Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon Sailor Stars: Chaos Theory
Act 23: Resurrection
By: Sora Kazeno
This is the moment you've been waiting for since Usagi left! A reunion with the senshi and Mamoru finally talks to Usagi. Feedback is always welcomed!
Usagi has given a remedy hours ago but her symptoms had not improved. Princess Kakyuu was afraid her condition would decline rapidly and it would be too late to save her. She eagerly awaited the arrival of Sailor Galaxia.
A flash of golden light appeared. "I understand there is an emergency?" Asked Sailor Galaxia as she approached Princess Kakyuu in order to obtain more information about the current situation.
"We have just learned that Usagi-san is very sick… the atmosphere is toxic to her bloodline. I need your help to escort the Starlights back to Earth to see if there is a way to save her," explained a very distraught Princess Kakyuu.
Sailor Galaxia was shocked by Princess Kakyuu's words. "Toxic?"
"Yes… apparently it is dangerous to those of lunar descent from the Milky Way. Her fatigue was a sign we overlooked," said Princess Kakyuu to help Galaxia fill in the gaps.
"Where are the Starlights?"
"They are with Usagi-san. I will lead you to them." Princess Kakyuu said as she walked Sailor Galaxia to Usagi's room. As they walked Princess Kakyuu explained what she knew about Moon Sickness.
Sailor Star Maker and Sailor Star Healer immediately opened a door as soon as they heard a knock. Their faces were grim. "She's really pale," said Sailor Star Healer in a worried voice. She couldn't believe what was happening. Usagi survived two battles with Chaos but could be done in just by visiting their home.
"Where is Fighter?" Asked Sailor Galaxia when she realized she was short one Starlight.
"I'm here," responded Sailor Star Fighter said in the doorway. Her eyes had red tint. She was visibility upset by recent events.
"We need to move her immediately and I am here to help you. If she is from the Moon, would it be best to return her there?" Asked Sailor Galaxia as she tried to develop a plan with the others.
"I'm not sure how that would help," said Sailor Star Maker in a puzzled expression.
"No, wait… the other day she told me about the Silver Millennium… the palace she used to live in. My gut is telling me we can find a way to help her there," said Sailor Star Fighter as she became hopeful for the first time in the past 24 hours since Usagi collapsed after a training session.
Sailor Galaxia smiled. "Perhaps we can find something that can help with her recovery."
Princess Kakyuu looked sad as gave the Sailor Starlights her instructions. "I want the three of you to travel with Usagi-san and stay with her for a little while to make sure the danger has passed. I must remain here. I check in with you within a few days time."
"Of course," said Sailor Star Fighter. Her own focus was on Usagi at the moment and missed the glances exchanged between Sailor Star Maker and Sailor Star Healer.
"Are you sure, Hotaru-chan?" Questioned Michiru as walked over to the counter to look at her Deep Aqua Mirror. She gasped when she saw an image of a dark moon and a very pale, almost white like Usagi. The Ginzuishou floated above her. She placed the mirror upside down on the counter.
Mamoru walked over to her to ask, "what did you see?"
Michiru shook her head, "it is better if you did not see it. She looked very… ill." Her eyes were sympathetic to him.
Haruka turned her focus back to Hotaru, "is she there now?"
"No," Hotaru said, but she will be there soon."
"We'll be ready for her," said Setsuna and turned to look at the others. Everyone nodded their heads in agreement.
Ami was hard at work at her summer work but had to take a break in order to help Makoto with a difficult math question. Minako rolled her pencil around on her English work. Rei spoke softly at the other end of the room with Luna and Artemis. They were supposed to be trying to keep each other busy to avoid thinking about missing Usagi. But the conversation always drifted back to the same topic.
"I can't focus on this anymore," Minako finally spoke up as she placed her pencil down. She fell back the short distance to the floor from the kotasu everyone was around. The cushion she sat on nearly flipped over in the process.
"You can't give up that quickly Minako-chan," said Artemis as he tried to convince her. "The work will help you keep busy and you'll be able to spend all your time with her as soon as she returns."
"Whenever that is…" Minako mumbled.
Sailor Star Healer and Sailor Star Maker had a flashback of the ruins of their home planet when they first witnessed the ruins of the Silver Millennium. "This is horrible…" said Sailor Star Healer with sadness in her voice.
Sailor Galaxia cast a downward glance at the destruction. She had heard legends regarding the beauty and splendor the palace. Sailor Star Fighter held Usagi closer to her chest.
Sailor Star Maker walked forward a few paces and then turned around to face the others, "now what? We won't be able to find anything here."
"Her senshi. Find her senshi. They must know something that we do not," said Sailor Galaxia. "I will stay here with her."
