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Chapter Text

The Senshi paused as they arrived on the scene, looking at the dark figures as they clambered over each other. A dark collection of them was in the distance, with a growing number seemingly retreating from something. Venus squinted as she searched for what was worth pushing each other down to escape, trying to assess the danger before any of the Senshi proceeded further. They were alerted that a rather large collection of insurgents gathered at Tokoyo Tower, and experience drove them to respond quickly.

The insurgents were simple people in their garb, consisting a sticky, oily substance that coated them. Mere humanoid figures dipped in oil. They had periodically changed since Endymion attempted to purify the world with the golden crystal, the essence mutating them even further the more they resisted the control of the Golden Crystal.

It was difficult to tell when any of the rebels would attack. Some even appeared human before suddenly rejecting the Golden Crystal, lashing out violently. Those were the lucky ones in which Sailor Moon could heal one at a time.

No one was clear when everything had changed. The Earth Prince and the Moon Princess had started as allies, but now a blurred line could join them on the same side. They had very different opinions on what to do with the rebels. Sailor Moon had attempted a large-scale purification of an entire rebel army when they first exposed their size, leaving the Silver Crystal drained of power. It had never been used with such force, and now it was exhausted.

"I've never seen so many," Jupiter mouthed as they looked down on the collective army of insurgents moving away from the proclaimed stronghold of the Golden Kingdom.

"There!" Venus called as she spotted what the rebels were avoiding. Standing on the lowest platform of the tower, the light-colored suit and unmistakable lavender cape floated in the breeze as explosion after explosion was launched toward the fleeing beings.

"Should we defend the tower?" Jupiter shrugged as the rebels snarled at the figure watching over the mob.

The thought was interrupted as Endymion raised his fist, and a shower of what Jupiter would call super-sized La Smoking Bomber attacks rained down as the crowd retreated. Her stance changed as the mob headed in their direction.

The Senshi held their positions, careful not to add to the chaos the mixture of people as they fled the attacks. The rebels were against the rule of the Golden Cystal, but they had made it clear they didn't plan on answer to the silver Cystal either. It was like the Black Moon Clan all over again, but this time without a planet Nemisis to exile them.

One approached too close for Uranus' liking, the wind warrior jumped from his path before giving a quick chase she caught up to him. The blonde greeted him with a kick to the abdominal area. They had no discernible ears or nose, but they did have eyes of varying colors and a grotesque parody of a mouth. They were intelligent and could communicate, as this enemy demonstrated as it caught Uranus' fist in one of its grotesque hands.

"Poor little solider," the rebel taunted. "So far from the hive. Tell me, where is your queen now?" Uranus released a growl, a fury of kicks landing on the rebel in an attempt to free her hand. "You have such a hot temper. Uncontrolled body, all to protect your queen. You're not fighting. You're feeling."

A sudden flash of teal swiped her vision, a hard kick landing on the monster's side, freeing her hand. "I hope you felt that," Neptune scowled.

The being groaned in pain, but with envious agility, he swept his legs, robbing Neptune of her stability. Uranus lept at the opportunity, landing on the monster as she pinned it to the ground.

"Why do you choose to become this pathetic form?" Uranus grunted, the question not wholly formed in her mind before it escaped her lips. The rebel blinked its scarlet colored eyes, seemingly to approve of her curiosity.

"We are not slaves," he answered with the angry hiss of a cat. "There was nothing wrong with us. Why try to fix us?"

Uranus blinked as she considered the answer, giving the enemy a chance to throw her from her guard. He squared with her, their fist raised to chest height.

"The King's glow is so frigid." He added as he swung at the blonde senshi. "We just want to feel warm again."

Interesting.

"You can be warm if you accept Sailor Moon's power," Uranus frowned. "Why are you fighting her besides the power of the Gold Crystal?"

"Sailor Moon is weak."

Uranus frowned, and her strength quickly returned. She stepped back, her hand raised as if she was going to power up for an attack. He promptly fell for it, lunging at the warrior, who was ready delivering kick and a quick punch with precision. As he leaned forward in pain, she gave a sharp hit with her elbow at the back of his neck, the rebel falling to the ground.

"Sailor Moon is not weak," she hissed before quickly moving to where Neptune was raising to her feet, helping her partner to steady herself.

She had thought Sailor Moon to be weak once before, but after seeing the sacrifices she made to protect this planet, her opinion irrevocably changed.

"We need to report back to headquarters," Venus called as she watched the last rebels carried off into the darkness. "They are becoming more bold. It may be necessary to enter into talks with King Endymion once more."

Chapter Text

Mamoru sat in the room, the curtain pulled tightly closed, and the box on the table laid open. The reading lamp in the corner was characteristically dim, seemingly casting all of its shine on the contents exposed as he examined them one more time. 

The few books on the table beside him were haphazardly flipped to random places, all pieces of the puzzle he was trying to piece back together. Bringing someone back from beyond was taboo; much of what he knew had to be dug out from reliable sources. He had committed years of research since his knights became trapped in the gemstones. 

But recently, he added a new player to the mix, the Silver Crystal. He tried hard to recall every detail of how his star seed was returned, hoping to recreate the magic to help his friends. He replayed the memory in his mind once more, watching the characters take their place like a video in reverse. 

That day, he had opened his eyes in confusion in a never-ending space. Nothing around him save for the small red-haired child. As he searched the nothingness around them, the child remained silent, and his mind took a moment to process his last memory on a plane. He remembered the pain of leaving Usagi behind in Japan as he traveled. With the bright light and the danger he sensed, he transformed without considering the other passengers' exposure. After all, they were in a prone position many miles above the land. He met the golden warrior on the plane's wing as she beckoned him, and he answered the unknown challenger. 

And then, nothing. He tried to search his memory further, but a tug on his sleeve interrupted him as the small child implored him to follow. Limited on the time to figure out what happened, his instincts kicked in that Sailor Moon was in danger. Without question, he followed her as she led him to where Usagi lay, tears streaming down her cheeks. 

He listened as she complained of her loneliness as they stood around her, the complaints wailing over all her loyal friends' encouragement that she was their savior. As soon as she saw him, she leaped into his arms, begging for reassurance. He had not put together the events then, only focusing on comforting her.

Royal blue orbs peaked under his lashes, the gems catching the light in the drab room. He knew better now. She had let all of them die, killed as they tried to protect her. Usagi was too emotional to explain anything that day, her form exhausted from what it had gone through. Or maybe her typical laziness was taking full effect now that everyone was encouraging her to rest.

As he watched over her, the rest of the story was filled in piece by piece, a little bit from everyone, the final battle told by the aliens from the other system that had to step in to protect her. Even when it came to saving them, saving herself, she refused to fight where there were no other Sailor Guardians left.  

A part of him wondered what kind of friendship she had with the alien that donned a disguise that eerily resembled him. The goodbye he witnessed was painful enough. He knew she had a soft heart, but the scales are slightly tipped when you have been bestowed the power of the universe and refuse to use it. That sin fell between nativity and weakness, and the enemies seemed to know as they came here looking for her. Usagi held the crystal by birthright alone. A smirk fell on his lips as he thought it was wise that they targeted the silver crystal's strongest protectors first. 

They tried to return to everyday life after that, after Galaxia. Even when those aliens returned, their mere presence kept Usagi in her high school mindset and not on becoming a ruler. Yet he remained loyal, not letting jealousy get the better of him. He had a destiny with her, with his kingdom to bring it to its full glory. And he played that part perfectly, waiting for the day he would become king.  

Shaking his head as if suddenly remembering what he entered the room for, he quickly marked a few of the books before replacing them on the shelf. The situation at the command center seemed dire and he was unsure if he would be having company afterwards. It was best to have his tracks covered just in case. Rei was the one who called to tell him what had happened. At least she thought of him as part of the team. He slid the stone back into the decorated box before slipping out the door. The command center was near his apartment, and as his foot reached the last step, he could hear the cries. 

Passing through the threshold, he looked around to find Usagi with her face buried in her knees and Makoto rubbing her back. He was shocked to see the aliens missing since they often joined these battles lately, but he started to go to Usagi. It was clear that the young blonde was upset, but the relentless scream echoing from behind him chilled his blood. The others flinched as they waited for it to die, none offering any explanation, so he searched for it himself. 

Inside the medical bay was quite the scene, and after spotting the two injured senshi, he could guess why the starlights were absent. But his medical instincts took over in moments as he saddled beside Ami. 

"I don't understand," the blue haired woman shuddered as she focused on the patient before her. Michiru's entire midsection lay bare, and he might have been embarrassed if it wasn't covered in a thick black film. Ami lowered the scalpel to the odd wound, his eyes fluttering over the suture kit she had ready, and he pieced that she was trying to clean the wound to close it. As the blue haired doctor cut away at the tarred flesh, for every piece she removed, two more took its place. He stared in wonderment as her entire torso became engulfed. Realizing Ami's task was a lost cause, he turned to see Haruka in a bed next to the teal haired woman, holding her hand in an attempt to provide comfort. 

"Ami, hand me that piece you just removed," he gestured to the tweezers. "If I can identify it, we can find a way to fix it." Ami nodded, handing the piece over before Mamoru quickly strode to the lab. 

Sliding it under the microscope, he released a gasp when the opaque skin moved. Under the scope, he could see it was growing, the small piece doubling since it was removed. He scratched his chin as he looked around the room, finally finding what he needed. He grasped a cotton ball with long pliers, slowly brushing the skin with the fluffy material. The skin reacted slightly but did not do anything but move as it examined the different fibers. Satisfied, he decided to test the next part of his theory. He grasped the cotton ball with his exposed fingers, concentrating his healing energy on the tips, the glow moving into the ball. Slowly, he held the same ball near the black flesh as the same vibration happened where it seemed to check the new material. Enticed by the light, the black moved from the skin to the cotton ball. 

