The great dining hall of the Moon Palace was an exercise in excess. High, vaulted ceilings and elegant white columns gave the vast room a cavernous appearance. Gorgeous paintings and tapestries lined the walls. A long wooden dining table, capable of seating fifty people, stood in the center of the room.

These days, it was all pomp and circumstance, devoid of life. Princess Serenity had used the power of the Silver Crystal to restore the palace, but the rest of the kingdom lay in ruins. The people were long extinct. It was a mausoleum.

Berthier sat at the end of the dining table, her chair turned to face toward the arched doorway as she waited for her sisters to arrive. On the outside, she was relaxed, but inside her raged a storm of emotions.

She tapped her foot on the floor in a quick, steady rhythm. She had received a message that Rubeus wished to speak with her and the other Ayakashi Sisters. Now, here she sat and waited.

Her mind wandered to Earth and her old friend, Sailor Mercury. Millennia had passed since they last saw each other, and now, reunited, Mercury couldn't remember her. Worse still, they were enemies. Fate was cruel.

The click-clack of heels against the marble floors pulled Berthier back to the present. She straightened. Koan's fast, aggressive steps echoed through the halls, with Calaveras' slower, measured steps close behind. Koan was volatile, just waiting for a spark to combust. Calaveras was the soothing balm that came in her wake.

Koan swept into the great dining hall like a whirlwind. Her long, violet hair waved behind her sharp, angular face. She wore a skintight purple and black catsuit with high black boots. Her black crystal earrings swung at her ears with each step. She exuded an air of confidence and elegance. Her deep violet eyes scanned the room.

Calaveras strode in behind Koan, her steps more deliberate. She wore her brown hair pulled back into a tight bun held together with a yellow bow. Her clothes looked almost like those of a Sailor Guardian; her arms and legs were bare. She wore a golden bodice, a red skirt, and orange boots. Her golden bracelets gleamed in the light of the dining hall.

Koan's gaze locked onto Berthier, and she strode toward her with hurried steps.

"Berthier! Do you know what is going on here?"

Koan was the youngest of the four sisters, yet she acted as if she were the eldest. Berthier's eyes remained cool. So did her voice when she spoke.

"No, I don't."

Koan scowled and placed her hands on her hips.

"I don't like it when Rubeus keeps us in the dark. Since we've come to the past, we've just been sitting around and waiting."

She looked Berthier up and down and wrinkled her nose.

"Except you, of course. What have you been doing on Earth? You still haven't found Serenity's brat."

Berthier sighed.

"The girl is well-hidden and protected."

Koan laughed, a high-pitched sound like nails on a chalkboard. Calaveras stood behind her and flinched, but remained silent. Sometimes it was best to let their younger sister get it out of her system.

"If Rubeus had sent me to Earth, I would have gotten the job done already," Koan said. "You're too soft, Berthier."

She leaned against a nearby column. There was an evil twinkle in her eye.

"What about Sailor Mars? Have you encountered her yet?"

Berthier rolled her eyes.

"No, I have not. Only Sailor Moon has reclaimed her powers so far. The other Guardians have not surfaced."

Koan huffed.

"If I were Sailor Mars, I would have already reclaimed my powers." Her voice became small and soft. "Queen Serenity made the wrong choice."

She noticed her moment of vulnerability. Her eyes turned cruel once more as they locked onto Berthier.

"It seems I am surrounded by incompetence."

She looked over her shoulder at Calaveras, as if seeking support from her older sister. Calaveras was not interested in playing her game. She placed a hand on Koan's shoulder and glared at her.

"That's enough, Koan. You'd do well to remember that we are all on the same side."

Koan scowled but said nothing. She knew better than to antagonize Calaveras; her patience did not run as deep as that of Berthier.

Calaveras tilted her head and locked eyes with Berthier.

"Are you alright?"

Berthier feigned ignorance.

"Of course I'm fine. Koan's taunts are nothing new to me."

Calaveras shook her head.

"That's not what I meant." She stared, almost as if to peer into her soul. "She's not your friend anymore, you know? In truth, she never was."

Before Berthier could respond, Crimson Rubeus strode into the dining hall. Their oldest sister, Petz, walked beside him. Rubeus was moving slower, less confident than usual. A large bandage ran across one eye and down his face. His red scarf hung limp around his neck.

Petz wore her long dark green hair in a loose bun. She wore a short, dark green dress, black tights, short boots, and long gloves. She gazed at Rubeus with pursed lips and a furrowed brow. It wasn't just concern; it was something more. Genuine affection.

The other Ayakashi Sisters had long ago learned to tolerate her infatuation with Rubeus. He was no doubt aware of Petz's love for him, but he didn't reciprocate it.

Rubeus did not waste any time. He spoke between hoarse breaths.

"I have met Sailors Moon, Mercury, and Jupiter in battle. I injured Jupiter, but she's still alive. The Guardians tricked me and Sailor Moon…she disfigured me!"

His nostrils flared. His hands clenched and unclenched again and again.

"I need time to heal, to recover my strength. We must press our advantage now. It is your turn to finish the job."

Petz's voice was deep and threatening as she interjected.

"Let me avenge you, Rubeus. Send me to destroy Sailor Moon."

Rubeus glanced at her, his expression cold.

"You cannot defeat her." He hesitated. "Perhaps you can hurt her. Make her hurt for me, Petz. Make her bleed. Saphir has created new droids. Take one with you."

A grimace of pain appeared on his face. He took a deep breath and his face normalized. He turned his attention toward Berthier.

"No doubt, Jupiter will be recovering under Sailor Mercury's care. Take a droid. Use your knowledge of Mercury. Get close to her, then kill them both."

Berthier felt a flicker of regret cross her face before she could mask it. She did not want to kill Mercury.

Rubeus saw the flash of distaste on her face. Dark energy erupted from his hands as he released a hoarse scream. Streaks of black lightning crackled through the air and ignited two of the tapestries on the wall. Smoke filled the dining hall.

He charged toward Berthier, seized her arm, and pulled her up from her chair. His voice was low and dangerous.

"Someone will pay for what happened to me."

With his free hand, he removed the bandage from his face, then leaned in close to Berthier. A gaping wound stretched across his left eye and down his face. No doubt, he would lose the use of his eye. Berthier swallowed hard.

"You will make Mercury and Jupiter suffer," Rubeus said. "Should you fail or refuse me…I will make you suffer instead."

She met his gaze, but remained silent.

"You're nothing but a disposable foot soldier, Berthier. Make yourself useful, or I will dispose of you."

He released her from his grip, then stormed from the dining hall. Petz sneered at Berthier, then hurried after him.

Silence settled over the dining hall. Koan and Calaveras exchanged glances. Berthier stood frozen.

She had to kill her former friend or die. She was out of options.

This is the end, Mercury. Today you die.

The doors to the emergency room flew open. A burst of warm air greeted the two EMTs who wheeled Makoto into the hospital. They broke into a jog as they pushed the stretcher toward its destination.

Ami sat on top of the stretcher and straddled Makoto; her hands pumped furiously as she administered chest compressions. Her glasses perched askew on her nose. Sweat matted her black hair to her forehead and dripped from her face. Stopping to wipe her brow never crossed her mind.

Each of Ami's breaths came ragged and labored as she poured all her strength into the compressions. She wouldn't stop. She couldn't. This time, there was no room for failure.

When the EMTs had arrived at Crown Karaoke, they had recognized her as a doctor and allowed her to ride along in the ambulance. Then Makoto's heart had stopped during transport and Ami had leapt into action. The EMTs had let her take charge.

Now, as they wheeled Makoto and her into a treatment area, nurses swarmed them. Calm, practiced hands went to work on Makoto. One nurse attempted to take over chest compressions from Ami, but she shook her head.

"Get me Dr. Kobayashi!" Her voice was hoarse and raw.

Another nurse connected Makoto to a heart monitor. Ami stopped her furious pumping and allowed the device to get an accurate read on Makoto's heart. The long, uninterrupted wail told Ami everything she needed to know.

Makoto's heart wasn't beating on its own.

Ami gazed at her face for a split second. Makoto's brown hair, tied in her usual ponytail, lay beside her face. Bruises covered her cheeks. Her eyes were closed. She was Ami's friend, her fellow Guardian, her family.

She heard the familiar rhythm of Dr. Kobayashi's footsteps against the floor and felt relief wash over her. He was a great mentor and an even better doctor. If anybody could help Ami save Makoto, it was him.

His voice rang through the treatment area, calm and clear.

"No shockable rhythm. Resume CPR."

Ami pressed her palms against Makoto's chest and resumed compressions. Her arms screamed with fatigue, with pain, but she ignored them. This was not the end. She wouldn't allow it.

Next to her, a nurse inserted an IV into Makoto's arm. Another nurse placed a bag-valve-mask over her mouth and nose. She squeezed the bag in a steady rhythm, providing Makoto with life-giving air.

For a moment, silence filled the room. The heart monitor continued to beep its long, mournful sound. Tears filled the corners of Ami's eyes, but she refused to shed them.

I will win this fight. She's not going anywhere.

Dr. Kobayashi's voice cut through the silence.

"Push epinephrine via IV. Standard dosage."

The nurse complied.

All the hustle surrounding Ami fell away. She locked her eyes on Makoto and willed her heart to pump again.

"Makoto, come back. We need you. Motoki needs you. Please…"

Warmth flooded Ami's body. For a split second, the pain in her arms disappeared. She felt refreshed, as if she had taken a cool shower on a hot summer day. The light in the hospital seemed brighter. Her hands tingled. She held her breath and pushed.

She remembered what Berthier had said on the hospital rooftop.

It is a heavy burden to carry the healing waters.

Ami gasped, as if coming up for air.

Beep.

Ami stopped. The flatline sound gave way to the steady beeping of a heart rhythm.

"Return of spontaneous circulation. Administer amiodarone to stabilize rhythm." Understated triumph filled Dr. Kobayashi's voice.

