Shards of Crystal: Pathfinder

Chapter 1 – flames at night

20^th Century Tokyo – February

The fire raged. Tongues of golden yellow-orange and searing red consumed everything within their greedy reach. Sharp snaps and crackles filled the air alerting all nearby of the inferno’s presence. Sirens wailed as the alarm was given to call aid in order to quench the hungry blaze. An angry red glow flashed in contrast against the midnight black sky of night.

***

Motoki’s eyes flew open as he bolted upright, his breath ragged. He glanced around the room frantically searching for the source of his sense of dread. Like a knife in his heart he pinpointed where the sense was coming from. “Serenity!” Without pausing he ran out the door and made a direct path for the Juuban district.

***

It was that same dream… fog surrounding the lower levels of a grand palace that tickled the edges of memory. A voice called to her, questioning, begging her to remember.

“Serenity…”

Darkness spread. A wicked laughter rumbled across the earth as all began to crumble and vanish into the fog. The voice called her again; fear coloring the insistent tones. She turned and found the fog that had been cool and misty now burned scarlet as it grasped at her. The voice called…

“Usagi.” She turned away from the searing heat, searching for the owner of the familiar voice.

“Usagi!!!” The heat engulfed her as it grew in intensity, the swirling mists being consumed by hungry flames.

“USAGI!!!!”

Her eyes snapped open as the haze of fog vanished from her mind taking all inklings of forgotten memory with it. She blinked once as the familiar form of her violet-black cat came into focus. “Luna?”

“Usagi get out the window now!! Fire!!”

The familiar voice barely registered as her gaze was drawn to the greedy flames licking their way across the floor. Her eyes grew wide as survival instincts kicked into control. She cast frightened glances behind her as she quickly forced open the window and straddled the sill, reaching for the nearby branches of the tree that stood just outside without a second thought. She quickly scrambled towards the trunk and all but slid down to the base. Her gaze traveled up the flaming walls as shock and terror began to set in, a sharp pain at her ankle drew her attention to Luna who was attempting to pull her towards the street and the crowd gathering there. 

She stumbled away from the burning building, coughing as fresh air reached her aching lungs; absentmindedly scooping up the feline that was her faithful guardian in the process.

Luna glanced toward the licking flames as building supports gave way and a portion of the house collapsed in a rush of ash and glowing embers. Her heart ached for the other three family members that she knew had not escaped. She turned her soulful blue eyes back to her mistress and the near unseeing look that filled Usagi’s eyes.

***

Mamoru panted heavily as his mind slowly gathered the evasive thoughts that had scattered with his abrupt waking from the haunting dream. It had been her again… she was always there, calling him. The dream had started just as it always had full of mystique and serenity.^x He had called out to her, and she had begun to turn… that was when the dream turned into chaos. She screamed as searing flame leapt up around her, separating them even more so than the foggy mists had done.

“SERENITY!!” He cried out in panic, and then awoke. A chill struck him as sweat trailed down his skin.

Shakily he moved from his bed to the balcony. His eyes instinctively sought out the waning crescent in the western sky. ‘Serenity’ … the name taunted him in his dreams and plagued his heart and mind. Who was she, and why did he feel this icy chill griping his heart? His mind briefly drifted to the image of flames as his eyes spotted a plume of smoke rising in the sky.

***

Motoki pushed through the crowds as he recognized the burning building to be that of the Tsukinos. His heart clenched violently as he searched for any sign of his imouto or her adopted family. People whispered around him, no one had seen the family leave the building. His heart froze, then beat rapidly once more as a familiar silvery-blond head appeared at the front of the crowd with a cat clutched in her arms. He pushed through the last barrier of people and stood before her.

“Usa…”

His heart clenched tightly as glazed blue eyes turned towards him.

The flickering lights played across her eyes as they slowly focused and she recognized the person who stood before her.

“Niichan…?  Niichan!!” And then she rushed forward into his arms, as tears broke loose in a flooding torrent. Seconds passed into minutes as siblings held one another, Motoki letting her release the emotions of shock and loss. Slowly tears gave way to sniffles and sniffles into a heartfelt sigh as she faded into unconsciousness.

“Sir? Excuse me, but can confirm that this girl was a resident here?” asked one of the local authorities.

Motoki glanced down at the silvery blond head, “Yes. She was the daughter of the family that lived there. However, I am her legal guardian now. She is my sister by blood.”

“Ah…Can I get your name and a phone number for questioning later then?”

“Of Course.” Motoki answered.

Luna’s eyes studied the blond haired young man from her position on his shoulder as he held her mistress, her mind puzzling over the new information presented to her. Could it be that either one or both of the Lunarian Princes had been reborn with their sister in this lifetime? Her ears twitched as she heard Motoki give his address and state that he would be available for contact the next day. Knowing that he was trustworthy, Luna felt the stress of the last few hours overwhelm her as she drifted into oblivion with her princess.

