The desolate landscape of the moon stretched before them in all directions, cold and barren. Prince Demande and his brother Saphir stood at the edge of the Sea of Serenity and gazed toward the ruins of the Moon Kingdom. There, at the very center of the ruins, stood the silhouette of the Moon Palace.
Saphir stared, transfixed. It had been millennia since he had laid eyes on the Moon Palace. He knew the great cataclysm had destroyed it long ago. Princess Serenity must have restored it to its former glory when she had burned through the power of the Silver Crystal.
The palace looked glorious, but it was just a tomb now. The people were gone. It was little more than a dead monument to a failed civilization.
Saphir glanced at his brother. He saw longing there in Demande's eyes, longing and, above all, pain. Without words, Demande began the trek to the palace. Saphir followed.
For some time, they traveled in silence and solitude, each man left to his own thoughts. Saphir wondered why Demande wanted to travel on foot, rather than draw on his considerable powers to transport them to the palace.
"Knowledge is power."
Demande's words startled Saphir.
"You speak of the reborn Guardians?"
Demande nodded, but continued to stare straight ahead at the Moon Palace.
"Their memories are spotty. Incomplete. They do not remember us yet. If we don't keep them in the dark, they will be our undoing."
Saphir raised an eyebrow.
"So the Moon Palace…?"
Demande nodded once more.
"It may be how the princess regained her memories of us in the future."
Saphir said nothing more. In moments like these, he found it best to keep his thoughts a closely guarded secret, even from Demande.
They arrived at the palace soon after. It was even more magnificent up close, a stark contrast to the surrounding desolation. The walls gleamed like polished silver. Ancient markings adorned the columns. A dome of energy surrounded the structure.
They walked in silence once more. Demande strode through the hallways of the palace with purpose. He knew where he was going.
Soon, they reached the inner sanctum of the palace; the Prayer Room. Only Queen Serenity herself could ever have entered here. Now, however, there were no guards left to stop them.
At the center of the Prayer Room, bathed in a soft, ethereal glow, stood the Crystal Tower. Its surface shimmered as it refracted and reflected the colors from the tapestries of the surrounding walls. It hummed with ancient energy. This was more than just a religious sanctuary. It was a place of knowledge.
A voice rang out, tinged with anger.
"You may not enter this chamber."
Saphir froze. His eyes widened in shock. He knew that voice. Regal, stern, and filled with authority, it was a voice he would not forget as long as he drew breath.
Demande was unimpressed. He chuckled.
"I see we're not alone, Saphir."
A ray of light emanated from the Crystal Tower and formed into the figure of Queen Serenity, ruler of the Moon Kingdom. Beautiful, her eyes filled with ancient knowledge, Serenity appeared to have not aged a day.
Saphir understood at once. A mere hologram. Memories and personality traits stored in the Crystal Tower alongside all knowledge of the Moon Kingdom.
Demande stepped forward. There was malice in his voice when he spoke.
"Do you recognize me?"
Serenity's eyes met his. There was sadness there, a sorrow she had never carried in life.
"I do. You are Prince Demande. I remember all too well."
A flash of fury crossed Demande's face. His hands clenched into fists.
"Have you nothing to say to me after all these millennia?!"
Serenity's gaze did not waver.
"Demande…I regret nothing."
Her words hit him like a slap across the face. His fury flared up, his eyes widened, his nostrils flared.
"You were a vain, selfish, and cruel queen, Serenity! You sowed the seeds of your own destruction and you sowed the seeds of your daughter's destruction, as well! All that came to pass, all that will come to pass, rests on your shoulders!"
Serenity's expression remained unchanged.
"Once, Demande, you proclaimed a deep love for my daughter. Have you, at long last, just returned to destroy her?"
Demande smiled a bitter smile.
"Yes, I have."
The hologram flickered for a moment, then Serenity's eyes turned toward Saphir.
"And you, Saphir? You follow him still? Even now? What will he think when he finds out? What will she think?"
Saphir's heart skipped a beat. Serenity's words placed a great weight on his shoulders; she made him feel small and petty. He turned away.
"They both made their choice a long time ago."
Demande made a dismissive motion with his hand.
"Enough talk. We came to ensure that the secrets of the Moon Kingdom remain buried."
He stepped forward. Dark energy crackled around his fingers. His eyes gleamed with dangerous intensity.
"My only regret is that I cannot kill the real you."
Serenity's expression softened for a moment as she gazed at Demande.
"She's not who you remember, you know. My daughter…you cannot defeat her."
Demande laughed. It was a cold, humorless sound.
"We shall see."
He unleashed a wave of black energy at the Crystal Tower. It erupted from his hands like a storm and crashed into the tower's translucent surface. Its glow flickered, then died. The crystal turned black, then shattered with a deafening crack that sent a shockwave through the room.
Serenity's hologram flickered once, then faded away. The queen's last remnants vanished.
Demande stood in the center of the room. His breaths came in bursts, his eyes burned with anger.
"We. Shall. See."
You can't save everyone, Ami. No matter how hard you try.
An eerie silence had fallen over Nakamura Clinic. The medical center's telltale hustle and bustle had faded into nothingness. Normally, nurses and doctors alike scampered from room to room to help and heal where they could. Instead, there was no soul in sight.
Dr. Ami Mizuno looked up and down the hallway of the fifth floor. She felt disoriented. The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead and cast a cold, sterile glow over the empty corridor. The air was heavy with the scent of disinfectant.
She couldn't remember how she had gotten here. When had her shift started? She shook her head as she tried to clear the cobwebs from her mind.
"Hello?"
No response came. Instead, a single light flickered in the distance, then went dark.
Her heart raced as she took a hesitant step forward. The click of her low heels echoed in the silence. The corridor stretched in both directions, lined with identical doors that led to identical rooms.
Something is very wrong here.
She walked down the hallway in hopes she would encounter another doctor, perhaps a nurse. Anybody. She saw nobody. Then she heard a sound.
Beep… beep-beep…
It was so faint at first, Ami almost didn't recognize it. Then she heard it again, louder this time. It was unmistakable: the beeps of a heart monitor. The irregular rhythm ignited her medical training and jump-started her instincts. Somebody needed her help.
She picked up her pace. Her hurried walk turned into a jog. Her ears guided her further and further down the corridor.
A long, flat tone replaced the irregular beeps. Her blood ran cold. She was too late. The patient's heart had stopped.
Flatline.
Ami rounded a corner and spotted a door that was ajar. She was certain she had found the right room. So why did she hesitate? Why was this the last place in the world she wanted to go?
Ami ignored her sudden surge of fear and pushed the door open. The hinges groaned in protest. Her hands trembled as a blast of cold air emanated from the room. She hesitated, then entered.
The room was dark; the green glow of the heart monitor cast an eerie light across the space. Ami's breath caught in her throat when her eyes fell on the bed.
Lying there, pale and still, was a young woman of maybe twenty. Her wide, lifeless eyes stared up at the ceiling. She was dead. Ami recognized her right away.
Car accident. Post-surgery complications resulting in heart failure.
Ami's hand came up to her mouth as she stifled a shriek. She tried and failed to comprehend what was happening. She had lived this moment already, had lost this patient just a couple of days ago.
"This…this is impossible…"
Ami dropped her gaze as she tried to think. The never-ending sound of the heart monitor filled her head, too loud for her to concentrate. Suddenly, the sound stopped.
She looked up. The corpse was sitting up in bed, one hand on the heart monitor. She had turned off the sound. Her head snapped around to face Ami. Her eyes were no longer lifeless; they burned with anger, with hate.
"You." Her voice sounded raw, like she had been gargling nails. "You did this to me."
Ami gasped.
"What?"
The corpse let go of the heart monitor and instead pointed an accusing finger at Ami.
"You let me die."
Ami shook her head and stumbled backward.
"I tried! I did everything I could!"
A twisted grin spread across the corpse's face.
"Not good enough. Never good enough. You failed. You always fail."
The corpse slid off the bed and landed on bare feet. She shambled toward Ami.
"Soon, you'll join me. Soon, you'll die, too."
Something inside Ami snapped.
"Stay away from me!"
Ami turned around and bolted from the room. She ran down the corridor, away from the corpse, away from her failure. Behind her, she heard the corpse's footsteps growing louder, getting closer.
"Soon, Ami. Soon."
Ami's breaths came in shallow gasps. Her heart pounded in her chest. No matter how fast she ran, the end of the hallway remained out of reach. Her legs burned, her lungs burned. Her mind was on fire.
Then, without warning, a door appeared in front of her.
