Chapter 8: The Return of the Rose: Tuxedo Mask To The Rescue!

Sailor Black Hole was in Chaos's Throne room looking at her square in the eye. Sailor Black Hole said "Why did you lie to me?" Chaos sat back and laughed and said "Because my friend, that's how villains work!" Sailor Black Hole replied "Ok…first off, I don't like doing this to these people. All they're doing is protecting their princess. I have something worth protecting too, but just like me, they're doing everything to prevent me from getting to their princess. Everytime I get a Star Seed, I feel an overwhelming sense of guilt, and it's kind of gotten to a point where it almost consumes me. And then, to find out that you didn't have the Millenium Silver Crystal this whole time makes it even more upsetting. I'm done playing your game!" Chaos then said "Fine." She snapped her fingers and Black Hole's brooch went away, causing her to go back to her Scout uniform. Black Hole then said "Thank you for listening…I'll be on my way." Chaos then said "Oh…by the way, good luck to going back to Tokyo." Black Hole said "I have a way of traveling universally, shouldn't be a problem." Black Hole Got out her rod and said "Black Hole Teleportation!" Nothing happened…. Black Hole did it again, and again, nothing happened. Chaos laughed and said "Sorry Black Hole, but you can't do it." Black Hole then said "No matter, I'll just disappear like your minions do." Nothing happened again.. Chaos said "You can't teleport out of here like my minions can because you forfeited your evil power. In other words, you're not going anywhere love. You are staying at my stronghold to be locked up into a room to be used as bait in the final battle. For now, however, I'll be taking that Star Seed that you collected. The red Star Seed appeared and floated towards Chaos, when Black Hole grabbed a hold of it and pushed it away from the enemy. The Star Seed was wanting to go towards Chaos, and Black Hole used all of her might to keep the Seed from going towards Chaos. Chaos then shot Black Hole with some negative energy, resulting in Black Hole flying to the other half of the Throne Room and Chaos got it and ate it. Three-sixteenths of her became solid. Chaos then said "Sailor Aluminum Siren" Aluminum Siren showed up. Chaos continued "Escort Sailor Black Hole back to her room. She has a long stay ahead of her." Aluminum Siren did so, and off they went. Nephrite then appeared, with his head down. Chaos then said "Nephrite…you've let me down. I thought this plan was supposed to work?" Nephrite said "It was supposed to work…but it didn't. Somehow those Scouts know exactly how to counter everything." Chaos said "I see…well…continue to do what you do. Just, don't fail me too many times." Nephrite then bowed and vanished.

(Meanwhile in Tokyo)

Usagi woke up from another nightmare. Usagi then thought about loosing both Saturn and Mars. Two very strong and very powerful women. She started to tear up again….and finally decided to call another meeting with all the scouts.

At Minako's house was where the meeting was held. Everyone including the Starlights were there. Usagi said "I've called everyone here because, there's going to be a big change that's about to happen around here. I know I'm going against a promise I made with Mars, but, I have to share it with you all. As you all know, the enemy is trying to take us out and is trying to make sure she takes our Star Seeds. I've been having this recurring dream of everyone dieing except me. Then I raise my Silver Crystal in the air, about to let it pulse, but before that happens, it shatters and then I die. So…as being your leader for many years, and seeing as thought Mars and Sailor Black Hole was right, I'm not that great of a leader. That is why I've decided to step down from being Princess Serenity."

Everyone gasped. Minako then said "Good one! You had me worried there for a second." Usagi looked back at her and said "I'm not joking…I'm not doing this anymore." Ami said "Why not?" Usagi said "I can't bear to see anyone else die because of my wrong doing." Makato said "But Rei didn't die because of your wrong doing." Usagi said "But…being a princess, having to be the stronger one, having to deal with enemies that our on our same level, it's exhausting. It's also very trying for me. I cry literally every night because I feel like I'm leading everyone to a slaughter. I can't, in my heart of hearts, do that. It's not right. I know that your all's mission is to protect me, which is flattering, but honestly, I'm done being protected. I'm done with everyone thinking I'm this best thing since sliced bread….I'm not great at all. All I wanted was a shot at a normal life. I never wanted people to die for me and in my stead. I'm tired of all the fighting and of all the hurt. All I've ever wanted, from the very beginning, is peace for all of you. Mars and Saturn were probably 2 of our greatest Scouts. They both were strong women, and both fought admirably so that we might have life. I'm stepping down."

