(Warning spoilers, warning, I warn you now, this chapter contains spoilers)
Chapter Fourteen
Tossing her apron onto the counter, she waved to the young man behind the counter. "Bye Motoki kun. I'll be over early tomorrow."
He nodded, waving as she left the arcade. At that time, a young man stood from his booth. He set a few yen onto the counter, before leaving as well.
Frowning Motoki watched as the tall blond haired man followed the road Usagi took everyday to get home.
Usagi tugged her vest closer to her body, and buttoned it trying to warm herself up in the setting sun. She looked up into the sky, and watched as the blue was transformed into pinks, soft reds and oranges. She sighed wistfully, feeling her heart flutter, as her mind wandered to a certain person. She smiled softly, her eyes glazing over.
Forgetting about the cold, she slowed her pace, in no hurry to get home. Reaching up, she tugged out her ponytail, and stuffed the band in her pocket. Her hair whipped in the wind, and she loved the feel of it. Feeling giddy inside, she wanted to do something drastic, not that she already had.
Glancing out at the road, she worked up her courage, and skipped across the street. Bobbing her head left then right, she entered the thick trees, and stepped out into the park.
The dance was already long forgotten.
She passed the bench she had sat on for an hour crying, and moved on. She followed the trail making her way to the other side of the park.
She let her feet carry her to her new destination. She stepped out into the street, and crossed the road. She glanced both ways and frowned. Reaching inside her pocket, she pulled out a few coins, and moved to the pay phone. Glancing at her palm, she dialed a number, and waited as it rang.
"Yea."
"Hey."
"Usagi?"
Her heart skipped a beat, and she leaned against the wall of the phone booth. "Hai it's me." She turned her back to the door, and bit her bottom lip.
"Is something wrong?"
She inhaled sharply, and shook her head, letting out the air she held. "Iie, I just, forgot your address." She flushed, and pursed her lips, and hoped he wouldn't be mad, that she wanted to come over already. Mamoru had always been upset about her coming over so much.
Suddenly a wave of anxiety hit her, and she feared, that he would yell at her, or insult her, or maybe tell her off. Her hand began to shake, and she felt tears start to cling to her eyes.
She heard him chuckle, and everything vanished, in a blink of an eye. "I don't blame you, I got lost before, trying to find it. Do you know the Tansei café?"
"Hai."
"My apartment is right across from it. Second floor, door number 213."
Usagi grinned, ready to thank him, when suddenly there was a knock. Still smiling, she turned, looking at the young man outside the phone booth. Still holding the phone, she studied him. Short wild blond hair, and cold blue eyes, he was dressed in blue jeans, and a red short sleeve shirt.
"Can I help you?" Then it dawned on her, "oh, I'll be off the phone in a second." She tried to get rid of the feeling, that she knew the man. Just looking at him, sent a shivers down her spine, and warnings went off in her head.
"Hello Usagi."
"Nani?" She turned back around to him, "How do you know my name?" The man smirked, and suddenly she knew who he was. "Iie!"
"I know I lot more than that."
She barely gasped, before he attacked her. His strong arms wrapped around her, and jerked her out of the phone booth. She tried to scream, but his hand clamped over her mouth. She wriggled against him, fighting the whole time, as he dragged her out onto the empty street, and they vanished.
?????
They appeared in abandoned building, and he tossed her to the floor. She hit the ground rolling. Crossing his arms over his chest, he waited. "Get up Sailor Moon."
Gritting her teeth, she forced herself up to her hands and knees. Her head whipped up, and she looked at him. "Jadeite!" His disguise melted away, and his clothes were formed into his general uniform. "Glad you remembered me Sailor Moon."
She climbed to her feet, but never took her eyes away from him. "How'd you survive? Tuxedo Mask killed you." He sneered, "That pathetic wimp, please. It was Queen Beryl that bitch, that locked me away in eternal sleep."
She frowned, "How'd you break free?" He tilted his head to the side, thinking. "I'm not sure really. A light broke through the crystal I had been encased in, and here I am, ready to kill you."
As he talked, she reached inside her subspace pocket, searching for her communicator. He looked at her, catching her in the act. "Transform already, I'll wait."
She searched, but realized, that she didn't have her communicator, because she had destroyed it at the dance. She paled at the thought, and knew she had to fight alone. Regaining her wits, she pulled out her brooch.
Inhaling deeply, she held it up, and shouted, "Moon Eternal Make-up!" She was bathed in light, and as soon as they vanished, Eternal Sailor Moon replaced Usagi.
"So you've changed your outfit, and grown wings, big deal." Usagi took a stance, ready to defend herself if need be. "What no speech?" She reached up, and threw out her tiara at him. Scowling he held up a hand, "you're as weak and pathetic as were the last time we fought."
The tiara flew back, and she caught it, replacing it on her brow.
Forming a ball of energy, he threw it at her. She dodged to the right, but he came up behind her, and slammed a fist into her stomach, knocking the wind out of her. She flew back, hitting a wall. She peeled herself off of it, and threw out her tiara again. He held up a shield. Taking her chance, she ran up behind him, and swung her staff. It hit him in the back, knocking him forward. His shield vanished, and the tiara struck him in the chest. He cried out with rage, whirling around, and threw himself at her.
She gasped, as his body knocked into hers, and they hit the ground hard. Pinning her beneath him, he held up a hand, forming an energy blast, "I wont let you live any longer Sailor Moon."
