AN: So here it is; the next chapter of "Consequences of Forgetting." I hope everyone likes it. Things start to pick up in here, and there's only one more chapter after this, which should be posted shortly.
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"So, Saphir-kun?" Tuxedo Kamen asked worriedly. "Do we have any advantages that'll help us save Usako?"
A grim smile lit the blue-haired man's face. "We have a few, actually. I know the layout better than anyone." At the group's questioning looks, he continued, "I designed the wartime headquarters, as well as designing and manufacturing the droids. My absence will slow my brother's efforts drastically, if not stop them completely. All his generals and reliable subordinates died or turned. The only advantages he has left is the Wiseman, and, of course, the Evil Black Crystal."
"You're saying that with you gone, Prince Dimande has no droids left at his disposal?" Uranus demanded as Mercury typed the new data rapidly into her tiny supercomputer.
"They're not completely gone," Saphir replied, "but there aren't many left, maybe a dozen at most. I had been preparing to make a new set when Serenity appeared in my lab." He reached into his sub-space pocked, highly similar to the Senshi's own. "I have all the plans of the base with me, as well as the designs of the remaining droids. Sailor Mercury?" He offered her the thick roll of papers, which she immediately unrolled and began to scan.
"I'm wandering off topic, I know, but I have to ask. Where did you get a sub-space pocket?" Neptune questioned curiously. "I had thought it was a peculiarity to the Senshi."
"I remember the answer to that one," Tuxedo Kamen answered suddenly, since Saphir didn't reply right away as he bent over the blueprints with Mercury. "During the Silver Millennium, Saphir-kun helped Queen Serenity improve the design of her computer system. His sub-space pocket was a reward for his assistance."
"Are there any passages that can get us directly to Usagi-chan?" Venus demanded of the two examining the pages. "Something secret, something Dimande doesn't know about?"
The blue haired prince quickly negated the possibility. "Serenity is kept in my brother's private suite. That is the only place of the entire fortress where he knows it as well as I do. Doubtless, all possible routes have been blocked, both to keep the Princess in and us out."
"Is there any other way?" Mercury inquired. "Your plans, if I understand them correctly, indicate a magical weakness nearby."
"I was hoping you would notice that," Saphir grinned. "When it was discovered, I swore to my brother that I would never tell anyone of its existence. It was a binding oath, so I couldn't use that knowledge to help you unless one of you brought it up first."
"Magical weakness?" The phrase piqued Mars' curiosity as she quickly considered possible ways to use the discovery to their advantage. "Can we teleport through at that point?"
"You'll have to tell me," the princeling sighed. "I'm afraid I don't have much to determine what you're capable of in your time, though I've seen what the Senshi of now can do."
Jupiter leaned back in her seat, considering. "Sailor Moon was always the guiding power when we teleported in the past. Even with the Outer Senshi of this time, I don't know if we can make it."
Uranus hesitated, glancing at her mate before she spoke. "There was one point in our timeline, before the ascension of Neo Queen Serenity, that we teleported without koneko-chan. However, we were at our full compliment of Senshi and even then problems arose."
Neptune nodded, continuing. "To attempt it, we'll almost definitely have to include Saturn and Pluto." Cautiously, she turned to face the King. "Endymion, we'll need her too."
The older man's face darkened warningly. "Absolutely not. She's much too young."
"There's no other choice," Uranus argued. "You weren't there; you don't know. Without her, we won't be able to get through the barriers. Even at her age, she's strong, possibly even stronger than she lets on."
"Um… hate to interrupt, minna," Mars put in, "but who are you talking about?"
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A swirling purple vortex appeared in a large, open bedchamber, and a green-haired woman wearing a Senshi's fuku stepped through.
"Small Lady," she called softly. "Small Lady, I need you to wake up now."
A tiny child sat up, rubbing her eyes to banish the sleep. "Puu? What's wrong?"
"Our world needs you, Small Lady," Pluto explained, kneeling by the side of the pink-haired princess's bed. "Without your mother, we need a Senshi of the Moon. Do you think you can do that for me?"
"Me?" Chibiusa asked in shock. "A Senshi? I'm not powerful, Puu. I couldn't save Mama."