***

The soft grey light of dawn filtered through the partially opened drapes, highlighting the comfortable furnishings within the bachelor’s apartment. The well-lived in rooms looked and played their parts from the college textbooks and backpack to the various articles of clothing scattered about the room.

She watched. Her storm blue eyes gazed at the door steadily as she waited for her Companion to return. Her velvety silver-grey ears twitched at the sound of footsteps in the hall passing by, but not pausing at the door she gazed at so intently. She let out a long sigh and wondered, for not the first time, if she shouldn’t have gone after him. Her charge had not been known for keeping a cool head when it came to his sister in danger.

Her ears perked at the sound of an unfamiliar vehicle stopping outside the building. Low voices drifted up through the window to her attentive ears as someone exited the vehicle and thanked the driver. She shifted slightly, relaxing, and waited calmly as the footsteps approached and then stopped before the door she watched. A faint jingle of keys, and a mumbled oath filtered through as the person fumbled with the doorknob before the door opened to reveal Motoki and a unconscious silvery-blond haired figure cradled in his arms.

He paused as his sky blue eyes met the storm blue of hers. In that moment the magnitude of his feelings from the past few hours passed between them, then he continued into the apartment and back to his bedroom.

She arose, stretching briefly before turning and repositioning herself in a seated manor while waiting for him to return. Her eyes followed him silently as he exited the bedroom looking ready to collapse from emotional stress. She padded silently after him as he walked over to sink into the well-used ottoman. She gazed up at him as he stared forward for a moment, then pressed her nose into his hand and licked it gently. His hand instinctively moved to rest on her head behind one ear as she the moved to lean against his legs offering her silent support as only she could.

He remained silent for a few moments longer.

“They’re gone Iriai. She was the only one to make it out alive, and for that we most likely have Luna to thank. I almost lost her…”

:: She will recover. Serenity is strong. Besides, she has you to help her, not to mention Luna and myself. ::

Motoki nodded, “I’ll have to call Travis, he’ll know that something has happened, even if he doesn’t know exactly what or why he knows.”

***

His breathing was slightly labored as he jogged down the sidewalks of the residential areas of Juuban. His thoughts drifted as flashes of dream memories fluttered through his mind: flashes of the maiden who haunted him nightly. Calling, she was always calling him, begging him to find her, and that name…‘Endymion!’

Mamoru froze in mid step, shocked at the clearness of the voice. He blinked as his eyes focused on his surrounding, surprise registering on his features as he took in the scene of the burned home. Flashes of a flame-filled dream raced by his minds eye. He shook his head to clear it; the dream couldn’t have been linked to this fire… could it? Had She been here? He tore his gaze away and slowly set off to finish his jog, glancing back at the ruined building once more before turning around the corner.

***

Luna blinked as the sunlight warmed her fur. She stretched and yawned before allowing her gaze to wander around the room, finally coming to rest on the still sleeping fifteen-year-old girl that was her charge and princess. Her eyes softened, worry filling them for a few moments before she set out to examine and take note of their surroundings.

Her eyes caught on the glint of a picture frame sitting on the bedside table, curiosity taking hold she moved forward to take a closer look. She studied the image silently, wondering at the two silver-blonde children, one of them she recognized as a near nine or ten year old Usagi. Behind the two children, she recognized a younger Motoki, his arms draped around the two children’s shoulders. Luna smiled slightly as she noted the pieces of straw clinging to hair and clothing, hinting at recent play in a barn or hayloft. She pondered that for a moment, as Usagi had never mentioned spending time at a stable or farm that she knew of. It was then that sensed another presence in the other room, one that was not Motoki.

With the grace inherent of a feline she leaped from the bed and silently padded towards the door. Deftly pulling the nearly-closed door slightly open with a paw, and then slipping through. She paused just outside the door, taking note of the obvious signs of a bachelors living space. He eyes scanned the room and met with a set of storm blue eyes set in the face of a silver-gray wolf.

:: Hello Luna. ::

Chapter 2 – emotion’s aftermath

20^th Century Tokyo

:: Hello Luna. It’s been a long time, nearly a millennia hasn’t it? ::

Luna sat stunned as memory overtook her.

She sat huddled against the warm form of her friend and fellow guardian, her tail curled tightly around her legs to avoid the mud and mist. They had taken their current position beneath the bushes that surrounded the training area where their charges were currently hacking at each other with dull practice blades.

:: Serenity is going to be whining for hours about all the mud in her hair. :: Luna remarked remorsefully.

:: At least we’re not in it. :: Iriai responded and flicked her tail to shake loose the moisture that had gathered. :: If your royal highnesses are done playing in the mud…::

:: No. :: Was the resound respond from the three royal siblings as they continued with their practice. New waves of mud flew into the air as they redoubled their efforts to fully coat one another in it.

Both guardians let out long heartfelt sighs as their minds drifted to the fires and warm rugs that waited back at their quarters.

:: Perhaps we should drop in on Maria [Mare-ee-ah] at the WARM stables…::

Before the thought was fully finished, both feline and wolf were suddenly covered with a wave of cold wet mud. Three grinning faces and mischievous sets of blue eyes giving no doubt to who the culprits were.