He watched with satisfaction, as her eyes widened with horror, fear encasing her heart. Chuckling, he rose up off of her, aiming the blast at her.
"Meteor!"
Startled, Jadeite looked up, to see someone standing in the doorway to the building. Looking up, he was too late, to dodge the large boulders that came from the ceiling.
Squall glanced down, and shouted, "Usagi get out of the way." She was startled to hear her name, but she forced herself to roll. She jumped to her feet, holding her staff. Jadeite cursed, blood pouring from multiple wounds. "Wait till we meet again Sailor Moon!"
He vanished, but from the walls, youmas climbed out, all shapes, and kinds. Sailor Moon rushed to Squall's side, "how did you..." he shook his head, "It doesn't matter right now. Lets get rid of them, before they decide to leave the building and attack innocent people."
Usagi nodded, her eyes hardening. She held her staff in her hand, as youmas filled the room. "I'll get the right." She didn't wait for him to comply. Reaching up, she pulled off her tiara, twirling it from one hand to the next. "Starlight Honeymoon Therapy Kiss!"
Squall nodded, raising his hand, and called out, "Fire!" Lava shot up from the ground, attacking a single youma, causing it to cry out.
Usagi ducked, as a youma threw out an attack at her. She hurled out her tiara, and a few dodged, while others were sliced in half. More replaced the ones she destroyed. Stepping back, she gritted her teeth. She shouted out her attack, light shooting from her tiara like before.
More replaced the four that turned to dust. "They just keep coming!" Squall replied, "I know. I guess I have no choice." Frowning she looked at him, "Nani?"
Gritting his teeth, he shouted, "Get out of here!" Usagi looked at him, "Iie I wont let you fight alone." She turned to the youma's, aiming her tiara; she called out another attack, turning only a few to dust. Squall shook his head, pulled out his Gunblade, and sliced a youma in half. "You need to get out of here, I can take care of the rest of them."
Usagi looked at him, "iie I wont leave you Squall, we'll fight against them together." Cursing under his breath, he ordered, "Go now, I don't want you to get hurt!" She shook her head, "I can defend myself, I wont leave you with these things." He brought his blade down against a youma that had leaped at them.
Gritting his teeth, he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulled her against him. Keeping his eyes on the advancing youmas, he kissed her hard on the lips, leaving her weak in the knees, and unable to comprehend what he was about to do. Pulling back, he threw her to the doors. She stumbled on her feet, tripping, and fell rolling out of the building with a startled scream.
Muttering a few words under his breath, he ripped the necklace around his neck up over his head, and threw it after her. 'Just incase.' Turning back, he faced the youmas, and brought his blade into an attacking youma, and reflected an attack another had thrown at him.
He touched his forehead, before throwing out his hand, "Tornado Zone."
?????
Usagi dizzily climbed to her feet, stumbling. Something caught her eye, and she saw Squall's necklace. Kneeling down, she picked it up, and stared at it, as it rested in her palm. Looking up at the building, she watched as it was destroyed. "SQUALL!!!!" She didn't find him, but found a creature in his place.
The creature stood there, as things around it, were being sucked into it mouth. She grasped the pole next to her, holding onto it as if her life depended on it. She closed her eyes tightly, holding onto the pole, and didn't look up, till the air around her stopped moving. Opening her eyes, she looked up, only to see air come whooshing out from all sides. Pieces from the old building, and dust came out. Not a single youma was seen. The air formed a tornado, and flew around the creature with great speed. Tears stung her eyes, and she held on tighter to the pole.
Suddenly the air stopped, and all that was left, was the creature, which was as tall as the warehouses is stood next to. Letting go, she looked up, as the creature turned facing her. She couldn't begin to describe what it looked like. She gasped, as it stumbled forward, falling to one knee. A portal opened up, as it fell over. Without even thinking, she jumped in after it.
?????
She landed with a thump, on the blue-carpeted floor, while Squall landed on the couch next to her. Groggily, she forced herself to sit up, and she glanced around, finding herself in a familiar apartment. "Squall?" She heard him moan, and she scrambled to her feet. "Oh kami Squall, are you all right?"
He opened his eyes, looking up at her, "yea, just a little tired." He tried to sit up, but Usagi shook her head, forcing him to sit down, "you baka, you scared the hell out of me. I thought I lost you, bachiatara!"
She took hold of his hand, holding it like a vise, and knelt down on the floor next to him. "Don't ever do that again."
He tried to laugh it off, but he saw her tears. "Usagi I'm sorry." She smiled through her watery eyes, and stated the obvious, "So you're the guardian." He nodded feeling really tired, but not ready to fall asleep. "Yea, and you're Sailor Moon."
She flushed, touching her brooch, and she became Usagi once again. "How did you...?" He closed his eyes for a second, before looking back at her. "It wasn't that hard. You just had to think about it for a while. And I did, and it suddenly clicked into place." She nodded, and laid her head down on top of their linked hands. She stared at him, and their eyes locked.
"You're not from America are you?"
Sighing, he shook his head. "No, I'm not." She nodded, "I understand. Tell me, tell me about your world." He let himself relax, "you really want to know?" She nodded, "hai, and I'll tell you about me."
"That's fair..." He looked up at the ceiling, thinking back to his past, remembering it all, and tried to find the best place to start off at.
?????
