Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon, but one can dream…
An: sorry this took longer than usual to post. I won't take up space with excuses.
Dedicated to: Purple Rose, and all the wonderful people who continue to read and review.
Even Angels Can Fall
By: Lirial Raito
Chapter 5: Looking like Serenity! Mamoru Visits Usagi
{I stand on this }
{threshold }
{a tear away from stepping }
{through the portal }
{I know }
{there is no sorrow }
{on the other side }
{I fantasize fields }
{of wild flowers }
{pristine with peace }
{magnificent passions}
{where big birds soar }
{I hear the gurgle }
{of silver streams }
{and rivers murmuring }
{while sunlight }
{crowns their course }
{with diamonds }
{I stand }
{one tear away }
{but not today}
She was disoriented, out of place, floating above a ruined city that seemed to have been a recent battlefield. Or so she perceived, from what she could see… As she thought of light, the pale moon revealed itself in the sky, removing itself from the bloody clouds that threatened from above. This only served to cast a reddish light on all below, and illuminating what remained of the city she now recognized as Crystal Tokyo in a hellish aura. She saw a lone figure standing among shattered crystal, in a place that could only be Crystal Tokyo. Floating above, she couldn't help but recognize this person as her own future self, Neo Queen Serenity.
As she concentrated, the illuminated area below grew in size, this time revealing three more figures.
Endymion was the easiest to recognize, wearing the same armor he always did in his 'prince' form. The uniform was soaked through with blood, his sword drawn and pointed at the Queen. No one would ever claim the look on his face to be that of a sane person. Instead, his lips were twisted into a snarl of hatred, the red light that tainted the moonlight reflecting dangerously in the Prince's eyes. His sword appeared to be degrading a bit with acid…
The other two figures on the battlefield were what caught Usagi's attention the most knelt to the Queen's right, the smaller of the two figures obviously guarded by the larger. And as to who those people were…
Usagi almost burst into tears at the sight. There, crouched Seiya, or rather, Sailor Star Fighter, in front of the pink Sailor Moon that was Usagi's future daughter. Both were as covered in blood as Endymion, much of which seemed to be their own. Sailor Moon was holding her Pink Moon Crystal before her chest, perhaps to try and heal Endymion. Since the field seemed frozen in this moment, Usagi doubted she would find out.
As she stared, a soft music lifted up towards her, blurring the scene below. The looks on the faces below etched themselves deeply into Usagi's mind, just as this plain faded into darkness.
= = = = = = = =
Seiya hummed to herself as she moved back the curtains of Usagi's bedroom, allowing the morning light to stream uninhibited into the room. She was determined to greet Usagi with a cheerful attitude despite yesterday's negativities, and perhaps things would turn out well, or at the very least, reassure Usagi that no harm would come to her. Mamoru's presence had certainly given her a scare…
Nothing would stop Seiya from protecting Usagi; especially when she seemed to need protection from Mamoru. But, there was always a chance that they were wrong, and that Mamoru didn't want anything to do with Usagi. Or maybe he only wanted to say a quick hello, assuming that she had forgiven him, and felt like being polite.
'Or perhaps he has come back for her,' whispered her inner voice, "after all, Usagi told you that he loved his daughter. Perhaps he came back to ensure her existence.'
She smile slipped slowly into a frown and she paused, looking off into her own little world. A scene played out in her mind, reaching forth to antagonize her thoughts; for a moment, she could see Usagi running into Mamoru's arm, her belly extended in pregnancy. Mamoru's arm wrapped about her, his other hand rubbing her belly…
Then her henshin device flared in her pocket, banishing the image, and recalling her attention back to Usagi, who had begun to wake up. She was able to smile once more as she watched Usagi. The woman looked so innocent and peaceful while she slept, an angel even when she had bad dreams.
Usagi shifted onto her back, slowly opening her eyes so that they adjusted to the light pouring into her room. She had felt the power flare of Seiya's henshin device, but not an actual henshin… and that dream…
Together, what did the two mean?
She could still feel Seiya in the room, and opened her eyes fully as she pushed herself into a sitting position, her body protesting with a demand for more sleep. She smiled at Seiya as she swung her legs over the edge of her bed and stood up, the previous day's events returning once more to her mind. "Ne, Seiya, has anyone called here for me?"
