-A/N
Hi guys (laughs nervously, while scratching the back of my neck) sorry its taken me this long to post.
Just wanted to thank you all for leaving a review, I truly appreciate it. You're guys' reviews is' what motivated me to finally sit down and finish this chapter.
I hope you all enjoy!
…
"Have you picked something yet?"
Asanuma shook his head dismissively, while flipping the pages of the art binder the tattoo shop provided.
Letting out a sigh in frustration, he turned to look at Usagi. "This is much harder than I expected."
Sitting at a black little table covered in all sorts of stickers and graffiti Usagi groaned in annoyance, leaning her head against her hand, "Can't we come back some other time?… I'm tiiiired."
Asanuma flipped another page filled with different tattoo ideas, then narrowed his eyes at his blonde companion.
Usagi rolled her eyes. "You've gone through that thing four times already."
"Well excuse me for taking my sweet time trying to decide on something that will be permanently branded on my body." He retorted.
Releasing a huff of exasperation Usagi let her head fall against her chair.
She was about to continue her whining when something caught her eye. There on the lights above them was a beautiful tribal design of a phoenix outlined in black, it's lengthy feathers forming into flames. Pointing toward the ceiling, "What about something like that?"
Two hours later and she found herself getting ready for bed. Tired from today's activities, she was more than happy to be home and let sleep consume her. Settling into her bed she released a heavy sigh. She looked at her alarm clock, it read 12:09 a.m. Turning her head she stared at her balcony doors with a wishful look upon her face.
After Asanuma dropped her off at home she half expected, half hoped that her family and friends had a surprise birthday party waiting for her and had somehow forgotten to tell her.
However, that wasn't the case. All she got was a lengthy voicemail from her Mama recalling her day's events and telling her they were extending their one day trip for the weekend and wouldn't be back until Sunday night. Apparently one of Shingo's friend's parents were grateful they were able to take the youngsters to DisneySea, they decided to book them all a room for two nights to explore more of the theme park the next day or tour around the city.
Retrieving her phone from her nightstand she checked for any missed calls or messages. No call or text from the girls or Mamoru.
Narrowing her eyes at her phone as if it were the one to blame. She shook her head, and promptly put it down. No, she wouldn't dwell on that. Who cares that her family, friends, and even her boyfriend forgot this special day. Even Luna was out of sight. Since Minako went on that hot spring getaway with the volleyball team, Luna offered Artemis her companionship for the weekend.
No. She didn't want to mull over that, Asanuma and her friends from school did their best to celebrate her birthday, it was more than she could ask for. She was more than grateful she had made some amazing friends.
Letting her head plop onto her pillow, she closed her eyes. She could faintly hear the rustling of the wind outside her balcony doors. It reminded her of the tattoo she picked. She ran her fingers over the bandages that covered the healing tattoo, a small smile played on her lips.
She didn't care how much Asanuma teased her about picking the most obvious and girliest tattoo. Or that it was branded in a place where she couldn't show it off to the world. This was something private, something dear to her, it had more meaning than anyone could ever understand.
Getting up off her bed, she stood in front of her vanity mirror. Taking a look at her reflection, she lifted her shirt up and started removing the wrapping. Looking at her reflection once more, silently thanking Selene for her fast healing abilities. She moved her hand toward her left side, just above her rib cage, using her delicate fingers, she traced over the intricate drawing; a stemmed rose outlined in the darkest of black with petals the color of crimson red, tiny red petals ran across the left side of her under breast as if dancing with the wind. Beneath those falling petals were words promised to her one true love. Words she expressed before death claimed her.
Inked in small cursive letters, 'You will forever be my always.'
It was their last night together before their worlds were destroyed, the last night before their kingdoms fell. She remembered the urgency in his voice when he came to see her.
Something in her heart was telling her something was off. The way he had kissed her when he spotted her near the fountain overlooking her favorite garden in the palace, his lips trembling slightly against hers. Or how the tips of his fingers were icy cold when he cradled her face. Although he looked calm and composed, she knew better. Serenity could read him like an open book, a pair of midnight blue eyes full of nervousness and fear were looking at her. His eyes roaming, never focusing on one place as if trying to memorize her features.
She had wanted to ask what was wrong. Kiss those fears away, but he beat her to it.
Stroking the side of her cheek with his thumb, Endymion stepped closer toward her and pressed a lingering kiss on her forehead. She shivered and let out a slight giggle. She had confessed that when he kissed her there her body would get warm and ticklish.
Softly murmuring onto her skin she heard him say, "I brought you a gift."