Ami slid off Makoto and stood next to the stretcher. She felt lightheaded as she reached out to pat Makoto's leg. Her heart skipped a beat.

She's alive!

Kobayashi approached her.

"What happened?"

Ami hesitated. She couldn't tell him the truth. Instead, she settled on a lie that would explain the nature of Makoto's injuries.

"It was a hit and run. The car plowed into her and another of my friends. She's on her way here, too, but her injuries are less severe."

Kobayashi nodded and turned his attention to a nurse tending to Makoto.

"Call surgery. Tell them we have a hit-and-run patient. Significant trauma, perhaps internal injuries." He thought for a moment. "Ask if Dr. Tanaka is available."

The nurse nodded once and dashed away. He turned back to Ami.

"She's the best trauma surgeon on staff."

Ami sighed.

"Thank you."

He placed a hand on her shoulder.

"You did well, Dr. Mizuno. Your friend lives, for now. The next few hours will decide the rest."

He strode from the treatment area and moved on to the next patient. Now, finally, Ami allowed herself to break down. She collapsed into a chair and cried tears of joy.

She hadn't failed this time. Makoto was still here. For now, that's all that mattered.

"What do you mean, we're married in the future?"

A harsh edge crept into Minako's melodic voice as she stepped closer to Chibiusa. Her eyes narrowed.

Rei stood behind Minako and kept quiet. She could feel the heat rise in her face. She ran her hand through her long black hair and tucked it behind her ear. This situation was getting out of hand.

When Chibiusa had travelled to the past, she had damaged time. The future was seeping into the past. Last night, Rei and Minako had experienced glimpses of the future in their dreams. Rei sensed the other former Guardians had, as well.

Whatever Minako had seen had emboldened her. She had acted on the attraction between her and Rei. On instinct, Rei had pushed her away. That's when Chibiusa had revealed that the two of them were in a relationship in the future.

Now, Chibiusa squirmed in her seat on the couch. She shuffled her feet and swallowed hard.

"I'm sorry, Aunt Mina. I shouldn't have said that."

She slid off the leather couch and started toward her guest bedroom. Her shoulders slumped, her head hung low.

Rei's eyes darted toward the apartment door. She, too, wanted to extract herself from another uncomfortable conversation. Minako, however, would not allow a simple escape for either of them.

"Hold it right there, Chibiusa! We're not finished talking about this yet."

Chibiusa froze.

Rei glanced at Minako. She thought back to the controlled, mission-focused girl she had met five years ago. Minako had shown less emotion back then. She had grown much more comfortable with her feelings over the years.

Maybe she's just tired of the future jerking her around.

"Time to spill it, Chibiusa. I want to know what will happen in the future between me and Rei."

Chibiusa turned to face them, but her eyes remained downcast.

"Please, Aunt Mina, don't make me. I'm supposed to awaken the Guardians, but I don't know what will happen if you learn too much about the future."

Minako crossed her arms.

"I think it's too late for that." Her voice softened. "This is beyond your control now, Usa."

Chibiusa took a deep breath, raised her head, and locked eyes with Minako. For a moment, her gaze reminded Rei of Princess Serenity.

"I can't remember a time when you two weren't together. You're my favorite aunts, my family. When I was five years old, you got married at Hikawa Shrine in a Shinzen Kekkon ceremony. Mama was the nakodo."

Minako took a step back and braced herself against the couch. Her face was pale.

Rei swallowed hard.

A Shinto wedding. It's what I would want.

Chibiusa's voice took on a hurried, breathless quality as she continued.

"When I left, you were trying to become foster parents. It wasn't easy because… well, Aunt Rei said not everybody accepted your love."

There was a long silence. Finally, Minako spoke. Her voice was quiet, as if she were talking more to herself than anybody else.

"I thought there was something between us, but I never imagined…"

Rei cleared her throat.

"There is nothing between us."

Minako turned to face her. Her posture was stiff, her jaw clenched. Rei could see a muscle twitch in her jawline. In an instant, she regretted her instinctive deflection.

"Oh, is that so? Tell me, last night in your dreams, when you travelled to the future… what did you see?"

Rei thought back to the kiss she had shared with Minako in her vision of the future. Her warm hands. Her scent. An inexplicable longing struck her as she glanced at Minako. Rei's face flushed once more.

I need to work on my poker face.

Minako stared at her.

"Well?"

Rei looked away, unable to hold her gaze.

"That's not important right now."

Minako threw her hands into the air.

"This is getting ridiculous. We've been friends for years! Why won't you talk to me about this? Why won't anybody talk to each other anymore? Even the voice of that woman in my dream tried to prevent me from seeing the truth!"

Chibiusa gasped.

"Wait… you hear the voice in your dreams, too?"

Minako and Rei turned to look at Chibiusa. Before either of them could respond, Minako's phone rang. She pulled it from her pocket with a sigh and glanced at the screen.

"It's Mamoru."

She answered the phone, and within seconds, her anger had evaporated.

"Rei and Chibiusa are here. We're on our way."

She closed her phone.

"The enemy attacked Crown Karaoke. They injured Usagi and Makoto. They're at the hospital. Mamoru and Motoki are on their way now."

Chibiusa turned pale.

Rei didn't hesitate. Their argument would have to wait.

"Let's go."

Usagi's patience was wearing thin.

She and Naru had arrived at Nakamura Medical Center a short time after the ambulance that had carried Makoto and Ami. Since her injuries had been less severe, the doctors had let Usagi sit in the waiting room.

Rubeus had pummeled her, but other than her wounded pride, he had left no permanent marks. The stab wound on her shoulder was another story. It was deep and jagged. When she had finally seen a doctor, the gruff older man had stitched up her shoulder without comment.

Now, with her arm in a sling and medication flowing through her veins, Usagi could tolerate the pain. The cold fluorescent lights of the waiting room hummed overhead. Every few minutes, the low moans or coughs of another patient interrupted the silence.

Usagi had asked every nurse, every doctor she had encountered about Makoto. They all had given her the same response: silence. Nobody would give her an answer.

That's not good enough.

She gave Naru's hand a squeeze, then stood. No more waiting. She crossed the waiting room and approached the nurses' station. The nurse behind the counter, a middle-aged woman with a round face and short gray hair, gave her a wary glance. Usagi's resolve only grew stronger.

"Excuse me. Can you tell me how one of the patients is doing? Her name is Makoto Kino."

The nurse stared at her with polite disinterest.

"And you are?"

Usagi stiffened. She pressed her lips together and struggled to keep her voice calm.

"I'm a close friend."

The nurse sighed as her gaze wandered.

"I'm sorry, but unless you're a close relative or spouse, I may not release any information about our patients."

The condescension in her tone irritated Usagi. She huffed.

"Alright, she's my wife."

The nurse leaned back in her seat and stared at Usagi. For a moment, she looked uncertain and Usagi thought the lie might work. She tried to hold the nurse's gaze, but soon crumbled under the intense scrutiny. Her voice was small and quiet when she spoke.

"Never mind."

She returned to her seat and plopped down next to Naru, defeated. Her friend looked up and wrinkled her brow.

"Any luck?"

Usagi looked Naru over twice.

"How would you feel about pretending to be Makoto's wife?"

Naru raised an eyebrow.

"What?"

Before Usagi could elaborate, Ami entered the waiting room. She slumped her shoulders. Her eyes were tired.

Finally!

Usagi waved at her friend with perhaps too much enthusiasm. One of the other patients cleared his throat and glared at her. Usagi gave him a pout and continued to wave.

Ami scanned the waiting room until she spotted Usagi and Naru, then hurried toward them.

"Ami? How's Makoto?"

Usagi heard her own voice tremble.

Ami knelt down in front of Usagi. Her face was pale as she took a deep breath. Usagi braced herself for the worst.

"She's in surgery. She had some internal injuries. They're trying to stabilize her. I won't know more until they're done."

Ami hesitated for a moment, then glanced at Naru.

"Listen, Naru, I… I hate to ask this, but can you give me a minute alone with Usagi?"

Naru nodded. She stood and placed a hand on Ami's shoulder.

"I'll grab a snack. Take your time."

As Naru walked away, Ami sat down beside Usagi. There was a tension in her body language that worried Usagi. Her heart pounded in her chest. More bad news.

"Ami, what's going on?"

Ami closed her eyes for a moment. When she opened them, there was a startling intensity in those eyes.

"There's a lot I need to tell you. Things I should have told you sooner." She hesitated. "Chibiusa told me that in her future, I'm dead. I died before she was even born."

Usagi's heart skipped a beat.

"What? How?"

Ami sighed.

"She doesn't know."

She clenched the hands in her lap into fists until her knuckles turned white.

"Since she told me, I've had visions of the future. I've seen my grave, felt my body dying. When it happens, a woman sends me back to the present. I think… I think she's a Sailor Guardian."

Usagi nodded as she tried to process Ami's words.

"Last night, I saw my future self. A woman told me I couldn't stay. I had no idea it happened to you, too."

Ami took Usagi's hand and held it tight.

"That's not all. A member of our enemy approached me. Her name is Berthier. She claims we used to be friends in a previous life. She told me that Rubeus was coming for you. That's why I could warn you."

Usagi grew quiet. The past life. Once again, it clawed its way into the present, full of ancient pain and grudges. She swallowed hard.

Her eyes locked on to Ami's and she squeezed her hand. When she spoke, her voice was low and steady.

"You won't die, Ami. I won't let it happen."

Ami smiled a pained smile. Tears formed in the corners of her eyes.

"Maybe you're right. Chibiusa's presence has already started changing our destinies. Maybe… maybe we can stop it from happening."

Usagi's voice was firm.

"Not maybe. We will."

Usagi pulled Ami into a tight, one-armed embrace. She felt her friend melt into the hug and sob against her shoulder. She didn't know how Ami had carried this burden on her own.

Another emotion joined the fear that had gripped her chest: anger. It bubbled and boiled in the pit of her stomach and threatened to overwhelm her senses.

Chibiusa!

