A Second Chance
Chapter 16
By: Ryu Niiyama
Butchering Greek in this chapter.
Labored breathing filled the training room as the warrior pushed herself. Whipblades flowed and danced about her body as she lunged and twirled and thrust and parried. Imaginary foes fell to her precise, graceful strikes as she twisted her body into a weapon without equal. She was magnificent, resplendent in her power and beauty confidence and familiarity guiding her hands. Her senses were heightened as she moved, the mindset of a warrior sharpening her mind to match her blades and she felt the presence of another. With a forward twist, cast her blade towards the intruder, hearing the sharp gasp as the blade embedded itself in the wall. Immediately, she stood and turned, calling her blade back to her with the flick of a wrist. She blanched immediately as her eyes alighted not upon one of her siblings, but instead upon the one that held her heart. Anguish twisted her guts as she noted the location of the impact of her blade on the wall…mere centimeters from the head of the other woman. Terrified, she tossed the blades away as if they'd burned her.
"Usagi-san!"
With a cry, she rushed towards the blonde woman and grasped her shoulders, patting her down for injuries only to pause as warm hands covered her own. Startled, she looked into crystalline blue eyes and swallowed as Usagi smiled beatifically at her. "I'm fine Seiya-san... that was really cool! I've never seen anything like it." Flabbergasted, the starlight exhaled in relief and laid her forehead against Usagi's shoulder. Immediately, the princess of the moon passed warm hands over Seiya's back, comforting the starlight, instead of taking comfort from her. They sat together for a time until Seiya's frazzled nerves finally grew calm and her hammering heart-rate settled to its normal cadence.
"Yaten's an asshole."
"What?"
"Yaten didn't tell you I was training with live blades? I'm sorry…I could have…I could have…" Usagi tugged Seiya closer, into a proper embrace, shushing her softly. "I'm fine Seiya-san, really. You wouldn't have hurt me…I know you wouldn't, I trust you." Usagi's conviction warmed Seiya's heart and the starlight pulled back, blinking back tears. She sniffed in embarrassment and moved to gather her blades; now that she knew that Usagi was safe she had to honor her blades properly. Usagi waited in the threshold, having spent enough time with Haruka and Makoto to know what Seiya was doing.
When the leader of the Starlights was done, she returned to Usagi's side. "Ok, give me a few moments to shower and then how about I cook you lunch? Hopefully the itty, bitty, bitter one has left for the day." Usagi snorted at Seiya's nickname for Yaten, recalling her own somewhat antagonistic relationship with her little brother Shingo. She loved the little brat who was now taller than she was, but she'd go to her grave before she told him that. It seemed strange to see the starlights as just regular siblings, while obviously adopted, Usagi was beginning to see that more than duty bound them as a team. Considering she loved all her guardians as sisters, she could understand such a pull and imagined it to be far greater for the starlights who were actively raised as such.
"Sounds great Seiya-san."
Kaori blinked in confusion at the woman that Setsuna had called Melinoe. She looked, exactly like Setsuna, or rather Sailor Pluto. Perhaps it was because Setsuna had revealed herself, but Kaori could see the senshi's features clearly; her ancient, dark ruby eyes meeting Setsuna's with ease. Were they twins? Setsuna had never mentioned a sister, but considering she had never mentioned being a Sailor Senshi, she couldn't fault her lover for having some secrets. In a somewhat muted flash of light, Setsuna transformed as well, her Time Key Staff clutched so that she could keep Kaori behind her. Ever observant, Kaori noted the differences between her lover and this Melinoe. Melinoe's choker bore a garnet sphere and her brooch was also a larger garnet, while the accent color of her skirt, bow and boots looked almost black instead of the deep maroon that Setsuna wore. Setsuna's choker bore a star and her brooch was in the shape of a heart and her back bow was longer. Curiously, she noted that Melinoe's staff didn't have a garnet within its setting as Setsuna's did. Her scrutiny must have drawn Melinoe's attention, for her eyes snapped to meet Kaori's like a whip and the crimson pools of the other Pluto made her heart ache. She looked at Kaori oddly, as if she was a dream not quite remembered yet still missed.
"So, you are the Vessel. A perfect image…"
Before the raven haired woman could puzzle out what that meant, Setsuna stepped directly in front of her, breaking their connection. "Melinoe, why have you summoned us here? You have exposed a civilian to our secrets! What are you playing at?" Kaori was surprised at the venom that laced Setsuna's voice, but she said nothing. Melinoe smiled, but it was a condescending gesture and she waved her hand dismissively at Setsuna. "Please, child. I know I taught you manners. Our guest is cold." Kaori blushed as she realized that she was still half naked. She hadn't worn a bra during the dress fitting so she was merely standing in her panties. The mixed-race woman wasn't self-conscious about her body, but it was odd being the only one under-dressed. Melinoe's eyes glowed with eldritch power and in a flash Kaori was attired in ancient Greek attire. The clothes were of finer material and stitching than what was normally associated with that time period, and the historian's kid in her was piqued even though she said nothing. Unbeknownst to the normal human, Melinoe was watching her intently, noting her reaction to the clothes.
