Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon Sailor Stars: Chaos Theory
Act 18: Usagi's Decision
By: Sora Kazeno
This is it! The moment you have been waiting for…
The blinding light died down to reveal Princess Serenity, Endymion, Sailor Star Fighter and Sailor Galaxia. Sailor Cosmos was nowhere to be seen.
Princess Serenity was the first to speak. "I can't keep putting everyone's lives in danger because of me. I understand I have to be the one to stop her. But first…" her voice trailed off as she turned to face Sailor Galaxia. "What are starseeds? I need to find a way to heal Usagi."
Sailor Galaxia was surprised by her directness; it was the complete opposite of Sailor Moon. "Starseeds," she began, "are the source of a senshi's power. Without then the body cannot exist. This is why the Starlights faded away. Only Sailor Cosmos knows where the starseeds are and she is the only one that can summon them back."
"So I need to break Chaos' control using this starseed…" Princess Serenity said as she pointed to her chest.
"Can you use the Maboroshi no Ginzuishou?" Endymion asked as he approached Princess Serenity. "It has worked in the past…" he said as his voice trailed off since he didn't feel like reminding her Queen Beryl had turned him evil.
"No," Princess Serenity said softly. "The crystal is inside of her staff… but I might be able to turn the crystal against her." She then turned her attention to Sailor Galaxia once more. "Be prepared to seal Chaos. This might be our only shot."
Even though Galaxia was afraid to hear the answer she asked Princess Serenity, "what are you going to do?" She watched her actions closely.
"It is my fight now," said Princess Serenity as she turned to face Sailor Galaxia. "Thank you for everything you've done… but it's my destiny to put Usagi back together. I can feel it. Please be ready to trap Chaos once the moment arises. I will only have one chance to remove all of Chaos," she repeated to Sailor Galaxia. "Try to collect small fragments of the energy if you can." She then turned to face Endymion. With a sad expression and a heavy heart she walked over to him. She raised her right hand and gently placed it on his cheek. "I wish things could have been different for us," she said with a sad smile. Her eyes became downcast as she slowly turned and walked away.
No one said anything for a moment since they were confused by her actions.
Endymion watched her for a few more seconds before he snapped out of it. "We should follow her," he told the others. "As stubborn as she can be is going to need our help, especially you." Endymion said as he turned to Sailor Galaxia.
Sailor Galaxia nodded her head in acknowledgement. "I will follow you shortly. I need to summon the cauldron and prefer to have it ready before Sailor Cosmos appears."
Sailor Star Fighter did not speak but slowly started to walk in the direction Princess Serenity had gone. All she wanted at the moment was to have Usagi back.
It didn't take Sailor Cosmos long to find her. Princess Serenity stood in a grassy field waiting for her. Sailor Cosmos hoover roughly twenty feet off the ground as she approached Princess Serenity. She expected some kind of trick and she had the best view from the air. "It doesn't matter what you do, I am going to collect everyone's starseeds," said Sailor Cosmos as she looked down at Princess Serenity.
"Leave the others alone!" Princess Serenity demanded as she glared at her adversary.
"So you are demanding things of me now?" Sailor Cosmos countered as she tightened the grip on her staff.
"This is our battle. It always has been an eternal battle between good and evil," Princess Serenity said as she raised both of her arms to her chest. She could feel power pulsing throughout her body. "This ends now." A bright light began to shimmer from her hands as her starseed appeared between them. She knew this was the only way. Feathers surrounded her body as large feathered wings appeared on her back. Princess Serenity looked up at Sailor Cosmos for a moment and took a deep breath before she flew into the air.
The others arrived just in time to see Princess Serenity take flight. They were too late. All they could do at this point was watch and pray.
"Be safe…" Endymion said quietly as he watched the princess rise up in the air. He wished her could do more to help her.
Sailor Galaxia gripped the cauldron tightly between her hands as she carefully studied Sailor Cosmos' actions.
Sailor Star Fighter was experiencing a sense of déjà vu as a part of Usagi fought Chaos once more. Her companions were different this time but she hoped the outcome would be the same and Usagi would be victorious once more.
Sailor Cosmos snickered as Princess Serenity approached her. "You really believe you can defeat me. How cute." She raised her staff and the ten pointed star inside the crystal began to glow. With a quick downward motion Sailor Cosmos unleashed the first attack.
Princess Serenity put her hands on top of her starseed to protect it from Chaos. The crescent moon on her forehead began to flow as she summoned her powers. She blasted back the golden energy at Sailor Cosmos and began to release a soft white light.