She felt a firm hand on her back and looked up. Mamoru. His face looked drawn and pale. She gave him a small smile as she cradled Ami.

"I'm alright."

Behind him stood Motoki, his eyes red and swollen. His voice trembled when he spoke.

"Where's Makoto?"

An oppressive silence bore down on Minako. The only noticeable sound was the quiet hum of the elevator as it ascended toward the sixth floor of Nakamura Medical Center. It seemed to move at a snail's pace. She stifled a frustrated groan.

Rei stood beside her and avoided her gaze. Instead, she stared straight ahead at the elevator doors. Her expression was unreadable, except for her lips, which were pressed together into a thin line.

Minako wanted to break the silence, to cut the tension that now existed between them. She just didn't know how.

What can I say to my future wife who doesn't want a relationship?

Between them, Chibiusa hugged her stuffed Nako-Nako tight to her chest. She shifted from one foot to the other as she struggled to remain still. All the anger she had carried toward Usagi for concealing her identity as Sailor Moon had vanished.

Rei cleared her throat. The sound was too loud in the cramped elevator.

"Chibiusa, I need you to make me a promise."

Chibiusa looked up at her, eyes wide.

"What is it, Aunt Rei?"

Rei grimaced, but only for a moment. The term of familiarity still made her uneasy.

"I want you to keep what you told us about our future a secret. Don't tell anybody, not even Usagi." She locked eyes with Minako. "Mina and I need to resolve this ourselves."

Minako nodded her agreement.

Chibiusa sighed.

"Okay. I won't tell."

The elevator came to a sudden halt, and the doors opened onto the sixth floor: the Intensive Care Unit. The sterile smell of disinfectant wafted at them. Minako's stomach turned.

I hate hospitals.

Years ago, she had suffered from a terminal illness. She had spent countless hours in and out of hospitals. She had died during a high-risk surgery to save her life. Usagi had revived her with the power of the Silver Crystal.

Still, the memories remained: the smells and sounds. The icy embrace of death. She shuddered.

Beside her, Rei hesitated at the threshold. Last year, she had survived an attack from Mio Kuroki, a survivor of the Dark Kingdom. She'd been in the hospital for weeks, vulnerable and broken.

I guess we both hate hospitals.

Minako drew in a deep breath and took Chibiusa's hand.

"Come on, Usa. Let's go find Usagi."

Together, they stepped off the elevator and into the beating heart of the hospital. The air here was thick with a sharp antiseptic. The soft voices of doctors and nurses echoed down the hall and mixed with the mechanical chorus of medical machinery. Tension filled every corner as patients teetered on the brink of death.

They hurried down the hallway at a brisk pace. It wasn't long before they reached the waiting room.

Minako's heart sank at the sight of Usagi slumped in her chair. Her head rested on Mamoru's shoulder; her eyes were closed. She wore a sling around her left arm.

Mamoru's work suit still hung, wrinkled and askew, on his frame. He had draped his tie, untied, around his neck. He watched Usagi with moist eyes.

Naru sat on Usagi's other side. She looked unharmed and busied herself with one of the hospital's old magazines.

Motoki looked the worst for wear as he paced back and forth. With each pass, he glanced at a nearby clock. His hands clenched and unclenched at his sides. Dark circles had settled under his eyes.

Minako felt Chibiusa's grip on her hand tighten. Her gaze fixed on Usagi. Tears gathered in the corners of her eyes. A whisper escaped her lips.

"Mama…"

Minako squeezed her hand and gave her a small smile.

"Come on. Let's go check on her."

Mamoru spotted them and leaned in to whisper into Usagi's ear. She stirred, then opened her eyes. When she saw them approach, her eyes shone. Her voice was soft when she spoke.

"Minako. Rei. You came."

Rei snorted, but there was no bite behind her bark.

"Of course we did. What happened? Where's Makoto?"

Usagi squeezed her eyes shut for a moment and shook her head.

"We were at Crown. A man called Rubeus attacked us. I transformed and tried to fight him off, but… I wasn't enough. Makoto stepped in and protected me, but she's hurt. She's in surgery right now."

Chibiusa stood nearby and wrung her hands.

"Usagi, I…"

Usagi's eyes flicked to Chibiusa, and her expression hardened. Her voice turned to ice.

"Chibiusa."

The girl's eyes widened, but she pressed on.

"I… I'm glad you…"

Usagi cut her off. Her eyes narrowed.

"I don't want to hear it. I don't want to hear anything from you."

Chibiusa flinched. Her body trembled. All the color drained from her face. The tears trapped in the corners of her eyes broke free. She stormed out of the waiting room, sobbing.

Minako's heart ached for her.

Rei took a step toward Usagi. She spoke through her teeth with forced restraint.

"The attack on you terrified that little girl. You should be ashamed of yourself."

Usagi opened and closed her mouth as she struggled for words. A kaleidoscope of emotions flashed across her face.

"She's been so irresponsible with her future knowledge. Did you know she told Ami she's destined to die soon?"

Minako felt her eyes widen.

Ami will die?!

Usagi stared at Minako and Rei. Her gaze was both challenging and full of judgement.

"What disaster did she predict for your future? Huh?"

Rei and Minako glanced at each other. Minako averted her gaze, but Rei stood firm. She raised her finger and pointed it at Usagi.

"She's still your daughter, Usagi."

Then, without another word, Rei hurried after Chibiusa.

Minako stared after Rei. Her heart pounded in her chest. Of course, she would defend Chibiusa. A fire of resentment ignited in Rei at each careless parental mistake. Her own relationship with her father was… complicated.

Ami entered the waiting room a moment later. She looked tired, but in her element. Once she spotted her friends, she hurried to their corner of the room, her lab coat billowing behind her.

Motoki rushed toward her and wrung his hands.

"How's Makoto?"

Ami placed a hand on his shoulder and smiled.

"She's out of surgery. It went well. Now she needs time to heal."

She looked at the rest of her waiting friends.

"There's nothing more you can do here today. Go home and get some rest. I'll stay here with Motoki."

Minako didn't want to leave. As she glanced around the room, however, she realized it was time to go. She had a new mission. The enemy had injured Usagi and almost killed Makoto. Ami would die soon. It was time to take action.

Minako was determined to protect her family.

Naru entered her home and slammed the door shut. She dropped her purse to the floor, then kicked off her shoes in frustration.

Could this day have been any worse?

The large, almost cavernous apartment she shared with her mother was silent.

"Mom?"

No answer. Her mother was once again working late. Naru breathed a sigh of relief.

She loved her mother, but it had become difficult to live with her. Naru wanted her own space, her own life. She craved independence.

Her mother, however, liked to be in control. She still treated Naru as if she was a child. It was a recipe for conflict.

For now, Naru stayed put. She had saved every yen while working in her mother's jewelry business. That money was her chance to strike out on her own and build her own business with her best friend.

Today, however, had been a crushing blow. That crazed man, Rubeus, had attacked Crown Karaoke and derailed her dream of making it a thriving business. Usagi and Naru had pooled their resources, but Naru worried that their combined funds might not be enough to repair the damage to the building. Their interior decorator, and friend, was fighting for her life in the hospital.

I'll never get out of here.

She dragged herself into her bedroom, each step heavy with the day's events. Once inside, she unbuttoned her blouse and stripped it away to reveal a camisole underneath. Her fingers lingered on the dark, painful bruises on her shoulder and chest. She flinched.

Naru's mind wandered back to the attack, to the fear and pain. Dazed and knocked to the ground, she had watched as Usagi transformed into Sailor Moon and faced off against Rubeus. Her friend's bravery was impressive.

Naru loved Usagi. Even the other former Guardians had grown on her. Now, a new enemy challenged those girls. Their presence in her life put Naru in constant danger. She sighed and sat down on the edge of her bed.

Makoto had saved her life. She had pushed her out of the way of Rubeus' attack, then kept him busy while Sailor Moon recovered. The realization weighed on Naru. She could have died.

I don't want to end up like Makoto.

Naru shook her head. No matter how dangerous things became, she could never turn her back on them, on Usagi. They were more than friends. They were like sisters.

Her hand squeezed into her pants pocket and removed a folded handkerchief. She unfolded it with great care to reveal a black crystal earring.

Naru had witnessed Rubeus transform the earring into a sword. When Sailor Moon had defeated him, he had dropped the blade and fled. The sword had reverted to its original form.

She rolled the earring around in her hand and considered it. The warm sensation was soothing. Its strange beauty resonated deep inside of her. She could almost hear it hum.

If I could learn how to use it, I could stay close to Usagi and the others. I could protect myself.

The earring pulsed in her hand. The longer she held it, the more she felt as if it had lifted a great weight off her shoulders. Her back straightened, her chest puffed out. A sense of calm and ease filled her.

The crystal made her feel safe. Strong. No, more than strong. Powerful.

Naru rose and walked to her dresser. On top stood a jewelry box filled with her mother's work. She opened it and took out a simple golden chain. She threaded the earring onto the chain with great care. It was as if the two pieces belonged together.

She raised the chain up to her neck and fastened the clasp. The black crystal lay against her chest, heavy and warm. Naru gazed at her reflection in the small mirror of the jewelry box and smiled.

For a moment, she believed her eyes had darkened, as if a black moon had eclipsed their light. She blinked, and the darkness disappeared. It must have been her imagination.

Only her smile remained.

Mamoru knew what was about to happen as soon as they stepped into Minako's spacious, upscale apartment.

At the hospital, Rei had excused herself and headed home to Hikawa Shrine after exchanging a long glance with Minako. They had left soon after.

Usagi and Chibiusa had remained quiet during their journey home. Minako and Mamoru had exchanged pleasantries to avoid the silence. Anger and frustration had bubbled in the air.

As they entered Minako's apartment, Usagi kicked off her shoes with unusual aggression. One of her shoes skidded across the floor and into the living room. She ignored it.

"It's late. I'm going to bed." Her voice was flat and monotone.

Chibiusa cleared her throat.

"Can I sleep with you and Mamoru again tonight?"

