***Author's note***

	AHHHH!!! We are sooooo happy with the responses we've been getting, 

the fanmail is the reason we write!! We love you! E-mail us if you want to 

be on our mailing list, and specify whether you want .txt or Microsoft word 

files sent to you (the Word ones are better I think). Okay, anyway, this is 

Act Two, and it's where the beginning of the real conflict starts. We simply

love to write this story!



			*     *     *     *     *



SailorStars Awakening

Chaos Theory: Act Two

	The break up of the senshi?:

		Setsuna leaves the stage.

				       Begun on 9/28/99, finished on 10/20/99



			**********************************

				CHAOS THEORY

			**********************************

				By Hoshi and Sora

		  Please E-mail at: Kaelali_su@hotmail.com  



	"NO!" Usagi bolted upright, clutching the sheets tightly, her thin 

nightgown clinging to her body with perspiration. Breathing hard for a few 

moments, she suddenly relaxed and put one hand to her forehead, shaking.

	Luna leapt with a meowl beside her, falling to the floor with a thump.

 	*****

 	"Uranus? Neptune?"

	Uranus's eyes widen in shock, her fist tightening until it trembled. 

Suddenly, it goes limp at her side, and her face lowers.

	Neptune, her head bowed, whispers, "It looks like the end."

	Unmoving, Uranus replies, "We no longer have wings to fly freely in 

the blue sky. We've dirtied our hands with the blood of betrayal..."

	"I know," she sighs.

 	Galaxia's voice echoes throughout the ruins of the building as she 

raises her hand, as if beckoning their death. "Everything was futile, wasn't 

it?"

 	The jeweled gauntlets around Uranus and Neptune's wrists begin to 

glow, then disappear.

 	"...or the beaks to pick our own flesh?" Uranus closed her eyes.

 	"I can endure anything with you," Neptune's breath catches.  "Even 

being burned by the fires of hell."

 	The bracelets reappear in Galaxia's outstretched hand, then fade.

 	"Hell?" Uranus spits a bitter laugh. "It doesn't suit you."

 	"I don't regret it."

 	Eternal Sailor Moon runs forward, Sailor Chibi-Chibi grasped tightly 

in her arms. "Why?! Why did you do it?" she cries.

 	Uranus glances at her as she collapses, too weak to stand. "Because 

it is our way..."

 	Neptune crumples to the ground. Already the loss of the bracelets is 

having effect, and she has become insubstantial, the very fabric of her being 

unraveling. "The cross that was assigned to us as soldiers..." Her 

transparent body begins to shine...

	*****

	Usagi's throat tightened and her fingers rounded into a fist, turning 

her knuckles white as she fought back tears. *How could I ever have stopped 

believing in them? They never faltered in their faith for me...but I let them 

down...*

	Luna peered at her over the top of the bed from the floor, her small,

furry face frowning in concern. "Usagi-chan?"

	Usagi's head snapped up. "Luna!" She took a deep breath and reached 

for the cat, hugging her tightly. "Oh Luna, you startled me! Gomen nasai, I 

didn't mean to fling you across the room like that."

	Luna mewed and licked her. "Daijoubou, Usagi-chan. But you woke up 

screaming! Are you all right?"

	Sighing, she lowered the kitty back onto the bed. Forcing a smile, 

she said, "I'm fine, really I am, but..." The bright grin slid off her face. 

Curling her knees to her chest, she lay her forehead down on her arms. "I 

don't know what's wrong with me. I feel so...I don't even know the words. 

Like yesterday," her head perked up, "when Mamo-chan gave me the locket..." 

She stopped, thinking how selfish she would sound. *There's really no reason 

to worry Luna about my silly feelings. She worries enough already. *

	"Yes, Usagi-chan? When Mamoru-san gave you the locket..."	

	Usagi released her grip on her knees and fell backwards, her head 

landing on the pillow. "It made me happy Luna, and I guess I'm just not used 

to that yet." The cheerful words felt like a lie on her tongue, and yet, they 

weren't, were they? 

	Laughing a little, Luna leapt onto the bed and stretched out beside 

her. "Go to sleep, Usagi-chan."

	Usagi obeyed and closed her eyes, but it was a long time before 

unconsciousness found her again.

			*     *     *     *     *

	Sighing, Usagi walked slowly behind her friends. 

 	Glancing back at her pouting face, Makoto asked, "What's up, Usagi

-chan? You're awfully quiet today."

	Usagi's grimace deepened. "Why did Setsuna-san have to choose today 

to have a meeting? Urashima-sensei gave us soooooo much homework! I'm not 

gonna get any sleep tonight, I'll be up all night doing homework!"

	"Like she ever does any," whispered Minako, earning her a stuck-out

-tongue from Usagi.

	Ami looked at Usagi over her shoulder. "What do you mean? The teacher

gave us time during class to do our homework! I got all of mine done!"

	"Yeah, me too," agreed Makoto.

	Minako giggled a little, a tiny tear drop appearing above her head. 

"I *started* mine, but...um...I kinda got side tracked. But look what I did 

do!" She reached into her backpack and whipped out her notebook,  proudly 

displaying a doodle of the cute guy that sits across from her. 

	Everyone stopped walking and stared at her (teardrops all around).

	Minako didn't seem to notice, though, as she gushed over her picture.

"Isn't he sooooo cute?!" She pressed the doodle to her chest and grew 

starry-eyed, imagining some sort of romantic scene in her mind. The others 

stared in disbelief as she blushed and closed her eyes, puckering her lips.

	"What's she doing?" hissed Usagi.

	"I think she's trying to kiss her imaginary boyfriend," Makoto 

whispered back.

	Minako leaned forward, her chin tilted upward, her lips pursed.

 	"Minako-chan?"

 	Suddenly, she bent too far and stumbled, her foot catching on a crack

in the sidewalk, and tumbled to the ground with a yell.

