Hello, this is my first fanfic so please be kind and forgive any small
mistakes. 
This is a Sailor Moon fanfic, so here are the standard disclaimers.
Here goes : Sailor Moon and associated characters are created by Naoko
Takeuchi and not me. This is just a piece of fiction written by moi for fun
and should be treated as such. 

First, a few background comments about this fic. 
1)	This is a continuation fic that occurs a few months after Sailor Stars
and thus will contain some spoilers from the series and the movies. 
   The inner senshi are all 16, Haruka and Michiru are 19 and are in the
first year of university (this explains why they have so much free time), 
Hotaru is 9 (she was 12 in Sailor Moon S)and Setsuna is, she looks as
though she is in her 20's, and well let's just say she was alive when the
Moon Kingdom fell (it is never a good idea to guess a woman's age when she
is over 100 and has a lot of power - I haven't quite recovered from my last
attempt at guessing Washu's age )
2) The fic is my attempt to explain a few discrepancies that occur in the
R, S, SuperS and Stars seasons.
3) A few elements were taken from the manga. Such as the generals being
Endymion's bodyguards.
4) "� � spoken
<> - spoken in Lunar, the ancient language of the 
     Moon Kingdom** - thoughts
Okay here it goes,

Sailor Moon Sailor Stars: The Movie
Dream's Fiery Death
Prologue 
The Silver Millenium:
      In a dark cell, somewhere in the basement of the Moon Palace, was
Queen Serenity. 
      On her right stood a woman who has short blonde hair with red
streaks. She wore a suit of bright yellow chainmail and the Space Sword
hung from her left hip. A tiara of gold with a topaz graced her forehead.
Her right arm was in a sling, and bandages covered several parts of her
body. 
      On her left was a girl of about 8 years who had black and dark green
hair, wearing a simple white shift with black trimmings, a golden tiara
with a garnet, and a red belt. In her hands, she carried the Time Staff. We
recognise the young girl as a very young Setsuna. 
      The door to the cell was thrown open and a woman limped into the
cell. She wore red robes with a tiara holding a ruby on her head, and on
her beltclasp was engraved the symbol of Mars. She was covered head to toe
with various wounds, burns and cuts and looked and smelled as though she
had just returned from hell.  
      <Your Highness, we have captured him and destroyed his tower and
allies.>, said the woman.
      <The losses, Lady Mars?> asked the Queen.
      Mars hesitated a little, pain showing in her eyes, before replying,
<Venus of the Inner Senshi is dead, as are Jupiter and Neptune of the Outer
Senshi. The awakened Saturn was killed when she used the Death Reborn
Revolution in the battle. As for Mercury, she managed to capture him after
Saturn's attack, but had suffered wounds so grave that she has fallen into
a coma.>
      <WHAT!! But Saturn has the power to shatter continents! And Mercury
could move cities with her power! Damn, if only I hadn't been so badly hurt
after the last fight I could have...> exclaimed the blonde woman.
      <Uranus, control yourself.> commanded Queen Serenity,<And what of
yourself?>
      <I barely managed to survive Saturn's Death Ribbon Revolution with
Mercury's aid, but my power is greatly diminished as a result of my
injuries and I am told that I will never recover completely.>
      <I see.> said Queen Serenity, her face grim. <Bring him in then.>
      <Aye, your highness.> replied Mars who then went to the door and
dragged a man into the cell.
      At the first glance, he looked as though he was in his forties but
his infinite black eyes bespoke a wisdom of thousands of years. The remains
of a black robe,which had once been embroidered with magical runes and
sigils of silver and gold threads, hung loosely around his frame. Silver
white hair fell loosely around his sagging shoulders. He was led by golden
mystical chains which bound his hands and feet.
      Queen Serenity turned to the prisoner. <What do you have to say to
your defense, Magus? You have intrigued against me and called the sorcerei
to revolt, destroyed six of the eight Moonstones. And now you have forced
me to awaken Saturn to deal with you, and slew four of the mighty guardians
responsible for the safety of the 
kingdom, whom I sent to arrest you and put another into a coma. Do you have
anything left to say?> Her voice turned cold as she spoke those last words.
     The man raised his head at this and looked the Queen in the eye and
started wearily, <Over this subject we have spoken before, before the
Council, Serenity, but you did not listen to me then. I implore you one
last time to listen to me. Destroy the Silver Crystal and the 
artifacts that were forged with it. The Holy Grail. The Golden Crystal and
the Moonstones. Disband the Senshi. The Silver Crystal is cursed and thus
the artifacts and the power of the Senshi are as well. Their power is
flawed and dangerous. One day they will cause the destruction of the
kingdom that we built together. The 'Good' that they bring will also bring
Evil. Surely the Senshi Wars have shown you that.>
    <They have only shown that we can conquer any Evil that threatens us,
Magus. Galaxia defeated the Chaos, did she not? Do the people not live in
peace and harmony, safe from Evil? Your worries are unfounded. You create
only undue panic among the people with your allegations. As you have said,
we have already gone over this. The Silver Crystal is fine.> the Queen
stated vehemently.
    <I fear that your wife�s death has hit you hard and has allowed your
sorcery to corrupt you, causing you to blame the Silver Crystal for her
death. It is sorcery's fault that you have fallen prey to this madness.>
Queen Serenity continued evenly.
    <Galaxia's victory was pyrrhic at best. She has only postponed the
inevitable. I assure you, I did not do this out of grief, nor am I under
any mystical influence. I am doing this to prevent our destruction.>, the
Magus retorted angrily. <Must the kingdom first lie in ruins before you
recognize the threat that the Silver Crystal brings?>
    <Then there is nothing left for us to say to each other. Now tell me
where you have hidden the Libram of Magic and I shall be merciful. I will
merely strip you of your powers and exile you.> She brought out the Moon
Wand with the Silver Crystal. <Otherwise I shall be forced to execute you.>
     <Magus please listen to the Queen and..> started Setsuna but was
silenced by a stern glance from Uranus.
     <Little Nightshade, do not worry about me.> the Magus said warmly to
Setsuna. He turned to Queen Serenity and continued sternly <The Libram
belongs to me and mine Serenity. It will be passed to my successor, the
next Magus, after I die. I will not hand it over to you so that you can
corrupt it with the Silver Crystal's power.> 
     <You shall be the last of the sorcerei, Magus, and I shall see to it
that there never be any sorcerei after you. Your actions have shown that
the power of the sorcery is too dangerous to be allowed to continue on. The
teachings of the sorcerei shall never again be taught in the Moon Kingdom
so long as the Silver Millenium exists. As for the Libram, I will find it
and secure it with or without your aid.>, said Queen Serenity and raised
the Moon Wand.
     <You err, Serenity.>, the Magus said suddenly in a voice of thunder.
Straightening, golden flames suddenly flared to life around him and he
shattered the mystical chains binding him. The others in the cell fell
back, shocked at this. Uranus and Mars immediately interposing themselves
between the Magus and the Queen.
     <You shall never find the Libram. Know this Serenity. No matter what
you do, one day, one of my scions shall bring about the destruction of the
Silver Crystal and the cycle of light and darkness that it brings shall be
broken. Humanity will then be freed from the Crystal's influence. As for
myself,> he grinned wearily,< I shall take my own life. Save your strength
to fight the Darkness that the Crystal brings with it. But this I promise
you. Even though now I die, with my last breath and power I speak this
spell to guide my children, the future sorcerei, out of this vicious circle
that is the Silver Crystal's power. For our lore shall continue. Even long
after the Silver Millenium is dead.> 
    He continued regretfully, <The greatest tragedy here is that we both
know that this has come about because we 
are both just trying to do what we think is right. Farewell Serenity.> He
began to chant and the flames around him flared into a nova, forcing those
present to shield their eyes. And then the light faded, leaving only a
burnt circle in the ground, marking where the Magus once stood.
    <He has escaped.> cried Uranus. <Inform the Palace Guard immediately!>
She turned to Mars and accused, <I thought you made sure that he was
properly drained before you brought him here.>
    <Uranus. Stop.> commanded Queen Serenity. <Mars did drain him properly.
She, or rather none of us could have foreseen his use of  the Andromeda's
Sacrifice. He has killed himself to power that last spell of his. Shanna,
are you all right?> She turned to Setsuna and asked.
    <I'm f..f..fine Your Highness.> she replied in a small voice, her face
white and the Time Staff visibly shaking in her hands. 
    <Mars. Go to the healers and rest. I shall come by later to visit you
and Mercury. Bring Pluto with you so that she can recover from her shock.
Uranus, take a detachment of the Palace Guards with you and search the
remains of the Magus's tower for the Libram. He has probably hidden it
elsewhere but one never knows. We shall meet again tomorrow after earthrise
to discuss this. I fear we will have a long day tomorrow to deal with this
situation that the Magus has thrust upon us.> commanded Queen Serenity.
<That is all for now. You may 
leave.>
    <Yes, Your Highness> they answered and left the cell.
    Alone in the cell, Queen Serenity looked at the burnt spot in the
ground and sighed.