Sailor Star Fighter was able to find a flat fragment of a once large pillar to lay Usagi upon. "We will be back soon," she said as she walked over to the other two Starlights. "I think I know where to go to find them."
"Okay…" Minako said out loud as she was finally ready to go back to her work. A noise from outside caused her stand up. "Something sounds weird," she said as she left the room. The other girls followed a few steps behind. Minako was the first to step outside, "Starlights!" She exclaimed happily. Her happiness faded as she noticed the worried expressions on their faces. "What's going on?" She asked them.
The other girls quicken their pace as soon as they Minako's shout. They expected to see Usagi with them but she was noticeably absent. Luna and Artemis were close behind.
"Where is Usagi-chan?" Makoto asked as she began to feel panicked. She couldn't believe the Starlights stood before them without Usagi.
Sailor Star Fighter was the first to speak, "you need to come with us immediately... Odango is very sick. She needs your help."
"What is wrong with her?" Luna asked she ran over to Sailor Star Fighter.
"The atmosphere of Kinmoku did not agree with and the doctor told us it was something called Moon Sickness," Sailor Star Fighter explained to Usagi's mentor.
Luna and Artemis gasped as the phrase. "No…" Artemis said as he shook his head. "And she's been there all this time… Luna how could we have forgotten!"
"The Prayer Room!" Luna shouted as she raised her head. "It is the only shot we have! Girls transform immediately, we don't have a second to waste!"
"Mercury Eternal, Make Up!"
"Mars Eternal, Make Up!"
"Jupiter Eternal, Make Up!"
"Venus Eternal, Make Up!"
Sailor Galaxia watched Usagi closely as she thought about her memories with the younger girl as Sailor Moon and Sailor Cosmos. She had grown a lot with in the past year and she didn't want to see anything happened to her. Sailor Galaxia looked over at Earth and was amazed by the beauty. She wondered what took the others so long. A bright flash of light appeared a short distance away from Sailor Galaxia. She had to shield her eyes from the light. When the light faded seven senshi stood there. Sailor Mercury held Luna in her arms and Artemis was in the arms of Sailor Venus.
"Usagi-chan!" Luna shouted when she first caught glimpse of her next to Sailor Galaxia. She jumped down from Sailor Mercury's arms and ran over to the princess.
A chorus of "Usagi-chan!" and "Usagi!" followed behind her as the other girls followed behind her.
"She looks so…sick…" said Sailor Mars as she observed her appearance. She was very pale and clammy. The other senshi gathered around her speechless at her current state.
"We have to move her to the Prayer Room. It is her only hope!" Luna exclaimed as she turned to face Sailor Star Fighter.
Sailor Star Fighter nodded her head, "lead the way," she said as she walked over to Usagi and picked her up. She followed Luna and the other senshi through various corridor fragments until they reached a great rectangular room that was mostly intact. Against the back wall stood a large clear crystal.
Luna stood in front of the crystal. "Girls, gather around the crystal and place a hand on the crystal." The four Inner Senshi walked forward and each placed a hand on the crystal as Luna instructed them. "You must pray to the Moon to save her… if the crystal has had power left it will help her."
The four girls closed their eyes in deep concentration and their planetary symbols grew brightly. For thirty seconds nothing happened. Then the crystal began to glow dimly. It wasn't enough.
Luna turned around to plead to the other four senshi, "please help us."
Sailor Star Fighter didn't hesitate as she walked forward and placed a hand on the crystal. Sailor Star Healer and Sailor Star Maker were close behind. Sailor Galaxia was a few steps further. As each senshi placed their hand on the crystal and mentally asked for its help to save the Moon Princess, the crystal gradually began to grow brighter.
Two feet away Usagi murmured something unintelligible. Each head snapped in her direction as they waited for a sign that she was going to be alright and the crystal saved her. When nothing happened they returned their focus back to the crystal.
A few sparkles of golden light appeared on Usagi's forehead. The light caused everyone to turn their attention back to Usagi. The sparkles of light began to form into the shape on her forehead. The light grew brighter and began to radiate from her forehead in the shape of a crescent moon.
"Please work," whispered Sailor Mars as she began to feel a little hope by the appearance of Usagi's birthright.
Usagi's body began to rise off the ground as white waves of energy washed over her from the crystal. Usagi's tee shirt and shorts faded and was replaced by the flowing gown of Princess Serenity.
"It's working!" Luna exclaimed as she watched Usagi's transformation. "Keep it up everyone!"
Even brighter sparkles appeared to the left of Usagi that began to take the shape of crystal. It was the Maboroshi no Ginzuishou. The crystal flashed a few times before it erupted with bright white light and engulfed Princess Serenity.
