Authors Notes: I DID NOT WRITE THIS CHAPTER! The VERY talented and sweet Allure-chan did! ARIGATO NEESAN! (She's one of my Oneesan's and volunteered to write this so enjoy.) Oh and Ririna/Mamoru bashing ahead. MAJOR bashing so don't read if you'll be offended by it.
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Chapter Twenty: Shinigami; God of Death
Note: Arigato Usa-chan for letting me write this, and also to Pokahydee for giving me a few ideas, and to Eternal-chan and Himiko-chan for being pre-readers.
Duo eyes went blank, replaced with the only emotion he was feeling, hatred, and vengeance toward this girl, and her brother, Ririna and Milliardo Peacecraft. They had killed his Usagi, no his Bunny. All because of a stupid obsession over the Perfect Soldier. He grabbed Milliardo by the collar of his shirt, and pointed his gun at the side of his head. "I should kill you for that." Duo threatened the older man with a serve glare. "Both of you." He added, glancing up at Ririna.
"You wouldn't harm a Pacifist Princess would you?" She taunted, twisting Heero's gun in her palm.
"Try me." He retorted, narrowing his eyes, smirking slightly.
"Duo, pleaseI shot her, don't harm my sister." Milliardo pleaded with a very nervous expression.
"Urasai!" Duo yelled, pulling the former Oz Soldier closer, getting into his face. "Are you asking me to take just your life?" Milliardo gave a shaky nod, closing his eyes in shame. "If you think I'm supposed to fill pity for you, think again, you took the life of the only woman I'll ever love."
The other gundam pilots looked at their braided teammate, with jealous yet compassionate eyes, since they all felt the same way towards Usagi. She was gone, and they felt guilty for not protecting her. Haruka and Seiya also held the same guilt, they came from the past to protect her, even with knowledge all their past battles, a simple gunshot took the life of the Moon Princess.
Suddenly another gunshot caught their ears; all eyes turned to where it had come from, only to see blood flowing freely from the stomach of the Pacifist Princess. Her eyes flickered in shock, quickly turning to a look of betrayal. "Doshi te Hii-chan" She whispered, clutching her wound, falling to her knees.
Hiiro lowered his gun with emotionless eyes. "I told you I would kill you if you didn't leave." He stated, turning away. "And I meant it."
"Ririna!" Milliardo screamed, wresting free of Duo's grasp, only because the braided pilot allowed him to, and ran to her side, holding her in his arms, crying a few tears.
A few tears fell from her eyes as she coughed, straining to breathe. "Brother.." Her voice trailed off, wincing from the pain.
"Don't talk." He said, looking down at her, pushing her bangs from her face.
Neither Ririna or Milliardo received sympathy or empathy from the Gundam pilots, the two senshi, or even Ail; they stared at the pair with cold eyes, especially Hiiro, who stared at her with pure hatred.
She coughed again, this time with blood that was choking her. "It was supposed to.. be. destiny." Ririna said in between struggling breaths, before closing her eyes permanently, her body going limp in her brother's arms.
Duo watched him, tightening his grip on his gun, trembling. "You deserve to die too you know." He frowned, towering over the older man, aiming his gun at his heart.
"Duo.." Trowa said, placing a hand on his braided friend's shoulder. "It won't solve anything, it won't bring Usagi back."
"He's right though." Milliardo agreed, hugging Ririna's lifeless body against his. "Even if I was under some sort of spell, her blood is on my hands."
"Your so right about that." Wufei sneered at the blond haired man, still supporting the fallen princess's body. Milliardo bowed his head, closing his eyes. "There's no way you can undo what've you've done."
Duo sighed a long heavy sigh, turning away from Trowa, dropping his gun. "I still think you should die." He spat at Milliardo, folding his arms.
No one said anything; they all stared at Wufei and Quatre, who continued to hold Usagi in their arms.