	Everyone turned to look as Rei walked towards them. "What the heck 

are you doing on the ground? We have to go meet the others!"

	Minako sprung up, her face red. "Don't do that, Rei-chan! I was 

daydreaming!"

	Rei rolled her eyes and huffed, "Come on! We're already late!"

	Minako growled and was about to respond, but Ami, with a teardrop 

rolling down the back of her head, pushed her along.

	"Come on, let's get going," she sighed.

	They began walking again, this time in silence, and slowed as they 

neared the tea shop. 

	Makoto paused, her hand on the handle to the door. "What do you think

she wants to talk to us about?" she asked quietly.

	There was silence for a moment, no one wanting to even venture a 

guess.

	"Maybe...there are some new enemies?"

	They all turned to look at Rei, whose expression was fierce.

	Makoto lowered her eyes and pushed open the door.

	They walked in, single file, and spotted Michiru and Haruka sitting 

in a booth. The quiet discussion between the two halted as the group neared, 

and Michiru looked up.

	"Konnichiwa, minna, have a seat. Setsuna-san will be returning any 

moment now."

	Makoto, Ami, Rei, and Minako sat down, but Usagi remained standing. 

	"Usagi-chan?" asked Minako.

	"Hmmm?" she answered absently. "Oh, I'll be back in a minute, Minako

-chan," she said as she spotted Setsuna walking in the door. 

	Usagi approached her hesitantly. "Setsuna-san?" 

	Setsuna stopped walking. Glancing down, she let go of Hotaru's hand. 

"Go sit with the others; I will come by in a minute."

	"Hai!" chirped Hotaru, running off to the table.

	Setsuna watched her for a second before turning back to Usagi. "Yes?"

			*     *     *     *     *

	Rei's eyes followed Usagi as she spoke with Setsuna. Frowning, she 

strained to hear what they were saying, but they were too far away.

	"Why do you think we have been called here?" she dimly heard Ami ask.

	She looked back in time to catch the glance between Haruka and 

Michiru.

	"We're not sure," Haruka said slowly. "But something inside is 

telling me that we are approaching some large event..."

	*Yeah, something bad. We all feel it, she thought, looking back to 

her friend. Especially Usagi.*

			*     *     *     *     *

	Usagi's eyes traced the tiles on the floor as she tried to form the 

words in her mind. "Setsuna-san...I...I don't want to accuse you of anything,

de...demo..."

	"Princess?"

	Usagi looked up.

	"Ask me whatever you want, I will not hold it against you." Her 

expression was kind.

	Usagi's face lowered for another moment before she raised her eyes, 

looking directly into Setsuna's. "I just need to know why you kept me away 

from the Starlights!" she blurted. "You must have known the whole time that 

they meant us no harm! We could have worked together from the beginning if it

hadn't been for you and Haruka-san and Michiru-san!" Tears sprung to her 

eyes, but she held them back. "And now they are gone and I still know so 

little about them! I need to know why!" Her breathing slowed and her hands 

clasped tightly, waiting for Setsuna's response.

	But, instead, she seemed to change the subject. "I love Chibi-Usa 

very much," she said, averting her eyes. "I love her like the daughter I can 

never have. I would never want anything to ever happen to her." Her soft tone 

was almost apologetic, and the quick glance Usagi got of her eyes as she 

moved past her told of sadness, but also of an resolute determination.

	Usagi's mouth opened slightly in surprise as she watched Setsuna 

walk away. *What? Why did she avoid my question? Why...? I'm so confused. 

Nothing makes sense anymore.*

	After a bit, she slowly joined the others, and sat next to Rei 

without speaking.

	Everyone looked at her, then back to Setsuna, waiting.

	She held their eyes. "I am sure that you are all wondering why I 

have called you here."

	Ami, Minako, Makoto, and Rei all nodded, exchanging glances.

	"We have just overcome a momentous battle, the largest and most 

difficult that we will ever encounter. From here, there is nothing." She 

paused to take a deep breath before continuing.

 	"The world is simply held in a state of anticipation for when the 

earth will be frozen over, to be awakened by the coming of Neo-Queen Serenity

in the thirtieth century. We, as soldiers, have no place in this world as it 

is now."

	Everyone blinked in surprise.

 	"You...you mean it's over?" asked Ami. "That's it?"

	"I...I cannot believe this," Michiru whispered, staring intently at 

Setsuna.

	"No more battles?" Makoto's shoulders drooped.

	"Not quite, Mako-chan. There is still the Wise Man to be dealt with 

in the future, and  you must not think that will be your only challenge. 

While the future is a time of peace, there will always be some degree of 

danger to our planet. And you must consider the fact that Chaos has been 

freed. The Sailor Wars will start again, in the never-ending cycle that has 

gone on since the beginning of time. Even if there are no enemies now, you 

mustn't stop your training or you will not be prepared for the future 

trials."

	Rei sighed and fell back into her chair. "That means...that the time 

of Crystal Tokyo will come soon." She shook her head and placed her elbows on

the counter. "I always thought about it like being far in the future, but, 

it's happening now, isn't it?"

	Setsuna nodded. "Already the changes have begun. The earth's spirit 

is being awoken, and it's spirit is stirring in it's shell. There will be 

many natural occurrences that will shake this planet to its very core."

	"You mean, like earthquakes and volcanoes?" asked Ami. "Like the one 

in Turkey last month?"

	Setsuna nodded again. 

	"Usagi?" Rei turned to her, but Usagi sat, unmoving, staring at the 

table. Her hand gripped the empty fabric where her brooch normally hung. 

"Usagi?" she asked again, touching her shoulder.

	She jumped, her head shooting up. "Hai?"

	"Are you alright?" Rei's eyes narrowed in concern.

	"I...I'm..."