"So it is alive," he muttered. "It just wants to heal," he shook his head as he moved back to the hospital bay, "The black stuff, it—"

"It's killed Michiru!" Haruka growled as she held tightly to the dark form that was once the Senshi of the seas. Mamoru was speechless as the dark matter flashed before it faded away completely. "It's not fair!" Haruka cried, pushing away Setsuna's attempt to calm her as she stared at the hand that held her partner. 

"Haruka, please calm down," Setsuna pleaded as she gave Mamoru a apologetic look. Not only was she sorry how the blonde's anger attacked him, she was sorry that Haruka had to witness the fate that awaited her. A fate that he could prevent if she would only listen, but as the stubborn woman continued to push off her friends, he sat back down with Usagi. 

What seemed like hours passed as Haruka finally looked at her wound, seeing that the black mark had also grown on her skin. Mamoru blinked, finally realizing the blonde was injured by whatever attacked Michiru. 

"Haruka, I think we can remove it," he explained. "I think my healing power can—" 

"You couldn't help her," the blonde stopped him in a softer tone. "You saw what happened when Ami tried to help, and it just made it move faster."

"Yes, but she was cutting it. I think we can heal it." 

"Help those bloody aliens?" Haruka scoffed. Mamoru lowered his head, realizing how crazy his idea sounded. 

"I can heal you!" Hotaru offered. 

"Yes, let us try," Usagi said as she entered the room. He held back the eye roll as the blonde softly refused the assistance, telling them to save their strength. Not the same bite in her remark that was directed at him. He watched with interest as Haruka whispered something to Setsuna, and the green haired woman cut a piece of the skin away and placed it in an alcohol vile to preserve it. 

Curiosity growing in him, he returned to the lab to check on the sample he held. The dark mark had moved almost entirely onto the swab, leaving the piece of porcelain skin that undoubtedly was Michiru's untouched in the container. Rubbing his hand over his chin, he considered what this meant. Deciding to push his solution again, he turned to the bedside, only to hear the sobs before seeing that Haruka had finally succumbed. He lowered his eyes as the others leaned on each other for comfort after losing two of their own. 

"You did what you could," he offered Ami as he took in her sullen features and made a note to talk with her about his recommendation for medical school. "Are you alright, Usako?" He asked as he turned to the petite blonde. 

"I don't understand," she sobbed. 

"Shhh, I know." He rubbed her back. "I can take you home and rest."

"I'm going to stay here with the others a little longer," she added with a head shake. "I think we'll be able to help each other more here." 

"Alright then," he sighed. "Let me know if you need anything," he added as she hugged him tightly. Walking towards the exit, his eyes swept back at the girls as they hugged before his sight landed on the laboratory door. Stepping in, he placed a lid on the dish that held the little alien flesh, tucking it under his coat before returning to the apartment. 

~*~*~

His hand cradled his head as the sweat dried from his skin. His dream was intense, to say the least, shocking him awake. One would think he's gotten used to the dreams of the Moon Princess of the previous millennia beckoning him, but this time was different. He wasn't confused by the sad, pleading look on the young woman's face. He recalled a distant memory that was just as baffling to him. 

The first time he saw the small blonde girl, she had appeared in his garden in the palace. He sensed something was out of place. His search briefed with the moon drawing him to her hiding spot; the moonlight seemed to spotlight her form. Pulling him closer, the soft light cast around her like a gentle embrace. It wasn't just her beauty that captured him that night; he also had a vision that he could strengthen his kingdom with her. 

One of the palace mages did not trust the small arrival. Beryl has warned of a prophecy of reaching too far for power, but Endymion saw no harm in the appearance. Her beauty captured him; the more she learned, the more he saw their future together. He would make their kingdoms even more extraordinary, bringing innovations to improve citizens' lives. The tiny blonde not only stole his heart, but she was not the bearer of what he envisioned. Her love brought the end of both of their kingdoms.

He shuttered once more as he thought of the death and destruction that had engulfed him in his dream. Heading for the shower to wash those thoughts away, he undoubtedly will need a clear head to see what state Usagi and the others were in today. Looking to improve his chances, he stopped for some quiches on his way to the arcade. 

"What happens now?" Makoto asked as she bit into one of the welcomed snacks. They were all on edge through the night, and Mamoru's unexpected gift gave the invite to break and finally eat something. The opportunity to talk about what happened hung thick in the air. 

"We continue to protect Usagi, to protect this planet. The birth of Crystal Tokyo is not far off," Minako firmly answered, locking eyes with Mamoru at the mention of their future kingdom. 

"That's not what I meant," Makoto relented, her voice uncharacteristically low. He concluded that the evening bartered much thought about duty and the price they may need to pay.

"Of course not," Setsuna softly called as all the girls turned to look into the knowing garnet eyes. "With their loyalty, all Senshi's are promised rebirth."

"True, but should we be worried about when?" Ami pondered, her cheeks burning a little when the garnet stare focused on her at the mention of time. "Well, we all have been brought back. More than once," Ami added firmly. Mamoru watched the exchange, unsure if the Guardian of Time knew how the fight with the Dark Kingdom played out. He thought about it every day. "Those times we were brought back seemingly instantaneous, at least from our perspective." 

"True, we never had someone waiting here for us," Rei pondered as she began to understand the blue haired genius' question. "After the fall of the Silver Millennium, it was a long time before we were reborn."

"Will we have to wait a thousand years for Haruka and Michiru to return to us?" Usagi whimpered as Mamoru flinched at her outward show of fear to be without them. 

"If that is what fate has in store for them," Setsuna nodded, her head lowering before she could finish the sentence. She grimaced as she saw the tears welling up in the blonde's eyes. "But there are ways to know when they arrived," she quickly covered as the petite blonde nodded. Usagi stood, moving to a small table by the command console. Mamoru only now noticed what lay on the table. The space sword and the deep aqua mirror tangled almost as if they were comforting each other. She looked at the objects before her eyes drifted upwards. "Until we meet again," she whispered, although everyone caught it. With her words, the items faded away, ready to rest until their owners returned. 

Chapter Text

A long breath escaped his lips as he leaned on his elbows. The cool sheets moved down his torso, exposing the small hand that rested just below his breastbone. He opened and closed his eyes a few times as he built the strength to force himself to glance at the small bundle beside him. Her features were still calm, but he could easily see the torment burrowed into her brow as she slept. Softly he cupped her hand in his oversized paw as he released her hold before slipping off the bed. Turning to ensure she slept soundly, he stared at the small girl. He knew how determined and strong she could be in battle, but at the same time, she appeared so weak to him. A shrug of the shoulders pushed the thought off as just a side effect of her petite frame and the state she was in currently. 
When they returned to his apartment, the tears started again when she spotted a book Haruka had loaned him for motorcycle engines. He could only look on with bewilderment as such a random object triggered her. He had not seen her mourn any other person before, and his logical mind dismissed it as she simply did not have the means to do so. 
The books disappeared, and she was quickly snuggled up with a bowl of warm udon. In the years he had to rely on only himself, he learned that a warm, full belly to put you to sleep was one of the best ways to start feeling like yourself in the morning. Although food usually comforted the younger girl, it did the opposite this evening. Usagi confided in him that she detected she was weaker after losing the outers. Her mind spiraled, concerned that not only her own but everyone power up would disappear. Kissing her forehead, he dismissed such a silly notion. He goes so far as to point to Hotaru's rebirth as proof that the Silver Crystal did not work like that. Usagi relaxed a little more after that and soon fell asleep. But the idea didn't slip from his mind as quickly. 
"Maybe I can use this to my advantage. There could be a way to both get what we want," he muttered in the darkness as he leaned his elbow on the windows looking out over the city. The loss of the guardians impeded the team, not only mentally dealing with losing their friends but strategically as well. He was still unsure what to make of the Starlights in a fighting situation, but if they could handle their own with Galaxia, as he was told, they could keep up with him. That was a more wait-and-see scenario. No one knew how long they would stick around either, any of them giving a vague answer when prompted. 
No, what they need is a reliable source of power that is loyal to this planet. He placed his palm on the cool glass and pushed himself off the pane, returning to the bed. He laid down, but his eyes never closed as he waited to tell Usagi his plan in the morning. 

