When I Was A Little Girl

Chapter 17

By Chibi J

Rated G

Edited by Sailor Sista

Standard Disclaimers

Okay, before I start this...I have a couple things to clear up that people asked about.

1. Yes, Shingo is a prince. Why didn't his clothes change? Let's just say that he was to young to have an official outfit. Or, that I forgot about it. Whichever suits you best.

2. Yes, Haruka and Michiru are basically together. It really wasn't the basis of the story, so I only gave it a little attention. It chapter 13 it was brought forward that Michiru has empathic abilities and can read others emotions with a simple touch. After she touches Haruka, she agrees that she feels the same way.

3. Um...well, Metallia...yea...she is the main source of evil. A couple people asked if she was killed in the silver light. Um...

And on with chapter 17, which is dedicated as usual to everyone at Aria's Ink. But, especially to Usagi (love you dre), Aria, Sailor Sista, and everyone who encouraged me to go on with this chapter. It may not have occurred if it weren't for you!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Hours passed as we sat around in the cell where we found Mamoru and Shingo and yet nothing had happened. I could tell that everyone was getting restless, but feared what would occur if we went out exploring or simply left.

So it was great difficulty that I allowed Haruka, Makoto, Minako, and Hotaru set out to explore the caves around us. The others seemed to sense my fear and did all they could to placate me. Most of their attempts failed miserably, until Shingo and Rei decided to get into a tongue war. In the midst of it all, I got involved and found myself laughing uncontrollably.

Of course my spirits lifted immediately when the "search party" returned.

"Nothing." Haruka simply stated as she entered the room.

"What do you mean 'nothing'?" I asked, unable to believe that nothing survived.

"Just that...nothing." She stated again.

"We looked everywhere." Minako supplied, "But all we found were some piles of fried youma dust. No evil queen, no wandering youma, nothing."

"Wow Usa, you sure know how to pack a punch." Rei said with a laugh. Shingo bobbed his head in agreement.

"So what now?" Michiru asked of me. A good question if I ever heard one. Now what?

"I suppose we should head home." The simple suggestion lit up everyone's faces with smiles.

"But how do we get home?" Shingo asked. I could see some worry in his face at the idea of being trapped in this place forever.

"We could use a Sailor Teleport." I suggested.

"Sailor..."

"Teleport?"

Michiru and Haruka asked out, though the confused looks on all but Mamoru's and Setsuna's faces indicated that this was definitely a past memory.

"Um, yeah. We all join hands and concentrate on our destination as we call on our powers. Simple."

"Uh-huh...and when did you learn this simple trick?" Rei asked.

"Memory?" I more asked then told.

"Usagi and Mamoru have both regained many of their memories of their past lives. In time, you will all gain access to your memories. However, the crystal awakening has simply sped up their memories." Setsuna informed everyone. She had been silent for so long that I had almost forgot that she was there.

"So a teleport will work to get us out of here?" Makoto questioned, as if just to get her facts straight.

"According to my calculations," (AN: guess who?), "It will be the best way to travel from this place."

"Well then, o' fearless leader, let's get to it!" Minako said as she pumped her fist into the air. I nodded my head in agreement.

Standing in a large circle in the center of the room, we all joined our hands together. Shingo stood in the middle of the circle, as his powers were simply not strong enough to assist us. On my right, Rei stood holding my hand, looking at me proudly. On my left, Mamoru squeezed my hand tightly, his eyes shinning with love.

"Mars Power!"

"Mercury Power!"

"Jupiter Power!"

"Venus Power!"

"Saturn Power!"

"Uranus Power!"

"Neptune Power!"

"Pluto Power!"

"By the power of the Earth!"

"And by the power of the Moon!"

"Wait for me!

"Sailor Teleport!"

~*~*~

My mind swam, as if I were simply floating in the shell of my body. The teleport, fused of all of our powers, directed itself through me. Everyone's energy pulsed in my body, if only for a brief moment, leaving me with a piece of each person inside me. It was exhilarating and exhausting all at once.

Yet, within a moment, it was all over. I felt my feet touch down on ground and the magic dissipate. Putting a hand to my head to stop the dizziness, I looked around to find that not only did the teleport succeed, but it had landed us in my backyard.

