Title: The Curse of Immortality: Sequal
By: Cheska-chan
Chapter: 19
E-Mail address: Minnashime@aol.com or AngellicSnow@aol.com
PG13
Disclaimer: *yawn* I don't own Sailor Moon, Gundam Wing, or DBZ.
Author's Notes: Errps, I just watched Oh! My Goddess! It was sweet,
really. I liked it, I guess. And as for that game I'm playing...well
I got Highwind now but trying to get a male chocobo is hard! *whimpers*
At this rate, I'd probably end up trying to be suicidal and trying to
destroy that Ruby Weapon. .
kay, so like here's the next chapter of this sequal. *rubs eyes and
stares back at the screen* *yawn* *waves hand signalling for it to begin*
**********
Early morning light met Serena's eyes as she stood on the bridge leading
to the Virtue Building. Aurora's rays shined down upon her and she welcomed
the warmth it radiated.
"Morning, today will be the last day for this mission. Today should be
the day Makura sets out her attack, whatever it is,"Serena murmered as she
placed both hands against the cool glass.
Suddenly footsteps echoed to her way and it made Serena's heart beat
stop momentarily.
"Heero?"Serena voiced out her guess, but for some reason she wasn't so
sure it was him this time.
The figure's lips drew close to her ear and breathed out the identification
of the intruder.
"Nice to think that I'm your hero,"chuckled the familiar voice.
Whirling around, Serena's eyes widened at who it was. There in front of
him was a young man with lavender hair and eyes that shined with seriousness
and care. He wore that oh-so-familiar CC jacket and a black top underneath
with blue jeans.
"Mirai Trunks..."Serena spoke in awe.
"Nice to see you too,"Mirai smiled down at her.
"What are you doing here? How did you...?"Serena was at a loss for words.
"I'm the only one who came. I used the Dragon Balls to get here,"Mirai confessed.
"But it's not until a year.."Serena shook her head in disbelief.
"For that time period, yes. But when you were gone I stayed and thought this
out. So what I did was use my time capsule and went back home. From there
I used the Dragon Balls to get to you.."Mirai revealed.
Serena bowed her head and lightly blushed but quickly hid her face by turning
back to the glass wall. Placing her hand on the cool material, she momentarily
closed her eyes and then opened it once more.
"You do know that you just signed yourself to staying here, did you not? I could
bring you back but...your time capsule to your original time is now gone. How
could you ever return? It'll be decades before your mother finally builds the
time machine..."Serena put out.
Drawing closer, Mirai wrapped his arms around Serena's form and whispered to her
ears.
"I don't care. Wherever you are, I'll be there. Just as long as I'm
with you,"Mirai Trunks murmered into her ears.
Placing her right hand on his arm, Serena bowed her head and then whirled around
to face him. A small smile played on her lips.
"You've sacrificed your way home, just to be with me...why?"Serena's eyes were
questioning.
At that question, Mirai unwrapped his arms from her and then turned the other
way. Serena faced him only to be met by his back. His reflection
showed on the glass and his eyes showed sadness.
"Back home, I met your other self there. The two of us were close over
the years you stayed in my dimension. But one day...you left and I couldn't stop
you. It was your decision. Ever since then, you never came back. No word
was heard ever again..."Mirai uttered.
"And...what was our...relationship?"Serena softly asked.
"Close. The day you left, I was going to...propose to you. But you
acted so happy when you told me that you gathered the DragonBalls up and
was going to wish your way back to your world,"Mirai told her.
"I'm sorry,"Serena apologized.
"Don't be. When you left, I didn't know what I was going to do. So I left
to go back to that Z world where father is at. When I got back, you just
came. I was surprised to find you there...at least I got to meet you
once more,"Mirai Trunks murmered.
"When you left again that last time with Sankan's incident. I felt
that you wouldn't return. I couldn't let you go again. I wouldn't,"Mirai
said in a serious tone.
"Mirai..I-I don't know what to say.."Serena shook her head.
Mirai was about to speak again when the speaker came on.
"All contestants for the last event please come to the Central Building,"the
announcer said.
"I have to go,"Serena said and went off through the glass corridor leading
to the Central Building.
Mirai Trunks stared after her, his eyes shining with love and sadness.
(I love you..)Mirai softly whispered within his mind.
************
"Finally we reach the final stage, the Hidden Room!"an announcer cried out.
"Currently we have the total of seven contestants with us today. Each one
will enter the seven doors set out in front of them. Whoever comes out first
wins the most number of points held within here today.."one of the judges rose
to speak out.
As soon as the needed instructions and information were given out. All
seven doors creaked open, signalling the contestants to begin and meet
their fate. All at once, seven stepped up and went inside. Once in,
the doors snapped shut in back of them. Thus beginning the last event.
~.~.~.~
The door de-materialized in back of Serena once she stepped inside. A
multi-color wall was now in place of the wooden door. All around her
were ever-changing colors and designs, not once did it halt or stop. The
ground below her was changing colors as well. This only caused the
immortal blond girl to start forming a headache but she refused to
let that show.
"What's going on now? What am I suppose to do? There's no
exit..."Serena murmered to herself.
~.~Survive this place and the exit will show itself to you~.~
(Huh?)Serena whirled around trying to find the owner of that voice but
no one showed up.
"Who's there?"Serena called out.
Heero stepped inside and was met with darkness, it was pitch black
with no sign of life. It was cold everywhere and silence met his ears.
(This is my inner self...)Heero wasn't fazed by what met him.
Suddenly small echoing footsteps began to make its way toward him.
Heero instinctively whirled out his gun, preparing to shoot his
opponent. His eyes widened at what he saw and he couldn't bring
himself to shoot.
(This is what I have to defeat..)Heero reminded himself.