"Usagi!" She shouted, "You must reach the light!"
"Usagi is lost to you!" Sailor Cosmos yelled at Princess Serenity as she lunged forward at her.
Usagi attempted to shield her eyes from the bright light. She has been in darkness for so long. After a few moments her eyes were able to re-adjust. She shook the bars of the cell she was confined in. They still wouldn't budge. She stretched her arm outside of the cell desperately trying to reach the light. She felt the light was her only way out and if she could only reach it her problems would be solved. She refused to be defeated. She began to feel an increase in energy as a crescent moon appeared on her forehead.
Sailor Galaxia kept the cauldron close to her. As soon as Chaos' energy was released she would be ready. She stood their silently with the others as the battle raged on.
The light emitting from the starseed of Princess Serenity was weaker than expected. Princess Serenity knew it was because she lacked the crystal. She was being pushed back by Sailor Cosmos more and more. Yet she refused to give up.
"You're weak Serenity!" Sailor Cosmos taunted her as she collected more energy with her staff for another strike. Once she had enough energy she hurled it at Princess Serenity.
Princess Serenity used her wings to climb higher in the sky. She had been on the defensive for a while now as she focused her power to release Usagi. She focused once more and her starseed began to shrine brighter as it generated a pulsing white light.
"You're finally taking this battle seriously!" Sailor Cosmos exclaimed with glee. "But you're too late. The starseed is getting weaker… I can feel its energy burning out!"
Endymion watched the scene unfold before him but he didn't know what he could do help her.
"Can a starseed really burn out?" Sailor Star Fighter asked Sailor Galaxia with concern in her voice.
"Yes it is possible… but the Moon Princess has the strongest starseed-" Sailor Galaxia explained before she was cut off by Endymion.
"It is the strongest because of the Maboroshi no Ginzuishou," Endymion explained to the two. "It is the source of her power that only she can use."
"Then if she runs out of power…" said Sailor Star Fighter. She couldn't bare to finish the thought. Seeing her die twice was hard enough.
It was Sailor Cosmos' turn to shield her eyes from the bright light emitted by the starseed. "Such brightness!" She exclaimed. "I must retrieve that star seed!"
Usagi continued to reach forward. She was desperate to reach it. The iron bar was digging into her shoulder.
"Usagi! You have to hurry… I don't have much time left!" A voice pleaded with her.
A sharp pain in her shoulder made her temporarily retract her arm. She rubbed her shoulder in frustration. A few tears trickled down her cheeks and landed on her brooch. "I have to stop Chaos," she murmured as she closed her eyes. A soft glow began to emit from her brooch. She had tried dozens of times to transform in the past but she was unsuccessful each time. But this time it felt different. The light began to glow brighter from her brooch and she could feel a warm light engulfing her body. She slowly opened her eyes and shouted a phrase she had said countless times, "Moon Eternal, Make Up!" Feathers surrounded her body as she transformed. Her wings remained at full length when the transformation ended. The crescent moon on her forehead blazed with a golden aura as a tiara formed over her forehead. She removed the tiara and it began to turn into a discus of energy. "Moon Tiara Action!"
Just when Sailor Cosmos had the upper hand she let out a scream of agony as she fell from the sky to the ground below.
"That would be the cue," said Sailor Galaxia as she rushed forward with the cauldron. Sailor Star Fighter and Endymion were close behind her each worried about Usagi.
Sailor Cosmos slowly raised herself up to a sitting position. She gradually raised her head up and glared at Princess Serenity. The ten pointed star had vanished from her forehead which had been replaced by a crescent moon. "What… what have you done?" Sailor Cosmos asked Princess Serenity with hatred in her eyes.
"I've freed Usagi," Princess Serenity stated as she walked closer to her. She turned to face Sailor Galaxia and nodded her head. Princes Serenity's starseed glowed again and Sailor Cosmos led out a blood curling scream as black energy began to leave her body.
It only took Sailor Cosmos a few seconds to snap out of it. She grabbed her staff and lunged at the Princess. She was unsuccessful.
Princess Serenity used her wings and easily dodged the attack. "You've already lost."
"Impossible!" Sailor Cosmos retorted.
Princess Serenity did not say a word but pointed to the staff Sailor Cosmos held in her right hand.
Sailor Cosmos turned her head to look at the staff and discovered it began to emit the same white light as the Princess' starseed.
Sailor Galaxia frowned. She was only able to collect a small portion of Chaos' power and realized she needed to be patient.
'Come on Odango!' Sailor Star Fighter thought to herself. She hoped the nightmare would end soon.
