***********************
From the Beginning, Round Two ~ Part VII
Title: A little too quiet
Author: Bethany ^_^
Rated: PG 15 (language)
Edited by: Meara
Authors Email: Bethany212@aol.com
***********************
Chibi-Usa sat in her young father's lap and watched the sun
setting outside the balcony door. Her eyes slowly traveled from the
pinkish sky to her mother's still form on the bed. "Mom always liked
when the sky turned pink before dark," she said almost silently.
Mamoru continued to stare at his wife's still body on the bed.
She was breathing, but that was the only movement she made at all.
Mamoru felt his heart quiver in his chest and tears threaten him, but
he would not cry in front of Chibi-Usa, she needed him to be strong.
"How about you go in the kitchen and let Mako-chan make you
something to eat? You haven't had anything since breakfast," Mamoru said,
desperate to be alone with his unconscious wife.
Sensing the tension in her father's body, Chibi-Usa stood up and
went out of the room, closing the door softly behind her.
Mamoru went to the bed and watched Usagi sleep. She looked so
peaceful. Any minute he almost expected her to open her eyes and say
something to him. He wished more than anything she would open her eyes,
tell him that it was all right...
...That she wasn't dying.
Mercury had confirmed it earlier, Usagi, his Usako...was
...dying.
The mere thought of that now sent him into uncontrollable sobs
as he laid down next to her, his face in her hair to spell the sweet
scent.
The hot burning, pain filled tears rolled down his face as he
found her hand and held it to his face. "Usako...please wake up
Usako. Don't leave me," he begged, wishing for a miracle beyond
miracles. But nothing. Still she slept.
The entire apartment was full of depressed senshi. Mamoru had
seen Mercury break down for the first time since he had known her.
"Dark energy is eating her alive," she had explained. "Without the
crystal to fight it off, I'm afraid, I'm afraid..." here she had broken
down in uncontrollable sobs. "Chibi-Usa is protected by the part of
the crystal that is inside her. But Usagi... Usagi is..."
But there was something else, something they weren't telling
him. He knew that by the glances exchanged. Something that was a
threat to Usagi.
His tears all but gone, he pulled her limp body into his arms
and concentrated on giving her his life force.
As soon as he was steadily increasing his energy, a light burned
brightly in the room, replaced by a young boy with a horn coming from
his head.
"Helios."
The boy, whose wisdom was far beyond his appearance, bent in front
of his prince.
"Hai, Prince Endymion."
Helios stood and walked quietly over to where Usagi lay. He placed
his hand about six inches above her face and closed his eyes. Suddenly he
gasped. "No princess, you can't do that..."
"Do what?!" Mamoru demanded urgently.
Helios again closed his eyes. "She is giving her life force to
someone else, you are the only thing keeping her alive."
Mamoru slid closer to her. "Whom is she giving it to?" he asked
desperately trying to find out whose life she held above her own.
Helios stood uncomfortable for a minute before answering.
"Your unborn child, my Prince."
Mamoru's eyes filled with tears. "She's pregnant?"
"Hai, my Lord, she is. But she had no knowledge of that before
this happened."
"No, she's trying to keep our baby alive instead of herself? Why?"
he begged.
Helios put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Be strong for her
and I will be strong for you. Sayonara, Prince." And with that, Helios
disappeared in a ray of light.
"Matte! Helios!" Mamoru cried out, but it was too late. He was gone.
"Usako... our child? You value that more than your life? I will
help you. We will survive this or die together. I can *not* live without
you." He placed his body closer to hers and rubbed her stomach gently.
"Our child... Please Selene, help her... help us."
*****
Haruka, Setsuna, Michiru and Chibi-Usa were engrossed in a game of
Monopoly. Makoto was cooking dinner. Seiya, Taiki, Yaten, Hotaru, Rei
and Ami were discussing Usagi's condition, and Minako sat dejectedly by
the phone, waiting for... something she was sure.
Artemis and Diana were downstairs hunting out a mouse that Artemis
had smelled, trying to distract his future daughters attention from the
depressing mood in the apartment. Luna sat on the balcony, praying to
Selene. All and all, it wasn't the happiest of rooms. But everyone was
busy, not minding to anyone else's activities for once.
Yaten stood abruptly and went to the door. "I need some air."
Minako looked up from her thoughts and watched as he left. The
air in the apartment was suffocating. It filled them all with thoughts
of a life without Usagi. "Matte, Yaten-chan. I'm coming with you."
Yaten waited patiently while Minako grabbed her jacket and went
out the door.
Ami stood up from her position on the couch and brought out her
computer. "I don't know what could have changed, but I'm going to check
on Usagi."
