Mercury looked up from Psyche, putting her computer away. She stood up
slowly and unsteadily, gently touching the huge slash on her cheek.
"She'll be all right. The injuries, somehow, started healing
themselves. I don't really understand how, but the healing energy patterns
remind me of, well, Rei's. I've scanned my cut, and Force's, and they show
traces of Rei's energy, too. I just don't know how."
Kat, from the back of the room, started moving forward. Kneeling next
to Psyche, and placing a hand on the scout's forehead, Kat's face hardened.
The sky outside rumbled and broke open, rain hitting the ground and
bouncing off, the noise thundering. Lightning crashed, knocking out the
power and illuminating everything with a deathly glow before leaving the
temple in darkness.
The next flash of light showed Kat standing protectively over the
unconscious scout.
"Don't you understand? Don't you know anything?" She said, anger and
pain flooding her face and spilling into her voice. "Look at you, all of
you, sitting in your little groups. It's your fault! The Heiress is out
there, fighting for her life, and she has to endanger herself to save you.
You shouldn't have caused her trouble! She trusted you to protect each
other, and Earth, while she could not. Do you know how much power it takes
to reverse a fatal wound from out of time and out of space? She was equally
matched with the Anysbryd, maybe even at a disadvantage, and she sacrificed
her power to--"
"What do you mean, reverse a fatal wound?" Sailor Elemental
interjected. "Psyche's alive. She was in danger of dying from her wounds,
but she's still alive."
"She was dead," Kat answered, her voice echoed by the thunder outside.
"She's living now because of Rei, who could very well be dead. And why?
Because the group wouldn't function as a team. Because you don't seem to
realize you are one team, you made mistakes. Mistakes which Rei is paying
for." The lightning crackled, shaking the temple with its intensity.
Serenity was in tears, the knife of Kat's words twisting and cutting into
her heart. Jupiter was ready to leap to her queen's defense, but before she
could, a voice spoke.
"She's right."
Everyone, except Kat, turned to see who had spoken, not recognizing a
voice that sounded like funeral bells. The sight that met their eyes was,
indeed, amazing.
Rei stood in the doorway, alone. She was shrouded in a mysterious white
light that revealed her figure. Rei's long raven hair was tied back in
silver cords and lay gently on a tattered white cloak. Rei's white tank top
was bloodstained and ripped, revealing a deep, ugly gash that stretched
across her neck and chest, from one collarbone to the opposite underarm. A
nasty cut on her face mirrored one on her leg, just above the knee. Her
white boots were in shreds, held together only by dried blood. Her white
miniskirt was full of tears, similar to Rei's alabaster skin, which was
covered with an infinite number of minute cuts and scratches. The symbols
on her cloak, unlike the ones of love, light, friendship, loyalty, and
safety which should have been there, had been replaced by ones such as
pain, intervention, death, sacrifice, and treason.
"Kat's right," Rei repeated, her face stern and unyielding.
"Are you all right?" Usagi asked. She had, of course, seen Sailor Mars
die a few times before, so she got over the shocking appearance quickly.
Motioning, she said, "Mercury, see if you can-"
"No," Rei said, cutting off the senshi leader. "Ami can do nothing. I
shall have the scars from these cuts for the rest of my life. I am alive,
no thanks to the ten of you," she added, nodding at the inner and newest
senshi.
"What about them?" Elemental questioned, angrily gesturing at the outer
senshi. "Why not blame them, like everybody else?"
"Because they're the senshi who actually acted like it, trying to work
with everyone else, and not against each other. How is it that those four
senshi recognize the dangers quicker and respond better? How is it that
they do as instructed, and work as a team? Why is it that only four, four
out of fourteen senshi cause me no pain? Yes, pain," Rei continued,
noticing the look beginning to appear on Usagi's face. "You see this cut?"
Rei asked, speaking directly to Usagi, pointing to the gash on her chest.
Usagi nodded, and then grimaced, because the wound cut through skin and
muscle, revealing bone and leaving chunks of flesh hanging. "This," Rei
went on, "is what happened when Psyche cried for help, and Jupiter and
Venus refused to respond. This is what happened when a mere diversion
killed a sailor senshi. That is what happened when I awoke Psyche from
death, and this is what the Anysbryd gave me. This cut on my cheek? The
one that stretches from eye to chin? This is what happened when Mercury was
trying to scan for the enemy's weaknesses and Elemental wouldn't cover her.
This is what happened when Mercury's skin was to be torn from her face.
That is what I stopped, and this is what the Anysbryd gave me. The cut on
my leg? This is what happened when Force tried to double-team with Venus,
and Venus pushed her away, pushed her into the enemy's fire. This is what
happened when Force's leg was to be blown off of her body. That is what I
stopped, and this is what the Anysbryd gave me. Every cut and every scratch
on my body, every rip and tear in my clothes, every negative symbol on my
cloak is a sign of your stupidity. You did not follow directions, and I
paid for it. You did not listen to the outer senshi or Kat, and I paid for
it. You did not do your job, and I PAID FOR IT!"
Rei paused here, and looked around the room. Tears, shame, and sorrow
followed her outburst- the first two from the inner and special senshi, the
last from the outer senshi and Kat.
"Don't you understand?" she continued, her tone much softer. "This
isn't a game. No one will come to your rescue if you screw up. It doesn't
matter who remembered their identity first, or who's new, or who has the
strongest power. It isn't about courts, or planets, or homes. It's about
people, the protectors of the Earth, working together as a team, putting
their trust in each other to defeat something bigger than themselves." Rei
paused, and again scanned the room. Detecting no change in attitude, no
change in the soul, her shoulders slumped. The Heiress, defeated by the
very people who should help her. "It's no good, me trying to tell you this.
Serenity and her inner court will not recognize my position and authority.
They still think of me as Sailor Mars, the Rei they once knew. I'm not, but
I can't persuade them of that. The special senshi don't heed my warnings
because they don't know me enough. To them, I'm only a friend of Sakka, no
one to give them instructions. No one will listen to Kat because she's just
a messenger." Here, Rei's voice became loud and bitter. "And no one, inner
or special, will listen to anyone outside of their group, because you all
think you're the better ones!"
After a few seconds of shocked silence, Kat went over and to Rei and
placed a hand on the Heiress's shoulder.
"It's no use, Heiress. They won't listen."
"I know Kat, not to me," Rei said, grateful for the presence of a
friend. Addressing the room, then, she clearly and loudly said, "You won't
listen to me, but there is someone you will listen to. Prepare yourselves
to meet Daiuchuuno Hasha."
Shocked silence was quickly followed by pandemonium. The thoughts running through the minds of the majority of senshi turned to murmurs. The murmurs grew to whispers and then expanded to loudly spoken sentences. Rei tried to calm down the senshi, as did Kat, but to no avail. Giving voice to sigh of frustration, Rei muttered some words in a strange and unknown language. The room instantly fell quiet. Each head turned to face the Heiress as bodies stiffened and feet were planted firmly to the floor. "Now that I have your attention, you need to hear some things," Rei said. "None of you have ever met the Guardian before, so I want you to be prepared. Hasha will not match your expectations. She will bring a message, and maybe more. For many of you, this will be the only time you'll meet Hasha as the Guardian. Please keep in mind that she is the most powerful person in the universe. She answers to no one, but all answer to her. You will be asked to do that today." Rei observed the effect her words had on the senshi, and noticing the slight fear, she released the spell. Rei moved about, positioning the senshi into groups. Usagi, as befitted her future, ended up in the middle of the assembled senshi. To her right was Sailor Venus, the senshi commander. To Usagi's left stood Mercury and Jupiter, the other two members of Usagi's inner court. To Venus's right stood the four outer senshi: Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto grouped around Saturn. On the left of Jupiter, Sailors Force and Elemental protectively knelt next to Psyche, who was still unconscious. Standing behind and towering above them were Muse, Star, and Space. Kat and Rei satisfied themselves with the arrangement, then took their places in front of Usagi. "Why is she is coming, Rei?" "I asked her to come, Kat. She has some things to do tonight." Presently, a small shower of sparks materialized in mid-air and descended from above. The trail soon grew, and coalesced into a beautiful woman. Kat knelt, falling to one knee. Rei inclined her head, as the senshi stood, immobile. "Koukei[1], it is comforting to see you back in your home among friends," Hasha said to Rei, revealing a deep, husky voice. "Your concerns shall be addressed tonight, have no fear of that." Hasha now spoke to Kat. "Rise, Shizenno. You fulfilled your mission, and performed a great service to Koukei. I am most pleased." Rei and Kat acknowledged the Guardian's words with curt nods, and then took their places at Hasha's side, Rei on the right and Kat on the left. As they approached the Guardian, subtle changes occurred. Rei's figure was graced with a harsher glow and the tears and rips on her clothing were mended. Dried blood slowly disintegrated as bruises healed. Kat grew taller, more majestic, and her clothing changed to suit one of the Guardian's closest servants. Then, as Hasha moved closer to the senshi, each of them began to change. Transformed by the purity and strength of Hasha's connection to the Weave, Usagi turned into Serenity, the queen-to-come. Each scout was illuminated by the color of her planet. Wounds from the recent fight were healed, and uniforms were returned to their original splendor. Serenity walked forward and bowed from the waist. Hasha stood unmoved by the obeisance, her arms folded across her chest. "Guardian, on behalf of the senshi, I--" "Thank you, Serenity." Serenity stared at Hasha. She stood there, unwilling to believe that anyone would cut off the future queen of Crystal Tokyo. Finally Hasha dismissed her with a curt, "Again, I thank you, Serenity." Serenity, still amazed, stepped back into the protectiveness of her inner court. Venus put her arm around the queen-to-come, as Jupiter's anger grew. Rei noticed as the scout's emotion level was nearing a dangerous level, and quickly thought out a spell. She then put it into being with a glance at the militaristic scout. Jupiter calmed down immediately. Serenity noticed the change, and glared at Rei, who returned the look. Serenity frowned, then shrugged it off. This exchange took place in a matter of seconds. "Very impressive, Koukei," Rei heard in her mind. "You defused the situation quickly and silently. It looks as though you've got some experience with that particular procedure." "I've had to use it once or twice before, Hasha," Rei answered, also 'speaking' telepathically. "And a gift for diplomatic understatement. That will come in handy." Rei smiled. Hasha began to address the senshi. "Serenity, senshi, I am Daiuchuuno Hasha, the present Guardian of the Universe. My role is simple, to oversee all existence, in the hope of banishing evil to keep the timeline stable. This, though, can be complex. I'm sure that you have seen how difficult it can be keeping Japan, England, France, and Australia free of negative forces. Just imagine keeping space, time, and over 5,000 inhabited planets in order. That is my job now, but it will soon be Koukei's. "The life of the Guardian, ladies, is extremely difficult. Because of a Guardian's responsibilities and power, she must remain objective enough to destroy anyone or anything that threatens the sanctity of the universe. In addition to this, the Guardian is very lonely. She has no friends. The average length of time an Heiress trains is 1500 years, while the average length of a Guardian's rule is 15,000 years. Guardians are born immortal, but choose to end their lives when the successor has 500 years experience. "My successor, Koukei, whom you know as Hino Rei, will take over the Guardianship in three days time." Uranus, Pluto, and Kat all looked at Rei, surprised by the sudden announcement. Rei did not so much as blink an eye. "Traditionally, the Heiress has one year between the defeat of the Anysbryd and the Ascension in which to rest, learn, and travel her realm. However, there are circumstances fast approaching that warrant a break with custom. Koukei and I have decided to waive the year's rest in favor of safety. Koukei is the most powerful Heiress ever, both in discipline and power, but she will need all of the tools of the Guardianship to defeat this threat. I am becoming too old, and my connection to the Weave is growing dimmer. Even now, Koukei could most likely crush me if we fought against each other. "In any case, when Koukei assumes the role she has spent more than 2,000 years preparing for, she will no longer reside on Earth. For the past year, she has been trying to get the majority of you to recognize her rightful position. You have failed her. You ignore her authority and mock her competence. Many times, I have felt it best to change your attitudes, by whatever means necessary. Koukei has always disagreed, but as time has gone on, the conviction behind her words has lessened. I have abided by her wishes, because she knows you better than I do. Even so, I am immensely displeased in all of you. You do not know whose council you have been most fortunate to sit under. You disregard her knowledge on matters you know nothing about. You deny her her position! I do not understand. She was once one of you but has not been for a long time. Who among you will recognize Koukei as she deserves?" Uranus and Kat instantly knelt, followed quickly by Pluto, Neptune, and Saturn. The others stood in direct refusal, until Muse slowly dropped to a knee. Seeing her friends' looks of disbelief, Muse defended her actions. "She saved Psyche's life! She didn't have to. She was willing to sacrifice the universe, the future, for Psyche. How can you just stand there?" Elemental, Force, Star, and Space realized the validity of the argument, and knelt. Serenity and her court were the only ones left standing.