Suddenly, her body began to glow bright silver, causing them all to look away. What was going on here? Was it the Ginzuishou? No, it was something else. Because, when the light dimmed somewhat, her golden crescent moon was glowing, and not only that, but it was shifting into a nine-point star.
"Sailor Cosmos." Haruka whispered, staring at the girl in the awe.
"She has fully awakened." Seiya agreed, equally marveled.
Usagi's body seemed to giving off a lot of warm energy, her gunshot wounds, as well as the blood disappeared, as if they were never there, and it morphed her cloths into Sailor Cosmos fuku. A moment later, her eyes opened, and she smiled brightly at Wufei and Quatre. "Gomen Fei-chan, Quatre-san, Minna. I didn't mean to make you worry."
"Usagi." She heard, receiving a smile of relief and joy from each of them, especially Haruka and Seiya, they had tears in their eyes.
She sat up, and her eyes flickered over them, settling on one specific person, Duo. She stood up, feeling dizzy at first, but shook it off, and made her way to him, pulling him into a hug. "Aishiteru Duo-kun." She whispered into his ear.
Duo couldn't believe it. Was he truly the one she loved? "Bunny" He said softly, wrapping his arms around her waist, resting his head on her shoulder. "I love you too."
They were oblivious to the jealous and hurt in the other gundam pilot's eyes. But Usagi still could visualize it in her mind's eye. She decided she would talk to all of them about it later, for now, she could sense Mamoru's presence, and she was going to make him pay for everything he had done to her.
Reluctantly, she pulled away from Duo, and faced Milliardo and Ririna, her eyes acquiring a hard glint. "Show yourself Mamoru!" She demanded.
"It doesn't matter if your Sailor Cosmos now Usako, I will find a way to dispose of you." He vowed, appearing in front of the two siblings.
"Not this time Mamo-chan." She replied sarcastically, narrowing her eyes on him.
He smirked mockingly, titling his head to the side. "What are planning to do to your loving husband?
Usgai scowled. "You are no longer my husband Mamoru."
"Then why were you so eager to marry me in the beginning. That is just so sad, since I never really loved you anyway." He retorted.
Usagi glared at him, and then her expression became unreadable as the Ginzuishou began to glow, shifting from a flower to a star. Glowing various colors, from silver to purple. With both hands she cupped the gem, and closed her eyes.
"Kore." Seiya's eyes widened.
"The Universal Crystal." Haruka finished for him.
"Arigato minna-chan." She whispered, seeing her senshi in her mind, who smiled at her with their tiara gems glowing, from channeling their powers into the crystal. This time, she could see Haruka, Michiru, and Setsuna.
"Be happy with Duo." Minako winked.
"Live life to the fullest." Makoto smiled.
"You deserve it Odango Atama." Rei nodded, her eyes sad.
"Learn as much as you can." Ami advised with a smile.
"Be safe Koneko-chan." Haruka grinned.
"We'll always be with you Usagi-chan." Michiru added.
"I'm sure our descendants will protect you with their lives." Hotoru nodded.
"Make your own destiny this time." Setsuna smiled.
Usagi felt her eyes tear up, but she gave them a very bright smile. "I will Minna! You will always be in my heart."
"Now! Get rid of Mamoru-baka, so you can get on with your life." Rei smirked mischievously.
"Hai." Usagi answered, opening her eyes, as the jewel received all
their powers, and watched as a staff, with two wings on top, appeared in front
of her. She held the crystal in one hand, and took the rod with the other, placing
the crystal ontop of it. Then she took it with one hand, holding it up, noticing
it was longer than she was tall, just like the Eternal Tier had been, when she
last used it against Galaxia.
Everyone gazed at her in awe, watching as a cape and two feathered wings were
added to her fuku. She faced Mamoru with firm eyes, and clenched the staff with
both hands tightly.
"Yurusunai Mamoru, for all you've done to me and my friends!" She shouted. "O-negai, Universal Crystal! Her voice pleaded as the gem began to glow as bright as the sunlight, then the light unleashed itself, causing everyone to shield they're eyes.
