Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ A Trusting Heart ❯ A Day Late ( Chapter 11 )

Chapter 11

A Day Late

 

It was surprisingly early when Serina woke, refreshed from nearly six hours of sleep after her midnight rendezvous with her fiancé. She smiled in memory, it would be a nice transition from crush to boyfriend to future husband for her- Albeit, they'd certainly had more than their fair share of trials. The thought of finally knowing that he was hers forever, that he would be there everyday for the rest of her life left her weak and tingling with giddiness. Life could be perfect from this moment on without worry, and with him.

 

It was still before noon and the sun was approaching a glaringly sunny zenith as Serina slipped from her bed. Luna and Rini still lay as they had for the entire night, unaware of Serina's movements before or after the sunrise. Serina paused a moment to run a hand softly over Luna's glossy black fur, smiling at her nagging guardian. Rini stirred, as if suddenly aware of a loss of warmth beside her so Serina lifted the covers closer to her chin and grinned again as her little daughter snuggled deeper into their blue folds.

 

She reached a tentative hand to Rini's tiny forehead, lightly tracing her soft pink bangs lying loosely against her skin. She brushed them gently away from where they'd fallen into her eyes and studied her youthful features. Her little girl, her small lady, was so beautiful. A true princess with the innocence of the moon, the ethereal spirit of the stars, and the perseverance of the earth. Her father's stubborn chin and canted eyes, her own adorable nose, ears, and mouth.

 

Serina stifled a giggle at the (loud) memories that thought brought up. She leaned forward, a small smile still gracing her lips as she gave Rini a soft kiss on her temple. The first time she could ever do that, the most sacred and special acts of a mother; and the memory she valued most of her own mother, the waiting, pretending to be asleep to receive the secret good-night kiss. Serina slowly stood, feeling wonderful, so full of light love and joy and happiness she thought she might just float away. She took a deep, fresh breath, trying her hardest to keep herself from bursting into song, and left the two small bodies sleeping in her bed and quickly showered and dressed.

 

Now that Serina knew that Rini was her daughter, she had begun to set her mind to being more responsible and disciplined. She had to set a better example for her daughter than she had been since she arrived. She had a lot of incompetence to make up for and this would be the first day of her new self. Her maternal instincts were kicking in to add to her automatic Sailor Moon defensiveness; considering everything that would be in the best interests of her six-year-old child. Rini was as impressionable as she was stubborn, something she obviously got from her father, and anything she said or did was likely to be repeated by Rini; she looked up to her, now more than ever.

 

Serina threw on a white skirt and pale pink embroidered blouse. She quickly glanced at her vanity where Rini's picture now hung in a place of honor. Serina smiled in a glazed, lovestruck manner. She was ready for a new day and she knew it was going to beautiful! The sun was warm and cheerful, the birds warbled their love songs for only her, and the breeze from the open window whispered of fond memories from last night. Serina took a deep breath and smiled blissfully.

 

Unconsciously, she twisted the ring on her finger so the stones faced her palm, the band alone wouldn't be so noticeable when her parents saw her. She put her hair up in her traditional pair of twin golden buns, shoved on her shoes and headed downstairs for a light breakfast. Her stomach was still so fluttery from last night she could hardly keep her happiness contained! But she knew she couldn't tell anyone, except eventually the Scouts, about her engagement. Her family would never accept it at her age especially to a man they hardly knew. She and Darien had decided to wait and let them get to know him better and perhaps next year or the next they would announce their intentions. As soon as it was socially acceptable, they would be wed. WED! MARRIED, ENGAGED, TOGETHER FOREVER! How wonderful! She hoped she could keep her secret until then. Right now she had to act like herself.

 

Unfortunately, she'd all ready blown that idea right out of the water.

 

Both Serina's parents nearly had heart attacks when she came down early on a Sunday morning and her brother couldn't stop gaping when she stopped eating after one bowl of cold cereal.

 

"What are you looking at, insect?" Serina asked as she took care of her bowl and grabbed her jean jacket.

 

"A miracle, string bean. Did something get caught in your throat? You've stopped eating!" He replied sarcastically.

 

"I'm just fine thank you, but I'm busy today and will not bother wasting my time explaining my behavior to you. Bye, Mom! Bye, Dad!" And Serina took off, a small grin on her face as Sammy was caught speechless and resorted to gawking at her in disbelief. Even her mother nearly dropped her omni-present spatula at Serina's quick, level-headed retort.

