Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon or any of the canon characters. Miyako, Cleo, Lia, Harper, and Owen, as well as a few others, are only figments that have escaped from my imagination. Another little note, I'm going back to the divisions of Terra I used back in by other Sailor Moon stories, so, when I refer to the five divisions of Terra, I refer to them by their direction from Elysian, thus North and South America, being to the East of Terra are the Eastern Division, Africa and the Middle East are the Western Division. Europe, Russia, Greenland, and Iceland are all the Northern Division, while Australia, Antarctica, and the Pacific Islands are the Southern Division. The rest of Asia would be Elysian.
Chapter Ten: Explanations and Revelations
Slowly, he opened his eyes, trying to figure out why he was so uncomfortable. He wasn't back in his room over Melanthios Books and Café, that was for certain. It took him a few minutes to remember last night's battle and Serena's new attack. She had collapsed, and he had carried her back to her apartment. Wanting to make sure she was alright, he'd crashed on the couch in her living room, still dressed in his costume armor from the Halloween party.
He sat up, taking a few moments to finish clearing the sleep from his mind. Feeling a pair of eyes watching him, he turned. Sitting in one of the wine-colored armchairs was the green-haired woman Owen had called Setusna.
"I suppose there is an explanation for this," she said, arching one eyebrow.
The door to Serena's room creaked open, and his princess padded into the room, dressed in her green jogging suit.
"You stayed?" She asked, as she pulled her hair up into both of its familiar buns.
Darien nodded. "I wanted to make sure you were alright, Serena. After all, you were pretty drained. Also, I wanted someone to be able to explain what happened, if Sailor Pluto," he nodded to the green-haired woman, "happened to be here. Though, I'm sure her duties as the Guardian of Time keep her quite busy. And," he paused, taking a deep breath and letting it out. "I wanted to ask what you were doing in Terrarose, and why none of your Senshi were with you, aside from Pluto."
"And how do you know I'm Sailor Pluto? Everyone here knows me as Trista Meioh," replied Trista, leaning back in her chair.
"Not everyone, apparently," stated Serena.
The blonde turned and walked into the kitchen, returning with a plate covered in cinnamon rolls. Darien picked one up, surprised to find it warm.
"I just stuck them in the microwave when I got here," explained Trista, catching his expression. "I wanted to speak with Serena, briefly, but it can wait."
Darien nodded. "So, why are you in Terrarose, Sere?"
"After Beryl kidnapped you, it took me a while to focus on fighting, again," she explained, sighing. "And then the other scouts were talking to Sailor Venus. I'd had to take out three youma on my way to a battle, and so Venus had already destroyed the youma by the time I got there. I listened to the others talking about why I wasn't there, and Mars and Jupiter were cutting me down. None of them believe I really was Princess Serenity, and so I left. I called Pluto and she brought me back in time and here to Terrarose, so Beryl can't find me." Serena picked apart the cinnamon roll, not bothering to eat any of it.
Darien reached out, taking one of her small hands into both of his. "You and I both know your scouts don't have all their memories. Not even you and I can recall all that happened. You just have to give them a little more time. And I doubt all four of your scouts think that way. You even said it was only Mars and Jupiter who were saying anything."
"Yes, but Venus and Mercury…" she trailed off.
"Mercury is always quiet, and trying to be heard over the two of them is almost impossible. She's been with you the longest, and I know she's seen the same changes I have," he replied, taking one hand to tilt her face up so their eyes met. "And isn't it possible Venus could have been waiting for the two of them to finish before she corrected them? I'll admit, I really don't know all that much about Venus, but I do know that would be the quality of a good leader. And I know how hard you've been trying to make yourself a better scout. And everything you've done here in Terrarose just proves it."
Tears filled Serena's eyes, and she blinked them away. Darien released her face, pulling her close. Her head dropped to his shoulder and he let her cry. After a few minutes, she straightened up, wiping away the last of her tears with the palms of her hands.
"And you, Darien? How did you get to Terrarose?" Trista demanded, taking one of the rolls. "From what Serena told me, you were trapped by Beryl."
He shrugged. "Somehow, while Beryl was distracted, I managed to sneak away, into the tunnels of her base." He looked over at Serena. "It's somewhere in the Artic, by the way. Anyhow, I got into the tunnels, looking for any way back to Tokyo. I ended up getting chased to a dead end, the only exit being a very small, locked door. Then, I ended up finding a key on the ground." He gave another shrug. "It opened the door, and I found myself here, in Terrarose. I met Owen Melanthios, who knew me during our previous lives, and so did his older brother, Harper. I've been staying with them until I can go back to Tokyo."