Setsuna crossed her arms over her chest, as she stared at what had been done. Frowning, she waved a hand trying to will the doors to close on the time stream. Her eyes widen in alarm, when they didn't.
Holding out her hand, her time staff appeared. Taking a step forward, she blocked the door with her body, and slid into a defense stance. She heard a sound behind her, and whirled around, ready for an attack. She watched, as a figure moved through the fog, heading for the doors that led to the time stream. She stepped back, and waited as the figure moved closer.
Holding up her staff, she called out coldly, "Halt! You are not worthy, of passing through the time gates." Without warning, she swung her staff, nearly hitting the person. The figure hidden in the fog shrieked, falling back, and landing on their butt. She stepped towards the person, holding her staff at their throat.
The fog lifted, and she found herself staring down at a fairy like woman. "Nani?" The fairy was the size of a child; she looked up at her with curious pale eyes. Setsuna slowly removed her staff, but kept her eyes on the smaller woman.
She stepped back, and watched as the fairy like woman stood to her full height, which was barely four feet. She was dressed in a bathing suit like top, a short mini shirt at her waist, but in the back, the skirt came down like a cape, dragging on the floor. Her white hair, was pulled back away from her face, and cascaded down her back, and dragged on the floor behind her.
Setsuna set her staff at her side, and used it to lean on. "Why are you here?" The smaller woman giggled, her eyes lighting up, as the fairy stated, "I know something you don't." Setsuna frowned, glancing at the time stream. Turning back around, she looked at the smaller woman, "What do you mean?"
The pale haired woman slowly smiled, her silvery eyes flashing with inner knowledge. She whispered, "I know something you don't, Puu." Setsuna blinked, and she felt something change in the time stream. "Nani?"
She turned, facing the open doors, and looked inside. She watched as something flashed from within it, "Iie." The fairy raised a hand, a staff taller than her appeared, "Your time here is done."
Setsuna stopped from going into the time stream, to turn to the smaller figure in the fog with her. A bright light lashed out at her from the staff that the fairy held out in front of her. Setsuna lost all feeling, and her senses dulled, leaving her alone in the darkness of her own mind.
?????
He was floating, the cold water rushing around him, chilling his skin. He turned his head, looking one way, than the other. He was lost, not sure which direction would lead him to. He frowned, using his arms, and his legs; he swam. He let his mind wander, and just moved, not really caring where he went.
He inwardly sighed, but something flashed, catching his eye. Stopping, he looked over, to see something flash in the dark depths of ocean he was in. Tilting his head, he tried to see what it was. Scowling, he swam towards it, following it, feeling that it was important. He saw another flash, and a voice cried out. Clenching his fists at his sides, he pushed himself harder, trying to reach the light.
A sound behind him stopped him, and he turned looking over his shoulder. He heard it again, and recognized it. Someone was whistling, calling him. It sounded so close, but he was alone in the ocean, alone in the cold depths.
The whistle sounded louder, and he was torn in two, not sure which way he should go. Scowling, he glanced back where he had seen the light, but saw nothing now but the darkness that surrounded him. Sighing, he went to head back in the direction he came from, when something sparkled in the darkness.
He tilted his head slightly, peering closer. It was like he was watching a hologram, a faint image of a woman lying on some kind of ground, fog surrounding her form, and she wasn't moving.
He heard the whistling again, and again, almost sounding urgent. He sighed restlessly, and felt pressure against his chest, like something squeezing him. Grunting, he looked down, and found himself as faint as the image of the woman in the direction the light had come from.
He heard the whistle again, and looked up, and saw an image that took his breath away. Yuna was dressed in robes, made up of purple, white, yellow, and soft pink decorations. Her dark brown hair was short, barely touching her shoulders. It was parted to the side, her bangs long, and her hair framed her lovely face. Her eyes were both dark, one green, while the other was blue. She lifted her hand, whistling, like he had taught her.
Glancing behind him, he still saw the woman passed out on the ground, dressed in a strange uniform, but her features were hazy.
'This is the crossroads of your life.'
Startled, he jerked back, staring at a shadowy figure that floated in the ocean with him. The figure's shape was of a woman, a shorter one at that. In her right hand, she held a long rod.
"Who are you?"
He blinked in surprise that he could actually talk, even though he was in the ocean. He moved his arms ] around, trying to keep him at level with the figure. "Who are you?" His voice sounded almost distant, like it wasn't even his.
'You're running out of time.' He nodded, as if she had stated the obvious, he glanced at Yuna, then at the image of a stranger.
Frowning, he looked at her as he asked, "What do you mean by running out of time?" He was getting weaker, sounding fainter, and he gasped, as if something struck him in the chest. His face twisted in pain, and he held a hand over his heart as if it would ease the ache.
There was a long pause, before she spoke. 'You are in the crossroads of your life.' "Crossroads, really? I thought I didn't exist, how do I have a life, when I was nothing but a dream of an aeon?" The figure shook her head, chuckling at his antics.
'No no no, you do exist, maybe not in your world, but in Yuna's, and maybe in this woman's as well. But if you continue to dwell here, you will be lost in time forever, like myself.' He heard the whistle again, and he glanced up, to see Yuna turn talking to someone. His eyes widen, "Yuna!" He tried to go after her, as she started to walk away, but a sharp object cut him off. He looked back, frowning at the figure next to him.
'You have a choice here, that's why it's called the crossroads. One choice is to go to Yuna, and live there. Yes, I can give you life, and send you to her world, and you can meet her all over again.'
