Title: The Curse of Immortality
By: Cheska-chan
Chapter 22
E-Mail address: Minnashime@aol.com or NMakalinaw@aol.com
PG13
Disclaimer: I don't feel like doing this disclaimer but I have to.
So here goes, I don't own Sailor Moon or Gundam Wing. There.
Author's Notes: Hey peeps! ^_^ Guess what this chapter is about?
You could probably guess considering..that is if you read the bottom
part. There will be only this chapter or the next left. ^_^ Which
means...*a sudden big pause*..I'll be ending the story REAL soon!
*gulps quite nervously* *takes a big, BIG breath and lets it out*
Must....say...this...must..say..this *chants to herself some more*
*closes eyes and takes another deep breath*
*looks at all the REVIEWERS*
This CHAPTER will probably..okay WILL make you a tad bit angry*
*mumbles to herself: Tad? Yeah right...it'll soo..flame me*
*squints eyes*
If you haven't guessed what I'm about to do...well you'll read about it
*hurries off*
Okay, better start writing this now. ^_^
***********
"It's no use. I can't concentrate..."sighed Serena, putting
her legs up and sitting on the cold ground with her arms around her
knees.
She bent her head to the side, touching the knees and stared at
Heero who was leaning against the wall.
"Have you ever wondered what it was like to die, Heero?"Serena murmered
softly up at him.
"Why do you ask?"Heero questioned, his eyes narrowing.
"Just wondering...I've kept thinking for such a long time what it
would be like to just..to just die and get this over with. Day-dreaming
about life after this one. If I'll just sleep forever, never to wake up
from a dream-like state. Or if I'll be back with my family and friends
who have died. To be with them and watch over those who are still alive,
being happy and finally free from the hardships of life. Sometimes I
ponder and think that there may be another life out there for
me. One where I just wake up and forget about everything. Forget about
my past life and start over, right from the start. Have a new name, a
new personality, new everything,"Serena spoke softly, her voice
barely heard but Heero took in everything she said to him.
"How come you're wondering about death? You still have a long life
ahead of you, you're not going to die anytime soon,"Heero said realistically.
Serena's eyes softened at his words and straightened up her head and stared
hard at the door, her eyes growing misty.
"You're right. I do have a long life...one filled with so much pain and
sorrow. I've lived too long, Heero. Watched my parents die, my friends
live their life and pass away, seen those who I love die...too many deaths
for my liking..."Serena murmered, her eyes shining with unshed tears
and her voice filled with pain that would etch away your heart.
To Heero it seemed that the girl before him had changed completely, from
one filled with life and willingness to live to someone different. One who
has seen so much and lived for so long. A young woman who experienced
so much of life that now had nothing left to live for but to be put to
rest, forever.
"I have nothing else to live for but for my own and destiny.
I wonder sometimes if my life is just a curse. And until recently I
think that it is a curse,"she bitterly told him.
He didn't know what to think about what she just told him. True, he
thought his life was cheap and would risk his life for practically
anything but now...he wasn't quite sure. Him, the 01 pilot and
Perfect Soldier, loves this girl. And now, here she was talking about
dying and thinking that her life was nothing more than a curse. It pained
him to see and hear this from her.
Just when he was about to speak to her again, the soldier noticed that
she was back in her concentration figure. Fully silent and only her
small breathing could be heard beside his own. Her hair was slightly
covering her face and body, her stance was so peaceful that he thought
her to be a beautiful nymph or an angel that came out of hiding. For
a long time he was in awe at her but slowly came back toward reality.
"I pray to thee...hear my plea.."he heard her mumbling under her breath
and then there was a sudden glow around her.
At first it was pure white aura and then slowly shimmered to a soft
golden one. Her hair was gradually whipping around her form even though
there was no wind, then her eyes blinked open.
"Teleport,"Serena whispered out one word and then she was gone but
beneath his feet he felt himself slip as well. A gush of wind
brushed past him and he squinted his eyes closed. When the unruly
haired boy opened up his prussian blue eyes again, Heero noticed that
they weren't inside the dark cell anymore but outside of it.
Serena took a quick glance around her surroundings and then picked herself
up and steadily walked over to him.
"How?"began Heero but she stopped him, putting her two fingers over to his
lips, it seemed to have burned him by that mere touch.
"No time,"Serena said to him and began walking down the corridor.
[{Time is wasting. They're starting to prepare for the machine!
Hurry!}]Angelic's pleading voice sounded out in her head.
"They're going to start soon,"Serena shouted down to Heero who was
trailing behind her.
"How do you know?"Heero asked her, still monotone.
"...I just do,"Serena answered.
The two quickly ran down the long hallway and then took a left turn,
going directly toward the stairs and seemed to have just flew down there
as they hurriedly left the fourth floor and towards the third.
************
"It's just a few more minutes and then..."Aenon began, his eyes flashing with
excitement.
"And then..the world can be ours,"Makura ended.
The scientists were quickly taking down reports and the mechanics pressing
figures into the panel near the prone machine. The huge contraption could
fit at the most, two people, and the doors to it was open. The appliance
was immobile and didn't appear to have any life to it, meaning that they
haven't reached that part of the steps yet.
"How long till it starts?"demanded Makura.
"We don't know, but it won't be long. We assure you,"one of the scientists
informed the impatient woman.
Aenon nodded in acceptance and then sighed.
"To think, she didn't want any of this..."Aenon sighed.
Makura raised her eyebrow at the man near her, knowing fully well that
he meant Serena who probably still sat down on that cold concrete floor
just a floor above them.
"Get over it, Hiba. She refused you, that's all there is..."Makura
rolled her eyes and focused her attention on the machine.
*************
Sandrock, Nataku, Heavyarms, and Deathscythe stopped beside the two
other gundams that have already arrived and the pilots got out, one by
one. Soon after, Hotaru arrived and jumped out as well.
"It doesn't feel right..."Hotaru whispered to no one in particular.
Quatre heard her and just nodded his head in agreement, he too felt something
stir within the air.
"Something feels different.."Quatre murmered.
The guys just stopped and wondered but shook their heads, they couldn't
do this at the moment.
"They're in there, we need to finish our mission,"reminded Duo with a slight
whine in his voice.
"You're right,"agreed Hotaru and began running.
*************
(Hotaru?)Serena suddenly felt another one like her enter the building. She
stopped in mid-step on the stairway, wondering who came in.
"Hm?"Heero stopped as well, seeing that his partner halted.
Closing her eyes, she used her newfound inner power to distinguish what
was going on. After several seconds, she finally opened them.
"They're here..."Serena murmered.
Heero didn't say anything.
"The other pilots..and Hotaru,"Serena told him, slightly turning her head
to address him.
The Perfect Soldier merely nodded his head and they continued on with their
way. Both silent and keeping to themselves as the two of them went down the
stairs.
*************
"Maybe I should go and join them as well..."Pluto considered as he watched
the pilots go on with their mission.
Just as she said those words, the mists swirled and stirred the picture
of the Time Gates and made it empty.
"You don't want me to go though, do you?"Pluto's eyes saddened.
(I guess this one is solely on you pilots...)the Time Guardian said to
herself.
She continued holding the Time Staff and stood idle, watching as the
figures returned.
*************
"It will be fully operational in a few short minutes. The machine shall
start,"a mechanic announced.
"Good to hear,"Makura happily said.
"Give us the details,"Aenon barked.
"Well once the machine is finished, we'll just see what goes on..."shrugged
a scienitst.
"We're not quite sure what will happen so..."trailed off another scientist.
"Mmm.."nodded Makura, understanding.
"Six minutes!"a mechanic shouted from the panel.