Everyone looked at her with confusion, not quite understanding what was going on. Then Haruka said "It's about time! You heard what she said….the pathetic Princess that we've been protecting doesn't want to be recognized as our Princess anymore." Setsuna intervened and said "Haruka…you don't have to act that way." She then turned toward Usagi and said "Are you sure this is something you want? You do realize that if you willfully give up being a Princess, you're also giving up the Millenium Silver Crystal, and just like the rest of the people of Earth, your Star Seed will be more easier to obtain?" Usagi said "I can't risk anyone else dying. This is something I can't do anymore. I've been nothing but depressed these last few days, because I knew I could've protected them, but I didn't, and now they're gone for good. I can't bring them back, nothing… All I ever wanted was a normal life. I never asked to be the Princess of the Moon, I never asked to have a child, I never asked for any of this. All of this was forced upon me. I'm sorry but I can't do this anymore." Setsuna then sighed and said "You realize that, by doing this, the future will change and that Mini Moon will be no more." Usagi then sighed again and said "Well…this may sound heartless of me." Tears started rolling down her cheeks, because she knew that what she was about to say wasn't in anyone's best interest, not even hers. Usagi continued "However, I must do what is right for everyone. And sometimes, sacrifices must be made for the better. And so…" She turned to Mini Moon and said "I'm so sorry…but, I must do this…" Mini Moon, while inside she was a little upset, smiled and said "It's ok…I understand even though I don't want to understand." Setsuna then nodded her head back and forth, upset with Usagi and said "Are you sure you want to do this?" Usagi looked at Setsuna and said "Yes…I'm positive." Setsuna then said "Ok…so now we'll go through the process of not making you a Sailor Scout nor a Princess any longer. First, get out your tiara and get out the Millenium Silver Crystal in your tiara." Usagi did everything she was told. Setsuna continued "And all you need to do is make a simple wish to no longer be the Moon Princess nor the carrier of the Millenium Silver Crystal." Usagi then nodded her head and said "Millenium Silver Crystal Power! I wish I was no longer the Moon Princess, the carrier of the Millenium Silver Crystal. I wish I was a normal human girl!" The Millenium Silver Crystal then gleamed and created a human Star Seed. The Star Seed then went inside Usagi and Setsuna grabbed a hold of the Millenium Silver Crystal. Usagi then looked around and said "Who are you people?!...Wait…SCHOOL! I need to be at home studying otherwise my Mom is going to kill me!" Usagi then ran home

Setsuna then said "Now…Millenium Silver Crystal, choose your new owner, and our new princess!" The Millenium Silver Crystal immediately went to Minako, and got rid of her yellow star seed. After that happened, Mini Moon's Star Seed came out of her, and she slowly twinkled away, leaving nothing behind. Setsuna grabbed her pink Star Seed and kept it with her in case Usagi wanted to come back.

Usagi quickly went home, but then bumped into someone and fell down. She then heard "Usako…it's me!" Usagi looked up and, it was Darien! Usagi then said "You again?! Ugh, when do you ever leave me alone!?" Darien said "What do you mean? I came back…I sensed you were in more danger, I came back because I missed you, and to protect you from Chaos as well!" Usagi then looked at him oddly and said "Wow, you make no sense, but you never have really. Now, can I please go home!" Usagi then ran past Darien, with Darien not understanding what just went on. Darien however headed where she was heading, because he wasn't going to give up on the love of his life.

Usagi reached the door, when suddenly she saw Darien at the corner of her eye. Usagi said "Get away from me you creep!"

As this all went on, Nephrite spotted Usagi, and knew in the past that this was the princess. After consulting the stars for a weakness, he saw that Usagi's number one weakness was her true love being in hurt or pain. Nephrite also knew that Usagi loved Darien, so this was going to be a breeze he thought. Nephrite pulled roots from the ground and it tied up Darien. Usagi then screamed, and she said "Look, I dunno what just happened, but I'm not going to be in charge of your death." Usagi quickly bent down to start picking the roots out from the ground. Darien then touched Usagi's shoulders and suddenly Usagi stopped what she was doing and looked and said "Do I….know you….?" Darien said "Usako…I'm your boyfriend." Usagi said "My…boyfriend?" Usagi then shook her head and continued pulling the roots off "You're not my boyfriend, you're just a boy who teases me all the time." Darien put his hand on her shoulder again. It was if she was being reawakened every time he did that. Usagi then looked at him again and said "Your name…are you Darien?"

