It's all gone. They're all dead.
The white-clad figure walked across the surface of the moon in slow, measured steps. There was no atmosphere, yet he needed no protective gear. He was beyond such petty concerns now. His steps made no sound.
He stopped, then hunkered down. A single white glove sifted through the dirt, as if he hoped to find a sign of life hidden there. Nothing, of course. Nothing would ever grow here again.
He closed his eyes and conjured up memories from long ago. The palace, resplendent in its glory, and the sweet scent of moon lilies in spring. The princess, a vision of beauty.
He sighed. His revenge was nearly at hand. Only one task remained. He brushed a strand of white hair from his brow and stood to face his destination.
The planet earth rose across the moon's horizon. He gazed at it with hatred in his heart.
"Come."
A dark silhouette, not a man but a thing, appeared behind him.
"You know what to do?"
The creature screeched. It was an inhuman sound. In another life, he thought, that sound would have made his blood run cold.
"Then go."
The creature bowed, then disappeared.
Soon, earth will be mine, and its people will die screaming.
For the first time in millennia, the white-clad figure allowed a smile to dance across his lips…
The early morning light filtered through the curtains and cast the bedroom in a soft glow. Usagi lay in bed, sprawled out like a starfish; her long black hair spilled across the mattress. A small pool of drool had collected on her pillow. Luna, her black plush cat and constant companion, lay curled up near the foot of the bed.
The too-cute, bunny-shaped alarm clock on the nightstand sprang to life.
"... wrapping up her European tour right now, Minako Aino has promised to return to Japan and the studio to record her first new full-length album in three years. While we wait, here's one of her last big releases, Something More!"
When we first met a long time ago,
We bumped heads for the right reason.
But now I just want to you to know
Things have changed; it's a new season.
What started out as friendship,
Could it now be something more?
Should I back away and quit?
Do I dare open that door?
Usagi sprang to life as if electrocuted and let out a shriek of surprise. She snatched the alarm clock from the nightstand and stared at it in disbelief.
"What? How is it so late already?!"
Luna stretched at the foot of the bed, baring her teeth with a content yawn.
"You've hit the snooze button three times already, Usagi."
Usagi tossed the alarm clock at Luna in frustration. Luna sprung to life and dodged the projectile.
"You could have woken me up, Luna!"
The plush cat giggled.
"I've given up on separating you from your pillow a long time ago, princess."
Usagi's gaze wandered to the other side of the king-sized bed. Empty. Of course, Mamoru was already awake. She sat still for a moment and listened. She thought she could hear him in the shower.
It's not too late!
She leapt from the bed. Before she could start getting dressed, her reflection in the bedroom mirror caught her attention. She took in her appearance for a moment: slim frame, bright eyes, noble features. She gave herself a smile.
Today's the day I get it right!
Usagi got dressed and stood over the apartment's small kitchen stove in record time. She shifted from one foot to the other as she watched the omelet cook.
The scars of a great cooking battle marred her appearance. Her apron was askew. She had tied back her hair, not in her signature odango style, but in a simple ponytail. Several strands, however, had already escaped their confinement. Flour dusted her sleeves.
Flour? Where did the flour come from? I don't use flour to make an omelet!
She plated the omelet, her lips pursed in concentration. Then she brushed her hands off on her apron.
I hope this one turns out better than the last one.
It had been a year since she and Mamoru had gotten married. Their life together had started out filled with excitement and possibilities. Soon, it had settled into a routine. This was what she had always wanted, but…most days, it felt like she was stumbling through the motions of adulthood.
It hadn't helped that she had transformed one last time into Sailor Moon to deal with a crisis right before the wedding. She had realized how much she missed helping people and fighting alongside her Guardians.
She sighed. Those times were long gone. The others had moved on and built lives of their own.
Mamoru entered the kitchen wearing his suit pants and a button-up shirt. He had draped his tie around his neck, untied.
Usagi took a moment to admire her husband. He was tall and kept his slender frame in good shape. He had trimmed his black hair into a new, neat style.
Mamoru was doing well at Kusaka's company and had just received a promotion. She was proud of him.
"Good morning, Usagi."
He sat down at their small kitchen table and smiled at her. She hesitated.
"Is that for me?" he asked.
She sprang back to life.
"What? This? Yes!"
She placed the omelet in front of him and smiled sheepishly. There was a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes.
"I added a bit more seasoning this time."
Usagi clasped her hands behind her back and watched him. She stood on her tippy toes for a moment, then set back down on her feet. Her heart thumped in anticipation.
Mamoru picked up a fork and took a bite, his face serious. He noticed her anticipation and winked at her. Then he winced as he bit down on something hard.
He grimaced, reached up to his mouth, and pulled out a piece of eggshell.
Usagi's face fell.
"Oh, no."
He was quick to reassure her.
"Hey, it's just a little piece. I'm sure the rest of the omelet is fine. See?"
Mamoru scooped a generous helping onto his fork and stuffed it into his mouth. He chewed once, twice, three times…and each bite sounded like he had a mouth full of potato chips. He picked up his napkin from the table and spit out the omelet.
Usagi collapsed into the chair across from him and buried her face in her hands.
"I can't do anything right!"
Mamoru reached across the table and pried her hands away from her face with great tenderness.
"It's no big deal. It happens to everyone."
She sniffed.
"It happens to everyone sometimes. But me? I mess up every meal."
She looked down at the table, avoiding his gaze.
"I've been trying hard to be a good housewife, but I just keep messing everything up. I don't even know what I'm doing most of the time."
Her voice was both sad and frustrated.
Mamoru was rarely the touchy-feely type. He preferred to present a stoic facade and a veneer of sarcasm. Usagi did not know what to expect when she looked up.
He surprised her with a gentle smile.
"It's only been a year, and this is all new for both of us. It's okay to have a few bumps in the road. We'll figure it out together."
Usagi searched his face. She wanted to believe him, but a knot of doubt remained in her gut.
"I just… I thought I'd be better at this by now. It feels like something is missing."
Her voice was soft, no louder than a whisper.
Mamoru paused as he thought about her words.
"Maybe something is missing. Do you think it might be time for us to have a child?"
Usagi's heart skipped a beat.
A child? Now?
A wave of fear and uncertainty washed over her. How could she be a mother when she still had to figure out how to be an adult? What if she wasn't ready? What if she failed at that, too?
Unlike in the past, she didn't blurt out the first thing that crossed her mind. Instead, she smiled, although it didn't quite reach her eyes.
"A child, huh? I don't know. That's a huge step so soon."