"Your court will not act unless you do, Serenity. Will you acknowledge the next Guardian of the Universe? She passed the test. If you do not acknowledge her, your act will be seen as an act of flagrant defiance to the Guardian. That is a dangerous thing, indeed," Hasha reasoned. "I will not." Serenity stood, like stone. Uranus and Kat exchanged glances, shocked. "Very well," Hasha said. She turned to Rei. "What will you do, Koukei?" Serenity smirked. Hasha turned back to face her. "You think that funny, Serenity? You dare to laugh at the most powerful Heiress ever, a woman so beloved everywhere but on earth that millions of people would be willing and eager to kill you right now for that? You have no appreciation for this? The Heiress could send you to one of those planets, and watch as her priestesses skinned and burned you, alive. She could kill you where you stand, and no one could do anything about it. She could kill your fiancé. She could make you infertile, so you would be the first and only ruler in your dynasty. She could wait until you have children, and then kill you or them. She could take away your power, cut you from your destiny. She could afflict you with any number of incurable diseases, or vow to turn her back on you for the rest of your life. She could open up Earth to the evil she has been holding at bay. Any of these she could do, and more. Would you like her to? I wouldn't prevent her. She's the one that has stopped me in the past. Will you acknowledge your ruler? Or do you intend to jeopardize everything?" Though Serenity's face had turned whiter with each pronounced, and doomed, destiny, her voice was steady. "I will not bow. Not to a member of my court. Never." "She is not a member of your court. She never was. She is not less than you; you are less than her. And that is what you cannot stand." Hasha regarded the queen-to-be sternly, then spoke to Rei. "Show her yourself." Kat leapt up. "Guardian, I--" "I know, Kat, but it cannot be helped. She would otherwise cause problems down the time-road." "May I at least--" "Yes, you may." Kat ushered the four outer senshi and the five special senshi out of the room. Hasha oversaw this, then addressed the remaining senshi. "Venus, Jupiter, Mercury, your loyalty to your leader is commendable, but she is wrong. When she is wrong, you are absolved of any responsibility to her. Do any of you wish to acknowledge Rei?" Mercury looked at the floor as Venus and Jupiter looked at each other. "I do," Mercury said softly. She dropped to knee, and began to cry silently. "Traitor!" Venus hissed, and Jupiter moved to attack, but Serenity waved them off. "It is her choice, after all." Kat came back into the room, summoned telepathically by Hasha. Looking around, she sized up the situation, and helped Mercury leave the room. "She saved me, and she saved all of you, too," Mercury said quietly, as the door closed behind her. "The three of you, then, are all that's left," Hasha observed. She turned, and nodded to Rei. "Koukei," she said.
Rei breathed, deeply, then began to change. The harsh light around her grew purer and brighter. The white luminescence filled the room, blinding Serenity, Venus, and Jupiter. Just when they thought they could stand it no longer, the light exploded. After a few seconds, they could see the light diminish through their eyelids. They opened their eyes, while feeling music. The music was not audible, but instead, just beneath the hearing level of humans. The sounds vibrated the room, the air, the very matter making up the three rejecters. Looking around, they saw no Rei. Hasha was standing in a corner; eyes steadily fixed on Serenity, Venus, and Jupiter. Wait, they seemed to be saying. Suddenly, a loud explosion created a hole in the middle of the room. It grew and grew, eventually reaching the three senshi. When it could get no bigger, the hole collapsed on itself. The resulting implosion created such a dazzling display of electric sparks and numbing music that Venus and Jupiter fell to their knees. Only Serenity remained standing. When the smoke from the sparks cleared, they saw a ball of pure weave energy. It swelled until it was Rei's size. The shape radiated with intense heat, causing the air around her to catch on fire. Two orbs, of the purest and condensed Weave energy staring, and condemning the three former friends caused Serenity's heart to skip beats. "BOW!" Hasha yelled at Serenity, the command thundering and pulsating in the already vibrating air. Serenity tore her gaze from Rei to glare at Hasha. "Never." Hasha's face turned white with rage as the air around her burst into flames. Glaring at the future neo-queen, Hasha softly spoke. "Very well, Serenity. As you do not possess a grain of your mother's wisdom, or even the sense of a sheep, you shall be punished. Koukei, speak your curse." Rei did not move, nor did her mouth utter any words. Serenity began to sneer as Hasha whispered, "Koukei?" Rei did not answer. Serenity laughed as Venus and Jupiter began to regain their courage. "You see, Guardian? Even Rei will not." Serenity's voice trailed to an end as she looked back at Rei. The Heiress had not moved a muscle, but the Weave energy composing her eyes - the strongest, purest, and most powerful energy in existence - had begun to stream towards the recalcitrant future queen. Serenity swallowed with difficulty, her anxiety visibly mounting. The energy paused a few inches from Serenity's face, then leapt to her temples and in her head. She screamed, more in surprise than pain, then collapsed to the floor. Jupiter and Venus were at first immobile with shock, then scrambled to their leader's side. "What have you done this time?" Venus asked Rei angrily. "Your queen--" Her words were cut off as the Weave eye-energy also entered through her temples. Jupiter looked at her commander and queen, terrified. She started to shuffle backwards, trying vainly to ward off the energy approaching her. "Please, Rei, no. I'm so, so sorry. Don't --" She too fell unconscious, her body overloaded with Weave energy. Hasha watched and waited in her corner; watched the offenders and their judge, and waited for their awakening and an explanation. She did not disturb her successor, for she knew that Rei would be focused on controlling her eye-energy - one mistake could do any number of things. Eventually, the energy seeped out of the three unconscious scouts and returned to Rei's eyes. Jupiter woke first. As she saw Rei standing there, now back to normal, she rose slowly and bowed in Rei's direction. "Heiress," she acknowledged slowly. Venus woke up next, and rose unsteadily. Walking over to Rei, the senshi knelt. "Heiress, I am ever your humble servant. Command me, and I will go, instruct me and I will listen." Hasha raised an eyebrow at this, but said nothing as she saw Serenity begin to awaken. Rei placed a hand on Venus's shoulder and nodded. The senshi commander stood up and took the place at Rei's left side. Serenity rose. "Heiress," she began steadily, though as she continued her voice got shakier. "Please forgive me for my.pride. I was being a stubborn fool. Thank you for showing.for showing me the.error.of my ways." At this, Serenity lost what was left of her dignity and she threw herself at Rei's feet, crying hysterically. "I'm so sorry, Heiress! I --" The rest was lost in sobbing. Rei gently bent down and lifted Serenity up. "Serenity, speak of that no longer. You are forgiven. Walk no more in the iniquity of your ways and I shall be happy." Serenity nodded, and choked back the sobs still wracking her body. Rei turned to Venus and gave her a nod. The senshi commander quickly led the future queen to the bathroom. Jupiter turned to watch. "Sailor Jupiter?" "Yes, Heiress?" the senshi replied, instantly turning to Rei. "Please go outside with the others until Venus and Serenity return." "Yes, Heiress." Jupiter walked to the door and disappeared through it with a bow.
