Crossings.Sorrow
One week later.
Chibi-Usa sat as Aaron slept and she thought about why her mother never knew about her brother. Could it have been something she did? The thought crossed her mind, but she put it down almost embarrassed. Aaron started to move, "Mmmmm.nnnnn.*Weakly* hey.how are you?"
Chibi-Usa smiled and replied, "All right.how about you?"
Aaron nodded with approving, "Alright.tired.but that's to be expected, when you've been drained as much as I have." He closed his eyes again and spoke in a little more audible tone, "How are the others.and Sabin?
Chibi-Usa gently put her hand on his and replied, "Alright.Jedite hasn't sent down another of his cronies yet.I'm sure he will."
Aaron moaned and whispered, "I find it ironic, that you're taking care of considering I'm you're uncle."
Chibi-Usa giggled, "You're forgetting, I'm over 900 years old!"
Aaron shook his head slowly, "That would mean that I'm 1900 years old.wouldn't it? I mean I came from the original Moon Kingdom."
Chibi-Usa put a finger to her chin and replied, "Yeah.I guess your right. You hungry?"
"Yeah. A little, why?"
"Do you want something to eat?"
"Hmmm." he thought and whispered, "Chicken noodle soup. Not rice.chicken noodle soup."
"Chicken noodle soup? Hmm.never heard of it."
"*slight laugh* Yeah.I figured. It's an American dish.very good. It's like small pieces of chicken in a broth. Very good."
Chibi-Usa whispered and replied, "Sure, as long as you get better," before she left the room whispering, "I love you."
Aaron sighed and said after Chibi-Usa left the room, "Chibi-Usa, I would tell you that I love you, but if I did, then I'ld only be lying. For my heart is so cold, it would freeze the world." He fell asleep having a tear escape his eye. Of course he could barely tell that he had closed his eyes. He could barely distinguish the ceiling to the night sky. His hands were only a little lighter almost a dark gray standing out from the rest of blurring. He started dreaming of when he was younger of how he grew up on the Moon kingdom, and how his mother was disappointed when she gave birth to a male, and not a female to take her place.
(Inside the dream) "Should I ever tell him?" Queen Serenity asked her chancellor.
"If you did tell him, what will he think? That he's not fit for the throne. I think we should kill him as the court ordered. He's a burden to the Silver Millennium, and."
"And he's my son. I'm not just going to let the damn court execute my son! What would the people of this Moon think? I was raised to help life flourish. Not kill it when something goes wrong and does no harm. He hasn't done any harm to anyone yet. He may interfere with political things.but that's to be expected from a child of 3. If this child I carry now is a boy, would you kill it after birth?"
"Yes.he is a curse upon the throne. One is bad enough, but two is going over board."
"My god," Aaron thought as he heard this from outside the door, "The chancellor wants me dead!" He ran to his room and locked the door solidly.
After a few hours he heard a knock. Reluctantly he picked up the phasor he had made just for emergencies like this and asked, "Who's there?"
"It's you mother. I have something to tell you."
He slowly unlocked the door and opened it. His mother bent over and picked him up and told him, "Aaron.I want to tell you something. You're going to have a baby sister. She'll be here in a couple of months. Aren't you happy?"
Aaron nodded happily but on the inside was crying in pain. He was to be the first of the male heirs to take the throne, but because he was male, and his mother was to be giving birth to a female, he would be looked upon second by everyone. "Yeah.what's her name gonna be mama?"
"Serenity. The same as the generation before her, and the generation before her."
"Oh. I have a question mama.will I ever have the throne?"
Queen Serenity laughed and told him, "You will.someday."
The quote never left him. It haunted him as Usagi was born a few months later and grew up without ever really knowing she had a brother. Aaron was left in his room and rarely ever came out. He grew up secluded and alone. He went to school where he had no friends to help him through the hard times. He was an outcast among royalty.
The movement of his body awoke him to see that someone was sitting next to him gently rocking him to make him wake up. "Huh?" he looked around still as blurry-eyed as before. "Who is it?"
"It's only me.Minako. I've brought the chicken noodle soup that Chibi- Usa made."
Aaron let out a sigh that was almost a regular breath. "At least you didn't make it. I can be sure I won't have to forage life and death again because of your soup."
Minako gave him a look of angered embarrassment. "That's nice. Do you want me to spill it on you?"
"Very funny Minako," he said as she lifted the spoon and blew on the warm broth.
"It's a little hot.so be careful."
After he downed a whole bowl he thanked Minako and fell back asleep. Minako left the room to see Usagi standing at the door. "How is he?" she asked he friend.
"He's doing better."
Usagi looked down at this prospect and said in a kind of sad tone, "You know.it's kinda my fault that he's in the mess he's in."
"Oh? How Usagi," Minako questioned setting the plate by the sink in the kitchen.
"I should've known he was MetaSigma from the start. The first time I met him something felt familiar. The touch of his hand almost warm and remembering of the Moon Kingdom. The way if felt when my mother touched my shoulder."
"You had no way of knowing. He could've been a new evil creep!!"
"Yeah, your right. Get some sleep Minako. It's my watch."
Minako nodded and said in her vibrant tone, "Seeya."
Usagi walked into the room and looked at her helpless brother. "I'm sorry I couldn't protect you Aaron. I am truly sorry."
* * * * * * * * * * *
Next Day.
Minako shook her head exiting the room holding a plate of broth. "I don't know what's up with that kid. All he does is sleep now. One day of eating and then all he needs is a few bites today."
Usagi replied in a sly grin, "Well.what do you expect of him? He's had almost no energy.and sleeping allows his body to regenerate it back."
The front door of the apartment opened and Makoto called, "We're back!"
"How was shopping?" Usagi asked, "Any killer deals I missed?"
"It was alright.but Crystal and Yang were a little close to the edge a couple of times!"
Chibi-Usa hustled into the apartment and shuffled into the kitchen looking for some soup. Minako walked in after and told her, "He's already eaten. There's no point in trying to feed him." Chibi-Usa ignored her comment and re-heated the soup. Then she took it into the room and shut the door.
Minako sighed and Usagi asked, "So.where are the two love birds?"
Makoto hesitated and a look of embarrassment glowed on her face. "They.they were still looking for rings at the mall."
Usagi gave her a look of confusion, "Huh? I'm not quiet following you here.why would they be looking for rings." she stopped herself in mid- sentence and grinned.