He nodded, a serious expression on his face.
"I know, but a child may complete our family." He glanced at his watch. "I've got to head to work. We'll talk more about this later, okay?"
He placed a gentle kiss on the forehead.
"Don't be too hard on yourself, princess. You're doing great."
Usagi nodded.
"Have a good day. I'll… I'll try another omelet tomorrow."
He smirked.
"I'm looking forward to it."
With a dramatic flair worthy of Tuxedo Mask, he grabbed his briefcase and left. The sound of the closing door echoed through the apartment. Usagi stared at the half-eaten omelet on the table.
"What am I doing?"
Her heart ached with the weight of her uncertainty. She loved Mamoru more than anything, but she felt adrift. The idea of a child terrified her, though she couldn't tell Mamoru that.
She sighed. The apartment felt too quiet, too still. For the first time in a long time, Usagi felt lost.
Ami Mizuno stood at the foot of the hospital bed. Her hands were steady, but her heart pounded as erratically as the beeping of the monitor. The patient, a young woman in her early twenties, lay motionless on the bed; each of her breaths was shallow and ragged.
The car accident had been severe, the patient's injuries extensive. Still, she had survived the initial surgeries. Now, something was wrong.
"BP dropping," the nurse's voice cut through the sterile air.
Ami glanced at the monitor. Her mind raced through several possibilities. Her mentor, Dr. Kobayashi, stood nearby, silent and observant. She had earned his respect over the last six months, since returning from her studies in America. Her brilliance was undeniable. Right now, however, Ami feared that neither his experience nor her brilliance would be enough.
Ami pushed her glasses up on her nose, then tucked a stray strand of her black hair behind her ear. Her round, bookish face, no doubt, had scrunched up in concentration. She didn't care.
"Push more fluids and get the crash cart."
Her voice was steady despite the tightness in her chest.
Come on, you can do this.
She had achieved her goals, had followed in her mother's footsteps and become one of the youngest doctors in the history of Japan. She conducted herself like a doctor with decades of experience.
Yet, with each passing second, it became clearer that the young woman was slipping away. Ami's stomach twisted. It wasn't supposed to end like this. She was supposed to fix it.
Memories of her time as Sailor Mercury flashed through her mind. She had used her powers to protect others, to keep death at bay. Where was that strength now?
"Clear!"
Ami shouted as she placed the paddles on the patient's chest. Her voice was clear and strong. The patient jolted, but the heart monitor continued to beep erratically. She could feel her mentor's eyes on her. She couldn't look at him. Not yet.
"Again!"
This time, her voice cracked.
Another shock. For a split second, Ami allowed herself the luxury of hope. Then reality came crashing down on her; the monitor flatlined. The patient's heart had stopped beating.
Ami stared at the lifeless woman before her, feeling the weight of failure press down on her chest. She opened her mouth, but her voice refused to make a sound.
Dr. Kobayashi stepped forward.
"Time of death, Dr. Mizuno?"
She shook her head.
"No, I can…there has to be something else we can do…"
Her voice wavered as the inescapable truth settled in. Dr. Kobayashi looked at her with sympathy in his eyes.
"Dr. Mizuno. She's gone."
The words hung in the air like an accusation. The room spun and Ami bit down on her lip.
Don't you dare faint!
She had seen death before, but this was different. This woman was her responsibility, and she was powerless to help her. For all her intelligence, for all her skill, Ami couldn't save this patient.
The hospital room was quiet now, the machinery silenced. The nurse averted her eyes from Ami and went about her business. Dr. Kobayashi placed a hand on Ami's shoulder.
"Let's step outside."
Ami followed him, her mind numb. Once in the hallway, Dr. Kobayashi closed the door and turned to her, his expression both sympathetic and serious.
"You did everything you could, Dr. Mizuno."
She shook her head, eyes wide.
"No. There was something I missed. I should have been able to save her. She was so young. She…"
Her words seemed to get stuck in her throat and she looked away.
Kobayashi studied her for a moment.
"Ami, you're an exceptional doctor. Your intelligence is unparalleled. You may be the brightest young doctor I've ever seen, but… you care too much."
He spoke softly, but his words struck Ami like a slap.
"I care too much? Isn't that why we do this? Because we care?"
He ran a hand through his gray hair and sighed. His face bore the marks of years spent in these corridors. He had seen countless lives both begin and end. It was all right there, etched on his face.
"There must be balance. You need to care enough to do the best for your patients, yes. You also have to accept that the outcome is often beyond your control or this job will tear you apart."
He took a deep breath, then exhaled.
"If you cannot maintain a professional distance between yourself and your patients, you will fail as a doctor."
Ami stared at him, the reality of his words sinking in. All of her life, she had worked toward a singular goal: to become a doctor like her mother. It had never occurred to her that she may be too soft at heart for this job.
If that was the truth, then where did that leave her? She was no longer Sailor Mercury. A medical career may not be the right fit for her. What did she have left?
Her knees buckled, and she sank to the floor, her back against the wall. The tears finally spilled out. She covered her face with her hands. Her body shook with silent sobs.
Dr. Kobayashi didn't comfort her. Instead, he crouched beside her, not as her mentor but as an equal who needed her to see the truth.
"You can't save everyone, Ami. No matter how hard you try."
Ami couldn't speak; she couldn't even breathe. She felt so small, lost in the vastness of her failure. How could she go on like this? How could she try to save people every single day and know that she would fail?
For the first time in a long time, Ami felt truly alone. All she could think about was how much she missed her friends.
Rei Hino knelt in front of the fire. Its orange glow cast shadows that danced along the walls of the shrine. The air was thick with the scent of burning wood and incense. The only sounds filling the chamber were the quiet pops and cracks of the wood as it burned.
Rei had practiced fire-reading for years now, ever since she was a child. Today, the fire felt distant, elusive. Her thoughts had scattered, her focus was weak.
She shifted around, uncomfortable. Her long, black hair shimmied down her back. She wore the traditional clothes of a shrine maiden: red, pleated trousers and a white top. Sweat beaded her elegant face.
How long had it been since she had last heard from Usagi? Almost a year since the wedding. Almost a year of silence from the friend who had once been her closest companion.
At the wedding, Rei had felt something unspoken pass between them all as they stood by their princess one last time. The ceremony, and handing Usagi over to her groom, had felt like a conclusion, a final chapter in their long story together. They were Sailor Guardians no more.
Since then, they had drifted apart, each of them returning to their normal lives. Rei now lived in solitude once again. Her duties at the shrine kept her occupied. She was no longer a mere shrine maiden. She was a priestess in training.
