Wow, I can't believe this is the final chapter of this story! I have to say I am going to miss writing it! The winner of the poll is the Pirates of the Caribbean crossover with Sailor Moon. It won by one vote, but do not despair those that were rooting for the Twilight crossover or even the sequel to this. I will be sure to get around to those after I finish the Pirates one.
Special thanks to: Cosmic Slytherin, Princess de la Luna, Fire Dolpin, Lunar Star Princess Krystal, Alycee Lanet, SailorVengeance19, TsukinoGoddess, serena's girl 4-ever, Usagi Uchina, PhoenixGuardianEmaku, SailorEternalCosmos, Anime Monster, bebepantheon, MoonGirl17, Pixie Rogue, Silenced Serenade, SerenityMoonlight, sailorrose22, Crazy Coot, serenity wayne, Wisteria Lady, and all those that added my story to your favorites list, alert list, and communities!
You guys have been awesome and thanks so much for reviewing my story, for the kind words and encouragement, and the ideas that you let bounce off my brain!
Well in my famous words…as the story turns……
Chapter 12: Destiny Got It Right
I opened my eyes, and I took in my surroundings. I was on the moon. I had been here once before when my mother, Queen Serenity, allowed all my memories of this place to flood back to me. I waited in anticipation. Perhaps I was to remain here…as if this was my place beyond the grave.
I was somewhat surprised that when I heard my named called out, it wasn't my mother who called it.
"Serenity." The voice had a very wistful sound.
I jerked by head around to find what looked like a woman draped in a white cloak. I could not see her face for the hood covered it completely.
"Who are you?" I asked.
"I am Destiny."
"What do you want?" I said angrily "You have a lot of nerve showing your face to me. I'm dead…let me be."
"You're right Princess…you are dead, but I am here to offer you one last chance…"
"To what? Be your call girl again in case things go bad? I just want to live in peace and be able to make my own decisions, away from my past, away from my set future, and away from you! Can't you understand that? Death is the only peace that I can find!" I was flaring up at this point. I was so frustrated because it always happened one way or another. I would die and sure enough I would return only to fit right back in my place.
"You misunderstand me Princess." She said. "I am aware of the burden that you have beard all these years, and I feel sorrow for having to bestow it upon you, but your sole mission was to defeat Chaos. Every fight, every battle you have ever fought has led you up to that point. The people in your past…the people in your future, were put in your path to help you lead the way to that destiny. That is why things were set in stone for you. Chaos was the greatest threat facing this entire universe. But the thing is, you have changed the path…by breaking your ties with the others."
"I don't understand." I said…not exactly figuring out the point she was trying to make.
"By breaking your ties with the others, you did something I did not anticipate. When you were called into this world to fight, you became a part of this world…as if you were meant to be here all along. You fought alongside with them, even though you could have concentrated your mission on just Chaos."
"Your point being?"
"My point is you have completed your mission…your destiny. Chaos is defeated…the entity is gone…which means you are free."
"What?" I said in disbelief.
"I no longer am bound to you, but as I was saying…I am here to offer you one last chance at living…no more strings attached."
"You mean…I'm free?"
"Yes Princess."
My mind was in overdrive, but I did not need to think long before I answered "Yes!" the excitement evident in my voice.
I paused for a moment to take it all in and then a thought occurred to me "Wait, if I am free…does that mean I am no longer the Moon Princess? Or even Sailor Moon?"
Destiny was silent before she answered "No, you will always be tied with the Moon. That is a bond I cannot break…that is in your blood and very being, but you will no longer be obligated to the safety of the universe."
"Ok…I can deal with that. I mean if it wasn't for the Moon, I might not have ended up where I'm at today."
There was a bright light that began to show on the other side of me…opposite of Destiny.
"There is the way back to where you last fell, you will have a choice soon of whether or not to stay in this new world…or return to the one from wince you came."
"Wait…I thought you weren't suppose to walk toward the light."
Destiny chuckled "Trust me Princess."
And with that I began to walk toward the glowing light. I took one glance back, and the lady had disappeared.