He nodded, suddenly urgent, as something slammed into his chest again. He grunted, and replied rushed, "Can I go there now, please." He felt the water around him shift, and he realized she was frowning at him, 'But you have yet to hear your second choice.' He turned to her, waiting, not wanting to stay any longer.
She pointed to the image, of the woman on the floor. The woman had long dark hair, spilling over her shoulders, and blanketing the ground. Her face was clouded over with fog now, and he could barely make out anything.
'Or you can go to her world, and help her and her friends.' "But I've already fought for peace in Yuna's world, why should I help someone I don't know?"
The figure moved her rod away, and she replied, 'you did the same with Yuna. You didn't know her, or her friends, but you helped them, even saved her from a fate worst than death.' She paused, before going on, 'this is your choice, I cant force you to pick. It's either happiness with this girl." She pointed to Yuna's retreating form. 'Or help save her world, so that her, and her friends, can live in peace, and live happily, like Yuna, and her friends will.' She pointed to the fading image of the woman in the fog.
He glanced back and forth, and he knew deep down, that he had to hurry. He was struck in the chest again, and he bent over at the waist. 'I will tell you, what would happen, if you picked either choice. If you picked your friends, this woman's world, will die. '
He looked at her, "They'll all die?"
She nodded, 'Yes. In order, to protect the universe, her princess will have to destroy their world, where the enemy has nested itself, so it couldn't take over.' He looked away, staring at the barely visible image. 'If you do choose to help her.' She smiled softly, 'your friends, will live on in peace, and time will go by, without you there. It would be the same, as it would have been if I had never even came to give you this choice. It would be as if you don't exist, but they will remember you.' He inhaled deeply, trying to fight off the pain building up inside his body. He felt like he was being ripped apart from the inside out.
'You must hurry, time is of the essence, and you have little left.'
Without a word, he turned to the image that was fading away to nothing, and began to move after it. He felt eyes on him the whole time, as he swam faster and faster to the fading image. He grunted, ignoring another stab of pain. Gritting his teeth, he pushed himself beyond the point of returning. Throwing his arms out in front of him, he was given a burst of speed.
'Hurry, time is not on your side. Be careful, and take care of yourself.' He was nearly there, when he felt a stab in his chest, nearly sending him reeling with pain. He gasped, tears clinging to his eyes, as the pain suddenly increased. He felt everything freeze around him, but he propelled himself forward, and burst through the faint image of the doors held wide open.
He was flung out of the water and into the air. The doors he came through swung shut, and locked. Instantly, he hit the ground hard, and he grunted as he rolled a few feet away from the now locked doors.
Gasping, he dropped his head back, as the pain in his body slowly faded. He lifted his hands, and found himself soaked, and knew that what he had just been through hadn't been some nightmare. Rolling his head to the side, his eyes landed on a beautiful face.
They were surrounded in a thick fog that blanketed them both tightly within it. Her face was mere inches from his, her lips full, were pursed together. Olive colored skin stretched smoothly over toned muscles, and her slender body. Her brows, fine and thin, matched her hair, which seemed like two different colors. Long thick black hair; fell over her shoulders, nearly reaching her knees. When he looked closer, he noticed green highlights intermixed with the black, giving it a unique look.
Sighing, he tore his eyes away, and forced himself to sit up. The fog shifted, as he moved, and he found himself on the grass, surrounded by trees, and flowers. Raising a single dark eyebrow, he glanced around wearily. The sun was up and the sky overhead was blue. The grass was thick, the trees in all their glory, were dark green. He was surrounded by life. In the distant, he heard children's laughter, and all around him birds sang, flowers bloomed, and the sun's rays caught him with its heat.
He looked down, to find the woman, lying next to him. She was still out, her body curled near his, and her hair falling loose, and blanketing her tall, but slender form.
He studied her, finding her in black slacks, and a brown halter-top, that clung to her chest nicely, and platforms on her feet. He watched over her, unwilling to take his eyes away. He waited, as time slowly ticked by, and he saw her eyes twitch. She blinked, and he found himself looking into a pair of garnet red stones. She looked at him, her lips forming a frown. Sluggishly, she sat up, rubbing her forehead, trying to ease the pain between her eyes.
"Nani?"
He raised an eyebrow in question, but decided not to speak. She looked at him, confusion flashing through her eyes. "Who are you?" He flashed her a grin, holding out his hand, "the names Tidus." She took hold of his hand, with her slender one, and shook it lightly, "Meiou Setsuna. But call me Setsuna." He nodded, standing, and helped her to her feet.
Once on her feet, she dusted her hands on her pants, before she looked at him. Even though she was a tall young woman, he still towered over her a good couple of inches, but barely. He frowned suddenly, when she eyed his attire. "What?"
A smile tugged at her lips, and she shook her head. "I have a feeling you're not from around here Tidus. But in order for you to fit in, I think you need to find a better wardrobe."
He scowled, "what do you mean?" He tugged at his pants, "this is the Zanarkand Abes uniform."
A single eyebrow rose, "Nani?" Before he could answer, she shook her head, "iie, don't bother. Follow me Tidus, I will fill you in, and get you ready for your new life here." She turned, starting down the same path she took Squall only a month or so ago. Quickly, he followed after her, and tried to keep up. "Fill me in about what?"
She smiled ruefully, looking up ahead, as she replied calmly, "we should walk, this may take some time."
