Sailor Moon

Ghosts of the past

A fanfiction by Jonathan Schmidt

Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon so don't sue me. There I said it J

This series is based almost entirely on the dub which, despite its shortcomings, I prefer to the original. Judge the story by how well made you think it is not by whether I include those questionable aspects of the original. Try to regard it as a different reality and dimension. It takes place a few months after the end of the Stars season. Any question/comments? Email me at ashmidt@flash.net enjoy.

Text in italics are thoughts.

Text in Triangular Brackets is psychic or telepathic communication.

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Episode seven: The Test: Part 1. A Sailor's Inner Pains

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Sailor Moon found herself standing in the center of a huge chamber of crystal. The walls extended for hundreds of feet while the ceiling was barely visible. Finding her voice Moon spoke timidly, "hello? Is anyone here?" her words echoed across the vast room. She bent down and ran her hand over the smooth floor. "Is this… Silver Crystal?"

Moon gasped as the shape of a woman slowly rose out of the floor near her. She was dressed in an odd dark blue dress that allowed for easy movement in any direction (she looks like the Fight Card from Cardcaptor Sakura but is more crystalline). "So much power and yet so humble in its use. You truly have the spirit needed for your future task. The question is do you know how to use it?"

"What do you mean?"

"You hold the power to rule planets as you are now. You possess the ability to destroy worlds, pierce time-lines and light up the cosmos, yet you still act as an equal toward all, you still embrace the caring, gentle nature of your spirit. I come not to test the resolve of your heart and mind Sailor Moon, for despite doubts you are the most stable of the scouts in that regard, except in one matter."

"And what is that?"

The guardian took a step toward her. "It is your fighting ability that has come into question here. Even now you wish not to fight me, and there are times when you would rather die then fight. You will need both that gentle spirit and the heart of a warrior if you are to be Neo Queen Serenity. In spite of all the love you may pour out to your enemies there will be times when the only option is to battle them to the end. Are you capable of that? Are you willing to kill to preserve the ideals you claim your allegiance to?"

Moon was emphatic. "I have no problem with fighting for something I believe in! A part of me suffers every time I have to destroy an enemy, but that doesn't mean I won't do what is necessary. What I don't believe in is destroying the good for the sake of stopping evil. There is always another way, and I believe I've proven that."

"And how does refusing to fight Galaxia fit into this. She killed your closest friends, she threatened the whole universe, you had every reason to fight her."

"It was because some part of me knew there was a better way," Moon continued. "That Galaxia wasn't really evil, that there was a way to free and save everyone her without losing any more lives. If she had been truly evil I would have used that sword against her."

The Crystal Guardian smirked, "well then, do you believe I'm evil? Will you fight me?"

"I trust that Queen Serenity would not have designed a test where I have to kill a good being, even for the sake of my powers. She believed I was capable of facing this and for her I will succeed."

"We shall see." The guardian assumed a fighting pose as Moon did the same. Before she could react the crystal being ran at her, delivering a hard punch in her face and kick in her stomach. Another kick sent her flying backwards where she landed in a heap on the floor. Before she could get up the being kicked her in the side, sending her another ten feet across the room.

As Moon struggled to her hands and knees the guardian extended one hand, which began to crackle with power. Moon barely dodged aside as the orb of crystal energy shot at her. The sailor heaved a sigh of relief; "I'll take a test in school any day over this."

Before the sailor could fully get up she was struck several more times until she fell to her knees in pain. The guardian raised one leg high over her, preparing to strike her in the neck. In a split second Moon flipped backward, the blow intended for her fracturing the floor, and sent a hard kick in the face of the Crystal Guardian while doing so. Breathing heavily she assumed a fighting stance as the being inspected the small crack on her chin and smiled. "Perhaps there is some fight in you."

"Incredible," Tuxedo said in awe as he took in his surrounding. He stood in a huge room that resembled a rainforest, overgrown with vegetation everywhere but for one large clearing where he now stood. A lake, flat calm, extended from the shore beside him. A moonlit sky completed it. It was a perfectly idyllic scene and certainly not what he had expected for a battlefield. He sensed another presence and turned to see a young man in white clothing standing before him, a gold crystal jutting from his hair.

Tuxedo was awestruck, "Helios?"

The being shook his head, "no Prince Endymion. I am merely a representation. As Helios is a guardian of Earth just as you are his image was deemed best for this test."

"I see. Well I'm ready."

"Are you? Are you really ready for everything your destiny is to demand of you?"

Tuxedo's face was set in stone. "I am."

The Earth Guardian nodded. "You are well grounded in your beliefs and possess a unbreakable will just as Princess Serenity does. Together you two have been the glue that has held the sailor team together through every trial. Yet even you have doubts sometimes. What do you say of them?"

