To Remember the Truth, Chapter 7b - And So Death Awaits
DRAFT - May 13, 2000 12:32pm
Usagi gasped as the cardian took hold of one of her ponytails and
twisted it tightly in its fist. A migraine-like pain found its way into
her head and she nearly screamed out loud from the slow numbness that
started gathering.
She must have fallen unconscious, for all she remembered was
waking up to find herself held by the cardian. They were in one of the
hallways in the... she squinted, fourth floor of the apartment, heading
off to some place.
She worriedly looked behind her. But the discovery of her
location didn't answer her questions about the other. Where was Mamoru?
She vaguely recalled him being hit into falling unconscious. Was he
okay? He was certainly not where she was. Did that meant he left her?
The cardian pulled on tightly for the second time, and she felt
tears beginning to burn in her eyes. The pain seared through her head,
and she began to choke out loud. Where was Mamo-chan? She was anxious.
Was he all right?
She shook her head. She wasn't supposed to be selfish. What
mattered now was that her Mamoru was safe. He had always tried to
protect her before, numerous times already. This time, it was his turn
to be protected. It actually didn't matter anymore that she was there,
caught: as long as Mamoru was all right. She knew he deserved better.
Another tug at her head caused her to moan. "Monster!" she
shrieked, trying her best not to cry anymore. The cardian only laughed,
and her efforts to control herself almost failed.
It grinned sardonically as it carried her past another stairway.
Where were they going? Usagi suddenly thought, and great fear overtook
her.
'Why does it always have to be me?' she thought angrily, if not a
bit miserably. What did they want from her? She always ended up being
the victim. It felt awful, along with the fact that Mamoru and the
others would always end up get harmed because of her. 'Why? What part
am I supposed to play in this complicated game this time?" she thought
to herself as the tears started blurring her vision.
Another incredibly strong tug...
"No… please, stop. It hurts..." she pleaded, starting to sob.
The cardian looked at her, finding her eyes very glazed and
pained. She wasn't fighting and kicking back anymore. Too bad.
But she really looked pitiful, with trails of tears on her cheeks
and her mouth quivering. Oh, the mistress would be so proud! But he had
to lessen his hold; it seemed that he was doing more harm than he had
expected. And he especially detested tears.
Sighing, he let go of her hair and placed his arms along with his
others in a carrying position. "Don't worry Little One, we're almost
there."
Her eyes widened, "Almost where?"
He nodded, smiling with satisfaction, "You'll see."
That was it. Hands balled into fists as she started pounding on
him, "You! Why me? What have I done? What do you want? I always meet
you cardians! Why don't you just leave me and the people alone?"
She really wished that Mamoru were with her at that moment. He
always gave her ease, and that sense of security came with him. 'Mamo-
chan... where are you? I'm scared...'
"Why? Because you have what we're looking for."
She saw the gleam in his eyes, "Don't worry. Here we are," and
they stood before a door Usagi recognized all too well.
The horrifying realization dawned in on her. She shivered and
closed her eyes, trying to block the horrid laugh from her mind.
'Does this mean I might die?'
Despair.
Then, she felt remorse.
Then, it was different. A sense of duty came to her.
'If I would die, would more people die?'
Her mother and her family and friends came to mind.
Why?
And then there was anger.
~~~
It was painful, but that didn't matter.
Mamoru struggled as he half-ran through the corridors. Every
single door was locked, with people anxiously hiding from inside.
Otherwise, the rooms were abandoned.
Despite the immense physical pain he felt when he regained
consciousness, he has tried to work immediately, knowing the
consequences if he didn't. The added stress on his muscles weren't
helping either. This ache, he tried to ignore. And he had gathered his
remaining strength and went to follow the path of the cardian. The one
which also took with itself the most valuable person in Mamoru's world.
There was no time for retaliation. It was either to relieve his
bad condition, or to risk Usagi's well being. And he could not, _would_
not, allow the girl to be hurt again, not with his life. Not when he
finally learned…
'Hold on, Usako,' his mind whispered urgently as he handled the
controls of with the elevator. 'No, too dangerous.' He then headed off
to the stairs.
He knew that Usagi Tsukino's life wasn't the only one on line.
Every other person's life depended on it. Who knows what might happen
if her strength readily supplied that Makaju (Doom Tree)? If the being
is to be given such power, it might reach its full potential, and might
take on a larger prey: the whole city, the world. It didn't matter, as
long as it received what it needed.
He sighed. Aside from that, he was in a precarious position. He
couldn't transform, with people watching through peek cracks or behind
the glass windows on several doors. He silently cursed, how could he
have allowed such an incident to happen? He should have seen it coming.
And if, if he failed…
Not now.
Concern for Usagi replaced desperation with renewed hope and
resolve, and he swiftly dashed through the staircase, ignoring the
throbbing in his head. He pushed past the others hurrying the opposite
way, anticipating the events that would impend as soon as he reached
the Gingas' apartment.
And an unexpected pain found it's way at the back of his head.
He gasped, falling down to his knees. Usagi. 'Darn it Odango
Atama, hold on. I'm coming.'
Guilt tore through him while he proceeded, and the thoughts
clamoured at him. If it weren't for him, she wouldn't have been hurt.
He should have known better... her life wouldn't be at risk, if he had.
If only he had...
I'm sorry…
And he stood and resumed on his way at a much faster pace.
I'm sorry…
'If anything happens to her, it would destroy my life.'
The realization never seemed that dreadful.
~~~
Ann waited eagerly as she felt the cardian approach with its
captive. 'Finally, a viable solution,' she thought. She would enjoy
doing this task.
The door then burst open, and she smiled scornfully as she saw
weak, yet struggling girl in the grasp of her charge. She took note of
the terrified look in Usagi's eyes and her thoughts turned derisively
ecstatic. Yet, there was no mistaking the renewed determination in it
as well. She scowled.
Usagi turned to meet her gaze. "Natsumi." She predicted despite
Ann's different form, her voice suddenly deathly steady.
She noticed the light that was shed in Usagi's eyes, a brief
sparkle meaning something very significant. Ann felt a part of her
shiver with unexpected intimidation.
"Well, Odango Atama, I'm surprised you can actually think well.
You finally understood my nature." She returned, ignoring the startling
change in the girl. It wouldn't matter if she finally found her
backbone now; she would soon die anyway. She grinned at that, too bad.
"Yours and Seijuurou's." she bit back.
One of her brows raised in mockery. "Why yes, of course."
"And where do I fit in? Let me go Natsumi. Stop this craziness."
She laughed out, "And who are *you* to order me, Usagi? I'm
afraid you just don't understand. But that is the least of my concerns.
You see, in truth, your life is what *we* need to make our tree live.
Apparently, there is some special life force within you."
She noticed the startled look that came over the girl. "Of course
you'll have to die to let the Makaju recover to its full strength." She
sneered as she added, "But that is just an advantage - I can't wait to
be rid of you. Cardian!"
The latter followed her call and wrapped one of his arms around
Usagi's neck, starting to apply pressure. She choked, suddenly cut out
of air. "Natsumi... please," her weak voice called out, faintly
pleading.
She snorted, but then, a hand rested on her shoulder. An
indignant look flashed in her face as she looked at her fellow alien,
Allan. "You have the nerve, Allan! Don't you dare."
He looked irritated. "I know what you want, Ann. But -"
"Don't get hormonal with yourself, now, Allan. You got what you
want, Mamoru left; now don't pity the girl. We had promised that our
mission would be our focus in the first place." But the stern demeanor
gentled, and she spoke, "This is our only chance."
