Good night Luna," Usagi bids goodnight to the black cat as she reads the time on her clock of four in the morning.

---

Sailor Cosmos looks at the two starseeds that hover above her left hand. "I guess you didn't train them hard enough Hikaru-san. I wonder how much simpler their training was compared to when you trained me…" She continues to look at the starseeds while she talks. "Hmm. They might not offer much but a starseed is a starseed."

Sailor Galaxia's eyes narrow. "Trained you? I never…" She stops. The other timeline the others spoke of. If she trained Sailor Cosmos at any point on how to use her abilities, the Guardian just became more deadly.

She smiles and finally looks up from the starseeds to see the bruises and cuts on Princess Kakyuu and Sailor Galaxia. "I thought both of you would have put up more of a fight. You seemed so much stronger last time… but then again my abilities were not as strong as they are now." She raises her staff to attack them again but stops and jumps back out of the way of several energy blasts. She turns to look at her new challengers.

The three Starlights are standing to the side. Sailor Star Maker and Sailor Star Healer watch Sailor Cosmos carefully, ready to attack if needed. Sailor Star Fighter appears hurt by the confrontation that is about to begin.

"Hmm," Sailor Cosmos comments, "you arrived faster than I anticipated." With a flick of her wrist, the two starseeds disappear. "Not the two starseeds I wanted, but two less senshi to annoy me."

Sailor Star Healer and Sailor Star Maker use this moment to run over and stand in front of Sailor Galaxia and Princess Kakyuu. A quick look at their appearance tells them they were injured in the battle.

Sailor Star Fighter follows behind them, she takes her place between the other Starlights and Sailor Cosmos. A quick look around and it is obvious which two starseeds she had taken, the remaining Starlights in training. She takes a moment to choose her words carefully as she recalls something Sailor Pluto had said. Fighter may be one of the few people that can reach her.

"Odango," she speaks softly. "This isn't you." She continues, taking a few steps forward to Sailor Cosmos who does not respond. "I know you are in there somewhere Odango, trying to defeat Chaos." She walks a few more steps forward, watching the Guardian for any change, if any of her words are reaching the senshi. "Help us free you. What can we do to help you?" Fighter is now a short distance away from Sailor Cosmos.

Sailor Cosmos stares at the Starlight for a moment before she bursts into laughter. "You don't realize who you are up against," with a sound of annoyance, she raises her staff in the air to attack Fighter.

Sailor Star Fighter reacts without thinking by running forward and hugging Sailor Cosmos tightly, preventing her from attacking.

Sailor Cosmos eyes widen as she gasps loudly. "You're the second person to do that…" She sounds confused and surprised by the Starlight's gesture.

Sailor Star Fighter pulls her closer. "I'll never stop trying to help you Odango."

Sailor Cosmos lowers her staff; her arms are now lowered to her sides. Seconds tick by as she remains unmoving. The once icy stare she had moments ago softening. Her fingers twitch. She slows raises her arms, hugging Fighter back. "…Seiya…" she whispers, sounding exhausted.

Fighter pulls back for a moment to look down at Sailor Cosmos. Her arms still lingering on the Guardian's back. She doesn't want to believe she hallucinated what she heard. She can feel tears well up in her eyes at the look in Usagi's eyes she is so familiar with.

"I don't have much time…" she struggles to pass along the message. "Chaos is hiding the starseeds somewhere in the Time Streams. You have to tell Setsuna-san so she can find them." Sailor Cosmos inhales, sharply pushing herself away from Fighter and breaking the embrace. "Chaos will be retuning in a moment. You must re-seal it in the cauldron." She fumbles with the rings on her fingers, trying to take them off. She is able to free the ring on her index finger and middle finger from her right hand. She places them in Fighter's palm and then closes the Starlight's hand around the rings. "These will have to do for now. Take these, keep them from Chaos. They are powerful amplifiers. The first one I gave you limits my ability to see premonitions of the future and the second grants the power for resurrection. I wish I could do more but it's the only thing I can think of to weaken Chaos." Her hand lingers on Fighter's for a few more moments before breaking the contact and putting more distance between them.

She speaks loudly to allow the Starlights, Sailor Galaxia, and Princess Kakyuu to hear her. "You have to seal Chaos back into the cauldron. I'm sorry. I have to leave before Chaos takes control again and attacks you." She hesitates for a moment to look at Princess Kakyuu and Sailor Galaxia. Her staff glows white along with Sailor Galaxia and Princes Kakyuu. Some of their cuts heal and the bruises lessen. Without another word, she vanishes into a flash of white light; right as the senshi from Earth arrive.

