Disclaimer: I no own, you no sue.
`The Machine`
Chapter 12:
The Battle Before The Dimensional Tunnel
*Michiru -- Sailor Neptune*
I saw as my attack pierced the sailor senshi that was holding my lover, throwing her back, and, without a second thought, I ran over to Haruka who was panting heavily. She had various burns, bruises, and splotches of blood on her. "Haruka, are you okay?" I whispered and helped her stand.
She smirked lightly, "I'm as fine as I could get right now, yeah."
"Well, if it isn't Michiru?" Sailor Star said, and our attention averted back to her. She was standing with a sly smile on her face, blood trickling down her forehead and back. "I was wondering when you were going to turn up. Wherever Haruka goes, the violinist isn't too far behind, no?"
I frowned, already aware of the fact that the guardians here were corrupted souls. She was never like this, and I knew that there was no way of bringing Sailor Star back to the side of good. She was tinted with her own hate, her heart never to be pure again. But I couldn't hide the fact that I missed her. In her human form, she was a great friend of ours, and in her senshi form, she was Sailor Star, part of the Outer Senshi. "I never would have guessed that someone so innocent could turn out to be as malevolent as you now." I said sadly.
"It's no use talking to her, she wont listen." Haruka informed. I already knew it was a hopeless cause, but it wouldn't hurt to at least try . . . for old times sake.
"You should listen to the Princess of Uranus, Michiru." Sailor Star said to me. "I will not sit and listen to your babbling nonsense while drinking tea. You two either fight me to pass, or die trying."
"Where others fell, we will succeed." I replied confidently. "And not even you or your sister will stop us."
"Michiru?" Haruka whispered, already knowing what I was secretly planning. She pushed herself off of me unsteadily after I nodded, and managed to regain her composer after a few seconds. "Ready . . .?"
I responded by taking out my mirror. "Submarine reflection!" I shouted as a giant blast of water erupted from it.
"Space sword blaster!" I heard Haruka shout as I saw her attack fly, then intertwine with mine. They headed straight for Sailor Star.
Full force they met their target and dimly I heard a scream from our enemy over the roar of the ocean, the rustle of the wind, and the sound of our attacks. All too soon the dust settled and Star stood there, her arms crossed making an 'X' in front of her face, her uniform in tatters. "Y-you!" She shouted in rage. "All of you have betrayed me and for that I will make you all pay!" She placed her hands together until only a small gape was left, and slowly and tensely she began moving her hands further away from one another, a gold beam getting larger each time her hands grew greater in distance. "For what you all did, you will pay. If I can't have the things that I always wanted, then neither will you. No one deserves anything after what I went through! No one, especially traitors like you!"
I took a step back as did Haruka, we already knew what was coming. Sailor Star's strongest attack. It had the ability to be so large and so powerful enough to destroy the Planet Jupiter; the largest planet in our solar system. If she used it to it's full potential or even close to it, neither I nor Haruka would be able to survive. When the beam grew the size of a large volley ball, she held it over her head, the same sly smirk plastered on her face. She then became serious and closed her eyes in concentration before yelling, "Supernova blast!"
I shut my eyes tight as the golden ball of light made its way to where Haruka and I were. I was scared, despite the fact that I had faced death before. The pain was something no one could ever get used to, and worse yet, knowing you died at the hands of your old friend and fellow Senshi made it all the more painful. Strong hands grabbed my shoulders and my eyes opened forcefully just in time to see myself flying towards the ground. From then on, everything seemed to happen in slow motion.
I was out of reach from the powerful attack, though not yet strong enough to destroy even the Moon, was still incredibly powerful. It was all thanks to my savior, Sailor Uranus. Haruka smiled playfully at me, that same smile that made my heart do flips inside my chest, just before her eyes squeezed shut tightly, pain overcoming her features. Only then did I realize what happened. She had pushed me out of the way of the Supernova blast, and had taken the hit full force.
`No . . .` My mind refused to believe it even after the attack finished and the cliff edge gave way under Haruka, who fell down to the rock jagged bottom of the mountain where it met the ocean.
I screamed and cried, crawling limply to the edge. I couldn't see her anywhere! She wasn't there! "HARUKA!" She couldn't leave me, not after all that we've been through together. Tears poured freely as I began to shake uncontrollably, still searching frantically for any sign of my partner, my friend, my lover.
Laughter. I heard laughter behind me and I stood up. How could someone be so cruel? First she just killed the most important person in the galaxy to me, and now she was enjoying all the torment I felt. She wanted a fight, then she would get one . . . soon. "You monster!" I shouted as I turned around.
"What's wrong, Michiru? Afraid that your friend died? Angry that she betrayed you to go to hell?"
Panting, I took out my mirror. She wasn't going to get away with this if Haruka wasn't okay. 'Show me . . . where is Haruka?' I asked the mirror silently. It began to glow, and for a brief moment I saw my lover floating underwater, in the depths of the ocean, which was just below me. Slowly my eyes opened to see the smiling figure of Sailor Star, who was once a great friend of mine.
"I wont let you win," Was all I said before I threw myself off the ledge, hands in front of me, my eyes opened, my body arching in a perfect dive.
*Denkoshi -- Sailor Star*
That twit! How . . . why would she risk her life for Haruka?! Doesn't she know that this drop is over a mile up, and that the water is deep and filled with rocks? Why would she do a stupid thing as to jump from here just to save Haruka? I know that one day they'll abandon each other, they always do in the end. Just like they did to me . . .
///Flashback\\\
"I wont let you go alone, my queen." Sailor Sun said, my older sister. Taiyo was her human name, and that was what they all called her, including myself.
"Denkoshi," Queen Serenity said to me, "talk some sense into you're older sister. You understand that this is too dangerous don't you?"
I nodded, but said nothing. My sister was right, we couldn't let her and Setsuna go alone. There was too much of a risk in the forbidden gates. No one had gone on there before. Or at least, no one had gone in and come out to tell about it. "With all do respect, my Queen," I said. "I must agree with Taiyo. It is too dangerous, as you said, which is why we must go. To protect you."
"They do have valid reasons, Serenity." Came Pluto's calm voice as she opened the time gates and stepped out. "It would be a wise choice to have Senshi around to protect you if something were to happen. And there is no telling what goes on in the Forbidden Gates."
"Yes, I do know." Said the queen sadly. "Which is why I don't want anyone going with me, it is far too dangerous."
"We of all people should be able to handle it." Taiyo said seriously. "Appointed guardians of the Queen, Sailor Sun and Sailor Star here by wish to accompany you." She bowed, and I followed suit.
"Denkoshi and Taiyo, at your service once again, your highness." I added with a smile. "Just not at your disposal."
"Very well. . ."
And she had agreed, unknown to her, sentencing us to our deaths.