Chapter Fourteen
Tossing her apron onto the counter, she waved to the young man behind the counter. "Bye Motoki kun. I'll be over early tomorrow."
He nodded, waving as she left the arcade. At that time, a young man stood from his booth. He set a few yen onto the counter, before leaving as well.
Frowning Motoki watched as the tall blond haired man followed the road Usagi took everyday to get home.
Usagi tugged her vest closer to her body, and buttoned it trying to warm herself up in the setting sun. She looked up into the sky, and watched as the blue was transformed into pinks, soft reds and oranges. She sighed wistfully, feeling her heart flutter, as her mind wandered to a certain person. She smiled softly, her eyes glazing over.
Forgetting about the cold, she slowed her pace, in no hurry to get home. Reaching up, she tugged out her ponytail, and stuffed the band in her pocket. Her hair whipped in the wind, and she loved the feel of it. Feeling giddy inside, she wanted to do something drastic, not that she already had.
Glancing out at the road, she worked up her courage, and skipped across the street. Bobbing her head left then right, she entered the thick trees, and stepped out into the park.
The dance was already long forgotten.
She passed the bench she had sat on for an hour crying, and moved on. She followed the trail making her way to the other side of the park.
She let her feet carry her to her new destination. She stepped out into the street, and crossed the road. She glanced both ways and frowned. Reaching inside her pocket, she pulled out a few coins, and moved to the pay phone. Glancing at her palm, she dialed a number, and waited as it rang.
"Yea."
"Hey."
"Usagi?"
Her heart skipped a beat, and she leaned against the wall of the phone booth. "Hai it's me." She turned her back to the door, and bit her bottom lip.
"Is something wrong?"
She inhaled sharply, and shook her head, letting out the air she held. "Iie, I just, forgot your address." She flushed, and pursed her lips, and hoped he wouldn't be mad, that she wanted to come over already. Mamoru had always been upset about her coming over so much.
Suddenly a wave of anxiety hit her, and she feared, that he would yell at her, or insult her, or maybe tell her off. Her hand began to shake, and she felt tears start to cling to her eyes.
She heard him chuckle, and everything vanished, in a blink of an eye. "I don't blame you, I got lost before, trying to find it. Do you know the Tansei café?"
"Hai."
"My apartment is right across from it. Second floor, door number 213."
Usagi grinned, ready to thank him, when suddenly there was a knock. Still smiling, she turned, looking at the young man outside the phone booth. Still holding the phone, she studied him. Short wild blond hair, and cold blue eyes, he was dressed in blue jeans, and a red short sleeve shirt.
"Can I help you?" Then it dawned on her, "oh, I'll be off the phone in a second." She tried to get rid of the feeling, that she knew the man. Just looking at him, sent a shivers down her spine, and warnings went off in her head.
"Hello Usagi."
"Nani?" She turned back around to him, "How do you know my name?" The man smirked, and suddenly she knew who he was. "Iie!"
"I know I lot more than that."
She barely gasped, before he attacked her. His strong arms wrapped around her, and jerked her out of the phone booth. She tried to scream, but his hand clamped over her mouth. She wriggled against him, fighting the whole time, as he dragged her out onto the empty street, and they vanished.
?????
They appeared in abandoned building, and he tossed her to the floor. She hit the ground rolling. Crossing his arms over his chest, he waited. "Get up Sailor Moon."
Gritting her teeth, she forced herself up to her hands and knees. Her head whipped up, and she looked at him. "Jadeite!" His disguise melted away, and his clothes were formed into his general uniform. "Glad you remembered me Sailor Moon."
She climbed to her feet, but never took her eyes away from him. "How'd you survive? Tuxedo Mask killed you." He sneered, "That pathetic wimp, please. It was Queen Beryl that bitch, that locked me away in eternal sleep."
She frowned, "How'd you break free?" He tilted his head to the side, thinking. "I'm not sure really. A light broke through the crystal I had been encased in, and here I am, ready to kill you."
As he talked, she reached inside her subspace pocket, searching for her communicator. He looked at her, catching her in the act. "Transform already, I'll wait."
She searched, but realized, that she didn't have her communicator, because she had destroyed it at the dance. She paled at the thought, and knew she had to fight alone. Regaining her wits, she pulled out her brooch.
Inhaling deeply, she held it up, and shouted, "Moon Eternal Make-up!" She was bathed in light, and as soon as they vanished, Eternal Sailor Moon replaced Usagi.
"So you've changed your outfit, and grown wings, big deal." Usagi took a stance, ready to defend herself if need be. "What no speech?" She reached up, and threw out her tiara at him. Scowling he held up a hand, "you're as weak and pathetic as were the last time we fought."
The tiara flew back, and she caught it, replacing it on her brow.
Forming a ball of energy, he threw it at her. She dodged to the right, but he came up behind her, and slammed a fist into her stomach, knocking the wind out of her. She flew back, hitting a wall. She peeled herself off of it, and threw out her tiara again. He held up a shield. Taking her chance, she ran up behind him, and swung her staff. It hit him in the back, knocking him forward. His shield vanished, and the tiara struck him in the chest. He cried out with rage, whirling around, and threw himself at her.
She gasped, as his body knocked into hers, and they hit the ground hard. Pinning her beneath him, he held up a hand, forming an energy blast, "I wont let you live any longer Sailor Moon."