~*~*~

Blue eyes fluttered open, taking in her condition as her fingers traced the skin covering her aching heart. She had never imagined pain like this and honestly had no idea how she would get through it. But get through it, and she must, if not for her other guardians, but for the two she currently mourned. The two guardians challenged her to be the strongest and pushed her the most with their unconventional ways at times.
The hand over her chest clenched into a fist as she felt her lip quiver. She would not shed another tear; everyone knew Haruka didn't care for crybabies. Instead, she will focus on strengthening so this cannot happen again. Maybe, if they are waiting for them to return, she will be able to impress them by building upon everything they taught her. She will be the more graceful and powerful Senshi in their honor. 
Her lips curled into a smile as she brushed through her hair, the promise to herself already turning her mood around. As the smell of breakfast wafted into the room, her grin grew as she knew Mamo would be pleased with her improved disposition this morning and her commitment to improving. 
"Mamo-Chan!" She called as she walked out of the bedroom, shrugging on a robe as she looked around the small living space. She blinked when the kitchen was empty, her eyes continuing to search until she spotted a shadow in the area he had set for his research. "Mamo, is everything alright?" She called softly from the door. He had scolded her more than once for entering his study and disrupting the carefully laid out research, so she waited in the opening for his response. 
"Good morning, Usako," he called, beckoning her inside. She looked around, carefully planning her steps so she did not bump any tables lined with books as she walked towards him. The room usually was much more tidy than this, and she could only guess he had spent most of the early morning hours adding to the piles that seemed to be freshly marked. 
"Have you been up long? I hope I haven't kept you waiting," she shyly apologized. 
"Not at all," he warmly confirmed before tapping the edge of his armchair for her to join him. "It allowed me to get some reading done." Usagi joined him as she looked at the book curiously. A question was biting her lip when she saw the book focused on crystals before the words died in her throat. Mamoru smiled. She could clearly guess what he was researching so early in the morning. 
"I wanted to find a way to help you," he smiled as he turned the book so she could read it more easily. "I have been reading more on the crystal-like the Silver Crystal, looking if there was more power to unlock," he added as he reached for another book. She glanced down at the pages, realizing only that they were in a language she couldn't read. 
"What are you planning to do with the Crystal?" She carefully asked, not wanting to take any option off the table. She had suggested that she could use her power the first night to bring Haruka and Michiru back, but it was quickly dismissed for many reasons. She didn't have enough control, and they were too far gone for it to work. One of the many reasons she was determined to grow stronger. 
"I'm not sure, and I don't want to rule anything out just yet," Mamoru reassured, and she relaxed slightly. Of course, he wouldn't give up on them that easily. He was better than that. Her arms instinctively wrapped around his shoulders, and her nose nuzzled into his neck as she felt a joy in her heart that she didn't think would return for a long time. 
"I'm so happy, Mamo. You made me happy." 
"Really? I was worried you wouldn't be too pleased," he asked, uncertainty in her voice. 
"I know you don't have the answer yet, but I know together we will find a way to continue to protect this planet and those we love," she smiled more into his skin as she held him closer. 
She jumped in his arms as her communicator came alive suddenly. Both shared a look as he stood, carefully picking her up with him to move out of the study as she flipped her watch open. "Venus? What is happening?" 
"There was an attack in the park. Mars and Jupiter went to investigate, and these dark creatures attacked them. Pluto visually compared them and identified them as the same who attacked Neptune and Uranus." 
"What? Be very careful with them; we know they can be dangerous!" Usagi shrieked as her feet touched the ground. "We'll be right there!" 
"No, we can handle it. Have Mamoru keep you safe!" The blonde commanded as she ended communication. She was pleading with her blue eyes to Mamoru as he pulled a red rose from his jacket. She nodded in understanding, quickly transforming. 

~*~*~

Tuxedo Mask's footsteps slowed, raising his arm in indication Sailor Moon was wary as he approached the park's edge. They encountered a few people they helped move to safety as they arrived, and they must be on the spot by now. Yet the battlefield remained in an eerie silence. Moon tried to push past the taller man, desperate to search for her friends. They would have sent a message if the battle was over, yet they heard nothing on the way. Mask pulled the small girl closer, moving his cape in anticipation as the wind picked through the branches that concealed them.
"It's you," Mask muttered as he stepped aside to allow Moon to glimpse what he spotted. Although his tone sounded severe, he did step aside so that the danger could have been reduced. 
"Maker, Fighter," she sighed as she saw two Starlights sitting in the branches. Glancing back as Mask remained silent, she questioned the tone momentarily before she remembered her promise to be stronger. "What's happening? Where can we help?" She demanded.
"I think we need some Moon healing," Fighter winked as she jumped to the ground. Her midnight blue orbs did not leave Moon's face as it wrinkled with determination. 
"Please show me," she commanded as the Starlights only nodded. They began walking towards the side of a building on the park's edge, Sailor Moon's eyes still scanning the area. The silence made her uncomfortable, but the scream she experienced as she neared the side was even more unsettling. Two men were in states of movement, one restrained by the golden glow of Venus' chain, the second held within a garnet force field. Both frantically trying to wail their arms to be free. 
"What is happening?" Mask commanded, causing even the Starlights next to him to jump at the change in voice. 
"There was a report of a dark figure attacking the people in the park," Mars explained as she pulled two of her talisman into her hand. 
"The ones who attacked Uranus and Neptune!" Sailor Moon demanded. "Where are they?"
"A few people escaped," Jupiter added as Marafterward of her ofuda's towards the man wrapped in the chain. "There were a few people who came in contact with it, and afterwards they also started to attack us."
 "It was using innocent people to fight?" Moon blinked as she looked around. "Where are the others?"
 "They seemed to wake up from whatever spell they were under when the enemy fled, save for these two," Jupiter added as they increased the movement. They growled and tried to free themselves, acting more determined and animalistic. 
"Is it a werewolf?" the blonde asked aloud as she looked at the two men increasing their actions to free themselves. 
"I don't think so. We were trying to figure out what to do with them. They could hurt themselves."
"We can't kill them!" Moon repulsed as the others shared a look. There was something to that idea that she couldn't bear to consider for the moment. 
"I think you can heal them, Sailor Moon," Mask offered as he leaned toward her. At the sound of his words, the two men froze as their heads looked at the blonde newcomer. Sailor Moon froze her wand in hand. 
"Sailor Moon—" they hummed as they fixated on her. The other scouts also shared stunned looks, unsure of what would come. 
"Jupiter, why don't you shock them to calm them down?" Mask demanded as he pointed to the two clambering prisoners. "She may only get one shot at this," he added as Jupiter took her position. Moon swore she saw Fighter's long ponytail flip around at the words but watched Jupiter's movement instead. She stood near the orb, one hand on that surface as the man jumped against the barrier as she approached, causing her to take a few steps back. 
"Maybe you should stand near Venus," Maker helped instruct as she pointed to the blonde. "I've seen you send your energy through the chain before. Do you think you could aim at the orb from there?" The tall brunette continued to direct, both Mask and Fighter giving her a silent glare. Jupiter nodded at the suggestion, and Maker made eye contact with Mars as she moved closer, her flaming arrow now drawn. 
"At your signal," she instructed the blonde, "she'll shock them, and you both release them. The rest of us, stay ready." Sailor Moon nodded even though she could feel most of their disdain for the plan. She was vital for this, and she was ready. 
"Crystal… Power.."
"Supreme Thunder!" Jupiter bellowed as Pluto and Venus released their talisman's hold. The men jerked at the shock, but suddenly both straightened their backs as if the power of lightning did not affect them any longer. 
"Sailor Moon, we have been seeking you," they rumbled in unison. Blue eyes blinked as she felt them lock their stare with her, an amber color coming over their orbs that she didn't remember before. "Only your power can save us," she continued as the last spell fell from her lips. 
"Kiss!" Sailor Moon bellowed, the heat radiating from her wand, spinning before splitting into two at the center of the men, each core collapsing on top of them as they fell to their knees. 
As the dust cleared, Mars and Fighter stepped in front of Sailor Moon, their weapons ready. Tuxedo Mask placed both of his hands on the tired soldier as her arms dropped the wand to hang from her side. She had focused on ensuring enough to make it work for two people. 
"What's going on here?" She heard from the dust as Pluto was beside the man closest to her. 
"There was an accident in the park. We need to get you to a medical facility," she offered to the man as he tried to stand. He paused, looking at the burn marks in the grass before turning to the rest of the girls. 
"Thank you," he offered as he was helped to move closer to the edge of the park where help would be arriving. 
"I'm happy that worked," Sailor Moon smiled as she looked up at Tuxedo Mask. His eyes were fixated on the edge of the tree-line path. "Is everything alright?" She asked as his royal blue eyes blinked down to meet hers. 
"I'm glad it works. I was looking to see if the ambulance was arriving yet," he offered as his eyes shifted back to the same far-off spot. 

~*~*~

"I'm happy to report there are no serious injuries here," Ami smiled into the monitor from her location at the hospital. "I was able to collect a few samples from those who were closer to the creature than others. I will run my test later, but we found nothing wrong medically." Usagi later learned that those best equipped to help the affected people had gone to the medical facility, explaining why the park was so quiet when she arrived. 
"We look forward to what you find," Minako smiled as she turned the monitor off. "So it's clear that this thing affected people differently, those two we captured being the worst of them."
"But how is it even doing that?" Makoto exacerbated sigh reflected how they all felt. There were too many unknowns, namely where the monster disappeared and when it would return.
Usagi also wondered if she heard them call to her or if that was her imagination. She didn't dare ask the others, fearing that she couldn't help anyone under the monster's spell. 
"I can't help to think it was looking for me," she sighed as she leaned closer to Mamoru. 
"Don't be silly, Usako. How would it even know you? It must've just repeated what they heard everyone else yell," he reassured her as he pulled her closer. "Will you be alright here with the others? I need to head over to the hospital."
"I'll be fine. Ami seems to have everything under control," Usagi asked as she lifted her head. 
"I don't doubt her," he reassured. "But with that many patients coming, I am sure they paged me, so I need to check in to keep my internship." She nodded at his reasoning, gifting a soft kiss to him before he stood. 
"Everything alright?" Seiya called as he watched the tall man leave the command center before concerned eyes turned to examine the blonde. 
"He has some responsibility at the hospital," she repeated. 
"That's not what I asked," Seiya reaffirmed as he sat where Mamoru once did. 
"It's just, I feel like this is not the end of it," she breathed as her hands crossed over her torso to quell the uneasiness rising. 
"I'll settle for the worst of it," Seiya smiled as he tried to get her to release her hold on herself. She smiled, her hands dropping from her sides before lightly shoving the raven-haired singer back. 