The image shifts to a different scene at the Silver Millennium between Cosmos and Fighter. They are sitting on a stone ledge at the outer edge of the garden. The vision is from the distance, she's too far away to hear what they are discussing.

Cosmos is crying, clearly upset about something.

Fighter is trying to comfort her. Fighter has her left hand resting on Sailor Cosmos' knee saying something to her but she can't figure it out. Fighter's expression conveys worry and also a lot of pain.

What the heck happened?

Before she can figure anything else out a bright light appears nearby.

---

The sun is already up when Usagi stirs. She sighs loudly at what she had seen. The first vision was from the other timeline. The second one… hasn't happened yet. Why was she at the Silver Millennium with Fighter? Why was she so upset? Why did Fighter appear in so much pain?

"Usagi-chan?" Luna jumps onto the bed hoping to have some more time to speak with her.

"Luna!" Usagi exclaims. "I've barely seen you in the past few days. Where do you keep disappearing to?" She raises her eyebrows at Luna trying to imply something.

Luna clears her throat. "That's not important." She immediately changes the subject. "You woke up suddenly just now, was it a nightmare?"

Usagi slowly nods her head. "They are happening less frequently than when they were on the tour but I don't want to be reminded of that battle… or that timeline." Usagi can feel tears forming in her eyes.

Luna rubs her body against Usagi's arm as she moves closer to her. "I wish you never had to go through that." She looks up at the young queen. "I still can't believe Sailor Pluto's actions when you told me the other night."

This question has been bothering Usagi for a while and Luna would be the only one that would be able to answer it. "Luna, what would my Mother have done?"

Luna is surprised by the question. "Hmm…. I'm not entirely sure. She might have forced Sailor Pluto to remain in the Time Streams?" Her eyes look at Usagi thoughtfully. "Setsuna-san's powers are so unique." There is hesitation before Luna continues. "I was hoping to talk you when you came home from speaking with Setsuna-san but it was so late by the time you returned." Luna tries again, "where were you?"

"I had plans to meet with Seiya after speaking with Setsuna-san. On my way to meet him, I was recognized by some fans of the Three Lights." She grimaces thinking of the girls pushing her. "The girls…. attacked me on my way to the park."

Luna sits up attentive, "are you hurt?" She studies Usagi with her eyes for any sign of injures.

"No… it was…. I was not expecting that to happen. They were so angry with me because of who I'm with… and I don't even know them." Usagi pulls the blanket closer to her. "I stayed with him for a little while. I called home so Mom wouldn't worry but Minako-chan's parents were here so she told me to stay out as late as I wanted."

Luna nods her head. "They had so many questions and if you came home while they were here, they wouldn't stop. They seem to be struggling with the idea that Minako-chan is a senshi… and that all of Minako-chan's friends are senshi and she had kept it a secret from them for so long." There is a lull in the conversation.

"So you went to Rei-chan's after?" Luna assumes.

"Ah… no…. I was with Seiya the entire time."

Luna tries to keep her expression neutral. "As long as you are… careful Usagi-chan. You know how boys can be…" She pauses, "especially in Seiya-kun's case… umm…" She wasn't sure what to say given how head over heels in love he is with Usagi.

"…careful…?" Usagi looks at Luna questioningly. Then it clicks. She laughs as her cheeks flush recalling some of the nights she spent with him on tour. "Umm… yeah it's fine…"

Luna sees the look on her face. "Usagi-chan!"

"I'm really hungry and I should probably to talk Mom about how things went with Minako-chan's parents!" Usagi quickly changes into a blouse and shorts before rushing out of her room.

Luna sighs and as she realizes just how serious things have become. A few years ago she never would have imaged these changes in Usagi.

---

Taiki looks at the blue haired man for his interview today. After listening to interviews with the other Three Lights members and Minako, he has a pretty good idea of what to expect from his man.

"Today we have Taiki-san from the Three Lights joining us for our final interview." He adjusts his posture in the chair. Taiki has always been the hardest of the group to figure out. "I've heard you've been busy since you've come back."

"That's correct. We've been spending a lot of time in the studio recording, photo shoots, interviews, and in between, working on new music," Taiki is waiting to see what line of questioning this man will take.

