This story is about the Generals and it
is related to the Manga, taking place not long after the
Dark Moon Kingdom.
This story is rated PG (Nothing serious, so don't worry) ^_~
Everyone please email me, I really really would like some input on
this story. Besides, I love to receive emails from ya' all! ~_~
Usual disclaimers: Sailor Moon and all its characters and likeliness
belongs to Naoko Takeuchi, Kodansha/Toei. English translation is made
possible by DiC.
My email address: ml_eclipse@hotmail.com
= thoughts
[ ] = author's note
All right, on with the show!
============================================================================
GEMSTONE'S OATH
========================= By Cosmos ==================================
Chapter 7: Sacrifice
"They too have allies, " Kunzite exclaims.
"And their allies will defend them to the very end, " Nephrite adds.
"Nephrite?" Jupiter whispers in disbelief. "H-how can this be? Y-you have
come back." The joy of seeing him alive after all these years brought
tears to her verdant eyes.
"You will stay out of this if you know what is good for you," Metallica
threatens.
"What? And let them have all the fun?" Jadeite says sarcastically, "No way!
Besides, I'd sure enjoy tearing out that little black heart of yours."
A cruel rumbling laughter erupts from the shadowy figure. "Fools," she
yells, "Do you think you can possibly defeat me? Besides your puny little
Queen, there is no one here whose power can even be compared to mine."
"Metallica!" the anonymous dark voice calls from within the depth of her
mind. "Don't be foolish! There is six of them and only one of you. You
can't possibly defeat them all at once, especially now when their powers
have increased in strength since last you've met them. Retreat Metallica!"
"Never!" the dark Queen responds with her pride and her thirst for vengeance
blinding her of logical thinking.
"I command you to fall back!" the dark voice shouts angrily.
"I will not retreat from such insignificant rivals. My powers are far
greater than theirs will ever be!"
"Have it your way," the embodied voice whispers in a steely tone, "Follow
your foolish pride, and fight a losing battle. But I warn you, I will not
revive impotence like you again." Metallica senses the strange presence of
this being slowly fades from her mind.
"Good ridden," she mumbles in irritation, "Now I will show those foolish
skeptics what powers Queen Metallica truly have!"
Unexpectedly, she launches one of her remaining tentacles, not at the
generals before her, but at the exhausted soldiers to her right. Weakened
from the last attack, Jupiter and Mercury are unable to move quickly enough
to avoid the incoming impact.
"Watch out!" voices cry.
"NO!" two voices scream, but it is too late. The bodies of their love are
send slamming back against the wall to only crumble heavily toward the floor
where they lie motionless.
"Jupiter!"
"Mercury!"
"You…will…pay for this Metallica!" Nephrite growls at the shadow.
The dark Queen simply laughs at them.
Annoyed, Kunzite hisses, "This will be your last laugh, witch!"
A strange look in his eyes completely erases the sinister smile from her
face. From within the depths of that cold gray-blue gaze lurks an
incredible power she has never before seen emerging from these men. For
once, the notion that she may be defeated brings fear to her dark face.
One by one the generals take position around her, sealing her doomed fate.
Watching with fear dark eyes, Metallica sees her means of escape quickly get
sealed off as the Generals enclose the circle. Deep within her tremulous
mind the words of another echoes as a reminder of her ignorance that shall
soon cause her downfall, "You can't possibly defeat them all at once…Fine
then follow your foolish pride and fight a lost battle."
"Nooo!" Metallica screams with rage, "No one shall defeat me! No one!" She
flings her tentacles wildly at the Generals, but misses each time. In her
crazed state, she fights blindly no longer knowing her purpose, her reason,
no longer having control.
"It is time to end this misery once and for all," Kunzite whispers between
his clenched teeth. Despite the dangerous arms swinging chaotically at
them, they held their ground. Each begins to feel a mysterious surge of
incredible power from a source they know not where. A hidden strength lain
dormant for two thousand years begins to awaken in them. Within their
minds and hearts they call forth this power:
"Elysion spheres, we bid thee come,
Within the depths where thou art from,
Release your powers hidden deep,
We awaken you from your dormant sleep."
They begin to glow faintly-and so did their gems-with the newly found
powers.
Suddenly, an intense beam of pure energy shoots out from their bodies to
pierce into the dark heart of Metallica. From within their entranced minds
they think they hear a mournful wail escaping between those cold lips. It
is a sad sound of a broken pride and of one who sees defeat.