Makoto sighed and scratched the back of her head, "Yeah.that's why."
Usagi threw out her smile though and suddenly asked, "But then where are Sabin and Rei?"
"With Yang and Crystal."
Chibi-Usa returned from her brother's room with an empty bowl of soup. She set it in the kitchen and grinned at Minako who was in shock. She headed back out to the dining room and sat down on the couch. "I'm beat.all the walking around the mall pooped me out."
Makoto and Usagi giggled a little, and Chibi-Usa looked at them curiously. After a few seconds she joined them and reached for the TV remote. The TV sprang to life with the cool button Chibi-Usa had pushed. A picture of Usagi as Princess Serenity appeared in the final battle with Queen Beryl. Usagi's jaw dropped and she looked like she had seen a ghost. "Wha.what the hell is this?! Why am I fighting Beryl on TV?!"
A voice called from the picture, "Do you like it Sailor Moon? I sure enjoy watching it over.and over again." The screen fuzzed and a picture of Jedite appeared grinning.
"Jedite! What do you plan on doing! What do you think you're doing?!"
"I've decided to make an ultimatum for you. Send me Shane to the abandoned mines on the outside of town, or."
"Or what!"
"I'll reveal your true identity the whole world."
A wrenching hit Usagi's gut but she kept her cool and replied, "Forget it. I would rather have my identity told then just give up my brother to you."
The grin left Jedite's face, but he said, "If that's you way you want to play. I had a back-up plan just in case." A picture of the city being completely destroyed appeared and the TV started shaking. "If.you don't deliver the kid, then I'll kill not only him, but this whole city as well."
Usagi's face turned pale and she looked defeated, "Then I guess I have no choice."
A slight laugh escaped Jedite, but he only finished his appearance by saying then it's a deal. "See you then."
Makoto looked over at Usagi, and then at Chibi-Usa. "What are we gonna do?"
"I'm heading to mines.I don't care about the danger, and I know it's a trap.but I don't have a choice," Usagi said.
"I'll head back to the mall and warn the others," Makoto said bursting out the apartment door.
"Chibi-Usa I want you to stay here and guard our brother. No telling what tricks are up Jedite's sleeve."
"I'm coming with you Usagi," Minako pulled out her wand ready to kick some butt.
Usagi and Minako followed suit of Makoto and hurried out the door. "Good luck." Chibi-Usa said a little worried. She sighed and moved into the room where Aaron lay sleeping peacefully.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Makoto was moving rather quickly (Even for her) and knew the dangers of letting Usagi go by herself into battle. Even with this in mind she felt a glimpse of hope that no matter the difficulty Sailor Moon could emerge victorious. When she arrived at the door to the mall, her eyes burned and she huffed. Luckily Yang, Crystal, Rei, and Sabin were just emerging and greeted Makoto warmly. "No time for that now guys, we got trouble again. Everyone got on their battle ready faces and hustled into an empty area.
"Zerto-suit ENGAGE!"
"Mars, Crystal Power, Make-up!"
"Ninjitsu Extreme!"
"Centari, Crystal Power, Make-up!"
"Jupiter, Crystal Power, Make-up!" (This is a rather interesting part imaging them changing). "Alright people.to the mines!"
"Won't that take to long? By the time we get there it could be too late!" Sailor Mars said.
"Hmm." Yang thought.
"What is it Yang?" Centari asked.
"I have a hunch.but only a hunch. We need to head back to that apartment, something is there that could help us," Yang responded.
Sailor Jupiter looked at Zerto and he nodded, "Let's go."
The five took off for the apartments once more for whatever reason Yang had in mind.
* * * * * * * * * * *
"Usagi-chan," Minako nudged her friend, "hey.stay awake."
"Huh? Oh.sorry Minako-chan. I'm worried about Chibi-Usa-chan.and Aaron."
"Don't. Chibi-Usa-chan can take care of herself and your brother. She has a lot of training, and she's training with the best."
Usagi smiled and nodded, "You're right, but I can't shake the feeling that something is going to happen when we get back to the apartments."
The bus lurched to a stop in front of a giant lot filled with heavy machinery. Usagi and Minako got off the bus and watched as it exited from their view. Then, they changed from ordinary teen-age girls into Sailor Scouts. "Come on.the entrance is up this way," Minako led the way. The machinery thinned out and gave way to a narrow opening of a cave. Sailor Moon and Venus slowed down and cautiously made their way inside. After going about a mile into the mine, they found themselves in a large opening where a hole was in the roof. Large machinery was found once again and makeshift tables were scattered about. A sudden shoot rang across Sailor Moon's face and stuck into one of the walls. She felt her heart as it jumped madly. "Alright you little punk! Come out and fight like the.whatever the hell it was you are."
A slow laugh was heard and out of the shadows of one of the machines came a rather odd looking reploid. It's arms were that of fiber optic cable, but much more elastic and they looked like giant springs. At the end of these springs were arrowheads of great size, and its head was an even bigger arrowhead. "For starters ugly, little brat, I'm not a thing. I'm a reploid, a superior being over you lowly humans, and two. I'm not just a punk. I'm your executioner!
"Don't make me laugh!" Venus gave an overconfident smile, "Crescent Beam!" A long, beam of light shot at the reploid. He deflected the attack with his metallic arrowhead on one of his arms and threw the other one at Sailor Venus. She did a flip dodging it, but never noticed that the end of the arrowhead drove into the wall and started pulling the reploid toward her. "Looks like I'm about to wrap this one up!" the reploid said throwing his free arm around Sailor Venus capturing her.
"Venus!" Sailor Moon yelled.
"Time for the one-two!" Wire said.
"One," he threw Venus at Moon making their bodies collide into one another knocking them both down, "and two!" he threw his stringy arms at them (These things have the arrowheads at the end of them) and they tore into both of the Scout's fukus, as well as some flesh. Sailor Moon's right was torn pretty badly and she could barely move it. "Would you ever believe in three?" the reploid laughed throwing his stringy arms again. Sailor Moon and Venus screamed as the blades approached.
* * * * * * * * * * *
"Hey Chibi-Usa," Aaron said in his whispered tone, "Where is everyone? Usually even in my current condition I can tell if Usagi and you are here, but Usagi isn't here."
"Jedite is pulling another little scheme, and I'm staying here to protect you. No telling what tricks he'll pull just to kill you," Chibi-Usa replied. She started again, "But while it's quiet."
