Rising Darkness
By Sillabub 429
Chapter Ten - Reminiscence
"It seems as if the universe is becoming more corrupt by the day." -Queen Serenity
The Sailor Senshi were powerless.
In the day following the attack, there was an immediate change in the group. Laughter had grown scant; everyone seemed to be thinner, paler, and more serious as if the stress of the situation and the anxiety of not knowing what to do next was draining away what was left of their energy.
As if things had not been serious enough, that morning brought a revelation that instilled within the senshi a whole new sense of shock and made their situation that much more dire.
At 9:00 AM, Makoto stepped into the Crown Parlor, having asked the others to meet her there. When she approached their usual table, she found it occupied by the three people she had contacted.
Minako, out of work until the restaurant damages were repaired, was sitting beside Rei and glumly stirring her tea. Ami was on the other side of the table, an open seat next to her for Makoto. The tall brunette plopped down beside her, looking tired and a little anxious.
Rei silently handed her a cup of coffee. "You look like hell," she observed.
Makoto nodded, unsmilingly. "I know it."
She took a sip of her coffee and sighed, looking pensive. The other three girls watched her apprehensively.
"Mako-chan, why did you . . ." began Rei.
"Where's Usagi-chan?" asked Makoto abruptly.
Ami blinked at her. "I spoke with Usagi-chan to make sure she was okay while Mamoru-san was at work," she said softly. "She said she felt sick, so she's staying home today. Luna, Artemis, and Diana are there with her."
Makoto sighed. "I guess she should feel sick," she said under her breath.
"What do you mean?" asked Rei sharply.
Makoto raised her eyes hesitantly, meeting Rei's alert gaze. She then looked over at Ami, who looked confused, and at Minako, who had a frightened look on her face. Then, slowly, she sighed in resignation. She was going to tell them the truth about Usagi, and she didn't quite know how to do it.
"You know how we've been wondering what Setsuna-san and Chibi-Usa-chan are hiding?" she asked.
As Rei and Minako nodded, a gentle frown creased Ami's forehead. "Now, Mako-chan, we've suspected something, but that doesn't mean they're hiding anything . . ."
"They are," said Makoto quickly. "I overheard them talking. I know what it is."
The other three girls stared at her, waiting, and Makoto took a deep breath before saying the words she knew would change everything.
"Usagi-chan's pregnant."
There was a moment of stunned silence, broken by Minako whispering, "No," and Rei letting out a disbelieving laugh.
"Usagi?" she asked with a smirk, looking as if she was certain Makoto was joking. "Pregnant? That's impossible."
"It's true," said Makoto, looking away. She didn't want to see the expressions on their faces when the other three women realized what she was saying was true. "It all fits. She's been moody, she has morning sickness, and why else would Chibi-Usa-chan and Setsuna-san be so worried for her all the time?"
"Because she's in danger, because someone's after her life," said Rei, and although Makoto wasn't looking at her she could hear the shock and betrayal building in her voice, even as she tried to deny the truth. "Of course they're going to be protective and worried. And her moodiness and illness . . . that's just from stress."
"Chibi-Usa-chan knows when her own birth date is," said Makoto. "And Setsuna-san . . . what doesn't she know? If they say she's pregnant, don't you think they would know?"
"But . . . what about Mamoru-san?" said Minako softly. "Why doesn't he know? He's a doctor, he's not stupid."
"But when it comes to Usagi-chan he can be," said Makoto flatly.
There was a long moment of silence as the girls stared at their drinks, Ami and Minako in shock and Rei in mounting anger. Then, suddenly, Rei stood to her feet.
"I don't believe this," she said. "I can't."
Furiously, she snatched up her coat and wrapped it around her. Makoto, looking faintly alarmed, asked, "Rei-chan, what are you doing?"
"I have to find out for myself," said Rei harshly, quivering in anger as she slung her purse over her shoulder and began to walk toward the door. "I'm going to see Usagi."
"Rei-chan, I don't know if you should do that," started Makoto, but Rei was already gone.
