Author's Note: I don't know about the rest of you, but the past few months seem to have been difficult for a lot of people, including me. Many of you probably know someone who is or was sick, or who passed away. My heart goes out to you. I will wish you all good health and happiness. Be safe.
I want to apologize for the long wait on so many of my stories. On the good news front, all stories with planned sequels that were finished have been completed and the sequels started. Finished that last one, Pretty Guardians, a few days ago, and I'm glad. I didn't like having that over my head. I might be a true Gemini in my writing, but even I hate having something unfinished.
Here comes the major battle scene. Enjoy the story. Happy Reading!
Sailor Silver Ladybug
Tori

Music Selections:
Daughter of the Moon - Adriana Figueroa
Ruelle - Hang on a Little Longer
Svrcina - Battlefield
Fivefold - Lost Within
Krigare - Heroes Never Die
Beth Crowley - Red
Fleurie - In My Blood
Red - Hymn for the Missing
Sam Tinnesz - The Hate Inside
Within Temptation - Supernova - The Reckoning - Raise Your Banner - Paradise - And We Run - Shot in the Dark
Fall Out Boy - Phoenix - Immortals - Centuries - Light 'Em up

One Month
What If?
Alternate Story Line

October 28 (Sunday)

***Usagi (Sailor Moon)'s POV***

"Are you sure you're ready?" Usagi asked, looking at the two newest heroes with a serious frown. "You've hardly had any training."

"We fought with you yesterday," De'Shaun pointed out, looking nervous but determined.

"You did, and we all appreciate it, but this is different," Usagi said, trying to explain without making either teenager feel bad. She'd had her reservations about throwing them into the battle against the Dark Kingdom from the beginning and now that it was nearly time to leave, she couldn't help but second-guess her decision to allow it.

"I think it's important," Ronnie said, her voice showing an inner strength Usagi hadn't been prepared to hear. That alone convinced her they should be given the chance. She knew the young woman had dealt with an abusive ex-boyfriend, and maybe after that an evil entity didn't seem so scary. And De'Shaun with his determination to protect his siblings. They wouldn't give up any more than she would.

"Alright then," Usagi agreed. "Stay with Bane, Paden, and Agate. I think that would be the best place for you. And watch for stray Youma coming out of tunnels. Remember, the secondary goal is to get the necklace off Beryl so she can be healed. Focus on that when you are safe from Youma."

"Are we going to destroy all of them?" De'Shaun asked, sounding worried.

"That's the plan. I think some will try to escape through the portals though. Kunzite tells me there are dozens of portals leading all over the world. We don't know where they all are, but we can expect that the Youma do. If you see any running away, let us know. We can't chase them down in the middle of the battle, but we need to know if any escape so we can go after them." Usagi looked over at Agate, who was standing with Heliodor and Asahi, and waved to him.

"What about those two?" Ronnie asked.

"They are going to stay with their parents," Usagi informed them as Agate approached. "Agate," she said softly when he was close enough, "they've decided they want to go with us. Are you still willing to help them?"

"Of course. Paden will be with Ronnie and Bane with De'Shaun. I've also got my eye out for the youngsters," he added in an undertone.

"Arigato," Usagi whispered, looking over at her brother, who was now showing his sword off to Asahi. She shook her head, wishing he and the other younger teens could stay behind in Tokyo, where it was relatively safe.

"It's time," Luna said, coming into the main part of the command center with Artemis at her heels. "Almost three in the morning. They won't be expecting us at this hour. Not with all of Tokyo asleep."

"But the Dark Kingdom won't be asleep," Artemis added, his expression serious. "Stay on your toes. Make sure you cover your partner's back, and please remember that you are all strong enough. You've trained hard and know what you are doing. We have your backs."

Usagi nodded, feeling better at his words, and reached out automatically as Mamoru moved to stand beside her. His hand wrapped around her own, making Usagi feel complete. It was time for them to go to battle, but they would be together, and that would have to be enough.

"Alright, Henshin yo," Mamoru called out.

A flurry of bright lights filtered around the room, washing out the people within until Usagi had to close her eyes against the brightness. Her own henshin happened much faster than it had when she'd first become a Senshi. Now she was one of the first transformed. Mamoru's change was instantaneous and Tuxedo Kamen stood strong and proud next to Sailor Moon.

***Haruki (Sun Knight)'s POV***

As Haruki became Sun Knight, he reached out for Sailor Pluto with a small smile. She wasn't worried about the battle for her own sake, but had tried every argument in the book to keep their daughter from going with them. Of course Heliodor had been adamant. Now Sailor Sunrise was standing tall to the other side of him, with Morning Light Knight, Asahi, at her side, next to his own future parents.

