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Bonds of Time	By : eternalstarhaven Category: Sailor Moon > Crossovers Views: 4450 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Inyusha and Sailor Moon are the work of other authors and anyone that thinks they can make a profit is fooling themselves.

Chapter List
- 1
- 2
- 3
Dreams of The Past

Chapter Two

Tranquility sighed in relief as she entered the familiar grounds of her school, surprised to find Kagome hugging her. Thankfully she was still caught up with her classes, always several chapters ahead and having her homework completed. Minus a few tests that could easily be made up, the teachers had no problems in allowing her to continue the semester.

Ten minutes passed, and Kagome had yet to release Tranquility from her bone crushing hug. "Kagome, I can't breathe."

"Sorry. I just..."

"Have you been in school the entire two weeks?" Tranquility asked in surprise.

"I've been feeling better. Are you alright? The police said you were really sick." Kagome searched her friend for signs of cuts or bruises, but Tranquility looked like her normal self.

"I'm fine, thanks to a friend."

"Tranquility, did a man with silver hair find you?"

Tranquility tensed, searching for a reason why Kagome would ask such a question. Was there a tone of fear in her voice? Sesshomaru, why is Kagome afraid of you?

She's human, was his only reply.

Kagome happens to be my best friend! She growled protectively.

The human is a bad influence. She has no respect for authority.

"I can deal with any threat, Kagome." Sesshomaru welcomed her implied challenge. Ignoring him, Tranquility focused on Kagome. "What's wrong?" She was no less protective of the younger girl than she had been before she became sick. Not that she really needs me anymore.

"Rei and I didn't know what to think or do. First you were so sad and then you disappear for two weeks. The police said Sesshomaru was your husband and we both realized how much we've been neglecting you. We're so sorry."

Tranquility promised to have a discussion with Sesshomaru. She barely understood their relationship, and the last thing she needed was for everyone to think that she was his wife. You are my mate. He was so sure of himself, that Sesshomaru never once considered that she would be angry.

I should stay the night with Kagome or Rei. It would serve you right!

If you wish them no harm, then you will honor your promise and return, Tranquility.

Tranquility rolled her eyes, not believing that he would follow through with his threat. She felt a sense of comfort at Kagome's and Rei's concern, and realized that Rei had been strangely absent. "Where is Rei, Kagome?"

"She wouldn't believe the police and left school early this morning."

"That girl is so stubborn. Sesshomaru will not harm me, Kagome."

"Are you sure? How long have you known him?"

"Does it matter? Sesshomaru is under my protection, as are Rei and yourself. Besides, the last time I checked, you were the one that needed to watch your health. What was it that your grandfather said the last time I tried to visit; you had mono or something like that?"

"He tends to exaggerate," Kagome growled, hating the lies she told to her cousin and best friend. "Actually, there's something I've wanted to tell you for some time. Grandfather said that I wasn't allowed, but you deserve to know."

"I'm already aware that you aren't sick, Kagome." The shocked expression was enough to brighten Tranquility's day. "Have you forgotten how close we've been for the past ten years? You're the only two friends that I had; do you honestly think I wouldn't have figured it out or noticed? I am curious though. If you're not sick, why do you miss so much school? You're not in trouble are you?"

Kagome threw up her hands, knowing all too well what Tranquility was capable of. She remembered being trapped in an alley, surrounded by a group of gang members. That was the first time she had met Tranquility, the seven year old knocking all of them unconscious. She had no fear, and they had become instant friends.

Kagome had always been an easy target for the school bullies, but Tranquility quickly convinced them to find other targets. Rei soon joined their small group, her mother dead and her father too busy to spend time with the lonely girl. Until two years ago, Rei spent most of her time at the Hikawana Shrine, keeping company with a pair of crows. Only Kagome and Tranquility were able to see past her emotionless mask.

For ten years, they had been together and Tranquility realized that she wanted to keep that friendship intact. "It's not like you think, at least not in the sense that I'm being threatened by drug lords or something. If only it were that simple."