"*Snore*.*Incoherent mumbling*"
"I don't believe this," Chibi-Usa thought to herself, "things are getting really difficult and all he does is SLEEP! He's getting as bad as Usagi!" She stopped and looked down, "Of course, he's done a lot to keep us going, even when he knew the dangers to himself, he kept going. He's so strong, maybe even stronger then Sailor Moon."
"Hmmm.that kid could pose a small problem, but of course it's only a SMALL problem!" something thought to itself.
* * * * * * * * * * *
"Three!" the blades hurled at Sailor Moon and Sailor Venus.
"Preserve Gravity Well!" someone yelled as the blades stopped about 2 ft from Sailor Moon.
"Supreme Thunder!" someone else yelled sending volts of lightning back through the metallic arrowhead to the reploid. It screamed at jolts of power fried it. After a few seconds the frying stopped and Sailor Moon pulled out her tier, despite her arm hurting like mad.
She gritted her teeth and through the pain yelled, "Silver Moon, Crystal Power Kiss!"
"Shining Fire Strike!" someone else yelled.
"Zerto Plasma Pulsator!" someone yelled out.
All three energies converged and destroyed the reploid leaving it a pile of dust. "Sailor Moon! Are you and Sailor Venus alright?" Sailor Mars leapt down from a spot.
Sailor Moon made a meek grin, "Yeah, we're Ok."
Zerto looked at Sailor Moon's arm and pointed, "That is not a good looking wound."
"I'll be alright.don't worry about me. We need to worry more about Shane.no telling what has happened to him in the time we've been gone.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Meanwhile.
The door to Ami's apartment opened and Chibi-Usa immediately jumped up ready to kill. Ami's opened the door to Aaron's shanty and poked her head in. Chibi-Usa relaxed saying, "Oh, it's only you Ami-chan. How was school?"
"It was good," she slipped in a little more and stood a few feet from Chibi-Usa, "how is he?"
"He'll be alright. He's done a lot of sleeping, but of course that's to be expected."
Ami smiled and headed back to the door. Aaron suddenly moaned and talked in his whispered voice, "Chibi-Usa, who was that just now?!"
"Ami-chan, why?"
"That.isn't Ami.I could tell. Her voice was, cold, hard, and more metallic like. Chibi-Usa! Look out!!"
"Huh?" Chibi-Usa was grabbed by Vile and thrown across the room against the wall.
"Incredible. You knew it was me, and yet you stay paralyzed in this way," Vile said.
"Of course, you're about as easy to pick out as a rotten apple on a bare tree."
"Stupid bastard! Die!!!" Vile grabbed Aaron and started draining his energy.
"Pink Sugar Heart Attack!" A blast of energy hit Vile in the back, but he laughed.
"Do that again! That tickles!"
"Moon Gorgeous Meditation!" Another blast hit Vile but made him loose his grip on Aaron and he turned a little redder.
"Now THAT is not acceptable young lady!" Vile moved over to Sailor Chibi- Moon and grabbed her. The look on his face changed as Chibi-Moon thrashed about trying to break free. Vile looked back at Aaron and said, "You can see me can't you?"
Aaron coughed from the draining and said in his whispered tone, "I can see exactly what you plan on doing, maybe I can't do a thing about it, but I know someone who can." A light engulfed the room and Aaron's body lay limp.
Vile snorted and said, "That's all you have? I shouldn't even have asked the question!" He turned his attention back to Chibi-Moon who was screaming like mad at her brother to wake up. "He's dead little one, and now I'm afraid you're about to take the same path."
"I highly doubt that you tin-plated garbage can," a voice rang out.
"Who's there?! Who said that!"
"Rose Neptune Waters!" A blast smashed into Vile removing his grip from Chibi-Moon and knocking out the window of the room.
"Aaron! AARON!!" Chibi-Moon called to her brother and moved him a little. "Come on! Open your eyes! You can't be dead! You can't!" She held his wrist and let it drop. Hey eyes filled with tears and she ran into the figure that had just saved her. She looked at her face and buried hers into the figure's stomach. The figure put its hand on Chibi-Moon's back and a tear escaped its eye.
Her voice was calm and soothing, just what Chibi-Moon needed in her time of sorrow. "Don't cry young maiden. He cared enough to sacrifice his life to protect yours. He was a true brother to you. Don't forget him, ever."
Chibi-Moon looked up and yelled, "I don't care if he protected me damnit! It doesn't mean anything if he's dead!" She ran out of the room crying past Usagi who was just about to enter the room.
"Chibi-Usa-chan!" Usagi ran over to her and looked at her, "what happened?"
"Aaron.he's."
Usagi's face turned pale and she rushed into the room to meet the mysterious girl kneeing by Aaron's side, putting his hands over his chest. "I'm sorry Usagi, he died saving his sister."
Usagi's eyes watered and she ran out embracing Chibi-Usa. Both of them cried while all the others looked at total disbelief at the figure of Aaron dead. "Im.impossible." Sabin held back the emotion in his voice, "My best friend.after so long.he's." Rei dug her head into Sabin's chest and cried. Sabin got a strong face and put his hand on her back. Yang showed almost no emotion, as did Crystal. They both just stood there stunned at the fact that there in front of them lay one of their most dear friends.
Minako turned away and cried with Makoto and a giant sorrow set upon the room. "Hey everyone! I'm home!" Ami's voice called from the doorway.
"Ami-chan." Usagi's sad voice dictated to her best friend, "Aaron.he's." she burst into tears once more and put her face in her cupped hands. The books in Ami's hands suddenly dropped and she rushed into the room where the fallen warrior lay.
"That.that can't be.he can't." she rushed into her room and shut the door crying.
Sabin, who also was on the verge of tears looked at the Sailor fuku clad girl and asked, "Who are you?"
"My name is Sailor Rose Neptune. I am a friend of Aaron's as well. It's a shame to see him die." Rose Neptune burst into tears and screamed, "WHY THE HELL DOES THIS SHIT HAVE TO HAPPEN TO HIM! WHY!!?!!"
Sabin opened his mouth, "I better check on Ami, she of all people will be hit the hardest."
Rose "rose" (Heh) up and held out her hand, "Hold it. I'll talk to her."
Sabin shook his head, "When you've known Shane as long as I did, then you can confront her."
He whispered something to Rei and she nodded, "Yeah, I'll get the funeral arrangements underway, *Sniffle* *Sob*. Sabin let go of Rei and she exited the room with Minako and Makoto following her. Sabin moved toward Ami's room and knocked on the door. "Ami."
