The moon.  Changed so much from the time we knew it.
    They were happy times.  Parties were held every single night and Queen
Serenity ruled with such a gentle hand.  She only wanted to teach her 
daughter to become like her and to be loved by everyone...
    Reborn on Earth a thousand years later, we had no recollection of the 
Moon Kingdom, or the Silver Millennium until Luna and Artemis found the 
first of us.  The last of us were to come later.
    We are the Sailor Senshi; guardians of the entire Galaxy against evil 
forces.
         *    *  *    *  *
    "That girl is never on time!"
    "Usagi is always late, but when it comes down to it, and I know you 
hate it Rei, she IS our leader," Minako replied to Rei's comment.
    The inner senshi were gathered at the temple for a meeting about the 
events that were currently happening.  It had been nearly four years since 
the final battle with Galaxia and the senshi began to wonder if things were 
finally over.  Absolutely nothing had happened in that time.
    All of the senshi were nearing the age of 20 and were working on their
careers.  Mako had found a school of culinary arts to attend.  Minako had
gotten a few acting roles and bit parts and was currently working on a 
movie. Rei had remained at the temple after her grandfather had died to 
carry on tradition.  Ami had invented a microchip for computers that made 
her an instant millionaire.  All had been successful, though all but Ami 
achieved their dream.
    Usagi had barely finished high school, but moved in with Mamoru shortly 
after their marriage.  She was still a crybaby and everybody wondered what 
Mamoru saw in her. 
    The outer senshi had all returned to their planets once they had been 
put back into alignment.  They love their planets but are on Earth mostly 
now days.
    Setsuna became a doctor and is married to Yaten.  They have a son who 
takes after his daddy.  Haruka and Michiru are still together and don't 
care who knows it.  Little Hotaru is finishing high school this year.  She 
earned many scholarships to medical schools on account of her ability to 
heal.
         *    *  *    *  *
    "There she is," yelled Makoto.
    Everybody looked over to see Usagi practically dragging herself down 
the sidewalk.
    Though this was an inner senshi meeting, Hotaru was present and went 
running to Usagi to see what was wrong.
    "Usagi-chan, what is wrong?"
    "Hota-chan, I have been vomiting all morning and my whole body hurts"
    By then, the others had gathered around Usagi to get her inside the 
temple.
    When she was inside, Rei got her a glass of water and had her lay down.
    "Usagi-chan," Ami started, "do you feel like you have the flu?"
    "No," she answered flatly.
    Ami felt her head with the back of her hand and told the others that 
rather then hot, Usagi felt cold.
    They left Usagi to rest while they gathered in the next room.
    "It seems like she has the flu, but she isn't running a fever," said 
Ami.
    "Could it be something more serious you guys?" asked Rei.
    Everybody was silent for a few minutes while thoughts of diseases and
ailments ran through their head.
    "Alright, I know it sounds crazy but, since she has been vomiting and 
she says she hurts, could Usagi be pregnant?" asked Minako.
    At first everybody laughed at the suggestion, and then everybody 
stopped abruptly.
    "You know it is possible," Ami said slowly.
    "Well everybody knows that her and Mamoru are gettin' it on every 
night," blurted Hotaru.
    "HOTA-CHAN!" shouted everybody.
    "What?"
    The sweat drops appeared on everybody's heads except Hotaru.
    "What did I say?"
    "Hey you guys, what are you talking about?"
    Everybody looked up to see Usagi leaning in the doorway.
    All eyes turned toward Hotaru.
    "Oh so you make me pop the question.  I'll get you guys for this..." 
she mumbled.
    "Usagi, when was the last time your red friend came?"
    The sweat drops appeared on everybody's heads this time.
    "I think about 2, no wait, uhm, 3 months ago, I think...."
    "Usagi, are you blind? You are pregnant you twit!" 
    "Oh that's a great way to put it Rei," Mako complained.
    "Well its not as if you could tell it by the way she eats," Rei shot 
back.