Tran's eyes swirled in rage, promising a slow death to any that dared to harm Kagome or Rei. She was unaware of Sesshomaru in her mind, feeling the aura of the mate he had once known. Tranquility wasn't even aware that her power was rising to extreme levels, setting off the sailor senshi's alert systems.

Sitting beneath a tree, still having a few minutes before lunch ended, Kagome told her story. It was so strange to be close to Tranquility, like it used to be when they were only children. "Do you remember the well in the shed?"

"Hai."

"Two years ago I accidently fell into the well. At first, I thought my brother was playing with fireworks again, everything around me a magical world of blue lights. That's when I discovered the new time and people. I was no longer here in the modern era, but Feudal Japan."

"That would explain your grades in history. Despite your absence in class, you still manage to get an A. You're not reading history, you've been living it."

"You believe me?"

"How can I not? It would explain your strange boyfriend, Sesshomaru's sudden appearance, and the dreams that wouldn't leave me alone for the past two years. By your accidental time travel, you've managed to trigger certain memories that I'm not sure if I want to remember or not."

"Are you hurting?"

Tranquility sighed, stroking Kagome's hair. "In the physical sense, I'm perfectly fine, Kagome. Lately I've been oddly depressed, wanting more of a life that wanted nothing to do with me. I had accepted the fact that no one could ever truly love an orphan child, which I would never marry."

"We had no idea..." She started to say, but Tran stopped her, violet eyes warm with affection for Kagome.

"You were not meant to see what I chose not to reveal. Rei had enough problems. My parents died at a very early age, but it's nothing compared to not being wanted by one that still lives."

Tranquility leaned back, oblivious to the bell ringing, or the silence as the school yard emptied. Suddenly, she no longer cared about books or schedules. All she wanted was to be happy. "Kagome, what are the demons like in Feudal Japan? Are they like the legends in mythology?"

"I remember you doing a report on them a few weeks back. It's the first time anyone's managed to get an A on the professor's mid-term exam."

Tranquility smiled sadly; "We had something in common. Besides, until a couple of weeks ago, I thought he was only that, a mythology."

"I never read those books," Kagome admitted.

"Perhaps it would be of benefit to your quest. I know not why you continue to return to Feudal Japan, only that you have a good reason for it."

"A few of the demons are very honorable. Some are stubborn and a pain in the ass, while several are pure evil."

"Which is Sesshomaru? He's difficult to read."

"At first I thought he was evil, but now I'm not so sure. Sesshomaru has an extreme dislike of the human race, and he resents his half-brother InuYasha."

"He's very angry."

"He told you that?" Kagome asked in surprise.

"Sesshomaru reveals so little, but it isn't necessary. It's the way he acts. Are you not more familiar with Sesshomaru?"

Kagome thought about it and had to admit that she wasn't. Sesshomaru was always trying to attack or kill InuYasha, that she had never paid attention to why he was doing it. He did seem very protective of the human girl, Rin, almost possessive. Why hadn't he given her to a village?

"You've probably seen more of Sesshomaru in the past two weeks than the entire two years that I've been traveling in Feudal Japan."

The clouds slowly drifted, both content just to watch them. "Tran, is it true that you won another martial arts tournament?"

"Hai, and it was a rare challenge."

"You were almost defeated?" Kagome squealed in shock. Sesshomaru was even fully into the conversation, waiting for Tranquility's answer. He intensely disliked the idea of a mere human being on her level, but there had been something different about this one.

"He's about twenty. According to the news articles on him, he's undefeated in his age bracket. The officials wanted a publicity match between the two champions. Unlike most of the males I fight, he took our match seriously and gave me everything he had."

"His punches and kicks were precise and accurate. He knew his strengths and weaknesses, a rare quality I find in a fighter."

"Who was he?"

"Chibi Mamoru. He's training to be a doctor, but I sense something deeper beneath the surface. Doctor's protect life and abhor anything that would destroy their hands, but this guy was different. He was familiar in combat and his eyes were an icy blue. There was no warmth as we faced each other."

"Tran, did Sesshomaru hurt you?"

Tranquility laughed, "No. He's very demanding though. Kagome, Sesshomaru saved my life. Whatever your feelings towards one another, I want both of you to set them aside."

