I wish I owned Sailor Moon but I don't.

-Art :)

Chapter 1: A new beginning

Usagi had never really enjoyed school. High school was in her past, and college was proving to be more difficult then she could even fathom. She wished for once she had studied more. She let out a soft sigh as her teacher wrote the next math problem on the board. A new formula, a new day.

Click. Tap. Click. Tap. Click.

"Mrs. Tsukino! Please refrain from disrupting the class." Her eyes widened in fear as she froze mid click on her pen. "Thank you. Now to continue, you must add 45mEq NaCl to an intravenous solution, if the stock solution of the NaCl injection contains 2.5mEq/2mL, how many ml of NaCl are needed?" The teacher jotted the text down. "You have five minutes, and then we'll go through the problem aloud." She clapped the chalk from her hands and walked back over to her desk taking a seat eyes never leaving the blonde in the front row.

Usagi swallowed before glancing down at her blank notebook. Never in here life did she imagine solving for x would come in handy. Apparently though, in medical school it was big deal. She sighed before putting her best foot forward. In actuality she had come a long way, with a proper tutor in Mamaro and Ami's extra study sessions she had excelled higher than any of them ever imagined. She was aiming for the stars in her decision to go into a prestigious field. If it didn't work out she would settle for any run of the mill BA. Her pencil quickly worked through the math.

"Alright, lets see who got it right..." Her professor at least had the decency to pretend she was scanning the room, "We'll start with you Usagi."

She frowned and refrained from rolling her eyes. She knew she was being singled out on purpose. Ever since she was told by a councilor it wasn't 'wise' for her to choose a career in nursing, the faculty appeared determined to weed her out of the program.

"I believe it's 36ml." She could hear the nerves in her voice, causing a childlike squeak to come out.

To her surprise the professor nodded and began writing the equation in full on the board. The breath she had been holding released. It was like this every morning, but she was determined to succeed. She felt a rumble in her pocket and glanced down to see a flash of white dance around the edge of her phone. She smiled, it was Mamarou, most likely reminding her about their date tonight.

"This is all we have time for today, this weekend I need you to complete pages 454 and 455 on your own. Don't forget we'll be having our next exam a week from today." She paused before turning to the odango haired girl. "Tsukino, can I speak to you for moment before you leave."

Usagi gulped nervously, shouldering her bag as she pulled herself out of her seat and approached the desk. "Mrs. Haroto...did I do something wrong?" Her voice shook a bit. Why did teachers make her feel so weak. She would take a monster any day compared to this woman.

The brunette glanced up at her sharply, before shuffling through a few papers. "I don't understand you sometimes, you know all the information. If you can't learn to apply that to your tests you'll never make it in the program. Last week you scored in the 80's for minor mistakes." She pulled out her last exam, "I want you to look this over and do better. Remember Usagi, you need perfect marks."

"I know."

"Mrs. Tsukino, I know you have potential, but have you ever thought of another path? Something less technical?" The voice she used was so sweet it almost made Usagi cringe. She had been waiting for her to say something, they always did.

"I'll consider it." She gritted her teeth and smiled. Taking the paper and quickly shuffling out of the building and into the parking lot. Tears of aggravation prickled her eyes. Maybe she should just give up, maybe it wasn't meant to be. She didn't need to do well in school, her future was written out for her, Neo Queen Serenity was only a step away. At least she hoped. When her ascension to the throne hadn't happened right away after turning 22 she worried, but Luna said it could be anytime during the year, and Ami said sometimes small changes to the future could occur, and a year or so wasn't a big deal.

"USAGI!" She spun around in surprise to see her best friend running towards her, hair ruffled in a blue mess. "Oh...good...I caught you." She panted. "How did it go?"

Begrudgingly she held out the exam. The blue haired goddess snatched it away pushing her glasses up before reading over the parchment. "You did..." She prepared herself for the worst, Ami would have aced that test, "You did Great! Much better than I expected...oh that was rude. I was just worried, Mrs. Horoto can be such a stickler with showing your work. I've even had a few points docked."

"Really?"

"Yep." She glanced around before continuing, "I don't like to gossip, but from what I've gathered she's a bit lonely." The blue haired woman blushed a bit at the comment, she really didn't like to talk bad about anyone. Especially not a teacher.

"Thanks Ami." Usagi smiled at the girl before taking a step towards home. "I gotta run though, hot date with Mamo-chan tonight."

"Oh, have fun, and don't forget this. I'm sure he would be proud of his pupil." Ami smiled sweetly handing the test back.

Usagi waved good bye before she raced home, she didn't want to be late. Mamo had said he wanted to talk to her about something serious. As she reached her apartment building she paused, maybe he wanted her to move in. They had talked about it in the past, and when the time came for her to move out for college they still thought she needed some time to mature and grow as an independent adult. It had been almost 4 years, but maybe this time he would want to take that final step. She squealed in excitement before checking her still empty mailbox and entering the building.