No one looked up as Ami left the room.
*****
A tall, lone figure stood up slowly and entered the deserted throne
room. His cramped hiding place among the back of the room was causing his
joints to pop as he walked, and he hoped that it would not cause any
unwanted attention.
Lying open for view on a blood red pillow, was the ginzuishou.
The room remained dark and silent as he made his way toward the stone.
The stone that could heal the Princess, and help bring his Prince back from
the depression that he himself had seen.
He wondered idly how come Beryl would leave such an important piece
sitting out like this, for anyone - namely him - to take. Then again, she
had no knowledge of his presence. She had no reason to think it would no
longer be here when she returned.
"What are you doing?" a voice came from behind, and the man jumped.
Turning swiftly, he came in contact with a man almost as tall as he
was, with piercing brown eyes. "Don't do that, you'll scare a man to death."
His visitor laughed lowly. "Have you got it?"
"No, you scared me before I had the chance," the first man reported.
The brown haired man looked uneasily towards the exit. "We best
hurry, the Princess is dying, I myself heard this from Lady Mercury."
Worry etched in his brow, he grabbed the locket from the pillow and
disappeared into thin air with it, his visitor following.
*****
"I don't understand, why is this happening? We were so peaceful for
so long, now this? Will we ever have normal lives?" Minako demanded tearfully.
Yaten shook his head and absent-mindedly kicked a rock. "Gomen Minako-
chan, I don't know what to say. Perhaps we never will, and then again, we might."
"You're not yourself, Yaten-chan. You've changed," Minako noted.
Yaten let out a half giggle. "Hai, we have all changed. Times
make you change, I suppose. I always thought of myself before anything,
always thought of my own needs. Life was just a huge game to me. But
when I went back home, I stopped thinking of me, and started thinking of
someone else..." he trailed off, stopping in front of a brick wall and
grabbing Minako's hand.
Surprised, but not unpleasantly so, Minako searched for Yaten's eyes.
After long moments of silence, green eyes meet blue. "Who did you think about?"
Yaten paused and brought Minako closer to him. "You..." he sighed,
bringing her closer to place his lips on hers.
After a few minutes, Minako pulled back in need of air. Her hands
remained placed behind Yaten's head, resting on his neck. His hands were on
her waist.
His face flushed a couple of unhealthy shades of red. "Gomen Minako-chan,
I..."
"Don't," Minako commanded, bringing her finger to rest on his lips.
"Just don't. Don't say you regret it. Don't say you it you don't mean it."
"I did," Yaten assured her, and brought her closer once more.
*****
Sailor Pluto walked without destination through the time gate. The
land between times went on forever in every direction, nothing but fog and
ground visible from where she stood.
"Why?" she suddenly whispered.
She herself had never seen this coming. She never thought it possible,
she was always supposed to be prepared. Usagi couldn't die. Without her
Chibi-Usa would never be born. She had to live, but the danger now
seemed larger than life. The princess was dying, and without the ginzuishou,
they were powerless to stop it.
Suddenly another presence in the time current. Prepared to attack,
Pluto raised her timestaff. "Who are you? Only those worthy of admittance
are allowed here. You are not worthy!"
"Stop!" Came the rough male voice. As the fog moved, two figures became
visible before her, kneeling. "Please, Pluto, we are here only to help."
Putting down her staff, Pluto cleared her throat. "Gomen nasai."
They stood and straightened themselves out. "That's understandable.
We bring this to you, to help the Princess." His large hand opened to reveal
the locket holding the ginzuishou.
Pluto silently thanked Selene and Kami as she took the broach from the
man's hand. "Domo Arigato, you have no idea what this means to me. What
it means to Endymion and the Senshi."
"We have an idea. Our regards to the royal family, Pluto. Also
extended from General Korntz."
"Hai," Pluto answered shortly, already preparing to return to
the apartment that held the dying Princess.
She reappeared in a flash of light inside the living room. Everyone
looked up as she entered. Makoto was the first to notice what she held.
"Thank Kami-sama! The ginzuishou! Where did you find it?!"
Pluto silenced her with a wave of her hand and the Senshi followed
her to the bedroom. Mamoru laid closely to Usagi, his eyes closed in
concentration.
"Mamoru-san," Pluto whispered. He remained unmoved.
Slowly Makoto and Haruka removed Mamoru from Usagi's side. His
energy spent, he had no choice but to let them move him. The only fight
he gave was a weak verbal protest that went unnoticed by the Senshi.
"Small Lady, come forth," Pluto asked.
Chibi-Usa left the doorway and slowly made her way towards the
senshi of time. Her eyes never left her mother's form as she came up
and took the locket from Pluto's outstretched hands. Holding it in both
hands, she closed her eyes and concentrated on the power locked inside
the stone.