*************
The four G-pilots and Hotaru ran up the stairs and finally reached the
third floor. Ten soldiers awaited them and the pilots swiftly took out their
guns and faced them. Trowa looking quite serious, Duo with a mysterious glint
in his eye, Wufei with a smirk, and Quatre with a sorry-look. Hotaru, meanwhile,
stood a bit back and away from the guys as well as the soldiers.
"Sorry, but we gotta get through. If you don't mind, we'd like to
pass..or else,"Duo simply told them.
"Put your weapons down and give yourselves up. We outnumber you.."a soldier
ordered, warningly.
"No can do.."Duo shook his head.
"Then we're forced to do this to you by force,"another soldier sighed and
they all took off the safety of their guns.
"As do we..."Duo put on a smirk.
The four G-pilots quickly began shooting as well as the others. Loud rings
of shots went on in both sides and one by one the soldiers went down. What
was left remaining were a few soldiers with all the pilots still standing.
"Bad shots.."mumbled Wufei.
"We'll deal with these,"Quatre and Trowa said, waving Hotaru, Duo, and Wufei
to go ahead.
The soldiers quickly went to look for more ammo but they ended up having
empty. Then Trowa and Quatre went for some of their ammo, both finding out
that they only had one left each. Putting it on, they faced the soldiers.
"Go now,"Trowa silently told the others.
Duo nodded and held on to Hotaru's hand then the two went off down the hallway
with Wufei following behind them.
"The door has got to be around here somewhere,"Duo stated, opening up a door.
Hotaru stood around, staring from one door to another and finally went up
to one. Slowly, she reached over and was about to turn the knob when footsteps
echoed down the stairs. Hotaru quickly turned her attention to the stairs,
there she prepared herself for whoever it was. Just then two figures
came down, a woman and a man.
"Serena? Heero?"Hotaru croaked out.
"Hotaru!"Serena exclaimed and gave her a small hug.
"Do you guys know where they're keeping the machine?"interrupted Wufei, coming
up to them.
At once, Heero and Serena turned their attention to one single door which
happened to be right in front of Hotaru who was about to open it.
"In there?"Duo wanted to make sure.
The two nodded, turning serious.
"You two don't have weapons with you,"Hotaru noticed.
"...we'll have to do it another way then,"Serena smirked and nodded to Hotaru
to open the door.
Hotaru gulped and slowly turned the knob.
************
"Just three more minutes,"the mechanic announced.
Immediately, Hotaru, Duo, Wufei, Heero, and Serena rushed inside quickly
eliminating the numbers of enemies they had. Soldiers went down while some
mechanics ran off out of fear. Scientists stayed behind but hid around the sides
and corners of the room. Makura and Aenon turned their attention toward the
intruders.
"Shut that thing off now!"ordered Serena.
"No can do, in just less than three minutes this machine will be fully
functional..."Aenon shouted out.
"I'll deal with them.."Makura said and started forward.
"I shall as well.."Aenon nodded and followed after.
Heero and Serena stared at each other shortly, eyeing one another and then
nodded before seperating. Hotaru, Wufei, and Duo were at the middle with
Heero and Serena on each side. Makura and Aenon alone faced the pilots
since their soldiers were now..unconscious.
"Do you honestly think that you two can match up against us five?"Duo
asked them, putting bullets inside his gun.
"We shall see..."Makura's dark blue eyes glinted.
"Please...."Serena tried to convince them, her eyes shining.
Aenon shook his head and that was their cue to turn serious.
"Hotaru..."Serena shot her a look and Hotaru merely nodded in understanding.
Duo didn't know what was going on and decided to just ignore them.
"This time, we'll fight to the end. I-We can't allow you to make that
machine operational!"Serena announced and rammed against Makura.
Duo and Wufei began shooting off bullets at Aenon and Heero joined in as well.
Makura pushed Serena off and squeezed her neck, making it difficult for the
golden haired immortal to breathe. She squinted her eyes and glared at Makura
before kneeing the woman in the stomach, loosening the hold.
"No more games..."Makura slurred.
Aenon used his barrier shield against the pilots, preventing the bullets
from penetrating. He smirked at their weakness.
"How..how can that be?"Wufei wondered in awe.
"My turn..."Aenon stated and put up his hands, palms up and his eyes became
dialated as he mumbled a bunch of incoherent words.
A ball of light formed around his hands and it began sailing off from his
hands and towards the three, the light seperated into three parts as it
drew closer and just before it hit them, a voice rang out.
"Silent Wall!"the voice shouted.
The three balls of light hit a magical barrier instead of the pilots. Wufei,
Duo, and Heero turned their heads to the owner of the voice and were shocked
as they were met with a young woman dressed in a sailor suit holding a glaive.
"A sailor scout..."murmered Aenon as he narrowed his eyes.
"Sailor Saturn!"Serena called out.
"Hotaru?"Duo mumbled, as he tried to distinguish the woman before him.
She merely inclined her head towards him in recognition, earning a bewildered
expression.
"Now,"Serena stated.
Saturn raised her glaive up and began chanting a few words under her breath.
While she was forming a spell, Serena dashed towards Aenon and he grabbed her
by the arms.
"You still have a chance, don't make another mistake like you did the last
time. Stop the machine.."Serena said to him.
"It's too late..."Aenon shook his head and Serena took out the Silver Crystal
from his pocket.
"Just taking back what's rightfully mine,"Serena murmered.
"Silence Glaive Surprise!"Saturn shouted out and sent her attack sailing
towards Makura.(((AN: I'm sorry if it's the wrong attack wording)))
Makura glared hard at the oncoming attack and put up a strong barrier but
it went through and hit her hard. Makura was slammed towards the wall
and shot Serena a venomous glare.
"You!"Makura seethed and sent a dark blast towards Serena.
(She told that scout/senshi to put an attack on me! I'll get her
for this!)Makura shouted within her mind.
(It's over...it'll be too late by the time I'm back to life..)Serena
figured.
She closed her eyes, waiting for the darkness to invade her senses.
Standing idle as she prepared to welcome the hurt that would run
through her body. But after a few seconds, nothing came. Her crystallne
blue eyes popped open and she saw that Aenon was there. Gasping for
breath and staggering as he tried to stand up, his legs failed him and
he started to fall backwards. Gasping, Serena rushed over and caught
him. His head on her lap, her hands cradling his head. Those ocean blue eyes
of his, softened as he recognized her.
"Again! You give your life for her! Her! I can't believe you!
You do this for her. Didn't I tell you not to repeat what you did in
the past?"Makura shook her head in disbelief.
"I did it..not out of puppy love but for actual love. I love her, even
if she doesn't love me. She'll still be my friend if I can't get her
to love me. I do this for both good intentions. Out of friendship and out
of affection. I'm sorry if I seem to betray you, Makura. But I couldn't
let you hurt Serena..."Aenon uttered out as he glanced her way.
"Diamond.."Makura's eyes softened.
"As I said before in my last dying breath...I truly do love you,"Aenon
murmered before he shut his eyes permanently.
Serena blinked back a few tears before getting up and facing Makura.
The young woman was in front of the machine that was whirring and glowing
different colors at once. She appeared to be pondering over the situation
and then came back to reality as the contraption began to shake and sounds
of various types came out of the machine.
"Two more minutes!"a mechanic yelled.
"You can't stop it now!"Makura shouted, her eyes growing wide and
seemed to be quite crazy.
[{There is a way to stop this.}]Death's voice announced.
"Who's that?"Duo wondered, pointing to a figure in black that appeared
to change colors.
"You can see..."Serena trailed off.
[{They can see us, Serena.}]Angelic answered for them as she popped up beside
Death.
[{See all of us..}]intoned Eternal.
"What's going on?"wondered Saturn and she stepped beside her leader.
"I will destroy you!"Makura declared.
[{Do you wish us to show you?}]Death asked her.
[{Would you give up anything to save your world?}]inquired Eternal.
[{Do you?}]Angelic's eyes shined with pain and sympathy.