"Wow! That is a pretty busy schedule. Pretty impressive considering you completed a global tour only a few days ago. Do you guys ever take a break?" He asks, trying to read Taiki's facial expression but falls short.

"We'll have one soon and we are all looking forward to it."

The interviewer stars digging. "Oh? Are you guys going somewhere?"

Taiki smiles slightly. No one would believe him if he told them the truth. "That is being discussed and we are all looking forward to some rest. The tour was a lot of fun and a great way to meet a lot of fans but it was rather taxing."

The man frowns, hoping he would have been able to pry more information out of Taiki. "So we'll never hear where you're going?"

"No," Taiki immediately confirms. "We need some time away from everything. Especially since some of the fans have been rather unruly to those close to us." Taiki answers carefully, indirectly addressing what happened to Usagi.

"Unruly? What happened?" The blue haired man's interest peaks at the thought of having a new story.

Taiki looks at the microphone in front of him before he continues the interview. "We are glad to have such passionate fans in regard to our music but please don't go overboard."

The interviewer eyes him closely. "I see…" He realizes he is not going to receive any more information from Taiki on the subject at this time. He shifts the subject to a topic that has given him high ratings on all of his past interviews this week. "So is there someone special in your life?"

Taiki's posture becomes uncomfortable. He was not expecting such a blunt question at the being of the interview. "Not in the way you are implying."

---

Seiya climbs up the stairs of the subway station at Azabu Juban, thinking about when he entered this station yesterday with Usagi. He's not sure what to expect. She has been through so much recently and he wants to get her something special for her birthday.

He is glad the hotel is a short distance from Juban. He wishes the new apartment was this close. Looking around the intersection he spies Minako across the street waving at him.

Minako nearly shouts out his name but stops. There are a lot of people around and would only draw attention. She frowns a little bit. It's the little things like this she needs to remember. She waits for him to cross the street. "Hi," she greets him.

"Thank you for helping me," Seiya responds in kind.

"No problem! " Minako beams. "It's a short walk to the store." She leads them down the street.

They walk in silence for a few moments before Seiya speaks up. "How do you know the owner of the store? It's great you were able to make a special accommodation."

"Naru-chan's mother owns the store," Minako explains. "Sorry, I thought I mentioned it before. She is going to be there too to help us pick something out."

"Naru-chan… I think I met her a few times," Seiya comments recalling the name as he places his hand under his chin. He might remember the name but he doesn't remember a lot about her.

"They've been best friends… since before Usagi-chan became Sailor Moon. Actually… Usagi-chan told me her first battle against the Dark Kingdom was in this store."

"Oh wow," Seiya comments. "So did Luna really just give her brooch and told her transform without any training?"

Minako teardrops, "more or less! It was before I met the other girls. I was working in the shadows as Sailor V." She thinks about the time she was finally able to meet them in person, saving the senshi from Kunzite and Zoisite.

"That is the girl with red hair that wears it in a bow, right?" Seiya recalls meeting her with Usagi outside of school before graduation.

"Yup!" Minako beams. "Naru-chan's mother didn't hesitate to set up an appointment after hours especially after the interview you had… people might get the wrong idea of seeing you at a jewelry store."

"Um… yeah…" Seiya tries to hide the blush on his face.

Minako misses this and keeps talking. "The questions he asked! Did you hear the interview with Yaten the other day?"

"Yes. Yaten didn't waste any time setting him straight. I was rather surprised he came out and admitted the two of you are together." Seiya adds.

"We couldn't deny it any more. Not after that picture. I can't believe the staff leaked it," Minako pouts. Her tone softens, "at least it was after the tour." She pauses before she changes the subject. "He was so annoyed when I told him I busy tonight and I wouldn't be able to see him again until the weekend. I'm done at the studio for now."

"Everyone is going to an onsen this weekend, right?" Seiya confirms.

"Yup! But we will be back in time for the art exhibit and performance. There is no way we are missing that!" Minako grins. "We're really excited we were given tickets."

Seiya nods as Minako continues to talk. "Oh! The manager told me since Yaten confirmed we are together, pre-orders for my album have increased! I can't believe it!"

Seiya congratulates her. "It's great to hear that. I know you worked really hard."

Minako lowers her voice. "Yaten told me you guys spoke with Queen Kakyuu and I'll be able to go with you guys on your break too." She pauses. "I'm really looking forward to it but I'm also really nervous because I won't want to say or do the wrong thing."

