Author's Note: (5/27/20) Please be aware that the ages in this story have been changed. All previous chapters have been updated to fit that change. There is plenty more story, but I had to stop there for the chapter. I can't wait to show you what's next!

Mamoru, Haruki, Kunzite, Nephrite, Zoicite, Jadeite, Haruka, Michiru, Setsuna, Motoki - 17
Usagi, Ami, Minako, Rei, Makoto, Naru, Umino - 16
Shingo - 14
Hotaru - 13

Forever Starts Day One
Chapter Eleven

Day Six: Wednesday
Continued

Haruki held tightly to Setsuna even after they had reached the house. Everything had happened so quickly. He'd hardly finished speaking when Minako and Kunzite had appeared in the apartment at his side. They'd grabbed onto him and teleported back to the house but Setsuna was still unconscious in his arms. Panic welled up in his chest. He didn't know what to do. It felt like he was losing part of himself as she slipped away.

"Don't touch it," Minako said, talking to Artemis.

Haruki didn't really care about the golden flower. He only wanted a way to make Setsuna better. As he stared down at her too-pale face, he prayed for some sort of help. "I wish I could just heal her," he murmured, worried that he had lost her before he'd even had a chance to see her eyes. Bending over he laid a gentle kiss on her forehead.

Someone gasped and Haruki moved back, seeing orange, red, and yellow sparks seeping into Setsuna's head from the place where he had pressed his lips. She let out a soft moan and turned slightly in his arms, cuddling close. "Too tired Lugh," she whimpered, and her breathing changed from the frightening rattle it had been to the deep breaths of sleep.

"You healed her," Shingo whispered.

Looking up at his cousin, who was standing over him with mussed hair and tired eyes, Haruki smiled. "I think I did," he said, "but I have no idea how."

Usagi was starving. She had never before felt as hungry as she did when she woke after being healed. Her stomach growled loudly as she was bounced slightly with each step of the two monks carrying her litter. She raised her head, looking for Mamoru, and saw him walking at Nephrite's side, half leaning on the taller teenager.

"Mamo-chan?" she called.

Mamoru's tired head came up and he smiled at her. "Usako, you're awake."

"Where are we? And why am I so hungry?"

"We're on our way to Dogen Waterfall. It is nearly time for the sun to rise and we have only minutes before we reach it," Grandfather told her, moving to walk at her side. Mamoru took up position on her other side and reached for her hand. Instantly Usagi felt stronger. Grandfather continued. "You are hungry because the healing took much out of you. Do not worry. After you stand in the healing waters of Dogen you will be allowed to eat. You must continue your fast until it is finished, but we have brought a nice little feast for you after."

"Thank the Kami," Usagi breathed. "I feel better," she added hopefully.

"You will regain your strength," Grandfather confirmed. "It will take time however. We must prevent the witch from harming you again. This is part of that. The dark energy that consumed your body and spirit are gone, but we must not let them return."

"Youma," Rei hissed. She turned to Makoto and Nephrite. "Henshin yo," she called.

Usagi blinked as bright flame surrounded Rei and lighting flashed around Makoto. The men transformed almost instantly, but the women's transformation was unspeakably beautiful. Usagi could only smile. She knew she wasn't in danger. Makoto and Nephrite were there. She wasn't sure why she knew it was so important, but she did. She rested on her litter, praying to reach the waterfall in time, and watched as a Youma attempted to attack the entire group with dark lightning from its clawed hands.

"Supreme Thunder!" Jupiter screamed.

"Lightning Strike!" Nephrite shouted.

The two attacks, made of lightning in blue and purple, combined and raced at the Youma, who was still trying to throw his dark lightning. The monster screamed and seemed to shrink in on itself before floating to the ground as a pile of dust. Usagi grinned up at Jupiter, who raced back to her side.

"That was awesome," she whispered. Makoto only laughed and patted her on the shoulder.