He watched with satisfaction, as her eyes widened with horror, fear encasing her heart. Chuckling, he rose up off of her, aiming the blast at her.
"Meteor!"
Startled, Jadeite looked up, to see someone standing in the doorway to the building. Looking up, he was too late, to dodge the large boulders that came from the ceiling.
Squall glanced down, and shouted, "Usagi get out of the way." She was startled to hear her name, but she forced herself to roll. She jumped to her feet, holding her staff. Jadeite cursed, blood pouring from multiple wounds. "Wait till we meet again Sailor Moon!"
He vanished, but from the walls, youmas climbed out, all shapes, and kinds. Sailor Moon rushed to Squall's side, "how did you..." he shook his head, "It doesn't matter right now. Lets get rid of them, before they decide to leave the building and attack innocent people."
Usagi nodded, her eyes hardening. She held her staff in her hand, as youmas filled the room. "I'll get the right." She didn't wait for him to comply. Reaching up, she pulled off her tiara, twirling it from one hand to the next. "Starlight Honeymoon Therapy Kiss!"
Squall nodded, raising his hand, and called out, "Fire!" Lava shot up from the ground, attacking a single youma, causing it to cry out.
Usagi ducked, as a youma threw out an attack at her. She hurled out her tiara, and a few dodged, while others were sliced in half. More replaced the ones she destroyed. Stepping back, she gritted her teeth. She shouted out her attack, light shooting from her tiara like before.
More replaced the four that turned to dust. "They just keep coming!" Squall replied, "I know. I guess I have no choice." Frowning she looked at him, "Nani?"
Gritting his teeth, he shouted, "Get out of here!" Usagi looked at him, "Iie I wont let you fight alone." She turned to the youma's, aiming her tiara; she called out another attack, turning only a few to dust. Squall shook his head, pulled out his Gunblade, and sliced a youma in half. "You need to get out of here, I can take care of the rest of them."
Usagi looked at him, "iie I wont leave you Squall, we'll fight against them together." Cursing under his breath, he ordered, "Go now, I don't want you to get hurt!" She shook her head, "I can defend myself, I wont leave you with these things." He brought his blade down against a youma that had leaped at them.
Gritting his teeth, he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulled her against him. Keeping his eyes on the advancing youmas, he kissed her hard on the lips, leaving her weak in the knees, and unable to comprehend what he was about to do. Pulling back, he threw her to the doors. She stumbled on her feet, tripping, and fell rolling out of the building with a startled scream.
Muttering a few words under his breath, he ripped the necklace around his neck up over his head, and threw it after her. 'Just incase.' Turning back, he faced the youmas, and brought his blade into an attacking youma, and reflected an attack another had thrown at him.
He touched his forehead, before throwing out his hand, "Tornado Zone."
?????
Usagi dizzily climbed to her feet, stumbling. Something caught her eye, and she saw Squall's necklace. Kneeling down, she picked it up, and stared at it, as it rested in her palm. Looking up at the building, she watched as it was destroyed. "SQUALL!!!!" She didn't find him, but found a creature in his place.
The creature stood there, as things around it, were being sucked into it mouth. She grasped the pole next to her, holding onto it as if her life depended on it. She closed her eyes tightly, holding onto the pole, and didn't look up, till the air around her stopped moving. Opening her eyes, she looked up, only to see air come whooshing out from all sides. Pieces from the old building, and dust came out. Not a single youma was seen. The air formed a tornado, and flew around the creature with great speed. Tears stung her eyes, and she held on tighter to the pole.
Suddenly the air stopped, and all that was left, was the creature, which was as tall as the warehouses is stood next to. Letting go, she looked up, as the creature turned facing her. She couldn't begin to describe what it looked like. She gasped, as it stumbled forward, falling to one knee. A portal opened up, as it fell over. Without even thinking, she jumped in after it.
?????
She landed with a thump, on the blue-carpeted floor, while Squall landed on the couch next to her. Groggily, she forced herself to sit up, and she glanced around, finding herself in a familiar apartment. "Squall?" She heard him moan, and she scrambled to her feet. "Oh kami Squall, are you all right?"
He opened his eyes, looking up at her, "yea, just a little tired." He tried to sit up, but Usagi shook her head, forcing him to sit down, "you baka, you scared the hell out of me. I thought I lost you, bachiatara!"
She took hold of his hand, holding it like a vise, and knelt down on the floor next to him. "Don't ever do that again."
He tried to laugh it off, but he saw her tears. "Usagi I'm sorry." She smiled through her watery eyes, and stated the obvious, "So you're the guardian." He nodded feeling really tired, but not ready to fall asleep. "Yea, and you're Sailor Moon."
She flushed, touching her brooch, and she became Usagi once again. "How did you...?" He closed his eyes for a second, before looking back at her. "It wasn't that hard. You just had to think about it for a while. And I did, and it suddenly clicked into place." She nodded, and laid her head down on top of their linked hands. She stared at him, and their eyes locked.
"You're not from America are you?"
Sighing, he shook his head. "No, I'm not." She nodded, "I understand. Tell me, tell me about your world." He let himself relax, "you really want to know?" She nodded, "hai, and I'll tell you about me."
"That's fair..." He looked up at the ceiling, thinking back to his past, remembering it all, and tried to find the best place to start off at.
?????
Setsuna crossed her arms over her chest, as she stared at what had been done. Frowning, she waved a hand trying to will the doors to close on the time stream. Her eyes widen in alarm, when they didn't.