(Something is going to happen, isn't there? There's no way. I have
to do this...even if it costs me everything I've gained. My job as
the Savior of these people holds me to this. There is no
other way...I can't be selfish and have them killed for my sake.}]Serena's
eyes lowered and then she faced them.
"I do and I will,"Serena murmered, stepping up to them.
[{Go to her...you know what we mean.}]Eternal pointed to Makura.
"Wait!"Heero shouted out but it was too late.
Serena's eyes were determined and she began to run toward Makura, her eyes
darting from the machine to the woman.
(Go to her...)the words of Eternal seemed to echo within her mind.
As she ran, time seemed to stop all at once. Images filled her mind and
tears began to well up in her pupils.
*Flashback in Serena's POV*
(It's time...time to fulfill the path set out for me and become
the Queen of Earth as well as the universe..to become, Neo-Queen
Serenity.)
"We must prepare, the eternal silence will arrive,"spoke Pluto.
*Another Flash*
"You are with ageless immortality. You will only age after a certain
amount of time. The other scouts, will have only a limited amount
of time but they will eventually die but still keep their ageless
faces,"spoke Queen Serenity.
"..and Darien?"I asked with curiousity, fearing what will come next.
Pluto gazed down with sympathy written in her features.
"I'm afraid it applies with him as well, but his life span will
continue pass the scouts. You will live forever, you are able
to die but I'm afraid you will only be reborn again with memories
of your past life,"Queen Serenity answered.
*Another Flash*
"I am sorry. Do not give up on life, Serenity. Don't. Live on
with your life, move on and start over. I want to see you happy,
not sad,"he said to me.
"I can't bear to live without you, my love,"I pleaded.
"Beloved, live and do what you have to do. Protect the world; it's
your destiny but please be happy, for me...for all of us,"said
Endymion,"promise me?"
"..I promise, my love,"I promised.
"I love you, always and forever for all of eternity,"he said and
closed his eyes.
*Another Flash*
"I will protect these people from harm,"I stated and opened my
eyes,"COSMIC MOON POWER!"
A flash of pink light shined out and went toward the meteors, blasting
them into mere ashes and burned out of existance as it sailed through
the air. The meteors were gone. I felt myself weaken and my wings
couldn't support me anymore.
*Another Flash*
"Why? Why?! Why must I be tormented with this curse? To live
like this? To be alone and always remember those days when I watched them
die? All of them....all of them...even my husband!"I said with
despair down to the bitter core,"Why? Why..."
*End Of Flashback and back to the old 3rd person POV*
(Why?)Serena wondered as she slammed hard onto Makura sending them to
smash against the machine and into its open doors.
The three high beings stood, all watching the two fight and go into the
machine. Two of them you couldn't see their eyes or faces or hands but the
third you were able to. Angelic's eyes held pain and regret but she refused
to do anything as the high being stood there.
[{Now...}]Eternal's voice rang out.
"NO!!"Saturn shouted out as she saw the two fighters enter the machine.
"Who knows what will happen to them..."Quatre commented as he and Trowa
walked toward the group.
Scientists were astounded by the display shown before them. None of them
moving to aide their leader nor did the mechanics.
Eternal, Angelic, and Death silently hovered toward the two fighters.
(Why can't I just be normal for once?)Serena asked herself and took out the
Silver Crystal and transformed into her Sailor Moon form.
"I'll end this right now!!"Sailor Moon proclaimed, her eyes shining with
pain, sadness, and anger.
"I'm sorry...to do this to you...but I have to.."Sailor Moon whispered out
before doing her attack.
Makura's eyes showed nothing as she slouched against the wall with a
smirk upon her face.
"Kill me,"Makura's voice was hollow and her eyes depthless.
(Like I was before...a long, long time ago. Believing I was alone and
without anyone. Wanting to die because I have nothing to live for.
Nothing.)Sailor Moon said to herself.
"I'll send you to him. To Aenon. To Diamond. I know you want to be
with him again. Deep inside your heart, you love him as he loved
me,"Sailor Moon murmered, kissing her on the forehead and stepping
back.
"MOON GORGEOUS MEDITATION!!"Sailor Moon shouted out and aimed her kaleido
Moon Scope on Makura, making the young woman turn to nothing but ashes.
Sailor Moon powered down to Serena and slumped over, inside the machine. It
was still whirring and everything as she bowed her head but then heard
footsteps approach her.
[{It will soon be over..}]Angelic soothed, bending down as did Eternal.
"I want it to be.."Serena muttered as she raised her head to peer
up at them.
[{You want to die..}]Death's voice whispered.
Serena nodded her head solemnly.
"But I am immortal...I'll just come back to life..."Serena bitterly said
to them.
[{Is that your wish?}]Angelic asked her.
"Yes,"Serena answered, her eyes filled with tears.
"Less than a minute!!"the mechanic shouted out.
"Get out of there, Serena!!"Hotaru and Duo's voice rang out.
Hotaru was now just Hotaru since she transformed back to her civilian
form aside from scout form.
Heero merely stood there, his eyes shining with great concern as
he stood near the doorway. He wanted to shout along with the others,
coaxing Serena out of the machine but he couldn't.
[{There is a way...}]Eternal's voice murmered into her ear.
"Please..end my life.."pleaded Serena.
[{Tell me why? Why would you want to die? Why would you want
to leave your newfound friends and your old ones?}]Angelic asked her.
"Because...I've lived for far too long. I've experienced so much and
seen so many deaths. I've watched my husband, my daughter, my son-in-law
die. I've received word that some of my friends died from age when I alone can't
accomplish. I've killed so many, so many...it pains my heart. I..I
don't really want to leave my friends in fear that they might get hurt.
However, deep within my heart I know, I know that they'll make it through
and live a happy life. If I stay with them, I'll only be left with an ache
because they'll grow old and die as well. It's something I can't
stand, death...so please. Please, let me die and finally rest in peace. Let
me rest in peace forever and be with my friends once more!"Serena pleaded
toward the higher beings.
Tears were flowing down her creamy white skin, her voice was filled with
anguish and pain. She held onto Eternal's white cloth and her head
facing Eternal. The one in charge of immortality and controller over all things
that are timeless.
Eternal nodded her head along with her companions over Serena's request.
Angelic's eyes held tears and a couple of drops left her shining eyes as she
nodded along with them.
"Serena!!"Hotaru screamed out again, feeling something awful is coming.
"Something isn't right.."Quatre figured.
"The machine must stop.."Serena croaked out.
[{What we will do will stop the machine..}]Angelic told her.
[{Your death shall end the upcoming tradgedy. Once you die, the machine
will die. You see, with you in here as you die will overload the contraption's
senses. Your great power is too much for it to handle..}]Death informed.
Serena nodded and started to rise up.
[{Now..}]Eternal murmered.
Angelic and Death joined hands and surrounded Serena and Eternal from just
the outside. Serena was in the center, in front of Eternal.
[{Bend down..}]Eternal told her.
A deep feeling of sadness came over Serena as she bent down and raised her
head to address the higher being.
*Flashback*
Meeting the G-pilots for the first time.
Talking with Heero Yuy, just the two of them by themselves.
Seeing Hotaru once more and knowing that she'll be happy in this
life because she has Duo.
Riding Arethusa for the first time.
Fighting with the pilots.
Comfort from Heero and Hotaru.
*End of Flashback*
"I'm ready.."whispered Serena.
Angelic and Death bent their heads and started glowing a dark
aura around them of pure black.
"What's going on?!"demanded Hotaru and Wufei.
Duo's mouth was hanging open and Quatre's eyes widened in sadness
and in bewilderment. The scientists just started backing away along
with the mechanics.
[{Death..}]murmered Death.
[{End of Destiny...}]muttered Angelic, a tear rolling down her face.