A blinding white light caused everyone in the room to cover their
eyes. Chibi-Usa pushed on, bringing forth more and more power to erase
the damage done by the dark energy.
Seconds passed. Then minutes. And still Chibi-Usa poured energy
into her task. Determined not to fail, images flooded her mind - nights
at home in the crystal palace. Her mother coming to have 'girl-talks'
with her. Giggling over some cute guy in magazines, rolling their eyes
simultaneously at her father when he would ask what the big deal was.
Dinners together as a family, with all her brothers and sisters gathered
at the table, as well as the Senshi and their families.
Tears poured from her closed eyes at the thought of never having
those memories. 'I will NOT fail you mother, I promise.'
Ten minutes past and finally Chibi-Usa's small body could hold it no
more. She fainted onto the ground, the ginzuishou falling to the ground near
her with a *thunk*.
Rei wiped a single tear off her face and turned to Pluto. "Now what?"
Pluto watched as Haruka and Makoto placed Mamoru beside Usagi.
Seiya carried Chibi-Usa in the living room to rest on the sofa. "We
wait," she sighed.
*****
Somewhere in the darkest corner of Usagi's mind, was a beautiful
palace. It's glory and beauty far greater than what it had been 1,000
years ago. Fountains and gardens lined every walkway. And inside,
just as she remembered her, stood Queen Serenity.
Usagi looked down on herself, noting the white princess gown that now
accented her figure. "What happened?"
"You've come home, dear."
A small smile broke out on Usagi's face as she studied the palace
around her. Home. She was home. But not my rightful home.
"Where is Endymion?"
Queen Serenity sighed heavily. She knew it might come to this.
That if Usagi died before Endymion that she would not stay. "He is
still alive."
"No, mother! He can't live without me, he needs me!"
"Yes, I know. And I know you will go back to him." Queen Serenity
smiled down at her daughter. "Remember I love you, and you can always
come back."
Usagi smiled also, tears of pain and some of joy washing her face.
"I know mother. I love you too. He needs me, I need him."
Queen Serenity hugged her daughter and released her slowly, allowing
life to seep back into her body. Her figure disappeared into nothingness
and the queen sighed. "Until next time darling, until next time."
*****
Mamoru moaned in his sleep. "Usako, don't leave me, I love you..."
Usagi eyes fluttered open and blinked. They seemed to resist the
light entering them, and closed again. Again she opened them, longer this
time, allowing her pupils to dilate; growing used to the light of the sun
through the open window. Moaning in pain from her stiff joints, she rolled
over to see Mamoru's face. It was contorted in pain from an image only he
alone could see.
"Usaaako!" he yelled in a whispered, tightening his grip on her.
Usagi panicked for a moment, before realizing all she had to do was
wake him up and he would be okay. "Mamo-chan... Sweetie, wake up."
One blue eye opened hesitantly, afraid he was still sleeping. Usagi
smiled her sweet, soft smile and he opened both eyes, drinking her in like
a man in the hot desert who found water, never getting enough.
He allowed a smile to tug at the corners of his mouth. "Usako? Are
you really okay? I'm not dreaming?"
Usagi gently ran her hand down the side of his face lovingly,
soothing him. "Yes baby, I'm here. You're not dreaming..." She was rewarded
by an engulfing hug. He held her tightly, for a moment forgetting
how petite she was, and that he was probably starting to hurt her.
"Usako, I love you... I love you... thank goodness your alright..."
For a while neither moved. Just enjoying the fact that they were
there, together, alive. Listening to each other's heartbeat, feeling each
other's breath.
There was never a time that Mamoru thought he would be so happy just
to feel her touch, her fingers lovingly brushing away his tears. He cried,
sobbed actually, for a long time. Happy tears, worried tears, tears of relief
and finally letting go of his fears. Because SHE was there, holding him,
secure in HER arms, nothing else in the world mattered. Except maybe one thing...
"MOM, DADDY!" was screamed as a bouncing pink haired rabbit ran across
the room, onto the bed and in her parent's embrace.
Ami let out a happy sigh and closed the door to give them their
privacy before she checked them over. She beamed as she entered the living
room. "They are fine," she said, making everyone in the room cheer.
"This, and I think this is not the first time I've said this in the
last month, calls for Italian!" Minako squealed, bouncing up and down in
delight that the princess and prince were safe at last.
"Agreed!" the Lights said, looking for the phone book.
Makoto walked into the living room. She had been busying herself for in
doing nothing but cooking. Trying to keep her emotions in check and her hands
busy. Needless to say, she needed to stop before everything in the house was
gone. "You're calling out for food?" she said a little sad, "Is my food not
good enough?"
