Okay, I know I owe everyone a huge apology and a tremendous amount of
thanks. This month has been a very hectic one for me. The damn computer
actually deleted this entire chapter so I had to re-type it. I'm not sure
about the ending so I hope you guys like it. And my cousin was also
activated, which means he's going to help fight a war. For anyone else
who's going through this, my heart goes out to you. We are in hard times
but hopefully it will all be over soon. I can say one thing though, this
story is over!! I appreciate all your patients, and you will be rewarded.
Two chapters folks! The final one and the epilogue. I hope it was all worth
the wait! And thanks again!
Disclaimer: I do NOT own DBZ or SM.
Surrender Sweet Prince
Chapter Twelve
Rei threw her head back and laughed, her blood red lips pulling back to reveal gleaming white teeth. Crimson lightning crossed the sky, thunder rolling ominously over the bare planes. Refusing to so much as shiver from the cold wind that swept over her body, Serena kept her gaze trained on her former friend and Senshi.
Rei's laughter slowly died away and she stared at Serena with icy, dead eyes. "You would like to believe that, wouldn't you Sailor brat? Sorry to disappoint you but your little Mars could never take this much power."
"What did you do with Rei?" Sailor Venus screamed, coming forward to stand proudly beside Sailor moon.
The woman gave them a sickening smile that chilled them to the very core of their beings. "Oh, she's still in here." She raised a hand and brushed long fingers across her collarbone. "Somewhere."
Serena held up a hand to stop Lita, Ami and Mina when they tried to lunge forward. Vegeta had taught her long ago how to read Ki signatures and what she saw in this on terrified her. This woman was awash in evil, the kind that nightmares were made of. The kind capable of wiping out an entire kingdom. Her heart slammed painfully against her ribs as her brain finally made the connection and then, then she knew hatred and fear like she never had. "Beryl," she snarled, startling her scouts.
"No," the Senshi of love whispered, her heart actually sinking as the cold realization hit her.
"Oh yes Sailor Venus. It is I. I'm flattered that you remember an old foe so well."
Serena bit back her fear. She was determined to face and defeat Beryl for good.
~Sere, what the hell is going on?~
Hearing her mates voice in her head, Serena started to feel the vulnerability pushing through the formidable walls she was attempting to build around her emotions. ~Oh, Vegeta. I don't know what to do!~
~Calm down woman and tell me what's going on.~
Serena took a fortifying breath and kept a trained eye on Beryl as she sent her thoughts quickly to him.
~The woman, that's Rei's body but not Rei. An enemy of the Moon Kingdom, one I though I had destroyed years ago, has taken over Rei's body. But Rei is still in there. If I kill Beryl, I kill Rei.~
Vegeta swore softly, grinding out the offensive words through clenched teeth. This complicated things. As always he had expected a fast, easy kill. He knew by reading her that the woman could hold her own, but in the end she would still die. It was inevitable. But now Serena's emotions were going to get pulled into this and that made this particular fight far from easy.
~Vegeta?~
~Find out how she did it. That will buy us some time. I'll try to figure out a way around this.~
She hesitated with her next question, not wanting to be negative but unable to feel any other way. ~And if we don't find a way around it?~
Vegeta shook his head. She knew the answer and he could feel her heart breaking as if it were his own. ~I'm sorry Serena.~
Forcing back the scalding tears that threatened to spill forth, Serena set her jaw stubbornly. Rei would not die. She would make sure of that. "How Beryl. How did you do it?" she asked, her voice clear and strong despite her raging emotions.
"You want to know the secret to my success Princess?" Beryl asked. "Alright, I'll tell you. All I required was a faithful servant. Preferably male, and handsome of course." Her grin widened. "That right, Sailor Moon, your precious Darien. He was faithful to me until the bitter end." She glared at Vegeta and the Saiyan Prince couldn't resist giving her one of his most infuriating smirks. Beryl's fists tightened at her side. "And the man was a wonderful actor. The entire time he was planning my reincarnation, he had you half-wits believing he was loyal to you.
"Our first attempt was you, Sailor Moon. But you proved to be much stronger then you looked. But Rei-." She gave a careless flick of her wrist. "Now her spirit was easy to break. It wasn't the most honorable thing to do, I'll admit that, but I think it worked out well."
Serena balked at Beryl's cruel statement. A wave of nausea hit her so hard that her knees almost buckled. "Oh Rei-."
"Along with Darien's little "act indiscretion" there was the fact that it looked as if she had betrayed her pathetic little boyfriend and worse, the Princess she had sworn to protect. It was only a matter of time before her guilt consumed her. After that, it was all too easy. Tortured souls are so fun to play with."
"Venus Crescent Beam Smash!!"
Serena gasped in surprise as Venus' attack flew by her and straight at Beryl. The Dark Queen easily slapped it aside and laughed mirthlessly. "Ah, ah, ah," she scolded, waggling her finger from side to side. "It isn't polite to interrupt, Sailor V."
"Let Rei go you worthless bitch!" Sailor Venus screamed back, her eyes filling with angry tears.
Beryl laughed again. "Oh, as if I have never been called that before. I actually take it as a compliment. Thank you."
Behind the distraught Sailor Senshi, Vegeta rolled his coal black eyes and sighed in exasperation. "Christ. Are you going to run your damn mouth all night or are you going to fight?"
Beryl turned her gaze on Vegeta and arched a single brow. "Eager to die, Saiyan?"
"You should be asking yourself that," he replied with in a sadistic snarl.
Beryl's grin disappeared and her lips twisted into an ugly sneer. She started to speak in a foreign language, her voice echoing around them. Slowly the long shadows of the night began to twist and meld together and from the darkness demons crawled, eyes glowing unnaturally and saliva dripping from their bared fangs.
There were, at the most, fifteen of them, each one a dark sickly green color with freakishly long, muscular arms.
