Serenity stared at the closed book. It was one the outside, old and decrepit. But on the inside was the best and most tragic story she'd ever read. 'And why does it all seem so familiar,' she wondered. Suddenly, she glanced at her watch and gasped. It was eight-thirty P.M. She'd spent the whole day reading the story. Quickly, Serenity got up and ran for the front door of the library, taking the large book with her.
When she got there, the entire group was standing there waiting for her. "Sorry I'm late, I was reading," she said breathlessly.
"Well," teased Mars gently, "this is a library, isn't it? Anyway, you aren't the last person here. We're still waiting for Venus, Saturn, and Mercury."
At that moment, Venus came running up, 5 or 6 books in her arms. She gasped, "Sorry to keep you guys waiting, but it took me forever to find some books to bring with me."
Darien finally spoke (for he'd been staring at Serenity again), "Do you mean that you've been looking for those books all day?" He gaped at her.
Venus laughed at that, "No, no. I read one book all day, put it back when I finished it and went looking for some to take with me."
Everyone laughed, and Mercury and Saturn arrived. After explaining what they had been doing to cause them to be late, the large group set off for supper.
During supper, they each told what they'd picked out of the library. Rini had found the latest part of the Sailor V comics that had been going on since her mother had been thirteen years old. Jupiter had found a new cookbook that she'd never tried before, but when they asked what she was going to cook, she only smiled mysteriously. Darien had found some of his favorite sci-fi books that he hadn't read in years and had snatched them up the instant he saw them. Uranus had found several books on weapons for her to research. Neptune had found an old book of music for her to learn and for her to play for her friends. Mars had found a book on the history of one of the most famous temples in the history of all Tokyo. Saturn and Mercury refused to comment on what they had found in the old library.
Rolling her eyes at Saturn and Mercury, Mars turned to Serenity and asked, "So, what did you find in the Library?"
Silently, she handed them the book that she had read that day.
Studying it, Mars read the title aloud, "Silver Destiny."
Opening the book to the dedication page she read that aloud as well. It said, "Dedicated to all of the people who have ever known true love, especially the people in this story."
Mars looked up at Serenity and asked, "Have you read this yet?"
Shaking her head, she replied, "Only skimmed it. I figured it would be interesting so I took it."
"Oh," replied Mars, "Can you give it to me when you're finished? I'd love to read it too."
"Sure."
Changing the subject, Venus asked, "Serenity, how would you like to go shopping tomorrow?"
Her eyes lit up like to light bulbs. Nodding viciously, Serenity said, "Definitely! I would love to check out some of the stores there."
Laughing at her friend's exuberance, Uranus rang out, "Then it's settled. Tomorrow's destination: THE MALL!"
Everyone laughed. Uranus was the last one who they would have thought to agree to go to the Mall.
That morning, the group set out for the Mall. Darien had informed the people that they'd be there that day, but asked the people that they treat them like anyone else, since Serenity would wonder why she was being treated like a Goddess.
Dashing from store to store, Serenity had her nose in everything, causing everyone else to laugh their heads off.
After an entire day of shopping, the group decided to walk home. Taking the long route through the park, they were stopped by a large gust of wind.
An evil laugh rang out, "Thank you Sailors for bringing the Queen to me. My minions and I will take her now." As Quartzite said this, the four Generals appeared beside him.
Everyone, minus Serenity, who was glaring at Quartzite, gaped at them.
Neptune shook off her feeling of shock and yelled at the group, "Transform guys! We have to protect the Queen. Neptune Crystal Power!"
"Venus Crystal Power!"
"Saturn Crystal Power!"
"Mars Crystal Power!"
"Uranus Crystal Power!"
"Jupiter Crystal Power!"
"Mercury Crystal Power!"
"Neo-Moon Star Power!"
In the places of the Royal Family and their closest friends were the legendary Sailor Scouts. The group of female warriors and their protector, Tuxedo Mask, that were usually told as bedtime stories or in history lessons. It was indeed that they were real.
Staring at them, Jedite laughed, "You won't be defeating me this time Sailor Brats!"
Fighting the turmoil that had been brought up in her heart, Mars snarled, "As I said before Jedite, you are evil. Good always triumphs over Evil, haven't you figured that out yet?"
Pairing up, Mars and Neptune took on Jedite. Jupiter and Neo-Moon took on Nephlite, Venus and Saturn went for Kunzite, and Mercury and Uranus lunged at Zoicite. That left Tuxedo Mask to protect Serenity, who was now staring at the four generals in a trance like state.
Images flooded Serenity's mind. Images of a group of four men kneeling before her, a man standing beside her with his arm around her, four girls sitting around laughing with her, and four other girls smiling as they watched from the shadows. Also, a woman with silver hair and silver eyes, looking at her with pure love.
The woman said to her, "Serenity, wake up. Free the Generals from their prison that has held them for the past two thousand years. Let the girls be happy once again."
Just as abruptly as the images started, they ended. Serenity was now again standing behind Tuxedo Mask as he fought off Quartzite. All around her the Sailors were fighting the Generals.
Serenity smiled and thought to herself, there will be no more fighting in my lifetime. Raising her hands into the air, she shouted, "Imperial Moon Power!"
With a crescent moon in the background, the Silver Crystal appeared in front of it. A silver glow emanated from it and shined down on Serenity, causing a silver suit to appear. In a flash, two gold bows and a gold skirt fastened to the suit, fitting together in one snap. The Crystal floated to a staff now residing in her hands.
Everyone had stopped fighting to stare at Serenity in amazement. She had obviously remembered enough to transform.
Opening her eyes, she stared at each of them calmly, raised her staff and whispered, "Cosmic Moon Healing Activate!"
The light shined upon the four Generals and they screamed in pain. The four Inner Sailors winced as though they'd felt the pain. The glow disappeared and the Generals stared straight ahead in shock.