Preparations for the grueling three-day priesthood exam loomed over her. The priest at Hikawa Shrine was helping her prepare. Still, she couldn't help but feel nervous. It was a big step in her spiritual journey.
The whispers troubled her the most. There were those who found her abilities unsettling. She possessed the gifts of pyromancy and clairvoyance, but they were not Shinto traditions. She had always been different, even before her awakening as Sailor Mars. Now, she feared those differences could keep her from achieving her goals.
Could she reconcile her connection to fire, this lingering power from her time as Sailor Mars, with the expectations of the priesthood?
The fire crackled in front of her. She closed her eyes and tried to center herself. Instead, her mind wandered again, this time to Minako.
Of all the former Guardians, Minako was the one who still kept in regular contact. They texted often, brief but familiar conversations that reminded Rei of the contentious friendship they had formed. There was a strange comfort in it. Their connection felt deeper now than it ever had before.
Minako will be back in Japan soon.
The thought of seeing her again sent a nervous flutter through Rei's stomach. This confused her and made it harder to focus on her meditation. Every time she thought of Minako, her mind grew clouded, distracted.
She clenched her fists on her knees, annoyed at herself. Why couldn't she concentrate? How could Minako…
Suddenly, the fire surged. The heat intensified. The flames reached out with a sudden, violent energy. Rei gasped and her eyes snapped open. She stared into the fire, the once familiar warmth now causing beads of sweat to form on her face. Something was wrong.
She reached out with her mind, trying to sense the source of this shift.
There! Right there!
A dark, malevolent presence almost overwhelmed her. It was a deep, evil energy that filled her senses. For the first time in her life, the fire frightened her. The flames twisted and writhed as if alive, reaching out for her with greedy…hands?
She gripped the edge of her ceremonial robes and tried to stay calm. She reached further, pushed against the presence, and for a moment, she touched it. Someone was out there, watching, waiting, filled with malice. It terrified Rei.
The connection broke as suddenly as it had formed. Rei gasped for breath. Her hands shook as she wiped the sweat from her face. She stared at the calm flames, now back to normal. Still, a sense of dread lingered. What had she just felt? What was out there?
Her first instinct was to call the others; Usagi, Ami, and Makoto…but she stopped herself. What could they do? They were powerless now, no longer Guardians. That part of their lives was over.
Still, the thought of whatever was out there made her shiver. Perhaps she would mention it to Minako when they saw each other. Minako would know what to say, how to reassure her. A faint warmth returned to Rei's chest. It was a feeling she didn't understand, but she took comfort in that warmth.
For a moment, Rei forgot her fear. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and let her mind settle. The fire crackled, and she welcomed its warmth. Still, she couldn't ignore the lingering sense of foreboding.
Something was coming, and Rei wasn't sure she could face it alone.
The warmth of the café enveloped Usagi as she sat at a small table near the window. She sipped her tea and took in the relaxed atmosphere. Outside, pedestrians passed as they went about their business.
What a cozy place.
The café was brightly lit and decorated with warm colors. The baristas, all male and all handsome, served both tea and coffee. It was the all-you-can-eat cookie bar, however, that was the café's real claim to fame.
Usagi looked down at the spread of cookies in front of her. Married life had done nothing to curb her sweet tooth, it seemed. She wiped some crumbs from the corner of her mouth.
"Usagi!"
She looked up and saw Naru Osaka walk toward her table. Naru had been one of Usagi's best friends since middle school. They had seen little of each other over the past year, so when Naru had reached out to catch up, Usagi had been glad to accept the invitation.
Naru had added some waves into her brown, shoulder-length hair, but she still parted it the same way. Her eyes were still as big and intense, her smile still as inviting and infectious.
"Naru!"
Usagi leapt to her feet and rushed toward her friend, a huge grin on her face.
"It's so nice to see you! I love what you've done with your hair! It's gorgeous!"
One of the nearby baristas cleared his throat. Usagi looked around. Every single café guest was staring at her in disbelief.
"Have you…have you seen…the cookies?"
Her voice trailed off, embarrassed.
Naru laughed, grabbed her by the arm and led her back to their table.
"Same old Usagi."
Naru's voice was light and full of warmth.
"I've been dying to hear all about your married life."
Usagi offered a soft smile as they each took a seat.
"Yeah… It's wonderful."
Naru arched an eyebrow.
"You don't sound so sure about that. What's going on, Usagi? Come on, spill it."
Usagi's façade cracked. Her shoulders slumped.
"Okay, you caught me. It's hard, Naru."
Naru's expression softened, and she leaned forward.
"I thought Mamoru was the love of your life. Well, multiple lives."
A pang of guilt flashed across Usagi's face.
"It's not him. He's been so sweet and supportive. It's me."
She groaned and buried her face in her hands.
"I'm a terrible housewife. I can't cook without setting off the smoke alarm. Cleaning is dreadful, and our finances are confusing."
Naru blinked, then let out a laugh.
"Usagi, you saved the world. How can married life be harder than that?"
Usagi lifted her head.
"I knew how to be Sailor Moon. It was like an instinct. I don't know how to be…this."
She gestured at herself, then tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. Naru's eyes lingered on her friend's hair, tied back in a simple ponytail.
"You're not wearing your hair in odango."
Usagi shrugged.
"I'm not a kid anymore. I'm trying to be a grown-up."
Naru's eyes narrowed.
"Where is this coming from? Mamoru? Is he pushing you to change?"
Usagi shook her head.
"Not at all. I just… I'm pretending to be a grownup, but it's just not working. Sometimes I feel like he's leaping ahead of me. He's been talking about starting a family."
Naru's eyes widened in shock.
"That seems… fast."
Usagi nodded.
"I'm just not sure how I feel about it. I can barely take care of myself! What if I'm not cut out to be a mom?"
Naru reached across the table and gave Usagi's hand a squeeze.
"You've always overcome impossible odds. You're stronger than you think."
Usagi gave her a small, grateful smile. Naru studied her friend for a moment longer, then grinned.
"You know, I didn't ask you to meet me just to catch up. You're not the only one feeling stuck."
Usagi looked at her friend, surprise written all over her face.
"Oh?"
Naru's voice took on a darker tone.
"After high school, I started working with my mom designing jewelry. I'm not half bad at it, either, but…well, mom's a control freak with her business. She runs everything, and I don't have any room to breathe, let alone grow. That's where you come in."
Usagi tilted her head in confusion.
"What do you mean?"
Naru grew more animated, excited to relay her idea.