She entered the poorly lit hallway and shuffled through her bag for her keys. The key chain was a gift from Mokoto when she moved into the same complex, a small crystal bunny with a silver ring. She finally got the door open, and kicked off her shoes, slipping on her pink slippers in the process. She hung her coat and purse up in a small closet next to the main entrance before flipping on the light.

"Luna?" she whispered. When no response could be heard she continued through her apartment. As of late with Luna's pregnancy she had become almost unbearable. Thankfully most of the time she was over at Minako's spending time with Art. Sighing she took in the little room. If Mamo really wanted to move in together she would miss this place, but she would greatly appreciate the closet space.

The room was small compared to the other apartments she had seen, but with limited funds and the need to be close to school she didn't have many options. She was pretty sure the owner had converted her studio from a storage closet. It was a single room, a small kitchenette greeted you immediately upon entering, a few pink pots and pans displayed proudly. A small cat themed kotatsu sat at the end of the room in front of her sliding door to the patio, and to the left she had a futon and desk. She would admit she didn't enjoy using the mattress roll her parents bought, and instead slept most nights on the couch, but there was no one to complain. She walked past the kitchen and to the left opening a hidden door that led to the bathroom. It was time to do some magic, she quickly grabbed the black leather vanity bag out of the cupboard and set to work.

The time clicked by as she completed her makeup ritual. Now it was just time to pick out the perfect outfit. Her school clothes were usually whatever she grabbed before running out the door in a panic. She shrugged out of her current attire and walked back to her main closet.

"Something sophisticated..." she whispered to herself. Mamoru always encouraged her to be more lady like. That included how she dressed. She didn't mind dressing up for him, but sometimes she just wanted to lay around in sweat pants and a t-shirt.

"He's right though Usagi, remember your going to be a Queen one day." the words absent mindedly tumbled from her mouth.

She pulled out a blue turtle neck, white vest, and a black pleated knee length skirt. She finished it off with a pair of heart earrings, and her heart shaped promise ring. Looking herself over top to bottom in the bathroom mirror she deemed herself worthy of going out with her prince. Glancing up at her cat shaped clock she gasped, she was late. How did this always happen to her? She grabbed her purse and sped out the door.

After what felt like a ten mile run she found herself panting in the lobby of a small café. She quickly caught sight of Mamoru, and hoped she didn't ruin her makeup in her mad dash.

"Hey Mamo...sorry I'm late, I had to run home from class...and change...and then I couldn't find my turtleneck..." He raised a hand to cut off her lame excuses.

"It's fine Usagi. It's only been a few minutes. Actually I'm glad... I was running a bit behind myself."

She took her seat and glanced at the menu. They had been here a few times, a small mom and pop restaurant known for their blue ribbon winning curry. They had a prime location, right across from the arcade her friends frequented, and close to the heart of town.

"What kept you?" She knew he was just being nice, Mamoru was never tardy, but she craved his attention.

"Work was a bit much, I had to do clinic duty today." He frowned at the thought, "Since the rainy season started everyone seems to be catching colds." His voice seemed a bit higher than normal, he coughed taking a drink of water before continuing, "Oh. I forgot to ask, how did your test go?"

"I did pretty good, an 83 on the last one, Ami-" but once again she was cut off this time by a exasperated sigh.

"Usagi you can't afford to get lower than a 97% we went over this. In order to get the next scholarship, you have to perform." He scolded. "It's time to get your head out of the clouds, the future needs a Woman who can achieve any goal she sets. You have to be able to support yourself."

"It's okay, it was just a quiz. The test is next week and I'm sure I'll be able to ace it." She didn't want him to think his hard work was for nothing. She cringed at his scowl, her voice growing small. "I'll try harder next time. I promise. I won't let you down."

He seemed to brush off her reply, instead glancing down at his watch. She frowned, noticing how he seemed to fidget and pick at the hem of his shirt.

"Have somewhere to be?" she half joked, but when he just stared at her blankly she became a bit agitated. "Mamo-chan...are you okay?"

"I'm sorry Usako, I just have a lot on my mind." He rubbed a hand through his hair, "I just...Lets just have a nice meal and then we can talk, okay?" He glanced over at the door, before returning to the menu.

She felt her stomach flip, was this even about moving in? or was it more. She let out a dry chuckle, trying to shake off the feeling creeping into her, "Sure...what do you want to do after dinner? Rent a movie? We could go back to my place, you haven't really been there and Luna's gone for the night."

A sad look passed through his eyes, but she was oblivious to it. When she raised an eyebrow he gave her a small shrug, "How about we just play it by ear."

"Okay...well maybe we can go down the street, they just opened a new Gelato shop, Mina said they have some wild flavors." She was talking faster than intended, "She swore she had a soy sauce and wasabi flavored one. I mean really, who would make that into a ice cream? Bizarre right?"