///End Flashback\\\
~~~
///New Flashback\\\
Neither of us, Queen Serenity, Setsuna, Taiyo, nor I knew what was happening when it did. We were all inside the Forbidden Gates, walking protectively around the queen when they attacked. The spirit guardians they were called. There were so many of them, at least a thousand. We didn't stand a chance. All our attacks went straight through them, and theirs hurt us.
It was only seconds before the Queen took out her Ginzuishou. We called for her to stop, but she didn't listen. She didn't even pay us any heed. I was angry then, at my failure to protect her. I had failed . . . if the queen died, my purpose in life was all incomplete. How could she be so selfish to kill my very soul by using the crystal? I had wondered.
Everything went black for a few seconds and then a sound filled my ears.
Screaming. Someone was screaming in pain, and I didn't even know it was me until I felt a stinging in my throat. Hands, they were everywhere; holding me up, ripping into my skin. Blood, there was so much blood on me and in my mouth. Why wasn't anyone helping me? The pain was to much, it felt like every spirit was attacking me and only me. But why? What about the others? Where were the others?
The pain vanished after something hit my back. An attack; which one? It burned my back and I fell, preparing for the painful impact that I would have soon. But it never came. Was I still falling? I opened my eyes slowly, painfully. They were heavy, as if they weighed a ton. My golden eyes met my sister's green ones, and she was panting. Sweat rolled down her face and blood was on her clothing. "Taiyo . . ." I whispered.
"Shut up," She rasped out harshly. "Please, don't talk . . . you need your strength."
"Where i-is everyone?" I asked, ignoring my sister's comment.
"Denkoshi . . . they've left us. They left, and now we're alone. I'm sorry, little sister, I couldn't protect you." She cried, tears running down her cheeks. One fell on my face and I blinked.
"Don't leave m-me?"
"Never."
I nodded, thankful that my sister wasn't going to leave. The queen had abandoned us. I knew Taiyo was hurt, but not as badly as I, and she tried not to show it. We both knew that if we died in here, the spirit guardians wouldn't let us leave. We'd be stuck here forever. It was too bad. "I want my revenge, Taiyo. W-will you help me?"
"Yes." Taiyo answered with no hesitation. "We'll kill those traitors one by one to see them suffer. That's the least they deserve for leaving us."
"But we have . . . each other." I whispered, and suddenly my eyelids grew heavy. My last thought was the joy I'd have when the day came when my sister and I would get our revenge together. That was the last thought I had the day that I died.
///End of Flashback\\\
I growled, the memories of what happened still fresh in my mind. They didn't deserve each other after what happened. They deserved to be alone for eternity. No one deserved to have anything. Taiyo and I died that day, and we were waiting for our revenge. Now that we have an opportunity, no one would take it away from us.
I walked to the ledge of the cliff and stared down upon the water's edge. There, Michiru was pulling a limp and non-breathing Haruka onto a rock. With a frown, I jumped down, disappearing half way and landing on my feet on top of a boulder that was in front of the two traitors.
"Well, so you managed to find her body. Lucky you, now you can have a proper burial." I mocked. She choose to ignore me, and didn't even flinch. She just proceeded to try and revive Haruka by pressing her palms in the center of her chest, applying pressure fifteen times before giving her air through her mouth. SPR, I think was what people called it. "What's the use, she's dead already."
Again, nothing. All Michiru continued to do was repeat the cycle over and over. "Are you ignoring me, Princess?"
She looked up at me as she was pressing down on Haruka's chest, and I took a sudden step back. Those eyes . . . they were filled with so much pain and determination it was intimidating. She looked away and continued to try to revive her fallen comrade.
"Why are you doing this? Haruka is nothing! She will betray you soon enough, and you will regret this day to your death." Were my words as I looked down upon the determined violinist.
"Haruka is all but nothing." Michiru firmly said. "I love her and the only thing that I'll regret to the death is letting her push me out of the way of your attack!"
"S-she pushed you away?" My voice wavered. It couldn't be . . . Haruka would do something like that? "Liar! You moved out of the way to save yourself but regretted it afterwards!"
"I would never do that. I'm no traitor and neither are Setsuna or the queen! I don't know your side of the story Denkoshi, but they did not betray you!"
She went back to doing SPR, and Haruka coughed up water. Instantly, Michiru turned the Senshi onto her side as she vomited up all that she drank when she drowned.
But I was barely paying attention to that, Michiru's words still fresh in my mind. How could Setsuna not have betrayed us? They didn't help me when I was hurt, and I died along side my sister because of it. 'But you saw nothing . . . it was all that Taiyo said to you . . .' A small voice in the back of my mind argued.
Was that true? Did Taiyo lie to me into believing a false idea?
~*^*^*~
*Minako -- Sailor Venus*
'Great, so now I'm all alone . . . again.' I thought sadly as I walked through the dark maze. There was some type of light up ahead, and that was the only thing that was guiding me steadily through the darkness.
Earlier I had been with Makoto, our Sailor Jupiter. Somehow, though I'm not sure how, we got separated and now, here I was. "Oh well, I can't die yet, I still haven't found a good boyfriend!" I said aloud, holding my peace sign in the air.
I was nervous, and it was really the only way I could unnerve myself. I mean, who would be completely calm while walking through a dark maze while having a strange sense of someone watching them? Just incase, I turned around and searched my surroundings. 'Good, no one is actually there.' I thought with a forced laugh followed by a nervous sigh.
The blackness around me suddenly disappeared and I found myself right at the edge of a cliff. My shoes were just slightly over its rocky edge and small pebbles broke free, falling what I guessed to be more than a mile down below. I gulped and took a step back. "Great, dead end." I mumbled before noticing figures down there.
I squinted, and, to my surprise, it was Sailor Neptune, Uranus, and another Sailor Senshi I couldn't recognize. But she didn't seem to be too friendly, and Haruka was hurt really badly. 'Oh well, better get them up here. Its the least I could do after what's been going on. And besides,' I thought with a smile, 'looks like they need it!'
"Venus love me chain!" I shouted as a chain wrapped itself around me, before shooting down to the long cliff bottom, grabbing ahold of Haruka and Michiru. With all my might, I struggled to lift them up, and was surprised at how heavy the two were. "I can do this," I whispered, taking steps back and pulling the 'Love me chain' along with me. Finally, Michiru placed her arm on the cliff edge, and hoisted the wounded Haruka up. Using the chain and the cliff for support, she pulled herself up, as well as the rest of Haruka. "Are you two okay?" I asked after the chain of hearts vanished and Michiru had pulled Haruka away from the ledge.
"Do you really want us to answer that?" Uranus replied, panting heavily.
"Okay, stupid question." I said with a smile. Kneeling next to the two who were in each other's embrace, I then asked, "What happened?"
"Sailor Star used her strongest attack on us, but Haruka pushed me out of the way," Michiru whispered. "So I had no choice but to dive in afterwards."