 

Serina dashed light-heartedly through town, headed for the arcade with only one thought on her mind: Darien. Amazingly, she managed to avoid her usual tripping and bumping with an ethereal grace that would have shocked anyone who knew her. It was like she were floating through the air or walking on water. To the casual observer, she showed none of the clumsy, panicked child she had been yesterday. Her face held the calm serenity of woman who knew her life was finally complete and she was at peace with the world. Serina rushed along the sidewalk, easily side-stepping other pedestrians who saw the look on her face and smiled in spite of themselves. To see a beautiful young woman so full of life and radiance lightened their days and eased their minds. They were infected with the joy that illuminated the very sparkling air around her.

 

However, as blissful and spirited as the moon princess looked, the oppressive fog of dark reservations began to pervade the peace of mind her engagement inspired. Resignation and dread glinted in her summer sky eyes like the thunderheads presently gathering in the eastern sky.

 

Her creeping anxious feelings were based on Rini's day-late birthday present. The gift for her daughter was the only thing she could give her and the best thing she could do for her. But the late gift would take her away from this place and all the people she loved and she wasn't sure when she would return or even if-

 

'No, you'll be back, just because if something happens to you, your precious daughter won't be born!' Even after Rini had discovered her parents' identities, she'd refused to reveal anything of their future, she was especially stubbornly silent concerning Serina's fate and that was what made her fear for her life. If not hers than her future self's. The thought had driven Rini to tears in Serina's arms.

 

But just in case, Serina was making her rounds now, to give subtle farewells to those she cared about. She wanted to get all these things out of the way so she could return home to Rini before the Scouts or Darien found out what she was planning and tried to stop her.

 

She wistfully thought of her love. She wished he could help but she knew it was impossible, this was something only she could do and it was her only gift for Rini. The girls would hate her for doing this, especially alone, and she knew Darien would likely berate her for sneaking off and endangering herself but what else could she do? The situation couldn't be helped. This was why Rini had come to the past in the first place- to find her and the Silver Crystal.

 

Serina arrived at the arcade where Andrew worked, and she cheerfully skipped inside and immediately searched out Andrew's blonde head. She had things to do today and didn't want to waste time playing games, as much as she really wanted to check out the newest high scores on her favorite Sailor V. Andrew saw her coming from behind the counter and flashed her a bright smile. Without a second thought, he zipped away and returned with her favorite two scoop hot fudge sundae with an extra cherry and plenty of sprinkles pattering the whipped cream.

 

"Hey, Serina. Happy day-after birthday! Also, this is congrats for you and Darien getting back together. I've never seen him as happy as he was this morning-"

 

"Oh! Is he here?" Serina glanced around, looking alarmed for a moment that she might have been caught before she'd even begun her crusade but overjoyed at the same time that she would see him again so soon. But then guilt flashed through her that he was present and she hadn't even noticed! What kind of fiancée was she?

 

"No, it was earlier today. After that depression he was in after you two broke up, I didn't think I'd ever see him smile again but the way you guys were hanging all over each other last night, there's no doubt you've gotten back together, right?" Andrew smiled devilishly, as if he had figured out their secret before they could tell anyone else. 'You'll never know how right you are, Andrew.' Serina smiled back, modestly around her slowly disappearing ice cream, and nodded.

 

"Yeah, he explained what was wrong and everything's fixed now. We're never going to have a misunderstanding like THAT again!"

 

"Told him off, didn't you? Darien wouldn't go into too much detail this morning, you wanna tell me what was wrong? Even when you weren't together the most I could get out of him was that it was for the best, for you. You don't have to, of course, but WHAT HAPPENED?! It's been driving me nuts! I'm guessing it was all his fault?"

 

"You could say that." She didn't want to blame her Muffin but Andrew's mischievous pleading dragged it out of her. But how could she put it? 'Play innocent and ignorant, half truths and no lies, it always works.' "Well, he was afraid for me. He thought our being together was dangerous, I don't know how, like maybe my dad would kill us or maybe he thought he was taking advantage of me since I was so young. Either way, everything's perfect now!" Serina smiled brightly, and Andrew returned it.

 

Andrew sensed she was holding back, playing her 'ignorant of male minds' card. He knew her tricks. 'Guess she won't say much about it either, but it's a little more to work with than Darien gave. It sounds like him, I guess, always protecting her, like a princess.' He studied the kid before him as if a thought had just occurred to him but he shook it off as silly though he continued to stare.