"Are you sure about this?"

"Sesshomaru is possessive and arrogant, but he would never intentionally harm me. I will never fear Sesshomaru."

"Tran, why are you so sad lately? You look ok right now, but..."

"I've been having a lot of dreams, Kagome."

"Dreams of what?"

"Some are of horrible things that I dare not repeat, while there are the ones of faces that I should know but can't recall. One is of a large white panther, a red star on his forehead. He's a guardian of Solaria. The second is of a brown wolf; I think he's the Lord of the Eastern Realms. I think the legends called him Koga. It makes no sense why I would consider them friends. According to mythology, Lunarians and Solarians considered the Wolves as an enemy. The last is Sesshomaru."

Kagome thought she had been slapped in the face by a cold bucket of water. How was Tranquility connected to the most powerful demons of Feudal Japan? Was it her fault for continuing her mission for the Shikon Jewel? She almost shuddered at the thought of what Tranquility would do if she realized the danger she was constantly in.

"Who was the panther?"

"I don't know. The books make no mention of him."

His name was Artemis, Sesshomaru answered. Not only was he a powerful fighter, but few demons attacked and lived to talk about it.

"I can say that I know Koga. He's a hopeless flirt and lives in the forests. He too seldom associates with humans. I never thought to ask him why."

"I know not why I have these dreams, only that it's important that I find the other two." Tranquility frowned. She knew Kagome spoke the truth about Koga; had she not seen Sesshomaru's barely contained rage the past several days. Why did it hurt to here Kagome tell her about Koga? "Thank you, Kagome. I have to return home."

"Aren't you going back to class?"

"No, but I should stop by and see Rei."

"I'll go with you," Kagome said.

Tranquility smiled in amusement. "What about school? Haven't you missed enough already?"

"I'm seriously thinking about dropping out."

"I thought you wanted to attend college?"

"That was before Feudal Japan. I've discovered there is so much more to learn that you can never find in a book or a class room."

Minako, Ami and Makoto were walking quietly towards Rei's. None of them could figure Sesshomaru out. Resting on Minako's shoulder was Artemis. "Why are we going to Rei's?" He finally asked. With nothing to do, he had to put up with late night girl talk and it frankly irritated the white feline. "And where is Usagi?"

"You know how Usagi is?" Makoto growled, still upset with Sesshomaru. He had said so little, but it was the look in his eyes that had frightened the lightning senshi. "She can't resist showing a new student around town."

"What new student?" Artemis was immediately alert, surprised that the girls hadn't mentioned this person before now.

"He looks about sixteen or seventeen with long silver hair. His eyes are a golden amber, a black crescent moon on his forehead," Ami described for him.

"Was it...?"

"Not the right angle," Minako said. "Usagi wouldn't listen to any of our warnings anyway. Remember the doom tree?"

"What's his name?"

"You're awfully curious, Artemis?" Minako yelped, staring at the blood on her shoulder as Artemis leapt off and whirled on the three girls. Were his eyes flickering to an emerald green and why was his crescent moon changing to a red star?

"Dammit, Minako. I don't have time for this. Who was he and what does he want?"

"Sesshomaru." Artemis was gone in a flash, giving them no explanation. Arriving at the school, he easily found Usagi's scent, but it was the other that had his fur standing on in.

"Why? What would bring you here?" he asked no one in particular. Like one other, he had searched everywhere for Sesshomaru. Either he had died, or he knew how to cover his location without leaving a trail.

Artemis immediately knew the answer. Quietly he returned to the inner senshi, catching their conversation. It was the name at the end that sent a cold feeling of dread down his spine. Why didn't you tell us? If he had only known, a lot of things would have been different.

He was tired, physically and mentally. Unlike the Sailor Senshi and Luna, Artemis had never forgotten the silver millennium. Selinity had tried to take the memories away, but he had stubbornly held on to them. They were the only thing he had left of her, of the friendship they once shared and the promise he had given to the Western Lord before he left Lunaria.

Rei was sitting in a chair near the window, staring at a blazing fire. She looked upset, obviously not finding the answers she sought. "What's wrong?" Makoto asked her.