"Tell me Vessel, does that outfit not inspire…a sense of nostalgia?"
Kaori looked over the clothes again and for a brief moment she could feel something like a fever dream, but when she blinked it was gone. "No…and I do have a name, Kaori." Sailor Pluto smiled at the correction and Setsuna stepped forward attempting to break her counterpart's attention on the human. "Leave her alone, Melinoe, I asked you a question. Now answer it." Crimson eyes coolly drifted to meet the fiery gaze of her student and she nodded in acknowledgement.
"I have brought you here to propose a solution: Kaori Dayspring, your life is in danger, I would keep you here, outside of time so that you can elude those that mean you harm."
"-Here?
"-No!"
Setsuna and Kaori spoke at the same time. Concerned that her new lover might be swayed by a woman with her same face, Setsuna gripped her staff hard enough to make her hands hurt. Melinoe was focused on Kaori again and Setsuna couldn't allow that; she knew that her mentor wouldn't hesitate in killing Kaori if she thought it protected the timeline. She had to halt Sailor Pluto's plan before it destroyed the woman she had come to care for greatly.
"No! I can protect her."
Melinoe had always thought very little of Setsuna, even when she became the first Sailor Pluto in an age to wield the Garnet Orb, something Melinoe had not done herself. Setsuna's declaration returned her mentor's attention and derision upon her and she bristled as Sailor Pluto sneered at her.
"You? You will do nothing but let sentimentality get in the way…you will be the death of this woman."
"Me? I think you are confusing me with yourself!"
A sharp whistle broke the argument that was brewing and Kaori moved in between the two Plutos. She placed a warm hand on each of their shoulders and even Melinoe calmed at the gentle touch, that half remembered look upon her face once again.
"Time out ladies. I can speak for myself. I am not going anywhere, except back home. Look, I appreciate the concern but nothing aside from an encounter with some thugs has happened to me. I'm fine. "Kaori tightened her grip on both women's shoulders as they both opened their mouths to argue, instantly overriding them. "-and if I'm not, then Setsuna-san can help. End of discussion."
Kaori moved towards Super Sailor Pluto and she pulled Setsuna into her embrace, the younger Pluto's Time Key Staff falling from her slack hands to the time sands at their feet. In the moment that the Staff impacted for one moment Melinoe saw the surroundings of the grand palace of Elysion and in that moment she saw herself and Helena embracing, rather than their present reincarnations. The ancient, solitary senshi watched them kiss softly, whispering comfort that only lovers can provide and she felt her barren heart ache. Her memories of Helena were still fragmented, the love still muted in some ways, but in this moment she remembered a time when duty wasn't everything. When they parted, the illusion vanished and Melinoe cleared her throat before pounding her Time Key Staff against the sandy ground. Setsuna knelt and retrieved her own staff before rising to link her free hand with Kaori's. The eldritch power of Kronos' daughter caressed them gently, sending them back to their own time. Before they vanished entirely, Melinoe offered one parting word to her heir.
"Setsuna, she is remarkable. Keep her safe."
Setsuna glanced at Kaori and smiled softly, never breaking her gaze even as they faded away.
"That she is Melinoe, and I will."
Moments later, Pluto and Kaori reappeared in Kaori's bedroom as if nothing had transpired. With a sigh, Super Sailor Pluto let her henshin dissipate, leaving her as Setsuna Meioh once again.
"What is going on Setsuna-san?"
"I'm so sorry Kaori-san…I will explain as best as I can. You may want to take a seat.
"You are scaring me Setsuna-san."
"I don't mean to, please, Kaori-san." Setsuna waited until Kaori was seated. "As you noticed Melinoe and I look the same…but our relationship is complicated. I am…essentially a modern-day Frankenstein's Monster. Melinoe, is the Senshi of Time and as such is ageless. However, she is bound to the Gates of Time, she can leave briefly if she leaves a guardian, but she can't live outside the Gates as I can. Sailor Pluto was needed in this time so she put events in motion for centuries to create her heir…she essentially bred me. She manipulated my entire family tree…selective breeding for generations until she produced a human that would be her genetic reflection, her reincarnation…me. I was born to a miko and by design or by fate, I don't know which…I was born without a soul…stillborn. Her tool had been crafted but without a soul I would have no power…no life…I would not be able to perform my duty as Sailor Pluto. So she transplanted her soul into me, and took me from my mother's womb. I was raised outside of time…trained to be her heir on Earth. When I'd completed my training, I was re-inserted into the time line and given the resources needed to start a life and my mission, which was to recruit senshi like me. I can't tell you more of my mission in greater detail… but I want you know what I am, Kaori-san."
