Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ The Fragility of Time ❯ "Visitors from Down the Street" ( Chapter 3 )

[ P - Pre-Teen ]

The Fragility of Time
Chapter 3: "Visitors from Down the Street"
Author: etj4Eagle
Email: etj4Eagle@yahoo.com
http://www.geocities.com/etj4eagle
Lasted Edited: 8/31/00

Disclaimer: A reminder I own none of the characters of this story,
all rights are owned by others.
If you distribute the story, do only
so freely and inform me of where you post it.

_______________________________________

The first few moments after the disappearance of Sailor Pluto,
everyone sat stunned. It was Luna who broke the silence. She got up
walked over to Usagi, bowing deeply before speaking. "Forgive me for
not recognizing you your highness. I should not have put you in all
that danger, you were never trained to be a Sailor Senshi. My only
excuse is that my memories of the past are very clouded."

Normally Usagi would have been jumping for joy after learning that
she no longer needed to be Sailor Moon. But, the child who had
returned to the warmth of her arms had in the last hour caused Usagi
to mature significantly. There was now another who needed her to be
strong. And, if her daughter was going to be training to be a Sailor
Senshi of the moon, then she would be one as well. "Luna get up off
the ground!" she barked at the cat that was still bowed low in shame.
"There is nothing for you to be sorry about, you were doing what you
thought was best. The only thing that is now different is that we no
longer have to look for the moon princess, and we know why I am such
a lousy fighter. As much as I hate to admit it, I guess I will need
extra training above what you give Mercury and Mars. Though, I
probably could do that extra training along with ChibiMoon."

Luna was taken back by her charge's reaffirmination of being Sailor
Moon. Luna quietly thought to
herself before addressing her princess again. "Princess, I am glad
that you have decided to keep fighting as Sailor Moon. I will revise
the training program for next time."

Rei watched the exchange between Luna and Usagi with a warm feeling
of delight in her heart. "Uh, Luna what were you saying about the past?"

While Luna knew that these warriors were the reborn warriors of the
past, she had forgotten that no one had informed them of that fact
yet. And with Pluto's revelation now was the time to tell them the
truth. "Unfortunately my memories are still clouded, but the reason
why you are the Senshi that you are is that about a thousand years
ago you were those very same warriors. And, Usagi was princess
Serenity of the Silver Millennium. A great war fell the kingdom, the
Senshi died protecting the kingdom and the princess and queen.
Though, the queen was able to banish the evil and send your souls
here to earth to be reborn, however at the cost of her own life.
Unfortunately that evil has broken free, and is the very one that we
are fighting."

The three teenagers' faces became solemn, as they mused over what
Luna had said. Usagi gripped the child in her arms a little tighter.
"Don't worry Odango-Atama, we will defeat the evil for good this
time. You can still count on us to protect you and your daughter."
Announced Rei, breaking the silence. Ami nodded her head in
agreement.

Ami remaining the practical one realized that there was one issue
that needed to be dealt with before they were too sidetracked. "What
are we going to do about ChibiUsa-chan?" Her announcement caused
every one to look at the child, and each immediately realized the
problem.

ChibiUsa got up from where she had been sitting in Usagi's lap and
pulled out the remains of Luna-P. "This used to be Luna-P, it was
destroyed during my trip back in time. It is what I use to alter
peoples' memories when I travel back in time."

Ami pulled out her computer and began scanning the device.
"Unfortunately the damage to it is too extensive for me to fix. Most
of the internals are fried, and I don't think that most of the
technology that it is made out of even exists yet." Concluded Ami.

"Well that is just dandy." Summed up an irate Rei. "I guess she will
have to stay here at the shrine. My grandfather is the least likely
to ask questions, and we are a place of sanctuary."

Luna was about to agree with Rei's proposal, when Usagi spoke out
"NO! She will stay with me." Before the others could object she
continued, "She is my daughter. And, I don't care about the
consequences, my mind is made up."

While Rei outwardly muttered about Odango-Atama no baka, she
internally felt a slight twinge of pride at Usagi's continued newly
found backbone. Though, she hoped that this was not a one-time
affair, and that Usagi would maintain this new determination.

Luna seeing in Usagi's eyes that there was no way to change her mind
gave in. "All right she will stay with you, but how are we going to
explain this to your parents? This is slightly more than just getting
a cat." Luna said referring to how she came to live with the Tsukino
family only about a month ago.

