Chapter 10: Finding the Truth
Queen Serenity reached out a hand to comfort her child; Serena took it gratefully, like a lifeline. She didn't understand what was going on, but her mother's presence could breathe calm into any chaos. Serenity closed her eyes briefly, collecting her thoughts.
"I know you are confused, and in part this is my fault. When I sent the people of the Moon Kingdom to earth, I wanted them to have a new chance at life, not be caught eternally in the past, so their, your, memories were erased. Then you were forced to accept those memories, something your mind was not prepared for. You could not abandon that normal life you had come to value so much; the other Senshi had trouble coping with it also, though they hid it well. Luna, Artemis, and the outer Senshi were more ready to receive the past, as they were the first defense. Because the five of you could not quite let go, you unconsciously built a life in another place where you could be everything that you had lost. However, this life, which was no more than a projection of your desire for normalcy just as Darien split to become the Moonlight Knight to protect you, began to develop it's own personality. That life started to have new thoughts and feelings than the girls that lived and fought in Tokyo. Then, that self heard of your exploits and began to wake up, if only just a little, and longed to join in the challenge. Your other self tried to hold onto that life more than the other Senshi because your desire was greater as your responsibilities to the world, not to mention the future, were greater."
"The five of you met together, thinking it was all just a game. Then, for one moment, the desire to be the Senshi rose to its apex, and the two lives joined as one. The other four experienced a short time of struggle, but found the life in Illinois to be somewhat wanting in comparison. They, again unconsciously, erased the memory of that other life so as not to feel any sense of loss." Serenity paused for a moment, seeking to find a way to make this easier for her child. Serena could feel Aneresa waking up. She could hear her differing thoughts, and feel her pain for a life that wasn't entirely real.
"Then, that life in Illinois, that family, even my boyfriend there, don't exist," Aneresa asked in a small voice, afraid of the answer.
"Oh no, they do indeed live," Serenity assured her, "Only, now they have moved on and, I am sorry to say, forgotten, though they could easily remember again if you returned." Aneresa gave way to Serena to consider this alone.
"Why is she still there? Why can't I just let go like the others?" Serena asked.
"The dreams you have been running from have caused you to cling to the security of her more organized and safe life. That was the intent of the dreams," Serenity disclosed with regret.
"Amherst, Beryl's daughter, is the one behind this," Serena uttered angrily, "Then that is why I've been so depressed lately. I tried to tell Aneresa, but she was even worse for it than I." Serenity merely nodded.
"And so, now you know. But there is still one decision you must make," Serenity said carefully, "You can choose to live that life Aneresa led, it is the same earth as the one you now stand on, however, you must choose, and choose wisely. No one will know, including yourself, of what has happened. Only one life can be lived. I cannot let you continue to suffer through the conflicting personalities. It will kill you. Please take time to consider this, the moment you speak the name of your chosen life, the other will completely disappear, for all time. There is no going back."
Serena didn't hesitate for a moment, and Aneresa silently thanked Serena for agreeing with her. If only one life could be led, then the choice was simple.
Mawahaaaa (evil laughter) which life will she choose? You never know, if I want to, and am tired of writing tomorrow, I'll choose Aneresa. Then the story will be about the other scouts trying to win and running around like chickens with their heads cut off. Hey, wait! If I choose Aneresa, then Rini won't be born (oh happy day la la la). That's a major incentive right there, hmmm decisions, decisions…