[{End of Immortality..}]Eternal whispered and kissed Serena on the
forehead.
Serena felt a teardrop and warm lips pressed against her forehead.
A wavy of dizziness overcame her senses and then the young girl
felt something else. Putting a hand to her stomach, she felt a warm
stickiness of blood. Eternal stepped back and held up a silver blade
with a crescent insignia designed on there.
[{Good-bye, Princess of Light...}]Eternal whispered out as she hovered
backwards from the contraption.
[{Savior and the Light of All}]Angelic intoned.
[{Protector over good}]Death mimicked.
[{Queen of the Universe}]the three beings bent their heads and transformed
into golden spears of light and stayed hovering around the room. As the three
of them left, the door to the machine closed, encasing the girl inside.
"Serena!! Noo!!"Hotaru cried out, slumping to her knees and clutching her
heart as she felt a deep pain stab her heart and mind.
Duo came over, a wave of ultimate concern showed up on his face.
The machine began to start up toward life, flashing lights invaded the
room. Wall to wall it shined with all its mirth, glowing of a bright white
color. Everyone shielded their eyes.
"Get out of there!!"Heero's voice shouted amongst the others as they all
warned the sixth pilot.
*Flashback*
"I am sorry that this has happened to you, my daughter. But now
you must start a new life. Try and be happy,"Queen Serenity said
to her before it shimmered away and died out.
*Another one*
"I am sorry. Do not give up on life, Serenity. Don't. Live on
with your life, move on and start over. I want to see you happy,
not sad,"Endymion said.
*End of Flashback*
A lone tear fell from the girl's eyes as she looked down at her hands,ignoring
the blaring white light.
She held onto her crystal tight, never letting go and let her mind drift
to all sorts of things.
"I apologize. I apologize to all of you. I tried to move on, I really did.
I wanted to fulfill my promise. After all the years I've lived, I couldn't
do it. I couldn't move on...I couldn't be happy."Serena mumbled under her breath.
Tears were now coursing down her cheeks and onto the ground.
Thinking back, she remembered the times she was with Heero and Hotaru and the
other pilots and lightly smiled.
"No, actually. Actually now that I think about it..in a way I have fulfilled
my promise to the two of you. I am..sort of happy about this time. Being with
Hotaru and Setsuna gave me gladness and meeting the pilots and seeing their
attitudes makes me smile even if I don't truly show it. I've started over with
this new personality of mine. I suppose...I suppose...I have done what you
have asked of me, mother. Darien. Please be happy now...rest in peace.
Both of you...for I have done what you required of me to do.."Serena murmered.
(My curse is finally..finally over..I can rest forever..)Serena said within
her mind, as she closed her crystalline blue eyes, a lone tear drop fell onto
the floor of the contraption and it glittered softly.
For a long time there was silence except for the constant sounds of the machine
and the shouts of warnings directed to her in which the girl ignored.
Then there was a loud sound and all was quiet and the room turned back to normal.
It was quiet, not a sound was made except for heavy breathing and a small clang
as the scientists and mechanics ran off in their fear.
[{It is over...the world is safe once more.}]Eternal's voice rang out and
the three high beings glowed a deep golden color and disappeared with a light
gust of wind.
"It's over?"Duo asked outloud.
"That's what those weird people said,"Wufei shot a glare toward the braided boy.
"Serena..."Hotaru murmered and began to rush over to the machine. Pulling it
open she looked inside and yelled of anguish.
"Serena!!"Hotaru cried out.
Pluto stepped out of a portal and came over to see what the commotion was all
about.
"Dr. M?"Quatre cautiously spoke toward the woman.
"Yes, it is I,"Pluto said and went toward Hotaru.
"Pluto!"Hotaru went over to the older woman and hugged her tight, tears
falling freely down her face and her eyes bloodshot.
"She's dead, Pluto. Gone, I can't feel her anymore.."Hotaru sobbed.
"Shhh..Hotaru. She'll be back, I'm sure she will,"Pluto soothed the young immortal.
"No, Pluto. Can't you see in the timestream? Can't you? She's gone!
Gone!"Hotaru cried out.
"...gone?"Pluto asked, not quite understanding.
"Yes, gone! Gone for good, Pluto! Gone for good! She won't
come back!"Hotaru cried and cried.
"No..."Pluto's marroon eyes softened and she felt a deep pang hit her in the
heart.
"Princess..."Pluto whispered out and hugged Hotaru harder, bending her head.
(This must've been what the Time Gates have not wanted me to see. Why the future
is blank. The princess is gone now, for good and so...everything is
unknown for now. We must all choose for ourselves...it will be awhile before
a true future shall arise...)Pluto thought to herself.
"There's no sign of her, none whatsoever. Not even a trace of blood. Only
one thing though. A teardrop. One single teardrop.."Hotaru's muffled voice
was cracked as she spoke to the older senshi/scout.
Heero cautiously walked over to the machine and stepped through the doorway.
Sure enough, nothing was there but a teardrop. The Perfect Soldier bent
down and stared at it, then bent his head and shut his eyes tight as he
forced himself to not cry over his loss.
"Serena..."Heero murmered and then after awhile he stood back up and
walked away from there, not looking back.
The other soldiers watched one of their comrades go away and didn't try to
stop him, the fight was over and they had no reason to hold him back.
Each one of them was at a loss for words. This fight, this mission was
quite different. For one, there was magic involved and two there
was an odd machine that was suppose to bring destruction upon the world.
"What do you think the machine was suppose to do?"Duo wondered.
"Don't know."Wufei shrugged.
"And maybe we won't ever know. It's already been destroyed from the inside.
I doubt anyone wants to relive this moment..it was too weird for words
alone.."Quatre commented.
"Hn."Trowa said and turned around.
"I guess we should go.."Quatre whispered.
"Yes, let's..."Duo agreed.
"Serena...I'll miss you. My princess.."Hotaru whispered out, saying the last
bit so low that she couldn't be heard from the others.
Duo put an arm around Hotaru and Pluto put up another portal and stepped through,
her feelings filled with a new kind of loss. The five people left the room and
the building with sadness, sadness for their friend who died that day. The golden
haired girl, the sixth Gundam Pilot of Arethusa, died for them. Died for humankind
and everything that lived there. One who used to be immortal and now not, for she
is gone and can't return. But deep within Hotaru's heart she is happy and a small
smile showed up on her saddened lips.
(Be happy, Serena. You've gotten your wish. You can return to them and you
won't consider this gift a curse. Your curse is broken, Serena. It's broken.)Hotaru
whispered inside her mind.
Heero was waiting for them outside and together, excluding Arethusa, they went
back. Back to the Sanq Kingdom where they shall continue on with their lives.
Trying their best to be normal without Serena in their lives.
To be continued...
************
Consider
The lilies of the field whose bloom is brief:-
We are they;
Like them we fade away
As doth a leaf.
-Christina Rossetti, Consider
*************
Well there goes my story! ^_^ The next one will be the ending. And I'm
sort of thinking that I'll be getting angry reviews over this chapter. It's
long though, isn't it? Poor little main character dies. But she wished
for it and she got it.
Hey! ^^ Okays, so Serena doesn't end up with Diamond nor with Heero. Sooo...
does that pass as it works well both ways? *stares uneasily at their
frowning faces* Guess not but I couldn't really choose between the latter,
considering that she'll outlive them both and still end up alone and relive
the experience of love lost. You know, like with Endymion and her. That'd
be just sad.
*Puts on a bullet proof vest and puts a magical barrier and goes inside
a bomb shelter and a whole lot of other protective covers around or on
her*
GOMEN NASAI!! *fear in her eyes*
Now then...I don't own the little poetry there, not
mine. Someone else...who's like famous or something. Anyhoo...gotta
wait for that final chapter! The Epilogue I guess. ^_^ Bye!!