Tuxedo took a moment to collect his thoughts. "I fully realize I am not the perfect leader, but I also realize that I will have the scouts and Sailor Moon to help me in every decision I will make. With them I don't fear being king though I may have doubts as to my ability at times." The masked warrior brought out his cane and extended it with a flick. "Now if you're through I'm curious to see what new abilities are in me."

"Defeat me and you will." The guardian summoned an Endymion-like blade.

The two rushed at each other, their weapons clashing together in great bursts of light as they battled across the clearing. Leaping in the air, jabbing and dodging, Tuxedo parried his blows with expert skill, his hat flying off. With a twirl he flipped back, throwing a rose as he did so. The magical bloom shot past the guardian's wrist, cutting it and causing him to drop his sword. Tuxedo leaped high to deliver a powerful blow but as he did the guardians eyes flashed and thorn-shaped points of light appeared around him. With another thought he launched the thorns at him. With a quick twirl of his cane Tuxedo deflected them but the moment of distraction was all the guardian needed to teleport out of the way. The golden crystal flashed and unleashed a beam. Tuxedo leaped up, dodging it, and struck down as the guardian blocked the cane with his hands. The two whirled about through the air and crashed into the lake with a huge splash.

All was silent for some time. At last Tuxedo burst out of the water and crawled ashore, soaked and breathing heavily. From behind him the Earth Guardian rose from the beneath the surface, a bright aura surging around him. With a bright flash a huge beam shot from the crystal, enveloping Tuxedo in a large explosion before he could react. Tuxedo hit the ground with a sickening thud and lay there battered and broken.

The crystal began to glow again. "Yield."

The Prince of Earth struggled to stand but ended up on his hands and knees. Blood flowed from a cut on his forehead as he gritted his teeth. "Never!"

The crystal flashed and enveloped his whole field of vision.

*The scene is a school full of young children playing during recess*

"What do you want to be when you grow up Amy?" the teacher asked the five year old girl.

"I want to be a doctor just like my mommy!" she cried happily. "I want to help sick people get all better!"

The teacher smiled, "that sounds great Amy. I'm sure if you work hard you'll be just that."

Mercury could feel herself waking up. Her mind was cloudy and confused. That wasn't a dream… more like a vision… It is what I've always wanted to be… but why am I thinking about it now?

"It is a beautiful dream isn't it?" a disembodied female voice echoed.

Mercury finally became conscious of her surroundings. She was standing in a gigantic ice cave that had been sculpted into a circular chamber surrounded by frozen stalactites and stalagmites.

The voice sounded again. "A beautiful dream… but a foolish one… hard to believe someone as practical as you maintains such thoughts."

Mercury was visibly angered by her words. "Who are you? Show yourself!"

From the center of the chamber ice rose up then fell apart, revealing a pure white woman with long, flowing robes and a high headdress. "I am the Ice Guardian, and I have come to test you… Soldier of Ice."

"What right do you have to talk about my dreams?"

The guardians features were unwavering as she replied. "I am only speaking what you yourself subconsciously believe. Face it, there is little chance you will be able to fulfill any of your current dreams and protect Crystal Tokyo. Your duty as a Sailor comes first, though it may cost your happiness."

"That's not true! I admit I've had my doubts but that doesn't mean I don't believe in my dreams anymore. Crystal Tokyo's history is one of peace. I'll find a way to become a doctor and serve my duties. It will make me even better able to protect Neo Queen Serenity and all my other friends."

"And what of Greg? How does he figure into your plans? Can he really be a part of Crystal Tokyo with you?"

Mercury replied immediately. "Greg is as much a part of my life now as being a sailor is, and I'm certain he'll be accepted into Crystal Palace."

The guardian seemed impressed by her words, even relieved. "I agree, and now that you have at last directly confronted these issues in your life we have nothing else to discuss." She threw one arm forward, releasing a swarm of ice needles from her fingers.

Mercury dodged aside and ran toward her. "Mercury Bubbles Blast!"

The guardian breathed a blast of wind at the cloud of mist, sending it back at Mercury. She then flew toward her, her fingernails lengthening into deadly ice blades. She struck at the sailor in rapid succession, nicking Mercury in the shoulder as she backed her up against a wall.

Panicked by the cold chills now coursing through her from the wound, Mercury threw her arms outward. "Mercury Bubbles Freeze!" The bubbles surrounded the Ice Guardian, but only slowed her down for a few seconds as she broke out of the ice then struck Mercury in the face. Mercury was sent flying to the right and landed painfully on her back. The being levitated over her and shot a twin beam of ice from her hands. As they combined Mercury raised her hands, icy liquid energy forming around them. "Shine Aqua Illusion!" The attacks canceled each other out in a bright flash. Mercury got to her feet, finding herself shivering from head to toe. "I don't understand it," she thought as she tried to concentrate on the being but could now only think about how unbearably cold she felt. "It wasn't this cold when I got here." She activated her computer, "and the air temperature is staying the same, why do I feel like this?"