He stopped, and after several seconds, looked away. But his
acceptance was not final without one thing said, "Release that damned
hold on her, you fool. You'll choke the life out of her. I want this to
be as painless as possible."
Ann was slighted by the order, but took exception to the fact
that he was agreeing with her; at least he understood. She nodded as
the cardian did as he was told.
"Well?"
There was silence, and then a resigned sound came from him. "Do
what you want, Ann."
She stared at Allan and sighed. Fine, she would have to do this
on her own. Upset as she was, she continued on her task and stalked
over to the blue door. She realized that she could not look at Usagi.
Darn it, she feared the look in the other girl's eyes.
Throughout their ordeal, there was something, a realization of
sorts, or some important comprehension on the girl's face. It started
when Usagi found out who she was. Her eyes had changed, not angry
anymore, but... comforting, filled with sympathy. She hated it, along
with the anger she had recently noticed due to Usagi's frigid
composure. It got on her nerves, disturbing her wits and her
concentration.
"Natsumi... I... hope I understand. I don't know why you're
doing this. It angers me that you have to sacrifice so many lives for
your own significant purpose. You risked so many people's lives for the
past few months... but there's a reason, isn't there? If I were the
solution to this, then maybe, I would be willing to give my life for
you. If only it was just me and not the people," she heard Usagi
murmur. "I'll stop this. You are wrong. Let me try-"
"Shut up!" she shouted, blocking of Usagi's words. This was her
only opportunity. She had no time to doubt. "Bring her in!"
Allan gasped.
The cardian sped past her, eager to do his duty.
And Usagi's blue eyes followed Ann as she was carted off to what
seemed was her death. And from those dark depths, she felt her plead,
someone suddenly lending her strength… someone eager to live: for her
own sake and for others as well. Yet it seemed that she accepted her
purpose here as well, which was to die. Her eyes told her she was
willing to understand. Then there was an accusation, telling her 'What
are you doing? This is wrong… the wrong way, and you'll only end up
destroying your life.'
How could Usagi actually know how she felt in such a time like
this? Her own worried thoughts vanished. 'I don't need your help,
Odango Atama. You don't know how I feel. You're my exact opposite:
everything I wanted to be and all that I wanted to have. Don't tell me
what to do with myself.'
Branches revealed themselves and hovered over Usagi. Then her
figure disappeared.
She tensed with anticipation.
And then there was a burst of light.
~~~
Allan couldn't believe it.
The shock immobilized him. The tree was alive, too much in frenzy
over the added burst of strength. It was out of control. How could one
person contain so much power?
And his panicked eyes flickered over to Usagi, who was moaning in
pain, entangled in one of the largest branches. It was as if she was
the center and life source of the tree: suspended high in the air,
forbidden from everyone.
The cardian was in another branch, trapped himself. But the tree
rejected him and threw him down repeatedly with its stems. It didn't
take much effort: the cardian died on the last spot.
He took a deep breath, "How could a transformation like this
happen so quickly, when-"
Suddenly, a man flew from between him and Ann, cutting him off.
He entered the dangerous abyss, apathetic to everything around him. The
potential hazard was nothing to this person; his determination was
evident - focusing only on the girl who lay weak in the clutches of the
Makaju.
"Mamoru!" he heard Ann cry out in wonder and alarm.
But Chiba Mamoru could only care less, his eyes falling on the
dead cardian's body still held by the tree. It disintegrated into a
card, and he stared at Usagi worriedly, fearing the same fate for her.
"Usagi!" he yelled, more to himself than to the girl, so it seemed to
Allan.
Usagi's condition was creating that effect on Mamoru. Her eyes,
shut tightly, were the only signs of life. Her arms lay limp behind
her, her pallor was sickly, and she dangled in the air like a useless
doll.
"Damn it Usako! Hear me! I'm coming!" he shouted, despair lacing
his voice.
'Usako?' Allan thought, suddenly annoyed. But astonishment still
held him to his place, not willing his body to move.
Her eyes still closed, Usagi gave a little gasp when she
recognized his voice. She did not move, however, then whispered. "You
didn't have to come here, Chiba Mamoru. You and I know that you're
hurt. You better get out of here, or else something might happen to
you, I... think I wish to do this alone. I don't want you hurt."
Allan gasped as he heard her. Was Usagi delirious? She was
practically welcoming death. He found that he could move his body after
all; the shock had left him. He had enough. This had to stop.
"That's stupid and _you and I know_ it." Mamoru was immediately
upset over the grave formality of Usagi's words. "I won't let you die.
Open your eyes, Usako! Show me you can still make it!"
Allan was struck into a still by the choked up passion in
Mamoru's words. He had never felt a man so emotional before.
The branches grew in size and length as they broke through the
room and slithered, taking over the building. Allan had to levitate to
escape their wrath.
Usagi, who, although she was the center of the whole event, had
not been moving ever since it began - not in fright, or in worry -
finally opened her eyes and smiled, then whispered a soft phrase. "I
think I love you too, Mamo-chan."
"NO!" Allan heard Mamoru scream in defiance. He had a sharp
intake of breath as light suddenly encased the man, cleansing him. His
anger clearly initiated the process. Ann had a similar look of surprise
and misunderstanding. And the sight he made overwhelmed both of them.
Mamoru had transformed into Tuxedo Kamen.
~~~
"Curse this wall," Sailor Jupiter muttered as she felt the mute
obstructive force behind the wall blocking their entry. She held out a
booted leg and tried to tap its density. It was too thick to break down
physically. Darn.
"Well?" she heard Sailor Mercury ask her from behind.
"Stand back," she ordered steadily, and the rest of the girls
followed her evenly given command.
A sparkling disc formed in her hand and as it increased in
magnitude, she prepared to fling it off. "Jupiter Thunder Dragon!"
The orb flew from her fingers, making contact with the wall with
such powerful intensity. The barrier promptly disintegrated after her
attack, clearing them off the obstacle.
"Good job, Jupiter." Luna called out. "Let's get going!" The
girls nodded and swiftly made their way inside. Luna had immediately
notified the girls about the power surge within the building. They had
tried to get there as quickly as they could, but were apparently too
late. Branches and shrubbery covered the building, reaching every
corner.
Venus stepped in to lead the group as they ran through the lobby.
The place was a terrible mess, with every object surrounded by
overgrown greens. But she knew that there was more to the appearance;
she was well aware of the danger they were in. "Guys, we better take it
cautiously," she warned them. "This isn't good. I only hope Usa-chan is
fine."
The others nodded. Mars darted her eyes around nervously, sensing
a perilous occurrence. She stayed behind the group, backing Mercury,
whom they depended on finding the path further. Her eyes narrowed when
she heard a sharp sound. She turned and saw a branch unfurl and reveal
a flower. The bud instantaneously opened itself and released --
"Venus, watch out!" They all heard Mars and saw a direct and
constricted spray of thick purple liquid heading the blonde's way.
Venus responded in kind with a black flip, barely missing the attack.
Which, unfortunately, hit the cat behind her instead. A burn
formed on Luna's leg as she started moaning. She crumpled painfully to
the ground. "Luna!" Artemis gasped.
Mercury took the opportunity and sent an ice blast hurtling in
the direction of the said branch. The magic encased the flower and
froze it on the spot.
Jupiter held the hurt Luna in her arms, "Are you all right?" she
turned to the group. "What should we do with her? We better hurry."
Mars offered her handkerchief; "Here." She handed it to Venus and
the girl started wrapping it around the cat's wound. Mercury started
scanning the room for a possible exit.
Mars started, "If we don't get going, more plants will arrive.
And I fear Odango Atama's safety."