"You didn't have to do that, I'm prepared to die for you." Haruka said, just as soft.
"Well I'm not prepared to let you!" The violinist scolded, but I could see the pain in her eyes as she smiled down at Uranus. The race car driver seemed to notice it to, because she just dropped the subject and leaned closer to her lover who accepted the embrace gratefully.
I smiled. "Hey, c'mon, everyone's fine now right?" They nodded. "But why's Sailor Star not on our side?"
"She thinks everyone betrayed her when we didn't." Haruka answered. "She chose to come here by her own will and they got separated in the blackness. Then her and her sister were attacked by the spirit guardians who killed them for trespassing."
I grimaced at the thought of dying in a place like this. "So they died . . . here . . .?" Michiru and Haruka nodded. "I feel sorry for them . . . no one deserves this."
"Which is what Denkoshi and Taiyo think, hence this meaningless fighting." Michiru said.
Suddenly, a figure appeared above us and landed. It was Sailor Star. "So you haven't had enough, Denkoshi?" Haruka growled.
I stood up, ready to protect my injured friends. "Actually," Sailor Star replied, "I have."
~*^*^*~
*Taiyo -- Sailor Sun*
I looked down upon the fallen Sailor Pluto from my spot on a broken pillar. She was standing on trembling legs, gripping her Time Staff tightly for support. "Feeling as old as you are, Setsuna? Or are you just to weak to fight back now?" I joked with a sly smile. She didn't reply, her breath coming out in ragged gasps. We had fought for awhile now, and she was stronger than I had anticipated. Much stronger. Apparently they had encountered a lot of enemies to get this far. Back in the old days, she would have already been dead. "I'm surprised you lasted this long, old friend."
She said nothing still, her calm features still in place, but I could see the pain in her eyes. Finally she supplied me with a reply, one that I did not expect. Everyone was full of surprises lately. "You are right, I am an old friend of yours. Too bad, I really enjoyed the time we used to spend together."
///Flashback\\\
A little twelve year old girl with long dark green hair and garnet colored eyes walked quietly through the corridors of the castle as I followed her. She was just my age, and she was just like me; a destined guardian of the Queen of the Moon Kingdom. She was walking slowly, still in awe of what was around her. Rumor had it that she was the Princess of Pluto, and, because the planet was so far away, this was her first time here.
My green eyes followed her every move as she stopped in front of a giant painting; the painting of her mother -- the Queen of Pluto and the Guardian of the Gates of Time. "So that is going to be me soon," She whispered to the painting. "Well mother," she then said (still talking to the painting), "I, Setsuna; Princess of my respective Planet Pluto, will promise to make you proud."
My eyes widened slightly. 'So the rumors are true!'
She began to walk away during my stupor, and I hurriedly tried to go after her, but slipped and fell with a thud. "Ow," I moaned, dusting myself off. When I looked up, the girl was in front of me, looking at me with concerned garnet eyes. "Hi?"
She smiled and offered a hand to help me up. Accepting it with a smile of my own, I got up. "My name is Taiyo, the Princess of the Sun. A pleasure to meet you." I said with a curtsy. 'Sometimes my mother's politeness gets on my nerves.' I thought to myself, feeling slightly embarrassed.
I finished, and she followed my example gracefully. "The pleasure is all mine, Princess Taiyo. Allow me to introduce myself as Setsuna, Princess of my mother's Planet, Pluto, and part of Queen Serenity's court."
I held back my laughter, but snickered softly. "And I thought I was polite." I said. "Are you always this formal around twelve year olds?"
"When adults are around." Setsuna answered with a few laughs of her own. "I am a Princess, after all."
"Yeah, and we are 'supposed to be polite,' huh?" She nodded. "You know Setsuna, I think we'll get along fine after this!"
"I look forward to that Taiyo."
///End Flashback\\\
"Thinking about when we first met?" Setsuna interrupted my thoughts with her statement.
I growled. "That is no business of yours, traitor."
"I miss the old times as well." She whispered.
///Flashback\\\
We had been walking when the spirit guardians attacked. No one had time to worry about the other, and before I knew it, I was surrounded by white transparent figures. They all began attacking me, and no matter what I tried, my attacks were futile.
Suddenly everything went black for a few seconds, and the guardians returned, attacking with a stronger force than before. They were using me like a toy, throwing me this was and that, enjoying my screams each time a bone broke, each time a new cut was added onto my body. I tried to fight back, I really tried.
I kicked, I punched, I used my attacks, but it all went straight through them. But it wasn't logical! Their attacks were able to hit me, and they were able to touch me, but it didn't work the other way around. And all the while after, I just gave up. No one even came to help me. The queen had fled.
She wanted no harm to come upon us. Is that why she left us for the dead? And Setsuna . . . I didn't expect that from her. She was supposedly my friend. But not now, friends don't abandon one another. Suddenly, an ear piercing scream entered my mind and my eyes shot opened. I knew that scream . . .
"Denkoshi!" I shouted, running through the blackness as the spirits disappeared. I arrived in time, just to catch her from hitting the black ground. Her eyes were closed, and her breathing was labored. I checked for a pulse, it was fading quickly.
Slowly, she opened her eyes. Denkoshi looked at me for a moment, studying to see how I was, or maybe if I was an illusion. "Taiyo . . ." She whispered.
"Shut up," I rasped out harshly. "Please, don't talk . . . you need your strength." I knew what was happening; my beloved sister was dying. But maybe if she didn't talk and some strength was still left within her, I could try to get her out of here.
"Where i-is everyone?" She asked, completely ignoring my orders. She always was stubborn, even to the death. I began to cry, angry with Serenity, angry with Setsuna, the spirit guardians, myself, even my sister. Why was she leaving me now, also?
"Denkoshi . . . they've left us. They left, and now we're alone. I'm sorry, little sister, I couldn't protect you." I cried, tears running down my cheeks. One fell on my little sister's face and I watches as she blinked it away.
"Don't leave m-me?"
"Never." I promised. Never would I leave her. They'd have to drag me away after I was dead, and my soul would still be with her. Our mother was never around on our home when we were little, and died a while ago. Our father had died in a war when we were infants. All we had was each other, and our old friends, but they were gone now. The queen had abandoned us, her and her Senshi.
We both knew that if we died in here, the spirit guardians wouldn't let us leave. We'd be stuck here forever. I wouldn't let anyone get away with this. "I want my revenge, Taiyo. W-will you help me?" Denkoshi asked, as if reading my thoughts.
"Yes." I answered with no hesitation whatsoever. "We'll kill those traitors one by one to see them suffer. That's the least they deserve for leaving us."
"But we have . . . each other." She whispered, and suddenly her eyelids closed. Her pulse disappeared, and I was left there alone with her, holding Denkoshi close to me. She was the last family I had, and now she was gone. I knew I would soon join my little sister, already having lost too much blood to survive this ordeal.