It stood in the center of the hallway, unattached to any walls. It looked ancient, made of a dark wood. Ornate carvings and intricate patterns covered its surface. The door stood open, just a crack, but warm light spilled through that opening.
Ami stopped in front of the door, her chest heaving. The light on the other side of the door felt warm, real. Her mind sharpened.
This isn't real. It's a nightmare.
Behind her, the corpse's footsteps grew louder. Ami glanced over her shoulder and saw the twisted figure's grin as she closed the distance between them.
She'd had her fill of hesitation. Ami pushed the door open and stepped into the light.
The sunlight felt warm on her skin. It cast a soft glow that chased the last remnants of the nightmare away. The sky was a radiant blue, the grass beneath her feet soft and inviting. In the distance, a bird chirped its joy toward the heavens.
This feels real. This is real.
A faint breeze tugged at Ami's lab coat. It billowed behind her as she strolled through the grass. She focused on the sound of the wind as it whispered through the leaves of a nearby tree. She took a deep breath, savored the scent of earth and grass, then exhaled her fear and anxiety.
A closer look at her surroundings caused her heart to sink. Neat rows of tombstones, polished and engraved, lined the narrow pathways. Of course, this was a peaceful, idyllic place. It was a graveyard.
How did I get here? What was that door?
Her analytical mind kicked into gear as she considered and dismissed a series of possibilities. Logic struggled to keep pace with these strange events.
"Hello, Ami."
The voice cut through her thoughts, as familiar as the sound of her own heartbeat.
Usagi!
Without a second thought, she walked toward the voice at a brisk pace. If Usagi was here, they could figure this out together. When she caught sight of her friend, however, her steps faltered.
There, standing in front of a grave, was Usagi. Her radiant presence looked diminished somehow. She had cut her long, vibrant hair down to shoulder-length. She stood slumped, heavy with an invisible burden. Then there was the visible weight she carried.
She's at least 8 months pregnant. How…?
Ami's chest tightened. Time travel. The door must have brought her forward in time, to when Usagi was expecting Chibiusa.
"I'm sorry I've not been here in a while, Ami." Usagi's voice was just shy of a whisper. "Things have been so busy."
Her fingers traced the edge of the gravestone in front of her.
"The baby will be here soon. It's a girl. Mamoru is so excited."
Her hands cradled her belly, and she started to cry.
"I just can't help but wish you were here, Ami. I'm so scared that I won't be a good mother. You always knew just what to say. You always knew how to make me feel better."
That's my grave. I'm dead. I'm already gone.
The realization hit Ami like a physical blow. Tears streamed down her face. Usagi was in so much pain because Ami wasn't there. The weight of the pain threatened to suffocate her.
Ami forced herself to take a step forward, then another.
"Usagi! I'm right here."
Usagi did not hear her.
There had to be something she could do. The date of her death… maybe if she knew when she died, she could stop it. All it would take was one quick glance at the headstone.
Before she could reach Usagi, a pair of powerful hands seized her from behind. Ami gasped as she struggled against the stranger's grip. She kicked her legs as her attacker lifted her off the ground.
Ami could feel her attacker's body pressed against her back. A mane of long, dark-green hair whipped around her face. The faint scent of jasmine filled her nose.
A woman?!
The woman's grip tightened as she dragged her across the graveyard. Ami's breath caught in her throat; the gravestones blurred into a haze of gray.
"Who are you? What do you want from me?"
Her attacker remained silent. Ami caught sight of their destination: the same ancient door she had come through. Panic clawed its way into her chest.
"No, please! Don't send me back to that nightmare!"
Still, the woman said nothing. She walked with measured, controlled steps, as if she had done this a thousand times before.
When they approached the door, it creaked open by itself. Beyond it, Ami could see the dark corridor of the hospital. She knew all too well what waited there for her.
Her attacker tossed her through the open doorway. She hit the ground hard. Ami twisted around to glimpse her attacker, but she was already closing the door. Still, Ami saw enough: high boots, white gloves, a skirt.
She's…a Sailor Guardian?!
The door slammed shut with a force that reverberated through her body. From the other side, at last, the woman's voice echoed, high and melodic.
"Do not come back here, Ami Mizuno!"
Her eyes shot open, her body drenched in sweat, her chest heaving with each frantic breath. She lay in the comfort of her bed, but her mind was a whirlwind of confusion.
What... what just happened?
Minako stood at the front door of her high-rise apartment and watched the Chiba family enter. Mamoru and Usagi each carried a large suitcase. Usagi struggled with the heavy luggage. It would have been comical had it not been for the heavy silence that hung in the air.
Chibiusa, their daughter from the future, darted past them and toward the large leather couch. She slumped into the uncomfortable cushions, crossed her arms and shot her parents a look of disdain. Mamoru had a worried expression on his face.
Usagi let out a long, drawn-out sigh of wonder as she looked around the apartment. Minako had to fight back a grin. Her friend had matured somewhat over the past year, but sometimes, her younger, more enthusiastic self fought her way back to the surface.
Usagi put down the oversized suitcase and gazed with wide eyes at the large, floor-to-ceiling windows. A panoramic view of the Tokyo skyline stretched out before them.
"This place is amazing, Minako!"
Mamoru gave a soft smile as Usagi dashed around the apartment. She always managed to crack his stoic mask somehow. He nodded toward Minako. His gratitude was clear, despite his reserved expression.
"Thank you for letting us stay. We have nowhere else to go."
A creature from the future that was hunting Chibiusa had tracked her down and attacked them in their apartment. Only when Usagi had accessed her dormant powers as Sailor Moon had they been able to fend off the monster. Now, they feared that their apartment just wasn't safe anymore.
Minako smiled at Mamoru, crossed her arms and leaned against the doorframe. She noted Chibiusa still sulking on the coach.
"You're welcome to stay as long as you like. I have plenty of room. You'll just have to put up with my singing. I'll be doing some songwriting over the next few weeks to prepare for my new album."
She nodded toward the piano standing near the windows. It was a recent addition. Minako wanted to make her apartment a proper home.
She saw Chibiusa perk up and glance in her direction. Their eyes met for a moment. Minako saw something there. Hope? Familiarity? Longing? Then her expression hardened again, and she looked away.
Usagi came dashing back into the room.
"Chibiusa, you have to see this kitchen! I've never seen so much counter space in my life! I bet we could make some great curry rice together here."
Minako felt a bead of sweat form on her forehead.
Oh, God. The last time she cooked for me, my stomach hurt for three days.
Chibiusa ignored the question. It hung in the air for a long moment. Then Mamoru let out an uncharacteristic sigh and moved toward the guest room to unpack.
Minako could feel the tension crackle in the air between Usagi and Chibiusa. Usagi's expression shifted from delight to uncertainty. She hesitated for a moment, then walked over to the girl and sat down next to her.
"I know this has all been a lot, Chibiusa, but…I'm here for you, okay? I know I'm new to this whole 'mother' thing, but…"
Chibiusa let out a derisive snort.
"That's a joke, right? My mother would never lie to me about who she is!"
The words struck Usagi like a blow. The silence that followed was deafening.
Usagi's eyes flicked toward Mamoru, who had paused at the door to the guest room and turned to watch the scene unfold. His brow furrowed.
Usagi took a deep breath.
"Look, Chibiusa, I don't know why my future self didn't tell you she used to be Sailor Moon. I'm sure she had a good reason…"
Chibiusa snapped.
"You are not my mother! Sailor Moon is just some…thing from a story! You're a liar! A fraud!"
She jumped off the couch and stormed out of the room. After a moment, Minako could hear a door slam shut.
Did she…did she just go hide in my bedroom? Great.
Usagi slumped deeper into the couch, her face pale. All the air seemed to have been sucked out of her. Minako saw the defeat in her eyes.
Mamoru came back into the room and placed a hand on Usagi's shoulder.
"She's been through a lot, Usagi. We all have. Give her time."
Usagi's eyes filled with tears. She wiped them away and gave her husband an accusatory look.
"I told you I wasn't ready to be a mother!" Usagi looked away. "Why didn't I…why didn't she just tell Chibiusa the truth?"
Mamoru gave her shoulder a squeeze, but remained silent. He had no answers, either. Instead, he left to unpack.
Minako watched the exchange from her perch near the front door. She felt like an intruder in her own home, as if she was spying on a very personal moment. Above all, she felt guilty.
She wasn't the leader of the Sailor Guardians anymore. She was powerless to protect her princess. Minako was supposed to be there for Usagi as Sailor Venus, but her dormant powers eluded her.
She sighed and pushed off from the door frame.
"I'm sorry, Usagi. I should have…"
Usagi held up a hand to stop her.