A flood of energy fills the room, piercing through the windows in blinding
rays of light ripping through the night sky like a silver spear.
Slowly, their powers die down and fades back into the unknown depths from
which it emerged. The generals open their eyes to see an empty room where a
great evil once occupied. They glance about them to find their loves still
on the floor unconscious. The generals quickly rush to their sides.
Just then, the rulers of Crystal Tokyo rush in. "I'm…too late," are the
only words that escape between her pale lips when the terrible scene met her
eyes. Her husband is struck speechless by the sight of his generals, alive,
and by the crumbled bodies of the four guardians.
"Please Queen Selenity," Kunzite implores his queen, "you must save them.
You must bring them back."
Her blue gaze darkened by the grief in her heart, falls upon the tear
stained face of the white-haired general. Choked with sorrow, she can only
manage a nod as a response to his plead. She raises her hands before her
and calls forth the silver crystal. The bright, hot light of its powers
emanating from between her fingers signifies its appearance.
"Crystal Power," she whispers her voice like a lone flute in the night air,
"your strength I now need. Bring life to my friends and stop their
grieves."
The crystal responds to her request by emitting a powerful beam of energy
toward the eight figures. For some time, no one spoke as silence hangs
over them like a heavy dark cloak. Endymion turns to look at his wife with
worry written clearly on his face. He gets the sensation that something is
not right. Seeing her face growing paler and sadder with each passing
minute confirms his suspicion. With dark brows furrowed in uneasiness he
thinks, What is happening between them? This should not take so long.
Something is definitely not right here. Suddenly he sees a pristine tear
escape from under Selenity's closed lids. "Stop!" he shouts, "Something has
gone wrong. Selenity, stop this immediately. Stop Selenity!" He raises a
hand and knocks the crystal from her hold, halting the process. With her
strength almost depleted, she falls weakly to the floor, but Endymion
quickly stoops down to intercept her rapid descent.
"Selenity," he whispers, "Are you all right?" Slowly, she opens her eyes
and gazes sadly into his deep ocean colored eyes. In them she sees so much
love and concern for her, but it only brings more tears when she thinks
about the fate of the four sailor soldiers lying nearby. Why is it that
their dreams cannot come true like hers? It makes her guilty lying safely
in her husband's arms while her friends are alone with their hearts
literally torn from their soul.
"Selenity, what happened?" he asks. "Why didn't you stop when you felt that
your powers were being drained to almost none? What were you thinking? You
could have been killed!" he reprimands.
"The soldiers…" is all she whispers as tears escape from her eyes. "…so
much pain." Following her mournful gaze, Endymion realizes that none of
four Sailor Soldiers have regained life yet.
"Why…why didn't it work?" Zoisite asks the question Endymion is about to
make public.
"Why aren't they even breathing?!" Jadeite demands in frustration.
The others look earnestly at Selenity to provide them with the answers to
their hearts. Selenity lets her gaze fall to the floor in front of her.
She knows that she will not be able to withstand seeing their heartbroken
gazes when she tells them the answer they seek. It will obliterate any
hopes that are left in them. She desires so much to hide this knowledge,
but they deserve to know the truth. Quietly, barely audible in the hushed
room she speaks, "They do not want to live."
"What?" Nephrite asks in surprise.
"Their spirits are broken, their hearts becoming nothing but a dry desert;
they no longer even attempt to hold onto existence. There is nothing the
crystal can do if their very desire is death. There is no way I can bring
them back."
"But why?" Nephrite asks the motionless Jupiter. "Why must we be separate
again?"
"They…" Selenity pulses to gain her strength and then continues," they
wanted to die in order to be with you."
"No!" Jadeite cries, "Mars no! Don't leave me, please don't…I'm alive! Look
my love I am alive…flesh and bones and…God please…Mars come back to me…"
Overcome by uncontrollable sorrow, he buries his face in her dark hair and
sobs until his eyes sting with pains that match his heart, "…please come
back."
Kunzite looks down at Venus with sad calmness. "My love," he whispers,
"Must our paths be separated like this? Will we never find peace together?"
Zoisite whispers to the lifeless body of the delicate blue soldier in his
arms, "Once I would have given up anything to live, but without you this
life means nothing to me. I am willing to end it so that by your side I
would sleep."
"Aren't there any other…any way at all to bring them back?" Nephrite asks.
"There is one other way," a soft voice whispers from behind.