She removed herself from his embrace to look at him. "You did?" She gasped excitedly Momentarily forgetting she had a question to ask him . "What is it?"
Endymion let out a soft breathy laugh. "Close your eyes."
Closing her eyes, no questions asked. She felt giddy, biting her lip in anticipation she waited patiently. Endymion never failed in surprising her with little gifts. He often brought her a variety of flowers her home planet didn't produce, or baked delicacies her palace cooks had never heard of. However, there were times where he would bring her extraordinary gifts. One time he brought her a small vial containing rose oil because he remembered how much she loved inhaling his scent every time she hugged him. Another time he brought her a seashell from the ocean shore.
She couldn't wait to see what he brought her this time.
Serenity could hear the shuffling of his cape and armor. She furrowed her eyebrows together when she felt his gaze lingering on her longer than usual.
"Open your eyes, Serenity." He ordered gently.
Serenity gasped in shock. Holding out in front of her was a rose. It wasn't an ordinary one or like the ones from his special garden. This one was different. This one was made of glass. An exact replica of a rose, the intricate details all made of a special type of crystal glass substance. It left her in awe.
Meeting his gaze, she took the delicate flower from his hands and traced her fingers along its petals. "Endymion," she started breathless, still left in shock of its beauty. "This is… I… a normal rose would have been enough for me." She breathed out.
"This one will last a lifetime." He rasped out.
Cerulean blue met cobalt blue, only then did she notice the tears pooling in his eyes.
She brought a hand to his cheek, his much larger one keeping hers in place. Though terrified of the answer she asked. "Endymion, what's going on?" Her voice abnormally quiet.
Closing his eyes, she saw his Adam's apple move up and down as he swallowed. "Earth is—my people," taking a shaky breath. "War has broken out. Beryl is attacking my home and killing anyone and everyone who isn't against earth taking alliance with the Silver Millennium."
Serenity shook her head. No, no this wasn't supposed to happen. The alliance was so that they could have peace. It wasn't supposed to start a war. They had assured both their kingdoms that this new alliance would bring world peace. "But how—"
"Beryl has manipulated everyone into thinking this was all a ploy from the Moon Kingdom to catch us off guard and claim Earth as theirs."
"Your shittenou and my senshi can —" she rushed out.
Endymion shook his head slowly. "She got to them. My shittenou. They're all on her side." A mournful tone full of betrayal filled his voice.
Serenity clasped one of her hands over her mouth. She knew Endymion loved them as if they were his brothers, it was the same love she held for her senshi. Her senshi, how would they react once they found out the men they had fallen for had turned to the dark side?
A speck of hope lit up her features. "My mother, we can talk to the dignitaries from the other planets. We can go help—"
"Your mother and I find it best that your people stay here—"
"But—"
"You need to be kept safe, Serenity. I won't allow anything to happen to you." His voice stern as he gazed at his home planet in with a forlorn look on his chiseled face.
She shook her head frantically. She couldn't allow this.She couldn't just sit back and watch as his home got destroyed. Realizing that Endymion wouldn't sit back and watch as his people died, she let out a heart wrenching sob. No, her Endymion would die trying to save his people. He would protect her at all costs, even if it meant his own life. "No, you can't go back there!"
He rushed toward her and held her close to him, peppering her face with tear-stained kisses. Serenity held tighter to him, knowing full well this would be the last.
"I love you Serenity, I will always love you, my moon princess, my moon goddess." He whispered hoarsely against her temple. "Don't forget that, that I'll always love you—"
"No, please—" Whimpering against his chest, her head shaking against his armor. "Don't go, please don't go." She murmured against his tear stained armor, wet from her tears. The hiccups wouldn't allow her to say more, she kept repeating 'no' and held tighter to him, hoping that it would prevent him from leaving her.
She felt Endymion's form tremble against hers and heard as he failed miserably to clear his throat, his croaking sobs breaking through. Clearing his throat once more, his voice sounded foreign to her. Never had she heard the ever strong, stoic, and well collected prince Endymion break down.
"Roses aren't meant to last forever," his hoarse voice whispered against her temple "With time, no matter how beautiful a rose may be, it withers away and is left forgotten but not this one. This rose I gift to you symbolizes the undying love we share, the love that I have for you. Our love will forever remain in my heart until my last breath."
"Please stop—". She didn't want to keep hearing him, she wouldn't accept this as his last words of goodbye. She sobbed harder, her body trembling in despair. How could fate be so cruel? How did their love end in this sort of tragedy. It was unfair what they were being put through, all because they fell in love. This couldn't end this way. She shook her head vehemently, couldn't bring herself to believe this would be their last time together.