"No, Minako, please. You've been such a help. You're always here for me when I need you. I'm the one who should be sorry. I just…I didn't expect any of…this."
Minako gave her a small smile.
"Nobody could have seen this coming, Usagi. We'll find our way through it. Together."
Minako hesitated. She knew those creatures would keep coming for Chibiusa, and Usagi would stand against them, alone.
"How did you do it, Usagi?" Minako's voice was small, quiet. "How did you become Sailor Moon again after all this time?"
Usagi thought about it for a moment. A small smile appeared on her face.
"I realized what I loved most in this world. It's Mamoru and…Chibiusa. I'm not ready for her and she drives me crazy, but she's mine. I love her. Once I accepted that love, something inside me just fell into place."
Usagi ran a hand through her hair, in thought.
"My powers are different, though. I don't know what that means yet. It scares me a little."
Minako's heart skipped a beat. She stared at Usagi, her fists clenched. If love fueled Usagi's powers, then what was holding Minako back?
She took a deep breath. Fear and excitement gripped her heart in equal measures as she realized it was time for her to have a long talk with somebody she cared deeply about.
Usagi entered the small bedroom and gently closed the door behind her. She saw Luna, her plush cat adviser, lying motionless on the bed and her heart sank.
Artemis, Minako's own plush cat adviser from the Moon Kingdom and Luna's old friend, was sitting nearby. He had not left Luna's side since the monster had attacked Usagi's apartment and injured her companion.
"How is she?"
Usagi's voice was soft but seemed much louder in the small, quiet space.
Artemis looked at her.
"No change. She just won't wake up."
Usagi sat next to Luna on the bed and ran her hand through her fur. They had been friends for years in this life, and although she couldn't remember much about it, even in her previous life. She couldn't imagine a life without her.
"I promise you, Artemis, we'll find a way. She'll come back to us."
He looked back at Luna.
"I know."
They sat together and guarded their sleeping friend for a long time, each hoping that she would survive.
Ami sat on the hospital rooftop, alone, her uneaten lunch beside her. The bento box filled with rice and vegetables looked delicious, but Ami had no appetite. Instead, her eyes wandered across the cityscape, unfocused.
As the afternoon gave way to the evening, the sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink. The sounds of the city below drifted up to her, distant and muffled. The world felt far away.
She would die soon. In her dreams, she had glimpsed her future, her own grave. How and why would she die? Who was the mysterious Sailor Guardian who had sent her back to the present? Was she strong enough to carry this weight, to unravel these mysteries?
She looked around. She had done this before, had hidden on the roof as a student at Juban Public Middle School. It was an unhealthy pattern, this self-imposed isolation. Still, she couldn't help but retreat.
Ami's mind went back to her nightmare, to the patient she failed to save. She could see her pale face, hear that voice like gravel as she proclaimed that Ami, too, would be dead soon.
Ami shut her eyes against the memory, but it lingered.
The soft sound of footsteps pulled Ami from her thoughts. She turned to find a young woman standing near the roof entrance. Her bright blue eyes radiated a nervous energy.
She wore the white coat of a doctor. Her long, white hair lay in a braid over her shoulder. A pair of black crystal earrings hung from her ears and gleamed in the sunlight.
"Do you mind if I join you?"
Ami blinked. She remembered when Usagi had joined her on the school roof to seek her friendship. She gestured at the empty space beside her.
"Be my guest."
The young woman sat down beside Ami. She was graceful, almost regal in her movements.
"I'm Doctor Berthier. Today's my first day. It's been…overwhelming. I just needed to get away for a bit."
Ami nodded, but said nothing. She had sunken too deep into her own thoughts. Usagi would have known what to say, how to coax Ami out of her own head and back into the world. Still, something about Doctor Berthier seemed familiar. Ami decided to make an effort. She cleared her throat.
"You don't look like you're from around here."
Berthier smiled. There was something knowing, something enigmatic in that smile.
"You could say that. I've been traveling for so long, it's hard to say where home is these days." She paused. "This place is beautiful, though. I think I might like it here."
Ami offered a warm smile.
"I spent some time studying in America. Coming home can be a big change."
Berthier nodded.
"A big change." She glanced at Ami. "You seem very young to be a doctor."
Ami laughed despite herself.
"You don't seem that much older yourself."
It was Berthier's turn to laugh. It was a warm, melodic sound that put Ami at ease.
"So here we are, then, a couple of prodigies, hiding on the roof."
Their laughs faded.
"I lost a patient." Ami did not know why she said that, but once the words left her mouth, the rest spilled out as if a dam had broken. "It hit me harder than I expected. I keep thinking about what I could have done differently, but…I think I did all I could."
Berthier listened, her eyes fixed on Ami.
"It is a heavy burden to carry the healing waters."
Ami looked at Berthier and raised an eyebrow. Something stirred deep inside her chest. The healing waters?
"How do you manage?"
Berthier seemed startled at the question, as if Ami had caught her in some way. She looked at Ami and smiled.
"Oh, I'm still very new to this. I have a lot to learn." She gestured at Ami. "Do you have friends, Dr. Mizuno? People who can help you carry your burden?"
Ami nodded. Her eyes wandered over the cityscape below once more.
"I do, but…Minako has her career and Rei is busy preparing for the priesthood. Makoto is running a business. Then there's Usagi…she's my best friend, but she has enough problems."
Berthier's gaze sharpened as she leaned toward Ami.
"Don't you think they would make time for you? Minako and Rei and Makoto and Serenity?"
Ami's head whipped around, her eyes fixed on Berthier.
"What did you say?"
Berthier returned her gaze, puzzled.
"What? Minako and Rei and Makoto and Usagi?"
Ami stood.
"That's not what you said. How do you know her name used to be Serenity?"
For a moment, Berthier maintained the innocent, wide-eyed look on her face. Then the facade dropped and a wicked little smile played over her lips.
"Oh, my. I overplayed my hand there, didn't I? Can you blame me, though? I mean, who names their kid Usagi?"
Ami stared at Berthier, transfixed. Now that she wasn't pretending anymore, she seemed even more familiar.
"Who…are you?"
Berthier stood.
"I know you don't remember me, Mercury." Her voice was low and filled with sadness. "But I remember you. I was sad to hear you were dead when we arrived on Earth."
Berthier took a handkerchief from her lab coat pocket and wiped it over her forehead. As she cleaned away a thin coat of make-up, a black crescent moon stood revealed. She sighed.
"You may not believe this, Mercury, but it's good to see you again. You haven't changed a bit. Still too smart for your own good. Too good-hearted, too."
Ami's pulse quickened. She took on a fighting stance.
"You can't have Chibiusa."
Berthier shook her head and chuckled.
"Even powerless, you would fight me? Oh, Mercury. Things have changed. I'm so much more than you could handle now."
She reached out toward Ami, as if to touch her, then thought better of it and dropped her hand.
"Just do me a favor. Whatever happens next, please…stay out of it. I don't want to kill you."
Ami opened her mouth to speak, but before she could react, Berthier turned and ran toward the edge of the roof. In one fluid motion, she vaulted over the edge and disappeared.
Ami held her breath as she rushed to the edge of the roof and looked down. Berthier was gone. Only her lab coat remained as it fluttered in the wind and glided toward the ground.
Ami stared down at it. An icy chill crept through her veins. She found herself at the center of a maelstrom, one that threatened to swallow her whole. It was time to get some answers.
Makoto dashed between the worktables of her flower shop. Her hands moved with practiced precision as she adjusted each delicate flower. Every single arrangement had to be perfect. A mammoth task, creating decorations for a wedding tomorrow, consumed her. Focus and finesse were the name of the game.
The scents of roses, lilies, and carnations mingled in the air. The rich fragrance enveloped her like a comfortable cocoon. Makoto was in her comfort zone.
Motoki was out on a delivery run and had left her in charge of his pet turtle, Kamekichi. Makoto shot the turtle a glance as he crawled around in his glass terrarium. She smiled, then trimmed the stems of two roses to make sure they fit into a bouquet.
The bell above the door rang and Makoto looked up to see Rei enter the shop. Rei was a striking figure, even when she tried to dress in simple attire. The evening sun shone through the doorway and framed her dark hair with a halo of light. Makoto's smile turned into a grin.
"Rei! Welcome to my flower shop! What can I do for you?"
Rei smiled a small, tense smile.
"I need some flowers." She hesitated. "For Minako."
Makoto arched an eyebrow.
"Oh? Well, that's thoughtful of you."
She saw Rei's body language shift for a moment. The crack in her armor disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.
"She seemed disappointed nobody made a bigger deal about her homecoming, now that her tour is over."