~*~*~

He watched how quickly the singer moved to take his spot before the arcade doors slid closed. His jaw ticked, but he quickly brought his fingers to the bridge of his nose. Aggression would not help his cause at the moment, and this friendship between them was nothing new. His attention elsewhere, he jumped on his motorcycle, taking the long way to the hospital. He slowed the engine as he passed the park, his eye searching for something but not finding it. Shaking his head, he dismissed the thought as he returned to his apartment. His mind was racing at the urge to pick up his scrubs even though he had a set in his locker, deciding something else was driving him to stop home first. 
He slid into the parking garage, pulling his bike into the stall, when his sense tingled again. Calmly he removed his helmet, resting it on the motorcycle tank as he focused his mind. Feeling his target, he swung his leg from the seat and produced his cane in a fluid motion as he faced a dark corner of the garage. 
"How did I guess I would find you here?" He questioned as a figure stepped from the shadow

Chapter Text

Mamoru rested his arm on his helmet as he appeared to act casual as he palmed a rosebud in his hand. The figure stood stoic, not moving since it exposed itself. He was not caught too far off guard to find it hiding here, sensing it watching him from the park as the others fought off the strange creatures. He wouldn't admit it aloud, but curiosity grew in him on their focus on him. Previously enemies sought out his location, but they usually arrived with much more fanfare in hopes of gaining the attention of the others.

"If you feel more at ease in your alternate form," the other's voice broke through his mind. His head shifted as he confirmed the silence of the night as the glowing eyes nodded to the hand hiding the rosebud. "You are welcome to use it. I assure you that I do not mean to cause harm, but that message seems hard to get across by the demonstrations of the others on your planet." 
Mamoru nodded and transformed without seeing a reason to put himself in danger otherwise. The shadow beast rose a few inches as Tuxedo Mask stood before him, a set of ferns that extended from his temples, shaking as they were stretching on their own. His suspicion was confirmed that when the creature spoke, the voice was only in his mind.
"I see we are showing all of our cards here," Tuxedo Mask nodded as the dark features of the other took on a twisted grin. "Do you have the capacity to understand why others may react the way they do to you?" 
"Our arrival was rather abrupt," the other commented. 
Mask's brows furrowed as he considered the choice of words. "Abrupt is appropriate to signal an invasion. Do you know you injured one of our own?" He pushed to understand why the enemy was here, on the planet, let alone in his garage. Curious, but not a fool enough to reveal that two of their comrades were no more because of him.
"I wish you would understand that was not my intent," the large head lowered, almost as if it was showing remorse for its actions. "To aid this conversation, you should know that I have connections to the formed that my essence attaches. I know what happened to the two I encountered that day." Tuxedo Mask suddenly regretted his boldness to continue the conversation without signaling the others. As if sensing the sudden unease, the creature raised its hand, or at least where a hand would logically be in the almost humanoid form. 
"I also know you knew nothing about the care you showed for the foreign substance. That is why I am here." 
"You could tell I tried to heal it?" Mask asked in surprise, his back straightening at recognizing that what he attempted to do that day had helped. 
"Yes," it added as it stepped closer to the light. His stare rolling down over the foreign form, he noted that it was not simply a shadow but covered in a texture that gave the appearance that she could only liken to that of feathers. Dark in color around the extremities, with a blood-red tipped surface that concentrated more around the center of its mass. The color contrast was nearly implying a clothed appearance to the being. Mask could not make out any details of a face, but large almond eyes were still watching him, dark with an amber sheen instead of the anticipated white reflected in the light.
"What do you want from me?" He asked as he took in the larger form. 
"I sense the goodness in you, and I also sense the energy signature of the strong power source we seek," the creature nodded as it moved its head to see more of the area as if it could sense the energy. "It is fainter, so I assume not with you," it added as it eyed Tuxedo Mask. "But I wish to deliver a message that we only seek to get an audience with the one who controls the white light." 
"I see," Mask nodded as he felt his communicator give a silent indication. "I will see what I can do. How will I find you?"
"When you are ready, I will know," it added cryptically. Mask's face furrowed as he was about to ask for clarification when the being turned. "Please also understand that violence will be met with violence. I can only guess how that will end for you." 
Before he could say anything else, the tall figure turned back into a shadow. Mask turned around in the dark garage, even turning the headlights on his motorcycle to expose the escape it used. Frustrated and confident he was alone, he turned to the communicator to see what the others had found.

~*~*~

"What exactly was all of that?" Minako growled as she looked through the few surveillance footage they could find from the park. Artemis stood at the controls as he tapped a few buttons to replay the scene, but no additional information jumped out to them. The park patrons were going along their day as if in a trance. 
"They were suddenly overcoming with a fighting spirit," Rei observed, frowning at using the ominous term. There was no better way to describe it. "Where did it come from?" She added as she again examined the footage as the white cat gave a replay. 
"I am more concerned with what they said as we arrived," Makoto added as she crossed her arms over her torso. They were all uneasy with the not-subtle demand for Sailor Moon. 
"They responded to hearing her name than to Sailor Moon herself," Minako pointed to the monitor. She turned, bringing her hand to her chin as she considered the thought. "Setsuna, you noted these have a similar energy signature to those that appeared at the Time Gate," she asked the olive skinned guardian, conveniently leaving out the result of their emergence. "Is there a chance that the original ones have brought more through the same portal?" 
"No," Setsuna firmly shook her head. "After that first attack, I beseeched Cronus to close that door forever. No power could overcome that, not even my own." 
"Does that mean what attacked is still here?" Rei asked as she clutched her fist, anger pouring out at the tiny detail omitted. 
"Yes, they would be trapped here until we capture them," Setsuna lowered her head. Rei's closed fist hit the tabletop in frustration, but Hotaru stepped before the green-haired woman before any words could come from the miko. 
"This does not help!" The small girl asserted in a voice colder than her typically light features. "There was reason to believe they were trapped in the Time Gate, and now we have a reason to believe otherwise. At the time, we fought as we could, but we also needed to help Haruka-Papa and Michiru-Mama," the girl continued as her voice quivered. She fell back into her seat, Rei joining her as she rubbed the younger girl's back. It was still difficult for all of them, even after the time passed. 
"Hotaru, I am sorry," the priestess started before an agonizing cry echoed in the room. 
"What is this—"Usagi continued as she held her chest tightly, the others rushing to her side. The pain lasted momentarily as her hold released slightly, and her chest rose and fell. The others shared a look before they turned to the oldest members of the team for answers. Mamoru moved beside her instantly, checking the vitals and nodding that they seemed normal. 
"I'm fine," Usagi forced a smile. "It was strange. It was as if a bright light formed in my chest, the brightness shocking me. But I was happy about it. Does that make sense?" She smiled up at Mamoru as he looked at her concerned before taking her in a hug. 
"Could this be the work of the enemy?" Makoto growled, furious that they had found a new entry point. 
"I don't think so," Usagi shook her head. "Like I said, it didn't feel bad." 
"They haven't shown any ability like that," Mamoru added as he recalled his meeting. "Otherwise, they could have tried it in the park," he said. His head nodded to convince himself that they would have quickly done that type of move in the garage if it could. The creature he met seemed to wish to break down the menacing facade and would not attack unprovoked. 
"Well, I may want to run some tests to be sure," Ami nodded as she helped the blonde girl stand. Mamoru watched her wander down the hall, his mind tracing back over the words of his strange meeting. 
"While you do that, I will return to the Time Gate to ensure it is clear," Setsuna explained before transforming. Saturn moved beside her, silent, indicating that she would not allow the older woman to go alone. "Will you be alright here?" She asked the others as they reassured her before the guardian of time disappeared through a portal. 
A portal. Mamoru's eyes blinked as he thought of how his visitor had disappeared as if it stepped through a doorway. His mind ran through the other abilities he saw in the encounter as he turned to stand with Venus to review the footage from the park again. 