"Well, this is great," Krillin muttered, lifting his head to stare at the creatures that towered twenty feet above them. Their scent assaulted the fighters on the ground, practically suffocating them with the putrid smell.
Ignoring the overpowering stench, Serena focused instead on the fury boiling in her blood. If she had to go through these things to get to Beryl then she would gladly do it. Right now her friend needed her help and Serena was going to save her or die trying. "What's the matter Beryl? Can't fight your own battles? How typical of you," she remarked snidely.
Beryl's scowl deepened. "Make her suffer," she snarled, slashing her hand through the air.
The monsters surrounding them moved unexpectedly fast for their bulk. One lashed out at Serena, it's hand connecting hard with her body and sending her flying into a gnarled tree yards away. Serena bit back her scream of agony as she hit the ground. Pain exploded in her head and the metallic taste of blood lay heavily on her tongue. Feeling as if every bone in her body had been shattered she tried to pull herself up. Spots swam before her eyes and she could hear the angry shouts of her friends mingling with the ear piercing shrieks of the creatures. "Rei," she whispered, her bruised body slowly shutting down on her. "No..."
Vegeta felt her Ki flicker and start to fade. "Sere," he muttered. His cold green-blue eyes filled with rage and he turned on the creature that had attacked her. "You are going to pay for that you piece of shit!" he yelled. The growl forming in the back of his throat turned into a terrifyingly outraged scream as he flew into the sky, lifting his arms and releasing a deathly Ki blast into the demons face. In a matter of seconds it was no more then a guttural cry carried off by the wind.
Still feeling the need to kill and destroy, the Saiyan Prince whipped around, eyes searching ruthlessly for prey. They landed on two creatures stumbling over to where Serena lay. "Trunks! Goten!" he called to the only ones not fighting. The two turned quickly. "Take care of it now!" he instructed as he went after the other one.
"Come on Goten," Trunks murmured, fearfully watching his father unleash his rage upon the monster. He had never seen his dad so angry or out of control before. Somehow he knew it was only going to get worse.
"Are we going to kill him Trunks?" the younger boy asked.
Trunks gaze went to the fallen Princess. She was like a second mother to him. She was there to help him when he needed someone and she always understood. Feelings much like the ones his father was feeling filled him until he could see nothing but red. "You bet your ass we are."
The boys attacked the creature side by side. Drawing their hands back, Ki spheres flared to life in their palms, flashing with a brilliant promise of demise. They flew at the monster, shouting as they released their combined attacks into the things chest. The Ki sphere acted like a razor sharp blade, easily cutting through the thick flesh. Goten and Trunks pushed their attacks forward until they ripped through it's back, snapping the spine with a sickening crack. Then, with smug grins they watched it collapse to the earth.
Below them the Scouts were working together to destroy the grotesque demons. Venus brushed a gloved hand against her damp forehead, watching the man named Goku take out another one without even blinking. Sighing in dismay, she turned back to the monster she, Mercury and Neptune were fighting. How did those men make it look so easy?
"Venus Crescent Beam Smash!!" she cried, holding her fingers before her and watching the beam of golden light shoot from them.
"Neptune Deep Submerge!" the blue haired beauty shouted, adding her attack to Venus'.
The creature teetered under the weight of the two attacks. One of its enormous feet hovered in the air, then came crashing back down to earth. Venus screamed in frustration, feeling a sudden urge to rip her hair out and cry in defeat.
"Release your attack again," Neptune demanded. Her hard, relentless eyes never strayed from their opponent.
Venus stared at the other woman briefly but she nodded and determinedly released her attack once more. This time their aim was true and the enemy slowly crumbled before them with a shriek of dismay.
"How many are left?" Venus asked tiredly, panting from her efforts to destroy the demon. A headache was forming behind her eyes, the pressure mounting with every minute that passed.
"Two. Their both being taken care of," Neptune stated.
"Good." Venus spun on her heal and ran to where her Princess still lay unconscious. Mercury was already there, sitting beside Vegeta how held the small blond in his arms. "Is she okay?" she asked, kneeling beside the small group.
Mercury had her hand closed around Serena's wrist, fingers pressed firmly against the steady pulse. "She's fine. A few bruises and perhaps a cracked rib or two. She's suffered a blow to the head but she'll hopefully come around soon."
The women talked around him and yet he couldn't hear their voices. They were no more then murmurs over the roaring sound in his ears. Would he always fail her? He was her mate, her destiny, and he couldn't even protect her. Fury consumed him once more as he held onto her limp body. 'No more Sere,' he vowed silently. 'This ends now.' He placed her down gently and stood. He could faintly hear the Scouts calling his name. They sounded uncertain. He ignored them.
He stumbled back, struggling with the power inside of him that refused to be ignored. It filled him, growing with his anger until Vegeta finally gave into it. The golden aura surrounding him expanded and became unbearably bright. The Saiyan Prince raised clenched fists to the heavens and dropped his head back, releasing a feral scream. Power erupted around him. It lashed out at the people surrounding him. His scalp started to tingle as the brilliant golden strands of his hair grew, stopping at the backs of his knees. The transformation was complete. Angry bolts of electricity circled Vegeta. Cold eyes scanned the barren wasteland, not bothering to stop on his friends and family who all stared at him in awe. He was only searching for one.
"Beryl!" he yelled, his harsh voice penetrating the unnatural silence that had surrounded the battleground.
"I'm here Saiyan."
A small puddle formed by his feet, black as midnight. As it grew the liquid swirled and took on the silvery color of mercury. Beryl emerged ever so slowly from the puddle regarding Vegeta with blazing hate filled eyes. "You have killed my demons, you have killed my Prince...my only love." Her voice shook with suppressed fury as she spoke.
Vegeta sneered at her. "I feel no sympathy for your pain woman. All I care about is your death."