"I want to start my own business, but I can't do it alone. I need someone with heart and energy, someone who's great with people. That someone is you, Usagi."
Usagi's eyes widened in shock. Her teacup slipped from her hand. She caught it before it hit the table. A barista shot her a look of reprimand.
"Me? Naru, I'm not… I mean, I wasn't even a good student. What could I possibly bring to a business?"
Naru grinned.
"You've got more to offer than you realize. Your kindness attracts people. You have this infectious, upbeat energy. When I show you what I have in mind, you'll understand."
Here it was at last, a life preserver for a drowning woman. Maybe she wasn't a great housewife. Fine. She still had something to offer. This could be exactly what she needed right now.
"Tell me everything."
Naru leaned forward. Her eyes twinkled.
"I thought you'd never ask."
The scent of roses and lilies filled the air. Makoto Kino savored the scents and placed a final stem into an elaborate flower arrangement. Her fingers moved with practiced grace. A small, content smile touched her lips. Her brown ponytail swayed back and forth.
She stepped back and admired her work. Her flower shop had become her passion in recent months. It was a peaceful contrast to the battles she once fought as Sailor Jupiter. Now, the only battles she waged were against wilted petals and stubborn customers. It was a good life.
Her flower shop, and her relationship with Motoki Furuhata, were her sanctuary.
She thought back on how she had fought against her feelings for Motoki, convinced her past life had destined her to be alone. How she had relented and opened her heart to him. How he had caught the bouquet at Usagi and Mamoru's wedding, leading to their engagement.
People had seen her as tough, capable, and unapproachable her whole life. She was tall, athletic, and physically strong. When her parents died, she became emancipated and took care of herself. People soon realized she was emotionally strong, as well.
She could never be delicate or feminine. Her passion for cooking, her love for flowers became these hidden aspects of her personality.
Until Motoki. He embraced all aspects of her personality; she finally had somebody who could accept that she was both strong and delicate. She loved him for that.
The bell over the shop door jingled, and she turned to see Motoki walk in. He held an empty flower delivery basket under one arm. Kamekichi, his beloved pet turtle, poked his head out of the basket.
"Hey, beautiful. I dropped off the flowers and Kamekichi here kept me company. I think he enjoys our delivery runs. Your son's growing up so fast."
Makoto chuckled and shook her head.
"You know, if you keep calling me his mother, people are going to ask questions."
He flashed her a grin.
"Let them talk! Once we're married, there's no turning back."
Makoto rolled her eyes, but her smile never faded. She found his attachment to that little turtle endearing. The way he always made her laugh never ceased to amaze her.
Before she could respond with a playful retort, the shop door swung open again. Two men strode in, both wearing dark hooded jackets. Makoto sensed that something was amiss.
Her intuition proved correct when one man pulled a knife from his pocket. The large blade gleamed under the shop lights.
"Empty the register. Now."
His voice was low and dangerous.
Makoto's heart skipped a beat. She could feel her muscles tense up; adrenaline coursed through her body.
Motoki, gentle as always, raised both hands.
"You don't want to do this. Trust me. You're making a big mistake."
The robbers ignored his words and stepped closer. The second man grabbed a vase from one of the nearby shelves and smashed it to pieces on the floor.
Makoto's eyes darkened. The years of peace had not dulled her senses. As the first robber edged closer, her instincts took over.
In a flash, she grabbed his wrist. She could see the surprise in his eyes and allowed herself a split-second of satisfaction. Then she twisted his wrist until the knife clattered to the floor. She struck his face and cut off his yelp of pain. He crumpled to the ground.
The second robber lunged toward her. In one smooth motion, she picked up the knife and hurled it across the room. It struck the second robber in the shoulder with precision. A guttural cry of shock and pain escaped his throat.
Both men stared at her, wide-eyed.
"Get out. Never come back. The police will be the least of your worries if I see you again."
The robbers obeyed without hesitation. They scrambled for the door and fled into the street.
For a moment, the shop was silent. Makoto's breaths came in quick bursts, her muscles still taut. It was over as quickly as it had begun, but the rush of the fight lingered.
From behind her, Motoki let out a low whistle.
"Still got it, huh?"
The tension in her body evaporated. She laughed.
"Looks like it."
He bent down to scoop up Kamekichi, who had witnessed the entire scene from the safety of the delivery basket.
"Sailor Jupiter to the rescue!"
Makoto smiled at his words. Still, as much as she loved this peaceful, ordinary life with Motoki, there was a part of her that ached for something more.
She missed the fight. She missed the thunder and lightning that coursed through her veins when she transformed. Most of all, she missed them; Usagi, Ami, Rei, and Minako. The months of silence between them had felt like an eternity.
Makoto sighed and glanced out the shop window. The sun had set. Life was good now, better than she ever could have hoped. Deep down, however, a part of her would always belong to the storm, to Sailor Jupiter.
The quiet hum of the limo's engine had lulled Minako Aino into a silent, almost trance-like state. It was a far cry from the roar of the crowd at the concert just hours earlier. Now, with her last tour date behind her, she was finally heading to the airport and back to Japan.
She sat back in the leather seat and stared out the tinted windows at the late morning streets of Berlin. There was not much to see. The day was overcast; rain poured from the heavens.
She considered her own reflection in the window for a moment; her long brown hair, her tall forehead hidden behind her bangs, her intense eyes. She had a serious face, one that magazines called "oozing with star power".
Minako's fingers stroked the soft fur of her plush cat, Artemis, in her lap. She replayed last night's concert beat for beat and note for note. She felt alive on stage; the rhythm of her music filled her with purpose. And yet…
She sighed and leaned her head back against the seat. Her long brown hair spilled over her shoulder.
"Why does it feel like something is missing?"
Her voice was a whisper, but in the limo's silence, it almost sounded like a shout.
Artemis stirred. He didn't move his head or open his eyes, but Minako knew her loyal companion was awake.
"Are you as bored as I am, then?"
His voice was dry. He knew her too well.
Minako laughed.
"Bored? No way. I'm an international idol, remember? There's never time to be bored."
Artemis lifted his head and gave her a look that said he knew better.
"You miss it, don't you? Being Sailor Venus."
She looked away and once again focused on the thick, heavy raindrops outside.
"Maybe."
She wouldn't have admitted it to anybody else, but Artemis had been her friend and mentor for a long time.
The plush cat sat upright and stretched in her lap.
"Maybe we're just lonely."
His words hung in the air, and Minako felt her chest tighten. Lonely? Maybe that, too.