"It seems you can dish out the cold but you can't take it," the guardian noted sarcastically. "How ironic… in a few minutes the energy in that little wound I gave you is going to freeze your body solid. You had best win before that happens."

Mercury dropped her computer as she found herself shaking too hard to hang onto it. She's right, she said inwardly, I can feel my whole body stiffening, I have to think of a way to stop this.

Mars stood in a large cavern of her own. The walls around her ran red from what appeared to be lava flows just outside them. Cracks in the ground released heavy amounts of steam, obscuring her vision slightly. She took on a meditative stance but felt nothing. "Okay, so where are you? I'm ready."

"Are you then?" A low voice hissed from the cloud of heated air before her. It parted as two massive wings spread and two crimson eyes opened, glowing brightly through the steam. Ivory white fangs lined its jaws and its body was knit together by crimson, saw-keeled scales. Smoke spouted from the creature's nostrils as flames flickered from the edges of its mouth. It stood at least fifty feet high on its hind legs. The steam continued to part and flee from its presence as it stepped forward and stood before her.

Mars stepped back, her mind racing. "A dragon? I have to beat this?"

"Not quite so confident at the sight of me are you?" the creature asked, picking up on her thoughts.

Mars took offense. "What do you mean? I admit you look pretty tough but I'm not running away. I'll fight you right here and now, come on!"

The dragons lips twisted slightly in a grin, "and when you are done with this battle, Sailor of Fire, what then?" When Mars didn't reply it continued. "Where will your life go then? A successful singing career perhaps? And how do you hope to achieve that when you know your duties to Crystal Tokyo will overshadow everything else. How can you trust where your life is going when so many other things you were certain of have proven to be wrong? A good example would be falling for the Prince of Earth, whose soul will always abide with Serenity alone. For some time you really believed that the two of you were meant to be didn't you? Even now your subconscious sometimes wishes that it could have worked."

Mars looked away as her eyes moistened, some of the old hurt was returning. _What's going on, I thought I was long over this. Is that creature doing something to my mind? _ Her thoughts yielded no answers, only the feelings of loss and pain she had felt when she first found out the truth of Darien and Serena's relationship.

The Fire Guardian continued mercilessly. "Then there is your current problem involving that young man living at the temple. He could well be your soul mate yet you don't act. Though you predict the future you can't see where your own life is going. It would take a very special man to be with a sailor, do you believe you will ever find him?

Mar's mind flashed to Chad again and again. She ignored it.

"What's wrong Sailor Mars? Why don't you answer me? Is it because you don't really have things figured out as much as you would have your friends believe, or for that matter what you would have yourself believe?"

Mars came back to her senses and replied forcefully. "What's with all these questions? They don't make any sense! So what if I haven't figured out everything about my life, it doesn't mean I won't. I believe things will work out for the best even if I never have a career like I dreamed. All I have to do is try my best in everything and I won't have anything to regret."

The dragon smiled proudly. "Considering that things may not turn out the way you plan them to is a vital aspect of life Sailor Mars. I'm impressed that you reached the correct conclusion so quickly."

"And as for Darien and Serena I care more then enough about them both to put my feelings aside, no mind trick you pull is going to change that." The dragon nodded silently and she felt the painful emotions vanish.

The Fire Guardians eyes flashed and its voice tone turned confrontational. "Now prove you are worthy of the title Sailor of Fire. Overcome my flames and take your place as the true Fire Guardian!"

"You're on!" Mars could feel the very air around her heating up as soon as she made the challenge. The dragon opened its mouth wide, unleashing a huge stream of flame that bore right through the rock as Mars leaped away from it. The scout stood to her feet and threw her hands forward. "My turn, Mars Celestial Fire Surround!" The fire rings struck but only singed the dragon's chest as it attacked again, its barbed tail lashing out at her. The razor edged spines barely missed as the tail slammed into the stone floor where Mars had stood just a moment before, unleashing a large cloud of steam. The raven-haired warrior flipped backwards some distance. Using the dragon's brief distraction at the steam to her advantage she called forth an attack she hadn't used in some time. "Mars Firebird Strike!" The firebird flew straight at the guardian but in one swift motion it stopped the attacks forward momentum with a swipe of its right hand then slammed it into the ground. Mars gasped in surprise at how easily her attack was stopped.

The guardian slashed at her, its claws ripping through the ground as she leaped aside. In a split second it struck forward, Mars just managing to jump above as its jaws snapped shut. Landing on its head she held on for only a few moments as the creature thrashed her off. Flying through the air she was hooked in the side by a barb from the dragons lashing tail and impacted hard with the ground. Bruised and battered, she struggled to get up. Without a word the Fire Guardian sent out another stream of flame.

