Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon.
A long time ago, when I first started this fic, I promised 2 endings with different pairings.
Well, a recent review made me remember how long it's been since I worked on this fic, so here is the re-write of
the final chapter, and the alternate couple.
Info on the pairings on this part:
Serenity/Mamoru
Usagi-chan/Helios
Only A Memory Away
By: Lirial Raito
Chapter 15: Alternate Ending 2: Yesterday's Destiny
= = = = = = = = =
I had believed that only the whirlpool of tears
Were able to become adults
I became dizzy from my feelings that didn't reach you
I remembered it and then stopped in place
I bid farewell, and as I began to depart I saw
Your lips, which saddened me
You told me not to go anywhere anymore
And we held each other so tight that it almost hurt
I was smiling from this close but
I pretended I didn't know anything as I watched
I can't put my feelings into words very well...
I realized
You stopped time and waited
I searched for you, the one and only
The times that forgot about the hour
Began to move
Even if it wasn't reality and was like opening something empty
I came close to you and told you not to go yet
On the planet that floats in the sky
Yeah! We did it
= = = = = = = = = =
===================
|Day: Friday, March 13 3013.|
===================
Change… the only thing in life that is certain. What once was shall be no more, and those narrowed strands that
Fate had discarded as too fragile grow in strength with love. The future carved in stone shatters under the
presence of the crystal, granting that single wish for love. Who is chosen, and who is left behind in the fickle
sands of Time?
= = = = =
In the tower that appeared hers, and hers alone, the young woman gazed down the long hallway to where her
room awaited, and outwards where her friends stayed. So many privileges, hindered with the responsibilities of
her position, yet again, all hers. She had accepted this life, chosen to stay and learn, chosen to love someone who
she hadn't seen in years, yet never stopped missing. And she had accepted the responsibility of choosing
someone to marry that was acceptable to her position as Heir.
Usagi-chan was getting more used to staying in the Crystal Palace without feeling as if her duties would suffocate
her, even though she still felt a bit odd with the status of her relationship with her mother, and the sacrifice her
position required. She was still getting used to having Senshi of her own, and being a senshi, even though she
wasn't really allowed to train the way the other Sailor Senshi did. No, she had to practice her powers alone, and
expand them beyond what her mother had been able too… And then there was her love life…
Her knight in shining armor and riding upon a winged white steed, Helios, had been behaving oddly, getting angry
with her for no reason, and snapping at Hotaru and Sailor Kitsune. Overall, the only person he was genuinely nice
to lately had been Mamoru. Helios wouldn't spend any time alone with Usagi, and yet he complained about the
time she spent with Hotaru, or when she got visits from Peruru. All of which led to her being angry with the priest,
and not really wanting to spend time with him.
Life was just getting better and better.
She had endured this behavior of Helios' for three months now, and her patience with him where worn to a thin
strand, making her wonder what she had ever done to upset him so. She cared for him deeply, and hated seeing
him acting this way. He was her eternal love, her soul mate… did he not have faith in her love, did he perhaps get
jealous of her strong friendship with Hotaru and Peruru?
She shook her head and began walking down the hall once again, seeking out Sailor Phoenix. The woman
seemed to know more about Helios, and Erutan, than anyone else did. Well, that was to be expected of
course, since she had spent so much time in Elysion, but Usagi wanted to know just what her Senshi knew.
Perhaps she could gain some insights into the Priest's behavior, and find a way to more clearly explain her
feelings to him…
= = = = = = = = = = = =
Serenity eyed herself critically in the mirror, agonizing over every invisible flaw she saw in her appearance.
As Yaten had continually been telling her, one must always look their best when going out in public, no
matter what, and Serenity was determined to look her own absolute best.
Not that anyone could tell the difference from how she always looked.
To everyone else, she always looked absolutely perfect, especially to the person who she was going
shopping with today. No, Mamoru would find nothing wrong with Serenity, even had she been mud covered
and wearing a brown paper sack. She smiled slightly at the image the thought invoked, and wondered
briefly if she should test that theory out. He had, after all, once been critical of her appearance…
She hummed a soft lullaby, hoping to calm her nerves back down to an acceptable level. Quickly she undid
her hair from its usual odango style, and just as quickly had the silvery gold strands redone in a French
braid. She eyes the white dress Minako had lent her critically, wondering if she would look out of place in it
while she went shopping.
Another smile appeared on her face, one that stayed this time as her heart beat a little faster.
Mamoru was taking her clothes shopping.