Hasha let out the breath she didn't know she'd been holding. "What did you do, Koukei?" "Well, Hasha, I realized that every option you described would never make them recognize me, but resent me more. Instead, I went to the core of the problem - what was in the way of acknowledging me? Once I discovered that, I used the Weave to burn that away." "I'm curious. What was it?" "In Serenity, her highest loyalty was to herself, as a member of the Royal Moon family. Because she is assured of her role in destiny, she knew I couldn't do anything to harm the future. As she still felt she had more power than you and I, she felt answerable to no one. By acknowledging me, and then you indirectly, she felt threatened, and traitorous to her heritage. I took that feeling away, and replaced it with the realization that no one loves her simply because of her ancestry. Instead, she now realizes that she doesn't need to impress everyone, but simply needs to be herself. She no longer craves power, but accepts what she has with grace and responsibility." "Very well done, Heiress. What about the other two?" "Both of them refused to recognize me as higher than Serenity, Venus to a higher degree, of course. That was easy enough to deal with. I just enlightened them with the fact that acknowledging me as Heiress does not dispute their loyalty to their queen, but raises it to a another level." "A solution that is very wise, Koukei. I'm very proud of you," Hasha said, a twinkle in her eyes. "Thank you. A compliment not lightly given from the mouth of Daiuchuuno Hasha." "Oh, I don't know. I think I might've told you that three or four times before." "Yeah, in the past 2,000 years," Rei retorted, returning the smile. "Hmmm. In all seriousness, though, why did you let them retain the memories of their rejection of you?" "So that they always remember. I wouldn't want them to think their devotion is like that of say, Sailor Uranus or Sailor Pluto. Remembering the rejection will cause them to look at the Outers with more respect, too, for not having to be 'adjusted'." Hasha nodded sagely. At that moment, Venus returned with a calmer Serenity in tow. "Are you ready to continue, Serenity? The rest of the ceremony will not be easy," Rei asked with concern, warning Serenity. "Yes, Heiress," Serenity answered. "I will be strong," she said, her voice still unsteady. "Very well," Rei said, as she walked over to the door. Opening it, she peeked through and summoned Kat. "We're ready to continue." Kat nodded. Rei returned to Hasha's side at the front of the room. Kat ushered the others in, then took her place at Rei's right hand. The formalities resumed, as Hasha addressed the senshi once more.
"Now that we've taken care of that, let's move on to the matter of Koukei's injuries. In the battle with the Anysbryd, the Heiress has always won, though often sustaining some type of injury. Injuries resulting from the fight are caused by one of two things: the Heiress's mistakes in the fight with the Anysbryd; or the mistakes of the senshi dealing with the Anysbryd's diversion. I have a wound, one scar from my fight with the Anysbryd. It runs the full length of my back. It is a symbol of my ineptitude. I turned my back on him for one nanosecond, and I paid for it. The senshi in my day did not make mistakes. They fought a perfect battle; my scar is my own doing. Unlike me, Koukei fought a perfect fight. She made no mistakes, committed no errors. She bears the evidence of the mistakes her senshi made, and she will do so forever. The scars that Koukei has will never disappear. When your granddaughter's grandchildren are keeping watch over Crystal Tokyo, Koukei will still be Guardian, and she will still have her wounds. I think you understand this now, so I will move on to another subject. "Because the defeat of the Anysbryd is usually a cause for celebration, I had planned to give gifts tonight, to the senshi and Koukei. Koukei has decided to claim her prize in private, as is her choice. Would any of you like to claim the same privilege?" Hasha looked around to see if anyone would. "We choose to claim the privilege, Guardian." Hasha tuned to see who had spoken, a smile on her lips. Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, and Saturn had stepped forward, Sailor Pluto their spokesperson. "Very well," Hasha said. "I shall give you your gifts in private, but the reasoning for your gifts shall be spoken in the hearing of all." The outers, a bit confused at this pronunciation, nevertheless nodded their thanks, and stepped back to their original positions. Hasha pointed to Serenity and then summoned her, the queen-to-come going first, in regards to her future station. "Serenity, because you did not follow orders, and because you did not lead like your calling, and because you did not follow the Queen's Principles, you shall have no reward." Serenity looked at the ground, hanging her head in shame at her previous actions. The inner and special senshi looked worried at this announcement, not ready to receive theirs. What followed was reminiscent of a war crimes tribunal. For the most part, the senshi took it like warriors. As Hasha called each name, it's owner stepped forward. "Sailor Venus, because you did not follow orders, and because you did not lead like your calling, and because you contributed to the death of an ally, and because you caused an ally pain, you shall have no reward. "Sailor Jupiter, because you did not follow orders, and because you were not faithful to your calling, and because you contributed to the death of an ally, you shall have no reward. "Sailor Mercury, the Heiress has already given you a reward, even though you did not follow orders, and were not faithful to your calling. "Sailor Elemental, because you did not follow orders, and because you were not faithful to your calling, and because you caused an ally pain, you shall have no reward. "Sailor Force, the Heiress has already given you a reward, even though you did not follow orders, and were not faithful to your calling. "Sailor Star, because you did not follow orders, and because you were not faithful to your calling, you shall have no reward. "Sailor Space, because you did not follow orders, and because you were not faithful to your calling, you shall have no reward. "Sailor Muse, because you did not follow orders, and because you were not faithful to your calling, you shall have no reward. "Let all hear, Sailor Psyche has been given her reward by the Heiress, even though she did not follow orders, and was not faithful to her calling. "Sailor Pluto, because you followed orders, and because you saved the Heiress much pain, and because you went beyond your calling, I, the Guardian, of the Universe, shall give you your reward. "Sailor Uranus, because you followed orders, and because you saved the Heiress much pain, and because you went beyond your calling, I, the Guardian, of the Universe, shall give you your reward. "Sailor Neptune, because you followed orders, and because you saved the Heiress much pain, and because you went beyond your calling, I, the Guardian, of the Universe, shall give you your reward. "Sailor Saturn, because you followed orders, and because you saved the Heiress much pain, and because you tried to heal the wounds of your allies to the detriment of your own health, and because you went beyond your calling, I, the Guardian, of the Universe, shall give you your reward." The looks on the faces of the others senshi turned from resentment to anger to realization to sorrow as these pronouncements were made. Then, Hasha said, "Will the four of you please accompany Koukei and I." Hasha walked into an adjoining room, followed by the outer senshi. Before Rei joined them, she placed another spell on the inner and special senshi, one to silence and calm them.
Once the six were all in the room, Rei shut and locked the door. With Rei at her right hand, Hasha began to speak. "Sailor Pluto, will you receive your reward now?" "With all due resect, Guardian, I do not deserve one," Pluto answered, the other outer senshi nodding their agreement. "I did my job, nothing more." Hasha smiled. "And with that answer and your actions this day, you have all proven that you are worthy. I will reward you, as is my choice. I ask again, Sailor Pluto, will you receive your reward now?" "I will, Guardian," she answered, dropping to one knee in front of Hasha. Hasha opened a pocket of air, reaching the underlying Weave. The magic energy shimmered, and two objects fell. Hasha caught them, a pen and a ring, one in each hand. Holding up the pen in her left hand, she spoke. "Sailor Pluto, as your reward for your part in defeating the Anysbryd's diversion, I give you this henshin. Your other power stick will work no longer. This new one, when activated with the words "Pluto Planet Power Transform!" will transform you into Super Sailor Pluto. As Super Sailor Pluto, you shall have the use of three new attacks, any of which will be able to obliterate many youma very easily. Also, by using the words "Gatekeeper Activate!" you shall turn into the Gatekeeper of Time, which will now be a separate part of you. You will now have greater control over time and over between-time. Those who misuse or interrupt the Flow of Time are your responsibility to take care of. By saying "Pluto Ruler Power!" you shall become the queen of your planet, holding all the rights and privileges of that position. This I give to you for performing your duty." Hasha handed the new henshin to Pluto, who gave her old henshin to the Guardian. Raising her right hand, Hasha went on. "Yet, ever since Koukei has revealed herself to you, and even before, you have conducted yourself with honor. At all times you gave her the respect she deserved and never departed from her decisions and right hand. For this devotion and service to the next Guardian, I will reward you. This ring," she said, nodding to the circlet in her hand, "when worn by it's rightful owner, gives the wearer all the rights and privileges of a Servant of the Weave. This ring gives the ability to call on the Guardian at any time. It may be passed down to your oldest daughter if she proves herself worthy. It will protect the legitimate wearer from assassination and minor injuries. It will amplify your power in battle. It also gives the owner a place on the Universal Council. Now, you here on Earth have not heard of the Council, correct?" The confused look on the faces of the senshi answered Hasha, as Rei said, "I thought is best to.leave that aspect alone for now, Hasha. Others that don't deserve it-" "Would covet the position. Wise decision, Koukei," Hasha finished Rei's sentence, then continued. "Let me explain, then. The Universe that the Guardian oversees contains over 5,000 inhabited worlds, the cultures of which are too many to number. In order to make the Guardian's job easier and to promote peace and understanding, each planetary system may send up to five representatives to the Universal Council. When the Guardian wants advice or planetary disputes arise, the Council is consulted. This ring, Sailor Pluto, will make you a member of that Council. In addition to the Universal Council, the wearer of this Servant's ring is declared a ruling member of the Council of Weave Servants. This Council is made of those who have been deemed servants of the Weave, a number very small. The purpose of that Council is to dispatch the word of the Guardian to all, carrying out the wishes of the Guardian. This ring, Sailor Pluto, is given to represent your faithfulness and loyalty to the Guardianship above all else. It is a high calling and a prestigious honor, but one you have shown yourself worthy of." Hasha slipped the ring onto Pluto's finger. The Celtic pattern of three intertwined ribbons was carved out of pure garnet. It caught the light, illuminating the tiny strands of Weave energy inside the garnet stone. Pluto gaped, speechless. She finally got her voice back, and thanked Hasha. "Oh, no," Hasha protested. "Don't thank me. I only agreed to the reward. It is Koukei's privilege to choose the representatives to the Councils." "I don't know what to say, Heiress, except that I will live up to this," Pluto said, now kneeling at Rei's feet. "I know you will, Setsuna. Now get up. A servant of the Weave does not bow to the Heiress. We are both used according to It's choice." Pluto stood up slowly, and took her place behind Rei. The ceremony continued.
