By the time the sun rose causing the freshly cleaned streets and
buildings to shimmer brightly, the police had been to the Tsukino home.
As soon as the sun was up, Usagi left to help look. Secretly she was
making her way over to the shrine to get an update; the other girls had
been looking well before sun up.

Ikuko and Kenji had wanted to help look but they had Maia to think of
and she was understandably upset. Even Shingo was distressed and decided
to wait around the house. He didn't know where to look and decided that
his parents needed him more.

By the time that Usagi had gotten to the shrine, tempers and tension
were both at critical levels. "Where's Rei?" Usagi questioned as she
mounted the stairs and spotted the others waiting outside for her.

"Doing a fire reading," Makoto said testily, "I'm telling you it's that
slime Mamoru! I went over to his place last night but the coward wasn't
there."

"We don't know if Mamoru..." Ami started but a snarl from Makoto cut her
off.

"We know it's him... or his future self. I say we track him down and
crack his head." She slammed her fist into her hand to emphasize the
point. "When I get my hands on that... that..."

"Look, he might be innocent," Minako said, "Mamoru has been good for
what, almost a month... maybe more. Why's he suddenly going to change
now?" Makoto gaped at Minako in disbelief.

"Hold it," Usagi said before things could get further out of hand,
"Minako, you check out any place that Chibi-Usa might have gone. She
might have gotten away or got scared of something." Minako seemed ready
to protest but subsided at the look that Usagi gave her. "Ami, go over
to my house and do a scan. Don't let my parents see you either. Mako,
come with me. We're going over to Motoki's to see if he's seen Mamoru."

"Any luck, Rei?" Ami questioned.

"No, gomen," Rei said looking haggard. "I tried... I-I just..." she
trailed off and shook her head.

Walking over, Usagi gave her a hug, "Arigato Rei. Go on with Minako and
see if you can help locate Chibi-Usa."

"Hai," Rei agreed. She gave Usagi a sad look before moving over to stand
beside Minako. An uncomfortable silence fell over the group for a few
seconds before they split up and went on their separate ways.

                                  ******

Usagi and Makoto approached the door to Motoki's apartment. Usagi was
desperately trying to hold Makoto back. The blood of Jupiter was
definitely coursing through Makoto and she was out for blood in a big
way! Before Usagi could even knock on the door, Makoto had pounded three
times, heavily for good measure.

"Konnichiwa," came the voice as the door started to open. Makoto never
gave it time. Her eyes bulged in disbelief and giving a snarl, applied
her shoulder to the door. It swung open smacking Mamoru in the forehead.

"YOU BASTARD!" Makoto screamed and launched herself towards Mamoru. Both
sprawled to the ground.

"Nani?!?" Mamoru questioned hastily as he tried to restrain whomever was
attacking him.

"Where is she?!" Makoto cried while gripping Mamoru's head and starting
to shake him, "Where is she, you monster?!"

"Makoto?!?" Motoki questioned while running over to drag the obviously
infuriated girl off of Mamoru. "Makoto, calm down!" he ordered. Mamoru
being wise enough scrambled unsteadily to his feet. Raising his hand, he
backed away until he had reached the wall.

"Where is she, Mamoru?" Usagi questioned, all eyes turned to her. Her
face made Makoto's heart stop. Her red-rimmed eyes held worry, fear, and
anger. She carefully approached him, placing her body in between his and
Makoto's. "Where is Chibi-Usa?" Usagi asked again.

"Why would he know?" Motoki questioned, "He slept over here. Something
about his apartment being fumigated..." He looked towards Mamoru
curiously, "Is that right?"

"Tell us where she is and I just might kill you quickly!" Makoto snarled
but her struggles to free herself had stopped. Usagi was in the way.