"Serenity, promise me you won't forget me." She felt his arms hold her with more force, his tears stained lips lingering against her temple.
Grasping tighter on to him, she buried her head against his armored chest, trying to mold her body with his. Maybe, just maybe their bodies could become one, then they wouldn't have to part ways. Wouldn't have to say goodbye.
He cupped her cheeks, bringing his tear stained face and trembling lips close to hers. Before both their trembling lips met, they heard their names being called out in the distance. The voices sounded frantic and panicked. "Serenity, Prince Endymion—".
Neither of their minds had the time to register who that voice belonged to, in that instant there was a booming sound followed by a mass sound of blood curling screams coming from the palace. The booming and screaming kept ringing in her ears. However, in the blink of an eye, her home was in ruins, her people left scattered with tattered bodies left to die.
The last thing Serenity remembered before she took her last breath was cradling Endymion's stiff cold hand as his lifeless body lay before her. Both their blood pooling around them. Pressing one last kiss on his forehead, she whispered the words she couldn't tell him before the attack occurred,
"You will forever be my Always—"
Tears trickled down, her breath hitching as her heart hammered wildly against her chest. She remembered that horrific night as if it had just happened the night before. Nothing could erase those piercing screams, the thunderous sounds of explosions going off as it took her kingdom down, or the heartache of losing your soulmate right before your eyes.
They were in a different lifetime, yet those vivid images of that fateful night still shook her to her core.
Taking a deep and shaky breath she wiped away her tears.
No. No one would fully understand why she chose the design she did. Just like a tattoo is permanently branded onto her skin. The love she held for her prince was embedded into her soul.
Taking one last deep breath, she finally made herself go to sleep.
The next day after making herself a veggie omelette, Usagi decided to give Mamoru a call. After it rang four times, she was about to hang up when an out of breath Mamoru answered her phone. She looked at the time and realized he must be out on his morning jog.
"Hey, Usako. Everything okay?"
Deciding to be 'mature' about the whole forgetting her birthday fiasco she bit her tongue from giving him a petty reply.
"Of course, why would there be anything wrong?" She smacked her forehead at her failed attempt and the way her tone held some form of accusation. Mumbling a small 'sorry' she told him she had a long night.
"Were you up binge watching that zombie show with Shingo again?" He asked teasingly.
Mamoru heard Usagi snort as he used the back of his hand to wipe the sweat off his forehead.
"We're all caught up, we're still waiting for the next season to come out." Jutting out her bottom lip in a petulant pout.
He smiled as he imagined his girlfriend's pouting.
"Anyway, I did not call you to talk about my long agonizing wait for the next season of Walking dead." A pout still in tow.
"Could've fooled me Odango." A teasing tone in his voice. "Though I am intrigued as to why you're up so early on a Saturday?"
"It's a quarter past 9, Mamo-chan." She deadpanned.
"My point exactly. You're notorious for sleeping in 'til 1:00 p.m. on a beautiful day as today."
She huffed in indignation, she was not in the mood for his teasing. "Yes and you're notorious for bullying poor innocent girls."
"Just the pretty blonde ones with Odango's on their head." A lazy arrogant smile on his lips.
She sputtered not knowing what to reply, whether it was due to her boyfriend's flirting or the fact that she didn't have said Odango's on her head, she didn't know.
"Gotcha there didn't I?"
She sputtered some more before clearing her throat, a cute blush spreading her cheeks. "As I was saying, I called to see if you wanted to go to the lake with me today? Maybe feed the ducks together? And you could tell me all about your return back at the hospital."
"I'd love to Usako—"
Excitedly she hopped off the barstool she was sitting on. "Great, I was thinking we could meet in an hour or two, don't worry about the bread, it's on my way to the lake, I can go pick some up—"
Mamoru took a deep sigh. "Usako," when he heard her side of the line silent, he continued, "I'd love to Usako, but I can't. I'm sorry. I didn't get a chance to meet with Dr. Saito yesterday, so he asked if I could go in today and go over some regulations and protocols."
"Oh." Her voice was small. "Okay. Some other time then?"
"Definitely." He soothed. "We can even throw in a picnic."
"That sounds great Mamo-chan." Her voice not as cheerful as before.
They continued talking on the phone as Mamoru made his way home. Once he reached his apartment they said their goodbyes so Mamoru could take a shower and get ready to head to Tokyo Hospital.
After hanging up Usagi got ready herself. She had some ducks to feed.
