Stars in a New Sky

Epilogue: Trouble on the Horizon

The warmth of the sun's rays gently shone down on the Juban District. It was by all accounts a normal Sunday afternoon. The birds were chirping and a warm breeze stirred the trees in the park. People went about their usual business completely unaware that only a few days ago their way of life could have been completely destroyed. 

Usagi closed her eyes and turned up her face to the light of the sun. In this moment of peace, she felt completely content. Metalia had been defeated and everyone she loved was safe. She opened her eyes to watch the girls. They'd decided on a picnic in the park to enjoy the beautiful day, in part to celebrate being alive. Rei and Minako were in a deep discussion about the relevance of a pop star, Mako was reminiscing about an old boyfriend, and Ami was diligently reviewing a study guide. 

Farther away, Usagi spotted Mamoru and Takeshi at an ice cream stand. She was pleased she'd been able to give Mamoru and Takeshi a second chance to mend their relationship. They finally had time to get to know each other here in the present without the lingering guilt of the past. Her contented smile dimmed when she thought of Masako. The girl was alive, but she was still troubled by all that had happened. Being a vessel for pure evil could not have been easy. Usagi had asked Luna if she could dim or fade some of those memories to make them more bearable for Masako. Usagi sighed. It wasn't ideal, but she hated the idea of allowing Masako to be consumed by her memories of Metalia.

Then there was Selene. 

The goddess was still in a deep sleep. Nyx had assured them all she would not likely fade. She just needed sleep to recover from what she'd done to herself. Usagi sighed. She hoped the next time the goddess awoke, she wouldn't find her world had fallen into ruins. 

"Why the long face, Usako?"

Usagi looked up at Mamoru's kind expression. She shook her head. "It's nothing, just thinking about...everything."

Though his smile was wry, his eyes were solemn. "That's a lot to think about."

She smiled softly and reached for the ice cream cone he offered. She shook her head to clear it. Now was not the time to think on the past and worry about the future. Now was the time to enjoy the present and all the wonders it had to offer. "I know."

He dropped beside her and bumped her shoulder gently with his. "We have plenty of time to deal with things later. I think we've earned a little break." He leaned over to peck her cheek.

Usagi flushed amid the chorus of hoots from the girls and Takeshi. Mamoru was right. They had earned a little day in the sun.

***

"It doesn't look like much has changed." A tall slim woman spoke, watching the group of young girls laughing and eating. 

"No, it hasn't. Even he's very much the same as well." A second woman pointed out, her delicate voice amused at the playful peck Mamoru had placed on Usagi's cheek. She could almost see the red lines of fate binding the couple together. Even without her gifts, Michiru Kaioh could sense the strength of their connection. 

Haruka Tenoh, the now and former Sailor Uranus, regarded the other sailor guardians with a proud smile on her face. "They did well on their own, especially our princess."

"Yes, she did." Michiru placed a reassuring hand on Haruka's shoulder. "I know you wanted to be there for her--"

"There were other battles to fight...battles we're still fighting." Haruka cut her off. Michiru was right. She had wanted to be at their princess' side...wanted to seek revenge on those who had destroyed their home and taken their lives. However, that was not their fight. They'd awoken to their memories and powers when Usagi had activated the Silver Crystal. There had been no time to help the others fight Metalia. Not when another enemy had made itself known. One that had invaded Earth from outside their solar system. 

"Do you think we should tell them?" Michiru asked.

"Not yet."

Both women turned to the sudden sound of a new voice. A voice they hadn't heard in eons. Sailor Pluto slipped out of the shadows, dressed as an ordinary office worker. Despite her youthful face, her eyes were filled with timeless wisdom.

"Sailor Pluto?"

She smiled at Haruka's surprise. "It's Setsuna Meiou here."

"What made you leave the Door?" Michiru asked, worry furrowing her brow.

Setsuna sighed and smiled ruefully. "Let our princess rest for now. There will be time enough for her and the others to become involved."

Haruka arched a brow. "Do you know something we don't?"

The guardian of the Door to Space and Time considered her response carefully before replying. "Of course."

Fin