"Easy we tell them the truth." Stated Usagi. Not waiting for the open
mouths to be recovered by their owners, she continued. "Now I need to
hurry and get ChibiUsa-chan some clothes at the mall. Though first
could I borrow your phone Rei-chan so that I could let my mom know to
set an additional place at dinner tonight." With Rei's weak nod, she
left the room with ChibiUsa in tow.

Her sudden departure snapped the others out of the daze they were in.
As both Rei and Luna began a long tyrant on how baka Usagi was, Ami
interrupted them. "As unorthodox as it seems, I think Usagi-chan has
the right idea. ChibiUsa-chan should remain with her mother, Usagi-
chan, and without the ability to hypnotize the Tsukino family, they
will need to be told the truth. Luna, be sure to be there when Usagi
talks to her family. And, don't hesitate to call us, if you think it
will help."

With that, the three broke up. Ami headed off for home to do some
more studying, while Luna headed to the roof of the Tsukino house to
await the return of her charges and to attempt to reclaim more of her
memories while she waited. Rei prepared to seek guidance from the
Great Fire. All three of them had heads swimming with new facts and
needed time to sort them out and come to terms with them. Usagi on
the other hand had already fully accepted the new situation.

* * * * * * * * *
The alley where ChibiUsa originally arrived

Zoisite looked around the alley one final time. smirked Zoisite as he realized that the other end of the
trajectory was a dumpster. and with that thought,
Zoisite opened a portal of his own and stepped back to the Dark
Kingdom base.

Zoisite was right; Beryl was most definitely not pleased. But, at
least now he was to return to his original mission though, with the
added objective of finding what ever created that portal. Zoisite
hoped that he would not come into contact with what ever had created
that portal, the energy used was mind staggering. But, that was
exactly why Beryl wanted to control the source of that energy, it
would be sufficient to release their great leader.

* * * * * * * * *
A hospital

In another part of town in a hospital lay a red haired man. The most
distinguishing mark on this person's head was the presence of an
upturned black crescent moon. While he was an intimidating in person,
his unconscious self did not inspire the same fear. His survival had
surprised the many doctors of the hospital, when he had been brought
in his lungs were filled with water from the lake he had been found
beside. However, his body seemed to resist the notion of dieing, but
so too it resisted the notion of waking up. He had been like this for
a week now.

While his conscience self was out cold, his subconscious was actively
trying to discover meaning in the dream plane.

>>> he thought to
himself. Looking around the scene suddenly shifted to that of a
crystal shaped ship spiraling out of control above the earth.
As the view panned inside, he saw explosions rip the internals
of the ship. He could not make out the exact words that the
crew was saying, but the meaning was clear: the ship was
doomed.

As the scene shifted again, he saw part of the ship plow into a
lake. A few moments later, a red haired figure drifted to the
shore. A pair of runners noticed the figure and called for
help. The scene shifted once again, but this time it did not
resolve into a firm memory but into nothingness. As he watched
a hooded figure with a glass ball became apparent in front of
him. "Wiseman what is happening?" questioned the Rubeus

"There has been a disruptions to the flow of time. The future
no longer exists; even my continued existence is only
temporary. The others are all gone." Replied the hooded figure.

"Does this mean that Crystal Tokyo is destroyed?"

"No, Crystal Tokyo may still come to be. You must now prevent
it from ever coming into being. The queen is alive in this time
period, kill her and her child to prevent the rise of Crystal
Tokyo. The child will lead you to the mother."

As the two began to approach the Tsukino household, ChibiUsa's pace
slowed, her cheerful mood evaporated, and she began walking closer to
Usagi. Usagi noticed the change in the child. Stopping and turning the
child to face her while kneeling down, Usagi gave the child some
encouragement. "Don't worry about my parents. No matter what, you
will be staying with me. Remember I am Sailor Moon and I will defend
you." Usagi finished by swiping a V-sign across her face.

This caused pink-haired girl to giggle. "You look just like Minako-
chan."

"Who?" questioned Usagi. But, ChibiUsa had already begun walking and
did not here Usagi's question. Usagi quickly caught up with her
daughter and the two of them approached the entrance to the house.
Stopping for a moment Usagi decided to give ChibiUsa one suggestion.
"You should probably avoid addressing my family or calling me momma
until after I have explained your relation first."