Everyone watched in awe. The light encompassed the entire room. Everyone was bathed in a warm white light. As the light faded they noticed Princess Serenity stood upright with the Maboroshi no Ginzuishou hovering above her open hands. Her eyes were still closed. The crystal flashed brightly one last time before it flew over to her right side and hovered around her temple. A white circle appeared around crystal and wings sprouted from the side as the mass took the shape of the staff of Sailor Cosmos. The crescent moon on Princess Serenity forehead flashed once more as it transformed into an eight pointed star. She reached for the staff next to her. Once her hand made contact with the staff pink ribbons covered her body and reshaped in the fuku of Sailor Cosmos. Her hair turned white and the shape of her odangos changed from round to heart. Once the transformation ended Sailor Cosmos slowly descended the foot off the ground. Once both of her feet where on the ground her eyes slowly opened.
The Inner Senshi stood before her. "Huh? What are you guys doing here… why?" Sailor Cosmos said as she looked around her. Sailor Jupiter, Sailor Mars, Sailor Mercury and Sailor Venus rushed forward and hugged Sailor Cosmos.
"We missed you so much Usagi-chan!" Exclaimed Sailor Jupiter as she hugged her tighter.
"Don't ever scare us again like that Usagi!" Rei yelled at her.
Once the girls separated from Sailor Cosmos, Sailor Cosmos noticed the Starlights and Sailor Galaxia. She then noticed she was no longer on Kinmoku but rather the Moon as she recognized the ruins of the Silver Millennium and the blue orb of the Earth.
Sailor Star Fighter walked over to her and hugged her tightly. "You need to stop scaring me," she told her.
Sailor Cosmos smiled as they parted. Their backs faced the direction of the Earth. "I'm fine now, thanks to you and the actions of everyone here." Sailor Cosmos felt a breeze against the back of her hair that blew in the direction of Sailor Star Fighter. It wasn't natural. She clutched her staff and turned around quickly as she witnessed a ball of orange yellow energy heading in the direction of Sailor Star Fighter not even a foot from her. She quickly moved in front of Sailor Star Fighter with her staff raised. She didn't hesitate, "Brilliant Barricade!" A wall of energy engulfed both of them and extended outward to protect the others as well. The energy attack was returned to the one that attacked them.
Sailor Uranus was knocked back several feet into Sailor Neptune. Sailor Pluto and Sailor Saturn and Tuxedo Kamen ran up behind them.
"Uranus!" Sailor Pluto shouted at her. "This is not the way we handle our differences!" She exclaimed at her. She could not condone such an attack that could have harmed the Princess.
Sailor Cosmos glared at Sailor Uranus with an icy look as she spoke, "to attack Seiya is like you are attacking me. Remember that." Her tone sent a chill down everyone's spine. The last time they heard her voice like that she was controlled by Chaos. "That goes for everyone." Sailor Cosmos looked at Sailor Neptune whom was in the process of helping Sailor Uranus back to her feet. Sailor Pluto and Sailor Saturn were in disbelief by Uranus' actions. Sailor Cosmos refused to make any sort of eye contact with Tuxedo Kamen. She wasn't ready for everything at once.
Sailor Galaxia smirked at the control she now had over her powers since they were no longer on Kinmoku. She had learned a lot during her brief training session. When it came to protecting those that she cared about she was very quick to react.
Sailor Venus was the first to break the awkward silence among the group after Sailor Cosmos's words. "Your reflexes are amazing Usagi-chan. None of us noticed what was going on. To be able to manage all of that without turning around."
"While I was on Kinmoku I completed training with Sailor Galaxia and Princess Kakyuu. They taught be a lot about my new abilities," said Sailor Cosmos as she turned to face Sailor Venus. She smiled warmly at her. Her attention then changed to the ruins of the palace behind Sailor Venus. She began to walk forward to in the directions of the ruins. "It has been a long time since I've been here…" her voice trailed off as she felt nostalgic. An idea struck her. She took a deep breath as she thought about her plan and what she about to do. Her staff began to glow dimly as the Maboroshi no Ginzuishou shown brightly within. Sailor Cosmos surveyed her surroundings to assess the amount of damage to the Silver Millennium.
"… Odango, what are you planning?" Sailor Star Fighter asked from behind her as she became suspicious of her actions.
The crystal flashed again inside her staff. She turned to her and smiled as she said, "it's something I should have done a long time ago," Sailor Cosmos concluded with a grin. She turned and walked toward a large section of the ruins. She paused when she was a few feet from a wall section.
"Usagi, where are you going?" Asked Sailor Mars in alarm, she was afraid she was going to leave again.