After a moment of stunned silence, Minako sighed. "We've hit rock bottom, haven't we?" she said quietly. "I don't think things can get any worse."
The three women stared at the door, their faces pale and their sense of happiness smothered in shock and confusion. It felt as if nothing good would ever happen again, and they didn't know how to fix that. They each sincerely hoped that things did not get any worse.
Usagi dreamed again.
Her consciousness was filled with cool, gray, swirling fog, and when it began to clear away, Queen Serenity's throne room appeared from the shadows.
The Queen herself sat in her white marble throne, her gown draped about her gracefully. Beside her stood the same young woman from the painting Usagi had seen in Queen Serenity's bedchamber. The woman was slender and very pretty, with long, shiny red hair and a kind, gentle face, but there was something about her presence that seemed flawed or corrupt. The two were conversing quietly, politely, but their demeanor and the atmosphere around them hinted that they shared a close friendship.
A guard entered the room, bowed before the two women, and addressed the Queen, "Your Highness, someone is here to see you."
Queen Serenity turned to him, raising an eyebrow. "Someone?"
"Yes, Your Highness," he replied, looking a little flustered at the look the beautiful Queen was giving him. "A strange, cloaked woman who says she has come from very far away to see you."
"How far away?"
"She did not say, but she does appear quite harmless."
Serenity smiled gently. "She may appear harmless, but looks can be deceiving."
"Yes, Your Highness." The guard shifted uncomfortably; he was still kneeling. "Er, your instructions . . . ?"
Serenity paused for a moment, then looked at the woman beside her, who nodded.
"Yes," the Queen said, nodding also. "Send her in."
The guard bowed and swiftly exited the throne room, and the red-haired woman turned to Queen Serenity.
"Whoever do you suppose . . . ?" she said, her quiet voice trailing off.
Serenity straightened in her throne as the huge doors of the throne room began to open again. "I don't know, Lady Hecate," she answered softly.
The guard from moments before returned to the room, followed by a slender, willowy figure clothed in a long, gray cloak with a hood that obscured her entire face from view. Serenity immediately shivered a little as the traveler entered, but she still smiled and rose gracefully from her throne.
"Greetings, Traveler," she said in a clear, welcoming voice. "What business have you in the Moon Kingdom?"
The cloaked woman bowed low and rose, saying in a cool, shivery tone, "I have come to you bearing lovely treasures fit for even the wonderful Queen Serenity."
The Queen had the grace to look mildly surprised. "Indeed? What treasures do you speak of, Traveler?"
If the woman's shadowed face could be seen, it would have bore a smile. "Let me show you."
She pulled a small, slim object from her cloak and unfolded it into a display table of sorts, and then she removed a drawstring sack and overturned it onto the table to empty it of its contents. About two dozen brightly shining jewels and crystals of different sizes and colors tumbled onto the flat surface, and Hecate gave a very small gasp at the sight.
"How pretty," she said softly, moving forward.
Serenity glanced at her, then followed a bit more slowly, her expression one of gentle curiosity. "They are very lovely crystals," she admitted, nearing the table.
The Traveler held a few of the stones out to the Queen. "These are not just lovely crystals, Dear Queen," she said. "Each of these stones has a power of its own; each posses unique powers strong enough to make one with even your greatness, Queen Serenity, far greater than they themselves could ever imagine."
"And these crystals you bring possess powers, you say?" Serenity said softly, her brow furrowed slightly. "Powers to make those who use them greater?"
"Yes, indeed," said the Traveler, watching as Hecate examined some of the stones. "They are truly wonderful, aren't they?"
Queen Serenity watched the Traveler warily, her gentle face clouded with distrust.
"How is it you have come across such items?" she asked quietly.
The hooded figure turned toward her, and although her face was obscured by shadow, Serenity could tell by the Traveler's voice that she was smiling.
"I have come across many a strange object in my travels through the galaxy, Your Highness."
The Queen frowned. "Then you come from a place outside of our Solar System."
"That's right, Your Grace," said the Traveler.
Serenity raised an elegant eyebrow. "I do not mean unkindness, but we do not usually welcome strangers from outside this system of planets," she said regally.