Makoto nodded and gave Rei a teasing smile.
"Well, flowers from you should do the trick."
It was Rei's turn to raise an eyebrow.
"What are you trying to say, Mako?"
Makoto leaned forward and rested her arms on the counter.
"I mean…well…you know. You and Minako. The two of you seem to enjoy each other's company, even when you're bumping heads."
Rei's brow furrowed.
"And?"
Makoto leaned in closer. She lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper.
"Isn't it obvious? There's something going on between you two…isn't there?"
Rei's face turned crimson. A flash of discomfort flickered across her face. Her voice was firm when she spoke.
"There's nothing going on between us."
Makoto tilted her head and studied Rei's features.
"Are you sure? You two have always been close. Now you're buying her flowers…"
She was teasing Rei, but there was also genuine concern for her friend in the question. To Makoto, Rei appeared conflicted in some way.
"It's just flowers." Rei's words were low and unconvincing. She took a deep breath, then exhaled. "Besides, I don't have time for romance right now. I'm preparing for my priesthood exam."
At that, Makoto fell silent. She stood up and leaned against the counter instead.
"I get it. Sometimes you have to choose. You can't have it all."
Thoughts swirled around in Makoto's head. She looked at Rei and saw that she was staring at her, genuine concern in her eyes.
"Mako, what's going on with you? At Crown Karaoke, when we met to talk about our powers, you were already acting strange."
Makoto took a deep breath. She had to remind herself that she could talk to Rei.
"What if I don't want to reawaken my powers?"
Rei's eyes widened in surprise.
"What?"
Makoto sighed and looked down at her hands covered in dirt and smudges from her work. Her voice trembled when she spoke.
"I like my life now. I love Motoki. If I get my powers back, I'm scared I'll have to choose between my duty and the life I've built for myself. What's worse, I'm afraid that if it comes down to Motoki or Usagi…I'll choose Usagi."
Rei looked at her for a long moment. Then, she reached over the counter and put her hand on Makoto's hands.
"It doesn't have to be that way. Maybe you can have both." She sighed. "I wish I could say you can just stay out of this fight, but Mako…we need you. We all need our powers back, or the world might end."
Makoto locked eyes with Rei. She saw all of her hopes and fears reflected in her friend's eyes. They all had built lives for themselves. It wasn't fair that it all had to come crashing down around them.
Makoto felt tears form in the corners of her eyes and wiped them away. She needed a change of subject.
"Enough about that. What flowers do you want for Minako?"
Rei blinked. The sudden swerve in topic startled her.
"Carnations. They're her favorite."
Makoto couldn't help herself. She gave Rei a teasing smile. Her eyes sparkled with mischief.
"Her favorites, huh?"
Rei blushed once more.
"Stop that."
Makoto chuckled.
"I'll have Motoki deliver them first thing in the morning."
Rei nodded. She paid for the flowers, then turned to leave. When she reached the door, however, she hesitated.
"Mako?"
Makoto had already resumed her mad dash among the flower arrangements. She stopped.
"Yes?"
Rei's voice was so small, Makoto almost could not hear her when she spoke again.
"Maybe…maybe we can have it all."
Makoto gave her a half-hearted smile.
"Maybe."
The door closed behind Rei, and silence enveloped the flower shop. Makoto gazed toward the doorway for a moment and gathered her thoughts.
Without warning, Motoki rounded the corner between two shelves and stood in front of her. Makoto almost jumped out of her skin.
"Motoki! Where did you come from?"
Motoki looked at her with a distracted shrug.
"Just came back from a delivery."
Makoto raised an eyebrow. She'd been staring at the doorway.
"Just now?" Her voice softened. "How long have you been back? Were you listening to my conversation with Rei?"
Motoki shook his head and forced a smile.
"Of course not."
His expression shifted and Makoto's heart sank. He had heard every word.
I'm afraid that if it comes down to Motoki or Usagi…I'll choose Usagi.
He placed a quick, distracted kiss on her cheek.
"Got one more delivery this evening. Be right back."
Without another word, he grabbed one of the delivery baskets and dashed out of the door.
Makoto sighed. She looked into Kamekichi's terrarium and watched the turtle dig into the sand.
"Well, I think I hurt your daddy's feelings, Kamekichi. Any ideas how I can make it up to him?"
The soft sound of Kamekichi's movements was the only answer she got.
"I miss your odango."
Usagi turned her head to look at Mamoru. They lay next to each other in one of Minako's guest bedrooms. The Tokyo skyline outside their window provided just enough light to illuminate Mamoru's stoic face, his eyes closed.
"What?"
He opened his eyes and turned to face her.
"Your odango. I miss them."
Usagi found herself at a loss for words. Mamoru was an attentive husband, but he didn't gush about her appearance.
"You do?"
He turned on his side and propped his head up with one arm.
"Usagi, you don't have to change for me. You know that, right?"
She could feel the heat rise on her face. She had worried that she was too immature for Mamoru, that she needed to grow up. So, she'd started wearing her hair in a more mature ponytail instead.
The last few days had proven that she did, in fact, have some growing up to do. Still, it was nice to hear him say those words.
"Of course."
She could see him smile into the darkness.
"Good."
She hesitated.
"Are you still mad at me about Crown?"
Desperate to be more than a housewife, Usagi had gone into business with her friend Naru and bought the old, rundown Crown Karaoke. To do so, she had withdrawn a hefty sum from their savings account…without talking to Mamoru first.
"Yes."
Her breath caught in her throat.
"Oh."
She could feel Mamoru's breath against her ear as he leaned closer.
"It's not about Crown, or even the money, although you should have talked to me first. That's a decision we should have made together."
She nodded into the darkness.
"I know."
Mamoru continued.
"It's that you had these feelings about our life together and instead of talking to me, you hid them away. Next time, talk to me instead. I want to be here for you."
She exhaled.
"Okay."
He leaned down and placed his lips gently on hers.
"Oh, give me a break!"
The voice cut through the darkness and Usagi's heart sank into the pit of her stomach.
Chibiusa.
She sat up and turned on the small lamp on the nightstand. Chibiusa stood in the open doorway and clutched a stuffed Nako Nako, Minako's winged unicorn mascot. She looked unhappy.
"Chibiusa, what's wrong?"
The girl stood in silence for a moment, her eyes locked with Usagi's. There was so much anger on her face.
"I can't sleep."
Mamoru and Usagi looked at each other. He raised his eyebrows. She shrugged. He turned down the blanket.
"Hop in. You can sleep with us tonight."
Chibiusa crawled into bed between them, then positioned herself with her back toward Usagi. The pouting continued.
Usagi sighed, covered Chibiusa up, then settled in for the night. The family of three, thrown together across time, fell into a restless sleep.
Usagi slept.
In her dreams, she saw a door. The dark wooden door looked ancient and heavy. Intricate patterns and designs decorated its surface. It stood open just a crack, tantalizing hidden knowledge just beyond its threshold.
She couldn't help herself. She pushed the door open and stepped through.
Then there was light, light everywhere.
Usagi stood in the center of a destroyed apartment. Light poured from her body and toward the heavens. She could feel the assault against her barrier of light. Each attack felt like a physical blow. Still, she stood firm. Still, she shielded the Earth from invasion.
Usagi was herself, but she was also a different version of herself. She could sense her other self's emotions, almost hear her thoughts.
It's her. Chibiusa's mother. I'm in the future.
She was so worried about Chibiusa. Exhaustion threatened to overwhelm her. Every fiber of her being cried out in pain.
Usagi glanced to the left and saw Mamoru there on the ground, bathed in light. His breaths were shallow, but he was alive.
Thank God!
Usagi wanted to reach out to her future self, to let her know Chibiusa was fine. Before she could try, a voice called out to her.
"Princess, it is time to go. You may not remain here."
She tried to glimpse the owner of the high, melodic voice, but saw nobody. Instead, the door filled her view. It blocked out the apartment, Mamoru, her future self.
Reluctantly, she stepped through the door once more and returned to the present and her restless sleep.
It took a long time for Ami to fall asleep, but when she did, the door was waiting for her. Once again, it stood open, just a crack.
Ami hesitated. She knew if she stepped into the future, that other Sailor Guardian would try to stop her again. Still, it was an opportunity to learn more about her death, to gather data that might prevent it.
With a determined shove, she opened the door and stepped through.
Darkness greeted her. Darkness and pain.
Oh my God, it hurts so much!
She lay on a hard surface, that much she could feel, but she could see nothing. Worse, her body was broken. Her limbs felt twisted into unnatural positions. Bones lay shattered. Blood filled her mouth.