Sailor Cosmos turned around to face everyone. A crescent moon glowed on her forehead. She raised her staff in both hands until it was on foot over her head. "Moon Healing Escalation!" She summoned all of the healing abilities she had as the Moon Princess and the abilities she gained as Sailor Cosmos. A warm white light washed over the ruins of the Silver Millennium. Large slabs of rock, began to raise from the ground and paired together seamlessly. Within seconds a section of the wall was up and appeared as if it was brand new. Yet she seemed to accomplish this task with ease.
"I don't believe it..." whispered Sailor Neptune as Sailor Uranus stood next to her wide eyed.
"She's more powerful than I ever imagined…" said Sailor Galaxia in awe.
"Usako…" Tuxedo Kamen murmured as he watched her restore her home from her past life. As more blocks were rebuilt into the building foundation, he began to have flashbacks from his previous life visiting his love. He felt a deep sense of sorrow when he thought about how different things would have been had Queen Beryl never attacked.
Sailor Mars watched Sailor Cosmos' actions carefully and gasped as she thought about the vision she had in the Great Fire recently. She recognized for the first time that the garden she had seen the Queen walk through was not the one she that belonged to Crystal Tokyo but rather the gardens of the Silver Millennium. The garden was bare but the fountain she had passed was now restored.
"Not even our Princess has this kind of power…" Sailor Star Healer said as she continued to watch Sailor Cosmos in fascination.
"Her powers truly are astounding," added Sailor Star Maker as she watched Sailor Cosmos move large pillars from the ground to their proper upright position with ease.
The white energy seemed to wrap around everything. "Your mother would have been so proud of everything you have accomplished." Luna said as she looked on with Artemis.
Sailor Venus smiled as she watched the restoration of the kingdom she loved.
Sailor Mercury clasped her hands together in front of her mouth as she witnessed what she believed to be a miracle.
Sailor Pluto looked behind her and was not able to see Sailor Charon anymore. She had followed them to the Moon but want to keep her distance because she was uncomfortable with all the newcomers, particularly those from Kinmoku. She did not trust them and wanted to see the Princess again on different terms without an audience. She wasn't sure if Sailor Charon was still around.
Sailor Saturn watched in amazed at the rebirth of the Silver Millennium. She smiled at the thought that the Princess now essentially had the power to renew life without the same destructive power she had used again Pharaoh 90.
"Usagi-chan…" said Sailor Jupiter as she began to recall the palace.
Sailor Star Fighter smiled at Sailor Cosmos. She thought back to the story she heard on Kinmoku recently about the palace of her childhood. This palace meant everything to her. Fighter thought of how she felt when the Scarlet Palace was destroyed and how she felt when she saw the palace first rebuilt.
The light from her staff began to decrease as the restoration was nearly complete. The finishing touch was a crescent moon that belonged on the top of the dome. Sailor Cosmos smiled as she made one final gesture with her wand as a shining symbol that represented the kingdom. The star on her forehead blazed and transformed into a crescent moon. Her sailor fuku transformed into a flowing white gown of Neo Queen Serenity. Her appearance was different than the one seen in Crystal Tokyo, her hair was white and she lacked a crown. The senshi were too far away to see any of the ordinate details.
Sailor Pluto gasped when she realized what it symbolized. Usagi was close to becoming of age to ascend the throne. She assumed it would still be several years from now but that was according to the old time line.
Things began to piece together for Sailor Mars. This was the kingdom she had seen Neo Queen Serenity strolling in the garden. She wondered what would happen next.
Once the final touch was added to the Silver Millennium, Neo Queen Serenity reverted back to Sailor Cosmos and lowered her staff to the ground and looked up at the palace with a content smile. The smile quickly faded as she felt faint and collapsed. Her transformation was undone and she reverted back to Tsukino Usagi.
"Odango!"
"Usagi-chan!"
"Usagi!"
"Usako!"
Sailor Star Fighter was the closest to her and was able to barely reach her before she hit the ground. Her breathing was normal which gave Sailor Star Fighter a sense of relief.
Sailor Galaxia reached her next and let out a deep breath. "She'll be fine. She over exerted herself…again," she added with a wink. The other senshi gathered around them. "You should return her home to Earth with the other Starlights. Maybe sure there are no lasting effects from Kinmoku," directed Sailor Galaxia. She could feel the eyes of the other senshi on them and it created an uncomfortable atmosphere for her. "I will return to Kinmoku and inform Princess Kakyuu the immediate danger has past." Sailor Galaxia rose to her feet and walked a short distance away before she vanished from sight in a flash of golden light.
Sailor Star Fighter scooped up Usagi back into her arms once more.
"Where are you taking her?" Asked Sailor Venus as her eyes carefully watched Fighter.