"But of course, Your Majesty," said the Traveler sweetly. "I do not expect welcome, but you would not be so unkind as to send me away just as I have arrived, would you?"
Queen Serenity sighed, and the Traveler took her arm and led her to the display of jewels. "Come, have a look at these beauties I have brought for you to see."
Serenity glanced at the assortment of crystals and jewels, and she noticed Hecate closely examining a red, diamond-shaped stone. The Traveler followed her gaze and made a small, pleased sound.
"Ah, I see you have noticed the Stone of Shadows."
"The Stone of Shadows?" asked Hecate breathlessly. "What is it?"
"A wonderful, powerful stone," said the Traveler in a cool, silvery voice. She approached the red-haired woman and hovered very close to her. Serenity watched, a frown spreading over her face.
"It has the power to grant a person anything he or she wants," the Traveler said, her voice lowering. "Anything. Immortality, great power . . . "
Hecate could not take her eyes off of the crystal. It was beautiful; a gleaming, deep crimson glow swirled in the depths of the Stone, and surrounding it, four tiny, silver serpents glistened in the light. Perched atop the diamond-shaped crystal was a small, silver skull, and its eye sockets bore two tiny, ruby-like jewels. Hecate's blue eyes shone as she drew closer to the Stone of Shadows, her hand trembling as she stretched it toward the small, red crystal.
Serenity stepped forward and took Hecate's arm, gently pulling her away despite sounds of protest from her friend. "We have no need for such things, thank you," she said politely, but her voice was very cold.
"My dear Queen," said the Traveler, "I do not mean offense, but with this stone, you could rise above all other rulers. This stone will harness the powers you already possess and increase them tremendously. Just imagine . . . You could have the power to control the planets and the stars . . . The entire universe could be yours."
Serenity bristled. "My desire is not to play God," she said, narrowing her eyes. "I have all the power I need, and I have no wish to overcome other rulers."
"But Queen Serenity," Hecate spoke up desperately. "It could help . . . "
"Lady Hecate," said Serenity, frowning at her. "Do not be so easily deceived by such things. Do you not see?" She stopped, then turned back to the Traveler, who was slowly shrinking back. "These are evil things that we do not bother with. They have the power to corrupt and destroy, and are not to be trusted . . . just as those who bear them cannot be trusted."
The Traveler backed away as Serenity approached her, and the Queen's beautiful face was dark. "You," she said coldly, "are hereby banished from the Moon Kingdom. You are to take these evil stones and things of dark magic and leave the Solar System at once."
Hecate watched desperately as the traveler bowed, then gathered the stones together and tucked them back into her cloak. Queen Serenity waved her hand, and two of her guards stepped forward.
"Escort the Traveler from the palace."
"That won't be necessary," said the Traveler in a sugary voice. "I can find my own way out."
She bowed again, then turned and began to walk swiftly from the throne room, but as she neared the doors, she paused and glanced back at them over her shoulder. Although her face was in shadow from her hood, it seemed certain her last glance was meant for Hecate.
The Traveler left, and the giant doors of the room closed after her, and Serenity sank heavily into her throne.
"It seems as if the universe is becoming more corrupt by the day," she murmured, putting a hand to her forehead tiredly. "I cannot believe such evil entered our kingdom without anyone sensing it . . . "
"My Queen," Hecate said quickly, stepping forward. "May I be excused?"
Queen Serenity looked up at her, her face tired. "Oh, yes. You may go."
Hecate smiled briefly before turning and rushing from the throne room, her pale gown swishing around her feet as she ran down the path. She paused on the marble steps and looked around quickly, then, gathering her skirts, ran swiftly from the palace.
She finally caught sight of a cloaked figure standing near the palace's fountain. Breathlessly, Hecate rushed to the figure just as the Traveler's hooded head turned toward her.
"I had a feeling you'd follow after me," she said. "I could sense your feelings in the throne room."
"Yes . . . " breathed Hecate.
The Traveler reached into her cloak and pulled out the Stone of Shadows. Hecate's eyes lit up at the sight.