Seiya chuckles a little. "Like we never said or did anything that wasn't against the norms here? We had a lot to figure out when we first arrived." Seiya's comment helps put Minako more at ease. "But I know it won't be a break the entire time."

Minako nods her head in agreement. "I want to be able to help in any way that I can." They turn the corner down an alley to the back door of the store. "Here we are!"

Seiya looks at the sign on the door for OSAP. He is surprised as he sees it. How many times has walked past this store in Juban without realizing what the store was?

Minako opens the unlocked door. "We're here!" She announces their arrival, closing the door behind her. They wait to be greeted by Naru and her mother.

Naru's mother bows as she greets them. Good evening Seiya-san, Minako-chan." She gives them a formal greeting as she would to all of her customers. "Naru-chan has a few ideas for some bracelets. If you would like something else, please don't hesitate to ask. I'm sure we can find the perfect present for Usagi-chan."

"You called at the right time. I'm going to see Usagi-chan tomorrow too." Naru pauses before quickly adding, "Don't worry, I won't say anything so it will be surprise for her." Naru leads them over to display case. "This bracelet came in recently and I think it might be perfect for her." She reaches into the display case to pull out a closed navy book box. "I would understand if you wanted to change the colors of the stones for her."

Naru opens the box and places it in front of Seiya and Minako. The bracelet has a band of light blue stones in a white gold setting with an adjustable chain and studded clasp. What really drew her attention to the bracelet was the studded crescent moon charm on the right side of the bracelet. Along with the crescent moon is a single five pointed star.

Minako gasps as she takes in the bracelet. She looks questioningly at Naru before she remembers that Naru knows Usagi is, rather was Sailor Moon. She eyes the five pointed star, does she know about Seiya too?

"If you want to change it to an eight pointed star… that might fit Usagi a little more." Naru comments as she watches their reactions.

Seiya stares at the bracelet. It's perfect. "I can tell you've known Odango for a long time. You're right, it is perfect for her."

Naru's mother beams as she stands a short distance away from everyone. She can't believe how quick this is going. She was worried this process might take hours since Minako was involved and she can easily become as distracted at Usagi. "Are there any changes you would like to make?" She walks over to stand next to Naru to examine the bracelet more closely. "The blue would bring out her eye color but it's not her favorite color."

Minako nods her head yes several times in agreement.

"Hmm…" Seiya ponders. "What color would she like better…?" He tries to think what color he has seen Usagi in the most. "Pink?"

"Definitely!" Naru confirms without hesitation. "I was going to suggest that too."

Naru's mother draws attention to the two charms. "The crescent moon and star work well with white stones though it is up to you if you want to change any of them."

Seiya looks at the bracelet again, debating about changing the color of the star to blue. He hesitates. He looks at the three ladies staring at him, waiting for an answer. "What do you think?"

He received a unanimous response of leaving it. After listening to their input, he agrees.

"I understand this is a birthday present for Usagi-chan?" Naru's mother asks, trying to determine how much time she would have to make the necessary adjustments.

"Yes," Seiya confirms.

"Great. I'm glad you came in so early. We can have it ready in less than three weeks," she explains to the singer.

"Hmm," Seiya frowns a little bit. "I'm going to be out of town for the next two weeks. But I know I'll be back in time before her birthday."

"That will work. I can call you when it is ready," Naru's mother explains as she grabs the paperwork to get started.

"Umm... I'm currently staying at a hotel and I don't know what the number will be at my new place and will be ready by the time I'm back," Seiya comments suddenly realizing how difficult he is making this process for someone that is going out of her way to help him. "Sorry."

"Want to use my number?" Minako offers. "You can update the phone number when you pick it up."

"That would be great, thank you," Seiya is relieved to have a solution to the dilemma.

Naru's mother takes Seiya to the side to continue the paperwork process.

Naru uses this moment to speak with Minako. "So tell me about your debut?"

---

The next day, Naru meets Usagi at Crown for lunch and to catch up. "I want to hear how everything went!" She asks her best friend. She leans back in the booth for the next hour listening to Usagi discuss the tour and her experiences in North and South America. Something seemed different about her best friend but she couldn't figure out what it was.

When Naru finally has a chance to see speak she adds, "Wow its sound like you had a lot of fun!" Naru studies her carefully.

Usagi nods her head eagerly. "Everything is going great," she tries to reassure Naru. She can't tell Naru about the nightmares. It will be hard enough to tell Ami and Makoto. Naru already knows she is a senshi and that alone could place her in danger.