By: Cheska-chan
Chapter 22
E-Mail address: Minnashime@aol.com or NMakalinaw@aol.com
PG13
Disclaimer: I don't feel like doing this disclaimer but I have to.
So here goes, I don't own Sailor Moon or Gundam Wing. There.
Author's Notes: Hey peeps! ^_^ Guess what this chapter is about?
You could probably guess considering..that is if you read the bottom
part. There will be only this chapter or the next left. ^_^ Which
means...*a sudden big pause*..I'll be ending the story REAL soon!
*gulps quite nervously* *takes a big, BIG breath and lets it out*
Must....say...this...must..say..this *chants to herself some more*
*closes eyes and takes another deep breath*
*looks at all the REVIEWERS*
This CHAPTER will probably..okay WILL make you a tad bit angry*
*mumbles to herself: Tad? Yeah right...it'll soo..flame me*
*squints eyes*
If you haven't guessed what I'm about to do...well you'll read about it
*hurries off*
Okay, better start writing this now. ^_^
***********
"It's no use. I can't concentrate..."sighed Serena, putting
her legs up and sitting on the cold ground with her arms around her
knees.
She bent her head to the side, touching the knees and stared at
Heero who was leaning against the wall.
"Have you ever wondered what it was like to die, Heero?"Serena murmered
softly up at him.
"Why do you ask?"Heero questioned, his eyes narrowing.
"Just wondering...I've kept thinking for such a long time what it
would be like to just..to just die and get this over with. Day-dreaming
about life after this one. If I'll just sleep forever, never to wake up
from a dream-like state. Or if I'll be back with my family and friends
who have died. To be with them and watch over those who are still alive,
being happy and finally free from the hardships of life. Sometimes I
ponder and think that there may be another life out there for
me. One where I just wake up and forget about everything. Forget about
my past life and start over, right from the start. Have a new name, a
new personality, new everything,"Serena spoke softly, her voice
barely heard but Heero took in everything she said to him.
"How come you're wondering about death? You still have a long life
ahead of you, you're not going to die anytime soon,"Heero said realistically.
Serena's eyes softened at his words and straightened up her head and stared
hard at the door, her eyes growing misty.
"You're right. I do have a long life...one filled with so much pain and
sorrow. I've lived too long, Heero. Watched my parents die, my friends
live their life and pass away, seen those who I love die...too many deaths
for my liking..."Serena murmered, her eyes shining with unshed tears
and her voice filled with pain that would etch away your heart.
To Heero it seemed that the girl before him had changed completely, from
one filled with life and willingness to live to someone different. One who
has seen so much and lived for so long. A young woman who experienced
so much of life that now had nothing left to live for but to be put to
rest, forever.
"I have nothing else to live for but for my own and destiny.
I wonder sometimes if my life is just a curse. And until recently I
think that it is a curse,"she bitterly told him.
He didn't know what to think about what she just told him. True, he
thought his life was cheap and would risk his life for practically
anything but now...he wasn't quite sure. Him, the 01 pilot and
Perfect Soldier, loves this girl. And now, here she was talking about
dying and thinking that her life was nothing more than a curse. It pained
him to see and hear this from her.
Just when he was about to speak to her again, the soldier noticed that
she was back in her concentration figure. Fully silent and only her
small breathing could be heard beside his own. Her hair was slightly
covering her face and body, her stance was so peaceful that he thought
her to be a beautiful nymph or an angel that came out of hiding. For
a long time he was in awe at her but slowly came back toward reality.
"I pray to thee...hear my plea.."he heard her mumbling under her breath
and then there was a sudden glow around her.
At first it was pure white aura and then slowly shimmered to a soft
golden one. Her hair was gradually whipping around her form even though
there was no wind, then her eyes blinked open.
"Teleport,"Serena whispered out one word and then she was gone but
beneath his feet he felt himself slip as well. A gush of wind
brushed past him and he squinted his eyes closed. When the unruly
haired boy opened up his prussian blue eyes again, Heero noticed that
they weren't inside the dark cell anymore but outside of it.
Serena took a quick glance around her surroundings and then picked herself
up and steadily walked over to him.
"How?"began Heero but she stopped him, putting her two fingers over to his
lips, it seemed to have burned him by that mere touch.
"No time,"Serena said to him and began walking down the corridor.
[{Time is wasting. They're starting to prepare for the machine!
Hurry!}]Angelic's pleading voice sounded out in her head.
"They're going to start soon,"Serena shouted down to Heero who was
trailing behind her.
"How do you know?"Heero asked her, still monotone.
"...I just do,"Serena answered.
The two quickly ran down the long hallway and then took a left turn,
going directly toward the stairs and seemed to have just flew down there
as they hurriedly left the fourth floor and towards the third.
************
"It's just a few more minutes and then..."Aenon began, his eyes flashing with
excitement.
"And then..the world can be ours,"Makura ended.
The scientists were quickly taking down reports and the mechanics pressing
figures into the panel near the prone machine. The huge contraption could
fit at the most, two people, and the doors to it was open. The appliance
was immobile and didn't appear to have any life to it, meaning that they
haven't reached that part of the steps yet.
"How long till it starts?"demanded Makura.
"We don't know, but it won't be long. We assure you,"one of the scientists
informed the impatient woman.
Aenon nodded in acceptance and then sighed.
"To think, she didn't want any of this..."Aenon sighed.
Makura raised her eyebrow at the man near her, knowing fully well that
he meant Serena who probably still sat down on that cold concrete floor
just a floor above them.
"Get over it, Hiba. She refused you, that's all there is..."Makura
rolled her eyes and focused her attention on the machine.
*************
Sandrock, Nataku, Heavyarms, and Deathscythe stopped beside the two
other gundams that have already arrived and the pilots got out, one by
one. Soon after, Hotaru arrived and jumped out as well.
"It doesn't feel right..."Hotaru whispered to no one in particular.
Quatre heard her and just nodded his head in agreement, he too felt something
stir within the air.
"Something feels different.."Quatre murmered.
The guys just stopped and wondered but shook their heads, they couldn't
do this at the moment.
"They're in there, we need to finish our mission,"reminded Duo with a slight
whine in his voice.
"You're right,"agreed Hotaru and began running.
*************
(Hotaru?)Serena suddenly felt another one like her enter the building. She
stopped in mid-step on the stairway, wondering who came in.
"Hm?"Heero stopped as well, seeing that his partner halted.
Closing her eyes, she used her newfound inner power to distinguish what
was going on. After several seconds, she finally opened them.
"They're here..."Serena murmered.
Heero didn't say anything.
"The other pilots..and Hotaru,"Serena told him, slightly turning her head
to address him.
The Perfect Soldier merely nodded his head and they continued on with their
way. Both silent and keeping to themselves as the two of them went down the
stairs.
*************
"Maybe I should go and join them as well..."Pluto considered as he watched
the pilots go on with their mission.
Just as she said those words, the mists swirled and stirred the picture
of the Time Gates and made it empty.
"You don't want me to go though, do you?"Pluto's eyes saddened.
(I guess this one is solely on you pilots...)the Time Guardian said to
herself.
She continued holding the Time Staff and stood idle, watching as the
figures returned.
*************
"It will be fully operational in a few short minutes. The machine shall
start,"a mechanic announced.
"Good to hear,"Makura happily said.
"Give us the details,"Aenon barked.
"Well once the machine is finished, we'll just see what goes on..."shrugged
a scienitst.
"We're not quite sure what will happen so..."trailed off another scientist.
"Mmm.."nodded Makura, understanding.
"Six minutes!"a mechanic shouted from the panel.