"And how did you find out Usagi Moon is Serena?" One dark green eyebrow rose. "We were very careful with her disguise."
"I knew Usagi Moon reminded me of someone, but I couldn't place who. And then you dropped this at Melanthios." He pulled the Star Locket out of his pocket. "Once I saw the look on your face at the Halloween part, last night, I just knew. And if I hadn't already known, the battle last night would have convinced me, entirely. But, somehow, part of me just knew Usagi and Serena were the same person."
Gently, almost reverently, Serena took back the Star Locket. "It keeps pulling us back together." She smiled up at him.
His hand came up to cup her face, and he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. Serena leaned against his side, cuddling up next to her prince.
"You said Owen and Harper are from the past?" Trista's frown appeared again. "And where is this key you used to get here?"
Darien reached back into his sub-space pocket and handed over the small, silvery key, topped with the ivory skull. Carefully, the Time Guardian took it. For a moment, Serena thought she saw a tear glimmer in the corner of Trista's eye.
"What is it, Puu?" Serena looked at her guardian.
Trista sighed, closing her hand around the key. "It's the Key of Dead Time. Essentially, that means is unlocks timelines that aren't possible anymore. I…I gave it to Heliotrope, during the Alliance talks, a peace offering."
Color filled her cheeks as she mentioned the Shitennou of the Underworld.
"Dead Time?" Serena demanded. "What, exactly is Dead Time? I mean, how is a timeline no longer possible?"
"I'll give you an example. A timeline where you and Endymion defeated Beryl on the Moon, before everyone died, that is considered a Dead Timeline. Circumstances prevent that timeline from ever existing. It was possible, once, but no longer. Any time you make a major decision, one that can lead to two different timelines, the one you don't choose becomes a Dead Timeline," explained Trista. "Like when you called me to take you away from Tokyo. That moment had two different pathways. Now, the one where you stayed in Tokyo is closed, it has Died. The future is filled with many branches of pathways, each reflecting a major decision. The past, however, is a single line, with locked doors on either side. This is the key to those locked doors. It's almost never used, because there's no point in going to those places, except for two reasons. One is to understand where things went wrong, or to retrieve something that is essential to the survival of the world that has disappeared because of a past choice."
Midnight blue eyes narrowed. "And you gave this key to Heliotrope?"
"As the Guardian of the Dead, it seemed appropriate he should have it. Though, how it brought you here, I don't know." The Time Guardian's frown deepened. "It should still have been in his possession. However, if it were separated from him, it could possibly lead a person back to its owner. After all, the key can't just move itself."
"So, if Heliotrope somehow lost it, the key would try to lead me back to him?" Darien clarified.
"It should, yes, or to a portal near him. Or even back to me, if I were closer or he were unreachable."
"So, if, instead, it led me to Onyx, who led me to Heliotrope, that would make sense, right? Because Onyx was closest to the portal."
Trista's head snapped around. Her garnet eyes met the prince's dark blue gaze. "Onyx and Heliotrope are both here?"
"Still brothers, too. Apparently, they've been hanging around since the fall of the Silver Millennium, waiting for me to show up," Darien shrugged.
Serena thought for a moment. She and Trista needed to ask Heliotrope about the Garden of the Elements, to see what he remembered. And that did concern the Elemental Warriors. Besides, if they could get help from Darien and two of his Shitennou, then fighting the Anti-Elements could be easier. But, then, that would be more people who could turn against her, later. But, defeating this evil would be far more important. She sighed.
"Would you be willing to get ahold of them? Bring them to a meeting between the Elemental Warriors and myself?" She looked up at him. "We have some questions that they might be able to answer."
Darien nodded. "I know someone else who should probably be there, too. Another of my Shitennou is here, in Terrarose, and I know he wants to help."
"Of course. Bring all three of them if you can," nodded Serena, though she noticed a sad look in his eye. "Darien? What's wrong?"
Trista looked back and forth between the two of them, sensing the young man's reluctance. "I'll meet you at the barn, your highnesses. I'd better alter the security system anyway."
She rose, walking out the apartment door, her green hair flying out behind her.
It wasn't until after Trista had left, that Darien sighed. He looked at the floor, not meeting Serena's gaze.