"GO AWAY! JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!"
Sabin sighed and slowly opened the door, "Ami-"
"LEAVE! I DON'T WANT TO TALK ABOUT HIM!"
"Don't say that," Sabin said in a calm voice, "you know that if you don't talk about him now you'll be haunted by it forever."
"THAT'S NOT."
"You know I'm right Ami. Quit being so stubborn and talk with me. I'm just as pained, if not more then you, but I know that not talking about him will only make the hole grow. We can't cover the hole he left, but we can reduce its size with rich soil."
Ami finally faced him and her eyes still watered she replied, "You're right."
Sabin nodded and Ami moved over and put her sat on her bed. Sabin moved over to the bed and sat beside her. She put her head on his lap and cried a little more. He put his hand on her head and started stroking it trying to quiet her crying. They talked the entire night about Aaron.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Next Day.
"I just wish.I would've gotten to know him a little better," Chibi-Usa wept as tears stained her dark black blouse. She held the flower out over Aaron's coffin and let it fall effortlessly on the pale body of her uncle.
"It would've been great if I got to know him better as well," Usagi said as the tears she cried hit her black dress. She held the flowers out over Aaron's coffin and let them fall effortlessly on the pale body of her brother.
"I barely knew him, but his death is just as tragic as my parents was," Mamoru said. He pulled a rose from his black tux and laid it between Aaron's eyes. "May you rest in peace friend." Usagi held on tightly to Mamoru and cried whispering things. Chibi-Usa moved back to her set beside Ikuko-mama and cried on her shoulder. Sabin moved to the altar and pulled out a piece of paper. "Wow! Where do I begin?" He looked out across the bodies of mourners who had gathered for the occasion and sighed. "I met him back in 7th grade when he was in 8th.but it seemed that he had known me longer then that. Almost from the instant we met there was a spark that ignited in me, like I had found something rare and exotic. He brought a sense of excitement to my otherwise dull life. If there was anything I needed to talk about, he was there. If I needed help on homework.he would help. He was such a strong willed person, but hard-hearted as well. Those days, *Sniff* are gone.forever, and here he lies peacefully. Shane.you gave me the best 4 years of friendship a guy could ever have been given." Sabin exited the stage with a gritting of his teeth and tears in his eyes. After they closed the coffin doors the funeral was over and the reception for it began. All of the Scouts families were there and comforting their daughters who were still a little sorrowed. The outer senshi consisting of Michiru, Setsuna, Hotaru, and Haruka even showed up giving their regards to Usagi and Chibi-Usa for the great loss they had endured, but only Setsuna knew that Aaron was Usagi brother, and Chibi-Usa's uncle. All the other outer senshi thought that Aaron was a really good friend.maybe something more to one of the inner senshi.
"Chibi-Usa-chan," Hotaru said to her best friend, "I'm sorry." Hotaru was the best person Chibi-Usa could talk to since Hotaru was only about 13 or 14 years old and Chibi-Usa was only 10 or 11 at the oldest. Haruka looked at Michiru and said, "I know it's wrong for us to interfere, but we should do something."
Michiru sighed and looked at her lover, "but we interfered enough the last time. Is it right for us to interfere again?"
Haruka sighed and took Michiru's hand, "Because.I have a feeling that if we don't do something there might not be another chance for us to help if there is trouble in the world. Remember.we are Scouts.it's our job to help protect this world."
"Chibi-Usa-chan, are you gonna be alright?" Hotaru asked her puffy-eyed friend.
"I will.eventually Hotaru-chan. It's just gonna take some time to get over his death." She turned away and let out another soft sob. Hotaru put her small hand on her back and gave her a sorrowful look. Sabin looked over at Chibi-Usa and sighed. He knew that the time was drawing near and he told Rei to go over and comfort Usagi a little more. She nodded and moved to her group of friends where they starting talking a bit about things.
Sabin went over to Hotaru and asked her, "Can I speak with her?" Hotaru nodded and moved over to her guardians Haruka and Michiru. "Chibi-Usa, I know this may sound like the wrong time to tell you, but can I see you in the men's bathroom?"
She nodded and followed Sabin into the boy's bathroom.reluctantly. She looked around and finally sat on a sink that was leaking a little, and looked at Sabin with her red eyes. "What do you want to tell me?"
Sabin sighed, opened his mouth and said, "What if I told you that I there is a way to bring Shane back?"
Chibi-Usa's eyes widened and she screamed, "WHAT?!!"
Sabin clasped his hand over Chibi-Usa's mouth and whispered, "Shut up! You want to wake the dead?!"
Chibi-Usa thrashed about trying to get her Sabin's hand off her mouth and finally Sabin released his grip. Chibi-Usa looked at him and calmly said, "But.what about the others? Shouldn't we let them know?"
Sabin shook his head and replied, "You can't tell anyone Chibi-Usa. I'm trusting you with a heavy load and I need you to come through. You can't tell anyone.especially Ami. I don't want her finding out and then having our only chance go out the window. Loosing him once is bad. Twice is suicide." Chibi-Usa nodded. "Hopefully if we're in time we can revive him. We only get 2 weeks until he's gone forever. That's how long it is till the next full moon. When the full moon comes, he's gone. I'm lucky that they agreed to allow me to take the coffin to Rei's or we would have been up the creek without a paddle."
"How did you find out about this?" Chibi-Usa asked.
"To tell you the truth I've been able to change into Zerto for a while.but after Shane decided to stop defending the weak, I lost my power. In a way he was my mortal coil. If he had the ability and didn't give it up freely I could change into Zerto, but one day he decided to quit, and he told me that because he quit my power would leave with it." Sabin moved over to the mirror and looked in it at his reflection. "He told me that if he were to ever die, then I would have my powers back, but my first priority was to get back his medallion he hid a year ago. He told me that in that medallion was the power to revive him."
"So you mean he was MetaSigma before?"
Sabin nodded, "Yes, that's how it happened to him. Sailor Pluto gave him back his items of power like we saw, but he never remembered how to use them.till that fateful day." Sabin shook his head; "I'll never forget the look in his eye when it was over." Sabin relaxed and turned his attention to Chibi-Usa.
"So the only people going are you and I?"
"Yes."
"Where is this.fabled medallion hidden?"
Sabin looked to the sky and said, "To Moon Deus!"