Usagi was then pushed away from Darien by Nephrite. Nephrite said "STOP PLAYING AROUND PRINCESS SERENITY!" Nephrite had roots tie her up, and then he summoned a billy club and held it over Darien's head. Nephrite said "Now hand over the Silver Crystal, otherwise, Darien will die and I will take King Endymion's Star Seed."

Immediately, Nephrite heard someone say something. "Venus Crescent Beam Smash!" Nephrite was knocked cold by the beam that was directed at him. Nephrite, however, quickly recovered. All the Scouts were there, waiting further instructions. Venus quickly said "Stop it Nephrite, what you are doing here is wrong!" Nephrite said "I don't care, I have a Star Seed that I need!" Venus said "You're talking about the Millenium Silver Crystal correct?" Nephrite said "Yes! But that's ok, because all of you Sailor Scouts shall watch the mighty Nephrite do his dirty work." Nephrite then opened his hand and sonic waves came out and start hitting all the scouts up against a wall to where they couldn't attack.

While that happened, Darien looked at Usagi and said "Usako! Remember! You're Princess Serenity! You're in love with me, King Endimion! Or, my Earth name, Darien! Please Serenity! Remember this?!" Darien pulled out a rose. As soon as Usagi saw that, her memory immediately started to return, all the times she had with all of her friends, but most importantly, it was love that made her remember. Usagi then said "Oh my gosh….DARIEN! YOU'RE BACK! MY LOVE!" Darien said "You remember! Sweetheart, now please, try to help all of us!" Usagi however, also remembered why she gave up being Princess Serenity to begin with, but now that she saw Darien, she knew why she was the Princess to begin with. It was because, her heart and kind nature was what made her the ruler she is today. It was her humanity is what made her the best ruler of the Moon Kingdom.

Pluto saw what was happening and noticed that Venus's tiara that held the Millenium Silver Crystal was slowly going away, leaving only the Silver Crystal. Pluto then said "USAGI! ALL YOU HAVE TO DO TO BECOME A PRINCESS AGAIN IS TO WISH IT! YOU'LL BE GRANTED YOUR WISH AGAIN!" Usagi then said "I wish I was Princess Serenity again! I wish I was Sailor Moon again!" Venus's tiara disappeared and Venus's old Yellow Star Seed went back into her body, while the Millenium Silver Crystal quickly went into the tiara that Usagi once wore and out came Usagi's human crystal, which went dull and cracked, never to be seen again. After that happened, Mini Moon's Star Seed came out of Pluto's pocket and Mini Moon came back, but was pushed up against the wall by Nephrites power.

Usagi then said "Millenium Silver Crystal! Free Darien and I's rooty prison!" The Millenium Silver Crystal started to pulse with a pure and holy light. Nephrite became weaker as the light pulsed everywhere. Nephrite teleported out of the area. The roots quickly went back into the ground, Usagi and Darien were safe. Usagi then went up and hugged Darien. She said "I missed you so much!...You were always my strength that I could draw from if I ever needed it!" Haruka then said "Huh, I'm impressed." Michiru said "Myself included. Who knew you had it in you to be strong." Usagi then said "Oh will you shut up you two! You both are complete jerks!" All the Sailor Scouts laughed when suddenly everything outside got dark. Thunder started coming down and a big image of a shadowy being looked down malevolently on the Scouts. It said "Be happy now! Your days are numbered Sailor Scouts. The power of love may have came through to help you out, but heed my words, I will not stop till I have every single one of yours Star Seeds. You may be powerful, but I will make sure to sever your love for one another. Enjoy your peace now, because I will come back, and when I do, I will be the strongest I have ever been! I have only just begun my reign of terror. I will destroy your happiness! Till then, ta ta!" Chaos immediately went away.

Usagi then looked at Darien and said "When did you come back." Darien said "I came back yesterday, and I wanted to see how good you fought Mercury 2.0. I was in the forest area when that battle happened. You did great! Everyone did great!" Usagi said "Thanks for coming back, and thank you everyone for still believing in me." All the Scouts headed to a nearby restaurant to get some food.