Mar's senses screamed from the gash in her side and it took all her concentration to keep from passing out. Managing to get to her feet she called out another attack. "Mars Fireball Flash!" (It looks like the one she used against Fiore's minions in the R movie.) The twin surging rivers of fire met each other, impacting with great force and scattering embers everywhere. Mars covered her face as she tried to block the rain of painful embers. Fire now flared all around her, never mind the fact there was nothing for it to burn. She dropped to her knees amidst the thick smoke and flames, gasping for air as sweat poured down her face, the liquid stinging her wounds.

The guardian watched her suffering with interest for several seconds. "How sad," it stated, "a warrior of fire who is as vulnerable to flame as any mere human…" Another tongue of flame exploded from its mouth.

Time seemed to stand still as Mars watched the wall of fire approach, the blast wave burning her eyes and causing her singed hair to flail wildly. No…

"What kind of place is this?" Jupiter wondered aloud as she took in her surroundings. She walked over and held her hand near one of the cavern walls. "It's like I'm inside a hollow tree trunk," she said noting the texture. However upon touching the wall electricity crackled through it causing her to pull her arm back quickly.

"Rather nice merger of your powers attributes I think," a female voice stated from behind her.

Jupiter whirled around and faced her in a fighting stance. "So you're what I have to fight. Let's get to it, I'm ready!"

A beautiful woman stood before her, her voice haunting and quiet. Her skin was a light green and her long robes carried tendrils of leaves. She giggled.

"What's so funny?"

"You are. You've toiled away your life as a sailor at the expense of everything you really want and care about."

Jupiter glared at her, "I have not! What's that supposed to mean."

"How soon you forget: to have a family, to own your own restaurant, to be florist, to simply be an ordinary pretty girl. That's who you really want to be, though it's not what you've become."

Jupiter's mind flashed back to the time of the Dark Moon Circus. Zirconia had said similar things to tempt her into submission. If it hadn't been for Sailor Moon lending her will and strength she was certain he would have succeeded. _I guess I still haven't overcome it, _ she thought to herself.

"Do you ever think about how your life might be if you never became a sailor soldier? Perhaps you would have found that special someone by now. As things stand it seems you will never find your prince. And you have sacrificed these things to become what? Lita the mediator, Lita the loyal friend to all, Lita the shoulder to cry on. Are you really happy with these designations? What about your own happiness? What about you?"

Jupiter cringed inwardly. How many nights had she stayed up crying over lost love? How many times had she caused herself heartbreak trying to be friendly with someone she had hoped would be special? Perhaps she did deserve more pity from her friends. Maybe my life would be happier if I wasn't a sailor... she pondered then immediately yelled at herself for even thinking it. No! I've chosen this life and I wouldn't sacrifice it or my friends for anything!

The guardian raised her palm as a flower grew from it. "You are like a beautiful rose that was altered early in its life and not allowed to bloom properly."

Jupiter was resolved. "Shut up. Serving my friends is my happiness because I know they would do the same for me. That's what its all about and even if I don't get something in return every time its not going to stop me and neither will anything you say! I'm proud to be who I am! And if I never find a man who appreciates me for that then so be it!" She leaped forward, pulling her right arm backward as electrical energy surged into it.

"Sparkling Wide Pressure!"

She slammed the orb of lightning into the guardian's stomach, knocking it hard into the wooden cavern walls where she was electrocuted upon impact. The guardian stood to her feet slowly as the crater-like blast in her stomach closed up. Electricity flashed in her eyes. "Good."

Jupiter crossed her arms. "Supreme Thunder Crash!" The Wood and Thunder Guardian deflected the blast of lightning with a bolt of her own. Her arms extended and wrapped around the sailor like branches then slammed her into the far wall, holding her there against the electrified wood. Jupiter screamed as electricity coursed through her body mercilessly.

"Hello?" Venus called as she strolled down the golden hallway, which seemed to stretch endlessly in both directions. "Anybody here…" she tapped the wall, Hmm… hollow… "Anybody at all?" She sighed, "oh I'm bored."

"Patience is not one of your virtues Venus," a sweet little voice chimed. The air sparkled next to the soldier and a little pink girl in odd clothing appeared before her (she looks like the Power Card). "I am sweetness and love, I am the Gold Guardian."

"Well I'm the Goddess of Love," Venus stated and did her trademark pose. "Beat that."

The little girl giggled, "Mina you are funny. Hard to believe that joyful spirit hides so much pain."

"Pain?" Venus gave a fake laugh, "don't be silly."