"Are you ready?" Sailor Pluto asked, looking carefully over the younger girl.

"We are," she said, smiling. She looked both proud and determined. Maybe she was thinking of saving Beryl, he couldn't be sure, but he thought it was the idea of fighting alongside her parents that was pushing her on.

Within a few moments Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Kamen had everyone calm and gathered around them. Once everyone was holding hands, Sailor Venus led the teleport to the Dark Kingdom. Immediately he felt the drop in temperature. Though his uniform wasn't meant for the cold, it added more protection from it than he'd believed possible. He didn't start shivering immediately as the others did.

"There!" North Knight pointed out, one of his arms wrapped around Sailor Venus, who was trying not to shiver. "I see the entrance."

"Hurry," Tuxedo Kamen urged.

Sun Knight could see Sailor Moon shivering violently. He looked around and noticed most of the Senshi, except his daughter and Sailor Mars, were shivering uncontrollably. They had to get them inside. Their fuku were not meant to protect from cold this intense.

Without really thinking about it, Sun Knight pulled at the warmth of the sun, creating a bubble of heat around the group. The change was immediate. The Senshi stopped shivering and the others looked less panicked. He thought about what he had done and shivered. He might have pulled too much heat. He would have to pay much more attention to what he was doing in the future.

Sailor Pluto tugged on Sun Knight's arm and tugged him toward the entrance of the cave. "This way," she said softly, guiding Heliodor with her other hand.

Soon they were clambering over chunks of ice taller than any of them and were standing in front of what appeared to be a giant ice cave. Haruki knew from descriptions given by the Shitennou and the others that the cave was mostly made of stone however. He steeled his shoulders and moved inside with the others, wondering what traps they were about to spring and how dangerous the enemies they would face could be.

***Mamoru (Tuxedo Kamen)'s POV***

They had been in the Dark Kingdom well over an hour before they found their way out of the labyrinthine tunnels and into the main area. Faced with the great stone doors of the throne room, Tuxedo Kamen strode forward with North Knight. Each man pressed his shoulder against one of the doors, and at his nod, they pushed them open. For one long moment, silence met their appearance.

All hell broke loose a moment later. Youma of all shapes and sizes made their way towards the doors and the warriors behind them. "Let's go," he heard Sailor Moon order the Senshi. He nodded to the men to do the same. As a group they entered the massive room, waiting for the first strike of the Youma.

Within moments there were half a dozen battles underway. Through the chaos he kept Sailor Moon close, and his eyes on the younger fighters, who might need help at any time. Queen Beryl simply sat on her throne, looking bored, until she caught sight of her brother. Leaning forward, looking as though she might throw herself off the throne and into the fray, Beryl's eyes glowed a luminous red and she bared fanged teeth at him.

The battle had begun.

A Youma with a horned tail approached Tuxedo Kamen. It breathed fire from it's mouth and tried to impale him with spikes from it's hands. He concentrated on an explosive rose and threw it before rolling away from a blow of the tail. Standing, he found himself slightly separated from the others. His eyes caught on Heliodor and Asahi. It looked like they were in trouble, facing several Youma that looked to be made from Halloween decorations. He rolled his eyes and started toward them when something with vines caught him around the ankle and hauled him into the air. He nearly rolled his eyes. Vines wouldn't work on him, if he was paying attention anyway.

***Asahi (Morning Light Knight)'s POV***

Morning Light Knight stayed close to Sailor Sunrise, who was facing off against three Youma who seemed to be made of candy, costumes, and decorations for the Halloween season. It was nowhere near that time of year, but they must have been made in years past and left undefeated. He had faith in his soulmate. Together they could take them out. Except that the one made of candy was spitting it at both of them, making it hard to move through the sticky projectiles around their feet.

The Youma made of costumes became a ghost and suddenly it was behind Sunrise, who was still focused on the Candy Youma. Asahi wanted to scream, but instead he yelled for Dragon Fire Opal. He knew he would come. As soon as the name was out of his mouth, Asahi felt a change in the air around him. The 'Youma' had appeared to rescue them both. The three Youma they had been facing were caught half in and half out of the bubble around the time Youma, who raced forward in time.

The three Youma disintegrated as though they had never been there. Opal pulled back the shield and Morning Light Knight and Sailor Sunrise launched themselves back into the battle. He found himself pressed back to back with her, facing several more, before everything suddenly went silent. He blinked, realizing there were no more Youma to face. Those that still breathed were fleeing into the tunnels.