 

Serina, now fifteen, was turning into a gorgeous young lady; he could easily see why Darien would want to hang onto her. He loved her dearly, Serina was like a kid-sister to him, like Lizzy. She was exactly what the ever-distant, cool, depressed Darien needed. She was sweet and loving and full of life. And she was completely willing to share that with everyone- even that conceited college jerk.

 

Andrew hadn't said anything yet as he stared at this girl before him, but he noticed something, some kind of miraculous change that had just happened overnight. Serina, the crybaby, klutz-prone, pigging out teenager was no more. Her bubbly, eternal happiness and constantly amazed giggle and wide, innocent crystal eyes were still there but he noticed Serina seemed to have matured ten years since last night. She hadn't tripped or inhaled her food yet, wasn't even babbling about shopping or the latest Sailor V games like she normally would have. In fact, she was suddenly acting so confident, though still politely modest, and spoke as if the world could never hold her back. She had the energy to face every new day eagerly and with that endearing smile. She was positively GLOWING! He prayed Darien didn't lose this girl again. 'I hope the world doesn't lose this girl. It would seem so dim without her.'

 

Serina and Andrew spoke a while, Andrew taking his ten minute break to sit and talk. Serina felt it was her responsibility to take care of her friends and she had heard a disturbing rumor that she'd long been expecting. If it were true, Andrew needed a friend's support. She would start it off but she hoped Darien could carry it on for his best friend.

 

Rita, Andrew's girlfriend studying over in Africa, wanted to break up, the time and distance apart was just to great right now. The news did turn out to be true, and poor Andrew agreed that it was time to move on- and Serina had the perfect match for her friend. Mina, the very incarnate of the goddess of love, was the only Scout without a soul mate. She'd seen the connection and they were an unparalleled pair! She just had to get them together . . .

 

"Well, I've gotta go, Andrew, thanks a lot for the sundae!" Serina hopped to her feet from the stool she'd been sitting on and gave a surprised Andrew a quick peck on the cheek. She grinned again at his astonished look and waved good-bye as she exited the arcade. Belatedly, he waved back, smiling and shaking his head.

__________________________

 

"No, I'm sorry, Molly's out. You just missed her. Would you like me to give her a message?" Serina frowned then replaced her regretful expression with a smile.

 

"Just tell her I stopped by, and we should get together sometime to discuss some girl talk and go over my birthday inventory."

 

"Oh, that's right, happy birthday, Serina." Molly's mother said from her front door. Serina held her hands behind her and smiled politely.

 

"Thank you. Have Molly call me, please, when she gets back- no, actually, I'm going to go see some other friends right now, just tell her I'll call her and if I don't, to call me tomorrow, 'kay? Thanks!" Serina turned on heel and ran back down Molly's driveway, her regret evident in her face but not her voice. She began her trek to Lita's apartment. She would visit each one of her friends separately today, just to spend time together before she- went home.

 

Serina despondently trudged down the sidewalk, breathing in the warm air and the baking sunlight. The clouds were slowly gathering, threatening ominously of rain later today. She could taste it in the air. She gracefully sidestepped a rushing body, almost thoughtlessly though the other person skidded to a stop beside her and grabbed her arm.

 

"Hey, Serina! Luna's been looking all over for you! She's called a meeting of the Scouts to go out and search for you! Don't you have your communicator?" Mina clasped Serina's arm as if afraid she'd run off then seeing the confused look on her face she began dragging her in the direction of Rei's temple.

 

"Of course I do, but I swear it didn't go off- it must be broken. Besides I was just out visiting!" She cried as they both took off back down the walkway, their blonde hairs flying.

 

"Well, Luna told me she woke up this morning to find you gone and there was something she was suspicious about- something important you had to tell us or we had to find out about you or something. But that stubborn cat of yours wouldn't say what it was." Mina scowled as they ran. Serina turned her head slightly and only barely caught herself from sticking out her tongue.

 

"Hey, your cat's just as bad, Mina. And I can't think of anything important-" Serina purposely avoided her friend's eyes as she grinned mischievously and rushed to evade questioning. "So I got up early, is that so unusual- Don't answer that" Serina warned as she saw Mina open her mouth to respond. She just clamped her mouth shut at Serina's glare and grinned. "I didn't think she'd worry."