"The Stone . . . "
She began to reach for it, but the Traveler pulled it away.
"What is it you want?"
Hecate stopped. "What?"
"Tell me what it is you want most of all."
She hesitated, but then said quietly, "More power."
"More power than Queen Serenity?"
"Yes."
"And are you willing to pay a price for your desires?"
"Yes, of course. How much does the Stone cost?"
"No, I am speaking of a different type of price. What would you be willing to give up for the power you seek?"
"Anything."
"Anything?"
As she spoke, the Traveler pulled back her hood, at last revealing her face, and Hecate suppressed a scream. What she saw beneath the hood was a rotting face, nothing more than a skull with thin, decaying skin stretched over the bones and empty sockets for eyes. Hecate stepped back, shivering visibly at the sight.
"How . . . how . . . "
"My greatest desire was immortality," said the Traveler. "I feared death more than anything else. How lucky it was that I came across this Stone of Shadows, for then I finally got my wish. I am now over nine hundred years old."
Hecate stared at her.
The decaying lips stretched into a smile as the traveler looked at her. "The Stone of Shadows will grant you your heart's desire, but at a great price. I still age, but I will never die. My existence will last forever, until the universe itself ends."
She paused, gazing at Hecate through those black, empty eyes. "Do you still wish for the power you seek?"
Wide blue eyes stared at her for a long moment, then, slowly, Hecate nodded.
The Traveler tossed the Stone of Shadows to Hecate, who caught it numbly. "Take it, then."
Hecate's eyes widened. "What?"
"Take it."
The Traveler pulled her hood back over her head, turned, and began to walk away.
"Wait!" Hecate exclaimed, starting after her. "I must owe you something!"
The retreating figure paused, and the Traveler turned back to the young woman.
"The knowledge that you may overthrow Queen Serenity is enough. I leave the Stone of Shadows with you to do with it as you like."
Hecate began to say something else, but she stopped as the Traveler stood rigid, lifted her arm high, then threw a small handful of a powdery substance at her feet. A huge, swirling cloud of gray smoke burst from the ground, engulfing the robed figure of the Traveler. A moment later, both the cloaked woman and the smoke had vanished.
Hecate stared at the area where the Traveler had stood, then she looked down at the crystal clutched in her hands. A long moment passed in silence.
"Thank you," Hecate said softly.
She stared at the stone a moment longer, then, slowly, a cold smile curved her lips.
"Power . . . " she whispered, stroking the smooth surface of the Stone with the tips of her fingers. "Give me power greater than Queen Serenity's . . . Give me power enough to overtake her . . . "
The Stone of Shadows began to glow, and a small stream of red smoke slowly began to come from the mouth of the skull perched atop the Stone. Hecate's eyes widened as the red smoke swirled and billowed around her, black and red crackles of power streaking through the growing cloud. She let out a small gasp and dropped the Stone as the energy began to seep through her skin and fill her body with a feeling that was cold and chilling, and at the same time, unbelievably exhilarating.
"Yes," whispered Hecate.
Her eyes closed as power surged through her, and the smoke began to whirl faster and faster as a change began to overtake Hecate. Fiery red hair lengthened until it swirled around her knees, and normally short fingernails extended and grew into long, sharp claws as white robes were stained a deep, evil black. A pair of black, leathery wings sprouted from her shoulders and shot skyward, and as a grin began to curve Hecate's lips, her incisors lengthened and became fangs.
"Yes . . . " she breathed again. "Power . . . "
The Stone of Shadows began to glow brighter and lifted from the ground where it hovered for a long moment. Then, slowly, it began to float upwards until it was parallel with Hecate's face, and, as if guided by an invisible hand, the Stone turned around and placed itself on the very center of her pale forehead, and there it stayed. Hecate's eyes opened, and the clear, gentle blue color became a deep, dark red.
"Power!" she shouted, her voice deep and victorious.