Usagi snorted.

"No."

Mamoru saw Chibiusa's face turn crimson. She wasn't feeling embarrassed. Oh, no. This was the famous Tsukino temper.

"I don't understand why you're so mad, Usagi! Why are you so mean to me?"

Usagi whirled around to face her future daughter, her own face a dark shade of red.

Here we go.

"Oh, you don't? I thought you knew everything, Chibiusa. Do I need to explain it to you?"

Minako took a step toward them, her brow furrowed, her eyes wide. Mamoru put his hand on her shoulder.

"Don't. They need to do this," he said.

He had no interest in watching sparks fly between his wife and daughter, but he understood this moment had become inevitable once Chibiusa had seen Usagi transform into Sailor Moon.

Minako gave Mamoru a curt nod. She bit her lip, but respected his wishes.

"Why don't you explain it to me, Usagi? Maybe you'll be better at explaining than cooking!"

Usagi took a deep breath, not to calm herself, but to fuel her next outburst.

"Fine! I'm mad because you told Ami she was going to die, but you didn't tell me! Is that clear enough for you?"

Chibiusa's eyes widened. She took a step back.

"What?"

Usagi smiled a humorless smile.

"That's right, Chibiusa. Ami told me what you said. She's been freaking out about it. I could have supported her, but you kept me in the dark!"

Chibiusa recovered from her initial shock. She crossed her arms and pursed her lips.

"Maybe I thought Ami would tell you when she was ready."

Usagi took a step toward Chibiusa and stomped her foot.

"Oh, yeah? What if she died before she ever told me? Maybe we can save her!"

Chibiusa took a step forward, too, neither intimidated nor impressed. Mamoru couldn't help but admire the girl's fortitude.

"I'm not here to save her, Usagi! My mama sent me here to help the Guardians reawaken their powers and save the future!"

Usagi threw her hands into the air. Her voice took on a mocking tone.

"Great job so far! Ami is obsessed with her own death! Makoto is in the hospital! Who knows what you told Rei and Minako to make them act so weird?"

Silence fell over the living room. Mamoru bit his tongue as he struggled to remain neutral. They had to mend their relationship on their own.

Chibiusa glanced at Minako, her eyes pleading. Minako stepped toward Usagi.

"Usagi…"

Usagi whirled around to face the leader of her Sailor Guardians, her idol, her friend.

"Do you think I'm blind? I can tell there's something bothering you and Rei. I'm here for you, all of you, but everybody is shutting me out!"

Minako hesitated, then swallowed hard.

"This is personal, Usagi. Rei and I… we need time to figure this out."

Usagi turned to Chibiusa. Her eyes were wide, her nostrils flared.

"You have caused nothing but pain for my friends since you came along, Chibiusa!"

Mamoru could hold back no longer; Usagi had gone too far.

"Usagi!"

She looked at him, tears gathering in the corners of her eyes.

"It's the truth, Mamoru!"

She burst into tears. Chibiusa stared at her, stunned. She must have never seen her mother like this.

Mamoru approached Usagi and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder to comfort her. She pushed him away and turned her attention back to Chibiusa.

"I thought… I felt like… you and I were connecting," she said. "Then, out of the blue, you were so angry with me because I kept my identity as Sailor Moon a secret… but you kept secrets from me all along, too!"

Usagi sank down to her knees and sobbed. Her battered and injured form looked so small and frail. Her voice cracked.

"This knowledge you carry from the future, Chibiusa… you keep so much of it to yourself."

Chibiusa stared at Usagi with wide eyes. Mamoru could see the tears well up, but she tried to hold them back. Then, in an instant, the dam broke, and she cried, too.

"Don't you think I want to tell you everything? You're my mother! You will be my mother one day!"

She sniffled.

"What if I say too much? What if the future changes too much? I could go home to a world I don't recognize. I could destroy my whole life!"

Chibiusa sobbed.

"My daddy could already be gone! You're all I have left!"

At that moment, Mamoru just wanted to comfort his daughter. Instead, he waited and hoped Usagi would see what he saw.

Come on, Usagi.

He could see the truth hit his wife like a semi-truck. Chibiusa felt so alone. She was far from home, stuck with people who looked like her parents, but shared none of their memories. Every day she feared her father had already died and her mother might be next.

Usagi's face relaxed, and her tears stopped flowing. She stood up and walked over to Chibiusa. After a moment's hesitation, she dropped to her knees and wrapped her arms around the sobbing girl.

Chibiusa stiffened for a moment. Then she wrapped her arms around Usagi and melted into the embrace. They remained like that for some time.

It was Usagi who broke the silence. Her voice was soothing and gentle.

"I had a dream, a vision of my future self last night. They hurt your daddy, but he's still alive."

Chibiusa's eyes widened. She squirmed out of Usagi's embrace to look into her eyes.

"Are you sure?"

Usagi nodded, her face serious and open.

"Yes, I'm sure."

She looked deep into her daughter's eyes.

"Let's make a deal, you and I," she said. "If there is something important about the future I need to know, you'll tell me. I promise I won't pry. I'll trust you."

Chibiusa wiped her nose on her sleeve and nodded. Usagi continued.

"And please, stop being mad at me for decisions I haven't made yet."

Chibiusa nodded again.

"I'm sure I'll do plenty of stuff here and now for you to get mad about," Usagi said with a small smile.

Chibiusa returned her mother's smile.

"That's the truth," she said with a hint of sarcasm.

Usagi ruffled her hair.

"Why, you! That's no way to talk to your mother! Now, go get ready for bed."

Mamoru felt his chest puff out in pride for his wife. She kept insisting she wasn't ready to be a mother, and she acted immature sometimes, but…it was unmistakable that she had formed a bond with the girl.

You'll be an exceptional mother someday, Usagi.

Chibiusa headed toward her bedroom, then stopped.

"Usagi?"

"Yes?"

"At night, when I sleep, there is somebody else. She chases me in my dreams. She tells me I don't belong here."

Chibiusa looked over her shoulder at Usagi.

"I thought you should know."

Usagi smiled.

"Thank you."

Chibiusa left the room. After a moment, they could hear her bedroom door closing. Mamoru and Usagi exchanged a look.

"Does that sound like your dream, Usagi?"

She shook her head.

"No. How about you, Minako?"

Minako shook her head as well.

"The voice I heard was not aggressive. It didn't chase me. I believe it might have been another Sailor Guardian."

Mamoru voiced what they were all thinking

"Either this new Sailor Guardian has targeted Chibiusa, or… a new player has entered the game."

Ami slipped into Makoto's room, careful not to make a sound. Her gaze swept across the space and came to rest on Motoki. She had suspected he might have fallen asleep. One glance confirmed her suspicions.

Motoki sat in a chair next to Makoto's bed. The chair had an inexplicable low back, just like the ones throughout the hospital. Lacking support for his neck and head, Motoki had slumped to one side.

No doubt, he would feel horrible once he woke up. Ami was certain he wouldn't complain, though. It was clear he would endure anything to be near Makoto.

The light of an overcast morning shone through the nearby window and lent the room a gloomy atmosphere. The rain was coming; Ami could feel it in her bones.

She took the patient chart from the foot of Makoto's bed. Her eyes scanned over the information. The surgical team had sutured lacerations on Makoto's stomach, liver, and kidneys.

She shook her head. Makoto's recovery would take some time.

Ami's mind wandered to the patient she had lost just days before. Blunt-force trauma. Surgery. Post-surgery complications. Heart failure. Death.

Not this time. No way.

Dr. Kobayashi had told her to go home, to rest, but Ami found herself unable to leave Makoto. She was paranoid about losing her friend. In case of an emergency, she had a crash cart ready in the room.

She looked at Makoto as if seeing her for the first time. Makoto seemed so frail and weak. She was supposed to be the strength of the Sailor Guardians, their rock. Seeing her like this, Ami felt a tightness in her chest.

Motoki stirred in his chair. His eyes fluttered, then opened as he stretched. Ami thought she could hear several of his joints and tendons crack.

His eyes locked onto her and widened.

"Ami. What's going on?"

She offered him a reassuring smile.

"Nothing. I'm just checking on Mako."

He exhaled a deep breath. Some of the tension seemed to leave his body.

"Oh." He hesitated. "Do you know when she's supposed to wake up?"

Ami shook her head.

"Not really. Her injuries were extensive. Her body needs time to recover."

Motoki grew quiet. He turned his attention to Makoto.

Ami tried to reassure him once more.

"Makoto will be fine. She's a fighter."

Motoki smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. He stared at his empty hands.

"Yes, she is." He hesitated once more. "This wouldn't have happened if she still had her powers. It's my fault. I'm holding her back."

He looked at Ami. His eyes glistened with unshed tears.

"I overheard her talking to Rei. She thinks if she gets her powers back, there won't be room for me anymore. I think she's avoiding them."

Ami was stunned into silence. Makoto was in love with him. Motoki held a significant place in her life, with or without powers.

Before she could respond, Makoto took a deep, raspy breath and coughed. Ami rushed to her side. Motoki jumped out of his chair and wrung his hands, but kept his distance to let Ami assess the situation.

Makoto's eyes flew open. Her breaths came in bursts. Her eyes darted left and right as she tried to orient herself in the unfamiliar surroundings. Ami placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Mako? Can you hear me?"

Makoto's gaze focused on Ami.

"…water…"

Motoki grabbed a bottle of water and handed it to Ami. She opened the bottle, then used one hand to lift Makoto's head while bringing the bottle to her lips with the other. Makoto drank with small but greedy gulps.

"Take it easy, Mako," Ami said.

Makoto settled back into her pillow and looked up at Ami. Her eyes seemed sharper, more focused.

"What happened?"

Ami handed the bottle back to Motoki.

"It was Rubeus. He injured you. We almost lost you."

Makoto sighed.

"It hurts."

Ami felt her chest tighten.

"What hurts?"

Makoto tried to smile, but it looked like a grimace.

"Everything."

Ami chuckled.