ChibiUsa nodded her ascent. Luna decided at that time to join the two
and after landing on the ground bounced up onto Usagi's shoulder.
Stealing a deep breath Usagi opened the door to her house and stepped
in. thought Luna as she rode into the house.

Shingo was the first to see the twosome enter the house. Thought Shingo
before he decided to leave his sister and her guest be and instead go
to his room till dinner.

"Usagi you're home, I was starting to get a little worried. Oh, this
must be the guest you told me about over the phone. She looks a lot
like you, even has the same hair style." Said Ikuko. Ikuko moved to
welcome the child into the home.

"Mom is dad around? I have some things to explain, and I would like
to only explain them once."

"Yes he is in the back, would you like me to call him?" replied
Usagi's mother.

"Yes, and could you ask Shingo to come down as well. He should here
what I have to say as well." Ikuko moved to get the other two members
of the family. She wanted to meet and reassure that child first, but
her daughter seemed anxious to tell her something. And, if she did
not know better, she would think that it had to do with that flamingo
haired kid.

With the family assembled in the living room, Usagi moved to stand up
at one end of the room with ChibiUsa in front of her. "Mom, dad,
Shingo I would like you to meet Tsukino Usagi-chan, but we can call
her ChibiUsa-chan"

"Ah, great not only does she look like a pint sized Usagi, she has
the same name. At this rate she will probably be another Odango-Atama
as well." Interrupted Shingo.

Usagi clearing her voice succeeded in killing Shingo's interruption.
"She is the daughter of Neo-Queen Serenity from the 30th centaury;
she has come to the past to train with her mother to be a Sailor
Senshi." Not letting her family get a chance to interrupt her with
questions Usagi continued. "The reason why she has the same name as
me and looks a lot like me, is that I am or actually will be her
mother."

"Honey, how can you be a queen in the 30th centaury?" Questioned a
confused mother.

"There used to be a great kingdom of all the other planets of the
solar system centered on the moon, called the Silver Millennium. The
Sailor Senshi guarded this kingdom and the heir to that kingdom was a
princess named Serenity. That kingdom fell a."

"What are you talking about Usagi?" demanded her father with a raised
voice. It was obvious that he thought his girl was talking nonsense
and as was his want, he was not taking it calmly.

Luna decided that this was when she needed to make her contribution.
"Usagi-chan speaks the truth. She is the reborn princess of the Moon
Kingdom, however she has not reclaimed any of her past memories." At
the startled stares from the other members of the family, "Yes it is
true I can speak. Just as Usagi is not really a human, I am not an
earth cat. I may look like one, but like the rest of those of the
Silver Millennium, I am magical. The crest of the moon on my forehead
is partially responsible for my powers and is the symbol of the
kingdom that I serve. Usagi will have one on her forehead as well
when the magic that is hiding her true identity is broken.

Seeing that her family was still having trouble believing what Luna
was saying, Usagi decide that a demonstration was needed. Looking at
ChibiUsa, while grasping her locket she saw the child nod and knew
that the same thoughts were passing her daughter's mind. And with
that, the two of them stood and called out "Moon Prism Power Make-
Up."

The attention of the others in the room was suddenly riveted on the
two girls who were suddenly covered with energy and ribbons that
began to solidify into their uniforms. And, then there stood in front
of the family the pretty suited soldier of love and justice and a
pink pint sized copy of her.

"Sa.Saiilor Moon?" Shingo timidly questioned.

"Yup, your klutzy sister is the pretty suited defender of love and
justice. How do you think I knew your name that time that I saved
you, and why I asked you to take good care of Luna afterwards?"
Shingo attempted to respond to his sister, but could only stutter,
having a hard time accepting the truth that was now before him.

"So that is why you have been sneaking out late at night" stated
Ikuko making the connection.

"Yes that is why I have snuck out of the house at times, and why I am
sometimes late in getting home and have real lame excuses.

"What if you were to get hurt?" questioned a worried father, who was
not sure if he liked what he had just heard. He may be proud of his
daughter, but fighting was just too dangerous for his little girl.

"Don't worry dad, Luna has already found two of my guardian Senshi,
Mercury and Mars. Unlike me, they were trained as warriors back
during the Silver Millennium and instinctively remember most of their
training. Additionally as Luna stated I am not truly human. I believe
Mercury, by that way that's Ami-chan, said that I heal faster than a
normal human and have a higher endurance. And further, when I am in
my Senshi form the magic heals me even faster and protects me from
most wounds. Anyways Mercury makes a good medic for those injuries
that are more than just scrapes and bruises.