    The Senshi Uranus, Mars and Setsuna stepped into the audience chamber
of the Moon Palace, their faces showing varying degrees of surprise as they
noticed that none of the  normal courtiers, attendants and guards were
present. Instead, a teenage Hotaru, wearing a white shift similar to
Setsuna's with violet trimmings instead of black and a tiara with an eight
pointed star, stood before the throne. 
    Queen Serenity stood up from the throne as the three came to a halt
before the throne and bowed to her.
    <I am sure you are asking yourselves why Lady Tiamat, Younger Saturn,
is here and why the court is missing.> Stated the Queen. The three Senshi
merely lowered their heads further at the statement.
    <We are here to discuss the future of the Kingdom, which has suffered a
grievious blow as a result of the Magus's corruption. I have dismissed the
court so that we may talk openly without revealing any weakness to the
people. The deaths and incapacitation of so many Senshi have weakened our
forces considerably. If word of this got out, we may be faced with a
panicked population, thus I want the four of you to vow never to breathe a
word of what is spoken in this room to anyone.> She ordered.
    The four Senshi placed their right hands over their hearts and swore,
<We vow, in thy name Queen Serenity, never to reveal what shall be spoken
in this room to anyone.> 
    <Good,> said Queen Serenity and sat back down on the throne. <First, we
must deal with the sorcerei. Most of them are already dead, as a result of
accidents before the Magus's corruption or killed during the fights, when
the Magus called them to rise up against us to destroy the Silver Crystal.
The sorcerei had revolted against us because their power had corrupted them
and they had spread the lies about the Silver Crystal to justify their bid
for power. Thus, I shall decree that all items containing the lore of the
sorcerei be destroyed and the practice of their arts be forbidden, on the
pain of death.>
    Regarding Mars, she said. <Mars. You may continue to utilize sorcery.
Since such a prohibition would further weaken you, whose powers, which have
been weakened already as a result of your injuries, unnecessarily. Only
you, who had fought faithfully on our side throughout the struggle, may use
sorcery, but your use shall be closely monitored. Furthermore, the lessons
of sorcery for the Younger Senshis of Mars, Venus and Mercury shall be
stopped. They are forbidden to use sorcery, for being as young as they are,
they might fall prey to the corrupting influence of sorcery and I do not
wish that to happen, or that the Magus's last incantation have the chance
to return to haunt us.>
    <If their are any signs of you using sorcery for anything other than
the service to the crown, you SHALL be hunted down and executed.> She
warned.
    <The remaining Magi will face the choice of either forsaking their
sorcery and using only magic, or face death. This decree WILL be enforced.
All of you shall be responsible for the enforcement of this decree.> she
looked over at Saturn. <Saturn, since your powers of destruction are the
greatest, the you shall have a special task in the enforcement of this law.
When we place you in stasis, a special contingency shall be laid upon you,
such that should the sorcerei walk abroad again and threaten the Silver
Crystal, you may awaken from your slumber to aid us in destroying them.>
She smiled weakly. <This would also give you the chance to walk among us
instead of destroying everything.>
    Hearing this, the Uranus, Setsuna and Hotaru nodded in agreement. Mars,
however, looked worried.
    <My Queen,> Mars spoke up. <I would like to voice certain concerns
regarding this.>
    At the Queen's expectant look, she continued. <Your Highness, you have
forbidden the learning and use of sorcery for the Younger Inner Senshi. I
fear this would severely hamper their duties in protecting the Princess.>
    <I do not expect to be able to teach them much further with my
injuries,> admitted Mars, <so their power would become very limited. I fear
that even the Outer Senshi, under Uranus's better teachings, would soon
outstrip them in power. This would leave the Princess vulnerable as well as
create an imbalance of power between the Inner and Outer Senshi.>
    <Perhaps, you can allow them to continue to learn and use sorcery in
service to the crown under supervision?> asked Mars.
    Queen Serenity thought about this for a moment and slowly shook her
head. <I am afraid I cannot allow it. It would be too dangerous. If they
were to fall prey to sorcery's influence they could harm or even kill my
daughter before anyone could stop them.>
    Looking back at Mars, she continued <However, you do raise a valid
point. My daughter would be vulnerable if her guards were too weak. Thus, I
suggest a middle path. They may use whatever sorcery they have learned up
to the present and whatever they manage to learn on their own. They may
not, however, gain access to any learning materials of the sorcerei. And
their use shall be closely monitored. Mars, you shall inform them of the
dangers of sorcery and that they should not use it freely.>
    Turning to Uranus, she said. <Uranus, I want Jupiter transferred to the
Inner Senshi to make up for the loss in power of the Inner Senshi.>
    Uranus grimaced, but did not raise any objections.
    Turning back to the other Senshi, she continued <Next, I would like to
talk about the state of our forces. I have been told that the Senshi
Mercury is not expected to awaken from her coma. The Senshi Venus, Jupiter,
Saturn and Neptune are dead. Mars and Uranus, both of you have been
seriously injured and can no longer properly fulfill your duties.> Hearing
this the two Senshi flushed. Calmly, she continued, <Pluto's duties have,
since her fatal accident, been taken 
over by Younger Pluto, whose knowledge and skills are but a fraction of
that which is required of her and since the Elder Pluto died before being
able to teach her the abilities of chronomancy, it is not expected that she
will ever gain that knowledge.> She looked over at Setsuna who showed how
hurt she was at hearing this. <Thus I see the necessity of promoting all
the Younger Senshi immediately to the status of full Senshis.> Seeing that
the Elder Senshi are about to protest, she raised her hand to forestall any
interruptions.
    <I know they are not ready. However, with most of the Elder Senshi
incapacitated, any enemy would take advantage of our momentary weakness to
attack.  This would show the people that the Senshi are at full strength
and ready to face any threat. You WILL continue to train and oversee them.>
She stressed. <They will, of course, continue to wear the training costumes
until you deem them ready to become Full Senshi when they may choose their
own attire.>
    She then turned to look at Hotaru. Her expression turned sorrowful.
<Yes, Younger Saturn, this means that we must soon send you into stasis to
prevent any accidental release of the Saturn power.> Hotaru merely bows and
did her best to look stoic.    
    She then turned back to the Senshi. <Now, regarding the lies that were
spread in order to galvanise the Magi and their allies to fight us. The
spread of such lies must be stopped. Since only few outside this chamber
know about these lies, it should be easy to halt it. WE MUST see to it that
such lies be curbed. With deadly force if necessary. NO ONE is to repeat
these lies about the Silver Crystal.> She said meaningfully. The Senshi all
nodded their willingness to carry out this duty. 
    <Very well then, that is all for today. Pluto, you are dismissed. Mars
and Uranus, you shall follow me to the Sealing Chamber where I shall give
Younger Saturn her powers and the Silence Glaive. Then we shall seal her
away with the Holy Grail.> 
    Queen Serenity stood and proceeded down the aisle. Mars, Saturn and
Uranus follow as she passes. Setsuna watched as the doors to the chamber
swing open as they approach and they pass through them. Then, slowly, she
too leaves the chamber.

The Present:
    Setsuna suddenly awakened, and bolted upright.
    *Why? After all these years, why do I suddenly dream of this? It has
been so long I had already forgotten about this.* She thought to herself.
She got up and went to the window and looked out into the night sky. In the
sky, the moon is waning. *The Magus. Could it be 
that...? Impossible. Queen Serenity herself said that he is dead. But then
some of the sorcerei might still live.* She turned away from the window and
slowly looked around the room. *Tomorrow. Tomorrow, I must begin my
investigations. If they should be active again...* She immediately
squelched any thought in that direction and returned to bed. She did not
sleep peacefully for the rest of the night. Her dreams haunted by memories
of the Silver Millenium.

    On a hill overlooking Tokyo, a girl stood silently, looking over the
city, where a burning building sent firefighters running around struggling
to control the fire. 
    She wore midnight blue robes with silver lining. On the robes are sewn
runes of gold and silver. Long golden hair that reached the shoulders, blew
loosely in the night wind. On her face, a half mask of gold covered the
upper half of her face and reflected the light from the flames. 
    She then looked up into the night sky and said softly, "It has begun.
>From here onwards there can be no turning back and no regrets." Then
without any warning, she vanished into thin air.


Chapter 1 : 

     *Oowww!* thought Ami as she slowly awoke. She lifted her head slowly
from the open book. Pain slowly leaves her sore neck as she rolled her neck
and massaged it with her hands. *I must have fallen asleep last night
studying. My neck is stiff and hurts.* 
     She noticed the sunlight coming in through the window. A quick glance
at the bedside radio showed that it was already 6:30am.      Looking around
the room, one can not help notice the chaos. All over the large room with
stark walls, books and papers can be seen, lying on the desk, floor, tables
and even bed. The shelves groaned under the weight of reagent bottles,
plant specimens and jars 
containing parts of different animals soaked in preservatives. Different
stones and minerals lay all over the room, some arranged orderly on the
table and shelf, others used haphazardly as paperweights. In one corner of
the room lay a telescope as well as rolls of star charts. On another desk
stood a computer. Next to the computer, diskettes and CDs are stacked so
high they threaten to topple over.
    Ami got up to her feet and stood stock still. Eyes closed and eyebrows
knitted, she began to concentrate. A moment later, she opened her eyes once
more and made her way to the door. Upon opening it, a floating glass of
water meets her and flew slowly into her hand. 
    A sigh of relief is let out as she took the glass into her hand and
emptied the glass. She stepped back from the door, closed it and went to
the closet.
    *I must leave soon if I want to make it on time.* she thought to
herself as she changed. Looking into the closet, one can not help but
notice how bare it is containing only a few fukus and dresses. After
changing, she stuffed some notes and books into a backpack lying next to
the desk, slung it over her shoulders and stepped out into a dark musty
hallway and started walking down the hallway. 
    *I must remember to get something to eat along the way.* she thought to
herself as walked. She brought out her purse out from the bag and checked
her finances. A look of disappointment and worry crossed her features as
she saw the empty state of her purse. She came to a pair of large wooden
doors. One of them groaned open as she put her weight behind it and exited,
pushing the door shut behind her.