"I'm glad," Naru comments before taking a sip from her smoothie. "You've been through so much in the past four years… you need a break from everything to just enjoy life." Naru looks at her best friend, they are the same age but Usagi looks older, more run down from everything she has experienced. "I'm glad we can do karaoke for your birthday again. Last year was tricky and we had to wait a few weeks."

"Yeah…" Usagi nods her head in agreement. Last year they fought the Black Moon.

"Minako-chan sounded really excited when she told me about it on the phone," Naru continues.

Usagi laughs. "Well, you know how much Minako likes to sing and especially now…" her voice trails off.

"Are the Three Lights going to be there too?" Naru asks, trying to determine if she might see Usagi's reaction to the gift.

Usagi blinks a few times. "Actually I haven't asked them… it's always just been us girls in the past. I'm not sure they really want to hear us sing…" She laughs a few times.

Naru laughs and nods her head. Some of the girls are not the best singers. "Seiya-kun will probably have something special planned for just the two of you anyway." Naru winks at the blonde across the table.

Usagi laughs at Naru's suggestion as she thinks about the date she had with Seiya in Peru, the walk on the beach… and afterward. She tries not to blush and wonders why it is so hard.

Naru raises an eyebrow at Usagi's reaction. "Oh? Usagi, why are blushing?" She is attentively watching Usagi for a sign.

"It's nothing," Usagi tries to explain to Naru while waving her hand as she speaks desperately trying to change the topic.

Naru isn't budging. "I've known you for most of your life, there is more to tell…. I can see it!"

Usagi will not look at the red haired woman across the table as she sips from her melon soda. "It's nothing really…" She still can't look at Naru, her face will give it away, she's sure of it, the down side of knowing her so well.

"Why would you blush so much spending time with Seiya-kun? I mean the last time I saw that reaction was when you and…" she stops talking as she pieces it together and gasps. "You didn't!"

Usagi shoots Naru a look. "Keep your voice down!"

Naru smirks. "Of course you're in such a good mood." The "sudden" announcement of them being a couple didn't see so random anymore.

"Naru-chan…" Usagi whines, trying desperately to change the subject to anything else.

Naru leans in. "… so how as it?"

---

Minako drags Yaten to her favorite restaurant in Akihabara, CoCo Curry.

He is about to protest about being seen in public before Minako reminds him.

"We don't have to hide anymore," Minako latches onto his arm.

Yaten sighs. He knows when he'll never win. "Fine…" he relents as he also realizes he is hungry.

Minako pulls the restaurant door open and is greeted by a waitress.

"Welcome!" She is about to ask for how many people when she realizes it is Minako with Yaten. Instead she says, "So it is true!"

Minako teardrops. Yaten doesn't look very amused.

"Let me finish clearing a table for you and I'll be right back," she adds quickly, hoping to not offend her patrons any more.

A minute later she comes back to seat Minako and Yaten in a small booth. Minako immediately begins to click on the small screen to order food. Within seconds she found her favorite curry, selects a spice level of three, a few extras, and a drink. She gestures for Yaten to order his food as well. Yaten decides to order almost the same thing as Minako, accept he opted for a spice level of ten.

"That is really spicy!" Minako tries to warn him as he finalizes the order.

Yaten shrugs. "Most of the food here isn't spicy; I'm used to spicy stuff back home, I'm sure it will be fine."

---

Yaten might end up regretting his decision. Delicious curry and I know will be going back there on my next visit. I went for a milder level since I know I would never handle that level. There are some funny videos on Youtube of people ordering the spiciest levels. I just learned they raised it up to twenty since I was there. Nope!

Additional post added to my Tumblr featuring Coco Curry and the bracelet that inspired Seiya's gift.

I've also rediscovered my long lost Twitter account sorakazeno1. Not much there, slowly adding some stuff from my Tumblr.

The next snippet finally appeared! Not too many left. Another one will pop up in the next part.

Usagi and Setsuna don't realize the drastic change right in front of them. They will find out soon!

Next chapter will be rather busy! Onsen, art exhibit/concert, and the journey to Kinmoku! Seiya and Haruka are going to have some words and the whole experience will be rather memorable. Heads up, it is a long chapter. Teaser will be posted on my Tumbler on June 1st featuring a scene between Seiya and Haruka.

Find out how everything plays out on June 8th, Act 69: Friends or Adversaries?