Yaten stopped halfway through the phone book. "No, it's better than
call in, let's go to the grocery store!"
Makoto laughed sincerely for the first time in what seemed like forever.
"Alright, let me make a list."
"YEAHH!!" Minako and Hotaru exclaimed, jumping up and down while holding
hands. Ami smiled at the scene they made, then quietly got her bag and medical
supplies, heading toward the bedroom.
She opened the door and peeked in. Luna, Artemis, Diana and Chibi-Usa
were on the bed. They were all talking excitedly to a very worn out prince
and princess. "Ano, but I need everyone to clear the room so I can check Usagi
and Mamoru out to be sure they are okay."
Reluctantly Chibi-Usa, holding one cat in each arm and one on her head,
left the room.
Usagi smiled her thanks to Ami, before crashing back against Mamoru's
chest, snuggling deeply. "Arigato Ami-chan, I didn't have the heart to ask
them to leave."
Ami smiled understandingly, "I know, but you can't get rid of me until
I make sure the three of you are alright."
"Three?" Usagi asked, *very* confused.
"Hai Usagi-chan, three. You, Mamoru-kun and your unborn child."
Usagi sat straight up, "Unborn child? I'm pregnant?!?!!"
Ami smiled. "One month and," checking her computer, "three weeks to be exact."
Usagi fell back against the pillows. "Pregnant? I'm pregnant! Mamo-chan!
We're going to have a baby!!" The longer she thought about it, the happier she
became. Her smiling face turned to her husband and waited for a reaction.
Mamoru wrapped his arms around her, bringing his smiling lips closer to hers.
Ami watched in silence as they celebrated the new life inside her.
And waited. And waited. And waited some more. "Umm, minna? I need to check
you over," she said quietly, not really wanting to disturb them, but knowing
she had no choice.
Usagi flushed a healthy pink, "Gomen ne, we kind of forgot you were still
in the room Ami-chan."
"That's quite all right," Ami assured her. Pulling out her hension stick,
Mercury transformed.
Where a few seconds before Ami had been standing, now stood Eternal
Sailor Mercury, already her visor was out and computer in hand.
Usagi waited patiently, although a little anxious, for Mercury to
confirm how she was. After a few unnoticed nods and a smile she moved on to
Mamoru. What she saw here did not upset her, but it wasn't the best either.
"Mamoru, you have absorbed a trace of dark energy. With rest you should be
fine in a couple of days. Usagi as far as I can tell, you and your child are
perfectly healthy."
She rubbed her stomach tenderly. "Ami-chan?"
"Hmm?"
"It's not..."
Ami smiled, knowing her question before she asked it. "No, it is not
Chibi-Usa."
She sighed. "I thought she was our only child."
"The future can be changed," said a new voice in the room. Usagi
looked up to see Setsuna smiling at her. "How are you Usagi-chan?"
"According to Ami-chan, I'm fine."
"But according to you?" she asked amused, knowing what was coming.
Usagi smiled widely. "According to me, I'm hungry!"
"For once," Ami began, laughing. "You have every right to be."
*****
Beryl sat hard on her throne. Pondering on how, or more likely who,
took the ginzuishou, or more importantly - how to tell Metallia.
"I should just attack them, that's what I'll do. Damn the rest of this
nonsense. It's just wasting time, don't you think General Korntz?"
"Hai, my queen," he agreed for fear of what would happen if he tried
to stall her any longer than he already had.
Suddenly another figure emerged from the group. A Youma that Beryl
didn't remember having, but not giving it a second thought. "Yes?"
"Pardon, your majesty, but aren't we a little weak to attack now? Maybe
we should gather more energy first?"
"Well, I don't know..."
The Youma waited impatiently. Come on bitch, you have to delay.
Just send some energy takers out so the Senshi can handle it. The princess
needs to give birth before you start attacking again!
Before she could refuse, another Youma - again one that Beryl didn't
recognize - came forward. "I agree majesty, we need more energy before
attacking. Or we may lose."
The first Youma smiled his thanks to the second and turned back to Beryl.
"I've got it!" She announced. "We'll wait until we have more energy
so we can defeat them! I'm so glad I thought of that! Sector four, send
out troops, now!"
The youmas growled under their breath. Whatever, as long as she
don't attack, they thought, relieved.
----End Chapter 7.