    "Waaaaah! I'm late! I'm late! I'm late!" screamed a certain blonde
student with two ponytails as she ran past bewildered students, into the
school compound.
    "Whoo Whoo Whoo I made it" she wheezed.
    "Hello Usagi," cries Minako cheerfully, walking up to her. "I didn't
know you would get to school this early."
    "Minako. What are you talking about? School starts in a few minutes.",
Usagi asked.
    "No, you're early for once. It's another 15 minutes until school
starts."
    "What! But my watch says that it is almost time for school?" Usagi
said, confused.
    "Hahaha. Looks like someone or should I say some cat managed to set
your watch forward and tricked you into getting here early" laughed Minako
smugly. "Really, falling for such a simple trick. You really should learn
to get up early on your own Usagi. You are now a high school student."
    "Aarrgh, why that Luna. When I get my hands on her..." started Usagi
angrily. 
    "You should talk Minako, didn't I just see you running through the
school gates screaming that you were late just a few minutes ago Minako?
Looks like Artemis  played the same trick on you and you fell for it too."
interjected Makoto, as she joined them. 
    Minako turned to look at her sheepishly.
    "I wouldn't lecture others if I were you." Makoto went on. *I just hope
that they don't notice that cats can't turn clock dials. Not even Moon
cats.* she thought guiltily.
    "What Minako!" cried Usagi.
    "Hey I got here before Usagi, didn't I?" protested Minako. 
    "Say where is Ami? Didn't she pick you up Usagi?" asked Makoto.
    "No. What, don't tell me that she isn't here yet. She is usually the
first of us to arrive.", replied Usagi.
    "Actually, yeah. I haven't seen her yet this morning. I thought she
went to pick you up.", said Makoto.
    "Maybe she has already gone to class to start learning for the new
semester." The three girls sighed at the thought of school. "You know Ami.
Always eager for classes.", said Minako.
    "Yeah" admitted Makoto chagrined.
    "So how was your vacation Usagi? My parents brought me to Okinawa and
we..." chirped Minako as the three girls slowly walked into the school
building.

    In another part of the city, the Outer Senshi were facing a growing
crisis, for a person powerful enough to level the city was becoming very,
very angry.
    "No way! There is no way I am going to repeat the 4th grade. I already
went through it once. I no longer need to do so again. So I am NOT, I
repeat NOT, going to repeat it and there is nothing you can do to force
me." fumed Hotaru in her school fuku, throwing a tantrum in 
the dining room.
    "Hotaru", cajoled Michiru, " you ARE 9 years old again. It is only
normal for you to attend the 4th grade.� 
    Seeing Setsuna enter the dining room, she turned to her and said,
"Setsuna, Hotaru refuses to go to school. Help me here will you.�
    Setsuna looked over at Hotaru, seemed to think about it for a moment
and said, "Let her skip school if she wants. Don't force her to go.�
    "Setsuna!� cried Michiru surprised. Turning back to Hotaru, she scolded
"Hotaru, do not listen to Setsuna. You may have been 9 once, but your
memories of your previous life ARE fuzzy and you cannot remember everything
that you learned then, so you need to go back to school. If we don't leave
now, we will miss the bus and you will be late for school.�
    "True, but from what I remember it was hell. So forget it.�
    Michiru continued exasperated, �You have already missed half a year of
school. If you don't go to primary school, people will get suspicious.
Setsuna had already gone to so much trouble changing your records again
after your sudden growth spurt to hide your identity. 
Surely you can help keep up the pretense." she turned to Haruka, who was
leisurely reading the sports section and drinking her coffee at the table,
"Haruka. Help me here to convince her or she will be late. And so will we
if we don't leave soon for lectures."
    "Oh right, lectures. Well, my lectures start in the second period so
I'll be going to classes later. I wanted to take the opportunity to ride my
bike around campus." She turned to Hotaru with an evil glint in her eyes,
"Let her finish her tantrum. If she's late when she's finished, I'll bring
her to school on my bike.�
    Hotaru blinked at Haruka and a glint of panic entered her eyes,
"That'sokayI'malreadygone.NoneedforHarukatobringmetoschool.� she yelled as
she grabbed her schoolbags and quickly dissappeared out the door.
    Michiru stared at the empty spot in the dining room where Hotaru once
stood. "Haruka, tell me you haven't been using the roads for racing
practice AGAIN.� She looked sternly at Haruka, one eyebrow raised. 
    "Errr..I haven't been using the roads for racing practice?� replied
Haruka, trying her best to sound innocent.
    Michiru snorted in disbelief and turned to Setsuna "Setsuna, I cannot
believe that you actually encouraged her not to go to school.� 
    She then noticed the bags under her eyes, "Are you all right? You look
as though you did not sleep well last night.�    "I'm fine. Just had a late
night that's all.� Replied Setsuna, waving a hand in front of her to brush
off the question. 
    "Okay, I must bring Hotaru to school now and then go to classes. Haruka
please clean up after you have finished. Oh Setsuna, before I forget, Ami
called and said that she wanted to talk to you this afternoon.� Said
Michiru as she followed Hotaru out of the house.
    "Hmm...� mused Haruka after Michiru left, "Ami can be really persistent
and thick headed, can't she.�
    Setsuna only gave her a long suffering look and said, "I must go out
today. So give Ami my apologies for not being able to be here. I do not
when I will be back so don't wait for me to start dinner.� She sat down at
the table and poured herself a cup of coffee. She picked 
up a piece of toast and began to eat slowly.
    "Again? You've been saying that everyday for the past week. Are you
using it as an excuse not to meet Ami or are you seeing a boyfriend behind
our backs.� joked Haruka, as she finished her coffee, and was met by a cold
stare. She dropped the smile on her face and continued, "Seriously, what
are you going to do about Ami? You can't avoid her forever you know. Why
don't you just tell her what she wants to know. After all, it's not like
she wants to find out what the future is like or take over your post as
Guardian of the Time Gate or 
something.� 
    "What she wishes to know, I cannot tell. It would be too dangerous.�
replied Setsuna cryptically as she continued to eat. "How are the driving
lessons going?� she asked. �She has spent quite a lot of time here over 
summer. Michiru might get jealous if she finds out how much time you have
been spending with Ami while she was in Europe for her concert tour.�
    "Ami's a good and responsible driver. I'm just looking after one of the
Inners Setsuna. Don't try to change the subject.� Said Haruka.
    "That is all you will get out of me. I will need the car again today.�
Said Setsuna as she finished her breakfast and left the room.
    