"Usako! You can't do this to me!" Mamoru cried out as the light surrounded him, sealing him into an unbreakable crystal, and then sent him into oblivion.
Usagi took a deep breath, exhausted from the high-energy usage, finally, when she caught her breath, focused her attention onto Milliardo, who stared at her with a hint of fear in his eyes.
"Milliardo." She started. He looked up at her, waiting for her to speak. "Since you were under Heero's spell, and Mamoru manipulated you, I will not kill you" A look of relief covered his face, but it was only for a moment until she frowned at him. "Demo, I will erase your memory of that has happened to you, and I will let live your life with no knowledge of what has taken place here. It is your choice to make. Should you choose other wise, I will seal you away as I did Mamoru, and believe me it is a fate far worse than death."
He was silent for a moment, reflecting her words. With a small smile, he hugged his sister on last time, before getting up, and facing Sailor Cosmos. "I accept your offer, and I ask you to forgive me for what I have done."
The senshi of the universe smiled sadly, nodding. "Your apology is accepted, and since you are a descendant of mine, I will allow you one wish for the new life I will give you."
He blinked, thinking. "Noin.." He whispered, as the memory of his former partner came to his mind.
Usagi nodded in understanding, and held up her staff. "Concentrate on that thought."
Milliardo nodded, and closed his eyes, focusing on the one woman he ever loved. This time, the light was not as bright as it had been before, but enough to make his body shine. "Arigato, Usagi-san." He said, before he faded out of sight, with his memories slowly fading.
Usagi smiled at that, and then collapsed to the ground, drained, at the same time, her fuku disappeared and she was back to herself.
"Bunny!" Duo shouted, getting to her first, and sat on his knees cradling her in his arms.
"Is she alright?" Quatre asked, running up to her, followed by the others.
Haruka knelt down beside the couple and smiled faintly. "She's just worn out." She told them. At that, they all calmed down, and sighed a sigh of relief. "I think we should let her rest."
"What are we going to do about her?" Hiiro asked, pointing at Ririna's lifeless body. "She is an important figure to the people."
Trowa closed his eyes in thought. "Perhaps we could make it seem like she had been assassinated."
"Sounds like a good idea to me." Duo arched an eyebrow, grinning impishly.
Usagi opened her eyes an hour later, finding herself on a bed, with Duo seated beside her, holding her hand, realizing he was also fast asleep. Smiling, she leaned up, and kissed him on the lips, waking him up in the process.
"Bunny, your awake." He smiled.
She returned the smile, and sat up. "Is it over?" She asked wearily.
"Hai, it's over."
"Where is everyone?"
Duo grinned, resting his head on his arms, leaning back into the pillows. "Hiiro and Trowa are making a fake assassination scene for Ririna, Wufei's in the gym, Quarte is reading. He paused. "Haruka and Seiya are talking to Sailor Pluto I think."
"Nani!" Usagi exclaimed, and stood up, panic in her eyes. "Where are they?"
Duo's eyes widened at her reaction. "Who?"
"Haruka and Seiya?"
"By the pool I think." He frowned slightly, and was about to ask more, when she ran out of the room before he could speak, without hesitation, he got up, and followed her.
Usagi actually managed to find the pool, without getting lost, but she was not looking and ran smack into Seiya, almost knocking them into the water, if it was not for Haruka and Setsuna who caught both of them.
"You need to watch where your going Koneko-chan." Haruka chuckled, steadying the young girl, while Setsuna did the same for Seiya.
Usagi flushed, then her expression changed to a sad one as she looked at the Senshi of Time, knowing why she was there. "Pluto" Her voice trailed off.
Setsuna nodded. "Hai, I'm here for them. It's time for them to go back to their own time. They have done what they came here to do."
"DemoPluto." Usagi bowed her head.
"Koneko, you will have a good life now, don't let sorrow ruin it for you." Haruka smiled, placing a hand on her shoulder.
