Chapter One: Chibiusa’s Confusion

The pink haired girl lay on her bed staring up at the ceiling; she couldn’t figure out why all of a sudden there were so many Soldiers. While, she didn’t mind the extra help, she still had her concerns. She couldn’t deal with twelve guardians, plus Diana, and the other Scouts. She was certain they’d never give up protecting the entire Royal Family. Chibiusa’s head began to spin as she thought about all the chaos that could come of this.

There was a soft knock on Chibiusa’s door, which led her to believe it was Ceres. She called for her to come in. The tall ten-year-old came into Chibiusa’s room, shutting the door behind her, she walked over to Chibiusa and took a seat on the edge of the bed. Her eyes were distant and hesitant. Chibiusa propped herself up on her arm.

“Is everything okay?” Chibiusa asked.

Ceres nodded, but Chibiusa could tell she was lying, “I’m just wondering if this is all a good idea.”

Chibiusa collapsed into her pillow, “I was wondering the same thing as well. Twenty guardians is too many.”

Ceres laughed, “Well, yes, it is, but… There’s your siblings too.”

Chibiusa sat up completely, “They’re only four. What good will they be in battle?”

Ceres shrugged, “That’s not really what I’m here for, though. I wanted to know-” Ceres paused, as she struggled to find the words for her question. She bit the bottom of her lip, “Taylor’s ten as well, what if she sees me as an opposing threat? What if she thinks I’m going to try and take over her mother?”

Chibiusa looked at the girl concerned, “I don’t really know Taylor that well, but I have a feeling she’s not like that. She’ll understand. Is that what you’re worried about?”

Ceres nodded, “It’s just going to be weird living with them, ya know?”

Chibiusa nodded in agreement, “I wish there was another way, but my mom’s right, you need parental guidance and love.”

Ceres quickly agreed, and then stood up, “Well, I’m going to head down to the library a bit. I’ll see you later.”

Chibiusa nodded and watched as the girl quickly disappeared. Sighing, Chibiusa gathered herself up and went to her desk. “Pegasus. Helios, please, someone.” She spoke into a crystal orb. Helios appeared rather quickly.

“Yes, Princess?”

“Oh, Helios, I miss you so much. When will you be able to visit?” Chibiusa asked.

“Soon, my lady,” Helios said, with a smile. “Now what else is bothering you? Your dream world has been havocking a sense of discomfort and worry.”

Chibiusa nodded, “It’s Ceres, I’m concerned about her. Anytime I mention the word love she freezes up and runs out. I think she’s worried about what Minako’s family will think of her. After all, we haven’t seen much of Minako in the past ten or eleven years. Minako isn’t the same person my mother knew.”

Helios understood completely what Chibiusa was saying, “You’re quite thoughtful, just continue being her friend and let the adults know that she’ll be needing a lot of reassurance. How are the other three doing?”

“Jun keeps to herself a lot. She observes more than anything. Pallas, well, she’s Pallas. Skylar can’t stand her sometimes, but I think they’ll be okay. Skylar’s never had someone older than her living at her place.” Chibiusa explained. She gave a gusty sigh, “Ves… Well, her and Rei are going round and round to say the least. They both have the same temperament.”

“Ves, is probably more scared than anything else. She more than likely is acting that way out of fear than anything else.” Helios explained.

Chibiusa was quiet for a few seconds, before she said she needed to go. She kissed the crystal orb and went out of her room. She bumped into her little sister on the way. Hailey grabbed a hold of Chibiusa, in attempt to stop her. Chibiusa continued walking, but Hailey stayed attached to Chibiusa’s leg. Finally, the pink haired girl turned around to push Hailey off her when she realized there was something wrong with Hailey. Her eyes were glazed over and looked blackened.

“Hailey?” Chibiusa asked in return.

“No,” the girl replied. Chibiusa froze, that wasn’t Hailey’s voice. Where had her sister gone? “Do not fear, Princess of the Crystal Palace. I mean no harm, I have come to give you something.” She held out her hands, as dust-like sparkles began falling into them. Once it had disappeared there was a key that lay in her hands.