"It's my friend. The police said to stay away, but I don't trust that bastard! He lied and said that he was her husband! I know a demon when I see and feel one!"

"A yoma? Will they never stop coming?" Minako sighed in frustration. "Usagi doesn't need another battle so soon after the last one. A piece of her soul is slowly taken away each time an enemy attacks."

"He's after my friend!" Rei growled in frustration.

"Why haven't we met her before now, Rei?"

"She's a loner, and has been most of her life. It's everything Kagome and I can do just to get her to stop studying and go out for a movie or a night on the town. We're her only friends."

"Have you spoken with her parents?"

"She's an orphan. Nobody wanted her."

Artemis was trembling in cold horror. Please don't let her be the person he thought her to be. "Usagi would be able to cheer her up."

"Hai!" Everyone agreed. Rei said nothing, lost in her own thoughts. She was strangely very tired, but her concern for Tranquility had forced her to ignore her burning fever. The fire had only showed her a red phoenix, but Rei didn't understand.

"Do you want to visit your friend?"

"I'm right here," came a voice from the door way. All eyes turned to the visitor, Rei immediately throwing her arms around the smiling woman.

"Tran!" She cried. Tranquility frowned, touching her friend's forehead. "I'm fine."

"You're lying," Tran growled. "When are you going to learn, Rei? I'm fully capable of handling my own battles. It is I who protects Kagome and yourself. Has it not always been this way?"

"Tran, you don't understand!"

"Leave Sesshomaru alone, Rei." Her voice was no higher than a whisper, but they all heard the warning. "He saved my life."

"But..."

"Rei, I've been alone for a very long time. I will not send him away, the choice will be his to make."

Rei was too exhausted to think about this right now. Her friend was in the hands of a yoma, but to hurt Sesshomaru would harm Tranquility. "You need rest, Rei. You're extremely ill."

"I think I'll stay with Kagome for a few days. Are you sure you're ok?"

Tranquility nodded, making sure Rei was tucked in before walking outside. Ami, Minako and Makoto followed, shutting the door to her room. In the shadows, Artemis crouched, waiting for the right moment to approach. "I'm glad she's not a lone anymore."

"Wait!" Ami said, drawn to the woman. There was a regal air about her, an aura that reached around others to soothe away doubt and fear. "What about yourself?"

"I can't protect them forever," she said. "There's no longer a need."

The girls blinked, surprised to see her already half way down the stairs. She was like a ghost in the night, fading away without a sound.

Tranquility leaned against the rail, staring at the water. It had been so easy to calm their fears. Did she really have a place in this world? In the clear depths, she could see the reflection of the moon. Life was slowly passing her by. Soon she would be eighteen, and all she had was an empty house and two friends that no longer needed her protection. Kagome had the silver haired boy, and Rei had her new group of friends.

They were both happy and for that Tranquility was grateful. She was no longer needed and the thought was twisting her heart into tight knots. Tranquility would never reveal how much she loved Kagome and Rei, how much she had needed them over the years. Was there no one to lean on?

Tranquility knew she should return home as promised. Would he still be there, or was it all a cruel dream after all? A tear slid down her cheek, slapping against the surface of the water. No, I can't do this. I never cry! Another tear escaped, sending a ripple towards the shore. Her shoulders shook with the effort to control the sobs, Tranquility burying her head in her arms.

How could anyone possibly want her? No one needed her. Sinking to her knees, she clutched at the wooden bridge, unable to stop the heart wrenching cries that tried to tear her body in half. Tranquility didn't dare to hope that someone would love her, that she would be the one protected instead of the other way around.

Claws tapped against the wood, but she was too wrapped in her own depression to look at the small face pressing against her feverish skin. She was burning up again; did it really matter? "You're still needed; more than you know."

Tranquility, without thinking picked up the white cat and cried. "It hurts! All I want is to be loved."

"Has Sesshomaru not tried to show you this?"

"What if he's only a dream? I can't do this!"