Makoto took a deep breath.

"Where's the love of my life? Is he here?"

Motoki leaned past Ami so Makoto could see him.

"I'm right here."

A small smile played over Makoto's lips.

"I meant Kamekichi," she said.

Motoki grinned. For a moment, all was right with the world.

Then, without warning, the lights went out.

Motoki yelped.

"What happened?"

Ami's instincts kicked in. She started calculating which nearby patients would need immediate help.

"Power outage," she said. "Emergency generators should kick in at any moment."

The lights flickered, then came back on. Ami breathed a sigh of relief.

"Good. We should have enough power to run critical systems for several days, but non-essential systems are down."

She picked up the room phone. There was no dial tone. Puzzled, Ami placed the receiver back on the cradle.

"The phones are out. I don't understand. Phones are essential."

Ami reached into her lab coat pocket and pulled out her cell phone. She heard Motoki gasp and looked up. Both Motoki and Makoto stared past her with wide eyes.

"What?"

A large, black hand grabbed her cell phone from behind and crushed it. The broken pieces dropped to the floor.

Ami turned to see one of the Black Moon's mechanical monsters standing behind her. In the open doorway stood Berthier. She wore a sky blue swimsuit and matching thigh-high boots and gloves.

Ami's pulse quickened.

"Hello Mercury," Berthier said. "Let's not call any of your friends, okay?"

Motoki took a step forward with uncharacteristic confidence.

"Who are you?"

Berthier smiled at him. It was a bitter smile, devoid of any warmth.

"An old friend," she said. "I'm just paying a visit to Jupiter here."

Ami rolled her eyes.

"What do you want, Berthier? I have no time for your games today."

A flush crept across Berthier's cheeks. Ami realized that this visit from Berthier was different. She could feel the fine hair on her arms stand up.

"Rubeus sent me," Berthier said.

Ami shook her head. Her next words tasted bitter on her lips.

"So that's the way it's going to be?"

Berthier nodded. Her voice was a whisper.

"I'm sorry."

Ami hesitated. She needed time to plan. Somehow, she had to save Makoto.

"You know I won't give her up without a fight, right?"

She could see Motoki tense up out of the corner of her eye.

Good. Get ready. Make your move. I'll need the distraction.

Berthier locked eyes with Ami as she moved closer. Her voice broke as she spoke.

"Don't resist. If you try to stop me, I'll have to kill you, too."

Ami's mind raced.

"I find it hard to believe you want to kill me."

Berthier let out a short, harsh laugh. They were almost close enough to touch.

"What I want? It's never been about what I want. It's about duty. Honor. Survival."

Ami took a deep breath.

"You're right. It is."

As if on cue, Motoki leaped at the monster. Berthier's attention flicked away from Ami, startled that a mere human would tackle her minion. It was the only opening Ami would get. It was the only opening she needed.

Ami switched on the defibrillator, turned it to the highest setting, and grabbed the paddles. Berthier's attention returned to her, but it was already too late. Ami rushed forward and pressed the paddles against Berthier's chest.

Berthier's eyes widened as 1,000 volts of electricity coursed through her body. Her muscles contracted. Her skin burned. She seized up, then collapsed.

Ami knew she had only bought herself a few seconds. She ran to Makoto and unhooked her from her monitor and IV. She slung Makoto's arm around her shoulder, determined to get her out of there as fast as possible.

Makoto's weight threatened to overwhelm Ami, but she ignored the pain. Instead, her eyes landed on Motoki, who hung from the creature's back. It screeched in frustration as it tried to grasp at him, but Motoki dodged the long, black hands again and again.

Makoto looked at Ami.

"We have to help him."

Motoki heard his fiancée and turned to look at the two former Sailor Guardians.

"Ami…run! Get her out of here!"

Ami hesitated for a split second. Then her duty to her fellow Sailor Guardian took over. She hobbled through the door as fast as she could, with Makoto in tow.

Berthier rose to her feet. The muscles in her legs twitched and the hair on the nape of her neck stood at attention. The sweet smell of her own burned flesh lingered in the air.

She had not expected such a sudden attack. Even powerless, Sailor Mercury was formidable.

I underestimated you. I won't make that mistake again.

She watched as the droid got a hold of Jupiter's man and threw him to the ground. The droid's hand grew large as it leaned over him. The man shielded his face with his hands, certain he was about to die. Then he fainted.

Berthier had seen enough.

"Stop."

The droid looked at her.

"He's nothing. Nobody. Not worth our time. Leave him. We're hunting Sailor Guardians."

She turned and walked out of the room. The droid followed.

Why did I do that? Why did I spare his life?

She had no explanation for her behavior. Unless she completed her mission, she suspected she would pay for that act of mercy.

Minako's apartment was silent. The world beyond the large, floor-to-ceiling window had taken on a muted, distant quality. Dark clouds covered the city like a grey blanket and left little light to illuminate the gloomy apartment. Mamoru stood alone at the window and gazed at the Tokyo skyline. A storm was coming.

Minako had slipped out of the door early this morning and mumbled something about meeting her manager. Usagi had left with Chibiusa to visit Makoto in the hospital. As long as Usagi was the only Guardian who had access to her powers, there was no place safer for Chibiusa than with her mother.

That, of course, is the real problem.

Usagi's powers had returned, but they weren't enough. This new enemy had crushed Mamoru time and time again. They had stabbed his wife. His future daughter lived in constant fear. Their survival rested on Usagi's shoulders alone.

He clenched his fists. At every turn, Mamoru was outclassed, outmatched, and outgunned. Even his future self lay helpless and useless at Usagi's feet.

A tuxedo and a cane are not enough to protect my family.

He needed more. He needed power.

Mamoru glanced at Minako's piano. A thought occurred to him. It seemed like a long shot, but what choice did he have?

He approached the piano, then hesitated. He ran his fingers over its surface and his mind travelled back to his past life as Prince Endymion. His memories were incomplete, but he remembered them: young but loyal Jadeite, strong but hot-headed Nephrite, wise and stoic Zoisite, and cunning yet honorable Kunzite. They had been his generals; his friends.

In this new life, they had fallen under the spell of the Dark Kingdom and fought against the Sailor Guardians. Zoisite had recovered his memories of Endymion and reached out to Mamoru. Despite Mamoru's efforts, they had not survived the battle with the Dark Kingdom.

Death, however, was not the end.

Mamoru narrowed his eyes and set his jaw. He sat down at the piano, ran his fingers over the keys, and played.

The first notes of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata floated through the air. The melody was halting and imperfect, but it was also unmistakable.

Mamoru's mind swirled with memories of Zoisite. He closed his eyes and focused on his friend's open face, his white hair, and his quiet smile. For a moment, he could almost feel his presence.

Then, without warning, a second melody joined his own. It wove around Mamoru's, harmonized with it and expanded on it. His heart skipped a beat and his hands came to a stop.

He opened his eyes. Zoisite sat beside him, hands resting on the piano keys. A small smile played over his lips.

"Hello, master."

Mamoru swallowed hard.

"Zoisite. It's good to see you. How have you been?"

Zoisite put a hand on Mamoru's shoulder.

"Death keeps me, but it does not hold me. What can I do for you, master?"

Mamoru's chest tightened. He leaned closer to his old friend.

"A lot has happened since the wedding. We are under attack from a new enemy. Usagi has reawakened her powers, but I fear it's not enough."

Zoisite tilted his head.

"Tell me about this enemy."

Mamoru's hand rose to his forehead.

"They have a symbol right here. A black crescent moon. They want to conquer Earth. Beyond that, we know very little."

Zoisite grew quiet. He turned his attention back to the piano. His fingers caressed the keys. After several long moments, he finally spoke.

"I cannot help you."

Mamoru stared at his old friend, his mouth slack.

"What? Why?"

Zoisite played a single cord. It sounded low and mournful.

"Stay away from this enemy, master," he said. "Let your wife handle them. It is for your own good."

Mamoru felt his insides bubble and churn. He puffed out his chest.

"My own good? You were one of my most trusted generals! I need you!"

Zoisite's fingers tapped the keys once more. He had a faraway look on his face.

"Master, I died for you. My obligations to you died with me."

Mamoru stood and glared at Zoisite. He felt his blood boil as it coursed through his veins.

"You owe me nothing? What about your friendship?"

Zoisite remained silent. Mamoru leaned over his friend.

"You don't understand, Zoisite. There is a girl. She's my daughter. She has come from the future to reawaken the Guardians' powers. The enemy followed her here."

Zoisite's head snapped up, his eyes locked with Mamoru's.

"Meddling with time is a dangerous proposition."

Mamoru spoke in a low tone.

"They keep coming, Zoisite. For my daughter. For my wife. I'm powerless to stop them." He hesitated. "If I want to have any hope of protecting my wife and child, I need powers."

Zoisite stared at Mamoru for a long time. Mamoru could sense his friend's conflict. He wanted to help, but something was holding him back.

What is he hiding?

Without warning, Zoisite turned his attention to the piano once more and hammered away at the keys. The melody was quick, frantic even. Mamoru recognized it as Chopin's Fantasie Impromptu.

"Master, I will not speak about this new enemy."

The melody crescendoed.

"As for the other matter… There is no power I could give you that you don't already possess."

Mamoru straightened.

"What?"

Zoisite continued to play and avoided eye contact.

"You were the crown prince of Earth, master. You are far from powerless. The planet remembers you and if you ask, it will serve you."

Mamoru snorted.

"What does that even mean?"

Zoisite stopped and looked at him.

"Nature itself is your servant, master. If you are in tune with it, the power will follow."

They fell silent. Mamoru considered his friend's words, the possibilities weighing on him. He noticed his friend's pained gaze.

Zoisite cleared his throat.

"Master… I cannot stay."

Mamoru sighed. It felt as if he was losing his friend all over again.

"I know," he said.

Zoisite offered Mamoru a bittersweet smile.

"Congratulations, by the way."

Mamoru's brow furrowed.

"For what?"

Zoisite chuckled.