A large smile overtook my face when my eyes landed on Grandfather, Luna, and Artemis. The sun was shining and their haggard appearances led me to believe that they were up all night.

However, my joy was short lived as a collective gasp emanated from the entire group of senshi. In the center of the quickly dissolving circle of senshi was a girl with red hair. She was huddled in a ball, so no one could really see her face. Then it dawned on me...someone yelling as we called out the sailor teleport.

Shingo, who had also been standing in the center of the circle, quickly made his way to my side. I could tell that no one knew whom this girl was, but that wouldn't last for long.

Haruka, always feeling that she needed to be the strongest and bravest, dared to step forward.

"Excuse me?" She said quietly as she tapped the girl on the shoulder. The girl unwound herself from her huddled position and looked up to Haruka.

"I'm sorry...I just didn't want to be left behind." The girl said in a soft whisper, as if it hurt to speak.

"Who are you?" Michiru asked, coming up beside Haruka.

"I don't know. I can't remember anything." The girl said as she began to break down into tears. I felt a great wave of sympathy for her and decided that I needed to help comfort her. Yet I hadn't seen her face and for some reason, I knew that what I saw would be greatly important.

"It's okay, don't cry." I said as I approached the girl. She turned her tearstained face towards mine. My mind swam.

'Beryl!'

"Beryl!" Rei shouted, having easy access to my unguarded thought. Of course, this sent the senshi into an uproar.

Before I could even blink, Mamoru had thrown me behind him and Haruka and Jupiter were taking up defensive positions on either side. The other senshi were nearly growling with anger. Yet Beryl did nothing, except to fall back to the ground in a heap of tears.

"Please don't hurt me." She pleaded weakly. Her pitiful cries reached my ears and I instantly knew that there was something terribly wrong with this entire situation.

"Stop!" I yelled out and forced my way out from behind Mamoru. I walked up to the girl, much to the protests of the other senshi, whom refused to let down their guard.

I squatted down next to Beryl and reached out a hand to her. She quickly jumped in fear, something that the evil queen would most likely not do. Although none of had met her in this lifetime, I knew that this shivering weak girl was not the same woman whom we had been battling.

"It's okay. I won't hurt you." I assured her as I reached my hand out to her shoulder. Her body was shaking beneath my touch and she still refused to look up. Slipping a hand under her chin, I finally brought her face up to my own.

And in her eyes I could tell that she was as innocent as a newborn babe. Her eyes reflected nothing of hate or violence, not even the everyday kind. Her spirit was clean, as if washed of everything in the past.

'Rei, what do you see?' I asked. Rei's ability to read auras would surely confirm my suspicions.

'White. Pure white.' Rei replied, slightly surprised.

"Don't worry. You are safe with us." I assured Beryl, knowing that no harm would come from her now.

~*~

"What is this? It tastes wonderful!" Beryl asked me. We were sitting in the kitchen while the other senshi were gathered in Rei's bedroom discussing the entire situation.

"It's called ice cream. Black cherry ice cream to be exact." I respond, laughing slightly at the expression on her face. I finally know what I look like when I dive into a chocolate sundae. "You really don't remember anything, do you Beryl."

"No, nothing. Well, little things like that what common objects are called. I remember the sun and moon and grass and stars. I remember a really pretty red flower, but not its name or its scent." She replied between bites of ice cream.

"I'm sorry that you can't remember anything." I said sadly. I had lost so much in my life, but she had lost everything.

"Usagi, why don't the other girls like me?" She asked, true concern shinning in her eyes.

"Gomen Beryl, but they just are a little nervous around new people." It wasn't a complete lie.

"Oh. Um, Usagi?"

"Yeah?"

"Could you not call me Beryl? I don't like that name."

"Oh, gomen. What would you like to be called?" I asked, actually quite happy to change her name from her previous, much more evil sounding, name.

"I don't know." She replied quietly. I could tell that she was trying to come up with a memory to supply her name, but was unsuccessful.

"How bout Akai?" I suggested. (AN: akai is red. As in the color of her hair.)