The white cat sighed, jumping from her arms. In a flash of fire, he was towering above the startled woman, his emerald green eyes holding her captive. "Tran..." he purred, rubbing his head against her neck. Slowly, afraid that he would disappear, she wrapped her arms around his powerful neck. "I had no idea..."

Artemis couldn't believe it was her, allowing her to cry before he gradually became the guardian and protector she had once known. Gently he knelt, brushing away the warm tears. "I've never seen you cry before." Like Sesshomaru, his hair was a silky white, his gaze piercing as if he knew her every thought.

How could he have missed her? They had made a terrible mistake and he had no idea how to undo the damage. Unlike Serenity, Tranquility approached him without fear, touching his hair before she gave him a shy smile. "I know you, but how? Are you not a dream also?"

Artemis laughed, but the warmth didn't reach his eyes. "Have you not figured out the differences between a vision and a dream?"

"It seems everyone knows who I am, but I have no clue as to who Sesshomaru or you are? All I have are these visions, if that's what they are. Why do you come to me now? Where were either of you ten years ago, when I needed someone the most? You have no idea what it's like to watch everyone you cared about being adopted, including your own sister! Kagome and Rei no longer need me! What else is left? There isn't anyone!"

"Tran..." Artemis sighed. She jumped back, afraid to trust her wild emotions.

"Dammit! I don't want to hope and suddenly have it all disappear! I won't!"

"Do you think any of us wanted this, Tranquility?" Artemis roared. "None of us knew you were even alive! Damn your mother! She could have told us, and why can't you remember us?"

His pain and rage were very real and Tranquility was forced to take a step back, his aura catching the bridge on fire. The symbol on his forehead blazed to life, his body surrounded by a circle of fire. "You're afraid of me..." he growled.

"No," Tranquility whispered, "I'm afraid of being alone. I've hoped for so long." Artemis moved closer, slowly so not to frighten her away. His eyes were a beautiful green and often served in holding his enemies in a trance. Tranquility was no different. A few more steps and he reached out to her, pulling her into a tight embrace that she didn't fight.

"Tran, I swear that you'll never be alone. I'm not exactly fond of Sesshomaru, but he will not allow any harm to come to you." Artemis made a decision, positive that Sesshomaru would do the same. Tranquility must remember the past on her own. If they forced them too soon, the trauma could push her completely over the edge.

Her arms circled his waist, afraid to believe. "Artemis..." she breathed. It was the only thing she had, and a promise. Regaining a sense of composure, Tranquility stepped back and wiped away the tears. "I have to go home."

Artemis snatched her wrist, "Kagome and Rei need you as much as you need them." His voice was soft and gentle; it would be so easy to open her heart to the gift he offered. Again she felt another crack in the shell she had formed over the years. There it was, that small thread of hope that had seeped through, bathing her in its warmth.

After assuring himself that Usagi had returned safely home, Sesshomaru awaited Tranquility's return. At the stroke of midnight, he was restless. Had she lied? He growled. In all the years he had known her in the her former life, she was always stubbornly honest. Had living with the humans changed her? Hearing the sound of the door, he immediately had her pressed against the wooden frame.

"You're here," she said in wonder, as if she had braced herself for just the opposite.

Sesshomaru nuzzled her neck, assuring himself that she was unharmed. With his superior sense of smell, he instantly picked up the other scent of a male demon. Sesshomaru snarled in a jealous fury. "Who was he?"

Tranquility stared at the Western Lord in pure amazement. Was he jealous? Gently she smiled, stroking his face with the tips of her fingers. "You worry needlessly, Sesshomaru. He's but a friend, it seems I have quite a few now."

Sesshomaru didn't understand the word. "Is this friend a mate?" He hadn't thought of her having taken another, immediately pulling away. Terrified that he would leave, Tranquility hugged him for all she was worth. Sesshomaru noticed no marks on her neck. No demon would be stupid enough to leave her unmarked. As far as he was concerned, Tranquility was his for the taking! He would challenge any demon that would attempt to take her.

"And they say age brings wisdom," she teased. He growled, nipping at her tender fingers. "Do you not understand the difference between a friend and a mate? I've never had a mate, nor did I want one?"