"Talk to me, Darien. Please," she pleaded, leaning closer, wrapping her hands around his. "I want to help."
He smiled at her, a smile she could tell was forced. "Just wondering whatever would I do without you, Meatball Head?"
"Just so long as I'm your Meatball Head, I don't mind the name," she laughed, knowing he wasn't going to tell her. She wouldn't press, not right now. But, sooner or later, she would find out what was bothering him.
He pulled her close and finally gave her the kiss she'd been waiting for since she realized he was in Terrarose.
It wasn't until Darien was almost back to Melanthios that he thought about how difficult it would be to get Harper to come. After all, he couldn't just leave everything to Noland. Especially on a Saturday morning. But, the nearby parking lot was still empty as he jogged through it and up to the back door.
Inside, he found Kyle glaring at Harper and Owen. Owen leaned back, Vista, his golden retriever, once more at his side, while Harper calmly met Kyle's gaze. The older two men ignored the steaming cups of coffee sitting before them.
"Morning, Darien!" Owen was completely unfazed by Kyle's expression. Then again, not much seemed to faze the blind boy. "How's it going?"
Slowly, Kyle and Harper turned to face their reincarnated prince, though Kyle was keeping one eye on Harper.
"Not too bad. I thought you'd still be open, today, Harper," he commented, scooping up the third mug and filling his own cup of coffee.
Harper shook his head. "We always close the day after the Halloween party. Usually just for clean-up, but I don't think I'd get many customers today, anyway. Not with this being the second attack at my bookstore."
"Well, how do you feel about going to a meeting?" Darien leaned back against the counter, before taking a careful sip.
"What kind of meeting?" Dark red eyes narrowed.
Darien shrugged. "The kind where we discuss things with the girls who've been protecting Terrarose from these Anti-Elements creatures. We get a few questions answered and we answer a few of theirs. That kind of meeting."
Instantly, he had Kyle's full attention. "When and where?"
"I'll show you, as soon as I get changed," The dark-haired man turned and headed up to the second floor. "This costume is not nearly as comfortable as it looks."
Torn between throwing the math textbook across the room and risking waking her father, Isolde looked up at the sudden knock on her window. Sailor Fire was perched on the branch of the nearby tree. Looking around cautiously, the blonde dancer slid the window open. The red and pink scout climbed through, landing lightly on the worn, faded grey-brown carpet.
"Hi, Isolde!" Sailor Fire gave a familiar smile that more closely resembled a smirk.
"Lia?" Isolde barely managed to keep herself from screaming. "Is that you?"
Flames briefly surrounded the newest scout. When they faded, Lia Agni stood in Isolde's room, still wearing her same smirky smile.
"Cool, don't you think?"
The other girl dropped onto her bed, her face blank and her green eyes wide. "Why are you here, and telling me?"
Lia sat down next to her, legs swinging as they dangled a few inches from the floor. "Well, I was going to go tell Miyako and Cleo first, but then I'd have to worry about Kyle popping his head in. Yeah, since Miyako's Sailor Element, she should have found out first, but, oh well, I'm telling you. After all, you are Sailor Water, aren't you?"
Bright green eyes turned to focus and meet laughing bright blue ones.
"How…how do you know that?" Isolde stammered out. "We've been so careful!"
Lia shrugged. "I've been following you all for weeks, since shortly after your first appearance. I don't completely understand the flashes of memories that showed up when I first transformed. I mean, I saw myself swearing allegiance to the Princess of the Garden of the Elements and a couple of other pieces that don't make sense. I just sort-of hung back, waiting until you needed me. With Sailor R on your side, you haven't really needed me. Actually, she's the only one of you I don't know."
"So, you've followed all of us, and yet you haven't figured out Sailor R?"
"I think she's had more practice with this kind of thing," mused the slightly shorter girl. "I always loose her, every time I try."
Suddenly, Isolde was on her feet, lifting her new charm bracelet. She took the blinking, star-shaped charm between her fingers, tapping it three times.
"Nice bracelet," muttered Lia.
"Our communication system," explained her friend, hurrying to slide on her bright green sneakers. "Courtesy of Sailor R. Much easier than trying to get everyone a cellphone, and we can even use them in school. We've been called to a meeting at our training grounds. You can explain everything there. And we'll see about getting you one, too. Each charm is for a different scout, so we need new ones for Cleo and you, anyway."
