“Your daughter?!”

  Motoki Furuhata’s voice rose to a level of incredulity only he could achieve. Despite the seriousness of the situation, Mamoru allowed himself a small smile.

  The two men had been friends for many years. Mamoru took comfort in discussing his rather extraordinary problems with a guy as down to earth as Motoki. He had a way of putting things into perspective.

  “By all means, Furuhata, speak up. I don’t think they heard you in Yokohama.”

  Motoki looked over his shoulder at the people strolling through the shopping mall. To his relief, nobody was paying attention to them.

  “Sorry.”

  Mamoru made a sharp left turn and continued walking like a man with a purpose. Motoki picked up the pace to keep up.

  “So…what’s she like? Your daughter?”

  Mamoru sighed.

  “We’re not even sure if she’s telling the truth.” He hesitated. “She reminds me a lot of Usagi.”

  Mamoru could hear the genuine affection in his own voice. The girl was getting to him. If she was a liar, she was a good one.

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  Motoki nodded. He had noticed Mamoru’s tone as well.

  “Has she told you much about the future?”

  Mamoru stopped and faced his friend.

  “No, and when you meet her, don’t ask too many questions. We have no clue how knowing the future might affect it.”

  Motoki grimaced.

  “I hadn’t thought of that.”

  Mamoru put a hand on his friend’s shoulder.

  “I’ve thought of little else since last night.”

  He turned around and started walking toward his destination again. Motoki hurried after him.

  “Where are we going, anyway?”

  Mamoru didn’t bother to turn around this time.

  “The girls are at Crown right now, talking about how to get their powers back.”

  Motoki hesitated.

  “Do you think they can?”

  Mamoru wasn’t sure how to respond. Was it possible? The better question was, did he want them to succeed? He wasn’t sure of the answer.

  “Chibiusa claims their powers are dormant, not lost.”

  Motoki sped up and slipped in front of Mamoru, forcing the two men to come face to face.

  “Mamoru…will they really have to fight again?”

  Motoki’s voice trembled with worry. It was obvious he loved Makoto very much. Watching her risk her life would not be easy for him. Motoki was, at his core, just a sweet and caring guy.

  Mamoru sympathized. Still, he would never lie to his friend. Not when it mattered.

  “If this new enemy keeps coming, then…yes.”

  Motoki seemed to shrink like a deflated balloon.

  “Motoki, listen. I have no intention of letting anything happen to Usagi or the others. They will not stand alone in this fight. I swear it.”

  Motoki seemed to perk up hearing Mamoru’s words. He managed a half-hearted smile.

  “You still haven’t told me where we are going.”

  Mamoru met Motoki’s smile with his own.

  “We’re going shopping. I need a new tuxedo.”