DAYBREAK
Episode 34
"When you say 'princesses', do you mean Usagi and yourself?" Ami was walking next to Kurai, deep into a conversation with her. Since Ami lived near Usagi, the three girls had decided to walk home together…after making sure everyone else was okay. Usagi was slowly walking behind Kurai and Ami, but her sister kept turning around to make sure she was still there.
"Uh, no. I'm actually referring to Usagi and Rini. They're more important to the conquer of the galaxy than I am."
"But aren't you more powerful than Usagi?" Usagi looked up at Ami's question, curious as to what the response was.
"Well, yes, but I am not the Moon Princess, or more importantly, the future Queen of Crystal Tokyo."
"But if you were born to Queen Serenity, wouldn't that technically make you the Moon Princess along with Usagi?"
"I'm merely a princess of the Moon. If anything, I am the Sun Princess. But, since the Sun Kingdom was destroyed long ago, I will never be Queen."
"When was there a Sun Kingdom?" Usagi ran ahead and stared intently at Kurai. The three girls had now come to a complete stop. Kurai sighed as she once again began to tell the story of her painful childhood.
"The Sun Kingdom was established before the Moon Kingdom. Its inhabitants lived in peace, just like those of the Moon. Our mother became very good friends with the Queen of the Sun, Apollo. Her father had been the great god Apollo, who had named her after himself when his only son was killed. When we were born, one of the first people to visit us was Queen Apollo. She instantly took a liking to us, considering she couldn't have children. But, she especially liked me for some reason or other. Mother noticed this and decided that since I could never be Queen of the Moon, I would get an equal opportunity to become the future Queen of the Sun. This would hopefully unite the two kingdoms as one under us Moon sisters."
"So that's why you're Sailor Sun," Usagi interrupted.
"Precisely. When I was young, even before I traveled to the other planets, I was sent to the Sun Kingdom to become a princess. The Queen taught me well, just as Mother taught you. Then, when I was 7, I returned to the Moon for our birthday. I never went back to the Sun…" Kurai stopped and glanced up into the sky, where the Sun was slowly setting.
"Why?" Ami brought Kurai back to the conversation with her simple question.
"A few days before my departure from the Moon, Beryl attacked the Sun and destroyed everything on it…including the Queen. From that day on, the few Sun inhabitants who had survived referred to me as Neo-Queen Apollo."
"Just like in the future I'll be Neo-Queen Serenity," Usagi commented.
"Yes, but since there was no more kingdom for me to rule over and no Queen to teach me, I began my training as a Senshi."
"At 7 years old?" Usagi stared at Kurai in awe, remembering that the others' training had begun much later.
"Yes. Now with no royal duties, I began my next job…protecting you." Kurai grabbed Usagi's hand and stared deep into her eyes. "And I will do that for all eternity. I will not let you die again, Usagi. Never." Kurai's gaze hardened, as if she were challenging anyone whom could hear her words to defy them. Usagi gulped and Ami took a step back. Usagi's mind quickly thought of something to say.
"Uh…where did you get your determinakotion from?" Usagi giggled nervously, not sure of what to do. Kurai's stern look softened and she let go of her sister's hand.
"That I picked up from Haruka." Kurai smirked and started to walk again. Ami and Usagi stared after her, then they too began to head towards home…
"Michiru! Michiru, where are you?!" Haruka stepped through the front door of her house to find it completely empty. "Oh, perfect…" She turned around, shut the door, got onto her motorcycle, and drove off…
"Usagi, I'm going to go for a walk, okay?" Kurai had just watched her sister take off her jacket and shoes.
"I thought you had sworn not to leave me," Usagi said almost involuntarily. Kurai smiled at her sister's response.
"I'm glad you were listening to me, but I have to clear my mind. I'm sure you'll be safe here."
"Okay. Where are you going?"
"The park. It seemed very peaceful there when compared to the rest of Tokyo."
"Okay, see ya later…" Kurai opened the door and stepped out. She glanced back and smiled.
"Don't forget to do your homework, Meatball Head." Kurai quickly slammed the door shut before Usagi could start whining. She skipped down the steps and strolled out onto the sidewalk. The sun was almost beneath the horizon, giving the sky a purple tint. Kurai stared at it as she walked towards the nearest park, eventually stopping and taking in the scene. "The sky is so beautiful, absolutely beautiful…" The wind rustled through her hair and Kurai smiled faintly as she felt a familiar presence nearby, calling to her…
"Damm it, where is she?!" Haruka was speeding down the street on her motorcycle when she suddenly saw a shape jump in front of her. "Get out of the way!" The person jerked their head around and Haruka could see she was heading straight for Michiru…