 

"Well, you know Luna. Either way she'll be glad I found you!" Mina's smile widened at the glory of finding the missing moon princess but her concern surfaced when she saw Serina's face. "Hey, what were you doing anyway? You look like you can't decide to be elated or depressed."

 

Serina admired the Scout of Love's insight; almost as much of a ditz as she was, Mina could still read her like a book. 'Like sisters.' She thought smiling. "I was just checking in on friends, I saw Andrew and went to see Molly but she was out with Melvin." She had really wanted to see Molly, but now she quickly changed the subject off her. "Anyway, I heard from Andrew that he and Rita are breaking up- I was wondering what you thought about it? You two really would make a great couple, ya know!" Serina giggled at Mina's blush. The blonde snatched Serina's sleeve and tugged playfully, giggling like a schoolgirl.

 

"You think so? Uh- I mean- um, but he's seventeen-"

 

"Oh don't use that excuse on me, Mina, Darien's eighteen this August so that won't work on me. I'm just suggesting that with this terrible break up, poor Andrew's going to need a friend . . . And the goddess of love is the best friend he could possibly have by his side, don't ya think?" Serina saw Mina's hopeful eyes disappear behind a curtain of yellow hair as the girl blushed deeply again and she eased off. Mina could handle it from here. The suggestion had been planted; her friends could take care of things now, they'd do just fine without her. "So where's Artemis? Is he out searching for me too?"

 

Mina jumped at the new topic and shrugged nonchalantly at Serina's question. "He ran ahead to make sure Luna didn't lose one of her nine lives to worry. I really think those two should hook up. As much as he cares for her and I think she feels the same but doesn't show it. She's so proud- almost as bad as Rei! They're as immature as we are sometimes. It's so cute." She giggled.

 

"Yeah, I've noticed that too. You'd think they'd get a clue from watching us so often. They were made for each other!" Serina laughed as the two blondes appeared at the top of the shrine steps. One of the two cats there let out a yowl and three other girls sighed in relief at their arrival.

 

"Oh, Serina, where on earth have you BEEN? I've been worried sick since eleven this morning!"

 

"Geez, Serina, Luna had us convinced you'd been kidnapped or something!" Lita exclaimed. The five individuals met the two newcomers halfway to the temple, and they walked back, firing questions and reprimands.

 

"Yeah, Meatball head, where've you been, it's not at all like you to be up early on a SUNDAY." Rei belittled her as they sat down on the steps in front of the shrine.

 

"I was out, visiting. Nothing to worry about." Serina's attempt at calm constraint betrayed her amusement and she watched her bickering friends and over-protective guardian. She smiled contentedly and sighed. She loved her friends, and cared for them so much. She was glad to see them concerned for her- even if was about something as ridiculous as getting up early. They wouldn't take kindly to her disappearing later today with Rini.

 

"Serina. I demand you tell me where you were last night. What did you do and who were you with? I believe there is something you want to tell us?" Luna imperiously commanded her ward from her perch on the girl's knee. 'Uh-oh.' Serina squirmed uncomfortably, now under the accusing and intensely curious stares of her best friends. 'She knows??'

 

"You mean she was out last night- like, after the party?" Lita asked doubtfully. Serina didn't go out late; her parents wouldn't let her, unless it was Scout business and then her parents never knew when she sneaked out. But as far as they knew, nothing had happened after the party! Serina shouldn't be out gallivanting for no reason in the middle of the night! She was the princess and they were supposed to keep out of danger! If there was an attack, she should have called for back up! 'She's got a daughter to think of now! Serina can't be so irresponsible!' Lita blinked. 'I can't believe I just thought that.'

 

Ami, as well, was caught by surprise by Serina's uncharacteristic actions. Even now, Serina seemed entirely too composed to be herself though it was obvious her personality and dreamy state of mind were the same. None of Rei's comments- or Luna's- were having any of their usual effects, she just smiled and ignored them. It just seemed like she'd grown up and taken some responsibility and pride. She didn't care what they said but was attentive to their concerns. "Why would you go out so late at night, Serina?"

 

"No, wait a minute- I want to hear the story behind that enormous, GORGEOUS, mysterious ring!" Mina cried. She hadn't noticed earlier but now she saw the breath-taking item glittering on Serina's finger though she tried to hide it beneath her other hand and twisted it nervously.