They all turn in surprise to find a middle-size dark hair young girl
standing in the doorway with three tall figures flanking her sides. Her
fathomless purple eyes gaze silently at the fallen bodies of her friends.
"Tell us what this other possibility is," Jadeite demands.
"No Saturn!" Selenity intervenes. "I strictly forbid you to even suggest
such an alternative."
"But you majesty, " Pluto interferes, "it is the only other way!"
"No," Selenity stubbornly refuses to accept Saturn's suggestion. "There
are never only one solution to a problem. There is always another path we
can take."
"I'm afraid, this time, this path is the only one, dear Queen," Saturn
speaks softly and calmly. "If you want them back, this is the only way."
"What way?" Jadeite shouts angrily. "Tell us what this other alternative
is?"
"No," Selenity argues again, but before she can continue any further Kunzite
interrupts her.
"Please my Queen," he says solemnly, yet his voice carries such a sad note,
"If this is the only other solution then let it be so. For whatever reason
you are objecting to Saturn's suggestion, I beg you do not. I understand
that you are probably trying to protect us, but the ones who need help here
are the Inner soldiers. What this other choice is we will gladly accept."
"Do you know what you are saying?" Selenity asks. "By choosing this path
you have chosen death."
"It is better death, my Queen," Nephrite says, "then to live an empty life
without a purpose…without her." Looking up from Jupiter's pale face to gaze
into the depths of silence, he asks, "Tell us, Saturn, what we must do to
bring them back."
This time Selenity does not attempt to stop Saturn. She realizes that this
decision is theirs to make…and they have made it. There is nothing she can
do now.
"You will die…and they will live," Saturn speaks in a grave tone.
"Either way, you will lose them…and they will lose you," Uranus informs
the generals.
"Do you still want to continue on this path?" Neptune asks.
Kunzite replies softly, "If it was a question of want, then our answers
would be no, but we are given neither a question nor a choice. We do what
we must, what we know we need to do."
Nephrite adds, "It is better to dwell among the dead, then know that they
will never see the light again."
"Then you have made your choice," Selenity says, "so be it." She begins to
call the crystal back into her hands. Drawing from it another type of
power, one of which many never knew the crystal is capable of having, she
whispers:
Souls of one,
So begun,
Weave into life,
Threads once spun.
Cut the four and
Nevermore,
Awaken thee.
Within her palms, the silver crystal begins to glow. Once the last word of
the incantation left her trembling lips, a flood of light invades the room,
drowning all its occupants in silver tides. Instantaneously, eight beams of
solid energy, emitted by the crystal, pierce into the hearts of the kneeling
generals and the dead soldiers. Their bodies immediately stiffen in
response to the silver spears when it sliced into their souls.
I would like to say that warmth envelopes them so as to ease the pain that
already flooded those poor hearts, but it would be false and unjust for me
to do so. No one can hide, or can one deny the painful expression so
clearly unveiled upon their faces. Many have seen the power of the crystal
when it healed the wounded, protected the innocent and bring life to those
who had none, but none have witnessed the crystal's power of destruction.
Saturn is not the only one who has the power of silence and so here in this
very room, among dear friends and loves, the crystal reveals its dark side
by taking the life of four in order to revive four others.
This is a spectacle Selenity had always hoped to avoid, the sacrifice of
one to save another. In all these years she searched for solutions that
might avoid such dire results; and, until now, she had always managed to
avoid them. Even with Saturn's sacrifice against Pharoah 90 years go, she
used her powers to bring her back, along with everyone else. It has always
been her belief that no one or no thing should be relinquished in order to
save another. If one person or thing deserves to live than so does the
other. Yet, now *she* is the one who must carry out this sacrifice in order
to save four others. Though it is not truly her decision, but theirs, it
was a sacrifice that they all feel in their hearts, nonetheless,…and one
which she'll always remember.
They all watch in silent sorrow as the crystal ends the lives of their dear
friends; and they watch in guilt-ridden joy as the crystal revives their
dearest companions and comrades.
He can feel immediately the incredible rush of pain flood through his entire
body to the very marrow of his bones. He wants to cry out in agony and
escape this torturous blade slicing his soul in twain, but he knows he
cannot, and must not, regret his decision, which he made for one fair angel
resting limply in his arms. Trying desperately to ignore the incredible
pain burning his nerves, he looks down at her ashen face surrounded in halo
of pale gold. Even in death she is still beautiful, his numb mind manages
to think, as beautiful as in life.