	"And so I will be leaving you all by this time tomorrow."

	There was a second of silence. "NANI?!" they all cried, gaping at 

Setsuna.

	Haruka stood quickly, knocking her chair onto the ground with a 

clatter. "You can't go!"

	Setsuna did not blink, but merely looked at her. "I must return to 

the Time Streams. They have gone long enough unguarded. I am no longer needed

here, and I cannot abandon my duty. This is not within my control, it is 

where I belong."

	Michiru gently lay one hand on top of Haruka's. "We understand," she 

said softly. Slowly, Haruka put her chair upright and sat down once again, 

the shock fading off her face, but it lingered in her eyes.

	Hotaru did not speak, simply sat, staring at her hands.

	Setsuna gazed down at her. "Hotaru-chan?"

	Silence. She bit her lip, and looked up. 

 	"Okay." Her eyes were tearless and clear, but not without pain.

	Setsuna leaned down and took one of her small hands in hers, and 

neither spoke.

	No one else said anything, each trying to absorb and understand what 

was happening.

	Taking to her feet, Setsuna was the first to speak. "I will see you 

all tomorrow. Since it is a holiday off from school, meet me by the docks at 

noon." Hotaru stood next to her. Her eyes lingering on each of them for a 

moment, she said, "I shall bid farewell to you all then." Turning her back, 

she walked out with Hotaru in tow.

	For a long while, there was nothing but silence.

	"That's it, then." Michiru stood. Her head raised to look at Usagi. 

"Princess...it is only a short while longer that I may call you that. Soon I 

will have to call you Queen." She smiled. "I suppose it is something to look 

forward to."

	Abruptly rising next to her, Haruka kept her eyes on the floor as she

moved towards the door.

	Michiru watched her leave with a sorrowful look, and slowly turned to

follow.

	Nothing moved. It seemed as though the entire teashop felt their 

loss, and all noise had ceased.

 	"I don't believe it," Makoto whispered.

	"It must be true." Their eyes were drawn to Ami. "If Setsuna-san 

would leave us, it *must* be over."

	Artemis jumped onto the table. "Why are you girls so down?" he 

exclaimed sternly. "Isn't this what we've been wishing for the whole time?"

 	Minako sat up straighter. "He's right! Why are we so sad?" Her face 

brightened. "There's no more fighting! We don't have to worry about 

protecting the earth anymore!" She picked up her book bag and pulled out the 

drawing she had been looking at earlier. "We finally have time to do what we 

want, to be real girls!"

 	Makoto slowly smiled, and laughed. "You know what, you're right! We 

should be happy!"

	Ami, who was also looking much in more high spirits than a moment 

ago, said soberly, "But we can't forget what Setsuna-san said, we still have 

to train."

	"That's fine, we can meet over at the shrine once a week and 

practice. I guess we'll have to fight each other, since there are no more 

youma to battle." Makoto flexed her arm, displaying her muscle. "Get ready, 

girls, you're gonna have a tough time beating me!"

	Ami and Minako giggled. "I don't know if training at the shrine is a 

good idea, Rei-chan might get distracted," said Minako slyly, elbowing Rei. 

"Now that she has time for Yuuchiro-san..."

	"Mmm?" asked Rei, looking up distracted. "Gomen, what was that?"

	Minako stuck her tongue out. "Oh nothing."

	Rei attempted a smile, but glanced back over to where Usagi sat 

slumped in her chair. 

	"Usagi?" she asked.

	Looking up with a start, she grinned. "Gomen, I seem to be fading out

a lot, don't I?" Jumping to her feet, she stretched and glanced at her watch.

"Well, this meeting seems to be over, so...I'll catch you all at school...or 

rather..." The optimism faded from her voice, only to return a moment later. 

"Oh well, either way, I'll see ya later. Ja, minna!" She waved and rushed out

the door.

	They listened to the door close behind her, and with that, it seemed 

that the teashop came back to life. The quiet chatter and laughter returned, 

reanimating the atmosphere.

	Rei turned to the others with a frown. "Something is up with Usagi. 

She's not acting like herself."

	Ami nodded. "It's like when she got into that argument with Michiru

-san and Haruka-san over the Starlights. Except that everything should be 

fine now."

	"Maybe she's having problems with Mamoru-san...?" ventured Makoto.

	"I don't think that's it," said Minako. "She's never had problems 

with Mamoru-san..." She made a face. "Well...except for that one time when 

he forgot her birthday, but that was really her fault anyway."

	"I'll bet she just misses Seiya-kun. She spent so much time with him 

when he was here, she's not used to hanging with us again," said Makoto. Her 

tone was light and it had been meant as a joke, but the meaning hit them 

strongly.

	They found themselves at a loss for words once again, and Rei rose to 

her feet. "Don't forget to meet at the shrine tomorrow," she said.

	Minako and Makoto exchanged a look before waving goodbye.

*     *     *     *     *

	Mamoru whistled to himself as he walked along the street. He had 

stopped at Usagi's house, but she wasn't home. *I'll bet she got another 

detention.* He sighed, smiling. *I wonder how many she got while I was gone.* 

He felt the familiar pang of sadness that he always did when thinking of the 

time he had missed. *It doesn't matter, I'll take her somewhere nice for 

dinner.*  His hand strayed to his pocket, but at that moment, Usagi turned 

the corner in front of him, and he instead reached out to pluck a flower from

a nearby bush.

	"Hi, Usako!" he called. She lifted her head and saw him, her face 

lighting up. She dropped her school bag and ran at him full speed, and he 

caught her and swung her around.

	She laughed, delighted, and hugged him tightly. "Mamo-chan," she 

murmured happily.

	"How was your day, Usako?" he asked, placing the flower in her hair. 

"You weren't late today, were you?" He poked fun at her gently, expecting to 

hear some long and jumbled narrative on why it was absolutely not her fault 

that she was late this morning, but she simply grew quiet.