 

Serina was embarrassed but seeing their eagerness she was happy to alleviate their suspicions. She slowly revealed her left hand. The girls and two cats leaned in close and gasped and gawked, Serina enjoyed the moment, this would only happen once, and she gazed appreciatively at her engagement ring.

 

The questions started before she was ready, a whole barrage as the girls began presenting their theories and jealousy in one small whirlwind.

 

"Oh my God, that's beautiful!"

"Where did THAT come from!"

"WHO?! That's not an engagement ring, is it?"

"Oh no! It's not- he didn't- did he?!"

 

Serina's smile widened considerably. Her secretive silence made her audience practically hop with excitement and she was content to let them. They guessed what had happened, they just needed her to confirm it. "Oh guys, it was so wonderful. He whisked me away into the night, to the park by the lake, to our bench where the moon shone and the stars glittered. It was all so perfect and as we stood there alone on the edge of the lake, Darien proposed to me, as my birthday present! Of course, I said yes, I fainted first, but I said yes!"

 

The girls paused, holding their breath and eyes glazed with their own daydreams of such a perfect moment. Then they screamed, Luna screeched again and Artemis chuckled softly. If Luna wasn't careful, she was going to give herself a heart attack! They fell into a shocked silence as she continued. None of them could imagine getting married at FIFTEEN! But then this was also the same girl who had found out she was the mother of a six-year-old yesterday. And was a millennia old princess who was previously engaged to the very same prince. "We'll have to wait, we don't know how long, but this is a secret, girls. You're the first to find out and we're not going to announce it for at least another year, after Mom and Dad have gotten used to Darien first."

 

The questions started again, more and more insistent. "Why on earth-"

"I didn't think he'd do it!"

"It's about time he came to his senses!"

"YOU'RE TOO YOUNG!"

"Aren't you rushing things?"

"I get to help set up the wedding!"

"Hey, who gets to be the maid of honor?!"

 

Overwhelmed with the expected questions and comments, Serina threw her arms up in defense. "Guys! Hold up, it's not for a few more years, I'm only FIFTEEN! Calm down!" Serina grinned; her cat in particular seemed to be fighting this the hardest, and she was the one who knew most of all that this day would come!

 

"Oh, Serina, what are you going to do about your ring? What if your parents see it?" Mina lamented. It reminded Serina of what she'd wanted to ask Luna and Ami.

 

"Oh, yeah. Ami? Luna? Is there some way I can change it? Disguise it? I'll never take it off but its way too conspicuous." Luna and the blue-haired Scout nodded emphatically in agreement, Luna still a little wide-eyed and bewildered by the rush of events.

 

"Have you tried your Luna Disguise Pen yet, Serina?" Ami suggested.

 

"You think it'll work on a ring? It worked on the Silver Crystal but I thought that was because it was magic too. And if it does, will it hold it for as long as I need it too?" Ami shrugged at her speculation, a little surprised by Serina's sudden bout logical thinking, and glanced over at Luna for confirmation or denial. Serina followed her gaze and the cat shook her head.

 

"I couldn't say, girls. It's only supposed to work when needed on people, specifically the Scouts. Why don't you give it a try anyway, Serina." Serina sighed and nodded, pulling the pen out from her subspace pocket and invoking it's magic on her engagement ring. It had worked on the Silver Crystal last night, and hopefully it would work on her ring. There was no way she could explain to anyone who asked about it!

 

The diamond ring didn't seem to change at first, then it flickered with a different hazy look, as if it were out of phase with reality or a glassy illusion had shifted into place. The brief glance of the new outward appearance revealed a small pearl with two small gold rose buds on a simple golden band. Serina smiled in satisfaction. This was much easier to explain away as a gift from Darien, and she wouldn't have to feel guilty for lying at all because she wasn't! Although, her parents probably wouldn't like the idea of a boy giving her jewelry, especially a ring she wore on her left ring finger. But then again, they hadn't noticed anything earlier that morning.

 

"Well, since Meatball head wasn't really missing, and it seems to be a slow day, who wants to go hang out at the mall?" Rei asked, shrugging her shoulders in boredom. Lita, Mina, and Ami seemed to brighten at the idea. Serina fell whole-heartedly into the proposal. Now she could spend time with her friends!

 

"Great! Let's go mall-trawling, or there's a couple new movies out I'm dying to see!" Serina exclaimed, hopping to her feet. She dragged the others up with her and they nodded in agreement. They took off with what little pocket money they had and spent close to three hours at the movies and stopping for cheesecake and hot chocolate at the cafe on the way back.