Kaori reached out and cupped Setsuna's cheek, smiling sadly as warm tears leaked from the older woman's eyes and pooled over her fingers. "You poor, beautiful, wondrous woman." Kaori's mind turned over the meaning of Setsuna's name and her heart broke as she realized the true cruelty of Melinoe. Yet Setsuna was more…more than Super Sailor Pluto, more than a tool. She was the woman that Kaori loved and she would not let her feel ashamed for how she had come to be. Kaori pulled Setsuna into her arms, rocking her gently and for the first time in her life Setsuna Meioh felt safe enough to mourn. She cried for the mother she never met, and the twin sisters she would never be able to claim as her own. She cried for her fate as a tool of Time's Guardian. Yet she cried for the acceptance she'd been graced with. The love of her sisters in arms, the daughters of her heart in Small Lady and Hotaru, the endless love of her princess and finally she cried for the love that now bloomed between herself and this woman that refused to leave her side.
Momoko smiled, giddy as she remembered that her courage had finally paid off. Her crush on Chibi-Usa's new friend had been instant and arresting but there was such a warmth and familiarity to speaking with Diana that Momoko couldn't help but rush headlong after her. To her near giddy glee, it worked. She mustered up the courage to ask Diana to attend her social and the tall, athletic teen said yes. Even more, in a move that Momoko was particularly proud of, she kissed her…well her cheek but still, her lips connected with Diana's oh so soft skin. Giggling, the teen snagged a nearby pillow and covered her face, screaming in pure joy as she thought about the blush that had bloomed on Diana's face at her actions.
'Oh, she likes me back! YES!'
She flopped back upon her bed sighing softly as she thought of the gunmetal grey-haired teen's smile and the way her laughter sounded like the tinkling of bells. "Diana-chan…" The sound of small footstep landing upon her carpet reminded her that she didn't close her bedroom window after the ordeal with Diana the cat and she looked up wondering if Chibi-Usa's feline companion had made another attempt at visitation. Instead she found herself looking at a black cat, the feline sitting primly and staring straight into her eyes unflinchingly. Confused but feeling that this cat was familiar she sat up on her knees, wondering if the cat had followed Diana's scent or if her family home/restaurant really smelled that enticing to a feline.
"Pardon the intrusion, but hello Momohara-san."
Momoko blinked her violet eyes once and then twice, before laying back down on the bed and covering it with her face and mumbling "Good night!". Certain that she was so over excited that her imagination had gotten away from her, she squeezed her eyes shut, trying to calm herself. Rather than dismiss the "talking" cat, her actions only made the feline clear her throat softly. Although she thought she heard the brief murmur of, "not this again…" beforehand.
"Please Momohara-san, you are not hallucinating or dreaming. Perhaps this form would calm you? I'm here to speak to you about my daughter. Diana."
At the mention of Diana's name, Momoko couldn't help but sit up and she let out a gasp as she locked eyes with a beautiful woman with long flowing blue-black hair and sparling amber eyes. The woman was gorgeous, but it was the similarity in her features to the very teen that she'd been thinking about and that the woman invoked that held her attention. Her eyes landed on the crescent moon mark on the woman's head that she thought she'd seen peeking from beneath Diana's admittedly long bangs from time to time and she gasped in shock.
"What...how did you? Who are you? What do you mean Diana-chan is your daughter?"
The woman was sitting elegantly in a seiza, her delicate hands folded over her lap and she nodded, as if she expected Momoko's confusion.
"My name is Luna. As I stated, Diana is my daughter. However, I think that you met her first in her feline form." The woman moved to rise, but instead of standing she began to swiftly shrink and change until the cat that first entered was standing before her. Momoko blinked trying not to drown under her confusion but her eyebrows twitched together as her mind began to piece together moments spent with Diana, both as a feline and as a girl. "Her tail…she…its real?! You…" Momoko exhaled shakily, forcing her mind to accept that the gunmetal grey feline she'd known since she was a kitten and the tall, athletic, gorgeous teen she'd been falling for were the same person. It would explain why she felt so comfortable around Diana so quickly as she kitten-sat Diana often when she was younger. Momoko remembered feeling that Diana was almost absurdly well behaved but she seemed kind and affectionate if not a little shy…just like the teenager was. Diana was proper and polite, almost edging into old fashioned for her age even for the Japanese but she was surprisingly tactile, but not in an intrusive sort of way. Rather she touched similar to a cat seeking a connection with a human. "Oh, by the gods…"
Luna nodded before shifting back, returning to her human form and seiza position. Considering that Tokyo was the home of the Sailor Senshi and it seemed like some monster was trying to blow up the town weekly, Momoko thought she was handling this pretty well until her wayward brain reminded her that Luna was Diana's mother. 'oh shit, oh shit…what if she doesn't like me or if I offended her in some way… How are you supposed to greet cat people?!' Luna cleared her throat again and Momoko dropped to her knees bowing until her forehead touched the covers of her bed. She would have hopped onto the floor but she was terrified that she'd run over Diana's mother.
"Forgive me Luna-san, I didn't know. I'm sorry if I've offended you!"