They'd betrayed Earth, Prince Endymion, Princess Serene, Queen Serenity, the Moon, and their loves to Beryl. It was unforgivable to do such a thing. Each fell to the ground, screaming in anguish.
As everyone continued to stare in amazement, Sailor Moon slowly walked to them. Kneeling down, she smiled at each of them.
"Princess," whispered Zoisite, "Kill us. We don't deserve to live after all we've done."
Tears formed in everyone present eyes, except Quartzite, who was gaping at Sailor Moon. Quietly, the four Inner Sailors walked forward, Venus placing a hand on Kunzite's shoulder, Mercury holding the still crying Zoisite in her arms, Mars just smiled at Jedite with forgiveness, and Jupiter pulled Nephlite into her comforting embrace.
Rolling his eyes, Quartzite shouted, "Oh please, I didn't come here to put on some teary-eyed reunion for you! You generals have betrayed me, just as you did Beryl! For that you must die!" With those words, he flung a gigantic blast at the eight forms kneeling on the ground.
"Nooooo," screamed Sailor Moon and she hurled herself in front of them, her staff forming a shield around them.
When the light from the blast pasted, Quartzite screamed in rage at the sight of them sill alive.
With total calm, Sailor Moon said, "You have used your powers for evil and that is not tolerated upon this planet. You turned the four generals against us, just as Beryl the Bitch did. Now it is time for you to receive your punishment." Slowly, she raised her staff and whispered, "Cosmic Moon... Eliminate..."
Quartzite, recognizing the danger, placed a shield in front of him and threw his own blasts at the Queen.
Everyone stared at their old friend, princess, mother, and wife in amazement. She was using the Crystal with ease, not even showing any sign of tiring. Then suddenly, Serenity was knocked back four feet.
"PPPRRRIIINNNCCCEEESSS," screamed Zoisite, terrified that she was going to get hurt. She had done so much for him in the Silver Millennium and he'd betrayed her trust, and she'd died without knowing that he would always care for her, just as he cared for all of his closest friends.
"We've got to help her," shouted Nephlite desperately. He began to run forward, but was stopped by two restraining hands.
"Now," Darien and Kunzite cried back, "this is her fight! We must let her do this."
It went on for a few minutes, but seemed like an eternity. Finally, Quartzite fell to the ground in front of Sailor Moon's feet.
Panting, he looked up at her and growled, "Well go ahead Serenity, finish me."
She stared at him silently, as if pondering something. Then she spoke, "It is not my right to punish you. You have paid for what you have done for me, but now you must pay for what you have done to others. The Generals, the Sailors, King Darien, and Princess Rini will decide your fate." With that, she turned around and walked away from him. Everyone hugged her when she arrived in front of them. They then continued to walk away, towards the citizens who had been standing there watching, Darien's arm around his wife's slim waist.
Quartzite stared at Darien, livid. How dare he touch her, he seethed, she. Is. MINE!
With a primal scream of rage, he threw all his remaining energy at Darien's turned back. Immediately, he dropped to the ground, exhausted to almost unconsciousness.
On impulse, Serenity glanced back at Quartzite and gasped when she saw the blast coming at her husband's back. Screaming, "LOOK OUT DARIEN!" She shoved him to the ground, taking the brunt of the blast herself. She fell to the ground and didn't move a muscle.
Serenity stared at the closed book. It was one the outside, old and decrepit. But on the inside was the best and most tragic story she'd ever read. 'And why does it all seem so familiar,' she wondered. Suddenly, she glanced at her watch and gasped. It was eight-thirty P.M. She'd spent the whole day reading the story. Quickly, Serenity got up and ran for the front door of the library, taking the large book with her.
When she got there, the entire group was standing there waiting for her. "Sorry I'm late, I was reading," she said breathlessly.
"Well," teased Mars gently, "this is a library, isn't it? Anyway, you aren't the last person here. We're still waiting for Venus, Saturn, and Mercury."
At that moment, Venus came running up, 5 or 6 books in her arms. She gasped, "Sorry to keep you guys waiting, but it took me forever to find some books to bring with me."
Darien finally spoke (for he'd been staring at Serenity again), "Do you mean that you've been looking for those books all day?" He gaped at her.
Venus laughed at that, "No, no. I read one book all day, put it back when I finished it and went looking for some to take with me."
Everyone laughed, and Mercury and Saturn arrived. After explaining what they had been doing to cause them to be late, the large group set off for supper.
During supper, they each told what they'd picked out of the library. Rini had found the latest part of the Sailor V comics that had been going on since her mother had been thirteen years old. Jupiter had found a new cookbook that she'd never tried before, but when they asked what she was going to cook, she only smiled mysteriously. Darien had found some of his favorite sci-fi books that he hadn't read in years and had snatched them up the instant he saw them. Uranus had found several books on weapons for her to research. Neptune had found an old book of music for her to learn and for her to play for her friends. Mars had found a book on the history of one of the most famous temples in the history of all Tokyo. Saturn and Mercury refused to comment on what they had found in the old library.
Rolling her eyes at Saturn and Mercury, Mars turned to Serenity and asked, "So, what did you find in the Library?"
Silently, she handed them the book that she had read that day.
Studying it, Mars read the title aloud, "Silver Destiny."
Opening the book to the dedication page she read that aloud as well. It said, "Dedicated to all of the people who have ever known true love, especially the people in this story."
Mars looked up at Serenity and asked, "Have you read this yet?"
Shaking her head, she replied, "Only skimmed it. I figured it would be interesting so I took it."
"Oh," replied Mars, "Can you give it to me when you're finished? I'd love to read it too."
"Sure."
Changing the subject, Venus asked, "Serenity, how would you like to go shopping tomorrow?"
Her eyes lit up like to light bulbs. Nodding viciously, Serenity said, "Definitely! I would love to check out some of the stores there."