"But soon life will bring warmth to your cold body," he bends down to
whisper into her ears, "and crimson flames to your pale lips." Growing
weaker with each passing moment, he carefully lays Venus's body down onto
the soft carpeted floor. Bending down, he kisses her with passion so long
hidden…and one that will soon be gone. Then slowly he lies down beside her
awaiting the moment he knows will soon come. Strangely he does not feel
sorrow, or the loneliness that have haunted him for so long. No…his heart
and mind can only feel a strange sense of warmth and peace, a peace found
in the knowledge that he has been able to see her once again, though for the
last time. At least he knows she will live and live well…that is all he
asks for…that is all he truly needs.
The outer soldiers watch in grim silence at the spectacle unfolding before
them. Years of solitude at their posts have molded their hearts into cold
objects beating emptily within their chests. One cannot blame them for
their harsh tactics, or their seemingly unresponsive and illusive nature.
It is the emptiness of open space that has shaped them to become what they
have become. What the inner soldiers understand and feel, is what they can
only glimpse from a far. It is a difficult and lonely life these outer
soldiers must lead, and it is that life that has shaped them what they are,
emotionless, strong, and determined to do what needs to be done…and whatever
it takes to get that done. Guarding an entire region of a great
civilization in complete isolation teaches the outer soldiers the strength
of patience and acceptance. It is hard for them to understand why the
others have let all this grief control them. Once the decision have been
made, and the understanding that it must be made, then accept it for what
it must be. All this sorrow will only weaken the soul, not help the
situation in anyway. Do not think that the outer soldiers lack any ability
to feel grief or love. They are human like the rest, but they have matured
to a point where control of their emotions lead to understanding and
acceptance of the inevitable. They have journeyed on a long and hard course
of training taught by life, but they have completed this training and
triumphant. The outer soldiers understand that their life is an unmerciful
one, that in order to survive and carry out their duty as guardians they
must learn to control their emotions and, instead of cry in sorrow,
understand that sorrow and accept it without regret.
Yet, even their hard training cannot bar the emotions that lie deep within.
This sacrifice so readily made by the Generals touch the last warm place
still in their hearts. The loss of friends will always be felt even within
the best-trained soldier.
They all watch as the Generals grow weaker and weaker and weaker…until
death is only a breath away.
"My lovely Mercury," Zoisite whispers to her, "I wish I can hear the ending
of your enchanting song." Coughing slightly he continues with a heavy tone
as a single tear trickles down his pale cheek, "Please forgive me…forgive
me for breaking this promise…I…had meant…to keep." His body now felt
completely drained as he lays himself down on his back beside her and closes
his eyes for the last time.
One by one, their life energy flows from them, ending their pains, ending
their guilts, ending their lives. Then a final burst of energy signifies
to the onlookers that the end is here. With a final magnificent show of
incredible power, the crystal fades from view.
Silence is now among them. Like a heavy cloak suffocating its wearer, the
feelings of sorrow and indescribable loss enfolds them.
Suddenly desperate grasps broke through the chains of silence that trapped
them. Eyes widen with painful joy as they see the four Inner Soldiers take
a breath of life.
Blues, green, violet eyes burst open from their deep slumber only to shut
again at the painful sight awaiting them. As always it is Mars who first
speaks, "J-Jadeite?" she asks with a trembling voice. "Jadeite?" she calls
his name again, "Please love wake up. Jadeite, please wake up! Open your
eyes! Look at me, damnit!"
"They cannot," Saturn whispers in a sympathetic voice portraying emotions of
grief.
"No," Mercury breathes, "Please don't say it. They cannot…cannot be…"
"I'm sorry Mercury, " Neptune says softly, "but they are…gone."
"No!" Jupiter cries, "They can't be gone. They are not dead! I…I just saw
them only a few moments ago. They can't be dead…they can't be…" In
blinding grief, she grabs the collar of Nephrite's coat and jerks his body
up to her so that his pale face is before her. Shaking him violently she
screams at him, a heartbroken scream, "Liar! You promised me you'd return!
You lied to me!…H-how could you lie to me?……..Oh Nephrite why?"
She lays her head on his slumped lifeless shoulder while her hands embraced
him in her last desperate hold of her lost love. Painful sobs wrack her
tired body as she continues to hold onto him. In a voice drowned with
incessant tears, she whispers words that echo the torn hearts of her three
friends mourning nearby, "Must I lose you again?"
============================================
[Remember to email me!
All right, the Finale is on its way!]