***********
"Don't you love me?"a sweet voice beckoned for Duo to come closer.
"Of course I do.."Duo replied.
"Then come, come to me..."the figure of Hotaru was right in front of
him, wearing nothing but a light violet dress that fluttered as
endless flower petals whizzed by.
(My inner self...loves her. I love her. This is what my heart
has created for me alongside my mind. She is my life, my love...
my everything. Gods I love her..)Duo softened his gaze at her.
"Won't you come to me?"Hotaru piped up again as she stepped closer
to him.
(But..it isn't her. Is it?)Duo realized.
(I have to defeat her to get out of here. Could I? Could I really
bring myself to overcome anything to survive?)Duo wondered.
*********
"NOOO!! NO. This is not real! This isn't!"Quatre shouted out
in protest.
In front of the platinum blond haired boy was the scene replaying
in his mind, non-stop. His father dying and himself killing Trowa
with his gundam.
"Is it, Quatre? Is it just a figment of your imagination? This
is your inner self. This is what your heart speaks. What your
mind speaks. Something hidden within your mind that you refuse
to acknowledge. Thus this room was created to bring it out. To
see if you can face it. So tell me, is this nothing more than
just something made up? Did you father not die? Did you not
attack and believe to have killed your friend? Tell me, is
it all just a lie?"a voice echoed around him.
Quatre bowed his head, his hands pressed up against his ears.
Then suddenly he lowered it and raised his head.
"It's true...it did happen. It all happened..."Quatre murmered
in defeat.
"I caused the death of my father. If I didn't...do what I did, he'd
still be alive. Trowa wouldn't have been hurt...I did it..."Quatre
murmered in an usually small whisper.
*********
"Quatre?"Trowa turned to face Quatre who stood there with an odd
expression on his usually calm features.
"Why are you here?"Quatre asked him, his face still expressionless
and with something else.
"We're in a room. This is the Hidden Room. At least one of them..."Trowa
replied in indifference.
"You should leave,"Quatre said in a thin line.
(Huh?)Trowa didn't show his attitude or feelings from what his friend said.
"Leave!"Quatre said in a more demanding tone as he stepped closer.
(This must be what I have to face...my friend...)Trowa realized.
*********
Images swirled all around her from her past. The time when she was
born to her parents to the time which is known as the present. All over
the place from top to bottom it filled her brain. Serena couldn't take
all the pressure and fell to the floor to her knees.
"Why do you show this to me? Why?"Serena questioned over and over again.
~.~This is the truth. This is what has happened. This is what you
went through. This is also something you fear and dislike, isn't it?
Memories?~.~
The voice spoke reason and truth, making her feel more anxious to
get out of this place.
"It may be so, but I can learn to cope with this. It is my past and
present. I can't change it, but I can change for the better in the
future. I have learned to accept my fate...."Serena declared.
The images stopped and time seemed to have halted for that very minute.
~.~Have you?~.~
The voice spoke in amusement.
"I have. Even though I may not like it, it is my destiny. Something
I can't and won't aruge with anymore. I must put aside my feelings
and my needs and wants to serve the galaxy. To serve the universe and
its people. My duty shall come first. If I don't....everything that
I and my friends have worked for in the past will come in vain,"Serena
spoke outloud.
Then before her the multi-color walls and murals that swirled around her
stopped and formed as one gigantic blob of ball that hovered in front of
her face. Just then it seperated forming nine figures that she knew
so well while the tenth stayed the same once the figures came to shape.
"Mars, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Endymion, Neptune, Uranus, Diamond, and
....Sankan..."Serena spoke softly and in the verge of tears.
"Serena..."
"Serena..."
"Serena..."
"Sailor Moon.."
"Sailor Moon.."
"Koneko.."
"Serenity.."
"Serenity.."
"Mother.."
Tears formed in her eyes as she heard her friends, family, and loved
ones speak to her with such tenderness. Such care. As Serena made to move
a step toward them, their expressions changed drastically. Instead of
the words she heard them speak of acceptance and love with care in their
features it altered. A dark shadow loomed in back of them and their
voices ripped at her heart.
The walls around her darkened and replayed scenes of pain and suffering.
Death, blood, hate, etc. Memories she wished to go away, wished to disappear.
"You killed me."
"You hurt me."
"I sacrificed myself for you."
"I thought you were my friend."
"You left us to die."
"I loved you, you broke our promise."
"You let me die."
"Why did you leave me?"
"Mother..."
Serena shook her head, willing all of this to go away but it didn't.
"No, that's not true. It isn't true.."Serena chanted, trying to convince
herself and the others.
~.~Is it a lie? Aren't these images real? Didn't they happen..?~.~
"Yes, it did..."Serena accepted that face.
~.~Then why deny?~.~
Gazing up, she saw her friends and family in front of her. They stopped
shouting accusations, now they just stood there unmoving. All nine glaring
at her with hate burning within their eyes.
"Why show me them? They're not real. I know they wouldn't be acting
this way towards me. They love me...and I love them.."Serena murmered.
~.~Would they still accept you? Would they have forgiven you for
your mistakes? Or would they truly act how they are right now?~.~
Serena halted at those words and stared at the ground, flashing images of
pain and suffering that Sankan went through came up.
"Sankan..."Serena sobbed out.
Serena closed her eyes to escape from reality for the moment and let
darkness sink in.
~.~.~Dream World~.~.~
Wildflowers flew around Serena's form. She was wearing a white summer
dress with a white hat and a pink sash. The blond girl's hair blew
wildly around her as she gazed around her surroundings.
"Over here, meatball head!"the familiar cry of Rei's voice met her ears.
Whirling around, she saw her group of friends dashing towards her. Quickly
being embraced in a group hug. Laughter and smiles greeted her.
"What am I doing here?"