Hecate whirled where she stood, turning and facing the palace, and a wide, mad grin curved her lips. She flapped her wings once, testing them out, then she lifted from the ground and sped toward the palace doors, her wings flapping swiftly and fluidly. A victorious, bone-chilling screech tore from her throat as she drew closer and closer to the doors of the palace, and, still flying, she stretched both arms out and extended her clawed hands, and a dark, black crackle of power formed in them. In one swift movement, Hecate threw the blast of power forward, and it struck the palace doors in an explosion of red and black, sending chunks of white marble flying in all directions. Laughing, Hecate flew through the gaping hole she created and sped toward the throne room.
"SERENITY!" she screamed.
Queen Serenity looked up as Hecate flew in, and a hand flew up to her mouth to cover her startled cry. The Queen's eyes were huge as she stood quickly from her throne and started forward. "Lady Hecate . . . !"
Hecate laughed, her red eyes sparkling as she whipped out her hand, where a ball of crackling black energy was already growing.
"Don't do this," Serenity pleaded weakly, approaching her. "Hecate . . ."
A cold, triumphant look crossed Hecate's features, and in one swift motion, her hand flew forward, and the ball of energy rushed toward the trembling, ashen-faced Queen.
"NO!"
Usagi sat up in bed, shaking violently as cold sweat dripped from her pallid face. The blonde shook her head vigorously, as if trying to drive the dream from her head.
"Oh, no," she whispered, scrunching her eyes shut and pushing her clenched fists against them. "No, no, no, no . . . "
It was morning; a few rays of sunlight filtered through the window and fell on the trembling figure sitting up in bed, but it did nothing to warm the ice-cold feeling the dream had left in her.
The dream . . .
She finally knew. Everything – the hatred, the attacks, the hysteria – everything came down to Hecate's jealousy of Queen Serenity's power. And a thousand years ago, she was the Queen's friend . . .
Usagi shivered and wrapped her arms around herself.
How could someone possibly betray a friend the way Hecate had? It was so wrong, so cruel . . . And it must have been such a shock to Queen Serenity . . .
An all-too familiar feeling of nausea began to rise in her stomach, and Usagi brought a hand to her mouth.
Queen Serenity . . .
Usagi threw back the covers and leaped out of bed, pressing her hand tightly over her mouth as she dashed to the bathroom. Moments later, the sound of her vomiting could be heard through the closed door of the bathroom. Considering the circumstances, it was no wonder Usagi failed to hear the loud series of knocking sounds coming from the front door.
Several minutes passed by, and when the nausea from Usagi's morning sickness finally diminished, the blonde emerged from the bathroom and walked somewhat unsteadily into the living room.
"Hello."
Usagi's stomach lurched again, but this time it wasn't from her morning sickness. Slowly, numbly, she turned toward the source of the voice, and her eyes widened.
"Rei-chan . . ."
The slim, black haired woman was seated on the couch and watching Usagi with a mixture of concern, anger, and disbelief. Usagi's already pale face turned ashen, and she brought a hand to her mouth.
"How long have you been . . . ?" she began shakily.
"Long enough," Rei answered quietly. Her violet eyes were cold as they met Usagi's. "You must have one hell of a stomach flu, Usagi."
Blue eyes widened, and Usagi's hand instinctively moved to rest over the barely-noticeable roundness of her stomach.
"I . . . I can explain," the blonde stammered, moving forward at the same time Rei decided to stand to her feet.
"What's to explain?" snapped Rei. "You're really pregnant, aren't you?"
Usagi gulped and looked away, and Rei let out a strangled, disbelieving sound.
"I can't believe you'd keep something like this a secret!" she exclaimed angrily. "And you've known about it since these attacks began, but you haven't said anything!"
She moved forward and grabbed Usagi's shoulders, and Usagi flinched involuntarily, but her friend's grip was surprisingly gentle for the rage she was exhibiting. Usagi looked hesitantly up into Rei's eyes, and she noticed deep, genuine concern shining out beneath the anger.
"Usagi," she said, her voice softening, "do you have any idea how much danger you're putting yourself in?"
There was a long moment of silence, then Usagi sighed.
"Yes."
Rei stepped back. "What?"