Luna shivered as she broke free of the memory, and then gave a feline smile. “It took Serenity two hours to clean all the mud out of my fur.”

Iriai grinned, :: I chose to wait and give Andy a good shake the instant he stepped out of the shower.::

Both guardians let out sighs of memory.

:: It’s good to have a fellow guardian to talk with again. Andy has been giving me nearly as many headaches in this life, even without his siblings to lend a hand. Speaking of which, how is she? ::

Luna sighed, “Sleeping. It will be very hard on her. Especially without the other senshi to support her, but tell me… does Motoki remember everything from the Silver Millennium?”

:: All but the last few years up through the fall of the Silver Millennium from what I’ve gathered. Ever since his memories from then first began to resurface he’s been gaining bits and pieces, the largest chunks coming right after or during some of the Senshi’s battles against Beryl and the Generals. Unfortunately, it wasn’t until the final battle was over that he remembered his role as the Sol Knight. It’s been hard on him the last month being the only one who remembered… ::

Before she could say more an insistent ring filled the room, ringing once, then twice, then a third before the answering machine kicked in and Motoki’s ever cheerful voice filled the room momentarily followed by a piercing beep.

“Toki!! Where are you!!! I got this horrid feeling during Chem this morning. I tried to call Sere’s, but the line wouldn’t connect. What the Hell happened?!?!” Muttered curses filtered across before he continued. “Call me soon as you get home. Laterz.”

Iriai sighed, :: That would be Travis, Sere’s twin and Andy’s brother. We were expecting him to call sometime today. Even if the three haven’t been together in six years, they still share a very close bond, much as they had in the Silver Millennium. ::

“Then the three were born as siblings in this life as well…but how?” Luna asked.

:: From what Andy, or Motoki as he now goes by, told me they were born to a family by the name of Tsukinogin. However, it was when the twins were nearly three that their parents were killed in a storm at sea. The three were then spilt up and adopted by three different families, Motoki with the Furhatas, Usagi with the Tsukinos, and Travis with the Daggers who then moved to Kentucky in the States. Up until the last four years they visited one another quite regularly. ::

“Why did they stop?” Luna asked.

:: I’m not quite sure… I think it had to do with the three becoming more caught up in school and being unable to take the time for such a long trip to another country. ::

“I see, at least it wasn’t anything serious that separated them. Any ideas on what they may try to do now?”

:: I’m not sure, Andy really doesn’t have the space to take her in permanently. ::

Before Luna could respond there was the sound of a key in the lock, and the door opened to reveal a rather worn looking Motoki.

Motoki yawned and glanced around the room; giving the two guardians a tired smile before heading into the kitchen to put down the grocery bag. “Hey Luna, how’s Sere?”

Luna blinked…twice.

:: She’s still sleeping Andy, and I think you just shocked poor Luna again. ::

“Hello Prince Andrew, Knight of the Sol Star System and Guardian of the Silver Millennium, Commander of the Elite Silver Millennium Guard, son of High Queen Selenity, elder brother of High Princess Serenity, heiress of the Imperium Silver Crystal and throne of the Silver Millennium.” Luna addressed him after regaining her composure.

Motoki groaned. “Not those damn titles….”

Iriai laughed at her charge’s discomfort.

Motoki moved over and picked Luna up, holding her at arms length. “Luna, I don’t care WHAT you call me… but PLEASE DON’T use those blasted annoying titles EVER again.”  Luna wiggled out of his grasp and landed primly on all four paws.

“Of course….Your Highness.”

Motoki glared at her murderously. “I’ll get you for that, Cat.”

***

Pale light from the waning moon slipped past the drapes to fall gently on the sleeping figure of a silver-blond haired young woman. She stirred, the black cat curled at her side purring louder for a moment before settling back into a steady rumble. Crystalline blue eyes slowly opened. Confusion shimmered in their depths for a few moments before they focused and recognized a framed photo on the bedside table.

‘Travis…Motoki…’ She smiled softly, then like a sudden stab, memories of the fire rushed back and a half strangled sob tore itself from her throat. She sat up in a rush, “Shingo!… Kaasan!… Tousan!…” her arms wrapped tightly around her waist, hands clenching in the fabric as she shook with the strength of her emotions.

Luna awoke immediately, and worked herself partway into her charge’s lap rumbling a comforting purr loudly. Her own heart clenched at the sight of her mistress’ pain. Luna’s ears barely twitched at the sound of Motoki’s hurried footsteps.

Motoki quickly covered the distance from the bedroom door to the bed and sat down, his arms moving to pull his sobbing sister into his lap. “Shhh… Shhh… I’m here Usa…I’m here.”

Iriai leapt up onto the bed curled around the young woman’s back, her head resting on Motoki’s knee as she added her own comforting presence.

Ever so slowly the sobs calmed to cries, and the cries into silent tears.

“Toki….They’re gone…gone…” She whispered, her hands fisting in his shirt.

“I know. I know.”