In the beginning, it had been just her and Artemis, back when she prowled the streets as Sailor V. Then, she had met the others. She had tried to keep her distance, play the role of the lone wolf, but they wore down all of her defenses. They became more than just a team. They were… a family.
She thought of Usagi's wedding. It had been the first time in what felt like years they had all been together. The memories of that day stirred up a longing within her, a longing for a time that could never return.
"Family? Is that what we were?"
Artemis could tell she was talking more to herself than to him, so he didn't bother to respond. His silence felt like a confirmation of what they both already knew. Maybe they had been a family once, before life pulled them in different directions. Not anymore.
Minako's phone buzzed on the seat beside her. She picked it up and her heart skipped when she saw Rei's name on the screen. She glanced at the message. Short and to the point. Very Rei.
"See you soon."
Out of all the former Guardians, Rei was the one who still reached out, who still cared enough to keep the connection alive. It had been Rei's texts that helped Minako get through those long nights on tour, when homesickness struck between shows.
Lately, however, it had become something more. She needed those words. They were the first thing she looked for when she woke up and the last thing she clung to before she fell asleep.
Was it loneliness that made her cling to Rei? Nostalgia? Or was it something else?
Artemis, perceptive as always, watched her but remained silent. He could sense her confusion, but knew she had to find her own way through this dilemma.
Minako set her phone back down. Once she saw Rei, things would become clear.
"See you soon."
The afternoon sun hung low in the sky and cast an orange glow across the sidewalk where Usagi waited. She held her arms crossed tightly against her chest. The temperature was dropping in anticipation of the coming night. The wind had picked up, too, fluttering about some stray hair from Usagi's ponytail.
She chewed on her bottom lip. Just a short bus ride from where she now stood was Juban Middle School. She had experienced strange and wonderful moments there. Heartbreaking ones, too. It had been the age of Sailor Moon.
There was something grounding about returning to her old stomping grounds, but it felt disconcerting as well.
Of course, it wasn't just nostalgia that had left her feeling unsettled. It was also nerves about Mamoru's reaction that had her on edge. She had made a big decision today with Naru, one that would alter the course of their life together. She should have talked to him about it first, but… it had just felt so right.
He'll understand. I know he will.
The familiar roar of a motorcycle engine pulled her from her thoughts. Mamoru's bike, the one he had refused to part with despite its age, sputtered down the street. He was successful at his job; he could afford better. Perhaps he, too, missed the old days sometimes.
Mamoru pulled up next to her and cut the engine. He offered her a warm smile as he slid off the seat.
"Usagi. What's going on? Why did you want to meet here?"
His tone was as affectionate as ever, but she could hear the confusion in his voice. He didn't even bother to remove his white, open-faced helmet. Instead, he just slid the visor up.
Despite the thumping in her chest, she forced a smile. The moment of truth had arrived.
"I have something important to tell you."
She wrought her hands together. He cocked his head in response.
"You're acting kind of mysterious."
She laughed a little, the almost-manic giggle of somebody totally overwhelmed.
"Mamoru, I've been feeling a little… lost lately. I…I don't think the housewife thing is working."
Mamoru's face softened. He stepped closer and took her hand.
"You're doing fine. It's a big change for both of us."
Usagi squeezed his hand.
"I just don't think I'm cut out for it. I need to do something else. There may be another way for me to contribute."
Mamoru searched her face.
"What do you mean?"
Usagi took a deep breath and straightened her shoulders.
"I've decided to go into business with Naru. We're going to reopen Crown Karaoke."
For a moment, Mamoru didn't react. His brow furrowed in confusion. He pointed toward the building next to them.
"Crown? This Crown? Where Motoki used to work? Is that why you wanted to meet here?"
Usagi's voice brightened with excitement.
"That's right! I know it's closed down and kind of falling apart, but Naru and I think we can fix it up and make it great again. Naru's great with business stuff, and I'm good with people and I love karaoke. It's a great opportunity."
Mamoru's expression was a mixture of surprise and concern.
"Crown needs more than dusting or a coat of paint. How will you two pay for all of this?"
Usagi's excitement faltered. The conversation teetered toward the confrontation she dreaded.
"Naru and I are…pooling resources."
Mamoru's eyes narrowed.
"Resources?"
She swallowed hard, then glanced away.
"I took some money from our savings account."
Mamoru stared at her as he processed her words. His voice was tight when he spoke again.
"How much?"
Usagi hesitated.
"Four million yen."
"Idiot!"
The word exploded out of Mamoru before he could stop himself. His voice was sharp with anger. He let go of her hand and took a step back. Usagi's eyes flashed with her own rising fury.
"Who's the idiot?!"
For a second, it felt like the old days, like the antagonistic flirtation that drew them together. That sensation faded quickly. This was a lot more serious.
Mamoru's voice rose in disbelief.
"You took four million yen from our savings account without telling me? That money was for us, for our future, for a bigger apartment, for…"
Usagi cut him off. Her voice trembled with frustration.
"For the baby you've decided we're supposed to have?"
He stared at her, his eyes wide with surprise. He looked as if she had slapped him. Usagi hadn't finished.
"Did you ever stop to think that maybe I'm not ready? Maybe I don't want kids right now?"
Mamoru looked hurt.
"We've always talked about starting a family. Even when we were Serenity and Endymion, we…"
Usagi snapped.
"Don't bring up our past life! All of you got some of those memories back, but mine…mine were different. Serenity, Princess Sailor Moon, whatever you want to call her…she stayed this separate personality all the way until the end. Now she's gone. I don't know what she wanted. I'm Usagi, not Serenity!"
Her voice softened.
"Mamoru, I don't even know who I am, what I want to do with the rest of my life. I'm trying to figure that out. All I'm asking for is your support."
Mamoru's jaw tightened.
"What if, after you figure out who you are, you still don't want children, Usagi? What then?"
Usagi's anger rose once more. She stepped closer, her fists clenched at her sides. She had to stand on her toes to even try to see eye-to-eye with Mamoru.
"Then I guess we just won't have children! It's not like one is going to just fall from the sky!"
Boom!
A sudden crack of thunder rumbled above them. They both looked up. The sky was clear. They looked at each other, their argument forgotten. They had seen enough strange things to not take anything for granted.
Usagi seized Mamoru's hand.
"What was…"
BOOM!
Another crack of thunder, louder and more violent, cut her off. A force like a shock wave threw them both to the ground. A shop window shattered. Somewhere nearby, a car alarm started beeping in a steady rhythm.