"Good luck Serenity…"
"Serena…please wake up!" I heard the sobbing voice and instantly knew it was Caspian.
"You can't leave…I can't lose you…"
"She's gone Caspian." Peter said.
"No! She can't be…she said she would be safe!"
"Caspian…" my voice creaked very weakly…my eyes still had yet to open.
"Serena!" he shrieked.
My eyes opened up to be greeted with his beautiful face…stained with tears. I was lying on the ground…his arms wrapped securely around me.
"Caspian…" I sobbed out and allowed my hand to grab the one touching my face. So many different emotions were passing through me.
He quickly pulled me tighter as if he were trying to make sure I was real. My hands quickly went to his hair and I began to run my fingers through its silky strands.
"I thought I lost you." He whispered in my ear.
"No…I'm here, and it is finished."
He pulled back slightly, his face plastered with a smile. He leaned down and gave me a quick kiss before everyone else started gathering around giving their sighs of relief…thanking the heavens that I was alive.
I sat up and noticed that I was still in my Princess form. Aslan must have saw my confusion because he answered "You need not hide who you truly are here Serenity."
I looked to him before saying "Thank you."
I moved to stand up, but Caspian quickly laid a hand on my shoulder "Are you sure you should be moving now? I can carry you…you need to rest."
I pushed his hand away and said "Quit fussing, I'm fine." I stood up on shaky legs, but I was able to gain my stability almost instantly.
Everyone was staring at me…as if prepared for my tumble. "I'm good you guys…promise. So, where to next?"
"Amazing." Edmond said.
"What?"
"The fact that that battle just happened…I mean all the flashes and blasts, and well…everything, and you just stand up and ask 'where to next.' Baffles me really."
"Oh, that's right…I bet all of this is a new experience for everyone. Alright so let's take a moment to reflect on everything." I paused for all of two seconds. "Okay, where are we headed?"
Everyone just busted out laughing.
"What?!?" I said, getting a little frustrated.
"You never cease to amaze me bella." Caspian said, one of his hands running though my hair.
"Well good, because then you would get bored with me rather quickly."
He merely chuckled. We sat there staring into each other's eyes for what seemed like ages before Peter cleared his throat, bringing us both back to reality.
"So, to the Telmarine Castle?"
"Yes." Caspian answered, and we all made our way in that direction.
We laughed and talked the whole way, with the occasional "How did you do that?" question here and there. Everyone was so relieved that Narnia finally was in the right hands once again.
We arrived at the castle sooner than everyone anticipated (but I suspect Aslan was behind that) and the Telmar people were all in a buzz. They were excited about having the rightful King returned to the throne, however, many were leery about the Narnians being a part of their kingdom.
There was laughter and flowers everywhere…it was beautiful, and so welcoming, and the best part was that Caspian was right beside me…holding my hand.
Aslan stopped in front of us and said "Now you all must get ready. There will be a ball tonight to announce and celebrate the new King and Queen of Narnia."
"Queen?" I asked "Who's the new Queen?"
"Do you need to ask bella?"
"Me?" my eyes bugging out "That's very nice, but I have the whole royalty thing up to my ears. I mean, I might be a Princess, but I haven't exactly ruled over a kingdom…I might be extremely bad at it and…"
Caspian put his finger to my lips "You will be a wonderful ruler. Besides, it isn't up for debate."
I just rolled my eyes at him and accepted my new title. I mean it isn't THAT much different from Princess. He removed his finger and gave me a quick smile before he led the way to the castle. Once in there we all went our separate ways…the servants leading us to where our courters would be.
I was able to take a long hot bath that the maids drew for me. It was so relaxing, and I was able to reflect on everything that had happened recently. My mind kept wondering back to what Destiny had said "you will have a choice."
I guess the time will come for me to decide whether or not to stay in this world or go back to Tokyo. I loved Narnia, but I could not help thinking about my guardians…my friends. They were still there for me when I needed them…even though I was a world away. I still loved them all dearly, and I just didn't know if I was ready to say goodbye to them forever.