Laughing at her friend's exuberance, Uranus rang out, "Then it's settled. Tomorrow's destination: THE MALL!"
Everyone laughed. Uranus was the last one who they would have thought to agree to go to the Mall.
That morning, the group set out for the Mall. Darien had informed the people that they'd be there that day, but asked the people that they treat them like anyone else, since Serenity would wonder why she was being treated like a Goddess.
Dashing from store to store, Serenity had her nose in everything, causing everyone else to laugh their heads off.
After an entire day of shopping, the group decided to walk home. Taking the long route through the park, they were stopped by a large gust of wind.
An evil laugh rang out, "Thank you Sailors for bringing the Queen to me. My minions and I will take her now." As Quartzite said this, the four Generals appeared beside him.
Everyone, minus Serenity, who was glaring at Quartzite, gaped at them.
Neptune shook off her feeling of shock and yelled at the group, "Transform guys! We have to protect the Queen. Neptune Crystal Power!"
"Venus Crystal Power!"
"Saturn Crystal Power!"
"Mars Crystal Power!"
"Uranus Crystal Power!"
"Jupiter Crystal Power!"
"Mercury Crystal Power!"
"Neo-Moon Star Power!"
In the places of the Royal Family and their closest friends were the legendary Sailor Scouts. The group of female warriors and their protector, Tuxedo Mask, that were usually told as bedtime stories or in history lessons. It was indeed that they were real.
Staring at them, Jedite laughed, "You won't be defeating me this time Sailor Brats!"
Fighting the turmoil that had been brought up in her heart, Mars snarled, "As I said before Jedite, you are evil. Good always triumphs over Evil, haven't you figured that out yet?"
Pairing up, Mars and Neptune took on Jedite. Jupiter and Neo-Moon took on Nephlite, Venus and Saturn went for Kunzite, and Mercury and Uranus lunged at Zoicite. That left Tuxedo Mask to protect Serenity, who was now staring at the four generals in a trance like state.
Images flooded Serenity's mind. Images of a group of four men kneeling before her, a man standing beside her with his arm around her, four girls sitting around laughing with her, and four other girls smiling as they watched from the shadows. Also, a woman with silver hair and silver eyes, looking at her with pure love.
The woman said to her, "Serenity, wake up. Free the Generals from their prison that has held them for the past two thousand years. Let the girls be happy once again."
Just as abruptly as the images started, they ended. Serenity was now again standing behind Tuxedo Mask as he fought off Quartzite. All around her the Sailors were fighting the Generals.
Serenity smiled and thought to herself, there will be no more fighting in my lifetime. Raising her hands into the air, she shouted, "Imperial Moon Power!"
With a crescent moon in the background, the Silver Crystal appeared in front of it. A silver glow emanated from it and shined down on Serenity, causing a silver suit to appear. In a flash, two gold bows and a gold skirt fastened to the suit, fitting together in one snap. The Crystal floated to a staff now residing in her hands.
Everyone had stopped fighting to stare at Serenity in amazement. She had obviously remembered enough to transform.
Opening her eyes, she stared at each of them calmly, raised her staff and whispered, "Cosmic Moon Healing Activate!"
The light shined upon the four Generals and they screamed in pain. The four Inner Sailors winced as though they'd felt the pain. The glow disappeared and the Generals stared straight ahead in shock.
They'd betrayed Earth, Prince Endymion, Princess Serene, Queen Serenity, the Moon, and their loves to Beryl. It was unforgivable to do such a thing. Each fell to the ground, screaming in anguish.
As everyone continued to stare in amazement, Sailor Moon slowly walked to them. Kneeling down, she smiled at each of them.
"Princess," whispered Zoisite, "Kill us. We don't deserve to live after all we've done."
Tears formed in everyone present eyes, except Quartzite, who was gaping at Sailor Moon. Quietly, the four Inner Sailors walked forward, Venus placing a hand on Kunzite's shoulder, Mercury holding the still crying Zoisite in her arms, Mars just smiled at Jedite with forgiveness, and Jupiter pulled Nephlite into her comforting embrace.
Rolling his eyes, Quartzite shouted, "Oh please, I didn't come here to put on some teary-eyed reunion for you! You generals have betrayed me, just as you did Beryl! For that you must die!" With those words, he flung a gigantic blast at the eight forms kneeling on the ground.
"Nooooo," screamed Sailor Moon and she hurled herself in front of them, her staff forming a shield around them.
When the light from the blast pasted, Quartzite screamed in rage at the sight of them sill alive.
With total calm, Sailor Moon said, "You have used your powers for evil and that is not tolerated upon this planet. You turned the four generals against us, just as Beryl the Bitch did. Now it is time for you to receive your punishment." Slowly, she raised her staff and whispered, "Cosmic Moon... Eliminate..."
Quartzite, recognizing the danger, placed a shield in front of him and threw his own blasts at the Queen.
Everyone stared at their old friend, princess, mother, and wife in amazement. She was using the Crystal with ease, not even showing any sign of tiring. Then suddenly, Serenity was knocked back four feet.
"PPPRRRIIINNNCCCEEESSS," screamed Zoisite, terrified that she was going to get hurt. She had done so much for him in the Silver Millennium and he'd betrayed her trust, and she'd died without knowing that he would always care for her, just as he cared for all of his closest friends.
"We've got to help her," shouted Nephlite desperately. He began to run forward, but was stopped by two restraining hands.
"Now," Darien and Kunzite cried back, "this is her fight! We must let her do this."
It went on for a few minutes, but seemed like an eternity. Finally, Quartzite fell to the ground in front of Sailor Moon's feet.
Panting, he looked up at her and growled, "Well go ahead Serenity, finish me."
