Hey minna!, I finally got back to this story, and I hope you enjoyed the new chapter. Sorry for the long wait, but here it is. Chapter 19..

Sorrowful Memories

Kick. Thrust, jab, swipe, jump, charge, jab, kick, and punch. Kick, thrust, jab, swipe, jump, charge, jab, kick, and punch. Sere repeated this process repeatedly. Sweat fell down her forehead. Recently she had felt Meryls energy as well as some one else's. Someone she had tried to forget. Mamoru's the only difference was that it seemed somewhat different. Meryl still wasn't back. Moreover, Sere sensed that their energies were coming from the same locations. If she had to, she would teleport to where Meryl was. However, there was only one tincy little problem. She didn't have her broach anymore. She couldn't turn into Sailor Moon. She stopped training, and stood there panting, holding her pendent up into the air and gazing wonderingly at it. She remembered Van's words well, ".I think its another form of that crystal." She sighed; somehow, she did feel a connection between the crystal and pendent. She felt different now, since she left earth. Before she came here, when she was still Sailor Moon, she could always feel the presence of the silver crystals power radiating through her, but now. it was gone. Just like that. Did the crystal really, just went dead? Though she couldn't feel the powers of the moon family's heirloom, she did feel a new power surging through her. Not quiet as destructive and deadly as the silver crystal was, but powerful nonetheless. She knew that she was bonded with the pendent, as if she had been with the crystal. Then again, what was that Van had said? Bonded to Escaflowne and its energist? She sighs, not one of despair, or grief, but on of someone who is weary. Why did life had to be like this for her? Her life has always been bond to some sort of object.

Suddenly the opening of a door was heard. Haruka herself stepped into the training room. She nodded at Serena in recognition. "I see.. Great minds think alike." She strides over to the stand that holds the weapons, and picks up two fencing swords. "Care for a challenge, koneko?" She didn't know where, that came from. Never had she called anyone but her little Meryl koneko. Why did she call this Lady that then? Was it because the lady reminded her so much of Meryl? An older form of her little kitten? She smiled wearily, "Forgive me, for my interruption, but I don't believe we've introduced ourselves yet." She bows, a small and sweeping gesture, meant to be mannerly and not to formal like a handshake. The young girl, whom she was speaking with, returns the gesture, smiling lightly, a warm sad smile, that of some one who longs for something.

"I'm sorry! Forgive my rudeness, I am Serena. Serena Tsukino" said Sere, she hoped to kami-sama, that the name would register in this tall woman's head, but to no avail, the name was new, yet old to her tongue.

"Lady Tsukino. Tsukino. hmm a lovely name, just rolls right off the tongue." Haruka smiles in return, flashing pearly white teeth. This would make any girl swoon, well at least any girl that didn't know Ruka's real gender. "Allow me to introduce myself, I'm Haruka. Haruka Tenou. Now.." She winks, "how bout we get rid of these formalities, and test our skills hmm?" Haruka tosses the extra fencing sword she was holding toward the Lady Tsukino, whom in return nods, and holds the blunt tip downwards.

The sandy haired, older woman does the same, simultaneously they sweep the swords up, the blunt ends pointing to the ceiling, each blade a vertical line, placed right in the center, and in front of the wielders faces. A simple gesture among competitors, showing respect and the willingness to fight fairly and admirably. (I don't really know what they're supposed to do for the salute, im just guessing at this so. X.x don't get mad at me if I got it wrong.) The two combatants nod at each other, a signal to show that each is ready to fence the challenger that they face. Once again, in one quick movement, the two tips of the fencing blades are sharply thrown through he air to point at the ground, only to be brought back up again. Metal clashes against metal, as the fencing commences. Minutes seem to fly by, as each lady thrusts and sweeps at the other, only to have their blade met by the other, blocking them from a victory. Sweat trickles down each warriors face, each thinking different thoughts, yet one simple thought is similar. 'She's good.'

Serena smirks, clearly she was enjoying this duel. It had seemed like forever, since the last time she and Haruka had had a fencing duel. She was enjoying this, challenging her friends skills, testing the others strength and stamina, as well as her own. She herself was after all taught by the best, her competitor. Haruka Tenou. 'This is great; your skills have greatly improved, Ruka-chan, but then again so have mine. Ever since you guys left, I've trained, I still remember everything you taught me, my friends. It'll be tough beating you, I'm not sure if I can even win this match.' In her mind, she laughs bitterly. 'Actually, I cant even recall ever winning a match against you Ruka. Kami-sama, I've missed you, you can Michi. how am I going to restore your memories. Kuso, I don't even have my crystal anymore, I can't even transform. maybe... you'll remember after a while, like Hotaru had...' She charges, Haruka, sweeping the blade in an arc. It cuts through the air, like a knife through butter. Once again, her opponent merely deflects it.