Endymion closed his eyes, he had a hard time watching the events before him.
The staff Sailor Cosmos held began to emit a brighter light. As the crystal began to grow brighter at the top of the staff it also became warmer to a point it began to burn. Sailor Cosmos yelled as she dropped the staff to ground. As soon as the staff hit the ground a few feathers emerged from it. The staff rolled over to Princess Serenity. Sailor Cosmos looked down at her hand which was now bright red.
Princess Serenity carefully picked up the staff and the crystal grew brighter. She was using the crystal to magnify the power of the starseed. "It's time I break the binds of Chaos," she said softly.
Sailor Cosmos bracelets began to glow. For a moment Sailor Cosmos appeared as Sailor Moon but she quickly revered back. "No!" Sailor Cosmos screamed at her. "You can't have Usagi back! She is mine to control!" A crack formed in her bracelets.
"You've already lost control of your staff," Princess Serenity said as she looked down at Sailor Cosmos. "It is time for you to be sealed, forever." Princess Serenity turned her body to look at Sailor Galaxia. "This is it," she said.
Sailor Galaxia stepped forward as more black energy left Sailor Cosmos's body. The caldron began to fill quicker. For the first time in weeks Sailor Galaxia felt like Chaos could be defeated.
Princess Serenity's starseed returned to the inside of her body as the crystal on top of the staff continued to glow. "Moon Healing Escalation!" An outline of the Maboroshi no Ginzuishou appeared within the crystal orb as the orb grew brighter. Princess Serenity had invoked the power of the crystal against Chaos.
Sailor Cosmos was bathed in pure white light. She could slowly feel her body rising up from the ground. Her bracelets shattered into small pieces. For a few moments an image of Sailor Moon had merged with Sailor Cosmos once more. It was almost over.
The wings on Princess Serenity's back disappeared in flurry of feathers. She slowly walked toward Sailor Cosmos. She hesitated for a moment when she was only inches away from her. She sighed as her shoulders slumped a little. She knew nothing would ever be the same once Usagi opened her eyes and regained control of her body. She turned her head to look at Endymion one final time. Princess Serenity's body began to fade as she walked forward and phased into Sailor Cosmos' body. Sailor Cosmos screamed once more. She was now holding the staff in the same hand that was burned earlier. Black energy poured out of her body at a quick pace.
The dark energy was funneled into the caldron Sailor Galaxia held in her hands.
The dark energy that emitted from Sailor Cosmos gradually changed to a bright golden color. The energy began to dim and Sailor Cosmos slowly opened her eyes. Her eyes were once again a clear shade of blue. She was speechless as she looked at everyone. Tears began to well up in her eyes. She was struggling to breathe as she found her voice, "what have I done…" she said in a terrified voice.
Sailor Galaxia rushed forward to her before the others could reach her. "Sailor Moon. No, Sailor Cosmos!" She said loudly as she tried to snap her out of state of shock. "You must seal the cauldron before Chaos can escape!"
Sailor Cosmos looked at Sailor Galaxia with unblinking eyes. "But.. I… how…" she stuttered as she spoke. She might be more powerful than she ever was before but she did not know how to use her new found powers.
"You have to snap out this!" Sailor Galaxia shouted at Sailor Cosmos.
Sailor Cosmos was still unresponsive as her mind tried to process everything that happened.
Sailor Star Fighter watched her confusion. It reminded her of when she learned Mamoru's starseed had been taken by Sailor Galaxia. When she is in that state she can't focus and now was not the time. "Odango, you can't let everyone's starseeds go to waste if you don't stop Chaos!" She shouted at Sailor Cosmos.
Sailor Star Fighter's words hit her hard. It was her fault that everyone's starseeds were taken but she was not going to let it be for nothing. She looked at Sailor Star Fighter and nodded her head in acknowledgement.
"Usako, listen to Sailor Galaxia. She will tell you everything you need to know," Endymion said as he did his best to encourage her from a distance.
Sailor Cosmos turned to face Sailor Galaxia with a look of determination in her eyes. "What do I do?" She asked the golden senshi as she approached her.
"Place the crown of your staff over the top of cauldron and channel your power into your staff to create a seal. The seal I have placed on the cauldron is only temporary. It will only be a matter of time before Chaos can be reborn again," Sailor Galaxia explained as she held out the cauldron in front of her.
Sailor Cosmos placed her staff inches above the cauldron and closed her eyes. She felt a power growing deep inside. She focused on her power and brought it forward fueled by her desire to stop Chaos. A thin white layer began to form over the base of the cauldron. The covering quickly grew in thickness and began to engulf the entire cauldron. On the lid a ten pointed star was engraved.