-8-
Sailor Element let herself into the barn, the green-clad scout right on her heels. She cradled the travel mug of black coffee in her hands. She'd really been looking forward to sleeping in today. Her dreams had become far too unsettling for her to get a decent night's sleep, and the nocturnal battles hadn't helped. She could almost swear someone was trying to alter her dreams, so she couldn't remember them correctly. It did seem strange, she knew, but no stranger than anything else had been, recently. Then again, if the dreams weren't keeping her awake, that annoying question was. Who were Endimon and Srenty? What exactly did those names mean? She hadn't been able to fall asleep for the longest time, until she decided she'd ask Sailor R if she had any idea. Though she knew she should be able to place them, herself.
Cleo certainly wasn't having a hard time sleeping. Her adopted sister was almost overly cheerful these days. Though how much of that was a mask for Kyle's sake, Miyako couldn't quite tell.
At least they weren't the last ones to the meeting, nor were they the first. Sailor R was already there, confirmed by the green hoodie thrown in the corner, though the scout in question was nowhere in sight.
As was habit, the two of them had both transformed before entering the barn. Previous encounters had taught her training started the minute she walked through the door. Reluctantly setting down her coffee, Sailor Element began to stretch, keeping an eye out for Sailor R.
Sailor Water hurried in a few moments behind them. She did live farther away, after all. Midnight blue eyes widened in Sailor Element's face as she saw Sailor Fire walk in after her fellow blonde scout. But that wasn't the last of the surprises. Just a few short minutes later, four people she didn't expect at all came walking into the training barn. Right away, she recognized Harper and Owen, and, of course, Kyle. It took her a couple of moments to recall the raven-haired man was called Darien, and he was a friend of Harper's and a new friend of Kyle's.
Kyle seemed to be looking around, slightly confused, while Harper appeared almost impressed.
"What are the four of you doing here?" Sailor Water yelped.
Sailor Earth folded her arms. "And how did you get in here? This place has top security clearance."
"I invited them," declared Sailor R, emerging from a door at the far end of the room. "There are things we all need to discuss. We aren't training just yet, ladies. Follow me. We'll all be more comfortable in here. We might as well drop our henshins, too. We can trust them. I give you my word on that."
As she turned back towards the door, the pastel scout dissolved into Usagi Moon, dressed in a pair of dark green leggings, a white t-shirt, and a pair of matching, dark green running shoes. She looked back over her shoulder, beckoning to them. Reluctantly, knowing the others were waiting for her decision, Sailor Element released her transformation. She tried not to look at Kyle as she followed Usagi into a comfortable, well-lit room, filled with cozy chairs. Cleo came up next to her, handing her the mug of coffee she'd managed to forget about.
Another woman was already sitting in one of the chairs, dressed in a lavender suit. Her long, dark green hair was partially pulled up into a bun, while the rest of it fell to her hips. She calmly sipped at a cup of tea, as the others entered. The only time her calm façade flickered was when Harper walked into the room. Miyako was surprised to see a small falter in his step as he noticed her sitting there. Was something going on between the two of them? Or had something happened?
There was a slight smile on Usagi's face, as the blonde watched Harper. Obviously, whatever it was, Usagi knew about it. The other girl took a chair next to the strange woman. Darien moved to stand, almost protectively, behind her, drawing a pair of raised eyebrows from Harper and Kyle, as well as a chuckle from Owen.
"You don't seem surprised to see us here, Kyle," observed Cleo, a hint of sadness in her voice.
Miyako took a good look at her adopted older brother. Cleo was right. He looked more like he'd been expecting them to be here. Almost like he'd resigned himself to the fact that they were fighting the Anti-Elements.
"I've had some suspicions for a while," he stated, dismissively.
Somehow, though, Miyako didn't think it was as simple as that.
-8-
Usagi watched the others enter, careful to keep one eye on Trista's expression. Of course Harper and Owen are Heliotrope and Onyx. After all, didn't Darien say that Owen was the one who was waiting when he got here? And then he said the portal led him to Onyx? But, who is Kyle? She smiled, noticing how Trista flushed, slightly, and her teacup trembled as she saw Harper walk into the room. And, of course, she noticed the slight pause as Harper's eyes found Trista. So, he wasn't as oblivious as she thought, now was he?
She turned as Sailor Water once again became Isolde Marlowe. Her eyes widened, imperceptibly, as Sailor Fire revealed herself to be Lia Agni. Although, Miyako and Cleo wasted no time in hurrying over to embrace their friend. She was thankful for Darien's hand on her shoulder and for Trista's reassuring presence at her side.