Her friends had offered to take her out several times, and were derailed each time by Minako, who seemed
determined to make Mamoru and Seiya spend as much time as possible doing what Serenity wanted. The
result had ended with Serenity spending more time in parks and concerts, and shopping, than she had in
years, always accompanied by one of the two young men. Seiya seemed perfectly happy to take Serenity
shopping, and even Mamoru had altered his behavior from what it had been in the past. She was pleased that he
never carried a book on any of their dates as he had done in the past, and her ego was happy for that.
Yet when Mamoru did read around her she simply observed which books that he read, and then borrowed them
later from Ami. She would prove that she wasn't as empty headed as she had been as a teen, though no one had
ever suggested that she was. After all, as Queen, she couldn't afford to be empty headed, or less informed on
events than the people she often needed to negotiate with. She refused to place the burden of knowing everything
on her advisors. She would show Mamoru that tomorrow.
But she would think of tomorrow, tomorrow. For now she needed to focus on shopping.
After criticizing her appearance for another ten minutes she finally stepped away from her mirror and left
the room. As she made her way outside to were Mamoru would be waiting, she pondered the differences in the
two men who 'vied' for her heart.
She knew quite well that Seiya loved her, and she couldn't deny that she had feelings for him as well. But
were they more than her feelings for Mamoru? Serenity didn't think so… but through all these outings with
each one, she was determined to find out, and determine the best course of action to heal the heart she knew she
would break.
Her heart whispered that she already knew the answer.
= = = = = = = = = = = =
She glanced at Mamoru out of the corner of her eye, smiling slightly as he patiently waited for her to decide
whether or not she wanted anything from the bookstore. She already had four books picked out, one on
each of the mythology behind her daughter's outer Senshi, and the fifth book she was considering was
aimed at tomorrows science lecture. Mamoru certainly couldn't fault her with attending an activity that
he would enjoy more than she would. Yes, that would work…
She took a deep breath, refocusing her thoughts on the here and now, not tomorrow. She added the last book to
her small pile and turned to face Mamoru, smiling brightly, before heading to the checkout counter. The cashier
stared at her for a moment before ringing up her purchase and bagging them carefully. Serenity smiled sweetly
and walked out, Mamoru following dutifully beside her.
"Serenity, would you like to eat lunch now? We'll have whatever you want." Mamoru asked softly, balancing the
bags he was carrying for her, four of clothing and one of toys, a small one of presents for her friends, and now the
even smaller one of books… he was right. She'd done enough shopping, and now it was time for lunch.
She nodded her assent and headed on towards the Crown Arcade. Motoki never objected to their eating at
his place, though the other places that served hamburgers where quite convinced that the Queen should
never be seen eating in such a place, which annoyed Serenity to know end. Simplicity would be best for
today.
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Phoenix perched easily on a tree limb, lying down. She had no fear of falling of falling off, as she couldn't
be hurt by such a simple fall. No, something much worse would be needed to harm her, and she wasn't
about to leave her Princess and temp Fate by doing so. She was perfectly happy where she was.
And thinking of her Princess, there she was now, slipping out of the Palace.
--
Usagi looked around the, focusing on the trees and quickly spotted the object of her search. She walked over
to stand underneath the tree Phoenix was in and called out softly to the older woman. "Hey Phoenix, can I
speak with you for awhile?"
She jumped slightly at Phoenix's reply, which was to roll off the branch she was on to land in front of
Usagi. "Certainly Princess, what would you like to speak about?"
She felt herself relaxing under the calm gaze and soothing voice of her guardian and smiled slightly in
response. "Well… it's about Helios really. He's been very… irritable lately, and won't tell me why. He's
been very short tempered and rude to my friends. I'd wondered if perhaps you knew why, since you've
known him longer than I have."
She wanted to squirm under the look Phoenix gave her after she'd asked her question, the Senshi's
expression saying that the answer should have been obvious to the Princess.
"Well. You do know that he has spent centuries waiting for you to grow up so he can marry you, because he
has always felt that he, like his Prince, must marry someone from the moon. That is why I found Erutan to
take over at Elysion for him. No one ever gave any thought to whether or not Helios still wanted to marry you
Usagi, and now he finds that his 'destined' marriage may be in jeopardy from two different people."
She gave Usagi another hard look, then turned away from her. "Consider your feelings carefully Princess.
While the dream watcher considers you a dear friend, and only just, Hotaru and Helios vie for your heart."
A swirl of flame surrounded the woman, and she disappeared.
Usagi stared at the space where Phoenix had been standing and shook her head, confused.
Helios may not want to marry her, and may not be in love with her? And Hotaru really was in love with her? No…
she had settled things with her dearest friend, and the Senshi of Saturn had moved past her crush for Usagi.