Mamoru and Usagi rose back to their feet, arm in arm. A strong wind pushed against them. Above their heads, a swirling vortex of dark green and deep purple clouds formed. In its center, electricity crackled.
Before either of them could react, a small figure fell out of the center of the vortex and plummeted through the air. The figure crashed into them and knocked both Usagi and Mamoru back to the ground.
They scrambled to their feet and stared in shock as the vortex closed just as quickly as it had appeared. The wind died down. The orange glow of the setting sun returned. If it hadn't been for the broken glass and beeping car, no sign would have remained of what had just happened.
In front of them stood a little girl, maybe eight years old. She wore a school uniform of some kind. Her black hair was in the all-too-familiar twin odango style. She looked at them with wide, terrified eyes.
"They're coming. Please don't let them take me. They'll kill me and then they'll kill my mama!"
Mamoru dropped to one knee in front of the girl. He was confused, yes, but Usagi could see his eyes soften as he looked into the girl's terrified face. He took her hand.
"It's okay. Who's coming? Who's after you?"
His voice was steady, but Usagi could hear the tension just beneath the surface. Before the girl could respond, Usagi interrupted. Her own alarm was rising.
"Never mind who's coming. Where did you come from? How did you just… fall from the sky like that?"
Her voice was sharper than she intended. She took a deep breath. Something about this whole situation made her heart race. The surrounding air crackled with a strange, familiar energy. It sent a shiver down her spine.
She wished Rei were there. Rei could help Usagi make sense of this sensation. She swallowed hard and tried to suppress the sense of dread.
"Mamoru, something's very wrong. This…this energy…"
The little girl let out a soft, broken sob. She threw herself at Mamoru and embraced him like a shipwrecked person clinging to a life preserver.
Mamoru shot Usagi a glance of reprimand, then turned his attention back to the girl. His voice dropped to a whisper as he tried once more to understand what was going on.
"Don't be scared. Can you tell us your name?"
The girl sniffled and wiped her face with the back of her sleeve. She opened her mouth to speak when a sudden screech pierced the air. A chill ran through Usagi.
"They're here."
The girl's voice was little more than a whisper. Usagi and Mamoru looked up in unison. Usagi's blood ran cold.
In the middle of the street, silhouetted against the fading daylight, stood a figure clad in black. It was humanoid, but it wasn't human. It was bald and had pale, almost white skin. A pair of black large, black eyes dominated its expressionless face. Its forehead bore an upside-down, black crescent moon. It had no mouth.
From somewhere deep in its throat, another blood-curdling screech erupted. Long, bony fingers pointed directly at them.
Usagi recoiled.
"What…what is that? Is it a youma?"
Mamoru moved to shield the girl.
"That's no youma. The Dark Kingdom is gone. This is something different."
The creature advanced, its movements quick and jerky. It moved so surreal, so alien, that Usagi had to blink several times to make sure her eyes weren't playing tricks.
She clenched her fists, her body preparing for a fight…except, she could no longer transform into Sailor Moon.
"I don't have my powers, Mamoru. How are we supposed to fight it?"
Mamoru's jaw clenched.
"We'll have to figure something out. We have to protect her."
The creature let out another screech. The sound made all the hair on Usagi's arms stand up. It was one of the most terrifying sounds she had ever heard.
The little girl gripped Mamoru's jacket. Fear filled her tear-streaked face.
"Please don't let it take me!"
Usagi's breath quickened. She was helpless. She looked at Mamoru. His face was determined.
"We won't."
Mamoru took two big steps toward Usagi, and suddenly his arms encircled her. He pulled her against him in a brief but fierce embrace. His lips brushed against hers, warm and soft.
"I love you, Usagi, no matter what happens next."
Before she could respond, he stepped back and lowered the visor of his helmet.
"Grab the girl and run."
Usagi froze. The world around her slowed. Fear gripped her heart.
"Mamoru?"
Her voice sounded so small, so vulnerable.
Time snapped back into place. The creature let out another horrific screech and Mamoru charged forward. Usagi watched in stunned disbelief as her husband rushed headlong into a fight he couldn't possibly win.
Mamoru's fist connected with the creature's face. The sound of the impact was low and dull, as if he had punched a wall. He followed up with another punch, then dodged the creature's arm as it lunged at him. Mamoru ducked under another of the creature's attacks, then hammered two blows into its side where a human's kidneys would be. The creature didn't even flinch.
Usagi couldn't watch any longer. She scooped the girl into her arms. She couldn't help Mamoru, but she had to do something. So, she ran. The sound of Mamoru's grunts and the creatures' screeches echoed behind her.
Then she heard a scream of pain. It was Mamoru's voice.
She stopped and spun around. Her heart dropped into her stomach. She saw Mamoru in the air, flung like a rag doll. His body twisted around before crashing into the asphalt with a thud. He didn't move.
The creature's large, black eyes locked onto her and it let out a screech so deafening it felt as if her eardrums were about to burst. Usagi did the only thing she could; she turned and ran once more.
Her legs trembled. Sill, she forced herself to keep running. The girl clung to her. Usagi's shirt bore the stains of the girl's tears.
I'm so useless.
The thought echoed in her head over and over, repeating with each step she took. Her breath now came in short, ragged bursts. Her lungs burned in her chest. She changed direction and slipped through the glass doors of a clothing store.
Dim light filled the store. Mannequins posed in front of fashion displays, oblivious to the chaos unfolding outside. A security guard stepped forward and raised his hand to stop her.
"Sorry, miss, we're closing…"
Usagi shoved past him.
"Someone is trying to kill this girl! We need help!"
The guard looked startled. On instinct, his hand went for the gun at his side. Before he could react further, the door behind them shattered. Glass exploded inward as the creature forced its way into the store.
It moved with inhuman speed. Its hand grew to grotesque proportions and wrapped itself around the security guard. The man had just enough time to scream before the hand engulfed his body. He suffocated in agony as the creature watched.
Usagi recoiled in horror, then ran. She crouched low behind a counter in the back of the store and cradled the terrified girl in her lap. She could feel the kid's body shaking in her arms. Small whimpers of fear escaped her throat.
"Shhhh."
Usagi heard more screams and covered the girl's ears. No doubt, the creature was making its way through the remaining employees. Fear and helplessness crashed over her like a tidal wave.
Her hand trembled as she pulled a phone from her pocket. It was the same phone she'd used to communicate with her Guardians in the past. Why did she still carry it with her at all times? Nostalgia? Longing for her friends?
She flipped it open like she had done so often in the past to gather her troops, to fight a monster.
Please, someone answer.