Luna made a voice in her throat that sounded a bit strangled and she waved her hands, gesturing for Momoko to rise. "Please Momohara-san, that isn't necessary." Hesitantly, Momoko rose and she sat as neatly as she could on her bed, holding the older woman's gaze. "How…um how may I assist you, Luna-san?" Luna's eyebrows dropped over her eyes at that and Momoko felt a qualm in her soul at the sight. Like any teenage daughter, even a well behaved one, she knew what motherly disappointment looked like. Yet she wasn't entirely sure what she'd done to incur the wrath of Diana's mother. She'd only kissed her on the cheek! Surely, she didn't have an issue with them both being girls… She hoped that wasn't the case since she was fairly certain that Chibi-Usa had been crushing on Hotaru for years. Wait…if Diana was Chibi-Usa's pet…was that slavery? Was Diana in danger?
"Momohara-san, it has come to my attention that you have been spending a great deal of time with Diana. Especially in her human form. What are your intentions towards my daughter?" Oh. So it was what she thought. Momoko struggled not to break out into a cold sweat as she realized she needed to impress this woman or risk losing Diana forever. Sitting up straight, the teenager squared her shoulders. "I'm quite fond of her, ma'am. I haven't known her very long as a…human…but she has been a good friend as a feline." Luna frowned at the answer, and at that point Momoko did start sweating nervously. "Is that all Momohara-san?" Momoko thought of Diana's smile and how it felt both when she snuggled against her as a feline now that she knew it was the same being and when Diana held her close in a sturdy grip. "No, ma'am. I'm quite fond of her. I didn't know about…all of this, but she's wonderful. She's so kind and she's the prettiest girl I've ever met, and I know Diana-chan's other friends…and I wanted, I'd hoped to go out with her. If that's alright with you ma'am!"
Luna sighed and Momoko resisted the urge to cry. "Listen Momohara-san, I know that you mean well and I know that you have been a good friend to my daughter. However, if what you learned tonight hasn't already proved it, Diana is…special. More than being a Mau, which is what we are mind you, she is an advisor and a guardian."
"Chibi-chan?"
Luna nodded gravely. "Yes. Diana cannot afford to be distracted by…a dalliance. Her role, her only role is to protect her charge, with her life if need be." Momoko gaped like a fish, her dream unraveling all around her, yet she grasped onto the fact that Luna didn't seem to dislike her, directly. She reached out, and then snatched her hand back, fidgeting where she sat. "-Please! I'm not, I'm not a bad person and I'll understand. I've been friends with Chibi-chan and Hotaru-chan for years and I never got in the way!" Luna arched an eyebrow, confirming or denying nothing and Momoko realized the older woman wasn't going give her a hand. "I don't…I'd never hurt her!" That seemed to incense Luna as the Mau abruptly stood up, pointing an accusatory finger at the young human.
"Your very presence hurts her, distracts her! That can not be allowed! More importantly there is no future here for you."
"-what…?"
"Diana is my daughter, but she is from the future. Haven't you wondered why Chibi-Usa-chan left and no one mentioned her, and now that she is back, no one acknowledges that she has been gone for some time?" Momoko's brows knitted at the question and she realized that she didn't really question it much herself. Diana's smile pushed to the forefront of Momoko's mind and she shook her head, dismissing Luna's concerns. "…Ok, but I can wait, she obviously doesn't age the same as a cat and I…"
"-Will be dead and dust by the time Diana is of age."
"What?"
"She comes from the future. Centuries from now. Your lives will never be in sync and if you attempt to pursue her you will only break her heart when she returns home and you are not there. End this, now. For both your sakes." Luna didn't spare her another glance as she walked over towards the window and changed back into a feline mid-stride and disappeared into the night. If she noted the human that sunk to her bedding, sobbing piteously in her wake, she gave no indication.
Rei Hino surged to wakefulness, surprised that she was in her own bed. Was it all a dream? Flashes of her shame and her devotion reminded her that she had attempted to gut herself for her princess. Why had Usagi…no, it had to be a trick a youma of some sort…for if it wasn't... if Usagi knew what lay hidden in the Flame Miko's heart and it repulsed her. If that was the truth then it would have been better for her to have died. A soft knock at the door to her room shattered the morose thoughts of the raven haired woman and she bade the visitor enter. As her princess entered the room, Rei felt trepidation and peace in equal measure settle in the pit of her stomach.
"Rei- chan! How are you feeling?"
Usagi bore a bouquet of casablanca lilies nestled in a vase in one hand and what looked like a picnic basket in the other. Rei gaped at her sovereign as the blonde woman busied herself with placing the flowers and removing the items from the basket. The senshi of Mars glanced at the nearby clock and she realized that it was early evening already…how long had she been asleep? Rei's train of thought was broken as Usagi kneeled next to her bed bearing a bowl of ochazuke topped with roasted salmon. Gingerly, miko sat up and she adjusted her yukata self-consciously as Usagi waited until she was ready before handing her the bowl. Rei sniffed at the food cautiously when Usagi turned around to pour her a cup of tea and to procure a water bottle and her stomach rumbled ravenously, eager to partake of the offered meal. When the lunar princess turned around she found Rei, dignified as ever but tucking into her meal with a gusto normally reserved for Usagi herself. Within moments, the miko had finished her meal but she held out her bowl, silently requesting seconds. Chuckling softly, Usagi moved to fulfill her request.