* * * * * * * * * * *
One week later.
Chibi-Usa sat as Aaron slept and she thought about why her mother never knew about her brother. Could it have been something she did? The thought crossed her mind, but she put it down almost embarrassed. Aaron started to move, "Mmmmm.nnnnn.*Weakly* hey.how are you?"
Chibi-Usa smiled and replied, "All right.how about you?"
Aaron nodded with approving, "Alright.tired.but that's to be expected, when you've been drained as much as I have." He closed his eyes again and spoke in a little more audible tone, "How are the others.and Sabin?
Chibi-Usa gently put her hand on his and replied, "Alright.Jedite hasn't sent down another of his cronies yet.I'm sure he will."
Aaron moaned and whispered, "I find it ironic, that you're taking care of considering I'm you're uncle."
Chibi-Usa giggled, "You're forgetting, I'm over 900 years old!"
Aaron shook his head slowly, "That would mean that I'm 1900 years old.wouldn't it? I mean I came from the original Moon Kingdom."
Chibi-Usa put a finger to her chin and replied, "Yeah.I guess your right. You hungry?"
"Yeah. A little, why?"
"Do you want something to eat?"
"Hmmm." he thought and whispered, "Chicken noodle soup. Not rice.chicken noodle soup."
"Chicken noodle soup? Hmm.never heard of it."
"*slight laugh* Yeah.I figured. It's an American dish.very good. It's like small pieces of chicken in a broth. Very good."
Chibi-Usa whispered and replied, "Sure, as long as you get better," before she left the room whispering, "I love you."
Aaron sighed and said after Chibi-Usa left the room, "Chibi-Usa, I would tell you that I love you, but if I did, then I'ld only be lying. For my heart is so cold, it would freeze the world." He fell asleep having a tear escape his eye. Of course he could barely tell that he had closed his eyes. He could barely distinguish the ceiling to the night sky. His hands were only a little lighter almost a dark gray standing out from the rest of blurring. He started dreaming of when he was younger of how he grew up on the Moon kingdom, and how his mother was disappointed when she gave birth to a male, and not a female to take her place.
(Inside the dream) "Should I ever tell him?" Queen Serenity asked her chancellor.
"If you did tell him, what will he think? That he's not fit for the throne. I think we should kill him as the court ordered. He's a burden to the Silver Millennium, and."
"And he's my son. I'm not just going to let the damn court execute my son! What would the people of this Moon think? I was raised to help life flourish. Not kill it when something goes wrong and does no harm. He hasn't done any harm to anyone yet. He may interfere with political things.but that's to be expected from a child of 3. If this child I carry now is a boy, would you kill it after birth?"
"Yes.he is a curse upon the throne. One is bad enough, but two is going over board."
"My god," Aaron thought as he heard this from outside the door, "The chancellor wants me dead!" He ran to his room and locked the door solidly.
After a few hours he heard a knock. Reluctantly he picked up the phasor he had made just for emergencies like this and asked, "Who's there?"
"It's you mother. I have something to tell you."
He slowly unlocked the door and opened it. His mother bent over and picked him up and told him, "Aaron.I want to tell you something. You're going to have a baby sister. She'll be here in a couple of months. Aren't you happy?"
Aaron nodded happily but on the inside was crying in pain. He was to be the first of the male heirs to take the throne, but because he was male, and his mother was to be giving birth to a female, he would be looked upon second by everyone. "Yeah.what's her name gonna be mama?"
"Serenity. The same as the generation before her, and the generation before her."
"Oh. I have a question mama.will I ever have the throne?"
Queen Serenity laughed and told him, "You will.someday."
The quote never left him. It haunted him as Usagi was born a few months later and grew up without ever really knowing she had a brother. Aaron was left in his room and rarely ever came out. He grew up secluded and alone. He went to school where he had no friends to help him through the hard times. He was an outcast among royalty.
The movement of his body awoke him to see that someone was sitting next to him gently rocking him to make him wake up. "Huh?" he looked around still as blurry-eyed as before. "Who is it?"
"It's only me.Minako. I've brought the chicken noodle soup that Chibi- Usa made."
Aaron let out a sigh that was almost a regular breath. "At least you didn't make it. I can be sure I won't have to forage life and death again because of your soup."
Minako gave him a look of angered embarrassment. "That's nice. Do you want me to spill it on you?"
"Very funny Minako," he said as she lifted the spoon and blew on the warm broth.
"It's a little hot.so be careful."
After he downed a whole bowl he thanked Minako and fell back asleep. Minako left the room to see Usagi standing at the door. "How is he?" she asked he friend.
"He's doing better."
Usagi looked down at this prospect and said in a kind of sad tone, "You know.it's kinda my fault that he's in the mess he's in."
"Oh? How Usagi," Minako questioned setting the plate by the sink in the kitchen.
"I should've known he was MetaSigma from the start. The first time I met him something felt familiar. The touch of his hand almost warm and remembering of the Moon Kingdom. The way if felt when my mother touched my shoulder."
"You had no way of knowing. He could've been a new evil creep!!"
"Yeah, your right. Get some sleep Minako. It's my watch."
Minako nodded and said in her vibrant tone, "Seeya."
Usagi walked into the room and looked at her helpless brother. "I'm sorry I couldn't protect you Aaron. I am truly sorry."
* * * * * * * * * * *
Next Day.
Minako shook her head exiting the room holding a plate of broth. "I don't know what's up with that kid. All he does is sleep now. One day of eating and then all he needs is a few bites today."
Usagi replied in a sly grin, "Well.what do you expect of him? He's had almost no energy.and sleeping allows his body to regenerate it back."
The front door of the apartment opened and Makoto called, "We're back!"
"How was shopping?" Usagi asked, "Any killer deals I missed?"
"It was alright.but Crystal and Yang were a little close to the edge a couple of times!"
Chibi-Usa hustled into the apartment and shuffled into the kitchen looking for some soup. Minako walked in after and told her, "He's already eaten. There's no point in trying to feed him." Chibi-Usa ignored her comment and re-heated the soup. Then she took it into the room and shut the door.
Minako sighed and Usagi asked, "So.where are the two love birds?"
Makoto hesitated and a look of embarrassment glowed on her face. "They.they were still looking for rings at the mall."
Usagi gave her a look of confusion, "Huh? I'm not quiet following you here.why would they be looking for rings." she stopped herself in mid- sentence and grinned.
Makoto sighed and scratched the back of her head, "Yeah.that's why."