She stared at him silently, as if pondering something. Then she spoke, "It is not my right to punish you. You have paid for what you have done for me, but now you must pay for what you have done to others. The Generals, the Sailors, King Darien, and Princess Rini will decide your fate." With that, she turned around and walked away from him. Everyone hugged her when she arrived in front of them. They then continued to walk away, towards the citizens who had been standing there watching, Darien's arm around his wife's slim waist.
Quartzite stared at Darien, livid. How dare he touch her, he seethed, she. Is. MINE!
With a primal scream of rage, he threw all his remaining energy at Darien's turned back. Immediately, he dropped to the ground, exhausted to almost unconsciousness.
On impulse, Serenity glanced back at Quartzite and gasped when she saw the blast coming at her husband's back. Screaming, "LOOK OUT DARIEN!" She shoved him to the ground, taking the brunt of the blast herself. She fell to the ground and didn't move a muscle.
At that moment, time seemed to stop. Everyone stared at the broken body of Queen Serenity, the Queen of Earth and the Moon, lying on the ground. Then, with an deafening scream, the crowd of citizens converged on Quartzite. He didn't have time to make a sound.
As for the Sailors, Generals, Rini, and Darien, they just stood there, in total shock. They had just gotten her back, how could they lose her so quickly again?
Then a wind blew and a door appeared out of no where. It was flung open, and out running came Sailor Pluto, a stricken look on her face and tears falling down her cheeks, far different than her normally composed expression.
Silently, she fell to the ground next the woman that she had guarded since she'd been born, in the Silver Millennium and in the 20th century. An audible sob came from Pluto's lips, "Serenity… my little Serenity... No you can't leave us... You weren't supposed to..." Slowly, she began to rock the body in her arms.
At those words, it sunk through to the others. Screaming with total anguish, the seven other Sailors fell to the ground, along with Rini, who was whimpering in Saturn's arms. The Generals stood at their love's sides, crying silently for the dear sweet princess they'd known so long ago. But as for Darien, he just stared at his wife's corpse, his face expressionless, and his eyes had turned from cobalt to stony gray, totally lifeless. Behind them, there was wailing coming from the people of Crystal Tokyo. They had lost the Queen that they had loved more than anything in the entire galaxy.
For what seemed like an eternity, no one moved. Finally, Mercury and Saturn stood up and, represented by ever quiet Mercury, they spoke to Pluto in a commanding tone, "Pluto, open the gate. We're going back to save her." It wasn't a suggestion, it was a command, and no one had ever commanded Pluto.
She looked up at them, startled, and weakly protested, "But the Time stream would ~"
"To hell with the Time stream," screamed Saturn, "This wasn't supposed to happen and you know it as well as the rest of us do. I don't care if History itself comes unraveled, I just want my Queen and friend back!" The deadly gleam in her eyes said, 'do not mess with me when I am this mad.'
Paralyzed by indecision for the first time in her long life, Pluto stared at each of them in the face, until she came to Darien. Only she could see the faint hope that sparked in his eyes. It was enough.
Gently lowering Serenity's body to the ground, she stood. Quietly, she raised her time staff and the gate appeared once again, unfeeling to the sorrow that surrounded it. Slowly, it opened.
Breaking the silence, Jupiter asked, "Is this safe?"
Laughing bitterly, Pluto answered, "Messing with time is never safe. May Cronos forgive me for what I am about to do, but right now, I just want her back. If I must be punished for that, then so be it. Just as long as she lives. But," she hesitated, then continued, "Only two may go. There is no more room than that. Who will go and who will stay?"
Saturn answered immediately, "I will go."
"So will I."
Everyone turned in surprise to stare at Venus, who had been nestled in Kunzite's arms for what had seemed like forever.
"Are you sure," asked Kunzite in concern for her mental state.
Her laughter just as bitter as Pluto's, if not even more, "I have failed my lieges. This can never be forgiven. But perhaps I can redeem myself by never letting it happen in the first place. I'm going!"
Nodding, Pluto gestured to the door. Turning to stare at everyone, Saturn and Venus, the two leaders of the Sailor Scouts, gave everyone a silent goodbye. Their gazes rested upon Darien, who was still staring at Serenity, or rather, what was left of her, as she was slowly disappearing. He suddenly turned to them and said only two words, "Good Luck."
Nodding, they turned and ran away from the awful sight, Pluto following them to her post.
It took only a few minutes until they reached their destination.
Pluto said to them, "I cannot go any farther. From here you are on your own. But remember you must only save her. Do not try to stop the crowd from tearing him apart. For the sake of History, he must die. I wish you luck."
The two silently nodded farewell, and went to meet their destinies.
The group of fourteen people were walking away as Quartzite stared at them. With the primal scream that Saturn and Venus had already heard, he threw an attack at Darien's back.
Seeing the attack, Serenity prepared herself to take the blast. She closed her eyes. It never came.
Hesitating, she opened her eyes and gasped. Saturn and Venus were one the ground, barely breathing. Serenity stared at the people beside her and was shocked. Saturn and Venus were standing there, but they were also on the ground!
With a shriek of rage at the thought that Quartzite would try to murder their queen, the citizens of Crystal Tokyo were upon him before he could make a sound.
Serenity, the others following her, ran to the side of the two fallen Sailors.
"How can this be," she whispered to them, not expecting an answer.
Slowly, Venus opened her eyes and breathed, "We're from the future Serenity. We saw you die from that blast. We knew that it wasn't supposed to happen. After convincing Pluto, she let us come back to save you. Where we are from, it no longer exists, thank god. I don't want to live in that time. I am just... thankful that you are alive." Those were her final words as Venus and Saturn's bodies faded into nothingness.
"Oh my god," whispered Mars, "they sacrificed their lives to come back here to save you Serenity."
Kunzite pulled his Venus closer and said only, "Remarkable."
"Well," spoke Darien for the first time, "Venus, Saturn, I think you deserve a medal."
The two Sailors protested, "But we didn't do it!"