	"Usako?" he asked concerned.

	"Setsuna-san is leaving tomorrow," she said quietly.

	"Nani?!" He looked stunned. "What do you mean, she's leaving?"

	Usagi looked up at him. "It's just what I said, she's leaving! She 

says she has to go back to guard time...but..." She bit her lip and shrugged.

"Anyway, I have to go. You'll be there to say goodbye to her tomorrow, won't 

you?"

	He picked up the book bag and handed it to her.  "Of course," he said,

kissing her forehead. She blushed slightly and pulled away.  

 	"Bye!" And she was off down the street.

	Mamoru watched her until she was out of his sight, then began walking

again. *Setsuna-san is leaving the senshi...I wonder if they will still feel 

complete after she is gone...* He stopped at the Hikawa Shrine steps, looking

up. Sighing, he began to climb them.

	He paused to knock on the sliding doors before entering and removing 

his shoes. "Rei-chan?" Mamoru called.

	"Here!" He turned around to find her peeking out from one of the 

rooms. "Come in and have some tea."

	Walking into the room, he seated himself on one of the cushions and 

accepted a cup of steaming liquid from her.

*     *     *     *     *

	Smiling, Rei picked up another tray. "Would you like some cookies, 

Mamoru-san?"

	Mamoru shook his head. Still holding the tray, she stood in the same 

spot, her grin still pasted across her face. He looked at her, waiting, and 

finally said, "Rei-chan, you can put down the tray and sit now."

	Rei's smile faltered a little, and she set the serving dish down. 

Folding her knees beneath her, she dropped into seating position across the 

low table from him. "It's not like I'm not glad to see you at any time, but 

why have you come?"

	He folded his hands in front of him on the table and didn't respond 

for a moment. "Something is...different since I returned. Everyone around me 

seems to act the same, and my eyes can detect nothing strange. But, it's like 

there is something just underneath the surface that I can't quite see. Like 

something else was being talked about before I entered the room, and I hear 

only the echoes of the real conversation."

	Rei had completely abandoned her good hostess façade, and her face 

was emotionless as he spoke. "And Usako..."

	She looked up quickly. "I know what you mean, I feel it too." Her 

voice grew softer. "I think we all do."

	"But what happened to make her this way? Everything *feels* the same,

but even in her usual cheer, there is an element of, well, it's like it's 

being forced a little." Mamoru looked at her helplessly.

	"She becomes very quiet when you're not around. It's frightening, 

almost, to see her this way. Usagi has never been one to mope around like 

this. She's usually so open, about everything, but recently..." She trailed 

off, unable to finish her sentence.

	"What happened, Rei-chan, while I was gone? I need to know if I am 

ever to help her. Tell me from the beginning, even if I've already heard it."

	Rei's hands tightened around her small teacup. "Well," she cleared 

her throat. "Your departure to America left her feeling extremely alone. We 

all tried to lift her spirits, but we couldn't fill the gap you left."

	Mamoru looked slightly pained, but motioned for her to continue.

	"Then, somehow, we're still not quite sure how she managed it, she 

became friends with a teen idol, Seiya-kun, and his two friends. They formed 

a trendy band called the "Three Lights," and they had just moved to our 

school. I guess he somehow had something we didn't because Usagi began to act 

like herself once again, and she began to spend a lot of time with Seiya-kun. 

She never let on once that she hadn't heard from you at all."

	Rei stopped for a moment, thinking it over. "She hid that pain the 

entire time." She sat back, amazed at her own words. "I guess we have always 

been judging her wrong. I never realized that she was capable..."

	Mamoru touched her hand, pulling her out of her thoughts. "Go on."

	Shaking her head, she continued. "Anyway, a new enemy had appeared. 

They would attack humans, searching for a 'true Starseed,' and turn them into

youma called "Farces." At the same time, three new senshi appeared, fighting 

against the farces. Eternal Sailor Moon healed all the humans and fought 

alongside the new soldiers. 

 	"Of course," Rei's voice became a mix of admiration, affection, and 

frustration, "Usagi right away thought that they were friends, and wanted to 

ally ourselves with them. But Haruka-san and Michiru-san strongly distrusted 

them because they were strangers to our galaxy, and we knew almost nothing 

about them. It didn't matter to Usagi, though, she felt that they were always

fighting for the same thing. It came down to once when we were attacked by a 

farce on an airplane with the Three Lights, and, forced to transform, we 

discovered that they were actually the three mysterious soldiers that we had 

met up with again and again. Once they found out, Haruka-san and Michiru-san 

forbade Usagi to see Seiya-kun anymore, and she..." Rei cut off sharply. 

 	*How much should I tell him?* she thought with worry. *Should I tell 

him about Seiya-kun and Usagi?*

 	Mamoru was looking at her intently. "She got around it, of course, 

and attempted to stay friends with the Three Lights. Eventually, the others 

came around, but it took a while." She glanced up at Mamoru, but he hadn't 

seemed to notice her hesitation. "Anyway, it was revealed that Galaxia, who 

was supposedly the most powerful sailor senshi in the universe, was 

responsible for the attacks." Her words died off. "It was a very tough 

battle...anyway, you saw it from there. Usagi healed her with her love."

	Mamoru sat silently. There was a hint of wonder in his voice when he 

spoke. "She can do anything, can't she? That's so much, but I still don't see

why she continues to hurt."

	*I haven't told you everything.*  Rei frowned. *But should I? Nothing

happened, really.*  She bit the nail on her thumb, insecure in her choice. 

*She would never go behind his back, she wouldn't betray anyone, ever. But 

still, there are some times where we wondered if her loyalty to Mamoru-san 

hadn't held her back...the fact that she was able to stay faithful, in face 

of everything...We all know how she felt about him, even if she wouldn't 

admit it out loud.*

	"Rei-chan?" Mamoru's voice reached her faintly, but she didn't 

respond.