"Akai." She sounded the name out. A smile came to her face as she nodded her head. "I like Akai."

"Then Akai it is." I agreed with a large smile. For a past evil queen, she really was a nice girl.

Akai picked up her bowl and took it towards the sink. She was still dressed in the left over rags of a purple gown. Her hair and face were dirty and desperately needed a shower.

"Akai, how would you like a make-over?" I asked. Although I tried to disguise my joy, I'm sure she saw the glint in my eye.

"A make-over?" She asked. However, I left no room for answers as I grabbed her arm and led her to the bathroom.

~*~*~

In Rei's bedroom.

"It just seems suspicious, that's all I'm saying." Haruka grumbled from her spot on the floor.

"It's just weird, that's all Haruka." Michiru tried to comfort her friend.

"It will just take some adjusting." Minako added. "Besides, you said she's okay, right Rei?"

"Yes. Her soul is pure and clean. There is no sign of any evil in her body." Rei confirmed.

"Plus she wasn't always evil." Mamoru added in. "She used to be Lady-In-Waiting to my mother, the queen of Earth." He finished, shaking his head in realization. He could remember his parents. Perhaps they weren't his parents of this time, but it still amazed him.

"I suggest that we all give her a chance." Ami suggest. Nearly all of the heads in the room nodded in agreement.

"Well, I suppose so." Haruka mumbled. Several sighs were heard around the room. If there was one thing that all of the senshi had come to deal with, it was Haruka's trust, or lack thereof.

~*~*~

"You look great! They are not going to believe this!" I was gushing with excitement as I led Akai down the hall towards Rei's room. She simply blushed from behind me.

With a quick knock on the door, I slid open the screen of the door. "Hey! I want you all to met Akai." Who didn't walk through the door. Everyone in the room had a look of confusion on their face as I disappeared into the hall to grab the shy girl.

"Who's Akai?" Mamoru whispered to Rei, who was sitting beside him. She shrugged her shoulders, indicating that she had no idea.

I quickly grabbed onto Akai's arm before she had a chance to run away and pulled her into the room. A collective gasp escaped from every mouth in the room.

"Everyone, I'd like you to meet Akai." I said as I waved my hands in front of the reformed evil queen.

She lifted a shy hand and simply waved. She was dressed in one of my light yellow sundresses, which exposed her slim body and delicate skin. Her red hair was cut to her mid-back, partly pulled back in a small clip. Her fire red eyes shone behind long lashes, her cheeks red with mild embarrassment.

"Beryl?" Makoto questioned, voicing the question on the top of everyone's mind.

"Please," Her gentle and quiet voice rang out, "Please, call me Akai." She said as she bowed towards everyone in the group.

Then, as if one of Makoto's lightening bolts had gone off in the room, everyone stood and began to introduce themselves to Akai.

~*~

As night approached, exhaustion was evident in every pair of eyes. Although we had all slept some in the "cell", the long day was taking its toll.

Although some were a little reluctant to leave, eventually everyone made their way home. Grandfather agreed that Akai could stay at the shrine, knowing that his family was in no danger of the shy girl.

Sleep came quickly for me, filled with many dreams. Yet in the morning, I couldn't remember any of them. That was extremely strange, since I had never had a dream that I couldn't remember. So, while rubbing the sleep from my eyes and contemplating the strange situation, I made my way to the breakfast table.

My entire family and Akai, who seemed to be in a cheerful mood, greeted me. I brightened up upon seeing her smile. Even though I had healed several youma in the search for the nijizuishou, healing an evil queen to the point of innocence was a wonderful feeling.

Thankfully, it was Sunday and we were free to enjoy the entire day. With the evil banished, we could live a more normal life. Well...as normal as a telepathic, telekinetic, healer can live.

With a few well-placed calls, it was agreed on that we would all meet at the park at noon for a picnic. After all, the sun was shining, the air was light, and there was no call for rain for days.

~*~

"Makoto! This chicken is delicious!" I gushed, trying to grab another piece, only to be swatted at by Rei.

"Save some for us!" She scolded me. I frowned, but knew that I would get my way in the end!