Her breaths were unsteady and came in short bursts. Each breath took Herculean effort. The fluid in her lungs made normal breathing impossible.
This…this is it. I'm dying. I'm dying all alone.
Panic gripped her heart. She had made a horrible mistake. She had slipped into her future self at the moment of death. What would happen to Ami if her future self died while she was stuck in this failing body? Would she die, too?
"I thought I told you to not come back, Ami Mizuno."
The voice was high and melodic. The smell of jasmine filled the air. Ami tried to speak, but only a rasp escaped her lips.
"Why do you keep coming back?"
Ami swallowed hard.
"I…don't…want to…die…"
The voice sighed.
"Time is a storm in which we are all lost, Ami. What must happen will happen."
Ami coughed. She could feel warm blood running from her lips and down her chin.
"Please…"
For a moment, Ami thought she saw a face in the darkness. It was a beautiful face. A dark green mane of hair framed its young, delicate features. The eyes, however, were ancient.
Then the door appeared in front of her.
"You and your friends need to stay away from the Door of Time. No good can come from these glimpses."
The door seemed to grow larger until it filled her entire field of vision. Only the door existed now.
"Enjoy what little time you have left."
Ami woke up in her bed. She leapt to her feet in a panic and checked over her body. No injuries. She was fine. For now.
She lay back down on the bed and cried.
Makoto dreamed of turtles. There were turtles everywhere. They were crawling all over her flower shop. She was chasing them with a net, determined to put them back into their terrariums.
She ran between two shelves and spotted Kamekichi sitting in front of a large, ancient door. It stood between the shelves, its hinges unattached. Light spilled through the open crack. It was mesmerizing.
"Should I open the door and see what's on the other side, Kamekichi?"
The turtle looked up at her.
"You won't like what you find."
She approached the door with great caution, then yanked it open in one quick motion. The smell of antiseptic wafted back at her.
"What will I find?"
The turtle blinked its eyes.
"Life…and death."
With that, he turned and crawled away from the door. For a moment, Makoto considered following her fiancé's pet. Instead, she turned back to the door and stepped through.
"Dr. Kobayashi, please report to the trauma unit. Dr. Kobayashi to the trauma unit."
Makoto found herself walking down a long corridor. The hospital was modern and state-of-the-art. Fluorescent lights illuminated her path. In the distance, the chatter of nurses and the beeping of monitors echoed.
Makoto clutched her purse and strode down the hallway at a fast clip. Her heels clicked and clacked on the polished floor.
She was herself, and yet she was also her future self. This future version of Makoto was worried. Somebody who meant a great deal to her was in the hospital. Again.
It was difficult for Makoto to get a clear sense of her future self's thoughts. She only caught glimpses and feelings. It seemed Makoto had spent a lot of time in this hospital, a lot of time caring for somebody very ill. It was exhausting.
Now, though, it was all coming to an end. She was about to bear an immeasurable loss. She knew she would have to live with the shame that a small part of her would be relieved when the end finally came.
Makoto stopped in front of a door but hesitated. Her hand rested on the doorknob. It was as if she was trying to gather the courage to enter.
"That's far enough, Makoto Kino."
Makoto stopped and looked around. She could see nobody.
"Who's there?"
A high, melodic voice responded at once.
"I'm the Guardian of Time and you are violating its laws."
Makoto ran a hand through her hair.
"I don't understand. Is this real?"
She heard the voice near her shoulder, as if this Guardian were whispering in her ear.
"This is the future. Your future."
Anger gripped Makoto's heart. She seized control from her future self and punched a nearby wall, hard.
"Then who is sick here? Who is…dying…?"
The voice returned, farther away this time.
"I can't tell you that. Then again, you already know, don't you?"
Makoto was quiet for a long moment.
"Send me home. I don't want to see this."
The door appeared in front of her.
"Remember, time is like a river, Makoto. It flows in only one direction. One day, you will stand here again."
Makoto didn't wait to hear more. She stepped through the door and slammed it shut behind her.
When she woke up, sweat poured down her face. She turned and looked at Motoki, who slept peacefully beside her.
Makoto crept closer to her fiancé and laid her head on his chest. A sob shook her, but she stifled the sound.
Oh, Motoki…
The melody was plain, understated, but undeniably gorgeous. It attracted Minako's attention even in her sleep and drew her to the door like a moth to the flame.
The door looked heavy and old. The ornate symbols and carvings gave it an air of mystery. Minako loved a good mystery. Still, she may have ignored the cracked door had it not been for the melody.
Her musical mind assessed what she heard. Somebody was playing the piano. It was in…D Minor…3/4 time. There was something evocative about the melody; she could almost picture a flame dancing in a breeze.
Desperate to hear more, she opened the door and stepped through.
She found herself in her apartment, sitting at the piano. Her fingers glided across the keys with grace and skill. Her head swayed in time with the music. It filled her mind and her heart.
As she finished her song, a pair of small hands applauded. She turned her head and saw Chibiusa sitting next to her at the piano. The little girl grinned from ear to ear.
"Aunt Mina, that was so beautiful!"
Minako could feel herself reach out to ruffle Chibiusa's hair. She realized she was not in control; she was just a passenger. Somehow, she had joined her future self.
"Thank you, Chibiusa. Let's keep this our little secret for now, okay? I'm not done writing the lyrics yet."
Chibiusa reached up to repair the damage to her hair, but the grin never left her face.
"Okay, Aunt Mina."
Chibiusa jumped up from her seat, ran across the living room, and dove onto the couch. Instead of the uncomfortable leather monstrosity Minako knew, this couch was beige, soft, and fluffy.
Minako glanced around the apartment. It was hers alright, but it looked very different. The furniture and the decor were more personal, cozier. It felt like an actual home. She smiled.
Chibiusa giggled.
"Do you think if I find somebody to love one day, that I could write a song so beautiful for them?"
Minako laughed.
"Why not? Love makes all things possible."
Chibiusa sat up straight and looked at Minako with a serious expression.
"Can I ask you a question, Aunt Minako?"
She let out an exaggerated, dramatic sigh.
"Another one? Alright, go ahead."
Chibiusa hesitated.
"Do you think they'll approve you two to foster a kid?"
Minako gave a low whistle.
"You ask hard questions for a kid, Chibiusa." It was Minako's turn to hesitate. "I don't know. It's complicated."
Chibiusa looked sad.
"It's not fair. I think you two would be great parents."
Minako stretched out her arms.
"Come here, you."
Chibiusa walked over to Minako and sat on her lap. They hugged.
"You're a real special kid, Chibiusa. You know that?"
The sound of keys jingling in the lock of the front door caught their attention. Chibiusa jumped out of Minako's lap and started bounding toward the door.
"She's back!"
Who's back?
Before the door opened, she felt herself seized from behind. Strong hands lifted her up and pointed her toward the ancient wooden door.
"Go home, Minako Aino. The Door of Time is not for you."
There was something familiar about the voice, the smell of jasmine. Before Minako could respond, the figure pushed her through the door and back into her own dreams.
"No."
Rei stood in front of the door in the middle of a black, endless void. She knew she was asleep. Her spiritual powers left no doubt that the door in front of her was not a part of her dreamscape. It was an intruder.
She could sense the truth of what lay on the other side of the cracked door. Rei suspected it led to some point in the future. It was a temptation. She refused it.
"I don't want to know. Leave me alone."
The door did not move. It just stood there as if to taunt her.
She sat down in front of the door, closed her eyes and meditated. Here, inside her own mind, this door would not defeat her. She could resist.
After some time, she opened one eye. The door was still there. She huffed.
It occurred to her she might not wake until she saw whatever time, or fate, wanted to show her. She stood.
"Fine, then. Do your worst."
Without another hesitation, she opened the door and crossed the threshold.
Rei found herself in a high-rise apartment. She stood in front of a large, floor-to-ceiling window and looked out at the Tokyo skyline. It was night. Thousands of lights twinkled across the city and bathed her in a radiant glow.
Rei noticed with some trepidation that she was wearing a short black nightgown. Cool air caressed her long, bare legs. She had draped a thin blanket over her shoulders.
Where am I?
She could sense that she was not in control here. Her future self was in charge; she was just an observer.
She felt two long, slender arms wrap around her from behind. Fingers caressed her collarbone. A delicate, warm body pressed against her back.
"Come back to bed, Rei. It's late."
She turned around and stared into the sleepy face of Minako. She, too, wore a nightgown, white and flowing. Her hair was messy, as if she had been asleep.
Rei could hear her own voice answer.
"Sorry. I've got a lot on my mind."
Minako smiled. Her eyes sparkled with mischief.
"I bet I can think of something to get you back to bed."
Rei gave a short laugh.