"I'm going to return her to her parent's home. I know that you have questions for her but that will have to wait until tomorrow. She needs rest," Sailor Star Fighter said as rose to her feet. "I need to take her there." A few of the senshi moved to the side to make it easier for Sailor Star Fighter to reach the other two Starlights.
Sailor Uranus narrowed her eyes at Sailor Star Fighter. She didn't want her to take the Princess away but she had already caused enough issues for tonight. She knew she would have other chances to deal with the outsider in her own way.
Sailor Jupiter placed a hand on Uranus' arm as she spoke, "we'll check in on Usagi-chan tomorrow." She was afraid Sailor Uranus would try to go after Sailor Star Fighter again.
Sailor Uranus nodded her head in response and led the trio pass. There was so much she wanted to say but she knew now was not the opportune moment. A lot of what she would have liked to say the Princess needed to hear and it wasn't possible. She held her tongue until the three Starlights left with their Princess. "It's not right what happened." She turned to look at the others, "we should have tried harder to stop her from going to Kinmoku. Who knows what else happened there."
Sailor Neptune shook her head. "Are you forgetting we did try to stop her," she said as her anger stared to flare. "We are no match for her and we could not force her to stay." Sailor Neptune turned to look at the other senshi assembled before she continued, " we all seem to be in agreement that something needs to done before we lose her forever. But it we push her too hard I'm afraid it will make everything worse."
The Inner Senshi nodded their heads in agreement. They knew very well how stubborn Usagi could be. They had to find a way to change her perspective.
"She is confused," said Sailor Pluto as broke the award silence after Sailor Neptune's comments.
"Confused? What do you mean?" Asked Sailor Mars as she tried to piece together the vision she had seen with the words of the Guardian of Time.
"Usagi-chan is going through a difficult transition at this time. She is torn between being Tsukino Usagi and Princess Serenity… and now after recent events Sailor Cosmos as well. It is something she must figure out between her past and present… along with any memories that belonged to Sailor Cosmos," explained Sailor Pluto as she tried to emphasize the choice was the Princess' to make.
Sailor Uranus smirked at Pluto's careful choice of words. "We'll have to help her figure it out since she doesn't belong with an outsider."
Sailor Neptune tilted her head to the side toward her partner, "We can't push her too much or it will backfire against us like it had when she first left." She said as she to keep Sailor Uranus calm. She turned to face Tuxedo Kamen before she spoke, "you have to talk to her. She will listen to you. I know it."
Tuxedo Kamen nodded his head slightly. He knew he needed to talk to her but it would be difficult to find an opportunity to talk to her. "It will be a bit difficult though… she refused to make any eye contact with me earlier… I feel as if she is avoiding me."
Sailor Mars grinned as an idea struck her, "leave it to me Mamoru-san."
Sailor Star Fighter quietly snuck Usagi back into her bedroom by way of the balcony. Sailor Star Maker and Sailor Star Healer already returned to their apartment and told Fighter they would wait for her there. She carefully laid Usagi on her bed and pulled the cover over her. Usagi was still sound asleep. Fighter kissed her on the cheek.
"…Mamo-chan…" Usagi murmured in her sleep.
Sailor Star Fighter frowned when she heard her whisper his name. Fighter knew that returning to Earth would make their relationship more difficult… or trying. Their relationship was still very new and she knew it would have obstacles. But she was up for the challenge. She wasn't going to walk away like she had last time. This time she had Usagi. It will take time before everyone adjusts to the new status quo.
The sound of a door opening broke her thoughts. She turned and saw Usagi's parents that seemed frighten by someone in their daughter's room. "I'm telling you I heard a noise," said Ikkuko as she entered the room behind her husband.
Kenji took a few steps forward and noticed Sailor Star Fighter. "Who are you?" Then he noticed Usagi sound asleep in bed. "Usagi…" he said with a smile.
"I'm a friend," said Sailor Star Fighter as she turned to face Usagi she added, "she's fine," Sailor Star Fighter assured them. "It was a long journey and she needs to rest."
"Thank you for helping our daughter," Kenji said warmly at Sailor Star Fighter. "I've never seen you before…" his voice traveled off as he seemed to try to picture who Sailor Star Fighter's alternative identify would be.
Sailor Star Fighter grinned and said, "I'll be around to look after her." She started to walk away and then turned around to add, "goodnight." She left through the balcony.
Usagi felt groggy as she slowly opened her eyes. She was confused as to where she was and then she saw Luna. Usagi sat up quickly and asked her, "Luna, what are you doing on Kinmoku?"
"Usagi-chan?" Luna said as she tilted her head, "do you not remember yesterday when you returned to the Moon?"
Usagi scratched the back of her head and slowly looked around her room. She laughed nervously.