Hmm... that was kinda short too ^^; Ah well, I don't want to change too much
from the orginal story line - but I am making changes. For those of you who
have read it before, you may or may not catch them ^_~
3 Bethany
Bethany212@aol.com --hint to email me your thoughts ^_~
03-19-01
From the Beginning, Round Two ~ Part VII
Title: A little too quiet
Author: Bethany ^_^
Rated: PG 15 (language)
Edited by: Meara
Authors Email: Bethany212@aol.com
***********************
Chibi-Usa sat in her young father's lap and watched the sun
setting outside the balcony door. Her eyes slowly traveled from the
pinkish sky to her mother's still form on the bed. "Mom always liked
when the sky turned pink before dark," she said almost silently.
Mamoru continued to stare at his wife's still body on the bed.
She was breathing, but that was the only movement she made at all.
Mamoru felt his heart quiver in his chest and tears threaten him, but
he would not cry in front of Chibi-Usa, she needed him to be strong.
"How about you go in the kitchen and let Mako-chan make you
something to eat? You haven't had anything since breakfast," Mamoru said,
desperate to be alone with his unconscious wife.
Sensing the tension in her father's body, Chibi-Usa stood up and
went out of the room, closing the door softly behind her.
Mamoru went to the bed and watched Usagi sleep. She looked so
peaceful. Any minute he almost expected her to open her eyes and say
something to him. He wished more than anything she would open her eyes,
tell him that it was all right...
...That she wasn't dying.
Mercury had confirmed it earlier, Usagi, his Usako...was
...dying.
The mere thought of that now sent him into uncontrollable sobs
as he laid down next to her, his face in her hair to spell the sweet
scent.
The hot burning, pain filled tears rolled down his face as he
found her hand and held it to his face. "Usako...please wake up
Usako. Don't leave me," he begged, wishing for a miracle beyond
miracles. But nothing. Still she slept.
The entire apartment was full of depressed senshi. Mamoru had
seen Mercury break down for the first time since he had known her.
"Dark energy is eating her alive," she had explained. "Without the
crystal to fight it off, I'm afraid, I'm afraid..." here she had broken
down in uncontrollable sobs. "Chibi-Usa is protected by the part of
the crystal that is inside her. But Usagi... Usagi is..."
But there was something else, something they weren't telling
him. He knew that by the glances exchanged. Something that was a
threat to Usagi.
His tears all but gone, he pulled her limp body into his arms
and concentrated on giving her his life force.
As soon as he was steadily increasing his energy, a light burned
brightly in the room, replaced by a young boy with a horn coming from
his head.
"Helios."
The boy, whose wisdom was far beyond his appearance, bent in front
of his prince.
"Hai, Prince Endymion."
Helios stood and walked quietly over to where Usagi lay. He placed
his hand about six inches above her face and closed his eyes. Suddenly he
gasped. "No princess, you can't do that..."
"Do what?!" Mamoru demanded urgently.
Helios again closed his eyes. "She is giving her life force to
someone else, you are the only thing keeping her alive."
Mamoru slid closer to her. "Whom is she giving it to?" he asked
desperately trying to find out whose life she held above her own.
Helios stood uncomfortable for a minute before answering.
"Your unborn child, my Prince."
Mamoru's eyes filled with tears. "She's pregnant?"
"Hai, my Lord, she is. But she had no knowledge of that before
this happened."
"No, she's trying to keep our baby alive instead of herself? Why?"
he begged.
Helios put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Be strong for her
and I will be strong for you. Sayonara, Prince." And with that, Helios
disappeared in a ray of light.
"Matte! Helios!" Mamoru cried out, but it was too late. He was gone.
"Usako... our child? You value that more than your life? I will
help you. We will survive this or die together. I can *not* live without
you." He placed his body closer to hers and rubbed her stomach gently.
"Our child... Please Selene, help her... help us."
*****
Haruka, Setsuna, Michiru and Chibi-Usa were engrossed in a game of
Monopoly. Makoto was cooking dinner. Seiya, Taiki, Yaten, Hotaru, Rei
and Ami were discussing Usagi's condition, and Minako sat dejectedly by
the phone, waiting for... something she was sure.
Artemis and Diana were downstairs hunting out a mouse that Artemis
had smelled, trying to distract his future daughters attention from the
depressing mood in the apartment. Luna sat on the balcony, praying to
Selene. All and all, it wasn't the happiest of rooms. But everyone was
busy, not minding to anyone else's activities for once.
Yaten stood abruptly and went to the door. "I need some air."
Minako looked up from her thoughts and watched as he left. The
air in the apartment was suffocating. It filled them all with thoughts
of a life without Usagi. "Matte, Yaten-chan. I'm coming with you."
Yaten waited patiently while Minako grabbed her jacket and went
out the door.
Ami stood up from her position on the couch and brought out her
computer. "I don't know what could have changed, but I'm going to check
on Usagi."