She pressed the call button, knowing deep down that it was futile. Even if they answered, they had no powers now. They were all normal women, living normal lives. What could they do? Still, the thought of facing this nightmare without them was unbearable to Usagi.
The creature let out another shriek and Usagi's heart skipped a beat. She peeked over the counter and watched it ransack the store. It knocked over racks of clothes and tore apart mannequins as it searched for them. Each step brought it closer to their hiding place.
Please…please, someone pick up.
The fire crackled once more in the dim light of the shrine. Rei Hino sat motionless before the flames, her legs crossed. Sweat beaded on her forehead as the heat from the fire washed over her.
She had felt something earlier that day, a dark presence, a disturbance that had left her unsettled. She was determined to discover its source.
Her focus was clearer than it had been all day. Visions of darkness and chaos flitted before her mind's eye. The presence remained unclear, illusive. She exhaled a deep breath.
In the adjacent bedchamber, her old Sailor Guardian communicator lay on a simple wooden table. It had been silent for a long time. She had kept it as a memento of her past life.
Suddenly, its screen came to life with an incoming call. The ring echoed through the shrine, but Rei didn't hear it. She had achieved focused mediation.
Her connection to the supernatural was as strong as ever. Her connection to Usagi, however, had never been weaker.
Laughter echoed through the cozy apartment that Makoto shared with Motoki. The smell of simmering vegetables and fried fish filled the air as she stood at the stove. Motoki stood beside her and held up Kamekichi in front of her face. Mischief twinkled in his eyes.
"Come on, Makoto! Just one kiss for Kamekichi!"
Makoto laughed and swatted at him with her cooking spoon.
"Keep that up and we'll have turtle soup for dinner instead!"
Motoki chuckled. He leaned in to kiss her on the cheek, but she dodged him with a giggle. Their ordeal from earlier that day was all but forgotten.
Somewhere in the back of her bedroom closet, buried under old clothes, lay her Sailor Guardian phone. It was a relic from another time. She couldn't quite get herself to throw it out.
Without warning, it started to buzz and ring. Makoto had no powers anymore, no enemies to fight. Her main goal right now was to dodge turtle kisses.
The phone still rang. She just couldn't hear it.
Ami moved with calm precision through the chaos of the emergency room at Nakamura Clinic. She made her way toward the elderly patient, her mind calm after her outburst earlier that day. Despite Dr. Kobayashi's fears about her, Ami wasn't ready to give up on her medical career just yet.
Her hands were steady as she examined the patient. Her eyes scanned the medical chart with quick efficiency. He had suffered a mild stroke and Ami was trying to avoid a second, more severe, incident.
"Dr. Mizuno."
A nurse called her name and Ami moved to assist with another, more urgent, emergency. When she had a moment, she'd return to the man with the stroke and do everything in her power to help him.
Far removed from the frantic pace of the emergency room, her Sailor Guardian phone lay tucked away within her purse in her locker. She never had tossed the now useless thing in the trash.
It rang and vibrated against the other objects in her purse, unnoticed.
Ami had always been the most loyal to Usagi. Their bond had been something special, something far beyond their duties as Sailor Guardians.
Now that Usagi needed her most, however, Ami couldn't hear the call.
Minako slept in her comfortable seat aboard her private plane. The soft hum of the engines had whisked her exhausted mind straight to the land of dreams. In her lap, Artemis had curled into a white ball of fur and snored.
Sold-out shows, adoring fans, the bright lights of the stage…it was exhausting work.
Her purse, tucked beneath her seat, vibrated as her Sailor Guardian phone rang for the first time in months. It was a muffled sound. Her slow, steady breaths drowned out Usagi's call for help.
The leader of the Sailor Guardians would not be coming to the rescue this time.
Usagi looked down at the phone clutched in her hands. No one had answered. Her friends were out there, living their lives. They hadn't abandoned her, but they weren't with her, either. Not anymore.
She tucked the phone back into her pocket as if it were some precious treasure and closed her eyes. Never in her life had she felt so alone.
The creature's screech reverberated once more through the shattered clothing store. She pressed her back harder against the counter and tried to suppress the terror that rose inside of her each time the creature made a sound. The girl beside her was silent but wide-eyed.
Usagi closed her eyes and forced herself to focus.
What should I do?
"Moon Prism Power, Make Up."
She had whispered the words without thinking. She knew her powers were gone. Still, when nothing happened, no glow of transformation, the disappointment was sharper than she had expected.
The girl beside her gave her an inquisitive look, one eyebrow raised, as if to say "what do you think you're doing?". Usagi suddenly felt a strange affection for the girl.
She sighed.
What did I think would happen? I'm not Sailor Moon anymore.
Her thoughts drifted. What about Serenity, that other part of her, from another life? She had felt her once, so full of rage and strength and desperation. She had been dangerous, unpredictable…and yet, she could have saved them both right now, couldn't she? If only she hadn't disappeared.
Usagi took a steadying breath, trying to feel that part of herself again. There was a place, deep down inside of her soul, where that other persona had hidden away. There, they had met face to face and spoken as equals.
For a moment, when Usagi reached for that place, she thought she felt a flicker of something. No, there was nothing; no hidden strength, no alter ego to rescue her.
The creature screeched again and smashed through a nearby rack of clothes. Any minute now, it would find them. Usagi's pulse quickened. She felt so small, so weak. What could she do?
She realized with a quiet dread that she might die right here, hidden like a coward. Mamoru may already be gone, lying lifeless in the street. Maybe, just maybe, they'd be reborn again. She clung to the hope that they would find each other once more, in another life.
Usagi considered the girl next to her. Her eyes were so wide and so scared. She looked at Usagi as if she were some kind of superhero. It would be funny if it weren't so tragic. Usagi had never felt further from being a hero.
Still, despite the fear in her heart, there was something about the girl that stirred her old instinct. She thought she had left it behind when she lost her powers, but it was back: the desire to protect.
Maybe it didn't matter that she wasn't Sailor Moon anymore. Maybe that didn't change who she was deep down. She leaned closer to the girl and whispered in her ear.
"If we get out of this alive, you owe me an explanation. Deal?"
The girl nodded.
"Alright, listen. We're going to sneak toward the door. If that thing sees us, I'll distract it. You run. Don't look back."
The girl's lips trembled.
"But…you'll die."
Usagi smiled.
"You barely know me and you already care that much? Don't worry, I've gotten out of much worse situations than this."
She sounded much surer of herself than she felt.
They moved toward the door, careful to not make a sound and stay out of sight. They hid behind overturned racks and fallen mannequins and edged their way ever closer toward the door. Every creak, every tiny noise, felt like a death sentence.