~*~*~

Mamoru's head reclined against the back of the chair, his hands reaching for his glasses on reflex alone. He had read so many books that he thought he could taste the ink through his fingers. The fables in the stories led him far across the known galaxy, describing every type of otherworldly creature the authors knew about. Yet, none seem to come close to touching the description of the beast that greeted him in his building—neither the physical description nor the ability its weapons seemed to possess. 
Pushing the book cover close with more effort than intended, he moved it off the top of the pile near his desk. When the book underneath caught his attention, he grunted about the uselessness of these wild theories in scientific research. He didn't need much of the worn cover to remind him of the many pages with notes tucked in the margins. The promise to find a way to return his generals was evident in his mind, and he was close to finally determining a way to achieve it. 
"Could it be that simple?" He muttered to himself as he stared at the two books, the aliens and the magic. "I need to understand more," he grumbled as he picked up the sci-fi book, ready to toss it down the book return. 
He inhaled the light air as he paced the sidewalk, the book tucked into his bag. He need not have someone see him with it, lest they start to suspect that he was a radical conspiracy theorist. Deciding that the outdoor return box was still too public, he entered the library heading directly toward the return desk. He looked around to grab another book to return in an attempt to hide the embarrassment when a tall brunette suddenly caught his attention. 
"Oh, hi Taiki," he muttered as he picked a book from the end of the shelf as purple eyes blinked up from the pages. "I am surprised to find you here," he nodded in acknowledgment as he placed one more book on the bottom to sandwich his return. 
"I'm surprised by that," the tall brunette sighed. "No harm, though," he covered as he waved his hand. "I am surprised to see you in a library," Taiki added in an attempt to make small talk. "Last time I was here was Ami; you didn't want to join us. Something about having all the books you needed at home."
Mamoru paused at the comment and nodded, remembering helping the two with medical research about infectious diseases. His lips formed a thin line as he suspected they were researching the ailment that inflicted the other two Senshi. Little did they know he was already miles ahead of them, so he had the books in his collection. 
"I'm just returning this," he shrugged as he raised the collection. The calm brunette nodded in understanding as purple eyes continued to the page he scanned. Mamoru took the easy opening, finally reaching the returns desk. "Here are my returns," he smiled as he handed them to the attendant.
"Do you have any others you wish to check out?" She smiled back as he shook his head before turning to leave. "The ones who love to read are always the quietest," she hummed to herself as she began to scan them into the system. 
"Pardon me, miss," the soft words pulled the attendant from her task as she looked up to see smiling purple eyes with a matching dazzling smile. 
"You're Taiki from the Three Lights," she sighed, forgetting her task and name. He looked surprised but nodded in her observation. The band had broken up a few years ago, but she would never forget the face from the poster that decorated her room for so long.
"I hate interrupting, but those," the handsome boy continued as he leaned his elbows on the desk and pointed to the stack she just received. "I have been waiting for them. You see, I need them to compose a song. I understand you need to return them to the shelves, but you would save me from a harsh deadline if I could just check them out from you." She looked at the books, briefly scanning the titles as she wondered what the former idol could be up to, but handed him the books anyways. 
He thanked her before exiting the library, the books tucked under his arm. The strange encounter with Mamoru was unsettling and, more importantly, out of character for the older member of the Senshi. He couldn't recall a time when he was regarded so coldly, and the raven haired man was clearly in a hurry to leave these books behind. He flipped the covers to read them, the first two regarding mathematics and wormholes. Suspiciously the same topic he was looking at when Mamoru first approached. 
"The Extraordinary Abilities of Extraterrestrials?" He frowned as he read the title of the third. This was a little more interesting and perhaps worth the stunt he pulled. Deciding it would be worth it to flip through the book, suspicious of at least one reason the Mamoru could be interested in aliens. 

~*~*~

He froze at the door of the command center as tired blue eyes glanced up at him. He rushed to Usagi's side, wrapping an arm around her as her tired form fell against him. "I'm sorry. I came as soon as I could," he apologized. 
He heard the alert from Venus when more of the random attacks occurred, and like before, they could narrow it down to a couple of humans that seemed to be searching for Sailor Moon. She used her power to heal them again, but it was taking its toll on her as her head rested on his shoulder. 
"I don't think Usagi should accompany when these types of attacks occur," Luna noted, looking the tiny blonde in the eyes. 
"What? Why?" She demanded as loud as she could in her current state. 
"They are trying to get your attention," the cat sighed as she sat to face the girl. 
"I can't let innocent people get hurt while I stand beside and hide!" 
"I'm not risking anyone, especially not you," Luna levied as she relaxed. "All I am saying is that no one has been hurt yet, except you."
"She's right," Minako softly added as Usagi looked at her in shock. "They have caused a scene with the innocent people to draw us to them. No one has needed medical attention, and they only want you." 
"This is taking more of a strain on you each time it happens," Mamoru added as he rubbed her back. The younger girl's eyes fluttered to him as if she secretly agreed but did not want to admit it. The strange alien's way of getting Sailor Moon's attention was not working, and if he was going to get something out of the deal with it, he needed Sailor Moon's power at the best it could be.
"Hey, it's not like we won't help them," Makoto added as she tried to reassure the odango haired girl. "We will still arrive and get them under control," waving to the others. 
"All we're asking is to try. There is a chance if they realize you're not coming, then they'll change their tactic. Perhaps not even attacking people," Rei smiled as the blonde finally nodded. 
"And if we're wrong, we will let you know, and you can still come and save them," Ami smiled. 
"We'll even pitch in," Seiya smiled as he stood next to Minako, silently pleading his help to the leader. "That is if you girls needed it to make up for the slack," he joked as it got a chuckle from Usagi. 
"Thanks, I appreciate your support," she said to Seiya, Yaten, and Taiki, but everyone knew it was meant for all of them. "We can try it that way, and hopefully, it keeps everyone safe." 

Yaten's hand slapped the shoulder of the raven haired Light once everyone had returned to their previous task. "What is with your volunteering us?" The silver haired man pouted. 
"Do you not want to help?" Seiya smirked as he raised a challenging eyebrow. 
"I was enjoying retirement," Yaten yawned on cue. The trio wasn't so much on vacation, but the three were unsure of their plan. They had initially returned to visit and help the Senshi, but with the unexpected events, they couldn't precisely up and leave when they were short-handed. At least not until they were sure they had it handled. 
"I'm with Seiya," Taiki nodded as Yaten shook his shock through his long ponytail. "They don't have it handled. I am afraid that there may be something unexpected going on." 
"What do you mean, Taiki?" Seiya looked concerned as he followed the purple orbs to the royal couple sitting together alone in the corner. 
"Well, I hope it is nothing, but Mamoru has been acting strange since the first attack." 
"He's always been cold to us," Yaten shrugged as he looked at the tall man holding the small girl, his eyes focused on nothing before him.
"It's also interested in the superpower of aliens," Taiki signed, his fingers going to his temple as if he was ashamed to admit it aloud. "He was trying to hide the book from me. So either he's interested in us or the new enemy, and neither works to something good." 
"I'll keep an eye on him," Seiya agreed as he watched Mamoru whisper something to the small girl. He couldn't help but notice the dismissive nature of the earth prince from before. At first, he thought his desirousness was getting the better of him, but if Taiki saw it as well, then maybe there was something amiss. Watching the two stand as if Mamoru was to sneak her away again, the room was stirred by the olive skinned woman's sudden arrival. 
"Pluto, what is it?" Minako asked the tall woman, flustered by her rather clumsy arrival, the smaller Saturn falling out of the portal behind her. The younger girl was wearing a look of mirth on her face as everyone gathered closer. "Did you find the enemy in the Time Gate?"
"Whaaa—"the older Senshi blinked before she seemed to remember the original task she set out with. "No, the Gates are protected and confirmed that the portal they entered is sealed. There is no more of the enemy arriving." 
"Then what is going on?" Rei demanded with a hand on her hip at the unchoreographed movement of Pluto. The green haired woman let her transformation fall, giving the others some relief that there was no danger approaching. Setsuna began typing on the command terminal as if searching for something. 
"Do you recall our strange feeling a few moons ago?" She cryptically asked, the others nodding as Usagi clutched her chest in remembrance. 
"Did you determine the cause?" Minako inquired, eager to have more information. 
"I believe so. I just need to confirm… yes, here it is!" She pointed to the screen. The other looked around, confused, as a hospital record was displayed. Setsuna looked at each expectantly until Ami was brave enough to wave her hand to indicate they needed more information. 
"That sensation was a Star Seed being brought into existence," she claimed. "It would feel influential to us as it was close in proximity—"
"—and connection," Yaten answered as the taller woman nodded. "I sensed it, but I guess it was not as impactful to me," the silver haired man shrugged. 
"Thank you, Yaten. That does help," she smiled. "I was searching for the source, but the string of fate showed me a glimpse of the future instead of the past," she continued. "So what we felt was most likely Uranus or Neptune being reborn!" 
"Really? How can you be sure?" Rei skeptically asked as the others squealed with excitement. 
"I can't be sure until we meet them. But I know that the glimpse of the future I saw still had Crystal Tokyo intact, indicating they had found their way back. We can be certain if we feel a second Star Seed that follows closely behind." 
"So they're more than likely babies?" Ami pondered aloud. 
"It seems that fate chose to have them start over."
"I'm not changing diapers," Minako crossed her arms.
"That may not be needed. They could quickly age as Hotaru did," Setsuna added as she pointed to the raven haired girl.
"Do we search for them? And raise them as you did, Hotaru?" Makoto asked. 
"I will do a scan at my next shift at the hospital. If the baby with Senshi ability was born in the city, I might be able to sense it if I am close enough. We can see the kind of family they have. If they're an orphan, we can step in," Ami planned out. 
"Yes, let's see if it is even true before we start making crazy plans," Rei nodded as she looked at the glassy eye Usagi. "We're still in unknown territory, and with the enemy still out there, we are best not to expose their existence." 
"Aww, but I bet a baby Haruka and Michiru would be so cute," Usagi whined as she clearly could picture them. 
"We'll take it one step at a time, Usako," Mamoru sighed as he placed his hands on the blonde's shoulders. "I'm going to take Usagi home and watch over her. Keep up updated on what you find out," he called over his shoulder as he led the younger girl out of the command center. He didn't need to look back to feel the royal blue eyes burning into his back as the door closed. 

~*~*~

"What did you want to tell me?" Usagi smiled as she walked with her arms wrapped around Mamoru's arm. "Setsuna's news is exciting, but I didn't want it to take away from your news," her large blue eyes smiling at him. 
"It's not a big deal. I will tell you later when you are rested," he sighed as he patted her hand. The news of a Star Seed took too much away from his plan. If it goes smoothly, he will need Usagi to be more on his side of reason. A smile came to his lips as he knew how to sway more than one favor. 