Usagi threw out her smile though and suddenly asked, "But then where are Sabin and Rei?"
"With Yang and Crystal."
Chibi-Usa returned from her brother's room with an empty bowl of soup. She set it in the kitchen and grinned at Minako who was in shock. She headed back out to the dining room and sat down on the couch. "I'm beat.all the walking around the mall pooped me out."
Makoto and Usagi giggled a little, and Chibi-Usa looked at them curiously. After a few seconds she joined them and reached for the TV remote. The TV sprang to life with the cool button Chibi-Usa had pushed. A picture of Usagi as Princess Serenity appeared in the final battle with Queen Beryl. Usagi's jaw dropped and she looked like she had seen a ghost. "Wha.what the hell is this?! Why am I fighting Beryl on TV?!"
A voice called from the picture, "Do you like it Sailor Moon? I sure enjoy watching it over.and over again." The screen fuzzed and a picture of Jedite appeared grinning.
"Jedite! What do you plan on doing! What do you think you're doing?!"
"I've decided to make an ultimatum for you. Send me Shane to the abandoned mines on the outside of town, or."
"Or what!"
"I'll reveal your true identity the whole world."
A wrenching hit Usagi's gut but she kept her cool and replied, "Forget it. I would rather have my identity told then just give up my brother to you."
The grin left Jedite's face, but he said, "If that's you way you want to play. I had a back-up plan just in case." A picture of the city being completely destroyed appeared and the TV started shaking. "If.you don't deliver the kid, then I'll kill not only him, but this whole city as well."
Usagi's face turned pale and she looked defeated, "Then I guess I have no choice."
A slight laugh escaped Jedite, but he only finished his appearance by saying then it's a deal. "See you then."
Makoto looked over at Usagi, and then at Chibi-Usa. "What are we gonna do?"
"I'm heading to mines.I don't care about the danger, and I know it's a trap.but I don't have a choice," Usagi said.
"I'll head back to the mall and warn the others," Makoto said bursting out the apartment door.
"Chibi-Usa I want you to stay here and guard our brother. No telling what tricks are up Jedite's sleeve."
"I'm coming with you Usagi," Minako pulled out her wand ready to kick some butt.
Usagi and Minako followed suit of Makoto and hurried out the door. "Good luck." Chibi-Usa said a little worried. She sighed and moved into the room where Aaron lay sleeping peacefully.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Makoto was moving rather quickly (Even for her) and knew the dangers of letting Usagi go by herself into battle. Even with this in mind she felt a glimpse of hope that no matter the difficulty Sailor Moon could emerge victorious. When she arrived at the door to the mall, her eyes burned and she huffed. Luckily Yang, Crystal, Rei, and Sabin were just emerging and greeted Makoto warmly. "No time for that now guys, we got trouble again. Everyone got on their battle ready faces and hustled into an empty area.
"Zerto-suit ENGAGE!"
"Mars, Crystal Power, Make-up!"
"Ninjitsu Extreme!"
"Centari, Crystal Power, Make-up!"
"Jupiter, Crystal Power, Make-up!" (This is a rather interesting part imaging them changing). "Alright people.to the mines!"
"Won't that take to long? By the time we get there it could be too late!" Sailor Mars said.
"Hmm." Yang thought.
"What is it Yang?" Centari asked.
"I have a hunch.but only a hunch. We need to head back to that apartment, something is there that could help us," Yang responded.
Sailor Jupiter looked at Zerto and he nodded, "Let's go."
The five took off for the apartments once more for whatever reason Yang had in mind.
* * * * * * * * * * *
"Usagi-chan," Minako nudged her friend, "hey.stay awake."
"Huh? Oh.sorry Minako-chan. I'm worried about Chibi-Usa-chan.and Aaron."
"Don't. Chibi-Usa-chan can take care of herself and your brother. She has a lot of training, and she's training with the best."
Usagi smiled and nodded, "You're right, but I can't shake the feeling that something is going to happen when we get back to the apartments."
The bus lurched to a stop in front of a giant lot filled with heavy machinery. Usagi and Minako got off the bus and watched as it exited from their view. Then, they changed from ordinary teen-age girls into Sailor Scouts. "Come on.the entrance is up this way," Minako led the way. The machinery thinned out and gave way to a narrow opening of a cave. Sailor Moon and Venus slowed down and cautiously made their way inside. After going about a mile into the mine, they found themselves in a large opening where a hole was in the roof. Large machinery was found once again and makeshift tables were scattered about. A sudden shoot rang across Sailor Moon's face and stuck into one of the walls. She felt her heart as it jumped madly. "Alright you little punk! Come out and fight like the.whatever the hell it was you are."
A slow laugh was heard and out of the shadows of one of the machines came a rather odd looking reploid. It's arms were that of fiber optic cable, but much more elastic and they looked like giant springs. At the end of these springs were arrowheads of great size, and its head was an even bigger arrowhead. "For starters ugly, little brat, I'm not a thing. I'm a reploid, a superior being over you lowly humans, and two. I'm not just a punk. I'm your executioner!
"Don't make me laugh!" Venus gave an overconfident smile, "Crescent Beam!" A long, beam of light shot at the reploid. He deflected the attack with his metallic arrowhead on one of his arms and threw the other one at Sailor Venus. She did a flip dodging it, but never noticed that the end of the arrowhead drove into the wall and started pulling the reploid toward her. "Looks like I'm about to wrap this one up!" the reploid said throwing his free arm around Sailor Venus capturing her.
"Venus!" Sailor Moon yelled.
"Time for the one-two!" Wire said.
"One," he threw Venus at Moon making their bodies collide into one another knocking them both down, "and two!" he threw his stringy arms at them (These things have the arrowheads at the end of them) and they tore into both of the Scout's fukus, as well as some flesh. Sailor Moon's right was torn pretty badly and she could barely move it. "Would you ever believe in three?" the reploid laughed throwing his stringy arms again. Sailor Moon and Venus screamed as the blades approached.
* * * * * * * * * * *
"Hey Chibi-Usa," Aaron said in his whispered tone, "Where is everyone? Usually even in my current condition I can tell if Usagi and you are here, but Usagi isn't here."
"Jedite is pulling another little scheme, and I'm staying here to protect you. No telling what tricks he'll pull just to kill you," Chibi-Usa replied. She started again, "But while it's quiet."