"How are you feeling?" Luna asked Usagi as she walked closer to her.
"I'm okay… just a lot happened. I learned a lot about my new powers and somewhat on how to control them… I wish I could have stayed their longer to learn more about their world…" Usagi said as she frowned.
"But you can't go back there Usagi-chan!" Luna exclaimed as stood on all fours.
Usagi sighed, "I know…" Her expression was downcast knowing she can not visit Seiya's home world. She looked over at Luna with sadness in her eyes.
Luna hated to see Usagi upset. "Oh, I almost forgot… your family is waiting for you downstairs… apparently they met Sailor Star Fighter last night upon your return."
"Whaa?" Usagi said as she crawled closer to Luna.
"They don't know about the connection to Seiya..." Luna said as Usagi breathed a sigh of relief. "I don't know how they would have responded had they known that you went to Seiya's home planet with him."
"Yeah…" Usagi nodded meekly. "There is a lot I want to talk to you about Luna…" Her stomach growled loudly. Usagi grinned and Luna tear dropped.
Ten minutes later Usagi was dressed in a tank top and skirt as she descended down the staircase. She knew her parents would have a lot of questions for her about being a sailor senshi. She turned the corner and entered the living room. She was shocked to see Seiya seated on the couch with her parents and Shingo. "Seiya!" She exclaimed in shock.
"The girls called me this morning and told me you were back," Seiya said as he stood up. It was clear he wasn't in a hurry to have Usagi's parents learn his true identity yet.
"How are you feeling?" Ikkuko asked as she tried to tiptoe around why she might not be feeling well.
"I'm fine," Usagi said brightly as she tried to alleviate their worry. "It was a long trip and I needed to sleep for a while."
"Ah.. well that's good," said Kenji as he tried to find away to discuss her adventure. "You'll have to tell us about it later…" he said as his voice trailed off. It was very awkward.
"It's okay," Seiya as he tried to make things easier, "I already know Odango is Sailor Moon." Ikkuko and Kenji let out a large sigh of relief. They didn't have to try to hide anything and would be able to talk freely.
"Oh? How did you find out?" Asked Ikkuko as she tried to make polite conversation. She had spoken to Seiya for the past hour about his time as an idol and was now focused on the well-being of her daughter.
"… we were talking one day and were attacked by a monster so I transformed to stop it," Usagi quickly covered as she tried to change the top of discussion. She thought back to the day she was on an airplane with the Three Lights, the four Inner Senshi and Sailor Aluminum Siren. Her stomach growled loudly.
A short time later Usagi sat down to breakfast with her parents, Seiya and Shingo. Everyone was quiet while Usagi ate her food quickly. Everyone stared at her as she inhaled her food. Seiya smiled since Usagi seemed to act as her normal self since her return. He felt relieved since he didn't want Kinmoku to have any lasting complications.
"Seiya-kun?" Ikkuko said as she thought of a question she had wanted to ask him for a while.
"Yes?" Seiya responded after he placed his tea cup back on the table. He still wasn't used to Usagi's parent's calling him Seiya-kun. He has told them earlier call him that since it was less formal.
"A while ago you saved Usagi from being hit a bus… did you save her because you knew she was Sailor Moon… or…" Ikkuko voice trailed off as she awaited for a response. She was thrilled that Usagi was good friends with and an idol but she wanted to know the nature of their relationship.
Seiya was quite for a moment as he tried to think of how he wanted to respond. "I did know at the time that she is Sailor Moon… but I would have saved her even if I didn't know that she was Sailor Moon." Seiya hesitated before he finished his statement. "I saved her… because I love her."
Usagi blushed at Seiya's remarks and couldn't believe he was bold enough to say that in front of her parents, especially her dad. Ikkuko beamed at Seiya's remarks as she mentally began to plan their wedding. Kenji was stunned by his remarks.
Shinji thought it was cool to have an idol in the house and was the only one that responded verbally, "you have to be from another planet to like my sister."
Usagi spit out her tea at Shingo's remarks. After everyone stared at her, Usagi laughed nervously as she tried to cover up how close to the truth Shingo was.
"While we are all here," Ikkuko said as she flashed a grin at Usagi, "why don't you join us for dinner tomorrow night Seiya-kun?"
"That sounds great," Seiya agreed with a smile. "I think Odango forgot to give me that invitation before," he said with a wink to Usagi.
Breakfast ended and Shingo excused himself to see some of his friends which left Usagi alone with her parents and Seiya. They had asked many questions about how she became Sailor Moon. Usagi told her parents how she met Luna and learned she was to be a sailor senshi. She briefly discussed how the others joined and she learned about her past as a Princess on the Moon. She neglected the part about Chibi Usa being her future daughter and how she died several times. She gave a brief overview but tried to be thorough enough that they wouldn't ask her too many questions. Seiya listened to her stories amazed at some of things she experienced. He had a lot of questions he wanted to ask her later when they were alone.