Chapter Text

Mamoru shifted his weight on the bench as he glanced wearily over his shoulder. He was unsure if his methods to contact the dark creature would work. If he were wrong about that, the rest of his plan would fall through, so determination set into his features. "This will work," he reaffirmed. 
"If you are referring to your attempt to signal me, then consider them a success," the dark form emerged from the shadow of a nearby tree. "Do you bring me news of an agreement to meet with Sailor Moon to help my cause?" A ting of what Mamoru guessed was hopefulness in his usually monotone voice. 
"Regrettably, I have not been able to encourage her to use any sense," he added as he shyly ran his hand through his hair. The dark figure scrutinized his move as Mamoru moved to set his idea in motion. "There is still some work to be done to mend the need to avenge their fallen teammates before we can gain any of her help." 
The dark figure slumped against the tree in a manner that Mamoru guessed disapproved of his progress. He extended his hand, slowly at first, before laying it on one of the appendages as if to provide comfort. The amber orbs shifted to meet him in an examining motion. 
"It's a gesture of comfort on this planet," he smiled as the tall being nodded in understanding. "And even if Sailor Moon is unwilling to hear us, I will continue to help you." 
"Is that the reason you signaled me?"
"Yes. I have a few questions that can help me with my plan. I think I know of a way to make amends. But first, as we continue to work together, I wonder what I should call you?" The dark figure pondered momentarily as he seemed to mull the question over. 
"I don't have one you could pronounce, is one way of thinking. My people communicate telepathically, and we do not call each other by sound. However, as it seems I may be on this planet for some time, do you have a suggestion for a name?" 
"I thought that may be the case as you did not offer it from the start," Mamoru smiled. "Would you allow me to call you Kuro? In our tongue, it means darkness, which perfectly describes you." 
"Very well," Kuro nodded. "You said you had additional questions?"
"I found a way to make amends, to show Sailor Moon you mean no harm. The piece of you that I healed, you can sense my location with it, don't you?" 
"You already know this to be true with my arrival here," Kuro sighed without answering the question. 
"Of course," he chuckled. "Can you also sense the energy signature from those injured with your form?" He asked as he eyed the long appendage that formed into a point that he likened to a tree branch. "The small sample I collected and healed was also from one of their bodies."
"If my form mended with them, it would be connected the same way your healing signature connects with us." 
"So there is more than one of you?" Mamoru smirked, and Kuro only nodded. 
"I am a leader like Sailor Moon, and there are others to help me," he confirmed. 
"This helps," Mamoru stood to face the tall being. "You see, the warriors that lost their lives were re-born thanks to Sailor Moon's power."
"Then there is no harm—"
"Not at this moment. They are children and unprotected. They have to grow to obtain their power. Without it, Sailor Moon is not at her full power." Kuro nodded in understanding. "She likely had concern to come out and admit it to you, but I sense that is one of the reasons she had declined to take your meetings." 
"I can see the concern. I am not certain where my help is needed." 
"The thing is that they cannot find the newborns until they show their power. But you," he smiled as he exposed the envelopes. "You have the unique ability to sense their power, no matter how subtle. This is a list of new babies in our city. I propose you check out each one and see if you can sense which is the reborn entity." 
"Very well, I will see what I can find. You know how to reach me if there are changes in Sailor Moon's attitude towards us, especially if she knows we're helping," Kuro accepted the pile with his non-piercing hand. Nodding once before disappearing, Mamoru stared at the tree that once shielded their meeting. 
"I never even thought to ask if he could read," the tall man shrugged. "Time to go see what the others found out." 

~*~*~

"Did you find anything at the hospital?" Usagi looked up at the tall man with hope in her blue orbs. She was on him as soon as he walked through the doors of the quiet command center. "Ami said she saw you at the nursery ward," she added as Mamoru attempted to conceal his genuine surprise. 
"Ah yes," he stuttered as his mind raced. "I thought I would have better luck as a pediatrician than Ami would as an intern. I meant to tell her to save the trip, but she figured it out." 
"That's great, but did you find her?" She pushed, emphasizing the last word. 
"Surprisingly, they did not put Haruka or Michiru on the birth certificate," he lied as he was shocked to find a Haruka Tenoh in the recent files. It was one of the main reasons he took all the files to Kuro. "But I found a few candidates born on the correct day, and we'll coordinate the others to check out the houses." Usagi's smile beamed at him then, and a pang of guilt paced. 
"I am happy that we haven't seen more of those aliens recently as well," she commented as she leaned back onto the bench with a relaxed posture. "Oh, I remember now," she smiled at him as she sat up. "There was something that you wanted to ask me. I'm sorry that it only took me until now, but I haven't seen you while you were out searching for Uranus and Neptune," she explained with a glee unbidden tone. 
"Ah yes," he smiled, recalling his initial plan before the news of the Star Seed ruined his plans. Glancing around at the still-empty center, he sat beside the young blonde. "I was thinking of a way to help you and the rest of the Senshi." He paused, taking the girl's hand. "I found a way to use the Silver Crystal to bring the generals back," he smiled with the excitement he couldn't contain. 
“You mean Jadeite, Nephrite, Zoisite, and Kunzite? Is that a wise idea?" She asked as she pulled her hand away from him. "How can you be sure that they are purified?" 
"I am because I have been communicating with their guardian spirits for some time," he muttered the last part lowly. "They have been advising me only in the best interest of helping the team."
"Alright, they good guys now," Usagi agreed. "But how do we bring them back?" 
"I found a way to channel the power of the Silver Crystal through a time gate, essentially reversing time to re-alive them."
"Okay," she frowned. "But assuming you get Setsuna to agree to the plan, why use all the energy now?" Her hand went to the broach as she asked. A secret fear of Usagi was that she did not know the limit to her power, and Mamoru knew she didn't want to test that theory if not needed. 
"Well, since we are down two soldiers, they can help protect you from the aliens. They are my protectors and would give their lives to—"
"Thank you, Mamo-chan, for your concern, but it is unnecessary. My guardians are more than willing to keep me safe. Plus, the aliens haven't attacked in some time! When Setsuna searched the time gate, she shooed them away!" She smiled as she leaned in to hug the caring man before her. Mamoru pouted as she rested her head on his chest, sucking his lip in as she pulled back. 
"Thanks for listening, Usako. It was only a suggestion to keep you safe," he smiled.

~*~*~

 "Kuro!" Mamoru chanted as he paced in the garage level of his apartment. He sensed the being was nearby but wished for the being to show itself. "There is a new step in our arrangement!" He huffed into the cold space as the dark being stepped forward. Mamoru halted as he saw an additional set of eyes glaring at him from the darkness. 
"What fortunate timing, as I have a request from you as well," Kuro greeted him in the same informal manner. 
"How can I possibly help you more than getting Sailor Moon—"Mamoru started as Kuro raised his arm to silence him. He studied Kuro for a moment before his eyes flickered to the other. "I take it you found the baby?" 
"I am certain that I found it. The energy signature is nearly a complete match to the one of the beings." 
"One of them?" He asked, unsure if Kuro knew the other had not been born yet. 
"Yes, one of them. You see the flesh you healed. I can sense it clearly. The other one, well, is still in pain. We have a suitable candidate based on the names you provided. If you wish me to find that being with certainty, then you will need to find the small part of the flesh that still exists and heal it as well." 
Mamoru's eyes flashed through the series of events, remembering that the piece he healed was from Michiru. His eyes darted to Kuro as he realized that Michiru was born without him noticing. 
"You found two babies?" He carefully asked. 
"One baby is in pain, and the other is protected within its parent's body," Kuro explained. 
"Very well, I can lend my power to the other element," he nodded. "There is one more thing I ask to help move this along." Kuro only opened his eyes wider to see he was listening. "This happened once before, a soldier being reborn," he explained, showing a picture of baby Hotaru that he borrowed from Setsuna's office. "When an enemy attack arrived on the planet, she grew at an inexplicable rate," he continued, flipping to the following picture of an adolescent Hotaru. "The more attacks, the more she grew, until she reached her full power in a matter of weeks," showing the last picture to the alien. 
"After demanding peace, you want me to break that?" Kuro sighed as he looked towards his companion. 
"I just want you to make it look like there could be a breakage of peace. Do you have a way to do such a thing? Similar to how I assume you controlled all those people fighting in the park?" 
"Very well, if it helps with our goal," Kuro sighed. "I do have one more request," he added as he nodded to the figure in the shadow as it entered the light. "To accomplish this task of watching over the children, my generals have advised me we would be better suited if we could do so under the cover of a human."
"I take it you find some people afraid of shadows?" Mamoru chucked as Kuro joined. "I think I can do something to help. Let me check a book and build up my strength. I also think we should have two of your— human generals, one for each child?" 
"Agreed. I will come for you in two days. We will coordinate the scare tactic only after that time," Kuro nodded before both figures disappeared. 
Mamoru smiled into the darkness with at least one new piece of information. If he could find Michiru Kaioh's pregnant mother, he could exchange the information with Usagi to return to his generals. After all, it would be better than four generals to protect two children if they are all busy fighting invisible monsters. 