“What’s that for?” Chibiusa asked.

“Give this to Maru, and make sure all the Chibi Senshi’s are together.” She replied. “They must go back to the beginning. From there, Hailey’s Team will be awoken. I must go now, please, give this to Maru.” She said. Chibiusa took it from her. Her mind was in shock, as she continued to replay, “Hailey’s Team.” over and over again in her mind.

“She’s too young!” Chibiusa snapped.

Hailey looked up at her big sister startled, “Too young?”

Chibiusa looked down at her little sister, seeing that her eyes had returned to normal she said, “Never mind.”

“Okay!” Hailey chirped and ran down the hall to go find her mother.

Chibiusa stared down at the key that was in her hand. She wondered if it was all a trick. What if it was to destroy them? After all, they weren’t Chibi Senshi’s yet, they’d be defenseless. And Luna had already confirmed that the Imperial Crystal will not work. Chibiusa stomped her foot on the ground. None of it made sense and she wasn’t about to risk putting everyone in danger. Maybe they weren’t meant to be Soldiers. Chibiusa shook her head, that didn’t make sense either. Luna wouldn’t have been able to detect their powers within them. She had also confirmed that everyone else still had their powers and that they could be reawaken by the Silver Crystal.

Of course, there weren’t any threats, so her mother wasn’t concerned about it right now. It had only been a day since everyone had arrived. They were still getting used to their new living arrangements. But why, why would she be given a key and told that they need to go back to the beginning? Wouldn’t they alter time or something if they messed something up? A tear slid down Chibiusa’s face from frustration. She made up her mind; she would not give the key to Maru.

Chibiusa came into the living room where her mother and sister were playing a video game. They were being awfully loud with their wails when one of them spun out. Chibiusa rolled her eyes, daughter like mother. “Mom, have you seen Mamoru?”

Serenity shook her head no, “He might still be asleep.”

Chibiusa shook her head in disbelief and went to Mamoru’s room. She opened the door to find that her brother was taped together, and his hands were tied behind his back, he feet were tied together. Chibiusa brought herself into his bedroom, and was ready to rush by his side, when she saw none other then Jun, with a pretend foam sword.

“Now young, fellow, tell me where is the lady?”

Mamoru tried talking, but it only came out as a muffled sound. Jun grumbled, walked over to him and tore off the tape. “OW!” Mamoru screamed. “You’re like Hailey!”

“No, I’m like Jun.”

“Jun… why is my brother tied up?” Chibiusa asked.

Jun started, dropped the foam sword, “We were playing a game. ‘Where’s the lady’ He was the bad guy, I the good girl.”

Chibiusa raised her eyebrow, “Really?’ She asked in disbelief. She looked at her brother, who was begging for help with his puppy dog eyes. Chibiusa turned back to Jun a smirk appearing on her face.

“Well, then, let’s find the lady.” Chibiusa said, as she swooped down and picked up the sword. She placed the sword at Mamoru’s neck, “Where is she?”

“I told Jun already, I don’t know!” Mamoru said.

Jun jumped up on his bed, “He lies!”

They both grabbed him, and carried him over toward a pile of clothes, holding him over it, “Now, tell us where she is or we drop you into the pits of this blazing fire and go out to look for her by ourselves.”

“Alright! Alright!” Mamoru whimpered. “But first you untie me.”

Jun shook her head no and they lowered him down toward the clothes. Mamoru yelped, as if a flame had touched his back. “She’s… she’s.”

The door opened and King Endymion poked his head through. Chibiusa and Jun dropped Mamoru onto the clothes as they stared up at the King. “Hello, dad.”

“Nooooo!” he yelled, as he rushed in and picked up his son. He backed away from the girls, taking out a sword from his belt loop. “You will never find the lady!” He ran out with Mamoru in his arms. Chibiusa and Jun looked at each other with great amusement. Jun was the first one to break the laugh.