I didn't know how long I was there holding my demised sister, it was impossible to tell in the black maze. But soon enough, my pain started to vanish, as my eyelids grew heavier and heavier, until they closed altogether. 'I'll get my revenge, that I promise.'
Those were my final thoughts before I died, reunited with my sister where we would wait until we got our revenge. One way or another, the Senshi would have to come here someday, and I was willing to wait as long as it took.
///End of Flashback\\\
My eyes opened and they went back to looking at the exhausted Sailor Pluto. "You're nothing but a traitor. I had to watch my younger sister die because you didn't help us. I will make sure you die painfully and slowly, Setsuna. Then I'll move onto your friends."
She said nothing, but continued to look at me with those garnet eyes of hers that should vast emptiness and loneliness. She had been guarding the Gates of Time, and had rare interaction with the Senshi unless of threats, but I understood her pain, and was glad she had some. I smirked, getting ready to do my attack.
I lay my hands down to my sides, my fingers outstretched. Slowly at first, I start to spin, creating a gust of wind around me that gets hotter and hotter the faster I spin. Quickly, my hands rise into the air and I start to spin even faster then before, vengeance in my mind. "Sun Storm Incineration!" I scream, and the dust around me turns to dust clouds of fire, that shoot out, each of them meeting Sailor Pluto as their target with perfect accuracy.
She screams in pain, and I smile, jumping from the pillar and onto the floor of the Moon. Walking through the dust, my eyes fall upon Sailor Pluto's unconscious form, one hand still gripping the Time Staff tightly. "Your days are done, Setsuna." I whispered, my palm outstretched, black crackling energy around it.
"Rainbow moon heart ache!" Some screamed, and the attack hit my arm, burning it savagely. I screamed, clutching it as I sulked away from my prey.
"Who's there?!" I shouted.
"I am the defender of love and justice! I am Sailor Moon, and I'm here to stop you from making a big mistake!" The person said as she stepped from behind a pile of rubble. "Pluto was your friend, and is mine! And I won't let you hurt my friends!"
'So this is the famous Sailor Moon. Perfect, being since she's also Princess Serenity.' I thought, rubbing my throbbing wrist. "Well, Princess, so nice to see you. Now you can join me in my little party of revenge. I'll start with killing you!" I shot a ball of thunder at her, testing her skills. She avoided it barely, falling on the floor in the process before she began wailing. I frowned; she was nothing but a nitwitted teenager! "You're supposed to be the Princess of the Moon, and this is how you fight?"
She stopped her insolent crying and looked at me. "But it hurt . . ." She whispered as she stood up.
"Baka, Sailor Moon, your carelessness will be your downfall."
I began to prepare for another one of my attacks, but a person I forgot about stopped me. "Deadly scream!" The ball of energy hit my back and sent me flying into a pile of rubble, the force of the impact causing it to crumble on top of me.
*Usagi -- Sailor Moon*
I sighed in relief and ran over to the senshi of time. "Setsuna, thank you." I said with a smile, helping the woman stand. She nodded, her expression solemn. I knew she and Taiyo were friends from the Moon Kingdom, and it hurt Setsuna each time she had to attack her. I knew the feeling. "Do you . . . do you think I can heal her with my Ginzuishou?"
"I doubt it, she is nothing but a spirit. Taiyo died even before the destruction of the Silver Millennium." Setsuna said sadly. "But if we can show her that we didn't betray her . . . then maybe we stand a chance."
"Right." I agreed as Sailor Sun shoved the rubble away from her body. How hard could it be to convince her? Not too hard, right?
"All of you will pay!" Taiyo growled, holding her rod in the air. She began shooting black energy balls towards us, but as Setsuna blocked them with her staff, I let them hit me, using one of my arms as a shield. I did not move. I did not cry. I would show Taiyo that we meant no harm, that we never betrayed her. "Why aren't you attacking?! FIGHT BACK!"
Setsuna was thrown against a wall and she fell through the other side, but did not reemerge. My only hope and guess was that she was unconscious.
Still continuing with her assault, Taiyo began strengthening her black lightning bolts and I let them hit me still. The pain was great, yes, but I had nothing else I could do. I needed to get Taiyo's trust, and fighting wouldn't bring me that. Dust settled, and I saw Taiyo panting, on her knees. I was on mine, and I could tell Taiyo was angry. "Why aren't you fighting?" She demanded. "You're supposed to fight back!" Before I had a chance to answer, a strong wind picked up, and I saw Sailor Sun's eyes widen into saucers. She sucked in a breath. "Spirit guardians . . ."
What? Who were the spirit guardians?
My question was answered when hundreds of small white ghosts appeared our of no where, growing brightly in the ruins of the fallen kingdom. I looked all around me, and they were everywhere. But they only headed after Sailor Sun. Why? I looked on with fright and confusion as they began to attack her, her screams ringing in my ears.
"STOP!" I shouted, but they didn't listen. "Rainbow moon heart ache!" My attack went soaring, and when it hit three of the spirits, they disintegrated. 'Yes, it works!' I shouted mentally, and continued to shoot my attack.
*Taiyo -- Sailor Sun*
I watched with wide eyes as the spirit guardians disintegrated with every heart that touched them. But why was she helping me? She's supposed to be a traitor! She's supposed to be against me, not saving me from my daily torture!
"Why?" I whispered as Sailor Pluto joined in, despite her tiredness. She was protecting me, her efforts useless as her attacks just went through the spirit guardians. Giving up her attacks, she began to swing at them with her staff. Setsuna was in front of me, keeping the spirits away from hurting me.
"Because, you are my friend." She whispered.
"You betrayed me . . ." I whispered.
"No, we did not. Haven't you noticed? The black maze separates everyone! It was just a turn of events that led you and your sister to be alone, while Serenity and I were together. And even though, ever since you two died, I have held this burden, knowing it was my fault for letting you come with us."
'It was my choice . . .' I thought, tears coming to my eyes. Sailor Moon was growing weaker and weaker, as was Setsuna. What would happen if they were to die? 'No, they will not befall the same fate as I. I'll make sure of that!' Standing up, I realized that only a few remained, twenty at most. Pulling my rod over my head, I slammed it down onto the ground and the blackness crumbled, turning red between giant cracks forming. Both senshi looked at me as I twirled the rod in between my hands, then holding it, the star on my forehead, I shouted, "SOLAR FLARE TRANSPORT!"
The scenery around us three shattered like glass, and the remaining spirit guardians died along with it. In the blink of an eye, we were standing in front of a large copper gate that was on top of a flight of stairs, the room around us a bright silver. I smiled, and everything went black.
~*~End of chapter.~*~
AN: My best friend died yesterday during her coma. She was 13. Alexis, she was my best friend and she passed away 3/16/02. I love you Alexis, you were my best friend and I'll remember you forever. Thank you for everything.
Next chapter out soon. Hopefully by 3/20/02.