@2000
is related to the Manga, taking place not long after the
Dark Moon Kingdom.
This story is rated PG (Nothing serious, so don't worry) ^_~
Everyone please email me, I really really would like some input on
this story. Besides, I love to receive emails from ya' all! ~_~
Usual disclaimers: Sailor Moon and all its characters and likeliness
belongs to Naoko Takeuchi, Kodansha/Toei. English translation is made
possible by DiC.
My email address: ml_eclipse@hotmail.com
= thoughts
[ ] = author's note
All right, on with the show!
============================================================================
GEMSTONE'S OATH
========================= By Cosmos ==================================
Chapter 7: Sacrifice
"They too have allies, " Kunzite exclaims.
"And their allies will defend them to the very end, " Nephrite adds.
"Nephrite?" Jupiter whispers in disbelief. "H-how can this be? Y-you have
come back." The joy of seeing him alive after all these years brought
tears to her verdant eyes.
"You will stay out of this if you know what is good for you," Metallica
threatens.
"What? And let them have all the fun?" Jadeite says sarcastically, "No way!
Besides, I'd sure enjoy tearing out that little black heart of yours."
A cruel rumbling laughter erupts from the shadowy figure. "Fools," she
yells, "Do you think you can possibly defeat me? Besides your puny little
Queen, there is no one here whose power can even be compared to mine."
"Metallica!" the anonymous dark voice calls from within the depth of her
mind. "Don't be foolish! There is six of them and only one of you. You
can't possibly defeat them all at once, especially now when their powers
have increased in strength since last you've met them. Retreat Metallica!"
"Never!" the dark Queen responds with her pride and her thirst for vengeance
blinding her of logical thinking.
"I command you to fall back!" the dark voice shouts angrily.
"I will not retreat from such insignificant rivals. My powers are far
greater than theirs will ever be!"
"Have it your way," the embodied voice whispers in a steely tone, "Follow
your foolish pride, and fight a losing battle. But I warn you, I will not
revive impotence like you again." Metallica senses the strange presence of
this being slowly fades from her mind.
"Good ridden," she mumbles in irritation, "Now I will show those foolish
skeptics what powers Queen Metallica truly have!"
Unexpectedly, she launches one of her remaining tentacles, not at the
generals before her, but at the exhausted soldiers to her right. Weakened
from the last attack, Jupiter and Mercury are unable to move quickly enough
to avoid the incoming impact.
"Watch out!" voices cry.
"NO!" two voices scream, but it is too late. The bodies of their love are
send slamming back against the wall to only crumble heavily toward the floor
where they lie motionless.
"Jupiter!"
"Mercury!"
"You…will…pay for this Metallica!" Nephrite growls at the shadow.
The dark Queen simply laughs at them.
Annoyed, Kunzite hisses, "This will be your last laugh, witch!"
A strange look in his eyes completely erases the sinister smile from her
face. From within the depths of that cold gray-blue gaze lurks an
incredible power she has never before seen emerging from these men. For
once, the notion that she may be defeated brings fear to her dark face.
One by one the generals take position around her, sealing her doomed fate.
Watching with fear dark eyes, Metallica sees her means of escape quickly get
sealed off as the Generals enclose the circle. Deep within her tremulous
mind the words of another echoes as a reminder of her ignorance that shall
soon cause her downfall, "You can't possibly defeat them all at once…Fine
then follow your foolish pride and fight a lost battle."
"Nooo!" Metallica screams with rage, "No one shall defeat me! No one!" She
flings her tentacles wildly at the Generals, but misses each time. In her
crazed state, she fights blindly no longer knowing her purpose, her reason,
no longer having control.
"It is time to end this misery once and for all," Kunzite whispers between
his clenched teeth. Despite the dangerous arms swinging chaotically at
them, they held their ground. Each begins to feel a mysterious surge of
incredible power from a source they know not where. A hidden strength lain
dormant for two thousand years begins to awaken in them. Within their
minds and hearts they call forth this power:
"Elysion spheres, we bid thee come,
Within the depths where thou art from,
Release your powers hidden deep,
We awaken you from your dormant sleep."
They begin to glow faintly-and so did their gems-with the newly found
powers.
Suddenly, an intense beam of pure energy shoots out from their bodies to
pierce into the dark heart of Metallica. From within their entranced minds
they think they hear a mournful wail escaping between those cold lips. It
is a sad sound of a broken pride and of one who sees defeat.
