Usagi’s patience was wearing thin.

  She and Naru had arrived at Nakamura Medical Center a short time after the ambulance that had carried Makoto and Ami. Since her injuries had been less severe, the doctors had let Usagi sit in the waiting room.

  Rubeus had pummeled her, but other than her wounded pride, he had left no permanent marks. The stab wound on her shoulder was another story. It was deep and jagged. When she had finally seen a doctor, the gruff older man had stitched up her shoulder without comment.

  Now, with her arm in a sling and medication flowing through her veins, Usagi could tolerate the pain. The cold fluorescent lights of the waiting room hummed overhead. Every few minutes, the low moans or coughs of another patient interrupted the silence.

  Usagi had asked every nurse, every doctor she had encountered about Makoto. They all had given her the same response: silence. Nobody would give her an answer.

  That’s not good enough.

  She gave Naru’s hand a squeeze, then stood. No more waiting. She crossed the waiting room and approached the nurses’ station. The nurse behind the counter, a middle-aged woman with a round face and short gray hair, gave her a wary glance. Usagi’s resolve only grew stronger.

  “Excuse me. Can you tell me how one of the patients is doing? Her name is Makoto Kino.”

  The nurse stared at her with polite disinterest.

  “And you are?”

  Usagi stiffened. She pressed her lips together and struggled to keep her voice calm.

  “I’m a close friend.”

  The nurse sighed as her gaze wandered.

  “I’m sorry, but unless you’re a close relative or spouse, I may not release any information about our patients.”

  The condescension in her tone irritated Usagi. She huffed.

  “Alright, she’s my wife.”

  The nurse leaned back in her seat and stared at Usagi. For a moment, she looked uncertain and Usagi thought the lie might work. She tried to hold the nurse’s gaze, but soon crumbled under the intense scrutiny. Her voice was small and quiet when she spoke.

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  “Never mind.”

  She returned to her seat and plopped down next to Naru, defeated. Her friend looked up and wrinkled her brow.

  “Any luck?”

  Usagi looked Naru over twice.

  “How would you feel about pretending to be Makoto’s wife?”

  Naru raised an eyebrow.

  “What?”

  Before Usagi could elaborate, Ami entered the waiting room. She slumped her shoulders. Her eyes were tired.

  Finally!

  Usagi waved at her friend with perhaps too much enthusiasm. One of the other patients cleared his throat and glared at her. Usagi gave him a pout and continued to wave.

  Ami scanned the waiting room until she spotted Usagi and Naru, then hurried toward them.

  “Ami? How’s Makoto?”

  Usagi heard her own voice tremble.

  Ami knelt down in front of Usagi. Her face was pale as she took a deep breath. Usagi braced herself for the worst.

  “She’s in surgery. She had some internal injuries. They’re trying to stabilize her. I won’t know more until they’re done.”

  Ami hesitated for a moment, then glanced at Naru.

  “Listen, Naru, I… I hate to ask this, but can you give me a minute alone with Usagi?”

  Naru nodded. She stood and placed a hand on Ami’s shoulder.

  “I’ll grab a snack. Take your time.”

  As Naru walked away, Ami sat down beside Usagi. There was a tension in her body language that worried Usagi. Her heart pounded in her chest. More bad news.

  “Ami, what’s going on?”

  Ami closed her eyes for a moment. When she opened them, there was a startling intensity in those eyes.

  “There’s a lot I need to tell you. Things I should have told you sooner.” She hesitated. “Chibiusa told me that in her future, I’m dead. I died before she was even born.”

  Usagi’s heart skipped a beat.

  “What? How?”

  Ami sighed.

  “She doesn’t know.”

  She clenched the hands in her lap into fists until her knuckles turned white.

  “Since she told me, I’ve had visions of the future. I’ve seen my grave, felt my body dying. When it happens, a woman sends me back to the present. I think… I think she’s a Sailor Guardian.”

  Usagi nodded as she tried to process Ami’s words.

  “Last night, I saw my future self. A woman told me I couldn’t stay. I had no idea it happened to you, too.”

  Ami took Usagi’s hand and held it tight.

  “That’s not all. A member of our enemy approached me. Her name is Berthier. She claims we used to be friends in a previous life. She told me that Rubeus was coming for you. That’s why I could warn you.”

  Usagi grew quiet. The past life. Once again, it clawed its way into the present, full of ancient pain and grudges. She swallowed hard.

  Her eyes locked on to Ami’s and she squeezed her hand. When she spoke, her voice was low and steady.

  “You won’t die, Ami. I won’t let it happen.”

  Ami smiled a pained smile. Tears formed in the corners of her eyes.

  “Maybe you’re right. Chibiusa’s presence has already started changing our destinies. Maybe… maybe we can stop it from happening.”

  Usagi’s voice was firm.

  “Not maybe. We will .”

  Usagi pulled Ami into a tight, one-armed embrace. She felt her friend melt into the hug and sob against her shoulder. She didn’t know how Ami had carried this burden on her own.

  Another emotion joined the fear that had gripped her chest: anger. It bubbled and boiled in the pit of her stomach and threatened to overwhelm her senses.

  Chibiusa!

  She felt a firm hand on her back and looked up. Mamoru. His face looked drawn and pale. She gave him a small smile as she cradled Ami.

  “I’m alright.”

  Behind him stood Motoki, his eyes red and swollen. His voice trembled when he spoke.

  “Where’s Makoto?”