He turned at the soft voice of Sailor Moon and stopped to stare at the young hero standing only a few yards from the throne, staring at the red-haired woman on the seat. Hand outstretched, Sailor Moon looked as though she was pleading with the woman. He stepped closer to hear what she was saying.

***Minako (Sailor Venus)' POV***

"Don't let her get your soul Beryl," Sailor Moon whispered when the Youma had fled. "Don't give up now. I can save you. Please."

The words seemed to echo on forever and Beryl stared at her for a long moment before shaking her head angrily. "You're trying to trick me," she said, though she didn't sound convinced.

"No sister," Agate said, panting heavily as he avoided the lashing tail of a running Youma. "She doesn't lie. My memories have been returning with the help of Artemis. Your life was awful and you were driven to protect yourself from our father. But you were kind, and cared deeply for the princess. Why can't you remember?"

"I..." Beryl stared at him, not speaking, for a long moment, then took the tiniest step towards him. "Won't you come back and fight at my side?" she asked, a hint of humanity marking her features. Her eyes lost their hatred and seemed to fill with tears. "Brother, please."

"Beryl," he said sadly. "I've come to save you. To bring you home."

Beryl took another small step toward the red-haired man, a tear streaking down her cheek, and lifted her hand to reach for his. Vivid purple light filled the chamber, surrounding the young man. Sailor Venus heard his scream and raced to help him even as Beryl lifted both arms and a dome surrounded him and Bane, who had reached his side.

"No," she yelled angrily. "You will not take my brother!" The shout echoed around the cavernous throne room.

Beryl reached up to the necklace at her throat, but as Venus watched, she came against some invisible barrier. Hefting the heavy Holy Sword, Sailor Venus stepped forward, her entire being focused on one goal. She struck out quickly, before Beryl could back away in fear or Metalia could strike out and stop her. The plinking sounds of the crystalline beads hitting the stone floor made her sigh in relief, and she stepped back with a grin at the red-head.

Eyes wide with disbelief, Beryl watched her warily, then lifted her arms as beautiful violet light surrounded her. She was free of the taint Metalia had surrounded her with. As Venus watched, she turned her gaze to the door behind the dais, a fierce scowl on her face.

"You tricked me!" Beryl screamed at the door. Then her scream of rage and anger turned to one of pain and as the rest of them watched helpless, she began to crumple in front of their eyes. "Help!" she yelled, but there was nothing any of them could do. She turned to Sailor Moon and screamed one last time, arms outstretched.

"I will save you!" Sailor Moon declared, stepping forward as Beryl began to disintegrate into dust and float to the floor. Reaching into what had been Beryl's chest, Sailor Moon pulled out the Beryl Crystal and pulled it close to her own chest. "I will save you," she whispered again, and Venus could see tears pouring down her cheeks as she turned to Agate. The red dome disappeared as they watched. Sailor Moon stepped forward and handed him the Crystal. "I'll save her," she repeated sadly.

"I know," Agate told her.

They all turned as one. With Beryl gone, Metalia's full attention and strength would be turned against them. They had to be ready to fight. Almost the moment Minako had the thought she felt something heavy weighing her down as a blow landed across her chest. She screamed in pain and fear.

***Usagi (Sailor Moon)'s POV***

"Minna!" Screaming her pain at the loss of her friends, Sailor Moon stood upright and reached for Kamen's hand. His fingers gripped hers tightly and she could feel his rage and grief through the Soul-Bond. Tears coursed down her cheeks as she thought of her friends, all gone now as though they had never existed. No bodies littered the floor, no Crystals appeared for her to heal. She didn't even have something to bury. "Minna," she cried again, lost in the horror for several long moments.

"Usako," Tuxedo Kamen whispered, bringing her attention back to what was happening around them. The chamber was crumpling around them, stones falling from the ceiling above, walls disintegrating before their eyes.

Pain ripped through Sailor Moon. Through all the hours they had been in the Dark Kingdom fighting, she had believed they would all make it through somehow. Why she felt that way, she couldn't have guess, but knowing she had failed to protect the others broke something inside her. Heat washed over her body, from the top of her head, right down to her booted toes. She heard Tuxedo Kamen gasp and turned to face him. He was staring at her, eyes wide.

Looking down at herself, Sailor Moon let out a small sigh. She had taken on her Royal form. A breastplate covered her chest and belly, the sword hung limp at her waist, and her wings unfurled without conscious thought. Almost as soon as she recognized the change, she felt the same thing happening to Tuxedo Kamen. As she watched his tuxedo became a dark blue general's uniform with silver trim. He unsheathed his sword and moved to stand beside her.

"We have to get out of here," he said softly. The whole chamber is going to come down around our heads.