"Oh? Like what?"
Minako ran her hand through Rei's hair and looked deep into her eyes. Rei felt her pulse quicken.
Minako…?
Minako leaned into her and caught her lips in a passionate kiss. Rei melted into the sensation, into her embrace. It was as if she had been under water and was coming up for air.
The kiss deepened as it continued. Rei felt her arms move downward, caressing Minako's shoulder blades, then the arch of her back. She breathed in through her nose and let Minako's scent fill her completely. It was intoxicating.
They separated. Rei looked at Minako as if she saw her for the first time. Minako smiled.
"Well?"
Rei returned the smile.
"You convinced me. Let's go to bed."
A high, melodic voice interrupted the romantic moment.
"That's quite enough, Rei Hino."
Rei stumbled for a moment as the door appeared in front of her, growing larger, filling her field of vision.
"Who are you? Show yourself!"
The voice did not respond. Rei tripped and fell through the door. She woke up in her bed. Her heart hammered in her chest. She lay still and stared up at the ceiling for a long time.
Her thoughts were with Minako.
"I'm sorry, Ms. Mizuno. Mama never told me how you died."
Ami sighed.
"I didn't think she did, but I had to ask."
The sun cast a golden glow over Arisugawa Memorial Park. A fall breeze rustled through the trees and dislodged some leaves. A gentle shower of gold, brown, and orange fell to the ground. There was a seasonal chill in the air; it was a fine morning for a walk.
Ami and Chibiusa strolled along a winding path. Chibiusa tucked her hands into the pockets of her coat. It had seemed like such a good idea to take the day off and question Chibiusa about her future. She realized, to her great frustration, that the girl knew very little about Ami.
She sensed Chibiusa longed for a connection between them. Ami was her mother's best friend, after all. That she had died before Chibiusa was born weighed on her.
"Please, Chibiusa, call me Ami."
Chibiusa's cheeks flushed.
"I don't really know you that well."
Ami's heart ached at her words, but she reached over and put her hand on the girl's shoulder.
"Then let's change that. Mamoru is at work. Usagi has to meet Naru at Crown Karaoke. Let's you and I make some memories today."
Chibiusa's face broke out in a grin.
"I think I'd like that."
They passed through a small grove of trees and entered a clearing where a few older men sat at folding tables and played chess. The clink of chess pieces filled the air. The distinctive call of a kingfisher echoed in the distance.
Ami smiled.
"Chess in the park? I've not seen that since my stay in America."
Chibiusa's eyes lit up.
"I always wanted to learn how to play chess. My friend Momo plays a little. Her dad taught her."
Ami chuckled, her mind flashing back to her own youth. Chess had been a source of comfort after her parents divorced.
"I love chess. Maybe I can teach you sometime."
Chibiusa's face brightened.
"Really? I'd love that! When I get back home, I can finally put Momo in her place!"
Ami laughed. There was a fire in Chibiusa that reminded her of Usagi.
She felt a chill run down her spine and looked around for the source of her sudden discomfort. Berthier stood just a few feet away, her eyes fixed on Chibiusa. She wore casual clothes. Her white, braided hair shone in the sunlight. This time, she did not conceal the black crescent moon emblazoned on her forehead.
"Hello, Mercury." Her voice was pleasant. "Bonding with Serenity's brat, I see."
Ami stepped in front of Chibiusa and took a fighting posture.
"Stay away from her."
Berthier tilted her head.
"I don't want to hurt you, but I will take the girl. She's interfered quite enough, don't you think?"
Ami's heart raced.
Every decision I make, I wonder: 'is this the decision that gets me killed?'.
"You can't have her!"
Berthier's smile faltered.
"I will not spare you for the sake of our friendship, Mercury. Those days are long past, and as you are now, you are no match for me."
Ami's mind raced. She couldn't lose Chibiusa. Not without a fight.
"Then I challenge you to a game of chess."
Chibiusa blinked at her, confused. Berthier raised an eyebrow. There was a twinkle in her eyes.
"A game of chess?"
Ami suppressed a smile. Berthier had a competitive side. She could use that.
"If I win, you leave Chibiusa alone. Forever. If you win…" She hesitated. "I'll let you take her."
Berthier laughed.
"You think that's how this works?" Berthier thought it over. "If I win, I will take the girl. I can't promise to leave her alone if you win, but…I will let you both leave here and provide you with some knowledge you want."
Ami didn't hesitate. What choice did she have?
"Agreed."
Berthier's smile stretched wider.
"First, you need to beat me."
They sat across from each other at one of the folding tables and set the chessboard between them. Chibiusa stood next to Ami, her eyes wide as she wrung her hands. To her credit, she remained silent even though it was her life at stake.
The world faded into the background as the game began. The only sounds were the quiet clink of chess pieces and the rhythm of Ami's heartbeat pounding in her ears.
Berthier had a ruthless play style. Piece by piece, she chipped away at Ami's defenses. Her smirk grew with each captured piece. Ami's mind raced as she attempted to predict moves and countermoves. As they played in silence, it became clear to Ami that she was losing ground.
Berthier chuckled.
"You're losing, Mercury. Again."
Ami locked eyes with her opponent.
"What?"
Berthier took another of Ami's pieces, a bishop.
"You've lost the memories of your past life and your powers. You lost that patient just the other day. Soon, you'll lose your life."
Ami reached out to move her rook, then hesitated. Her hand trembled. Berthier saw it and continued her verbal assault.
"You're a failure. You'll lose this match and you'll lose the girl. What will your precious princess, your Usagi, think of you then?"
Tears blurred Ami's vision, but she refused to wipe them away. She could feel herself sink into despair. Berthier was right. She couldn't protect anyone, not even herself.
Then a voice cut through her thoughts.
"Ami, mama always said you're the smartest person she's ever known. You can beat her."
Ami looked up, startled. Chibiusa stood there, her small face full of hope. She took Ami's trembling hand into her own.
"I believe in you."
Ami blinked to clear her vision. She looked at Chibiusa, and it was like she saw the girl for the first time. Chibiusa believed in her. Usagi believed in her. They all did.
She had stumbled from crisis to crisis, filled with doubt and despair, but never once did she confide in her family, lean on the people who leaned on her. It was time that changed. They would never let her down, if only they knew what she had been going through.
She wasn't about to let them down, either.
Ami straightened her back and focused on the board. Her hands stopped shaking. A new determination steeled her eyes.
She launched into a counterattack. One by one, Berthier's pieces fell under her precise, calculated assault. Her moves were swift and decisive. Her brilliance was on full display. Berthier's smile faded.
As the game entered its last phase, Ami did something she almost never did while she played chess: she spoke.
"You know what, Berthier? You're right. I've lost a great deal, and I'm poised to lose even more. That won't stop me, though. I promise you this: as long as I draw breath, you will not take Chibiusa."
With a triumphant maneuver, Ami trapped Berthier's king. The game was over.
"Checkmate."
Berthier stared at the board for a long moment, surprise etched on her features. Then she smiled a thin smile.
"Well played, Mercury. I knew you could do it."
Berthier's voice was soft. Ami looked at her in confusion.
"What?"
Berthier met her gaze, her eyes serious.
"Crimson Rubeus, a powerful member of my clan, is coming for your princess, Mercury. He intends to kill her. Right now. Go save her."
Ami froze. Berthier seemed so sincere. Had she orchestrated this entire encounter to provide her with a pretense to warn Ami?
"Thank you."
For a moment, her gaze lingered on Berthier, who cast her eyes down to study the chessboard in front of her. A small smile played over her lips.
Ami grabbed Chibiusa's hand and ran.
Usagi leapt out of the bus, made sure her purse was secure on her shoulder, then hurried down the sidewalk at a quick pace. The brisk autumn air nipped at her cheeks and nose, but she paid it no mind. Naru was waiting.
She arrived in front of Crown Karaoke out of breath and cold. Naru stood at the door and pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. She greeted Usagi with a teasing grin.
"You're late, Usagi! You're always late!"
Usagi bent forward and rested her hands on her knees. She dramatically tried to catch her breath.
"Sorry! Sorry! I didn't sleep a wink last night."
Naru playfully smacked her shoulder.
"Oh-ho! Here are the tales of married life!"
Usagi blushed.
"Naru!"
Naru fished a key out of her purse and tried to unlock the door to Crown. Behind her, Usagi noticed she had stepped into some gum. She tried in vain to scrape her shoe over the sidewalk to remove the sticky substance.
"Besides, Chibiusa slept in our bed last night."
Usagi noticed Naru fiddling with the door. It was stuck. Naru chuckled.