"Will you take Usagi into the waterfall?" Grandfather asked, turning to look at Sailor Jupiter, who hadn't released her transformation.

"Hai. She is my favorite little warrior," the taller woman answered, reaching down. She picked up Usagi with an ease that made her feel just as tiny as she'd been described. "If she can fight bullies for me, I can carry her anywhere." She smiled as she moved Usagi into a comfortable position. Usagi could hardly believe the strength she felt in her arms.

Moments later she heard splashing and looked down to see Makoto carrying her into a wide river. A rushing sound met her ears as they turned a corner and Usagi gasped in awe as she saw the falling waters. They looked so beautiful, slamming over the cliff into the water below.

Sailor Jupiter walked right into the falling water with Usagi in her arms. The moment Usagi felt the water touch her skin energy welled up in her. She looked up at her newest friend. "I think I can stand," she told her.

"I will hold you for a minute. Let me know when you're steady," Jupiter said, carefully lowering Usagi's feet to the rocks under the surface. Her legs felt as weak as noodles and her entire body was screaming for food, but as the minutes ticked by Usagi felt stronger and stronger until she no longer needed to rest against her friend and stood on her own two feet for the first time since the day before.

"When can I eat?" Usagi asked. Laughter filled the air and Usagi knew things were going to get better.

Minako and Kunzite rested on the roof across from the radio station. It was going on their fourth day of surveillance, but they still hadn't learned as much as Minako would have liked. She had seen both the red-haired generals several times, and had seen one of the brooches in the middle of the night. But she still didn't know what to do about it.

"People are going to die if we don't do something," Kunzite murmured.

"I know. What do you think? Should we attempt an attack now, while there are few people there and there is no one for them to take hostage?" Minako stared into the windows. She could see nothing. "Do we even know they are still inside?"

"We don't," Kunzite answered with a heavy sigh. "I wish I could change my appearance and just walk in as someone else."

"Like who?" Minako asked.

Kunzite pointed to a billboard on one side of the radio station roof. "Like him," he answered. The anchor was standing next to a woman. They both had head-sets on and were grinning as they spoke into their microphones.

"That's brilliant," Minako murmured. "Why didn't I think of that?" She reached into her subspace pocket and pulled out the crescent compact, which she had often used when she was Sailor V. "I can change our appearance," she explained.

"Then lets do it," Kunzite urged. "We can check the place out, and if they are there, we can call for backup."

"Great idea," Minako said, unable to help her grin. They really worked well as a team. Before long she had transformed them so that they looked like the radio hosts. Then they made their way to the front entrance and walked inside with smiles and waves to the security guard.

Inside the building, Minako and Kunzite searched floor by floor. Finally, on the third floor, they found a recording area where several people were passed out, heads lying on their desks. "They're here," Minako whispered.

"Yes, we are," came a voice from behind them.

Minako spun around, shocked, and stared at the man with red eyes and long red hair. Biting her lip, she reached for her transformation pen. Kunzite glowed briefly and North Knight was standing beside her. Minako transformed as well, but by the time it was complete a red-haired girl stood beside the man. She was a little younger, perhaps Shingo and Hotaru's age, and her bright green eyes looked hauntingly familiar. Those eyes were the same as Haruki's. It was uncanny. Maybe he had a little sister he didn't know about. Even her hair was the exact same shade of red.

Neither spoke again, only stepped back and began throwing attacks. Sailor Venus launched herself to the side to avoid the girl's ball of spinning flame and nearly got caught in the dark light energy the man threw out. Venus rolled, coming up with her own attack.

"Venus Love Me Chain!" she yelled, watching as the chain wrapped itself around both dark generals.

"Maybe you should try our Youma on for size," the man shouted. Before she could do anything they clasped hands and disappeared.

"Furau!" the Youma screamed from behind them.