"I'm sorry I didn't bring the others, but I wasn't sure if you were up to having all of us in here."
Rei sipped at the bottle of water, only putting it aside when Usagi handed her a refilled bowl. The miko paused, her appetite suddenly waning as she pushed around the rice and tea porridge with her spoon. "Thank you, Usagi. I…" Usagi giggled and gently pushed on Rei's hands to press the bowl closer to her body. "No problem, Rei-chan. Come on eat up. You need to build your strength." Rei nodded and began to eat, albeit more slowly this time. Usagi decided to fill her in on some of the things she'd missed while she was out albeit with the attempt to ease her into it.
"So, the starlights are back…Seiya has formally offered her help."
Rei didn't notice as her spoon abruptly clattered against her bowl, but Usagi did as she half lurched forward to catch it, before remembering that her clumsiness still reared its head at the worst times. Better to let Rei clean up after herself lest she end up wearing that bowl by accident.
"Her help? Usagi, I don't think you should work with her or the others. We can handle our own enemies."
Usagi sighed softly and Rei felt guilt stab through her briefly before she beat the feeling back with her will. Carefully, Usagi reached out and touched Rei's hand, saddened when she felt the miko flinch at her touch.
"We need all the help we can get, Rei-chan."
Rei tried not to flinch at the cherished yet simultaneously repulsive touch, shards of her shame digging into her still lacerated soul.
"She doesn't want to help you Usagi. She wants to sleep with you."
"That doesn't mean that she is insincere in wanting to help, Rei-chan."
Rei winced at the dismissal and acceptance in her princess' voice. Confusion and disgust flared and the miko felt her temper rising.
"Usagi what are you talking about? Seiya…who is actually a female is still chasing after you."
"And? I think we have bigger problems."
"What are you talking about?! You can't you can't entertain this…You don't understand Usagi, she wants to-"
Usagi raised a hand, cutting off the rant Rei was working herself into, hurt by the cruelty and jealousy that was twisting loyalty against them both.
"-I understand just fine, Rei-chan. But it has very little to do with our mission and it is a matter between Seiya-san and myself."
Rei huffed like a bull, before she abruptly looked confused…and hurt so plaintively that Usagi had to resist the urge to pull her close.
"A matter between…what is going on Usagi… you can't…"
Usagi sighed and she leaned back on her ankles briefly as she looked at her friend forlornly.
"Does it bother you so much that I may care for a woman Rei-chan? Is the idea so impossible to believe?"
'Do you love me Rei?'… 'yes'
Rei fisted her hands into her bedding hurt, shame, betrayal and anger swirling so much she thought she might be sick. "Of course it is! You would never-!"
"Rei. The only person I've ever dated is Mamoru. Aside from a very vocal crush on Motoki-kun, I've focused everything on Mamo-chan. Even that wasn't…well I would like to be with someone because I'm in love…not because of destiny."
Rei felt like she was falling, falling into an abyss where nothing made sense, so she grasped onto the only thing that she could. Her pain, the pain of being overlooked and unknowingly rejected, and she drew it to her heart like a flame.
"You would never do something so tawdry…so filthy!"
"Do you really believe that a woman loving another is so terrible? Why? Do you think that Haruka-san and Michiru-san are terrible people?"
"N…No, of course not…"
"What makes loving a man pure but loving a woman filthy? Can you give me an honest answer? Could you tell that answer to Haruka-san and Michiru-san and have them give up their lives, their love, their marriage? They, who would rather die together than be separated?"
Rei remembered the attempted ploy of Neptune and Uranus when they attempted to turn Galaxia's power against her. The two of them often downplayed their bond in public, flirting with others…even going so far once as to imply that they didn't love each other. Yet they were unwilling to face each other in battle, rather than risk Galaxia turning one of them and not the other they chose to die as they lived, hand in hand. A love so powerful that they could subvert the consumption of Chaos that had destroyed entire solar systems…a love so powerful that even without souls their bond could not be denied nor broken. It was the most beautiful thing Rei had ever witnessed outside of Usagi herself and her heart ached with the need for such a bond with her beloved princess. Her beloved princess, whom she had scorned and pushed away at every turn, embarrassed by the passion that burned within her heart. Shame suffused her and she looked away, blinking rapidly to hold back bitter tears.
"I…but…No, I cannot."
Rei felt everything unravel and when Usagi moved the tray away and drew closer, she felt the dam burst.
"WHY her! Why…you can't…you…not when I…no"
Usagi grabbed Rei into a strong hug, rocking and shushing her gently, even as the flame miko descended into soul racking sobs.
"I'm sorry Rei chan. I've hurt you all this time, haven't I?"
Rei shuddered, taking both solace and pain in the arms of the shining princess that meant everything and that she was terrified to lose.
"What's wrong with me Usagi? Why am I never good enough?"
Usagi pulled back, her eyes alight with righteous indignation as she gripped Rei's shoulders with a grip that was a hair away from painful.