Holding out her hand, her time staff appeared. Taking a step forward, she blocked the door with her body, and slid into a defense stance. She heard a sound behind her, and whirled around, ready for an attack. She watched, as a figure moved through the fog, heading for the doors that led to the time stream. She stepped back, and waited as the figure moved closer.
Holding up her staff, she called out coldly, "Halt! You are not worthy, of passing through the time gates." Without warning, she swung her staff, nearly hitting the person. The figure hidden in the fog shrieked, falling back, and landing on their butt. She stepped towards the person, holding her staff at their throat.
The fog lifted, and she found herself staring down at a fairy like woman. "Nani?" The fairy was the size of a child; she looked up at her with curious pale eyes. Setsuna slowly removed her staff, but kept her eyes on the smaller woman.
She stepped back, and watched as the fairy like woman stood to her full height, which was barely four feet. She was dressed in a bathing suit like top, a short mini shirt at her waist, but in the back, the skirt came down like a cape, dragging on the floor. Her white hair, was pulled back away from her face, and cascaded down her back, and dragged on the floor behind her.
Setsuna set her staff at her side, and used it to lean on. "Why are you here?" The smaller woman giggled, her eyes lighting up, as the fairy stated, "I know something you don't." Setsuna frowned, glancing at the time stream. Turning back around, she looked at the smaller woman, "What do you mean?"
The pale haired woman slowly smiled, her silvery eyes flashing with inner knowledge. She whispered, "I know something you don't, Puu." Setsuna blinked, and she felt something change in the time stream. "Nani?"
She turned, facing the open doors, and looked inside. She watched as something flashed from within it, "Iie." The fairy raised a hand, a staff taller than her appeared, "Your time here is done."
Setsuna stopped from going into the time stream, to turn to the smaller figure in the fog with her. A bright light lashed out at her from the staff that the fairy held out in front of her. Setsuna lost all feeling, and her senses dulled, leaving her alone in the darkness of her own mind.
?????
He was floating, the cold water rushing around him, chilling his skin. He turned his head, looking one way, than the other. He was lost, not sure which direction would lead him to. He frowned, using his arms, and his legs; he swam. He let his mind wander, and just moved, not really caring where he went.
He inwardly sighed, but something flashed, catching his eye. Stopping, he looked over, to see something flash in the dark depths of ocean he was in. Tilting his head, he tried to see what it was. Scowling, he swam towards it, following it, feeling that it was important. He saw another flash, and a voice cried out. Clenching his fists at his sides, he pushed himself harder, trying to reach the light.
A sound behind him stopped him, and he turned looking over his shoulder. He heard it again, and recognized it. Someone was whistling, calling him. It sounded so close, but he was alone in the ocean, alone in the cold depths.
The whistle sounded louder, and he was torn in two, not sure which way he should go. Scowling, he glanced back where he had seen the light, but saw nothing now but the darkness that surrounded him. Sighing, he went to head back in the direction he came from, when something sparkled in the darkness.
He tilted his head slightly, peering closer. It was like he was watching a hologram, a faint image of a woman lying on some kind of ground, fog surrounding her form, and she wasn't moving.
He heard the whistling again, and again, almost sounding urgent. He sighed restlessly, and felt pressure against his chest, like something squeezing him. Grunting, he looked down, and found himself as faint as the image of the woman in the direction the light had come from.
He heard the whistle again, and looked up, and saw an image that took his breath away. Yuna was dressed in robes, made up of purple, white, yellow, and soft pink decorations. Her dark brown hair was short, barely touching her shoulders. It was parted to the side, her bangs long, and her hair framed her lovely face. Her eyes were both dark, one green, while the other was blue. She lifted her hand, whistling, like he had taught her.
Glancing behind him, he still saw the woman passed out on the ground, dressed in a strange uniform, but her features were hazy.
'This is the crossroads of your life.'
Startled, he jerked back, staring at a shadowy figure that floated in the ocean with him. The figure's shape was of a woman, a shorter one at that. In her right hand, she held a long rod.
"Who are you?"
He blinked in surprise that he could actually talk, even though he was in the ocean. He moved his arms ] around, trying to keep him at level with the figure. "Who are you?" His voice sounded almost distant, like it wasn't even his.
'You're running out of time.' He nodded, as if she had stated the obvious, he glanced at Yuna, then at the image of a stranger.
Frowning, he looked at her as he asked, "What do you mean by running out of time?" He was getting weaker, sounding fainter, and he gasped, as if something struck him in the chest. His face twisted in pain, and he held a hand over his heart as if it would ease the ache.
There was a long pause, before she spoke. 'You are in the crossroads of your life.' "Crossroads, really? I thought I didn't exist, how do I have a life, when I was nothing but a dream of an aeon?" The figure shook her head, chuckling at his antics.
'No no no, you do exist, maybe not in your world, but in Yuna's, and maybe in this woman's as well. But if you continue to dwell here, you will be lost in time forever, like myself.' He heard the whistle again, and he glanced up, to see Yuna turn talking to someone. His eyes widen, "Yuna!" He tried to go after her, as she started to walk away, but a sharp object cut him off. He looked back, frowning at the figure next to him.
'You have a choice here, that's why it's called the crossroads. One choice is to go to Yuna, and live there. Yes, I can give you life, and send you to her world, and you can meet her all over again.'