"Oh, Small Lady, you are so much more powerful than you would believe. You couldn't save your mama before because you didn't understand, but now, your friends need you. Without you, they can't save Sailor Moon and rescue the Queen. Onegai," Pluto requested. "Onegai, Chibiusa-chan."
The little girl studied her oldest friend carefully. "If you think I can, I will. What do I do, Puu?"
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"We're talking about Small Lady," Sailor Neptune explained. "Soon in your future, Chibiusa-chan returns to your time as the newest of your Senshi, Sailor Chibi Moon. You said it yourself, Jupiter-chan. You need Moon to do the teleport. If we gather the rest of the Senshi, along with Chibi Moon, we'll be able to make it to your princess."
"Iie!" Endymion protested sharply. "She's still too young; she won't be ready to become a Senshi for another few years. Don't ask me to send my only child into battle," he whispered, panic and worry in his tone.
"Mamoru-san," Uranus breathed, "you of all people should understand. Even if we tried to leave her away, Chibiusa-chan wouldn't stay. She would do anything to save her mother."
Neptune nodded her agreement. "By including her, we insure that she doesn't pull the same stunt as Usagi-chan. We'll all be there, watching her. If it will help, Saturn will be by her side every second. She couldn't be safer."
"Minna," Mercury cut in, "even if you're right, and Chibiusa-chan can take Usagi-chan's position, we'd still need the Ginzuishou. Without it, we won't be strong enough. Yes, they have a weakness, but it's not a complete vulnerability. In our current level of powers, we'll never make it."
"What about Neo Queen Serenity's Ginzuishou?" Venus asked. "Even in this time, she's bound to have it."
The King shook his head. "Just before the attack, the Ginzuishou vanished without a trace. We've looked everywhere, but there's been no sign of it."
"Maybe you didn't look hard enough," Pluto smiled softly. "After all, it hasn't strayed that far," she continued as she strode into the room, holding Chibiusa's hand. "Minna, may I present Sailor Chibi Moon?"
The tiny pink-haired girl tentatively stepped forward, dressed in the traditional Senshi's fuku. "Puu told me what happened to the Ginzuishou. She said it wasn't my fault."
"What wasn't your fault, Chibiusa-chan?" Mars prodded gently. "What happened?"
"It was an accident, Rei-chan. I just wanted to be more like Mama, so I went to look at the Ginzuishou. When I took it out of the case, it disappeared," the child explained as tears began to trace their way down her face, identical to Usagi in so many ways.
"Oh, Chibiusa-chan, you already just like your mother," Jupiter said comfortingly as she gave her little princess a hug.
Saphir lifted his gaze to the Guardian of Time. "Did the Ginzuishou… go inside the princess?"
Pluto nodded solemnly. "It did indeed, although it is not the Ginzuishou any longer. In Small Lady's possession, it became the Pink Moon Crystal. It is hers and hers alone. The true Ginzuishou returned to its place in my Queen's heart."
"Daddy, you're not mad at me, are you?" Chibi Moon asked fearfully as she started to reach for her father before remembering it was just a hologram.
"Iie, Small Lady, I'm not mad at you," he soothed, itching to gather her close and hold her until everything was over. "It was only natural for you to want something that was always meant for you. I just wish it wasn't now, and that you could stay my little girl a while longer."
"With Chibi Moon and Pluto, will you have enough energy to complete the teleport?" Saphir questioned Mercury.
"I don't know," she murmured, examining the readings on her computer. "Is there anything you can tell us from the Silver Millennium about Mamoru-san's powers? In our time, his abilities are still a mystery to us. Can he link powers with us for a Sailor Teleport?"
The princeling considered. "It was never officially tried that I recall, but I don't see why not. He and Serenity have a soul bond; his powers are compatible with hers and should therefore be compatible with yours. It'll probably work best if he links with Chibi Moon."
"Saphir, can you come too?" Venus wondered. "I doubt your powers can mesh with ours, at least not until Usagi-chan can purify you. With your permission, of course," she added hastily. "If you don't want her to, we'll understand."