Venus nodded solemnly. "We should leave. We also need to look for
Mamoru-san." She finished bandaging the injury. Jupiter offered to
carry the cat. "I knew those two were somehow involved." She finished,
remembering Natsumi and Seijuurou.
Mercury then snapped her fingers, "Guys, it's safer if we would
take the stairway. It's over there, on the left."
~~~
Usagi gasped as she saw who stood in place of Mamoru.
"Tuxedo Mask," she whispered. 'Please God, no...' she pleaded.
No wonder.
An overpowering surge swept her, all filled with guilt, sudden
understanding, happiness and pain. It was he, this same person who had
held her earlier. Memories of both of Mamoru's personalities reclaimed
her mind, and she recalled the man who had saved her all those times…
when she had auditioned for the magazine, or in the Virtual Shootout
game. And in the play... she brought into mind his furious face when he
found out that she hadn't hidden herself despite the obvious danger of
a cardian.
So many times he risked his life to save hers... all of the
people's lives for that one. He gambled on his safety, his well being,
and everything about his life for the matter, just to protect them. He
was so much more than the man who bothered her senses day and night, or
the irritating guy who teased her a lot, he was also a protector of
lives.
Mamoru was Tuxedo Mask.
'Is this one of your secrets?' she closed her eyes in exhaustion.
Of all things...! And she never knew. She thought he was simply the man
who bantered her to no end, and yet, here he was something else
altogether.
And he never told her. Goodness, the pain. The pain of not
knowing that he put his life on the line day and night for others. It
was a startling revelation.
'And I was always the one who needed to be saved,' her thoughts
were shocked into sadness and frustration. She stared at the man she
felt so much for as he struggled to reach her. First it was her
situation about her feelings for him, then it was Allan and Ann's
seemingly desperate condition, now this! It didn't matter how he kept
it from her, what mattered now was that once again, he was going
against the danger to save her. He was giving threat to his own life
once more.
To save her.
'Stupid baka, Mamo-chan,' she thought irritably, 'Why? Why are you
doing these?' Those were questions for later, if ever she would survive
this ordeal. If only she could save him as well... if only she could help
him. Why did it have to be this way?
'I can help,' she thought faintly, wishing for more
encouragement, 'if I was given the opportunity.'
"I'm coming!" he encouraged, glad to see her conscious, although
only watching him. He was avoiding direct eye contact, knowing at all
what her reaction to his earlier transformation might be. And her heart
went out to him. She dimly remembered his recent confession of
feelings, and was filled with happiness. Even though she knew that she
was in a very dangerous situation, those thoughts alone gave her
happiness, and hope. 'He loves me, too.'
And then she realized the overwhelming love she felt for the man.
'Oh Mamo-chan,' she thought. Why did she find out only now? Why, when
the moment was filled with death?
'If only I had known...'
~~~
Tuxedo Mask observed the look in Usagi's face as he leapt one of
the giant leaves. It ranged from disbelief, to acceptance, to wonder…
then guilt, then pain. He knew his revelation startled, if not hurt,
her. He couldn't meet her intent eyes. Still, the knowing that she was
in pain...
"I'm coming!" he spoke to her. 'Usako, don't let go…'
She faced his direction.
And finally, their eyes met.
And he saw her love... he felt it in the distance between the
both of them. And he realized, more painfully, that he had to reach her
now. He knew that she already recognized her feelings for him, and that
they were mutual. The sheer joy that suddenly erupted in his soul
proved that. But he also knew the peril that was threatening that very
same happiness. What good was everything, if she could very well die
any instant? He tried no to think of the possible impending doom.
Crouching, he jumped to another branch. "Wait for me."
He was alarmed when he heard Usagi gasp out, "Look behind you!"
A moving branch, in intimidation seemed like a tentacle, suddenly
lashed out against him. He barely managed to dodge it as he did another
flip to avoid contact.
Tuxedo Mask then continued in his task as he raised himself
higher. He had lost his hat in the process, and was warily aware of Ann
and Allan's eyes on him.
What he wasn't aware of was the fact that the previous branch was
on its way back to him.
He barely managed to hear Usagi's scream as he felt an impact on
his back and was knocked off his feet.
~~~
Ann tried to ignore the conflicting emotions inside her as she
saw Mamoru - no - Tuxedo Kamen, fall off from a high-altitude place.
She narrowed her eyes, but was relieved when a branch similar to the
one that held Usagi caught the man. The recognition was astounding.
Chiba Mamoru, the man she cared for, was Tuxedo Kamen, their
worst enemy, and the heartless rogue who destroyed all their plans
along with the Sailor Senshi.
And enemy or no enemy, she didn't want him harmed: she just
realized that.
But how dare he? How DARE he? She thought. Tears threatened her
eyes. Why Chiba Mamoru? Why the only man she thought worth her time in
this world? She had gone through everything, even defying Allan, the
one she loved, for this man. And now, from this point of view, all was
gone.
She gave him all that she could, and was far a better person from
the one Mamoru obviously cared for. Despite all this, why, why did
Mamoru love Usagi?
Did Ann really know what love meant?
She wasn't sure.
The uncertainty made her feel weak, made her feel like a failure.
She scowled when she saw them. His mask had also fallen off, and
he was reaching out...
... to Usagi who was only a few feet away. Their hands hovered
against each other, and she noticed his determination. He would give
his life to protect the girl.
He called out to her.
Their hands met.
And her heart stopped.
~~~
He now knew how she felt... when his energy slowly seeped away,
taken at every opportunity. The tree wasn't taking any chances. Mamoru
would have preferred falling roughly to this.
As tired as he felt, he also noticed that his own branch was
gravitating toward that which held Usagi. He placed all effort on
focusing on her. If _this_ was how he felt, how much more could it be
for her? She needed him, and it was up to him to save her from the
danger of losing all of her energy. And if he could reach her now...
He needed her as well.
"Usako, hold my hand..." he pleaded, and he took note of the
glazed look in her eyes. He was filled with dread - she was losing
consciousness.
"Not now Odango Atama!" he tried, yelling with all his heart's
fears. "Hold my hand, we can still make it. DON'T let me down. LIVE!"
And his words somehow slammed past her reverie. He knew, when she
nodded with faint acknowledgement. Her arm raised slowly, trying to
meet his.
"Mamo...ru," she grunted.
He smiled at her, marvelling at her will. "Just a little more,
Usako."
And she smiled as well, as if he was the only thing she
comprehended.
And that was only so true. Usagi felt numb all over, and was
vaguely aware of what was happening to her. All she could rely on was
his voice, suddenly so near, begging her to listen to him and not to
lose hope. She could not fail now, not when he was so near. Yet, the
pain increased, and yellow dots began clouding her reddened haze of a
vision.
'Not now,' she urged in her mind. She couldn't give up, even when
the very persistent ache filled her body. She still had to help them…
anyone she could offer herself to: Ann, Mamoru, Allan and the others.
She shouldn't lose hope now, she wasn't supposed to die helpless,
without doing anything. Not when Mamoru had so much faith in her, not
when she finally found out...
She could barely make out his smile. 'I'll do it, for you.' she
thought.
And she tried to reach further.
Mamoru's eyes contracted with determination. He stretched out his
hand...
And their fingers brushed against each other.
'I love you,' a faint brush of the wind between them.
Their hands met.
Unwilling tears formed in Mamoru's eyes as he clutched her hands
possessively. He could still reach her: and maybe he could save her as
well. The gentle squeeze she had given him was more than enough to
comfort him and make him forget his own pains.
"Usako!"
"Mamo-chan, thank you," she whispered back.
"Don't worry, we'll get you back safely." He assured her. "I'll-"
He was surprised when their hands were broken off each other by a
forceful booted foot, that which came between them.