Lia leaned back against the wall, near the door, after Miyako released her. "So, why are these guys here?" She motioned to Harper, Owen, Kyle and Darien, before pointing at Trista. "And who is she?"
"I am Trista Meioh, also sometimes known as Sailor Pluto," explained the Time Guardian. "I am here as Usagi's guardian and protector."
"And why does Usagi need a protector?" Kyle demanded. "Or is she…"
He was interrupted by Darien. "Peace, Kunzite." His hand tightened on Usagi's shoulder. "That's not the point we're here to discuss. Are any of you ladies familiar with the Golden Kingdom of Terra?"
Usagi noticed a spark flicker in the eyes of her fellow Senshi. They had heard of it.
"The sand-filled deserts of the Western Kingdom," muttered Cleo.
Kyle turned to stare at her. No, wait. What had Darien called him? Kunzite?
Isolde nodded. "The icy wastes of the Northern Kingdom."
Lia frowned, but she didn't say anything, nor did Miyako. The ebon-haired girl looked more confused, but also rather hurt by the name.
"Then you may be aware of Beryl and her attempted takeover of Terra, several thousand years ago. Those of us of the Terran Royal Court were reincarnated in this time," explained Darien. "At least, we believe the others may have been reincarnated."
"You were Prince Endymion of Terra," said Lia, suddenly, her bright blue eyes widening. "I remember seeing you and your company of Shitennou!"
Darien nodded. "With me are three of them, Kunzite, Heliotrope, and Onyx." He nodded to each of them in turn. "We would like to offer our assistance in helping defeat these Anti-Elements you are facing."
"Though, perhaps you could answer a question for us." Trista directed the question towards Miyako and her friends, but her gaze focused on Harper. "What exactly is the Garden of the Elements?"
Miyako frowned. "I can't really remember. I just know it was my home."
Her fellow Elemental Warriors nodded.
"I only remember part of the old legend," stated Harper.
Every head turned to face him.
He kept his crimson gaze focused on the floor. "Well, I don't even remember everything I was told about it. Father only told it to me once or twice. Like the Moon Kingdom," he paused to nod to Trista and Darien, "the legend was forbidden. Supposedly, it was the source of all magic."
"I thought that was the Galaxy Cauldron," muttered Usagi.
Trista nodded. "I thought it was, as well."
"Like I said, it was an old legend I only heard once or twice," continued Harper. "I think it might have just been the source for our solar system, or even just for Terra. I can't remember. Anyway, there was a fight between the ruler of the Garden and the ruler of Elysian. I don't think Terra was the Golden Kingdom at the time. Anyway, whatever happened in that battle, the Garden became a forbidden topic of discussion. I don't even know how Father heard about it. There was another piece connected to it, though. Something about the Triad of Power, though Father couldn't explain that. Only that it was somehow connected."
"Perhaps, in time, you'll remember more," offered Darien. "All of you."
"Trista, is there any way for you to go back and find out?" Usagi asked, looking over at her guardian.
She shook her head. "There are very few pieces in the time stream where I cannot reenter it. The final years of the Golden Kingdom and the Silver Millennium are one such time. The devastation caused during those years is too great. The Time Gate, itself, has sealed them off. And, without more information, I wouldn't know what to look for, anyway."
The three Shitennou looked at each other, though Owen's expression was unreadable.
"Well, tell us what you can about these Anti-Elements," offered Darien. "Like I said, we want to help as much as possible."
-8-
Okay, so really, I should have posted this yesterday, but I hadn't finished typing it up yet. Though, if I knew exactly what I did, I'd do it again here. I had six reviews by the time I got home from work Monday night. Six reviews! On one chapter! That's pretty much a record for me. Think we could beat it again? Just asking!
Anyway, I worked a little more on the scene between Serena and Darien at the beginning. I think we all know what's troubling Darien. The problem will be getting him to admit it! Also, time is ticking to figure out the bond Serena/Usagi must reforge to save herself! And, what exactly is the Garden of Elements? Why was it a forbidden topic? What is this mysterious Triad of Power? Stay tuned!
Also, don't expect the next chapter until next week, at earliest. I've got a lot going on the second half of this week. Classes, life, etc. But Spring Break is next week. Hopefully, I'll get some more work done then. The next chapter is nowhere near ready to go up. But don't let that stop your reviews! Please!