Apparent Peace

In the gleaming streets of Neo-Tokyo, where crystal towers touched the sky and gentle streams of energy shimmered through the air, an illusory peace had reigned for years. The Sailor Guardians had long since set aside their roles as saviors of the world and now lived as adult women in what appeared to be ordinary lives—or as ordinary as lives could be for beings wielding the power of planets and stars. Each had found her place, her calling, her small joys, and quiet longings. Yet beneath the surface, something vibrated—a distant, dark whisper that no one could yet hear.

**Usagi Tsukino – Neo-Queen Serenity**

Usagi, now 28 years old, ruled as Neo-Queen Serenity with a blend of warmth and childlike lightness she had never fully outgrown. During the day she held audiences in the Crystal Palace residence, listening to the citizens’ concerns and resolving conflicts with her infallible sense of justice and compassion. In the evenings, however, she often retreated to the private chambers, curled up with Mamoru on the couch, devoured huge amounts of ice cream, and laughed at old anime episodes. Her greatest joy was watching Chibiusa train and secretly crying because her little daughter had already grown so much. The Silver Crystal rested peacefully in her chest—but lately it sometimes felt heavier, as though it wanted to warn her.

**Mamoru Chiba – King Endymion**

Mamoru led the government affairs as King Endymion with calm authority. He worked closely with international delegations, promoted peace projects, and headed the scientific academy for planetary energy. In private he remained the loving husband and father: he cooked for the family every Sunday, played chess with Chibiusa (deliberately losing), and held Usagi in his arms when she woke from nightmares at night. His Rose power lay dormant, yet he sensed that the Earth sometimes breathed uneasily.

**Ami Mizuno – Sailor Mercury**

Ami directed the Central Research Institute for Crystal Energy and Quantum Healing. At 29 she was regarded as one of the most brilliant scientists of her time. She developed new healing methods that cured diseases at the cellular level and regularly published groundbreaking studies. In private she lived withdrawn, loving long nights with books and classical music. She had begun a quiet but deep relationship with a colleague—someone who shared her passion for knowledge. Yet she missed the old days when she laughed and fought alongside the others.

**Rei Hino – Sailor Mars**

Rei was High Priestess of the renewed Hikawa Shrine, now a spiritual center for the entire city. She conducted rituals, taught young people meditation and fire magic, and preserved ancient knowledge. At 29 she radiated a calm, almost mystical authority. In private she had created a small shrine garden where she grew herbs and spoke with Phobos and Deimos. A subtle romance with a young archaeologist was beginning to blossom—someone who respected her spiritual world without trying to possess it.

**Makoto Kino – Sailor Jupiter**

Makoto ran the most successful organic café and catering business in Neo-Tokyo: “Jupiter’s Garden.” There she served dishes made from organically grown ingredients, baked heavenly cakes, and cooked for large palace events. At 29 she was still the strong, caring big sister of the group. She was in a committed relationship with a landscape architect who shared her love of nature. In the evenings she continued martial arts training—“just in case,” as she always said—and hugged her friends especially tightly when they met.

**Minako Aino – Sailor Venus**

Minako was an international pop icon and UNESCO ambassador for love and peace. At 29 she filled stadiums; her concerts were spectacles of light, dance, and emotion. Her songs spoke of friendship, love, and the courage to be oneself. In private she enjoyed the spotlight as well as quiet moments: she had a long-term open relationship with a dancer and choreographer who could keep up with her energy. Artemis was always by her side—now in human form when he wished—and lovingly grumbled about her chaotic schedules.

**Haruka Tenoh – Sailor Uranus**

Haruka was chief engineer and test pilot for Neo-Tokyo’s new space fleet. She developed and flew prototypes of spaceships powered by pure crystal energy. At 30 she was still the cool, daring rebel—just with more responsibility. She lived with Michiru in a modern loft overlooking the bay. Their relationship was as passionate and stable as ever. Haruka still raced motorcycles through the night—“just for fun,” she assured Michiru every time.

**Michiru Kaioh – Sailor Neptune**

Michiru was a world-famous violinist and composer. Her concerts were spiritual events that often left the audience in tears. At 30 she also ran a foundation for young female musicians. She and Haruka complemented each other perfectly: while Haruka sought action, Michiru created beauty. In the evenings they often played together—Haruka on piano, Michiru on violin—and savored the silence afterward when only the sea could be heard.

**Setsuna Meioh – Sailor Pluto**

Setsuna still guarded the Door of Time, but in times of peace she had more freedom. She worked as a historian and archaeologist for the Time Museum of Crystal Tokyo, restoring artifacts from past eras. At 30 (outwardly) she lived a reclusive but fulfilling life. She had developed a close friendship with Hotaru, almost like an older sister. Every now and then she visited the others for tea—and each time she felt when something trembled in the timelines.

**Hotaru Tomoe – Sailor Saturn**

Hotaru, now 22 years old, studied medicine with a focus on regenerative healing and worked part-time as a volunteer helper in hospitals. She used her healing powers discreetly to help people without drawing attention. She was the gentlest and at the same time deepest of the group—still surrounded by a slight melancholy, yet full of hope. She lived with Setsuna near the Door of Time and had begun a tender, budding romance with a young doctor.

Daily life flowed peacefully onward. The Sailor Guardians met regularly for coffee gatherings, laughed about old stories, and basked in the warmth of their friendship. But on this night, while they all slept or worked, a shadowy figure glided silently through the streets of Neo-Tokyo. Red eyes glowed in the darkness. The hunger had awakened—and it was searching for its first victim.