“You’re dad is hilarious!”

“He just listens to our games too much. Besides, this is like the fifth time of you two playing it. I think everyone knows how it goes.” Chibiusa giggled.

They ran out of the room, after the King and the son. Jun acquired another sword along the way. King Endymion ran through the living room and toward the front door. Neo-Queen Serenity and Hailey stopped what they were doing and asked what was going on.

“Taking Mamoru to the healer that lives not far from here. Watch out for the evil ones.” King Endymion said and opened the door.

Neo-Queen Serenity rolled her eyes and then contacted Ami, “King Endymion and Mamoru are on there way to see the healers.”

Ami laughed, “Alright, I’ll let them know. They’re playing that game again?”

“Yes, be aware, everyone might be involved- it’s only a matter of time,” Neo-Queen Serenity said. She put the communicator away and turned back around to see that her game had been invaded. Jun and Chibiusa were standing in front of the TV, with determined looks on their faces as they held the sword toward Hailey and Neo-Queen Serenity’s necks.

“Hello, darlings.” Neo-Queen Serenity said, smirking. She had something up her sleeve, literally, she pulled out a sword, ‘causing Jun to pull back with pretend fear.

Chibiusa continued to hold her sword at Hailey’s neck, glancing out of the corner of her eye at her mother. Hailey smirked, and turned on her mother. Neo-Queen Serenity wasn’t expecting this, as Hailey was with them last time.

“We need to find the lady!” Hailey said.

The other two nodded, and acted as if they were stabbing Neo-Queen Serenity. Neo-Queen Serenity tried to fight back, but she fell down, shaking in pain. Hailey smiled at the other two, she pointed her sword toward the both of them, “Don’t give me problems, or I’ll kill you too!”

Jun and Chibiusa nodded in agreement, and when Hailey turned away they passed each other a sly look. They ran out of the house, leaving Neo-Queen Serenity to die. When the door shut, Neo-Queen Serenity sat up and picked up the remote.

“Haha! This is heaven now!” She laughed, as she started playing the video game.

Meanwhile, King Endymion was meeting with Skylar and Pallas outside their quarters. Keira came up beside them, and pulled on the King’s pants leg, “I’ll help you fight.”

“Good. We can use all the help we can to save the lady from the terrible.” he ruffled her hair.

“Okay, he’s good.” Pallas said smacking Mamoru on the back.

Mamoru grimaced. “Not anymore.”

There was a bang on the door and everyone got prepared for battle. Withdrawing their swords, they planted their feet firm on the floor, daring whoever was there to come in. The door popped open, and they all groaned when it was Zori. Zori glared at them all.

“What are you doing?” he yelled.

“Lookin’ like fools!” Pallas replied. “You?”

“Surrender, and maybe you’ll live.” Zori laughed, evilly, as Hailey, Chibiusa, and Jun walked in.

“You’re out numbered,” Skylar said.

“One point for Sherlock!” Jun cried out.

The door opened again, and Chibiusa realized how cramped it was beginning to feel, “We’ll duel outside and whoever is worthy of living is worthy of finding the lady.”

They all ran outside, their swords still drawn. King Endymion bumped into Isao, who had a puzzled look on his face. “What’s going on?” he asked Endymion.

“It’s a game. Go along with it, we must find the Lady, and those four are the bad guys. Must destroy’em.” King Endymion said.

Isao looked at him skeptical. Somehow though, he found himself in the game. Lilac Kino, and her brother, Isamu stopped in their tracks when they saw the foam swords and everyone drawn for battle. “Cool! I want to join!” Lilac said, and stepped beside Hailey, Chibiusa, Jun, and Zori.

“You’ll have to use your skills,” Chibiusa said. “We don’t have anymore weapons.”