    Hotaru was the only one besides Minako to get up and hug Usagi.
    Everybody else muttered their congratulations.
    "Why is everybody so upset?" Usagi asked puzzled.
    "We don't want that brat Chibi-Usa back around," answered Mako.
    "Yeah, its bad enough that we have one Usagi, now we are going to have 
one more," said Rei.
    With that Usagi ran out of the temple crying.
    "Damn you Rei! Why do you have to be so mean to her?" Hotaru yelled and
walked after Usagi.
         *    *  *    *  *
    When Hotaru went to Usagi's apartment, nobody answered the door but she 
was sure that she heard crying inside.  Not wanting to disturb her, she 
slipped a note under the door telling Usagi to call her later.
    As she turned around, she bumped into Mamoru and fell down.
    "Hota-chan!  I'm so sorry!  Here let me help you up."
    "Thanks," she muttered.
    "How've you been?  When did you get back from Saturn?  Have you seen 
Usako yet?" he asked without waiting for answers.
    "I've been fine. I got back last night.  And yes, I've seen Usagi.  
Mamo-chan, can I speak with you for a moment?  Not here please..." she 
asked softly.
    "Sure, what is wrong Hotaru?" he asked with some concern.
    Even though he wasn't much older then her, Mamoru had always watched 
out for Hotaru.  When she was in trouble, he would give anything to help 
her.
         *    *  *    *  *
    "Motoki,  I'm home!" called Makoto as she entered the house.
    "I'm in her Mako," he called from the family room.
    "Studying?" she said as she sat down at the table across from him.
    "Yes.  Exams are in 2 weeks."
    "Oh."
    "You don't sound too happy.  What's wrong Mako?"
    "I was just thinking of Usagi."
    "What about her?"
    "She is pregnant with Mamo's child."
    "Whoa!  When did this happen?"
    "We just found out today," she answered glumly.
    "What else is bothering you?"
    "Motoki when are we going to start a family?  We aren't even married 
yet. I'd swear that you are more interested in your studies than you are 
me. I understand that you want to become a surgeon and all, and that you 
will be one in 2 weeks, but I am beginning to wonder if I have to turn 
myself into a scalpel for you to notice me!" she ended, now excited.
    "Makoto, I'm...sorry.  I didn't realize...that you felt that way.  I 
got so...lost in my work..." he said as he came around the table and sat 
by her.
    As he placed his arm around her back to bring her closer to him, he 
saw a tear slip down her cheek.  With his other hand, he wiped away the 
tear and pulled her to him.  He hugged her tightly as he said...
    "I love you Makoto."
         *    *  *    *  *
    Rei walked to the room with the burning flame and sat against the wall.
She put her hand on her stomach as her eyes closed. 
    Three months ago, it had all crashed.  her world had fallen down.  
First her grandfather had died.  His heart had never been good but it 
wasn't fair.  Then she miscarried.  It had not been who's baby she had 
thought it would be.  it had turned out the be Yuuichiro's.  She had hoped 
it was Jedite's.
    Everybody had thought Jedite was dead when Beryl put him in eternal 
sleep. Nobody had expected the spell to be broken when Beryl was killed, 
but it had. With Queen Metallia no longer in existence, Jedite had been 
returned to Earth with his memories of being a general in Endymion's army.  
He also remembered his love for the princess of Mars and went searching for 
her.
    Rei opened her eyes to see Jedite standing in front of her.
    "You should try to forget such things Rei.  It wasn't your fault that 
you lost the baby," he said to her.
    "It hurts though Jedite.  Usagi is pregnant and I can't help but be 
jealous. Even though I am mean to her, it is because she has always had 
what I've wanted."
    "What do you mean?  You want the ability to be a crybaby and get all 
you want?"
    "No," she said looking at him softly as she rose, "she had a family, 
friends, a guy, a house, and she is beautiful," she said with a sigh.
    "Rei," he said as he wrapped his arms around her.
    She cried as he held her.
    "You always have been and will be beautiful in my eyes," he whispered 
in her ear.