"Sailor Uranus, will you receive your reward now?" "I am not worthy, but it is the Guardian's decision." Uranus stepped in front of Hasha and knelt. Hasha once again opened a pocket of air and then Weave magic. Two objects fell out, another henshin, and another ring. Both were similar to Pluto's, except that this ring was created from topaz. Raising the pen in her left hand, Hasha said, "Sailor Uranus, as your reward for your part in defeating the Anysbryd's diversion, I give you this henshin. Your other power stick will work no longer. This new one, when activated with the words "Uranus Planet Power Transform!" will transform you into Super Sailor Uranus. As Super Sailor Uranus, you shall have the use of three new attacks, any of which will be able to obliterate many youma very easily. Also, by using the words "Catalyst Activate!" you shall turn into Overseer of Action. All movements of magic or power will be under your control, to start or stop as you choose. By saying "Uranus Ruler Power!" you shall become the queen of your planet, holding all the rights and privileges of that position. This I give to you for performing your duty." Uranus humbly exchanged her old henshin in return for the new one. As the old henshin disintegrated, Hasha lifted up her right hand and went on. "Yet, ever since Koukei has revealed herself to you, and even before, you have conducted yourself with honor. You have placed yourself under her tutelage and protection, proving your trust in her. For your loyalty and respect to the next Guardian, I will reward you. This ring, when worn by it's rightful owner, gives the wearer all the rights and privileges of a Vessel of the Weave. This ring gives the ability to call on the Guardian at any time. It may be passed down to your oldest daughter if she proves herself worthy. It will protect the legitimate wearer from assassination and minor injuries. It will amplify your power in battle. It also gives the owner a place on the Universal Council. In addition to the Universal Council, the wearer of this Vessel's ring is declared a ruling member of the Council of Weave Vessels. This Council is made of those who have been deemed loyal vessels of the Weave, a number very small. The purpose of that Council is to be available to be used by the Weave, as you they are needed. This ring, Sailor Uranus, is given to represent your faithfulness and loyalty to the Guardianship above all else. It is a high calling and a prestigious honor, but one you have shown yourself worthy of." Hasha slipped the ring onto Uranus's finger. The scout stood up, and addressed Hasha and Rei. "Thank you, Guardian, and Heiress, for the trust you place in me. I will ever be your willing servant." Rei smiled. "Don't speak too fast, senshi of Uranus. The Council of Vessels, due to their willingness and ability to be used by the Weave, are often away from loved ones and other duties to bring about the fulfillment of the Weave. Do you accept this call, and all it requires of you?" "I am ashamed you ask, Heiress, Your servant accepts this call," Uranus answered quickly and confidently. "Haru," she said, placing a hand on the senshi's shoulder. "You will always be more to me than a mere servant. You have been with me since the first day you saw me. I consider it an honor to call you my friend." A single tear rolled down Uranus's face as she whispered "Thank you." She stepped away, and placed herself next to Pluto, fingering the new ring. "Sailor Neptune, will you receive your reward?" "If you are ready to bestow it, Guardian," Neptune said, her melodic voice ringing as she knelt. She brushed tears from her cheek that had fallen as the sight of her lover's happiness as once again Hasha opened a pocket of Weave energy. Catching the objects it dropped this time, she began once more. "Sailor Neptune, as your reward for your part in defeating the Anysbryd's diversion, I give you this henshin. Your other power stick will work no longer. This new one, when activated with the words "Neptune Planet Power Transform!" will transform you into Super Sailor Neptune. As Super Sailor Neptune, you shall have the use of three new attacks, any of which will be able to obliterate many youma very easily. Also, by using the words "Overflowing Activate!" you shall turn into the Watcher of Emotions. All emotions of natural creatures will be under your control to halt or create as you choose. You are also able to detect negative emotion-changers and their emotionally-controlled. It will be your responsibility to release the controlled and deal with the controllers. By saying "Neptune Ruler Power!" you shall become the queen of your planet, holding all the rights and privileges of that position. This I give to you for performing your duty." Hasha took the proffered henshin and placed the new one in Neptune's hand. After looking it over, Neptune turned back to face the Guardian. "Yet, ever since Koukei has revealed herself to you, and even before, you have conducted yourself with honor. You have not been resentful of the Heiress, for her position in your lover's life, but instead you leap to the aid of the Heiress when she requires it and anticipate her needs. For this respect and service to the next Guardian, I will reward you. This ring," which she held up, the aquamarine strands highlighting the Weave magic it contained, "when worn by it's rightful owner, gives the wearer all the rights and privileges of an Ally of the Weave. This ring gives the ability to call on the Guardian at any time. It may be passed down to your second- oldest daughter if she proves herself worthy, as Uranus's ring will go to your firstborn child. It will protect the legitimate wearer from assassination and minor injuries. It will amplify your power in battle. It also gives the owner a place on the Universal Council. In addition to the Universal Council, the wearer of this Ally's ring is declared a ruling member of the Council of Weave Allies. This council is made of those who have been declared Allies of the Weave, a number very small. The purpose of that Council is to fight on the side of the Guardian, holding much the same authority, as you are needed. This ring, Sailor Neptune, is given to represent your faithfulness and loyalty to the Guardianship above all else. It is a high calling and a prestigious honor, but one you have shown yourself worthy of." "May I continue to be worthy of this honor," Neptune said after Hasha had placed the ring on her finger. She stood, and after thanking Rei, moved to Uranus's side. Uranus smiled, and put an arm around Neptune's shoulder. "A vessel and an ally," she whispered as Saturn was kneeling at Hasha's feet. "To think Serenity called us dirt." Neptune grinned and watched as Hasha caught one more henshin and one more ring, this one crafted out of amethyst. "Sailor Saturn, will you receive your reward now?" "I am the Guardian's humble subject." "Sailor Saturn, as your reward for your part in defeating the Anysbryd's diversion, I give you this henshin. Your other power stick will work no longer. This new one, when activated with the words "Saturn Planet Power Transform!" will transform you into Super Sailor Saturn. As Super Sailor Saturn, you shall have the use of three new attacks, any of which will be able to obliterate many youma very easily. Also, by using the words "Healing Activate!" you shall turn into the Healer. As the Healer, your natural healing abilities shall be amplified enormously, a billion-times the strength of your normal healing powers. Your endurance will be greatly increased. Your responsibility, then, will be to correct any injuries or healings brought about by evil. By saying "Saturn Ruler Power!" you shall become the queen of your planet, holding all the rights and privileges of that position. This I give to you for performing your duty." "Thank you, Guardian," Saturn murmured, exchanging her old henshin for the new power stick. Hasha lifted the ring and kept going. "Yet, ever since Koukei has revealed herself to you, and even before, you have conducted yourself with honor. You have listened and obeyed the Heiress, patiently arguing her case in front of those who underestimate her. For this service and trust to the next Guardian, I will reward you. This ring, when worn by it's rightful owner, gives the wearer all the rights and privileges of a Daughter of the Weave. This ring gives the ability to call on the Guardian at any time. It may be passed down to your oldest daughter if she proves herself worthy. It will protect the legitimate wearer from assassination and minor injuries. It will amplify your power in battle. It also gives the owner a place on the Universal Council. In addition to the Universal Council, the wearer of this Daughter's ring is declared a ruling member of the Council of Weave Daughters. This council is made of those who have been declared Daughters of the Weave, a number very small. The purpose of that Council is to carry on the legacy of all Guardians, past, present, and future. This ring, Sailor Saturn, is given to represent your faithfulness and loyalty to the Guardianship above all else. It is a high calling and a prestigious honor, but one you have shown yourself worthy of." Saturn nodded her thanks, and backed away, still bowing. "Now," Hasha continued, turning to Rei. "May I give you your gift in front of these senshi?" "Each of them has proven herself to be an ally and a trusted friend. I would trust any of these with my life itself. I have nothing to hide." "Very well," Hasha began anew. "Koukei, you are the most powerful Heiress that ever existed. You are my superior in knowledge, command, and power. In three days time, you shall take my position as Guardian of the Universe. The enemies you will face will be numerous as the galaxy is undergoing many changes and will continue to do so under your reign. As it is in my power, at your ascension, I shall endow you with the spirit of the First Guardian." Rei's eyes grew larger. "Hasha.?" she said, the whispered question coming out with the sound of a fatal pronouncement. "Yes." Rei swayed, her balance lost. Uranus and Neptune both leapt to her aid, and took an elbow to steady the Heiress. The four senshi exchanged confused glances. "The First Guardian?" Neptune mouthed to Uranus, who shrugged in return. Hasha continued. "Yet my gift is greater than that alone. You have placed dedication to your calling and to the Weave above those you love," she said, as tears fell from Rei's eyes. The Heiress struggled valiantly to hold them in, but wracking sobs pushed her to the floor. Hasha walked over with compassion and knelt. She placed a hand to lift up Rei's chin. "Koukei, did you think I wouldn't know? You knew, and you didn't stop it. The Weave is demanding, true, but you have never complained, never held back a sacrifice. You put the future and Neo-queen Serenity's happiness above yours, above the love you held for a person, enduring love that had already stood the test of time." The outer senshi exchanged shocked looks; beginning to understand what Hasha was talking about. Lifting Rei to her feet, Hasha said, "Because of this, I gift you with a husband who is worthy of you, with a child who will be a great senshi, and with a never-ending legacy of grace and nobility. I give you calmness and assurance, steadfastness and resolution. I give you love and peace. I give you the Weave in all its power. None shall be held from you." Rei sniffed, and squared her shoulders. "I thank you, Guardian." "In three days, then." Hasha stated, moving away from the other five. "In three days." Rei replied. Hasha nodded, and disappeared from sight. The outer senshi all turned to Rei as if one. "What happened to Jedite and Darien?" Uranus asked pointedly. After a pause, Rei told them. "They were called by their company to Shanghai. I knew it was a trick of the Anysbryd, so sent Sakka to be there when she would be needed. Once my fight began, the Anysbryd brought them both to where we were at. He told me to choose who was to live and who was to die. I knew it would happen, I knew the future, but it was still hard. Jed looked at me with that look in his eyes, the one that said to do my duty. I did. I told the Anysbryd to kill the only man I've ever loved. I chose the safety of Crystal Tokyo. I chose Serenity. I chose emptiness. I chose Darien." Rei turned from the others and began to walk away. "To think," Uranus said venomously, "that Serenity didn't trust the Heiress." "I want none of that, Uranus!" Rei said in a tone that brooked no discussion. "She is your queen, and the future depends on her and Darien. To choose Jedite would have ended life then and there. I would have lost and the Anysbryd would have won through my inability to control my emotions and thoughts." "I apologize, Heiress," Uranus said softly. "Let's go back to the others," Rei said.