`The Machine`
Chapter 12:
The Battle Before The Dimensional Tunnel
*Michiru -- Sailor Neptune*
I saw as my attack pierced the sailor senshi that was holding my lover, throwing her back, and, without a second thought, I ran over to Haruka who was panting heavily. She had various burns, bruises, and splotches of blood on her. "Haruka, are you okay?" I whispered and helped her stand.
She smirked lightly, "I'm as fine as I could get right now, yeah."
"Well, if it isn't Michiru?" Sailor Star said, and our attention averted back to her. She was standing with a sly smile on her face, blood trickling down her forehead and back. "I was wondering when you were going to turn up. Wherever Haruka goes, the violinist isn't too far behind, no?"
I frowned, already aware of the fact that the guardians here were corrupted souls. She was never like this, and I knew that there was no way of bringing Sailor Star back to the side of good. She was tinted with her own hate, her heart never to be pure again. But I couldn't hide the fact that I missed her. In her human form, she was a great friend of ours, and in her senshi form, she was Sailor Star, part of the Outer Senshi. "I never would have guessed that someone so innocent could turn out to be as malevolent as you now." I said sadly.
"It's no use talking to her, she wont listen." Haruka informed. I already knew it was a hopeless cause, but it wouldn't hurt to at least try . . . for old times sake.
"You should listen to the Princess of Uranus, Michiru." Sailor Star said to me. "I will not sit and listen to your babbling nonsense while drinking tea. You two either fight me to pass, or die trying."
"Where others fell, we will succeed." I replied confidently. "And not even you or your sister will stop us."
"Michiru?" Haruka whispered, already knowing what I was secretly planning. She pushed herself off of me unsteadily after I nodded, and managed to regain her composer after a few seconds. "Ready . . .?"
I responded by taking out my mirror. "Submarine reflection!" I shouted as a giant blast of water erupted from it.
"Space sword blaster!" I heard Haruka shout as I saw her attack fly, then intertwine with mine. They headed straight for Sailor Star.
Full force they met their target and dimly I heard a scream from our enemy over the roar of the ocean, the rustle of the wind, and the sound of our attacks. All too soon the dust settled and Star stood there, her arms crossed making an 'X' in front of her face, her uniform in tatters. "Y-you!" She shouted in rage. "All of you have betrayed me and for that I will make you all pay!" She placed her hands together until only a small gape was left, and slowly and tensely she began moving her hands further away from one another, a gold beam getting larger each time her hands grew greater in distance. "For what you all did, you will pay. If I can't have the things that I always wanted, then neither will you. No one deserves anything after what I went through! No one, especially traitors like you!"
I took a step back as did Haruka, we already knew what was coming. Sailor Star's strongest attack. It had the ability to be so large and so powerful enough to destroy the Planet Jupiter; the largest planet in our solar system. If she used it to it's full potential or even close to it, neither I nor Haruka would be able to survive. When the beam grew the size of a large volley ball, she held it over her head, the same sly smirk plastered on her face. She then became serious and closed her eyes in concentration before yelling, "Supernova blast!"
I shut my eyes tight as the golden ball of light made its way to where Haruka and I were. I was scared, despite the fact that I had faced death before. The pain was something no one could ever get used to, and worse yet, knowing you died at the hands of your old friend and fellow Senshi made it all the more painful. Strong hands grabbed my shoulders and my eyes opened forcefully just in time to see myself flying towards the ground. From then on, everything seemed to happen in slow motion.
I was out of reach from the powerful attack, though not yet strong enough to destroy even the Moon, was still incredibly powerful. It was all thanks to my savior, Sailor Uranus. Haruka smiled playfully at me, that same smile that made my heart do flips inside my chest, just before her eyes squeezed shut tightly, pain overcoming her features. Only then did I realize what happened. She had pushed me out of the way of the Supernova blast, and had taken the hit full force.
`No . . .` My mind refused to believe it even after the attack finished and the cliff edge gave way under Haruka, who fell down to the rock jagged bottom of the mountain where it met the ocean.
I screamed and cried, crawling limply to the edge. I couldn't see her anywhere! She wasn't there! "HARUKA!" She couldn't leave me, not after all that we've been through together. Tears poured freely as I began to shake uncontrollably, still searching frantically for any sign of my partner, my friend, my lover.
Laughter. I heard laughter behind me and I stood up. How could someone be so cruel? First she just killed the most important person in the galaxy to me, and now she was enjoying all the torment I felt. She wanted a fight, then she would get one . . . soon. "You monster!" I shouted as I turned around.
"What's wrong, Michiru? Afraid that your friend died? Angry that she betrayed you to go to hell?"
Panting, I took out my mirror. She wasn't going to get away with this if Haruka wasn't okay. 'Show me . . . where is Haruka?' I asked the mirror silently. It began to glow, and for a brief moment I saw my lover floating underwater, in the depths of the ocean, which was just below me. Slowly my eyes opened to see the smiling figure of Sailor Star, who was once a great friend of mine.
"I wont let you win," Was all I said before I threw myself off the ledge, hands in front of me, my eyes opened, my body arching in a perfect dive.
*Denkoshi -- Sailor Star*
That twit! How . . . why would she risk her life for Haruka?! Doesn't she know that this drop is over a mile up, and that the water is deep and filled with rocks? Why would she do a stupid thing as to jump from here just to save Haruka? I know that one day they'll abandon each other, they always do in the end. Just like they did to me . . .
///Flashback\\\
"I wont let you go alone, my queen." Sailor Sun said, my older sister. Taiyo was her human name, and that was what they all called her, including myself.
"Denkoshi," Queen Serenity said to me, "talk some sense into you're older sister. You understand that this is too dangerous don't you?"
I nodded, but said nothing. My sister was right, we couldn't let her and Setsuna go alone. There was too much of a risk in the forbidden gates. No one had gone on there before. Or at least, no one had gone in and come out to tell about it. "With all do respect, my Queen," I said. "I must agree with Taiyo. It is too dangerous, as you said, which is why we must go. To protect you."
"They do have valid reasons, Serenity." Came Pluto's calm voice as she opened the time gates and stepped out. "It would be a wise choice to have Senshi around to protect you if something were to happen. And there is no telling what goes on in the Forbidden Gates."
"Yes, I do know." Said the queen sadly. "Which is why I don't want anyone going with me, it is far too dangerous."
"We of all people should be able to handle it." Taiyo said seriously. "Appointed guardians of the Queen, Sailor Sun and Sailor Star here by wish to accompany you." She bowed, and I followed suit.
"Denkoshi and Taiyo, at your service once again, your highness." I added with a smile. "Just not at your disposal."
"Very well. . ."
And she had agreed, unknown to her, sentencing us to our deaths.