After a few painfully silent minutes she tried again, "I think I know what I want...Traditional Japanese curry over fried rice and no eggplant." She watched him closely, "How about you?" Her eyes narrowed when he looked frustrated.

He snapped his reply, "that's what you always get. You should try something new."

"Mamo-chan?" she said quietly, "what's going on? Are you feeling okay? Are you getting sick?" She leaned in and placed one hand over his, the other reached out to touch his forehead.

He looked a bit embarrassed, "I'm sorry, I just don't know how to do this." He gently took both her hands collecting them in front of him, before kissing the back of them and setting them down on the table. "Usagi, how long have we been together?"

"Um...forever." She blushed prettily as she answered the question, they really had come so far. "Do you mean here?" She pointed down before continuing, "...well I'm 22 now..." she started to count.

"Usagi, stop." He was looking everywhere but her face now, rubbing one hand against his temple. "Your not making this easy."

Her heart skipped a beat. "Mamo-chan...what's going on?" This time she kept her hands to herself, crumpling the menu's edge.

"I don't know where to start." He took another sip of water. Clearing his throat and finally meeting her gaze, "Just promise me Usako, you'll try to see this from my point of view."

She nodded, and her eyes softened at the nickname. She was sure she would be able to sooth any problems he had.

"I've been thinking." She nodded encouraging him along, "I just...I guess it's just easier to come out and say it."

"Don't worry Mamo-chan...you can tell me anything." She prepared herself, for what she didn't know, butterflies in her stomach.

"Alright...Usagi..." He took a deep breath, then whispered "I don't want this anymore." He gestured outwards at both of them. Her calm demeanor vanishing, the world coming to a halt.

"What the hell does that mean?!" To say she was surprised was an understatement, but his hand clasped onto hers and stifled her shouts.

"Listen first, please." She numbly nodded back, "There is a part of me that will always love you. Endymion still exists inside of me, as Serenity does in you. I always figured, and told myself we were meant to follow their love. To give them peace. To give them crystal Tokyo."

"So what's the problem?" She didn't mean to snap, but her filters had vanished.

"Well the problem is...I'm not sure I want that anymore." His voice grew a bit more confident, "We never got to fall in love, we were forced into it. I thought I was ready to take on the future with you, to stand by your side. But then I realized, I was only doing it for Serenity, as Endymion."

"Is this some kind of test? or joke?" She glanced around the room half expecting someone to jump out and surprise them.

"Please don't be like that."

"Be like what?" Her voice grew louder and a few patrons glanced their way.

"Keep your voice down..." He tugged a bit at her wrist to stop her from rising in her seat. "Please Usako, don't make a scene."

She glared back at him, "A scene...your worried about a scene." she hissed at him.

"You need to understand. After Galaxia I began to notice the change." He dropped his grip on her, and rubbed his temples. "I wasn't sure how I felt anymore. I couldn't pass this chance up. I should have told you...I just didn't know how." She could see how much this was hurting him, but at this moment she didn't care. He was doing what he had done before, leaving her for no good reason.

"I don't understand what can be so confusing...you love me? Right?" She was hopeful, if he said yes they could figure the rest out. When he hesitated to respond she could feel the room swirl. Her stomach flipped and her lunch seemed to be rising in her throat.

"Usagi...I...I don't."

The cold stab of a knife punctured through her, "...you...don't..." she couldn't even finish the sentence. Her eyes burned and her vision grew blurry. The whole room felt like it was spinning.

"I will always care for you, and I will always protect you, but I can't give you my heart anymore."

Out of the fog one thought rang clear, "...Chibi-usa" she saw the sad smile form on his handsome face.

"Setsuna said she would still exist, just not the way we knew. Maybe here with different parents."

The words confused her for a moment, and she could feel her face warm in embarrassment the room snapping back in place. "You talked to Setsuna about this...about us?"

"Of course." She cringed.

"Who else knows?" She could feel herself becoming hysterical, "Did you run off to all my guardians and tell them about your confusion?" Her voice was shrill now, she stood up pounding her fists on the table. "I thought you were...I thought..."

"Just Suna knows." He had his hands on her forearms this time, steering her back down in her seat. He didn't want to be the latest gossip scandal.

"Who is she?" The thought came out of the blue, she hadn't originally been thinking another person stole his heart away, but there it was. She glanced up at him, the color running from her face. From the guilty look he held, she was right.

"Its not what you think."

"WHO IS SHE?" she was yelling, diners now blatantly staring.

"Usagi...there is no other wom-"

"WHO-" before she could finish she heard the low strong voice of her outer senshi.