“Wait,” Jun said, and took out fake daggers, that couldn’t hurt a fly if you tried hard enough. Lilac took them, grinning from ear to ear. Isamu just watched, startled by it all. It was his first real day in the Palace and he was finding it quite a bizarre place already. Soon enough, almost everyone was outside, minus Maru Meioh and her mother, Neo-Queen Serenity, Ami Mizuno and her husband.

“The lady!” Everyone screamed and turned toward Hikaru with their swords pointed at her.

“What?” Hikaru shrieked. She was wearing her beautiful blue summer dress, that was decorated in lace. Hana jumped in front of Hikaru protectively.

“You can’t condemn her like that.” Hana hissed, though, she wasn’t seeing much that it was a game.

Haruka leaned over and whispered into her daughter’s ear, “It’s just a game. They don’t mean anything by it.”

Michiru chuckled.

“Well, well, well.” Taylor said coming up. “We won’t let you have the Lady, as you call her.”

Hana looked at Taylor, and realizing she needed to play along, she nodded in agreement. “Yes, we won’t let you come toward her.”

“We’ve already slaughtered the Queen, what makes you think we can’t slaughter you?” Jun asked.

“What?” Hana screeched, in a surreal like voice. “You-You-You… You did what?”

“Hana, you can’t slaughter someone with a foam sword.” Taylor hissed.

“Oh, well, that’s a relief.” Hana exhaled. Taylor shook her head in disbelief. Swords broke out, as everyone lashed out against the other team. Suddenly, Lilac broke out into a fit of giggles. ‘Causing everyone to stop in their tracks and to turn toward her.

“You guys are so funny!” Lilac squealed.

Chibiusa chuckled, “Welcome to the Palace, Lilac Kino.”

Ginny Tomoe was giggling too, and before long, most everyone was in a fit of laughter. Isao turned to the King, “Does this mean the fight is over?”

King Endymion chuckled, “Yeah. I think they succeeded in their mission to pull most everyone out of their houses. Will you and your family be attending the dinner tonight. My wife wasn’t sure.”

Isao nodded, “Yes, we will be there.”

Skylar and Hana crossed paths on their way back to their quarters. Hana shot Skylar a harsh glare, and walked away. She still wasn’t able to forgive Skylar for what she had said to Maru. Although, she knew that Skylar had apologized to Maru, Hana couldn’t find it in herself to let it go just yet.

“Traitor!” Hana screamed. She kept her back toward everyone. Hikaru looked at her best friend shocked, but was too afraid to say anything just yet. Haruka and Michiru shook their heads in disbelief.

“Will she ever learn to just let things go?” Morgan complained. Haruka put a comforting hand on her oldest daughter.

“It will work out, these things always do. Hana just got landed with my stubborn soul.” Haruka replied.

“Was that girl being serious?” Ves asked Keira. “And who is she?”

Keira sighed. She looked at her best friend Skylar, but she turned away quickly and headed back toward her quarters. “Yeah, I think Hana was being serious. She’s a Senshi as well, from our understandings.”

“Why not her older sister? She seems nicer.” Ves pointed out.

Keira shrugged, “I don’t know.”

“Who was she saying traitor to?” Ves asked, her curiosity was taking it’s peak.

“Skylar…” Keira replied sadly and quickly shrugged her shoulders. “I’m gonna go back inside.”

King Endymion and Isao were very interested in the conversation that had just taken place. Though, it had been stated the girls had been in the palace before the words traitor didn’t make much sense to them. They couldn’t have gotten that badly off to a start, could they?

“Hana… I’m going to go see Maru, she’s been in her quarters all day and I’m worried about her.” Hikaru explained. Hana nodded, and waved goodbye to Hikaru. The blue haired girl took off in a sprint toward Pluto’s quarters. Forgetting her manners she walked right into their home, and was startled to find that there was a woman in the house.

Hikaru quickly recognized her as Maru’s mother, but she didn’t know she had returned home. Setsuna turned around and spotted Hikaru. Hikaru stepped backwards in an attempt to get out of the house, but stumbled over her own feet and landed on the ground. Setsuna went to help her up, but Hikaru wouldn’t take her hand. Maru stepped in between her mother and Hikaru. She knelt down beside Hikaru and asked, “What’s wrong? She’s my mother. She won’t hurt you.”