         *    *  *    *  *
    "Oh, where are my keys?" Minako complained as she neared her house.
    "I just hope Taiki is home, or I am locked out," she grumbled.
    Minako banged on the door loudly growing impatient.  Taiki opened the 
door as she was pounding the second time.  Not having anything to hit on 
as her fist came down, Minako's whole body followed it, causing her to 
crash into Taiki.
    "Whoa, pretty lady," he said catching her.
    "Why are you knocking?  Where are your keys?"
    "I don't know and I don't care," she answered hotly.
    Minako was so pretty when she was mad.  That was what had attracted 
Taiki to her in the first place.  She was not his type usually, but there 
was something about her that had made him changes his mind.  He had cast 
her to the back of his mind, or tried to, when he had returned with the 
other Lights and Princess Kakuyuu.  She had somehow pushed the image of 
herself back into his mind because he started to miss her.  Princess 
Kakuyuu noticed, no matter how well he tried to hide it, and sent him back 
to Earth.
    It had been hard for him to get Minako to notice him.  She had mixed 
feelings about even going on a date with him because of what happened to 
him during his transformation.  Finally coming to the understanding that 
it wasn't his fault, she had fallen for him.
    "Whats wrong Mina-chan?"
    "Usagi is pregnant, that's what!"
    "I thought that babies were good things?"
    "They are normally, but Usagi has enough to deal with.  Lately without
anything to think about except coronation, I guess she figured that she 
could handle it.  But I don't think that she expected it either."
    "Hey Minako, are you sure that that is all?"
    "What are you getting at Taiki?  Are you saying I'm jealous?
Jealous....because it isn't me....who is....going...to have a...a baby," 
she gasped as she burst into sobs.
    He knew how she was suffering.  It wasn't Minako's fault that she 
couldn't have children.  She couldn't help it if cancer had deprived her 
of the happiness of child bearing.  
    "Minako, if we have to, we will adopt 10 children," Taiki said as 
sweetly and lovingly as he could.
    "Oh Taiki, really?  Do you mean it?" she asked with her eyes shining.
    "Of course we can.  And you can decide everything about it Mina-chan."
    "Taiki, you are so good to me.  I don't deserve somebody as great as 
you," she said.
    "You deserve better than me, and I am blessed that I have you," he said 
as he kissed her.
         *    *  *    *  *
    "Kunzite!  Guess what?!" Ami yelled as she flew through the door of her
house.
    "Whats wrong Ami?" he said as he came into the room in only a towel 
around the waist.
    "Usagi is pregnant! Isn't it great? I mean who'd have thought?"
    She looked at him then.
    "Oh, I see I caught you at a bad time," she said blushing slightly.
    He walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her from behind.  
He kissed her on the cheek.
    "It is never a bad time if you are around," he said in her ear.
    "Whoa!" she squealed as she jumped out of his arms.
    "Uhm...Kunzite....you're poking," she said blushing brightly.
    "I guess I can't help it with such beauty before me," he said calmly.
    "Hey now....go get dressed.  I don't want to end up like Usagi."
    "Why not?  I hope you will some day.  Why not make it today," he 
challenged.
    "KUNZITE!"
    "I'm joking.  I'll get dressed," he said not really convincing her.
    "I swear that man is like the Energizer Usako," she said as soon as he 
was out of earshot.
         *    *  *    *  *
    Crystal Tokyo was preparing for Coronation with such a commotion that
somebody would have thought the messiah was coming for a visit.  In a way, 
she was.  Mrs. Chiba Usagi was to be crowned as Neo-Queen Serenity of 
Crystal Tokyo.  Mr. Chiba Mamoru was to be crowned King Endymion.  A 
smaller coronation was to take place later for the Kings and Queens of the 
other planets in the Solar System.  They were to be members of the Royal 
Court on Earth and the rulers of their own planets.  The queen being the 
ultimate power.
         *    *  *    *  *
    "Mamo-chan, I have news to break to you.  Please listen before you say
anything," said Hotaru.