He answered simply, "It was the two of you lying on the ground wasn't it?"
Everyone smiled and began to walk home. The crowd cheered loudly.
*~*~*~*~*
When she got there, the entire group was standing there waiting for her. "Sorry I'm late, I was reading," she said breathlessly.
"Well," teased Mars gently, "this is a library, isn't it? Anyway, you aren't the last person here. We're still waiting for Venus, Saturn, and Mercury."
At that moment, Venus came running up, 5 or 6 books in her arms. She gasped, "Sorry to keep you guys waiting, but it took me forever to find some books to bring with me."
Darien finally spoke (for he'd been staring at Serenity again), "Do you mean that you've been looking for those books all day?" He gaped at her.
Venus laughed at that, "No, no. I read one book all day, put it back when I finished it and went looking for some to take with me."
Everyone laughed, and Mercury and Saturn arrived. After explaining what they had been doing to cause them to be late, the large group set off for supper.
During supper, they each told what they'd picked out of the library. Rini had found the latest part of the Sailor V comics that had been going on since her mother had been thirteen years old. Jupiter had found a new cookbook that she'd never tried before, but when they asked what she was going to cook, she only smiled mysteriously. Darien had found some of his favorite sci-fi books that he hadn't read in years and had snatched them up the instant he saw them. Uranus had found several books on weapons for her to research. Neptune had found an old book of music for her to learn and for her to play for her friends. Mars had found a book on the history of one of the most famous temples in the history of all Tokyo. Saturn and Mercury refused to comment on what they had found in the old library.
Rolling her eyes at Saturn and Mercury, Mars turned to Serenity and asked, "So, what did you find in the Library?"
Silently, she handed them the book that she had read that day.
Studying it, Mars read the title aloud, "Silver Destiny."
Opening the book to the dedication page she read that aloud as well. It said, "Dedicated to all of the people who have ever known true love, especially the people in this story."
Mars looked up at Serenity and asked, "Have you read this yet?"
Shaking her head, she replied, "Only skimmed it. I figured it would be interesting so I took it."
"Oh," replied Mars, "Can you give it to me when you're finished? I'd love to read it too."
"Sure."
Changing the subject, Venus asked, "Serenity, how would you like to go shopping tomorrow?"
Her eyes lit up like to light bulbs. Nodding viciously, Serenity said, "Definitely! I would love to check out some of the stores there."
Laughing at her friend's exuberance, Uranus rang out, "Then it's settled. Tomorrow's destination: THE MALL!"
Everyone laughed. Uranus was the last one who they would have thought to agree to go to the Mall.
That morning, the group set out for the Mall. Darien had informed the people that they'd be there that day, but asked the people that they treat them like anyone else, since Serenity would wonder why she was being treated like a Goddess.
Dashing from store to store, Serenity had her nose in everything, causing everyone else to laugh their heads off.
After an entire day of shopping, the group decided to walk home. Taking the long route through the park, they were stopped by a large gust of wind.
An evil laugh rang out, "Thank you Sailors for bringing the Queen to me. My minions and I will take her now." As Quartzite said this, the four Generals appeared beside him.
Everyone, minus Serenity, who was glaring at Quartzite, gaped at them.
Neptune shook off her feeling of shock and yelled at the group, "Transform guys! We have to protect the Queen. Neptune Crystal Power!"
"Venus Crystal Power!"
"Saturn Crystal Power!"
"Mars Crystal Power!"
"Uranus Crystal Power!"
"Jupiter Crystal Power!"
"Mercury Crystal Power!"
"Neo-Moon Star Power!"
In the places of the Royal Family and their closest friends were the legendary Sailor Scouts. The group of female warriors and their protector, Tuxedo Mask, that were usually told as bedtime stories or in history lessons. It was indeed that they were real.
Staring at them, Jedite laughed, "You won't be defeating me this time Sailor Brats!"
Fighting the turmoil that had been brought up in her heart, Mars snarled, "As I said before Jedite, you are evil. Good always triumphs over Evil, haven't you figured that out yet?"
Pairing up, Mars and Neptune took on Jedite. Jupiter and Neo-Moon took on Nephlite, Venus and Saturn went for Kunzite, and Mercury and Uranus lunged at Zoicite. That left Tuxedo Mask to protect Serenity, who was now staring at the four generals in a trance like state.
Images flooded Serenity's mind. Images of a group of four men kneeling before her, a man standing beside her with his arm around her, four girls sitting around laughing with her, and four other girls smiling as they watched from the shadows. Also, a woman with silver hair and silver eyes, looking at her with pure love.
The woman said to her, "Serenity, wake up. Free the Generals from their prison that has held them for the past two thousand years. Let the girls be happy once again."
Just as abruptly as the images started, they ended. Serenity was now again standing behind Tuxedo Mask as he fought off Quartzite. All around her the Sailors were fighting the Generals.
Serenity smiled and thought to herself, there will be no more fighting in my lifetime. Raising her hands into the air, she shouted, "Imperial Moon Power!"
With a crescent moon in the background, the Silver Crystal appeared in front of it. A silver glow emanated from it and shined down on Serenity, causing a silver suit to appear. In a flash, two gold bows and a gold skirt fastened to the suit, fitting together in one snap. The Crystal floated to a staff now residing in her hands.
Everyone had stopped fighting to stare at Serenity in amazement. She had obviously remembered enough to transform.
Opening her eyes, she stared at each of them calmly, raised her staff and whispered, "Cosmic Moon Healing Activate!"
The light shined upon the four Generals and they screamed in pain. The four Inner Sailors winced as though they'd felt the pain. The glow disappeared and the Generals stared straight ahead in shock.
They'd betrayed Earth, Prince Endymion, Princess Serene, Queen Serenity, the Moon, and their loves to Beryl. It was unforgivable to do such a thing. Each fell to the ground, screaming in anguish.