Hikaru frowned, she got to her feet on her own and turned to Setsuna, “Why’d you leave your friends?”

Setsuna was startled by the question, “What do you mean?”

“You just left. Disappeared. Haruka-mama and my mommy were hurt that you never cared enough to talk to them.” Hikaru said.

“Dear, I have my duty to protect.” Setsuna explained.

“Whatever.” Hikaru said, bitterly. She walked toward the door. Maru looked at her mother helplessly, and at the last second took off after Hikaru. Setsuna wandered back into the living room and collapsed into the armchair, exhausted. She wished she had never fallen in love-now that she had- there were questions she knew she’d have to answer. A lot of them came from her own daughter, and the only thing Setsuna could see in Maru’s eyes was the hurt in betrayal Setsuna had caused. She should’ve never left for two years straight. She feared greatly for her daughter’s future, but there wasn’t much she could do now. She only hoped that her friendships and love that she’d get here would help her change the future.

Setsuna shuddered. A single tear rolled down her cheek. She wanted to be a better mother, but at the time she was doing what she thought she needed to protect her own daughter. Having another child had been a huge mistake and Setsuna had to make sure he was safe. After she gave him up though, she couldn’t bare the thought of it all, and decided that she’d stay away from her family until they needed to return here. She had contacted her husband several times though, they had met in secret, but she forbidden him to say anything to Maru. She had contemplated suicide, or even a fake suicide, but she knew she had a daughter to take care of and must return to her at some point.

Setsuna felt a hand go on her shoulder, she looked up to see Isao standing over her. A few more tears slid down her face, “I don’t know if we’ll be able to stop it.”

Isao hesitated for a moment. Sighing, he spoke, “Setsuna, there were either two outcomes to it all. Either lose a son, and Maru take it out on herself or to save our son. Either way, Maru’s destiny has been written.”

“But I’ve still lost my son.” Setsuna said, standing up defensively. “He’s two-years-old right now, but I can’t treat him like my own.”

Isao sighed, “We had to do it this way. He will be forever protected and no harm will come his way.”

“What happens when he finds out? He’ll be crushed,” Setsuna pointed out. “Along with Maru, if she hasn’t already figured it out.”

“Setsuna, if we had kept the baby, they would have came back for him and taken him or Maru would’ve accidentally killed him because she couldn’t control her power. Now, we couldn’t run around trying to protect him twenty-four-seven. I know this is hard for you to hear, but you have to understand, what you did was a good thing.” Isao explained, trying to calm his wife down. “You can visit him.”

Setsuna shook her head, and started walking toward their bedroom. It was too difficult for her right now. She wanted to go back to the time gate, but she was waiting for something to happen before she went back. Isao heard the door slam, shaking his head, he knew Setsuna wouldn’t be coming for dinner.

Isao had to force his daughter to attend the dinner. She kept arguing with him saying, “If mom’s not going, then why do I?” Finally, at the last minute, both Isao and Maru arrived at the dinner hall. Hikaru stood up and greeted Maru, asking her to come sit by them. Maru looked back at her father and then deciding on her own terms went and sat down by her friend. She found Ginny Tomoe on the other side of her.

Sighing, Isao went and sat down next to an empty chair, where his wife was supposed to be. Neo-Queen Serenity tapped a little bell and the chefs appeared on queue with the entrees. No one questioned Isao on Setsuna’s whereabouts, as it was written clear across his solemn face that she wasn’t coming.

Skylar was examining Maru as discreetly as she could. She still felt as though she couldn’t be trusted and wanted to know what her intentions here were. Her father and mother were both acting very secretive and Skylar wanted to get to the bottom of it. Hana kicked Skylar from underneath the table attracting her attention to her. Hana glared and Skylar returned the cold glare. She went to kick Hana and missed entirely kicking Haruka.