///End Flashback\\\
~~~
///New Flashback\\\
Neither of us, Queen Serenity, Setsuna, Taiyo, nor I knew what was happening when it did. We were all inside the Forbidden Gates, walking protectively around the queen when they attacked. The spirit guardians they were called. There were so many of them, at least a thousand. We didn't stand a chance. All our attacks went straight through them, and theirs hurt us.
It was only seconds before the Queen took out her Ginzuishou. We called for her to stop, but she didn't listen. She didn't even pay us any heed. I was angry then, at my failure to protect her. I had failed . . . if the queen died, my purpose in life was all incomplete. How could she be so selfish to kill my very soul by using the crystal? I had wondered.
Everything went black for a few seconds and then a sound filled my ears.
Screaming. Someone was screaming in pain, and I didn't even know it was me until I felt a stinging in my throat. Hands, they were everywhere; holding me up, ripping into my skin. Blood, there was so much blood on me and in my mouth. Why wasn't anyone helping me? The pain was to much, it felt like every spirit was attacking me and only me. But why? What about the others? Where were the others?
The pain vanished after something hit my back. An attack; which one? It burned my back and I fell, preparing for the painful impact that I would have soon. But it never came. Was I still falling? I opened my eyes slowly, painfully. They were heavy, as if they weighed a ton. My golden eyes met my sister's green ones, and she was panting. Sweat rolled down her face and blood was on her clothing. "Taiyo . . ." I whispered.
"Shut up," She rasped out harshly. "Please, don't talk . . . you need your strength."
"Where i-is everyone?" I asked, ignoring my sister's comment.
"Denkoshi . . . they've left us. They left, and now we're alone. I'm sorry, little sister, I couldn't protect you." She cried, tears running down her cheeks. One fell on my face and I blinked.
"Don't leave m-me?"
"Never."
I nodded, thankful that my sister wasn't going to leave. The queen had abandoned us. I knew Taiyo was hurt, but not as badly as I, and she tried not to show it. We both knew that if we died in here, the spirit guardians wouldn't let us leave. We'd be stuck here forever. It was too bad. "I want my revenge, Taiyo. W-will you help me?"
"Yes." Taiyo answered with no hesitation. "We'll kill those traitors one by one to see them suffer. That's the least they deserve for leaving us."
"But we have . . . each other." I whispered, and suddenly my eyelids grew heavy. My last thought was the joy I'd have when the day came when my sister and I would get our revenge together. That was the last thought I had the day that I died.
///End of Flashback\\\
I growled, the memories of what happened still fresh in my mind. They didn't deserve each other after what happened. They deserved to be alone for eternity. No one deserved to have anything. Taiyo and I died that day, and we were waiting for our revenge. Now that we have an opportunity, no one would take it away from us.
I walked to the ledge of the cliff and stared down upon the water's edge. There, Michiru was pulling a limp and non-breathing Haruka onto a rock. With a frown, I jumped down, disappearing half way and landing on my feet on top of a boulder that was in front of the two traitors.
"Well, so you managed to find her body. Lucky you, now you can have a proper burial." I mocked. She choose to ignore me, and didn't even flinch. She just proceeded to try and revive Haruka by pressing her palms in the center of her chest, applying pressure fifteen times before giving her air through her mouth. SPR, I think was what people called it. "What's the use, she's dead already."
Again, nothing. All Michiru continued to do was repeat the cycle over and over. "Are you ignoring me, Princess?"
She looked up at me as she was pressing down on Haruka's chest, and I took a sudden step back. Those eyes . . . they were filled with so much pain and determination it was intimidating. She looked away and continued to try to revive her fallen comrade.
"Why are you doing this? Haruka is nothing! She will betray you soon enough, and you will regret this day to your death." Were my words as I looked down upon the determined violinist.
"Haruka is all but nothing." Michiru firmly said. "I love her and the only thing that I'll regret to the death is letting her push me out of the way of your attack!"
"S-she pushed you away?" My voice wavered. It couldn't be . . . Haruka would do something like that? "Liar! You moved out of the way to save yourself but regretted it afterwards!"
"I would never do that. I'm no traitor and neither are Setsuna or the queen! I don't know your side of the story Denkoshi, but they did not betray you!"
She went back to doing SPR, and Haruka coughed up water. Instantly, Michiru turned the Senshi onto her side as she vomited up all that she drank when she drowned.
But I was barely paying attention to that, Michiru's words still fresh in my mind. How could Setsuna not have betrayed us? They didn't help me when I was hurt, and I died along side my sister because of it. 'But you saw nothing . . . it was all that Taiyo said to you . . .' A small voice in the back of my mind argued.
Was that true? Did Taiyo lie to me into believing a false idea?
~*^*^*~
*Minako -- Sailor Venus*
'Great, so now I'm all alone . . . again.' I thought sadly as I walked through the dark maze. There was some type of light up ahead, and that was the only thing that was guiding me steadily through the darkness.
Earlier I had been with Makoto, our Sailor Jupiter. Somehow, though I'm not sure how, we got separated and now, here I was. "Oh well, I can't die yet, I still haven't found a good boyfriend!" I said aloud, holding my peace sign in the air.
I was nervous, and it was really the only way I could unnerve myself. I mean, who would be completely calm while walking through a dark maze while having a strange sense of someone watching them? Just incase, I turned around and searched my surroundings. 'Good, no one is actually there.' I thought with a forced laugh followed by a nervous sigh.
The blackness around me suddenly disappeared and I found myself right at the edge of a cliff. My shoes were just slightly over its rocky edge and small pebbles broke free, falling what I guessed to be more than a mile down below. I gulped and took a step back. "Great, dead end." I mumbled before noticing figures down there.
I squinted, and, to my surprise, it was Sailor Neptune, Uranus, and another Sailor Senshi I couldn't recognize. But she didn't seem to be too friendly, and Haruka was hurt really badly. 'Oh well, better get them up here. Its the least I could do after what's been going on. And besides,' I thought with a smile, 'looks like they need it!'
"Venus love me chain!" I shouted as a chain wrapped itself around me, before shooting down to the long cliff bottom, grabbing ahold of Haruka and Michiru. With all my might, I struggled to lift them up, and was surprised at how heavy the two were. "I can do this," I whispered, taking steps back and pulling the 'Love me chain' along with me. Finally, Michiru placed her arm on the cliff edge, and hoisted the wounded Haruka up. Using the chain and the cliff for support, she pulled herself up, as well as the rest of Haruka. "Are you two okay?" I asked after the chain of hearts vanished and Michiru had pulled Haruka away from the ledge.
"Do you really want us to answer that?" Uranus replied, panting heavily.
"Okay, stupid question." I said with a smile. Kneeling next to the two who were in each other's embrace, I then asked, "What happened?"
"Sailor Star used her strongest attack on us, but Haruka pushed me out of the way," Michiru whispered. "So I had no choice but to dive in afterwards."
"You didn't have to do that, I'm prepared to die for you." Haruka said, just as soft.