Sailor Galaxia sighed in relief now that the cauldron was sealed.
"Is… is it over?" Sailor Cosmos asked as she stared at the cauldron.
"Yes," Sailor Galaxia said with a smile. "But there is one more thing for you to do. As you know Chaos collected their starseeds but it does not mean that they are gone forever."
Sailor Cosmos gasped as she stared at her with her jaw open. "How can they be saved?"
"Only you can summon them back but it will not be easy," explained Sailor Galaxia.
"I don't care! They didn't deserve to have that happen to them! What is the point of sealing Chaos if they can't be saved?" Sailor Cosmos asked as tears once again began to form in her eyes. "Please tell me what I need to do."
"You have to have to call the starseeds to you. I do not know where Chaos has sent the starseeds. Start by looking for the star with the brightest shrine. Once you can find the first one it will be easier to find even dimmer stars," explained Sailor Galaxia to Sailor Cosmos. "This is something that only you can do."
Sailor Cosmos closed her eyes. The crescent moon on her forehead disappeared and was replaced with a ten pointed star. The star began to glow as Sailor Cosmos' body was engulfed in a white aura. She slowly outstretched her left hand with her palm upward. She was in deep concentration. "I can see something …" Sailor Cosmos said softly. Her eyes squinted as she struggled to lock on to the starseed. A few red-orange sparkles began to form in her hand. The sparks began to grow brighter as they began to take on a new shape. They began to form a starseed. Sailor Cosmos' hand began to glow brighter as the starseed began to appear. Sailor Cosmos took a deep breath as she opened her eyes. She looked down at her hand and felt relieved that she was able to summon a starseed. She smiled. She gently lifted her left hand and the starseed floated out of her hand. Once it appeared a few feet away it began to materialize as a sailor senshi. It was Sailor Kakyuu.
Sailor Kakyuu opened her eyes and smiled at Sailor Cosmos. "You've done well Sailor… Cosmos," Sailor Kakyuu said. She paused before she said Cosmos since she was not used to calling her Sailor Cosmos yet. She was still Sailor Moon in her eyes.
"…Princess…" Sailor Star Fighter said happily as tears threatened to fall of her eyes.
Sailor Kakyuu smiled at Sailor Star Fighter. She then turned to face Sailor Cosmos once more. "The others are not far from where I was. You can summon the others back," She encouraged her.
Sailor Cosmos let out a deep breath and closed her eyes again. "…I can see another starseed…" she said softly. The star on her forehead began to glow again. Purple sparkles began to form in her hand as another star seed began to materialize. Sailor Cosmos opened her eyes and as the starseed began to take on a human form. Small purple stars quickly multiplied as they became Sailor Saturn. Sailor Saturn gasped when she opened her eyes. "Chaos!" She exclaimed as she saw Sailor Cosmos.
"It's alright," Sailor Kakyuu said to ease her nerves.
"Sailor Moon and Sailor Galaxia sealed Chaos," Endymion informed her. He couldn't quite bring himself to not call her Sailor Moon since he had called her that for so many years.
"Then the others…?" Asked Sailor Saturn as she looked around and noticed the lack of sailor senshi.
"They will rejoin us soon," Reassured Sailor Galaxia. "Sailor Cosmos, please continue."
Sailor Cosmos repeated the steps she had for the previous two senshi. Red sparks formed in her hands as a crimson colored starseed appeared. The starseed floated over to Sailor Saturn. Arrows that looked like the hands of a clock turned a magenta color and formed a garnet orb. From the orb appeared Sailor Pluto.
Sailor Pluto opened her eyes and had a similar experience as Sailor Saturn but after one look from Sailor Cosmos she could tell she was back to normal.
Sailor Cosmos closed her eyes. She struggled to find the next starseed. "The others are further away…"
"That is because they are not as powerful as the ones you have already summoned. The more a star shines the easier it is summon it. Keep searching. I know they are there," said Sailor Galaxia as she watched Sailor Cosmos closely.
Nothing happened for a few moments. Sailor Cosmos' hand grew brighter as it emitted more energy. After another minute passed and lime green sparks appeared in her hand. A few seconds later lavender sparks appeared in her hand at the same time. It didn't take long for two starseeds to materialize in her hand.
The two starseeds floated over by Sailor Star Fighter. The lime green starseed was on the right side of Sailor Star Fighter and o her left was a lavender starseed. The two star seeds had a familiar presence to her. "Yaten… Taiki…" she said as she looked back and forth between the two starseeds.