	*But doesn't he have a right to know?* demanded one side. *Why? What 

would it help?* screamed the other half of her heart. Rei shut her eyes 

tightly and pressed one hand to her forehead, trying to soothe the pounding 

headache in her skull. *This indecisiveness is killing me, I must make a 

choice!*

	She studied his face. Open, concerned, and thoughtful, she felt a 

pang of guilt for not telling him right away.

	"Well, actually, there is something else," she said hesitantly. 

Picking at her long gown, she set her hands carefully on her lap.

	"What?"

	She looked him straight in the eye.

	"Usagi fell in love while you were gone." She held her breath.

	His eyes widened slightly in surprise, then faded, leaving only a 

trace of sadness. He ran a hand through his thick black hair and sighed. "I 

should have expected as much. How did I ever think I could just leave her all

alone..." He smiled a little. "She's so sweet, it must be hard for others 

*not* to fall in love with her."

	"Don't think for a second that anything happened." Rei's voice was 

level but forceful, and she spoke quickly. "Her affection for him was never 

of a romantic sort, and the thought of you never left her mind, not for a 

second. Her love for you didn't falter once, but somehow... she grew closer 

to him in a few weeks than we had in years." Her hand tightened into fists. 

"Even me. But still, you don't have to worry..."

	Mamoru waved his hand, cutting her off. "I know Rei-chan, I know." 

Rei could not read his expression as he looked past her. "It was Seiya-kun, 

wasn't it?" It was almost a sigh.

	Rei nodded miserably. *I feel like I've betrayed Usagi. If she hasn't

told him, what gives me the right? But he had to know, didn't he?*

	Standing, Mamoru said, "Thank you for the tea," she glanced at his 

untouched cup, "and for talking with me."

	Rei jumped to her feet. "You're not going to tell her I said 

anything, are you?"

	Mamoru's mouth lifted slightly in a smile. "Of course not. I won't 

bring it up." He turned to leave. "Sayonara, Rei-chan."

	She watched the door slide closed behind him, then collapsed, 

exhausted, and gently lay her head down on the table. 

*     *     *     *     *

	"Artemis?"

	The small white ears perked up at his name. "Hai?"

	Luna slowly strode toward him. "I need some advice."

	Artemis nuzzled her as she reached him. "That's what I'm here for, 

Luna." He looked at her seriously. "What's the problem?"

	Luna sat and studied her paws. "I'm not sure what to do about Usagi

-chan. I known you've seen what she's become like, and she hasn't been 

sleeping well at all. And when she's alone, she cries, and I don't see a 

reason why."

	His tiny, furry brow puckered in concern. "Minako-chan has been 

acting strangely as well. She spends hours doing simply nothing, or just 

staring into the mirror. And she carries her henshin stick everywhere with 

her, just holding it a lot of the time."

	Their eyes met, and Luna sighed. "I don't know what to do, Artemis."

	"I don't know if there's anything we *can* do."

	"Perhaps...well, you heard what Setsuna-san said, perhaps it's just 

the environment around them that is affecting their moods. I know that they 

are all extremely sensitive to the energy of this planet and solar system, 

maybe that could explain their behavior."

	Artemis tried to sound encouraging. "Maybe."

	But even one glance told that neither of them believed it.

*     *     *     *     *

	Mamoru opened the door and stepped out, glancing back at the filled 

car. Minako, Rei, Ami, and Makoto peered up at him through the car door 

windows, and Makoto flashed him a thumbs up sign.

	Grinning, Mamoru turned and began marching up Usagi's walk way, and 

paused to knock on her door. 

	"Hai hai!" was heard from inside, and a great deal of shuffling and a

few crashes could be heard before she emerged from the door, her hair 

disheveled and her frock stained across the front. 

	"Gomen! I was in the middle of trying to bake a cake for Setsuna-san,

but, um..." She looked down and began playing with her fingers. "Well...

ah..."

	"Don't worry about it, Usagi-chan!" Makoto jumped out from behind 

Mamoru. "I already baked a pie for her!" She held out the apple pie, and 

Usagi's eyes grew large. 

	"Oooh, delicious!" she cried, her mouth watering at the enticing 

scent of the freshly baked pastry.

	Rei grabbed the pie away just in time for Usagi's eager hands to miss 

it, and she stumbled off the step. 

	"Usagi!" she fumed. "It's for Setsuna-san! Mako-chan baked us a pie 

last week, and you ate it before any of us even got a piece!"

	Usagi's eyes began to tear. "Oh Rei-chan, she wouldn't miss one small

bite!"

	"Usagi!" Rei growled.

	"Oooh!" Usagi whined, crossing her arms firmly over her chest.

	Mamoru smiled and said, "Don't worry, I'll treat you to some sweets 

later, okay?"

	Usagi's face brightened immediately, and she threw one fist into the 

air. "YES!" she cried. Then, glancing back inside, said, "I guess I'll just...

um, let Mako-chan give her pie. I don't think Setsuna-san wants what I made."

	"Destroyed is more like it," muttered Rei. Usagi glared at her, and 

Rei made an ugly face at her. 

	Everyone rolled their eyes and walked back to the car, Usagi last 

with her arms tightly around one of Mamoru's.

	Climbing into the red sports car, they sped off towards the docks. 

Gradually, the upbeat mood faded, and no one spoke when they arrived. 

	Mamoru turned the key and stepped out of the car, looking around. 

"I guess we're the first ones here."

	"Actually, we've been waiting for a while." 

	"?" Usagi quickly turned.

	Haruka stood holding Hotaru's hand, with Michiru behind them, leaning

against Haruka's car.

	"Where's Setsuna-san?" asked Ami.

	"We do not know. We thought she would arrive with you," said Michiru.