The guardian smirked, "do you think you can really hide anything from me Venus? Your love life has been a series of comical tragedies." She put a finger to her lip thoughtfully, "it's rather ironic that the scout of love has no lover of her own, though I suppose you've had a few in the past… like that Alan guy back in England."

"Don't talk about him!" Venus snapped, painful emotions rising up inside her.

The Gold Guardian looked at her coyly, "I think I struck a nerve…"

"So what if you did? So what if I haven't had a date in nearly a year and have never been able to hang onto a guy for more then a month?" She began to get teary. "Why is my life like this? What'd I ever do to deserve it?!" she cried dramatically then collapsed in tears.

The guardian crossed her arms and looked at the weeping woman in puzzlement.

Suddenly Venus looked up and smiled brightly. "Is that what you expected me to do?"

The guardian face faulted.

Venus took on a contemplative stance. "I think I could have added a few more whimpers but otherwise it was a pretty good performance don't you think?" she said in a ditzy manner.

The guardian sweatdropped, "Mina, I'm an incarnation of yourself and yet you still surprise me."

"That's me," she said giving a "peace" sign. "So my life has had a few sob stories. Whose hasn't? That doesn't mean I have to live like it. I can always look forward to the future and I fully believe that my life is far better then it used to be. I've got a bunch of people who love me like no one else does. The scouts are like my family now. I wouldn't have things any other way." Venus took on a fighting stance, "now let's go!"

The guardian smiled and took on her own stance, "as you wish." She threw her hands forward, releasing a bright beam of light.

Venus stretched her right hand out straight, "Crescent Beam Smash!" The beams proved to be equal and canceled each other out. The soldier didn't think twice about her next attack, "Venus Love and Beauty Shock!" Again the guardians own orb blocked the attack in a magnificent display.

I have to do something to tip the battle in my favor… Venus took a moment to analyze her situation. She glanced at the gold wall beside her and smiled as an idea came to her. Looks brittle enough, if I can just aim it right… "Love Chain Encircle!" Her gold chain shimmered to life and with a flick of the hand she whipped it into the wall beside her. It penetrated and continued on in.

"What are you-" before the guardian could finish her question the love chain shot out of the wall next to her, wrapping around her arm tightly. With a pull of the chain Venus slammed her into the wall and held her there while raising her other arm high.

"Crescent Beam Shower!"

The shower of light beams rained down on the guardian mercilessly, leaving her battered and smoking. "Good shot Venus. Now its my turn!"

With incredible speed and strength she rushed forward, ramming into Venus's stomach and knocking her back. She threw her arms forward as she rebounded away and fired a huge heart-shaped beam into the sailor. The beam shot Venus back dozens of feet and left her lying prone on her back. She flew over the soldier and dropped down like a brick, elbow down to ram her.

About what I expected Pluto thought as she inspected her surroundings. Dark and foreboding, the rock formations projected around her into menacing shapes of murderous spines. The cavern ceiling was similarly spiked and she could detect the outline of a huge chasm in the distance. She reached the edge of the main chamber and waited.

A huge form emerged from the darkness and spread its wings, overshadowing her. Rapier claws tipped its limbs and dark purplish scales covered its body. Two serpentine heads, with fangs up to a foot long lining its jaws, stretched from its twin necks. It tail ended in a mace of long, flexible spines. As it stalked toward her the two heads spoke as one.

"Sailor Pluto, you have at last come to me."

As usual, Pluto's face was unreadable. "I know who you are so let us begin."

The heads nodded. "Indeed, for millennia you have awaited this test. Are you ready?"

"As ready as is possible when one knows not what to exactly expect."

The heads continued to speak in synchrony. "Then I will question you Time Warrior, and you shall answer." Pluto nodded slightly in agreement. The dragon continued. "I am curious… how do you live with being the scout of the underworld, of death? That very designation alienates you to some extent. The other scouts receive powers of love and life while yours are based on darkness."

"My powers may be dark but I fight for life"

The creature chuckled sarcastically. "And what a life it is. You are condemned to serve at the Gates of Time for all eternity, an endless vigil you did not choose. Meanwhile your soul slowly wastes away and dies."

Pluto shook as the memories of millennia of dreary solitude were thrust upon her. Her eyes began to water involuntarily. She had never fully faced that period of her life. It had simply been too painful.

"You live a life of bitter loneliness and yet, you still wish to fight for that life? Admit it to yourself, you hate your existence. You would prefer death, if it were an option."

Pluto tried to fight the flood of pain, the emotional turmoil that had once nearly destroyed her. Her mind searched for an answer, something that would cause the guardian to stop its mental assault.

