A New Threat

Oblivious to Mamoru's death, the lives of Sailors went on as normal...

But not for one Sailor Pluto who was horrified, because in the numerous futures, Chibiusa vanished.

She had to ask who may know as she was the Guardian of Time, that even she cannot break taboos to look backwards...she can only look forward.

She visited Chikane and found her in a house now, no longer on the streets, owing to her now Legal Guardian and she lives with two more kids.

'Sailor Pluto...we have a new enemy way too soon.' said Chikane upon letting the distraught woman in, since she was close to Chibiusa who visits her in the Time Gate and suddenly she ceased to exist. Chikane told the woman what happened and of course, Usagi wasn't to know due to how rash she was, but understandable since her future husband is killed and her daughter ceasing to exist as a result.

'This time it's the life of planets itself, the Sailor Crystals.' Setsuna mused. 'Bad enough they're after our lives before...'

'And each planet and star has a Sailor Guardian protecting it, a Guardian that their Planet gave birth to to become it's Sailor Soldier, therefore that person has the crystal of that planet.' Chikane explained. 'Take it from her, and that Planet will lose it's life too...and its corpse crumble in the darkness of space.'

That, was a horrifying prospect over dinner.

'If our new enemy is taking celestial crystals for their own gain, their power is unimaginable so defeating whoever this is will take a miracle.' Chikane sighed. 'Unless we lucked out somehow. It was a close call but Helios is finding a way to revive Mamoru-san and keep him away from the enemy so Earth lives longer.'

'Oh my god...we're all that close to dying? All billions of humans in this world?' Gokudera was horrified. He, Reborn, Nagi and Mukuro were utterly pale-faced over the notion.

'Yeah.'

'Just who is this...psycho?!'

'Beats me...all I could see was blinding gold light that reeked of evil ambition.' said Chikane softly. 'I had to choose...and I can only save one.' she said bitterly. 'I had to sacrifice dozens of passengers just so Earth lives a little longer. For billions to stay living.' she said shakily, haunted by what she had to do. The weight of her words came down upon them like a weight on their backs. 'However...strangely enough, a few people have white crystals that shone brightly, like fluorescent lights. They were taken too but to those who didn't have such, were destroyed. Helios watched everything and saw what I missed...so it's not just celestial but shining crystals too? He's looking into it and we have yet to get answers without risking outing himself and letting the enemy into Elysion. We're being very careful right now.'

'He has every reason to...Helios is the mirror equivalent of Chiba Mamoru...the dream to the real world.' said Mukuro. 'Right now, he possesses the Golden Crystal. Might as well put a neon sign on him if he comes out that reads, 'I have the Earth Crystal'.' he deadpanned.

'Let's go see Hotaru-san, Setsuna-san...she can see what's going on in Outer Space, we can't do that.' Chikane advised. 'As the Soldier of Death, the counter to Usagi-san's Soldier of Life...she would know the deaths going on in the galaxy.'

'Right...'

They took a trip to the classy mansion the Outers lived in.

They needed to consult Hotaru, the Soldier of Death. She lives with Michiru who now became a Violin Teacher for the wealthy, and Haruka who makes a living by racing and bets.

They were stunned with the revelations that Hotaru agreed to show them the Milky Way Galaxy just so they'd know how bad a situation they are in now.

It's nearly all gone.

'Oh...my god.'

'And astronomers aren't seeing this?' Gokudera blurted incredulously, horrified at the simulation spell Hotaru conjured. That the Milky Way Galaxy is almost all dark, save for space dust and comets that glow, but stars and planets are GONE save for very few. 'This woulda been big news by now!'

That would be because I am preventing them from seeing this horror...because all they see and discover is broadcasted and published. they heard Helios speak in their heads. This would cause quite the panic in NASA.

'There's that.' Michiru sighed. 'We're the last bastion of life left...'

'Hotaru-san, when the time comes, I will fuse with you again.' said Chikane. 'Holding back is out of the question now.'