	Minako tilted her head to one side. "But she was with Hotaru-chan 

when we saw her last."

	Shaking her short hair flying, Hotaru shook her head. "No, she 

dropped me off at Michiru-san and Haruka-san's last night, and we haven't 

seen her since."

	The girls exchanged a glance. *Setsuna-san had left Hotaru-chan 

alone? Where has she been all night?*

	"You don't think that...perhaps she already left, do you?" asked Ami 

quietly.

	Rei frowned. "Don't say that! Of course she didn't! She would never 

leave without saying goodbye!"

	Ami lowered her eyes and winced slightly at her harsh tone, but 

didn't reply.

	"Calm down, Rei-chan! I'm sure she's just..." Makoto halted with her 

mouth still open, unable to think of anything to say. "Well, I'm sure she'll 

be here soon."

	An uncomfortable silence fell over them, and Usagi toed the ground 

uneasily, tracing little hearts and patterns with her shoe. Ami and Minako 

sat with their legs hanging off the edge of the dock, dangling above the 

water. Makoto simply stood holding her quickly cooling pie, looking down the 

road for a sign of Setsuna, next to Haruka, Michiru, and Hotaru.	

	They all jumped when a voice came from behind them, at the edge of 

the dock.

	"Konnichiwa, minna."

	"Agh!" Usagi spun quickly, wrenching Mamoru about-face. "Setsuna-san!

How did you get there?" There was nothing but the tranquil ocean behind her, 

blending into the horizon and the sky in the same vibrant shade of blue.  She

stood at ease in her full senshi fuku, holding her staff straight in one 

extended arm.

	Setsuna smiled slightly at Usagi and turned to the others. "I am glad

to see you all are here. I wanted to have one last memory of everyone 

together one last time before I go." She studied them all, standing before her.

 	"Michiru!" she called. Walking up to her and laying a delicate kiss, 

little more than the brushing of a feather, on her temple, she said, 

"Farewell, Michiru-san. We will meet again, in the future."

	Michiru smiled sadly. "I will not forget anything that you have 

taught me."

 	Then, she looked to Haruka. "Haruka!" Carefully studying her eyes, 

she said softly, "Do not resent me for doing what I must. I can no more 

control my own destiny than you can your own."

	Haruka's brow furrowed. After a long while of simply staring at each 

other, slowly, her face smoothed, and her look became sorrowful. She bowed 

her head. "I forgive it."

	Setsuna gave a nod, and moved on to Ami. "Ami!"

	Ami clasped her hands in front of her. "I hope that you will not be 

lonely while you are away."

	Setsuna smiled. "I can never be lonely when I remember everyone, and 

think towards all the memories that are still ahead." Ami smiled in return.

	"I...uh," Makoto cleared her throat. "I baked something for you," she

said, and shyly held out the small apple pie. *Why did I think to cook her 

something? Does she even eat?*

	But to her surprise, Setsuna delicately reached out and took the pie,

enchanted. "It's wonderful, Mako-chan. It smells delightful."

	Makoto blushed. "I'm glad you like it."

	Balancing the pie carefully in one hand, she suddenly closed her 

fingers into a fist, and the pie disappeared. "Do not worry, I am just saving

it for later," she said.

 	"Minako!" She turned to Minako. "Do not forget your liveliness, 

Minako-chan. Even if it seems like everything else is changing, stay the way 

you are now and continue to bring laughter to those around you."

	Minako took a deep breath, and tried to smile, but there were tears 

in her eyes as she said, "Goodbye, Setsuna-san."

	Setsuna's eyes met Mamoru's, and he nodded, once. She returned his 

nod and looked to Usagi.

	"Princess. You must not forget these lessons that you have learned. 

I know you are strong. Do not lose sight of all the love you have found."

	Usagi looked up at her. Her round eyes were calm but gleaming. "Hai,

Setsuna-san." 

 	Setsuna lay one hand on top of her head, before slowly turning to 

Hotaru.

	"Hotaru..." The words caught in her throat.

	But Hotaru just smiled. "I understand, Setsuna-mama." There was a 

sigh as soft as the wind. "Do not regret leaving me here again. Things will 

come full circle, and we will meet once more with the birth of Small Lady." 

Her voice was cheerful, but the shimmer of tears glossed her eyes.

	Setsuna knelt and drew her into an embrace. She held Hotaru tightly, 

one hand clasping behind her head. No one but Usagi saw the tiny, glittering 

tear that fell onto Hotaru's black silken hair.

 	Releasing her, Setsuna stood, and stepping back, she looked over them

all. "Sayonara, minna."

 	Everyone stared as she turned her back and raised her staff high 

above her head.

 	A sudden gust of wind blew, sending Setsuna's long mane of glossy 

emerald strands in a torrent around her. Raising her face to the sky, she 

opened her mouth and cried, "Time align from my command, open the gates 

across time and space! I call upon the eternal power from the place of my 

calling! Chronos, Father of Time, guide and protect me!"

 	A explosion of light in the sky, brighter than the sun, caused 

everyone to shield their eyes. A streak of radiance shot from the clouds, 

enveloping Setsuna.

 	Usagi could just make out her slim form and her outstretched staff, 

and watched as it began to waver and become unstable.

 	With a gasp, she ran forward, waving her arms and crying, "Goodbye, 

Setsuna-san! Goodbye!"

 	Minako was suddenly beside her. "Sayonara!"

 	"We'll miss you!" shouted Ami, waving as well.

 	"We'll meet again soon!" Rei yelled.

	Makoto also ran to stand next to them. "Goodbye!"

	Hotaru, hesitating for only a second, began waving her arms with the 

others. "Bye bye!"  	Haruka turned her face away from the scene, and 

placed an arm around Michiru's waist tightly. "Adieu," she whispered into her

hair, and Michiru's hold on her tightened.