    They sat on a bench in the park. Hotaru had wanted to tell him the 
news, but didn't know how...
    "You remember Chibi-Usa?"
    "Of course.  She is my daughter," he said as if Hotaru had gone mad.
    "Well, she is on a return trip."
    "What do you mean?"
    "Oh she will be here in about 7 or 8 months.  Heck, give her 9!"
    "Hota-chan are you telling me that Usako is having a baby?"
    "Thankyou Captain Obvious!"
    "Well where is she now?"
    "Where else would she be?  She is in Usagi's belly."
    "No!  Where is Usako?"
    "Oh she is at the apartment..." she started, but Mamoru had gotten up 
and was running for the apartment.
    "Men!"
         *    *  *    *  *
    The next day dragged by for each of the girls, but it seemed a lot 
longer for Hotaru.  She couldn't seem to keep her mind on her school work.  
But finally the last bell rang and she was free.  She needed a place to 
study that was out in the open, so she went to the park and found her 
favorite tree to sit in the shade of and read.
    An hour or so went by with nothing but quiet.  Hotaru was enjoying the 
feel of things, but was feeling drained from being in the sun.
    "I guess I should head home for the day," she said as she started to 
put away her book.
    On the way home, she could feel herself growing weaker.
    "Maybe if I just rest for a minute in the shade, I'll be okay," she 
said.
    As she sat down, a wave of dizziness swept over her and she lost
consciousness. 
    A man was watching as she passed out.  He was tall with long auburn 
hair and blue eyes.  He appeared to be in his early twenties and very 
successful.  He walked to her slowly.
As he picked her up and carried her to his car, he realized how much he had
missed her.
         *    *  *    *  *
    "Usako!  Usako, where are you." Mamoru called as soon as he was through 
the door.
    "I'm in here Mamo," she called from the kitchen.
    "Why are you up?  You should be in bed," he said looking frantic.
    "Mamo-chan, I'm pregnant; not dying.  Stop treating me as if I am a 
child." she said.
    Usagi did look sick.  Her shirt was on backwards, she had dark circles 
under her eyes, and her odangos were crooked.
    "I guess I'm just worried." he said gently.
    He came into the kitchen and hugged her.
    "I don't know what I would do without you Usako," he said so she 
couldn't hear.
         *    *  *    *  *
    The man drove a red sports car.  He drove neither careful or slow.  
He seemed intent on his destination and avoided stopping if at all 
possible, but he abruptly stopped in front of a mansion set back in the 
woods.
    He got out of the car and walked to the other side to get Hotaru.  He 
picked her up gently and carried her to the mansion.  A note was on the 
door that read...
    
    "Hotaru,
                   I am going out of town for 3 weeks.  If I would have 
known sooner, I would have told you.  Sorry for doing it like this.
                                                     Love,
                                                     Papa"
    
    The man tucked the note in his coat pocket and carried Hotaru into the 
house. Once inside, he took her upstairs to her room and placed her on her 
bed.  He left the room and returned a minute later with a cold washcloth. 
    He placed the cloth on her forehead and covered her with the blanket.  
He sat in a chair at the other end of the room and watched her until he 
fell asleep.
         *    *  *    *  *
    A girl walked down the sidewalk looking with awe at the buildings.  She 
was a pretty girl with hair so red it looked violet.  Her brown eyes 
sparkled in the light as she walked gracefully along.  She was not tall, 
only about 5'6". She carried herself well.
    She was so engrossed with everything that she didn't see who it was 
that she walked into.
    "Oh!  I'm sorry, I didn't mean to walk into you," she said rushing the
apology.
    "It's alright.  I wasn't looking where I was going either," a pretty 
girl answered.
    "I'm Rei," she said sticking out her hand. "Are you new around here?"
    "I'm Kari," she said returning the hand shake.  "I just moved here from
America.  It's amazing how different it is here."
    "How so?"
    "Well for one, everything is closer together, and more people walk 
rather than driving," she said slowly.