"I know what I'm doing," Usagi replied softly, looking away. "Just . . . don't worry about me."
"Sorry, but I think that's something I'm supposed to do," Rei said stiffly. "And just to let you know, the others are worrying just as much as I am."
"But I don't want . . ."
"Usagi, they know."
Usagi froze. "W-what?"
"They know."
"But how?" Usagi asked softly, looking down at her belly. She patted it gently, then looked back up at Rei. "Is it that noticeable?"
"Not at all," Rei said.
A small glimmer of betrayal swam in Usagi's blue eyes for a moment. "Did . . . did Setsuna-san and Chibi-Usa tell you?"
"No," Rei replied, shrugging. "At least, not intentionally." At Usagi's confused expression, she added, "Mako-chan overheard them talking about it, and she told us."
Usagi looked very nervous. "Mamo-chan doesn't know, does he?"
"Not yet. It would be best if you told him yourself."
"Me?"
"Well, he is your husband. I'm sure he'd rather hear the news from you. And it's not exactly one of those things you can keep a secret for too long," Rei said, looked pointedly at Usagi's stomach.
Usagi smiled slightly. "I guess not."
The two sat for a silent moment, Rei watching Usagi very closely, her eyes narrowed concernedly, then she said, "But I don't understand something. Why would you keep it a secret from us?"
Usagi looked down at the floor, her eyes clouded. "Well . . . I don't even know for sure, really," she said quietly, chewing her lower lip. "I guess . . . I did it to protect you."
"What do you mean?"
The blonde didn't reply for a moment; she silently turned away and looked out a window, nervously playing with her wedding ring.
"Usagi . . . ?" Rei started hesitantly.
"Every time something's ever happened in the past," Usagi began softly, her back facing Rei, "it's always been you guys who have suffered to protect me. You've all been hurt before and you've even died, and it's always been for my sake. Battle after battle, it's the same thing . . . and I'm sick of it. It's my turn to protect you."
"Protect us?" Rei repeated, her eyes narrowing. "So, you didn't tell us because you wanted to PROTECT us?"
Usagi's shoulders trembled briefly, then she replied, "That's right."
"So you're going to protect us by putting your life AND the life of your daughter in danger?" Rei exclaimed, her eyes flashing. "Damn it, Usagi, you're too caring for your own good! It doesn't matter about us, we're SUPPOSED to protect you. It's what we were put on this world to do!"
"You guys were put here to live, too!" Usagi said, whirling to face her friend. "I have the right to protect you guys just as much as you have the right to protect me. And what can you do now that your powers are gone? I HAVE to protect you!"
Rei squared her jaw. "Usagi, we're the ones who have to protect you. Your life is worth more than ours."
"That's not true!" cried the blonde, her eyes widening. "In everything I've ever faced, I never could have survived without you guys beside me, and I'm gonna do whatever I can to keep things the way they are, with everyone together and safe! And that won't happen if you guys sacrifice yourselves for me again!"
"It won't happen if you end up getting yourself killed, either!" Rei snapped angrily.
Usagi opened her mouth up, then closed it abruptly, her eyes wide as she stared back at Rei. Finally, she attempted a small smile. "I won't die."
Rei violet eyes were hard. "That's something no one can promise, Usagi."
Usagi's eyes widened as Rei stepped forward and put both hands on Usagi's shoulders.
"Listen to me," she said, "Hecate is after your life, your power. As long as we're here to protect you that will never happen. I know you thought that by hiding your pregnancy you'd be protecting us because if we knew, we'd be putting ourselves in danger even more by always making sure you're safe, right?"
Usagi gulped and nodded. "Yes . . ."
Rei stared at Usagi for a long moment, then she moved forward and wrapped the smaller woman in her arms, hugging her. "Like I said, Usagi," she said gently, "you're too caring for your own good."
Usagi smiled. The knowledge that Rei and the others knew about her pregnancy made her feel as if a load had been taken off her shoulders, and knowing that she didn't have to hide her secret from them anymore slowly began to ease away the tension she had been feeling for the past months. Usagi knew, right then, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that everything would be alright. As long as her friends were there beside her, as long as they were safe, as long as they protected each other . . . they could have the peace they'd been fighting for. Hecate could be defeated.