She found an empty bench that stared across the lake. She sat dressed in a simple white sundress with pink floral print that reached her knees, her feet adorned with matching pink flats, her hair up in a ponytail. As she placed the brown paper bag containing the delicious bread from her favorite bakery next to her, she closed her eyes, basking in the summer sun, admiring the peaceful surrounding her; kids playing in the background, while food vendors went about trying to gauge in people to buy their treats, birds flying and chirping lively, the family of ducks splashing in the lake.
This.This is what they fought for. Peace. Tranquility. A normal life.
She had barely opened her eyes when a pleasant and familiar voice came from beside her, briefly startling her.
"A beautiful day today, isn't it princess?"
She rolled her eyes at her use of formality, a smile spreading on her lips as she faced her companion of the day. Gentle garnet eyes looked back at her.
Usagi sighed dramatically, "I'm gonna pretend I didn't hear that last part." Referring to Setsuna's use of honorifics. "But to answer your question, it is a beautiful day today—"
"Wait—" Furrowing her brows together, usagi looked around in confusion. "Where's Hotaru, Haruka, and Michiru?"
"Does my presence alone make you uncomfortable, princess?" A slight smirk, her eyes full of mischief.
"Setsuna!" She whined. "What do I have to do for you to stop calling me that?" Her voice full of exasperation.
She loved and respected the older woman, but she hated when she called her that.
"Marry an heir to become queen." The forest green haired woman replied nonchalantly as she looked out towards the lake, a smirk still on her lips.
Usagi's mouth opened and closed, the guardian of time sure had a funny sense of humor. Finally Usagi mock glared at the senshi of time. "Ha ha, very funny. Mock me all you want 'Pluto'. Just you wait until I'm queen. I'll make sure you attend ALL social gatherings to socialize."
The usually quiet young woman who wore a forlorn look on her face gave a very unlady-like snort and failed miserably at hiding her amusement. "As you wish...princess."
Usagi really enjoyed this version of Setsuna, she was more lighthearted and her eyes held a happiness that was missing in the past.Though she still struggled to be more social, she was slowly opening up. Even her style in wear had brightened up. Though still the ever poised and conservative woman, her clothing was more youthful and vibrant. This caused Usagi's heart to swell with joy. Ever since they came back from the future after defeating the Black Moon clan and the Death Phantom she promised herself she'd remove the loneliness that haunted the ever loyal keeper of time. Yes, she had a duty to fulfill, but there was no need to be isolated from her loved ones.
Deciding to stop their mild bantering she asked, "So what brings you here today Setsuna, I thought you and Hotaru were gonna go to the zoo with Haruka and Michiru today?" as she got the bread out, handing Setsuna a piece to feed the ducks.
"We are. Michiru and Haruka took Hotaru to the store to get some supplies she needed for a school project, so I thought I'd stop by and bring you this—" she handed her a medium sized rectangular box wrapped in a bright pink glittery gift wrapping paper and a small purple gift bag with white sparkly tissue paper. "It's from all four of us, Happy belated Birthday, Usagi-chan." A warm smile reaching her eyes.
Usagi squealed in delight, causing Setsuna to smile more. "Can I open them?"
Setsuna nodded. "I'd be offended if you didn't." She said playfully.
Setsuna watched as Usagi unwrapped her presents. "It's not much, just something we figured you needed for school."
When Usagi finally got to her present she stilled. Eyes widening in surprise and awe. In it laid the most beautiful lyrical dress she'd ever seen. An elegant asymmetrical chiffon dress. The texture felt light and smooth on her fingertips. She traced the silver sequins embedded on the sleeves that would hang off her shoulders. The dress was the brightest color of white. It was breathtaking. It radiated elegance and poise. A dress that any performer could dream of wearing up on stage.
At that thought she paused and whipped her head so fast to look at Setsuna, she was almost positive any normal human being would have got whiplash. Her eyes wide in panic.
Setsuna sent her a lopsided smile, a hint of sadness reaching her eyes. "It's okay princess, your secret is safe with us."
Usagi released the breath she didn't know she was holding in. It's amazing how the body can be relaxed and at peace one minute, then go into a hyper state of tension
In a matter of seconds. Gone was the peace of mind she was basking in earlier. Her heart still not calming to its normal pace. She should have known better, the outer senshi were more observant and perceptive than what the others gave them credit for.
They sat in silence. Usagi not knowing what to say. While Setsuna gave her time to recover. The silence stretched out for a few more minutes.
The guardian of time silently watched as her princess tried to regain herself into the calm state she was previously in. She was trying to figure out what the petite blonde was thinking, her gaze was solely focused on her future queen, she hadn't heard the question.