    Rriinnggg. The recess bell went off at Juuban High School. Students
began to rush out of their classes to enjoy their lunchbreak, gossip with
their friends and play games.
    "Haalloo. Usagi. Ready for recess?� asked Minako cheerfully, as she
enters Usagi's classroom with Makoto.
    "Sure,� Replied Usagi, bringing out her lunch box.
    "Hello, Minako, Makoto,� said Ami apologetically, "I'm afraid I cannot
join all of you for recess today. I have to go to the teacher's lounge to
see my mentor. We have to discuss a special project for my advanced
courses.� She smiled apologetically back at the three of them.
    "That's okay Ami. We all know how hard you work so that you can become
a doctor.� Said Makoto.
    Ami walked towards the classroom door, watching her friends begin to
eat and talk about their summer vacations. As she hovered around the door,
she looked back at them and a smile appeared on her face as 
she listened to Minako and Makoto try to 'outdo' each other, describing how
many and how handsome the young boys were, that they had managed to date
during the summer. With a heavy heart, she turned away and made her way
slowly to the teacher's lounge. Upon arriving there, she took a deep breath
and entered.
    "Ah, Ami. I hadn't expected to see you in class today. I would have
thought you would be...�said her teacher upon seeing her.
    "Sensei,� Ami interrupted,�is there somewhere we can talk in private?�
    "Of course,� said the teacher, a little surprised. He led her to a
private corner and sat down on a chair and motioned for Ami to do the same.
    "Is there something you want to talk to me about?� inquired the teacher
as Ami took a seat.
    "I know it is a bit late for this, but I would like to know if it was
still possible for me to withdraw from the exchange program.� Ami began.
    "Is something wrong? I thought a student like you would jump at a
chance like this, to spend a semester overseas at an excellent school. It
is an experience that almost every student would jump at.� He asked, a
little puzzled.
    "A.. few problems have turned up at home. I am not sure that I can
still go.� Answered Ami, as she quickly tried to think up an excuse. *That
is at least partially true. I cannot tell him that I have to stay here to
protect the earth from supernatural and paranormal 
threats.*
    "I do not understand. Your mother had already given her written
permission, so there can't be any problems there. You must understand, this
program is only for the best students, not only those who excel
academically but in extracurricular activities as well. A lot of money 
and time are being spent on this. Furthermore, we are already bending a lot
of rules in order to let you to attend this program. As you already know,
this exchange program is normally for second year students. We are making
an exception for you in view of your abilities. It you are just afraid of
going..� He frowned.
    "Oh no, you do not understand. I am very grateful to the school for
giving me this chance but I am afraid that my mother has fallen ill and
might require someone to look after her.� Ami answered quickly. *She would
require a lot of people to look after her.* she thought to herself with a
frown. 
    "Well your mother looked fine when I last saw her last week. Besides,
if I remember correctly, your mother is a doctor. I'm certain that she can
take care of herself better than anyone else. At any rate, I'm afraid it is
too late to back out now. All the preparations have already been made.� He
smiled at Ami.
    "I see. Thank you for your time. Maybe I am just overreacting to my
mother's illness, but I just wanted to know.� Ami smiled back. 
    "Uhm,� her smile disappearing, "I would like to make two more requests.
Is it possible for me to skip the classes for the rest of the day and for
the rest of the week as well?� she inquired hesitantly. "There are a few
things that I have to attend to. And could you please not tell the class
about my leaving, I do not want 
everyone to make a fuss about it.�
    "Of course. To tell the truth, I hadn't expected you to come to class
today. I thought you would be too busy preparing to leave. The school you
are going to starts next week if I remember correctly.� laughed the
teacher. "As for the others, I promise not to tell until you have left. I
know how jealous the others might get.�
    Ami nodded her thanks and leaves the lounge.    *That had not gone
well* a voice spoke in her head.    *I know. It is now imperative that we
speak to Setsuna. I hope that she can help. At least the very least we must
discuss what we have discovered.* Ami thought back. *Now I must give the
others an excuse for leaving classes early today and my absence for the
rest of the week so that they do not become 
suspicious.*

    Setsuna walked up to a short, unremarkable building in a secluded
corner of the university campus. Two storeys high and built from bricks,
the walls were in need of painting and had vines creeping up them. Wooden
boards covered most of the windows and a layer of dirt 
was built up on the few remaining glass windows of the building. 
    On the door, faded letters spelled out Parapsychology Department.   
After pausing a moment to regard the sign, she entered the building.
Inside, the building had fared better. She observed the clean floors and
fully functional lighting with satisfaction. 
    An empty corridor led into the building and then turned to the left
where it ended at a stairway. To her left was a single door marked
Maintenance and on her right, at the far side of the corridor, was an
unmarked door. Turning around the corridor, further doors could 
be seen. 
    Seeing no one around, she began to try the doors one by one. Most of
the rooms were empty labs and a few were locked. Finally, as she came to
the end of the corridor, she heard voices coming from a lab on her right.
    She knocked on the door and then opened it. An old man, with gray hair
and a short mustache and beard, stood at one side in front of a computer.
He was dressed in a white lab coat over a blue shirt with dark pants.
Hooked up to the computer was what looked like a video 
camera without microphones. Standing in front of the camera was a young
girl with short brown hair and violet eyes of around 5 or 6 years and had
electrodes attached to her forehead. She faced a table, on which small
cubes had been placed. Around the room hung charts depicting the regions of
the human brain.
    "Sakiko, you can take a break.� The man told the girl. 
    "Yes, father.� She nodded. She looked at Setsuna with open curiosity as
she began to take off the electrodes. After taking the electrodes off her
head, she walked past Setsuna and left the room.
    "You have a pretty daughter Professor Adams.� began Setsuna.
    "Thank you, my daughter likes to come and play with my equipment when
the opportuniy arises. It also gives me data with which I can do
comparisons.� He said quickly. "May I inquire who you are, Miss..?� he 
enquired.
    "Meiou. Miss Setsuna Meiou.� She said smoothly, smiling politely at
him. She extended her hand, shook his and continued "I apologize for
dropping in so unexpectedly.� He showed her to some chairs and they sat
down. She takes out a card and gave it to him.
    "I am from the Organisation for Research and Cooperation in
Ultra-Science. We are an organisation that sponsors innovative and
promising research into many areas of science and technology. I have been
sent 
here today to take a look at what you do and make a report so that we can
decide whether or not we should sponsor your research.�
    "I see,� he looked at Setsuna with suspicion. "May I know how you have
learned of me? My work is not all that well known, not even among my
colleagues in the field of Parapsychology.� He asked.
    "You are too modest, Professor. As for how we learned of you, Professor
Tomoe had followed your work very closely and had informed us about some of
your work into the field of Parapsychology with the best recommendations.
The Board of Trustees was very impressed by it.� She replied.
    "Ah, Professor Tomoe. I was not aware that he had followed my research.
The last I heard, he had had an accident at the school that he had built
and had lost his memory.� He said as he stroked his beard.
    Her smile faltered a little. "Yes, that was a tragedy. As for why we
are approaching you now, well, I am afraid that we had already received the
recommendation from him quite some time ago, but had not acted on it. I'm
afraid that our organisation is so large that our internal communications
occasionally get crossed. I hope you will not hold that against us. Should
we decide to fund your research, you can expect to receive a sum of 10
million dollars a year with the option of extra funding should you so
require.� She lied smoothly.
    "That sounds very tempting, Miss Meiou. May I know what the catch is? I
am certain that you do not just provide such sums without any hope of some
sort of returns. What if my researchis fruitless?� he asked.
    "Our organisation merely wishes to further the knowledge of Humanity.
Whatever returns that we gain from our investments are purely incidental.
We have a sufficiently large economic base to offset any losses. And as for
fruitless research, we would not hold it againt you, after all, what
advances in science are achieved without some failures? One condition we do
place on our recipients. While they have a free hand in their day to day
activities, they are bound by the decisions of the ethics committee
regarding the subject and manner in which they do their research. We
naturally do not wish that our name be become associated with any form of
Frankenstein's Monster. This would of course require you to submit all of
your findings. If necessary, we could provide you with assistants for your
work. Any breakthroughs would of course be in your name.� She reassured
him.
    "Hmm. That does sound fair.� His tone becoming less suspicious.
    "You could always refuse our funding afterwards if you wish, but please
at least think about it. Now, if you would kindly show me some of the
research you are currently doing, then I can make my report and if the
Board of Trustees decide in your favor, you would be able to concentrate
fully on your work without any worries about money.� She asked politely.
    "Very well, I will give you a short tour of the facilities.� He said,
standing up. "Now if you would follow me.� He strode towards the door.
Setsuna followed him.
    Before they reached the door however, it swung open and a middle aged
woman, with short black hair and about the same height as Setsuna, entered.
She wore a lavender dress with long sleeves that reached past her knees.
    "Professor, Sakiko told me that we have visi...� she started to say,
but her voice died off as she saw Setsuna.
    *Damn.* Setsuna thought. A small frown appearing on her face. *Of all
the people that I run into, I must run into HER. This could seriously
hamper my investigations.*
    "Natsumi,� the Professor said to the newcomer. "May I introduce to 
you..� but was suddenly interrupted by the outburst.
    "YOU! What are YOU doing here? Haven't you already ruined enough of my
life?� screamed Natsumi at Setsuna.
    "I assure you. I am not here to because of you. I am as surprised to
see you here as you me.� She said coolly.
    "Professor, what does SHE want here?� Natsumi looked at the Professor,
pointedly ignoring Setsuna.
    "Err.. well, I see you already know Miss Meiou.� He said awkwardly,
"She says she comes from the Organisation for Research and Cooperation in
Ultra-Science and that they are interested in funding my research. Miss
Meiou, this is my assistant Natsumi. Umm.. is their something I should know
about her?� he asked her, looking quickly back and forth between the two
obviously hostile women.
    "There is nothing that you need to know, Professor.� Setsuna cut in.
"Our quarrel� she looked pointedly at Natsumi, "is of a purely personal
nature and has nothing to do with my work.�
    "She is right, Professor.� Admitted Natsumi grudgingly, "Our quarrel is
private.�
    Her eyes narrowed dangerously. "I had hoped never to see you again
after what you did to me. It has been, what, 14 years since we last met?�
she growled.
    "Yes, I believe it has been 14 years since we last saw each other. I
had truly no idea that we would meet again.� Replied Setsuna, acting
polite. 
    Turning back to the Professor, she asked. "If we could start with the
tour?� she pointed out of the lab.
    "Of course, please follow me.� He said as he guided her out of the lab,
leaving a seething Natsumi behind.