'Right...but that will mean you will die too.' Hotaru pointed out much to collective horrors of those not in the know.

'What do you mean by die too?!' Mukuro, Gokudera and Reborn yelped in shock. Nagi gave Hotaru a wide-eyed stare.

'...when Sailor Saturn uses up her powers at their strongest...she dies but is reborn. We got lucky back at Nehellenia's palace that they didn't go all out enough.' Haruka explained. 'But for Chikane fusing with Hotaru just for us to have an edge against whoever this is...she will die too.' she explained grimly. 'And be reborn as a baby again. But unlike Hotaru, she will not grow up fast unless we ask Princess for help to restore her assuming we survive what's coming.'

'So it's a temporary thing, don't worry~' Chikane smiled, clapping her hands once. 'We have to do all means just so all life won't die.'

'And you're too casual about this!' Reborn scolded.

'Hey, I died four times now from all alien attacks, what's one more?' Chikane shrugged. The men in her life twitched as the sailors gaped at her dumbly.

'You're a little too uncaring for that notion.' Hotaru squeaked out.

Mukuro, Nagi and Gokudera knew they have to be HER LEASH...her mindset, was bone-chilling.

Mind of a child, but when it comes for a greater good...she will not hesitate to do what must be done, and that included her own death which she just '-meh's away!

A decision was very reluctantly-made. Because life itself, was on the line.

Reborn felt this DEFINITELY wasn't part of his contract. If that were to happen, how the hell will he handle FATHERHOOD?! Wait, that's Iemitsu's job...but if he seals her again which was why his family fell apart in the first place...which was reason why they're in this situation now, he'll kill the bastard even if the trade-off was the Decimo becoming more powerful than previous heads.

xxx

At home...

Reborn swore to drill common sense and self-preservation into the girls, as the boys had that in spades. Mukuro from his old days and Gokudera from his jobs. They all had to care for two BROKEN girls.

However, one redeeming factor in Chikane was that she was knowledgeable in culture, as she knows the latest trends and fads, such as being a fan of an idol group, the Three Lights - yes, that's in English, otherwise that'd be spoken as 'sanbikari'.

Last year around summer, she had heard of the group and listened to their songs, and grew to like it. But not even she was willing to spend money on a walkman and casette tapes, so she hangs around radio stations or cheats using her powers.

Since their house had the latest electronics in the European Market, Chikane could now buy tapes to play the latest trend in the country when studies are over.

However, their journey has yet to begin to know full-recovery.

'I'll be starting school soon.' said Mukuro. 'Thanks to Chikane getting me files out of nowhere, I can easily get into the High School where the Inners went to.'

'Mm. Problem, is us.' Chikane frowned. 'Reborn, can you make arrangements so we'll ALL be there?' she asked Reborn. 'Of ALL crystals, Princess' Silver Crystal is an absolute loss to us all if it's taken and we can't afford that.' she said grimly. 'It's the most powerful crystal in the Galaxy in terms of Healing and Resurrection. If we die its the only thing powerful enough to restore life as we know it after Saturn does her job.' she said. 'We must protect her no matter the cost.'

'I'll see what I can do, but Nagi is too young even for me to make forgeries as her physique make that too obvious.' said Reborn. 'Due to her upbringing and literally-lacking physical activity, she must still be homeschooled.' Nagi looked a bit sad at being left behind. 'Now don't look like that.' Reborn patted her head. 'The older kids are on a tough job to ensure we survive what's coming, while homeschooling under me will enable you to progress at your own pace.'

'OK...'

'You brats go through Entrance Exams now.' said Reborn. 'Before it's too late as it'll start soon!'

'TELL US THAT SOONER!' the door nearly got unhinged as they ran out in a panic.

'Looks like we're in for a long journey.' Reborn sighed. 'Just what made Earth attractive to aliens anyway?' he grumbled. 'Come on Nagi, we'll start immediately.'