Venus and North Knight spun to look at her. She was humanoid, with skin that was somewhere between purple and blue. Her hair was dark and messy. She wore a blue toga and had a dark star on her forehead. For a moment Venus struggled to look at her, and then she lifted her crescent and threw her attack. "Crescent Beam!" she cried out, watching as the beam of light hit the Youma in the shoulder.

Thankfully North Knight also threw an attack. His hit the star on her forehead and before either of them could do anything else the Youma crumpled into dust. Venus sighed in relief. She hadn't been prepared for the attack, but they were both still alive and they could learn from their mistakes. She would never go in again without backup.

"Lets check this office," Kunzite said, opening a door with a glass window. Inside was a metal box, but nothing remained except dust. The flower brooches were gone. They checked all through the office and found nothing else that radiated dark energy.

"We did it," Venus said. She watched him release his transformation and smiled.

"Come on then," Kunzite answered. "Let's get back to my house. My mom is probably freaking out right now."

"Or not. We never told anyone we were going in," Minako said, having released her henshin. "Who were those dark generals, and why did the girl look like a near carbon copy of Haruki. Does he have a sister?"

"No. His mother died when he was eight. No other kids. She wanted them, but it just never happened."

"Then who is she?"

"I have a theory, but it's probably wrong. It sounds insane even in my own mind."

"What?" Minako asked, more curious than ever.

"She also looked like Setsuna. I got a good look at her face after Haruki healed her last night. Her eyes and hair might be his, perhaps even her mouth, but the rest is Setsuna's."

"Wait. Did they have a daughter in their last life? I don't remember that."

"They didn't," Kunzite answered, a frown on his face as he tried to remember through the haze of their current life. "I think, and this might be crazy, but I think she might be their daughter from this life. A daughter who hasn't been born yet."

Minako frowned. It wasn't as far-fetched as he thought. Not considering that Setsuna was the guardian of time. And Haruki was of the sun, which would explain the fire the girl had thrown, though it was dark at the moment. No, it wasn't that far-fetched. "You might be right," she whispered.

"Should we tell them?" Kunzite asked.

"We should talk to Artemis and Luna. See what they think."

"Alright then. Lets get back. I want to see if Setsuna has woken up and I really want to hear from the others to see if the healing is finished."

Haruka felt extremely nervous as she walked up the steps towards Myugan Academy. She had changed schools the day before, but needed to return to collect some of her belongings which were stored in her locker. In spite of the fear she felt, Haruka couldn't have stopped herself from coming. It was still early in the morning, long before classes would start, and she was sure she wouldn't see anyone she knew. She hoped she wouldn't see anyone who might attack her.

The warnings she had received were still clear in her mind. There was darkness here. She could feel it, now that she was looking for it.

After she had entered the building, Haruka made her way to the tenth floor, where her locker was. She checked both ways along the hall before she opened it and took out her leather jacket and motorcycle helmet. She hadn't wanted to leave them behind. Taped to the door was a picture of Haruka and her little brother. She missed him terribly and wished she could see him, but her parents had kicked her out the moment they'd learned she was attracted to women. She hadn't heard from any of them since.

"What are you doing here so early?" Kaorinite asked in an angry tone. "And why are you removing your belongings?"

"I have to leave for a few weeks," Haruka said, keeping her face as calm as possible. She lied through her teeth. "There's been a death in my family and I need to go to them."

"Why take the picture?" the woman snarled.

"It's the only one I have of my brother." Again she lied, somehow knowing she had to if she wanted to live long enough to leave the building. "He died."

"I'm so sorry," Kaorinite sneered, obviously not sorry in the slightest. "Let us know when you will return."

"I will," she lied, then watched the woman walk away. As soon as she turned the corner Haruka sagged against the lockers in relief. That had been terrifying. She realized she was panting as though she had run ten miles and focused on calming her breathing.

"That was close," a musical voice spoke at her side.