__________________________

"I think we're too late."

 

It was almost late afternoon when Serina finally returned home. The thunderstorm that had been hanging over the city since they left the theater was finally building up enough to begin a real downpour. Serina took off, racing for home before the rain could begin. She wondered if now was really the best time to be taking Rini out after all; she was as terrified of storms and thunder as Serina was!

 

'Nope, you've got to do this before your resolve runs out.' She threw open her bedroom door, not surprised to see the pink-haired child sitting on her bed, cocooned in covers, and glancing worriedly between the rumbling thunder and a book of fairy tales. She was clutching her new bear and an old pink bunny in both arms, burying her head in both of them each time a crack of lightning seared the sky.

 

"Rini, you wanna go out? I want to take you some place important." Rini glanced up, her fear of the thunder evident in her wide eyes. Another flash of white light and Rini was out of her nest and in Serina's arms.

 

"Oh, I HATE the thunder, Mommy." She whispered for only her to hear, her face hidden in Serina's skirts.

 

"I know, sweetheart, me too. But it's okay because I won't let it hurt you and your daddy and the Sailor Scouts wouldn't let it hurt either of us." She patted the child's head and bent to speak to her. "But I'd like to give you your birthday present, little one. It's very special and I couldn't give it to you before now. But we have to go out to the docks to do it."

 

"But- but it's RAINING!" Rini protested. She was obviously torn between wanting her gift and her passionate hate of the beginning storm outside.

 

"It's only a sprinkle, munchkin, we can brave it. I'll protect you. Besides, you want to help your mother don't you?" Rini looked up, a little confused. "Is there anything you need to bring?" Rini shook her head even more bewildered. Serina smiled and took her hand, leading her downstairs and snatching an umbrella on the way out. Rini sensed Serina's seriousness and this subdued her eagerness as she obeyed and followed the younger version of her mother. She wondered idly how she could have ever overlooked Serina as her mother out the door. She was acting more and more like her every day now.

 

"Rini, I know you don't want to talk about it, but I need to know what's going on in the future." Serina and Rini were a safe distance from the house, the fine, gray drizzle cutting them off from the rest of the world. Serina kept Rini close anyway, protecting her from the rain and keeping her child and herself safe from the thunder that had temporarily stopped grumbling.

 

"But, Mama, I can't- Puu said-"

 

"Sweetheart, the birthday present I wanted to give you was that we would go back to the future together to help your mother. But knowing what's wrong would help me a great deal, Rini."

 

"What?! Really?" Rini's wide eyes stared at the older girl with shock and joy. Sailor Moon, Serina, the younger Neo-Queen Serenity, was volunteering to finally come back to save her mother! But what about Daddy and the other Scouts? They wouldn't like them going alone. "But what about Daddy? He'll kill us if he finds out! Darien should come too, he and the Scouts won't want to be left behind!"

 

"Yes, I know, dearest, but the two times I've seen you try to use your time key, you weren't strong enough to do it. I was hoping this time I could help you enough to get the two of us there. I don't think we could handle more than just ourselves right now and I'm not going to take the risk of you completely draining your energy trying." Serina's no nonsense tone brooked no argument and reminded Rini a lot of her mother. She saw Serina's point and was willing to trust her mother's decision. Daddy and the Scouts wouldn't like it but Serina was right. Besides, if it did work, she could just come back for them, one at a time if need be.

 

"Yes, Mother." Rini hung her head, still clutching her mother's hand. She didn't like it but Serina did have a point. Soon she'd be seeing her mother and father again, her 'real' ones. But Darien wouldn't be there and she had a bad feeling about showing up in Crystal Tokyo with just Sailor Moon. What if the Dark Moon was waiting for them? What if they'd taken over the castle and it was all ready too late? Could Serina really do it on her own? This wasn't Neo-Queen Serenity; at least, not yet, she was still Serina Tsukino the fifteen-year-old meatball head. But more importantly and the clinching factor, this was also Sailor Moon, defender of peace, love, and justice. Rini smiled in satisfaction. She would do for now.

 

They had reached the docks and Serina pulled her daughter out of the rain and into an open-ended, covered boat dock. Sensing Rini's fears supplementing her own, Serina spared a second to quickly transform into Sailor Moon. She turned to the bunny-bunned girl beside her. "Will it work in here?" She asked, off-handedly worrying about Darien feeling her unexplained transformation.