"Well I'm not prepared to let you!" The violinist scolded, but I could see the pain in her eyes as she smiled down at Uranus. The race car driver seemed to notice it to, because she just dropped the subject and leaned closer to her lover who accepted the embrace gratefully.
I smiled. "Hey, c'mon, everyone's fine now right?" They nodded. "But why's Sailor Star not on our side?"
"She thinks everyone betrayed her when we didn't." Haruka answered. "She chose to come here by her own will and they got separated in the blackness. Then her and her sister were attacked by the spirit guardians who killed them for trespassing."
I grimaced at the thought of dying in a place like this. "So they died . . . here . . .?" Michiru and Haruka nodded. "I feel sorry for them . . . no one deserves this."
"Which is what Denkoshi and Taiyo think, hence this meaningless fighting." Michiru said.
Suddenly, a figure appeared above us and landed. It was Sailor Star. "So you haven't had enough, Denkoshi?" Haruka growled.
I stood up, ready to protect my injured friends. "Actually," Sailor Star replied, "I have."
~*^*^*~
*Taiyo -- Sailor Sun*
I looked down upon the fallen Sailor Pluto from my spot on a broken pillar. She was standing on trembling legs, gripping her Time Staff tightly for support. "Feeling as old as you are, Setsuna? Or are you just to weak to fight back now?" I joked with a sly smile. She didn't reply, her breath coming out in ragged gasps. We had fought for awhile now, and she was stronger than I had anticipated. Much stronger. Apparently they had encountered a lot of enemies to get this far. Back in the old days, she would have already been dead. "I'm surprised you lasted this long, old friend."
She said nothing still, her calm features still in place, but I could see the pain in her eyes. Finally she supplied me with a reply, one that I did not expect. Everyone was full of surprises lately. "You are right, I am an old friend of yours. Too bad, I really enjoyed the time we used to spend together."
///Flashback\\\
A little twelve year old girl with long dark green hair and garnet colored eyes walked quietly through the corridors of the castle as I followed her. She was just my age, and she was just like me; a destined guardian of the Queen of the Moon Kingdom. She was walking slowly, still in awe of what was around her. Rumor had it that she was the Princess of Pluto, and, because the planet was so far away, this was her first time here.
My green eyes followed her every move as she stopped in front of a giant painting; the painting of her mother -- the Queen of Pluto and the Guardian of the Gates of Time. "So that is going to be me soon," She whispered to the painting. "Well mother," she then said (still talking to the painting), "I, Setsuna; Princess of my respective Planet Pluto, will promise to make you proud."
My eyes widened slightly. 'So the rumors are true!'
She began to walk away during my stupor, and I hurriedly tried to go after her, but slipped and fell with a thud. "Ow," I moaned, dusting myself off. When I looked up, the girl was in front of me, looking at me with concerned garnet eyes. "Hi?"
She smiled and offered a hand to help me up. Accepting it with a smile of my own, I got up. "My name is Taiyo, the Princess of the Sun. A pleasure to meet you." I said with a curtsy. 'Sometimes my mother's politeness gets on my nerves.' I thought to myself, feeling slightly embarrassed.
I finished, and she followed my example gracefully. "The pleasure is all mine, Princess Taiyo. Allow me to introduce myself as Setsuna, Princess of my mother's Planet, Pluto, and part of Queen Serenity's court."
I held back my laughter, but snickered softly. "And I thought I was polite." I said. "Are you always this formal around twelve year olds?"
"When adults are around." Setsuna answered with a few laughs of her own. "I am a Princess, after all."
"Yeah, and we are 'supposed to be polite,' huh?" She nodded. "You know Setsuna, I think we'll get along fine after this!"
"I look forward to that Taiyo."
///End Flashback\\\
"Thinking about when we first met?" Setsuna interrupted my thoughts with her statement.
I growled. "That is no business of yours, traitor."
"I miss the old times as well." She whispered.
///Flashback\\\
We had been walking when the spirit guardians attacked. No one had time to worry about the other, and before I knew it, I was surrounded by white transparent figures. They all began attacking me, and no matter what I tried, my attacks were futile.
Suddenly everything went black for a few seconds, and the guardians returned, attacking with a stronger force than before. They were using me like a toy, throwing me this was and that, enjoying my screams each time a bone broke, each time a new cut was added onto my body. I tried to fight back, I really tried.
I kicked, I punched, I used my attacks, but it all went straight through them. But it wasn't logical! Their attacks were able to hit me, and they were able to touch me, but it didn't work the other way around. And all the while after, I just gave up. No one even came to help me. The queen had fled.
She wanted no harm to come upon us. Is that why she left us for the dead? And Setsuna . . . I didn't expect that from her. She was supposedly my friend. But not now, friends don't abandon one another. Suddenly, an ear piercing scream entered my mind and my eyes shot opened. I knew that scream . . .
"Denkoshi!" I shouted, running through the blackness as the spirits disappeared. I arrived in time, just to catch her from hitting the black ground. Her eyes were closed, and her breathing was labored. I checked for a pulse, it was fading quickly.
Slowly, she opened her eyes. Denkoshi looked at me for a moment, studying to see how I was, or maybe if I was an illusion. "Taiyo . . ." She whispered.
"Shut up," I rasped out harshly. "Please, don't talk . . . you need your strength." I knew what was happening; my beloved sister was dying. But maybe if she didn't talk and some strength was still left within her, I could try to get her out of here.
"Where i-is everyone?" She asked, completely ignoring my orders. She always was stubborn, even to the death. I began to cry, angry with Serenity, angry with Setsuna, the spirit guardians, myself, even my sister. Why was she leaving me now, also?
"Denkoshi . . . they've left us. They left, and now we're alone. I'm sorry, little sister, I couldn't protect you." I cried, tears running down my cheeks. One fell on my little sister's face and I watches as she blinked it away.
"Don't leave m-me?"
"Never." I promised. Never would I leave her. They'd have to drag me away after I was dead, and my soul would still be with her. Our mother was never around on our home when we were little, and died a while ago. Our father had died in a war when we were infants. All we had was each other, and our old friends, but they were gone now. The queen had abandoned us, her and her Senshi.
We both knew that if we died in here, the spirit guardians wouldn't let us leave. We'd be stuck here forever. I wouldn't let anyone get away with this. "I want my revenge, Taiyo. W-will you help me?" Denkoshi asked, as if reading my thoughts.
"Yes." I answered with no hesitation whatsoever. "We'll kill those traitors one by one to see them suffer. That's the least they deserve for leaving us."
"But we have . . . each other." She whispered, and suddenly her eyelids closed. Her pulse disappeared, and I was left there alone with her, holding Denkoshi close to me. She was the last family I had, and now she was gone. I knew I would soon join my little sister, already having lost too much blood to survive this ordeal.