 	Setsuna, seeming to hear all of them through the loud crackling of 

energy, turned slightly, and they caught a glance of the shine in her eyes. 

 	And she was gone.

 	They all stood mute, staring at where she had stood only a breath 

before. Bits of paper and small leaves that had been tossed by the abrupt 

flurry of air slowly floated to the ground around them.

 	Hotaru bowed her head, and Haruka placed one hand on her shoulder. 

"Come on, Hotaru-chan, let's go home."

 	Hotaru didn't respond, but began making her way back to the car.

 	Michiru looked around at the others. "I suggest you all head home as 

well. There's nothing more to be done here." Turning her back, she opened the

car door and slid inside. The others watched as the car slowly backed away, 

then sped off down the road.

 	"Come on, Usako. Let's walk around for a bit." Usagi felt the warmth 

of his hand clasping hers, and she allowed him to pull her down the street.

 	*Even Mamo-chan can't think of anything to say now. We both feel the 

loss deeply, even though she just left.* Usagi closed her eyes and felt tears

well up behind her eyelids. *What happens next? What else could I possibly 

lose? We're not complete anymore, we're only a part of our team now.*

 	Mamoru peeked over at Usagi. Her face was extremely downcast, and he 

couldn't read her eyes. She hadn't taken Chibi-Usa's leaving this hard, and 

he wondered why she should Setsuna's.

 	"Usako? How would you like to go for that ice cream I promised you 

earlier?" Mamoru asked, trying to bring her back to her normal cheer. 

Instead, she just shook her head.

 	"No, I'm not feeling hungry right now, Mamo-chan."

 	"Oh, come on, there's a ice cream store right over there. And I know 

they have your favorite: double chocolate chip fudge!"

 	"No thanks, Mamo-chan."

 	"Are you sure? It's just what you need right now to get your mind off

of Setsuna-san."

 	Abruptly, she stopped walking and let go of his hand. "What is it 

with everyone?! Why do you all treat me like a child? I am way past the age 

where having an ice cream cone will solve all of my problems!"

 	Mamoru's face widened in surprise. "Usako...I...that's not..."

 	But she didn't even hear him. The tears she had been holding back 

suddenly began to trace small rivers across her cheeks. "No one ever expects 

anything of me, or believes that I can do even simple things, like bake a 

cake! If everyone hadn't just laughed at me earlier when I told them I wanted

 to, maybe I could have done something right for once! Everyone always seems 

to think that I need help with even the littlest things, and they only 

believe in me when it comes down to life and death! Obviously there must be 

something wrong with me for everyone to automatically assume I'm going to 

screw up!"

	Usagi was screaming now, and he took a step back in shock. "Usako..."

	"Even you, Mamo-chan, have fallen into this way of thinking!" Her 

hands clenched into small fists and she pressed them to her forehead, as if 

in pain or grief. "Only one person has ever truly believed in me, no matter 

what. Even when it came down to the things I knew I was bad at, like tests or 

sports or cooking! But now I have no one!" Her words came between sobs now, 

until her sentences were so jumbled that he could barely understand her.

	*Oh my God, what have we done?* Mamoru felt frozen in place, 

realizing that every word she said was true. Feeling his own tears, he 

reached for her, but she threw his hand off with a cry and began running down

the street.

	"Usako, wait!" he yelled as she ran into the street. With a loud 

honk, a car swerved just to the left of Usagi, and he could feel his heart 

stop in his chest for a second. But Usagi didn't even notice, or if she did, 

she didn't care, and kept running.

	Checking both ways of traffic, he carefully ran across the road and 

went after her. He saw the bright flash of her frock as she ducked through 

some bushes, and shoved them aside. "Usako!"

	Emerging on the other side, he quickly looked both ways, but couldn't

 see her anywhere. "Usako?" There was no reply. He pressed one hand to his 

forehead, covering his eyes. *This is all my fault. This must have been going

on the entire time while I was gone. If only I had never left...*

	All of a sudden, he caught the sound of quiet weeping on the breeze.

Very carefully, he followed the sound, and peeked around a corner.

	Usagi sat with her head in her hands, curled into a tiny, shaking 

ball.

	"Usako," he murmured, and knelt next to her to draw her into his 

arms, but hesitated. *What if she doesn't want me to touch her?*

	But Usagi seemed to have forgotten. "Oh Mamo-chan," she whimpered, 

burying her face in his chest. He felt the dampness soak through his shirt 

immediately as he pressed her to him tightly. Laying his cheek on her hair, 

he sighed. 

	"Usako, I..."

	"I'm so sorry, Mamo-chan. I don't know what's wrong with me." 

	His lips froze halfway through his apology in surprise.

	"I know I've been acting strangely lately, but...I can't help it. 

But everyone just assumes something is wrong when I'm not happy and energetic

all the time. I know how much they depend on me to lift everyone's spirits 

up. Except that right now, I can't keep with everything."

	Mamoru drew away slightly, and she looked up at him. "When the 

hardships come at different times, I'm okay. I have time to recover in 

between, and can always be happy and cheerful." Her eyes lowered and he 

could hear the tears in her voice. "But with so many things hitting me all 

at once, I can't take it. I just need some time to recover, and I'll be 

okay."

	Mamoru kissed her on the forehead, then on the lips, but she pulled 

back.

	He leaned forward and nuzzled her hair gently. "Usako?"

	*There's something else, Mamo-chan, something we need to talk 

about...* She opened her mouth to tell him.

	A bright flash of golden light snaked across her sight, blocking out 

her view of his face. Usagi felt it streak through her skull, and with a 

shout, her hands flew to her head, and she crumpled onto the ground.

	The thudding of her heart seemed to suddenly magnify a thousandfold 

in volume, blocking out all other sounds. "Usako!" She heard a faint echo of 

his voice, but couldn't respond. Even behind her tightly clenched eyelids, 

everything had been painted a blinding shade of gold.