"It's quite all right, Venus. I had already decided to request that the Princess do so if we all live through this," he replied. "I believe that if we summon Sailor Saturn as well, and incorporate Prince Endymion in the Teleport, you'll be strong enough to bring a passenger. My brother has blocked me from returning under my own power."
"Uranus, Neptune, can you summon Saturn?" Pluto requested.
"Of course," Uranus said automatically.
"She'll be happy to see Chibiusa again," Neptune added, "even if Chibiusa-chan doesn't know her yet."
The pair strolled out of the room, talking quietly as they went.
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Usagi wept silently on the bed, wishing with all her heart to be free, ignoring when Dimande stepped into the room. It wasn't until he took perch at the edge of her bed that she paid heed.
"Leave me alone," she muttered bitterly. "You've done enough damage already. You're trying to take away my family, my friends… my life."
"And what exactly have you lost?" the white prince challenged. "Your supposed love abandoned you, your child hates you."
The petite blonde glared. "Mamo-chan didn't abandon me. He tried to protect me from you. Chibiusa-chan doesn't hate me either. We may not always understand each other, but I still love her and she loves me."
"You can't wallow in self-pity forever, Princess. You have duties to fulfill."
"I have no duties here," the Moon Senshi snapped. "You keep me trapped, caged. I have no obligation to you."
"My people need their queen. Sooner or later, you will do your job," Dimande growled. "We will be wed."
That did it. Usagi's hands fisted and a powerful right hook connected with the pompous man's jaw. "I'll never marry you!" she screamed. "Never!" Deftly, she managed to snare her broach from his pocket, clutching it against her chest defensively. "You may be able to keep me from escaping, but you can't stop me from fighting you!"
The prince rubbed his jaw, growling. "You would do well to obey me, Serenity," he threatened. "Your so-called friends can't help you. You're mine to do with as I please."
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"Is everyone ready?" Venus demanded, grasping Pluto's and Chibi Moon's hands.
"Hai!" Everyone responded.
"Saphir-sama? Tuxedo Kamen-sama?" she continued, glancing first at the blue-haired man in the center then at the masked hero at Chibi Moon's other side.
"We're ready," Saphir assured her.
"Chibiusa-chan?" the blonde Senshi asked, watching the little girl. "You first."
"Hai, Minako-chan. MOON PRISM POWER!"
"MERCURY STAR POWER!"
"MARS STAR POWER!"
"JUPITER STAR POWER!"
"VENUS STAR POWER!"
"URANUS CRYSTAL POWER!"
"NEPTUNE CRYSTAL POWER!"
"SATURN CRYSTAL POWER!"
"PLUTO CRYSTAL POWER!"
After a quick glance at the King, Tuxedo Kamen called his. "GOLDEN CRYSTAL POWER!"
Together, they yelled, "SAILOR TELEPORT!"
In a beautiful rainbow, the eleven figures in the center of the room vanished.
"Good luck, minna," King Endymion whispered. "Save Serenity and get everyone home safely."
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"I'm not a belonging or a slave," the girl hissed venomously. "Do what you will, but I won't be spending the rest of my life here. You're destroying my world with what you're doing."
"You will love me!" he scowled, grabbing her shoulders roughly and shaking her as he attempted to hypnotize her. For a moment, he thought it would work, but suddenly the blonde pulled away, shaking her head to clear it.
"You can't force someone to love you! Besides, even if you managed, you'd know it wasn't my true feelings. I'll always love Mamo-chan!" Usagi protested.
"I just want what's best for my people," he argued. "You'll be queen of this planet; you can give us what we want."
"You don't need to attack the Earth to be able to live here," the Moon Senshi insisted. "Look at the Four Sisters," she tried again. "They live peacefully here, and there's no fighting. There is always another option."
"Yet you fight my people whenever we appear. You don't try to negotiate or find another way."
Usagi rolled her eyes. "Droids aren't known for their negotiation skills. If I didn't fight them, they'd kill me, my friends, and possibly Chibiusa-chan too. I still don't understand why you were chasing her. As for your generals, they were all trying to kill me. They didn't seem like the peace-making type."
"You killed them!" he bellowed. "They're all dead."
