Disclaimer: the same as most fan fics..we don't own the characters so don't sue us. Asuka ( egace@hotmail.com ) Stepping Stones Prologue Usagi glanced at her reflection in a small pool of collected rainwater lying by her feet. A gentle breeze blew, causing ripples to form, warping her reflection in the pool. She quickly arose and wrapped her jacket around her body. Usagi appeared cheerful to any passerby, but her true disposition was more like her surroundings, depressing and dreary. Long ago she found that events of the past cannot influence the present. With a heavy heart, she left her homeland to continue her education. Far away from the painful memories of her past. She exhaled as she began to reminisce. *2 years ago* Usagi sat on the floor of her bathroom. Hoping to ease the pain she tightly held her abdomen. She rose to her feet and turned the faucet on her sink. Cupping her hands, she splashed water on her face. Never has she expected her body to react so violently to her emotions. But she suffered such a heartbreak. Mamoru had not ended their relationship, but put an obstacle between themselves. He had given her a choice, to leave Japan for her education or stay home. He was not happy about her decision. Opening her drawer she found the envelope from the college she was going to attend. Tracing her fingers along the packet, she realized it would be months or years before she would return. Ok people as you probably figured by reading, that this is my first fan fic. Let me know if it stinks or not :)