Phoenix was confused, or misinformed this time.
With another shake of her head, she turned and walked back into the Palace. 'Guess I'll just have to be unprincess like and be direct with Helios, and demand to know what is bothering him.'
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
He studied the mirror before him carefully, hand clenched around the crystal he held, the sapphire radiance
dulled by his currently dour spirit. In the mirror he watched the events taking place in Elysion, missing his home
more than he had expected to. The shrine maidens where taking good care of his home, and he knew Erutan
would also care for the place, but leaving home for destiny was still difficult.
Little was as it was meant to be, at least in his life.
A young boy was taking over his job, a child whose capabilities he hadn't had time to assess for himself, and he
was forced to accept Sailor Phoenix's judgment of his abilities, which was the last thing he wanted to do. He was
also expected, by all of Elysion and the Earth's royal court, to marry the current Moon Princess, who had become
quite different from the Chibi-Usa he had known, more ordinary and less of the Princess he had sought out all
those centuries ago.
'What an odd way to be thinking about someone… of course she's different, she's much older than before,
and has led an ordinary life. I shouldn't judge her so harshly… am I afraid of how strongly I feel for her? If she
chose to reject me… I don't think I could handle it, not now.'
He grimaced, his conscience suddenly conjuring up every single incident in which he had been rude to
Usagi and her friends. He had been especially so in his dealings with Hotaru, unable to curb his tongue when
confronted by the woman who he felt was trying to take Usagi away from him, even when he didn't have proof of
the that the teen was in love with Usagi.
If only he knew for certain that Usagi loved him… if only she would tell him that she loved him, and him alone. He
knew Serenity wouldn't force the issue if she didn't, and he could go back to Elysion and his traditional duties. And
his shrine maidens, who were almost like his sister… He chuckled to himself, remembering their indignation when
they learned they couldn't come with him to see the Queen, but someone needed to stay and supervise Erutan's
education. Even though Phoenix had apparently taught him a lot…
His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on his door, and he opened it absently with a wave of his hand.
"Come in," he called out, not bothering to look at whom his visitor was. He really didn't care, and anyway,
he would see the person in his mirror before he or she got close to him.
--
"Come in!"
She hesitated a moment, wondering what kind of mood Helios was in today. She didn't want to get into
another fight, and yet they really needed to talk. Well, she would disregard his mood, and put into practice
all those lessons her mom had been giving her in diplomacy to good use. If he was in a poor state, she would
defiantly need them… A moment more and she pushed open the large wooden door, shoulders braced
despite her effort to look calm and collected.
"Ano… Helios-san, I need to speak with you."
He turned at her words, expression mostly unreadable, though he appeared amiable enough. "Konnichiwa,
Usagi-chan. How are you, and what would you like to talk about today?" He motioned for her to take a seat
as he spoke.
She chose to sit across from him, hands clasped in her lap, wringing slightly. "Well… I was wondering if
you would tell me, with perfect honesty, how you feel about me and our expected engagement…"
He tilted his head to the side, a slight smile gracing his face. "Well now, that's a loaded question
Usagi-chan…"
He folded his hands in his lap, mirroring her posture deliberately. Keeping his eyes on his hands he
answered her question in an even tone. "You're a good friend Usagi-chan, and I will always be grateful for
what you did to help save Elysion and the world… and, I love you with all my heart. I've just… felt uncertain
whether or not you loved me too, seeing as how you're so close to Hotaru…"
She nodded, though he didn't see her action. "I suspected as much, from your behavior…"
He lifted his head as he began to feel a weight lift from his shoulders. "I love you Usagi, and if you love someone
other than me, I will return to Elysion and bless your choice." His voice was soft, and far gentler than it had been
in weeks. She nodded, returning his smile and looking happily into his eyes.
She nodded again, her sudden bright smile lighting up her face. "Oh Helios, I always hoped you would be my
night in shining armor, come to carry me away on a white horse… and now I know for certain you are. Helios, I
love you too!"
= = = = = = = = = = = = = =
==============
|Saturday, March 14th|
==============
'Whoever holds a lecture so early on a Saturday morning,' wondered Serenity as she listened, mostly attentively,
to the guest speaker at the Crystal University's lecture hall. 'Molecular composition change due to the planet
dominant in the sky when a person was born is not the most interesting of material… so says the person born on
the Moon. Wonder what Ami-chan would think."