I didn't know how long I was there holding my demised sister, it was impossible to tell in the black maze. But soon enough, my pain started to vanish, as my eyelids grew heavier and heavier, until they closed altogether. 'I'll get my revenge, that I promise.'
Those were my final thoughts before I died, reunited with my sister where we would wait until we got our revenge. One way or another, the Senshi would have to come here someday, and I was willing to wait as long as it took.
///End of Flashback\\\
My eyes opened and they went back to looking at the exhausted Sailor Pluto. "You're nothing but a traitor. I had to watch my younger sister die because you didn't help us. I will make sure you die painfully and slowly, Setsuna. Then I'll move onto your friends."
She said nothing, but continued to look at me with those garnet eyes of hers that should vast emptiness and loneliness. She had been guarding the Gates of Time, and had rare interaction with the Senshi unless of threats, but I understood her pain, and was glad she had some. I smirked, getting ready to do my attack.
I lay my hands down to my sides, my fingers outstretched. Slowly at first, I start to spin, creating a gust of wind around me that gets hotter and hotter the faster I spin. Quickly, my hands rise into the air and I start to spin even faster then before, vengeance in my mind. "Sun Storm Incineration!" I scream, and the dust around me turns to dust clouds of fire, that shoot out, each of them meeting Sailor Pluto as their target with perfect accuracy.
She screams in pain, and I smile, jumping from the pillar and onto the floor of the Moon. Walking through the dust, my eyes fall upon Sailor Pluto's unconscious form, one hand still gripping the Time Staff tightly. "Your days are done, Setsuna." I whispered, my palm outstretched, black crackling energy around it.
"Rainbow moon heart ache!" Some screamed, and the attack hit my arm, burning it savagely. I screamed, clutching it as I sulked away from my prey.
"Who's there?!" I shouted.
"I am the defender of love and justice! I am Sailor Moon, and I'm here to stop you from making a big mistake!" The person said as she stepped from behind a pile of rubble. "Pluto was your friend, and is mine! And I won't let you hurt my friends!"
'So this is the famous Sailor Moon. Perfect, being since she's also Princess Serenity.' I thought, rubbing my throbbing wrist. "Well, Princess, so nice to see you. Now you can join me in my little party of revenge. I'll start with killing you!" I shot a ball of thunder at her, testing her skills. She avoided it barely, falling on the floor in the process before she began wailing. I frowned; she was nothing but a nitwitted teenager! "You're supposed to be the Princess of the Moon, and this is how you fight?"
She stopped her insolent crying and looked at me. "But it hurt . . ." She whispered as she stood up.
"Baka, Sailor Moon, your carelessness will be your downfall."
I began to prepare for another one of my attacks, but a person I forgot about stopped me. "Deadly scream!" The ball of energy hit my back and sent me flying into a pile of rubble, the force of the impact causing it to crumble on top of me.
*Usagi -- Sailor Moon*
I sighed in relief and ran over to the senshi of time. "Setsuna, thank you." I said with a smile, helping the woman stand. She nodded, her expression solemn. I knew she and Taiyo were friends from the Moon Kingdom, and it hurt Setsuna each time she had to attack her. I knew the feeling. "Do you . . . do you think I can heal her with my Ginzuishou?"
"I doubt it, she is nothing but a spirit. Taiyo died even before the destruction of the Silver Millennium." Setsuna said sadly. "But if we can show her that we didn't betray her . . . then maybe we stand a chance."
"Right." I agreed as Sailor Sun shoved the rubble away from her body. How hard could it be to convince her? Not too hard, right?
"All of you will pay!" Taiyo growled, holding her rod in the air. She began shooting black energy balls towards us, but as Setsuna blocked them with her staff, I let them hit me, using one of my arms as a shield. I did not move. I did not cry. I would show Taiyo that we meant no harm, that we never betrayed her. "Why aren't you attacking?! FIGHT BACK!"
Setsuna was thrown against a wall and she fell through the other side, but did not reemerge. My only hope and guess was that she was unconscious.
Still continuing with her assault, Taiyo began strengthening her black lightning bolts and I let them hit me still. The pain was great, yes, but I had nothing else I could do. I needed to get Taiyo's trust, and fighting wouldn't bring me that. Dust settled, and I saw Taiyo panting, on her knees. I was on mine, and I could tell Taiyo was angry. "Why aren't you fighting?" She demanded. "You're supposed to fight back!" Before I had a chance to answer, a strong wind picked up, and I saw Sailor Sun's eyes widen into saucers. She sucked in a breath. "Spirit guardians . . ."
What? Who were the spirit guardians?
My question was answered when hundreds of small white ghosts appeared our of no where, growing brightly in the ruins of the fallen kingdom. I looked all around me, and they were everywhere. But they only headed after Sailor Sun. Why? I looked on with fright and confusion as they began to attack her, her screams ringing in my ears.
"STOP!" I shouted, but they didn't listen. "Rainbow moon heart ache!" My attack went soaring, and when it hit three of the spirits, they disintegrated. 'Yes, it works!' I shouted mentally, and continued to shoot my attack.
*Taiyo -- Sailor Sun*
I watched with wide eyes as the spirit guardians disintegrated with every heart that touched them. But why was she helping me? She's supposed to be a traitor! She's supposed to be against me, not saving me from my daily torture!
"Why?" I whispered as Sailor Pluto joined in, despite her tiredness. She was protecting me, her efforts useless as her attacks just went through the spirit guardians. Giving up her attacks, she began to swing at them with her staff. Setsuna was in front of me, keeping the spirits away from hurting me.
"Because, you are my friend." She whispered.
"You betrayed me . . ." I whispered.
"No, we did not. Haven't you noticed? The black maze separates everyone! It was just a turn of events that led you and your sister to be alone, while Serenity and I were together. And even though, ever since you two died, I have held this burden, knowing it was my fault for letting you come with us."
'It was my choice . . .' I thought, tears coming to my eyes. Sailor Moon was growing weaker and weaker, as was Setsuna. What would happen if they were to die? 'No, they will not befall the same fate as I. I'll make sure of that!' Standing up, I realized that only a few remained, twenty at most. Pulling my rod over my head, I slammed it down onto the ground and the blackness crumbled, turning red between giant cracks forming. Both senshi looked at me as I twirled the rod in between my hands, then holding it, the star on my forehead, I shouted, "SOLAR FLARE TRANSPORT!"
The scenery around us three shattered like glass, and the remaining spirit guardians died along with it. In the blink of an eye, we were standing in front of a large copper gate that was on top of a flight of stairs, the room around us a bright silver. I smiled, and everything went black.
~*~End of chapter.~*~
AN: My best friend died yesterday during her coma. She was 13. Alexis, she was my best friend and she passed away 3/16/02. I love you Alexis, you were my best friend and I'll remember you forever. Thank you for everything.
Next chapter out soon. Hopefully by 3/20/02.