When the creature's footsteps came too close, Usagi and the girl froze and held their breaths. They waited and hoped with all their might that it would move on. Eventually, it did.
They had almost reached the door and Usagi let herself hope they might escape. Then the girl's arm brushed against a fallen mannequin. Debris around the mannequin shifted. The noise was unmistakable.
The creature's eyes locked onto them, its screech louder than ever as it charged.
"Run!"
Usagi pushed the girl forward as she stood, bracing herself for what came next.
She took a deep breath and sent her thoughts, her love, to Mamoru.
See you soon.
Then she took a fighting stance. In a shaky but determined voice, she called out to the creature.
"I'm Usagi Tsukino and… in the name of the moon, I will punish you!"
The creature lunged. Usagi was ready to meet her fate.
The girl ran out of the store and screamed for help. Inside, the creature's icy hand tightened around Usagi's throat as it lifted her off the ground. Its inhuman screech echoed in the store's ransacked emptiness. Usagi's vision blurred. She could feel her strength fading, and for a split second, she embraced death.
Then an engine roared to life.
Mamoru burst through the store's shattered entrance. His motorcycle raced across the floor at breakneck speed. Usagi's eyes widened as she recognized him. He was heading straight for her and the creature. At the last possible second, he launched himself off the bike and rolled across the ground.
Distracted, the creature released its grip on Usagi. She collapsed and gasped for breath.
The motorcycle smashed into the creature with a crash and sent it reeling back into the wreckage of the store. Usagi coughed, her throat raw, as Mamoru hurried to her side.
"Come on!"
He grasped her hand as she staggered to her feet. Usagi locked eyes with him, grateful he was alive.
"Are you okay?"
Mamoru's voice was strained.
"Right now, I have to be."
A crack marred his helmet. A thin line of blood dripped from a cut on his brow. Usagi wished she could tend to his wounds, but there was no time.
They rushed out of the store. Mamoru scooped up the terrified girl into his arms as they ran into the street.
Behind them, the creature staggered back to its feet, then charged out of the store and onto the sidewalk. The impact had damaged part of its face. Underneath the gash, mechanical parts lay exposed.
Is this thing some kind of robot?
The creature looked around, then locked eyes on its prey.
"Now what?" Mamoru asked.
Usagi's gaze darted around the street. There! A large truck barreling toward them. It was their chance.
"Get ready!"
He nodded without hesitation. He trusted her without question.
As the truck thundered between them and the creature, it blocked the creature's view for just a moment. The three of them disappeared from sight.
When the truck had passed, the creature stood alone on the sidewalk. It let out a guttural screech of frustration, its head swiveling in all directions. Where had they gone?
The night was silent except for the fading echo of the truck's engine. The creature searched for its quarry in vain.
Usagi, Mamoru, and the mysterious girl stumbled through the front door of the apartment. They looked like they had just emerged from some subterranean nightmare. Their clothes clung to them. They were wet and reeked of sewage.
Dried blood marred Mamoru's normally composed face; his helmet lay discarded somewhere beneath the streets of Tokyo. Usagi's neck bore the bruises of a too-close encounter with the creature. Their bodies screamed for rest, but they were alive.
Usagi wiped a smear of dirt from her face.
"That… was… disgusting."
She groaned. Her voice was thick with exhaustion and frustration. Left with no choice, she had led them down a maintenance hole and into the labyrinth of the Tokyo sewer system. They had escaped, but not unscathed.
Mamoru slumped onto the couch with a wince.
"I think I might have a concussion."
He touched one hand to his temple as a wave of dizziness appeared to sweep over him. Usagi stared at him as the sewage from his clothes seeped into their coach.
"We're going to need a new couch now, for sure."
The girl, who had remained quiet until now, giggled from her spot near the doorway. Her giggle felt out of place after everything they had just gone through. Mamoru glanced at the girl, then at Usagi. They both turned toward her in unison.
Usagi knelt in front of the girl. Her eyes narrowed.
"Alright, we had a deal. It's time to tell the truth. What is going on here?"
The girl's smile faded as she straightened. She bit her lip, hesitated for a moment, then finally spoke.
"I'm from the future."
Usagi blinked.
"The future?"
The girl nodded. Her hands fidgeted with the hem of her damp skirt.
"I'm just a kid. I live with my mom and dad and go to school in Tokyo. Everything was fine until…"
Her voice wavered, but she pressed on.
"I came home from school, and something terrible had happened. Mama… Mama sent me back in time to find Sailor Moon and her Guardians. She said I had to help them awaken their powers to save the future."
Usagi's heart skipped a beat. Her voice was almost a whisper when she spoke next.
"Your mother? Who is she?"
The girl looked up, her wide, tear-filled eyes locked onto Usagi's. Her next words hung heavy in the air.
"You are… or you will be. My name is Usagi Chiba. Daddy calls me Chibiusa."
The white-clad figure stood on the surface of the moon. He looked down at the planet Earth and smirked. In the future, he and his followers had almost conquered the planet. His victory was inevitable now. Only one obstacle remained.
The creature appeared behind him.
"Droid. Have you captured your prey?"
The droid screeched a quiet, mournful sound. A flash of anger rocked the white-clad figure.
"Escaped? That is unacceptable!"
A dark energy erupted from his hands and obliterated a nearby rock formation. He turned to face his creature.
"You will return to Earth and bring me the child! We cannot allow her to alter history. If you fail, I will…deactivate you myself."
The droid recoiled, then nodded and disappeared.
Left alone, he turned to face Earth once more. The droid may not be up to the task, after all. It and its brethren were ingenious inventions, but they were poor substitutes for living, breathing beings.
Perhaps it was time to bring the others to the past. Together, they would capture the child and prevent the return of the Sailor Guardians.
Then nothing will stop the Black Moon Clan.
...to be continued.
This season on Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: Black Moon
"If you are truly from the future, then why don't you know me, Chibiusa?" - Ami Mizuno
"I refuse to let a thing like 'destiny' tell me how to live my life!" - Rei Hino
"What if I don't want to reawaken my powers?" - Makoto Kino
"There is somebody else. She chases me in my dreams. She tells me I don't belong here." - Chibiusa
"Unless we deal with whatever this is, neither one of us will be able to reawaken our powers!" - Minako Aino
"If I want to have any hope of protecting my wife and child, I need powers." - Mamoru Chiba
"I don't care if she's dangerous! I will do whatever it takes to reawaken Princess Serenity!" - Usagi Tsukino