*Flashback*

She was the Guardian of Time, the Scout of the Underworld. She alone had lived after Queen Beryl's attack on the Moon Kingdom. According to her duty she had to remain at the gates, even as the world she had loved so much fell and the people who had been her life were murdered. She had to survive, it was all part of Queen Serenity's grand plan for the People of the Moon, but that did not make it any easier. Living was no blessing in this case. It meant being alone for millennia. The trauma of the solitude was more then any human could hope to take, but she was a sailor. Lucky her.

Pluto inspected the cup that sat in her hand. She knew the alcohol would relieve her, allow her to escape from reality if only for a little while. It may as well have contained poison, though she knew it would do no good. She had already tried that many times in the past. Every time it would result in, at best, being unconscious for a few hours. Even this was a welcome relief from the loneliness. Things were better now but hardly perfect. It had been at the birth of Crystal Tokyo that she had first revealed herself to the other sailors and pledged to serve the new queen. They knew nothing of her past, not that they would have been able to offer any real comfort. No one could understand what her life had been like. She downed the cup and threw it away.

Her brooding was interrupted by the familiar sound of a time portal opening. She rose to attention and gasped at the silhouette that graced the entrance. "Serenity!" She bowed down on one knee.

"Pluto, you know you don't have to do that," Neo Queen Serenity said as she stepped up to the soldier.

Pluto rose. "May I ask why you have come here?"

"To see you of course." She looked uncertain as how to continue. "Rini… misses you. She would really like it if you would come and tuck her in sometimes."

Pluto looked away, distinctly uncomfortable with the conversation. "Small Lady should find friends her own age."

"I too wish you would come to the palace more. I enjoy talking with you."

"With all do respect my place is here," Pluto responded, mystified as to why the queen was doing all this.

"Pluto, staying in a place like this every moment of every day would drive anyone crazy. I don't know why you do it but I worry about you."

Like it was my choice. "I am of little consequence to you my queen. You need not worry about me."

"I don't believe that." Serenity said as she took Pluto's hand. Her face shone with tenderness. "The fact that someone as wise and great as you believes in me enough to call me queen is what gets me through each day. I can't begin to imagine what its like to live here all alone but if you let me I'd like to get to know you better."

Pluto pulled away, not willing to make eye contact. "You'd be wasting your time. Nothing can change the past or what it has turned me into."

All was silent as Serenity thought for a moment. "Okay. If I can't get you to leave then I'll come here."

Pluto was surprised and it showed. "What?

Serenity was resolved. "From now on expect me here every day at twelve for tea. I'll provide the refreshments." She turned back toward the portal and left the mystified Pluto.

She kept her word. Pluto recounted in her mind. I didn't understand why but she did. Day after day she would come. Sometimes not a word would pass between us but somehow her mere presence was comforting. When she was around I felt more… human. It wasn't pity either. She truly wanted to be my friend. This went on for some time and then came a day I would always remember.

*We see Pluto and Serenity sitting on their knees at a chairless table amidst the mists of time. *

"I have something for you today," Serenity said as she brought out a small package in wrapping paper.

"A gift, but why?"

"It took some doing but I found out when your birthday was. I thought this would be appropriate."

Pluto didn't quite know how to react. It had been a few thousand years since her the last time her birthday had even been mentioned. "Thank you." She took the package and carefully opened it. What she saw brought on memories that had long lain dormant. In her hands was a small heart-shaped locket. She opened it. Within was set the picture of two young girls posing playfully, herself and Princess Serenity. Pluto was shocked beyond words, "how did you-"

"Much like the locket given me by Endymion it just appeared one day. We each had one," she said bringing out another as Pluto looked at her speechless. "You know I wouldn't be half the person I am today if it weren't for your friendship during our childhood. You were there for me in ways no one else could be."

Pluto's eyes widened slightly, "I… I didn't think you remembered."

Serenity smiled and closed her eyes; "nothing could keep me from remembering that. We were closer then sisters…"

*The scene fades and flashes back again, this time to the Silver Millenium where we see Princess Serenity as a child playing tag with a younger Pluto. Serenity scrapes her arm on a tree and starts to cry*

The young Pluto bent down and held her. "Princess are you all right?"

"I think so," she whimpered. "I'm sorry, it must be awful to have to hang out with a crybaby like me. Especially when you have all those cool studies to do."

"Don't be silly I love being with you," Pluto said with a smile as she helped the girl up.

During the rest of her years my duties at the Time Gate kept me away from her. I assumed she forgot about me. Now I saw why she was doing all this. She was trying to rekindle the friendship I had nearly blocked out because of my loneliness.

"You really remembered," Pluto said as she took everything in, her eyes shaking with emotion. She noticed that Serenity was now sitting beside her, her hands in hers. "I… I don't know what to say."

"You don't need to say anything." The two embraced for some time. Content in the friendship they could share once again.