Haruka threw down her napkin, “Alright, someone better speak and they better speak now.”

The table grew quiet as all eyes appeared on Haruka. Haruka looked between Skylar and Hana. Neither of them would speak. Michiru sighed inwardly. She had hoped for a more lighter transition. This was already beginning to take it’s peak with Michiru and it had only been one day. She was relieved to know she wouldn’t be fostering one of the Quartets. She would very likely lose her mind if she had to.

“Hana was glaring at Skylar first,” Pallas chirped. “Skylar says Hana’s mean to her because Skylar was going to blame something on Maru.”

“That’s a mouthful,” Minako grumbled under her breath.

Haruka narrowed her eyes down at Pallas, “And what was Skylar going to blame on Maru?”

Pallas felt small under Haruka’s gaze. She looked down at her plate, shrugging her shoulders, “I don’t know… She didn’t tell me that part.”

Skylar shot a cold-hearted glare at Pallas, “Don’t you know what keeping your mouth shut means?”

Hana smirked at seeing Skylar snap at her foster sister. The two were alike more than Hana had realized, but that still didn’t change the fact about what she had said to Maru. Even though Hana and Maru weren’t the best of friends and rarely talked to one another she had seen that it had hurt Maru immensely and Hana was unable to let it go.

“It was the crystal.” Lilac squealed, as a tear ran down her face. “Please, stop fighting.”

It almost seemed as if no one was even breathing, as they all stared at Lilac stunned. Hikaru, Hana, Ginny, Skylar, and Keira’s stomach’s were twisting in knots. Hana and Skylar didn’t know whether or not to be angry with Lilac.

Neo-Queen Serenity exhaled softly, “It makes sense now.”

Setsuna walked in almost on queue, “When the children came to the crystal it caused it to reawaken. It caused Ginny’s healing powers to activate. For the most part, it only caused a small stir in awakening their powers. Something greater has to happen in order for them to become the Next Generation of Soldiers.”

“What’s that?” Ami asked.

“I think it should wait,” Makoto spoke. “They’re still young. We were fourteen when we took on our powers.”

“I’m afraid it’s not always up to us, Makoto.” Setsuna explained.

“She’s my daughter. I do believe it’s up to me,” Makoto said her voice rising. She couldn’t take it anymore. Her daughter was already too overwhelmed and she thought it had already gone too far.

“Chibiusa knows the answer,” Setsuna said coolly. Chibiusa gulped. She knew Setsuna was talking about the key, but she didn’t want to give it to Maru. If she could keep it just a bit longer then maybe everyone could adjust to their new lives. Why couldn’t it be slow steps?

Neo-Queen Serenity and Endymion looked at their eldest daughter, “How?”

“We should enjoy our meal and discuss it later, right?” Chibiusa said as she shoveled some food into her mouth making it impossible for her to speak now. Slowly, everyone went back to eating their food. Neo-Queen Serenity was deep in thought about the crystal. She had been right about it all.

Haruka was bitterly thinking to herself about Setsuna. She found it annoying that she didn’t show up for dinner, and she couldn’t stand the fact that Setsuna had just walked away from her daughter without acknowledging her. Now here Setsuna was- showing up on her own terms. She didn’t dare let Michiru know her resentment toward Setsuna.

Skylar couldn’t help but think no one from outside the Palace could possibly be trusted. Lilac had already spilled her guts about the Crystal. Was she always the type that squealed? If so, Skylar would never tell her a secret, just as she had learned not to trust Pallas from here on out.

Hana pushed her food around absentmindedly on her plate. Her eyes were fixed on Lilac, who had climbed into her mother’s lap. Hana made up her mind not to be angry with Lilac. She reasoned with herself that this was all too difficult for the little girl.

As dinner ended the servants came and took the dinnerware away. Everyone started to move about. A game of inside ball broke out between Pallas, Ves, and Jun. Some of the other children joined in, but for the most part everyone tried to stay out of the way.