"We're here to help you out, of course!"Mina slapped Serena on the back playfully.
"What do you mean?"
"You can't possibly mean, that you believe all those illusions. Do you?"Ami
pointed out.
"Of course not.."Serena quickly felt guilt wash over her.
"There is truth in the words your inner self speaks. But there are some
things in there that you must ignore. You only believe that it is
the truth, when it just something you thought of and believed. Sometimes
misunderstandings are taken in. That is what you must seperate from
reality..."Ami lectured her.
"Always the smart one,"Mina laughed out.
"Now go back, Serena. You have an event to win!"winked Lita and her friends
stepped away from her and faded away.
"Good-luck, Koneko.."Haruka's voice echoed inside her head.
~.~.~End of Dream World~.~.~
The multi-colored room greeted her again, but the images were now gone.
Serena groaned out and sat back up gazing wonderingly at her position.
~.~You've awakened..~.~
"You have showed me truth, but you have also showed me something that
I thought was the truth. Is this part of the test?"Serena questioned.
~.~That is for you to find out..~.~
"I see.."Serena nodded in understanding.
The nine figures in front of her stepped closer and each one held an
expression of sadness.
"I am sorry for the pain I have caused you all. Everyday I mourn
for you, I couldn't forget the suffering that you have met. Dying the
way you did. But it was what fate had in store. And that is something
that we can not overcome.
You must know that. And there is good that came from this..."Serena
stated.
"And what is that?"the one known as Mercury asked outloud.
"You no longer suffer. For rest has finally come and relieved you of
your duties to me. And I try to fulfill my promise to you all. The promise
of happiness and content that you, Endymion, has said to me..."Serena
pointed to herself.
At that smiles reached their eyes and one by one they faded away until
it came to Sankan. His body was now in a small form of a five year old
and he came closer to her. Serena knelt down and faced him, her eyes
welling up with tears of pain and sadness.
"Sankan, my son..."Serena held her arms out to him.
The small five-year old gazed up at the one he knew as mother but when
she held out her arms he stepped back. Pain shot through Serena's feelings
but she refused to cry.
"How could you?"Sankan whispered out in a bitter voice.
"I..I.."Serena stuttered.
"All these years, I thought you were my mother. But you lied to me.
You didn't tell me who my real parents were. Why? Why?! And the day
I died, I died...and you didn't even stop him!"Sankan shouted out to her,
tears coursing down his smooth and innocent face.
"I know, I should've told you. But...I was going to tell you that day.
It was too late, though, and I hoped that now you know the truth to
your origins.."Serena murmered out softly.
"Why didn't you stop my death? You could have, your immortal. Your
my mother..."Sankan gazed at her, his eyes wanting truth.
"I would give up my immortality and life to have you alive, but I did
what I could. It was too late by the time I reached you, my powers
couldn't bring you back...the beings saw to that..."Serena answered.
"I hate you.."Sankan shouted and disappeared within a flash.
"He hates me..."Serena softly whispered, bowing her head.
~.~What are you going to do now?~.~
After careful deliberation, a small smile appeared on Serena's soft
pink lips and she rose from the ground. She gazed straight and hardened
her eyes.
"Continue.."Serena simply stated.
~.~Wh-what?! Aren't you going to cry and mourn?~.~
"No. Deep in my heart, I know that Sankan forgives me for what has
happened. I know he does.."Serena shook her head and a smile was still
apparent.
~.~Hmph. You're not as gullible as I thought you were..~.~
Suddenly another form shimmered in front of her and Serena stepped back
at the sight that greeted her. The figure shot out towards her and
Serena stepped back in shock.
"Heheh...surprised? Don't be.."the figure stood up straight and
faced her.
"You're...you're me..."Serena gasped out.
"It's not all that big of a shock, is it? I'm your inner self..."the
inner Serena spoke out.
"What do you expect me to do now?"Serena hardened her features and
spoke in a commanding tone.
"Simple. Defeat me and I'll let you go..if you don't, I guess you'll
be here for awhile..."smirked the figure.
***********
Heero gazed in front of him. There stood himself as a kid with a gun
in his hand and a hard expression of an emotionless self. He held the
gun out towards him and pulled the trigger and fired.
Heero didn't budge from his position so he expected the bullet to graze
him. To hit him and make his bleed. To death or to a serious injury,
either one. But none of that came. As the gun fired, the bullet passed
through him and a thud was heard. The Perfect Soldier whirled around
to find a soldier fall to the floor and die. Blood poured out of its
chest and he fell to the dark floor, releasing his hold on a disc.
(I rememer this scene. It was when I first had my kill and mission.
Someone got to the disc before me, so I shot the carrier and took the
disc. That blood, the death, the violence that whirled around me didn't
even move my emotions. It was scary, I know. But I also didn't care.
I just accepted it. A mission was a mission. I couldn't be moved in
any way...)Heero recalled and began to move ahead.
"Where are you going?"Chibi-Heero asked as the kid faced him.
Turning around, Heero stared at the kid hard in the face but he didn't
even budge from his spot as he blocked his path.
"Hn."Heero grunted and started forward once more but Chibi-Heero moved
in the way once more.
"Where are you going?"Chibi-Heero demanded, his eyes flashing a dangerous
blue color that he knew oh-so-well.
"To the exit,"Heero finally revealed.
"Hn..."Chibi-Heero snorted and turned the other way, pointing away from
the direction he was heading to.
Turning around, Heero saw a doorway shimmering a good distance away from
him. At once, Heero ran towards that way only to reach a vanishing door.
Heero glared around to see a smirking Chibi-Heero with a gun in his hand.
"There is no escape from this place, Yuy. You have to go through
something within yourself before finding escape from this place.."Chibi- Heero
stated in a monotonic way.