'OK.' and they went to the living room after breakfast to continue their studies.

xxx

After exam time in five major subjects, results will come out soon, along with recommendations, before getting enrolled.

'Ah! Chikane-chan and Mukuro-kun scored quite highly!' Usagi exclaimed as the girls noted under Ami's stellar scores, were the names of their two allies.

'Wow! That means they'll go to school after everything huh?' Makoto mused thoughtfully.

'Well they have to, with good reason.' said Minako. 'What with Chikane-chan being a long-lost heir and all.'

'Sou ne...at least this year will be interesting.' said Ami with a smile. 'Now how about everyone else...'

Makoto was along above average range...and Usagi and Minako BARELY passed. Just a hair's breadth away from flunking!

'Talk about horrifying...' Gokudera sweatdropped. The one to look out for, nearly flunked the Entrance Exams!

'Well, Princess was never interested in schoolwork so she naturally won't invest time in there.' Chikane sighed. 'In fact, as Future Neo Queen Serenity she still writes in hiragana.'

'Horrifying prospect.' Mukuro shook his head. 'What do you wish to do, Chikane?'

'Well, if she flunks high school, she cannot go to University and her parents will be pissed.' said Chikane sheepishly. 'So to distract her from ANY thoughts about Mamoru-san NOT answering any of her future letters or calls, make her focus on studying instead of goofing off, manga and snacks, while keeping her social life with the sailors intact.' she requested. 'Preparing for the future and university will probably change her future enough to write in kanji...'

'Well, that's justified since her boyfriend is uh...compromised.' Gokudera coughed awkwardly. Mukuro worked his magic on Usagi to not only improve her schoolwork by giving her 'the drive' but also an apt distraction. He also ensured the other girls won't notice or comment on the changes as would the local pet cat.

Yup, better a different focus, than a boyfriend who can never answer phone calls or mail...this was far kinder.

xxx

School year came.

Springtime, Cherry Blossoms all around!

Reborn and Mukuro ensured that they will be classmates with the girls.

'Aah!'

'Chikane-chan, Mu- I mean -Tomoki-kun!' Usagi called out, stumbling onto her correction attempt. 'Sit near us!'

'That's up to the teachers.' Mukuro chuckled. 'There's the enemy called seating arrangement and we'll find that out later.'

'Awww there's that.' Minako pouted.

'So Reborn-san allowed you guys to attend school now?' Ami asked.

'Yes. He deemed Chikane's Math and Computer levels satisfactory enough to attend...self-study without help can only get you so far after all.' said Mukuro. 'She's College-Level in all else otherwise.'

'EHHHH?!'

That means her only problem was math and computers?!

'Well, the library has everything I want except those two...its the only way I could study back then.' said Chikane sheepishly.

'Be seated!' their Homeroom Teacher came in. 'I'm Kunieda Misaki, your Homeroom Teacher and we'll start your year with Seating Arrangements, so everyone at front with your bags!'

Yup, no such thing as seating with friends in a Japanese School.

And in Alphabetical Order at that.

However, three seats were deliberately left unseated.

'Ah, we'll have three students who will be coming late due to classified reasons, that's all. Now that you know where you sit, I'll hand out the standard Curriculum Papers on coverages...'

xxx

After School, at Fruits Parlor Crown...

Gokudera integrated in nicely with the help of the other two. They hadn't known that the 'cute foreigner' was their friend too!

'So you girls hang out here after school huh?' Gokudera looked around.

'Yeah, it's run by two siblings.' said Usagi. 'And we know them well so we'revery welcome here!' she chimed as they met up with Hino Rei, who was Sailor Mars, but she attended another school, T.A Girls' Academy, a private school and she was holding the latest magazine about celebrities. And of course, the local cat can freely come in unhindered. Rei shared the magazine with Makoto and Minako.

'Ahh, weren't the Three Lights having a Live Tour today?' Chikane piped up, seeing the magazing cover with three handsome boys as a focus.