"You may kill me Vegeta, but know this." She raised a delicate finger, pointing it at Serena. "She will not make it though this night alive."
"Oh, but she will. And if you want her dead you'll have to get through me first. Good luck."
"And me."
Vegeta looked over and saw Goku standing beside him. "Kakarott?"
"She's our friend Vegeta and so are you. We'll fight for her together."
"Count us in," Uranus said, stepping forward with the Inner and Outer Senshi behind her.
Jupiter glared up at the Dark Queen but her words were for the Saiyan Prince. "We failed her once. We will not do it again."
"I would gladly die protecting my future Queen," Venus added.
Beryl laughed low in her throat and her eyes gleamed maliciously. "Well Sailor brats that can most certainly be arranged."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Serena..."
"Who-."
"Serena...open your eyes."
She couldn't though. Her head was pounding, making it impossible to even comprehend opening her eyes. She knew people were fighting. Fighting Rei. No, it was Beryl they were fighting.
"Serena..."
"Rei?"
"Serena, please help me. It hurts. It hurts so much."
"Rei, hang on. Please, just hang on!"
"Serena..."
The Moon Princess' eyes snapped open, silver fire warring within the calm sapphire depths. "Rei," she whispered. Color flooded back into her cheeks and she struggled to sit up. She looked beside her, gasping in shock at what she saw. Jupiter was sprawled on the ground next to her, her chest rising and falling with each slow breath she drew.
"Jupiter!" Serena leaned over, ignoring the blinding pain in her head. Brushing her friends sable bangs from her face, Serena released a low, keening wail when her fingers touched the deep gash on Jupiter's temple. She pulled her hand back. Her fingers were smeared with dark blood. "No..Lita.."
"Sere..so sorry."
Serena leaned close to her friend, trying not to notice how dull and lifeless the green eyes that stared back at her were. "Don't be sorry. Just rest. I'll get you better."
"So...sorry." Jupiter's eyes fluttered closed.
Determination in her every move, Serena got to her feet. She saw Trunks and Goten watching a fallen Mina, Krillin was tending to Ami, Picollo and Gohan were watching over Neptune and Pluto. Goku, Vegeta and Uranus were the only ones aside from herself still in the fight.
Serena took a step forward and her heart immediately lodged itself in her throat as she watched Uranus lung at Beryl, her jewel encrusted sword clutched tightly in her hands. For a moment everything went in slow motion. The sword came up, Beryl's grin widened, there was a flash of light and with a cry Uranus fell, her body slamming into the earth. Her sword clattered to the ground next to her, useless.
"Uranus!" Serena cried, running forward and kneeling beside her friend. She took the taller woman's body into her arms thinking that if she could just transfer a little of her own strength into the lengthy warrior that everything would be okay. The wounds would be no more and her Senshi would feel no pain. But she couldn't. All she could do was hold her and cry.
Uranus' eyes fluttered and she turned her head toward her Princess. "Don't you dare cry Sailor Moon. You have to be strong now. You need to finish this."
Serena shook her head. "But...but I can't! If I kill her Rei will die."
A dry chuckle escaped Uranus' lips. "I usually don't agree with you when you do it, but you know what you have to do. And you know how to save Rei. Listen to your heart Princess. It will tell you what to do." And with that another Senshi lay still, eyes closed, no longer able to fight the battle.
Serena gently released Uranus and stood. She knew what she had to do now. Above her the fight still went on. Vegeta and Goku were both keeping Beryl occupied in dodging their attacks while they thought of ways to defeat the witch without harming the Senshi within. Taking her place before the enemy and below her two brave warriors, Serena stretched her hands out before her.
A crystal, pure as the soul it had come from, appeared between her hands, it's glow illuminating the face of the beautiful Princess holding it. Azure eyes, filled with determination, never strayed from Beryl. She would win this. She called upon the power of the crystal, feeling it transform her. Blinding light surrounded her, causing all onlookers to avert their eyes from the intenseness of it. And when the light faded an angel stood before them, her pristine gown flowing around her willowy form. She was unlike anything they had ever seen before.
She was Serenity, the Princess of the Moon and the only one who could save her friend. "Power of Mars, I call upon you. Please aid me in my fight and protect your Sovereign," she whispered, smiling when a thin beam of red light formed around the circle. Then she yelled out in a clear voice resonating authority. "Beryl! You will fight me now!"
Vegeta stared at Serena, unable to believe what he saw before him. She was so beautiful. The regal set of her shoulders and the fire burning in those eyes amazed him. He wanted to fight for her but he knew he couldn't. This was a fight she needed to finish on her own. Nodding to Goku, the two lowered to the earth.
Vegeta took a step back, allowing her space. ~If you need me, I'm right here.~
Serenity smiled. ~Thank you my love.~
There was a moment of silence as the two females faced off, each measuring up their opponent. A smirk curled the lips of the Evil Queen and she laughed. "So the Princess returns. You couldn't defeat me before. What makes you think you can do it now?"
"I don't think. I know," Serena murmured, her tone confident. "We end this! NOW!" Serenity screamed as an enormous beam of light exploded from the crystal. It shot across the dark sky towards the Dark Queen. Beryl easily formed a counter attack and released it at Serenity. The two attacks collided with such force that the very earth trembled.
For a long drawn out moment the two powers seamed matched, but then the tabled turned. Beryl smirked as her energy slowly began to take over Serenity's. Down on the earth Serenity stood, trying to maintain the upper hand. Her arms quivered in exertion; sweat beaded across her forehead and trickled in tiny streams over her drawn face. She couldn't loose. She couldn't!
"My love," she beckoned in a strained voice. " I need you. Please...please help me."
Vegeta just barley heard the soft murmur but for some reason, he knew what to do. Expression calm, he stepped up to his Princess' side, feeling the power of the crystal flowing through his veins as he powered up. The crystal welcomed his power, embraced it and in turn aided him in achieving his full power. He welcomed the familiar burning that came with the change but gasped when it suddenly intensified. His scalp tingled as his wild mane of hair grew, past his shoulders, past his trim waist, stopping at the backs of his knees. Each muscle bulged with renewed strength.