Seiya nodded, "But no one unpleasant Usagi, just your Senshi checking up on you, with offers of Mamoru's death by Makoto and Haruka. Though, Ami suggested we let him be, since her mother informed her that Mamoru has a job at Tokyo General."
"A job," Usagi said softly, "yes. Let him be, he probably doesn't want to see me at all. Well, no use worrying about it before I've had my shower and breakfast…"
Seiya walked out of the room, Usagi trailing along till she reached the bathroom. "Seiya… thanks for looking out for me."
Seiya turned back, her smile gentle. "No need to thank me Usagi… you'd do the same for me, ne?"
She headed down stairs before Usagi could reply.
= = = = = = = = = = =
{looking across space }
{to the end of nowhere}
{at the regrets }
{I've left behind }
{times of sacrifice}
{moments of passion }
{bruised by neglect }
{and confusion }
{within that space between }
{the original sin }
{and the commission }
{need floundered }
{without the child }
{bright eyed }
{and innocent}
{the man searches for himself }
{finds tears }
{and howls }
{like a lone wolf }
{courting the moon }
A month passed by without anyone but Ami having contact with Mamoru, and then she only had any interactions with when her mother was around, to be polite. She was only as courteous as she needed to be, and left each encounter as swiftly as she could. Makoto had gotten a new job, with more flexible hours, so she never saw him at the Crown Arcade. As for everyone else, he was easy to avoid.
Until, of course, he chose otherwise.
A month after his return to Tokyo Mamoru stood in quiet observation of Usagi's house, noting that Shingo had already left for the day, and Seiya had gone out to buy food, leaving Usagi home alone at Usagi's request. A slight smirk tugged at the corners of his lips, but as he lifted his hand to knock on the door, he schooled his features into properly harmless and apologetic expressions.
A few moments more and he was ready, mentally prepared to face the spoiled brat who was supposed to be his Princess Serenity. Somewhere in the back of his mind stirred the warmth and caring that Usagi had stirred in him before Galaxia came, quickly settling back into its dreams. He knocked, and waited expectantly to hear the crash he was certain would come before Usagi reached the door.
Only a couple of minutes passed before he heard a slight noise on the other side of the door, and he almost lost his harmless expression to one of surprise when Usagi opened the door. She had grown taller than he had anticipated, standing five foot six inches even, with more silver in her hair than when he had left. An image of Serenity appeared sharply in his mind, overlaying that of Usagi before him perfectly.
So, now she really looked like Serenity. So what? He could handle that.
She simply stared at him for a moment, his presence before her slow to register, the blood only draining slightly from her face. She didn't squeal in delight to see him, nor flip out and yell, as he had expected. Usagi only tilted her head to the side regally, regarding him with a cool face. "Mamoru. I hadn't really expected you to stop by here. And why are you here, hmm?"
He gave a small half bow, and gave her his most charming smile. "Tsukino- san, I am here to speak with you, if you will permit, about the future of Earth and my sins to you in the past. I know I grievously hurt you in the past, and I am truly sorry for doing so. Can we, perhaps, attempt to come to a less painful relationship were we can act cordially for the planet?"
Usagi shifted her weight, giving a small wave of permission for Mamoru to enter the room. "Alright, Chiba-san, as you come in peace we can talk and see what can be done about the future."
Mamoru followed her invitation and walked into the house, waiting until she had closed the door to stand by the couch.
"Have a seat Chiba-san, can I get you something to drink?"
He shook his head as he sat down. "No thank you Tsukino-san, I am fine."
She sat down across from him, crossing her ankles together and placing her arms on the arm rests as if she were sitting in her throne. "You may call me Usagi-san if you wish, Chiba-san."
He nodded once in acceptance, "Then you may call me Mamoru-san as well, Usagi-san."
'And you're handling things quite better than I expected, Usako.'
Usagi nodded once as well, keeping her regal bearing and reminding herself that she was a princess. A princess who was far out of time for her kingdom, but then, so was Mamoru. She could feel the ginzouishou begin to glow brighter underneath the pink shirt she was wearing, its warmth a soothing salve on Usagi's nerves. She smiled at Mamoru with all the grace and compassion that she, or even her future self, could muster.
= = = = = = = = = =
To Be Continued:
I know, I know… this took forever for me to get out, and I have several other fics I need to finish. *Bad Lirial*
An: sorry this took longer than usual to post. I won't take up space with excuses.