Mamoru met Allan's insulted gaze, and the alien's scowl focused
on him. "Don't touch her, Chiba. You are not worthy."
A glare came from Mamoru, frightening since he was never the kind
of person who felt so much anger. Released of the reassurance of
Usagi's hand, he met his look with the same intensity, and they were
kept to their positions by the fraught stare.
"ALLAN! You too?"
The two of them glanced down, but they were frozen on the spot
when they saw Ann.
She was glowering, and her eyes were flashing with anger. "Why
does everyone want HER to be safe? Why her?" And a blue glow
illuminated her rage.
Allan approached her, "Ann, its not what you think -"
"It's NOT? Allan, don't you DARE tell me what I should think or
NOT think!" she screeched.
The Makaju began to react violently to her rage. It started
emitting the same blue light Ann displayed now. Branches were out of
control as they lashed out viciously.
Even Ann was surprised by the sudden change of behaviour in the
tree. It grew larger, so huge it broke through the highest ceiling in
the building, opening it to the sky.
Allan's attention was caught when he heard Usagi scream. They
both looked up, and saw that the tree's frenzy was supplemented by
increased absorption. Usagi and Mamoru were basked in pink light, and
her moans evidently showed her pain due to the loss of energy.
"The Makaju is out of control!" Allan strained out. Mamoru's
screams joined Usagi's.
"NO!" both aliens cried at the same time.
~~~
The Makaju, as if heeding their call, stopped; it promptly
deposited them afterwards. Both Usagi and Mamoru fell down,
unconscious. Allan made his way to catch Usagi as Natsumi did the same
for Mamoru.
Allan frowned; Usagi wasn't well. Her breathing was too shallow,
and her face white and cold. Her arms were lifeless, and she was
sweating despite her own cold temperature. The Makaju had gotten what
it wanted from her, and Allan knew very well that it could mean her
death...
"What have you done to her?!"
The two aliens met the source of the voice and saw the four
Sailor scouts standing in the doorway. The worried looks on their faces
faded as they turned to the aliens their eyes narrowing to slits when
they saw how they held Usagi and Mamoru, both out cold.
"Oh so you're here to save Tsukino Usagi, too?" Ann asked,
malevolence and bitterness in her tone.
"We came to rescue her _and_ Tokyo." Sailor Mars answered. And
her eyes fell to Tuxedo Mask's lifeless figure. "What have you done to
them?"
From beside her, Mercury gasped. "He's lost his mask..."
Allan raised an eyebrow, "Chiba Mamoru - I should have known. And
I presume that you are Mizuno Ami, Kino Makoto, Hino Rei, and Aino
Minako. You were always together in a group."
"Oho, and so nice of you to finally notice," Jupiter scowled
back. "Seijuurou... Natsumi Ginga."
"No more masks," Ann sneered. "Unless Usagi here is hiding
something."
No one answered that.
Ann smiled.
"Well then, it's time to get this over with, although I hope
that you would reveal all your secrets now. It would spare us some
wasted time later." Ann looked bored despite her apparent distress over
Mamoru.
Venus gave her a grin in return, "I agree with you Natsumi. You
see there's absolutely no need to hide anything else. So, why don't you
tell us what you really need and why it has to involve many innocent
lives?"
Ann's smirk faded. "Don't make it sound foolish. You don't know
anything about what we've been through. We will sacrifice all those
lives if needed. We need to save this tree. It is all that matters in
the world."
"Save something by destroying the rest, now THAT is stupid."
Ann's eyes glowed with fury as they settled on Sailor Jupiter,
who made no visible effort to resist her. "You die now." She heard
Allan hiss about the fatal barb.
"Pardon her," Mercury answered, "But what she said was true.
Destroying everything for one will have no meaning. Even if you want to
save lives, what would be its purpose, when everything else is gone?
You should know that what you're doing is wrong." Her countenance was
serious.
"Yes," Venus approved. "Let's stop this right now, Natsumi. In
all truth, you have absolutely no right, taking what isn't yours
forcefully: and for your own benefit. If you would allow _us,_
together, to try and find a way, it could work."
A pink surge of power interrupted her, and the senshi all jumped
out of the way.
Ann was glaring, "And trust you? The very same people who
destroyed our cardians? You who made ruins of all our plans? Trust was
the very thing that destroyed our lives in the first place, so don't
expect us to give it to you: you who don't even understand the
sufferings we've been through!"
Allan joined in her attack; "You don't know a thing about us,
Sailor Senshi. Don't assume you can manipulate us, and don't you dare
judge us."
"You're asking us that and call us manipulators when you were the
ones who sent monsters about, hurting OUR people! And now you even
intend to sacrifice an innocent!" Mars shot back as she ran off from
Allan's blasts.
They both refused to acknowledge her words, for the doubt of what
they came to here in Earth in the first place hurt too much.
"Our people died too!" Allan was close to screaming in outrage.
"And so you took it on OUR people. Do we have to sacrifice too?
Do you intend to punish us for your own suffering? And no wonder you
take perverse satisfaction in doing what you do! Is that it?" Jupiter
yelled with her own fury.
"Jupiter!" Venus reprimanded angrily.
"Isn't that it?" Jupiter commented as she dodged another pink
sphere. "They might not know it, but how can they honor the good
intention of saving their lives and the tree when they go on risking
other people's lives - without a single thought. They could kill,
Venus! And why did it come to that! It never had to be this way!"
Her words were surprisingly too painful: it unknowingly hit a
cord within the aliens: like an accusation, a question that mocked Ann
and Allan's intentions in the first place.
"You have NO right!" Ann sputtered.
Ann's own sphere attack grew in power and magnitude. This time it
hit right on the spot... on the person whose words tinged her own core.
Jupiter fell down, unconscious.
'Could it be true?" Allan asked in his mind. The confusion in his
thoughts besieged him. The turmoil was making him lose control, his own
hits grew stronger themselves - a bad indication, since that meant he
was losing his hold on himself. And still, his conscience mocked him,
questioning his own motives.
'Was this what Odango Atama meant?' a voice asked in Ann's mind
as she proceeded to bring down the rest of the scouts. Usagi said that
she was making a mistake, and that it might destroy her life… NO! She
couldn't possibly be wrong! They never knew, they had no right!
The unexpected guilt and questioning of her own questions
unnerved her: it was all so sudden. She had never imagined having to
doubt herself.
Her eyes left the strewn scouts and travelled to the person in
her mind. She turned to her left and saw Usagi, barely conscious,
somehow ending up in Tuxedo Mask's embrace. They held each other like
there was no tomorrow, at ease in the other's arms despite the danger.
And why was Usagi the one to be happy? Why did she feel so bitter
inside, so dead...
Like when she and Allan first started on their search for
survival. They so wanted to live, but what was it that they felt in the
first place?
Dead inside.
*No!*
"NO! How could you, Tsukino Usagi! The sailor scouts, Tuxedo
Kamen! You mock us; you question the reason we wanted to live in the
first place. You deride all that we have been through: every single
suffering we had. Such anguish that you yourselves have never met. Your
very existence threatens us!" she cried without thought.
"And how could you, of all else, be happy, and live in a planet
so peaceful and beautiful, so innocent? Why not us? Us, who deserve it
so much more."
Her pink eyes met Allan's confused, down-turned ones.
A voice interrupted her litany,
"Because they had been right in the first place."
~~~
Allan's fury returned, "You!"
All eyes, angry, exhausted and pained, others barely conscious -
all turned to meet the white clad woman who stood on a branch.