"I got here about nine," Mamoru said, "Usagi, I never took Chibi-Usa."
<I knew this would be hard but I can't stand to see you hurting.>

"That's right," Motoki said, "Now what in hell is going on?!?" Usagi
slumped and walking over to a chair sat down. Covering her face, she
started to cry. Making a decision, Motoki let Makoto go before walking
softly over to Usagi and kneeling in front of her. "Usagi, please tell
me... what's going on?"

                                  ******

"Where next?" Minako asked dejectedly, "I can't think of anywhere else
she could have gone by walking. I don't think she'd risk the subway or a
bus either."

"Yeah, let's go check on the others," Rei said and they started to head
towards the Tsukino residence when their communicators beeped. "Rei
here," Rei answered, "What is it, Mercury?"

Mercury was pale and visibly upset, "I'm chasing what appears to be
Endymion."

"Nani?!?" Minako demanded, "Where are you?"

"Hard to say. We're moving at a fairly..." Mercury's voice cut off as
she grunted. She seemed to role before gaining her feet again. "Damn..."
she muttered, "He's sneaky. He spotted me at the same time that I
spotted him; we're going in a zigzag pattern."

"It isn't Mamoru!" Usagi's voice came over the communicator, "He spent
last night at Motoki's... It has to be the Endymion from the future."

"Home in on my signal," Mercury instructed. Without response, Rei and
Minako slipped into an alley and transformed. Mars and Venus soon leapt
up to the roof and started to run across the rooftops heading towards
the waterfront.

"Why'd he come back?" Venus questioned, "I mean why not send another one
of his goons?"

"Probably because he was tired of waiting," Mars answered, "I didn't
like that fire reading... not one bit." At Venus' questioning look, Mars
elaborated, "Everything was very inconclusive and, at best, fuzzy. It
was as if someone was blocking the reading. Nothing sound to make an
interpretation of any kind on." Venus shivered and they fell silent.
Hoping... praying that they would be quick enough. <But if we catch him,
it doesn't mean we're gonna find Chibi-Usa.>

                                  ******

As Tuxedo Kamen ran along side of Sailor Moon and Jupiter, he looked
back on his conversations with Endymion. He hadn't believed him
absolutely for some reason. Now as he looked closer Tuxedo Kamen
realized that it was the underlying tension that made him edgy. Endymion
was confident but most of it was show. He couldn't place his figure on
it but there was something definitely sinister about Endymion's
intentions.

"Why would he run from Mercury?" Jupiter wondered as she cleared an
alleyway in one leap, "I mean Endymion has to be stronger than her."

"He wants us to find her," Sailor Moon said after some thought.

"Nani?" Tuxedo Kamen questioned, "Why?"

"That's the way he is," Sailor Moon responded, "I talked to Chibi-Usa a
lot. From what I can understand, Endymion has a huge ego." Tuxedo Kamen
grimaced as Jupiter smirked, "He wants to show us up... to prove that
he's better than we are."

"There's Mercury!" Jupiter declared pointing to there right. Mercury was
standing on a rooftop and waving at them to hurry.

"There's Mars and Venus," Sailor Moon responded as the other two Senshi
came in from the left.

After another minute or so, the group was assembled around Mercury.
Mars' first reaction to Tuxedo Kamen's presence was disbelief. "What's
he doing here?"

"Trying to make up for some of the damage I caused," Tuxedo Kamen
answered, "If you want my head, you can have it after we save
Chibi-Usa."

"Mercury, call the authorities and tell them where we are. If
Chibi-Usa's in here, then we'll have to take care of Endymion first."
Looking around, she said, "Tuxedo Kamen, go on ahead." He looked sadly
towards Sailor Moon but nodded. When he had dropped from the edge of the
roof, Sailor Moon turned to the others, "Here's the plan...."

                                  ******

Tuxedo Kamen moved silently down the alley. Finding a door, he tried it.
<Unlocked,> he thought and tried pulling it a little further. Its rusted
hinges protested loudly at him. Drawing his cane, Tuxedo Kamen stepped
into the gloominess of the interior. There was ladder to his right up to
a catwalk. As silently as he could, he climbed it. It shook slightly but
held his weight.