Hecate . . .
Usagi's eyes widened as the dream came back to her.
"Hecate . . ." she breathed.
Rei blinked. "What?"
"Oh, Rei-chan, I know, I know what happened! I know where Hecate came from!"
"You do?" Rei asked, her eyes wide. "How do you know?"
Usagi smiled. "A dream. Or vision. I don't know exactly, but I think I know the reason Hecate is attacking us."
"Okay, okay," Rei said, ushering her friend to a chair. "Sit down and tell me everything."
The story took several minutes for Usagi to retell, and when she was done and the room was filled with silence, Rei sat back, her eyes wide.
"So, Hecate used to be a member of the Royal Court?"
Usagi nodded, her eyes downcast. "Yeah. And she used to be Queen Serenity's best friend."
Rei looked sharply at her. "Usagi, it won't work."
The blonde sat up, startled. "What?"
"I know what you're thinking," Rei said, eyeing her friend knowingly. "Since Hecate used to be affiliated with the Royal Family, you assume that there's some good somewhere inside her. And you think, since you've helped enemies before, that you can somehow bring out that good in her instead of killing her in the end."
Usagi stared at her.
Rei raised a black eyebrow as she gazed coolly at the blonde. "Am I right?"
Usagi nodded slowly, still staring. "Rei-chan, how did you . . . ?"
"I know you, Usagi," Rei replied simply. "Even if it means the world as we know it may end, you still don't want anyone to be killed, no matter how bad they are."
Usagi lowered her head and was silent for a few moments. She stared down at her hands clasped in her lap and asked quietly, "Do you think I'm wrong, Rei-chan?"
The other woman shrugged. "Not entirely. Not when there actually IS a possibility our enemy can be saved." She stood from her seat for a moment, staring hard at Usagi. "But this is different, Usagi."
Usagi frowned. "It is?"
"Well . . . yeah," Rei replied, pacing thoughtfully. "It's like with Beryl. You had to kill her in the end, remember?"
An uneasy look began to spread over Usagi's face. "But . . . but . . . what about Neherenia?"
Rei paused for a moment, then replied, "Neherenia turned to evil because she was lonely and friendless. According to what we now know, Hecate turned to evil because she wanted power and would do anything to obtain it."
Usagi swallowed hard and squeezed her hands together anxiously. She didn't like where this was going. "But Galaxia changed."
"Galaxia wasn't evil in the beginning," Rei interrupted, circling around Usagi's chair to stand on the other side of the blonde. "Her only mistake was trying to solve the problems of the universe by herself, and as a result Chaos possessed her drove her mad."
"Yeah, but . . ." Usagi started.
"Usagi, you were able to save Galaxia because in the beginning, her intentions were good," Rei said, frowning. "Hecate's never were."
"But . . ."
"Usagi," Rei interrupted again, leaning down to take the smaller woman's hands. "Please. Don't exhaust yourself trying to bring out the good in Hecate. According to everything we now know, there IS no good in her."
Usagi was silent.
Rei stared at her, then said gently, "The only way this fight will end is with her death."
Usagi gulped, looking shaken, then she nodded very slowly. "I guess so . . ." she admitted, her voice hushed. "But I wish it didn't have to be this way."
Rei stared at her for a very long moment, her expression one of both thoughtfulness and amazement. "You know," she said softly, "I never thought anyone could possibly care for every single person they ever met. Then I met you, and I realized truly good people do exist, people who don't care if you have a dark past and accept you for what you are."
Usagi looked up into Rei's smiling face. "Rei-chan . . . ?"
The other woman shook her head in amazement, but the gentle smile on her face grew wider. "I don't know how you can survive with such a big heart, Usagi, but I hope you never lose that."
So . . . this may be the first time I've gotten a chapter out when I said I would. YAY! HUZZAH! I hope you guys liked it because I loved writing it! Please review and tell me what you think!