A/N: Here we have the next chapter.

I do not own Sailor moon.

Chapter 36: Seemingly right.

~Setsuna's POV~

"TIME STOP!" That's what I had yelled with a deadly ferocity. Why, I'm not sure. I guess I was hoping to give Rei the chance she needed, and ultimately I did. I was taken away to the gates, forsaken for my crime, the last thing I saw was Hotaru falling to the ground in her own pool of blood. For what significance it held, I think, for a moment I saw what her violet eyes flicker one last time. A part of me saw the little girl I so loved to protect, and that's what proved to me that it was all worth it.

The power was raw when she had called it. Normally, from the stories I'd heard, you'd never fully awaken her powers for that exact reason, not unless you were sure she was ready. Her powers were great, her attacks something I can vividly remember in this closed tomb of the gate. My job is to serve fate, and, at this moment I sit in the utter nothingness that leaves me in a cold chill. I think I understand why mother wanted to die so badly. Hotaru would provide me with redemption too one day, if she were still alive.

I know she will return. She always does. Then she'll be given a new chance, however I'm faced with a new darkness, something I cannot accept. I do not know how to train her. She will surely be dangerous if she cannot control her powers, and now as I sit here, in a time I myself remain unsure of, I'm led to wonder if I'll be able to get near her. For now, I sit inside my dark prison…I can do no more. I must wait until fate calls for me again…ironically; it is only an instant until new orders are made.

My prearranged directions are given to me within moments and soon I act on them. The Dark Moon has attacked Crystal Tokyo, because of this, I know I'm years ahead of time, in a possible future. Chibiusa, Usagi's daughter, is in danger. Apparently, I'm further ahead in time than I thought, and it is my job to do as I am told. I guess the work of a mage is never done and now it is my time to aid my princess…no the Queen…in any way I can.…

I'm still merely a slave to fate.

~~~End Setsuna POV~~~

"Damn kid." Rei sputtered as she held the side of her body. She felt as if her body underwent extreme jet lag, but there was no real reason for such things. Two dead bodies lay before her as she sunk to the floor. Now wasn't the time to mourn, she had other concerns. Those of the living should be her main concern, and for some reason, she felt light headed, her fingers sticky from the blood on her blade. Apart of her wanted nothing more than to start shouting snide remarks, but something held her back, instead, she actually smirked.

On the floor before her two bodies were motionless. One was Hotaru; the other was none other than Trista, Queen of Pluto. The smell of battle graced Rei's nose and she sighed at her victory. Sweat, blood, and the slight hints of acid from fatal wounds seeped from Hotaru's body, a clear sign that she was no longer alive. Yet even if her body was no more than a motionless heap, another slain from battle, Rei couldn't help but roll her eyes as Hotaru's soul lingered in the air. Trista's soul had long since left, but Hotaru was staying, likely looking for answers left undone.

She pulled off the broach on her shirt. "Last thing you pointed at…I should have known. You did pretty good Hotaru; you don't need to stay around anymore." She placed the broach in the girl's hand and nodded. "You would have made a proud warrior among the Martians. Rest in peace now kiddo, you deserve that much." With that, she began her march down the hall to inform the others.

The castle was buzzing with activity a few days later when word from Mamoru came. Usagi was happy to know of his life; however she had been uninformed about anything regarding his whereabouts or future well being. Still, with the news of safety close at hand, morale boosted, and soon the hope of his possible arrival gave comfort to the warring emotions, awaking Minako from her dark sleep. Life was slowly was returning into balance.

"You need to rest." Rei growled as the blond tried to walk on her own. "You were out cold a long time."
"I'm fine." Minako shook her head. "I want to visit them." Blue eyes held a level of remorse and Rei only felt worried for the emotional blond.
"You can't mourn for Hotaru's strength, or Trista's wish." Rei's voice was all too serious. "Hotaru did what had to be done, nothing more."
"How can you be so sure?" Leave it to Minako to be upset over a matter such as this. Her tears speaking what her mouth could not.

"I can be sure because I felt her spirit." Rei held the blond up, placing her back on the sofa. "She wasn't sad for her death, likely she knew it was coming. I think she figured if she was going to die anyway, she might as well allow something good to come of it." Rei shrugged not overly concerned. In her eyes, it was time to move on. "It's best not to dwell."

"Rei, I need to pay my respects." Minako shot back. "If I would have been awake, then perhaps she wouldn't have awakened."
"You hastened the inevitable, nothing more. It would have happened anyway." Rei's explanation was void of emotion.
"Please…i know how you feel...but please?" Rei rolled her eyes; Minako had such a way to make her do things that really weren't necessary.

Rei sighed, scooping up Minako and carrying the girl down the palace steps and into the flower garden where Makoto sat quietly. Hotaru had been buried here, her favorite place among the flowers. Her grave was simple, Rei's old gem implanted into the stone the marked it. She place Minako down, the blond taking a seat not saying a word. Both of the seated girls looked broken, and even Usagi had more pep in her step than this.

"Listen. A proud warrior never leaves a task undone. Hotaru could have gone and gotten killed, we would have done it anyway. Instead she chose honor, giving that mage something she never would have had. Crying will not give Hotaru the honor she deserves. She was a child, and still, despite that, acted without greed. I know you don't get it, but that is a very noble trait. She deserves your praise and admiration, not bitter, mournful tears." Rei didn't stay at the grave; she had no need to cry tears over a job well done.

TBC~~~

I told you this was going to come fast. Please read and review. Two more chapters and then we start the merger into arc 2.