The Moonlight Lady had no expression on her face, only sheer
knowledge and determination in her blue eyes. "Listen to their words,
aliens, and look at them. There you will find your answers."
"No!" Ann screeched, recalling the look in Mamoru's eyes when he
stared at Usagi. Allan sent a large blue sphere at the intruder, which
the Moonlight Lady dodged, but had barely escaped due to its suddenly
increased size. Her side received the brunt of the sphere and she was
sent flying to the other side. Allan turned to follow her.
"Usako, wake up." A gentle voice froze them in their steps.
Tuxedo Mask... Mamoru was crouched over the girl he previously
held. He shook her gently, oblivious to the eyes watching them. "Come
on, don't give up now. We've only just begun."
She groaned, moving slightly, but not regaining consciousness. He
sounded desperate. "Please, Odango. I need you."
He held her face, as she slowly returned to wake. "Usako." And
the name drew too many abstract emotions.
Her eyes opened, though it was obvious she was having difficulty
doing so. Her eyes focused on Mamoru, not fully recognizing him. After
several seconds of quiet grasping, her hand rested on his, holding her
face, and she slowly smiled, then comprehending who this gentle person
was. She could not speak, could only look at him and smile in quiet
reassurance. He smiled back, content at just staring at her.
A thousand words filled with emotions kept between them for the
past few weeks passed between them in silence, forgetting the hurts,
regretting the doubts and the secrets.
They were finally together.
Ann couldn't take it anymore.
"You DO NOT deserve this!" she threw at them. Mamoru was promptly
caught by her warning and he crouched to shield Usagi.
"Ann." Allan answered quietly, his answer neither negative or
assuring. His eyes showed hurt at Tuxedo Kamen and Usagi's previous
moment.
But his call wasn't heeded; violence erupted within Ann as the
overly strong pink orbs started forming in her fists. "Die!"
And when the orbs flew to them, Mamoru stood up, intercepting
then blocking them. He was using his body as a shield to prevent
further damage to Usagi, regardless of the pain and weakness it was
causing to himself. And this time, Ann couldn't care. The contradiction
they were bringing on her mind was too much to handle, and the inner
agony they gave her was something she couldn't take. Eager to dispose
of the source of her uncertainty, she released more of her power.
Mamoru knew he could die, but he didn't care. He was born to
protect the girl behind him. It was hardly important to him anymore who
they were in the past - he knew he just cared for who she really was
now, and what she meant to him: he was willing to offer his life for
her well being. He thrived on every time he spent in her presence. He
accepted every blow, knowing he had a good reason worth all this.
He crossed his hands before him, knowing well that he was taking
too much, and would soon collapse. He didn't care. He was on the verge
of falling to his knees when the attacks stopped.
He opened his eyes.
It was Allan. He held Ann's hand and directed it away, shaking
his head at her. The upset scowl on his face hadn't left yet as he
faced Mamoru, but Ann was reluctant to stop. She frowned as she stepped
back, still seething.
Allan asked, "Is there any reason we should spare you?"
Mamoru didn't answer.
Allan's eyes narrowed. "Answer me."
Mamoru closed his eyes and said, "You want me to deny what the
Senshi has accused you? Do you want me to approve of what you have been
doing, just to appease your conscience?" A faint smile worked its way
into his face as his eyes opened. "I won't, Allan."
The alien grew quiet.
The senshi remained silent, waiting. All were unable to do
anything, and stillness fell upon them.
Allan only nodded, "Why then, do you protect her, when you know
that you might die doing so?"
Mamoru grew solemn, "I love this girl, and the brightness within
her fulfils me. I loved her from the start. And I am willing to give my
life for her. Even if I die, I know that I will be happy."
Allan's eyes widened, "---Happy? Even when you would suffer, even
if you would lose everything? Just because of her, you would be-"
"Happy, and my heart will be content." Mamoru finished for him.
Allan gasped, and a startling realization hit him. It took
seconds of acceptance before he turned behind him, "Ann, I think..."
Shocked eyes followed his. Ann was no longer behind him.
"Where the heck…!" Jupiter, finally awake, began.
Suddenly, Allan shouted, "No! Stop it Ann!"
Mamoru froze.
Ann smiled from behind him, the largest of spheres in her hands.
"No need to speak, love," she assured the other alien. And she affixed
her gaze on Mamoru's back. His eyes narrowed.
He tried to face her in time.
The sphere was released.
Mamoru knew it would mean the end of him.
It approached, too fast.
And he couldn't avoid it ----
His eyes closed, acknowledging everything. It was for her.
Accepting the inevitable...
--All was painfully still, and they all watched helplessly at the
awaiting devastation--
But the sphere never reached him.
'--What?' His eyes opened.
A resounding "NO!" came from various directions as Usagi's body
fell into his arms.
~~~
"God, no!" They all gasped as he pleaded. "Usako!"
He fell to his knees, holding Usagi as she approached the brink
of death. "You didn't have to do that, Usagi!" he whispered
uncontrollably. 'Lord please,' he closed his eyes as he held her
closer, 'don't let it end this way,' he prayed repeatedly. He shook as
he realized what she had actually done. He couldn't… he didn't want to
accept it.
She had stood up and thrown herself in the way of the blast to
protect him. Tears made their way into his eyes, and he blinked them
back. Why? Horrified looks were on the faces of the Sailor Scouts, and
Ann stood, speechless.
So, it would all end with this.
Usagi squinted as she tried to focus on Mamoru, but found out
that her vision was immensely blurry. Her body prevented her from
moving, as if chains bound her every limb, thus making it painful and
utterly impossible to move. Darkness threatened her.
She was dying.
'But it's okay,' she tried. She just *couldn't* let it happen!
She couldn't allow Mamoru to die for her once more. Once more? Somehow,
somewhere, she knew that this had happened before. It was written in
his eyes. He wanted to give his life for her. And she just couldn't
stand it...
Yet, strangely, she felt happy, elated. It was the joy of
offering her life to him, so that he could make things right for her.
It was the only way she could live with herself.
'Oh, Ann, I hope you learn.' A faint voice in her mind said, she
nodded.
She was dying, and it hurt. She had no choice, and couldn't do
anything about their situation any longer. She would miss them
immensely.
The events of the previous month caught up with her, and she
realized that it didn't matter. She had her taste of happiness, with
Mamoru 'thatbakabutIlovehim,' Manami, the girls and her other friends.
It was... so nice...
She was dying, she realized as tears surrounded her already
weakened vision, but she was truly happy.
I wonder why?
She stared at the outline of Mamoru and found out her answer.
"You stupid fool!"
He struggled with himself as he held her to him. Why her? Would
it all end with this? After the times they spent together, after so
much pain and joy, would it all stop to this?
He felt like dying.
"See?" Usagi's frail voice reached him, and he immediately drew
back to look at her and listen.. "Don't be sad. In my own way, I
finally helped you. I'm not so useless after all."
He drew in a shaky breath, "No, don't say that -"
"Really, Mamo-chan," she interrupted, breathless. "I finally
repaid you for all the times you saved us all. Aren't you..." she
sighed, shutting her eyes, "…proud of me?"
From underneath her shut lids, tears started welling up
contentedly. "You always said that I could be special. That I _am_
special, even though I wouldn't believe it myself. But this time, I
helped, for real! I saved you." She smiled, and her face was genuinely
pleased.
He held her hand tighter, losing all sense of the moment. "It
doesn't matter if you're not here. Please, don't go Usako! Please,
please..."
She opened her eyes one last time, "And Mamo-chan, you don't have
to worry. I think I know. I think I know the Truth now, though I don't
have to actually remember it."
He couldn't speak, could only stare as his vision got blurred.