<Where are you?> he thought, <Endymion, where are you?> He moved down
the catwalk. Rats protested this intruder into their domain. "Endymion!"
he shouted, his voice echoing off the walls, "Endymion!!!" A creak from
behind him was his only warning. Ducking, Tuxedo Kamen jumped forward
away from the attacker. Rolling up, he looked and saw Endymion there,
sword in hand.

"Quick, very quick," Endymion said and, smiling, leapt over to the side
and bracing himself, landed on the floor. Turning around and grinning,
he saluted Tuxedo Kamen before moving off into the darkness.

"Come back here!" Tuxedo Kamen snarled and launching himself over the
rail, landed before rolling. Searching the gloom, he carefully started
on his way towards where Endymion had disappeared. "Why did you attack
me?" he demanded, "Wouldn't you die if you did that?"

A laugh emanated from the darkness. Taking his best guess, Tuxedo Kamen
threw a rose but the laughter continued. "Who says I was trying to kill
you? Go away, leave the Senshi to fight me... Protect yourself at all
costs."

"SPARKLING WIDE PRESSURE!"
"BURNING MANDALA!"
"CRESCENT BEAM SHOWER!"

The combined attacks streaked from the gloom over the head of Tuxedo
Kamen. They went and slammed into Endymion. Endymion snarled in rage.
The Senshi descended and started towards where Endymion had been.

"You'll pay for that, bitches!" Endymion snarled.

"VENUS LOVE-ME CHAIN!" Venus cried. Her attack went out and tried to
encircle Endymion but he dodged away and into hiding again. "Look out!"
Venus cried as she spotted a hail of roses coming towards them; the
Senshi scattered. Tuxedo Kamen returned fire as did Mars and Jupiter.

"Any luck?" Sailor Moon asked Mercury.

"No, Endymion's aura is disrupting my scans," Mercury then screamed as
she saw the streaking flash of metal. Pushing Sailor Moon to one side,
she jumped backwards. The blade was jerked away as Endymion advanced on
Mercury. "SHINE AQUA..." Her attack was cut short as Endymion gripped
her about the neck and hurled her over backwards.

"MOON PRINCESS HALATION!" Sailor Moon cried but Endymion spun and ducked
the giant crescent moon that flew towards him. With a yank, he had the
Moon Scepter and, grinning evilly, tossed it to one side. "Nice to see
you... Serenity. Remember, I'll be home soon." And with another feral
smile, he bounded into the gloom once again.

The other Senshi rushed to Sailor Moon's side. Their leader blinked
several times. That exchange hadn't taken more than a minute. "We gotta
use a Planet Attack," Mars said firmly.

"But he'll strike while we're powering up," Venus protested.

"It's the only hope," Mercury said. She was leaning heavily against
Jupiter who had retrieved her.

"No," Sailor Moon said, the others looked at her with mixtures of
astonishment and anger. "We need him alive." Setting her jaw, she glared
at the Senshi until each in turn nodded their acceptance of her order.
"If Chibi-Usa isn't in this building, we'll have to... `question' him."

While the Senshi debated their next move, Tuxedo Kamen had switched to
his Endymion form and was playing a deadly game of cat and mouse with
the other Endymion. Soon though, he was facing himself.

"Let's see what type of skills you've developed," King Endymion said
and, raising his sword, prepared to attack. Prince Endymion did
unsteadily praying to Kami that he could remember soon. With the clash
of ringing steel, the battle was commenced. King Endymion soon proved to
be the better of the two. Beating Prince Endymion back, pressing the
attack, he smiled, "Help me, think Endymion... You were destined to rule
Earth. Why should you allow Serenity to run Crystal Tokyo?"

"Because I love her. Because I would gladly give up my kingdom for her,"
Prince Endymion replied, "I died for her..." He pressed his own attack
halting his retreat. Slashing down his sword, it rang off of Endymion's
armor. King Endymion responded by slashing low. The sword connected and
Prince Endymion fell heavily with a grunt of pain.