"Rei, this has nothing to do with being good enough. You are kind, and loyal, absolutely gorgeous and talented, and one day someone is going to lucky as hell to have you. But you can't force love…and just because you are alone now doesn't mean that you are undeserving of love. You aren't broken Rei, you aren't someone to be cast aside…she just…hasn't found you yet."
Usagi's frantic grip eased and she smiled with gentle light at her fiercest protector.
"Don't you see? There is a woman out there who will one day be loved by the dignified and wise Rei Hino. She will know the love and regard of the warrior of passion and devotion, Sailor Mars. Do you not believe that woman is fortunate? I sure do, and she will love you just as much…after all, the Daughter of Mars won't accept just any woman for her bride. Can you see it Rei? Gods, knowing you it will be a grand wedding here at the Jinja…as the daughter of the great Senator Hino it will be like watching a Princess getting married." Usagi winked. "Little will the stunned crowd know how true that is, Princess Mars." The blonde woman stroked her hand down Rei's back rubbing soothing circles. "And I know you, show off, you are going to serenade her before you say your vows, aren't you? The poor woman is going to have to fight off the urge to swoon. It's gonna be beautiful Rei-chan, and I can't wait to see it."
Rei sniffled and snuggled back into Usagi's embrace, charmed by the bright future that her princess saw for her. Yet, when she tried to think of that woman, all she could see was endless silver and deep azure eyes that had seen enough sorrow to fill several universes.
Chibi-Usa groaned and covered her face with her pillow. Humiliated and aroused in equal measure. She'd just returned from sparing with Hotaru, and with a surprise tackle had landed her with Hotaru above her and hands in interesting places, she'd reacted like someone had set her fuku on fire. Chibi-Usa had ignored Hotaru's pleas for her to come back and she'd run all the way home, surprising her Mau housemate.
Always drawn to soothe her Lady's distress, Diana lay curled about her charge in her human form, purring softly as she always did when Chibi-Usa couldn't sleep.
"It is nothing to be ashamed of Small Lady. You aren't the first with such…. proclivities."
"Diana-chan, don't call it that. Please."
Diana sighed, a little confused as while Mau had similar a similar social structure to humans and both her parents had been raised around humans and the Lunar Court, but there was still a level of honesty that having superior senses naturally brought out. It was obvious the two girls adored each other and they shared a common destiny as senshi…Diana didn't really see what the problem was. If she had such certainty with Momoko-san, she'd…the Mau paused, forcing herself to change gears and focus on her mortified charge.
"Why does this distress you…this is your mate."
"Diana…we aren't… She doesn't…I mean, I don't know how she feels…if it's the same. And I'm supposed to be suave, debonair, like Papa." Diana had to struggle not to roll her eyes, although she didn't stop the annoyed thump of her tail against Chibi-Usa's side. She smirked at the squeak she received in response.
"Are you sure you want to emulate that? You father tormented your mother until they awakened and began to court. Attraction is no excuse for antagonistic behavior. Also didn't you state that you wanted to be seen for yourself?"
"I…"
"Small Lady, if your love is true then Hotaru-sama will understand."
"I…just…don't want to make a fool of myself."
Diana snorted, realizing she had first-hand experience with the advice she knew she needed to give.
"Then I suggest you abandon love. My lady, you aren't going to know the right thing to say or the right way to react…because there is none. Be yourself and let Hotaru-sama get to know you for your affection for her. Let her learn of the woman in addition to the childhood friend."
Suddenly, Chibi-Usa shot up and leveled Diana with a look so knowingly coy that the Mau began to fidget. "Speaking of childhood friends turned…what was it you called it? Mates? Ah yes, speaking of mates…" Diana blushed hard, even as she knew that her liege was baiting her on purpose, yet she couldn't quite strangle the purring growl that bubbled from her throat.
"Whoa…got it that bad huh?"
"Small Lady?"
"Yes Diana?"
"Would you kindly…shut up."
Chibi-Usa laughed until she fell off the bed, only to be pounced on by an indignant grey cat.
"You have to make a choice, Sprite."
Sailor Pluto turned and looked at the only man that had the right to enter the Door of Time…and with good reason, for the Door and the sands themselves were his corpse. She knew him as Yven, her father, but as she looked upon his divine armor she knew it was not the gentle man that raised her that stood before her now. Rather it was the Lord of Time himself, Kronos. The handsome Titan was an endless paradox, existing in every universe, every timeline, as well as outside of it…and in many of them he was dead. "I know, my Lord." The Titan frowned sadly and shook his head at his beloved daughter. "I have done…and not done…many things in my lifetime, Sprite. Many of those actions and inactions I am ashamed of, but being your father was never one of them. You know that I cannot intervene, not even for you, but you must make a choice."