As everyone continued to stare in amazement, Sailor Moon slowly walked to them. Kneeling down, she smiled at each of them.
"Princess," whispered Zoisite, "Kill us. We don't deserve to live after all we've done."
Tears formed in everyone present eyes, except Quartzite, who was gaping at Sailor Moon. Quietly, the four Inner Sailors walked forward, Venus placing a hand on Kunzite's shoulder, Mercury holding the still crying Zoisite in her arms, Mars just smiled at Jedite with forgiveness, and Jupiter pulled Nephlite into her comforting embrace.
Rolling his eyes, Quartzite shouted, "Oh please, I didn't come here to put on some teary-eyed reunion for you! You generals have betrayed me, just as you did Beryl! For that you must die!" With those words, he flung a gigantic blast at the eight forms kneeling on the ground.
"Nooooo," screamed Sailor Moon and she hurled herself in front of them, her staff forming a shield around them.
When the light from the blast pasted, Quartzite screamed in rage at the sight of them sill alive.
With total calm, Sailor Moon said, "You have used your powers for evil and that is not tolerated upon this planet. You turned the four generals against us, just as Beryl the Bitch did. Now it is time for you to receive your punishment." Slowly, she raised her staff and whispered, "Cosmic Moon... Eliminate..."
Quartzite, recognizing the danger, placed a shield in front of him and threw his own blasts at the Queen.
Everyone stared at their old friend, princess, mother, and wife in amazement. She was using the Crystal with ease, not even showing any sign of tiring. Then suddenly, Serenity was knocked back four feet.
"PPPRRRIIINNNCCCEEESSS," screamed Zoisite, terrified that she was going to get hurt. She had done so much for him in the Silver Millennium and he'd betrayed her trust, and she'd died without knowing that he would always care for her, just as he cared for all of his closest friends.
"We've got to help her," shouted Nephlite desperately. He began to run forward, but was stopped by two restraining hands.
"Now," Darien and Kunzite cried back, "this is her fight! We must let her do this."
It went on for a few minutes, but seemed like an eternity. Finally, Quartzite fell to the ground in front of Sailor Moon's feet.
Panting, he looked up at her and growled, "Well go ahead Serenity, finish me."
She stared at him silently, as if pondering something. Then she spoke, "It is not my right to punish you. You have paid for what you have done for me, but now you must pay for what you have done to others. The Generals, the Sailors, King Darien, and Princess Rini will decide your fate." With that, she turned around and walked away from him. Everyone hugged her when she arrived in front of them. They then continued to walk away, towards the citizens who had been standing there watching, Darien's arm around his wife's slim waist.
Quartzite stared at Darien, livid. How dare he touch her, he seethed, she. Is. MINE!
With a primal scream of rage, he threw all his remaining energy at Darien's turned back. Immediately, he dropped to the ground, exhausted to almost unconsciousness.
On impulse, Serenity glanced back at Quartzite and gasped when she saw the blast coming at her husband's back. Screaming, "LOOK OUT DARIEN!" She shoved him to the ground, taking the brunt of the blast herself. She fell to the ground and didn't move a muscle.
Serenity stared at the closed book. It was one the outside, old and decrepit. But on the inside was the best and most tragic story she'd ever read. 'And why does it all seem so familiar,' she wondered. Suddenly, she glanced at her watch and gasped. It was eight-thirty P.M. She'd spent the whole day reading the story. Quickly, Serenity got up and ran for the front door of the library, taking the large book with her.
When she got there, the entire group was standing there waiting for her. "Sorry I'm late, I was reading," she said breathlessly.
"Well," teased Mars gently, "this is a library, isn't it? Anyway, you aren't the last person here. We're still waiting for Venus, Saturn, and Mercury."
At that moment, Venus came running up, 5 or 6 books in her arms. She gasped, "Sorry to keep you guys waiting, but it took me forever to find some books to bring with me."
Darien finally spoke (for he'd been staring at Serenity again), "Do you mean that you've been looking for those books all day?" He gaped at her.
Venus laughed at that, "No, no. I read one book all day, put it back when I finished it and went looking for some to take with me."
Everyone laughed, and Mercury and Saturn arrived. After explaining what they had been doing to cause them to be late, the large group set off for supper.
During supper, they each told what they'd picked out of the library. Rini had found the latest part of the Sailor V comics that had been going on since her mother had been thirteen years old. Jupiter had found a new cookbook that she'd never tried before, but when they asked what she was going to cook, she only smiled mysteriously. Darien had found some of his favorite sci-fi books that he hadn't read in years and had snatched them up the instant he saw them. Uranus had found several books on weapons for her to research. Neptune had found an old book of music for her to learn and for her to play for her friends. Mars had found a book on the history of one of the most famous temples in the history of all Tokyo. Saturn and Mercury refused to comment on what they had found in the old library.
Rolling her eyes at Saturn and Mercury, Mars turned to Serenity and asked, "So, what did you find in the Library?"
Silently, she handed them the book that she had read that day.
Studying it, Mars read the title aloud, "Silver Destiny."
Opening the book to the dedication page she read that aloud as well. It said, "Dedicated to all of the people who have ever known true love, especially the people in this story."
Mars looked up at Serenity and asked, "Have you read this yet?"
Shaking her head, she replied, "Only skimmed it. I figured it would be interesting so I took it."
"Oh," replied Mars, "Can you give it to me when you're finished? I'd love to read it too."
"Sure."
Changing the subject, Venus asked, "Serenity, how would you like to go shopping tomorrow?"
Her eyes lit up like to light bulbs. Nodding viciously, Serenity said, "Definitely! I would love to check out some of the stores there."
Laughing at her friend's exuberance, Uranus rang out, "Then it's settled. Tomorrow's destination: THE MALL!"