"Becoming a father."

With a last glance, Zoisite's form faded away. Mamoru stood in the empty apartment, more confused than ever.

Ami dragged Makoto through the sterile, white halls of Nakamura Clinic. The sounds of their footsteps echoed and mixed with the hustle and bustle of a hospital in crisis. Nurses and doctors rushed back and forth, ensuring the safety of patients while the hospital ran on generators.

Ami's steps felt heavy, her breaths ragged. The pain in her side was sharp, a stitch she diagnosed as a spasm of her diaphragm. The cause? Overexertion, running, stress. The treatment? Slow down.

She snorted. Not likely.

Makoto's usual strength was no match for her current injuries. She leaned on Ami, her face contorted in pain. Her hospital gown hung loose on her tall frame. Sweat matted her brown hair.

Behind them, a mechanical screech echoed. Ami could hear the faint sound of Berthier's voice barking orders. They were closing in.

There was a power outage, and the phones were dead. Ami was alone and powerless. Her mind was a blur of calculations as she considered and discarded a series of scenarios to survive this situation.

"Come on, Mako. Just a little farther."

Makoto groaned. Tears welled in her eyes. Ami couldn't tell if her tears stemmed from pain or the sorrow of leaving Motoki.

They reached the hallway that led to Imaging. An idea took root. It was a risk, but Ami was running out of options. She turned down the long hallway and weaved between two nurses.

She kicked open the door to the MRI room. Her foot made precise contact with its push mechanism. She hauled Makoto past the bulky machine at the center of the room, and through another door into the control room.

A young MRI tech sat in the control room. He stared at her with wide eyes. Ami had no time for distractions.

"Get out! Now!"

The tech's glasses slid down his nose as he scrambled out of his seat and ran through the door.

Now, finally, Ami put Makoto down and gasped for breath.

"Mako, how are you feeling?"

Makoto winced and clutched her side in pain.

"I can't believe you left him behind…"

The pain in her eyes looked deeper than her physical wounds. Ami swallowed hard.

"I had no choice. He did what he could to save your life. Now it's my turn."

Makoto tried to take a deep breath, then let out a pained cough instead. Tears ran down her face.

"It hurts… so bad."

Ami wanted to take care of her friend, but there was no time. Instead, she turned toward the MRI controls.

They heard a shriek once again. Ami peered through the glass partition into the scan room. The door flew off its hinges as the mechanical monster crashed into the scan room. Berthier strode in behind it, calm and collected.

"Droid, find them."

So that's what they're called. Droids.

Berthier swept a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"Mercury, this has gone on long enough! Surrender Jupiter, and I will let you live!"

The droid spotted Ami through the glass participation and screeched in triumph. Within seconds, it would reach them.

Ami felt Makoto's hand tug at her lab coat. Her eyes were wide and wet.

"Do it. Save yourself."

Ami looked down and met her friend's pained gaze. Her voice came as a whisper through gritted teeth.

"Never."

She pushed the switch to activate the MRI, and the machine buzzed to life. A loud knocking sound replaced the buzz as the magnetic field roared into action. Ami could see Berthier's eyes widen in confusion.

The droid shrieked as the magnetic field clamped onto it like a vise. The force of it swept the droid off its feet and flung it through the air with uncanny speed. It collided with Berthier and knocked her to the ground, hard.

Ami's eyes widened as the droid crashed into the front of the MRI machine, pinned in place. It thrashed and struggled against the magnetic pull, to no avail.

"Come on… come on!"

The MRI whined in protest under the pressure. The droid screeched louder, and the hair on the back of Ami's neck stood at attention. It sounded like a dying animal.

Sparks flew from the MRI, and the droid could no longer fight back. The MRI's force bent, folded, and pulled the droid into its opening with one final, horrible shriek. It collided with the inside of the machine with incredible force. The impact shattered the glass partition that separated the control room from the scan room.

Ami fell to the ground and covered her face as glass shards rained down on her.

The MRI stopped. Silence filled the room. The faint smell of burnt metal lingered.

Ami wasted no time. She grabbed Makoto and threw her arm over her shoulders once again. They stumbled into the scan room. Broken glass crunched beneath their feet.

Berthier still lay on the ground, dazed but alive. The chase wasn't over. Ami and Makoto hobbled through the open door and back into the hallway.

Dark clouds billowed overhead as Usagi and Chibiusa made their way down the busy sidewalk. Chibiusa pulled the thick coat Rei had gifted her tight around her tiny frame. It promised to be another chilly fall day in Tokyo.

She snuck a sideways glance at Usagi and watched her bite a small chunk of chicken off a skewer. Chibiusa rolled her eyes.

"We're gonna get caught in the rain because of you."

Usagi swallowed, then smiled down at Chibiusa.

"Nah. We'll make it to the hospital before the rain starts."

Chibiusa snorted.

"If you hadn't made us get off the bus three stops away from the hospital, we'd already be there."

Usagi brandished her two skewers, one in each hand, and licked her lips.

"Mr. Yamaguchi sells the best yakitori in Tokyo. They're worth a short walk."

She waved one skewer in front of Chibiusa's face like a magic wand.

"You should try some."

Chibiusa swatted at the skewer as if it were an annoying gnat.

"How are you still hungry? We just ate breakfast!"

Usagi's grin widened.

"There's always room for yakitori."

A sigh escaped Chibiusa as she shook her head. Usagi was impossible.

"Oh, well. I guess that explains it."

The grin disappeared from Usagi's face. Her brow furrowed.

Gotcha.

"Explains what?"

Chibiusa said nothing.

A hint of panic crept into Usagi's voice.

"What are you saying? Do I… do I get fat in the future?"

Chibiusa tried to contain a giggle, but it still burst from her lips. She looked up at Usagi and noticed her red face and scowl.

"That's not funny, Chibiusa!"

Chibiusa grinned. Getting under Usagi's skin was too much fun.

"It's a little funny," she said.

She snatched one skewer out of Usagi's hand, then dashed down the sidewalk.

"Chibiusa! Give that back!"

The stiff wind nipped at her nose, but Chibiusa didn't care. She laughed.

"I'm trying to save you from a… heavy burden, Usagi!"

She took a bite of the yakitori, and her eyes widened. Usagi was right; it was delicious.

Her sprint came to a sudden halt when she spotted the crimson fire truck parked outside of Nakamura Clinic.

Oh, no.

Within seconds, Usagi had caught up to her.

"Do you think it's them, Usagi?"

Her future mother shrugged.

"Maybe not. It's a big city. Let's go check on Makoto."

When they got to the hospital door, however, a firefighter wearing a dark-blue uniform and white helmet barred their way.

"Sorry, miss, no visitors until we've evaluated the danger."

Chibiusa frowned.

"But our friend is a doctor!"

The firefighter shook his head. A severe look settled on his features.

"No exceptions."

Chibiusa was about to unleash some choice words when she felt Usagi's hand on her shoulder.

"Come on, Chibiusa. We'll come back later."

Chibiusa felt her anger rise as Usagi pulled her away from the hospital entrance.

"What are you doing? Makoto and Ami could be in danger!"

Usagi sighed.

"I know. We have to get in there right away."

At the far edge of the hospital building, they spotted a paramedic taking a smoke break. Usagi pulled a small pink phone out of her pocket.

"I hope this still works."

She flipped the phone open, then took a picture of the paramedic. The phone made a strange whining sound. Nothing happened. Chibiusa tapped her foot and crossed her arms.

Usagi chuckled.

"Artemis and Luna should check these phones."

She tried again. This time, the effect was immediate. Usagi's clothes transformed into those of a paramedic.

"Perfect!"

Before Chibiusa could comment on the transformation, Usagi picked her up and carried her across both of her arms.

"Pretend to be hurt, Chibiusa."

Chibiusa did as she was told. Usagi ran toward the hospital entrance. The firefighter held the door open for them and gave Usagi a curt nod. She ran through the open door and into the hospital lobby.

When they were out of sight of the main entrance, Chibiusa sat up in Usagi's arms.

"Alright, put me down!"

Usagi obliged. Chibiusa straightened her coat and mussed with her hair.

"How come you're so strong, anyway?"

Usagi winked at her.

"Yakitori. Let's go find Makoto and Ami."

Chibiusa smiled despite herself. Sometimes, Usagi was a lot more fun than her mama. Sometimes.

They hurried down the corridor together, their hearts filled with hope for Makoto and Ami's safety.

Ami gritted her teeth as she pushed Makoto down yet another hospital corridor. The squeaky wheelchair grated on her nerves. She'd been glad to find it at first, but now, she'd rather drag Makoto around instead.

They reached the pathology lab without incident. Ami swiped her ID badge and hoped it would grant her access. She held her breath. The light on the card reader turned green, and the door opened. She exhaled and maneuvered the wheelchair inside.

Ami knelt down in front of the wheelchair and spoke in a soft tone.

"Mako, how are you holding up?"

Makoto didn't respond. Her breathing was shallow and unsteady. Ami tapped her cheek.

"Mako?"

The faint sound of her name broke through the fog of exhaustion. Makoto's eyes fluttered open, unfocused.

"Ami?"

Ami's brow furrowed. Makoto was too pale. She placed two fingers on her carotid artery. Her pulse felt weak. Ami wondered if one of her sutures had ruptured. If Makoto had internal bleeding, they were running out of time.

"Just hang in there, okay? I'm gonna get us out of here."

Her voice trembled. She sounded even less confident than she felt.

Ami stood and scanned the lab. Her thoughts were reeling as she searched for something, anything, that could help them escape. She considered the chemicals present in the lab. Perhaps she could mix up something.

Nitrogen tri-iodine was an option, but Ami dismissed the idea almost immediately. It would make a fine explosion, but it was too volatile. The smallest mistake would set it off. She couldn't afford to blow herself up.

Her gaze darted toward the small supply closet tucked away at the back of the lab. She dashed to it and tore the door open. Cleaning supplies lined the shelves. There was bleach, several gallons of it, in fact. A glass cleaner bottle sat in the closet's far corner.