Chapter 3 – Morning Revelations

20^th Century Tokyo – March 27^th, 4½ weeks since the Tsukino Fire

Usagi hummed to herself lightly as she finished putting in the last pins. She then proceeded to run her brush through the long strands of hair flowing down from the two buns on top of her head. She glanced down at her side to see Iriai watching her calmly. “Oh don’t look so smug Iriai, I will get you for that wake up call.”

The ‘culprit’ gave her a canine grin, and then proceeded to head out to the living room and kitchen from where the smell of fresh waffles drifted. :: Toki, your sister is threatening revenge. ::

:: That’s what you get for waking her up like that. I just hope she gets you as good as I did the first time you stole my entire bed, blankets, pillows, mattress and all right out from under me.::

Iriai only gave him an innocent ‘who me’ look as she settled down in her usual place between the overstuffed ottoman and sofa.

Usagi finished brushing her hair, and then headed out, Luna following silently after her with a feline grin to match Iriai’s canine on her own face.

“Toki-chan… do I smell waffles? When did you learn to cook…?”

Motoki stepped out of the kitchen doorway with a hand to his chest, “Usa…I’m hurt. Do you have so little faith in your elder brother’s culinary skills.”

“Yes.”

Motoki pouted.

“Don’t worry Niichan, I still love you,” and with that she took the plate from his other hand, pecked him on the cheek and sat down.

Motoki sighed in defeat, shaking his head at his sister’s antics as he went to retrieve his own plate, returning just in time to see her take the first bite.

Her eyes lit up in delight, “Rrhis is rrearry goob!”^x

Motoki blinked, and then burst into laughter.

Luna shook her head at the pair.

 “You sound so surprised,” Motoki commented after regaining his composure.

“Well Duh. The last thing you cooked for me was macaroni & cheese when I was ten, and you burnt the water.”

Motoki scratched the back of his head and chuckled, “Oh yeah… I forgot about that.”

Luna blinked.

Iriai, snorted, ::You really are the great Blockhead of the kitchen aren’t you.::

Motoki didn’t deem the comment a response. The rest of breakfast was carried out more quietly as the day’s events were mentioned and planned.

It wasn’t too long before there was a knock at the door and Usagi jumped up to answer it. Excited chatter from two teenage girls quickly filled the apartment as Usagi let in her best friend, Naru Osaka.

In moments Usagi had retrieved her purse and returned to the main room where she proceeded to put on her shoes. “We’re going to head out Niichan, do you need us to pick up anything while we’re out?”

“You’re going shopping at the mall right?”

“Yeah, I need to get some more clothes and other stuff before I head to the states.”

“Well I don’t need anything, but you girls have fun.”

“We will!” They chimed together and were then out the door.

Motoki shook his head and chuckled lightly as he began clearing the dishes. “It’s good to see her smiling again isn’t it Luna?”

Luna padded after him into the kitchen and leapt gracefully onto the counter near the sink. “Yes, though she still cries at times in her sleep. The final stages of her healing will go much quicker once she is away from all the memories lingering here.”

“Right. Besides, it’s been hard on her and Travis being separated for so long, even if they don’t really show it.” Motoki responded as he began filling the sink with water and then adding dish soap.

:: You two worry too much. The Princess is strong; she will be perfectly fine either way.:: Iriai commented as she shifted her position to lay a bit more in the sun and then gave a large canine yawn.

Motoki shook his head. “I worry too much? Who worried when we first traveled to Earth to train all those years ago?” He tossed back as he eyed her form and moved to dump dishes in the sink.

!-!-!-SPALSH-!-!-!

“MEROOOOW!”

Iriai sat up suddenly and looked to the kitchen in time to spot a very shocked Motoki staring at a very drenched Luna pulling herself out of the sink, covered in suds. “Oh Luna… I’m SO sorry…” he managed to stutter out while attempting to hold back fits of laughter.

Luna glared indignantly, “In case you hadn’t noticed PRINCE Andrew…I am NOT a dirty dish.”

“I hadn’t noticed.” Motoki replied straight-faced for all of five seconds.

Iriai by this time had moved to sit in the kitchen entrance, ::But Luna dear, the drowned rat look really suits you…::

With that, a classic cat and dog chase began… well, with the feline chasing the canine that is. Motoki quickly lost his battle for composure, and it was quite some time before the dirty dishes actually got washed.

***

“What do you mean Travis is cute!? He’s my twin brother!”

“Your very CUTE brother.” Naru replied with a starry-eyed look. “Just promise you’ll introduce me when I come visit you.”

“Well I think it would be rather hard to avoid. After all I will be living on his family’s farm.” Usagi answered back a bit exasperated. ‘That’s almost as bad as calling Toki a stud.’ At that thought a brief hint of memory fluttered through her mind of two girls with adoring gazes staring at her brother…

“Usagi-chan!!”

The image vanished. Usagi shook her head to clear her mind just in time to hear Naru let out a squeal.

“Usagi-chan come on!! I just spotted the perfect outfit for you!” Within moments Naru was leading the blond haired girl into the nearby store.