"Do you accept it? Or do you refuse? If you choose to refuse, I'm
afraid you'll be in here for awhile. If you accept it, at least you'll
have a chance.."Chibi-Heero added.
"Mission: Accepted,"Heero stated in a monotone.
********
Serena hovered in the air and gazed down at inner self who was glaring
in defiance. The inner Serena put out her hands and chanted a few words
that sounded like a verse from a song then thrust out her hands towards
her body. A glowing white ball of flame came towards her and Serena
put out her arms to prevent any doing of serious damage. The ball
engulfed her a warm sensation spread through her body, when it was done
she came out all right.
Serena shouted out a lunarian spell and aimed it to the inner Serena.
The spell hit the inner Serena but what was strange was that she felt
the pain as well. Serena breathed out a small gasp of pain and stared
at the inner. She had a small smile on her lips as she tried to
recover breath as well.
"A reason why I'm not aiming for strong spells..."the inner uttered.
(Everytime I hit her, I get hurt as well. What about the other way
around?)Serena wondered.
Serena pushed upwards and began to fly once again.
"Searing rain!"Serena cried out and rain drops fell down from the
ceiling towards the opponent.
Icicle like rain drops fell down and hit the inner's body relentlessly.
At every pain, Serena winced and gasped out. In the end both were down
on their knees trying to recover.
"How long do you think you can last, immortal?"inner Serena questioned.
"As long as it takes to defeat you.."Serena pushed herself up and glared
at her counterpart.
"If you wish.."inner Serena bowed her head and took out a knife.
With a slash, the inner cut open a wound on its own wrist. Serena felt
the pain and stared down at her left hand, there on her wrist was an open
cut. Blood spilled out and fell down to the multi-color floor.
(If I kill her, I kill myself. It's the only way to defeat this
sick game. If that's how it is...then..)Serena figured as she gazed downards to
recognize a small scene from the past. It showed the day when Sailor Moon,
herself, was on the temple and Tuxedo Mask came by to kiss her awake. It
was during those times when she and Darien weren't together anymore. All
because of a twisted plan of Darien's future self.
Standing erect, Serena pulled out her locket and chanted out the words
to transform to Sailor Moon. Taking out her scepter, she stared hard
at her opponent who waited patiently.
"Do you even dare?"the inner Serena spat out.
"We'll see, now won't we?"Sailor Moon smirked and whirled her scepter around.
"Moon Scepter...."Sailor Moon started to shout out her attack.
(Let this work....please..)Sailor Moon pleaded within her mind.
The inner Serena widened its eyes as she saw the seriousness in Moon's
eyes.
"She's really going to do this.."inner Serena gaped.
"ELIMINATION!!"Sailor Moon finished the attack and aimed her scepter
towards her counterpart.
The attack blazed through the gap between them and engulfed inner Serena
without hesitation. Both girls shouted out in a scream of pain and
suffering. The burning of flesh, the pain, everything that the past
monsters felt she could feel ten-fold.
********
Three doors out of seven opened at once. And out of the three doors came
three figures.
"Only three made it..."Setsuna murmered as she observed from afar.
"What about the others? Can't they still have a chance?"Hotaru questioned
quietly.
"Iie. This part of the events was made this way. The timing of the
opening, the entrance, and the exit. If the seven contestants make it,
then all seven doors would open. If not, then only a few will come out
of this..."Setsuna entrusted to Hotaru.
"Will the others be alright?"Hotaru asked.
"Don't worry, they're fine...it'll take awhile before they fully
recover. But they'll live.."Setsuna placed a comforting hand on Hotaru's
shoulder.
"Let's get down there, now. Shall we?"Setsuna suggested and after a
small nod from Hotaru the two got up from their seats and made their way
to the seven doors of the Hidden Room.
********
"The winners of the top three of Competion Day is first place
which is Serena. Second Place: Tira. Third Place: Heero Yuy.
The fourth and fifth place sections is Quatre for fifth and
Duo for fourth.."the judge declared.
Duo and Quatre at that time came out of the doors on their
knees. Both heaving as if they were shouting and screaming in pain
and agony. On their faces, both were flushed from weariness. Beads
of sweat covered their forehead.
The first three who got out were Tira, Serena, and Heero. All three were
unconscious at the moment and lying on the floor. Suddenly life began to
stir on Heero's form. A small moan escaped his lips and his eyelids
fluttered open. His hand shot up to his forehead as he stood upright on the
floor.
"Welcome back, Heero Yuy...."Setsuna greeted him.
His eyes fell momentarily on Setsuna then to Hotaru. Then he stared around
the room until his prussian blues fell on Serena's still form.
"Is it finished?"Heero questioned in an indifferent tone.
"Soon enough. Nothing yet has happened outside of here..."Setsuna
quietly responded.
"Ugh...my head..."Serena complained as she shook her head and gazed around
her surroundings.
"Serena!"Hotaru threw her arms around her friend's neck in gratitude of
seeing her still breathing.
"Hey Hotaru,"Serena smiled lightly before her eyes fell on Tira's form still
unconscious.
"Something isn't quite right, is it?"Serena spoke outloud.
Setsuna stared at Serena before nodding her head in agreement.
"What do you mean?"Duo asked as Hotaru stood beside him.
"It means that a battle will soon begin.."Hotaru answered for them.
At that time the rest of the doors flew open and the bodies fell down
on the floor. Trowa and Wufei's unconscious forms, their faces
filled with pain. Laughter echoed from those two doors and soon it formed
as one large gateway.
"The time is now.."Setsuna announced.
From there, other bodies fell unconscious as a great big gust of wind
flew in. The large gateway blasted open and Makura's form came gliding
in, a smile on her face.
To be continued...