A telephone call disrupted their conversation. Ikkuko excused herself to answer the telephone. She returned a few seconds later, "Usagi-chan you have a telephone call. It's Rei-chan."
Usagi picked up the telephone receive in the hallway and spoke to Rei for a few minutes. "Sure, I'll be there soon," Usagi said as she hung up. She walked back into the living room where everyone sat. "Rei-chan and the other girls are waiting for me at the shrine…"
"It's okay," said Ikkuko as she stood up. "I'm sure you have things you wish to discuss with them."
Usagi put her shoes on and Seiya did the same. "I can escort you to the shrine," Seiya offered. Usagi didn't respond until they were outside the house.
"It's okay. I think it would be better if I spoke to them alone. I'm sure they're still angry with me," Usagi said as a part of her dreaded her travel to the shrine.
"I understand," Seiya said as he put an arm around her shoulder for support. "Can I at least walk you part of the way there? It is on my way home."
Usagi beamed and said, "you're so sweet." It didn't take long for Seiya to hold her hand. Usagi noticed how different he was than Mamoru. Seiya was more willing to display public affection even thought it was still sometimes frowned upon in society. When she was with him she didn't care. She was happy.
Soon they were at the halfway mark and it was time for them to part. "I'll see you tomorrow at dinner? I guess your mother will finally have a celebrity over for a meal, eh?"
Usagi swatted his arm playfully, "I'm surprised someone so famous has time for the little people."
Seiya was taken aback by her quick remark and turned the conversation more serious. "I'll always have time for you Odango."
"Seiya…" she murmured as their eyes met.
Seiya quickly closed the gapped and kissed her goodbye.
Usagi beamed at him when they parted.
"If you need to call later and talk, please do so," Seiya said as he left.
Usagi stood still for a few minutes as she tried to prepare herself for what was in store. When she was on Kinmoku all she could think about was making her friends understand why she left and now she had the opportunity to do so. She was scared of how they would react. She could tell last night and the day she left that they didn't want her to be with Seiya.
Usagi slowly climbed the long staircase to the shrine and she remembered her first encounter with Rei which led to a battle against Jadeite and the awakening of Sailor Mars. As she arrived at the top of the steps she paused to catch her breath. She was surprised how empty the shrine grounds were. She continued her journey across the way. As the distance to the shrine grew smaller she noticed a shrine maiden on the front steps. It was Rei.
"Usagi!" Rei said as became excited when she saw her approach the shrine. She knew she didn't have much time to put her plan into action. "Come on inside," Rei said as she directed her to the large room where they have often met. Rei opened the door and gestured for Usagi to enter.
Usagi walked into the room and felt her stomach turn into a knot when she saw Mamoru. The color drained from her face. She turned around to try to leave but Rei stood in the doorway to block her.
"You need to talk to him," said Rei with a firm tone. Her eyes told Usagi she wasn't budging. "You know you can't avoid this conversation forever," she paused as she noticed how Usagi's eyes became downcast. "After everything you've been through together you owe him that much."
Usagi turned away from Rei to look at Mamoru again. She knew her best friend was correct. She took a deep breath and turned around to face Mamoru. She had her head down as she walked over to the kotasu and sat down on a cushion across from him.
Rei quickly closed the door behind them and walked down the hallway. She smiled that her plan seemed to work so well. She hoped the wall between them would finally come down.
Usagi still couldn't look at Mamoru in the eyes. A part of her felt ashamed how things were handled. She didn't know what to tell him.
"I'm glad we can finally talk Usako," Mamoru said as he watched her carefully. He had thought about this moment many times and he had planned everything he wanted to say to her but now that he sat before her he was speechless. It was a struggle for him to say what he had so far.
"… you look well…" Usagi said without moving her eyes up from the table. He still called her by her pet name, just as she continued to call him by his pet name without realizing it most of the time.
"I was amazed to see the growth in your abilities last night when you restored the Silver Millennium… it looks wonderful."
Usagi couldn't take it anymore and burst into tears.
"Usako…" Mamoru said as he got up and moved to a seat cushion next to her. He hated to see her in this state. He placed his arm on her back to comfort her. He wanted more than anything to take her into his arms and kiss her but he was afraid it would make things worse. "Tell me what I can do."
Usagi finally looked up at him as tears continued to flow down her eyes. "I'm sorry…" she whispered. "I never meant to hurt you…"
Mamoru placed both his hands on top of hers and squeezed them tightly. He fought back the urge to sweep her into his arms. He remained silent to give Usagi a chance to say what she needed to before he responded.