'Yeah but we all can't come for obvious reasons...nobody's allowed to miss the very first day of school unless you're really sick!' Rei scowled. 'So all those College Girls and old women get to have all the fun!' she harrumphed unhappily.

'Three Lights? What's that?' Luna asked curiously.

'Don't you know?' Rei gasped, stunned when ALL women know them. 'They're an idol group!'

'Of course! I like Seiya! He's the wild and dangerous type!' Minako swooned.

'Isn't he a bit childish?' Rei raised an eyebrow.

'Well that's what we like isn't it?' Makoto sighed in delight.

'...normally one would avoid that type.' Gokudera sweatdropped.

'Maa maa Hayato, not THAT kind of wild and dangerous.' Chikane chuckled, knowing what he was thinking.

'I like Yaten better!' said Rei. 'With that unmatched beauty!'

'He seems unpredictable!' Minako squealed.

'That's what we like isn't it?' said Makoto as they all nodded.

'You're totally kicking your heels!' Luna said wryly, feeling way out of her depth with the topic.

'Well, girls tend to be like that around idol guys.' Mukuro drawled as his order of Chocolate Parfait came.

'U-u-uhm I like Taiki better~' even Ami is in on the craze. 'Don't forget nice and intellectual Taiki! With his graceful, mature style!'

'He looks cool!' Minako stated.

'Ami-chan, are you a secret fan?' Minako asked, sniffing interesting deets, making Ami blush.

'I-I-I don't know much about them...'

'Denial's a river in Egypt, Ami-san.' Chikane smiled wryly. 'Knowing you.'

'Chikane-chan!' Ami squeaked. 'Then who do YOU like?!' she asked, blushing.

'Well I like Seiya too! He seems to be the approachable guy while the other two are a bit aloof...' said Chikane. 'When I watched them, he was the most amiable with fans out of the three.'

When Usagi was asked, it was Mamoru so she was quiet. However, the guy went to an American University days back when his Thesis was accepted and was granted a scholarship.

'Scholarship's worth more than gold, particularly for orphans.' Chikane remarked. 'University is understandably expensive, particularly in Japan. He would naturally take it as who knows how much money he has left from his parents? He's going economical right now.'

'Really?' Usagi asked her.

'Really. This is a good thing.' said Chikane. 'Many others who are in financial woes are willing to go sleepless nights just to get a scholarship. I encountered many Dream Mirrors about that in the past, but when they failed...those mirrors literally shattered.' she said softly. 'A painful sight to watch in the dreamworld.' she told them. 'Mamoru-san was lucky to get such a prestigious privilege in his current situation.'

'Yeah, so I told him go for it.' said Usagi with a forced smile before looking dismayed. 'He looks happy but he never told me he's in trouble.'

'What sort of guy would tell his girl his troubles when in relationships, boyfriends are the shoulders to cry on?' Gokudera piped up. 'If he had any, he would tell his guy buddies instead or his parents.'

'Is that how it's supposed to be?' Usagi pouted.

'Yeah, it's how the world rolls...no matter what country and culture, boyfriends would never show girlfriends their troubles, unless they really had no one to go to.' Chikane pointed out.

'Heee...' Usagi pouted petulantly while mixing her milk tea.

'Well, depending on what course he took, he'd be back in four or five years or unless he pursued a Doctorate to up his chances in having a career while milking the scholarship for all it's worth...it's so he can have a home in the future with you and Chibiusa-chan.' Chikane reassured Usagi. 'Think of the bigger picture since years from now she'll be born and that's before Crystal Tokyo comes along.'

'Yeah...I guess I can wait.' said Usagi, feeling better as Mamoru was working for their future. 'I'm sure five years is just a blink of an eye.'

'So hang in there and work hard too Usagi-chan.' Luna said optimistically. 'Can't let him do all the work, do your part too!'

'Yeah!'