Light in the respective starseeds color radiated from the starseeds. The light began to take shape and took the forms of Sailor Star Healer and Sailor Star Maker.
Sailor Star Healer looked around for a moment before she spoke, "Princess? Fighter! Maker!" She exclaimed.
Before Sailor Star Maker could speak she and Sailor Star Healer were caught in a hug by Sailor Star Fighter. Sailor Star Fighter cried tears of joy at the return of her comrades. When the embrace ended Sailor Star Maker finally had a chance to speak. "So then it's over?" She asked Sailor Star Fighter in disbelief.
Sailor Star Fighter did not speak but nodded her head. She then looked back at Sailor Cosmos in deep concentration once more.
Navy sparks appeared in her hand which quickly took the shape of a starseed. Once the starseed was full formed it flew over to Sailor Pluto and Sailor Saturn. Wind began to generate from the starseed which quickly became the body of Sailor Uranus.
Sailor Uranus opened her eyes and immediately saw Sailor Pluto and Sailor Saturn. She turned around in a circle frantically as she searched for Sailor Neptune. "Michiru?" She said as she tried to find an answer.
"There," Sailor Pluto said as she pointed back at Sailor Cosmos.
Teal sparks had begun to form in Sailor Cosmos' hand almost immediately after Sailor Uranus' starseed had formed completely. Once the starseed had formed it flew over to Sailor Uranus.
Sailor Uranus watched the starseed anxiously as water began to splash out of the starseed. With the sound of crashing waves Sailor Neptune once again stood next to Sailor Uranus. Within seconds Sailor Uranus engulfed Sailor Neptune in a hug. Sailor Neptune hugged her back.
Sailor Cosmos smiled as more of the senshi appeared. But she began to feel weak. She gripped her staff tighter to steady herself. She couldn't let the others know she was on the verge of exhaustion when there were still four more starseeds she had to summon. They would be more difficult from the others. But she refused to give up. She closed her eyes and concentrated. The remaining four were grouped closely together. Orange sparks began to appear in her hand. Once the starseed was fully formed it floated to the side of her.
Small orange shaped hearts erupted from the starseed and became Sailor Venus. She opened her eyes and smiled at Sailor Cosmos. "Usagi-chan!" She exclaimed in excitement. She then realized not everyone was back yet. She took a step back as she realized Sailor Cosmos still had more work to complete.
Sailor Cosmos took a deep breath as red sparks began to form in her hand. She winced slightly as the strain began to weigh in on her. But she would not stop until all of her friends had returned.
The starseed then floated over next to Sailor Venus. Flames radiated from the starseed and formed the body of Sailor Mars. Sailor Mars opened her eyes and smiled at Sailor Venus. She felt relieved that everything had worked out. She looked over at Usagi but did not speak. It was if her eyes spoke for her. Sailor Cosmos beamed at her.
Sailor Cosmos focused her energy again. There were only two starseeds left. No matter how exhausted she felt, she was not going to give up. Emerald sparks began to collect in her hand. Once the starseed was fully formed it relocated itself next o Sailor Venus and Sailor Mars.
Lighting flashed from the starseed as it began to take a human form. As soon as Sailor Jupiter appeared she caught herself in a hug from Sailor Venus and Sailor Mars. They were only missing one more.
Blue sparks had already begun to form in Sailor Cosmos' hand by the time the trio turned around to face her. Sailor Cosmos let out a sigh of relief when the last starseed finally formed. With a final flick of her wrist the starseed left her hand and joined Sailor Venus, Sailor Mars and Sailor Jupiter. Water began to splash out of the starseed and it took the form of Sailor Mercury.
Sailor Mercury opened her eyes and smiled at the others, "we all made it back," she said.
Sailor Cosmos looked at the scene before her. Her gut was telling her something wasn't right but she couldn't determine what it was yet.
The air began to sparkle next to Sailor Saturn. She was very confused for a moment until it began to take form. It was Chibi Usa. Now that things had normalized she had reappeared. "Chibi Usa-chan!" Exclaimed Sailor Saturn as she hugged her best friend.
Chibi Usa hugged her back but she seemed to be in a daze. When they parted Chibi Usa stared at Sailor Saturn without a word.
"Chibi Usa-chan, what's wrong?" Sailor Saturn asked her as she became alarmed by her actions.
Chibi Usa stood there for a moment before she spoke, "…Hotaru-chan… that fuku… you've never had it in the future!" She shouted as panic began to set in.