"Mamoru!" I whined. To which he handed me a piece of chicken from his plate. I turned to Rei and blew a raspberry at her.

Laughter exploded out from everyone, even Akai, who had been eating quietly.

Shortly after eating, a game of volleyball started. Of course, Minako's team was going to win, but it was still fun.

The score was 12-10 to Minako's team when a dark cloud rolled in. It was strange, extremely dark, and single. As in there were no other clouds in the sky. Thus, a great feeling of apprehension filled everyone.

Luna, who had been sitting on the picnic blanket by a tree, stood and began to hiss. Artemis soon joined her. In Rei's eyes I saw absolute fear.

"It's pure evil." She whispered, more to herself than anyone else.

"Minna! Henshin yo!" I yelled out to my friends, really not afraid if anyone else heard me or saw us.

But before I could even transform, the dark cloud spread out and an evil cackle echoed through the air. What could be discerned as a pair of red eyes glowed in my direction.

"You may have saved her..." The voice, which could claim neither a male or female tone hissed in the air. I felt chilled to the very bone. "But you will not save yourselves or this world!"

With that, bolts of energy (which looked like black lightening) fired out from the being.

The senshi who had transformed began firing attacks at the cloud, not having any affect. Energy bolts continued to fire, leaving us trying to dodge from them.

Throwing me behind a tree, Mamoru quickly kissed me on the cheek before whispering for me to transform. I nodded my head as he transformed into Tuxedo Kamen and headed out into the fray.

Quickly transforming, I prepared to run out and face whatever the black cloud was, when I heard crying from behind a nearby bush. There I found Akai curled into a ball, with Luna and Artemis trying to comfort her.

"Akai?" I asked out as I approached her. "What's wrong?"

"I...I remember...I remember her!" She said, pointing up to the cloud. "She hurt me, tried to kill me." She spoke quietly between sobs.

"What is it?" I asked. She had said it was a she? How could Akai tell?

"She...she's Metallia." Akai whispered, afraid that the creature would hear her.

"Metallia?" I asked out loud.

"That's right! I am Metallia!" The black cloud called out, looking straight at me. Akai yelped in fear and balled herself up again. "And you Beryl are no longer any good to me!" With those words, she sent a very specific beam of energy right towards Akai.

Knowing nothing else to do, I jumped and pushed Akai out of the way, taking the brunt of the blast in my side.

"USA!"

"USAGI!"

I heard the voices yell, but was paralyzed to do anything. Beside me I could hear Akai weeping, but could not get up to comfort her.

"At last the moon princess will finally meet her doom!" Metallia hissed, sending several more bolts of energy towards me. I closed my eyes in anticipation, but never felt anything. Opening my eyes, I found myself in Mamoru's arms. Yet, in the spot where I had stood, both Haruka and Rei laid in a pile, unmoving.

"NO!" I screamed and tried to bury myself into Mamoru's arms.

Mamoru's jump landed us some distance from the battle, yet I could see that all of my friends were quickly being knocked down by the evil entity. Tears welled up in my eyes at the sight.

"Usa, I need to go help them." Mamoru said with a sad voice. I could tell that he feared his demise, but knew that his duty came first.

I nodded my head in understanding. He bent down and kissed me gently on the lips before setting me down on the ground. Watching him leave me, I attempted to get up, so that I might fight by his side. Yet I could not move. My head seemed to be the only cooperative part of my body; unfortunately it allowed me to turn to see the battle.

Only three warriors were left standing, Mamoru, Minako, and Makoto. Everyone else was scattered around what had been a beautiful picnic site. My heart exploded as I looked upon my fallen comrades. Surely we hadn't fought for so long to end like this.

Yet, I was forced to watch the energy bring Minako to her knees before she collapsed completely. Makoto was struck in the chest and fell backwards without a scream.

But Mamoru, he struggled on. He continued to fight, although it seemed to be a useless battle. My heart was aching and I felt as if death would be welcomed. Then it happened.

Mamoru was struck down.

~*~*~*~

Author's point of view.

A scream, unlike any sound ever heard by human ears, shrieked out of Usagi's throat. The tears that had been pouring from her eyes suddenly stopped as her eyes turned from sky blue to a deep black.