And so she continued. "I know I loved you too."
"I love you still, you... Baka." He heard as she whispered, and a
small laugh escaped her. "I know it."
And then all was calm.
He felt her close her eyes and heard her final breath. The weight
in his arms lessened, as if her soul was gone. Then there was nothing.
'No - No…' his thoughts scrambled to get a hold on him. It was
repetition of some cursed history. 'Don't leave, yet! I haven't told
you yet, I haven't!'
Mamoru still couldn't speak, and the tears fell.
He only drew her closer, speaking to her as if she was still
alive, mentioning lost opportunities, feelings remaining unsaid, and
secrets he should have told long before. His desperate voice was the
only sound through the darkness.
The scouts wept.
~~~
Ann watched the scene unfolding before them.
Her mind was blank, and her heart was void of all emotion and
thoughts.
Tsukino Usagi had left them.
Goodness, she had never felt such heaviness and pain in her life,
even when both Allan and her lost their families.
She slowly raised her hand, and the sound of the weeping scouts,
together with the gentle rustle of leaves drowned her. And the dreaded
question crept on her, what had she done?
"What have I done?" she repeated to herself. This was never what
she wanted. And despite having accomplished her goal, it didn't bring
her the thing she wanted most: and that was happiness. It only made her
feel worse. So worse, the guilt was killing her and the sense of
failure and foolishness drew at the back of her mind, willing to
attack.
Allan's hand fell gently on her shoulder, giving her
encouragement. "It was love, Ann." He said silently, yet with so much
passion.
She looked at him as he stared straight ahead, at the sight of
the utterly destroyed Mamoru and the lifeless Usagi. "I also wondered
what it was in this world that made it feel so special. I wanted to
know why they were always so happy, so vibrant. And Ann, through these
people, I saw it all. In Usagi, especially. We made a mistake Ann, but
we couldn't be accounted for it."
She sniffled, and tears formed in her eyes too as she went to him
and allowed him to hold her for comfort. "I couldn't accept it Allan. I
couldn't accept that we were wrong. I'm so sorry..."
'I know,' he thought as he buried his face in her hair.
And at the moment, the tree suddenly began on another frenzy of
anger. It whirled uncontrollably, lashing at every victim in sight. The
intensity of the transformation was so strong that it shook the
building. The scouts weren't unaffected; the force threw them all off
in various directions.
Mamoru lay still, the Makaju ignored him.
The Moonlight Lady rejoined the group. "Allan, Ann, look out!"
But it was too late; Ann, too befuddled, did not notice the
tree's main branch heading for her. The others tried to stifle their
screams as the clashing point drew near. What they hadn't expected was
Allan, who threw Ann off the direction of the branch. In return, he had
gotten hit instead of her, and was sent falling to the ground.
"Allan," Ann cried out, her tone horror-struck.
The tree wanted to finish everything off, and Ann noticed the
main branch sharpening, forming a deadly spear. She knew whom it was
targeted at.
"Stop it!" she yelled, throwing her hands out wide as she stood
to block the spear's path towards Allan. Her tears flew more. "I now
know what it means to----"
A few words too late.
"Ann, NO!"
The spear drove through her heart.
Allan's agonized screams tore through her.
~~~
"I love you," Allan whispered as he held Ann.
No one moved.
Mars held Mercury as the girl cried into her shoulder. Tears
silently fell down her own face, but she remained silent.
Jupiter just stood, looking down. "How could it all end at this?"
she asked herself. "Why did the lesson have to be learned, only when
two lives had already been lost?"
Venus shook her head as she held Luna to her chest, refusing to
answer.
The Moonlight Lady just watched through all of this.
"It wasn't meant to be this way."
They were all surprised at the new voice, even Mamoru was
affected, when he had been so stoic. They tried to look for the source
of the voice.
"It is I, the Makaju."
Their gazes rested on the tree, which had been the center of the
whole event. It glowed a faint light, and this time, it was gentle -
not violent. It beckoned them all to listen.
"You are all right. It wasn't energy I needed, it was love," the
voice began, surprisingly soft and soothing. "That was why I felt I
needed so much more when I first held that girl."
They all knew he was referring to Usagi. "She had love, and that
was what I needed. I'm sorry you never knew, children." Its voice was
directed at Allan and the dead Ann.
"There was a time," the voice said wistfully, "when I experienced
love. I lived in a planet, all to myself, and I wanted the joy of love
and peacefulness, so I created my children: my people.
"I loved them, and wanted them to love as much as I did. I was
proud of them, of the way they showed responsibility, laughter and care
for each other. I was happy, child. Yes, I was. It was a nation full of
joy and security. So much like this world, but more. It was the perfect
place to live in, filled with happiness and unity.
"But it all changed, and I hadn't expected it. Love turned into
selfishness, and soon, everybody's interest became his or her own
welfare. I couldn't let that happen, but they did not heed me, even to
the point of disowning me. Soon, my planet turned into a den of hate.
There was so much self-need, it resulted into deaths, and sins which
destroyed lives. This weakened me, and I no longer felt the same thing
I built the lives of these people upon.
"Soon, everybody was annihilated. But I couldn't do a thing,
could only watch as my beloved people destroyed themselves. But Allan,
you and Ann were my only hope. The two of you were the only children
who were innocent enough to care for each other even in the midst of
chaos."
Allan was silent, but he nodded, and turned to Ann again.
"I knew that with the love the both of you held, I would live
again. I am sorry you assumed wrong, but that was the only force that
made me safe. I wanted you to learn the truth on your own. But you were
blinded. Every argument weakened me, but the love you both had for each
other deep down inside were the only thing that kept me alive.
"What you felt for those two people were friendship. You never
experienced an open display of such because you hadn't had the chance
to do so in your planet." The Makaju continued, talking about Usagi and
Mamoru.
"I didn't want to kill her, but I needed her to feel love, Allan:
Love for you. It was so that she would understand the meaning of the
sacrifice of the girl. All I needed was love.
"You see," the tree went on, its voice filled with longing, "the
Truth is Love."
They all stood, dumbstruck as the full measure of what was really
the main truth eased on them. All of them learned, but it took the hard
way. No one would ever forget that occasion, the point too hardly
earned, yet so affecting. The lesson was simple, but they now held more
to its significance.
"Love," Mamoru repeated steadily. His arms tightened on the form
held to his chest. He stared at her retired eyes, "And what do we do
now?"
The sailor senshi watched, silently agreeing as they mourned.
What else would their purpose be? Usagi was gone. Even with the lesson,
they couldn't bring her back. Nothing would be the same again. The
others bit back their sadness.
"I understand." The Moonlight Lady announced. "And that can be
remedied."
~~~
Everyone turned to her. She jumped from one of the branches and
landed on the ground. Doing this, she neared them, and when she stood
before them, bowed.
"We can still make it right. I will help, it's not too late."
At the incredulous looks of the scouts, she continued, "Let me explain."
"Explain what?" the scouts were wary, and the very same question was on
everybody's thoughts.
"Sometimes, the desire to do something impossible is so strong,
a person can find a way to do it without seriously disrupting or
damaging his or her life. Yet this requires something out of the
ordinary to happen, for it is an ability of the soul, not of the
logical mind. In this case, a projection." She nodded, then slowly
removed the cloth covering her face.
Gasps were heard throughout the room. Mamoru's eyes widened.
"But - but you are, you're…" Mars stumbled.
"Tsukino Usagi?" She smiled as she removed the rest of her
headdress. The unmistakable odango buns were evident. "That is quite
correct."
Then she's… you're not dead? The question was not asked, but met
her from all of them through the silence.