No one looked up as Ami left the room.
*****
A tall, lone figure stood up slowly and entered the deserted throne
room. His cramped hiding place among the back of the room was causing his
joints to pop as he walked, and he hoped that it would not cause any
unwanted attention.
Lying open for view on a blood red pillow, was the ginzuishou.
The room remained dark and silent as he made his way toward the stone.
The stone that could heal the Princess, and help bring his Prince back from
the depression that he himself had seen.
He wondered idly how come Beryl would leave such an important piece
sitting out like this, for anyone - namely him - to take. Then again, she
had no knowledge of his presence. She had no reason to think it would no
longer be here when she returned.
"What are you doing?" a voice came from behind, and the man jumped.
Turning swiftly, he came in contact with a man almost as tall as he
was, with piercing brown eyes. "Don't do that, you'll scare a man to death."
His visitor laughed lowly. "Have you got it?"
"No, you scared me before I had the chance," the first man reported.
The brown haired man looked uneasily towards the exit. "We best
hurry, the Princess is dying, I myself heard this from Lady Mercury."
Worry etched in his brow, he grabbed the locket from the pillow and
disappeared into thin air with it, his visitor following.
*****
"I don't understand, why is this happening? We were so peaceful for
so long, now this? Will we ever have normal lives?" Minako demanded tearfully.
Yaten shook his head and absent-mindedly kicked a rock. "Gomen Minako-
chan, I don't know what to say. Perhaps we never will, and then again, we might."
"You're not yourself, Yaten-chan. You've changed," Minako noted.
Yaten let out a half giggle. "Hai, we have all changed. Times
make you change, I suppose. I always thought of myself before anything,
always thought of my own needs. Life was just a huge game to me. But
when I went back home, I stopped thinking of me, and started thinking of
someone else..." he trailed off, stopping in front of a brick wall and
grabbing Minako's hand.
Surprised, but not unpleasantly so, Minako searched for Yaten's eyes.
After long moments of silence, green eyes meet blue. "Who did you think about?"
Yaten paused and brought Minako closer to him. "You..." he sighed,
bringing her closer to place his lips on hers.
After a few minutes, Minako pulled back in need of air. Her hands
remained placed behind Yaten's head, resting on his neck. His hands were on
her waist.
His face flushed a couple of unhealthy shades of red. "Gomen Minako-chan,
I..."
"Don't," Minako commanded, bringing her finger to rest on his lips.
"Just don't. Don't say you regret it. Don't say you it you don't mean it."
"I did," Yaten assured her, and brought her closer once more.
*****
Sailor Pluto walked without destination through the time gate. The
land between times went on forever in every direction, nothing but fog and
ground visible from where she stood.
"Why?" she suddenly whispered.
She herself had never seen this coming. She never thought it possible,
she was always supposed to be prepared. Usagi couldn't die. Without her
Chibi-Usa would never be born. She had to live, but the danger now
seemed larger than life. The princess was dying, and without the ginzuishou,
they were powerless to stop it.
Suddenly another presence in the time current. Prepared to attack,
Pluto raised her timestaff. "Who are you? Only those worthy of admittance
are allowed here. You are not worthy!"
"Stop!" Came the rough male voice. As the fog moved, two figures became
visible before her, kneeling. "Please, Pluto, we are here only to help."
Putting down her staff, Pluto cleared her throat. "Gomen nasai."
They stood and straightened themselves out. "That's understandable.
We bring this to you, to help the Princess." His large hand opened to reveal
the locket holding the ginzuishou.
Pluto silently thanked Selene and Kami as she took the broach from the
man's hand. "Domo Arigato, you have no idea what this means to me. What
it means to Endymion and the Senshi."
"We have an idea. Our regards to the royal family, Pluto. Also
extended from General Korntz."
"Hai," Pluto answered shortly, already preparing to return to
the apartment that held the dying Princess.
She reappeared in a flash of light inside the living room. Everyone
looked up as she entered. Makoto was the first to notice what she held.
"Thank Kami-sama! The ginzuishou! Where did you find it?!"
Pluto silenced her with a wave of her hand and the Senshi followed
her to the bedroom. Mamoru laid closely to Usagi, his eyes closed in
concentration.
"Mamoru-san," Pluto whispered. He remained unmoved.
Slowly Makoto and Haruka removed Mamoru from Usagi's side. His
energy spent, he had no choice but to let them move him. The only fight
he gave was a weak verbal protest that went unnoticed by the Senshi.
"Small Lady, come forth," Pluto asked.
Chibi-Usa left the doorway and slowly made her way towards the
senshi of time. Her eyes never left her mother's form as she came up
and took the locket from Pluto's outstretched hands. Holding it in both
hands, she closed her eyes and concentrated on the power locked inside
the stone.