    "Thank you, Professor,� Setsuna said, as she stepped out of the last
laboratory, "for the tour. I will admit that I am impressed by your work. I
assure you that I will do my best to see that you receive funding from us
for your research.� She smiled, "I hope you will forget the ugly incident
just now with your assistant.�
    "That is okay. I do not know what has passed between the two of you,
but I'm sure that it is none of my business.� Replied the Professor.
    "Thank you. If it is okay, I would like to speak to Natsumi in private
before I leave. Some things have to be cleared between us.� Asked Setsuna.
    "Of course. Please come with me.� He motioned for her to follow him. He
led her back to the ground floor, stopped at a door and knocked.
    "Natsumi? It's me.� He called. "Miss Meiou would like to speak to you
before she leaves.� He opened the door a crack and peered in.
    Natsumi looked up from the computer screen and looked past the
Professor at Setsuna. She considered the question for a moment and agreed.
    Setsuna entered the room and closed the door behind her. Silently,
Natsumi pointed to a chair. Setsuna sat down and looked at her. They
remained quiet for a few minutes. Natsumi finally broke the silence.
    "Now that we are alone. Maybe you can tell me what you are REALLY doing
here. � Started Natsumi coldly, her arms crossed in front of her. 
    "Surely you did not come just to inspect the Professor's work. If I
remember correctly, you are very wealthy and have a lot of influence. If
you are here to check up on me, surely your inspection,� she spat out the
last word. "can be done by your cronies.�
    "I told the truth just now, Natsumi, in the lab. I am not here because
of you.� Setsuna responded.
    After a long pause, Natsumi started again. "You have not changed in 14
years. Not in appearance, nor in character. Getting answers from you is
still a pain. If you won't reveal your purpose here, at least reveal to me
the secret of your youthful appearance?�
    "No, I won't reveal anything.� Setsuna replied. "I just wish to assure
you that I do not wish you or the Professor any harm. That you do not have
to worry about my presence here.�
    "That is not enough.� Natsumi placed her hands on the desk in front of
her. "That was what you said the last time we met. And see what happened.
The Professor and I have become good friends. I want to know what you are
really doing here so I can be sure that no harm will come to us.�
    "I did what I thought was necessary then.� She said evenly. She saw
Natsumi's uncompromising stare and looked away. "Very well, I cannot tell
you everything, but considering your past and that I owe you something from
our last encounter, I will say this. I suspect a supernatural threat has
surfaced and I am trying to find traces of it.�
    "A supernatural threat?� asked Natsumi sarcastically.
    Setsuna sighed. "An evil or maybe even many evil sorcerors who wish to
rule the world.� She smiled weakly and looked at Natsumi. "I hope you can
help me in this, seeing that you used to fight such threats as well. Have
you noticed any suspicious activity in the area, particularly strange
behaviour from any of your colleagues lately?� she asked.
    Natsumi looked at Setsuna for a moment before replying flatly, "No, I
have not. Our department is very small, comprising of only a few staff and
some volunteers. If there are any evil sorcerors among them, I would know.�

    "Yes, well, you would know. Thank you for your help anyway.� Setsuna
stood up to leave. As something occurred to her, she turned back and said,
"I will see to it that you receive funding for continued research. That
much I owe you at least. It is probably too late to say this. But I am
sorry for what I had to do.�
    "Get out.� Natsumi answered, anger in her voice. "Get out and leave me
alone. I do not want to ever see you again.�
    Setsuna sighed and said. "If you notice anything, please give me a
call.� She took a card out of her jacket and placed it on the desk. Natsumi
did not make any move to take the card and purposely ignored it. Setsuna
turned and walked out the door.
    
    As she reached the entrance, she saw a familiar figure coming in.
*Damn,* she thought, *this day is only getting worse. Am I going to run
into everyone I do not wish to meet today?* She forced a smile as the
figure entered. 
    "Setsuna!� exclaimed Ami. "What are you doing here? Never mind. I need
to talk to you urgently.� She grabbed Setsuna's arm and led her to an
unused lab. 
    "What are you doing here Ami?� asked Setsuna as Ami closed the door. 
    "I happen to know Professor Adams and I help him sometimes.� Ami
replied. "We have some important things to discuss.�
    *Here we go again. Why did she have to become interested in Temporal
Mechanics?* thought Setsuna.
    "Ami, I cannot tell you anything about temporal mechanics. It would be
disruptive to the time line for you to learn any more about the future.�
Began Setsuna, speaking as though she were talking to a child.
    "Setsuna, this is not just about temporal mechanics.� Replied Ami. Her
tone dead serious, causing Setsuna's smile to slip off her face.
    "I have been doing a lot of thinking and research. I have discovered
some unsettling things.� Ami began. "I fear we have a new enemy whom we
must soon face.� 
    Setsuna frowned at this. *An enemy? Could she know something about the
sorcerei? It would be highly unlikely. That is a secret known to very few.*
    "But first, there is a greater danger that we must deal with. And for
that, I need to know if Chibi-usa's time line still stands. I have reason
to believe that it no longer exists or at the very least, it is no longer
part of our future.� Ami continued.
    "Ami, what are you talking about?� asked Setsuna. "Of course it still
exists. We all saw Chibi-usa return to Crystal Tokyo after defeating
Neherenia. If her time line no longer existed, she would have faded away in
front of us.�
    "I suspect that you, or rather your future self, did not know what she
was doing when she sent Chibi-usa back in time and that as a result, that
time line no longer exists and a temporal paradox has been created.�
Answered Ami gravely.
    "Me? Not know what I was doing with regard to time? Whatever made you
think that? I AM the Guardian of the Time Gate after all. I KNOW the
future.� stated Setsuna calmly. Her years of experience hiding the fear
that suddenly gripped her heart.
    "Setsuna, it is okay to admit that you do not know everything. It is
not your fault. Rather, it is the mistake of your future self. Setsuna, I
am a friend. I would not hate you just because your future self had made a
mistake.� Ami said.
    "I do not know what you are talking about.� Setsuna said, impatience
slipping into her tone.
    "Very well, at least let me explain why I think that Chibi-usa's time
line no longer exists. If I am wrong, then we can go onto another topic and
I will tell you what I have learned of the new enemy.� Ami said evenly.
    "There is no need. You have just said that you do not trust me to be
the Guardian of the Time Gate. I suppose you have already told the others
that?� inquired Setsuna flatly. "Then there is nothing left to say.� She
turned to go, but was suddenly stopped by a hand gripping her arm. She
turned back and saw Ami holding her arm.
    "Ami, let go of my arm.� Setsuna ordered.
    "Setsuna, please listen to me. If what I discovered about the change in
history is true, then we are all in danger of being destroyed by the
temporal paradox. I am leaving on an exchange program at the end of the
week. Once I am overseas, I will no longer be able to help you and time is
short.� Ami pleaded.
    "Very well, I am very busy today, so make it short.� Setsuna said
curtly.
    "Fine.� Ami released her arm and started to explain. 
"When I discovered that Chibi-usa was Usagi and Mamoru's child from the
future, I was surprised. After all, when she first arrived, she did not
know that Usagi and Mamoru were her parents and that they are Sailor Moon
and Tuxedo Mask. How could she not know that and certain other rules
regarding time travel? Especially if you had sent her back in time to get
the Silver Crystal.� Ami asked rhetorically.
    "Setsuna, she had revealed to us the future. Worse, she brought us to
the future and you had allowed it. There, we actually learned and saw
things that we should not know because it would change the future.� Ami
went on.
    "Ami, have you thought about the fact that perhaps the future of
Crystal Tokyo could not be changed and that they saw no harm in revealing
that to you. And that I might not have told Chibi-usa what she needed to
know to keep her here to protect her. And that all that had been part of
history? � Setsuna asked Ami. 
    *Please let her believe that* she thought silently.
    "If that were so, she would never have started to fade away when
Neherenia kidnapped Mamoru.� Ami disagreed, shaking her head. "I think you
did not tell her about Usagi's identity and the dangers of revealing the
future because you yourself did not know.�
    She continued, "Several thing I do know. When we went to the future, we
saw the future Senshi. There were only five Senshi, the Inner Senshi and
you. None of them were in the Super forms, which we now have. If they
really were our future selves, they should have been in their Super forms.
Further, we never saw Haruka, Michiru and Hotaru. In fact, we never saw any
trace of Uranus, Neptune or Saturn or that they ever existed. If we were
not supposed to know of them yet and were not shown them in order to
protect the time stream, then why did you show yourself?�
    "Further, while the future Inner Senshi were busy protecting Crystal
Tokyo, you did not help them. Neither were you there to prevent the Black
Moon from travelling back to the 20th century, instead you stayed at the
Time Gate and communicated with us from there. That did not make any
sense.�
    Before Setsuna could answer, Ami started again. "Lastly, according to
King Endymion, the Earth underwent an Ice Age suddenly, IN ONE DAY,� she
stressed, raising a single finger "from which Princess Serenity freed it in
the 30th century.� 
    "When one thinks about it, it is quite simple. No natural force, or
even artificial one, could possibly turn the world to ice in one day. Even
if the sun were to go out today, it would take days for the world to freeze
over. Therefore, that force must have been magical. Someone must have
frozen the world with magical power. And I suspect that person was Snow
Princess Kaguya.� 
    "Ami, we defeated her, remember?� Setsuna interrupted.
    Ami looked at her and replied. "Yes, we did. That is one of the reasons
why I think that the future has been changed. My hypothesis is this :
Originally, Chibi-usa never travelled back in time. This meant that when
the Death Busters surfaced, the Inner Senshi had not yet received their new
powers and were not powerful enough to fight them. The Outer Senshi fought
them alone.� She paused.
    "Here, I am not certain. But somehow, both sides destroyed the other,
and only you survived. Then, when Snow Princess Kaguya arrived, she froze
the world in ice and without the Outer Senshi, we were not strong enough to
stop her.�
    "Ami,� Setsuna spoke up, "have you considered that the freezing of the
world has not yet occurred. If that is so, then Crystal Tokyo could still
become reality.�
    "You forget something important Setsuna. We had learned of the Black
Moon Family and Wiseman in the future. Can you really imagine Usagi not
trying to do something to prevent the tragedy of the Black Moon Family or
for that matter the freezing of the world? Any of these points might be
weak arguments alone, Setsuna, but together, they are a very strong
argument that the future has been changed.� Ami stopped. 
    Taking a deep breath, she began again. "I do not believe in a fixed
future, Setsuna. Destiny perhaps. But I believe strongly that the future is
what we make of it. I think that you, in sending Chibi-usa back in time,
have changed the future irrevocably.�
    "I do not believe that you truly know what the future holds in store.
Otherwise you would never had been surprised by the fact that Hotaru is
Sailor Saturn, or by Neherenia and Galaxia. I fear that your future self
has created a paradox in time and that this paradox will soon destroy us.
Chibi-usa's fading when Neherenia attacked was only a symptom of what is to
come.� Ami finished. She looked at Setsuna, who was becoming angry at the
accusations.
    "You do not know what kind of sacrifices my duties entail, nor it's
burdens, so do not try to judge me. I do not know where you got this absurd
idea about the paradox, but I will not listen any further to it. If this is
your idea of research, then whatever enemy you have found is probably a
figment of your imagination as well.� Setsuna answered, her tone cold as
ice. She turned to leave, only to find that Ami had once more grabbed her.
    "Setsuna, please.� Ami pleaded. "If left unchecked, this paradox could
very well destroy not just us, but reality itself. I know you do not like
having your abilities questioned. No one does, but this is not the time to
be stubborn.� 
    She paused and continued in a calmer tone. "Our time is very short.
After we have dealt with the temporal paradox, we must still deal with our
new enemy. I do not know many details about her, but I do know that she
exists. Just as I know that the Silver Crystal is cursed somehow and that
you know it as well. It would explain why you and Hotaru sacrificed your
Star Seeds to Galaxia instead of letting Saturn destroy the world. Please
let me help you deal with it. As I said, I must leave Tokyo soon. Tell me
how I can help while I still can.�
    Setsuna stiffened as Ami talked about the silver Crystal's curse. Her
face turned white and expressionless as she looked at Ami. Suddenly, her
face became twisted with rage. She raised her hand and slapped Ami so hard
that she fell to the ground. Setsuna knealed down over Ami and held her by
the neck.
    "NEVER. NEVER. Say such a thing again.� She hissed dangerously. "If you
ever repeat what you have said again, I. Will. Kill. You. I suggest that
you leave Tokyo for your program� She spat, "and never return.�
    Saying so, she got up and stormed off.
    Shocked, Ami lay on the floor and stared at the door. After a few
moments, she started to get up.
    A voice startled her. "Ami, are you all right?� asked Natsumi, standing
at the doorway. 
    "I am alright.� She answered, a hand coming up quickly to cover her
cheek, where Setsuna had slapped her. 
    Not quick enough as it turned out. Natsumi saw the mark and gasped. "My
god, what did she do? Did she hit you?� she asked, full of concern. 
    She went up to Ami immediately. She removed the hand from the cheek and
took a closer look. "Does it hurt?� she asked.
    Ami shook her head. "No, not at all. I was just surprised by it. That
is all.�
    "What on earth did you say to her?� she asked incredulously, "I have
never seen her get angry before.�
    "You know Setsuna, Natsumi?� Ami asked.
    "Yes, she was the one responsible for..� she trailed off as something
occurred to her.
    "You know Setsuna as well?� she asked Ami.
    "Yes, I do.� Ami nodded. She looked questioningly at Natsumi. "How do
you know her, Natsumi?� Ami asked.
    Natsumi looked at Ami oddly for a moment. Then she became very serious.
    "The mark will fade soon, fortunately.� Natsumi said as she helped Ami
to stand up. "Come with me to my office. We must have a long talk.� She
brought Ami to her office and closed the door behind them.