Bingo.

Ami grabbed a container of bleach and tipped its contents onto the floor of the closet. The liquid sloshed around as it spread across the tiles. The strong, acrid smell stung her nose and burned her eyes, but she ignored the discomfort.

Next, she grabbed two large beakers from a cabinet and placed them on a nearby lab table. Her hands trembled as she filled each to the top with glass cleaner.

The sound of footsteps echoed in the hallway, and Ami's heart skipped a beat. Berthier was coming. She looked around, panicked. She needed one more thing.

A marker, used to label specimens, lay on one of the lab tables. She ripped the cap off and gripped it in her hand.

I hope this works.

She jogged over to Makoto.

"Mako, we have to hide. Hold on just a little longer."

With careful hands, she pulled Makoto from her wheelchair and leaned her against one of the lab tables, hidden from view. She could hear the footsteps grow louder, so she crouched down next to Makoto and held her breath.

Ami could hear the electronic lock shorten out as the lab door slammed open. Berthier stood in the doorway; black energy crackled around her hands. Ami saw she was bleeding from a minor head wound.

"Mercury!"

Berthier spoke through gritted teeth with forced restraint. Ami's hand flew to her mouth to stifle a yelp. She flattened herself against the lab table.

"I've had enough of these games," Berthier said. "I'm supposed to kill you both, you know. Rubeus demanded it. I think I can convince him that Jupiter is enough. You don't have to die here!"

Ami remained silent. Her heart pounded in her chest.

She could hear Berthier's footsteps as she searched the lab. When she turned her back, Ami saw her opening. Ami's eyes flitted to the supply closet. She took a deep breath, then threw the cap of the marker into the open closet. There was a loud pop as it landed.

Berthier's head whipped around. She took slow, deliberate steps toward the closet.

"Mercury?"

When Berthier stepped into the closet, Ami sprung into action.

With one swift motion, she launched herself from her hiding spot and seized the two beakers filled with glass cleaner. She hurled them into the bleach on the floor. The beakers shattered on impact.

The reaction was instantaneous. A loud hiss filled the room as the ammonia in the glass cleaner reacted with the bleach on the floor. A coat of white foam formed as the two substances mixed and released toxic fumes.

Berthier's eyes widened as she turned around. Ami slammed the door shut in her face and wedged a chair under the handle to bar it shut.

"Mercury! This won't stop me…"

Ami could hear Berthier's voice crack as a violent cough shook her body. The chloramine gas would make her eyes burn and her lungs scream for air. She knew Berthier would overcome this setback. She just hoped she had bought Makoto and herself enough time.

"I'm sorry, Berthier."

She dashed back to Makoto and lifted her back into the wheelchair. Makoto was conscious, but not by much.

"Stay with me, Mako."

With a deep breath, Ami shoved the wheelchair forward and through the open door. Her pulse quickened as she broke into a jog. Behind them, the sound of the supply closet door shattering echoed down the hallway.

They reached the elevators and Ami pushed the "down" button, then waited. When the doors finally opened, she leaned into the elevator to push the button for the ground floor.

A sudden shout made her blood run cold.

"Mercury!"

The word sounded like a hoarse, guttural roar and came between coughing fits.

Ami grabbed onto Makoto and slung her arm around her shoulders. She lifted Makoto out of the wheelchair, then kicked it hard and sent it rolling into the elevator. The doors closed, and the elevator descended.

Ami dragged Makoto to a nearby door and pushed through it into the staircase. Her heart raced as she looked up and down the stairs. They had to go up. If Berthier followed the elevator down, maybe they could make their escape.

Ami took a deep breath and began the climb up the stairs. The weight of Makoto's body, almost completely limp, pressed against her. Still, she allowed a small smile to play over her lips.

We're still alive, Mako.

She only hoped that Berthier would fall for her deception. Ami was running out of tricks.

Usagi and Chibiusa burst into Makoto's hospital room. The sight of an empty hospital bed made Chibiusa groan.

"Where could they be?"

Usagi didn't know how to respond.

A sudden noise from the small bathroom set them on edge. Usagi pushed Chibiusa behind her, ready to defend her from attack. The door opened and Usagi reacted without hesitation.

Her kick missed Motoki's face, but only just. He blinked as he stared at the bottom of Usagi's firefighter boot.

"Woah!"

Usagi dropped her foot back to the ground.

"Motoki! I'm so sorry!"

She gave him a quick hug, then inspected his face. He was holding a wet cloth to his cheek. She could see some bruising forming around the area. When she touched his face, he flinched.

"What happened?"

He collapsed into a chair.

"There was a power outage. The phones went down, too. Then, some white-haired lady and a monster dressed in black showed up. She said they were here to kill Makoto. Ami took her and ran. I don't know where."

He looked at Usagi, his eyes wide and wet with tears.

"Save her, Usagi. Sailor Moon has to save her."

Chibiusa walked up to him and took his hand.

"She will, Uncle Motoki."

Usagi thought for a moment. Ami was in charge, dragging Makoto along. Where would she go to hide?

The roof!

"Chibiusa, stay with Motoki. Stay out of sight. If they find you, it's all over."

Chibiusa rubbed her arm as she looked at Usagi.

"Where are you going?"

Usagi gave her a grim smile.

"To save my friends."

Ami and Makoto burst through the roof access door and into the cold autumn air. Dark clouds hung overhead. An icy breeze swept across the roof. Ami felt Makoto shiver in her thin hospital gown. In the distance, she could hear a crack of thunder.

Great. I hope it doesn't rain.

Ami dragged Makoto to her usual lunch spot and lowered her to the ground. She paused, took a deep breath, and looked over the Tokyo skyline. She could feel the cold air dry the sweat on her face.

Ami hoped Berthier had left the building pursuing them, that they were free of her.

"Ami?"

She turned to see Makoto look up at her. Her face was much too pale. Dark circles had formed under her eyes. Her hand was clutching the side of her torso.

"Ami… I don't feel so good."

Ami kneeled down to examine her. She pulled Makoto's hospital gown up and gasped. A large, dark bruise had spread across her midsection.

She's bleeding internally again. She needs to get back into surgery.

Lightning flashed overhead. The storm was getting closer.

"It's gonna be alright, Mako. We have to head back downstairs. You need treatment." Desperation laced her voice.

Makoto shook her head. Tears gathered in the corners of her eyes.

"I don't think I'm gonna make it," she said. Her voice was soft and breathy.

Ami's vision blurred as tears welled up in her own eyes. The realization hit her like a ton of bricks. Makoto was right.

"Please don't talk like that, Mako."

Makoto looked past her at the city. Her face took on a dreamy quality.

"I just don't understand. I saw my future. How can I die now?"

Ami understood all too well. Chibiusa's journey to the past had damaged time. She and the Black Moon Clan were interfering with history. The future was changing; all bets were off.

Makoto reached out for Ami's hand and squeezed it. A small smile played over her lips.

"Thank you for saving me, Ami. You did everything you could. You're a good friend."

Ami lifted Makoto's hand to her cheek and held it there. Reincarnation had brought the princess and her Guardians together again. How could they go on if they lost one of their own?

Makoto's body shook with sobs as her tears flowed.

"I don't want to die, Ami."

Thunder rumbled above. In its wake, a voice called out to them.

"And yet, you will."

Ami rose and turned. Her eyes locked on to Berthier, who stood near the roof access door. She put herself between Berthier and Makoto and raised her fists, ready to fight.

Berthier chuckled.

"Give it up, Mercury. I won."

She stalked toward them with slow, deliberate steps, like a predator on the prowl.

"Don't get me wrong, you had me going," she said. "Even without powers, you haven't missed a step."

Ami looked at Berthier with pleading eyes.

"Don't do this, Berthier. If we ever were friends, if that friendship meant anything to you, please… don't do this."

Hot anger flashed across Berthier's face.

"I didn't want any of this! You did this; you and your princess and your queen!"

She spat the last word as if it left a foul taste in her mouth.

Ami threw her hands up in frustration.

"I don't know what you're talking about! I don't remember!"

Berthier's eyes bulged; her nostrils flared.

"That's because you took a shortcut," she said. "You reincarnated! I've lived for millennia with nothing but the Black Moon Clan! Their ways are all I have left!"

She took a deep breath and composed herself.

"It's her or me… and I will not die today," she said.

Behind Ami, Makoto spoke up in a faint voice.

"Let her kill me, Ami. It's over for me, anyway. At least this way, I know you'll live."

Thunder cracked overhead, louder than before. The heavens opened up and rain poured down on them. Within seconds, the downpour had drenched the three women.

Ami turned to face Makoto.

"I'm not letting you go, Mako. Not like this. Don't you understand? My dad left. My mom always worked. I was so lonely before you came along. You and Rei and Minako and Usagi…you're not my friends. You're my family. I can't… I won't live without you."

She could hear Berthier's footsteps getting closer.

"Mercury… Ami… you have no choice," Berthier said, her voice much softer than before.

Ami didn't want her understanding. She wasn't about to surrender. Red-hot fury filled every fiber of her body. Her eyes locked on to Berthier as she unleashed a primal scream.

"You are not taking my family from me!"

Without warning, light erupted from Ami's body, pure and blue. It enveloped her entire form. It felt warm and gentle; its glow soothed the fear and anger burning in her chest.

Berthier shielded her eyes against Ami's blinding light.

"What…?"

The light hardened around Ami's ring finger and formed a golden band with a blue stone. Ami looked at the ring and understood what Usagi had meant. This power felt different, more personal. It wasn't a light borrowed from her guardian planet; it was a force from deep inside of her soul

Berthier unleashed a volley of dark energy against Ami. It deflected, harmless, off the blue light. Berthier's mouth dropped open.

"Impossible!"

Ami smiled.

"Inevitable."

She stretched her ringed hand up toward the sky. The rain caressed her face as she looked up toward the heavens. She knew what to do.

"Mercury Light Power… Make Up!"