The blonde groaned. "I didn't kill any of them. Rubeus, I assume, died when his ship exploded, and I have no idea what happened with the others. I had no memories, remember? I didn't even know who they were." The man turned to walk away. "Listen to me!" she snapped. "I'm trying to avoid more bloodshed and death. I don't want a war on my hands or anyone else's. You can live on Earth peacefully if you just tried."
The white prince stared hard into the wide, innocent blue eyes. "Maybe you're right," he whispered, "but Wiseman said…"
"I don't know who Wiseman is, but whatever he said is wrong. Earth people don't hate all of you, and the only reason Neo Queen Serenity expelled your clan from Earth was because you refused to accept the cleansing from the Ginzuishou," the girl said determinedly. "Set me free, and I'll do everything I can to make things right."
Dimande paced the room, considering all that the Senshi of the Moon had just said. The girl gripped her broach more tightly, willing the Ginzuishou back into its setting, observing the soft pink light that indicated its presence.
"You're right," the prince breathed finally. With a wave of his hand, the chain vanished and the Evil Black Crystal was directed away from the tired teenager. She noticed a dark purple bruise forming on his chin.
"Hehe," she laughed weakly. "I didn't mean to hit you so hard," she apologized. "I just had to get you to stop. Gomen." Holding the Moon Broach aloft, she called, "MOON CRYSTAL POWER, MAKE-UP!"
The familiar pink lights washed over her once again, allowing the skintight bodysuit of her fuku to flow over her as the rest of her uniform appeared. With a bright flash, Sailor Moon stood in all her powerful glory once more.
"That was a foolish decision, my Prince," a malevolent voice drawled. "Contain the girl and come with me"
"Wiseman! She means us no harm! I'm letting her go, to return to her friends. She can offer us the life on Earth we wanted!"
"If you're going to be persuaded by a child, I have no use for you any longer," the caped figure sneered. "I think I'll just be rid of both of you, in the name of the Doom Phantom!"
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"We're in!" Pluto shouted. "Saphir-sama, take us to her!"
"Right! Follow me, minna," the blue-haired prince ordered as he raced through the halls.
"She's henshined," Tuxedo Kamen informed them. "Somehow, she was able to become Sailor Moon."
"Something feels wrong," Mars warned. "Even for this place, I'm picking up some really strong dark powers. Is she answering you, Tuxedo Kamen-sama?"
"No, but I can feel her. Something's definitely going on; she's worried," came the quick reply.
"I want everyone to be careful," Venus snapped. "Don't take any unnecessary risks until we find Usagi-chan!"
"Got it!" Everyone replied.
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"Run, Sailor Moon!" Dimande shouted, stepping in front of the petite blonde. "I'll take care of him."
"There's no escape," Wiseman mocked. "This world shall be destroyed!"
"Saphir tried to tell me not to trust you, but I didn't listen! I'm glad he managed to get away!" the white prince bellowed back, shooting a beam of energy at his opponent.
Usagi eyed the doorway, but it closed before she could get closer to it. She shook her head, returning her attention to the fight in front of her. "I can't just let you fight alone!" she yelled. "This planet is at stake, and I have to defend it!"
"Fine, I'll just kill you first," the caped figure barked. "Soldier of Love and Justice indeed!" The Wiseman teleported past Dimande until he was right in front of the little Moon Senshi. "Prepare to die, Neo Queen Serenity!"
"Iie!" the prince screamed, jumping and knocking her out of the way of the blast. Usagi knew from his stance as he stood that he had taken at least part of the blow. "Don't try to hurt her," he snarled. "Your fight is with me."
At the same time, both combatants fired. Dimande's hit the Wiseman full on, destroying his body, while the other man was thrown back into the wall before crumpling on the ground.
"Dimande!" Sailor Moon raced to his side, praying that it wouldn't be too bad. Soft tears began to form in her eyes. "Are you all right?"
"I'm… fine," he muttered, grimacing slightly from the pain. "Why are you crying?"
"Well," she responded, putting on a brave face, "if we're going to repair relations between Earth and your people, we'll need you. Will you let me help you?" He nodded reluctantly, watching carefully as she removed her broach and held it aloft. "MOON CRYSTAL POWER!"
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AN: I hope everyone liked it. Please review, and let me know if you think there's anything I should fix. See you next chapter!