"*Snore*.*Incoherent mumbling*"
"I don't believe this," Chibi-Usa thought to herself, "things are getting really difficult and all he does is SLEEP! He's getting as bad as Usagi!" She stopped and looked down, "Of course, he's done a lot to keep us going, even when he knew the dangers to himself, he kept going. He's so strong, maybe even stronger then Sailor Moon."
"Hmmm.that kid could pose a small problem, but of course it's only a SMALL problem!" something thought to itself.
* * * * * * * * * * *
"Three!" the blades hurled at Sailor Moon and Sailor Venus.
"Preserve Gravity Well!" someone yelled as the blades stopped about 2 ft from Sailor Moon.
"Supreme Thunder!" someone else yelled sending volts of lightning back through the metallic arrowhead to the reploid. It screamed at jolts of power fried it. After a few seconds the frying stopped and Sailor Moon pulled out her tier, despite her arm hurting like mad.
She gritted her teeth and through the pain yelled, "Silver Moon, Crystal Power Kiss!"
"Shining Fire Strike!" someone else yelled.
"Zerto Plasma Pulsator!" someone yelled out.
All three energies converged and destroyed the reploid leaving it a pile of dust. "Sailor Moon! Are you and Sailor Venus alright?" Sailor Mars leapt down from a spot.
Sailor Moon made a meek grin, "Yeah, we're Ok."
Zerto looked at Sailor Moon's arm and pointed, "That is not a good looking wound."
"I'll be alright.don't worry about me. We need to worry more about Shane.no telling what has happened to him in the time we've been gone.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Meanwhile.
The door to Ami's apartment opened and Chibi-Usa immediately jumped up ready to kill. Ami's opened the door to Aaron's shanty and poked her head in. Chibi-Usa relaxed saying, "Oh, it's only you Ami-chan. How was school?"
"It was good," she slipped in a little more and stood a few feet from Chibi-Usa, "how is he?"
"He'll be alright. He's done a lot of sleeping, but of course that's to be expected."
Ami smiled and headed back to the door. Aaron suddenly moaned and talked in his whispered voice, "Chibi-Usa, who was that just now?!"
"Ami-chan, why?"
"That.isn't Ami.I could tell. Her voice was, cold, hard, and more metallic like. Chibi-Usa! Look out!!"
"Huh?" Chibi-Usa was grabbed by Vile and thrown across the room against the wall.
"Incredible. You knew it was me, and yet you stay paralyzed in this way," Vile said.
"Of course, you're about as easy to pick out as a rotten apple on a bare tree."
"Stupid bastard! Die!!!" Vile grabbed Aaron and started draining his energy.
"Pink Sugar Heart Attack!" A blast of energy hit Vile in the back, but he laughed.
"Do that again! That tickles!"
"Moon Gorgeous Meditation!" Another blast hit Vile but made him loose his grip on Aaron and he turned a little redder.
"Now THAT is not acceptable young lady!" Vile moved over to Sailor Chibi- Moon and grabbed her. The look on his face changed as Chibi-Moon thrashed about trying to break free. Vile looked back at Aaron and said, "You can see me can't you?"
Aaron coughed from the draining and said in his whispered tone, "I can see exactly what you plan on doing, maybe I can't do a thing about it, but I know someone who can." A light engulfed the room and Aaron's body lay limp.
Vile snorted and said, "That's all you have? I shouldn't even have asked the question!" He turned his attention back to Chibi-Moon who was screaming like mad at her brother to wake up. "He's dead little one, and now I'm afraid you're about to take the same path."
"I highly doubt that you tin-plated garbage can," a voice rang out.
"Who's there?! Who said that!"
"Rose Neptune Waters!" A blast smashed into Vile removing his grip from Chibi-Moon and knocking out the window of the room.
"Aaron! AARON!!" Chibi-Moon called to her brother and moved him a little. "Come on! Open your eyes! You can't be dead! You can't!" She held his wrist and let it drop. Hey eyes filled with tears and she ran into the figure that had just saved her. She looked at her face and buried hers into the figure's stomach. The figure put its hand on Chibi-Moon's back and a tear escaped its eye.
Her voice was calm and soothing, just what Chibi-Moon needed in her time of sorrow. "Don't cry young maiden. He cared enough to sacrifice his life to protect yours. He was a true brother to you. Don't forget him, ever."
Chibi-Moon looked up and yelled, "I don't care if he protected me damnit! It doesn't mean anything if he's dead!" She ran out of the room crying past Usagi who was just about to enter the room.
"Chibi-Usa-chan!" Usagi ran over to her and looked at her, "what happened?"
"Aaron.he's."
Usagi's face turned pale and she rushed into the room to meet the mysterious girl kneeing by Aaron's side, putting his hands over his chest. "I'm sorry Usagi, he died saving his sister."
Usagi's eyes watered and she ran out embracing Chibi-Usa. Both of them cried while all the others looked at total disbelief at the figure of Aaron dead. "Im.impossible." Sabin held back the emotion in his voice, "My best friend.after so long.he's." Rei dug her head into Sabin's chest and cried. Sabin got a strong face and put his hand on her back. Yang showed almost no emotion, as did Crystal. They both just stood there stunned at the fact that there in front of them lay one of their most dear friends.
Minako turned away and cried with Makoto and a giant sorrow set upon the room. "Hey everyone! I'm home!" Ami's voice called from the doorway.
"Ami-chan." Usagi's sad voice dictated to her best friend, "Aaron.he's." she burst into tears once more and put her face in her cupped hands. The books in Ami's hands suddenly dropped and she rushed into the room where the fallen warrior lay.
"That.that can't be.he can't." she rushed into her room and shut the door crying.
Sabin, who also was on the verge of tears looked at the Sailor fuku clad girl and asked, "Who are you?"
"My name is Sailor Rose Neptune. I am a friend of Aaron's as well. It's a shame to see him die." Rose Neptune burst into tears and screamed, "WHY THE HELL DOES THIS SHIT HAVE TO HAPPEN TO HIM! WHY!!?!!"
Sabin opened his mouth, "I better check on Ami, she of all people will be hit the hardest."
Rose "rose" (Heh) up and held out her hand, "Hold it. I'll talk to her."
Sabin shook his head, "When you've known Shane as long as I did, then you can confront her."
He whispered something to Rei and she nodded, "Yeah, I'll get the funeral arrangements underway, *Sniffle* *Sob*. Sabin let go of Rei and she exited the room with Minako and Makoto following her. Sabin moved toward Ami's room and knocked on the door. "Ami."