"Sailor Mars is Rei-chan. I am still the same klutzy daughter that
you knew before. The only thing that is different is that I have a
really unique after school job. I still love all of you the same. And
to why I did not tell you before, it was to protect you. I could take
the risk that somehow my identity would get out. Which means Shingo-
kun that you cannot reveal any of this to anyone outside of the
family. Doing so could potentially put you in great danger. I do not
want my family to suffer because of who I am."

Luna decided to expand on the last bit that Usagi had said. "The
enemies that we face are the same ones that attacked and destroyed
the Moon Kingdom a thousand years ago. They were banished by Queen
Serenity when she used the Ginzuishou. However, her use of the
crystal at full power required the loss of her own life. But, she was
able to, before she died, send the souls of her daughter, her love,
and her royal court ahead in time to be reborn on earth. I was placed
in a cold sleep capsule to await their rebirth. With the resurfacing
of the Dark Kingdom, I began the process of tracking down the Sailor
Senshi and awakening them. Unfortunately, I do not remember much
else, as my memory was turned to Swiss cheese by the cold sleep.

"If the Dark Kingdom was to learn that you were the family of Sailor
Moon, you would become their perfect hostages. Further, if Queen
Beryl were to learn that your daughter was really princess Serenity
she would slowly kill you to bring pain to the Moon Princess. I do
not remember the cause of Beryl's hatred towards Serenity, only that
it is very deep and is what partially powered her lust to destroy the
Moon Kingdom. The other was the mistaken belief that the Ginzuishou
was the reason that those of the Silver Millennium having indefinite
lifespans."

The grumbling of the two Usagi tummies reminded the group that it was
getting past time for dinner. Ikuko suggested that they take a break
for dinner, at which the two girls immediately jumped. Within a blink
of an eye, the two were seated at the table, back in their civilian
forms, ready to pile food on their plates. Both Ikuko and Kenji
thought to themselves how similar ChibiUsa was to Usagi and that
while they had trouble believing it, it did not seem unreasonable
that they were mother and daughter.

The similarity was even more obvious during the meal itself. Both
quickly polished off large amounts of food. With dinner winding down,
Usagi decided to bring up why ChibiUsa was here in the past. "Mom,
dad, as I mentioned earlier ChibiUsa came from the future to train to
be a Sailor Senshi. However, during her trip back in time, something
went wrong. She was supposed to have arrived here a little over a
year in my future. Additionally Sailor Pluto, the guardian of time,
said that the future has become fluid and as a result, ChibiUsa will
have to remain here in the past until the future is firm again.

Ikuko seeing the sadness that came over the child's eyes when Usagi
mentioned the future becoming fluid began to put two and two
together. "Usagi there is no problem with
ChibiUsa staying here for as long as she likes. Though with her being
YOUR daughter, you will need to be responsible for her. For now, at
least, she can sleep in your room."

"Thanks Ikuko-mama" called out ChibiUsa while she ran to give her
grandmother a hug around the waist. "For others, I am supposed to
pose as a distant cousin of Usagi. Ami-chan should be able to use her
Mercurian computer to produce the necessary papers."
* * * * * * * * *
Later that Night in front of the Crown Arcade

Luna mused to herself while
remembering what ChibiUsa had told her as she told the two Usagis
that she was off to check in with central control.

>>> "Say hi to Artemis for me." Requested ChibiUsa.

"Artemis is in the area? I was just going to check in with
central control." questioned Luna

ChibiUsa laughingly replied that "Artemis is central control."
What followed was a string of superlatives that caused Usagi to
cover ChibiUsa's ears, while shooing the cat out of the house.
Luna jumped on top of the
Sailor-V video game and began entering her code. "Earth Tuna tastes
good while the moon rabbit makes moshi."

"Pass code accepted. What do you have to report Luna." A metallic
voice replied.

"Can it Artemis. I know your gig, so you can drop the acting." She
knew that ChibiUsa was right when she heard the unmistakable sounds
of Artemis choking on something that he was eating (probably tuna).
"I have also found the princess and another Senshi."

The screen on the computer changed to show a video image of a white
cat with a can of tuna by his feet. The expression on his face was
one of a child caught with his hand in the cookie jar. "Err., Luna I
can explain."

End Chapter 3