Turning her head, Haruka saw the most beautiful young woman she'd ever laid her eyes on. Shimmering aqua hair fell to her shoulders. Bright cornflower blue eyes sparkled in the light from the windows above the lockers. She had a trim figure and a perky chest with a tiny waist Haruka wondered if she could wrap her hands around. Her heart started beating a rapid tattoo in her chest and she leaned closer unconsciously and inhaled the scent of wildflowers.

"Hi," she whispered, grinning at the shorter woman. "My name is Haruka." Her run-in with Kaorinite was completely forgotten.

The other girl laughed and bowed, introducing herself. "My name is Kaiou Michiru."

"Ten'ou Haruka," she answered, reaching out to touch the silky hair that fell over Michiru's shoulder. "You are beautiful," she added with a grin.

"You aren't so bad yourself," Michiru answered. Then her face grew serious. "Why were you lying? You looked calm, but I could tell you were afraid."

"You could?" Haruka asked. She remembered what Luna had said about feeling connected and wondered if Michiru could be one of them.

"Hai. It looks like you're leaving the school for good."

"I am," Haruka confessed. "There is something seriously wrong with this place. I would get out now too if you can."

"This was supposed to be my first day," Michiru explained, biting her lip, which made Haruka want to bite it for her. "I could leave right now and no one would ever notice."

"They would," Haruka corrected, "but it would be too late to do anything about it. Would you be willing to come with me? I have some friends I'd like you to meet."

"Sure," Michiru said, smiling now. Then she reached out and took Haruka's hand, and began walking as though they had been holding hands their entire lives. And it did feel completely natural. She smiled down at the shorter woman and wondered how long it would be before she could steal a kiss.

Setsuna was warm and comfortable. It was a far cry from how she'd felt when she'd held the brooch and had collapsed in her genkan. She remembered hitting her head on the step, but there was no pain. She wondered how long she'd been in the hospital, and how much she had missed. It was obvious she'd suffered some sort of attack in the form of the brooch. Which meant there was a monster involved.

Her dreams hadn't been very clear, but she remembered who she was. Sailor Pluto. She knew that she would have to go and guard the time door. There was nothing else left for her. It made her horribly sad to think about Lugh, who had been her soulmate in their last life. She'd dreamed of his death in this one. A car accident. How had something so trivial taken one of the most powerful warriors in the universe?

With a heavy sigh, Setsuna opened her eyes, then blinked in shock. She hadn't heard any beeping or the sound of shoes squeaking on linoleum, and now she knew why. She wasn't in the hospital. Instead, gauzy pink curtains were the first thing she saw. Then the bed moved and a tiny body curled up against her.

"Not Sagi," a tiny voice murmured. "Warm." Then she felt a small hand on her face and turned her head to see a young child, perhaps as old as two, kneeling beside her on the mattress. "Mine now," the little one whispered, then bent and laid a wet kiss on her cheek. With a giggle, the little girl jumped down off the bed and ran to the door.

"Ruki!" the child yelled. "Mine is awake!"

"What are you doing in there little one?" a male voice asked. "I told you to let Setsuna sleep."

"Mine," the little girl responded.

Setsuna watched as she reached through the door and grabbed the hand of a young man, who then followed her into the bedroom. Shock filtered through her system and she gasped, staring in awe at the man she'd believed to be dead. "Lugh?"

The teen smiled and settled at the edge of the bed. "Hello Setsuna," he said softly, taking her hand. He was still holding the little girl and he pulled her into his lap. "I'm glad you're awake. And that I was listening to the broadcast when they read your letter. If I hadn't found you when I did..." his voice trailed off and he looked terribly sad.

Setsuna could understand. She had believed him dead until only moments before and it had torn at her soul, making her weak and tired all the time. "I can't believe you're alive. You died, in my dreams. When I was just a little girl."

"My cousins saved me," Haruki murmured. "They dreamed of a green-haired girl who begged them to keep me close. My mother died in that accident, but I was here, with them. I have to believe, seeing you now, that you did save me, in spite of what you thought."