A little ways back and across the semi-crowded hall, a pair of midnight blue eyes hidden behind a pair of black shades watched the two enthusiastic girls.

***

“April 5^th, New Tokyo International Airport, flight leaves at 5:10… Got it. Will it be just you there to meet her?” Motoki asked as he cradled the phone between chin and shoulder while scribbling the information onto a notepad and then posting it on the fridge.

“Nah. The whole family plus a few of the farm regulars will be there too. Should be quite the welcome.” Travis answered.

“I’ll say. It’s a good thing though. That way she won’t have time to get upset.”

“No kidding. It was bad enough I blew up my chemistry project not to mention nearly the lab the day it happened. If she broke down when we were face to face, I’d probably go right with her.”

“Hmm, very possible. The move will be good for her though, there are just too many memories here right now.” ‘Especially without the girls to support her…’ Andrew thought to himself.

“Hey that reminds me… my parents are redecorating one of the guest rooms for Sere. They asked me about themes and at first I wanted to say bunnies… but then I thought that that might not be a good idea….”

“You’re right… what about moons. Crescent moons, and stars with a blue, silver, and gold color scheme?”

“That’s great!! I’ll make sure to tell Mom and Dad.”

“And don’t forget about Luna.”

“Luna… oh yeah her cat. Anything else she’s bringing that I should worry about?”

“No, not really. She won’t have all that much luggage; though she’s out shopping with Molly right now. Come to think of it… she may end up with a lot more luggage then I initially thought.”

“What is it with girls and shopping.” Travis muttered.

“You got me. All I know is to stay out of the way or get trampled.”

Travis laughed, “Right… I’ll keep that in mind. Well I think that about covers everything and I have to get out to the barns to help with the evening chores.”

“Kay. Take care then and I’ll talk to you later.”

“Kay. Later Oniichan.”

Motoki shook his head chuckling as he hung up the phone and turned to find both guardians staring at him.

“What?”

:: Oh nothing…:: Iriai trailed off as she then turned to go find a space of sun to lay in.

“I do hope you haven’t been telling stories about me Motoki…” Luna said lightly before turning to follow Iriai.

Motoki rolled his eyes and headed to the kitchen to fix himself a late lunch. “Guardians….” He half-muttered, half-grumbled.

***

“You mean you’ll have the entire summer off?!? No classes tell September!?!” Naru asked in shocked amazement as she watched her best friends expressions. “You’re so lucky.”

“Uh huh. But don’t forget you promised to come visit in a year, and we can always call each other.” Usagi replied.

Naru smiled in return. It was good to see Usagi smiling and carefree again for a while. The normally ever-cheerful girl had been much too solemn since the fire that took her family. “Well we can try, but the time difference will make it difficult. We can always write each other though!”

“Pages and pages!!” Usagi replied with a giggle as they rounded a corner.

Naru giggled with her. ‘I’m sure going to miss you, Usagi-chan…’ she thought to herself with a silent sigh.

“So how about we stop at the Arcade on the way home for a treat?” Usagi asked, looking over her shoulder at Naru as they rounded the corner.

THUD.

“Owie…” Usagi whimpered as she rubbed her head and moved to climb back to her feet.

“Watch it Odango Atama.^?”

“YOU!” Usagi squeaked.

“Oh… now it’s the Odango mouse?”

“JERK!!”

“I’m not the one walking into innocent people Odango.”

“My name is U-S-A-G-I!!! NOT ODANGO!!”

“Sure… Odango.”

Usagi glared… “YOU….”

“Chiba. Chiba, Mamoru. And I’d be more careful Odango, you might hurt the next innocent that is so unfortunate to be in your way,” and with that last comment the raven haired young man walked on around the spluttering blonde and her red haired friend.”

Usagi fumed. “I. Hate. Him.”

Naru smiled and then looped arms with her friend. “Come on Usagi-chan he’s not all that bad, I mean did you see his eyes behind his glasses? GORGEOUS.”

Usagi glared. “No I did not and I consider myself fortunate. That’s one creep I will NOT miss.”

Naru laughed lightly and shook her head in amusement. “Lets go get that ice cream.”

Usagi’s face brightened once more as she gave an energetic nod.

A set of midnight blue eyes watched from behind dark shades, a twinkle of laughter in their depths as he watched the two all but bounce out of the mall.

Chapter 4 – memory’s echo

20^th Century Tokyo – April 5^th approximately 1pm^x

“Where is he?!” Motoki mumbled in mild frustration as he hung up the phone. He’d hoped to catch Mamoru and give him the chance to say goodbye to Usa, even if they didn’t remember. However it appeared the fates were against him since his friend wasn’t answering the phone.

:: What is it Toki? :: Iriai questioned from where she lay in the sun on the balcony.

:: Nothing really. I was just hoping I could get Mamoru over to say goodbye. ::

Iriai lifted her head and gave him a questioning look.