She faced Mamoru, "Do you remember anything about her before you
really died in the fight against Beryl?"
His eyes met hers steadily, it was unnerving, the similarity
between these two people, he thought. "Not much, I recall wanting to
protect her..."
She nodded. "All of you wanted to protect each other, in one way
or another. It was your united death wish: to keep each other safe. I
was the result of that wish."
"Result?" Mercury, the most perceptive, asked.
"Yes." She assured. "Usagi had such a strong urge to protect you
all, she decided that it was upon herself to see through it. She was
willing to sacrifice her life just to see you all safe again. She
wanted her protectors happy."
She nodded solemnly at the incredulous looks of the scouts. "That
was why I was made. Her willingness was so powerful, it created me to
follow out her command. I am the other part of Tsukino Usagi: the one
consisted of her memories, of her past and her obligations. Note that
she didn't remember a thing when you tried to revive her memories. It
was simply because her memories were already there, only in a much
existent form: me. I had to separate myself from her to protect you,
even when your memories weren't revived yet. But in all truth, she was
really the one who did it for you."
She noted the gasps and the wide eyes. "She did that?" Mamoru
glanced at the girl beside him, amazed himself at the strength of her
determination, even proud.
"But, now, I must merge with her body again. She has done her
duty, and we both intend to live. If she desires to save others, she
must save herself first. And I know that she is more than ready to keep
the duty to herself."
"Y-you mean…?" the silent question reached her heart. She was
filled with warmth when she noticed the strong hope in each of them.
'She will live, children,' she assured in her mind. 'Be happy.'
She gave them a soft look and approached Mamoru, who held Usagi's
body. "We will be one. I hope you understand. I'm sure you would want
me back, won't you?"
The way she said the last phrase made Usagi's presence more
announced, and the scouts had to bite back their grins. "Fine," Venus
offered cheerfully, still amazed. "If you can, bring her back to us."
The Moonlight Lady smiled at them, "As you wish." Tipping Usagi's
chin, she stared at her. All would go well. She then stood back and
closed her eyes. "It will all be fine. I hope that this would make
things alright."
Extending her arms forward, she whispered, "Farewell."
~~~
Someone stopped her as she ventured on her journey upward. She
was so eager to leave and was fascinated by the beauty of the light,
she didn't notice. She turned to continue on her way. She wanted it,
she wanted the warmth that eternal bliss offered.
But the person held on, "Not yet, Tsukino Usagi. You can't go,
they still need you."
Her confused eyes snapped back to the person.
~~~
They all watched as she dissolved into pink mists and flew into
Usagi's body.
Mamoru tensed, looks of anticipation were on their faces as they
knelt near him.
"I can't believe it," Sailor Jupiter muttered, but her eyes were
shining humbly.
"Usagi-chan… that baka, did this?" she shook her head. "Darn it,
she made me worry. But I didn't know she was also protecting herself at
the same time. And if it weren't for the Moonlight Lady, she might
have," she didn't finish.
"I can believe it," Mercury commented, gradually smiling.
After a brief silence, Venus whispered a nervous, "Is she back?"
"Odango Atama," Mars urged in reply as the pink glow faded.
She placed a hand on the shoulder of the girl, "Come now, wake
up. You'll be late for school."
The others laughed at that, but the somber air still held them.
They waited with eagerness as Mars prodded her. "Great Odango Atama,
another detention for you-"
"It's a Saturday, you blockhead. Thought I wouldn't notice that?"
Usagi groaned back, her eyes still closed. She still wouldn't move,
reluctant to leave her slumber. A smile formed on her face though, and
it was more than telling.
'Oh… Usagi…'
New tears found its way into Mars' eyes as she jumped and
received the girl in a hug. "Wai, Usagi-Odango! You're back!" she
claimed, shaking the girl.
Mamoru moved back, content enough to know that she was alive.
Usagi opened her eyes; they weren't surprised to find it watering
itself. She seemed to be amazed at the fact that she was alive and that
she was given another opportunity. She took in a deep breath. "Come now
Rei-chan, I was only teasing about calling you a blockhead. Why are you
crying?"
"You idiot!" Mars shouted back, holding her even more. The other
girls were laughing and crying at the same time as they took turns in
holding her.
"Oh, I can't believe it," one of them said again, and Venus' loud
"Usa-chan!" was the greatest sound Usagi had ever heard.
She slowly withdrew from them, "Wait guys, I have something
important to do. Later, you'll get it from me." Despite the threat,
they nodded cheerfully as they moved away from her. She stood up and
snorted, then walked over to Luna, who immediately jumped to her arms.
"Now I know who played with my alarm clock," she said playfully,
earning a nervous chuckle from a baka behind her. "I'll handle you
later," she grinned as she took in Luna's teary eyes.
"There _is_ something I need from you. I'm pretty sure you know
what I mean." She laughed as the cat nodded and rolled her eyes.
Luna jumped away from her arms, leaving a brooch behind.
"Thanks," she said as she began to walk toward the tree. "This feels
good," she mumbled as she held the brooch. She already knew what to say
when she lifted it, yet still remembering the old phrase, 'Moon Prism
Power' that she used before.
"Moon Crystal Power, Make Up!"
It was unbelievable, at least from the scouts and Mamoru's point
of view: seeing their leader transform after an absence that was so
long. The truth that she was really back was strengthened by this
action. A plethora of lights surrounded her, and in a second, a warrior
long too gone replaced her.
"Sailor Moon," Jupiter murmured wistfully.
Sailor Moon kept walking forward, Allan watched her carefully as
she approached him. She knelt before him, "Don't worry, Seijuurou. I'm
going to help you," she placed her hand to caress his cheek. "So smile
now, okay?"
He nodded, amusement in his gaze. He could clearly see the girl
he liked in this person. He was thankful: because of her and her
friends, he learned the truth about what they really needed. "Hai,
Usagi-chan."
She then raised herself before the Makaju. "I'm here," she
whispered, and then raised her arm.
"Come." She said simply. Out of the sky, something fell, spinning
widely, following her call. It was Tuxedo Kamen's sword. Luna gasped as
the object found its way into her hand. "Now I know what the sword
meant! The Moon Scepter!"
"What?" The others asked, not quite comprehending.
Sailor Moon gave them a wink. She then turned to observe the
sword. "Thank you for watching out for this while I was gone, Mamo-
chan." She called out. "I'm afraid I have to take it back now."
Mamoru, still claimed by a wave of emotions, those which started
ever since she had awoken, could only nod. He gave a grin, "Whatever
you say, Usako."
Jupiter appeared before him, a mysterious glint in her eyes, "Hey
wait a minute-"
"Can it, Mako-chan," she heard Sailor Moon add out.
"The Moon Scepter," Luna continued, responding to the recent
question. "It is one of the most powerful defensive weapons of the Moon
Kingdom those days. I never knew it still existed. I should have
noticed the crest on Mamoru-san's sword."
Sailor Moon, meanwhile, had released the Silver Crystal and held
it before her hand, using it to transform the sword. A light-colored,
translucent ribbon surrounded the sword, and soon, the appearance of a
scepter took its place. "Thank you, Mother," She whispered.
And finally she raised the pink scepter, and the pink orb glowed.
She took a deep breath. "Moon Princess Escalation!"
Another bright light erupted.
~~~
Allan could only stare at the magnificent burst of power Sailor
Moon sent to heal the Makaju. There was so much light that its radiance
blinded him. He could only catch glimpses of the tree as it was basked
in such raw magic.
He felt Ann move beside him, and he was filled with joy and
astonishment. "Ann, are you alright?" he urged, his voice seemed
wondrous. "Please tell me you're fine," he beseeched.