    Later, Ami walked slowly out of the building. Her mind in a whirl from
what she had just learned. 
    *So, what are you going to do now* the voice spoke once again.
    *We do it the way you advised. Ariel will force her to talk where I
failed.* Ami thought back. The calmness of her tone hiding the fury of the
storm in her heart.
    *... Something tells me that I would not want to be in Pluto's shoes
right now* chuckled the voice as it became silent once more.

    Haruka was in a good mood as she parked her motorcycle on the driveway.
She took off her helmet and started to whistle as she walked up to the
house. 
    Then she noticed that Michiru and Hotaru were hiding in the bushes next
to house. They motioned discreetly for her to join them.
    Immediately, she became alert and looked around for danger. She quietly
creeped up to them. As she came closer to the house, could hear the sounds
of objects being thrown against the walls. 
    "What is going on?� she whispered to Michiru as she came up to them.
"Is there a monster in the house? Let's transform and destroy it.� She took
out her transformation wand and prepared to transform.
    Michiru quickly stopped her. "No, it isn't a monster.� She whispered
back.
    "It's worse than a monster, Haruka.� Hotaru joined in. "It's Setsuna.�
She looked back at the house and cringed as the sounds of glassware being
smashed was heard.
    "Err.. Setsuna?� Haruka asked in surprise. "Setsuna is the one in the
house? The Setsuna who makes robots appear emotional?�
    "Haruka. You did not see Setsuna when she came home today. She was
furious. She stormed into the house and looked as though she could kill
someone. She just went into her lab and started to break things.� Michiru
explained.
    "Yeah,� Hotaru added. "She was really scary.�
    "But Setsuna never loses her temper. Michiru, we've known her for so
long and we've never seen her get angry before.� Haruka protested. 
    "I know Haruka, that's what makes it even scarier.�
    "Are you sure it's Setsuna and not some illusion or doppelganger?� 
    "Yes, I used my mirror. It IS her.� Michiru showed her the Deep Sea
Mirror. "I have no idea what could have made her so angry and I REALLY
don't want to find out. Anyway, after we determined that it really was her,
we became scared. Hotaru and I crept out here to wait for her to calm down.
We don't want to be in her way when she's angry.� Michiru admitted. Hotaru
just nodded her head in agreement. 
    Haruka cocked her ear. "I don't hear anything. Do you think it's safe
to go back in?�
    "Why don't you come in and find out.� Setsuna's voice suddenly came
from behind them.
    All three of them fell down as they whirled around in surprise. The
first to recover, Haruka stood up and looked at Setsuna. She noticed the
angry expression on her face and the smoldering eyes.
    "Ahh.. Setsuna. I thought you weren't coming home so early.� Haruka
said hesitantly as she realized that Setsuna was really in a foul mood. 
    *I would rather face Galaxia again than face an angry Setsuna.* she
sweated under Setsuna's glare.
    "It is safe for all of you to come in now.� Setsuna told them. "I just
had a bad day. That's all. You do not have to worry about me. Come in.�
    Haruka, Michiru and Hotaru merely looked at one another and shrugged.
Not knowing what to do, but not wanting to anger her any further. Setsuna
started to go into the house. She noticed that the others were not coming
and turned back.
    "Well?� she asked from the door. "Aren't you coming?� The question was
more an order.
    "Yes Setsuna.� Chorused the three immediately and entered the house.

