Author's Note: The long overdue epilogue is here. That means the second installment is also here. Look for On Their Own when you've finished reading and see how the story continues.

On Her Own
Epilogue
On the Horizon

Usagi laughed as she threw the frisbee to Mamoru, who had to move quickly to catch it. He leapt into the air, barely hooking it with the end of his fingers, and hit the ground, stumbling slightly. She giggled then. Everyone always seemed to forget she threw her tiara. It was something she still practiced daily.

"I did tell you I would win, didn't I?" she asked.

"You always do," he murmured, coming closer and catching her around the waist. "But I don't mind, since I always win when we play darts."

That was true enough, and Usagi wasn't nearly as graceful about losing as he was. She tried, but somehow she always ended up pouting. Which meant she would be showered with hugs and kisses from her fiancé. Even two weeks after his proposal it was hard to believe they were engaged.

The past couple of weeks had been idyllic. They all worked, studied, and played together. Everyone was becoming friends, and those they had rescued from the Negaverse seemed to be doing better. Even though they had been forced to do some horrific things, the young people were resilient and were making strides towards becoming the people they wanted to be. It was incredible to watch.

"Aren't you two tired yet?" Nephrite called. He and Makoto were sitting on a checkered blanket under the tree where they had set up. "I'm hungry. Usagi wins."

Mamoru chuckled and took Usagi's hand, leading her back up the low hill. "Fine," he said. "I see where we stand. Five steps below Makoto's cooking."

"You bet," Nephrite said. Makoto got up and began setting out the food.

"That's okay," Usagi said as her stomach growled, "I'm hungry too. Makoto is the best cook ever." She grinned as her friend handed her a rice ball. It didn't hurt to compliment the chef.

Having a picnic in the park was becoming a new thing for them. Rei and Makoto had come up with the idea. It was a way for all of them to reconnect. So much damage had been done that things would never be as they once were, but Usagi thought maybe they could be better. It was just the five couples that met there. Rei and Jadeite, Ami and Zoicite, Makoto and Nephrite, Minako and Kunzite, and Usagi and Mamoru. They had two lifetimes of bonds that connected them, and Usagi thought it was important to make those bonds as strong as possible.

The others were all sitting already, except Makoto, who was busy dishing out portions for everyone. Ami and Zo were both pouring over a book. Nephrite couldn't take his eyes of Makoto, and the food in her hands. Minako was leaning against Kunzite, her eyes closed, smiling, while he trailed his fingers through her hair and stared into the distance. Rei and Jadeite were holding hands and talking in whispers.

Usagi and Mamoru settled down onto the blanket. Mamoru leaned back against the tree and pulled Usagi close. He never wanted her out of his sight. While at times it could be frustrating, she understood. The Soul-Bond connected them in a way that was inseparable, but being apart caused a longing ache. It was hard enough going to school for long hours every day. Adding to that never felt good.

"Did your mother freak when you told her you didn't like the design?" Makoto asked, handing Usagi a plate.

Usagi blushed. "I chickened out. She looked so excited about it. I mean, it is cute, I just..." she trailed off.

She'd already explained it to all of them, of course. Her mother had found wedding invitations you could create yourselves, and they were adorable, but they were a strange color and had bubbly cartoon hearts in the corners. It wasn't something she'd expected for a wedding. She had found stamps she liked and thought would be fun to use, and beautiful paper as well. She was even trying to learn calligraphy. Now she wasn't sure how to tell her mother.

"Just be honest Usagi-chan," Ami said, looking up from her book. "You're not the same girl you were six months ago, or even six weeks ago. Your tastes have changed a bit, and that's okay. But she won't know if you don't tell her."

Usagi started to nod, but Rei interjected. "Or we could arrange a little accident for them." She mimed pouring a cup, "oops, spilled my juice all over those lovely invitations. Well, guess we have to choose different ones."

Laughing, Jadeite threw a grape at her. "Funny, but Ikuko-mama would just choose something similar."

"Make Mamoru tell your father, and he can deal with it," Minako suggested. "He could, I don't know, distract her or something, while you send out the ones you want."

"And what happens when the guests bring their invitations?" Mamoru asked.

"They don't," she answered.

"Can you be sure of that?" Kunzite asked. "It's Usagi's problem. She's strong enough to handle it on her own."

Usagi thought hard about what he had said. It was true. She had grown and changed a lot in the past few months, and she knew she could handle things by herself. That didn't mean she minded their advice and help. She loved all of them very much. Nodding slightly, she answered. "Hai," she said. "I can do it. And if I fail, all of you can come help Mamoru rescue me."

That caused them all to laugh. Ikuko wasn't exactly scary, unless you didn't do your chores or your homework. The group talked and laughed for a long time about everything from school, to the wedding, to what they wanted to be in the future. The world seemed so bright and happy now that there were no Youma to face, and each of them had goals and dreams they wanted to pursue.

None of them noticed a dark ring in the sky and shifting black clouds forming around it. None of them knew their world was about to be turned upside down.