"My King!" Serenity said, her slight form wavering under the unleashed power of the attacks. She needed him now more then anything and he was there, his hand resting upon her trembling shoulder. He stood tall and proud ready to risk it all for her. But he knew it would never come to that. Their bond, their love would protect them.
"My Queen."
Her full lips turned up in a relieved smile. "Your strongest attack, direct it into the crystal." She felt his uncertainty and shook her head. "Don't worry Vegeta, it wont reject it. Your strongest attack! NOW!" she cried as pain ripped through her body.
Vegeta took a deep breath. His muscular arms circled her, twined around her arms until both of his hands were touching at the palm and centered in front of the crystal. With a hoarse shout he released a vast Ki blast into the crystal.
For a moment there was nothing. Then they heard it. A sound like rolling thunder in the distance. It became louder and louder until the sound was almost deafening. The earth shook beneath them and the other Z fighters moved back, keeping themselves protectively in front of the wounded Senshi.
Serenity braced herself and gasped in wonder as Vegeta's raw energy flowed through her and into the crystal. It was amazing! The sheer velocity of their combined powers was almost too much to fathom. The new attack moved like a massive tidal wave towards Beryl, an unmistakable flare of red circling it. The Ki blast easily consumed Berly's attack and went straight to the source, drowning out the petrified scream and ending the life of the witch once and for all.
The last thing Serenity saw before she collapsed was the black clouds giving way to pristine blue skies. She fell backwards into the waiting arms of her Prince and sighed, closing her eyes. Her gown disappeared, leaving her once again in the tiny mini skirt and clinging bodice. Finally it was over. No, it wasn't over. Not yet. She pushed herself back up, refusing to acknowledge her trembling limbs and the pounding headache that still throbbed at the base of her skull. She had to see.
Her eyes scanned the scared land eagerly until they found what they were looking for. Lying on the ground several yards away was a small form, huddled in a fetal position. A red skirt fluttered in the breeze and Serena's breath caught in her throat. "Rei!"
The blonde ran forward, desperate to get to her friends side. "She has to be okay! She just has to!" Serena sobbed. Sinking to her knees beside the fallen Senshi, she pulled the bruised and battered body of Mars into her arm. "Rei? Rei.please be okay."
The raven-haired Senshi stirred, her head lolling to the side. Eyes slowly drifted open reveal clear pools of deep violet. "Se-Serena?"
The fair Princess suppressed a sob and nodded, tears collecting in her eyes. "Yes Rei. It's me."
Mars smiled, her eyes drifting close. "It's over."
"Yes Rei, it's over. You can rest now," Serena said. She brushed thick raven strands from Rei's face and sighed. A hand alighted upon her shoulder and she turned, finding herself lost in deep onyx. She lifted her hand and placed it over Vegeta's.
"Are you okay?" he asked, concern lacing his rough tone. He kneeled next to her and drew her back into his arms.
"I'm fine," she murmured, running her fingers over the muscles of his arm. She snuggled close to him, nuzzling his neck with the tip of her nose. "Just.really, really happy that this is all over with."
Vegeta nodded. "We should get your friends taken care of. I'm sure they all could use it."
Serena looked back at where the Z fighters were, each of them tending to one of her Senshi and she couldn't help but smile. They may have come out a little worse for wear, but they had been victorious. "Okay. Lets get them taken care of."
*~*~*~*~*~*
Serena held her tears in check as her gaze moved over her Inner and Outer Senshi where they stood in the backyard of the Capsule Corp. building. A week had passed since their victory. The Inner and Outer Senshi were not only closer to their Princess, but had also developed a strong bond with each other. The royal court was stronger than it had ever been. But now it was time to say goodbye.
"Are you sure you can't come with us?" Mina begged.
Serena shook her head. "I can't. I belong here, with the man I love." She looked back at Vegeta who stood several yards away with their daughter clinging to his hand. "I'm sorry you guys. You know I'm right though. Besides, we'll see each other again in the future. I can't really rule a Kingdome on my own now can I?"
The first to break her calm façade was Rei. The raven-haired beauty ran forward, throwing her arms around Serena. "I'm going to miss you so much Meat-ball-head!" she cried softly.
Serena gave a watery laugh and hugged her back. "I know you will." She backed away, holding her Senshi at arms length. "When you get home find Chad and tell him what happened."
Rei nodded and moved away, allowing the other Senshi to take their turns saying goodbye to their Princess. When the last farewell was said, including the ones for little Rini, the Inner and Outer Senshi formed a line behind Pluto.
The Guardian of Time formed a portal of swirling green and violet behind them, then turned and gave Serena a sad smile. "I'll be checking in on you in the future Princess," she murmured in her soft, knowledge filled tone.
Serena returned her smile. "I know. You are always welcome Pluto."
The emerald haired Senshi gave a slight nod of her head and stepped back to join the others. Each Senshi shouted another cheerful farewell, stepped back into the portal and then they were gone.
Serena's shoulders slumped and she wrapped her arms around her in a protective gesture, already missing her friends. It would be strange without them. Having them around for the past week had been like old times. But she would see them again. The future she saw was a promising one and she knew that it only held happiness.
She smiled through her tears, feeling Vegeta's presence behind her. She turned to face him, brushing tears from her face.
Vegeta took his mate into his arms, brushing her long blonde hair. "You'll see them again Sere."
"I know. I'll just miss them," she whispered, wrapping her arms around his waist. Something tapped her leg and she looked down into the ruby eyes of her smiling daughter.
"You've still got me and daddy," Rini said pointedly.
Chuckling, Vegeta reached down and picked his daughter up with one arm, keeping his other arm wrapped around Serena's slim shoulders. "I think you and me are too much for your mother to handle."