"GO AWAY! JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!"
Sabin sighed and slowly opened the door, "Ami-"
"LEAVE! I DON'T WANT TO TALK ABOUT HIM!"
"Don't say that," Sabin said in a calm voice, "you know that if you don't talk about him now you'll be haunted by it forever."
"THAT'S NOT."
"You know I'm right Ami. Quit being so stubborn and talk with me. I'm just as pained, if not more then you, but I know that not talking about him will only make the hole grow. We can't cover the hole he left, but we can reduce its size with rich soil."
Ami finally faced him and her eyes still watered she replied, "You're right."
Sabin nodded and Ami moved over and put her sat on her bed. Sabin moved over to the bed and sat beside her. She put her head on his lap and cried a little more. He put his hand on her head and started stroking it trying to quiet her crying. They talked the entire night about Aaron.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Next Day.
"I just wish.I would've gotten to know him a little better," Chibi-Usa wept as tears stained her dark black blouse. She held the flower out over Aaron's coffin and let it fall effortlessly on the pale body of her uncle.
"It would've been great if I got to know him better as well," Usagi said as the tears she cried hit her black dress. She held the flowers out over Aaron's coffin and let them fall effortlessly on the pale body of her brother.
"I barely knew him, but his death is just as tragic as my parents was," Mamoru said. He pulled a rose from his black tux and laid it between Aaron's eyes. "May you rest in peace friend." Usagi held on tightly to Mamoru and cried whispering things. Chibi-Usa moved back to her set beside Ikuko-mama and cried on her shoulder. Sabin moved to the altar and pulled out a piece of paper. "Wow! Where do I begin?" He looked out across the bodies of mourners who had gathered for the occasion and sighed. "I met him back in 7th grade when he was in 8th.but it seemed that he had known me longer then that. Almost from the instant we met there was a spark that ignited in me, like I had found something rare and exotic. He brought a sense of excitement to my otherwise dull life. If there was anything I needed to talk about, he was there. If I needed help on homework.he would help. He was such a strong willed person, but hard-hearted as well. Those days, *Sniff* are gone.forever, and here he lies peacefully. Shane.you gave me the best 4 years of friendship a guy could ever have been given." Sabin exited the stage with a gritting of his teeth and tears in his eyes. After they closed the coffin doors the funeral was over and the reception for it began. All of the Scouts families were there and comforting their daughters who were still a little sorrowed. The outer senshi consisting of Michiru, Setsuna, Hotaru, and Haruka even showed up giving their regards to Usagi and Chibi-Usa for the great loss they had endured, but only Setsuna knew that Aaron was Usagi brother, and Chibi-Usa's uncle. All the other outer senshi thought that Aaron was a really good friend.maybe something more to one of the inner senshi.
"Chibi-Usa-chan," Hotaru said to her best friend, "I'm sorry." Hotaru was the best person Chibi-Usa could talk to since Hotaru was only about 13 or 14 years old and Chibi-Usa was only 10 or 11 at the oldest. Haruka looked at Michiru and said, "I know it's wrong for us to interfere, but we should do something."
Michiru sighed and looked at her lover, "but we interfered enough the last time. Is it right for us to interfere again?"
Haruka sighed and took Michiru's hand, "Because.I have a feeling that if we don't do something there might not be another chance for us to help if there is trouble in the world. Remember.we are Scouts.it's our job to help protect this world."
"Chibi-Usa-chan, are you gonna be alright?" Hotaru asked her puffy-eyed friend.
"I will.eventually Hotaru-chan. It's just gonna take some time to get over his death." She turned away and let out another soft sob. Hotaru put her small hand on her back and gave her a sorrowful look. Sabin looked over at Chibi-Usa and sighed. He knew that the time was drawing near and he told Rei to go over and comfort Usagi a little more. She nodded and moved to her group of friends where they starting talking a bit about things.
Sabin went over to Hotaru and asked her, "Can I speak with her?" Hotaru nodded and moved over to her guardians Haruka and Michiru. "Chibi-Usa, I know this may sound like the wrong time to tell you, but can I see you in the men's bathroom?"
She nodded and followed Sabin into the boy's bathroom.reluctantly. She looked around and finally sat on a sink that was leaking a little, and looked at Sabin with her red eyes. "What do you want to tell me?"
Sabin sighed, opened his mouth and said, "What if I told you that I there is a way to bring Shane back?"
Chibi-Usa's eyes widened and she screamed, "WHAT?!!"
Sabin clasped his hand over Chibi-Usa's mouth and whispered, "Shut up! You want to wake the dead?!"
Chibi-Usa thrashed about trying to get her Sabin's hand off her mouth and finally Sabin released his grip. Chibi-Usa looked at him and calmly said, "But.what about the others? Shouldn't we let them know?"
Sabin shook his head and replied, "You can't tell anyone Chibi-Usa. I'm trusting you with a heavy load and I need you to come through. You can't tell anyone.especially Ami. I don't want her finding out and then having our only chance go out the window. Loosing him once is bad. Twice is suicide." Chibi-Usa nodded. "Hopefully if we're in time we can revive him. We only get 2 weeks until he's gone forever. That's how long it is till the next full moon. When the full moon comes, he's gone. I'm lucky that they agreed to allow me to take the coffin to Rei's or we would have been up the creek without a paddle."
"How did you find out about this?" Chibi-Usa asked.
"To tell you the truth I've been able to change into Zerto for a while.but after Shane decided to stop defending the weak, I lost my power. In a way he was my mortal coil. If he had the ability and didn't give it up freely I could change into Zerto, but one day he decided to quit, and he told me that because he quit my power would leave with it." Sabin moved over to the mirror and looked in it at his reflection. "He told me that if he were to ever die, then I would have my powers back, but my first priority was to get back his medallion he hid a year ago. He told me that in that medallion was the power to revive him."
"So you mean he was MetaSigma before?"
Sabin nodded, "Yes, that's how it happened to him. Sailor Pluto gave him back his items of power like we saw, but he never remembered how to use them.till that fateful day." Sabin shook his head; "I'll never forget the look in his eye when it was over." Sabin relaxed and turned his attention to Chibi-Usa.
"So the only people going are you and I?"
"Yes."
"Where is this.fabled medallion hidden?"
Sabin looked to the sky and said, "To Moon Deus!"
* * * * * * * * * * *