:: Mamoru is Endymion. Even if they don’t remember each other right now, I wanted to give them the chance. ::

:: Don’t worry. Their souls are too tightly bound for them to remain apart forever.:: She answered.

Motoki smiled. :: You’re right. ::

“Niichan! Come help me with my luggage!”

“Coming Usa.” Motoki answered passing Luna who sat glaring vehemently at the pet carrier that sat by the door.

***

Mamoru whistled lightly as he walked down the sidewalk, the bag holding his new school uniform in one hand and his new book bag casually slung over the opposite shoulder. With the last year of high school ahead and impending university exams, it was going to be a stressful year. He smirked. At least he’d have the Odango Atama to keep things interesting.

Mamoru paused as he heard a shout from down the street, and turned to spot Motoki’s building down the block and across the street. He appeared to be shoving luggage into the backseat of a vehicle. Mamoru pondered heading down that way to see what was up, but decided he could just call from home when he didn’t have his hands full.

Jade green eyes watched the midnight haired young man as he paused at the corner of the street. He followed when his target moved forward, paralleling his movements from his position across the street. His eyes lit up as he watched the young man pause ever so briefly at a trellis covered by roses. It was him.

‘It’s Him! It’s Him!! It’sHim!!!It’sHIM!!!!IT’SHIM!!!!!’ With a rather dog-like bark he leapt forward out of the shadows, completely ignorant of the speeding bus heading his way.

Mamoru turned as there was a squeal of tires, a sharp yelp and suddenly a large furry form hurtled into him. The force of impact sent both man and dog backwards into a tumbled heap. Mamoru groaned slightly as he tried to sit up, a large form draped across his chest.

“Stupid dog. Hey buddy are you all right?” the bus driver called.

Mamoru nodded and waved the driver on, “Yeah I’ll be fine,” and with that the bus driver waved and then started off once more leaving both man and mutt behind. Mamoru groaned as he slowly pushed the dog off him so he could get to his feet. He glanced around and frowned as the few other people casually continued on their way. Mamoru sighed, “Well I guess I’ll have to take you home and figure out what to do with you.”

He frowned as he noticed a bit of blood and torn fur, yet he was still breathing. The dog would be lucky if he lived. Mamoru grabbed his bags and then carefully scooped the wounded animal into his arms and continued home.

***

Usagi gave a tiny smile as she stood opposite Motoki and Naru, her carry-on and purse in hand. “You promise to write right?”

“Why wouldn’t I write?!” Naru exclaimed, “How else am I supposed to keep you up to date on the latest gossip?” Usagi just laughed and hugged her friend tightly. She turned to face her brother.

“I promise I will write and let you know all that happens at the arcade. After all, I’d hate to face your wrath when I come to visit if I didn’t.” Motoki replied with a grin.

Usagi smiled in return and then hugged her brother. “Take care and you have my full permission to let Iriai loose on Chiba.” She was prevented from saying more as the P.A. system announced her flight. She waved and headed off towards her gate, her brother and friend waving.

Motoki shook his head and chuckled wondering just what his best friend had done to cross her this time.

***

Hinode’s mind struggled to regain consciousness from the foggy haze it currently resided in. Slowly, bit-by-bit his senses began to clear and sharpen. He whined as he began to reach wakefulness. He Hurt. Everywhere. His ears twitched as soft footfalls approached and a deep tenor voice mumbled soothing words. Hinode opened his eyes slowly, taking a few moments to adjust to the lighting and then he saw him. Endymion – his prince and charge. He grinned and closed eyes, his mind drifting back into the haze with one thought. It’s him…

***

With a dull thump the tires touched down on the runway and a screaming whine filled Usagi’s ears as engines were switched to reverse and brakes applied. She looked out the small oval window, ignoring the sticky fingerprints left by the window seat’s two-year old occupant, to see bits of runaway and flat grassland between them as the airplane began to turn and taxi towards their assigned gate.

Usagi sighed. This was it. She was now going to be living with her twin, separated from Motoki and away from Japan for several years at least. She would miss it but the change would be good. Besides, Toki had already promised to visit regularly. As the seatbelt lights dinged and turned off she stood and grabbed her carry-on and waited along with the rest of the passengers as they slowly began to file off the plane. ‘At least I won’t have to go through Customs again. I wonder if Travis will recognize me…’ she thought and grinned as she took her first steps into the airport from the gate.

Travis calmly watched the various people as they exited the gate, ignoring the quiet chatter of his two companions behind him. He wasn’t about to let them pull him into a debate on his sister’s looks, and the worst of the group wasn’t even with him. Before his thoughts could stray further he spotted a familiar pair of silvery-gold buns. His eyes found hers and with a shout that startled several of the nearby people he rushed forward his twin sister matching him step for step. They met with a bear-crushing hug and laughter.

“I guess that would be her,” the strawberry blonde haired teenager remarked as he and his elder companion followed after their rather loud friend.

“That’s so sweet. They’re such a young couple too,” A nearby woman wearing a large brimmed hat told her plumper companion in the lilac dress suit.