I let out a defeated sigh deciding that I already hate making my own choices.
I got out of the bath and dried off. I put on a white silk robe that was provided to me, and decided to step out on the balcony of my room. I still had time left before the ball.
The sun was setting, and I remembered the first time I saw the sun set. I was with Caspian, and we were walking through the woods with Nikabrik and Trufflehunter. I smiled at the memory. I realized then that the something that Caspian had seen that was more beautiful…was me. I blushed at my stupidity for not realizing that at the time.
Yep, definitely hate making my own decisions.
"Your Majesty, the ball will be starting soon."
I turned to see one of the maids that had been helping me out. I gave her a smile and said "Thank you."
She left the room and I walked back in from the balcony. I took off the robe and closed my eyes…feeling the insignia burning on my forehead. Within seconds I was ready for the ball, wearing my famous dress.
I made my way down to the court yard, and was amazed by the crowd that was present. I saw Caspian and the others standing to what appeared to be the front (at least that is where most of the decorations were located). I went to stand by Caspian and grabbed his hand automatically. He squeezed it reassuringly…he must know that I'm a tad bit nervous.
"It is good to see you my Lady." Aslan said before stepping up in front of us all.
"May I have your attention please?" And just like that everything remained still. I swear even the plants the insects…everything…at the sound of Aslan's command.
"I would like to introduce to everyone the new King and Queen of Narnia. They will rule with a righteous hand, and will be fair and just to all those in need of them. King Caspian and Queen Serenity."
And everyone let out a great cheer. Glenstorm walked in front of us placing a large golden crown on Caspian's head, and a small silver one on mine. His eyes lingered on my face before he said "It is truly an honor, Moon child." Before he disappeared into the crowd. Music resounded from everywhere, and Caspian turned to face me,
"May I have this first dance?"
I smiled and said "Why of course your Majesty."
And we danced, and if felt so right and so perfect. I couldn't imagine it ever feeling like this again.
The night went on splendidly. I danced with everyone. Peter was a bit shy to ask me, but I was delighted that he did. He held me close, but I got the feeling that the bond we had with each other was now one of friendship and loyalty, but still very strong. It made me realize that even though I have not been in Narnia for very long, for the first time I was truly happy, and it felt wonderful.
The emotions were beginning to overwhelm me because I still had yet to make up my mind as to whether I needed to return or not. I took a break from the ball, allowing myself to wonder out deeper into the garden that surrounded the court yard. Once again I found myself basking in the moonlight.
It wasn't very long before I knew that Caspian was near me.
"Bella."
"Hmm." I responded.
He came up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist, allowing his head to come to rest on my shoulder.
"I never got to tell you how stunning you look in your true form. Like an angel."
I chuckled "Thank you." I turned to face him "You don't look so bad yourself."
His hand began to caress my face before he continued "I never want to come that close to losing you again. It felt like my heart was ripped out of my chest, but it did make me realize that there is no one else in this world that I am meant for." He knelt to the ground...I stopped breathing.
"Serena, I know it has not been long since I first met you, but my heart has completely surrendered itself to you on its own accord. I want you, no I need you by my side always. Will you marry me?"
For a moment I didn't say anything. I was just shocked and overwhelmed. I wanted to scream 'Yes!' to the top of my lungs, but something held my tongue. I knew I could not jump into this decision. This would change the course of everything, and I needed to know I was ready to let go of everything I had left in my world.
"Caspian…I…I need to think about it."
I could not miss the hurt look in his eyes "It is not that I don't want to" I said quickly "It's just there is so much I have to decide and prepare for…things I have to think about before I accept something like this. Please understand."
He stood up and turned away from me…composing himself before glancing back with a sad smile on his face "Of course I understand. I will be waiting when you have decided." And he walked back to the ball, leaving me alone in the moonlight.
Things just got exceedingly more difficult, and I decided I better sleep on it. I headed straight for my room, ignoring the laughter still coming from the ball outside.