She offered him a brilliant look as her eyes opened, "Allan! I'm
not dead."
He smiled and started crying as he held her near, "All I want is
to be with you." He promised solemnly, "I'll never forsake you again, I
would take care of you and I would never let harm come to you."
"You don't need to worry, love." She answered, holding his hand.
The light faded in the distance. "I think I've learned now."
"Guys," they heard. They both looked up and saw Sailor Moon
walking to them. Ann looked confused, but Allan asked, "Usagi?"
Sailor Moon held out her hand, "Look."
In her palm was a small plant, newly born plant. It was
beautiful; tiny, but filled with so much life. The potential in this
stem was so strong and so lively that it emanated from beyond the orb
holding it. "This is the Makaju. You are given new hope along with its
rebirth. Take care of it and be careful never to make the same mistake
again. This is your chance to live."
Ann smiled as she accepted the plant, "Thank you, Odango Atama.
Don't worry, we will." She gave her a wry look as she eyed her sailor
outfit; "Well what do you know?"
"A long story," Sailor Moon answered, looking sheepish as she
sweated.
Ann nodded and handed the Makaju to Allan and knelt before Usagi.
"I'm sorry for what I did, Usagi," she began, pointing to Usagi's
earlier recline. "For everything. I knew I was wrong, yet I couldn't
understand it completely..."
Sailor Moon waved a hand before Ann's face. "Don't worry,
Natsumi. I think I understand. I thank you for doing what you did. It
all helped us in the end."
Ann stuck out a tongue to her and laughed, trying to insult the
girl one last time. "Take care of yourself, Odango Atama."
She frowned, grasping what her words meant. "You're leaving?"
Allan and Ann looked at each other, the immediate decision
transcribing between them. "I think we should."
"Why?"
"We've done enough damage here." Allan explained. "I think we
should have a clean start somewhere else. I believe the right time is
now."
"I see," Sailor Moon said after a moment. She patted Ann's
shoulder. "Good luck. I hope to see you guys soon."
They all stood up and Allan tenderly held the Makaju in his
hands. "We have to leave. Thank you very much, Sailor Scouts."
The others approached to give final hugs. Where there were once
tears, laughter and relief came. Things were going to end well after
all. But no one conceived that they would easily forget the passion of
those incidents.
Ann waved them off for the last time and winked at Mamoru,
"Goodbye Mamoru. I thank you for your friendship." She sighed, "You
better take care of each other!" she scolded Sailor Moon, who suddenly
blushed.
"I'm counting on that," Allan commented dryly, noting a similar
effect on Mamoru who was in the process of retrieving his mask and hat.
Mamoru raised an eyebrow as he acknowledged Allan's words. "Don't
worry," he answered just as wryly.
And Allan offered him a small grin, if only for just a second.
Mamoru stifled a laugh.
Allan stared at the people before them. The very same persons who
took risks in teaching Ann and him a very important lesson. They
themselves were living what they were telling them. It took deaths to
understand their point. He was sure that he would never forget them,
and kept his experience with them to heart.
He stared at the sky. But for now, they had to leave. They needed
to start anew somewhere else. This place had too many memories of their
previous mistakes. They both wanted an environment in which they could
easily adjust, without reminders of the fate their ancestors suffered,
or the hate that was the cause of it.
Yes, they have to abscond for now. But the escape won't be that
long. They would come back one day.
"Well, now. I guess we have to go." He murmured.
Jupiter smiled, "That's all right. Just don't forget to visit
sometime."
"We won't," Ann assured. Allan could feel her reluctance, but
more importantly, he felt her joy.
They both looked at the scouts and Tuxedo Mask as they levitated
in the air; "We'll be going for now. We'll look for a place to call
home. And this time we won't crash into it like a meteor would." Ann
said, referring to Mercury's jest.
As they continued, he noticed Ann blinking back her tears. He
smiled and squeezed her shoulders. Looking at each other, they both
held the Makaju and drifted off.
~~~
They all stared after Allan and Ann until they disappeared
completely from the sky. And when they were gone, they all heaved sighs
of relief. It was finally over, not only the aliens, but Usagi's
condition as well.
Jupiter tensed, realizing that it was a new start for them, with
the Moonlight Lady gone, along with Tuxedo Kamen's sword and the
aliens. New enemies might arrive soon, but the most important change
was evident, and they were all silenced by the realization.
Sailor Moon was still staring at the sky, with her back turned to
them. She didn't speak either.
Luna cleared her throat.
They all stared as Sailor Moon suddenly shook her head, and then
she started laughing.
Blank looks were drawn on their faces.
Sailor Moon finally turned to face them.
She looked serious, and her gaze pierced directly into Mamoru's
own. He had to step back from the intensity of her gaze.
And then she spoke,
"Guys, you," she raised a finger and pointed specifically at him,
"were *so* corny."
And all of them promptly fell over. Usagi gave a little smile.
Tears started welling in her eyes, and fortunately, no one noticed yet.
She then took an unbalanced step backward and announced in a quivering
voice, "But, I - I have to think first…"
And using their preoccupation to her advantage, she immediately
dashed out of their sight and used magic to propel her through the hole
the Makaju previously made. With that, she disappeared from their
sight.
End.
Next - Epilogue.
Notes:
I understand, a confusing ending to a confusing chapter which took who-
knows-how-long to write, very well said, thankyouverymuch. But you have
to read the next chapter to understand. It's not a pun, really! Or
maybe it is, we all know how Odango Atama loves to lighten things up.
Explanations, explanations:
Yes, it took a year to write, when I promised a few weeks only. Oh darn
it I'm sorry. I really am, especially to those who e-mailed me. To tell
you the truth, this _was_ half-written by then, I just... didn't feel
the inspiration, and couldn't get the magic out of the chapter. I had
to rewrite EVERYTHING three times, then, when I was finally contented,
had to read the whole story again, and practically edit some 30% of the
story. It was a very bad case of writer's block. Let's hope it won't
happen again for the epilogue.
In the Series…:
I tried to parallel the events to what really happened in the story as
much as possible. In the real series, Mamoru was the one who didn't
remember, not Usagi, and it was he who had a counterpart. In the story,
Mamoru died as well, though there weren't much depicting about how *he*
felt throughout the whole event. Here, Usagi had the memory loss and
the counterpart, and it was her who died.
About the Moonlight Lady's name - corny, I know, but how can you expect
any better from a name like Moonlight Knight?
About Tuxedo Kamen's sword - there was no such thing in the series, and
I never had it on good authority that a sword was required to form the
Moon Scepter. I needed something to make Tuxedo Kamen stronger, since
he would have to be the leader, and we all know that _only_ Usagi's
weapons can annihilate any monster completely and safely. So that
explains the origin of the sword. I have to return it back to Usagi for
continuity purposes.
About the lesson of the story - it isn't quite official, but the
blabber about blaming our planet for the fall of Ann and Allan's own
home was my add-on, as well as those comments about their motives. To
tell you the truth, I have _never_ seen this episode.
I apologize for any OOC's referring to Allan and Ann's behaviour, or
puns about Makoto, Ami and Ann. That was years ago, I'm more mature
now. I'm planning on revising the first three parts of the story.
E-mail Me:
My e-mail server and I had problems, yet again. I missed on my mail for
months, and found myself replying to non-existent email addresses. If
you have important messages you found no replies to, please e-mail me
back.
Tell me what you think and email me at hannah@predlinux.info.com.ph or
annabelle_g@usa.net. Especially about this chapter, which took a year
on hold.
Check out my beta, fuller website: http://storybox.virtualave.net