******************
Err..there goes that chapter. Chapter 19 finally in. Hehheh..#_#
By: Cheska-chan
Chapter: 19
E-Mail address: Minnashime@aol.com or AngellicSnow@aol.com
PG13
Disclaimer: *yawn* I don't own Sailor Moon, Gundam Wing, or DBZ.
Author's Notes: Errps, I just watched Oh! My Goddess! It was sweet,
really. I liked it, I guess. And as for that game I'm playing...well
I got Highwind now but trying to get a male chocobo is hard! *whimpers*
At this rate, I'd probably end up trying to be suicidal and trying to
destroy that Ruby Weapon. .
kay, so like here's the next chapter of this sequal. *rubs eyes and
stares back at the screen* *yawn* *waves hand signalling for it to begin*
**********
Early morning light met Serena's eyes as she stood on the bridge leading
to the Virtue Building. Aurora's rays shined down upon her and she welcomed
the warmth it radiated.
"Morning, today will be the last day for this mission. Today should be
the day Makura sets out her attack, whatever it is,"Serena murmered as she
placed both hands against the cool glass.
Suddenly footsteps echoed to her way and it made Serena's heart beat
stop momentarily.
"Heero?"Serena voiced out her guess, but for some reason she wasn't so
sure it was him this time.
The figure's lips drew close to her ear and breathed out the identification
of the intruder.
"Nice to think that I'm your hero,"chuckled the familiar voice.
Whirling around, Serena's eyes widened at who it was. There in front of
him was a young man with lavender hair and eyes that shined with seriousness
and care. He wore that oh-so-familiar CC jacket and a black top underneath
with blue jeans.
"Mirai Trunks..."Serena spoke in awe.
"Nice to see you too,"Mirai smiled down at her.
"What are you doing here? How did you...?"Serena was at a loss for words.
"I'm the only one who came. I used the Dragon Balls to get here,"Mirai confessed.
"But it's not until a year.."Serena shook her head in disbelief.
"For that time period, yes. But when you were gone I stayed and thought this
out. So what I did was use my time capsule and went back home. From there
I used the Dragon Balls to get to you.."Mirai revealed.
Serena bowed her head and lightly blushed but quickly hid her face by turning
back to the glass wall. Placing her hand on the cool material, she momentarily
closed her eyes and then opened it once more.
"You do know that you just signed yourself to staying here, did you not? I could
bring you back but...your time capsule to your original time is now gone. How
could you ever return? It'll be decades before your mother finally builds the
time machine..."Serena put out.
Drawing closer, Mirai wrapped his arms around Serena's form and whispered to her
ears.
"I don't care. Wherever you are, I'll be there. Just as long as I'm
with you,"Mirai Trunks murmered into her ears.
Placing her right hand on his arm, Serena bowed her head and then whirled around
to face him. A small smile played on her lips.
"You've sacrificed your way home, just to be with me...why?"Serena's eyes were
questioning.
At that question, Mirai unwrapped his arms from her and then turned the other
way. Serena faced him only to be met by his back. His reflection
showed on the glass and his eyes showed sadness.
"Back home, I met your other self there. The two of us were close over
the years you stayed in my dimension. But one day...you left and I couldn't stop
you. It was your decision. Ever since then, you never came back. No word
was heard ever again..."Mirai uttered.
"And...what was our...relationship?"Serena softly asked.
"Close. The day you left, I was going to...propose to you. But you
acted so happy when you told me that you gathered the DragonBalls up and
was going to wish your way back to your world,"Mirai told her.
"I'm sorry,"Serena apologized.
"Don't be. When you left, I didn't know what I was going to do. So I left
to go back to that Z world where father is at. When I got back, you just
came. I was surprised to find you there...at least I got to meet you
once more,"Mirai Trunks murmered.
"When you left again that last time with Sankan's incident. I felt
that you wouldn't return. I couldn't let you go again. I wouldn't,"Mirai
said in a serious tone.
"Mirai..I-I don't know what to say.."Serena shook her head.
Mirai was about to speak again when the speaker came on.
"All contestants for the last event please come to the Central Building,"the
announcer said.
"I have to go,"Serena said and went off through the glass corridor leading
to the Central Building.
Mirai Trunks stared after her, his eyes shining with love and sadness.
(I love you..)Mirai softly whispered within his mind.
************
"Finally we reach the final stage, the Hidden Room!"an announcer cried out.
"Currently we have the total of seven contestants with us today. Each one
will enter the seven doors set out in front of them. Whoever comes out first
wins the most number of points held within here today.."one of the judges rose
to speak out.
As soon as the needed instructions and information were given out. All
seven doors creaked open, signalling the contestants to begin and meet
their fate. All at once, seven stepped up and went inside. Once in,
the doors snapped shut in back of them. Thus beginning the last event.
~.~.~.~
The door de-materialized in back of Serena once she stepped inside. A
multi-color wall was now in place of the wooden door. All around her
were ever-changing colors and designs, not once did it halt or stop. The
ground below her was changing colors as well. This only caused the
immortal blond girl to start forming a headache but she refused to
let that show.
"What's going on now? What am I suppose to do? There's no
exit..."Serena murmered to herself.
~.~Survive this place and the exit will show itself to you~.~
(Huh?)Serena whirled around trying to find the owner of that voice but
no one showed up.
"Who's there?"Serena called out.
Heero stepped inside and was met with darkness, it was pitch black
with no sign of life. It was cold everywhere and silence met his ears.
(This is my inner self...)Heero wasn't fazed by what met him.
Suddenly small echoing footsteps began to make its way toward him.
Heero instinctively whirled out his gun, preparing to shoot his
opponent. His eyes widened at what he saw and he couldn't bring
himself to shoot.
(This is what I have to defeat..)Heero reminded himself.
***********
"Don't you love me?"a sweet voice beckoned for Duo to come closer.