Walking into the main room, Rei released the spells she had on the inner and special senshi. "Heiress?" Serenity asked hesitantly, "where are Darien, Jedite, and Sakka at?" As she was finishing, Darien and Sakka appeared from nowhere. Darien ran to Rei and fell at her feet. "I'm so sorry! I had no idea it was a trap. I.you.thank you, Heiress." Once she regained her bearings, Sakka also threw herself at Rei's feet. "I didn't see the danger until it was too late, Heiress. Please forgive me, I wish that I could change it!" "It's all right, Sakka. I know." Sakka didn't move, and neither did Darien. "Please, Rei, what.?" Serenity asked, stepping forward with a look of concern etched on her face. "Serenity, it is not necessary for you to know everything. Darien is all right, that should be enough." Darien looked up at Rei when she said this, but heard "Don't tell her. Not ever," in his head. He nodded, and went to his love. "What is it, Darien? What happened?" she asked. Rei watched as he shook his head and refused to answer. Her gaze then returned to Sakka, who was still motionless. "Sakka, it's not your fault. I believe you. I needed you there to bring him back, not to keep him safe. No one would have been able to protect him from the Anysbryd. Please, Sakka, get up." "Heiress, I failed you." "No, Sakka. You brought Darien back safely, which is all I wanted you to do. Sakka, you did nothing wrong. You could not have stopped the Anysbryd." "But you were so happy, both of you. What will happen?" "It doesn't matter, Sakka. Stand up." Sakka nodded and rose reluctantly, her head hanging in shame.
After a moment of silence, Serenity spoke up. "What happens now, Heiress?" "Well, Serenity, nothing. I've defeated the Anysbryd, you defeated the diversion, and the Guardian has come already. My Ascension will take place in three days, as Hasha said. Until then, I suggest rest." Sakka's head sprung up at this announcement. "The Ascension in three days? Why?" "For far too many reasons that don't need to be spoken of right now, Sakka." The Muse nodded, but still wore a frown. "What happens at the Ascension, Heiress?" Sailor Mercury asked. "Only a few of you will be present at that time. Those that will be going will get a fuller explanation, but suffice it to say that Hasha will pass the Weave's Center to my control." The senshi nodded, but didn't understand the answer, which was what Rei had planned. "But for now," Kat spoke up, "everyone needs to rest. Go home and sleep," she ordered. "Thank you, Kat," Rei 'pathed, grateful for the understanding.
It didn't take long for the senshi to leave. The battle had worn them all out, and the meeting with Hasha had simply increased the exhaustion. Rei made plans to see the Outer senshi the next afternoon and sent each of them off with a thankful hug. Sakka and Kat went to the room they were sharing in the back of the temple, leaving Rei alone with her thoughts.
She sat and kept counsel with the Eternal Fire all night. ----------------------- [1] Koukei, Japanese word meaning successor. This is what the Guardian calls Rei. Like Heiress, it is merely a title.
Shocked silence was quickly followed by pandemonium. The thoughts running through the minds of the majority of senshi turned to murmurs. The murmurs grew to whispers and then expanded to loudly spoken sentences. Rei tried to calm down the senshi, as did Kat, but to no avail. Giving voice to sigh of frustration, Rei muttered some words in a strange and unknown language. The room instantly fell quiet. Each head turned to face the Heiress as bodies stiffened and feet were planted firmly to the floor. "Now that I have your attention, you need to hear some things," Rei said. "None of you have ever met the Guardian before, so I want you to be prepared. Hasha will not match your expectations. She will bring a message, and maybe more. For many of you, this will be the only time you'll meet Hasha as the Guardian. Please keep in mind that she is the most powerful person in the universe. She answers to no one, but all answer to her. You will be asked to do that today." Rei observed the effect her words had on the senshi, and noticing the slight fear, she released the spell. Rei moved about, positioning the senshi into groups. Usagi, as befitted her future, ended up in the middle of the assembled senshi. To her right was Sailor Venus, the senshi commander. To Usagi's left stood Mercury and Jupiter, the other two members of Usagi's inner court. To Venus's right stood the four outer senshi: Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto grouped around Saturn. On the left of Jupiter, Sailors Force and Elemental protectively knelt next to Psyche, who was still unconscious. Standing behind and towering above them were Muse, Star, and Space. Kat and Rei satisfied themselves with the arrangement, then took their places in front of Usagi. "Why is she is coming, Rei?" "I asked her to come, Kat. She has some things to do tonight." Presently, a small shower of sparks materialized in mid-air and descended from above. The trail soon grew, and coalesced into a beautiful woman. Kat knelt, falling to one knee. Rei inclined her head, as the senshi stood, immobile. "Koukei[1], it is comforting to see you back in your home among friends," Hasha said to Rei, revealing a deep, husky voice. "Your concerns shall be addressed tonight, have no fear of that." Hasha now spoke to Kat. "Rise, Shizenno. You fulfilled your mission, and performed a great service to Koukei. I am most pleased." Rei and Kat acknowledged the Guardian's words with curt nods, and then took their places at Hasha's side, Rei on the right and Kat on the left. As they approached the Guardian, subtle changes occurred. Rei's figure was graced with a harsher glow and the tears and rips on her clothing were mended. Dried blood slowly disintegrated as bruises healed. Kat grew taller, more majestic, and her clothing changed to suit one of the Guardian's closest servants. Then, as Hasha moved closer to the senshi, each of them began to change. Transformed by the purity and strength of Hasha's connection to the Weave, Usagi turned into Serenity, the queen-to-come. Each scout was illuminated by the color of her planet. Wounds from the recent fight were healed, and uniforms were returned to their original splendor. Serenity walked forward and bowed from the waist. Hasha stood unmoved by the obeisance, her arms folded across her chest. "Guardian, on behalf of the senshi, I--" "Thank you, Serenity." Serenity stared at Hasha. She stood there, unwilling to believe that anyone would cut off the future queen of Crystal Tokyo. Finally Hasha dismissed her with a curt, "Again, I thank you, Serenity." Serenity, still amazed, stepped back into the protectiveness of her inner court. Venus put her arm around the queen-to-come, as Jupiter's anger grew. Rei noticed as the scout's emotion level was nearing a dangerous level, and quickly thought out a spell. She then put it into being with a glance at the militaristic scout. Jupiter calmed down immediately. Serenity noticed the change, and glared at Rei, who returned the look. Serenity frowned, then shrugged it off. This exchange took place in a matter of seconds. "Very impressive, Koukei," Rei heard in her mind. "You defused the situation quickly and silently. It looks as though you've got some experience with that particular procedure." "I've had to use it once or twice before, Hasha," Rei answered, also 'speaking' telepathically. "And a gift for diplomatic understatement. That will come in handy." Rei smiled. Hasha began to address the senshi. "Serenity, senshi, I am Daiuchuuno Hasha, the present Guardian of the Universe. My role is simple, to oversee all existence, in the hope of banishing evil to keep the timeline stable. This, though, can be complex. I'm sure that you have seen how difficult it can be keeping Japan, England, France, and Australia free of negative forces. Just imagine keeping space, time, and over 5,000 inhabited planets in order. That is my job now, but it will soon be Koukei's. "The life of the Guardian, ladies, is extremely difficult. Because of a Guardian's responsibilities and power, she must remain objective enough to destroy anyone or anything that threatens the sanctity of the universe. In addition to this, the Guardian is very lonely. She has no friends. The average length of time an Heiress trains is 1500 years, while the average length of a Guardian's rule is 15,000 years. Guardians are born immortal, but choose to end their lives when the successor has 500 years experience. "My successor, Koukei, whom you know as Hino Rei, will take over the Guardianship in three days time." Uranus, Pluto, and Kat all looked at Rei, surprised by the sudden announcement. Rei did not so much as blink an eye. "Traditionally, the Heiress has one year between the defeat of the Anysbryd and the Ascension in which to rest, learn, and travel her realm. However, there are circumstances fast approaching that warrant a break with custom. Koukei and I have decided to waive the year's rest in favor of safety. Koukei is the most powerful Heiress ever, both in discipline and power, but she will need all of the tools of the Guardianship to defeat this threat. I am becoming too old, and my connection to the Weave is growing dimmer. Even now, Koukei could most likely crush me if we fought against each other. "In any case, when Koukei assumes the role she has spent more than 2,000 years preparing for, she will no longer reside on Earth. For the past year, she has been trying to get the majority of you to recognize her rightful position. You have failed her. You ignore her authority and mock her competence. Many times, I have felt it best to change your attitudes, by whatever means necessary. Koukei has always disagreed, but as time has gone on, the conviction behind her words has lessened. I have abided by her wishes, because she knows you better than I do. Even so, I am immensely displeased in all of you. You do not know whose council you have been most fortunate to sit under. You disregard her knowledge on matters you know nothing about. You deny her her position! I do not understand. She was once one of you but has not been for a long time. Who among you will recognize Koukei as she deserves?" Uranus and Kat instantly knelt, followed quickly by Pluto, Neptune, and Saturn. The others stood in direct refusal, until Muse slowly dropped to a knee. Seeing her friends' looks of disbelief, Muse defended her actions. "She saved Psyche's life! She didn't have to. She was willing to sacrifice the universe, the future, for Psyche. How can you just stand there?" Elemental, Force, Star, and Space realized the validity of the argument, and knelt. Serenity and her court were the only ones left standing.