Everyone laughed. Uranus was the last one who they would have thought to agree to go to the Mall.
That morning, the group set out for the Mall. Darien had informed the people that they'd be there that day, but asked the people that they treat them like anyone else, since Serenity would wonder why she was being treated like a Goddess.
Dashing from store to store, Serenity had her nose in everything, causing everyone else to laugh their heads off.
After an entire day of shopping, the group decided to walk home. Taking the long route through the park, they were stopped by a large gust of wind.
An evil laugh rang out, "Thank you Sailors for bringing the Queen to me. My minions and I will take her now." As Quartzite said this, the four Generals appeared beside him.
Everyone, minus Serenity, who was glaring at Quartzite, gaped at them.
Neptune shook off her feeling of shock and yelled at the group, "Transform guys! We have to protect the Queen. Neptune Crystal Power!"
"Venus Crystal Power!"
"Saturn Crystal Power!"
"Mars Crystal Power!"
"Uranus Crystal Power!"
"Jupiter Crystal Power!"
"Mercury Crystal Power!"
"Neo-Moon Star Power!"
In the places of the Royal Family and their closest friends were the legendary Sailor Scouts. The group of female warriors and their protector, Tuxedo Mask, that were usually told as bedtime stories or in history lessons. It was indeed that they were real.
Staring at them, Jedite laughed, "You won't be defeating me this time Sailor Brats!"
Fighting the turmoil that had been brought up in her heart, Mars snarled, "As I said before Jedite, you are evil. Good always triumphs over Evil, haven't you figured that out yet?"
Pairing up, Mars and Neptune took on Jedite. Jupiter and Neo-Moon took on Nephlite, Venus and Saturn went for Kunzite, and Mercury and Uranus lunged at Zoicite. That left Tuxedo Mask to protect Serenity, who was now staring at the four generals in a trance like state.
Images flooded Serenity's mind. Images of a group of four men kneeling before her, a man standing beside her with his arm around her, four girls sitting around laughing with her, and four other girls smiling as they watched from the shadows. Also, a woman with silver hair and silver eyes, looking at her with pure love.
The woman said to her, "Serenity, wake up. Free the Generals from their prison that has held them for the past two thousand years. Let the girls be happy once again."
Just as abruptly as the images started, they ended. Serenity was now again standing behind Tuxedo Mask as he fought off Quartzite. All around her the Sailors were fighting the Generals.
Serenity smiled and thought to herself, there will be no more fighting in my lifetime. Raising her hands into the air, she shouted, "Imperial Moon Power!"
With a crescent moon in the background, the Silver Crystal appeared in front of it. A silver glow emanated from it and shined down on Serenity, causing a silver suit to appear. In a flash, two gold bows and a gold skirt fastened to the suit, fitting together in one snap. The Crystal floated to a staff now residing in her hands.
Everyone had stopped fighting to stare at Serenity in amazement. She had obviously remembered enough to transform.
Opening her eyes, she stared at each of them calmly, raised her staff and whispered, "Cosmic Moon Healing Activate!"
The light shined upon the four Generals and they screamed in pain. The four Inner Sailors winced as though they'd felt the pain. The glow disappeared and the Generals stared straight ahead in shock.
They'd betrayed Earth, Prince Endymion, Princess Serene, Queen Serenity, the Moon, and their loves to Beryl. It was unforgivable to do such a thing. Each fell to the ground, screaming in anguish.
As everyone continued to stare in amazement, Sailor Moon slowly walked to them. Kneeling down, she smiled at each of them.
"Princess," whispered Zoisite, "Kill us. We don't deserve to live after all we've done."
Tears formed in everyone present eyes, except Quartzite, who was gaping at Sailor Moon. Quietly, the four Inner Sailors walked forward, Venus placing a hand on Kunzite's shoulder, Mercury holding the still crying Zoisite in her arms, Mars just smiled at Jedite with forgiveness, and Jupiter pulled Nephlite into her comforting embrace.
Rolling his eyes, Quartzite shouted, "Oh please, I didn't come here to put on some teary-eyed reunion for you! You generals have betrayed me, just as you did Beryl! For that you must die!" With those words, he flung a gigantic blast at the eight forms kneeling on the ground.
"Nooooo," screamed Sailor Moon and she hurled herself in front of them, her staff forming a shield around them.
When the light from the blast pasted, Quartzite screamed in rage at the sight of them sill alive.
With total calm, Sailor Moon said, "You have used your powers for evil and that is not tolerated upon this planet. You turned the four generals against us, just as Beryl the Bitch did. Now it is time for you to receive your punishment." Slowly, she raised her staff and whispered, "Cosmic Moon... Eliminate..."
Quartzite, recognizing the danger, placed a shield in front of him and threw his own blasts at the Queen.
Everyone stared at their old friend, princess, mother, and wife in amazement. She was using the Crystal with ease, not even showing any sign of tiring. Then suddenly, Serenity was knocked back four feet.
"PPPRRRIIINNNCCCEEESSS," screamed Zoisite, terrified that she was going to get hurt. She had done so much for him in the Silver Millennium and he'd betrayed her trust, and she'd died without knowing that he would always care for her, just as he cared for all of his closest friends.
"We've got to help her," shouted Nephlite desperately. He began to run forward, but was stopped by two restraining hands.
"Now," Darien and Kunzite cried back, "this is her fight! We must let her do this."
It went on for a few minutes, but seemed like an eternity. Finally, Quartzite fell to the ground in front of Sailor Moon's feet.
Panting, he looked up at her and growled, "Well go ahead Serenity, finish me."
She stared at him silently, as if pondering something. Then she spoke, "It is not my right to punish you. You have paid for what you have done for me, but now you must pay for what you have done to others. The Generals, the Sailors, King Darien, and Princess Rini will decide your fate." With that, she turned around and walked away from him. Everyone hugged her when she arrived in front of them. They then continued to walk away, towards the citizens who had been standing there watching, Darien's arm around his wife's slim waist.