Dedicated to: Purple Rose, and all the wonderful people who continue to read and review.
Even Angels Can Fall
By: Lirial Raito
Chapter 5: Looking like Serenity! Mamoru Visits Usagi
{I stand on this }
{threshold }
{a tear away from stepping }
{through the portal }
{I know }
{there is no sorrow }
{on the other side }
{I fantasize fields }
{of wild flowers }
{pristine with peace }
{magnificent passions}
{where big birds soar }
{I hear the gurgle }
{of silver streams }
{and rivers murmuring }
{while sunlight }
{crowns their course }
{with diamonds }
{I stand }
{one tear away }
{but not today}
She was disoriented, out of place, floating above a ruined city that seemed to have been a recent battlefield. Or so she perceived, from what she could see… As she thought of light, the pale moon revealed itself in the sky, removing itself from the bloody clouds that threatened from above. This only served to cast a reddish light on all below, and illuminating what remained of the city she now recognized as Crystal Tokyo in a hellish aura. She saw a lone figure standing among shattered crystal, in a place that could only be Crystal Tokyo. Floating above, she couldn't help but recognize this person as her own future self, Neo Queen Serenity.
As she concentrated, the illuminated area below grew in size, this time revealing three more figures.
Endymion was the easiest to recognize, wearing the same armor he always did in his 'prince' form. The uniform was soaked through with blood, his sword drawn and pointed at the Queen. No one would ever claim the look on his face to be that of a sane person. Instead, his lips were twisted into a snarl of hatred, the red light that tainted the moonlight reflecting dangerously in the Prince's eyes. His sword appeared to be degrading a bit with acid…
The other two figures on the battlefield were what caught Usagi's attention the most knelt to the Queen's right, the smaller of the two figures obviously guarded by the larger. And as to who those people were…
Usagi almost burst into tears at the sight. There, crouched Seiya, or rather, Sailor Star Fighter, in front of the pink Sailor Moon that was Usagi's future daughter. Both were as covered in blood as Endymion, much of which seemed to be their own. Sailor Moon was holding her Pink Moon Crystal before her chest, perhaps to try and heal Endymion. Since the field seemed frozen in this moment, Usagi doubted she would find out.
As she stared, a soft music lifted up towards her, blurring the scene below. The looks on the faces below etched themselves deeply into Usagi's mind, just as this plain faded into darkness.
= = = = = = = =
Seiya hummed to herself as she moved back the curtains of Usagi's bedroom, allowing the morning light to stream uninhibited into the room. She was determined to greet Usagi with a cheerful attitude despite yesterday's negativities, and perhaps things would turn out well, or at the very least, reassure Usagi that no harm would come to her. Mamoru's presence had certainly given her a scare…
Nothing would stop Seiya from protecting Usagi; especially when she seemed to need protection from Mamoru. But, there was always a chance that they were wrong, and that Mamoru didn't want anything to do with Usagi. Or maybe he only wanted to say a quick hello, assuming that she had forgiven him, and felt like being polite.
'Or perhaps he has come back for her,' whispered her inner voice, "after all, Usagi told you that he loved his daughter. Perhaps he came back to ensure her existence.'
She smile slipped slowly into a frown and she paused, looking off into her own little world. A scene played out in her mind, reaching forth to antagonize her thoughts; for a moment, she could see Usagi running into Mamoru's arm, her belly extended in pregnancy. Mamoru's arm wrapped about her, his other hand rubbing her belly…
Then her henshin device flared in her pocket, banishing the image, and recalling her attention back to Usagi, who had begun to wake up. She was able to smile once more as she watched Usagi. The woman looked so innocent and peaceful while she slept, an angel even when she had bad dreams.
Usagi shifted onto her back, slowly opening her eyes so that they adjusted to the light pouring into her room. She had felt the power flare of Seiya's henshin device, but not an actual henshin… and that dream…
Together, what did the two mean?
She could still feel Seiya in the room, and opened her eyes fully as she pushed herself into a sitting position, her body protesting with a demand for more sleep. She smiled at Seiya as she swung her legs over the edge of her bed and stood up, the previous day's events returning once more to her mind. "Ne, Seiya, has anyone called here for me?"