*Later in Rini's bedroom Endymion is reading her a story. *

"And so through her love Sailor Moon brought Fiore back into the light. In return he gave what was left of his life force to save her life."

"Daddy why did Sailor Moon try to save Fiore? She didn't know for sure that he would turn good."

"Love takes chances Rini. As long as there was the slightest chance of saving Fiore Sailor Moon was willing to take it." The regal man closed the book. The two turned their heads at the sound of someone opening the door.

"Rini, there's someone to see you," Serenity said kindly as another form stepped up beside her.

"Puu!" Rini cried happily as she ran off the bed and wrapped her arms around the scout's legs. She looked up at her father timidly. "If its okay daddy can she tuck me in tonight.

Endymion got up from the bed and kissed her forehead. "Of course pumpkin." He got up and left the room. "Goodnight Rini." Serenity stayed in the doorway and watched with a smile.

"Night, night!" Rini chirped cutely to her father.

"Puu," Rini said using her nickname for the woman as the two got on her bed, "I've missed you. Will you come say goodnight to me every night from now on?"

Pluto pulled the covers over her and looked at her warmly. "I think I will."

"Did mommy make you to come?" Rini asked suddenly suspicious. "Or did you want to come?"

Pluto laughed. "Trust me, I came of my own free will. But your mother did help me see that there are people here who really care about me. People like you little one."

"My mommy is the best mommy in the whole universe!" Rini declared.

Pluto smiled and patted her head gently. "Yes…" she glanced at the doorway, Serenity smiled back at her. "She's very special."

*End flashback*

Pluto stood up slowly and raised her eyes in resolve. "No. I have love and companionship now. Thanks to Neo Queen Serenity I now know I will never have to feel alone again."

"Your soul has found rest and completion at last." The dragon rose up over her. "Now, let us battle.

Pluto raised her staff. They faced off. A cold wind blew.

Neptune stood before the Sea Guardian, water in the form of a female humanoid. The two were in a large cavern with streams and small waterfalls flowing everywhere, not a single surface was dry. "So you're saying I'm still not comfortable with how my destiny has played out?" she asked the being.

"Yes," the guardian's sweet voice echoed. "Unlike Uranus you never had the chance to choose whether or not you would become a sailor. You knew nothing of what you were getting yourself into when you first touched your Transformation Pen. You knew nothing of what you would give up, of the sacrifices you would have to make. Just as Uranus you have suffered much trying to fulfill your duties to the point of being willing to kill innocents to accomplish them."

Neptune stood silent for some time. "You are right, I have given much up. But I believe I have gained much more. A few years ago I may have not felt this way but especially in the past few weeks I've seen the joys that being a sailor can bring. And I wouldn't sacrifice those for any other life. I believe fully now that if given a choice I would have become Sailor Neptune anyway. I'm not proud of some of the things I've tried to do in the past but that's the past. I fully hope it will never again become necessary to even think of harming an innocent to save the world. Sailor Moon has taught me that there is always another way if you look hard enough."

"You have matured greatly in your views of the world Sailor Neptune. For most in a situation like your giving in to self-pity would be a great temptation. I believe you are ready to face me."

"Then do your worst, as Sailor of the Sea I will defeat you."

The Sea Guardian rose up and fired twin blasts of water from her hands. Neptune leaped away as the water jets tore troughs through the stone. The guardian fired again as Neptune brought out her mirror. "Submarine Reflection!"

The jets of water were reflected back at the guardian but she merely absorbed them. Neptune aimed her mirror's energy at the being but nothing happened. Neptune gasped. "This can't be, she has no weak points!" Neptune vanished her mirror and leveled her gaze with the guardians. I'll just have to out power her then.

"Deep Submerge!"

The Sea Guardian held up her arms, stopping the attack with a barrier of liquid energy then reduced the orb to steam. Water jets shot from every corner of the room, slamming into Neptune and holding her there. The water swirled around until she was trapped in a mass of liquid that she couldn't break out of. She began to run out of air.

Uranus walked through her testing ground. She was suspended amidst a breathtaking backdrop of sky. The cloud she stood on extended for several hundred feet in every direction. She was at a loss to explain it but the cloud was solid enough to walk on. Her senses keened to the slightest sound she turned to she the Sky Guardian floating before her. She smirked. "About time you showed up."

The Sky Guardian ignored her comment (she looks like the Wind Card.) Colored somewhat like a dark cloud her long robes seemed to become vapor further down toward her legs. Her eyes however shone a bright blue, as bright as the clearest sky. "You have faced many tests in your life Sailor Uranus. Some you have failed but you passed your most important when you finally opened your heart to Sailor Moon and the others. In that instance you ridded yourself of problems that had plagued you all your life. I see little reason to test you further in that manner."