"Of course I do.."Duo replied.
"Then come, come to me..."the figure of Hotaru was right in front of
him, wearing nothing but a light violet dress that fluttered as
endless flower petals whizzed by.
(My inner self...loves her. I love her. This is what my heart
has created for me alongside my mind. She is my life, my love...
my everything. Gods I love her..)Duo softened his gaze at her.
"Won't you come to me?"Hotaru piped up again as she stepped closer
to him.
(But..it isn't her. Is it?)Duo realized.
(I have to defeat her to get out of here. Could I? Could I really
bring myself to overcome anything to survive?)Duo wondered.
*********
"NOOO!! NO. This is not real! This isn't!"Quatre shouted out
in protest.
In front of the platinum blond haired boy was the scene replaying
in his mind, non-stop. His father dying and himself killing Trowa
with his gundam.
"Is it, Quatre? Is it just a figment of your imagination? This
is your inner self. This is what your heart speaks. What your
mind speaks. Something hidden within your mind that you refuse
to acknowledge. Thus this room was created to bring it out. To
see if you can face it. So tell me, is this nothing more than
just something made up? Did you father not die? Did you not
attack and believe to have killed your friend? Tell me, is
it all just a lie?"a voice echoed around him.
Quatre bowed his head, his hands pressed up against his ears.
Then suddenly he lowered it and raised his head.
"It's true...it did happen. It all happened..."Quatre murmered
in defeat.
"I caused the death of my father. If I didn't...do what I did, he'd
still be alive. Trowa wouldn't have been hurt...I did it..."Quatre
murmered in an usually small whisper.
*********
"Quatre?"Trowa turned to face Quatre who stood there with an odd
expression on his usually calm features.
"Why are you here?"Quatre asked him, his face still expressionless
and with something else.
"We're in a room. This is the Hidden Room. At least one of them..."Trowa
replied in indifference.
"You should leave,"Quatre said in a thin line.
(Huh?)Trowa didn't show his attitude or feelings from what his friend said.
"Leave!"Quatre said in a more demanding tone as he stepped closer.
(This must be what I have to face...my friend...)Trowa realized.
*********
Images swirled all around her from her past. The time when she was
born to her parents to the time which is known as the present. All over
the place from top to bottom it filled her brain. Serena couldn't take
all the pressure and fell to the floor to her knees.
"Why do you show this to me? Why?"Serena questioned over and over again.
~.~This is the truth. This is what has happened. This is what you
went through. This is also something you fear and dislike, isn't it?
Memories?~.~
The voice spoke reason and truth, making her feel more anxious to
get out of this place.
"It may be so, but I can learn to cope with this. It is my past and
present. I can't change it, but I can change for the better in the
future. I have learned to accept my fate...."Serena declared.
The images stopped and time seemed to have halted for that very minute.
~.~Have you?~.~
The voice spoke in amusement.
"I have. Even though I may not like it, it is my destiny. Something
I can't and won't aruge with anymore. I must put aside my feelings
and my needs and wants to serve the galaxy. To serve the universe and
its people. My duty shall come first. If I don't....everything that
I and my friends have worked for in the past will come in vain,"Serena
spoke outloud.
Then before her the multi-color walls and murals that swirled around her
stopped and formed as one gigantic blob of ball that hovered in front of
her face. Just then it seperated forming nine figures that she knew
so well while the tenth stayed the same once the figures came to shape.
"Mars, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Endymion, Neptune, Uranus, Diamond, and
....Sankan..."Serena spoke softly and in the verge of tears.
"Serena..."
"Serena..."
"Serena..."
"Sailor Moon.."
"Sailor Moon.."
"Koneko.."
"Serenity.."
"Serenity.."
"Mother.."
Tears formed in her eyes as she heard her friends, family, and loved
ones speak to her with such tenderness. Such care. As Serena made to move
a step toward them, their expressions changed drastically. Instead of
the words she heard them speak of acceptance and love with care in their
features it altered. A dark shadow loomed in back of them and their
voices ripped at her heart.
The walls around her darkened and replayed scenes of pain and suffering.
Death, blood, hate, etc. Memories she wished to go away, wished to disappear.
"You killed me."
"You hurt me."
"I sacrificed myself for you."
"I thought you were my friend."
"You left us to die."
"I loved you, you broke our promise."
"You let me die."
"Why did you leave me?"
"Mother..."
Serena shook her head, willing all of this to go away but it didn't.
"No, that's not true. It isn't true.."Serena chanted, trying to convince
herself and the others.
~.~Is it a lie? Aren't these images real? Didn't they happen..?~.~
"Yes, it did..."Serena accepted that face.
~.~Then why deny?~.~
Gazing up, she saw her friends and family in front of her. They stopped
shouting accusations, now they just stood there unmoving. All nine glaring
at her with hate burning within their eyes.
"Why show me them? They're not real. I know they wouldn't be acting
this way towards me. They love me...and I love them.."Serena murmered.
~.~Would they still accept you? Would they have forgiven you for
your mistakes? Or would they truly act how they are right now?~.~
Serena halted at those words and stared at the ground, flashing images of
pain and suffering that Sankan went through came up.
"Sankan..."Serena sobbed out.
Serena closed her eyes to escape from reality for the moment and let
darkness sink in.
~.~.~Dream World~.~.~
Wildflowers flew around Serena's form. She was wearing a white summer
dress with a white hat and a pink sash. The blond girl's hair blew
wildly around her as she gazed around her surroundings.
"Over here, meatball head!"the familiar cry of Rei's voice met her ears.
Whirling around, she saw her group of friends dashing towards her. Quickly
being embraced in a group hug. Laughter and smiles greeted her.
"What am I doing here?"