*************
The four G-pilots and Hotaru ran up the stairs and finally reached the
third floor. Ten soldiers awaited them and the pilots swiftly took out their
guns and faced them. Trowa looking quite serious, Duo with a mysterious glint
in his eye, Wufei with a smirk, and Quatre with a sorry-look. Hotaru, meanwhile,
stood a bit back and away from the guys as well as the soldiers.
"Sorry, but we gotta get through. If you don't mind, we'd like to
pass..or else,"Duo simply told them.
"Put your weapons down and give yourselves up. We outnumber you.."a soldier
ordered, warningly.
"No can do.."Duo shook his head.
"Then we're forced to do this to you by force,"another soldier sighed and
they all took off the safety of their guns.
"As do we..."Duo put on a smirk.
The four G-pilots quickly began shooting as well as the others. Loud rings
of shots went on in both sides and one by one the soldiers went down. What
was left remaining were a few soldiers with all the pilots still standing.
"Bad shots.."mumbled Wufei.
"We'll deal with these,"Quatre and Trowa said, waving Hotaru, Duo, and Wufei
to go ahead.
The soldiers quickly went to look for more ammo but they ended up having
empty. Then Trowa and Quatre went for some of their ammo, both finding out
that they only had one left each. Putting it on, they faced the soldiers.
"Go now,"Trowa silently told the others.
Duo nodded and held on to Hotaru's hand then the two went off down the hallway
with Wufei following behind them.
"The door has got to be around here somewhere,"Duo stated, opening up a door.
Hotaru stood around, staring from one door to another and finally went up
to one. Slowly, she reached over and was about to turn the knob when footsteps
echoed down the stairs. Hotaru quickly turned her attention to the stairs,
there she prepared herself for whoever it was. Just then two figures
came down, a woman and a man.
"Serena? Heero?"Hotaru croaked out.
"Hotaru!"Serena exclaimed and gave her a small hug.
"Do you guys know where they're keeping the machine?"interrupted Wufei, coming
up to them.
At once, Heero and Serena turned their attention to one single door which
happened to be right in front of Hotaru who was about to open it.
"In there?"Duo wanted to make sure.
The two nodded, turning serious.
"You two don't have weapons with you,"Hotaru noticed.
"...we'll have to do it another way then,"Serena smirked and nodded to Hotaru
to open the door.
Hotaru gulped and slowly turned the knob.
************
"Just three more minutes,"the mechanic announced.
Immediately, Hotaru, Duo, Wufei, Heero, and Serena rushed inside quickly
eliminating the numbers of enemies they had. Soldiers went down while some
mechanics ran off out of fear. Scientists stayed behind but hid around the sides
and corners of the room. Makura and Aenon turned their attention toward the
intruders.
"Shut that thing off now!"ordered Serena.
"No can do, in just less than three minutes this machine will be fully
functional..."Aenon shouted out.
"I'll deal with them.."Makura said and started forward.
"I shall as well.."Aenon nodded and followed after.
Heero and Serena stared at each other shortly, eyeing one another and then
nodded before seperating. Hotaru, Wufei, and Duo were at the middle with
Heero and Serena on each side. Makura and Aenon alone faced the pilots
since their soldiers were now..unconscious.
"Do you honestly think that you two can match up against us five?"Duo
asked them, putting bullets inside his gun.
"We shall see..."Makura's dark blue eyes glinted.
"Please...."Serena tried to convince them, her eyes shining.
Aenon shook his head and that was their cue to turn serious.
"Hotaru..."Serena shot her a look and Hotaru merely nodded in understanding.
Duo didn't know what was going on and decided to just ignore them.
"This time, we'll fight to the end. I-We can't allow you to make that
machine operational!"Serena announced and rammed against Makura.
Duo and Wufei began shooting off bullets at Aenon and Heero joined in as well.
Makura pushed Serena off and squeezed her neck, making it difficult for the
golden haired immortal to breathe. She squinted her eyes and glared at Makura
before kneeing the woman in the stomach, loosening the hold.
"No more games..."Makura slurred.
Aenon used his barrier shield against the pilots, preventing the bullets
from penetrating. He smirked at their weakness.
"How..how can that be?"Wufei wondered in awe.
"My turn..."Aenon stated and put up his hands, palms up and his eyes became
dialated as he mumbled a bunch of incoherent words.
A ball of light formed around his hands and it began sailing off from his
hands and towards the three, the light seperated into three parts as it
drew closer and just before it hit them, a voice rang out.
"Silent Wall!"the voice shouted.
The three balls of light hit a magical barrier instead of the pilots. Wufei,
Duo, and Heero turned their heads to the owner of the voice and were shocked
as they were met with a young woman dressed in a sailor suit holding a glaive.
"A sailor scout..."murmered Aenon as he narrowed his eyes.
"Sailor Saturn!"Serena called out.
"Hotaru?"Duo mumbled, as he tried to distinguish the woman before him.
She merely inclined her head towards him in recognition, earning a bewildered
expression.
"Now,"Serena stated.
Saturn raised her glaive up and began chanting a few words under her breath.
While she was forming a spell, Serena dashed towards Aenon and he grabbed her
by the arms.
"You still have a chance, don't make another mistake like you did the last
time. Stop the machine.."Serena said to him.
"It's too late..."Aenon shook his head and Serena took out the Silver Crystal
from his pocket.
"Just taking back what's rightfully mine,"Serena murmered.
"Silence Glaive Surprise!"Saturn shouted out and sent her attack sailing
towards Makura.(((AN: I'm sorry if it's the wrong attack wording)))
Makura glared hard at the oncoming attack and put up a strong barrier but
it went through and hit her hard. Makura was slammed towards the wall
and shot Serena a venomous glare.
"You!"Makura seethed and sent a dark blast towards Serena.
(She told that scout/senshi to put an attack on me! I'll get her
for this!)Makura shouted within her mind.
(It's over...it'll be too late by the time I'm back to life..)Serena
figured.
She closed her eyes, waiting for the darkness to invade her senses.
Standing idle as she prepared to welcome the hurt that would run
through her body. But after a few seconds, nothing came. Her crystallne
blue eyes popped open and she saw that Aenon was there. Gasping for
breath and staggering as he tried to stand up, his legs failed him and
he started to fall backwards. Gasping, Serena rushed over and caught
him. His head on her lap, her hands cradling his head. Those ocean blue eyes
of his, softened as he recognized her.
"Again! You give your life for her! Her! I can't believe you!
You do this for her. Didn't I tell you not to repeat what you did in
the past?"Makura shook her head in disbelief.
"I did it..not out of puppy love but for actual love. I love her, even
if she doesn't love me. She'll still be my friend if I can't get her
to love me. I do this for both good intentions. Out of friendship and out
of affection. I'm sorry if I seem to betray you, Makura. But I couldn't
let you hurt Serena..."Aenon uttered out as he glanced her way.
"Diamond.."Makura's eyes softened.
"As I said before in my last dying breath...I truly do love you,"Aenon
murmered before he shut his eyes permanently.
Serena blinked back a few tears before getting up and facing Makura.
The young woman was in front of the machine that was whirring and glowing
different colors at once. She appeared to be pondering over the situation
and then came back to reality as the contraption began to shake and sounds
of various types came out of the machine.
"Two more minutes!"a mechanic yelled.
"You can't stop it now!"Makura shouted, her eyes growing wide and
seemed to be quite crazy.
[{There is a way to stop this.}]Death's voice announced.
"Who's that?"Duo wondered, pointing to a figure in black that appeared
to change colors.
"You can see..."Serena trailed off.
[{They can see us, Serena.}]Angelic answered for them as she popped up beside
Death.
[{See all of us..}]intoned Eternal.
"What's going on?"wondered Saturn and she stepped beside her leader.
"I will destroy you!"Makura declared.
[{Do you wish us to show you?}]Death asked her.
[{Would you give up anything to save your world?}]inquired Eternal.
[{Do you?}]Angelic's eyes shined with pain and sympathy.