"I don't remember her papa, not really. I thought losing my connection to her, to my emotions for her would allow me to perform my duty impartially." She thought of Setsuna and all that she had done to the child. Would she have made those same choices if she had been whole? She no longer knew. "Papa, I know my starseed can't be restored but my memories? I'm not asking for you to intervene, I'm asking you to help me make an informed decision." Kronos smiled at his daughter, bittersweet memories of Alecto crowding his thoughts. For a brief time he hoped that he had made her happy, he knew he was not the one that she loved but, still he wanted to aid his family. "Time reveals all secrets child, look for her within its flow…there you will find your answer."
Mamoru clutched the ticket within his grasp, soon he would be on his way to America, and hopefully far beyond the reach of the being that hunted him. He just barely managed to get through the security checkpoint; his injuries arousing the suspicion of security. But he told them that he been injured doing construction work and was leaving to see a specialist in America, and lucky for him they bought his story. He pulled out the mineral that represented his general, devastated that it had to come to this. The chunk of Kunzite glimmered in accusation and Mamoru swore that he would restore his brother in arms once they were safely away. Kunzite had been a formidable foe even with an injured arm, and it had been the power of the King that had locked him in this state. King Endymion sent Mamoru away, hoping that he could buy him enough time to escape. The prince said nothing as a traveler sat behind him, as he kept his gaze focused on the departure monitors.
"Such a predictable boy. A shame really."
He startled briefly at the sound of the unfortunately familiar voice. "You…why…how did you find me?" The woman chuckled softly, an almost caring tone making the sound soothing. "Please. I can find you anywhere on Earth. Now when I told you I'd let you keep my property safe…I didn't mean for you to leave the country. Stand up and follow me, keep in mind that I don't need you alive to get what I want from you…and we are in a rather populated locale. So, let's see if you view life as nothing just like your father, hmm?" Mamoru swallowed at the words even as confusion rattled his soul. He knew that the woman was serious and could carry out her implied threat with ease. A small part of him lamented at being used as a pawn once again, but for now there was nothing he could do. He let the ticket, and all hopes of freedom slip from his grasp and flutter forlornly to the floor as he turned and followed his new captor.
Taiki Kou poured over every kernel of knowledge that she could find about the Mercurian Royal Family. Since Kinmoku had an unbroken history, she was able to find cursory information but very little about their culture. She suspected that if she could parley with Mercury she might be able to force her to relinquish her hold on Ami voluntarily. Yet there wasn't enough information for her to go on, nothing that would give her the leverage she needed to convince the soul of Princess Mercury to go dormant.
The starlight felt pity and even empathy for the fallen princess, and she was honored that Mercury had loved her past self so deeply, but miring in the past would only destroy their future. Mercury couldn't exist in this new world, so different from the era she came from and Ami deserved to make her own choices. A light chirping from her computer signified that the archives she'd downloaded were complete. To her great relief her past self kept a journal and it had been considered a relic of history to be preserved. Not all of the entries survived the destruction of the Silver Millennium and even worse there was some data corruption as many of the original files had been destroyed in the destruction of the planet Maker.
Still, the words of Brahma would hopefully shed some light...give her some hope...for somehow she knew she was running out of time.
"It must be tiresome being this bad at strategy, mikróteros aderfós. So many times you've tried to change the timeline to your liking…so many times you have failed. You are the source of your beloved's pain. The architect of all of her sorrow."
He turned towards the newcomer, panting harshly, his body still not recovered from his usage of his final dregs of power to save his past self. He wanted to raise arms against this woman, who was draped in a tunic of gold and black, her raven hair and light mocha skin a startling complement to her silver blue eyes. Her eyes looked so familiar to him, and yet he was certain that he'd never seen her face before in his life.
"Who are you?"
The woman laughed, bearing sharp fangs and he tensed as the laughter edged to mania briefly before settling back into condescending amusement. The woman pursed her lips and tapped her fingers against them in thought and King Endymion frowned as he noticed that her fingers were capped with dark talons. "Youma?" The woman tsked at him, waggling her fingers at him as if he were a child. With a laugh her form was encased in mud briefly before it flowed away, leaving The Emperor instead. Endymion watched as the being that he had colluded with, the creature that he had thought was his ultimate self, a version of him that had succeeded in taming the timeline smiled in a sinister mockery. "Perhaps this form works better for you, mikróteros aderfós." The Emperor seemed amused at the sight of King Endymion's confusion and the powers of Earth engulfed the dark doppleganger, returning the woman to stand before the King.
"You used me…to hurt my family?"
"I didn't have to work very hard, mikróteros aderfós. After all, you were so desperate to prove yourself worthy of the Princess of the Moon, so desperate for power. How distressing it must have been; you wished to be her protector, but more often than not you were used as a pawn by forces greater than you could ever hope to overcome. Everytime you made changes, the very universe pushed back, stronger, harsher, more cruel than her original fate. Metalia was supposed to be the last…yet every time you pushed you gave Chaos a new face."