~*~*~

Mamoru opened the lab door, scanning the area for any sign of the usual inhabitants before he shuffled into the room. He found the samples they had collected from Haruka still withered and dark in the petri dish. Looking at the rough material, he let out a gap as it seemed to move with recognition towards him. 
"No wonder he said it was in pain," he muttered as he slipped it in his pocket. 
"What is in pain?" A severe tone echoed over his shoulder as he spun around to meet the harsh garnet eyes. The dark orbs wandered his form, stopping at the papers he held in his hand before a questioning eyebrow raised. 
"I was referring to the pain—" he started as his eyes drifted down to the photos of Hotaru he still held. "The pain of a child to lose two of her parents like that," he finished as he put the picture frame down on Setsuna's desk as if he had been caught up in admiring it. "I haven't seen her around much, so it is just an educated guess." 
Setsuna nodded understanding as she moved past the tall doctor to sit at the desk. Her eyes again stopped at the folder he held before focusing on some of the papers on her desk. "I assume you stopped by for something other than trauma bonding over the loss of parents?" 
"Yeah," he hesitated to give the ace he had, but the suspicious guardian before him gave him little choice. "I did some digging and found a pregnant woman," he stuttered as Setsuna's eyes snapped up. "Her name is Kaioh-sama, and she is due in a month." 
"The chances were too good to pass up?" The green haired woman ventured a guess as Mamoru handed over the folder. 
"I thought it couldn't hurt. If it's her, we have a good foot in the door. If not, I guess we're no further off than we were before." 
"That's thoughtful of you," Setsuna smiled as she looked in the folder. "Ami mentioned that you had pulled some names of babies born when we felt the first power of a Star Seed," she continued as he turned towards the door. "You will have to forgive me, and I don't know what I did with the list." 
Mamoru turned around, glancing at the messy desk before smirking. Setsuna's cheeks instantly turned as red as her eyes with the embarrassment. "Please don't be concerned; you have much on your plate. I will provide another list," he nodded before turning to leave. 
The disastrous state of the lab played in his favor that they wouldn't miss the sample in his pocket. He would make it up to them with baby Haruka's location once the generals were in place. "It's all working out," he smiled as he continued out of the command center. 

~*~*~

The lights in his study were set unusually low. Not even the reading light would guide his eyes tonight. He didn't need it; this was one verse he had memorized long ago. As he began setting up for the ritual, he knew deep down he needed to gaze upon the faces of his Generals to reassure him this was the right path. He would not let something as trivial as a lamp keep him from seeing them. 
"I call to the protectors of Earth, the Shitennou that guard the power of this planet. I beseech you to come to me," he chanted with his eyes closed, although he could see the stones on the table before him. 
A warmth started in his center, growing until it called to him to open his eyes, the four Generals smiling back at him as they bowed in their form. 
"Prince, it is good to see you," Kunzite offered as he was the first to raise his head. His features downturned as he studied the raven haired man's face. "What has concerned you?" 
"Yes, my Prince, what are you asking of us?" Jadeite joined in, a suspecting grimace growing on his features. 
"I am making progress to resurrect your forms, my Shitennou," Mamoru started. "I am afraid that it may come at a price that is high to pay." 
"If it is too much for you, Prince, it is not necessary—"
"No, I want you to return more than anything. You are my friends, and I trust you more than anything."
"What is it that you are asked to pay?" Zoisite asked curiously. 
"I have struck a long-term deal with an outsider," Mamoru explained.
"My Lord, I caution you on the magic outsiders offer," Nephrite beamed as Jadeite spirit pushed into him to silence his objection. 
"He's not a fool," Jadeite hissed. "Please tell us more about this outsider." 
"They seek Sailor Moon's help. But she is unable to do so,"
"Unable or unwilling? The Moon has always wanted to keep a close eye on things but never stepped up," Kunzite grumbled. 
"I understand," Mamoru chucked at their long-held dislike of the Moon's constant surveillance, which was just as mighty as their dislike of outsiders offering convenient assistance. "Some persuasion needs to happen as usual, so I offered to help the outsiders. In return, they will help persuade the Senshi to help return my Generals to their forms."
"That is the barter of a proper ruler," Zoisite grinned, giving Mamoru a thumbs up. 
"What have you concerned of this arrangement," Nephrite urged, sensing there was more. 
"To help the outsiders and set the arrangement in motion, I must use much of my power."
"But you will be unprotected as you rebuild your strength. I don't like this." 
"There is no other way," Mamoru lowered his head as he examined his options again. Gaining leverage in this arrangement required healing the alien's forms, whether it gains him favor with Kuro, Usagi, or both.
"There is another way, my Lord," Jadeite said quietly. "Although it would take all of us to complete," he continued as he looked at the other Generals. 
"Yes, this is true," Zoisite caught on to the suggestion. "We can give you our power. It will prevent too much strain on you, and you won't be left defenseless." 
"Wouldn't that cause harm to you?" Mamoru questioned as he already had considered and rejected the idea. 
"There is a chance that it would take what is left of us," Kunzite confirmed his fears. "If you are weakened too much on your own with us only as spirit guides, there is nothing we can do. This way, we could give you all we have, making you even stronger than before."
"All you have? Wouldn't that—"
"Yes, my Prince. We might not be able to commune with you," Zoisite frowned. "I agree this is the best solution. You can complete the trade and carry more power than previously, even after the task."
"If the exchange benefits as you anticipate, you will be more capable of bringing on our forms, possibly even on your own," Nephrite said. Mamoru's face twisted into a curious frown. He was not keen on losing his council, but the General was correct. There were more benefits to taking their power. He could even gain the respect of the Senshi with his deeds that they would council with him going forward. 
"Very well, if that is what you all wish," he reluctantly nodded as the Shitennou nodded. 
"We know you will succeed, my Lord," Nephrite offered as he closed his eyes, a purple aura illuminating. 
"We will always be there to guide you," Zoisite continued as a green light joined the first. 
"You are the ruler of this planet," Jadeite smiled as his blue aura began to glow.
"When you're ready, my Prince," Kunzite added as the silver light mixed and the beams showed from the table to the ceiling of his small study. Winds blew violently around him as he outstretched his arms, calling to the power in the room. The light struck his chest as it turned a brilliant gold, and he felt the golden crystal he possessed blossoming within his chest. Overwhelmed with power, he fell to his knees as the last lights disappeared into his chest. 
A few pained breaths allowed him to assess any changes, feeling a deeper connection with all the blood flowing through his body. With every surge of his heart to move it about his form, he felt the power surge with it. He spotted the dull stones on the table as he bowed his head in a silent appreciation of his Shitennou before moving to the alien sample he collected from the lab earlier that day. 
Waving his hand over the tar-colored flesh, he was amazed at the bright light that emitted, leaving the clean tissue that happily reached for his touch. His power must have increased at least tenfold. He smiled before greeting the skin, knowing that Kuro would sense the relief and quickly seek him for the remainder of the arrangement.

Chapter Text

He smiled as he took his time getting ready. He had decided not to rush out to his meeting spot with Kuro in an egotistical move. He was instead opting for a slow evening at home as he toyed with this new feeling flowing through him. He had checked on his vitals, just to be sure, and even going so far as to start calisthenics in the middle of his living room. Nothing seemed to exhaust him, and he glanced around the apartment to see what else he could do to test himself. 
His body jerked suddenly, sensing the movement in the corner before his eyes focused on it. "Kuro," he acknowledges the visitor with a straightforward question in his voice. Realizing how much time had passed, he stopped himself from asking how the being entered his apartment.
"You weren't expecting me?" The being asked, almost taken aback at the surprise in his ally. "Did you not send for me?" He clarified, concerned that any misstep on his part could ruin the help for his people. 
"No, well, yes, I did signal you. I was able to find and heal the other soul, so you should feel relief," Mamoru collected himself as he raised his calm facade back up. 
"Yes, I thank you, and the child also thanks you." Kuro looked at the raised eyebrow of the tall man before he elaborated. "The baby could also sense it, and it would often cry. The parents have sought outside help."
"You see an opening for your general?" Mamoru smiled, and Kuro tilted his head in a gesture he assumed to be agreement. "Then, we should start. Where are they?" 
"I assumed that is why you brought me here, for what you call privacy." With Mamoru's nod, Kuro raised his hand, and two forms jumped forward from the wall. Mamoru held back his reaction, the appearance of the tar-covered forms still jolting even the second time he'd seen them, particularly now that there were two. 
Pushing himself full of confidence as he replayed some of his own general's pep talk in his head, he rubbed his hands together to help with gathering his energy. The smirk fell from his face as the voices shifted, turning from cheerleaders to a nagging sound that reminded him he had not the slightest idea to make them human-looking. 
"Is there a problem?" One of the tar beings muttered, causing a different voice to jump in his head. 
"No, I was just working out the physiology differences. It may be unnecessary to point out that I have not used my powers on one of your kind before."
"You see, you have," Kuro nodded. "It is the main reason I even thought of the idea." Mamoru's eyes widened as Kuro's branch-like limb stretched out, extending past him before it tapped the newly healed skin sample. After returning his grabber arm, the selection was dropped into Mamoru's waiting hand. He looked at the fragment, recalling a spell he had found in Jadite's notes. He had initially marked it as an expansion of Beryl's spell to control the Shitennou but quickly determined it would help in this scenario. 
"We will use this flesh to help mold you," he explained as he waved a hand over the skin, floating it through the air, feeling the life flow through it, increasing its size. "It will be a suit for you if you will, and you can mold it to the likeness you want as well."
"It can look like someone?" The general pondered aloud as Mamoru nodded. "Who should it look like, you?"
"No, that would not be wise," Mamoru shook his head as the beige tones expanded further. He cursed himself for wasting his concentration on thinking of identity as he tried to grow a fucking human suit simultaneously. He needed a deflection. "Kuro, which child will this general be watching?" 
"The one already born has stubborn parents. They have not had a single visitor save for one woman who visits. She is also the one they called on with the baby in such a tantrum all the time," the general repeated his observation. 
"Yes, we determined the best approach here would be working our way into the family, as that is all they trust," Kuro hissed in agreement. 
"Ah, yes. I believe the woman you see is the sister," Mamoru smirked as he recalled the detailed file he had pulled on the family. They had no other living realities. The sister must be unwed. Otherwise, I would not be able to spend as much time there. 
"Kuro, could you grab the magazine there?" He nodded, and Kuro picked with his normal hand. "Do you think you could memorize the looks of that man on the cover?" He gestured as the general studied the image. "You will need to romance the sister and become her partner, and they will have easy access to the child. This appearance will help your cause," he explained as they took in more of the blonde model on the cover. 
The flesh had grown full size as Mamoru concentrated on the details, recalling how Jadeite explained the beings he created from clay. With the vision entirely in his head, he added his second hand, more of his golden energy glowing from the form. The general extended his reach as he was engulfed with the glow, his appearance combining with the shell Mamoru created as the hair and other features appeared in place. 
"What do you think?" Kuro asked as his general sat, kneeling on the floor as the energy retreated from his form. 
"It feels… suffocating, actually—" the man spoke, shocked as a voice emitted from his mouth. He stood to his formidable height, surprising even Mamoru with how tall the man was, before facing Kuro with a bow. 
"See how it feels to move, as you'll need to pass for a person," he added as he took in the man's nudity. "I'll loan you some clothes," he commended as he turned and left the room. Pulling a few articles from the wardrobe, he silently congratulated himself that the hastily put-together plan was a success. With a smirk, he silently thanked Jadeite before returning to the others. 
"We need a name for you," he commended, averting his gaze as he handed the articles to the blonde. The newly minted man studied the pieces before matching them to the position that Mamoru wore similar items on himself. "You catch on quick," he added as he helped the blonde with a sports jacket. "Do you think you can get close to the sister?" 
"That should not be an issue," Kuro spoke up, amusement in his tone. "He just needs to be close enough to touch her and then will be able to access memories. They will have so much in common," Kuro cheered as the blonde smirked. Mamoru blinked momentarily at the admission before swallowing the information for later.
"Well, he has the looks and the charisma, that is for sure," Mamoru's smug frown grew on his face as he thought of the charismatic blonde who is now a baby. "Kuro, you said before my species could not pronounce your names. Would you be able to describe them?"
The tall being considered the idea momentarily before his eyes landed on the dapper blonde. "His name describes a strong push of fate, like a wind guiding," he explained as his dark eyes met only the general.  
"That sounds perfect," Mamoru smiled at the irony. "You shall be named Tetsu. The woman you will meet shall find the push of fate with how it aligns with her family name."