"Only you could go from childless to having an elementary school-aged daughter in a matter of days, Usagi."
Usagi huffed.
"She's angry with me. She saw me transform into Sailor Moon. Apparently, my future self never told her about…"
Naru dropped the keys and turned around.
"Wait…your powers are back?"
Usagi looked at her, startled. She realized she hadn't told Naru what had happened.
"Yes, but…they're different somehow."
Naru leaned in close and looked deep into her eyes.
"You won't destroy the world again, will you?"
Usagi rolled her eyes.
"Naru, that is not funny."
Naru laughed.
"It's a little funny." She grew somber. "No sign of Princess Serenity, though?"
Usagi shook her head.
"Then I'd say having your powers back is a good thing."
Naru picked up the keys and finally opened the door. They stepped inside.
"Did you call Makoto?"
Usagi waved her hand through the air.
"Of course. She's on her way."
Usagi noticed with increased annoyance that some paper was stuck to her shoe. No doubt, it had gotten caught on that infernal gum. When she reached down and pulled it off, however, it piqued her curiosity.
"What's this?"
She held a beautiful charcoal sketch of Naru in her hands. In it, Naru was looking over her shoulder, a small smile parting her lips. Her eyes looked almost seductive. In the bottom right corner, the artist had signed his work with an illegible, chicken-scratch signature and added 'To Naru. Let's sing through the apocalypse'.
Naru came up behind Usagi and looked at the sketch. At once, she snatched it away. Usagi turned to look at her friend and saw her face had turned crimson.
"Oh. My. God! Naru! Who drew that beautiful picture of you?"
Naru stared down at the sketch in embarrassment, her back turned.
"Umino. It's just this nerdy college kid that wandered in here the other day. He must have pushed this drawing underneath the front door last night."
Usagi hurried around Naru and looked at her friend. Why was she so embarrassed?
"You should go out with him! He clearly likes you!"
Naru shook her head.
"Trust me, the last thing I need right now is a date with a starving artist. I'm a businesswoman."
The soft creak of the door interrupted their conversation. Usagi glanced over and saw the tall and slender shape of Makoto enter. She looked tired. There was an aura of frustration about her.
"Mako! Thanks for coming!"
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Naru smile at the charcoal sketch.
Maybe a nerdy guy with a crush is exactly what she needs.
Makoto rubbed her neck.
"So, what's the big emergency? I just finished setting up for a wedding, so I'm wiped."
Naru and Usagi exchanged an excited glance.
"We want to hire you."
Makoto blinked.
"What?"
Usagi grinned.
"We want you to help us redesign this place. The whole interior, not just flowers. We like your style and we want your help."
Makoto's jaw dropped.
"You want me to design this place?" She looked stunned. "I've never done something like that before."
Naru laughed.
"That's perfect, then. We've done nothing like this, either."
Makoto thought for a moment. The grumpy, exhausted woman from earlier seemed to disappear.
"Alright."
Usagi's phone rang. She checked the screen. It was Ami. Her stomach dropped. Ami was with Chibiusa. She answered the phone.
"Ami? What's going on?"
Ami's voice sounded panicked and out of breath.
"Usagi! Someone's coming for you! His name is Crimson Rubeus. He plans to kill you!"
Before Usagi could respond, the front door of Crown exploded inward with a deafening crash. Shards of wood and glass flew across the lobby. Makoto dove toward Naru and pushed her to the ground.
A man stood in the doorway. His presence was dark and imposing. He wore black. High boots, a black vest, and fingerless gloves made him look like a punk rock star from a bygone era. Messy red hair framed the black crescent moon symbol on his forehead. He wore a long, flowing red scarf that fluttered behind him like a cape. A pair of black crystal earrings dangled from his ears.
Usagi froze.
Crimson Rubeus. The man who will attack me in the future.
She barely had time to react before he lunged at her and grabbed her throat in his icy grip. He lifted her up from the ground with ease. Her phone clattered to the ground as she struggled for air.
The world spun out of control. She could make out Ami's voice calling out to her, as if from a great distance.
"Usagi? Usagi!"
Chibiusa was furious.
Ami had dropped her off at Minako's apartment and dashed for the door to go help Usagi. Chibiusa had insisted again and again that she should come, too, but Ami wouldn't hear it. It was Chibiusa they were after. She had to stay hidden.
The apartment was silent. Luna was still sleeping in the back bedroom. Artemis kept watch over her. The two plush cats were her only company.
She looked around for a moment, unsure of what to do. She was worried about Usagi. That made her more angry.
Usagi…mama. You lied to me all of my life! How can I ever trust you again?
A beautiful bouquet of carnations stood on the small table near the door and caught her eye. Curious, she removed the card.
"Welcome home. Rei."
Chibiusa allowed herself a small smile. At last, there was something going right for a change.
She lay down on the uncomfortable leather couch and all but vanished from sight.
Minako hummed under her breath as she returned to her apartment. In one arm, she carried a bag of groceries. Since Usagi, Mamoru, and Chibiusa would have to stay with her for now, it was time to stock up. She considered it a significant victory that she had sneaked through the grocery store unrecognized.
Breakfast with the Chiba's had been quite the experience. For the first time, her apartment didn't feel so empty. Minako enjoyed the chatter, the laughter, even the occasional bickering of everyday life more than she had expected.
She smiled as she sat the bag down near the door. A bouquet of carnations caught her eye. It sat on the small table just inside the apartment door.
That's new.
She pulled the small card from between the stems and read it.
"Welcome home. Rei."
Her heart skipped a beat. She ran a finger over the soft petals of the flowers. Carnations. Rei knew her so well.
She turned back to her groceries; her smile was wider than before. There was a knock at the door. She opened it. There, to her surprise, stood Rei with a small bag of her own.
"Rei?"
The two women shared an awkward look.
"I've brought some clothes for Chibiusa. She didn't exactly come from the future with a full suitcase."
Minako blinked. There was a tension in Rei's body language that had not been there before. Something had changed.
"Why don't you come in?"
Rei hesitated, then entered the apartment.
"Thanks for the flowers, by the way. They're lovely."
She nodded at Minako, then strode further into the apartment. She wandered over to the large floor-to-ceiling window and looked out at the Tokyo skyline.
Minako realized they were alone. It was the perfect opportunity to have a long overdue conversation.
"Did you have any interesting dreams last night?"
Rei whipped around to look at Minako, her face flushed, her eyes wide.
"What?"
Oh, I struck a nerve.
"There was a door in my dreams last night. When I stepped through it, I saw…the future, I guess. There was a voice. A woman. She told me I couldn't use the Door of Time."
Rei stared at Minako for a moment. Was that relief in her eyes?
"I had a dream like that, too. I think Chibiusa cracked time somehow when she traveled here and now…all these visions are spilling through that crack."
Minako hesitated.
"The voice of that woman sounded familiar, Rei. It was like…an echo from our past lives. I think it might have been another Sailor Guardian."
Rei gasped.
"Is that even possible?"
Minako shrugged.
"There are a lot more guardian planets in the solar system, and our memories are far from complete."
The silence that followed hung between them for a long time. When Rei spoke again, her voice was small, almost shy.
"What did you dream about?"
Minako hesitated again. This was the crux of the matter, wasn't it? This is what they needed to talk about.
"I dreamt I was here. In this apartment. I was writing a song…for my girlfriend, I think."
Minako waited for Rei to say something, but Rei remained silent, her eyes transfixed on her. Minako pressed on.
"I spoke with Usagi yesterday. She said that when she got her powers back, it was because she accepted how much she loved Chibiusa. Love, she said…love is the key to reawakening our powers."
Rei blinked. Something in her eyes gave Minako hope that this was it, that this would be the moment the walls between them would finally crumble.
Emboldened, she moved toward Rei. Her hand trembled as she reached out and cupped Rei's face.
"There is somebody I could love, Rei. I think if I stop holding back, if I accept that love…it could be the key to my future. It may even be the key to my powers. What do you think I should do?"
For a moment, Rei softened. She reached up and put her own hand over Minako's. Then something shifted. She gently pulled Minako's hand from her face. Her voice was flat when she spoke.
"I don't know, Minako. Love is a big word. People use it a lot, but in the end, it rarely means what they say it does."
Minako's heart sank. She wasn't sure if she had stopped the hurt she felt from flashing across her face.
"I see."
The two women stood in silence for a moment. Minako tried to think of something else to say, but she knew Rei. Her walls were up, too tall to climb.
Suddenly, a small voice piped up from behind them.
"What are you two doing? This is all wrong!"
Rei and Minako spun around, surprised. Chibiusa sat up on the couch, her face scrunched in frustration. There were tears in the corners of her eyes.