"It's okay, she deserves to know everything." Beautiful emerald and black hair, copper skin, and magenta eyes. Setsuna was always the one Usagi strived to be like, not only was her style impeccable, but she resembled a Queen more than she ever could. As always her movements were graceful, even as all eyes were on her, she slipped her jacket and purse off, and lowered herself silently into the booth next to Mamoru. With a glimpse around the room, the spectators returned to their meals.

"Princess...we wanted to tell you together." Setsuna's voice was soft and tender.

"Tell me what." For the first time Usagi was lost. Her body trembled, and she felt faint. Why was Pluto here? Was he waiting for her? Her attention was brought back with Setsuna's next words.

"Princess...the future has changed." Her eyes widened in horror, and for a moment her personal emotions subsided. She sank back into the booth. "We think that when Chibi-usa took the key from me, she started a new story line. A new destiny. Up until Galaxia only small things had changed for our future so I didn't think anything of it. Then..." She hesitated, "Then chunks began to change…until now…now it's gone."

"What part?" It was as if Usagi already knew the answer, but when faced with a disaster the first thing you want to do is study the damage.

"Crystal Tokyo. Your ascension, everything. The driving force behind you and Mamoru was severed, and he came to me lost and confused." She watched as Setsuna's hand moved to his in a intimate way.

A plethora of emotions surged forward, Usagi's tone was unsympathetic, "So instead of telling me...you what decided to play Doctor!" Her eyes were wild, as she stared between the two of them, "I mean that little to you! and Chibi-usa? I thought at least for her sake.." They flushed at her comments.

"Princess. Please. Chibi-usa still exists in her dimension. Even the Chibi-usa of this world exists, but…this all happened before we realized our feelings for each other. I had been locked away from the future, the gates are forcing me to live through it without their help." She was talking a bit in circles, her usual perfect composure faltering, "It was during our trials and errors to find an answer, we realized..." Her hand squeezed his. "We never meant to deceive you, and we have never acted upon it till now."

Each word brought forth a new emotion in the moon princess, the most powerful being rage. She could feel it boil in her body, and before she knew it she was leaning against the table, one hand in the air. With all her strength she whipped it forward across the older woman's face. The crack of skin contacting skin echoing through the room. A few people gasped in the distance. Setsuna could only stare wide eyed as she brought her hand up to her fiery red cheek.

"Usagi!" Mamoru jumped forward grabbing her roughly by the arm, she had never seen him look so irate.

"Let me go..." He seemed to be struggling with the command, his grip tightening for a moment. "Now." Her voice was crisp and curt, and with a head nod from Pluto he dropped his grip.

With the elegance of a Queen Usagi rose from her seat, her eyes ablaze, but in a composed tone of voice she spoke to her trusted warden of time, "You are dismissed from all duties as of this day forward." Setsuna winced. Pluto had a strong sense of pride being part of the Moon Kingdoms protection, it had been so much of her, but now she had crossed a line. She had betrayed her princess. Usagi glanced towards Mamoru. It all made sense, the times he was trying to get her to think about a different future. How he wanted her to live alone. He was prepping her for what might come. "You...I...I..." She was losing her cool demeanor. She could feel herself pulling back from Neo-Queen Serenity, and becoming just Usagi. The last words of the Queen slipped away from her. She couldn't stay here. Yanking her purse up, she turned on her heels to leave. With one last glance she whispered her parting words, "Good-bye"

As the bell rang on the shops door, she could feel the tears start to fall. She did the only thing she had control over, she ran. Her clothing clung to her like a second skin as she bolted down the street, sweat and tears mingling. Her hair became tangled by the wind picking up around her. Before she knew it she was at the park, a stitch stabbing her in the side. The adrenaline pumping through her body came to a halt, her heart freezing. She stood before the dock Chibi-Usa had first fallen from. Fate was cruel today.

Her knees buckled beneath her, as she screamed out her daughters name in horror. Everything was wrong. Her voice grew hoarse, and her sobs uncontrollable. For once she was thankful for the night, she had never been a fan of the dark before now. Now It covered up her pathetic and lonely figure. She hoped no one could hear her, and wished for the ground to just absorb her. As her body trembled, and the world grew fuzzy, she felt a pair of strong arms lift her from behind.

"Odango?" Her vision was growing black, but her mind must have been playing tricks on her the voice she heard didn't belong to this world. "Odango?" She took comfort in the warmth the other body gave her. Not bothering to question it, turning around she grabbed onto a black leather jacket as if it was a life line. "Usagi...what happened?" Warm hands ran up her back, one gently tilting her head up towards the heavens.

Piercing blue eyes, and dark black hair, the man before her was breath taking, it only caused her to sob harder. "Your not real...none of this is real." She pounded her little fists against her head. This was cruel, showing her someone else she had lost. Gentle hands pulled her arms down, and warmth engulfed her once again as she was pulled deeper into the embrace.

"It's okay Odango...I'm here...I'm really here..."

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