Usagi opened her mouth to speak but no sound came out for a few seconds. "Everything became so complicated once I awakened as Sailor Cosmos." She looked down at the table once more, "after the battle against Queen Beryl I felt so alone. When Chaos appeared… I kept hearing this voice telling me things that I never realized before. Things that I never wanted to admit to myself." Usagi's tears began to subside even though her eyes remained red. "I never realized I was so angry about what happened in the past. Or even that I had resentments about past events."
"I remember you mentioned a lot of anger… when you weren't yourself," Mamoru said as he squeezed her hand. "You were under a lot of pressure having to stop the other animates by yourself. If everyone was there to help you, things would have been different." He hesitated as he thought about his confusion of who Usagi was when he was without his memories. "If I had my memories, I would have been there for you." After he spoke those words he remembered how Usagi acted different this time when he didn't have his memories, she never tried to force him to regain his past. He realized Usagi was speaking again and turned his attention to her words.
"When I fought Sailor Galaxia… and she took your starseed… I didn't even realize you were gone," Usagi said as she shifted uncomfortably on the cushion. "We've always had such a strong connection and I couldn't believe that I didn't feel that you were gone. It's been something I never thought about until recently." Usagi carefully slid her hands away from his. "It's not right. If we were so close I should have known."
"You can't blame yourself for that Usako. You prevailed and saved everyone from Galaxia," Mamoru said as he tried to change her perspective. "There are many times I wish I could have done more to help you or protect you."
"I can't do this right now," Usagi said as she began to stand up. "I still have a lot to figure out."
"What can I do to help you?" Asked Mamoru as he stood up as well. He tried to rack his brain to find a way to make her stay so they could continue to talk. "I will help you figure out whatever you need to."
"It's not that simple Mamo-chan," Usagi immediately replied. She gasped when she became aware that she had called him by his pet name. "It isn't that simple," she repeated as she tried to keep her voice even. "Things were so much simpler on Kinmoku…" Usagi's voice trailed off. She thought of the dream that she had. "… until I had a dream and Chibi Usa was in it."
"Chibi Usa?" Mamoru interrupted once he heard her name.
"She was yelling at me about giving up on her," Usagi tried to keep her knees from bucking under her as she discussed one of the things that have weighted on her the most. "I keep hearing Setsuna-san's words that Crystal Tokyo doesn't exist in this timeline anymore… and it wasn't there when I traveled to the future."
Mamoru couldn't hold back it anymore. He placed his arms around Usagi and pulled her close to him. "Crystal Tokyo will only cease to exist if we give up on us." He cupped the bottom of her chin so he could look into her eyes when he said the next words. "I'm not willing to give up on us. I never will Usako." His eyes where sad and had a longing for her. "I love you."
"…Mamo-chan…" Usagi whispered as he couldn't break his eye contact. She felt as if she was drawn in.
"We can handle anything together."
Usagi was silent as tried to form words to respond to everything he had just told her. "I… I…" She wanted to form coherent words but she was unable.
Mamoru gestured to her left hand. "You still wear my ring."
Usagi looked down at her hands and he was correct. She didn't even remember putting the ring on earlier. It was something she had done out of habit. She looked back up at him with tears in her eyes. "Mamo-chan, I…"
"I can't wait to talk to Usagi-chan," said Minako as she slide the door to the side. Next to her was Ami and Makoto. They were in the middle of a conversation and stopped as soon as they saw the two of them together.
Footsteps were heard behind them as they heard Rei's voice, "Wait! Don't…" Rei realized she was too late. She frowned. The damaged had already been done. "Sorry…" Rei said as she tried to usher the other girls out of the room to allow Usagi and Mamoru privacy.
The noise of the other girls snapped Usagi back to reality. She broke apart from Mamoru, "I have to go," she quickly ran out of the room without another word.
Everyone stood still frozen. They weren't sure what to do next. They were amazed how Usagi would run out of the room in the middle of a conversation with Mamoru.
Minako felt responsible to ruining their moment she since was the one that opened the door, "Mamoru-san, you have to go after her." She encouraged him, "the two of you belong together."
"We're cheering for you," added Makoto in an effort to build his confidence.
Mamoru gave them a half smile and said, "thank you." He walked out of the room in the direction Usagi had ran.
Why did the girls have to interrupt the tender moment with Mamoru and Usagi? What will Mamoru say to her when he catches up with her? Will the girls learn to accept Seiya instead of Mamoru? What about Seiya's dinner at Usagi's house tomorrow?
The drama continues! Act 24: Sailor Senshi Return to Battle