He froze, unable to comprehend the concept of Tranquility remaining alone for the rest of her life. "Why? Are you not old enough?"

"Why commit to someone that'll only leave?"

Sesshomaru lifted Tranquility with ease, robbing her of breath. Moving to the couch, apparently his favorite spot, he held her close. "Are you still convinced that this Sesshomaru will leave? I have given my word. Is this not enough? 500 years I've waited. My patience grows thin. You were mine then and you're mine now."

He held her, feeling her slowly relax. Soon she was asleep, content to be close. Tranquility whimpered as he shifted his weight, calming when he lowered her to the bed and pulled her close. This was where she belonged and where he would keep her.

Closing his eyes, he permitted himself to join her in the land of dreams, knowing he was one step closer to his goal. Sesshomaru was unaware of the sudden dream that invaded her peaceful oblivion, giving her a glimpse of the past that she had once loved and known.

Dream
She was in a beautiful garden, surrounded by roses. All morning Tranquility had been making something, finding a rare moment of peace, when a shadow tackled her to the ground. In every direction, a thousand petals rained around them. He laughed at her outraged expression, picking up the object she had been trying to make. "What is it?"

"A ring of roses," she said, crossing her arms.

Without a word, he placed them around her neck, already leaving Tranquility to her fun. It was one of the few moments they managed to see each other anymore, too busy fighting the growing threat on their borders. His long silver hair was the last she saw before everything faded to black, bringing her back to the real world.
End Dream
It had been Sesshomaru, but he had seemed so different than the man beside her now. He was happier, but now he only knew anger and sorrow. Was Artemis and Koga the same way? What had happened to them?

"Your past will return in time," Sesshomaru growled, feeling her move in his sleep. He couldn't remember the last time he had slept for such long periods, but he could only do it if she were near. It made no sense to the Western Lord. In the past, Tranquility and himself had often slept apart, always on some battlefield fighting off other demons or the negaverse. They had their separate chambers and only when they were home together did they travel back and forth between their rooms.

Sesshomaru knew he couldn't allow things to go back to the way they had been. He had been too long without her laughter and smile, without the light that gave him a path to return home to.

"I'm sorry."

Sesshomaru purred, nipping and licking at her neck. "This Sesshomaru does not understand."

"You were happier."

He remembered the blood and her broken body, an image he would never forget as long as he lived. "Why do you protect these humans?" It was a distraction, but she saw the simmering rage that he always attempted to keep in check.

"They hurt you." It was more a question than a statement.

"They took what was important to all of us. I can't forgive them, neither will Artemis nor Koga."

She leaned up, capturing his golden eyes with her violet gaze. "You know him? Is he still alive?" Sesshomaru stretched, allowing himself the lazy comfort before he would have to rejoin the reality of the world around him.

"Koga is the Lord of the Eastern Realms, and yes, we're aware of each other. Over the years, he's grown more tolerant of the humans, but he still can't find it in himself to forgive their actions."

"You're from Feudal Japan, from the era Kagome has been traveling for the past two years."

"Why do you accept all of this without question?" He asked, curious.

Tranquility smiled, resting her head against his shoulder. For a moment, she lost herself in the steady beat of his heart. "I'm not sure, but it seems right."

Sesshomaru was powerful, every muscle tight and ready to spring. His arm came around her waist, to hold her tight as he pulled her close. He wanted so much, yet so little at the same time. "Will you leave again?"

Tran sighed. Suddenly she hated the idea of school, but at least she had something worth returning home to. "Hai."

"I need to return home."

Tranquility started to pull away, unable to meet his gaze. She knew this was too good to last. Sesshomaru rolled her beneath him, running his clawed fingers through her auburn hair. "I will not leave without you. I'm giving you the time necessary to accept leaving this place."

A hand made its way to her knee, moving up her leg to stop at the edge of her skirt. She really had to stop sleeping in her school clothes. It was easily becoming a habit when she came home. "What if I disappoint you?" His gaze darkened, and for a moment, she didn't think he would let her up or stop.