Haruka had always been confident in her abilities, never had she doubted that she would loose swords match, until now. This Lady was an excellent swordswoman, of course, swords play was a popular art, everyone had different styles and techniques. However, what confused her was, this girl, Lady Tsukino, seemed so familiar, as well as her technique. Then it struck her, she knew where she had seen that technique before. it was her own! That stance. that the way she grips the sword lightly, so that she can maneuver it easily, yet firm enough so that it wont be knocked out of its wielders hold. The way she blocked the moves, and attached, each was almost a replica of her own, except they were modified, to suit this Serena. how. no one, knew her technique, except... Michi.. and Meryl, but none of those two would ever pick up a sword. Michi herself only uses a bow and arrow, while Meryl only uses the Chaykrum.. so how? 'why does this girl seem so familiar, how does she. WHO IS SHE?!' her mind was in a jumble, suddenly, she felt a sharp stinging in her hand, the one that was wielding the fencing sword, it flew from her hand, her opponent looked on, a triumphant smile on the others face, only to be replaced by a frown, seeing the state the loser, was going into.

Haruka's eyes glazed over, the second the sword flew from her hand, her mind was a jumble, as the sword hit the ground, a soft clatter, was covered up, as she covered her ears and temples with her hands, and a scream erupted from her parted lips, she fell to her knees, propping herself up by her elbows, her hands still covering the sides of her head, as she grabs fist fulls of her own hair, trying to rid herself of the sudden images, or rather memories that had suddenly revealed themselves, a solid wall that had been inside of her suddenly crumbles, her mind is filled with memories. +Racing through the streets of Tokyo, in her red race convertible, laughing into the wind, as she races along, Michiru by her side, smiling. Hotaru. sitting in the back seat, looking terrified, yet as if she's enjoying herself. Screeching to a halt.. as she spots her koneko-hime, her little kitten, a dear friend. Serena.+ +Facing down a monster that's attacking the innocent victims, bringing out her saber, and fighting side by side, with her fellow Sailor Senshi+ +Teaching how to do martial arts. and how to use a sword.+ +Playing the piano, on a dimly lit stage, Michiru next to her, playing softly on the violin. The two melodies, intertwining with one another, enrapturing the audience that sits and listens attentively in the darkness facing the stage.+ +Facing Galaxia, again.. Michiru is by her side, always with her, Her princess nearby. a light bracelet adores her wrist, along with Michiru's, turning to say good by to her koneko. the girl who had befriended her, shown her the true meaning of trust and friendship. The girl who had befriended her. even when she threatened the girl's life. The princess, who had always fought with her. laughed with her. treated her like the sister she never had..not like a guardian.+ Through all of this, a little light was slowly emerging on her forehead, the symbol of Uranus, glowed, almost blindingly on her forehead, as the last of the memories passed. Tears trickled down her face, shimmering pearls falling out of her eyes. She blinks them away, as her senshi symbol begins to fade away. She stands up, her hands fall to her side, clenched, until her knuckles are white. 'Why. why did I have to remember?. remember how I failed my princess.. how I left her all alone.. all the times I soiled my hands with blood' Her head was down cast, the little bangs that she had, shadowing her eyes, as more tears came. She felt cold. ruthless.. all the innocent lives she had almost killed. all the lives she HAD killed, her friends.the one's she couldn't protect. Crystal Tokyo. is no more. al because she.. she couldn't protect her friends.. her hime.. her koneko. Suddenly she was embraced in a world of warmth. Opening her eyes surprised, she glances at the back of the woman who's embraced her, and listens to the words she whispers in her ear, the familiar voice, the one that she had forgotten.. long ago. She stares down at silver hair. now, only a few streaks of gold left, as soothing words, coming from her hime, fills her mind.

"It's alright.. it'll be ok. it's not your fault." Serena says, soothingly. She rubs her friends back, comforting her, like a big sister, comforting its younger sibling.