Quartzite stared at Darien, livid. How dare he touch her, he seethed, she. Is. MINE!
With a primal scream of rage, he threw all his remaining energy at Darien's turned back. Immediately, he dropped to the ground, exhausted to almost unconsciousness.
On impulse, Serenity glanced back at Quartzite and gasped when she saw the blast coming at her husband's back. Screaming, "LOOK OUT DARIEN!" She shoved him to the ground, taking the brunt of the blast herself. She fell to the ground and didn't move a muscle.
At that moment, time seemed to stop. Everyone stared at the broken body of Queen Serenity, the Queen of Earth and the Moon, lying on the ground. Then, with an deafening scream, the crowd of citizens converged on Quartzite. He didn't have time to make a sound.
As for the Sailors, Generals, Rini, and Darien, they just stood there, in total shock. They had just gotten her back, how could they lose her so quickly again?
Then a wind blew and a door appeared out of no where. It was flung open, and out running came Sailor Pluto, a stricken look on her face and tears falling down her cheeks, far different than her normally composed expression.
Silently, she fell to the ground next the woman that she had guarded since she'd been born, in the Silver Millennium and in the 20th century. An audible sob came from Pluto's lips, "Serenity… my little Serenity... No you can't leave us... You weren't supposed to..." Slowly, she began to rock the body in her arms.
At those words, it sunk through to the others. Screaming with total anguish, the seven other Sailors fell to the ground, along with Rini, who was whimpering in Saturn's arms. The Generals stood at their love's sides, crying silently for the dear sweet princess they'd known so long ago. But as for Darien, he just stared at his wife's corpse, his face expressionless, and his eyes had turned from cobalt to stony gray, totally lifeless. Behind them, there was wailing coming from the people of Crystal Tokyo. They had lost the Queen that they had loved more than anything in the entire galaxy.
For what seemed like an eternity, no one moved. Finally, Mercury and Saturn stood up and, represented by ever quiet Mercury, they spoke to Pluto in a commanding tone, "Pluto, open the gate. We're going back to save her." It wasn't a suggestion, it was a command, and no one had ever commanded Pluto.
She looked up at them, startled, and weakly protested, "But the Time stream would ~"
"To hell with the Time stream," screamed Saturn, "This wasn't supposed to happen and you know it as well as the rest of us do. I don't care if History itself comes unraveled, I just want my Queen and friend back!" The deadly gleam in her eyes said, 'do not mess with me when I am this mad.'
Paralyzed by indecision for the first time in her long life, Pluto stared at each of them in the face, until she came to Darien. Only she could see the faint hope that sparked in his eyes. It was enough.
Gently lowering Serenity's body to the ground, she stood. Quietly, she raised her time staff and the gate appeared once again, unfeeling to the sorrow that surrounded it. Slowly, it opened.
Breaking the silence, Jupiter asked, "Is this safe?"
Laughing bitterly, Pluto answered, "Messing with time is never safe. May Cronos forgive me for what I am about to do, but right now, I just want her back. If I must be punished for that, then so be it. Just as long as she lives. But," she hesitated, then continued, "Only two may go. There is no more room than that. Who will go and who will stay?"
Saturn answered immediately, "I will go."
"So will I."
Everyone turned in surprise to stare at Venus, who had been nestled in Kunzite's arms for what had seemed like forever.
"Are you sure," asked Kunzite in concern for her mental state.
Her laughter just as bitter as Pluto's, if not even more, "I have failed my lieges. This can never be forgiven. But perhaps I can redeem myself by never letting it happen in the first place. I'm going!"
Nodding, Pluto gestured to the door. Turning to stare at everyone, Saturn and Venus, the two leaders of the Sailor Scouts, gave everyone a silent goodbye. Their gazes rested upon Darien, who was still staring at Serenity, or rather, what was left of her, as she was slowly disappearing. He suddenly turned to them and said only two words, "Good Luck."
Nodding, they turned and ran away from the awful sight, Pluto following them to her post.
It took only a few minutes until they reached their destination.
Pluto said to them, "I cannot go any farther. From here you are on your own. But remember you must only save her. Do not try to stop the crowd from tearing him apart. For the sake of History, he must die. I wish you luck."
The two silently nodded farewell, and went to meet their destinies.
The group of fourteen people were walking away as Quartzite stared at them. With the primal scream that Saturn and Venus had already heard, he threw an attack at Darien's back.
Seeing the attack, Serenity prepared herself to take the blast. She closed her eyes. It never came.
Hesitating, she opened her eyes and gasped. Saturn and Venus were one the ground, barely breathing. Serenity stared at the people beside her and was shocked. Saturn and Venus were standing there, but they were also on the ground!
With a shriek of rage at the thought that Quartzite would try to murder their queen, the citizens of Crystal Tokyo were upon him before he could make a sound.
Serenity, the others following her, ran to the side of the two fallen Sailors.
"How can this be," she whispered to them, not expecting an answer.
Slowly, Venus opened her eyes and breathed, "We're from the future Serenity. We saw you die from that blast. We knew that it wasn't supposed to happen. After convincing Pluto, she let us come back to save you. Where we are from, it no longer exists, thank god. I don't want to live in that time. I am just... thankful that you are alive." Those were her final words as Venus and Saturn's bodies faded into nothingness.
"Oh my god," whispered Mars, "they sacrificed their lives to come back here to save you Serenity."
Kunzite pulled his Venus closer and said only, "Remarkable."
"Well," spoke Darien for the first time, "Venus, Saturn, I think you deserve a medal."
The two Sailors protested, "But we didn't do it!"
He answered simply, "It was the two of you lying on the ground wasn't it?"
Everyone smiled and began to walk home. The crowd cheered loudly.
*~*~*~*~*