    As dinner was to be served, the atmosphere was tense. Setsuna had not
yet come out of her lab, where she had disappeared to after they came back
in. No further sounds of things breaking had been heard from it. Only an
eerie silence that seemed to suffocate all noise. 
    In the dining room, Hotaru was helping Haruka set the table while
Michiru cooked in the kitchen. Every once in a while, one of them would
throw a brief glance at the door to the lab. None of them dared to talk
about Setsuna's outburst in the afternoon. Finally, not being able to
endure the silence any further, Haruka spoke up.
    "So, how was your first day of school today Hotaru?� she asked, in an
attempt to make small talk as they finished.
    "Huh?� Hotaru started at Haruka's question.
    "You know, school. The place where you didn't want to go to this
morning? How was it? Make any new friends?�
    "Oh. It was horrible. The stuff they teach is so simple I nearly fell
asleep in class. The teachers were so nosy and kept asking me questions
about my life. The children there were so childish. They actually still
play pranks on each other. I didn't make any friends at all.� She said
automatically.
    From the kitchen, Michiru heard this. Noting the half-hearted tone
being used, she decided to join in the conversation. She entered the dining
room, carrying a dish. As she set it upon the table, she faced Hotaru.
    "Really? When you came home from school this afternoon, I could have
sworn you were practically dancing in joy.�
    Hotaru blinked at her and quickly responded.
    "I was just happy to get out of school. That's all.�
    Haruka looked from Hotaru to Michiru. Meeting her gaze, she smiled as
they saw through the obvious lie.
    "I see. And you're not just saying this because of the fuss that you
made this morning about how terrible school is?� teased Haruka.
    "No, I'm not.� Hotaru avoided their eyes.
    "You know Haruka. If she really had such a bad time in school. Maybe we
should consider taking her out of school and engaging a private tutor.�
Michiru winked at Haruka secretly, out of Hotaru's line of sight.
    "Oh no!� Hotaru waved her hands in front of her. "Setsuna went to so
much trouble so that I could go to school. I wouldn't want to make all that
work go to waste. Besides, I am a Sailor senshi and a little thing like
school can't stop me.�
    "Ah.� Haruka smiled knowingly at Hotaru. "and you really didn't enjoy
your day in school?�
    Realizing that her act has been exposed, Hotaru looked down at the
floor and mumbled.
    "Okay, so maybe I had a good time in school.�
    "Haruka, did she say something?� Michiru looked at Haruka.
    "Okay, I admit it. I had a good time in school today. The teachers were
nice and I made a lot of new friends. Happy?� Hotaru shouted.
    "It is good to know that at least one person had a good day today.�
Setsuna said from the doorway as she entered the dining room.
    The three of them turned in surprise. 
    "Setsuna..� Michiru started to say, but was cut off by a wave from
Setsuna.
    "I would like to apologize for my behaviour this afternoon. I have had
a very bad day.� Said Setsuna as she sat down at the head of the table. 
    "That's okay, Setsuna. We all have bad days once in a while.� Michiru
replied, as she too sat down at the table on Setsuna's left. She did not
quite believe Setsuna's explanation, but trusted her enough to not probe
any further. 
    Setsuna shot her a grateful look for not asking too many questions.
Then, Haruka and Hotaru also sat down. Haruka on Setsuna's right, across
from Michiru and Hotaru sat next to Michiru.
    "Setsuna, just remember that we are like a family. If you have any
problems, just say it and we will gladly help.� Haruka reminded her.
Setsuna just nodded her thanks at the offer.
    She then looked at Hotaru. 
    "So, Hotaru. From what I heard, you had a very good day today.� Hotaru
nodded happily at this. "Make any special male friends?� she inquired.
    Hotaru was at first speechless. Then she started to sink in her chair
as far as she could. Haruka, Michiru and Setsuna were a little pleasantly
surprised by this reaction. Noting the color of her cheeks, Setsuna called
out again.
    "Hotaru?�
    "Oh, stop teasing me.� Cried Hotaru indignantly.
    They all laughed at her and started to eat. They began to chat about
the first day back in school after the holidays. How their classes were
this semester and what changes there were. The incident that afternoon was
all but forgotten. Yet deep in their hearts, they knew that something was
wrong.

    After the dinner was finished, Haruka and Michiru started to clear up
the dishes. Unexpectedly, Setsuna stood up and told them to stop.
    "Let me do the dishes tonight. As my apology for my behaviour this
afternoon. You two go into the living room with Hotaru.�
    "Thanks Setsuna.� Haruka said gratefully and disappeared into the
living room with Hotaru. As they went, one could hear Haruka asking Hotaru.
    "Before you start to watch television, Hotaru. Have you already done
your homework?�
    The response from Hotaru was only a groan.
    Back in the dining room, Michiru turned to Setsuna. 
    "Setsuna, Haruka's offer of help was serious. If you need any help,
feel free to ask.�
    Setsuna looked back at her and smiled. 
    "I know. However, this matter is VERY personal. Bringing the three of
you into this would only complicate matters. I can deal with this on my
own. If I need any help, rest assured that you will be the first to know.
Now why don't you join Haruka and Hotaru in the living room. I'm sure
Hotaru could use some help with her homework.� Saying so, she began to
clear the table.
    Michiru acknowledged her response and left her to the dishes. Setsuna
watched her go and for the first time in her life, felt the weight of the
years on her shoulders. Even though she was surrounded by good friends, her
vows prevented her from asking for help. She wondered if the secrets that
she had kept for so long now threatened the lives of those she had come to
love.

    As she finished the dishes, the phone rang.
    "I'll get it.� Cried Hotaru. She quickly got up from her books and
rushed to the phone in the entrance hall before anyone could stop her, glad
for an excuse to get away from her books.
    "Hello, Hotaru Tomoe speaking.�
    "Good evening, may I speak to Miss Setsuna Meiou please.� A soft female
voice spoke through the phone.
    "Okay.� Taking the receiver from her ear and covering the mouthpiece,
she shouted in the direction of the kitchen. "Setsuna! Telephone!�
    Setsuna came out of the kitchen, wiping her hands with a cloth. "Who is
it, Hotaru?� she asked.
    Hotaru shrugged. "I don't know. A woman.�
    *An unknown woman? Could it be Natsumi? Could she have found something*
Setsuna wondered, hope rising in her heart. She took the receiver from
Hotaru and watched her go back into the living room.
    "Hello? Setsuna speaking.�
    <Good evening, Setsuna Meiou or should I say Shanna Mystere?> Setsuna's
heart skipped a beat as she heard the voice speak the ancient tongue of the
Moon Kingdom and call her by a name that she had never heard since its
fall.
    "Who is this?� she asked urgently, dropping her tone. She looked into
the living room to make sure no one was paying attention to the call.
    <Have you already forgotten your mother tongue?> the voice mocked her
softly. <I am someone who wishes to speak to you. Alone. About the danger
you must soon face.> she emphasized.
    Slowly and unsurely, Setsuna replied in a language she had not spoken
for centuries. <Danger? What are you talking about? Who are you?>
    *Is she talking about the sorcerei?* Setsuna wondered.
    <I speak of a danger that you are already aware of, Acolyte.> Setsuna
winced at the use of her title. <As for who I am. You will find out when we
meet in person. I will meet you at the moongate south of the city. At
moonrise.> the voice returned.
    <I know the place. I will see you there.> Setsuna decided.
    <Good> the voice said and put down the phone.
    Setsuna looked at the receiver for a minute, trepidation and excitement
both filled her heart, and then put it down. 
    *Who was that? The voice was familiar.* she asked herself. *Someone
from the Moon Kingdom and from the court too, since she knows of my rank as
acolyte. She must know of the sorcerei. Could it be that Queen Serenity had
made precautions against the sorcerei that she did not tell me? If so, then
my job would be a lot easier. I have to see her.*
    "Setsuna?� Michiru came up to her. "Who was on the phone?�
    "Someone from my past, Michiru. She wanted to talk to me. I have to go
and meet her tonight. It might become very late. Please don't wait up.� She
said as they headed into the living room.
    "Oh? By the way, have you already spoken with Ami?� asked Haruka as
they entered the living room.
    "Yes. We have talked.� Her rising spirits dampened. Setsuna fought down
a wave of anger at that name. "Haruka, hand me the newspaper will you?� she
asked.
    "Sure� Haruka took the newspaper from the coffee table and gave it to
Setsuna.
    "Thank you.� She took the newspaper and headed back to her lab. 
    *Moonrise. I haven't followed the time for moonrise for years.* she
thought to herself as she entered her lab. *Ah good.* she thought as she
read the newspaper, *I still have some time to get there.*