"I agree. I only wish that I had realized the truth about my relationship with the other sailors sooner. But I know they've forgiven me and I have the rest of my life to make up for it." She tossed her head back and smiled confidently. "Anyway lets get on to the fun part."

The guardian smiled the same way. "Indeed."

Uranus raised her right arm as energy flashed within it. "World Shaking!"

The guardian released a stream of wind energy and both attacks were extinguished. Before the attacks had even completely dissipated Uranus summoned her sword and leaped toward the being. "Space Sword Blaster!"

She sliced down, cutting the guardian in half, and landed perfectly on her feet. She looked up at the vaporous remains of the guardian and narrowed her eyes. That was too easy…

The vapor reformed into the guardian. Before Uranus could react she extended one finger, releasing a stream of wind. It shot down and around Uranus, trapping her in the resulting twister. The small tornado began to head for the edge of the cloud.

So cold… so terribly cold. That's what it had felt like when Mistress 9 had entered her body. She was helpless to do a thing as for reasons she didn't understand her life turned into a living hell. She would lash out at her best friend without knowing it. The hurt and fear she saw in their eyes was worse then any wound a blade could make. Soon no one in school would go near her let alone speak with her. And so it was for years as the demon grew within her. As if the blackouts and loneliness were not enough there was the pain, the sudden overwhelming pain that would grip her whenever she exerted herself in the least. She felt like a prisoner in her own body, helpless to do anything to stop the evil growing within her. The one bright spot had been Rini and her friends. They had embraced her, welcomed her. They showed no fear, only love toward her. She had thought that perhaps her life was turning around but she was soon proven wrong. The attacks grew worse, the blackouts lasted longer. Before she knew it the demon had fully awakened and transformed her into a terrible monster. She had become an unwilling part of a cosmic game that would end all life in the galaxy. Then the ultimate blow was struck. She was forced to watch herself nearly kill her own father. That had been Mistress 9's fatal mistake. In the end her strength was proven as she awakened the spirit of Sailor Saturn, killing Mistress 9 in the process. It had been the greatest, most painful struggle she had ever experienced. The rest of that battle was foggy in her memory. She had entered the core of Pharaoh 90 and used her ultimate attack Death Reborn Revolution. That battle had costed her everything but at the same time had given her a second chance at a normal life. Then Chaos came. Now she was once again Sailor Saturn and one question plagued her mind.

Why me? Why not someone else? Why must I be Sailor Saturn, why must I hold this dreadful scythe?

"Because it is your destiny," a cold voice echoed in the darkness. Amidst the dark cavern walls a form stepped out of the shadows. "Sailor Saturn must exist." The being that stood before her was horrid. Skeletal with tendons and bits of flesh connecting its bones it wore a light cloak and carried a large scythe.

"You're what… I am then?"

"There are many ways to look at your soul Saturn, this is but one. Though you are a bringer of death you do so to protect life. There is more then one way to view your existence." The creature raised one skeletal arm and pointed at her. "What matters is how you see yourself. Are you a demon or an angel?"

Saturn dropped her scythe as she was assaulted by memories of her experiances with the Heart Snatchers. She had certainly not felt like an angel then. But now- now things were different. She wasn't a slave to anyone and had the love of nine close friends. Her father was not in his right mind but he was alive and she knew in her heart he would recover someday. She lived life with purpose now. To protect innocents from anyone who would try to do what had been done to her. I'm not helpless anymore. This power may be terrible but I will only use it to protect life. She thought of the sailors: Moon, Rini, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto… They weren't afraid of her. They believed in her and saw nothing like a demon within her. She picked up here scythe. "I may be a sailor of death but I'm still a sailor. I- I am proud and happy to carry that title. I am Hotaru Tomoe and Sailor Saturn and I will take you down!" Her energy aura flared up around her. She slammed her scythe into the ground. "Silence Scythe Surprise!"

The being teleported away from the blast and came flying at her. Their scythes clashed causing a huge shock wave throughout the cavern. With all of her strength Saturn pushed the being back then broke away. The guardian raised its arm and began to spin the scythe till it was a blur, it then threw the blade forward. Saturn raised her scythe. "Silent Wall!"

The spinning scythe ricocheted right off the shield, cutting through a boulder before returning to the being's hand. She maintained the shield and looked up at it defiantly. Without a word the being began to bombard her with a continuous stream of dark energy from its left hand. Her knees buckled as she strained to maintain the shield. She glared up at it, helpless to do anything but try to outlast the guardians attack.

Notes:

Call me unimaginative but I'm using the images of characters from other series because I'm terrible at making new ones. I hope the "tests' I had the sailors go through didn't get repetitive and I especially hope I did good on Pluto and Saturn's. I feel they have the most emotional problems. I hope I did these great characters justice. Next episode is all battles.