"Go," he growled, releasing her before he went too far. His youkai was raging for release. Sensing this, Tranquility quickly grabbed her things and fled. 'Soon,' he promised himself. It was hell trying to remind himself that Tranquility was but a child, not the woman she had been. Soon she would be of the age he could take and reclaim her.

Usagi sat in her room, thinking about what Sesshomaru had told her. Her mother asked where she had been all day, but she had walked up stairs and closed the door without a word. Why did everything seem so wrong? She had never wanted to be Sailor Moon and had finally accepted her responsibility. Had Luna been wrong?

Her door and windows were locked, keeping any unwanted people or cats out. She didn't need to hear another lecture from her guardian, or another lie. Usagi didn't know why she believed Sesshomaru, but he had no reason to be anything but honest. If anything, he had seemed upset that Luna had made her the sailor senshi of the moon. But hadn't he called Sailor Moon a senshi of the entire Terra System? What was Sailor Moon, or better who was she?

"Usagi, are you ill?" She heard her mother ask. Silence was the answer. She had no desire to speak with anyone, not until Sesshomaru had told her why everything felt so wrong. Usagi hated fighting, but there was no other choice.

All night she sat awake, finally going downstairs to grab her bag without bothering to eat breakfast. Mr. Tuskino looked at his wife in concern. Not only had Usagi skipped dinner, but she had been on time for breakfast and hadn't asked for a single bite. Usagi was always hungry.

"I'll be at school," she told them. "Shouldn't be late again."

Usagi walked slowly to school, her mind in turmoil. What would she learn from Sesshomaru? Did she really want to know, to discover that everything had been a lie? "Usagi?"

Startled, she looked down to see Artemis staring up at her, his emerald gaze studying her with concern. Emerald? I thought they were blue? Picking up the white cat, she continued walking. Was Artemis the one Sesshomaru spoke about?

"You're confused," Artemis finally said.

"Luna doesn't exactly tell me everything."

"She only reveals what she can, Usagi. It is I who should have told you the truth a long time ago. None of the others would have been able."

"Sesshomaru spoke the truth then. I wasn't meant to be Sailor Moon." The pain in her voice tore at his heart. They had taken something very important from the innocent girl.

"Actually, I was told to allow Luna to handle the situation. Perhaps, your mother was right. I never forgot, and I never forgave."

Usagi could feel his rage and grief beating at her. "Artemis?"

"You're too sensitive, Lunarian," he teased, hopping down from her arms. As he had done in front of Tranquility, he revealed his true size, standing before Usagi as a Solarian Panther. She could only stare at him in open mouth astonishment, even when he bumped her with his powerful shoulders. "None of the others have seen this form, with the exception of Tranquility."

"You know her?" Usagi asked, a bit surprised.

"Sesshomaru, I have a feeling, was going to tell you about her. I think it's best you hear it from me first."

"Why?"

"Sesshomaru holds too much hatred. It's beyond his ability to forgive."

"What happened? I've never seen you this upset, Artemis."

"That's because I had no idea your mother sent her here! Dammit, she was so alone and I'm not sure if we can undo the damage."

Reaching the school grounds, Usagi went to the football field and knelt, wrapping the large feline in a hug. Like Tranquility, she seemed not to fear what he was. Artemis curled against her, letting her rest against his side. "Luna made you Sailor Moon because she didn't remember the past, nor would she have known that Tranquility was the true senshi of the Terra system. She was but a year old when she became your guardian."

"Your mother gave us strict instructions to find Sailor Moon and the heir to the throne. Luna thought they were one and the same, and I didn't find her again before she had already made you both."

"Luna said she was a warrior of the moon."

"No offense, but there are times when that feline can be very dense. You are capable of the senshi's basic abilities, but combined with the silver crystal, it made you too weak. I wanted to say something, but Luna refused to listen."

"Besides, I had no room to object, that was before I discovered that she too was here. Would you take it all back, if given a second chance?" He asked her, his voice a whisper against her ear. Artemis seemed so different than the feline that hung with Minako, or was he? He appeared to be carefree and spontaneous, but how much of that was because of the pain he was now revealing to her?