"Good night, Endymion," his future self said. He positioned the
broadside of the sword to strike a stunning blow but the cries of female
voices distracted him.

Jupiter snarled softly. Reaching deep within herself, she drew upon her
connection to Jupiter. "SUPER SUPREME THUNDER!!!" she cried launching
her attack towards Endymion. The unexpected surge of power blew her
backwards and she went skidding along the ground.

"Nani?!?" King Endymion demanded turning his attention from his past
self. Prince Endymion took the opportunity and lifting his sword,
slashed diagonally, cutting the calf muscle. Snarling in rage, King
Endymion began to turn when the attack hit. The brilliant white-blue
light washed over him and he screamed in pain. Staggering, he was about
to fall when a golden chain of hearts encircled him.

"Let go, you bitch!" King Endymion snarled out through gritted teeth,
"You'll pay for this!" Jerking the chain, he made a running lunge at
Venus who gave a cry of surprise and dodged and as the chain faded, he
gave her a feral smile.

"BURNING MANDALA!" Mars cried but it was warning enough. King Endymion
skidded to one side only getting partially hit by the attack.

<I must retreat!> Endymion thought, <I'll get the Key and then I'll
handle these bitches.> Staggering, he tried to fade into the gloom but
came face to face with a very enraged looking Sailor Jupiter. Pulling on
his reserve energy, King Endymion tried to swing his sword in an attack
but Jupiter was faster and with an uppercut to the chin sent the target
of her rage spiraling.

Running over, she noticed he was still breathing. Growling in irritation
at her leader's insistence that the bastard live, Jupiter rolled King
Endymion onto his back and firmly grasped his arms. "He's still alive!"
Jupiter muttered darkly and, for enjoyment sake, pressed her knee into
his back. Shifting again, Tuxedo Kamen stood and hobbled to the others.
Venus looked with some concern towards him and, moving over, wrapped a
supporting arm around him.

"I say we kill him slowly," Jupiter said while squeezing Endymion's
neck.

"No, we need to find Chibi-Usa first," Sailor Moon directed.

"I got a location but the signal's very weak," Mercury said she looked
towards Sailor Moon and understood the look. "Find my daughter," it
said, "Find my daughter..."

                                  ******

"No," Sailor Moon cried softly when they finally found Chibi-Usa. The
little girl's body was laying in a heap. Her pajamas were stained with
blood and a small pool of it was collecting where her buttocks touched
the ground. Rushing over, Sailor Moon bent and gently brushed away some
hair. A lump formed in her throat and she gave a little sob as she
noticed the swollen eyes, the bruises on her face and neck. Closing her
eyes, Sailor Moon bent and brushed her lips over Chibi-Usa's cheek. It
felt cool, her breathing shallow and ragged. Occasionally, blood
trickled from her mouth.

"Massive bruising," Mercury reported, "covering an estimated ninety
percent of her body. Multiple fractures and massive internal bleeding."
She lowered her eyes to look towards the ground, "She likely won't make
it."

<But my baby...> Sailor Moon thought, <I have to take that pain away.>
She could feel her eyes filling with tears. <I have to make it all
better.> Standing slowly, she rested her hands on her broach.

"No Sailor Moon," Mars cried, "Don't do it. If you try to save her,
you'll kill yourself!" She looked pleading towards her friend. "Please!"

"I have to save her. She won't make it even if they get her to the
hospital, ne Mercury?" She turned her tearful gaze onto Mercury who
nodded.

"Come here!" Tuxedo Kamen snarled as he tried to lunge towards Endymion
but Venus restrained him. "Why'd you beat her so badly?!? You told me
you were going to take her back!"

Weakly, within a gloomy haze, King Endymion forced a little smile. "That
brat," he croaked out, a fit of coughing interrupted his speech,
"Wouldn't listen to me... never would. Had to show her who was boss." He
smiled, "It's just too bad Serenity hadn't been here to watch."