He nodded, suddenly urgent, as something slammed into his chest again. He grunted, and replied rushed, "Can I go there now, please." He felt the water around him shift, and he realized she was frowning at him, 'But you have yet to hear your second choice.' He turned to her, waiting, not wanting to stay any longer.
She pointed to the image, of the woman on the floor. The woman had long dark hair, spilling over her shoulders, and blanketing the ground. Her face was clouded over with fog now, and he could barely make out anything.
'Or you can go to her world, and help her and her friends.' "But I've already fought for peace in Yuna's world, why should I help someone I don't know?"
The figure moved her rod away, and she replied, 'you did the same with Yuna. You didn't know her, or her friends, but you helped them, even saved her from a fate worst than death.' She paused, before going on, 'this is your choice, I cant force you to pick. It's either happiness with this girl." She pointed to Yuna's retreating form. 'Or help save her world, so that her, and her friends, can live in peace, and live happily, like Yuna, and her friends will.' She pointed to the fading image of the woman in the fog.
He glanced back and forth, and he knew deep down, that he had to hurry. He was struck in the chest again, and he bent over at the waist. 'I will tell you, what would happen, if you picked either choice. If you picked your friends, this woman's world, will die. '
He looked at her, "They'll all die?"
She nodded, 'Yes. In order, to protect the universe, her princess will have to destroy their world, where the enemy has nested itself, so it couldn't take over.' He looked away, staring at the barely visible image. 'If you do choose to help her.' She smiled softly, 'your friends, will live on in peace, and time will go by, without you there. It would be the same, as it would have been if I had never even came to give you this choice. It would be as if you don't exist, but they will remember you.' He inhaled deeply, trying to fight off the pain building up inside his body. He felt like he was being ripped apart from the inside out.
'You must hurry, time is of the essence, and you have little left.'
Without a word, he turned to the image that was fading away to nothing, and began to move after it. He felt eyes on him the whole time, as he swam faster and faster to the fading image. He grunted, ignoring another stab of pain. Gritting his teeth, he pushed himself beyond the point of returning. Throwing his arms out in front of him, he was given a burst of speed.
'Hurry, time is not on your side. Be careful, and take care of yourself.' He was nearly there, when he felt a stab in his chest, nearly sending him reeling with pain. He gasped, tears clinging to his eyes, as the pain suddenly increased. He felt everything freeze around him, but he propelled himself forward, and burst through the faint image of the doors held wide open.
He was flung out of the water and into the air. The doors he came through swung shut, and locked. Instantly, he hit the ground hard, and he grunted as he rolled a few feet away from the now locked doors.
Gasping, he dropped his head back, as the pain in his body slowly faded. He lifted his hands, and found himself soaked, and knew that what he had just been through hadn't been some nightmare. Rolling his head to the side, his eyes landed on a beautiful face.
They were surrounded in a thick fog that blanketed them both tightly within it. Her face was mere inches from his, her lips full, were pursed together. Olive colored skin stretched smoothly over toned muscles, and her slender body. Her brows, fine and thin, matched her hair, which seemed like two different colors. Long thick black hair; fell over her shoulders, nearly reaching her knees. When he looked closer, he noticed green highlights intermixed with the black, giving it a unique look.
Sighing, he tore his eyes away, and forced himself to sit up. The fog shifted, as he moved, and he found himself on the grass, surrounded by trees, and flowers. Raising a single dark eyebrow, he glanced around wearily. The sun was up and the sky overhead was blue. The grass was thick, the trees in all their glory, were dark green. He was surrounded by life. In the distant, he heard children's laughter, and all around him birds sang, flowers bloomed, and the sun's rays caught him with its heat.
He looked down, to find the woman, lying next to him. She was still out, her body curled near his, and her hair falling loose, and blanketing her tall, but slender form.
He studied her, finding her in black slacks, and a brown halter-top, that clung to her chest nicely, and platforms on her feet. He watched over her, unwilling to take his eyes away. He waited, as time slowly ticked by, and he saw her eyes twitch. She blinked, and he found himself looking into a pair of garnet red stones. She looked at him, her lips forming a frown. Sluggishly, she sat up, rubbing her forehead, trying to ease the pain between her eyes.
"Nani?"
He raised an eyebrow in question, but decided not to speak. She looked at him, confusion flashing through her eyes. "Who are you?" He flashed her a grin, holding out his hand, "the names Tidus." She took hold of his hand, with her slender one, and shook it lightly, "Meiou Setsuna. But call me Setsuna." He nodded, standing, and helped her to her feet.
Once on her feet, she dusted her hands on her pants, before she looked at him. Even though she was a tall young woman, he still towered over her a good couple of inches, but barely. He frowned suddenly, when she eyed his attire. "What?"
A smile tugged at her lips, and she shook her head. "I have a feeling you're not from around here Tidus. But in order for you to fit in, I think you need to find a better wardrobe."
He scowled, "what do you mean?" He tugged at his pants, "this is the Zanarkand Abes uniform."
A single eyebrow rose, "Nani?" Before he could answer, she shook her head, "iie, don't bother. Follow me Tidus, I will fill you in, and get you ready for your new life here." She turned, starting down the same path she took Squall only a month or so ago. Quickly, he followed after her, and tried to keep up. "Fill me in about what?"
She smiled ruefully, looking up ahead, as she replied calmly, "we should walk, this may take some time."