Serena laughed, allowing her husband to lead them back into the house. Her heart was light, her life was full and she had finally found the love she had been longing for. She had wonderful friends, a beautiful daughter and her sweet Price had finally surrendered.
Disclaimer: I do NOT own DBZ or SM.
Surrender Sweet Prince
Chapter Twelve
Rei threw her head back and laughed, her blood red lips pulling back to reveal gleaming white teeth. Crimson lightning crossed the sky, thunder rolling ominously over the bare planes. Refusing to so much as shiver from the cold wind that swept over her body, Serena kept her gaze trained on her former friend and Senshi.
Rei's laughter slowly died away and she stared at Serena with icy, dead eyes. "You would like to believe that, wouldn't you Sailor brat? Sorry to disappoint you but your little Mars could never take this much power."
"What did you do with Rei?" Sailor Venus screamed, coming forward to stand proudly beside Sailor moon.
The woman gave them a sickening smile that chilled them to the very core of their beings. "Oh, she's still in here." She raised a hand and brushed long fingers across her collarbone. "Somewhere."
Serena held up a hand to stop Lita, Ami and Mina when they tried to lunge forward. Vegeta had taught her long ago how to read Ki signatures and what she saw in this on terrified her. This woman was awash in evil, the kind that nightmares were made of. The kind capable of wiping out an entire kingdom. Her heart slammed painfully against her ribs as her brain finally made the connection and then, then she knew hatred and fear like she never had. "Beryl," she snarled, startling her scouts.
"No," the Senshi of love whispered, her heart actually sinking as the cold realization hit her.
"Oh yes Sailor Venus. It is I. I'm flattered that you remember an old foe so well."
Serena bit back her fear. She was determined to face and defeat Beryl for good.
~Sere, what the hell is going on?~
Hearing her mates voice in her head, Serena started to feel the vulnerability pushing through the formidable walls she was attempting to build around her emotions. ~Oh, Vegeta. I don't know what to do!~
~Calm down woman and tell me what's going on.~
Serena took a fortifying breath and kept a trained eye on Beryl as she sent her thoughts quickly to him.
~The woman, that's Rei's body but not Rei. An enemy of the Moon Kingdom, one I though I had destroyed years ago, has taken over Rei's body. But Rei is still in there. If I kill Beryl, I kill Rei.~
Vegeta swore softly, grinding out the offensive words through clenched teeth. This complicated things. As always he had expected a fast, easy kill. He knew by reading her that the woman could hold her own, but in the end she would still die. It was inevitable. But now Serena's emotions were going to get pulled into this and that made this particular fight far from easy.
~Vegeta?~
~Find out how she did it. That will buy us some time. I'll try to figure out a way around this.~
She hesitated with her next question, not wanting to be negative but unable to feel any other way. ~And if we don't find a way around it?~
Vegeta shook his head. She knew the answer and he could feel her heart breaking as if it were his own. ~I'm sorry Serena.~
Forcing back the scalding tears that threatened to spill forth, Serena set her jaw stubbornly. Rei would not die. She would make sure of that. "How Beryl. How did you do it?" she asked, her voice clear and strong despite her raging emotions.
"You want to know the secret to my success Princess?" Beryl asked. "Alright, I'll tell you. All I required was a faithful servant. Preferably male, and handsome of course." Her grin widened. "That right, Sailor Moon, your precious Darien. He was faithful to me until the bitter end." She glared at Vegeta and the Saiyan Prince couldn't resist giving her one of his most infuriating smirks. Beryl's fists tightened at her side. "And the man was a wonderful actor. The entire time he was planning my reincarnation, he had you half-wits believing he was loyal to you.
"Our first attempt was you, Sailor Moon. But you proved to be much stronger then you looked. But Rei-." She gave a careless flick of her wrist. "Now her spirit was easy to break. It wasn't the most honorable thing to do, I'll admit that, but I think it worked out well."
Serena balked at Beryl's cruel statement. A wave of nausea hit her so hard that her knees almost buckled. "Oh Rei-."
"Along with Darien's little "act indiscretion" there was the fact that it looked as if she had betrayed her pathetic little boyfriend and worse, the Princess she had sworn to protect. It was only a matter of time before her guilt consumed her. After that, it was all too easy. Tortured souls are so fun to play with."
"Venus Crescent Beam Smash!!"
Serena gasped in surprise as Venus' attack flew by her and straight at Beryl. The Dark Queen easily slapped it aside and laughed mirthlessly. "Ah, ah, ah," she scolded, waggling her finger from side to side. "It isn't polite to interrupt, Sailor V."
"Let Rei go you worthless bitch!" Sailor Venus screamed back, her eyes filling with angry tears.
Beryl laughed again. "Oh, as if I have never been called that before. I actually take it as a compliment. Thank you."
Behind the distraught Sailor Senshi, Vegeta rolled his coal black eyes and sighed in exasperation. "Christ. Are you going to run your damn mouth all night or are you going to fight?"
Beryl turned her gaze on Vegeta and arched a single brow. "Eager to die, Saiyan?"
"You should be asking yourself that," he replied with in a sadistic snarl.
Beryl's grin disappeared and her lips twisted into an ugly sneer. She started to speak in a foreign language, her voice echoing around them. Slowly the long shadows of the night began to twist and meld together and from the darkness demons crawled, eyes glowing unnaturally and saliva dripping from their bared fangs.
There were, at the most, fifteen of them, each one a dark sickly green color with freakishly long, muscular arms.
"Well, this is great," Krillin muttered, lifting his head to stare at the creatures that towered twenty feet above them. Their scent assaulted the fighters on the ground, practically suffocating them with the putrid smell.