Despite her inner dialog Mamoru was unable to tell that Serenity was anything less than engrossed in the
discussion, though he suspected otherwise. The Queen was the epitome of attentiveness, and he was certain that
Dr. Kaiba was gratefully aware of the attention. Serenity didn't attend many lectures, though she was always well
versed in the material that would be covered, whether she bought the books herself, or borrowed them from Ami.
The lecture was almost over, with a complementary breakfast served afterwards so the attendees would socialize.
Serenity and Mamoru both were looking forward to the food, and Mamoru wanted to talk to Dr. Kaiba after the
lecture was over, though he was certain that the good Dr. would be seeking out Serenity afterwards, so he
needn't worry about being able to locate the man. Just a few more minutes…
That few final minutes passed by quickly, and soon everyone had been dismissed to go outside to eat, since the
weather was behaving beautifully. Serenity seated herself while Mamoru gathered a plate of food for each of
them, both choosing to drink water with the meal. Ten minutes passed as they ate in peace before people began
to circulate among the tables, asking questions. Serenity excused herself from the table, moving between tables,
exchanging pleasantries with people she knew and greeting new acquaintances with enthusiasm. Once she had
paid her respects and compliments to Dr. Kaiba, she returned to the Palace.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Mamoru found her later, sitting in the library reading a book that Minako had recently written, albeit a children's
story. "Serenity… may I ask you a question?"
She set the book down and smiled up at him warmly, "Of course you can Mamoru, what would you like to know?"
He returned her smile, though his was more strained. He hoped he wouldn't hurt her feelings. "Serenity, I want to
know how you feel about me."
Her smile increased at his forthright question, instead of his usual hints. Slowly she reached forward and took his
hands, holding them up to her heart. "Mamoru, I love you, and I always have, and I know that I always will.
We're soul mates you know. Minako assured me."
For once he smiled with all his heart, and pulled her close before placing a gentle kiss on her lips as his proof of
love for her. In the past, he had rarely kissed her around other people, and only cautiously. They both
successively ignored the 'oohs' and 'aahs' that were uttered while they enjoyed their first kill in a millennia.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Usagi sat cross-legged in Hotaru's chair, opposite of her friend, who had taken possession of her bed when Usagi
had entered the room without knocking with the declaration of, 'We Need to Talk'. And now that they were
supposed to be talking, Usagi was staring uncomfortably at the floor, her cheeks flushed with worry. What if she
was wrong about Hotaru's feelings?
Hotaru cleared her throat, hiding her curiosity when Usagi almost jumped out of the chair. "So Usagi, what is it
that we need to talk about? You seemed worried about something."
Usagi managed to offer a small wavering smile before answering. "You know… everyone has always expected Helios and I to get married…"
She trailed off and started to stare at the ground again. Hotaru was getting frustrated with her friend's unusual
reticence… "And?" she asked, trying not to sound impatient.
"You won't get mad?" asked the Princess, more hesitant now than she had been in awhile. What if Phoenix was
right? She didn't want to hurt her best friend…
"Helios and I really do love each other," she whispered softly, looking down at the ground.
Hotaru stared at her best friend, a bit incredulous at Usagi-chan's tone of voice. After a moment, she started
laughing, falling off her chair and into the floor as Usagi stared at her in shock.
"and you thought… that I… oh my!"
She continued laughing for several minutes before she calmed down enough to stand back up and give Usagi the
biggest hug she could. "You know, you'd better make me the maid of honor, or I'll be upset!" she declared with a
grin. Usagi hugged her back, relieved, easily promising that. "I wouldn't have anyone else," she said.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Mamoru knocked on Usagi's door, and was surprised when Hotaru's door opened, and his daughter poked her
head out the door. "Father? What can I do for you?"
He lifted an eyebrow in surprise before walking over to her. "I wanted you to be the first to know, besides Serenity of course, that I am well and truly in love with your mother still."
She nodded calmly, "Ok, so I guess it's fair to tell you that Helios and I are in love, and Hotaru is my maid of honor when we get married."
He gave her a hug and patted her fluffy hair. "I'm glad you got things worked out Usa-chan."
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Kitsune paced around the Palace halls, feeling disgruntled and left out of events after being informed by Phoenix
that her meddling in the affairs of love weren't needed. Eventually she found her way to one of the more secluded
gardens, shoulders slouched forward. As the youngest of the Princess' senshi she felt useless, and had only
wanted to help in an unobtrusive manner. Yet, she couldn't accomplish the task she had set herself too before
someone else had.
She flopped down on a bench and pulled her knees to her chest, feeling quite useless and alone. Outside of Senshi
Training none of the other Senshi would spend time in a recreation activity with her, each following their individual
paths of fun, which never included her. To them, she was always too young.