    "Sound cool.  So have you met anybody yet?"
    "No," she answered shyly.  
    "Well would ya like to?"
    "What do you mean?"
    "Well I'm heading over to my friend Ami's house now.  From there, we 
are going out to a special dinner.  Would you like to come?  I guarantee 
that you will enjoy your company," Rei said blushing.
    "I wouldn't want to..."
    "No, I know it sounds strange, but I have this feeling that you belong 
there. You see, I kinda have what people call ESP."
    "Alright.  I'll come, but I need to call my parents."
    "There is only one thing you will need."
    "What is that?"
    "A formal dress or gown."
    "Then I can't go."
    "You don't have one?"
    "Not that, but as I said, we just moved here, and I am not sure where, 
in my house, my only formal is."
    "Well if you would accept it, I think I have one you can use.  You are 
about my size, I think."
    With that Rei grabbed her hand.
    "Come on.  We've gotta hurry."
          *   * *   * *
    "Mako, can you tie this for me?"
    Motoki was standing in the washroom doorway watching Makoto apply her 
makeup as he held up his bowtie.
    "Motoki, when are you going to learn to do this?"
    "Never, because I'll always have you around to do it for me."
    "Oh shut up," she said as she tied his tie for him.
    She looked absolutely beautiful in her long green court dress.  It 
matched her eyes.  Motoki wore a blue tux.  He felt strange about being a 
member of the court but would do anything for Makoto.
    "Ready," he said.
    "Lets go," Mako said as she grabbed her purse.
          *   * *   * *
    "Taiki, if you don't hurry, we are gonna be late!"
    "I'm coming Minako!"
    As Taiki stepped out of the bedroom, Minako regretted ever turning 
him down. He looked great in his black tux.  She realized how lucky she was 
to be with him.    
    "We have to go," she said reaching for her keys.
    He hugged her before they closed the door.  Minako locked the door and
hurried along side Taiki.  Her orange court dress rustled behind her as she
climbed into the long car.
          *   * *   * *
    Hotaru opened her eyes to realize she was in her room.
    "How did I get here?"
    "I brought you here," the man said as he walked in again.
    "Nephlyte!"
    "Its nice to see you again Hotaru," he said as he hugged her.
    "I've missed you so much," she said.  "What time is it?"
    "Around five."
    "Oh no!  I have to get ready.  Where is my dress?"
    "Hold it little lady.  I have your court dress ready to go," he said as 
he held it out to her.
    "Nephlyte, what would I do without you?  Are you still going as my 
escort?"
    "Of course."
    "Nephlyte, was my father home when you brought me here?"
    At that, he pulled the note from his pocket and handed it to her.  He 
watched as she read it.  He was also there to hold her as she cried.
    "Why couldn't he wait?  I never see him..."
    "Hotaru.  He does not choose to go but has to."
    "I know.  I just miss him," she said drying her tears.
    "Alright little miss.  You have to get ready," he said as he got up to 
exit the room, yet again.
    "Nephlyte," she spoke up.
    "Yes?"
    "Thankyou."
    "Thank me later," he said with a smile.
          *   * *   * *
    Limousines were pulling up and girls were stepping out.  They were all
wearing dresses of the same design but in different colors.
    Kari felt oddly out of place in the long car.  Rei had been sweet in 
letting her borrow the yellow dress that she now wore.  She had felt 
embarrassed when she told Rei that she felt strange about being "without 
escort."  Rei had told her, "give me two minutes."
                                 (Begin Flashback)
    "Kari,  I would like you to meet Seiya.  He is a friend of ours and 
your escort for the evening," Rei said as she opened the door.
              (End Flashback)
    She had to admit, he did not lack in the looks department.  Dressed in 
a tuxedo, he was almost irresistible.  Kari and him became immediate 
friends.
    As Rei, Jedite, Seiya, and Kari stepped out of the car, she realized 
where she was and who with and gasped.