With a will of it's own, her body rose from the ground and began to move forwards, straight towards Metallia. Her mind was focus on only one thought, NOT AGAIN! She had seen everyone in her life die once before. But now she was living a new life. Yet she had her share of death and wouldn't stand for any more.

"Princess." Metallia's voice hissed out in almost a sense of joy. But the words never entered Usagi's ears, as she could hear nothing but the one thought.

'Not Again.'

'NOT AGAIN!'

"NOT AGAIN!!!" She screamed out as a bolt of black energy rushed towards her. Yet, without a thought, the ginzuishou appeared in front of her. Time moved in slow motion as she reached out towards the powerful gem.

As her hand closed around it, a white light pulsed around her. In less than a blink of an eye, she was dressed again in a flowing white gown. On her head rested a tiara and from her back wings flew out. On her head, a golden crescent moon shone out.

Her arms shot out in front of her, the ginzuishou between her hands, and she smiled.

"Not Again." She whispered. With the single phrase, the ginzuishou exploded with light. A silver beam shot out and quickly cut apart the dark energy, continuing towards Metallia.

The silver beam struck the dark being in what would most likely be considered her center, causing the beast to scream out in anguish. Yet, Metallia refused to give in. Bolt after bolt of energy was shot towards the princess. The ginzuishou, however, was fighting for her and quickly dissolved the beams before they could strike.

On the sidelines of the battle, Akai, Artemis, and Luna sat, watching the battle with awe. The energy that Metallia had shown seemed unbeatable, yet Usagi was standing still.

Luna lowered her head and prayed to any deity that sought fit to listen. Artemis soon joined her while Akai still watched on, sending her hope to the beautiful woman who had befriended her so easily.

Luckily, the heavens were listening.

'Not Again! Not Again! Not Again!' The thought raced over and over again in her head like a mantra. She would not lose it all again, not today.

'Usagi.' A soft voice entered into her mind, quickly cutting off the chant.

'Momma.' A tear made its way from Usagi's eye. Although the attack was still going strong in front of her, Usagi's mind was in its own plane of existence.

'My dear bunny, you make me so proud.'

'I don't think I can do it momma.'

'My dear, I have always known that you were meant for great things.'

'But momma...'

'No buts, you can do it.'

'She's right my princess.'

'Mother.'

'You can do it.'

'How?'

'You must focus on the future. Think not of what you have lost in the past, but what you need to save for the future.'

'Momma, Mother, I don't know if I can.'

'Of course you can bunny.'

'Of course you can princess.'

Although she once again tried to protest, there was no one to protest against. As mysteriously as the voices had entered her mind, they had disappeared again.

'Focus on the future.'

Bringing her attention back to the battle, she suddenly knew what she had to do.

"You will not defeat me Metallia!" She roared out. The black entity merely laughed at her.

"You think your petty words will hurt me?" Metallia laughed out in a sickly tone.

"No. But my power will." Usagi said as she took a step forward. The pressure on her legs was barely tolerable, but she knew what needed to be done.

"This is for my family!"

Another step.

"This is for my friends!"

Another step.

"This is for Mamoru!"

Another step.

"This is for love!"

Another step.

"This is for the future!"

Her final scream had left her only a few feet from Metallia, who had not been as actively firing energy out towards the princess. The silver energy was overpowering her as Usagi stepped forward and she was beginning to lose.

With a last effort, Metallia gathered all of her remaining strength and shot it forward.

"MOON CRYSTAL POWER!"

The black energy barely had a moment to move forward before the silver energy ripped it apart. Heading directly towards Metallia, the energy sliced through the entity.

A dark and terrifying scream ripped through the heavens as the black cloud known as Metallia was completely encompassed by the silver light. An explosion of light that was brighter than any exploding star covered the entire Earth.

And the young girl known as Usagi fell into unconsciousness.

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Okay, so I know this was suppose to be the end, but you know how sometimes you start writing and you just can't stop...well, that kind of happened here. But, don't worry! The epilogue will be coming. Do you hear that? Epilogue...that means the end. Officially.

ChibiJ77@yahoo.com