Ignoring the overpowering stench, Serena focused instead on the fury boiling in her blood. If she had to go through these things to get to Beryl then she would gladly do it. Right now her friend needed her help and Serena was going to save her or die trying. "What's the matter Beryl? Can't fight your own battles? How typical of you," she remarked snidely.
Beryl's scowl deepened. "Make her suffer," she snarled, slashing her hand through the air.
The monsters surrounding them moved unexpectedly fast for their bulk. One lashed out at Serena, it's hand connecting hard with her body and sending her flying into a gnarled tree yards away. Serena bit back her scream of agony as she hit the ground. Pain exploded in her head and the metallic taste of blood lay heavily on her tongue. Feeling as if every bone in her body had been shattered she tried to pull herself up. Spots swam before her eyes and she could hear the angry shouts of her friends mingling with the ear piercing shrieks of the creatures. "Rei," she whispered, her bruised body slowly shutting down on her. "No..."
Vegeta felt her Ki flicker and start to fade. "Sere," he muttered. His cold green-blue eyes filled with rage and he turned on the creature that had attacked her. "You are going to pay for that you piece of shit!" he yelled. The growl forming in the back of his throat turned into a terrifyingly outraged scream as he flew into the sky, lifting his arms and releasing a deathly Ki blast into the demons face. In a matter of seconds it was no more then a guttural cry carried off by the wind.
Still feeling the need to kill and destroy, the Saiyan Prince whipped around, eyes searching ruthlessly for prey. They landed on two creatures stumbling over to where Serena lay. "Trunks! Goten!" he called to the only ones not fighting. The two turned quickly. "Take care of it now!" he instructed as he went after the other one.
"Come on Goten," Trunks murmured, fearfully watching his father unleash his rage upon the monster. He had never seen his dad so angry or out of control before. Somehow he knew it was only going to get worse.
"Are we going to kill him Trunks?" the younger boy asked.
Trunks gaze went to the fallen Princess. She was like a second mother to him. She was there to help him when he needed someone and she always understood. Feelings much like the ones his father was feeling filled him until he could see nothing but red. "You bet your ass we are."
The boys attacked the creature side by side. Drawing their hands back, Ki spheres flared to life in their palms, flashing with a brilliant promise of demise. They flew at the monster, shouting as they released their combined attacks into the things chest. The Ki sphere acted like a razor sharp blade, easily cutting through the thick flesh. Goten and Trunks pushed their attacks forward until they ripped through it's back, snapping the spine with a sickening crack. Then, with smug grins they watched it collapse to the earth.
Below them the Scouts were working together to destroy the grotesque demons. Venus brushed a gloved hand against her damp forehead, watching the man named Goku take out another one without even blinking. Sighing in dismay, she turned back to the monster she, Mercury and Neptune were fighting. How did those men make it look so easy?
"Venus Crescent Beam Smash!!" she cried, holding her fingers before her and watching the beam of golden light shoot from them.
"Neptune Deep Submerge!" the blue haired beauty shouted, adding her attack to Venus'.
The creature teetered under the weight of the two attacks. One of its enormous feet hovered in the air, then came crashing back down to earth. Venus screamed in frustration, feeling a sudden urge to rip her hair out and cry in defeat.
"Release your attack again," Neptune demanded. Her hard, relentless eyes never strayed from their opponent.
Venus stared at the other woman briefly but she nodded and determinedly released her attack once more. This time their aim was true and the enemy slowly crumbled before them with a shriek of dismay.
"How many are left?" Venus asked tiredly, panting from her efforts to destroy the demon. A headache was forming behind her eyes, the pressure mounting with every minute that passed.
"Two. Their both being taken care of," Neptune stated.
"Good." Venus spun on her heal and ran to where her Princess still lay unconscious. Mercury was already there, sitting beside Vegeta how held the small blond in his arms. "Is she okay?" she asked, kneeling beside the small group.
Mercury had her hand closed around Serena's wrist, fingers pressed firmly against the steady pulse. "She's fine. A few bruises and perhaps a cracked rib or two. She's suffered a blow to the head but she'll hopefully come around soon."
The women talked around him and yet he couldn't hear their voices. They were no more then murmurs over the roaring sound in his ears. Would he always fail her? He was her mate, her destiny, and he couldn't even protect her. Fury consumed him once more as he held onto her limp body. 'No more Sere,' he vowed silently. 'This ends now.' He placed her down gently and stood. He could faintly hear the Scouts calling his name. They sounded uncertain. He ignored them.
He stumbled back, struggling with the power inside of him that refused to be ignored. It filled him, growing with his anger until Vegeta finally gave into it. The golden aura surrounding him expanded and became unbearably bright. The Saiyan Prince raised clenched fists to the heavens and dropped his head back, releasing a feral scream. Power erupted around him. It lashed out at the people surrounding him. His scalp started to tingle as the brilliant golden strands of his hair grew, stopping at the backs of his knees. The transformation was complete. Angry bolts of electricity circled Vegeta. Cold eyes scanned the barren wasteland, not bothering to stop on his friends and family who all stared at him in awe. He was only searching for one.
"Beryl!" he yelled, his harsh voice penetrating the unnatural silence that had surrounded the battleground.
"I'm here Saiyan."
A small puddle formed by his feet, black as midnight. As it grew the liquid swirled and took on the silvery color of mercury. Beryl emerged ever so slowly from the puddle regarding Vegeta with blazing hate filled eyes. "You have killed my demons, you have killed my Prince...my only love." Her voice shook with suppressed fury as she spoke.
Vegeta sneered at her. "I feel no sympathy for your pain woman. All I care about is your death."
"You may kill me Vegeta, but know this." She raised a delicate finger, pointing it at Serena. "She will not make it though this night alive."
"Oh, but she will. And if you want her dead you'll have to get through me first. Good luck."
"And me."
Vegeta looked over and saw Goku standing beside him. "Kakarott?"
"She's our friend Vegeta and so are you. We'll fight for her together."