          *  *    *  *    *
    As everybody was hugging and reuniting, Hotaru stared around and 
finally found who she was looking for.
    She approached the lone figure from behind and smiled.
    "Setsuna," she said softly.
    "Hello Hotaru."
    "Why are you alone?"
    "Something is wrong."
    "What do you mean..."
    She didn't finish what she was saying before a blinding light flashed
everywhere.  Usagi was heard screaming along with many women on the 
streets.
          *   * *   * *
    When the light was no longer bright a figure could be seen floating in 
the sky.  He appeared to be sapping energy from only certain women.
    "Mercury Crystal Power!"
    "Mars Crystal Power!"
    "Jupiter Crystal Power!"
    "Venus Crystal Power!"
    "MAKEUP!"
    The inner senshi transformed.
    "Uranus Planet Power Makeup!"
    Haruka transformed.
    "Neptune Planet Power Makeup!"
    Michiru transformed.
    "Pluto Planet Power Makeup!"
    Setsuna transformed
    Hotaru hesitated to transform.  She would wait to see how this villain
reacted to the others first.
          *   * *   * *
    "Well, the Sailor Senshi.  Pleasure to meet you.  The name is Altair 
and you are soon to be no more," he said as he released the women he was 
draining.
    Usagi fell onto the ground as Mamoru picked her up quickly and 
disappeared.
          *   * *   * *
    "It looks like we are on our own this time guys," Rei said as she saw 
Mamoru nod to her.
    "Shiny Aqua Illusion!"
    Altair laughed as he dodged the attack and shot an energy ball at 
Sailor Mercury.
    "Flame Sniper!"
    "Oak Evolution!"
    "Love and Beauty Shock!"
    Altair blocked the attacks.  he shot energy at the inners and laughed 
as he watched them writhe in agony.
    "World Shaking!" Uranus called as she hurled her energy into the 
ground at Altair.
    He laughed as he reflected the attack on Sailor Uranus catching Sailor
Neptune with it also.
    "Two birds in one stone.  Well Sailor, what is it?  Pluto?  Slipped my 
mind. You'll fall as easily as your friends."
    "Saturn Planet Power Makeup!"
    Sailor Saturn jumped in front of Sailor Pluto and pushed her and 
herself out of the way just as a beam of energy shot at them.
    Sailor Saturn stood and glared at Altair.
    "You are a truly unique villain.  You steal energy from select people.  
Why?"
    "I steal the energy from women who are carrying not only themselves but 
a child.  They have the most energy.  And energy is what we need."
    He blasted Sailor Saturn.
    "Silence Block!"
    "I've had enough of your kind!  You know nothing of feelings or 
friends!"
    "Silence Glaive Surprise!"
    Altair gathered the attack before it could be complete and shot it 
back at Sailor Saturn.
    "Bright Galaxy Power Makeup!"
    Another senshi stood before Altair.  Her fuku was yellow with a green 
bow.  A star was her brooch.
    "The mysterious senshi from another galaxy.  Fighter for love and 
friendship forever.  I am Sailor Andromeda!"
    "I will not deal with you horrible monsters anymore!"
    "Galactic Light Splash!"
    Her hand raised into the air; palm up.  A white hot ball of light 
appeared as she spun around, on toe, and hurled it at Altair.
    The light blinded him as he was hit square with the attack.  Fading in 
and out, he disappeared to a pile of sparkling dust.
          *   * *   * *
    Everybody was gathered around Sailor Andromeda.  Only Usagi had ever 
had such power as that.
    "Why didn't you tell me Kari?" Rei asked.
    "I didn't at first know, actually realize that you were the senshi from
Mars," she said shyly.
          *   * *   * *
    "Makoto, guess what?"
    Makoto walked into the room with a coffee cup in her hand.
    "What is it Motoki?"
    "Usagi got the first, you know, inside pictures of the baby."
    "How do you know?"
    "Mamoru called and told me."
    "He must be very happy," she said.
    "He is, as I will be someday."
    "Sooner than you think," she said as she smiled at him and pla