	Suddenly, it withdrew, faded completely, taking with it the thick 

veil that seemed to have fallen over her mind lately. Pushing herself into 

sitting position, she looked up into Mamoru's face.

	Suddenly, it simply didn't seem important to tell him anymore.

	"Usako, are you alright? What happened?" he gasped, grabbing her 

shoulders.

	*Why should I tell him, what would it change? He would just hold me 

and tell me it's alright like he always does. He doesn't need to know.*

	She shook him off. "Nothing, I'm alright, but I think I'm getting a 

headache. I'm heading home now, okay?"

	His hands trailed from their position on her shoulders down to her 

small hands, and he held them tightly. "Would you like me to walk you?" His 

deep blue eyes stared into hers with concern.

	The bitter taste in her mouth faded. *What am I thinking? I must be 

so lucky to have him so worried about me!*  "Lucky!" she repeated, out loud, 

hugging him around the waist.

	Laughing, he pulled her to her feet, and they began walking back to 

her house.

	A doubtful expression crossed her face, and she glanced back. "What 

about your car, Mamo-chan? You left it back at the docks!"

	He grinned and looked over at her. "Don't worry about it, I'll jog 

over there later and drive it home."

	She turned back to him, beaming up at him. "Hai!"



*      *      *      *      *



 	Cautiously, I press my hand to the cool wood of the door, and push it

open. Just as I thought, she has come here once again. Too many times had I 

thought her missing, only to find her here, lost inside herself.

 	I wait for a moment, but there is no response. I suppose that 

whatever images keep playing in her mind are more distracting than the real 

world; I do not seem to be noticed. Without a sound, I near where she sits, 

smiling contentedly to myself. It becomes harder and harder to find time to 

be alone with her, now that life is returning to this planet that we all 

thought long dead. With so much to be rebuilt, so many lives to be pieced 

back together, it becomes overwhelming at times.

 	Slowly, I lean forward, close my eyes, and kiss her cheek. Her face 

jerks up to look at me, startled. Her blue eyes meet mine, recognition 

strikes and she smiles, but it is the same sad smile that she has been 

showing far too often lately, and it does not reach her eyes. The only true 

joy that I ever see her show anymore is with the rebirth of the Starseeds, 

the returning of all our people. She averts her glance to one of the paneled 

windows on the wall.

 	I sit beside her and lay my head lightly on her shoulder, and feel 

her begin to relax under me. She places her cheek against my hair and 

breathes in the sweet scent that she swears follows me everywhere.

 	Laying like this for a while, I reach over and take her hand, twining

our fingers, and pull away gently. Her head rises slowly, and I can tell that

 her mind has once again turned inside itself.

 	I can see the pain inside her, and wonder why she is not healed by my

presence. I love her so much. I love them all, but this one I treasured.

 	"Ai shiteru, Fighter, my shooting star," I whisper, drawing closer to

her.

 	Abruptly, she stands and lets go of my hand. I only catch a glimpse 

of her face, but it is strained as she walks away, moving to the door.

 	I sit for a moment, then jump to my feet as well, fighting back 

shocked tears. The pain I feel inside at this moment is beyond me, I cannot 

remember ever hurting this way before.

 	"Am I not enough for you then?" I demand, gasping for breath. 

Immediately I regret the words as I see her stop and fall forwards slightly 

as if from a physical blow, her shoulders hunching. My hands are clenched to 

my sides, and my breath comes faster now, but I do not take back my 

accusation, for I know it is true.

 	We both do.

 	Somewhere, deep inside, I had always known, and perhaps had dreamt 

this moment long ago, choosing those exact words to wound her in a deep place

where I knew it would hurt. But I could not resent Fighter for loving her, 

nor could I resent her for earning the love of the one I cared for most. It 

is simply not in me. I only felt this aching sadness that I could never make 

her happy, that I did not have whatever she needed.

 	Slowly, her posture straightens and she continues walking, closing 

the door behind her, without a look back.

 	Closing my eyes, I fall back onto the couch, and the tears come in 

endless rivers of sorrow. It is not myself that I cry for, never for myself, 

but for her...

*     *     *     *     *



Translations: (I should have done this in the first chapter, but most of it's

basic Japanese anyway. Let me know if I'm wrong about something)



	"Gomen nasai": "I am sorry"

	"Gomen": "sorry"

	"Daijoubou": "I'm okay"

	"Konnichiwa"- "good afternoon"

	"Demo": "but"

	"Nani?": "what?"

	"Henshin": "transform" or "transformation"

	"Hai": "yes"

	"Hai hai!": litterally, it means "Yes, yes!" but I heard Usagi say it

once when the door bell rang and she was on her way to get it, so I figured I

can do it too!

	"Minna": an intimate way of addressing a group (as opposed to "minna

-san")

	"Sayonara": "goodbye"

	"Ai shiteru": "I love you." This is a deep sort of love, NOT like a 

plutonic love 





	AH HAH HA! Done done done! Yeow, that was really hard to write. OUR 

WEB PAGE FOR THE RADIO PLAY OF THIS STORY IS UP!! Please visit it at 

http://members.xoom.com/SMradioplay. Our e-mail was screwed up, so if we 

never e-mailed you back, please try again, it's fixed now. Sigh, I love that 

last scene. Did you get it? Does anyone else wonder where this story is 

going? Oh, I have so much in my head but no time to write! A lot of this 

isn't supposed to make sense right now. We want people to critique our work 

as much as possible, so PLEASE E-MAIL at Kaelali_su@hotmail.com, okay? We 

try hard not to go out of character, but if we screw something up, please 

notify us! We are forever trying to improve our work. Oh, and if there are 

any people out there who are interested in helping me with a small musical 

project, let me know!