"Your court will not act unless you do, Serenity. Will you acknowledge the next Guardian of the Universe? She passed the test. If you do not acknowledge her, your act will be seen as an act of flagrant defiance to the Guardian. That is a dangerous thing, indeed," Hasha reasoned. "I will not." Serenity stood, like stone. Uranus and Kat exchanged glances, shocked. "Very well," Hasha said. She turned to Rei. "What will you do, Koukei?" Serenity smirked. Hasha turned back to face her. "You think that funny, Serenity? You dare to laugh at the most powerful Heiress ever, a woman so beloved everywhere but on earth that millions of people would be willing and eager to kill you right now for that? You have no appreciation for this? The Heiress could send you to one of those planets, and watch as her priestesses skinned and burned you, alive. She could kill you where you stand, and no one could do anything about it. She could kill your fiancé. She could make you infertile, so you would be the first and only ruler in your dynasty. She could wait until you have children, and then kill you or them. She could take away your power, cut you from your destiny. She could afflict you with any number of incurable diseases, or vow to turn her back on you for the rest of your life. She could open up Earth to the evil she has been holding at bay. Any of these she could do, and more. Would you like her to? I wouldn't prevent her. She's the one that has stopped me in the past. Will you acknowledge your ruler? Or do you intend to jeopardize everything?" Though Serenity's face had turned whiter with each pronounced, and doomed, destiny, her voice was steady. "I will not bow. Not to a member of my court. Never." "She is not a member of your court. She never was. She is not less than you; you are less than her. And that is what you cannot stand." Hasha regarded the queen-to-be sternly, then spoke to Rei. "Show her yourself." Kat leapt up. "Guardian, I--" "I know, Kat, but it cannot be helped. She would otherwise cause problems down the time-road." "May I at least--" "Yes, you may." Kat ushered the four outer senshi and the five special senshi out of the room. Hasha oversaw this, then addressed the remaining senshi. "Venus, Jupiter, Mercury, your loyalty to your leader is commendable, but she is wrong. When she is wrong, you are absolved of any responsibility to her. Do any of you wish to acknowledge Rei?" Mercury looked at the floor as Venus and Jupiter looked at each other. "I do," Mercury said softly. She dropped to knee, and began to cry silently. "Traitor!" Venus hissed, and Jupiter moved to attack, but Serenity waved them off. "It is her choice, after all." Kat came back into the room, summoned telepathically by Hasha. Looking around, she sized up the situation, and helped Mercury leave the room. "She saved me, and she saved all of you, too," Mercury said quietly, as the door closed behind her. "The three of you, then, are all that's left," Hasha observed. She turned, and nodded to Rei. "Koukei," she said.
Rei breathed, deeply, then began to change. The harsh light around her grew purer and brighter. The white luminescence filled the room, blinding Serenity, Venus, and Jupiter. Just when they thought they could stand it no longer, the light exploded. After a few seconds, they could see the light diminish through their eyelids. They opened their eyes, while feeling music. The music was not audible, but instead, just beneath the hearing level of humans. The sounds vibrated the room, the air, the very matter making up the three rejecters. Looking around, they saw no Rei. Hasha was standing in a corner; eyes steadily fixed on Serenity, Venus, and Jupiter. Wait, they seemed to be saying. Suddenly, a loud explosion created a hole in the middle of the room. It grew and grew, eventually reaching the three senshi. When it could get no bigger, the hole collapsed on itself. The resulting implosion created such a dazzling display of electric sparks and numbing music that Venus and Jupiter fell to their knees. Only Serenity remained standing. When the smoke from the sparks cleared, they saw a ball of pure weave energy. It swelled until it was Rei's size. The shape radiated with intense heat, causing the air around her to catch on fire. Two orbs, of the purest and condensed Weave energy staring, and condemning the three former friends caused Serenity's heart to skip beats. "BOW!" Hasha yelled at Serenity, the command thundering and pulsating in the already vibrating air. Serenity tore her gaze from Rei to glare at Hasha. "Never." Hasha's face turned white with rage as the air around her burst into flames. Glaring at the future neo-queen, Hasha softly spoke. "Very well, Serenity. As you do not possess a grain of your mother's wisdom, or even the sense of a sheep, you shall be punished. Koukei, speak your curse." Rei did not move, nor did her mouth utter any words. Serenity began to sneer as Hasha whispered, "Koukei?" Rei did not answer. Serenity laughed as Venus and Jupiter began to regain their courage. "You see, Guardian? Even Rei will not." Serenity's voice trailed to an end as she looked back at Rei. The Heiress had not moved a muscle, but the Weave energy composing her eyes - the strongest, purest, and most powerful energy in existence - had begun to stream towards the recalcitrant future queen. Serenity swallowed with difficulty, her anxiety visibly mounting. The energy paused a few inches from Serenity's face, then leapt to her temples and in her head. She screamed, more in surprise than pain, then collapsed to the floor. Jupiter and Venus were at first immobile with shock, then scrambled to their leader's side. "What have you done this time?" Venus asked Rei angrily. "Your queen--" Her words were cut off as the Weave eye-energy also entered through her temples. Jupiter looked at her commander and queen, terrified. She started to shuffle backwards, trying vainly to ward off the energy approaching her. "Please, Rei, no. I'm so, so sorry. Don't --" She too fell unconscious, her body overloaded with Weave energy. Hasha watched and waited in her corner; watched the offenders and their judge, and waited for their awakening and an explanation. She did not disturb her successor, for she knew that Rei would be focused on controlling her eye-energy - one mistake could do any number of things. Eventually, the energy seeped out of the three unconscious scouts and returned to Rei's eyes. Jupiter woke first. As she saw Rei standing there, now back to normal, she rose slowly and bowed in Rei's direction. "Heiress," she acknowledged slowly. Venus woke up next, and rose unsteadily. Walking over to Rei, the senshi knelt. "Heiress, I am ever your humble servant. Command me, and I will go, instruct me and I will listen." Hasha raised an eyebrow at this, but said nothing as she saw Serenity begin to awaken. Rei placed a hand on Venus's shoulder and nodded. The senshi commander stood up and took the place at Rei's left side. Serenity rose. "Heiress," she began steadily, though as she continued her voice got shakier. "Please forgive me for my.pride. I was being a stubborn fool. Thank you for showing.for showing me the.error.of my ways." At this, Serenity lost what was left of her dignity and she threw herself at Rei's feet, crying hysterically. "I'm so sorry, Heiress! I --" The rest was lost in sobbing. Rei gently bent down and lifted Serenity up. "Serenity, speak of that no longer. You are forgiven. Walk no more in the iniquity of your ways and I shall be happy." Serenity nodded, and choked back the sobs still wracking her body. Rei turned to Venus and gave her a nod. The senshi commander quickly led the future queen to the bathroom. Jupiter turned to watch. "Sailor Jupiter?" "Yes, Heiress?" the senshi replied, instantly turning to Rei. "Please go outside with the others until Venus and Serenity return." "Yes, Heiress." Jupiter walked to the door and disappeared through it with a bow.
Hasha let out the breath she didn't know she'd been holding. "What did you do, Koukei?" "Well, Hasha, I realized that every option you described would never make them recognize me, but resent me more. Instead, I went to the core of the problem - what was in the way of acknowledging me? Once I discovered that, I used the Weave to burn that away." "I'm curious. What was it?" "In Serenity, her highest loyalty was to herself, as a member of the Royal Moon family. Because she is assured of her role in destiny, she knew I couldn't do anything to harm the future. As she still felt she had more power than you and I, she felt answerable to no one. By acknowledging me, and then you indirectly, she felt threatened, and traitorous to her heritage. I took that feeling away, and replaced it with the realization that no one loves her simply because of her ancestry. Instead, she now realizes that she doesn't need to impress everyone, but simply needs to be herself. She no longer craves power, but accepts what she has with grace and responsibility." "Very well done, Heiress. What about the other two?" "Both of them refused to recognize me as higher than Serenity, Venus to a higher degree, of course. That was easy enough to deal with. I just enlightened them with the fact that acknowledging me as Heiress does not dispute their loyalty to their queen, but raises it to a another level." "A solution that is very wise, Koukei. I'm very proud of you," Hasha said, a twinkle in her eyes. "Thank you. A compliment not lightly given from the mouth of Daiuchuuno Hasha." "Oh, I don't know. I think I might've told you that three or four times before." "Yeah, in the past 2,000 years," Rei retorted, returning the smile. "Hmmm. In all seriousness, though, why did you let them retain the memories of their rejection of you?" "So that they always remember. I wouldn't want them to think their devotion is like that of say, Sailor Uranus or Sailor Pluto. Remembering the rejection will cause them to look at the Outers with more respect, too, for not having to be 'adjusted'." Hasha nodded sagely. At that moment, Venus returned with a calmer Serenity in tow. "Are you ready to continue, Serenity? The rest of the ceremony will not be easy," Rei asked with concern, warning Serenity. "Yes, Heiress," Serenity answered. "I will be strong," she said, her voice still unsteady. "Very well," Rei said, as she walked over to the door. Opening it, she peeked through and summoned Kat. "We're ready to continue." Kat nodded. Rei returned to Hasha's side at the front of the room. Kat ushered the others in, then took her place at Rei's right hand. The formalities resumed, as Hasha addressed the senshi once more.