A blinding white light caused everyone in the room to cover their
eyes. Chibi-Usa pushed on, bringing forth more and more power to erase
the damage done by the dark energy.
Seconds passed. Then minutes. And still Chibi-Usa poured energy
into her task. Determined not to fail, images flooded her mind - nights
at home in the crystal palace. Her mother coming to have 'girl-talks'
with her. Giggling over some cute guy in magazines, rolling their eyes
simultaneously at her father when he would ask what the big deal was.
Dinners together as a family, with all her brothers and sisters gathered
at the table, as well as the Senshi and their families.
Tears poured from her closed eyes at the thought of never having
those memories. 'I will NOT fail you mother, I promise.'
Ten minutes past and finally Chibi-Usa's small body could hold it no
more. She fainted onto the ground, the ginzuishou falling to the ground near
her with a *thunk*.
Rei wiped a single tear off her face and turned to Pluto. "Now what?"
Pluto watched as Haruka and Makoto placed Mamoru beside Usagi.
Seiya carried Chibi-Usa in the living room to rest on the sofa. "We
wait," she sighed.
*****
Somewhere in the darkest corner of Usagi's mind, was a beautiful
palace. It's glory and beauty far greater than what it had been 1,000
years ago. Fountains and gardens lined every walkway. And inside,
just as she remembered her, stood Queen Serenity.
Usagi looked down on herself, noting the white princess gown that now
accented her figure. "What happened?"
"You've come home, dear."
A small smile broke out on Usagi's face as she studied the palace
around her. Home. She was home. But not my rightful home.
"Where is Endymion?"
Queen Serenity sighed heavily. She knew it might come to this.
That if Usagi died before Endymion that she would not stay. "He is
still alive."
"No, mother! He can't live without me, he needs me!"
"Yes, I know. And I know you will go back to him." Queen Serenity
smiled down at her daughter. "Remember I love you, and you can always
come back."
Usagi smiled also, tears of pain and some of joy washing her face.
"I know mother. I love you too. He needs me, I need him."
Queen Serenity hugged her daughter and released her slowly, allowing
life to seep back into her body. Her figure disappeared into nothingness
and the queen sighed. "Until next time darling, until next time."
*****
Mamoru moaned in his sleep. "Usako, don't leave me, I love you..."
Usagi eyes fluttered open and blinked. They seemed to resist the
light entering them, and closed again. Again she opened them, longer this
time, allowing her pupils to dilate; growing used to the light of the sun
through the open window. Moaning in pain from her stiff joints, she rolled
over to see Mamoru's face. It was contorted in pain from an image only he
alone could see.
"Usaaako!" he yelled in a whispered, tightening his grip on her.
Usagi panicked for a moment, before realizing all she had to do was
wake him up and he would be okay. "Mamo-chan... Sweetie, wake up."
One blue eye opened hesitantly, afraid he was still sleeping. Usagi
smiled her sweet, soft smile and he opened both eyes, drinking her in like
a man in the hot desert who found water, never getting enough.
He allowed a smile to tug at the corners of his mouth. "Usako? Are
you really okay? I'm not dreaming?"
Usagi gently ran her hand down the side of his face lovingly,
soothing him. "Yes baby, I'm here. You're not dreaming..." She was rewarded
by an engulfing hug. He held her tightly, for a moment forgetting
how petite she was, and that he was probably starting to hurt her.
"Usako, I love you... I love you... thank goodness your alright..."
For a while neither moved. Just enjoying the fact that they were
there, together, alive. Listening to each other's heartbeat, feeling each
other's breath.
There was never a time that Mamoru thought he would be so happy just
to feel her touch, her fingers lovingly brushing away his tears. He cried,
sobbed actually, for a long time. Happy tears, worried tears, tears of relief
and finally letting go of his fears. Because SHE was there, holding him,
secure in HER arms, nothing else in the world mattered. Except maybe one thing...
"MOM, DADDY!" was screamed as a bouncing pink haired rabbit ran across
the room, onto the bed and in her parent's embrace.
Ami let out a happy sigh and closed the door to give them their
privacy before she checked them over. She beamed as she entered the living
room. "They are fine," she said, making everyone in the room cheer.
"This, and I think this is not the first time I've said this in the
last month, calls for Italian!" Minako squealed, bouncing up and down in
delight that the princess and prince were safe at last.
"Agreed!" the Lights said, looking for the phone book.
Makoto walked into the living room. She had been busying herself for in
doing nothing but cooking. Trying to keep her emotions in check and her hands
busy. Needless to say, she needed to stop before everything in the house was
gone. "You're calling out for food?" she said a little sad, "Is my food not
good enough?"