The King of Earth closed his eyes, remembering all of the failures, all the times he'd been at the mercy of a villain and twisted to hurt the woman he loved. Beryl and Black Lady had captured him and Galaxia had slain him. Even Serenity herself had unknowingly made him a pawn, when the defeat of Beryl left them all stripped of their memories and he was stripped of his powers. He'd stumbled after Serenity since he'd lost his family, becoming a thief in order to recover his memory and to win her heart. Yet despite that he never gained the power he sought, he never stepped outside of her shadow. Now that Usagi Tsukino looked for more in love than a fairy tale, she'd rejected Mamoru Chiba, solidifying the future that King Endymion had broken Celestial Law to undo. There was pity within the woman's voice as well as disdain and both emotions burned the King like wildfire. Still, he was the King of Earth and he would not be cowered by a monster. Gathering his courage, he stood proudly before the woman and crossed his arms.
"And? Why reveal yourself to me now? Surely you know I won't help you."
"Oh, mikróteros aderfós as amusing as always. You were supposed to be better; you were supposed to be different, but you are your father's son even in this new life. I thought you could become a King, but you are still… just a boy. Still chasing after my shadow."
The words were shaded with a familiarity that he didn't feel and the King flinched, confused by the words she kept using to address him. Yet the woman seemed to read him instantly as a look of pity and sorrow crossed her face as she reached out a hand, summoning a doru to her grip while a sheathed spatha appeared at her waist. Endymion let out a chuckle, shaking his head in mirth. "You seem to have forgotten 'Emperor', I'm not physically here. You can't kill me. My body is within the Crystal Palace." The woman seemed unfazed by his words as she merely vanished before appearing directly in front of him, reaching out to grip his shoulder. Endymion let out a cry as the hand connected rather than passing through him and he seized as he felt himself being pulled into the timeline.
"You aren't the only one that she broke the Law for, mikróteros aderfós. And while her affection for you is nothing but a pale imitation of the love that she felt for me, you have left your mark upon her heart…and I can't forgive that. You were supposed to forge a new path…but you weren't supposed to take my place." The woman paused, her face twitching as if she was in pain, the humanity twisting and then falling away as her cobalt eyes became like a void, endless and all consuming. "YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO BE MY CHAMPION…LiFe…LiFE…SuCH A BeAUtiFuL StARseeD…I WiLl ConsUME it…" Endymion couldn't move, but he felt terror lance his soul as he realized that the Emperor was at war with herself. The woman snarled and shook her head, clearing it and she seemed to return to lucidity. "I did this for you, mikróteros aderfós and not only did you fail, but you tried to take my love from me. She was…She was supposed to be free…NO, she was supposed to be mine!"
"Serenity?"
The woman shook her head in amusement, before leveling him with a gaze of such adoring hatred that it made him want to flee.
"Of course not, mikróteros aderfós. I care nothing for the Lunar Child. Only that she keeps my beloved like a prized lark. But don't worry, I will destroy her as well. No, not the kin to your soul, not the woman that even now gives her heart to the one you could never usurp. Who gave you the power to walk through time? Who did you offer the sands of the River Lethe so that you could enlist her help in your selfish quest? But you didn't realize that she had made a vow to me upon the waters of the Styx…who is the one that you tried to STEAL AWAY FROM ME?!"
Endymion knew of only once answer to the ranting, hysterical accusation and his eyes closed briefly as he remembered.
"Pluto…this is about Pluto…"
A manic grin overtook the woman's face as she abruptly thrust the doru into Endymion's abdomen, and then with the same ease she puled it back out only to pierce him again and again and again. Endymion lurched in her grip, somehow held on the threshold of death but never quite falling, even as he felt every time the blade eviscerated his flesh and organs. Unbeknownst to him, in the far-flung future of Crystal Tokyo, as the Sailor Moon of the past faced down Black Lady, the body of King Endymion jerked and seized as wounds began to appear upon his body, the medical equipment blaring in warning. Finally, for one moment he had a vision of himself as a child, not as Mamoru Chiba, but instead as Prince Endymion as he ran towards two women as they together walked in a garden. They turned to him and he threw himself into the arms of the one he sought, the one that bore face of the woman who was now killing him. Her smile was warm and loving and he looked over at her companion briefly, seeing a slightly younger version of the woman that would become Sailor Pluto.
He laughed, the bright laughter of the young as the woman's dancing cobalt eyes met his and she snuggled him close, making him feel safe and loved. She called him mikróteros aderfós and for the first time his mind could translate what that phrase meant.
Little brother.
King Endymion lurched, coughing up blood as his mind lay trapped in that memory and remembered what he called her as well… megalýteri aderfí…elder sister. His last breath carried the words to his murder's ears before he lay limp in her hold, hoisted by her spear. In Crystal Tokyo, King Endymion, breathed his last, his convulsing body finally growing still.
Tears filled Helena's eyes as she dismissed her weapons and she knelt down, cradling her brother's corpse as if he were a child that had just fallen asleep. Weeping, she kissed his brow and began to sing his favorite lullaby.
Bucket list...finish this fic before I die.
I know Luna's human form has blue eyes, but I wanted her to invoke Diana more (since Artemis has blue eyes no matter what) and I didn't want to make the assumption that blue is a dominate color in Mau genetics and that Diana's eye color is recessive.
R. Niiyama
1/2021