A flood of energy fills the room, piercing through the windows in blinding
rays of light ripping through the night sky like a silver spear.
Slowly, their powers die down and fades back into the unknown depths from
which it emerged. The generals open their eyes to see an empty room where a
great evil once occupied. They glance about them to find their loves still
on the floor unconscious. The generals quickly rush to their sides.
Just then, the rulers of Crystal Tokyo rush in. "I'm…too late," are the
only words that escape between her pale lips when the terrible scene met her
eyes. Her husband is struck speechless by the sight of his generals, alive,
and by the crumbled bodies of the four guardians.
"Please Queen Selenity," Kunzite implores his queen, "you must save them.
You must bring them back."
Her blue gaze darkened by the grief in her heart, falls upon the tear
stained face of the white-haired general. Choked with sorrow, she can only
manage a nod as a response to his plead. She raises her hands before her
and calls forth the silver crystal. The bright, hot light of its powers
emanating from between her fingers signifies its appearance.
"Crystal Power," she whispers her voice like a lone flute in the night air,
"your strength I now need. Bring life to my friends and stop their
grieves."
The crystal responds to her request by emitting a powerful beam of energy
toward the eight figures. For some time, no one spoke as silence hangs
over them like a heavy dark cloak. Endymion turns to look at his wife with
worry written clearly on his face. He gets the sensation that something is
not right. Seeing her face growing paler and sadder with each passing
minute confirms his suspicion. With dark brows furrowed in uneasiness he
thinks, What is happening between them? This should not take so long.
Something is definitely not right here. Suddenly he sees a pristine tear
escape from under Selenity's closed lids. "Stop!" he shouts, "Something has
gone wrong. Selenity, stop this immediately. Stop Selenity!" He raises a
hand and knocks the crystal from her hold, halting the process. With her
strength almost depleted, she falls weakly to the floor, but Endymion
quickly stoops down to intercept her rapid descent.
"Selenity," he whispers, "Are you all right?" Slowly, she opens her eyes
and gazes sadly into his deep ocean colored eyes. In them she sees so much
love and concern for her, but it only brings more tears when she thinks
about the fate of the four sailor soldiers lying nearby. Why is it that
their dreams cannot come true like hers? It makes her guilty lying safely
in her husband's arms while her friends are alone with their hearts
literally torn from their soul.
"Selenity, what happened?" he asks. "Why didn't you stop when you felt that
your powers were being drained to almost none? What were you thinking? You
could have been killed!" he reprimands.
"The soldiers…" is all she whispers as tears escape from her eyes. "…so
much pain." Following her mournful gaze, Endymion realizes that none of
four Sailor Soldiers have regained life yet.
"Why…why didn't it work?" Zoisite asks the question Endymion is about to
make public.
"Why aren't they even breathing?!" Jadeite demands in frustration.
The others look earnestly at Selenity to provide them with the answers to
their hearts. Selenity lets her gaze fall to the floor in front of her.
She knows that she will not be able to withstand seeing their heartbroken
gazes when she tells them the answer they seek. It will obliterate any
hopes that are left in them. She desires so much to hide this knowledge,
but they deserve to know the truth. Quietly, barely audible in the hushed
room she speaks, "They do not want to live."
"What?" Nephrite asks in surprise.
"Their spirits are broken, their hearts becoming nothing but a dry desert;
they no longer even attempt to hold onto existence. There is nothing the
crystal can do if their very desire is death. There is no way I can bring
them back."
"But why?" Nephrite asks the motionless Jupiter. "Why must we be separate
again?"
"They…" Selenity pulses to gain her strength and then continues," they
wanted to die in order to be with you."
"No!" Jadeite cries, "Mars no! Don't leave me, please don't…I'm alive! Look
my love I am alive…flesh and bones and…God please…Mars come back to me…"
Overcome by uncontrollable sorrow, he buries his face in her dark hair and
sobs until his eyes sting with pains that match his heart, "…please come
back."
Kunzite looks down at Venus with sad calmness. "My love," he whispers,
"Must our paths be separated like this? Will we never find peace together?"
Zoisite whispers to the lifeless body of the delicate blue soldier in his
arms, "Once I would have given up anything to live, but without you this
life means nothing to me. I am willing to end it so that by your side I
would sleep."
"Aren't there any other…any way at all to bring them back?" Nephrite asks.
"There is one other way," a soft voice whispers from behind.