"We're here to help you out, of course!"Mina slapped Serena on the back playfully.
"What do you mean?"
"You can't possibly mean, that you believe all those illusions. Do you?"Ami
pointed out.
"Of course not.."Serena quickly felt guilt wash over her.
"There is truth in the words your inner self speaks. But there are some
things in there that you must ignore. You only believe that it is
the truth, when it just something you thought of and believed. Sometimes
misunderstandings are taken in. That is what you must seperate from
reality..."Ami lectured her.
"Always the smart one,"Mina laughed out.
"Now go back, Serena. You have an event to win!"winked Lita and her friends
stepped away from her and faded away.
"Good-luck, Koneko.."Haruka's voice echoed inside her head.
~.~.~End of Dream World~.~.~
The multi-colored room greeted her again, but the images were now gone.
Serena groaned out and sat back up gazing wonderingly at her position.
~.~You've awakened..~.~
"You have showed me truth, but you have also showed me something that
I thought was the truth. Is this part of the test?"Serena questioned.
~.~That is for you to find out..~.~
"I see.."Serena nodded in understanding.
The nine figures in front of her stepped closer and each one held an
expression of sadness.
"I am sorry for the pain I have caused you all. Everyday I mourn
for you, I couldn't forget the suffering that you have met. Dying the
way you did. But it was what fate had in store. And that is something
that we can not overcome.
You must know that. And there is good that came from this..."Serena
stated.
"And what is that?"the one known as Mercury asked outloud.
"You no longer suffer. For rest has finally come and relieved you of
your duties to me. And I try to fulfill my promise to you all. The promise
of happiness and content that you, Endymion, has said to me..."Serena
pointed to herself.
At that smiles reached their eyes and one by one they faded away until
it came to Sankan. His body was now in a small form of a five year old
and he came closer to her. Serena knelt down and faced him, her eyes
welling up with tears of pain and sadness.
"Sankan, my son..."Serena held her arms out to him.
The small five-year old gazed up at the one he knew as mother but when
she held out her arms he stepped back. Pain shot through Serena's feelings
but she refused to cry.
"How could you?"Sankan whispered out in a bitter voice.
"I..I.."Serena stuttered.
"All these years, I thought you were my mother. But you lied to me.
You didn't tell me who my real parents were. Why? Why?! And the day
I died, I died...and you didn't even stop him!"Sankan shouted out to her,
tears coursing down his smooth and innocent face.
"I know, I should've told you. But...I was going to tell you that day.
It was too late, though, and I hoped that now you know the truth to
your origins.."Serena murmered out softly.
"Why didn't you stop my death? You could have, your immortal. Your
my mother..."Sankan gazed at her, his eyes wanting truth.
"I would give up my immortality and life to have you alive, but I did
what I could. It was too late by the time I reached you, my powers
couldn't bring you back...the beings saw to that..."Serena answered.
"I hate you.."Sankan shouted and disappeared within a flash.
"He hates me..."Serena softly whispered, bowing her head.
~.~What are you going to do now?~.~
After careful deliberation, a small smile appeared on Serena's soft
pink lips and she rose from the ground. She gazed straight and hardened
her eyes.
"Continue.."Serena simply stated.
~.~Wh-what?! Aren't you going to cry and mourn?~.~
"No. Deep in my heart, I know that Sankan forgives me for what has
happened. I know he does.."Serena shook her head and a smile was still
apparent.
~.~Hmph. You're not as gullible as I thought you were..~.~
Suddenly another form shimmered in front of her and Serena stepped back
at the sight that greeted her. The figure shot out towards her and
Serena stepped back in shock.
"Heheh...surprised? Don't be.."the figure stood up straight and
faced her.
"You're...you're me..."Serena gasped out.
"It's not all that big of a shock, is it? I'm your inner self..."the
inner Serena spoke out.
"What do you expect me to do now?"Serena hardened her features and
spoke in a commanding tone.
"Simple. Defeat me and I'll let you go..if you don't, I guess you'll
be here for awhile..."smirked the figure.
***********
Heero gazed in front of him. There stood himself as a kid with a gun
in his hand and a hard expression of an emotionless self. He held the
gun out towards him and pulled the trigger and fired.
Heero didn't budge from his position so he expected the bullet to graze
him. To hit him and make his bleed. To death or to a serious injury,
either one. But none of that came. As the gun fired, the bullet passed
through him and a thud was heard. The Perfect Soldier whirled around
to find a soldier fall to the floor and die. Blood poured out of its
chest and he fell to the dark floor, releasing his hold on a disc.
(I rememer this scene. It was when I first had my kill and mission.
Someone got to the disc before me, so I shot the carrier and took the
disc. That blood, the death, the violence that whirled around me didn't
even move my emotions. It was scary, I know. But I also didn't care.
I just accepted it. A mission was a mission. I couldn't be moved in
any way...)Heero recalled and began to move ahead.
"Where are you going?"Chibi-Heero asked as the kid faced him.
Turning around, Heero stared at the kid hard in the face but he didn't
even budge from his spot as he blocked his path.
"Hn."Heero grunted and started forward once more but Chibi-Heero moved
in the way once more.
"Where are you going?"Chibi-Heero demanded, his eyes flashing a dangerous
blue color that he knew oh-so-well.
"To the exit,"Heero finally revealed.
"Hn..."Chibi-Heero snorted and turned the other way, pointing away from
the direction he was heading to.
Turning around, Heero saw a doorway shimmering a good distance away from
him. At once, Heero ran towards that way only to reach a vanishing door.
Heero glared around to see a smirking Chibi-Heero with a gun in his hand.
"There is no escape from this place, Yuy. You have to go through
something within yourself before finding escape from this place.."Chibi- Heero
stated in a monotonic way.