"Now that we've taken care of that, let's move on to the matter of Koukei's injuries. In the battle with the Anysbryd, the Heiress has always won, though often sustaining some type of injury. Injuries resulting from the fight are caused by one of two things: the Heiress's mistakes in the fight with the Anysbryd; or the mistakes of the senshi dealing with the Anysbryd's diversion. I have a wound, one scar from my fight with the Anysbryd. It runs the full length of my back. It is a symbol of my ineptitude. I turned my back on him for one nanosecond, and I paid for it. The senshi in my day did not make mistakes. They fought a perfect battle; my scar is my own doing. Unlike me, Koukei fought a perfect fight. She made no mistakes, committed no errors. She bears the evidence of the mistakes her senshi made, and she will do so forever. The scars that Koukei has will never disappear. When your granddaughter's grandchildren are keeping watch over Crystal Tokyo, Koukei will still be Guardian, and she will still have her wounds. I think you understand this now, so I will move on to another subject. "Because the defeat of the Anysbryd is usually a cause for celebration, I had planned to give gifts tonight, to the senshi and Koukei. Koukei has decided to claim her prize in private, as is her choice. Would any of you like to claim the same privilege?" Hasha looked around to see if anyone would. "We choose to claim the privilege, Guardian." Hasha tuned to see who had spoken, a smile on her lips. Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, and Saturn had stepped forward, Sailor Pluto their spokesperson. "Very well," Hasha said. "I shall give you your gifts in private, but the reasoning for your gifts shall be spoken in the hearing of all." The outers, a bit confused at this pronunciation, nevertheless nodded their thanks, and stepped back to their original positions. Hasha pointed to Serenity and then summoned her, the queen-to-come going first, in regards to her future station. "Serenity, because you did not follow orders, and because you did not lead like your calling, and because you did not follow the Queen's Principles, you shall have no reward." Serenity looked at the ground, hanging her head in shame at her previous actions. The inner and special senshi looked worried at this announcement, not ready to receive theirs. What followed was reminiscent of a war crimes tribunal. For the most part, the senshi took it like warriors. As Hasha called each name, it's owner stepped forward. "Sailor Venus, because you did not follow orders, and because you did not lead like your calling, and because you contributed to the death of an ally, and because you caused an ally pain, you shall have no reward. "Sailor Jupiter, because you did not follow orders, and because you were not faithful to your calling, and because you contributed to the death of an ally, you shall have no reward. "Sailor Mercury, the Heiress has already given you a reward, even though you did not follow orders, and were not faithful to your calling. "Sailor Elemental, because you did not follow orders, and because you were not faithful to your calling, and because you caused an ally pain, you shall have no reward. "Sailor Force, the Heiress has already given you a reward, even though you did not follow orders, and were not faithful to your calling. "Sailor Star, because you did not follow orders, and because you were not faithful to your calling, you shall have no reward. "Sailor Space, because you did not follow orders, and because you were not faithful to your calling, you shall have no reward. "Sailor Muse, because you did not follow orders, and because you were not faithful to your calling, you shall have no reward. "Let all hear, Sailor Psyche has been given her reward by the Heiress, even though she did not follow orders, and was not faithful to her calling. "Sailor Pluto, because you followed orders, and because you saved the Heiress much pain, and because you went beyond your calling, I, the Guardian, of the Universe, shall give you your reward. "Sailor Uranus, because you followed orders, and because you saved the Heiress much pain, and because you went beyond your calling, I, the Guardian, of the Universe, shall give you your reward. "Sailor Neptune, because you followed orders, and because you saved the Heiress much pain, and because you went beyond your calling, I, the Guardian, of the Universe, shall give you your reward. "Sailor Saturn, because you followed orders, and because you saved the Heiress much pain, and because you tried to heal the wounds of your allies to the detriment of your own health, and because you went beyond your calling, I, the Guardian, of the Universe, shall give you your reward." The looks on the faces of the others senshi turned from resentment to anger to realization to sorrow as these pronouncements were made. Then, Hasha said, "Will the four of you please accompany Koukei and I." Hasha walked into an adjoining room, followed by the outer senshi. Before Rei joined them, she placed another spell on the inner and special senshi, one to silence and calm them.
Once the six were all in the room, Rei shut and locked the door. With Rei at her right hand, Hasha began to speak. "Sailor Pluto, will you receive your reward now?" "With all due resect, Guardian, I do not deserve one," Pluto answered, the other outer senshi nodding their agreement. "I did my job, nothing more." Hasha smiled. "And with that answer and your actions this day, you have all proven that you are worthy. I will reward you, as is my choice. I ask again, Sailor Pluto, will you receive your reward now?" "I will, Guardian," she answered, dropping to one knee in front of Hasha. Hasha opened a pocket of air, reaching the underlying Weave. The magic energy shimmered, and two objects fell. Hasha caught them, a pen and a ring, one in each hand. Holding up the pen in her left hand, she spoke. "Sailor Pluto, as your reward for your part in defeating the Anysbryd's diversion, I give you this henshin. Your other power stick will work no longer. This new one, when activated with the words "Pluto Planet Power Transform!" will transform you into Super Sailor Pluto. As Super Sailor Pluto, you shall have the use of three new attacks, any of which will be able to obliterate many youma very easily. Also, by using the words "Gatekeeper Activate!" you shall turn into the Gatekeeper of Time, which will now be a separate part of you. You will now have greater control over time and over between-time. Those who misuse or interrupt the Flow of Time are your responsibility to take care of. By saying "Pluto Ruler Power!" you shall become the queen of your planet, holding all the rights and privileges of that position. This I give to you for performing your duty." Hasha handed the new henshin to Pluto, who gave her old henshin to the Guardian. Raising her right hand, Hasha went on. "Yet, ever since Koukei has revealed herself to you, and even before, you have conducted yourself with honor. At all times you gave her the respect she deserved and never departed from her decisions and right hand. For this devotion and service to the next Guardian, I will reward you. This ring," she said, nodding to the circlet in her hand, "when worn by it's rightful owner, gives the wearer all the rights and privileges of a Servant of the Weave. This ring gives the ability to call on the Guardian at any time. It may be passed down to your oldest daughter if she proves herself worthy. It will protect the legitimate wearer from assassination and minor injuries. It will amplify your power in battle. It also gives the owner a place on the Universal Council. Now, you here on Earth have not heard of the Council, correct?" The confused look on the faces of the senshi answered Hasha, as Rei said, "I thought is best to.leave that aspect alone for now, Hasha. Others that don't deserve it-" "Would covet the position. Wise decision, Koukei," Hasha finished Rei's sentence, then continued. "Let me explain, then. The Universe that the Guardian oversees contains over 5,000 inhabited worlds, the cultures of which are too many to number. In order to make the Guardian's job easier and to promote peace and understanding, each planetary system may send up to five representatives to the Universal Council. When the Guardian wants advice or planetary disputes arise, the Council is consulted. This ring, Sailor Pluto, will make you a member of that Council. In addition to the Universal Council, the wearer of this Servant's ring is declared a ruling member of the Council of Weave Servants. This Council is made of those who have been deemed servants of the Weave, a number very small. The purpose of that Council is to dispatch the word of the Guardian to all, carrying out the wishes of the Guardian. This ring, Sailor Pluto, is given to represent your faithfulness and loyalty to the Guardianship above all else. It is a high calling and a prestigious honor, but one you have shown yourself worthy of." Hasha slipped the ring onto Pluto's finger. The Celtic pattern of three intertwined ribbons was carved out of pure garnet. It caught the light, illuminating the tiny strands of Weave energy inside the garnet stone. Pluto gaped, speechless. She finally got her voice back, and thanked Hasha. "Oh, no," Hasha protested. "Don't thank me. I only agreed to the reward. It is Koukei's privilege to choose the representatives to the Councils." "I don't know what to say, Heiress, except that I will live up to this," Pluto said, now kneeling at Rei's feet. "I know you will, Setsuna. Now get up. A servant of the Weave does not bow to the Heiress. We are both used according to It's choice." Pluto stood up slowly, and took her place behind Rei. The ceremony continued.
"Sailor Uranus, will you receive your reward now?" "I am not worthy, but it is the Guardian's decision." Uranus stepped in front of Hasha and knelt. Hasha once again opened a pocket of air and then Weave magic. Two objects fell out, another henshin, and another ring. Both were similar to Pluto's, except that this ring was created from topaz. Raising the pen in her left hand, Hasha said, "Sailor Uranus, as your reward for your part in defeating the Anysbryd's diversion, I give you this henshin. Your other power stick will work no longer. This new one, when activated with the words "Uranus Planet Power Transform!" will transform you into Super Sailor Uranus. As Super Sailor Uranus, you shall have the use of three new attacks, any of which will be able to obliterate many youma very easily. Also, by using the words "Catalyst Activate!" you shall turn into Overseer of Action. All movements of magic or power will be under your control, to start or stop as you choose. By saying "Uranus Ruler Power!" you shall become the queen of your planet, holding all the rights and privileges of that position. This I give to you for performing your duty." Uranus humbly exchanged her old henshin in return for the new one. As the old henshin disintegrated, Hasha lifted up her right hand and went on. "Yet, ever since Koukei has revealed herself to you, and even before, you have conducted yourself with honor. You have placed yourself under her tutelage and protection, proving your trust in her. For your loyalty and respect to the next Guardian, I will reward you. This ring, when worn by it's rightful owner, gives the wearer all the rights and privileges of a Vessel of the Weave. This ring gives the ability to call on the Guardian at any time. It may be passed down to your oldest daughter if she proves herself worthy. It will protect the legitimate wearer from assassination and minor injuries. It will amplify your power in battle. It also gives the owner a place on the Universal Council. In addition to the Universal Council, the wearer of this Vessel's ring is declared a ruling member of the Council of Weave Vessels. This Council is made of those who have been deemed loyal vessels of the Weave, a number very small. The purpose of that Council is to be available to be used by the Weave, as you they are needed. This ring, Sailor Uranus, is given to represent your faithfulness and loyalty to the Guardianship above all else. It is a high calling and a prestigious honor, but one you have shown yourself worthy of." Hasha slipped the ring onto Uranus's finger. The scout stood up, and addressed Hasha and Rei. "Thank you, Guardian, and Heiress, for the trust you place in me. I will ever be your willing servant." Rei smiled. "Don't speak too fast, senshi of Uranus. The Council of Vessels, due to their willingness and ability to be used by the Weave, are often away from loved ones and other duties to bring about the fulfillment of the Weave. Do you accept this call, and all it requires of you?" "I am ashamed you ask, Heiress, Your servant accepts this call," Uranus answered quickly and confidently. "Haru," she