"Hai," Sailor Moon, or Serenity, agreed. Her wings flapped twice before she reached out and wrapped her arms around him and launched off the chamber floor and into the air. The ceiling crumpled, opening a hole into the frigid air above. They landed softly in the snow and waited, huddling together, for the shadowy presence of Metalia.

The wait was short. Soon the snow burst outward, chunks of ice flying at the couple in the snow. She deflected them without thought, lifting one hand to form the dome that covered both of them until the icy missiles were gone. Then darkness swelled around them as Metalia escaped completely from her prison. She grew in size until the sky was blocked out by inky darkness and Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Kamen appeared like ants beside a boot.

There was a diamond-shaped mark on Metalia's forehead. Instinctively, Sailor Moon knew it was this mark that would defeat her. Wings spread, she pulled her sword high and launched herself at it, only to be thrown back by a giant hand made of shadow and air. Sailor Moon landed hard, the wind knocked out of her, and stared up into the whirling form over her head, wishing desperately for her friends. It was just too hard to bear going on without them.

***Minako (Sailor Venus)' POV***

Venus was screaming, but a moment later felt herself in a place free of pain, surrounded by the others.

Eyes wide, Venus stared at Opal, Heliodor's Youma, who had saved them. She looked around and saw all the others with her, save Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Kamen. Looking out through the shimmering haze of the bubble around them Venus saw that time seemed to stand still. Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Kamen were both standing tall, side by side.

"We have to help them!" Blue Moon Knight shouted, eyes on his sister.

As they watched Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Kamen changed, and a moment later were flying through the roof of the cave into the icy heart of D Point. They watched in horror as Metalia escaped and followed them to the surface, the walls of her prison crumpled around them.

Before long Sailor Venus felt a heat rise up in her chest and she knew, without explanation, exactly what was needed. "Send them your energy," she screamed to the others. "She will fail if she doesn't know we are with her."

Tuxedo Kamen was just helping Sailor Moon off the snowy ground when Dragon Fire Opal released the time bubble around them. Sailor Venus didn't hesitate. She lifted the Holy Sword, and while Metalia was focused on her attempt to pull Sailor Moon into the shadow that was her body, Venus launched herself from the ground, pulling on the ancient strength of her planet, and aimed for the diamond on the creature's forehead.

Silence.

In the seconds after the strike, as Venus felt her feet touch the earth, silence fell. No breath of air stirred, no footstep crunched on the snow. Metalia's raging winds and screams of hatred died away like they had never been. Then there was a roar of such strength that all the Senshi and their fellow warriors were blown off their feet into heaps of limbs in the snow. Sailor Venus wanted to scream, but there was no wind to give her breath.

As they lay there and watched the form of Metalia shrank in on itself, becoming smaller and smaller. Bursts of light flared and Venus shut her eyes against the glow as Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Kamen stood, facing one another with eyes closed, and forced Metalia to pull in on herself further and further. She watched in horror as the creature seemed to surround them, and then with a last scream, imploded.

When she looked again, all Venus saw was Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Kamen, back in their normal fighting forms, standing together with closed eyes. Moving forward, she reached out to help Sailor Moon, but New Life Knight, Bane, stopped her, holding her arm and shaking his head. "Not yet," he whispered, pulling her back.

Nothing seemed to happen. There was no change Venus could see. But time stretched on with their leaders still in some sort of trance. She looked over at North Knight, who was standing with their son Asahi, and bit her lip, wondering if she should ignore Bane. And then she watched as the couple collapsed in what seemed like slow motion. Angry that she had been stopped from supporting them, she hurried to Sailor Moon and pulled the blonde head into her lap.

"Why?" she asked, looking at New Life Knight.

"They had to heal the planet," he said, moving out of the way so that Kunzite and Nephrite could help Tuxedo Kamen. He was out cold, as was Usagi. Minako stepped out of the way so that Jupiter and Uranus could lift her from the snowy ground. Minako felt guilty for her anger and sent an apologetic look toward the newer fighter, who only shrugged and smiled.

"Lets get them home," Sun Knight said. "They can sleep and when they wake up, we can go to Elysion and get our family."

***Kunzite (North Knight)'s POV***

"They've been asleep for hours," Minako complained as Saeko looked her over. "I'm fine," she added as the doctor checked her eyes with a white light, trying to move her head to the side so she could continue staring at Usagi.

Kunzite, who'd had enough of worrying and had called the doctor with Ami, rolled his eyes and wrapped his arm around her waist to keep her still. "They're fine," he murmured. "You watched her check them over. Simple exhaustion. They already look better," he added, noting the royal couple had color in their cheeks again.