Yaten stopped halfway through the phone book. "No, it's better than
call in, let's go to the grocery store!"
Makoto laughed sincerely for the first time in what seemed like forever.
"Alright, let me make a list."
"YEAHH!!" Minako and Hotaru exclaimed, jumping up and down while holding
hands. Ami smiled at the scene they made, then quietly got her bag and medical
supplies, heading toward the bedroom.
She opened the door and peeked in. Luna, Artemis, Diana and Chibi-Usa
were on the bed. They were all talking excitedly to a very worn out prince
and princess. "Ano, but I need everyone to clear the room so I can check Usagi
and Mamoru out to be sure they are okay."
Reluctantly Chibi-Usa, holding one cat in each arm and one on her head,
left the room.
Usagi smiled her thanks to Ami, before crashing back against Mamoru's
chest, snuggling deeply. "Arigato Ami-chan, I didn't have the heart to ask
them to leave."
Ami smiled understandingly, "I know, but you can't get rid of me until
I make sure the three of you are alright."
"Three?" Usagi asked, *very* confused.
"Hai Usagi-chan, three. You, Mamoru-kun and your unborn child."
Usagi sat straight up, "Unborn child? I'm pregnant?!?!!"
Ami smiled. "One month and," checking her computer, "three weeks to be exact."
Usagi fell back against the pillows. "Pregnant? I'm pregnant! Mamo-chan!
We're going to have a baby!!" The longer she thought about it, the happier she
became. Her smiling face turned to her husband and waited for a reaction.
Mamoru wrapped his arms around her, bringing his smiling lips closer to hers.
Ami watched in silence as they celebrated the new life inside her.
And waited. And waited. And waited some more. "Umm, minna? I need to check
you over," she said quietly, not really wanting to disturb them, but knowing
she had no choice.
Usagi flushed a healthy pink, "Gomen ne, we kind of forgot you were still
in the room Ami-chan."
"That's quite all right," Ami assured her. Pulling out her hension stick,
Mercury transformed.
Where a few seconds before Ami had been standing, now stood Eternal
Sailor Mercury, already her visor was out and computer in hand.
Usagi waited patiently, although a little anxious, for Mercury to
confirm how she was. After a few unnoticed nods and a smile she moved on to
Mamoru. What she saw here did not upset her, but it wasn't the best either.
"Mamoru, you have absorbed a trace of dark energy. With rest you should be
fine in a couple of days. Usagi as far as I can tell, you and your child are
perfectly healthy."
She rubbed her stomach tenderly. "Ami-chan?"
"Hmm?"
"It's not..."
Ami smiled, knowing her question before she asked it. "No, it is not
Chibi-Usa."
She sighed. "I thought she was our only child."
"The future can be changed," said a new voice in the room. Usagi
looked up to see Setsuna smiling at her. "How are you Usagi-chan?"
"According to Ami-chan, I'm fine."
"But according to you?" she asked amused, knowing what was coming.
Usagi smiled widely. "According to me, I'm hungry!"
"For once," Ami began, laughing. "You have every right to be."
*****
Beryl sat hard on her throne. Pondering on how, or more likely who,
took the ginzuishou, or more importantly - how to tell Metallia.
"I should just attack them, that's what I'll do. Damn the rest of this
nonsense. It's just wasting time, don't you think General Korntz?"
"Hai, my queen," he agreed for fear of what would happen if he tried
to stall her any longer than he already had.
Suddenly another figure emerged from the group. A Youma that Beryl
didn't remember having, but not giving it a second thought. "Yes?"
"Pardon, your majesty, but aren't we a little weak to attack now? Maybe
we should gather more energy first?"
"Well, I don't know..."
The Youma waited impatiently. Come on bitch, you have to delay.
Just send some energy takers out so the Senshi can handle it. The princess
needs to give birth before you start attacking again!
Before she could refuse, another Youma - again one that Beryl didn't
recognize - came forward. "I agree majesty, we need more energy before
attacking. Or we may lose."
The first Youma smiled his thanks to the second and turned back to Beryl.
"I've got it!" She announced. "We'll wait until we have more energy
so we can defeat them! I'm so glad I thought of that! Sector four, send
out troops, now!"
The youmas growled under their breath. Whatever, as long as she
don't attack, they thought, relieved.
----End Chapter 7.
Hmm... that was kinda short too ^^; Ah well, I don't want to change too much
from the orginal story line - but I am making changes. For those of you who
have read it before, you may or may not catch them ^_~
3 Bethany
Bethany212@aol.com --hint to email me your thoughts ^_~
03-19-01