"I have to risk it," Sailor Moon said, "Mercury, you understand?"
Ignoring the further protests of the Senshi, Sailor Moon summoned the
Ginzuishou from her broach. After shifting into Princess Serenity, she
let the world fade away from her. <Ginzuishou, hear me!> Serenity
thought, <Heal my mesume! Let her live!> As the command was sent, the
Ginzuishou flared to life, pulsing white.

                                  ******

Pain rushed through her mind and she wondered how long the beating would
go on. It was certainly one of the longest ones she had ever received.
<Mommy,> Chibi-Usa called out through the red haze of pain, <Help me
please...> She felt so weak. After awhile though, the roaring onslaught
of pain lessened slightly. <Daddy...> she thought as a soothing warmth
washed over her. <What's goin' on?> Slowly her senses came back; first
was smell. <Somethin's not right.> She wasn't at home being held by
Kenji. She couldn't smell anything that reminded her of the Tsukino
home. What it did bring back was the images of the night, of King
Endymion leaning over her, of the feel of the belt biting into her
flesh.

"Serenity stop!" Tuxedo Kamen pleaded, "If you kill yourself, then
Chibi-Usa will never live! Your parents would have to deal with two
deaths!"

<I don't care!> Serenity thought, <She is my child.>

The next sense to come back was her feeling. The pain was intense but
she felt sticky. <Did I have an accident?> Chibi-Usa thought. It would
certainly explain her father's continued beating. When she had been
younger, one spanking had lasted so long that she had simply been unable
to hold her bowel movement any longer. This had infuriated King
Endymion. <But I don't remember havin' an accident.> She tried to think
but the haze of pain was disorienting.

"Mercury, tell her. Convince her to stop," Venus pleaded, "I don't want
her to die!" She felt tears running down her cheeks. "Please Serenity,
don't leave us. Isn't that enough? Let the doctors look after her."

Sound came next. At first, it was distant and muffled but as the seconds
passed, Chibi-Usa started to pick out words. <Mommy?!?> she questioned.
Someone was calling Serenity. <Are we in the future???> Trying to open
her eyes, she grunted in pain. <Mommy!> she thought, her voice wouldn't
work, <What's Mommy doin'???> She could hear the others yelling.

"Serenity, if you continue this, you're going to die!" Jupiter screamed.

"It's working, but slowly," Mercury said, "Serenity stop. There's a
chance that the hospital can save her." Serenity didn't respond. Her
eyes were staring at something, at a point beyond infinity.

<Mommy's gonna die?!?> Chibi-Usa thought, a rush of intense grief washed
over her. <I don't want Mommy to die!> "Ma-ko..." She tried to move her
mouth but it hurt. "M... Mo-Mommy..." she cried softly, "Stop." <Please
Mommy, hear me.> But the yelling continued. "Mako..." She strained her
body, arching it and trying to yell. Suddenly, the soothing warm stopped
and the pain rushed back.

"Chibi-Usa?!?" Jupiter called, "I thought I heard Chibi-Usa!" Turning
King Endymion over to Mars, she scurried over to the little girl's side
as Serenity did the same thing, "Honey?!?" she questioned, hope and
concern tingeing her voice.

"Mesume!" Serenity declared while kneeling, "Don't worry."

Working through the pain, Chibi-Usa rasped out, "Don't die, Mommy." Each
word seemed to be pulled out, each breath a struggle. "Mako, don't let
Mommy die!" Tears worked their way out of her swollen eyes and ran down
her cheeks.

"I have to save you," Serenity protested, "I have to try." She gently
reached of her daughter's hand and squeezed it. "Please."

"No," Chibi-Usa hissed out, "Please." She wanted to say more, to explain
to her mother why it was important but she couldn't. <I'll be okay,
Mommy; Sobo and Sohu would miss you.> Gathering some of her strength,
she squeezed her mother's hand. The pressure was light, but full of
love.