"Are you sure?" Minako asked, looking slightly panicked in spite of checking their breathing for herself half a dozen times.

"I'm positive," Kunzite answered, feeling exasperated. He had assured her more times than he could count. And shouldn't she be a little concerned with the lump on the side of her head? He hadn't even seen her get hit.

"Minako is perfectly healthy as well," Doctor Mizuno said softly. "All the girls are." She nodded to the group, who still hadn't left the dining room, which was the one place big enough to let the royal couple sleep while they all stood guard. None of them had wanted to be parted. Not after nearly losing them in the battle. "Now, from what I understand, all of you have been up since three this morning. It is well past noon. All of you need to eat and then I would suggest a couple day's rest in Elysion. Their time, not ours, as I know the project needs attention."

"Hai," Kunzite agreed. "Should we just take them there the moment they wake?"

"It would be my suggestion to take them before they wake if possible," Saeko said, looking back at the sleeping couple.

Kunzite nodded. He could get to Elysion. Any of the Shitennou could, and probably the Senshi as well, though they'd never learned how. Still, he was ready for the peace and protection of soft rolling hills and good healing food.

After the doctor left the group gathered into a circle around the couple and Kunzite reached out to place a hand on either of their heads. He closed his eyes and Wished to be in Elysion, a place of safety, where they could rest. Even before he reopened them, he could feel the warmth of the breeze on his cheeks, feel the soft touch of grass under his feet, and hear the sweet sound of birds calling to one another in the trees.

Before any of them could think to do anything, a screech sounded and two little ones were barreling their way, followed by Ikuko, who looked better than he had ever seen her. Long lavender hair trailed behind her as she ran after the children. When she caught sight of Usagi, Ikuko let out a screech and threw herself at the ground beside her daughter.

"Baby bunny?" she said softly, looking worried.

Usagi turned over, cuddling into Mamoru, and groaned. "Ten more minutes mom," she complained softly, then lapsed into soft, snuffling snores that made those standing around her laugh.

"She'll be fine," Minako said, looking relieved.

***Ikuko's POV***

"So," Usagi said, wiggling her eyebrows, "you have to have seen something. Umino says they're meant to be together."

Ikuko laughed. "So nosy," she teased. "Nothing like your mother at all."

Usagi's gut laugh gave lie to her words. "Seriously mom," she said, still giggling, "what happened?"

"Well, by about the second week we all knew something was going on between them," Ikuko confided. "It might have been a single day for you, but it's been almost a month here. It was obvious that Mayumi liked Akio, but Haruna was a harder read. She was quiet a lot of the time and I think she was planning to back out of the way so her friend could be happy, but Mayumi would have none of it. She knew Haruna loved him too, so she ordered her to kiss him."

"What?" Usagi asked, incredulous but happy. "What did Sensei do?" she asked, leaning forward in her seat.

"She kissed him of course," Ikuko laughed. "Apparently she has a habit of giving in to Mayumi. We thought there might be some conflict between them, but it was like they were all one mind. They went into the temple with Maboroshi and stayed for three days. Now they are Soul-Bonded. I didn't even know it could work with more than two in a couple."

"Actually," Ami said, speaking for the first time, though she'd been sitting at Usagi's feet since the conversation began, "during the time of the Silver Millennium, it wasn't unheard of for three or even four to form a Soul-Bond. It's the same principle, just expanded a little. Those in a Soul-Bond will eventually be drawn together in every life. It's up to them what they do with that gift."

"They seem happy enough," Usagi said, staring at the threesome, who were sitting at the great stone table having bread and honey together.

"I think they are. And this has changed my mind on a lot of things," Ikuko said softly. "I saw what Haruka and Michiru were going through, but I never really considered the other types of alternate relationships. I wonder now how people make them work in spite of their daily lives and troubles, not to mention those people who hate them simply because they feel and act differently."

"That's important," Usagi said, her voice thoughtful. "I think we all need a little more understanding and a lot less hate."

"How did I raise such a wonderful girl?" Ikuko asked.

Usagi grinned at her. "I get all my good qualities from you... and dad," she added, laughing. "Come on, lets go see what kind of trouble we can get into."

Ikuko helped her daughter up and they moved towards the stone table, where several of the others were gathered. She wrapped her arm around her daughter's still-flat waist and thanked the Kami for her, as she had every day of her life. Shingo and Hotaru were having a blueberry contest, to see who could fit the most in their mouth at once. Purple, sticky juice stained their faces, but both were smiling happily.

She could get used to Elysion, she thought, but at the moment she just wanted to get home and back to her normal life. Now that the Dark Kingdom was destroyed it shouldn't be too difficult.