Usagi thought about the question, almost saying yes. "I would give anything to be a normal girl, but there was really nothing we could do. At the time, I was the only option and I'm kind of glad she didn't have to bare this burden. Sesshomaru said she was murdered; is that true?"

"Hai. In her condition, she had no strength to fight back. According to Sesshomaru, her death was not a painless one. He never fully told us what happened, nor did Koga and myself have the heart to do so. Sesshomaru went on a killing spree, taking out entire villages before his father could reach through the thick haze of red fury."

"Tranquility is Rei's best friend."

Artemis sighed at the ironic twist of fate. "If I had only known she was so close. Tranquility is much more to this group, to you."

"I don't understand."

A form pulled away from the shadows, stopping a few feet from Artemis and herself. "She was your older sister," Sesshomaru said.

"I have an older sister? Why can't I remember her?"

"Usagi, were you adopted?" Artemis asked.

"Hai, a long time ago. I was almost three when it happened."

"Tranquility mentioned that you had been adopted."

"Didn't she find a home?"

"No one wanted her," Artemis growled.

"That still doesn't explain why I can't remember her in the past!"

"Your mother forbade any mention of her."

She wanted to run, to forget everything they were telling her. Everything was a lie! Her entire life had been nothing but a sham, and it was because Luna had wanted her to be something she wasn't. Even Artemis had been against it. "I'm leaving," Sesshomaru finally told them.

Artemis snarled, lifting his head to stare at the dog demon. "You will take her from us?"

"She will be happy in Feudal Japan, where she belongs. You know where to find her."

"Sesshomaru, wait!" Usagi jumped up, grabbing his arm. "I thought..."

"Artemis, Tran's sister must decide of her own free will."

"Hai."

Everything went numb, and all Usagi could do was sit on the ground, rocking back and forth. Throughout it all, Artemis remained by her side. "Aretmis?" Her voice was a low whisper and he had to strain to hear her question. "What is Sesshomaru? Why does he have a crescent moon?"

"They lived on the dark side of the mood, apart from Queen Selinity. Lunarians were descendants of the Unicorns, while they were of the dog race. Some of the royal blood were capable of transforming on our side, but it was rare and none had ever seen Selinity do it. As time passed, the dog race moved to Earth, claiming the Western Lands to rule."

"Inutashio was the Demon Lord at that time. He was Sesshomaru's father and extremely powerful. It wasn't long after Tranquility's death that Lunaria met the same fate, and I remember nothing of what happened afterwards."

"Why were none of us told about them, Artemis?"

"Queen Selinity wanted us to forget about them. Sesshomaru had wanted it this way, never returning after he gave back his wife's body. I never stayed on the moon because Selinity wanted it, but because of Sesshomaru and Tranquility. I swore to protect you, and nothing anybody said or did could change my mind. Selinity and I never agreed on anything and I was highly against the union between Endymion and yourself."

"I often wondered why you didn't like him too much. Do you still hate him?"

"I never said that I hated him, Serenity, only that I was against the union. You never had a choice, and I was not going to allow the same fate to you that fell upon your older sister."

"Didn't she love, Sesshomaru?"

"That was never the issue with Tranquility. She hated never having a choice. With every breath in her body, she fought the marriage between them. It wasn't until the end that Sesshomaru broke past her barriers and won her heart completely. Tranquility loved everything about the Western Prince, learning how to fight and live among his kind."

"It wasn't until she turned twenty-one that she learned to hate. A few years later, she was gone."

"Was Tranquility the one to wield the true power of the crystal?"

Artemis smiled, "Tranquility was Sailor Moon, but not the heir to Lunarian. That was always your destiny. Tranquility was the future Queen of Solaria and the Western Lands."

Usagi's watch beeped and without thinking, she was already racing towards Rei. "What's wrong?" To her surprise, it was Rei's cousin that answered back.

"Something's wrong with Rei. She came over late last night, but I can't seem to wake her and she's really sick. Rei said to call you on her watch."

Artemis, without breaking stride, ran beneath Usagi and carried her to Kagome's shrine. There was something about Rei that he had forgotten, something that he needed to remember and quickly.

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Bonds of Time

Dreams of The Past

Chapter Two