The light intensified for a moment, then seemed to shatter into thousands of droplets, like water. Each droplet caressed her skin, each touch transformed one part of her body.

When the light faded, she was Sailor Mercury once more. Like Sailor Moon, however, she looked different. Her suit and hair were a darker shade of blue. White stockings shielded her against the cold autumn air.

Berthier unleashed a bolt of black energy at Sailor Mercury and Makoto. Ami stretched out her hand.

"Mercury Frost Shield!"

A wall of ice appeared in front of them. It deflected the black energy back toward Berthier. Berthier had to dodge the returning bolt.

Sailor Mercury leapt out from behind the frost wall and somersaulted away. Berthier shot more black energy after her, but Mercury was too fast. The bolt of energy missed her.

That's right, Berthier. Focus on me, not Makoto.

She felt the rain intensify; large droplets of water showered her and Berthier as they battled. Mercury counter-attacked.

"Mercury Aqua…"

Before she could finish calling out her attack, a blast of black energy caught her square in the chest. She stumbled and fell to one knee. She shook her head, took a deep breath, then raised her hand in the air.

"Mercury Matter Shift!"

The large, fat rain droplets falling on Berthier solidified into hail. The golf ball-sized chunks of ice pelted her without mercy. Berthier cried out in pain and surprise.

I need to find her weakness fast.

As if responding to her thoughts, a blue visor appeared across her eyes. Sailor Mercury realized with amazement that the device was scanning her surroundings and displayed the results before her eyes.

She scanned Berthier. The visor localized an unusual energy source: her black crystal earrings.

If I can separate her from those earrings, she may be powerless.

As Berthier escaped the localized hailstorm, Mercury unleashed another attack.

"Mercury Ice Dagger!"

A small, icy blade flew across the roof. With incredible precision, it sliced into Berthier's ear. One of her earrings fell to the ground and skidded across the roof.

Berthier unleashed a scream of rage and shot another bolt of black energy toward Sailor Mercury. In response, she dodged the attack and tumbled toward Berthier.

Mercury got right into Berthier's personal space and swung her fist at her face. Berthier dodged and countered with a quick kick. Mercury deflected the kick with her arm, then stepped toward Berthier once more. She reached for the remaining earring, but Berthier slipped away.

"That's enough!"

Berthier hit Sailor Mercury with the full force of her dark energy. The attack flung her across the roof. She landed with a sickening thud.

Berthier picked up her lost earring, then stalked toward her. Mercury felt dazed. She tried to push herself up off the ground, but the world would not stop spinning.

"I told you to stay out of my way, Mercury. Now, you'll die, too."

A voice cut through the wind, and Sailor Mercury's heart leapt with joy.

"Hold it right there!"

Sailor Moon burst through the roof access door. Her heart pounded in her chest as she stepped onto the slick rooftop. The wind howled; heavy rain pelted her skin. The scene in front of her chilled her to the bone.

Makoto lay on the cold ground wearing a hospital gown. The wind and rain had soaked her hair and clothes. She was too still. She was unconscious, or worse.

Not too far from Makoto stood a woman dressed in blue. Her white hair, braided into a tight ponytail, gleamed in the glow of a sudden flash of lightning. A black crescent moon marked her forehead. She hovered over Sailor Mercury, who was on her knees and struggled to recover from an injury or attack.

Sailor Moon's pulse quickened. Based on Ami's description, this was Berthier. Sailor Moon didn't hesitate.

"Hold it right there!"

Berthier turned and her gaze locked on to Sailor Moon. Despite the sleek, white mask Sailor Moon now wore, recognition flashed in Berthier's eyes. Her lip curled into a sneer.

"You!"

Sailor Moon had no interest in a conversation. She felt her blood boil in her veins.

"How dare you come after my friends? My family?! I am Sailor Moon, and in the name of the moon, I'll punish you!"

Her hand moved to her tiara, but instead of tossing it like a boomerang, she gripped the stone at its center between her fingers.

"Moon Tiara Flash!"

The tiara erupted into a brilliant flash of light that blinded Berthier. She staggered back as she tried to shield her eyes. It was the opening Sailor Moon needed.

She launched herself at Berthier, each movement a blur of precision. Her punches and kicks struck her enemy with sharp impact. Berthier flailed and swung her arms as she tried to lash out against her attacker. She couldn't see well enough to track Sailor Moon's movements. Her strikes were clumsy and ineffective.

A powerful kick sent Berthier to her knees. Sailor Moon didn't hesitate. She brought her hand to her chest and summoned her harp sword. She raised it over her head, ready to strike.

"Surrender."

Lightning flashed. Berthier looked up at Sailor Moon as her vision returned. White, wet hair hung matted against her face. Her eyes bulged and her nostrils flared.

"To you, princess? Never!"

Sailor Moon hesitated. This wasn't a youma or a monster. This was a human being, a person. She held a pain that Sailor Moon still did not understand. Now she lay defeated and defenseless.

Berthier sneered, her breath quick and ragged.

"Do it," she said. "You've already taken everything else from me! If you don't finish me now, I'll keep coming for you. For Mercury. For Jupiter… for your daughter."

The words struck Sailor Moon like a blow to the chest. Her eyes widened.

Chibiusa!

Thunder rolled. On instinct, she called out her attack.

"Moon! Light! Sl…!"

A hand closed around her wrist, firm but gentle. Sailor Mercury stood beside her, breathless.

"No."

Sailor Moon stopped. Her eyes searched her friend's face.

"Ami?"

Mercury placed a hand on her shoulder.

"She's defeated, Usagi. Her own people will judge her failure. It's over."

She turned to Berthier, and her voice softened.

"Whatever happened, whatever you think we did… that's the past. It doesn't have to define your future. It doesn't have to be like this. Perhaps someday we can be friends again."

Berthier rose to her feet and stood in silence. She stared at Mercury for a moment and her eyes softened.

"It's a nice thought, Mercury, but… I'm already dead."

With a flash of dark energy, Berthier disappeared. The rain had slowed; the thunder now rumbled in the distance. Sailor Moon and Sailor Mercury stood together, soaked to the bone, their hearts heavy with uncertainty.

Then Sailor Mercury's eyes widened.

"Makoto!"

Sailor Mercury's heart skipped a beat as she ran across the rooftop. The sound of her footsteps splashing through the pools of water echoed in the crisp air. Sailor Moon was close behind, her breath ragged as she followed her friend.

Mercury reached Makoto first and dropped to her knees next to her. Her hands shook as she ripped off one glove. She pressed her fingers against Makoto's wrist; the pulse she found was too weak.

"No, no, no…"

Sailor Moon stood behind her. Mercury could hear her sobs as tears streamed down her cheeks.

"Please, Mako… don't go," she said.

Sailor Moon's words echoed in the cold air. Mercury's throat tightened as her own tears blurred her vision. She had tried so hard, given everything she had to save Makoto and still… it wasn't enough. Makoto was dying, and she was powerless to stop it.

Then, without warning, something stirred inside her. She felt a faint tingling sensation in her hands, the same tingle she had felt in the emergency room. It crept up her arms like thousands of tiny droplets. She looked at her trembling hands and shuddered.

It all made sense now. She looked over her shoulder at Sailor Moon and smiled through her tears.

"She's not going anywhere, Usagi."

With a deep breath, Mercury placed both hands on Makoto's chest. The words came to her, ancient and pure, from a long time ago.

"Mercury Healing Waters!"

The air shimmered, and a bubble formed around Mercury and Makoto. Water filled the bubble, and both women floated in the liquid. Mercury blinked, her vision blurred. Blue energy crackled in the water. Its pulse matched the rhythm of Mercury's heartbeat. The water seemed electrified.

She closed her eyes. Her hands rested against Makoto's chest as they both floated, weightless, in the water. Calm permeated every fiber of Mercury's being.

Then the bubble burst.

Water spilled in all directions. Sailor Mercury and Makoto tumbled onto the rooftop. Even as the impact left her breathless, Mercury felt no pain. There was just a deep, inexplicable peace.

As she tried to get up, she heard Makoto's voice, little more than a confused whisper. Her heart skipped a beat.

"Sailor Moon? Sailor Mercury? What happened?"

Sailor Moon's cry of joy shattered the silence. She leapt at Makoto and wrapped her in a tight embrace. Ami's heart filled with joy as she watched her two friends.

"You're fine! Ami healed you!"

Makoto stared at Mercury in disbelief.

"Ami… how?"

Mercury smiled. As she stood, a sudden sharp pain flared up in her side. She winced and clutched her torso.

"I'm so glad you're okay," she said in a soft voice.

Deep down, she felt fear gnaw at her soul. The pain in her side mirrored Makoto's injury. Had she taken some of that pain upon herself? If so, what would that mean for her body?

At last, she understood Berthier's words. It was a heavy burden to carry the healing waters.

Sailor Moon stood in the wreckage of her apartment and continued to pour her power toward the sky. Her efforts to shield the planet against attack were holding, for now.

The Black Moon Clan was not at full strength. She suspected some of them had travelled to the past in pursuit of Chibiusa. Their absence allowed her to defend the Earth. Still, she feared for her daughter's safety.

Sailor Moon felt a wave of past changes catch up to the present. She hoped with every fiber of her being that Chibiusa had restored the Guardians' powers. She could use some help.

For a moment, she sensed Ami. She had accessed her powers. Sailor Mercury had returned!

Chibiusa… did you… did you save Ami?!

The sensation faded almost immediately. Whatever had changed in the past wasn't enough.

She swallowed hard as she held back fresh tears. Ami still died… and it was all Usagi's fault.

…to be continued.

Next Time on Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: Black Moon

"I refuse to let a thing like 'destiny' tell me how to live my life!" - Rei Hino

"Even without my powers, I still have a trick or two up my sleeve." - Minako Aino

"Did you just throw a rose at them? What is that gonna do?!" - Artemis

"Are you leaving me to reclaim your powers?" - Motoki Furuhata

"He's going to die, and I don't know how to live without him!" - Makoto Kino