(Something is going to happen, isn't there? There's no way. I have
to do this...even if it costs me everything I've gained. My job as
the Savior of these people holds me to this. There is no
other way...I can't be selfish and have them killed for my sake.}]Serena's
eyes lowered and then she faced them.
"I do and I will,"Serena murmered, stepping up to them.
[{Go to her...you know what we mean.}]Eternal pointed to Makura.
"Wait!"Heero shouted out but it was too late.
Serena's eyes were determined and she began to run toward Makura, her eyes
darting from the machine to the woman.
(Go to her...)the words of Eternal seemed to echo within her mind.
As she ran, time seemed to stop all at once. Images filled her mind and
tears began to well up in her pupils.
*Flashback in Serena's POV*
(It's time...time to fulfill the path set out for me and become
the Queen of Earth as well as the universe..to become, Neo-Queen
Serenity.)
"We must prepare, the eternal silence will arrive,"spoke Pluto.
*Another Flash*
"You are with ageless immortality. You will only age after a certain
amount of time. The other scouts, will have only a limited amount
of time but they will eventually die but still keep their ageless
faces,"spoke Queen Serenity.
"..and Darien?"I asked with curiousity, fearing what will come next.
Pluto gazed down with sympathy written in her features.
"I'm afraid it applies with him as well, but his life span will
continue pass the scouts. You will live forever, you are able
to die but I'm afraid you will only be reborn again with memories
of your past life,"Queen Serenity answered.
*Another Flash*
"I am sorry. Do not give up on life, Serenity. Don't. Live on
with your life, move on and start over. I want to see you happy,
not sad,"he said to me.
"I can't bear to live without you, my love,"I pleaded.
"Beloved, live and do what you have to do. Protect the world; it's
your destiny but please be happy, for me...for all of us,"said
Endymion,"promise me?"
"..I promise, my love,"I promised.
"I love you, always and forever for all of eternity,"he said and
closed his eyes.
*Another Flash*
"I will protect these people from harm,"I stated and opened my
eyes,"COSMIC MOON POWER!"
A flash of pink light shined out and went toward the meteors, blasting
them into mere ashes and burned out of existance as it sailed through
the air. The meteors were gone. I felt myself weaken and my wings
couldn't support me anymore.
*Another Flash*
"Why? Why?! Why must I be tormented with this curse? To live
like this? To be alone and always remember those days when I watched them
die? All of them....all of them...even my husband!"I said with
despair down to the bitter core,"Why? Why..."
*End Of Flashback and back to the old 3rd person POV*
(Why?)Serena wondered as she slammed hard onto Makura sending them to
smash against the machine and into its open doors.
The three high beings stood, all watching the two fight and go into the
machine. Two of them you couldn't see their eyes or faces or hands but the
third you were able to. Angelic's eyes held pain and regret but she refused
to do anything as the high being stood there.
[{Now...}]Eternal's voice rang out.
"NO!!"Saturn shouted out as she saw the two fighters enter the machine.
"Who knows what will happen to them..."Quatre commented as he and Trowa
walked toward the group.
Scientists were astounded by the display shown before them. None of them
moving to aide their leader nor did the mechanics.
Eternal, Angelic, and Death silently hovered toward the two fighters.
(Why can't I just be normal for once?)Serena asked herself and took out the
Silver Crystal and transformed into her Sailor Moon form.
"I'll end this right now!!"Sailor Moon proclaimed, her eyes shining with
pain, sadness, and anger.
"I'm sorry...to do this to you...but I have to.."Sailor Moon whispered out
before doing her attack.
Makura's eyes showed nothing as she slouched against the wall with a
smirk upon her face.
"Kill me,"Makura's voice was hollow and her eyes depthless.
(Like I was before...a long, long time ago. Believing I was alone and
without anyone. Wanting to die because I have nothing to live for.
Nothing.)Sailor Moon said to herself.
"I'll send you to him. To Aenon. To Diamond. I know you want to be
with him again. Deep inside your heart, you love him as he loved
me,"Sailor Moon murmered, kissing her on the forehead and stepping
back.
"MOON GORGEOUS MEDITATION!!"Sailor Moon shouted out and aimed her kaleido
Moon Scope on Makura, making the young woman turn to nothing but ashes.
Sailor Moon powered down to Serena and slumped over, inside the machine. It
was still whirring and everything as she bowed her head but then heard
footsteps approach her.
[{It will soon be over..}]Angelic soothed, bending down as did Eternal.
"I want it to be.."Serena muttered as she raised her head to peer
up at them.
[{You want to die..}]Death's voice whispered.
Serena nodded her head solemnly.
"But I am immortal...I'll just come back to life..."Serena bitterly said
to them.
[{Is that your wish?}]Angelic asked her.
"Yes,"Serena answered, her eyes filled with tears.
"Less than a minute!!"the mechanic shouted out.
"Get out of there, Serena!!"Hotaru and Duo's voice rang out.
Hotaru was now just Hotaru since she transformed back to her civilian
form aside from scout form.
Heero merely stood there, his eyes shining with great concern as
he stood near the doorway. He wanted to shout along with the others,
coaxing Serena out of the machine but he couldn't.
[{There is a way...}]Eternal's voice murmered into her ear.
"Please..end my life.."pleaded Serena.
[{Tell me why? Why would you want to die? Why would you want
to leave your newfound friends and your old ones?}]Angelic asked her.
"Because...I've lived for far too long. I've experienced so much and
seen so many deaths. I've watched my husband, my daughter, my son-in-law
die. I've received word that some of my friends died from age when I alone can't
accomplish. I've killed so many, so many...it pains my heart. I..I
don't really want to leave my friends in fear that they might get hurt.
However, deep within my heart I know, I know that they'll make it through
and live a happy life. If I stay with them, I'll only be left with an ache
because they'll grow old and die as well. It's something I can't
stand, death...so please. Please, let me die and finally rest in peace. Let
me rest in peace forever and be with my friends once more!"Serena pleaded
toward the higher beings.
Tears were flowing down her creamy white skin, her voice was filled with
anguish and pain. She held onto Eternal's white cloth and her head
facing Eternal. The one in charge of immortality and controller over all things
that are timeless.
Eternal nodded her head along with her companions over Serena's request.
Angelic's eyes held tears and a couple of drops left her shining eyes as she
nodded along with them.
"Serena!!"Hotaru screamed out again, feeling something awful is coming.
"Something isn't right.."Quatre figured.
"The machine must stop.."Serena croaked out.
[{What we will do will stop the machine..}]Angelic told her.
[{Your death shall end the upcoming tradgedy. Once you die, the machine
will die. You see, with you in here as you die will overload the contraption's
senses. Your great power is too much for it to handle..}]Death informed.
Serena nodded and started to rise up.
[{Now..}]Eternal murmered.
Angelic and Death joined hands and surrounded Serena and Eternal from just
the outside. Serena was in the center, in front of Eternal.
[{Bend down..}]Eternal told her.
A deep feeling of sadness came over Serena as she bent down and raised her
head to address the higher being.
*Flashback*
Meeting the G-pilots for the first time.
Talking with Heero Yuy, just the two of them by themselves.
Seeing Hotaru once more and knowing that she'll be happy in this
life because she has Duo.
Riding Arethusa for the first time.
Fighting with the pilots.
Comfort from Heero and Hotaru.
*End of Flashback*
"I'm ready.."whispered Serena.
Angelic and Death bent their heads and started glowing a dark
aura around them of pure black.
"What's going on?!"demanded Hotaru and Wufei.
Duo's mouth was hanging open and Quatre's eyes widened in sadness
and in bewilderment. The scientists just started backing away along
with the mechanics.
[{Death..}]murmered Death.
[{End of Destiny...}]muttered Angelic, a tear rolling down her face.