Sailor Cosmos remembered at that moment that there were two more starseeds she needed to summon. The first two she had taken when she traveled to the future. She didn't understand why she didn't see them before. She closed her eyes and focused once more. She felt confident she could return them.
"What does it mean?" Chibi Usa asked as she continued to stare at her fuku. The Inner Senshi began to gather around them.
Meanwhile Sailor Pluto walked over to Sailor Cosmos as two bright starseeds appeared next to her. One was pure white and the other one was gold. They belonged to the King and Queen of Crystal Tokyo. It was clear to her Sailor Cosmos was exhausted and needed to be accompanied into the time streams. "Small Lady," said Sailor Pluto as she walked over to her. "It is time you returned home."
Chibi Usa turned and faced Sailor Pluto. She nodded her head. She then ran over to Sailor Cosmos to yell at her. "Don't ever do that again Usagi!" She let out a deep breath as she scolded her.
Sailor Cosmos raised her eyebrow at the little girl as energy seemed to return to her for a moment. "Do you have idea what we've been through!"
"I disappeared because of you!" Chibi Usa shouted at her as she stuck out her tongue.
Sailor Cosmos shouted back at her and stuck out her tongue.
Sailor Uranus teardropped as she watched the too. "So this is what you have to deal with all the time Mamoru-san?"
"Yes," Endymion said as he also had a teardrop on the side of his head.
Sailor Pluto's garnet orb flashed as a large door appeared before her. She had created an entrance to the time streams. She wondered what lied ahead of her due to the recent events.
As soon as Chibi Usa saw the large door she left Usagi and ran over to Sailor Pluto. "I'm ready to go!"
Sailor Cosmos slowly followed behind her. The two starseeds where floating above her hand. She wanted to apologize to her future self for the damage she had caused. She couldn't believe she had taken their starseeds but she realized the action demonstrated how ruthless Chaos can be.
The door slowly closed behind the three of them. The others stood waiting for their return.
"Is that the cauldron?" Sailor Jupiter asked as she pointed at the object in Sailor Galaxia's arms.
"Yes," said Sailor Galaxia. "Sailor Cosmos was successfully able to re-seal Chaos. This mark," she said as she pointed to the ten pointed star, "is proof of her success. Chaos should never bother us again." She finished with a smile. She then turned to Sailor Uranus, "I am glad your plan worked."
"It was a big gamble," agreed Sailor Uranus, "but sometimes it is all you have. The only thing I don't understand is how Princess Serenity had a starseed when Chaos took it."
"When you attacked Sailor Cosmos it was Princess Serenity who unknowingly called out to her starseed without even fully understanding what starseeds are," Sailor Galaxia explained to everyone.
Before Sailor Galaxia could finish her explanation purple mist appeared where the trio had disappeared. Sailor Pluto looked panicked as she returned. Sailor Cosmos had tears streaming down her face.
"I don't believe it…" Sailor Cosmos whispered in disbelief. "Crystal Tokyo doesn't exist anymore… everything changed in the future… everything was the same! Tokyo looked the same in the future!" Sailor Cosmos shouted in frustration at what she had seen. "And Chibi Usa…" said Sailor Cosmos as her voice trailed off. "…she disappeared as soon as we entered the time streams!" Sailor Cosmos was becoming hysterical at this point. "As soon as we appeared in Tokyo the starseeds flew off somewhere into different directions…" The future she was sure about had changed. Sailor Cosmos turned to Sailor Pluto to ask her a question. "What happened? What does it mean?"
Sailor Pluto took a deep breath before she answered. "It means that… the timeline Chibi Usa lived in no longer exists… and she couldn't survive outside of time…" Sailor Pluto bit her lip before she finished. "In Chibi Usa's time line Sailor Cosmos did not appear." she said as she tried to digest the new information she had just learned.
Sailor Cosmos felt the back of her neck began to feel hot as her head began to spin. Everything turned black in front of her. She dropped her staff on the ground. Sailor Cosmos' fuku reverted back to white ribbons and was then replaced by Usagi's school uniform. Endymion was barely able to reach her in time before she hit the ground. Her school uniform was tattered and she was missing a shoe.
"Usako!" Endymion exclaimed as he tried to wake her up. She was breathing but unresponsive.
"She's exhausted and it was too much for her to handle at once," said Sailor Pluto as she walked over to her.
"It's a lot for any of use to handle!" Sailor Mars yelled in frustration. "But we've been to the future… it can't change that quickly…" she said as her voice trailed off.
"The future is never written in stone. Each choice we make can change the direction of our destiny," explained Sailor Pluto. She turned to Endymion," this was too much for her at once. Take her somewhere safe where she can rest."