The elder of the two boys paused in midstep and turned to arch one silvery eyebrow at the two gossips. “I’m afraid you are mistaken, have you never seen a pair of twins greet each other before?”

The two women stammered a hasty apology and quickly hurried off muttering about know-it-all brats.

Travis took a step back after thoroughly crushing the teenage girl, “What’s with all this silver Sere? You growing old on me?”

Sere ached one silvery blond brow, “Oh but I’m not the one who grew five feet, do you have to duck to fit through doors these days?”

“He does.”

The twins both turned to face the strawberry-blond haired teen that now stood at their side. “I was going to introduce you to this walking encyclopedia that goes by Zach, but I’m not so sure he deserves the privilege to know your name now.” Travis stated dryly. Usagi laughed and then approached the semi-offended looking teen and laid a hand on his shoulder.

“I’m sorry you’ve had the misfortune of putting up with this sorry excuse of a brother for however long you’ve known him. No permanent damage I hope?”

Zach looked at her wide-eyed for all of a moment and then broke into a grin, “Nothing that won’t heal I can assure you.”

Travis gaped.

“Better close that mouth there, Trav, you don’t want to open a fly motel in there.” The third member of the welcoming party then added as he too joined the group.

Travis groaned. “Not you too. Sere­–” he whined, “Save me from these overgrown stable boys!”

Usagi turned and with a perfectly innocent expression answered, “You mean you need your sweet lil sister to save you from the big bad bullies?”

Travis glared and then sighed in defeat. “My life is misery from this day forward… oh and silver head there is Kyle.”

“A pleasure to meet you both. Shall we go pick up my cat and luggage then?”

“Your wish is our command my lady,” Zack said as he completed the statement with a sweeping gesture and bow.

Usagi smiled sweetly handing her carry on to Travis and then led the way after linking arms with both of her brother’s friends.

“Hey what am I? The bell boy?” Travis exclaimed.

“Yes.” The three chorused.

Travis grumbled, “I shouldn’t have asked…”

Within short order her luggage was claimed and the poor missing feline found. Paperwork was checked and rechecked and they were finally clear to leave. Kyle eyed the blue eyed black cat, “What did you say her name was again?”

“Luna.” Usagi replied as she glanced somewhat warily at her feline companion. “And I seriously think she wants to kill me right now…” With that said she quickly put both Kyle and Travis between herself and Zack who held the cat carrier.

Luna scowled.

***

Mamoru yawned as he began to clean up the mess that his houseguest had caused during the night. Not that he wasn’t happy to see the large canine up and on his feet, but did he have to knock everything over in the process of stretching his legs?

:: You were never this tidy before. ::

Mamoru dropped the magazines in his hands and quickly glanced around the room, “Hello? Is someone there?”

:: You don’t remember do you… ::

Mamoru continued to glance around his apartment a frown appearing on his face. “Who’s there?” Mamoru asked, getting slightly annoyed.

:: Hello! I’m right here! :: And with that cheerful mental statement the large wolf placed himself right in front of Mamoru. :: Hello again Endy. Long time no see, :: and then broke into a large canine grin.

Mamoru gaped and promptly fell back on his butt.

Hinode gave him the canine equivalent of an arched eyebrow, :: Not very princely these days are we? ::

“You… You…”

:: am Hinode, your Guardian and partner and its high time you remember just who you really are, Endymion. ::

With that statement there was a brilliant flash and Mamoru lay sprawled on his back his mind was suddenly upswept in a sea of memories. Hinode lay at his side and rested his chin and large forepaws on his charge’s chest and waited for him to awaken.

Hinode yawned and glanced out the balcony at the now afternoon sun. He hadn’t expected it to take so long for Endy to remember and wake up, but then there had been a strange barrier holding back the memories.  Just as he was about to resettle his chin, Mamoru’s hand reached up to rub his forehead as he groaned.

:: Feeling better?::

“Hinode? What did you DO to me…”

:: Oh nothing much really. ::

Mamoru pushed the heavy forepaws off his chest and struggled to sit up, only to lay back down again with a loud grown. “Hinode… I’ll kill you. ……  Later.”

Hinode laughed. :: So what do you remember? ::

“Fighting…Beryl… crystals… Sailor Senshi…SERENITY!” And with that name his mind cleared further and he managed to pull himself to his feet. “The final battle with Beryl, I was brainwashed. She…we died.” He paused at this realization. “But she’s alive, just as I am… I ran into her again, literally. I have to call her, find her…” and without further explanation he made a dash to the phone and quickly paged through the phone book. Within moments he had the number and quickly dialed, fists clenched tightly on both phone and counter top. There was a buzz and then an automated message stating the phone out of order. Mamoru cursed.

:: Slow down! What is it? ::

“You don’t understand… I had a dream about her, as if she was in danger… and there was a fire that night in the Juuban district.” He quickly scribbled down the address listed in the phone book and then ran out the door, leaving Hinode to play catch up.