said, placing a hand on the senshi's shoulder. "You will always be more to me than a mere servant. You have been with me since the first day you saw me. I consider it an honor to call you my friend." A single tear rolled down Uranus's face as she whispered "Thank you." She stepped away, and placed herself next to Pluto, fingering the new ring. "Sailor Neptune, will you receive your reward?" "If you are ready to bestow it, Guardian," Neptune said, her melodic voice ringing as she knelt. She brushed tears from her cheek that had fallen as the sight of her lover's happiness as once again Hasha opened a pocket of Weave energy. Catching the objects it dropped this time, she began once more. "Sailor Neptune, as your reward for your part in defeating the Anysbryd's diversion, I give you this henshin. Your other power stick will work no longer. This new one, when activated with the words "Neptune Planet Power Transform!" will transform you into Super Sailor Neptune. As Super Sailor Neptune, you shall have the use of three new attacks, any of which will be able to obliterate many youma very easily. Also, by using the words "Overflowing Activate!" you shall turn into the Watcher of Emotions. All emotions of natural creatures will be under your control to halt or create as you choose. You are also able to detect negative emotion-changers and their emotionally-controlled. It will be your responsibility to release the controlled and deal with the controllers. By saying "Neptune Ruler Power!" you shall become the queen of your planet, holding all the rights and privileges of that position. This I give to you for performing your duty." Hasha took the proffered henshin and placed the new one in Neptune's hand. After looking it over, Neptune turned back to face the Guardian. "Yet, ever since Koukei has revealed herself to you, and even before, you have conducted yourself with honor. You have not been resentful of the Heiress, for her position in your lover's life, but instead you leap to the aid of the Heiress when she requires it and anticipate her needs. For this respect and service to the next Guardian, I will reward you. This ring," which she held up, the aquamarine strands highlighting the Weave magic it contained, "when worn by it's rightful owner, gives the wearer all the rights and privileges of an Ally of the Weave. This ring gives the ability to call on the Guardian at any time. It may be passed down to your second- oldest daughter if she proves herself worthy, as Uranus's ring will go to your firstborn child. It will protect the legitimate wearer from assassination and minor injuries. It will amplify your power in battle. It also gives the owner a place on the Universal Council. In addition to the Universal Council, the wearer of this Ally's ring is declared a ruling member of the Council of Weave Allies. This council is made of those who have been declared Allies of the Weave, a number very small. The purpose of that Council is to fight on the side of the Guardian, holding much the same authority, as you are needed. This ring, Sailor Neptune, is given to represent your faithfulness and loyalty to the Guardianship above all else. It is a high calling and a prestigious honor, but one you have shown yourself worthy of." "May I continue to be worthy of this honor," Neptune said after Hasha had placed the ring on her finger. She stood, and after thanking Rei, moved to Uranus's side. Uranus smiled, and put an arm around Neptune's shoulder. "A vessel and an ally," she whispered as Saturn was kneeling at Hasha's feet. "To think Serenity called us dirt." Neptune grinned and watched as Hasha caught one more henshin and one more ring, this one crafted out of amethyst. "Sailor Saturn, will you receive your reward now?" "I am the Guardian's humble subject." "Sailor Saturn, as your reward for your part in defeating the Anysbryd's diversion, I give you this henshin. Your other power stick will work no longer. This new one, when activated with the words "Saturn Planet Power Transform!" will transform you into Super Sailor Saturn. As Super Sailor Saturn, you shall have the use of three new attacks, any of which will be able to obliterate many youma very easily. Also, by using the words "Healing Activate!" you shall turn into the Healer. As the Healer, your natural healing abilities shall be amplified enormously, a billion-times the strength of your normal healing powers. Your endurance will be greatly increased. Your responsibility, then, will be to correct any injuries or healings brought about by evil. By saying "Saturn Ruler Power!" you shall become the queen of your planet, holding all the rights and privileges of that position. This I give to you for performing your duty." "Thank you, Guardian," Saturn murmured, exchanging her old henshin for the new power stick. Hasha lifted the ring and kept going. "Yet, ever since Koukei has revealed herself to you, and even before, you have conducted yourself with honor. You have listened and obeyed the Heiress, patiently arguing her case in front of those who underestimate her. For this service and trust to the next Guardian, I will reward you. This ring, when worn by it's rightful owner, gives the wearer all the rights and privileges of a Daughter of the Weave. This ring gives the ability to call on the Guardian at any time. It may be passed down to your oldest daughter if she proves herself worthy. It will protect the legitimate wearer from assassination and minor injuries. It will amplify your power in battle. It also gives the owner a place on the Universal Council. In addition to the Universal Council, the wearer of this Daughter's ring is declared a ruling member of the Council of Weave Daughters. This council is made of those who have been declared Daughters of the Weave, a number very small. The purpose of that Council is to carry on the legacy of all Guardians, past, present, and future. This ring, Sailor Saturn, is given to represent your faithfulness and loyalty to the Guardianship above all else. It is a high calling and a prestigious honor, but one you have shown yourself worthy of." Saturn nodded her thanks, and backed away, still bowing. "Now," Hasha continued, turning to Rei. "May I give you your gift in front of these senshi?" "Each of them has proven herself to be an ally and a trusted friend. I would trust any of these with my life itself. I have nothing to hide." "Very well," Hasha began anew. "Koukei, you are the most powerful Heiress that ever existed. You are my superior in knowledge, command, and power. In three days time, you shall take my position as Guardian of the Universe. The enemies you will face will be numerous as the galaxy is undergoing many changes and will continue to do so under your reign. As it is in my power, at your ascension, I shall endow you with the spirit of the First Guardian." Rei's eyes grew larger. "Hasha.?" she said, the whispered question coming out with the sound of a fatal pronouncement. "Yes." Rei swayed, her balance lost. Uranus and Neptune both leapt to her aid, and took an elbow to steady the Heiress. The four senshi exchanged confused glances. "The First Guardian?" Neptune mouthed to Uranus, who shrugged in return. Hasha continued. "Yet my gift is greater than that alone. You have placed dedication to your calling and to the Weave above those you love," she said, as tears fell from Rei's eyes. The Heiress struggled valiantly to hold them in, but wracking sobs pushed her to the floor. Hasha walked over with compassion and knelt. She placed a hand to lift up Rei's chin. "Koukei, did you think I wouldn't know? You knew, and you didn't stop it. The Weave is demanding, true, but you have never complained, never held back a sacrifice. You put the future and Neo-queen Serenity's happiness above yours, above the love you held for a person, enduring love that had already stood the test of time." The outer senshi exchanged shocked looks; beginning to understand what Hasha was talking about. Lifting Rei to her feet, Hasha said, "Because of this, I gift you with a husband who is worthy of you, with a child who will be a great senshi, and with a never-ending legacy of grace and nobility. I give you calmness and assurance, steadfastness and resolution. I give you love and peace. I give you the Weave in all its power. None shall be held from you." Rei sniffed, and squared her shoulders. "I thank you, Guardian." "In three days, then." Hasha stated, moving away from the other five. "In three days." Rei replied. Hasha nodded, and disappeared from sight. The outer senshi all turned to Rei as if one. "What happened to Jedite and Darien?" Uranus asked pointedly. After a pause, Rei told them. "They were called by their company to Shanghai. I knew it was a trick of the Anysbryd, so sent Sakka to be there when she would be needed. Once my fight began, the Anysbryd brought them both to where we were at. He told me to choose who was to live and who was to die. I knew it would happen, I knew the future, but it was still hard. Jed looked at me with that look in his eyes, the one that said to do my duty. I did. I told the Anysbryd to kill the only man I've ever loved. I chose the safety of Crystal Tokyo. I chose Serenity. I chose emptiness. I chose Darien." Rei turned from the others and began to walk away. "To think," Uranus said venomously, "that Serenity didn't trust the Heiress." "I want none of that, Uranus!" Rei said in a tone that brooked no discussion. "She is your queen, and the future depends on her and Darien. To choose Jedite would have ended life then and there. I would have lost and the Anysbryd would have won through my inability to control my emotions and thoughts." "I apologize, Heiress," Uranus said softly. "Let's go back to the others," Rei said.
Walking into the main room, Rei released the spells she had on the inner and special senshi. "Heiress?" Serenity asked hesitantly, "where are Darien, Jedite, and Sakka at?" As she was finishing, Darien and Sakka appeared from nowhere. Darien ran to Rei and fell at her feet. "I'm so sorry! I had no idea it was a trap. I.you.thank you, Heiress." Once she regained her bearings, Sakka also threw herself at Rei's feet. "I didn't see the danger until it was too late, Heiress. Please forgive me, I wish that I could change it!" "It's all right, Sakka. I know." Sakka didn't move, and neither did Darien. "Please, Rei, what.?" Serenity asked, stepping forward with a look of concern etched on her face. "Serenity, it is not necessary for you to know everything. Darien is all right, that should be enough." Darien looked up at Rei when she said this, but heard "Don't tell her. Not ever," in his head. He nodded, and went to his love. "What is it, Darien? What happened?" she asked. Rei watched as he shook his head and refused to answer. Her gaze then returned to Sakka, who was still motionless. "Sakka, it's not your fault. I believe you. I needed you there to bring him back, not to keep him safe. No one would have been able to protect him from the Anysbryd. Please, Sakka, get up." "Heiress, I failed you." "No, Sakka. You brought Darien back safely, which is all I wanted you to do. Sakka, you did nothing wrong. You could not have stopped the Anysbryd." "But you were so happy, both of you. What will happen?" "It doesn't matter, Sakka. Stand up." Sakka nodded and rose reluctantly, her head hanging in shame.
After a moment of silence, Serenity spoke up. "What happens now, Heiress?" "Well, Serenity, nothing. I've defeated the Anysbryd, you defeated the diversion, and the Guardian has come already. My Ascension will take place in three days, as Hasha said. Until then, I suggest rest." Sakka's head sprung up at this announcement. "The Ascension in three days? Why?" "For far too many reasons that don't need to be spoken of right now, Sakka." The Muse nodded, but still wore a frown. "What happens at the Ascension, Heiress?" Sailor Mercury asked. "Only a few of you will be present at that time. Those that will be going will get a fuller explanation, but suffice it to say that Hasha will pass the Weave's Center to my control." The senshi nodded, but didn't understand the answer, which was what Rei had planned. "But for now," Kat spoke up, "everyone needs to rest. Go home and sleep," she ordered. "Thank you, Kat," Rei 'pathed, grateful for the understanding.
It didn't take long for the senshi to leave. The battle had worn them all out, and the meeting with Hasha had simply increased the exhaustion. Rei made plans to see the Outer senshi the next afternoon and sent each of them off with a thankful hug. Sakka and Kat went to the room they were sharing in the back of the temple, leaving Rei alone with her thoughts.
She sat and kept counsel with the Eternal Fire all night. ----------------------- [1] Koukei, Japanese word meaning successor. This is what the Guardian calls Rei. Like Heiress, it is merely a title.