"Count us in," Uranus said, stepping forward with the Inner and Outer Senshi behind her.
Jupiter glared up at the Dark Queen but her words were for the Saiyan Prince. "We failed her once. We will not do it again."
"I would gladly die protecting my future Queen," Venus added.
Beryl laughed low in her throat and her eyes gleamed maliciously. "Well Sailor brats that can most certainly be arranged."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Serena..."
"Who-."
"Serena...open your eyes."
She couldn't though. Her head was pounding, making it impossible to even comprehend opening her eyes. She knew people were fighting. Fighting Rei. No, it was Beryl they were fighting.
"Serena..."
"Rei?"
"Serena, please help me. It hurts. It hurts so much."
"Rei, hang on. Please, just hang on!"
"Serena..."
The Moon Princess' eyes snapped open, silver fire warring within the calm sapphire depths. "Rei," she whispered. Color flooded back into her cheeks and she struggled to sit up. She looked beside her, gasping in shock at what she saw. Jupiter was sprawled on the ground next to her, her chest rising and falling with each slow breath she drew.
"Jupiter!" Serena leaned over, ignoring the blinding pain in her head. Brushing her friends sable bangs from her face, Serena released a low, keening wail when her fingers touched the deep gash on Jupiter's temple. She pulled her hand back. Her fingers were smeared with dark blood. "No..Lita.."
"Sere..so sorry."
Serena leaned close to her friend, trying not to notice how dull and lifeless the green eyes that stared back at her were. "Don't be sorry. Just rest. I'll get you better."
"So...sorry." Jupiter's eyes fluttered closed.
Determination in her every move, Serena got to her feet. She saw Trunks and Goten watching a fallen Mina, Krillin was tending to Ami, Picollo and Gohan were watching over Neptune and Pluto. Goku, Vegeta and Uranus were the only ones aside from herself still in the fight.
Serena took a step forward and her heart immediately lodged itself in her throat as she watched Uranus lung at Beryl, her jewel encrusted sword clutched tightly in her hands. For a moment everything went in slow motion. The sword came up, Beryl's grin widened, there was a flash of light and with a cry Uranus fell, her body slamming into the earth. Her sword clattered to the ground next to her, useless.
"Uranus!" Serena cried, running forward and kneeling beside her friend. She took the taller woman's body into her arms thinking that if she could just transfer a little of her own strength into the lengthy warrior that everything would be okay. The wounds would be no more and her Senshi would feel no pain. But she couldn't. All she could do was hold her and cry.
Uranus' eyes fluttered and she turned her head toward her Princess. "Don't you dare cry Sailor Moon. You have to be strong now. You need to finish this."
Serena shook her head. "But...but I can't! If I kill her Rei will die."
A dry chuckle escaped Uranus' lips. "I usually don't agree with you when you do it, but you know what you have to do. And you know how to save Rei. Listen to your heart Princess. It will tell you what to do." And with that another Senshi lay still, eyes closed, no longer able to fight the battle.
Serena gently released Uranus and stood. She knew what she had to do now. Above her the fight still went on. Vegeta and Goku were both keeping Beryl occupied in dodging their attacks while they thought of ways to defeat the witch without harming the Senshi within. Taking her place before the enemy and below her two brave warriors, Serena stretched her hands out before her.
A crystal, pure as the soul it had come from, appeared between her hands, it's glow illuminating the face of the beautiful Princess holding it. Azure eyes, filled with determination, never strayed from Beryl. She would win this. She called upon the power of the crystal, feeling it transform her. Blinding light surrounded her, causing all onlookers to avert their eyes from the intenseness of it. And when the light faded an angel stood before them, her pristine gown flowing around her willowy form. She was unlike anything they had ever seen before.
She was Serenity, the Princess of the Moon and the only one who could save her friend. "Power of Mars, I call upon you. Please aid me in my fight and protect your Sovereign," she whispered, smiling when a thin beam of red light formed around the circle. Then she yelled out in a clear voice resonating authority. "Beryl! You will fight me now!"
Vegeta stared at Serena, unable to believe what he saw before him. She was so beautiful. The regal set of her shoulders and the fire burning in those eyes amazed him. He wanted to fight for her but he knew he couldn't. This was a fight she needed to finish on her own. Nodding to Goku, the two lowered to the earth.
Vegeta took a step back, allowing her space. ~If you need me, I'm right here.~
Serenity smiled. ~Thank you my love.~
There was a moment of silence as the two females faced off, each measuring up their opponent. A smirk curled the lips of the Evil Queen and she laughed. "So the Princess returns. You couldn't defeat me before. What makes you think you can do it now?"
"I don't think. I know," Serena murmured, her tone confident. "We end this! NOW!" Serenity screamed as an enormous beam of light exploded from the crystal. It shot across the dark sky towards the Dark Queen. Beryl easily formed a counter attack and released it at Serenity. The two attacks collided with such force that the very earth trembled.
For a long drawn out moment the two powers seamed matched, but then the tabled turned. Beryl smirked as her energy slowly began to take over Serenity's. Down on the earth Serenity stood, trying to maintain the upper hand. Her arms quivered in exertion; sweat beaded across her forehead and trickled in tiny streams over her drawn face. She couldn't loose. She couldn't!
"My love," she beckoned in a strained voice. " I need you. Please...please help me."
Vegeta just barley heard the soft murmur but for some reason, he knew what to do. Expression calm, he stepped up to his Princess' side, feeling the power of the crystal flowing through his veins as he powered up. The crystal welcomed his power, embraced it and in turn aided him in achieving his full power. He welcomed the familiar burning that came with the change but gasped when it suddenly intensified. His scalp tingled as his wild mane of hair grew, past his shoulders, past his trim waist, stopping at the backs of his knees. Each muscle bulged with renewed strength.