Seiya nodded, "But no one unpleasant Usagi, just your Senshi checking up on you, with offers of Mamoru's death by Makoto and Haruka. Though, Ami suggested we let him be, since her mother informed her that Mamoru has a job at Tokyo General."
"A job," Usagi said softly, "yes. Let him be, he probably doesn't want to see me at all. Well, no use worrying about it before I've had my shower and breakfast…"
Seiya walked out of the room, Usagi trailing along till she reached the bathroom. "Seiya… thanks for looking out for me."
Seiya turned back, her smile gentle. "No need to thank me Usagi… you'd do the same for me, ne?"
She headed down stairs before Usagi could reply.
= = = = = = = = = = =
{looking across space }
{to the end of nowhere}
{at the regrets }
{I've left behind }
{times of sacrifice}
{moments of passion }
{bruised by neglect }
{and confusion }
{within that space between }
{the original sin }
{and the commission }
{need floundered }
{without the child }
{bright eyed }
{and innocent}
{the man searches for himself }
{finds tears }
{and howls }
{like a lone wolf }
{courting the moon }
A month passed by without anyone but Ami having contact with Mamoru, and then she only had any interactions with when her mother was around, to be polite. She was only as courteous as she needed to be, and left each encounter as swiftly as she could. Makoto had gotten a new job, with more flexible hours, so she never saw him at the Crown Arcade. As for everyone else, he was easy to avoid.
Until, of course, he chose otherwise.
A month after his return to Tokyo Mamoru stood in quiet observation of Usagi's house, noting that Shingo had already left for the day, and Seiya had gone out to buy food, leaving Usagi home alone at Usagi's request. A slight smirk tugged at the corners of his lips, but as he lifted his hand to knock on the door, he schooled his features into properly harmless and apologetic expressions.
A few moments more and he was ready, mentally prepared to face the spoiled brat who was supposed to be his Princess Serenity. Somewhere in the back of his mind stirred the warmth and caring that Usagi had stirred in him before Galaxia came, quickly settling back into its dreams. He knocked, and waited expectantly to hear the crash he was certain would come before Usagi reached the door.
Only a couple of minutes passed before he heard a slight noise on the other side of the door, and he almost lost his harmless expression to one of surprise when Usagi opened the door. She had grown taller than he had anticipated, standing five foot six inches even, with more silver in her hair than when he had left. An image of Serenity appeared sharply in his mind, overlaying that of Usagi before him perfectly.
So, now she really looked like Serenity. So what? He could handle that.
She simply stared at him for a moment, his presence before her slow to register, the blood only draining slightly from her face. She didn't squeal in delight to see him, nor flip out and yell, as he had expected. Usagi only tilted her head to the side regally, regarding him with a cool face. "Mamoru. I hadn't really expected you to stop by here. And why are you here, hmm?"
He gave a small half bow, and gave her his most charming smile. "Tsukino- san, I am here to speak with you, if you will permit, about the future of Earth and my sins to you in the past. I know I grievously hurt you in the past, and I am truly sorry for doing so. Can we, perhaps, attempt to come to a less painful relationship were we can act cordially for the planet?"
Usagi shifted her weight, giving a small wave of permission for Mamoru to enter the room. "Alright, Chiba-san, as you come in peace we can talk and see what can be done about the future."
Mamoru followed her invitation and walked into the house, waiting until she had closed the door to stand by the couch.
"Have a seat Chiba-san, can I get you something to drink?"
He shook his head as he sat down. "No thank you Tsukino-san, I am fine."
She sat down across from him, crossing her ankles together and placing her arms on the arm rests as if she were sitting in her throne. "You may call me Usagi-san if you wish, Chiba-san."
He nodded once in acceptance, "Then you may call me Mamoru-san as well, Usagi-san."
'And you're handling things quite better than I expected, Usako.'
Usagi nodded once as well, keeping her regal bearing and reminding herself that she was a princess. A princess who was far out of time for her kingdom, but then, so was Mamoru. She could feel the ginzouishou begin to glow brighter underneath the pink shirt she was wearing, its warmth a soothing salve on Usagi's nerves. She smiled at Mamoru with all the grace and compassion that she, or even her future self, could muster.
= = = = = = = = = =
To Be Continued:
I know, I know… this took forever for me to get out, and I have several other fics I need to finish. *Bad Lirial*