Tears trailed down Usagi's cheeks and she hugged the woman, crying into her shoulder. "I'm going to miss you Haruka."
"Same here, but it's time you moved on, and live your life." The woman responded, hugging her back. "I will always be with you."
Usagi nodded, and pulled away, facing Pluto. "I going miss you too Setsuna." She said, giving her a hug.
Setsuna smiled, returning the hug. "I'll miss you too. Just remember what Haruka told you, and keep that in mind."
Finally, Usagi turned to Seiya, with even more tears spilling down her cheeks.
"Odango." He smiled sadly, taking her hands in his. "You'll always be in my heart, never forget that."
"Seiya." Usagi whispered with closed eyes, and threw her arms around his neck, clinging to him. "I don't want to say goodbye to you again."
Seiya held her close, soothing her, then titled her chin up, staring into her ocean blue eyes. "You have someone who will always be with you. I'm sure he'll bring you joy, demo I'm glad I got to see you again." He said softly, wiping a few tears away, before leaning closer, and giving her a quick kiss on the lips.
Usagi stared at him, speechless, lifting a hand to her lips. "SeiyaI'm glad I got to see you too." He grinned and stepped back, knowing Haruka would have a fit if he lingered the moment. "You'll always have place in my heart, say hi to the others for me."
He nodded in response.
"Don't forget about me." Said male voice. She turned and found Ail standing there. "Don't I get a hug too?"
She grinned, and hugged him also. "Miss you too Ail, tell Ann I said hi."
He chuckled and nodded, releasing her from his grip. "I will, take care." He said, then stood beside the other three.
Duo found the pool, after getting lost countless times, and stopped when he saw Usagi. She stood with her arms folded, trying to keep at straight face, without shedding more tears then she already had. Slowly, he made his way to her side.
"Duo-san, take care of Odango." Seiya said, giving him a serious look.
Duo closed his eyes, smiling his usual cheeky grin. "I will." He promised.
Satisfied with that, Seiya grinned. "Ja ne Odango!" He waved to her, and stood beside Setsuna.
"Ja Koneko-chan!"
"Bai Bai Usagi-chan."
"Sayonara Usagi."
"Take care." Usagi smiled, waving.
Sailor Pluto then held up her garnet orb, calling for the cherry road to open. A second later, it appeared, and with a last glance at the moon princess, they stepped into it, returning to their own times.
Usagi felt Duo's arms settle around her shoulders, and she looked over her shoulder, making eye contact with him. "Duo-kun." She beamed, placing her hands on his arms.
He smiled, and kissed her cheek, leading her back into the mansion.
Later that evening, a news flash of Ririna's assassination was all over the media, no one could figure out how it happened and who did it. So nothing further could be done, since no evidence could be found. Seated in the living room, on the couch beside Duo, Usagi, raised an eyebrow at the TV, leaning her head onto his shoulder. "You actually pulled this off?" She asked Hiiro and Trowa, who were seated on another sofa. They both nodded. "Where's Wufei?"
"In the gym." Trowa answered, keeping his eyes on the screen.
"I'll be right back." She told Duo, and got up, heading for the gym.
Wufei was in the middle of doing a few sit ups, when he heard footsteps approaching. He sat up, and resting his arms on his knees, waiting for whoever it was to come into view. "Onna." He teased.
"How many times do I have to tell you, my name is Usagi, not Onna!"
"I'm just kidding, Onna."
"Fei-chan." Usagi pouted, folding her arms.
He stood up, chuckling, and grabbed a towel, wiping the sweat off the side of his forehead, and pushed a few strands of hair from his face, since he had left his hair down. "I see you've made your decision." He said, his face hiding his true feelings.
Usagi looked away. "Hai."
"That braided-baka ne?"
"Fei-chan.." Her voice trailed off, her cheeks pink.
His lips curved into a small grin, knowing what she wanted to talk about. "Usagi-chan, I know."
"Demo."