"Do you accept it? Or do you refuse? If you choose to refuse, I'm
afraid you'll be in here for awhile. If you accept it, at least you'll
have a chance.."Chibi-Heero added.
"Mission: Accepted,"Heero stated in a monotone.
********
Serena hovered in the air and gazed down at inner self who was glaring
in defiance. The inner Serena put out her hands and chanted a few words
that sounded like a verse from a song then thrust out her hands towards
her body. A glowing white ball of flame came towards her and Serena
put out her arms to prevent any doing of serious damage. The ball
engulfed her a warm sensation spread through her body, when it was done
she came out all right.
Serena shouted out a lunarian spell and aimed it to the inner Serena.
The spell hit the inner Serena but what was strange was that she felt
the pain as well. Serena breathed out a small gasp of pain and stared
at the inner. She had a small smile on her lips as she tried to
recover breath as well.
"A reason why I'm not aiming for strong spells..."the inner uttered.
(Everytime I hit her, I get hurt as well. What about the other way
around?)Serena wondered.
Serena pushed upwards and began to fly once again.
"Searing rain!"Serena cried out and rain drops fell down from the
ceiling towards the opponent.
Icicle like rain drops fell down and hit the inner's body relentlessly.
At every pain, Serena winced and gasped out. In the end both were down
on their knees trying to recover.
"How long do you think you can last, immortal?"inner Serena questioned.
"As long as it takes to defeat you.."Serena pushed herself up and glared
at her counterpart.
"If you wish.."inner Serena bowed her head and took out a knife.
With a slash, the inner cut open a wound on its own wrist. Serena felt
the pain and stared down at her left hand, there on her wrist was an open
cut. Blood spilled out and fell down to the multi-color floor.
(If I kill her, I kill myself. It's the only way to defeat this
sick game. If that's how it is...then..)Serena figured as she gazed downards to
recognize a small scene from the past. It showed the day when Sailor Moon,
herself, was on the temple and Tuxedo Mask came by to kiss her awake. It
was during those times when she and Darien weren't together anymore. All
because of a twisted plan of Darien's future self.
Standing erect, Serena pulled out her locket and chanted out the words
to transform to Sailor Moon. Taking out her scepter, she stared hard
at her opponent who waited patiently.
"Do you even dare?"the inner Serena spat out.
"We'll see, now won't we?"Sailor Moon smirked and whirled her scepter around.
"Moon Scepter...."Sailor Moon started to shout out her attack.
(Let this work....please..)Sailor Moon pleaded within her mind.
The inner Serena widened its eyes as she saw the seriousness in Moon's
eyes.
"She's really going to do this.."inner Serena gaped.
"ELIMINATION!!"Sailor Moon finished the attack and aimed her scepter
towards her counterpart.
The attack blazed through the gap between them and engulfed inner Serena
without hesitation. Both girls shouted out in a scream of pain and
suffering. The burning of flesh, the pain, everything that the past
monsters felt she could feel ten-fold.
********
Three doors out of seven opened at once. And out of the three doors came
three figures.
"Only three made it..."Setsuna murmered as she observed from afar.
"What about the others? Can't they still have a chance?"Hotaru questioned
quietly.
"Iie. This part of the events was made this way. The timing of the
opening, the entrance, and the exit. If the seven contestants make it,
then all seven doors would open. If not, then only a few will come out
of this..."Setsuna entrusted to Hotaru.
"Will the others be alright?"Hotaru asked.
"Don't worry, they're fine...it'll take awhile before they fully
recover. But they'll live.."Setsuna placed a comforting hand on Hotaru's
shoulder.
"Let's get down there, now. Shall we?"Setsuna suggested and after a
small nod from Hotaru the two got up from their seats and made their way
to the seven doors of the Hidden Room.
********
"The winners of the top three of Competion Day is first place
which is Serena. Second Place: Tira. Third Place: Heero Yuy.
The fourth and fifth place sections is Quatre for fifth and
Duo for fourth.."the judge declared.
Duo and Quatre at that time came out of the doors on their
knees. Both heaving as if they were shouting and screaming in pain
and agony. On their faces, both were flushed from weariness. Beads
of sweat covered their forehead.
The first three who got out were Tira, Serena, and Heero. All three were
unconscious at the moment and lying on the floor. Suddenly life began to
stir on Heero's form. A small moan escaped his lips and his eyelids
fluttered open. His hand shot up to his forehead as he stood upright on the
floor.
"Welcome back, Heero Yuy...."Setsuna greeted him.
His eyes fell momentarily on Setsuna then to Hotaru. Then he stared around
the room until his prussian blues fell on Serena's still form.
"Is it finished?"Heero questioned in an indifferent tone.
"Soon enough. Nothing yet has happened outside of here..."Setsuna
quietly responded.
"Ugh...my head..."Serena complained as she shook her head and gazed around
her surroundings.
"Serena!"Hotaru threw her arms around her friend's neck in gratitude of
seeing her still breathing.
"Hey Hotaru,"Serena smiled lightly before her eyes fell on Tira's form still
unconscious.
"Something isn't quite right, is it?"Serena spoke outloud.
Setsuna stared at Serena before nodding her head in agreement.
"What do you mean?"Duo asked as Hotaru stood beside him.
"It means that a battle will soon begin.."Hotaru answered for them.
At that time the rest of the doors flew open and the bodies fell down
on the floor. Trowa and Wufei's unconscious forms, their faces
filled with pain. Laughter echoed from those two doors and soon it formed
as one large gateway.
"The time is now.."Setsuna announced.
From there, other bodies fell unconscious as a great big gust of wind
flew in. The large gateway blasted open and Makura's form came gliding
in, a smile on her face.
To be continued...
******************
Err..there goes that chapter. Chapter 19 finally in. Hehheh..#_#