 

"I think so." Rini shrugged then reached for her key, pulling it out and raising it to the gray sky like Lady Liberty's torch. "Crystal Time Key, take me home! Take us to the future!" She cried. Swirling pink clouds of magical energy coalesced above them, Sailor Moon's hand lightly held Rini's shoulder and her Silver Crystal locket, urging her on with a constant stream of energy and strength. The grip tightened considerably with anxious fear as the two girls were suddenly lifted into the air and sucked into the time portal. Sailor Moon never let go of Rini though the next thing she was aware of was the windy gray plains of endless whipped and tattered mists.

 

"Rini, where are we?" She called above the howling gale. She couldn't see her hand in front of her face let alone the child beside her.

 

"We're in the time passage. Puu should be here somewhere." Sailor Moon could sense Rini's straining gaze and her struggling to stay on her feet as the wicked wind threatened to blow her over. Moon tightened her grasp of Rini's little hand and they trudged forward, against the gusts. They hadn't walked far when a dark gray figure appeared before them, a red glowing staff in one hand, her long black-green hair unfazed by the whipping wind. Her dark colored Sailor outfit eagerly proclaimed her as Sailor Pluto, the Guardian of Time.

 

Her appearance registered in Sailor Moon's mind; she seemed familiar- beyond the little she all ready recalled of the oldest Sailor Scout. She knew her from after the Moon Kingdom, in this life, sometime when she was around Rini's age or younger. An imaginary friend or a long forgotten aunt. Someone who had taught her to put her hair up in the meatball buns. . . The long forgotten royal hairstyle of the moon kingdom . . . Tales of her heritage and all she was meant to be- but she was warned of the danger of being what and who she was supposed to be . . . A vow of silence for the sake of finding true love. The woman who swore to protect her for all time . . . Auntie Susan, Puu . . . Moon shook off the vague thought, somehow knowing Sailor Pluto wouldn't explain her deja vu even if she did know about it.

 

"Who dares trespass the Corridor of Time?" The Scout demanded, her staff's red glare pierced the temporal fog to reveal the legendary Sailor Moon and the youngest Moon Princess Serenity.

 

"Puu! I'm so glad to see you! I brought Sailor Moon, see? She's going to help Mommy, but she kind of found out that she is Mommy." The child babbled on, afraid of being reprimanded by the older Scout for breaking her promise not to tell the people of the past of the future. Rini clutched Pluto's legs, her eyes begging forgiveness.

 

"It's all right, Small Lady. I understand that they all know; they were meant to. Your mother still needs your help, princess, I'm glad you've succeeded in your mission." Pluto patted her pink head and turned to face Neo-Queen Serenity. Or at least, the one who would some day grow from the old moon princess, now Serina Tsukino, to become the queen of the Moon Kingdom, Earth, and Crystal Tokyo. "Sailor Moon, I thank you for volunteering to help your future self, however, the coming times will be trying. The Neo-Queen has many more miracles yet to perform, including the final riddance of the Dark Moon family, before she is to truly leave this world. Your only goal presently need be to awaken the sleeping queen. With the restoration of the missing Silver Crystal and Neo-Queen Serenity to wield it, our future will be bright once more."

 

"Is that what happened? I FELL ASLEEP?" Sailor Moon was incredulous. THAT'S what this was all about? She had fallen asleep?! All this because she lost the crystal and she FELL ASLEEP?!

 

"Small Lady didn't explain it fully, as I instructed her, however, I will tell you now." The dark, mysterious figure of Pluto barely expressed emotion in action or voice as she retold the tale as if reading from a text book. Serina was reminded for an instant of Miss H. before she caught the undercurrent of feelings beneath Pluto's cold surface. She could see it in her sad eyes- She felt guilty. Sailor Pluto watched but could not warn; the tall, powerful Scout considered it her fault and burden!

 

Sailor Moon's heart softened at this revelation, she didn't want anyone to feel like that- but Pluto had continued, ignoring Moon's sympathetic eyes. "Crystal Tokyo was attacked unprovoked by the Dark Moon, the entire beautiful city placed under a spell. Only those within the palace were safe. This was the royal family and their guardians. The queen left the safety of the force-field after the princess was discovered to still be out in the city, missing. Neo-Queen Serenity was struck down by the spell in an effort to protect her daughter. Her Sailor Scouts attempted to shield her but something went wrong and the queen was encased in a crystal of pure quartz, and has since fallen into the same deep sleep as the rest of the city." At Rini's gasp and silent weeping, Pluto's soft gaze regarded the young princess again, knowing she, as well, felt guilty for her mother's predicament. "Small Lady, do not blame your self. You know your mother loves you more than anything in the world. She would do it again in a heart beat to protect you."