“I need to call my friend, Akemi, and let her know that I’ve moved,” Maru said to Hikaru.

“Who’s Akemi?” Hikaru asked.

“Why? Feel threatened?” Hana joked to her best friend.

“No.” Hikaru said, swatting at Hana. She wanted Hana to leave her alone ‘cause all she seemed to be doing these days was cause trouble. Hana scowled, taking the hint she decided to go join in the game.

Chibiusa came over to Maru. She had been debating on whether or not if she was going to give her the key. For now, she decided to talk with Hikaru and Maru casually in an attempt to get to know them better.

“How long have you two been friends?” Chibiusa asked.

“Not very long.” Hikaru answered. “Maru just recently came to our school.”

“Oh, well that’s cool. I’m going to be registering for school here shortly. Maybe I’ll go to your school?” Chibiusa said.

“Maybe.” Hikaru smiled. Chibiusa’s stomach was twisting in knots. Only Hikaru was speaking. Perhaps, Maru was shy?

“It’s not easy to be the new girl,” Maru said, directed at Chibiusa. “You run in to people like Hana.”

Hikaru’s fist tightened. She knew Hana could be rude, but when would the fighting between everyone cease?

“I don’t really know Hana,” Chibiusa pointed out. “I was hoping to get to know you guys, but it’s a bit intimidating.”

Hikaru’s eyes widened, “How can a bunch of eight-year-olds be intimidating? Aren’t you like twelve or something?”

“I’m actually ten. I turn eleven soon,” Chibiusa explained. “June 30th.”

“My birthday is in September,” Maru replied. “I’m only seven for now.”

“Hey, me too!” Hikaru shrieked. “Except I was born in December for some reason.”

Chibiusa smiled at the young girl, “Well, I’ll let you two be.” She went to turn away when Ves knocked into her causing something to fall out of her pocket. Maru gasped, thinking she had accidentally dropped it. Chibiusa turned around just in time to see Maru reaching down for it- the key.

“No!” Chibiusa screamed, but it was to late Maru had grabbed a hold of the key. Nothing happened. Chibiusa breathed a sigh of relief, but it was only too soon. The key shone brightly. Maru looked at it in terror and before Chibiusa could help her, Maru and Hikaru disappeared.

“I knew it, she’s evil.” Skylar said.

Keira rolled her eyes, “You’re immature.”

Skylar began to fade, and Keira grabbed a hold of her thinking it would stop her from fading but in the end both of them had vanished. One by one, Lilac Kino, Hana Tenoh, Ginny Tomoe, and Taylor Aino disappeared. Chibiusa looked around the now emptier room praying that no more would disappear. She glanced at her youngest sister to find her still there.

“Where’d they all go?” Chibiusa cried. “They’re all gone.”

Suddenly, a bright light shone around Hailey. She in a panic grabbed on to her brother and when the light departed neither Hailey or Mamoru were there.

“They’ll be okay.” Setsuna said. “It is time that they formed as one.”

“Hailey and Mamoru are babies,” Neo-Queen Serenity snapped. “They’ll be killed wherever they’ve been taken. Bring them back!”

Setsuna shook her head, “I can’t. They will only return once they’ve gained their new forms.”

Neo-Queen Serenity let out a blood curdling scream. She wanted her children back in her arms and she wanted them now.

Authors Note: Now it all begins. I’ve decided to go ahead and post this chapter to get the ball rolling. Now to answer some questions. The whole Haruka-Setsuna issue is deeper. Meneldur you basically hit it right on the spot. They haven’t had much time to really talk and get their feelings out yet, but they soon will.

As for the parking ticket ordeal. It’s not a big deal at all. It’s not entirely important either. I have to post the story that is supposed to happen before Always A Sunny Day. I thought of the story after I was about halfway through with Always a Sunny Day. I should post it on fan fiction. Maybe I will. Will it confuse anyone though? Because it’s set before Always a Sunny Day. Let me know if that’s what you want. It does explain a lot of things.