"I don't understand," Setsuna told him, sitting up to touch his cheek. His skin was hot under her fingertips. He was so beautiful to her. So incredibly special. He was her soulmate. She didn't know how he was alive, but she was grateful. She sent a silent prayer of thanks to the Kami. She would do something to honor them for their gift when she could.

"Neither do I," he admitted, still smiling. "I'm so glad you're alright."

"Mine." The little girl insisted. She reached out and took Setsuna's hand again, holding it to her chest. "Yours. Mine." She looked up at Haruki and patted his cheek with her spare hand. "Kay?"

"Alright little one," Haruki answered, bending to kiss her cheek. "Why don't you go and find Ikuko-mama? Hmm?"

"Nummies!" the little one shrieked. She squirmed off Haruki's lap and ran for the door at full speed. "Kuko! I want nummies!"

Setsuna couldn't help laughing. She was adorable. Then she realized she was alone with her soulmate, in a strange house. She had no clue where she was, or whose room she was sleeping in. She blushed as she realized she was still wearing her clothing from the day before. Everything was wrinkled now, and hung slightly. She felt gross and wanted nothing more than a shower.

"Hello," a man said, leaning against the door frame. He had thick brown hair and bright blue eyes, a pair of glasses perched in his hair. She was sure he would be searching for them soon and wanted to giggle.

"Hi," she answered.

"My wife put some clothing aside for you. I'm sure you want a shower too. And something to eat. Do you drink coffee, tea, or hot chocolate in the morning?"

"Coffee," Setsuna answered.

"I know you probably have a million questions. Just take your shower and come on down to eat. Luna and Artemis can explain it better than I can."

"Thanks Uncle Kenji," Haruki said, grinning. He looked so handsome.

"Arigato," she added.

Haruki helped her up and showed her where the bathroom was. A pile of clothing was neatly folded on the counter. Setsuna turned on the water and stripped down before getting under the hot spray. Instantly she felt more aware. She hurried through washing her hair and body and dressed quickly, aching for the promised coffee. Everything had changed overnight and she couldn't be happier.

When she entered the kitchen a few minutes later the red-haired teen grinned at her and pointed to a chair. "Come on and sit down. My aunt made blueberry pancakes. It's my cousin's favorite. Here he comes now. Morning Shingo."

"Ugh!" the younger teen replied, rubbing his eyes. "Why does morning have to come so early?"

"You sound just like your sister," a middle-aged woman scolded, coming in through a door on the other side of the kitchen. She had a basket of laundry under one arm and a squirming toddler under the other. "Yuzuki tried to climb in the drier. Kami save me from wild children," she added, laughing. "If only I could have a dozen more."

"You want more kids mom?" the boy asked.

Ikuko smiled, but looked sad. "Yes. Unfortunately that won't happen, so I have to wait for grandbabies. And I better be waiting several more years mister," she added with a mock-stern look.

Shingo pretended to gag. "Duh!" he said, laughing. "Besides, Usagi and Kun are both older than me."

Two cats, one white and the other black, leapt up onto the table. Setsuna instinctively wanted to shoo them down, but Haruki turned to them with a serious look. "Morning Luna, Artemis," he said. "I have a feeling Setsuna wants answers. Can you help me?"

"Of course," said the black cat.

Setsuna nearly fell out of her chair. Talking cats, a soulmate back from the dead, and she was a bit overwhelmed. She apparently had a lot to learn.

It was early afternoon when they returned to the Onsen. Rei couldn't stop smiling as she watched Usagi walk beside Mamoru, holding his hand as she nearly skipped her way back. She had eaten about the same as four grown men after a thirty-mile hike. Rei had been impressed in spite of herself.

Makoto followed behind Usagi, promising to cook all sorts of things to help her regain the weight she had lost. "Oh, and I could make you those rice balls I had yesterday. I have a tuna filling I think you'll love. And cookies. You definitely need cookies." Rei had the impression that Makoto would force-feed Usagi if she could, even though the tiny blonde had been snacking the whole way back.