They all turn in surprise to find a middle-size dark hair young girl
standing in the doorway with three tall figures flanking her sides. Her
fathomless purple eyes gaze silently at the fallen bodies of her friends.
"Tell us what this other possibility is," Jadeite demands.
"No Saturn!" Selenity intervenes. "I strictly forbid you to even suggest
such an alternative."
"But you majesty, " Pluto interferes, "it is the only other way!"
"No," Selenity stubbornly refuses to accept Saturn's suggestion. "There
are never only one solution to a problem. There is always another path we
can take."
"I'm afraid, this time, this path is the only one, dear Queen," Saturn
speaks softly and calmly. "If you want them back, this is the only way."
"What way?" Jadeite shouts angrily. "Tell us what this other alternative
is?"
"No," Selenity argues again, but before she can continue any further Kunzite
interrupts her.
"Please my Queen," he says solemnly, yet his voice carries such a sad note,
"If this is the only other solution then let it be so. For whatever reason
you are objecting to Saturn's suggestion, I beg you do not. I understand
that you are probably trying to protect us, but the ones who need help here
are the Inner soldiers. What this other choice is we will gladly accept."
"Do you know what you are saying?" Selenity asks. "By choosing this path
you have chosen death."
"It is better death, my Queen," Nephrite says, "then to live an empty life
without a purpose…without her." Looking up from Jupiter's pale face to gaze
into the depths of silence, he asks, "Tell us, Saturn, what we must do to
bring them back."
This time Selenity does not attempt to stop Saturn. She realizes that this
decision is theirs to make…and they have made it. There is nothing she can
do now.
"You will die…and they will live," Saturn speaks in a grave tone.
"Either way, you will lose them…and they will lose you," Uranus informs
the generals.
"Do you still want to continue on this path?" Neptune asks.
Kunzite replies softly, "If it was a question of want, then our answers
would be no, but we are given neither a question nor a choice. We do what
we must, what we know we need to do."
Nephrite adds, "It is better to dwell among the dead, then know that they
will never see the light again."
"Then you have made your choice," Selenity says, "so be it." She begins to
call the crystal back into her hands. Drawing from it another type of
power, one of which many never knew the crystal is capable of having, she
whispers:
Souls of one,
So begun,
Weave into life,
Threads once spun.
Cut the four and
Nevermore,
Awaken thee.
Within her palms, the silver crystal begins to glow. Once the last word of
the incantation left her trembling lips, a flood of light invades the room,
drowning all its occupants in silver tides. Instantaneously, eight beams of
solid energy, emitted by the crystal, pierce into the hearts of the kneeling
generals and the dead soldiers. Their bodies immediately stiffen in
response to the silver spears when it sliced into their souls.
I would like to say that warmth envelopes them so as to ease the pain that
already flooded those poor hearts, but it would be false and unjust for me
to do so. No one can hide, or can one deny the painful expression so
clearly unveiled upon their faces. Many have seen the power of the crystal
when it healed the wounded, protected the innocent and bring life to those
who had none, but none have witnessed the crystal's power of destruction.
Saturn is not the only one who has the power of silence and so here in this
very room, among dear friends and loves, the crystal reveals its dark side
by taking the life of four in order to revive four others.
This is a spectacle Selenity had always hoped to avoid, the sacrifice of
one to save another. In all these years she searched for solutions that
might avoid such dire results; and, until now, she had always managed to
avoid them. Even with Saturn's sacrifice against Pharoah 90 years go, she
used her powers to bring her back, along with everyone else. It has always
been her belief that no one or no thing should be relinquished in order to
save another. If one person or thing deserves to live than so does the
other. Yet, now *she* is the one who must carry out this sacrifice in order
to save four others. Though it is not truly her decision, but theirs, it
was a sacrifice that they all feel in their hearts, nonetheless,…and one
which she'll always remember.
They all watch in silent sorrow as the crystal ends the lives of their dear
friends; and they watch in guilt-ridden joy as the crystal revives their
dearest companions and comrades.
He can feel immediately the incredible rush of pain flood through his entire
body to the very marrow of his bones. He wants to cry out in agony and
escape this torturous blade slicing his soul in twain, but he knows he
cannot, and must not, regret his decision, which he made for one fair angel
resting limply in his arms. Trying desperately to ignore the incredible
pain burning his nerves, he looks down at her ashen face surrounded in halo
of pale gold. Even in death she is still beautiful, his numb mind manages
to think, as beautiful as in life.