"No..." Serenity said and shook her head, "I have to make sure she's
safe." She looked towards Jupiter who gave her a pleading look. "I have
to save her."

"You have to listen to her," Jupiter said softly, "Mercury?" She turned
to look towards her friend.

"The emergency response crews are nearly here. Chibi-Usa's major
injuries are healed but she's still weak," Mercury stated.

Serenity closed her eyes. <Oh Mesume...> Her heart wanted to continue,
to take all the pain away. <But what about my parents?> She felt tears
run down her face. Then she felt the little hand give her another
squeeze. <Okay Mesume,> Serenity thought sadly and, giving her daughter
a kiss on the forehead, stood.

With a shudder and little gasp, Chibi-Usa's body relaxed. Serenity
looked worriedly towards the tiny figure but her chest lifted
unsteadily. Moving away was painful. Serenity wanted to comfort her
heart, her daughter, her soul. "There's one thing left to do," Serenity
said. Calling on Ginzuishou once again, she motioned for Jupiter to
bring the semiconscious Endymion over. "Do you have anything to say?"
Serenity asked Endymion in a cold tone.

"Go... go to hell!" Endymion said, a trickle of blood running down his
mouth.

"Endymion, as Princess Serenity and the lawful representative of the
Moon, I confer upon you the following sentence for assaulting the Royal
Family." Focusing her concentration, Serenity intoned, "Your soul shall
spend the rest of eternity reliving every painful, hurtful, and
horrifying moment of this child's life. Your soul is bound to Earth and
you shall never find peace." Directing the Ginzuishou, it flared to life
and, after a moment, Endymion screamed before sagging to the ground.

"Hold on, little one," Serenity whispered lowering herself to gently
kiss Chibi-Usa, "It's all over. He won't hurt you anymore." When the
sirens could be heard, Serenity stood and changing back into Sailor
Moon, started to walk. "Leave the body. They'll think it was her
father... which in a way, it was."

Jupiter allowed Endymion to drop to the ground and with a final kick
turned to follow her princess away. Mars looked towards Mercury who
shook her head and they both followed after Sailor Moon.

"Come on," Venus said to Tuxedo Kamen and they, too, walked into the
darkness leaving that scene to those that would never suspect.
Endymion's body shimmered and his armor was replaced by the suit he had
worn when he had first visited Mamoru.

                                  ******

"I should go home," Sailor Moon said, "Mom and Dad will wonder where I
am." She heard a noise behind her and, turning, saw Tuxedo Kamen look
pale and terrified. "It's over," Sailor Moon said softly, a tear rolling
down her cheek.

"No," Tuxedo Kamen whispered, "No, it's not. We can never know. I'm
sorry, Usako... I know that will never make up for what happened."
Walking over to the edge, he jumped out of sight. That was the last time
Usagi would see Mamoru for some time to come.

<Please be okay, Mamo-chan...> Sailor Moon thought, <I'm sure we can
help you.>

                                  ******

As the doctor entered the waiting room, Kenji and Ikuko rose. Usagi who
was holding onto Maia moved from her place at the window and stood
beside her parents. Her face creased with worry that made her look older
than her fourteen years.

"She hasn't woke up yet. None of her injuries are life threatening but
to be safe, I'm having her set up in our ICU for observation." She ran
her hand through her hair. "If she wakes up tomorrow and appears stable,
we'll move her out of ICU and into the pediatric wing."

"Can we go see her?" Ikuko asked anxiously.

"Hai, in a few minutes. Tsukino-san, your daughter can go with you if
you're with her but I'm afraid your son won't be allowed in." Shingo
didn't look happy about that particular implication but subsided when he
realized that Makoto was going to be kept out as well. She wasn't
immediate family and no amount of pleading was going to get the doctor
to change his mind.