When they reached Takaragawa Onsen, Rei and Makoto stayed with Usagi while the men went to a pool set aside for them. Everyone needed the springs to cleanse themselves of any negative energy they had been exposed to. And Usagi needed it to make sure no new dark energy found her. "Come on," she urged, leading the way to the women's area.

Soon the three girls were sitting comfortably around the edge of the spring, talking about ordinary things. Usagi was in the midst of telling them how she and Mamoru had met, to gales of laughter. Rei realized that Usagi made her feel happier. There was a connection between them she could hardly understand, but she wanted to stay close to her.

"Here," she said, pulling something out of the fold she had made in her towel. "Mamoru bought this and Grandfather and the other priests and monks all did a blessing. It will protect you." She held up the silver necklace. The pendant at the end was a crescent moon wrapped around the curve of the earth.

"This will help me?" Usagi asked. Rei nodded. "Then I won't ever take it off," Usagi declared.

Rei helped her put it on, then moved to sit again. "I'm so glad you're alright," she admitted. "I don't think I've ever been so worried."

"Me either," Makoto breathed. "Or poor Mamoru. He struggled so hard to get to you last night that Nephrite almost lost his grip. It freaked him out."

"I bet," Usagi murmured. "I'm sorry I was so much trouble."

Rei growled at her. "You weren't the trouble. That witch the cursed you was. Now that you're better everything will go the way it should. I bet you'll have your full strength in no time."

"I hope so," Usagi said, staring up at the sky. Evening was rapidly approaching and the sun was behind the trees. She looked lost in thought, so Rei left her to it.

After a long pause, Usagi looked at both girls and smiled. "I think we're all going to be the best friends ever. I can't wait until we find all the others."

"Me either," Rei said. "But can I give you a warning?"

"Sure," Usagi said, still grinning.

"Don't lose your connection with Naru and Umino, or Motoki. They need you. And I think you need them too."

"I do," Usagi answered. "I always will."

The drive back to Tokyo was much more cheery than the ride out had been. Mamoru was in the first row of seats, next to Usagi, who sat in the middle so she could look out the window. She was running her fingertips along the back of his hand, making him shiver. He was reminded of the warnings he had been given, and he wondered if she had been told the same thing.

"What did the woman tell you?" he asked.

"She warned me that the Crystals would push us into the Bond if they could. She also mentioned that we need to save the other dark generals, and their queen."

"I got the same warning about the bond, and that the Crystals want the babies to be born. But the man also told me to watch for the 'Youma that bleeds darkness.' He said it had cursed Minako's parents or something. She won't get them back until we can destroy it."

"Wait a second," Nephrite said, leaning over the seat. "Are you trying to tell me we have to save the person that did this to you, and then sent a Youma to try and stop you from getting better?"

"Hai," Usagi answered. "Apparently she's just as much a puppet as the dark generals."

"That makes a twisted sort of sense," Mamoru added. "In the dreams there was that creature behind her. Maybe it was controlling her, even then."

"Apparently she will be leaving with stars, though I have no clue what that means," Usagi added. She let out a sigh. "I wish I knew how to heal them all right now."

"Don't worry," Mamoru told her. "I'm sure Luna and Artemis have some ideas."

"Probably," Usagi agreed. "So, what's the news from home?"

Ikuko stared at the massive property in awe. It was all Kenji had said, and more. The realtor grinned and led the way up the sidewalk. "Trust me," she said, "it's perfect for you. If you're going to run a group home, this is the place."

"It isn't exactly a group home," Ikuko corrected. She wasn't far off though. "My husband and I are just taking on the challenge of raising a bunch of kids who aren't ours by blood. They're ours in heart though," she added.

The realtor only smiled again and unlocked the door. "Well, welcome home," she said.