Endymion nodded his head. "I'll be in touch," he said as he stared at the young woman asleep in his arms. He was anxious for her to wake up. He walked off with her still in his arms.
Sailor Star Fighter eyes were downcast. This was the second time she watched her be carried off. With everything that had happened she wasn't sure if she should try to talk to Usagi or just leave. She was conflicted on what to do.
"We should also be leaving soon," Sailor Kakyuu said breaking the silence. "We have some preparations to make before we leave tomorrow. We should all rest tonight," she said as she turned to the Sailor Starlights. "We have a long journey a head of us."
Sailor Star Healer and Sailor Star Maker were relieved at the news they would return home once more. Sailor Star Fighter was unresponsive as she stood next the others. They slowly began to walk away.
"Wait," Sailor Uranus called after them. The Starlights turned around in surprise when they heard her voice. "…I wanted to thank you… for protecting the Earth in our absence." Sailor Uranus said as she extended her hand to them.
The Starlights were shocked by Sailor Uranus' actions but were glad that her misgivings were finally gone.
After they shook hands they left.
"I never thought I would see the day," Sailor Neptune teased her as walked over to her.
Sailor Uranus blushed, "sometimes people change."
"It is time I returned the cauldron to its resting place," Sailor Galaxia. "I will be keeping a close eye to ensure Chaos will never bother us again." She disappeared in a blaze of golden light.
Sailor Mars approached Sailor Pluto once more. She was determined to receive a straight answer from her. "What does it mean for Crystal Tokyo to vanish?"
"It means the Neo-Queen Serenity you had seen in the future never became Sailor Cosmos," explained Sailor Pluto.
"…but I don't understand how everything could have changed so drastically. Unless…" Sailor Mars paused as she thought about recent events. "It's because of Seiya-kun isn't it?"
"Rei-chan!" Minako exclaimed. "How could you say that about Usagi-chan?"
"But it is something we have all thought at one time Minako-chan," Sailor Mercury said as she mirrored the same concerned expression Sailor Jupiter had.
"I'm not sure, other than Chaos reappeared in our time and it changed everything. We must each choose our own destiny and be happy with the decisions we make. Right now the Princess needs our support more than anything. We can't do anything until she wakes up. I suggest we all get some rest. It has been an exhausting month," said Sailor Pluto as she left with Sailor Saturn, Sailor Neptune and Sailor Uranus.
"I'm really worried about Usagi-chan," Sailor Venus said to the remaining three senshi.
"But she would never pick Seiya-kun over Mamoru-san," said Sailor Jupiter as she tried to reassure herself and the others.
"I'm not so sure about it anymore," said Sailor Mars. "Chibi Usa is gone and so is Crystal Tokyo. It might be a sign."
Taiki and Yaten were clearing out their belongings discussing what they were going to do first as soon as they returned home.
Seiya on the other hand was going through the motions. He was still undecided what he should do about Usagi. A part of him wanted to talk to Usagi but he knew it would only hurt him. The more he thought about everything the more he realized he didn't stand a chance.
"Fighter," Princess Kakyuu spoke softly as she interrupted his thoughts.
"Yes, Princess?" He asked as he tried to refocus his attention.
"Make sure to see Usagi-san tomorrow before we leave," she said with a small smile. "I also need to thank her for watching over the Starlights in my absence."
Seiya smiled at her request. He knew it would be hard to say goodbye to her again but the thought of seeing her again made him happy. He pushed his previous thoughts to the side and realized it would be impossible for him to leave Earth without saying goodbye to her.
Usagi looked around and saw darkness. The last thing she remembered was returning from the future and discovering Crystal Tokyo never was. "Is anyone there?" She asked meekly. No response. Everywhere she looked she saw darkness. She began to feel frustrated when saw a white light. The darkness had intensified the brightness and she shielded her eyes. When the light vanished Princess Serenity stood there.
"You've been through a lot," said Princess Serenity as she walked forward to close the distance between the two of them.
"I feel like all of this is my fault," Usagi said as tears began to form in her eyes.
"You have set events into motion that changed the course of your future. After battling against Queen Beryl again it awakened the Chaos within your starseed when you were the most vulnerable. You summoned the animates to search the starseeds without your knowledge. When you realized you were alone you turned to the Starlights for help. That closeness began to confuse you, which made it easier for Chaos to control you. If your feelings never wavered from Endymion none of this would have happened."
"That's not true! I love Mamo-chan!"
"Really? Then why did you kiss Seiya? Chaos never would have been able to force you to do something without having complete control. Because you wanted to kiss Seiya, Chaos was able to take full control."