Several minutes later, Kenji and Ikuko stood beside the bed. Ikuko
clasped Chibi-Usa's tiny hand in hers. She softly cried at the sight of
the little girl hooked up to an oxygen mask and IV tubes. Kenji had his
head bowed as he hugged Ikuko close trying to seek comfort. Usagi stood
at the foot of the bed.

"Something's wrong," Usagi said, "Why isn't she waking up?" Her throat
tightened and she sniffled a little. Lowering her eyes, she clenched her
fist together. <I didn't go far enough... I should have kept going!> If
Chibi-Usa didn't make it, she'd be crushed. She felt someone take her
hand and looking up, saw her father looking at her. "Daddy..." said, a
sob shaking her body. She hugged her father tightly, seeking warmth and
reassurance.

"She'll be okay," Kenji said while stroking Usagi's hair, "You heard
what the doctor said. Her body has to wake up at its own pace." He
hugged his daughter and bowing his head again, shed a few tears of his
own. "I'm glad they found her," Kenji whispered softly. Ikuko didn't
answer.

The room fell silent for several minutes except for the machines that
were operating. The doctor didn't know when Chibi-Usa would wake up.
Ikuko lowered her head and gently brushed her lips across Chibi-Usa's
cheek. She paused. Had she heard something?

"Mo... Mommy?" it was so soft; barely audible.

"Honey, I'm here," Ikuko cried gently as she squeezed Chibi-Usa's hand,
"I'm right here." Usagi kept hugging her father but turned her head
towards the bed.

Through the haziness, Chibi-Usa could feel her mother's hand and she
tried to voice how comforting that felt. "L-Love... you..." The words
were dragged out, pain filled and soft. Ikuko smiled with some relief.
"W-Where Onee?" she forced out.

"I'm right here," Usagi said moving to stand beside her mother. She
reached out and took Chibi-Usa's other hand, "I'm right here." She gave
Chibi-Usa a wink and the little girl, through the pain, smiled.

                                  ******

Two days after being in the hospital, she was moved from the ICU unit.
Shortly after that, visitors came in short intervals; Shingo and Mika
stopped by; Chibi-Usa became worried when Shingo hugged her and started
to cry but was reassured that he was just happy to see her. Maia was
relieved. Not only was her best friend healing but also Chibi-Usa wasn't
mad at her. Maia had been having nightmares but with Chibi-Usa getting
better, they lessened. The experience also raised Usagi's standing in
Maia's parents' eyes. They heard from their daughter how good Usagi had
been to her.

Minako dropped by only occasionally. Her time was being split with
trying to track Mamoru down and knitting Chibi-Usa a Christmas gift. Ami
stopped by daily to help Chibi-Usa keep up with her classwork. Makoto
was also a frequent visitor; the brunette would sneak treats into
Chibi-Usa who would share them with the other patients. She also was
becoming a moral support for Usagi who seemed to be waffling
emotionally.

By the end of November, Chibi-Usa was home. That's when the nightmares
started. Pleading her case, she asked if she could sleep in Usagi's
room. Ikuko was, at first, reluctant to let the practice start but
Chibi-Usa said she didn't want to sleep in Usagi's bed, just on the
floor. A compromise was reached, Chibi-Usa's bed was temporarily moved
into Usagi's room so that the little girl would feel a little safer and
sleep better.

One blustery winter day, Usagi was sitting in the living room reading a
magna. Her parents were off somewhere, likely doing some shopping.
Shingo was busily studying for some of his exams with a few of his
friends. This thought produced a snort form Usagi. Hearing feet padded
into the room, she looked up and saw Chibi-Usa enter.

"Hi," Usagi said and smiled, "What'cha got there?" she questioned.

Chibi-Usa was wearing a pair of blue overalls and a red and
white-striped shirt. She grinned mischievously while keeping her hands
behind her back. "Onee-san, are you hungry?" she questioned. Usagi gave
it a little thought then nodded. "Good," Chibi-Usa said and, walking
over, handed Usagi a cookie while producing one for herself.