Seeing her confusion, Usagi repeated herself. "How long have you known?"
"Does it really matter?"
Usagi's eyes once again settled on the lake. Staring at nothing in particular, she shook her head slowly. "No, I guess not." She whispered.
Being the guardian of the time gate, Setsuna was used to the silence, but this was unnerving. This was so unlike the Usagi she knew. She could tell by the slump of her shoulders that this was a serious matter for her princess. She was about to tell the young blonde that she could trust them with her secret, but the words that came out of the young blonde threw her for a loop.
"Am I messing everything up?" She asked softly. "The timeline, I mean...am I doing the right thing?" She turned to face the comforting Garnet eyes of her friend, unshed tears pooling in her cerulean blue eyes. "What if I'm messing up everything? Am I making the right decisions to get us all that future we've all desperately worked so hard for?"
Setsuna's heart broke a little inside for the young blonde. Usagi had the weight of the world over her shoulders, and every decision she took could either bring them a step closer to the future they all saw or a hundred steps back. She was full of uncertainty, doubts, and over all fear.
She grabbed ahold of her princess' hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Do you remember what you told me before you left the future?" Usagi shook her head. "It was after the defeat of the Death Phantom. No one else took notice of how distraught I was. Even though everything worked out just fine, and you managed to save the world again, I felt helpless and powerless that I couldn't stop Demande from abducting you nor wiseman from turning Small Lady to the dark side. I made an eternal oath to guard and overlook time, yet I was rendered helpless," a small tear threatened to fall.
At seeing this Usagi gave Setsuna a firm squeeze for support. A watery smile made way to the senshi's lips as she continued retelling a precious memory. "You made sure you were the last to leave the time gate and told me how strong I was, that you understood my duty could at times become burdensome and then you gave me the sweetest smile and, you said that—"
"It's okay, you can't control everything. Sometimes you just need to take breaths and have faith that things will work out. Let go and let life happen." Finished Usagi for her. "I remember now."
Setsuna nodded softly,"Now, I give you that same advice princess." Receiving a watery smile from the future queen to be.
Not used to the whole sentimental part, Setsuna cleared her throat awkwardly. "So I figure you liked your presents? Haruka will be really displeased to know you didn't like your gifts after chauffeuring us around Tokyo."
Usagi giggled as she had yet to open the small gift bag. Usagi smiled appreciatively at the glittery white tumblr cup. Reading over the written words in cursive silver letters, Usagi let out a hearty laugh. 'If you stumble, make it part of your dance'
"I love them Setsuna, I can't express how thankful I am. Not only for this gesture, but for everything Haruka, Michiru, and you are doing for me. I don't know how I'll ever repay you."
"Well," Setsuna drawled out, a smirk full of mischief displayed on her lips."You can always start by coming on time for our weekly sessions."
Usagi laughed nervously as she scratched the back of her neck. Giving Setsuna an embarrassed and apologetic smile. "Maybe we should add punctuality to one of our lessons?"
Setsuna gave her a knowing smile before gathering her handbag. "I'm sure Haruka will come up with an effective way so we can work on your punctuality."
Usagi blanched. Her mouth hung open. Haruka would most definitely sign herself up for that task. She could see it now, Haruka the tyrant trainer would so punish her by making her run laps, do a thousand push ups, pushing and pulling contraptions just for the thrill of it. Usagi shook her head out of that scary trance. Wanting to take her words back she noticed Setsuna was no longer next to her, she was making her way out of the park.
Bewildered Usagi stood and hollered at the older senshi. "Setsuna, WAIT! NO! DON'T TELL HARUKA—"
The tall senshi stopped mid step, schooling her features from laughing at the whaling blonde. Sending her a small wave, "See you on Wednesday Usagi-chan!" Turning back to continue her trek, she shook her and laughed at her princess' childish antics.
"SETSUNA!" Usagi whined
'Now that's the girl I know' an affectionate smile on the time guardian's lips as she passed a couple of people staring wide eyed at the young blondes display of hysteria.
…
Not very climatic, I know. Just bear with me guys. I just feel like we need to take baby steps in unraveling Usagi's secret. I mean come on, she's sailor moon, a reincarnated princess, the future ruler of this world. The girl knows how to keep a secret. So its gonna take some time. Just please be patient.
I promise there will be some drama, a jealous Mamoru (because who doesn't love a jealous Mamoru?) and definitely more Usagi in finding herself as a person.
Anyway, I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. Let me know what you think.
Reviews are always welcomed. (constructive criticism, cool beans..being mean, not cool at all).