When I reached my room, I prepared for bed, and as soon as my head hit the pillow I fell asleep, but my sleep was a restless one. It consisted of dreams…of Destiny, of Mamoru, of Caspian. The frames flipping back and forth…I couldn't make sense out of it.
I awoke the next morning feeling more confused than ever, and realized that today Aslan was offering the Telmar people a chance to go back to their original world to start over…if they wished to do so.
So this must be my opportunity as well.
I fixed my hair, and got ready to meet everyone down in the court yard yet again. I was running a bit late, so I got there in the middle of Caspian's speech.
"Narnia belongs to the Narnians just as it does to man. Any Telmarnies who want to stay and live in peace are welcome to. And for any of you who wish, Aslan will return you to the home of our forefathers."
"It has been generations since we left Telmar." Spoke one Telmarine Lord.
"We are not referring to Telmar. Your ancestors were sea-faring brigands, pirates run aground on an island. There they found a cave, a rare chasm that brought them here from their world, the same world as our Kings and Queens."
Aslan looked toward the Pevensies before continuing "It is to that island I can return you. It is a good place for any who wish to make a new start."
"I'll go. I will accept the offer." The General of the army spoke.
"So will we." Miraz's wife stepped up as well.
"Because you have spoken first, your future in that world shall be good." And Aslan breathed his blessing over them. The tree behind him began to twist to form a doorway. They all walk through it…disappearing on the other side.
"How do we know he is not leading us to our death?" Shouted someone in the crowd.
Reepicheep was the first to respond "Sire, if my example can be of any service, I will take eleven mice though with no delay." Aslan looked over at the Pevensies, and Peter and Susan stepped forward.
"We'll go." Peter said.
"We will?" questioned Edmond.
"Come on. Our time is up." Peter walked toward Caspian and offered him his sword "After all…we're not really needed here anymore."
"I will look after it until your return." Caspian vowed.
"That's just it," spoke Susan "we're not coming back."
"We're not?" Lucy said in a panic.
Peter said "You two are. At least I think he means you two."
"But why? Did they do something wrong?" Lucy asked glancing at Aslan.
"Quite the opposite, dear one. But all things have their time. Your brother and sister have learned what they can from this world. Now it is time for them to live in their own."
"It's alright, Lu. It's not how I thought it would be, but it's alright. One day you'll see too. Come on." Peter laid a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
They began to say their goodbyes, and I quickly made my way through the crowd. I looked at all the Pevensies and I began to cry. I did not want them to go. They all seemed to understand, and one-by-one they all came over and hugged me. Peter was the last to do so and I whispered to him "I'll miss you most of all." He pulled away and smiled at me before turning back to his brothers and sisters…prepared to walk through the portal.
"Do you wish to join them my Lady?" Aslan questioned me.
There was silence. I needed to decide. I looked at the Pevensies and then I looked at Caspian…panic written all over his face. I closed my eyes and allowed myself to think. All my life I have done what was expected. I have made decisions to make others happy. So I asked myself what would make me happy. I allowed myself to feel everything…what I could live with, and what I couldn't live without. The answer was clear…
I turned to Caspian. "Caspian…" the tears welling up in my eyes "I…I love you." I said smiling "I accept."
The largest grin broke out on his face and he ran towards me. He lifted me up and began to spin me around…laying kisses all over my face. Our laughter ringed throughout the entire court yard, and I knew deep down I had made the right decision.
"Oh, bella, I love you too." We held each other for ages before we turned back to the Pevensies and wished them one last goodbye before they returned to their world…the world I left behind.
Caspian and I married a month after that day, and as I sit here reflecting on everything that came to pass…what it took to bring us together, and the destiny I had laid out in front of me…I realized that perhaps Destiny got it right after all…
I was Queen of my own Utopia…my own personal happiness. I had my true love…my Prince…My Caspian.
-The End-
Well, it is finished. Again, thanks so much to everyone, and I hope you guys enjoyed it! I know this is the last chapter, but PLEASE REVIEW and tell me if you liked how it ended. I should be starting on the Pirates fanfic sometime after Christmas, and I hope everyone will read it as well!
-Lizzy