Wufei walked up to her, and stood in front of her, running a hand along the side of her cheek. "I'll never forget what we shared." He promised, and bent down, giving her a gentle kiss.
"Fei-chan." She whispered as he leaned back, giving her a sincere smile, and left the room.
Usagi hugged herself, smiling inwardly. She would always love him in a way, just like Seiya and she knew he would always be there for her, just as Hotaru had promised. A moment later, she too left the gym.
On her way to the living room, she spotted Quatre in his study, reading a novel. Deciding she should talk to him, she walked the small distance down the hall, and lightly knocked on his door.
"Hai." He responded, not looking up from his book.
"Quatre-san."
"Goddess." His eyes lit up as he placed the book on the desk, and stood up. "Doze." He gestured for her to enter the room.
Usagi grinned. "I may be Cosmos now, but I'm not a goddess." She giggled, and took a seat on one of the sofas.
"You'll always be a goddess to me." He smiled, and took a seat beside her. Usagi blushed, and lowered her head in embarrassment. "It's Duo you love."
She nodded, staring at the ground. "Yeah."
Quatre shrugged, tilting her chin up, making her face him. "I understand Usagi, but I'll always be here if you need me."
"Hontoo?" She looked at him, her eyes slightly sad.
"Hai."
She nodded, smiling. "Arigato Quatre-san."
"Anytime." He said softly, taking her hand, and bringing it to his lips, kissing the top of it.
After talking to Quatre, Usagi began walking back to the living room yet again, but Trowa stood outside of the room, apparently waiting for her.
"Torwa-kun." She stopped in front of him.
"Usagi-hime." He began, taking her hand in his. "I know who you love, and I just want you to know I'll always be a close friend to you."
"Trowa" She smiled.
He gave her a faint smile and leaned forward, lightly kissing her forehead before walking down the hall.
Usagi watched him, until he disappeared around the corner, smiling yet again, and then finally stepped into the living room. Hiiro was the only one there, still watching the news.
"Where's Duo-kun?" She asked him, leaning against the doorframe.
"He went out to the pool."
"Hii-chanI." She stammered, walking up to him.
"Usa-chan, you don't need to tell me." He said, turning off the TV with the remote, and faced her. "I'm just glad your safe, and no one will harm you ever again."
"Hai."
Hiiro stood up, and kissed her on the cheek. "I'll always protect you Usa-chan." He promised.
"Arigato Hii-chan."
He nodded, and then began walking towards the door, glancing over his shoulder, with a small hint of a smile curved onto his lips before he continued on his way.
Again, Usagi smiled, touching her cheek, then left the room herself.
The pool, which was lit up by nightlights within the water, and the moon seemed to be shining even brighter than usual. Duo lay on a beach chair, looking up at the stars, with his folded arms supporting his head. He didn't even hear the approaching footsteps, until a figure loomed above him.
"Bunny." He smiled, and sat up, sliding over so she could sit down, which she did. "Been wondering what was taking you."
"Gomen ne Duo-kun, but I had to talk to the others."
He nodded, and slid his arms around her waist, pulling her against him. "I don't mind."
"You know, when seemed like I was pregnant?" He chuckled. "Yeah."
"Well, I'm not, since I haven't had any symptoms since then. I think I was just in a bad mood from being called fat."
Duo laughed. She smiled, and rested her head against his chest, placing her hands on top of his. "The Moon looks even more beautiful tonight ne." She commented, staring up at the sky.
"Hai, it does. I bet it's because of you and the ginzuishou, since you have connection to both."
She sighed joyfully. "Maybe."
"Bunny."
"Ne." She said looking over her shoulder, making eye contact with his beautiful violet eyes.
"I'll always be in love with you."
Usagi eyes flickered. "And I you." She whispered as his lips claimed
hers in a soft and gentle kiss.
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Authors Notes: AGAIN this was written by the great Allure-chan (Lady Allure)
if you like her style of writing be sure to look up her author name on my favorites
list and read some of her work.