"My King!" Serenity said, her slight form wavering under the unleashed power of the attacks. She needed him now more then anything and he was there, his hand resting upon her trembling shoulder. He stood tall and proud ready to risk it all for her. But he knew it would never come to that. Their bond, their love would protect them.
"My Queen."
Her full lips turned up in a relieved smile. "Your strongest attack, direct it into the crystal." She felt his uncertainty and shook her head. "Don't worry Vegeta, it wont reject it. Your strongest attack! NOW!" she cried as pain ripped through her body.
Vegeta took a deep breath. His muscular arms circled her, twined around her arms until both of his hands were touching at the palm and centered in front of the crystal. With a hoarse shout he released a vast Ki blast into the crystal.
For a moment there was nothing. Then they heard it. A sound like rolling thunder in the distance. It became louder and louder until the sound was almost deafening. The earth shook beneath them and the other Z fighters moved back, keeping themselves protectively in front of the wounded Senshi.
Serenity braced herself and gasped in wonder as Vegeta's raw energy flowed through her and into the crystal. It was amazing! The sheer velocity of their combined powers was almost too much to fathom. The new attack moved like a massive tidal wave towards Beryl, an unmistakable flare of red circling it. The Ki blast easily consumed Berly's attack and went straight to the source, drowning out the petrified scream and ending the life of the witch once and for all.
The last thing Serenity saw before she collapsed was the black clouds giving way to pristine blue skies. She fell backwards into the waiting arms of her Prince and sighed, closing her eyes. Her gown disappeared, leaving her once again in the tiny mini skirt and clinging bodice. Finally it was over. No, it wasn't over. Not yet. She pushed herself back up, refusing to acknowledge her trembling limbs and the pounding headache that still throbbed at the base of her skull. She had to see.
Her eyes scanned the scared land eagerly until they found what they were looking for. Lying on the ground several yards away was a small form, huddled in a fetal position. A red skirt fluttered in the breeze and Serena's breath caught in her throat. "Rei!"
The blonde ran forward, desperate to get to her friends side. "She has to be okay! She just has to!" Serena sobbed. Sinking to her knees beside the fallen Senshi, she pulled the bruised and battered body of Mars into her arm. "Rei? Rei.please be okay."
The raven-haired Senshi stirred, her head lolling to the side. Eyes slowly drifted open reveal clear pools of deep violet. "Se-Serena?"
The fair Princess suppressed a sob and nodded, tears collecting in her eyes. "Yes Rei. It's me."
Mars smiled, her eyes drifting close. "It's over."
"Yes Rei, it's over. You can rest now," Serena said. She brushed thick raven strands from Rei's face and sighed. A hand alighted upon her shoulder and she turned, finding herself lost in deep onyx. She lifted her hand and placed it over Vegeta's.
"Are you okay?" he asked, concern lacing his rough tone. He kneeled next to her and drew her back into his arms.
"I'm fine," she murmured, running her fingers over the muscles of his arm. She snuggled close to him, nuzzling his neck with the tip of her nose. "Just.really, really happy that this is all over with."
Vegeta nodded. "We should get your friends taken care of. I'm sure they all could use it."
Serena looked back at where the Z fighters were, each of them tending to one of her Senshi and she couldn't help but smile. They may have come out a little worse for wear, but they had been victorious. "Okay. Lets get them taken care of."
*~*~*~*~*~*
Serena held her tears in check as her gaze moved over her Inner and Outer Senshi where they stood in the backyard of the Capsule Corp. building. A week had passed since their victory. The Inner and Outer Senshi were not only closer to their Princess, but had also developed a strong bond with each other. The royal court was stronger than it had ever been. But now it was time to say goodbye.
"Are you sure you can't come with us?" Mina begged.
Serena shook her head. "I can't. I belong here, with the man I love." She looked back at Vegeta who stood several yards away with their daughter clinging to his hand. "I'm sorry you guys. You know I'm right though. Besides, we'll see each other again in the future. I can't really rule a Kingdome on my own now can I?"
The first to break her calm façade was Rei. The raven-haired beauty ran forward, throwing her arms around Serena. "I'm going to miss you so much Meat-ball-head!" she cried softly.
Serena gave a watery laugh and hugged her back. "I know you will." She backed away, holding her Senshi at arms length. "When you get home find Chad and tell him what happened."
Rei nodded and moved away, allowing the other Senshi to take their turns saying goodbye to their Princess. When the last farewell was said, including the ones for little Rini, the Inner and Outer Senshi formed a line behind Pluto.
The Guardian of Time formed a portal of swirling green and violet behind them, then turned and gave Serena a sad smile. "I'll be checking in on you in the future Princess," she murmured in her soft, knowledge filled tone.
Serena returned her smile. "I know. You are always welcome Pluto."
The emerald haired Senshi gave a slight nod of her head and stepped back to join the others. Each Senshi shouted another cheerful farewell, stepped back into the portal and then they were gone.
Serena's shoulders slumped and she wrapped her arms around her in a protective gesture, already missing her friends. It would be strange without them. Having them around for the past week had been like old times. But she would see them again. The future she saw was a promising one and she knew that it only held happiness.
She smiled through her tears, feeling Vegeta's presence behind her. She turned to face him, brushing tears from her face.
Vegeta took his mate into his arms, brushing her long blonde hair. "You'll see them again Sere."
"I know. I'll just miss them," she whispered, wrapping her arms around his waist. Something tapped her leg and she looked down into the ruby eyes of her smiling daughter.
"You've still got me and daddy," Rini said pointedly.
Chuckling, Vegeta reached down and picked his daughter up with one arm, keeping his other arm wrapped around Serena's slim shoulders. "I think you and me are too much for your mother to handle."
Serena laughed, allowing her husband to lead them back into the house. Her heart was light, her life was full and she had finally found the love she had been longing for. She had wonderful friends, a beautiful daughter and her sweet Price had finally surrendered.