"But.. I- I" her voices cracks, as once again she recalls the renewed memories. She sobs, soaking her himes shirt, though not purposely, she sobs until her eyes hold no more tears. All along, she is in the comforting embrace of a friend. Finally, her eyes, only slightly watery, she steps back, and observes the kitten, she had not seen in so long. Then she kneels, as if one would to a noble, a hand placed on each knee, her head down cast.

Serena watches, worriedly, knowing that her friend would indeed be ok, she smiles, "put out your hands.." As the sandy-haired blonde does so, her own birth signal appears on her forehead, glowing slightly. The moon insignia.. A small pole of light appears across Ruka's palms, and soon forms into a sheathed saber. Serena kneels in front of her long-lost friend, and closes her hands over the saber that she had been holding for her. Grasping her hands in her own, while the other is still clutched to the saber, she pulls Haruka up, and once again embraces her in a hug. "It's good to see you again Ruka-Chan"

Haruka smiles. 'same old Sere.', she hugs back, "Michi. doesn't remember yet.. does she?" Sadly. Serena shakes her head, and Ruka gets the dreaded reply. "gomen. no.".

~With Meryl~

The young prince, is sprawled across his bed, lying on his stomach, his arms are folded, and his head rests on the spot where they cross. Silently he watches his new companion. still he finds her so exotic. He could just imagine her speaking, though by now he realized, that it wasn't going to happen anytime soon. She was sitting in the window, it being large enough to let a large elephant go though. The window was open wide, one leg was bent, the knee being tightly hugged to herself. The other was dangling outside, off the ceil. She was humming a soft tune. (she can't talk but she can hum). A soft sad smile placed on her face, as she stared into the distance, as Darien watched her, it made him sad. The tune she hummed, reminded him of a ballad he heard long ago.. about a young girl. who had been torn from her loved ones. As the cat-girl restarted the song, he decided to sing along with her..

(-.-' here's my pathetic attempt at a song.X.x don't laugh, no ones perfect)

"One day I met this stranger, sober, sad. softly. he..he said to me hello, hello..I stood along a cliff. with this stranger. and he said. to me, to me, this stranger.look below.and so.. I looked, upon my home, to find a dream. a nightmare.. nothing.a burning house. a scream of pain. in my heart a wrenching crushing."

All alone.. in world of sorrow Nothing but darkness, to guide me. Here I stand, a solid fellow. Someone open my eyes.. so I can SEE!!

A flicker of light, an angel's voice. My guide.. my light.. my sorrow. A simple choice. where do I go. Now that. I'm..

All alone ..in a world of sorrow. Nothing but darkness to guide me. In a little burrow. I weep alone. Someone.. open my eyes..

(X.x I never said it'd be good, but that was the best I could do. Sorry!)

Meryl stopped humming, after the song was finished, and turned to look at the young prince. She glanced at him, with that sorrow filled-smile. How she longed to be at home, latching onto Lord Van, teasing Hitomi, and talking with Serena. Her ears were down cast, as she thought wishfully. 'Why me?.. I suppose, I'm just going to have to make due here..It wouldn't hurt to try and make a friend here and there. Besides.. from what I've heard from Darien,. he doesn't even really want to go to war. It was all his sisters' idea. Actually, I think he's just a pawn, to be used, he is after all the heir to Zaibok. I pity him.. it sucks having to be a diplomat, one of the many reasons why I hate being a Tigranian warrior.. However, it would help if I had my powers right about now. Dam^, why did that Ryuz- whatever person have to curse my powers to?' she mentally sighs. 'I guess it's time to ~cringe~ kiss and make up with the prince.'

Darien, slowly got off the bed, and whispered, to his lovely pet. "you hum beautifully." slowly he approaches, finally he stops, about three foot from her. She glances at him in recognition, and nods, as if accepting his praise and thanking him. She giddily hops of the window ceil and stalks up to him. Nervously her smiles, hoping she wont decide to unleash her fury on him, Shakily he extends his hand, toward her ear. She steps closer, he assumes, she's finally decided to trust him. She allows him to pet her, and scratch her behind her hears. Softly she purrs. Pulling away the cat-girl returns to her perch on the window, and goes back to gazing out the window. He looked outside, and there, a beautiful painting, streaks of color filled the sky, as the sun began to set. He walks up behind her, and joins her on the window ceil. Together, a tiny bit of trust between them, they watch the coming of darkness..

TBC!!

^_^' yay! Another chapter done, sorry for the long delay, but I tried to make this chapter a little longer. I hope you enjoyed.! Luv ya all!

~Falconess