 

"Please, Rini, you know I would give my life for you, even before I knew who you were. I've always loved you, my darling. You mean the world to me, sweetheart, and I couldn't bare the thought of losing you. I would never forgive myself if I ever let anything happen to you." Sailor Moon reassured her daughter. Her child couldn't blame herself for what she did to protect her. But she understood exactly how Rini felt; Sailor Moon felt the same way every time one of her friends took a hit for her or Tuxedo Mask stood in the crossfire to guard her from attacks. When Zoicite's ice crystal had struck him in the back at the Starlight Tower-

 

"Thank you, Mama. I know, I believe you." Rini left Sailor Pluto's grasp to return to her future mother's side. She knew it deep in her heart. Her mother would die for her, her father would and so would all the Scouts; her friends . . . past and present.

 

"Sailor Moon, if you are ready to continue with your quest?" Pluto prodded gently, her voice contained the patience of a thousand of years.

 

Sailor Moon walked up to her guardian friend and nodded solemnly. Pluto could see the dawning of the future queen within this young woman, mostly as a result of her proximity to her daughter and more so from her recent engagement to the future king, Prince Endymion. The old Scout smiled wanly; she wasn't sure Serina could complete this battle alone, it was a turning point in the stream of time and she could see the many paths this choice could take. Anything she could do to improve the chances, she would soon be taking.

 

"Sailor Pluto, I- I'm not sure I can do this alone-" Sailor Moon echoed her thoughts in a whisper, below Rini's hearing. "Is- is it possible to bring my friends, the Scouts and Darien, to the future as well?" She asked hesitantly. She didn't want to break any more time taboos than had all ready been pretty much shattered to moon dust.

 

Sailor Pluto bowed her head. A wise decision by the younger queen. "Yes, your majesty. I was planning to bring them at the next opportunity. Do not worry about paradoxes or too much knowledge of the future. That is for me to remedy and you're dreams to be based on."

 

Moon shook her head in confusion at the riddles the Scout was muttering, Rini's blank look confirmed her own bewilderment but neither was given any more time to consider it. Within the breath of a second they materialized without warning just outside a breath-taking, sky-scraping crystal palace. Sailor Moon gasped at the sight of the glinting clear castle. 'This will someday be mine? I made this?' She thought in wonder. "You live here?" Moon's question went unanswered by the little girl.

 

A moment later, Sailor Moon's entranced attention was dragged abruptly back to Rini as she let out a pained cry of dismay. "Oh no! We're too late! Mommy! Daddy! Where are you?" Rini took off, tears in her eyes as she left Moon's side for the palace entrance. Sailor Moon suddenly took note of the destruction that surrounded her. Fresh mounds of twisted, scorched metal created valleys of wet mud, fires that hadn't been put out when it rained recently were currently smoldering, waiting impatiently for dry kindling to rage upon. Buildings and houses had crumbled, blasted apart and toppled over by the crashing of what appeared to be dark crystalline spaceships. The paved street beneath her feet had buckled and cracked, water running gray with ash and dirt through the torn channels like blood from a lacing of cuts.

 

Sudden insight stole through Moon's mind. 'This isn't what Rini left behind. This has happened since, that's why she was so terrified. I hope the king and queen are still okay!' Sailor Moon quickly took off after her daughter. She couldn't face this alone, no matter what the outcome. Neither of them could.

 

As Sailor Moon raced through the valleys of dismal gray ruin, searching for the pink-haired princess, she had the feeling she was being watched, by menacing eyes. More than one pair. Just as she was slowing down to glance over her shoulder, she heard Rini's scream. Cold terror gripped her heart and she forgot about being followed.

 

Her daughter was in danger. She had to find her and protect her!

 

Rini's second frightened shriek poured adrenaline into every step Moon took, she'd never run so fast. She wished her legs would go faster, her soul ached to hear Rini scream like that. Now she knew how Darien felt when he knew she was in trouble.

 

"Ahhh! Mommy! Daddy, help! MOMMY!"