[{End of Immortality..}]Eternal whispered and kissed Serena on the
forehead.
Serena felt a teardrop and warm lips pressed against her forehead.
A wavy of dizziness overcame her senses and then the young girl
felt something else. Putting a hand to her stomach, she felt a warm
stickiness of blood. Eternal stepped back and held up a silver blade
with a crescent insignia designed on there.
[{Good-bye, Princess of Light...}]Eternal whispered out as she hovered
backwards from the contraption.
[{Savior and the Light of All}]Angelic intoned.
[{Protector over good}]Death mimicked.
[{Queen of the Universe}]the three beings bent their heads and transformed
into golden spears of light and stayed hovering around the room. As the three
of them left, the door to the machine closed, encasing the girl inside.
"Serena!! Noo!!"Hotaru cried out, slumping to her knees and clutching her
heart as she felt a deep pain stab her heart and mind.
Duo came over, a wave of ultimate concern showed up on his face.
The machine began to start up toward life, flashing lights invaded the
room. Wall to wall it shined with all its mirth, glowing of a bright white
color. Everyone shielded their eyes.
"Get out of there!!"Heero's voice shouted amongst the others as they all
warned the sixth pilot.
*Flashback*
"I am sorry that this has happened to you, my daughter. But now
you must start a new life. Try and be happy,"Queen Serenity said
to her before it shimmered away and died out.
*Another one*
"I am sorry. Do not give up on life, Serenity. Don't. Live on
with your life, move on and start over. I want to see you happy,
not sad,"Endymion said.
*End of Flashback*
A lone tear fell from the girl's eyes as she looked down at her hands,ignoring
the blaring white light.
She held onto her crystal tight, never letting go and let her mind drift
to all sorts of things.
"I apologize. I apologize to all of you. I tried to move on, I really did.
I wanted to fulfill my promise. After all the years I've lived, I couldn't
do it. I couldn't move on...I couldn't be happy."Serena mumbled under her breath.
Tears were now coursing down her cheeks and onto the ground.
Thinking back, she remembered the times she was with Heero and Hotaru and the
other pilots and lightly smiled.
"No, actually. Actually now that I think about it..in a way I have fulfilled
my promise to the two of you. I am..sort of happy about this time. Being with
Hotaru and Setsuna gave me gladness and meeting the pilots and seeing their
attitudes makes me smile even if I don't truly show it. I've started over with
this new personality of mine. I suppose...I suppose...I have done what you
have asked of me, mother. Darien. Please be happy now...rest in peace.
Both of you...for I have done what you required of me to do.."Serena murmered.
(My curse is finally..finally over..I can rest forever..)Serena said within
her mind, as she closed her crystalline blue eyes, a lone tear drop fell onto
the floor of the contraption and it glittered softly.
For a long time there was silence except for the constant sounds of the machine
and the shouts of warnings directed to her in which the girl ignored.
Then there was a loud sound and all was quiet and the room turned back to normal.
It was quiet, not a sound was made except for heavy breathing and a small clang
as the scientists and mechanics ran off in their fear.
[{It is over...the world is safe once more.}]Eternal's voice rang out and
the three high beings glowed a deep golden color and disappeared with a light
gust of wind.
"It's over?"Duo asked outloud.
"That's what those weird people said,"Wufei shot a glare toward the braided boy.
"Serena..."Hotaru murmered and began to rush over to the machine. Pulling it
open she looked inside and yelled of anguish.
"Serena!!"Hotaru cried out.
Pluto stepped out of a portal and came over to see what the commotion was all
about.
"Dr. M?"Quatre cautiously spoke toward the woman.
"Yes, it is I,"Pluto said and went toward Hotaru.
"Pluto!"Hotaru went over to the older woman and hugged her tight, tears
falling freely down her face and her eyes bloodshot.
"She's dead, Pluto. Gone, I can't feel her anymore.."Hotaru sobbed.
"Shhh..Hotaru. She'll be back, I'm sure she will,"Pluto soothed the young immortal.
"No, Pluto. Can't you see in the timestream? Can't you? She's gone!
Gone!"Hotaru cried out.
"...gone?"Pluto asked, not quite understanding.
"Yes, gone! Gone for good, Pluto! Gone for good! She won't
come back!"Hotaru cried and cried.
"No..."Pluto's marroon eyes softened and she felt a deep pang hit her in the
heart.
"Princess..."Pluto whispered out and hugged Hotaru harder, bending her head.
(This must've been what the Time Gates have not wanted me to see. Why the future
is blank. The princess is gone now, for good and so...everything is
unknown for now. We must all choose for ourselves...it will be awhile before
a true future shall arise...)Pluto thought to herself.
"There's no sign of her, none whatsoever. Not even a trace of blood. Only
one thing though. A teardrop. One single teardrop.."Hotaru's muffled voice
was cracked as she spoke to the older senshi/scout.
Heero cautiously walked over to the machine and stepped through the doorway.
Sure enough, nothing was there but a teardrop. The Perfect Soldier bent
down and stared at it, then bent his head and shut his eyes tight as he
forced himself to not cry over his loss.
"Serena..."Heero murmered and then after awhile he stood back up and
walked away from there, not looking back.
The other soldiers watched one of their comrades go away and didn't try to
stop him, the fight was over and they had no reason to hold him back.
Each one of them was at a loss for words. This fight, this mission was
quite different. For one, there was magic involved and two there
was an odd machine that was suppose to bring destruction upon the world.
"What do you think the machine was suppose to do?"Duo wondered.
"Don't know."Wufei shrugged.
"And maybe we won't ever know. It's already been destroyed from the inside.
I doubt anyone wants to relive this moment..it was too weird for words
alone.."Quatre commented.
"Hn."Trowa said and turned around.
"I guess we should go.."Quatre whispered.
"Yes, let's..."Duo agreed.
"Serena...I'll miss you. My princess.."Hotaru whispered out, saying the last
bit so low that she couldn't be heard from the others.
Duo put an arm around Hotaru and Pluto put up another portal and stepped through,
her feelings filled with a new kind of loss. The five people left the room and
the building with sadness, sadness for their friend who died that day. The golden
haired girl, the sixth Gundam Pilot of Arethusa, died for them. Died for humankind
and everything that lived there. One who used to be immortal and now not, for she
is gone and can't return. But deep within Hotaru's heart she is happy and a small
smile showed up on her saddened lips.
(Be happy, Serena. You've gotten your wish. You can return to them and you
won't consider this gift a curse. Your curse is broken, Serena. It's broken.)Hotaru
whispered inside her mind.
Heero was waiting for them outside and together, excluding Arethusa, they went
back. Back to the Sanq Kingdom where they shall continue on with their lives.
Trying their best to be normal without Serena in their lives.
To be continued...
************
Consider
The lilies of the field whose bloom is brief:-
We are they;
Like them we fade away
As doth a leaf.
-Christina Rossetti, Consider
*************
Well there goes my story! ^_^ The next one will be the ending. And I'm
sort of thinking that I'll be getting angry reviews over this chapter. It's
long though, isn't it? Poor little main character dies. But she wished
for it and she got it.
Hey! ^^ Okays, so Serena doesn't end up with Diamond nor with Heero. Sooo...
does that pass as it works well both ways? *stares uneasily at their
frowning faces* Guess not but I couldn't really choose between the latter,
considering that she'll outlive them both and still end up alone and relive
the experience of love lost. You know, like with Endymion and her. That'd
be just sad.
*Puts on a bullet proof vest and puts a magical barrier and goes inside
a bomb shelter and a whole lot of other protective covers around or on
her*
GOMEN NASAI!! *fear in her eyes*
Now then...I don't own the little poetry there, not
mine. Someone else...who's like famous or something. Anyhoo...gotta
wait for that final chapter! The Epilogue I guess. ^_^ Bye!!