***

Hinode loped through the back alleys and parks as he chased after Mamoru. Unlike his royal charge he couldn’t just go charging down the sidewalks and streets without attracting more then just a little attention and he had no desire to dodge traffic so soon after his close encounter with the city bus. :: I released his memories so he would remember, not got off half crazed, ranting about things that I haven’t even the faintest clue about. Just what does he mean by the final battle with Beryl and how could he have died; he’s here now. :: Just as his mental tirade was going to take an even more worried turn, Hinode rounded a corner to spot Mamoru standing frozen in front of the burned remains of what had obviously been a tragic fire.

“She lived here…with her parents and a younger brother… but she can’t be dead. I saw her just the other day at the mall… but how do I find her now?”

Hinode shook his head, :: Your best bet would probably to try and find her brothers, they’d be likely to know. ::

“Brothers…Andrew…MOTOKI!!!” and with that the crown prince of Earth was off running again. Hinode groaned but set out after him, trying desperately to keep up.

:: This is just not my day…I hope I get there before Endy kills him. A dead best friend and Lunarian Prince, not to mention ally is not what I want to add to the day’s events. ::

Chapter 5 –

20^th Century Tokyo – April 9^th around 7 pm in the evening

 “Huh, so the answer to life, the universe, and everything is actually Forty-Two.”

:: What are you reading? :: Iriai asked as she peered over Motoki’s shoulder.

“An American science fiction novel called The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. It kinda messes with your head, actually.”

:: I’ll take your word for it. :: Iriai replied and then moved off to take a nap.

Motoki was about to continue reading when a sudden slam and rattling caught his attention. His gaze immediately shifted to the balcony where a shadowed figure was silhouetted against the faint light of sunset. He dropped the book and slipped into a defensive stance.

Iriai’s ears perked and then she yawned, :: Relax Toki. It’s only Endy. ::

Motoki blinked, “Mamoru?”

The shadowed figure moved forwards into the light confirming the visitor as his best friend.

“WHERE is she!?!?”

“Where is who?” Motoki asked puzzled by his normally calm friend’s behavior.

“Don’t joke with me ANDREW. Where is SHE!?”

Motoki’s eyes widened as Mamoru backed him against the wall, and then he realized he’d called him Andrew, not Motoki. ‘Oh god…he’s remembered.’ “You mean Usa don’t you?”

Mamoru’s expression intensified for a moment in response.

“She’s in the United States. Lexington, Kentucky with Travis, to be exact.”

“With who?!” Mamoru demanded his expression darkening.

“Travis. You know, Tranquility… her twin.”

Mamoru gave him a curt nod then made a beeline for the front door.

“Mamoru wait! Where are you going?!”

“To the airport. I’m going to Kentucky.”

Motoki tripped and then caught himself in his rush to stop him. Iriai quickly moved between the door and the crazed Earth Prince.

“Wait! You can’t!”

Mamoru turned and glared, “Why not.”

Motoki placed a calming hand on his shoulder, “She doesn’t remember, and I highly doubt she’ll welcome you showing up on her doorstep. Especially considering all she does remember of one Chiba Mamoru is a guy who torments her.”

Mamoru withered where he stood and would have ended in a heap on the floor if Motoki hadn’t steered him to land on the sofa. “I’m sorry,” Motoki said softly.

“Not as sorry as I am. – I attacked her Toki…”

“She’s already forgiven you, Endy. She knows you were being controlled by Beryl. Why do you think she fought so hard to get you back?”

Mamoru gave him a weak smile, and was about to say more when the sound of someone, or something, stumbling through the open balcony door caught their attention.

Hinode stopped and took a few deep heaving breaths as he noted that Endy was still in the room and wasn’t in the process of running off again. Once he’d assured himself that he had a breather he glanced around at the rest of the room and spotted another form very similar to his own. He blinked. :: Iriai? ::

Iriai’s ears perked as she moved around the sofa to better see the newest arrival. :: Hinode? HINODE! :: And with that she bounded over the ottoman (nearly hitting Motoki in the head) and skidded to an unsuccessful stop as she crashed into the heavily panting guardian.

:: ow…Ow…OW!! ::

Iriai quickly tried to scramble off of Hinode. Once all eight legs and two tails were untangled she turned and eyed him from nose to tail. :: Hinode you dolt, what did you do this time!? I swear I can’t leave you alone at all without you getting yourself muzzle deep in trouble.::

Mamoru arched one aristocratic eyebrow, “Oh, so getting hit by the city bus is a normal thing for him.”

Motoki gave him an incredulous look, “He WHAT?”

Mamoru just smirked, “I think he was a little more then happy to see me.”

Motoki mirrored Mamoru’s earlier look with a raised eyebrow of his own, “I see.”

Hinode perked his ears in the direction of the two royals and gave them a canine grin, :: Well, can you blame me? ::

:: Yes. :: Iriai said flatly as she was obviously unamused. Motoki, on the other hand laughed as Mamoru shook his head and muttered about crazy four legged batteries that called themselves guardians.

***

Luna avoiding noisy party -> stables -> Marea

---

Will not be continued.