"Don't you get it? You two are meant for each other! In the future, you are married!"
Usagi saw stars. Little yellow and black spots danced in front of her eyes and obscured her vision. She realized in shock that she was about to pass out.
Then Rubeus dropped her, and sweet oxygen flooded into her lungs. She coughed as she sucked in breath after breath.
Rubeus chuckled.
"Well, this is no fun at all, princess. I had hoped you'd put up a bit more of a fight."
Usagi struggled to her feet and took on a fighting stance. Rubeus laughed.
"Oh, there she is! Princess Serenity!" His tone took on a dark edge. "Transform for me, princess. Show me what you can do."
Usagi knew she could not fight him as she was. She had no choice. Her hand sprung up into the air and she called down her transformation.
"Moon Light Powers! Make Up!"
The light engulfed her and wrapped her in its embrace. Ribbons of pure energy coalesced around her like a cocoon. When the light faded, she was no longer Usagi Tsukino. She was Sailor Moon.
There was no hesitation. Sailor Moon charged at Rubeus and unleashed a flurry of punches and kicks. Rubeus dodged them all with superhuman speed. Every time she was certain she would land a direct hit, he had already moved out of the way.
"This is a sad display, princess. I heard you had become a formidable warrior. What a joke."
He backhanded her across the face and sent her sailing across the room.
She jumped up, determined. Her hand moved to her chest and her harp sword appeared in a flash of light.
Rubeus smiled and removed one of his black crystal earrings. Dark energy crackled around the crystal as it grew in his hand until it was the length of a katana.
"Care to cross swords, Sailor Moon?"
His mocking tone was starting to irritate her. She charged at him once more. Their blades collided in a spark of light and dark energy. As they swung their swords at each other, Sailor Moon wondered if she could defeat him.
As it stood, she was alone. Her Guardians were still powerless. If Rubeus beat her, then she would die.
Makoto's ears still rang when she came back to her senses. She pushed herself off the floor and glanced to the left. Naru was lying beside her, unconscious. Her chest was rising and falling in a steady rhythm. Good. She was alive.
Makoto turned her head and saw Sailor Moon engaged in a sword fight with a red-haired man dressed in black. The black crescent moon on his forehead told her everything she needed to know.
The red-haired man used his free hand to punch Sailor Moon twice. She stumbled backwards, her guard down. He took advantage of the moment and rammed his black sword into her shoulder. She cried out in pain and sank to her knees, dazed.
Makoto cried out in fear for her friend.
"Usagi!"
The man ignored her. He stared down at Sailor Moon, a wicked smile on his lips.
"I guess without the Silver Crystal, you're not so tough, after all. Oh Serenity, I've waited so long for my chance to kill you."
He raised his black sword high into the air, ready to strike.
Makoto had seen enough. She picked up the old cash register from the nearby counter and threw it with all her might. It caught Rubeus by surprise. The register collided with his face and knocked him to the ground.
He stood back up. Anger had replaced his arrogant smirk.
"Who dares…?!"
His eyes landed on Makoto.
"Jupiter?"
Makoto's blood ran cold. He knew her. There was a connection between their new enemy and their past lives, after all.
The man kicked the still-kneeling Sailor Moon hard. She crumbled to the floor. Then he turned his attention to Makoto.
"You're going to regret that."
Makoto had to think quick. She needed to buy time for Usagi to recover.
"Put down your sword, you wimp. Fight me fair. Let's find out who's the better fighter…or are you afraid?"
It was a gamble, but from what she had seen, his actions reeked of overconfidence. He looked at her for a moment, then grinned.
"Oh, this is going to be fun. I'm going to enjoy hurting you."
Makoto brought up her fists in a defensive posture. He was strong and fast, and she had no powers. It didn't matter. She was a Sailor Guardian.
For Usagi. For the Princess.
She stood still and waited for him to make the first move. There was anger in his posture, in his face. She had hurt him, even just a little. He would make mistakes.
He charged toward Makoto and swung his fist at her face. Rather than dodge or step back, she stepped toward him and closed the distance between them. Before his wild swing could compensate, she brought up her palm in an uppercut against his jaw.
His mouth clattered shut, his feet lifted off the ground, and he stumbled backwards. His eyes widened. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.
Makoto beckoned to him with a wave.
"Come and get me."
He charged at her once more. Again, Makoto did the unexpected. She waited for him to come into range, then struck at his knee with her heel. He tumbled forward. His momentum carried him straight into a headbutt. He collapsed to the ground.
The red-haired man crawled away from her, then pulled himself up next to the counter. His face was a mask of fury.
"You! Have! No! Powers!"
She smiled at him to stoke his anger further.
"I don't need powers for a punk like you."
For a moment, she thought his head might explode. Then he seemed to regain control of himself. He grinned at her.
"And I don't need to 'fight fair'."
A dark energy crackled around his hand. He stretched it out toward Makoto. Before she could dodge, it shot out and struck her square in the chest.
Makoto felt herself lifted off her feet and thrown against a wall before falling back to the ground. Something inside of her felt…broken. The dark energy continued to crackle around her body.
The man stood over her now, an evil twinkle in his eye.
"You shouldn't have challenged me, Jupiter."
He started kicking her, again and again. Her back, her chest, her head. She cried out in pain, cried out for him to stop, but he continued his assault. She tried to hold on, hoping that Sailor Moon would come to her rescue.
Instead, the darkness took her.
Searing pain greeted Sailor Moon as she returned to consciousness. Her muscles ached, her head hurt, but it was the throbbing in her shoulder that overshadowed all other pain.
He stabbed me!
She pulled herself up to her knees. The room spun violently. She noticed the footsteps that approached her.
"Awake again, Sailor Moon? Sorry to keep you waiting. I had to dispose of your meddlesome guardian, Sailor Jupiter. Not so tough without her powers."
What?
Sailor Moon searched the floor, desperate for her harp sword. Her blurred vision made the task impossible. She could hear Rubeus pick up his crystal katana.
"It's too late, Serenity. Time to die."
This was it. She had failed. Sailor Moon braced herself for the killing blow.
Suddenly, a voice rang out through the lobby, loud and confident.
"Mercury Aqua Mist!"
Water exploded all around them and soaked them in seconds. Rubeus looked around for the source of the voice, distracted.
Sailor Moon's vision cleared.
There!
Her hand closed around her harp sword. She didn't hesitate.
"Moon! Light! Slash!"
Rubeus turned back toward her and into the arc of light that burst forth from Sailor Moon's blade. It collided with his face and sent him reeling backward. Unlike the creature she had fought, Rubeus did not fall to dust. Instead, he howled in pain, an inhuman sound that made her skin crawl.
He dropped his katana, covered his face with both hands and fled Crown Karaoke. His screams echoed in the distance.
Usagi stood, unsteady. Suddenly, Ami was by her side.
"Usagi! I came as fast as I could!"
They embraced. When they separated, Usagi realized it was Ami, not Sailor Mercury, that had come to her rescue.
"But…I thought…"
For a moment, Usagi had believed that Ami's powers had returned, but she now realized it had been just a ruse to distract Rubeus. The stream of water that continued to rain down on them came from Crown's sprinkler system.
"Ami! Rubeus said he disposed of Makoto!"
Ami grew pale. Usagi knew they had to find their friend. Fast. They fanned out to search the lobby.
Ami came across Makoto lying on the ground, and her heart sank. She was unconscious. Her body looked beaten and broken. Ami fell to her knees next to her friend and felt for a pulse.
Please be alive…please be alive…
For a long moment, she couldn't find a pulse. Tears filled the corners of her eyes.
Wait! There it is!
Her pulse was weak, but Makoto was alive.
"Usagi! She's hurt! Call an ambulance!"
Ami looked at Makoto's face, battered and bruised. She would do everything she could to heal her, but…it wasn't enough. Not anymore. A steely resolve came over her.
She was tired of seeing her friends beaten, tired of Berthier's mystery act, tired of this Black Moon Clan coming after Chibiusa. Above all, she was tired of fearing her own death. It was time to fight back.
Then and there, Ami made a solemn vow to reclaim her powers. No matter the cost.
…to be continued
Next Time on Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: Black Moon
"Punish Sailor Moon for me! I want her to bleed!" - Crimson Rubeus
"You have caused nothing but pain for my friends since you came along, Chibiusa!" - Usagi Tsukino
"If I want to protect my family, I need powers." - Mamoru Chiba
"I refuse to let a thing like 'destiny' tell me how to live my life!" - Rei Hino
"This is the end, Mercury. Today you die." - Berthier
"Mercury Light Power! Make up!" - Ami Mizuno