"But soon life will bring warmth to your cold body," he bends down to
whisper into her ears, "and crimson flames to your pale lips." Growing
weaker with each passing moment, he carefully lays Venus's body down onto
the soft carpeted floor. Bending down, he kisses her with passion so long
hidden…and one that will soon be gone. Then slowly he lies down beside her
awaiting the moment he knows will soon come. Strangely he does not feel
sorrow, or the loneliness that have haunted him for so long. No…his heart
and mind can only feel a strange sense of warmth and peace, a peace found
in the knowledge that he has been able to see her once again, though for the
last time. At least he knows she will live and live well…that is all he
asks for…that is all he truly needs.
The outer soldiers watch in grim silence at the spectacle unfolding before
them. Years of solitude at their posts have molded their hearts into cold
objects beating emptily within their chests. One cannot blame them for
their harsh tactics, or their seemingly unresponsive and illusive nature.
It is the emptiness of open space that has shaped them to become what they
have become. What the inner soldiers understand and feel, is what they can
only glimpse from a far. It is a difficult and lonely life these outer
soldiers must lead, and it is that life that has shaped them what they are,
emotionless, strong, and determined to do what needs to be done…and whatever
it takes to get that done. Guarding an entire region of a great
civilization in complete isolation teaches the outer soldiers the strength
of patience and acceptance. It is hard for them to understand why the
others have let all this grief control them. Once the decision have been
made, and the understanding that it must be made, then accept it for what
it must be. All this sorrow will only weaken the soul, not help the
situation in anyway. Do not think that the outer soldiers lack any ability
to feel grief or love. They are human like the rest, but they have matured
to a point where control of their emotions lead to understanding and
acceptance of the inevitable. They have journeyed on a long and hard course
of training taught by life, but they have completed this training and
triumphant. The outer soldiers understand that their life is an unmerciful
one, that in order to survive and carry out their duty as guardians they
must learn to control their emotions and, instead of cry in sorrow,
understand that sorrow and accept it without regret.
Yet, even their hard training cannot bar the emotions that lie deep within.
This sacrifice so readily made by the Generals touch the last warm place
still in their hearts. The loss of friends will always be felt even within
the best-trained soldier.
They all watch as the Generals grow weaker and weaker and weaker…until
death is only a breath away.
"My lovely Mercury," Zoisite whispers to her, "I wish I can hear the ending
of your enchanting song." Coughing slightly he continues with a heavy tone
as a single tear trickles down his pale cheek, "Please forgive me…forgive
me for breaking this promise…I…had meant…to keep." His body now felt
completely drained as he lays himself down on his back beside her and closes
his eyes for the last time.
One by one, their life energy flows from them, ending their pains, ending
their guilts, ending their lives. Then a final burst of energy signifies
to the onlookers that the end is here. With a final magnificent show of
incredible power, the crystal fades from view.
Silence is now among them. Like a heavy cloak suffocating its wearer, the
feelings of sorrow and indescribable loss enfolds them.
Suddenly desperate grasps broke through the chains of silence that trapped
them. Eyes widen with painful joy as they see the four Inner Soldiers take
a breath of life.
Blues, green, violet eyes burst open from their deep slumber only to shut
again at the painful sight awaiting them. As always it is Mars who first
speaks, "J-Jadeite?" she asks with a trembling voice. "Jadeite?" she calls
his name again, "Please love wake up. Jadeite, please wake up! Open your
eyes! Look at me, damnit!"
"They cannot," Saturn whispers in a sympathetic voice portraying emotions of
grief.
"No," Mercury breathes, "Please don't say it. They cannot…cannot be…"
"I'm sorry Mercury, " Neptune says softly, "but they are…gone."
"No!" Jupiter cries, "They can't be gone. They are not dead! I…I just saw
them only a few moments ago. They can't be dead…they can't be…" In
blinding grief, she grabs the collar of Nephrite's coat and jerks his body
up to her so that his pale face is before her. Shaking him violently she
screams at him, a heartbroken scream, "Liar! You promised me you'd return!
You lied to me!…H-how could you lie to me?……..Oh Nephrite why?"
She lays her head on his slumped lifeless shoulder while her hands embraced
him in her last desperate hold of her lost love. Painful sobs wrack her
tired body as she continues to hold onto him. In a voice drowned with
incessant tears, she whispers words that echo the torn hearts of her three
friends mourning nearby, "Must I lose you again?"
============================================
[Remember to email me!
All right, the Finale is on its way!]
@2000