A soft whisper of cloth caught her attention, but she didn't move from her position until a hand touched her
shoulder. Looking up her gaze met that of Erutan, who had returned from Elysion in secret. "You'll be ok," he said
softly, "you and I, we shall be friends."
Slowly, a smile replaced her sad expression, and she jumped forward to hug the boy.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
==========
|1 month later|
==========
Seiya sat comfortably beside Serenity as she watched the 'Princess Bride' again. His attention was on her of
course, and not on the movie, but he still enjoyed spending time doing the things that made her happy, no matter
how many times they had already visited a place, or watched a movie. All that mattered to him was that she was
happy. She was leaning her head on his shoulder, which more than made him one of the happiest people in
existence, and the constant smile he had for her spoke of the deep love he felt.
If only she loved him back…
He had known when he came to this planet that he wouldn't really have a chance to hold his angel, and for a long
time he felt that he had accepted that. Yet over the past several months, he had tried to win her heart, only to
see it once more belong to Mamoru.
Which he still felt was strange… but a welcome strangeness.
The candles in the room flicked, casting interesting patterns across the room, in compliments the remaining
moments of the movies. The room was scented much the same as Serenity's hair, a light, soothing lavender that
made it seem impossible for anyone to meet the Queen in these chambers, and be upset, regardless of why they
came to meet her. So peaceful.
She looked up at him as the movie ended, a smile as serene as her name gracing her lips. "Seiya? I've been
meaning to tell you something, and this feels like a good time to do so."
He met her gaze and tried not to drown in her blue orbs, "yes?"
"Mamoru and I, we want you to be the best man at out wedding…"
He sat there, staring at her in blissful shock, absorbing her words. "You do?" he asked, somewhat stupidly.
Her smile grew into a grin as she nodded, "Yes, we do.
He reached forward to hug her, and she easily returned, needing no verbal answer of his acceptance.
=========
| 1 year later |
=========
Serenity fidgeted nervously under the critical eyes of Minako and Yaten, each one determined to make Serenity
the most beautiful bride ever, competing more with each other than with any past bride. Her bridal gown was as
elaborate as her regular royal gown was simple, a silken material softer than anything else Serenity had ever felt
before, which was saying quite a lot since she always got clothes of the finest materials from the merchants who
got free publicity if she wore their clothing.
Her hair had been left in the royal odangos, wreathed in circles of forget-me-nots. She wore crescent moon
earrings, and a choker of the same, borrowed from Minako and placed on a blue ribbon, everything tying in for the
traditional, 'something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.'
She glanced around at her friends, the ones allowed in to see her. Her own Senshi stayed in civilian form these
days, and were dressed in their princess dresses and planetary colors, while Usagi's senshi were in uniform. Luna
wore yellow, Diana a soft, silvery gray, and Kakyuu pale red. Usagi wore her princess gown, in pink.
A scant few minutes later and someone knocked on the door. "Serenity, it's time!"
The Queen's smile grew larger with her joy. Kenji and Ikuko's memory of Serenity had been restored; a present
from Sailor Kitsune, and Ikuko had overseen the wedding preparations despite Kenji's objections that his 'little
girl' was too young to married. In that month, Mamoru had done everything possible to win Serenity's father over,
and had succeeded rather easily.
She stood and carefully hugged each of her friends, whispering her thanks for their support into their ears, each
thank you specialized and personal.
Then she hugged Usagi. "My darling little girl… I love you so much, and I'm proud of you. Thank you for accepting
this so well."
Usagi hugged back gently, "I love you too Mama."
Then Serenity opened the door and hugged her moment, and allowed herself to be led to the alter by her father.
As she walked closer, Mamoru turned to look at her, smiling warmly with all his love shining in his eyes as much
as hers was. She smiled reassuring at her father and took her place beside Mamoru. The ceremony passed
quickly, and the only moment of the speech that remained in her memory later was when she said 'I do', and then
when Mamoru kissed her. When they broke apart she threw her bouquet, wondering at the sudden mischievous
look on Kitsune's face… until the bouquet landed firmly into Usagi's hands. She laughed along with everyone else
at the stunned look on the young woman's face, as well as the look on Helios's face.
She smiled happily and leaned against Mamoru chuckling softly to herself.
Mamoru leaned down, "What are you laughing at Serenity?"
"I'm just happy love… just happy.
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
There. Second and final ending is completed. *Whew* I wasn't actually sure I'd finish this…
So, is it as good as the first ending, better, or just horrible?
Please review, and thanks for reading!