Usagi stood there stunned at Princess Serenity's words. She didn't know what to say. "But… I love Mamo-chan…" Usagi said in a quiet voice. "We can still make Crystal Tokyo happen!" She said trying to be as cheerful as possible.
"Who are you trying to convince, me or yourself? I will always love Endymion but can you say the same about Mamoru?"
"Of course!" Usagi said without hesitation.
"Then why did Crystal Tokyo disappear?"
Mamoru looked up when he heard Usagi mumbling in her sleep. He couldn't tell exactly what was going on but it seemed like she was arguing with someone. After a few minutes it stopped and she she shifted in her sleep.
"I'm so glad to have her back," Luna said as she also watched her sleep. "But with her new powers come new responsibilities…" Luna said as she looked down at the carpet.
"What do you mean?" Mamoru asked in alarm.
"She is the guardian of the galaxies. When other star systems need help they will turn to her. It won't be long until everyone knows she has awakened."
"But if the evil is vanished everywhere because of Sailor Cosmos… there might be peace one day. I just wish I knew how the help her."
The following morning Mamoru woke up in the chair he was sitting in the night before. A blanket had been placed over him and he knew it wasn't there the day before. He then realized the bed was empty. Mamoru jumped out of the chair and nearly fell over when he tripped on the blanket. When Mamoru finally stumbled his way over to the bed he discovered Usagi had left her school uniform and a note. He quickly read the note and discovered she left to talk to Rei. She didn't want to wake him up since he looked so peaceful. She had promised to be back in a little bit. Mamoru couldn't believe what he read. He felt frustrated since they had a lot to talk about. He grabbed his jacket and headed out the door. He debated going for a walk or heading over to Rei's.
A soft knock on the door made Rei look up from the manga she was trying to read. "Yes?"
The door slid open and Usagi stood in the doorway.
"Usagi!" Rei exclaimed as she jumped to her feet. She ran over to her and gave her a large hug. It didn't last long as Rei picked up on the lack of cheerfulness from Usagi. "What's wrong Usagi?"
"I did something bad Rei-chan," Usagi said as she sat down on the floor by the table.
Rei became alarmed at her actions. "What happened Usagi?"
"I…" Usagi started and stopped. It was difficult for her talk about it. "Right before Mamo-chan received his memories back… I … I kissed Seiya."
Rei gasped at Usagi's confession. A part of her was not surprised yet she couldn't believe it at the same time. She chose her next words carefully. "Was it a mistake?" She carefully watched Usagi for a reaction.
Usagi stared at the table and didn't respond. Her silence answered Rei's question. After a moment Usagi finally raised her head. "How can I care about two people like that?" Usagi finally admitted between her tears.
"Usagi…" Rei said as she tried to comfort her by placing an arm around her back.
"What do I do?" What do I say?"
"Have you told Mamoru-san what happened?"
"No yet… I kind of left this morning while he was sleeping…" Usagi said as her voice trailed off.
"Usagi!"
"But I left a note!"
Rei shook her head at Usagi. Her expression changed before she spoke. "You have to listen to your heart."
"I'm so confused…"
"I think deep down you already made you decision and whoever it is you should go and talk to them immediately. Your future is up to you to decide Usagi. Whatever you choose just know that I'll support you."
Usagi nodded her head as she felt a sense of relief after talking to Rei. "Let me call first…" Rei passed her a telephone. She quickly dialed the number. After several rings no one picked up. Usagi gave the telephone back to Rei. She was now more determined than ever to find him. "I'm going to go look for him!" Usagi announced as she jumped to her feet.
An hour later she was ready to give up when she saw him. He was slowly walking ahead of her and he seemed to be in his own world. She quickly ran over to him. He was shocked to see her here.
"You seem to be feeling a lot better," he teased her.
Before he could say anything else she cut him off. "I'm sorry I've put you through so much. It isn't fair!" She paused for a moment.
"It's okay," he said as he tried to comfort her.
She couldn't keep it in any longer. "I love you," she said.
He smiled at her words. "I love you too Odango," Seiya said as he leaned over and kissed her.
!
I finished it! This is by far the longest fanfiction I have written and in only a span of 3.5 months and an additional 2 weeks for revisions and editing. Best NaNoWriMo project yet. Will there be another story you ask. I have no idea. I have no plans in the immediate future as I am lacking a story. I have a few vague ideas but that might work for side stories. What do you guys think? Please review and share your thoughts. If more chapters are written they will be added here so bookmark or alert this story for any future updates.