"Chibi-Usa," Usagi said with mild disapproval, "You know Mom said no
sweets until after supper." She then looked at her cookie, "And you're
bribing me!"

Crawling up on the couch to sit beside Usagi, Chibi-Usa gave her a sad
puppy-dog expression, "Please Onee-san? I'm hungry." She let her odangos
droop slightly, "I thought you'd like a cookie."

"No, gomen," Usagi said and gently took Chibi-Usa's cookie, "You know
what Mom said." Getting up, Usagi headed towards the kitchen, "I'll put
these aside for you and me."

Chibi-Usa crossed her arms and pouted slightly. <Baka Onee... How come
Shingo let me have a cookie?> She started planning her next move when
something caught her eye. Turning her head, she stared. "Onee!!!"
Chibi-Usa cried when she saw a woman step out of the swirling portal.

"Chibi-Usa?!?" Usagi called and ran down the hall. She skidded to a stop
and gaped at the new comer. "Nani?!?" she demanded and reached for her
broach.

"Stay your hand, My Queen," Sailor Pluto said, "I have no reason to harm
you."

"Who are you?" Usagi demanded while carefully circling to place herself
between Chibi-Usa and the stranger. <She's wearing a Sailor fuku.... Is
she one of us? Is she here to avenge Endymion?!?>

"My name is Sailor Pluto," Pluto responded, "Princess Usagi has a Time
Key that she will not need anymore. If she would go and get it."

"How do I know who you are?" Usagi questioned. She was debating what to
do when Chibi-Usa tugged at her arm, "What is it, Imouto?"

"Onee-san, Mommy talked about her," Chibi-Usa said softly and looked
nervously over towards Sailor Pluto, "Daddy didn't like her 'cause she
wouldn't do what he said." She had learned some interesting expressions
when her father had "discussed" Pluto.

"Chibi-Usa, why don't you go get your key," Usagi directed. After the
little girl had slipped upstairs, Usagi turned back to Pluto and said,
"Now I have some questions of my own."

                                  ******

Half an hour later, Usagi was flustered. She had confirmed that Sailor
Pluto didn't intend any harm to Chibi-Usa and was only seeking the Time
Key that Serenity had provided her daughter. As to anything else, Pluto
was infuriatingly evasive and secretive.

"May I have the Key?" Pluto questioned holding out her hand.

Chibi-Usa started to hand the Key over then paused. <I could go back to
the future... I could see Mommy.> She sniffled, <She has to be okay!>
"Could I see Mommy?" Chibi-Usa asked.

"Gomen Princess," Pluto answered softly, "If you come with me to the
future, you can never come back."

<Never?> Chibi-Usa silently questioned, <But I'd miss Daddy...> She
struggled with her heart; she could go into the future, back home. But
that mean giving up Kenji as a father, giving up her friends. Or she
could stay. Turning, she looked towards Usagi for help.

Lifting her daughter, Usagi hugged the little girl and said, "Honey,
it's up to you. I'd miss you an awful lot if you went. You have to
decide though and I'll always love you." <Please don't go...>

Chibi-Usa looked back and forth several times before slowly handing the
key to Sailor Pluto. A tear trickled down from her face and she gave a
little sniffle. Without a word, Pluto stepped back into the timestream
and the portal closed behind her. At the moment, the door opened and
Ikuko and Kenji came in carrying parcels.

"What's wrong?" Ikuko questioned seeing the dejected look on Chibi-Usa's
face.

"Mommy!" Chibi-Usa sniffled out while reaching for Ikuko. Dropping her
parcels, Ikuko took several quick steps and holding out her arms, drew
Chibi-Usa to her and held her close. <Mommy...> Chibi-Usa thought again
feeling the pangs of homesickness. Ikuko was comforting and as Usagi
moved to give both a hug, Chibi-Usa felt warm. At that moment, she
realized something: a mother's hand would always lead her, whether in
the past, the present, or the future.

The End.

Until I get the author's notes out, thanks for reding.
Douglas Helm