    On a promontory south of Tokyo stood a natural stone arch. Looking
through the stone arch, the sea could be seen to the east, where it met the
end of the  outcropping. Through the arch, the moon could be seen clearly.
It was just about to make it's way clear from the sea.
    To the north and south, the promontory dropped to the beach. Around the
arch, on the promontory, was flat ground covered with grass. Towards the
mainland in the west, a forest could be seen, a few hundred meters away. 
    *I seem to be the first to arrive.* thought Setsuna as she walked up to
the arch. She saw no place to hide on the outcrop, except for the arch.
There, no sign of life stirred. 
    Through the arch, the rising moon could be seen. A thin crescent that
has almost broken free of the sea.
    Stepping up to one side of the arch, Setsuna turned to face the
mainland and prepared to wait for her mystery caller. 
    <Good. You have come alone. Setsuna.>  a voice spoke to her left. 
    Setsuna whirled to face the speaker, wondering how she had managed to
sneak up on her. When she saw the speaker, her spirits sank and fear
gripped her heart.
    The speaker was a blonde girl. Standing shorter than her, she stood
calmly next to the arch. Her golden half mask hid her face, showing only
her blue eyes.
    *A sorceress* Setsuna gazed upon her midnight blue garment. *Robes
adorned with runes. The traditional garb of the sorcerei. This is a trap.*
    <Who are you? How did you find me?> she asked the sorceress evenly.
Inwardly, she cursed herself for her carelessness. She slowly reached for
her transformation wand in her pocket. Her eyes roamed around the arch,
searching for other sorcerors and looking for ways to escape. 
    <My name is Ariel. I think that should answer most of your questions.
We know each other after all.>
    *Damn. The name is oddly familiar, but after all these years, my memory
of that time has become very vague. Can't let her know that. I am at a
disadvantage as it is.* thought Setsuna.
    <I am surprised that you have survived until now, Ariel. I thought that
we had managed to kill all of you sorcerei back then.> Setsuna bluffed.
    Hearing this, Ariel was surprised. <A sorceress? Is that who you think
I am? Your memories of the Silver Millenium must be very bad if you believe
that I am just a sorceress.>
    Realizing that she was losing control of the conversation, Setsuna
asked brusquely.
    <What do you want from me? I'm sure if you wanted to just kill me you
would not have called me out here.>
    <I wish to just talk. About the Silver Crystal, the dangers of it's use
and the new enemy that it has brought forth. And about the temporal paradox
that your future self has inadvertently created.> was the answer.
    Setsuna's eyes suddenly narrowed. <You. You are the one responsible for
Ami's sudden doubts about me and my abilities. And her claims that we face
a temporal paradox. You have poisoned her mind with lies about the Silver
Crystal being cursed.> she accused.
    <They are not lies, Shanna. They are the truth even if you choose not
to believe it.> the sorceress replied.
    She saw Setsuna's hand reaching for her pocket. <I do not wish to fight
you unless you force me to.> she reassured.
    <Are we alone?> Setsuna asked. Her hand was now in the pocket, gripping
her transformation wand. She knew that her foe recognized what she was
doing, but she made no move to relinquish her wand. She merely waited for
her chance to surprise her and transform.
    <Yes.> she replied softly. Setsuna, however, did not believe her.
    <You said you wanted to talk about the Silver Crystal and a temporal
paradox. Then talk. Speak your mind.>
    Ariel nodded her agreement and continued. <You have already heard about
the paradox. I want you to think about it so that you realize that it is
true. We must work together so that it can be resolved, lest it destroy
reality itself. As for the Silver Crystal, I want to know what you know
about it.  It's curse, so that we may better fight the new enemy that it
has brought forth, and how you intend to destroy it.>
    Setsuna's eyes widened at that question.
    <I have no idea what you are talking about. There is no paradox and I
have no intention of destroying the Silver Crystal. I am one of the
Protectors of the Moon Kingdom after all. As for the curse. There is no
curse. Just the lies that you sorcerei thought up. And as far as I know,
you are the only new enemy that has surfaced.> she said stiffly, her voice
calm.
    <I see. Then I must force you to tell me what you know and to deal with
the paradox. Very well, I hereby challenge you to a duel then. The War of
the Worlds. If you lose, you must answer all of my questions. No omissions
and no evasions. And I want you to help resolve the temporal paradox.>
Ariel said a little eagerly.
    Setsuna wracked her head for the details of this duel. She tried to
think of some advantage that she could obtain from it and hoped she had not
forgotten anything important. Finally, she countered.
    <Very well, and if you lose, you must leave Japan forever. Further, no
matter the outcome, you may never harm Princess Serenity and I get to leave
unmolested.> Setsuna brought out her transformation wand.
    *I can rescue Ami from their control later. Usagi's safety comes
first.* she thought to herself.
    <Agreed.> Ariel nodded.
    <Agreed.> Setsuna replied, thinking that she had gained the upper hand.
    From under her robes, Ariel brought out an object and held it aloft for
Setsuna to see.
    Setsuna stared in shock at the object shown. A few crucial details
coming finally to mind. With sickening certainty, she realized who it was,
the person with whom she will duel.
    <That reminds me, I must ask you a few questions regarding your actions
through all these years.> Ariel said coolly as she stepped up to the
moongate and vanished through it.
    *This is going to hurt.* were Setsuna's last thoughts before she
followed Ariel through the gate.

**No, I am not writing the fight scene. As an inexperienced writer, I am
using the omission to build suspense and to leave it out. If you want an
idea of the fight, just imagine a short, brutal, one-sided fight.

    Michiru was sitting on the couch, reading a book, as a smiling Haruka
came down the stairs. She looked up from her book and asked.
    "Is she asleep?�
    "Yeah, for someone whom we practically had to drag to school this
morning. She sure is eager to see the next day of school.� Haruka laughed.
    "She no longer has Mistress Nine in her body. And her body is no longer
as weak as it was in her last incarnation. Of course she would have more
fun in school.� Michiru smiled back.
    "Well, I certainly don't ever remember being THAT excited to go to
school. Fun or not.� Haruka confessed and sat down next to Michiru.
    "Considering her previous experience, can you blame her for thinking
that school is now a great place to be?�
    "I guess I can't.�
    Michiru closed her book and set it on the coffee table. She turned to
face Haruka with a worried expression on her face.
    "Actually, I'm glad that Hotaru had such a good time. It means we have
one less problem to deal with.�
    "You mean Setsuna.� Haruka also looked a little worried. "I know what
you mean. She is normally so aloof and detached. It was very strange and
frightening to see her angry this afternoon.�
    Michiru nodded. "Something seems to be bothering her. Remember her
reaction this morning? The normal Setsuna we know would never allow Hotaru
to skip school.� 
    Haruka leaned back onto the couch. "She has been acting oddly since
this morning.� She acknowledged.
    "Not just since this morning Haruka.� Michiru smiled a little
resignedly. "She has been acting weird ever since Galaxia appeared.
Sometimes you are so unobservant.�
    Haruka sat up again and looked at Michiru. "Since Galaxia? Are you
sure? I didn't notice anything wrong with her back then.�
    "Yes, since Galaxia. She has been a lot more emotional since then. She
was practically overprotective of Usagi back then.�
    Haruka considered her words. "Unfortunately, we can't do anything about
it. She acts so mysterious and cool all the time. Even to us who have known
her for so long. She almost never tells us anything except for a few
tidbits about her life.�
    "I hope she will confide in us more this time. That outburst of hers is
just a symptom of a deeper ailment. As her friends, we must do something.�
    A gentle rapping on the door interrupted their conversation. They
looked at each other in confusion. 
    "Who could it be? Setsuna has the keys and we live in a remote place.�
Asked Haruka as she stood up and went the door followed by Michiru.
    Upon opening the door, they saw the silhouette of a blonde girl in blue
clothing, as she walked away, down the road leading to the house. As they
watched, she faded away into nothingness. They exchanged looks of
incredulity.
    "Oh my god. Haruka!� cried Michiru as she noticed the person lying in
front of the doorstep. She kneeled down quickly to inspect Setsuna's
wounds.
    Seeing the same thing, Haruka went down to her side, noting the Time
Staff lying next to Setsuna.
    "Help me bring her in, Haruka.� Michiru told her, satisfied that the
wounds were not too serious. 
    She started to lift Setsuna's legs while Haruka put her arms under
Setsuna's and lifted her body. The Time Staff, they lay across the
semi-conscious Setsuna as they carried her in. They brought Setsuna into
the living room and set her down on the couch. The Time Staff was leaned
against the wall.
    "Damn. Who could have done this?� Haruka asked as Michiru bent down
next to Setsuna to take stock of the injuries.
    Setsuna's hands showed signs of electrical burns and her skin was cold
and wet. She showed signs of immersion and her lower right leg had first
degree burns. Her body had three round contusions, placed close together,
caused by something about the size of a tennis ball. 
    As Setsuna started to awaken from her semi-conscious state, she heard
Haruka and Michiru's voices.
    "I'll go wake Hotaru.� Haruka said to Michiru and started to leave.
    "Noo..� groaned Setsuna weakly.
    Michiru looked back down at Setsuna and Haruka came immediately back to
her side.
    "Setsuna. Are you allright?� asked a concerned Michiru.
    Setsuna struggled to sit up. Seeing this, Michiru helped her. She
supported Setsuna as she faced Haruka.
    "Don't..get..Hotaru.� Setsuna said weakly. "She.. must not.. know about
this.� Her breaths were labored as she spoke.
    "Setsuna, who did this to you?� asked Haruka.
    "I.. will explain.. everything tomorrow.� Setsuna wheezed. "Just.. get
me to bed.. . I will be fine.�
    Haruka looked at Michiru for guidance. Michiru just nodded her head and
helped lift Setsuna to her feet. Haruka helped her as soon as they stood
up. They carried her upstairs to her room and laid her on her bed. Setsuna
fell asleep almost immediately, her breathing becoming easier. Haruka and
Michiru quietly went to the door. They took a last look at her before they
left, exchanged a look with concern written all over their faces and closed
the door.

********************************************************

Okay, that's all for now. Whew! Just the prologue and part 1. How did I end
up writing so long? (Okay, not very long for some of you out there, but for
a first fic, I feel that this is very long)
Now I started to write this fanfic to explain what I feel are grave errors
in the plot of the series.

1) Why didn't Chibiusa know the history of Sailor Moon in SMR?
2) How could all that time traveling in SMR take place and not affect the
timeline?
3) How could the Silver Crystal be used at full power without the user
dying?
4) Why do all of the enemies and allies of the Senshi know more about the
Silver Millenium than they do? 
5) Why do the Senshi always turn up at the right time to stop their enemies
even though no active work is done? For the Outers this may be believable,
they go on patrol and have some psychic ability that warns them, but for
the Inners, especially Moon, this is ridiculous. 

C & C are welcome. Flames will be extinguished with the Mercury Aqua
Rhapsody. My email is st002153@hrz1.hrz.tu-darmstadt.de 
Thanks to my prereader Jurai Knight.
If any of you feel like helping, please, you are welcome. I am always
looking for dumb, gullible suc.. errm what I meant to say was intelligent,
talented co-writers to help me. I am trying to write a fic to finally give
SM a final ending.

The new writer on the block
Stardragon