~*~*~

Setsuna hummed lightly as she carried her large roller bag down the driveway. Her garnet eyes surveyed the large home before her, reminiscing on all the effort it took to reach this point. With the information provided by Mamoru, finding the parents was easy. Michiru's future father owned a large company, and as she discovered, he often bought gifts for his wife to make up for the time he spent away. Posing as a currier, she delivered the packages to the expecting mother. With a sympathetic ear, she befriended the woman, even offering to make a matching outfit for her and her soon-to-be-born daughter, leading to the purpose of today's visit: picking out the fabric for the costumes.
"Well, not the only reason,' she smiled as she continued up the long driveway. She turned and looked up the driveway as she felt another set of eyes studying the building. She had felt the birth of a Star Seed a few days ago and knew better than to think she was the only one. Playing the role of a concerned friend, she had called the previous day to confirm that their appointment was still suitable for the expecting woman. She received a giggle and was enthusiastically encouraged to keep their appointment. Setsuna did not need more of an invitation than that. 
"Setsuna-san!" The teal haired woman greeted her at the door. "I am so pleased to see you!" She ushered the woman through the door, gesturing to a maid to take the bag from the green haired woman while she switched to the pair of slippers she kept at the residence. "I have a surprise for you!"
"For me?" Setsuna played innocent. She had much practice as the guardian of time in suppressing her knowing smile.
"Yes, please close your eyes," she encouraged as she pulled the woman's hands, leading her to the main living area. "You may open them!"
"Kaioh-san! You should have warned me you gave birth," she smiled as she examined the tiny bundle wrapped in a blanket.
"I look forward to our visits too much to cancel! Besides, I am bored during this recovery and will need that dress soon!" She squealed as she rocked the small girl in her arms. "Would you like to hold her?" 
"If it is not too much trouble," Setsuna sheepishly smiled. "She's so cute," she complimented as the baby was slipped into her arms. "It's wonderful to see you again, Michiru," she whispered as the baby's sapphire eyes blinked at her. "I'll ensure you stay out of harm's way."

~*~*~

"You got to see baby Michiru? That's so unfair!" Minako squealed as Setsuna explained their current situation. 
"You're missing the point," Rei huffed as she pushed the blonde's shoulder to shake her from the dream state. "If someone else is watching that house, that cute baby you care so much about could be in danger." 
"We still haven't been able to get close to Haruka's family either," Makoto sighed as she leaned on the table's edge. "They are incredibly stubborn about allowing outsiders to be around their family." She complained as she crossed her arms. "What if whoever is watching Michiru's house is after both?" 
"That is highly probable," Ami sighed. "We should take precaution and see if we can identify anyone who has a grudge with the Kaioh family to confirm it's not an isolated incident." 
"Whatever it is that I have been sensing, it felt a unique energy with it. Almost familiar, but not at the same time," Setsuna hummed as she recalled. "It has made it rather difficult to identify exactly what the threat is, or even if there is any."
"It's alright," Minako smiled. "We have you in place for now with Michiru's family. We'll continue our surveillance of Haruka's family as well. If there's a threat, we'll identify it."

~*~*~

He felt the back of his head brush the edge of the sofa, his reflexes kicking in as he jerked himself back to an upright position. It wasn't just the energy he expended in bringing the two generals into a form in which they could enact their plan that exhausted him. The acts did take more out of him than expected, but the source of the energy drain was still leaning over his coffee table at the moment. 
"Usako, it's getting late. Have you made your decision?" He asked with a chastising tone that caused the young girl to shrink in her spot. He knew that look and needed to save the conversation; otherwise, it would be his death. "I'm worried that it is getting late. We need to have the paperwork submitted tomorrow if you are to attend classes this year," he added, slightly softer this time, even though he was rubbing the bridge of his nose to contain his agitation. 
"I thought I had decided," Usagi categorically replied as she lifted one of the brochures on the table. "I've always wanted to help people," she smiled as she looked at the cover. "But with the recent events with Haruka and Michiru, I was thinking I would like working with children even more!" Her lips curled into a giant smile as she shifted her attention to the newer brochure she received. 
Mamoru suppressed his groan at the mention of the names he was already tired of hearing. The young blonde had dragged him from the Senshi meeting earlier as she realized she had not submitted her entry paperwork for the coming college semester. Not only was he annoyed with missing Setsuna's explanation of her visit to the young Ocean Senshi's house and the strange presence she sensed, but he had no clue how he was expected to help with Usagi's current situation. Mighty as he may be, he wielded no say in the admission council to help her plight. 
"Why don't you just take these classes," he offered as he dropped down to the table, circling a handful of classes on the list. "You can go undeclared and take the ones that apply to both programs. If you haven't decided by now, I fear you won't be able to do so confidently. After a semester or two, you will see the different work you must do." 
"That's a great idea," Usagi beamed, although he guessed it was because of the postponement of making a decision. "It's silly to be so indecisive on this since I won't be able to do the job," she giggled as she began to fill in the course numbers on the form. 
"How do you figure?" Mamoru asked, genuinely curious. He had taken his courses and internship at the hospital very seriously. What was this silly girl talking about going to university only not to get a job in the field?
"Well, you know," she shrugged with a blush on her face. Mamoru looked at her carefully, the younger girl squirming under his stare, almost unable to elaborate further. "When I create Crystal Tokyo and become Queen and King, I don't think I will do much social work. At least in the traditional sense." 
"That's a bold statement," Mamoru held back a growl, insulted by her lackadaisical approach to studies. "If you're confident of that, why bother with school anyway?" 
"My studies are important," Usagi met his stare finally. "And it will all help me be a better ruler."  
"How can you be so sure that Crystal Tokyo is still to be?" He snorted, finally unable to hold it back. "I don't think the current situation was part of the original plan," his words thick with sarcasm. 
"Well, no. I'm sure it wasn't. But it would be best if you had faith it will correct itself, and Chibiusa will come to us. I know I do." 
"You can have faith all you want, but you still need to work to get there!" 
"Is that what this is about?" Usagi suddenly blinked. "If you didn't want to help with a big decision, you could have said so," she added as she collected the papers from the table. "I think I can finish this at home, and you can get some rest. The hospital seems to have been working you hard," her eyes roamed his form once more before she made her way to the door. "Goodnight, Mamo. I will check if you're feeling better tomorrow."
Mamoru stared at the door longer than he guessed after it clicked closed. He dared not desire her to come back through and apologize but, in the same thought, was impressed that she packed up everything and left his doubt of Crystal Tokyo. 
Doubt was not something he had the luxury of, no matter what the young blonde had thought. Through many dreams, he had visioned the kingdom of the past before he tried to join the Moon Kingdom. He saw the chance to become that great kingdom again by creating a 30th-century kingdom. Every time that Usagi doesn't take the initiative that he would, he sees that vision slipping away. 
He sought the aliens to strike a deal with them to keep the planet safe. He put in the work in his studies to be a great healer. And it was becoming clear that he would need to work to bring the new kingdom to reality.